Vietnam War Outcome Influenced by the Media

Term 3 Paper: The Media and Vietnam War The Vietnam War was a war of mass destruction, leaving Vietnam to become bitterly divided and claiming the many lives of Vietnamese civilians as well as American soldiers. Out of all the wars in American history, the Vietnam War was the first war to be broadly televised and covered by the media. It came to be known as the first â€Å"Television War†. Journalists began to pour into Vietnam from all over the nation, to cover the lives of the American Soldiers as well as Vietnamese civilians.As television brought horrendous images of the war into American living rooms, the perception of an American solider as a hero slowly became the image of the American enemy. Thus, the media is a major factor that resulted to the Vietnamization of the conflict, following the end of the war during the fall of Saigon. Television was the main source of news for the American public, and perhaps the most influence on the public opinion of the war. A study sho wed that â€Å"In 1950, only nine percent of homes owned a television. By 1966, this rose to ninety-three percent. (McLaughlin). As television popularity rose, Americans began to depend of television as an accurate source of how they understood the war. In addition, no censorship was established to limit the amount of information being put out to the American public. In the website article, Vietnam: A Censored War, John a. Cloud states â€Å"the fact that there was no military censorship, there was still censorship among the government† (Cloud). Due to lack of censorship, journalists could follow the military into combat and report their observations without formal censorship.Therefore, journalists that experienced the violent combat were able to present the public with more graphic images that the nation has ever seen. One of the most influential journalists was Walter Cronkite, â€Å"Cronkite turned against the war and called for peace negotiations. † (NPR). As an a nchor for â€Å"CBS Evening News†, Cronkite made his statement against the war. This influenced all other journalists to follow his lead. As a result, journalists reported the actions of the soldiers negatively. Gradually, Support for the war began to decrease by the fall of 1967.One of the most turning events of the Vietnam War was the Tet Offensive in 1968. During the Tet Offensive, the media presented images of soldiers sweeping through over one-hundred southern Vietnamese cities. After the televised coverage of the Battle of Tet, majority Americans withdrew their support for the war. In the book Eyewitness Vietnam War, Admiral Grant Sharp argued â€Å"the reality of the 1968 Tet Offensive was that Hanoi had taken a big gamble and lost on the battlefield, but they won a solid physiological victory in the United States. † (Murray 18).This proves that, the media was creating false claims to provoke the people into pushing the government to stop the war. The media also portrayed the attack as a defeat for the United States, â€Å"the media, not the military confirmed the growing perception that the U. S was unable to with the war. † (McLaughlin). With this advantage, the north Viet Cong was using the media to win the sympathy of the American public, so that they would turn against their government. The anti-war movement by 1965 influenced many Americans to oppose their government’s involvement in the war.Thus, â€Å"†¦ after the Tet offensive, the number of protesters skyrocketed† (Langer 235). One example is the Kent State Massacre, which led to the death of four students. There was a significant national response to the shooting, such as the closing of schools thought the United States due to student strikes. However, the most damaging event for a U. S soldier’s reputation was the massacre of My Lai, â€Å"images of dead children, women, and families flooded newspapers and television. † (Murray 23). When the incident became public, it promoted the widespread outrage thought the world.The American solider was now portrayed as â€Å"monstrous killers with no qualms about killing Vietnamese civilians. † (Cloud). Critics of the war created accusations towards the soldiers such as: drug use, rape, and barbaric acts. This led the people to question the purpose of America’s involvement of the war. The media was also used to expose government information regarding the Vietnam War. There was a conspiracy that, an alleged attack on the U. S spy ship (USS Maddox) was purposely created to become the pretext for war in Vietnam. Also known as the â€Å"Gulf of Tonkin†, the event granted congress permission to invade Vietnam.American journalist, Nigel Sheehan exposed the documents that told the truth about the start of the war. As a  reporter  for  The New York Times,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"in 1971, Sheehan obtained the classified  Pentagon Papers  from  Daniel Ellsberg. † (Shah). Sheehan collaborated with Ellsberg (a former pentagon staff) to publish the series of articles that contained the history of the U. S involvement in the war. The official secret history of the war would reveal that â€Å"administration officials had drafted the gulf of Tonkin resolution themselves, two months before the attack of Maddox. †(Shah).This caused the people to become outraged, censuring the government for the start of the war instead of the Viet Cong. An article from Media Beat in 1994, explains that the â€Å"heavy reliance on U. S government officials as sources of information and reluctance to question official statements on national security issues, led to a lot of inaccurate media reporting† (Langer 256). Many stories about atrocities of the war were witnessed, but were initially never reported. Even if atrocities were reported, they were perceived as a tragedy because the government did not want to take the blame.For example, when the My Lai Massacre was reported on the â€Å"Newsweek† the banner headline was â€Å"An American Tragedy† (Murray). This caused sympathy for the invader and deflected from the truth about the atrocities. Above all, the atrocities were in fact, a Vietnamese tragedy. With the influence of media, the Americans failed to have public support for the war to carry on. Moreover, tensions between the news media and the Nixon administration only increased as the war dragged on. Finally, Nixon was pressured to find a resolution to end the war.As a result, on November 3, 1969, President  Richard M. Nixon  made a televised speech laying out his policy toward Vietnam, â€Å"promising to continue to support the South Vietnamese government and held out a plan for the withdrawal of American combat troops. † (Wyatt). With this he created Vietnamization to slowly withdraw troops out of Vietnam, along with plans to end the war. In brief, the media was a major factor that motivated the Am erican public to pressure the government to stop involvement of the war. As a result, the media is one of the factors that resulted in America’s cost of the war.Works cited Cloud, John A. â€Å"Vietnam: A Censored War. † Thecrimson. com. The Harvard Crimson, 9 Mar. 1991. Web. Considered, All Things. â€Å"Cronkite on Vietnam War : NPR. † NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. Web. 17 Feb. 2012. . Langer, Howard. The Vietnam War: An Encyclopedia of Quotations / Howard J. Langer. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2005.Print. McLaughlin, Erin. â€Å"The Media and the Vietnam War. † The Warbird's Forum: AVG Flying Tigers, Brewster Buffaloes, Flying Wings, Japan at War, Vietnam, and Other Military History Stuff. Web. 17 Feb. 2012. ;http://www. warbirdforum. com/media. htm;. Murray, Stuart. Eyewitness Vietnam War. NY: DK Pub. , 2005. Print. Shah, Anup. â€Å"Media, Propaganda and Vietnam — Global Issues. † Global Iss ues : Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All — Global Issues. 24 Oct. 2003. Web. 17 Feb. 2012. ;http://www. globalissues. rg/article/402/media-propaganda-and-vietnam;. Cloud, John A. â€Å"Vietnam: A Censored War. † Thecrimson. com. The Harvard Crimson, 9 Mar. 1991. Web. ;http://www. thecrimson. com/article/1991/3/9/vietnam-a-censored-war-pbybou-cant/; Considered, All Things. â€Å"Cronkite on Vietnam War : NPR. † NPR : National Public Radio : News ; Analysis, World, US, Music ; Arts : NPR. Web. 17 Feb. 2012. ;http://www. npr. org/templates/story/story. php? storyId=1147965;. Langer, Howard. The Vietnam War: An Encyclopedia of Quotations / Howard J. Langer.Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2005. Print. McLaughlin, Erin. â€Å"The Media and the Vietnam War. † The Warbird's Forum: AVG Flying Tigers, Brewster Buffaloes, Flying Wings, Japan at War, Vietnam, and Other Military History Stuff. Web. 17 Feb. 2012. . Murray, Stuart. Eyewitne ss Vietnam War. NY: DK Pub. , 2005. Print. Shah, Anup. â€Å"Media, Propaganda and Vietnam — Global Issues. † Global Issues : Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All — Global Issues. 24 Oct. 2003. Web. 17 Feb. 2012.

When The Urinary System Fails Health And Social Care Essay

Normal riddance of urinary or nephritic wastes is a basic map that most people take for granted ( Potter & A ; Perry, 2004 ) . When the urinary system fails to work decently, virtually all organ systems will be finally affected. For this ground, intercessions designed to battle nephritic troubles and failures are of paramount importance in my arrangement which is in the nephritic ward. As a nurse in the nephritic ward, understanding and a sensitiveness to all clients ‘ demands are of import. For this paper, a specific clinical scenario that normally happens in the nephritic ward is chosen. This status is urinary tract infection as a consequence of the catheterisation. The ground for taking this clinical status is that this is really common yet if left untreated can present serious injury to the patient. Body Urinary piece of land infections or more normally referred to as UTIs are responsible for more than 7 million physician visits a twelvemonth and are the most common hospital-acquired ( nosocomial ) infections in many states worldwide ( Foxman, 2002 ) . Many instances of urinary piece of land infections result from catheterisation or surgical use. Although several different micro-organisms may do this status, Escherichia coli remains the most common causative pathogen, responsible for 80 % of unsophisticated infections. Bacteria in the piss or bacteriuria may take to the spread of beings into the kidneys and blood stream, taking to urosepsis ( O'Donnell & A ; Hofmann, 2002 ) . Microorganisms most normally enter the urinary piece of land through the go uping urethral path. Bacteria inhabit the distal urethra, external genital organ, and vagina in adult females. Organisms enter the urethral meatus easy and go up the inner mucosal run alonging to the vesica. Womans are more susceptible to infection because of the propinquity of the anus to the urethral meatus and because if the short urethra ( Potter & A ; Perry, 2004 ) . Catheter interpolation is the primary hazard factor for nosocomial urinary piece of land infections. Womans and aged patients are at increased hazard for catheter-associated urinary piece of land infections, but several other hazard factors exist. Pre-existing chronic unwellness, malnutrition, diabetes, nephritic inadequacy, and interpolation of the catheter outside the operating room or late in hospitalization are each associated with increased hazard of urinary piece of land infections ( Crosby, 2005 ) . In work forces, prostate secernment s that contain an antibacterial substance and the length of the urethra cut down the susceptiblenesss to urinary piece of land infections. Older grownups and patients with progressive implicit in disease or decreased unsusceptibility are besides at increased hazard. In a healthy individual with a good vesica map, beings are flushed out during invalidating. Residual piss in the vesica becomes more alkalic and is an ideal site for micro-organism growing. Any intervention with the free flow of urine can do infection. a kinked, obstructed, or clamped catheter and any status ensuing in urinary keeping addition the hazard of a vesica infection. In the infirmary scene, urinary piece of land infections occur as a consequence of catheterisation. Each twelvemonth, urinary catheters are inserted in more than 5 million patients in acute-care infirmaries and extended-care installations. Urinary piece of land infections are the 2nd most common nosocomial infections in infirmaries in Europe and the first in the United States ( Martin, 2001 ) . Catheter-associated urinary piece of land infection ( CAUTI ) is the most common nosocomial infection in infirmaries and nursing places, consisting [ is greater than ] 40 % of all institutionally acquired infections. Nosocomial bacteriuria or candiduria develops in up to 25 % of patients necessitating a urinary catheter for [ is greater than or equal to ] 7 yearss, with a day-to-day hazard of 5 % . CAUTI is the 2nd most common cause of nosocomial blood stream infection, and surveies by Platt et Al. and Kunin et Al. suggest that nosocomial CAUTIs are associated with well increased institutional decease rates, unrelated to the happening of urosepsis ( Tambyah, 2001 ) . For centuries, the urethral catheter system consisted of a tubing inserted through the urethra into the vesica and drained into an unfastened container. The closed catheter system was developed in the 1950s and is still in usage today ( Zweig, 2000 ) . UTIs are the most common nosocomial infection, accounting for 40 % of all hospital-reported infections and impacting about 600,000 patients yearly. Catheter interpolation is the primary hazard factor for nosocomial UTIs. Women and aged patients are at increased hazard for catheter-associated UTIs, but several other hazard factors exist. Pre-existing chronic unwellness, malnutrition, diabetes, nephritic inadequacy, and interpolation of the catheter outside the operating room or late in hospitalization are each associated with increased hazard of UTIs. UTIs besides add to the costs of attention by protracting hospitalization by 1 to 4 yearss and increasing the direct costs of intervention by an estimated $ 593 to $ 680 per infection ( Crosby, 2005 ) . They may affect a urosepsis, which carries a mortality rate that may be every bit high as 25 to 60 % . They frequently occur in patients with an indwelling urinary catheter. The lms and external surfaces of the catheter are the paths for bacterial entry into the vesica. For forestalling infection, the care of a closed unfertile drainage system is described as the most successful method. A closed drainage system was described for the first clip in 1928, and its benefit was appreciated much later ( Martin, 2001 ) . Excluding rare hematogenously derived pyelonephritis, caused about entirely by Staphylococcus aureus, most micro-organisms doing endemic CAUTI derive from the patient ‘s ain colonic and perineal vegetations or from the custodies of health-care forces during catheter interpolation or use of the aggregation system. Organisms addition entree in one of two ways. Extraluminal taint may happen early, by direct vaccination when the catheter is inserted, or subsequently, by beings go uping from the perineum by capillary action in the thin mucose movie immediate to the external catheter surface. Intraluminal taint occurs by reflux of micro-organisms deriving entree to the catheter lms from failure of closed drainage or taint of piss in the aggregation bag ( Tambyah, 2001 ) Catheterization of the vesica involves presenting a gum elastic or plastic tubing through the urethra and into the vesica. The catheter provides a uninterrupted flow of urine in patients who are unable to command urination or those with obstructors. It besides provides a agency of measuring urine end product in hemodynamically unstable clients. Because vesica catheterisation carries the hazard of urinary piece of land infections, obstruction, and injury to the urethra, it is preferred to trust on other steps for either specimen aggregation or direction of incontinency ( Potter & A ; Perry, 2004 ) . The usage of urinary catheters should be avoided whenever possible. Clean intermittent catheterisation, when practical, is preferred to long- term catheterisation. Suprapubic catheters offer some advantages, and rubber catheters may be appropriate for some work forces. While clean handling of catheters is of import, everyday perineal cleansing and catheter irrigation or altering are uneffective in extinguishing bacteriuria. Bacteriuria is inevitable in patients necessitating long-run catheterisation, but merely diagnostic infections should be treated. Infections are normally polymicrobial, and earnestly sick patients require therapy with two antibiotics. Patients with spinal cord hurts and those utilizing catheters for more than 10 old ages are at greater hazard of vesica malignant neoplastic disease and nephritic complications ; periodic nephritic scans, urine cytology and cystoscopy may be indicated in these patients ( Zweig, 2000 ) . Recommendations Build up of secernments or incrustation at the catheter interpolation site is a beginning of annoyance and possible infection. The nurses, in order to avoid such a state of affairs, must supply perineal attention and hygiene at least twice daily or as needed for a patient with a keeping catheter. Soap and H2O are effectual in cut downing the figure of beings around the urethra. The nurse must non by chance progress the catheter up into the vesica during cleansing or hazard presenting bacteriums. In add-on to routine perineal attention and hygiene, many establishments recommend that clients with catheters receive particular attention at least three times a twenty-four hours and after laxation or intestine incontinency to assist minimise uncomfortableness and infection. Keeping a closed urinary drainage system is of import in infection control. A interruption in the system can take to debut of micro-organisms. Sites at hazard are the site of catheter interpolation, the drainage bag, the tap, the tubing junction, and the junction of the tubing and the bag. In add-on, the nurse has the duty to supervise the patency of the system to forestall pooling of piss within the tube. Urine in the drainage bag is an first-class medium for micro-organism growing. Bacterias can go up drainage tubing to turn in pools of piss. If this piss flows back to the patient ‘s vesica, an infection will probably develop. Suggestions for ways to forestall infections in catheterized patients are the undermentioned: Follow good manus hygiene techniques. Make non let the tap on the drainage system to touch a contaminated surface. Merely usage unfertile technique to roll up specimens from a closed drainage system. If the drainage tubing becomes disconnected, do non touch the terminals of the catheter or tube. Wipe the terminal of the tube and catheter with an antimicrobic solution before reconnecting. Ensure that each client has a separate receptacle for mensurating piss to forestall cross taint. Prevent pooling of piss in the tube and reflux of piss into the vesica. Avoid raising the drainage bag above the degree of the vesica. If it becomes necessary to raise the bag during transportation of a patient to a bed or stretcher, clamp the tube or empty the tube contents to the drainage bag foremost. Provide for drainage of piss from the tubing to the bag by positioning the tube. Empty the drainage bag at least every 8 hours. If big end products are noted, empty more often. Promote unstable consumption, if it is non contraindicated. Inclusion of cranberry juice has been shown to diminish the attachment of bacteriums to the vesica wall and to catheter lms. Remove the catheter every bit shortly as clinically warranted. Tape or procure the catheter suitably for the patient. Perform everyday perineal hygiene per bureau policy and after laxation R intestine incontinency. Good wellness depends in portion on a safe environment. Practices or techniques that control or prevent transmittal of infection aid to protect persons, particularly patients and wellness attention workers from disease. Patients in all wellness attention scenes are at hazard for geting infections because of lower opposition to infective micro-organisms, increased exposure to Numberss and types of disease-causing micro-organisms, and invasive processs. In acute attention or ambulatory attention installations, patients can be exposed to pathogens, some of which may be resistant to most antibiotics. By practising infection bar and control techniques, wellness attention workers can avoid distributing micro-organisms to patients and fellow wellness attention workers. In all scenes, the patients and their households must be able to acknowledge beginning of infections and be able to establish protective steps. Patient learning should include information refering infections, manners of transmittal, and methods of bar. The first major progress for forestalling CAUTI since the wide-scale acceptance of closed drainage 35 old ages ago is the development of catheters with antiinfective surfaces. These progresss should non be considered the concluding reply, nevertheless. Other engineerings that should be pursued include new, more powerful antiinfective stuffs ; microbe-impervious antireflux valves ; urethral stents ; conformable ( collapsable ) urethral catheters ; and vaccinums for enteral Gram-negative B and staphylococcus. Antiseptics are far more likely than bactericides to confabulate greater opposition to come up colonisation and non to choose for infection with antimicrobial-drug immune bacteriums or barms. New surface engineerings that release far greater measures of ionic Ag or other antiinfective agents into the aqueous environment immediate to the catheter surface might even forestall CAUTIs caused by intraluminal contaminations ( Tambyah, 2001 ) . Prevention of catheter-associated UTIs is more effectual, peculiarly for indwelling catheters, than trusting entirely on antimicrobic agents. ( 8 ) The most effectual pattern intercessions for cut downing catheter-associated UTIs include placing patients who no longer necessitate indwelling catheters, sing other catheterisation options or options to catheterisation, and supplying patient and health professional instruction when long-run indwelling catheterisation is needed ( Crosby, 2005 ) . Reducing the clip a patient is catheterized can be accomplished by systematic reminders to reexamine the continuance of catheterisation for each patient. In add-on to pattern intercession, the pick of catheters and related equipment can besides cut down UTIs well. Other methods of catheterisation should he considered before infixing an indwelling catheter. Catheterization options are based on the ground for catheterisation and the expected continuance of demand. Other options include condom catheters for males, suprapubic catheters for patients who require long-run indwelling drainage, and intermittent catheterisation for patients with spinal cord hurts. Patients who must utilize an indwelling catheter should hold a closed catheter system with a little catheter. Manufacturer ‘s recommendations for rising prices and deflation, system care, procuring the catheter, and decently positioning the drainage bag below the patient ‘s vesica should be followed. Preventing incrustati on and obstruction are besides really of import. Following these stairss and decently keeping closed drainage catheter systems has been shown to well cut down the hazard for UTI ( Crosby, 2005 ) . Summary and Conclusion Patient safety should be the figure one concern before, during and after each process in any infirmary. A elaborate cognition of the epidemiology, based on equal surveillance methodological analysiss, is necessary to understand the pathophysiology and the principle of preventative schemes that have been demonstrated to be effectual. In my country of work which is in the nephritic ward, the rules of general preventative steps such as the execution of criterion and isolation safeguards should be reviewed. Urinary catheterisation can do many wellness jobs. Options to catheterisation should be used whenever possible. Decrease of catheter-associated UTIs is based chiefly on preventative infection control patterns. The success of the nurse who patterns infection-control techniques is measured by finding whether the ends for cut downing or forestalling infection are achieved. A comparing of the patient ‘s response, such as absence of febrility or development of lesion drainage, with expected results determines the success of nursing intercessions.

Academia and Text Matching Software Essay Example for Free

Academia and Text Matching Software Essay ? Critically evaluate the use of text matching software as an aid to developing good scholarship practice Introduction Academic dishonesty such as plagiarism has been a major factor in education that has affected students’ success and academic achievements in recent years. Plagiarism according to Park (2003) is the act of appropriating or copying another person’s work and passing them on as one’s idea without acknowledging the original source. Park (2003) noted that plagiarism is a growing problem and has been a misuse of the writings of another author, their ideas, hypothesis, theories, research findings and interpretations. Furthermore studies by Chao, Wilhelm and Neureuther (2009) emphasised that the rising trend of plagiarism among students can be attributed to several factors such as academic literacy, language competence and the technological advancements in the world today in terms of high speed internet facility available in hostels and computer labs. These factors according to Chao, Wilhelm and Neureuther (2009) has enhanced the ability of students to plagiarise a whole assignment by obtaining papers on the internet relating to their assignments which is as easy as copying and pasting. Park (2003) stated that students have different perceptions towards plagiarism. He noted that students view plagiarism as a minor offence which is different from cheating in exams. He further discovered that plagiarism could be unintentional (ibid). This is because some students possess a mental illusion in which they believe they have produced something from their own perspective while infact they are reproducing something which they have read from another author. The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the effect of text matching software as an aid to developing good scholarship practice. This paper will begin by briefly describing what good scholarship practise is. In addition the use of text matching software for detecting good scholarship practice will be critically discussed and a conclusion will be made based on the evaluation. Good scholarship practice can be referred to as a formal study which involves academic learning and achievement. It involves acknowledging where information used to support ideas in a particular context is gotten and citing the sources (Locke and Latham, 2009). Britag and Mahmud (2009) pointed out that different strategies whichinclude the use of electronic software tools such as turnitin have been derived for detecting plagiarism with the intent of allowing students’ take responsibility of their learning and also work hand in hand with their tutors in the drafting stages of their assignments. According to Britag and Mahmud (2009) manual detection of plagiarism is difficult because it is time consuming and this is the reason why some tutors are reluctant in pursuing potential cases of plagiarism. However both the manual method of plagiarism detection and the electronic text matching method should be employed (Britag and Mahmud, 2009). Scaife (2007) argued that the electronic text matching software is not the solution to eliminating plagiarism because the software only focuses on text matching of paper under review with documents (journals, articles, e-books and conference papers) found on the internet or which has been previously submitted and this is a limitation because the only detection are focused on electronic materials without considering some non-electronic paper based documents which could still be plagiarised. Walker (2010) stated that with the development of text matching software such as the turnitin plagiarism detection was made easier, however he emphasised that the turnitin detection software is not 100 per cent efficient, it merely identifies and matches materials present in a document uploaded to turnitin website to materials available on the internet. Walker (2010) describes the electronic text matching software as a tool only suitable for detecting word for word or direct plagiarism in electronic form and the refined ones from the paper based sources are not easily detected. Moreover Carroll and Appleton (2001) argued that the turnitin is just an option for measuring plagiarism and that alone cannot be used as a basis for judging good scholarship practice. In addition Carroll and Appleton (2001) insist that the use of electronic software for detecting plagiarism requires human application and interpretation and that using turnitin alone as a medium for plagiarism detection is not proficient. According to Barrett and Malcolm (2006) the electronic text matching software (turnitin) only indicates possible plagiarism without any certainty, it is left to the tutor to determine the extent to which the writer has plagiarised or included some sources in the paper without acknowledging where they were acquired. In conclusion the concept of plagiarism cannot be overemphasised. It has become a factor that has affected good academic scholarship practice and has  created an avenue for educators to develop methods for detecting and dealing with plagiarism. The development of the electronic detection software such as the turnitin has enhanced the detection of plagiarism however it cannot be relied upon completely because it is not effective. In addition it is important to understand that the best way to detect plagiarism is to use both the manual method which involves educators and the use of electronic text matching software such as turnitin. Students could also be assisted in understanding the criteria for academic writing such as the code of conducts which requires them to acknowledge any source from where data is derived when writing academically. References Barrett, R. & Malcolm, J. (2006) ‘Embedding plagiarism education in the assessment process’, International Journal for Educational Integrity, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 38-45. Bretag, T. and Mahmud, S. (2009) ‘A model for determining student plagiarism: Electronic detection and academic judgement. ‘, Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 50-60. Chao, C. , Wilhelm, W. J. , Neureuther, B. D. (2009. ) ‘A Study of Electronic Detection and Pedagogical Approaches for Reducing Plagiarism’, The Delta Pi Epsilon Journal, Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 31-42. Carroll, J. and Appleton, J. (2001), Plagiarism: A good practice guide, Oxford: Oxford Brookes University. Locke, E. A, Latham, G. P (2009) ‘Has Goal Setting Gone Wild, or Have Its Attackers Abandoned Good Scholarship? ‘, The Academy of Management Perspectives, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.  17-23. Park, C. (2003). ‘In Other (People’s) Words: plagiarism by university students—literature and lessons’, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, Vol. 28, No. 5, pp. 472-488. Scaife, B (2007) IT Consultancy Plagiarism Detection Software Report for JISC Advisory Service. [Online].

At the end of June 2003, the Federal Reserve cut interest by a Essay

At the end of June 2003, the Federal Reserve cut interest by a quarter-point to 1.0 per cent, their lowest level in 45 years. Explain the three main channels by - Essay Example f the aggregate demand in the economy, - consumption, investment and government spending, these appear to be the three main channels, through which interest rate influences aggregate demand. The decrease of the interest rates accounting other factors being stable, leads to the increase of the new equipment among firms, which they plan to purchase, it also increases the number of new houses, and the goods of long-term use. Changes in the price levels through the impact on the amount of money in use also influence interest rates. Changes in the interest rates, caused by the changes in the price levels, changes the aggregate demand on goods and services; however, in graphic form this does not make the aggregate demand curve shift; it only reflects the movement along the already existing line. (Handa: 2000) However, interest rates also create another impact. No matter what may be the reason of the interest rates change, their level impacts aggregate demand as a whole. Separately from the price level change, the aggregate demand curve shifts with the changes in interest rates. For example, if the government comes down to the higher expenditures and loans to cover the deficit, with the other conditions stable it leads to the increase of interest rates and negatively influences the plans of expenditures for the firms and individuals. If the supply of the finances for loans increases abroad, the interest rates stay stable, keeping aggregate demand from decrease. (Handa: 2000) Consumption is the most considerable part of the aggregate demand, and it is wise to start the discussion of the interest rates decrease with the impact it creates on consumption. Individuals acquire their incomes in the form of salary, and the capital profits. A portion of the income is spent for paying taxes to governmental structures. On the other hand, government also provides individuals with subsidies (social insurance, unemployment payments, etc.). The decision about consumption lies in the

Public communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Public communication - Essay Example However, the nature of the role of public communication is changing in uncertain ways that lead to speculations regarding their role in the effect on the transformation of the democratic process in the contemporary societies. Here we are more concern about the way governments practice public communication and put constraints in it as well as control of the governments of public communication. Constraints and control: The objective of public communication is to transmit messages targeting the public and enabling it to have an overall view, while at the same time is able to retain its distance from the general strategy and the central messages being transmitted by government so that to achieve its goals and policies. It is very much evident that democratic governments are crucially dependent on a sufficient degree of two-way communication and horizontal communication at the grass root level, otherwise, there cannot be consensus building and responsiveness. In the present era of mass media communication such as newspapers, Radio, televisions do have the potential of including practically everybody. The term public means open and available to the public; visible and observable from the public and effectuated in front of it. Thus, the public has to do with publicity and diaphaneity/transparency. In almost every country, public media works under lots of constraints. The most important constraint, the public communication is facing the interference and involvement of governments at most of the level itself. Even in the post totalitarian world effective legal framework protection to media still far from reality and peoples perception about independent public communication as stage-managed. Public communication faces the constraints such as decision-making power over the public communication, which directly connects with the ownership. Ownership may be public ownership combined with public control i.e. not of government but of civil society or public ownership combined with government control or private ownership with decision making at owners discretion or private ownership with decision making in legal framework and a strong cultural tradition concerning professional rights, quality standards etc. In the above types of ownerships governments put constraint on the all except the last one. So framing legal framework with strong traditions, professional ethics can regulate the constraint. Secondly institutional freedom of public

The Health Protection Scheme Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Health Protection Scheme - Essay Example As the essay states Hong Kong has had private health insurance for many decades in various forms. In 2009, about four million policies covered two million individuals and over 1.5 million groups. This was representative of 34% of HK’s population being privately insured. The number of people buying private insurance has gone up in the past four years. Private health insurance has contributed 12% of HK’s financing in health care between 1998 and 2009, while it has continued to grow at 9% every year with regards to total health expenditure share during the same period. In 2010, hospitals in the private sector spent a quarter of their entire expenditure on caring for inpatients, of which at least half was covered by insurance from the private sector. According to the research findings the Food and Health Bureau, through a study on private health insurance, outlined various challenges and inadequacies that insurers, providers, and consumers were confronted with, particularly in the private health insurance sector. This led to proposals on the health protection scheme, which sought to address several issue. With regards to the insurers, it sought to address rising and non-transparent medical fees, unnecessary admissions and moral hazards because of investigations, non-disclosure and anti-selection when underwriting, and the challenge of public insurance that was dimming attractiveness for private health insurance.... Despite these statistics, the Food and Health Bureau, through a study on private health insurance, outlined various challenges and inadequacies that insurers, providers, and consumers were confronted with, particularly in the private health insurance sector (Gauld & Gould, 2012). This led to proposals on the health protection scheme, which sought to address several issue. With regards to the insurers, it sought to address rising and non-transparent medical fees, unnecessary admissions and moral hazards because of investigations, non-disclosure and anti-selection when underwriting, and the challenge of public insurance that was dimming attractiveness for private health insurance (Dembe & Boden, 2000). For consumers, it sought to address uncertainty of charges and coverage and lack of quality assurance and medical fees that were non-transparent. Finally, it sought to address coverage of procedures for outpatients and inadequate coverage for private doctors and hospitals (Shek, 2012). A rgument for Health Protection Scheme One area that the HPS will help the situation is in financing, particularly with two tiers in the HK health system, i.e. public and private. The private sector mainly gets its funds from private sources like out-of-pocket payments and private insurance. In contrast, the public health insurance sector gets heavy subsidies from the Hong Kong government that come from taxes (Wong et al, 2011). While the HK government spends relatively less compared to countries from the west, the expenditure trend has been increasing. The health protection scheme has proposed to improve controls on expenditure through inclusion of voluntary participation in premiums by individuals. The government is encouraging HK citizens to join the scheme to enjoy

Why do I want to be a teacher Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Why do I want to be a teacher - Essay Example In turn this will help the students to gain an insight into what is right and wrong and thereby become more careful in their decision making in their academic, personal life and all future endeavors. In addition to the learning environment, teachers play a vital role in shaping the personality of their students apart from teaching the subject and hence play a dual role of both an educator as well as a counselor. They share a special bonding with the student as they play the role of a parent in this second family. Teachers must take an interest in the academic and personal life of every student which would help them to find the right solutions in case of any problem. Mere teaching of the subject would only be a professional approach which will not create a bond between the teacher and the student. Spending quality time with all the students and an unbiased attitude would help the students to share a good comrade with their teachers. Nevertheless it is also important for the teacher to also bear in mind the limits of their relationship and also help the student to understand the same. When such an understanding is established it will prevent each one from taking advantage of the other.

Cajun Food in South Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cajun Food in South Korea - Essay Example Target country for this case is South Korea. South Korean people are very much attracted towards the sea food items. That is why the country is an automatic choice for this business expansion. Food habits of South Korean people are significantly suitable and at par with the Cajun Food item. High level of seafood affinity from Korean people has made this place absolutely suitable for the particular food item. Availability of seafood items has made Korean peninsula an attractive destination for Cajun Foods. The aim of the project is to expand the idea of Kajun food into the market of South Korea by removing its competitor â€Å"The Boiling Crab and Cajun Restaurant Pier 17†. Another way it can deal with it is to start a joint venture with its competitor. Kajun has the motive to explain & elaborate the present trend in the ROI market. The food under consideration originated from the deepest part of Louisiana and Mississippi. The flavors of the food consist of an amalgamation of sea foods with spices. The availability of sea food is ensured by the bordering Japan Sea and Yellow Sea. Sea food always forms a major item of the people living in the boundaries of Eastern Asia. The study confers to expansion into the markets of South Korea. The brand name of this company is Cajun. This brand overcomes the cultural barriers. It gives a youthful perception and tries to increase the frequency of the purchase. This brand delivers a common message to all of its customers. Kajun aims to offer a new taste to the western world with the slogan that the south has risen following Kajun’s lifestyle. The packaging can be done in tinned containers for export purpose. Such packaging system will keep the food fresh. The customers can buy frozen fresh Cajun food. For instant serving the food can be served on platters. The mission of the company is provide best quality food to the customers and so it is advised to make the packaging

Any topics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Any topics - Essay Example Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment by Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2010) is an investigative study article post by the means of idealism research that applies specific psychosocial early childbearing and pregnancy predictors within a single reproductive woman risks factor (Ramsay and Gennady, P. 14). The article uncovers vividly through extensive discussion multivariate Eriksonian developmental perspective approach for nurses to integrate unique of an unaltered body of mothers of reproductive age. In Ideal environment, the article denotes both quantitative and empirical for of research technique with much utilization of a mail survey to evaluate the evaluative behavior, aspiration factors and psychosocial well-being of reproductive mothers. The article employs a sample population of 2635 participants aged 18 to 20 years selected from the Australian longitudinal study of the survey undertaken for women health (Ramsay and Gennady, P. 16). The article generation is based on the reality that, women of reproductive age psychological factors play a significant role in managing and understanding early childbearing and pregnancy risk issues in women of reproductive age. The research findings presented in the article provide nurses with opportunities to investigate and evaluate the process. In simple terms, the article provides the means of effective nursing interventions or nursing care plan (Ramsay and Gennady, P. 22). The means effective nursing intervention provided by the article helps nursing professions in achieving the best nursing practice in the care of early pregnancy and childbearing women based on the Eriksonian Developmental point of view. The article’s study exploits Erikson psychological development theoretical framework that has been understudied in longitudinal nursing research. Therefore, of all psychosocial factors that may face women

Bank Regulation vis--vis Other Industries Essay

Bank Regulation vis--vis Other Industries - Essay Example Banks do not offer warranty or guarantee for the security of the deposits whereas the majority of other firms provide either a warranty or guarantee for the soundness of their products and services and therefore require less regulation.†¢ Banks do not offer warranty or guarantee for the security of the deposits whereas the majority of other firms provide either a warranty or guarantee for the soundness of their products and services and therefore require less regulation.†¢ As bank investments are not made quite often as compared to the habitual purchase of other goods and services, the consumer gets very little time to observe and learn.†¢ Investments once made in banks seldom offer opportunities to correct the mistakes, whereas greater chances of rectification of errors exist in the firms of other goods and services.†¢ The degree of trustworthiness in the case of banks is not easily accessible as compared to the reliability of most of the firms providing other go ods and services.†¢ Comprehensive knowledge about the soundness and risk ness of the claims offered by the banks is lacking which requires additional regulation of these financial institutions as compared to most of the firms in other industries.†¢ The value can be ascertained only after a considerable period of time and not at the very moment of accepting bank proposals. This adds to the rationale of imposing extra regulation over banks than nonfinancial goods and services where in most of the cases the value can be easily ascertained.

Understanding Economic Policy Reform Essay Example for Free

Understanding Economic Policy Reform Essay What is the point of loudly proclaiming reforms if these are not aimed at improving the well-being of a large majority of the population? And if that is their goal, why should reforms be unpopular? In many areas of policy, there may ex1 Quoted by Jose Maria Maravall in Luiz Carlos Bresser Pereira, Maravall, and Adam Przeworski (1993). â€Å" T ist â€Å"technical† uncertainty as to what the appropriate solution is to the problems at hand. Think of President Clinton’s health care plan, for example, or of global warming. Consequently, reforms will arouse opposition if they are viewed as applying the wrong fix or if they are perceived as being primarily redistributive (that is, zero-sum). What is remarkable about current fashions in economic development policy (as applied to both developing and transitional economies), however, is the extent of convergence that has developed on the broad outlines of what constitutes an appropriate economic strategy. This strategy emphasizes fiscal rectitude, competitive exchange rates, free trade, privatization, undistorted market prices, and limited intervention (save for encouraging exports, education, and infrastructure). Faith in the desirability and efficacy of these policies unites the vast majority of professional economists in the developed world who are concerned with issues of development. 2 2 The convergence is not complete of course. But compared to two decades ago, the various sides have moved substantially closer to each other. One indicator of this is the recent book by Bresser Pereira, Maravall, and Przeworski (1993), which advocates a â€Å"social democratic† approach. The views expressed in this book concede an inor- 9 10 Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. XXXIV (March 1996) we observe such instances of collective irrationality. The events of the last decade have underscored the need to understand the political-economy of policy making. One of the eventual consequences of the global debt crisis that erupted in 1982 was a wave of market-oriented economic reforms, the likes of which have never been seen. The reforms were strongest and most sustained in Latin America, where countries like Bolivia, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil joined Chile in orthodoxy. But this was very much a global phenomenon. â€Å"Stabilization† and â€Å"structural adjustment† became the primary preoccupation of government leaders in Asia and Africa as well, even though the commitment to economic orthodoxy varied across countries and over time. These countries were in turn soon joined by the previously socialist economies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Economists who had cut their teeth in Latin America’s economic quagmires became the advisors and analysts of these transitional economies. Even India, the giant archetype of a closed, import-substituting economy among developing countries, embarked on a process of economic liberalization in 1991 (see Jagdish Bhagwati 1993 and Arvind Panagariya 1994). These reforms were encouraging to economists and a vindication of sorts to those among them who had long advocated market-oriented reforms. But they in turn raise their own puzzles. Most fundamental of all, why are so many governments reforming now, after decades of adherence to policies of an opposite kind? This question poses a particularly important challenge to political economists: an understanding of these countries’ experiences now requires a theory that explains not only why seemingly dysfunctional policies had been initially un- Hence economists are often torn between two conflicting perspectives: on the one hand, good economic policy should produce favorable outcomes and therefore should prove also to be good politics; on the other hand, the implementation of good economic policy is often viewed as requiring â€Å"strong† and â€Å"autonomous† (not to say authoritarian) leadership. The experience of Chile, a country which has perhaps gone further than any other in implementing liberal economic policies, provides a good example. An essay on Chile’s reform strategy by Jose Pinera (1994), an economist and minister of labor and social security under General Pinochet, concludes: â€Å"[i]n the end, good policy is good politics† (p. 231). The irony is that most of the reforms the author glowingly discusses in the preceding pages required the suspension of normal politics and as heavy a dose of authoritarianism as seen anywhere. Good economics does often turn out to be good politics, but only eventually. Policies that work do become popular, but the time lag can be long enough for the relationship not to be exploitable by would-be reformers. In Chile’s case, free market policies (implemented after 1973) were eventually resoundingly endorsed in the presidential elections of 1989 and have become the envy of Latin America. 3 Conversely, bad economics can be popular, if only temporarily. President Alan Garcia’s popularity soared in Peru during his first two years in office (1985–86), thanks to expansionary fiscal policies whose medium-term unsustainability should have been obvious to anyone with common sense (see Ricardo Lago 1991). The puzzle is why dinate amount to the consensus view, and depart from it in remarkably few details. I will discuss this book in Section IV. 3 For a recent evaluation, see Barry Bosworth, Rudiger Dornbusch, and Ral Labn (1994). Rodrik: Understanding Economic Policy Reform dertaken and then maintained for so long, but also why these policies were suddenly abandoned en masse during the 1980s, often by the same politicians who had been among their most ardent supporters. Second, while the reforms were inspired at least in part by the East Asian experience, they took place much more quickly and, in many areas, are going considerably beyond those undertaken in East Asia. This raises the question of whether the new wave of reformers have internalized the correct lessons from the East Asian experience. Finally, are there any helpful rules for reformers to follow in guiding their policies through complicated political terrain? Can one hope to develop a â€Å"how-to† manual for the reformist politician? Puzzlement over such questions has led to a large and growing literature. A very short bibliography would include books by Merilee Grindle and John Thomas (1991), Robert Bates and Krueger (1993), Krueger (1993), Przeworski (1991), Ranis and Syed Mahmood (1992), Bresser Pereira, Maravall, and Przeworski (1993), Stephan Haggard and Robert Kaufman (1992), Dornbusch and Sebastian Edwards (1993), Haggard and Steven Webb (1994), Lance Taylor (1994), Williamson (1994), and Ian Little et al. (1993), not to mention countless papers. As this partial list indicates, both economists and political scientists have devoted their attention to these issues, often together in coauthored or coedited works. Indeed, no other area of economics or political science that I can think of has spawned so much interdisciplinary work. 5 In this essay, I will provide an econo4 One recent survey—Mariano Tommasi and Andres Velasco 1995—which overlaps with this one deserves special mention. 5 The litera ture on the economics of policy reform is of course even larger. For recent surveys, see Vittorio Corbo and Stanley Fischer (1995) and Rodrik (1995b). 1 mist’s perspective on the political economy of policy reform. I begin by examining the origins and analytical content of the new orthodoxy in development policy (Section II). I will focus here on two issues in particular which I feel remain in need of clarification. One of these concerns the distinction between (a) macroeconomic policies aimed at economic stability, such as fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies, and (b) liberalization policies aimed at structural reform and growth, such as the removal of relative-price distortions and the reduction of state intervention. It has become commonplace to conflate these two groups of policies, but for analytical purposes they are best kept apart. As we shall see, they also have different political-economy underpinnings. Moreover, maintaining the distinction reminds us that the consensus on what constitutes appropriate structural reform is based on much shakier theoretical and empirical grounds than is the consensus on the need for macroeconomic stability. The second issue concerns the appropriate lessons to be drawn from the experience of East Asian success stories. The new orthodoxy has tended to draw a somewhat biased picture that needs correction. Next, I will turn to the reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. This experience has opened an important window on the motivations of politicians, as well as on the nature of interactions between the economy and the polity. As indicated above, an important question is why so many countries have suddenly caught the reform bug. The confluence of economic crisis with reform has led to the natural supposition that crisis is the instigator of reform, a hypothesis that keeps reappearing in the literature and yet is inadequately analyzed.

Ballet or football Essay Example for Free

Ballet or football Essay Ballet and football are both difficult sports to master; however, someone once said, â€Å"If ballet were any easier, they’d call it football. † What makes for a good sport? Every sport has rules and regulations that one must follow in order to play. The sport requires specific skills such as strength, coordination, and speed. A good sport has a certain level of safety to keep the participants safe and requires a lot of teamwork so that every is playing together. I personally think ballet is the more technical of the two. Ballet is much more complex than football. Every sport requires you to follow certain guidelines. In football, the player can’t grab the opponent in certain ways or a yellow flag will be thrown on the ground to indicate holding or some penalty that no one has even heard of before. Football has rules that the team must obey. On the other hand, ballet is less restricted than football. They are no rules in ballet. Ballet is a form of art; there are no limitations on art. Ballet is not about winning or following any rules; it is about expression through movement. Although there is more freedom in ballet, there is a lot of technique required. You must hold your arms a certain way so that they do not droop, and you must always remember the turn out of your thigh when you tendu. Ballet may not have rules, but there are still plenty of little details to remember. Strength is a major component of almost any sport. In football, the quarterback relies on two hundred and fifty pound linemen to block so that he can get the ball in the end zone. The defensive linemen have to use their upper body strength to hold the opposing team and keep them from getting to the ball. They use their lower body to stand strong to hold their ground like grabbing a bull by the horns. Ballet requires a totally different kind of strength than football does. Dancers use their upper bodies to hold their arms above their heads in a perfect beach ball shaped fifth position while still keeping their shoulders down for thirty minutes at a time. They use their lower body strength to push out of a plie to a pique turn and have to maintain the core strength, so they do not wobble too much. Football does not require much coordination. It wasn’t a sport that was meant to be pretty. It was meant to be rough and rugged for the manliest of men. While watching the game, half of the time you don’t even know if they meant to fall down or if they just happen to be clumsy enough to fall over their own two feet. It tends to be one big dog pile play after play. In ballet, coordination is everything. Dancers must make sure they are in the exact spot that they are supposed to be at and be in sync with every other dancer on the stage. Pierce Brosnan said, Love is a lot like dancing; you just surrender to the music (Willcutt). Every beat must be a white flag waving and show complete dedication to the music. Dancers have to be coordinated enough to do long elaborate pieces of choreography while still maintaining a smile on their faces. Ballerinas must make every single movement appear effortless. In football, speed is very important when a wide receiver is trying to run the ball down the field. It is his speed that helps him to pass by the other players in lightning speed so fast that they do not even know what hit them. I know what you’re thinking†¦. why would you need speed in ballet? However, not one ballerina would ever dream of doing a slow fouette, a move in which you whip your leg around to spin. It would be a disaster. Fouettes are meant to be fast to get your body around faster to make your pirouettes prettier. Speed and extreme focus is what makes a ballerina capable of turning. Although countless football players get hurt yearly, they have equipment that is specifically designed to keep them from serious injury. Football players risk injury every time they step foot out on that field, but if they fall down, their equipment is there to take the majority of the impact. Safety is important in any sport you play; that is why in football the players wear pads and helmets for protection. However, dancers must maintain a flawless posture to keep from injuring themselves. There is no special equipment for a dancer to use to keep themselves to safe. A dancer must rely on stretching to warm up his or her muscles. Dancers have to take every good care of their ankles and knees because they are constantly at risk of injury. If a dancer twists her ankle on stage during a performance, she doesn’t call in the second string. She sucks it up, puts on a brave face, and keeps on dancing. Teamwork is important in football because if you don’t read your guards, then you are liable to screw the entire play up. The player must know what the play is and what exact role everyone is going to play. The players huddle up before each play to strategize against the other team. They break off and have to rely on their teammates to do what is required of them. Vince Lombardi said, â€Å"People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society† (Family of Vince). When you think of the word team, you don’t exactly picture a group of ballerinas dancing on a shiny hardwood stage. You stereotypically think of the Pittsburg Steelers or some other NFL team. However, in ballet, every dancer is part of a team. You have to be so in tune with one another that as soon as the music begins, everyone begins to dance as if a bunch of puppets moving on strings. If one â€Å"teammate† loses rhythm then the whole performance suffers. Dancers rehearse with their fellow dancers for weeks and weeks to perfect their dance so that it will be flawless. In the end, ballet and football require a great amount of passion and determination. If you do not have the heart, you will not be willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to pursue the sport whole-heartedly. Although football may be a little easier, both sports demand a lot of hard work. Works Cited Family of Vince Lombardi c/o Luminary Group LLC. â€Å"Famous Quotes by Vince Lombardi. † Vince Lombardi. 2010. Web. October 4, 2012. Willcutt, Sara. â€Å"Dance Quotes 3. † Ascending Star Dance- An Internet Dance Magazine. 2007. Web. October 4, 2012.

Brine Shrimp Hatching Experiment

Brine Shrimp Hatching Experiment Wherever salt water is evaporated on a large scale, or salt lakes develop, brine shrimp will eventually appear. How do they get there? Certain birds visit salt waters   shorebirds such as gulls and stilts, for example. Could they transport the adult brine shrimp or eggs? Could brine shrimp eggs travel by wind? An interesting fact to remember is that although brine shrimp grow very well under artificial conditions, brine shrimp are not found in the open ocean. This is because the brine shrimps only defense mechanism against predators (fish and other invertebrates) is hyper-saline bodies of water. For this reason, brine shrimp have developed the most efficient osmo-regulatory system in the animal kingdom. Ask the pupils to provide an explanation of why brine shrimp are present only in salt ponds and soda lakes and not in the ocean. Use a glass container as a hatching tank for the brine shrimp, either a wide-mouth quart jar or a shallow glass pan at least two inches deep (this will work best). Fill the container with one quart of salt-water solution: mix 1 to1-1/2 teaspoons of sea salt mixture or non-iodized table salt per cup of bottled water. (If you want to use tap water, let it sit for an hour so the chlorine settles. You can also use rock or aquarium salt.) The shrimp will die in salt water that is either too weak or too strong. Sprinkle about one sixteenth of a teaspoon of brine shrimp eggs into the dish: you dont need to cover more than one square inch on the surface of the water. Leave the container in a room where bright sunlight can reach it. Your brine shrimp should start hatching in just 24 hours! The shrimp will live 1-3 days without food. If you want to keep them longer for a more in-depth study, feed them a very tiny amount of yeast a few grains as needed. You might also need to change the water occasionally, if it gets cloudy. Clean out unhatched eggs from the top of the container, which will allow more oxygen to get into the water. Observing Brine Shrimp You can study your brine shrimp close up with a magnifying glass, stereo microscope, or compound microscope. Use a pipet or medicine dropper to catch some of the shrimp and transfer them with sufficient water into a petri dish for easy observation. Look at them closely with low power (10-30x) magnification. What parts of the brine shrimp can you identify? What are their swimming habits? Eating habits? How do they use their phyllopods? How do they respond to light? If you can, compare the larval stage with the adult stage. Keep track of your observations in a notebook and include sketches of the shrimp. Learn about the effects of the surrounding conditions on brine shrimp! To start, test the pH level in the brine shrimps tank water: ideal conditions are a pH of around 8, but no lower than 5 and no higher than 10. Use pH paper for the test. To raise the pH level in the tank, add a little bit of baking soda. Discover more with a project where you change the tank environment by adding pollutants. Transfer about an equal number of brine shrimp to several petri dishes to be your test samples. Try adding 1-3 drops of a different solution to the water in each petri dish: vegetable oil, soap, vinegar, ammonia, or anything else that comes to mind. Observe the samples at low power magnification and record whats going on. How do the pollutants affect the sample? Is there a difference visible in twenty minutes? One hour? Three? How might you counteract the pollutants? You can also try hatching several batches of shrimp at a time, using different hatchery conditions for each batch. Fill 3-4 petri dishes with different solutions: you might use plain tap water, water with a low pH (acidic), and regular salt water to be the control that you can compare the results to. Before you start, hypothesize which solution will have the best results and which will have the worst. Sprinkle a small amount of eggs into each dish. After 24 hours, check on the dishes again. Has anything happened? What are the results after 48 hours? 72 hours? Use a magnifying glass for your observations, and make sketches. Were you right about which solutions would work best and worst? How do you think factors such as temperature (colder or warmer) or more or less light might affect the hatching success rate of the brine shrimp? PROBLEM STATEMENT What is the total number of successful hatching of brine shrimp? HYPOTHESIS The number of hatching is the most at the temperature of 30 à Ã‚ ¦ C. number of hatching is the lowest at 34 à Ã‚ ¦ C. VARIABLES Manipulated: temperature of incubation Responding: number of eggs hatch Fix: concentration of salt solution, number of eggs APPARATUS AND MATERIALS Brine shrimp cysts, 25ml salt, 100cm ³ dechlorinated water, 40cm ³ beaker of salt water, 100cm ³ beakers, water baths of temperature 30 à Ã‚ ¦ C and 34 à Ã‚ ¦ C, stirring rod, forceps, pipette, microscope,  ¼ saptula of eggs PROCEDURE Place 25ml of sea salt into a 100cm ³ beaker. 100cm ³ of de-chlorinated water and stir until the salt is completely dissolved. The beaker is labeled with the group name, class and the temperature in which it will be tested.  ¼ saptula of eggs is added into the beaker. Placed the beaker in incubator of temperature 30 à Ã‚ ¦ C, 34 à Ã‚ ¦ C and at room temperature. The cysts are left for one night. On the following day, the cysts is calculated. Stir the solution containing the cysts gently to make sure they are evenly distributed. 0.5 cm ³ of the solution is pipetted and put into Petri dish. Calculate the total amount of the cysts which is hatched and unhatched at all temperature under light microscope. The experiment is repeated three times to get the average value of the amount calculated. all the values calculated is multiplied by 50 to get the total amount of brine shrimp in 25ml of solution. DISCUSSION According to the tabulated data above, total cysts hatched is the highest at temperature of 30 à Ã‚ ¦ C because higher temperature is needed to make the surrounding warmer and suitable for hatching. The lowest eggs hatch being recorded is at temperature of 34 à Ã‚ ¦ C because the temperature is too high. The eggs, being the enzyme might be denatured at this point and most eggs do not hatch. There are more eggs that has not been hatch compared to those which has hatch. This might be due to the short term experiment. The eggs are allowed to soak in the solution for only a day and most of them have not hatch yet. Conducting this experiment has risen up a few conflict and ethical issue. The cysts which has and has not hatched will be thrown after the experiment end. For public, it is not ethical to kill animal which is still alive and used as a study purpose. Although they are tiny but they do play their part in food chain. They dont have right to live freely as other organism do. But, for scientists, conducting an experiment on them may bring good advantages to human. Human will get the beneficiary as new medicine and discovery is discovered without involving any human life in the research. People doesnt put too much attention when small animal like bribe shrimp is used in the experiment. LIMITATION The size of brine shrimp eggs are too small and almost impossible to be counted manually. Hence, only  ¼ spatula of the eggs are used in approximation. But there is limitation in using approximation. The number of cysts used is not the same in each test tubes makes the result. This makes the result less reliable. A larger number of cysts is needed because the results of experiment may vary and by using big group of sample, the result may be more reliable. There might be some mistakes while calculating the number of cysts that has hatched or not because the number of eggs per o.5ml is a lot and to calculate them under light microscope is almost impossible. Some students taking the number of which can be seen under lense, some takes average. The likelihood to get the real number is low. In counting the number of the eggs, the average is taken. Only 0.5ml out of 25ml is being used to be observed under the microscope. The distribution of the eggs in the solution might not be the same even after it has been stirred using glass rod. SOURCE OF ERROR The test tube which should be put under room temperature is being put in the laboratory which has air conditioner. This makes the temperature of surrounding lower than the room temperature and affect the result of experiment in making a conclusion that the earth is facing global warming. Hence, we are not sure whether or not, the room temperature has risen. Since they are too small, somehow, their hatched eggs are counted as unhatched eggs. This happens as there are no big difference in structure of the hatched and unhatched eggs. This may lead to wrong counting of the result and will affect the experiment. PRECAUTION STEP Be careful when pipetting the cysts because they are so small and might be easily get hurt. They need to be handled with care and gently. use a low light power while using microcopeas higher temperature might gives effect on the brine shrimp. CONCLUSION The hatching success of the brine shrimp is the highest at 34 à Ã‚ ¦ C

On The Waterfront :: Movie, Film Analysis

Setting – The story starts out in the nineteen fifties in a typical small town exploited by the mob. The title On the Waterfront befits it well, for the town’s only way of employment is working on the docks for the mob. The mob controls everything in this town; they are the union and the law. If anything accurs you don’t know anything about it. Even if you were right there you were blind or D&D (Deaf and Dumb). Situation – The situation in the town is that a very prominent man in the town was thrown off of the roof of his apartment building. Most of the people in the town were mystified by this because he as a good man that would not have many enemies. Most people would say he was a saint. His name was Joey. When the police arrive at the scene of the crime no one is cooperating with them because of the fear of the mob. Although some witnesses were almost family with the victim they will not be a canary or pigeon to squeal. This problem has been around for a while and some town members are starting to feel the guilt of their silence (with help from the priest) and decide to meet and talk about the problem. On the docks work was on a first come first serve basis. Friends of the mob was given good easy jobs while the other work tokens were thrown on the ground and the men would fight for them. Characters – The main character is Terry an ex semi-professional boxer who became friendly with the mob during his career. He is a common unintelligent man (typical of his town) that unlike his brother quit school. He was the man that helped the mob kill a good man in the opening scene by distracting him to come onto the roof and check out his pigeons (Symbolic). His brother keeps the mobs papers. The Antagonist is the mob boss named Johnny who blames poverty for causing him to transform into a crook and murderer. It is either make no money or make money. They live like animals in a Social Darwinism. The other main actor is the sister of the murder victim named Iddie. She comes from a totally sheltered life, growing up in a catholic school raised by nuns. She refuses to return to school because she wants to face a real problem, not just read about them.

Conflicts in the Opening Act and Resolutions in the End of Harold Brigh

How does Harold Brighouse present the differences and conflicts in the opening act and what resolutions are shown in the end? Hobson’s Choice is a play written by Harold Brighouse based in the Victorian times. This may be a reason why there were so many differences and conflicts presented in the play because it allows you to look at the historical issues and the social issues. The opening act is brimming with differences and conflicts, some obvious and some subtle. The conflicts were based upon people crossing the social boundaries and going against expectations that the Victorians had set upon us. The differences were mainly believing whether those boundaries should be crossed or not. The differences caused the conflicts. The beliefs caused different actions and those actions caused conflict. The play has two main characters, both strong willed father and daughter, Hobson and Maggie. Hobson is a prosperous Salford boot maker but also an ineffectual tyrant and spends most of his time drinking whilst his three daughters run his home and his shop. Maggie is his eldest daughter, who is immensely efficient and a lot more strong minded then her father. These two characters show the most difference between each other and any other conflict caused was mainly because of their differences. Conflict was not just between Maggie and her father but also between other characters too. For example, Willie and Maggie, Jim and Hobson, Ada and Maggie and even Alice and Vickey against Maggie. You can see that these conflicts had either Maggie or Hobson in them, the strongest characters in the play. Alice showed the first sign of conflict in the first page of the play. Alice had problems with her father drinking and returning home late eac... ...ed right at the end and it was a huge leap shown in Willie by Brighouse to show that Hobson really had lost his authority to be disobeyed by his own worker who was lower class and then Willie to be supported by Maggie showed that Hobson had lost all his support. Harold Brighouse created such an atmosphere to show how people were in the Victorian times. He created characters that could represent many types of people at that time. For example, Hobson represented the middle class man, Maggie the strong willed daughter, Mrs Hepsworth the upper class woman, Ada the lower class women, Willie the timid, hard working man and so on. These characters had many differences and attributes which collided with other personalities. This difference between the characters was why the conflicts occurred and Brighouse managed to change some personalities to make some conflicts die.

Old Man And The Sea :: essays research papers

In life, one will go through a number of stages in life. Infancy, Youth , Adulthood, and Old Age are all key stages. As one grows, they mature through these various stages. When one reaches old age, there is often a lot of doubt surrounding their lives. Serenity, and independence are often the two most questioned. These are some questions that Santiago has to ask himself as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel The Old Man And The Sea, Ernest Hemingway develops the concept of man coming to the realization that as he ages, his dependency on others will increase. The use of metaphor is key in showing how this is indeed true. The struggle with the Tiburon represents the mental struggle that Santiago is having with himself. The Tiburon is also used as a metaphor for Santiago’s life. The boy in the story parallels what Santiago’s life once was.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The struggle with the Tiburon represents the struggle that Santiago is having with himself. The constant struggle makes Santiago realize that he is no longer as young as he thinks he is and he must rely on the help of others. This is shown when Santiago is battling the Tiburon. “ ‘Bad news for you fish’, he said and shifted the line over the sacks that covered his shoulders. He was comfortable, but suffering, although he did not admit to the suffering at all. ‘ I am not religious...but I will say Ten Hail Marys that I should catch this fish’... ‘Hail Mary full of Grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of death, Amen.’ Then he added. ‘ Blessed Virgin, pray for the death of this fish, wonderful as he is.’ '; [ Hemingway 64-65]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This quote shows that the old man is forced to break the rules of sanity and talks to himself as well as the fish which cannot hear him. The old man thinks to himself that the fish is a “ “ God fearing '; fish and by saying the Hail Mary, the fish will give in and let himself be caught. After saying the Hail Mary the Old Man tries to convince himself that his previously hurt hand is okay, when really it is not.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In another part of the story Santiago admits that he is losing his sanity. “He did not want to look at the fish. He knew that half of him had been destroyed '; [Hemingway 114].

History book report Essay

It is the circumstances and the characters of the founding â€Å"brothers,† their ideological as well as personal conflicts that created the US as a nation. SUMMARY Here is a presentation of US History—the creation of a new nation that does not attempt to consolidate events into a general account that suggests the inevitability of the Declaration of Independence but examines history in light of a handful of episodes involving central personages, their passions and conflicts that reveal as much of the creation of the nation after the Constitutional Convention. At one end were the Federalists including Washington, Hamilton and Adams who believed that revolution was a necessary step in order to build US nationhood as embodied by the newly established federal government. On the other were the Republicans including Jefferson and Madison who saw revolution in its liberating character, holding the Declaration of Independence as most sacred, in contrast to the Federalists who consider the Constitution most dear. At that time, there was no notion of valid opposition. Both sides thought about the other’s position as treasonable. These are the circumstances that surround the duel between Hamilton and Barr, which led to the former’s death and cost the latter’s political career. These are the circumstances that led to Washington’s non-acceptance of a third term as well as Jefferson’s treacherous vilification of his friend, John Adams. This high level of political tension led to the compromise in 1790 to appease the Southern states, as a result of fear of the states’ secession (despite both parties’ belief that slavery was inconsistent with the principles embodied by the Revolution). In all stages of these events, the characters were aware of that they were in fact, making history. BOOK REVIEWS 1. In Bobrick’s (2000) review of the Founding Brothers, he compared the Ellis’ style to Lytton Strachey, the author of Eminent Victorians. But according to him, Ellis was different in a way that the latter never veered towards making a caricature of the characters. He described the book as â€Å"splendid†¦ humane, learned, written with flair and radiant with a calm intelligence and wit. † He also guaranteed that even those who are familiar with the â€Å"revolutionary generation† will find the book to be both captivating and enlightening of the first years of America as a nation. 2. Meanwhile, Hodgson (2002) said that Ellis’ method made possible the retention by general readers of their interest in a highly-intelligent discussion of 18th century politics. He thinks that The Founding Brothers is one of those rare books/analyses that can be read for pleasure. But despite these comments, he also notes that Ellis’ work suffers the characteristics of â€Å"American Exceptionalism† and failing to acknowledge Britain’s version of history. The Independent, where Hodgson’s review was published is a British newspaper. REACTION TO BOOK REVIEWS There is nothing surprising about the positive reviews gained by The Founding Brothers. After all, with the pervasiveness of the linear or historiographic approach, there is no doubt that the book’s manner of presentation can be characterized as a breath of fresh air. Ellis’ novel approach enabled him to indirectly give a general and probably in many ways, different accounts of history by being able to pick only six of all specific stories that could have contributed to history. This indicates not only deep knowledge of the personal lives of some characters as some reviewers point out, but also indicates a deep insight of what transpired in history as well as what as its implications and consequences. While it is true that Ellis was able to make the book more interesting to the general readers, it is arguable that the book’s â€Å"indifferent† to others’ version of history is an issue. Ellis does not claim to represent to be a version of other nations’ histories or any nation’s history for that matter. At best, what Ellis book attempts to represent is his own interpretation of history considering everything that he studied, and analyzed both as writer, researcher and historian. ENLIGHTENING Interpretations of history can be different depending on the manner of its presentation. In schools, and even in colleges, these founders are usually depicted as saints, sometimes even to the point of idolatry. Ellis presentation of these founders is an attempt to humanize them in the minds of the readers. In the end, they are not depicted purely as models of idealism, motivated by pure goodwill and love for the country, but as politicians who regardless of their real motives are affected by conflicting circumstances, and sometimes real ambition. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT The book is already enjoyable as it is despite whatever flaws it may have. One reviewer notes the fact that some point of views, particularly those of the British were not taken into account. The writer personally do not think that such alteration, or any alteration for that matter would be necessary to cause a significant change on the effect that the book had to the readers. References Bobrick, B. (2000). The Brethren. New York Times Online. Retrieved 28 April 2009 from http://www. nytimes. com/books/00/12/10/reviews/001210. 10bobrict. html? scp=1&sq=founding%20brothers%20review%20ellis&st=cse. Ellis, J. (2001). Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Alfred Knopf: New York. Hodgson, G. (2002). The Apostles of the US Brought to Life. The Independent Online. Retrieved 28 Apriil 2009 from http://www. independent. co. uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/founding-brothers–the-revolutionary-generation-by-joseph-j-ellis-750973. html.

Motorola and Globalization

Motorola is an electronic communications pioneer and is one of the foremost designer and manufacturer of cellular phones, cordless phones, two-way radios, pagers, cable modems, broadband set-top boxes, and other communications products and systems. About 60% of its sales are from outside USA. Motorola has followed the global strategy for several decades and has used this strategy to increase business revenues. The company started to enlarge its operations outside the United States by building a plant in Mexico and marketing Motorola products in eight countries, including Japan. In 1961, an office was opened in Japan and in 1968 Motorola Semiconductors Japan was formed to design, market, and sell integrated circuits. There was an ongoing attention to  Ã‚   globalization by Motorola on Asian, Eastern European, and Latin American markets in the early 1990s. In 1993, the company announced ‘Corporate America's biggest manufacturing project in China': two plants for the manufacture of simple integrated circuits, pagers, and cellular phones. The changes at Motorola are part of a wider movement in American business   Most companies, including Motorola, are also increasing their importance on creativity and innovation, as globalization has led to increasing competition from low-cost rivals from abroad .. According to its CEO Ed Zander, â€Å"In order to compete successfully in today's global world, companies must invest in the countries they do business in, learn the ins and outs of doing business in those countries, and not view them as simply a source of cheap labor†. With such global strategy, Motorola has acquired a presence in the global market that goes further than a few marketing maneuvers. Together with Global strategy, it has inherent sincerity about supporting its customers and training its employees which have pervaded its policies as well as its budget   Motorola has   focused on customers and relationships, a respect for the work force and a strict sense of responsibility.. All of these strategies have led to its success and today Motorola is the world’s number 2 in sales of cell phone. http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_32/b3946103_mz063.htm Ed Zander on Motorola’s tech Turnaround,11/28/2005 , Working Knowledge for business leaders Archives Retrieved on 6/12 /2007 http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/5113.html      

Zoe’s Tale PART III Chapter Twenty-Four

I entered the storage deck of the other Obin ship. â€Å"So this is the human who has an entire race to do her bidding,† said the Consu waiting there for me. It was the only place on the Obin ship where he would fit, I guessed. I smiled in spite of myself. â€Å"You laugh at me,† the Consu said. It spoke perfect English, and in a light, gentle voice, which was weird considering how much it looked like a large and savagely angry insect. â€Å"I'm sorry,† I said. â€Å"It's just that it's the second time in a day that someone's said that to me.† â€Å"Well,† the Consu said. It unfolded itself in a way that made me want to run screaming in the other direction, and from somewhere inside its body a creepily humanlike arm and hand beckoned to me. â€Å"Come and let me get a look at you.† I took one step forward and then had a very difficult time with the next step. â€Å"You asked for me, human,† the Consu said. I developed a spine and walked over to the Consu. It touched and prodded me with its smaller arms, while its giant slashing arms, the ones the Consu used to decapitate enemies in combat, hovered on either side of me, at just about head level. I managed not to completely lose it. â€Å"Yes, well,† the Consu said, and I heard something like disappointment in its voice. â€Å"There's nothing particularly special about you, is there? Physically. Is there something special about you mentally?† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"I'm just me.† â€Å"We're all just ourselves,† the Consu said, and folded itself back into its self, much to my relief. â€Å"That is axiomatic. What is it about you that makes hundreds of Obin allow themselves to die to get to me, is what I am asking.† I felt sick again. â€Å"You said that hundreds of Obin died to bring you to me?† â€Å"Oh, yes,† the Consu said. â€Å"Your pets surrounded my ship with their own and tried to board it. The ship killed everyone that tried. They remained persistent and finally I became curious. I allowed one to board the ship and it told me that you had demanded the Obin convince the Consu to help you. I wanted to see for myself what sort of creature could so casually demand this, and could cause the Obin to fulfill it at such a cost to themselves.† It looked at me again curiously. â€Å"You appear upset,† it said. â€Å"I'm thinking about the Obin who died,† I said. â€Å"They did what you asked of them,† the Consu said, with a bored tone. â€Å"You didn't have to kill so many of them,† I said. â€Å"Your pets didn't have to offer up so many to sacrifice,† said the Consu. â€Å"And yet they did. You seem stupid so I will explain this to you. Your pets, to the extent that they can think, did this intelligently. The Consu will not speak to the Obin for their own behalf. We answered their questions long ago and it does not interest us to speak further on the subject.† â€Å"But you spoke to the Obin,† I said. â€Å"I am dying,† the Consu said. â€Å"I am on† – and here the Consu made a noise that sounded like a tractor falling down a hill – â€Å"the death journey that Consu prepared to move forward are permitted if in this life they have proven worthy. Consu on this journey may do as they please, including speaking to proscribed creatures, and may if asked appropriately grant a final boon. Your pets have spied on the Consu for decades – we were aware of this but did nothing about it – and knew the route of the death journey and knew the ceremonial ships those on the journey travel in. Your pets understood this was the only way they could talk to us. And your pets knew what it would require to interest me or any Consu enough to hear them. You should have known this when you made your demand.† â€Å"I didn't,† I said. â€Å"Then you are foolish, human,† the Consu said. â€Å"If I were inclined to feel sorry for the Obin, I would do so because they had wasted their effort and diverted me from my journey on the behalf of someone so ignorant of the cost. But I do not feel sorry for them. They at least knew the cost, and willingly paid it. Now. You will either tell me how you demand I help you, or I will go and your pets' deaths will have truly been for nothing.† â€Å"I need help to save my colony,† I said, and forced myself to focus. â€Å"My friends and family are there and are under threat of attack. It is a small colony and not able to defend itself. The Colonial Union will not help us. The Obin are not allowed to help us. The Consu have technology that could help us. I ask for your help.† â€Å"You said ‘ask,'† the Consu said. â€Å"Your pets said ‘demand.'† â€Å"I demanded help from the Obin because I knew I could,† I said. â€Å"I am asking you.† â€Å"I do not care about your colony or you,† the Consu said. â€Å"You just said that as part of your death journey you can grant a boon,† I said. â€Å"This could be it.† â€Å"It may be that my boon was to the Obin, in speaking to you,† the Consu said. I blinked at this. â€Å"How would it be a boon to them just to speak to me if you won't at least think of helping me?† I said. â€Å"Then it would be you who wasted their sacrifice and effort.† â€Å"That is my choice,† the Consu said. â€Å"The Obin understood that in making the sacrifice the answer might be ‘no.' This is another thing they understand that you don't.† â€Å"I know there is a lot I don't understand here,† I said. â€Å"I can see that. I'm sorry. But I still need help for my family and friends.† â€Å"How many family and friends?† the Consu said. â€Å"My colony has twenty-five hundred people,† I said. â€Å"A similar number of Obin died in order to bring me here,† the Consu said. â€Å"I didn't know that would happen,† I said. â€Å"I wouldn't have asked for that.† â€Å"Is that so?† the Consu said. It shifted its bulk and drew in toward me. I didn't back away. â€Å"I don't believe you, human. You are foolish and you are ignorant, that much is clear. Yet I cannot believe that even you did not understand what you were asking the Obin for when you asked them to come to us for your sake. You demanded help from the Obin because you could. And because you could you did not ask the cost. But you had to have known the cost would be high.† I didn't know what to say to that. The Consu drew back and seemed to regard me, like it might an amusing insect. â€Å"Your capriciousness and callousness with the Obin interests me,† it said. â€Å"And so does the fact that the Obin are willing to give of themselves for your whims despite your lack of care for them.† I said something I knew I was going to regret, but I couldn't help myself. The Consu was doing a really excellent job of pushing my buttons. â€Å"That's a funny thing coming from someone from the race that gave the Obin intelligence but no consciousness,† I said. â€Å"As long as we're talking about capriciousness and callousness.† â€Å"Ah. Yes, that's right,† the Consu said. â€Å"The Obin told me this. You're the child of the human who made the machines that let the Obin play at consciousness.† â€Å"They don't play at it,† I said. â€Å"They have it.† â€Å"And it is a terrible thing that they do,† the Consu said. â€Å"Consciousness is a tragedy. It leads the whole race away from perfection, causes it to fritter its efforts on individual and wasteful effort. Our lives as Consu are spent learning to free our race from the tyranny of self, to move beyond ourselves and in doing so move our race forward. It is why we help you lesser races along, so you may also free yourselves in time.† I bit my cheek at this bit. The Consu would sometimes come down to a human colony, wipe it and everyone in it off the face of their planet, and then wait for the Colonial Defense Forces to come and fight them. It was a game to the Consu, as far as any of us could see. To say that they were doing it for our benefit was perverse, to say the least. But I was here to ask for help, not debate morals. I had already been baited once. I didn't dare let it happen again. The Consu continued, oblivious to my personal struggles. â€Å"What you humans have done to the Obin makes a mockery of their potential,† it said. â€Å"We created the Obin to be the best among us all, the one race without consciousness, the one race free to pursue its destiny as a race from its first steps. The Obin were meant to be what we aspired to. To see them aspire to consciousness is to see a creature that can fly aspire to wallow in mud. Your father did the Obin no favors, human, in hobbling them with consciousness.† I stood there for a minute, amazed that this Consu would tell me, in seemingly casual conversation, things that the Obin had sacrificed half their number for so many years ago but were never allowed to hear. The Consu waited patiently for my response. â€Å"The Obin would disagree,† I said. â€Å"And so would I.† â€Å"Of course you would,† the Consu said. â€Å"Their love of their consciousness is what makes them willing to do the ridiculous for you. That and the fact that they choose to honor you for something that your father did, even though you had no hand in it. This blindness and honor is convenient to you. It is what you use to get them to do what you want. You don't prize their consciousness for what it gives them. You prize it for what it allows you to do to them.† â€Å"That's not true,† I said. â€Å"Indeed,† said the Consu, and I could hear the mocking tone in its voice. It shifted its weight again. â€Å"Very well, human. You have asked me to help you. Perhaps I will. I can provide you with a boon, one the Consu may not refuse. But this boon is not free. It comes with a cost attached.† â€Å"What cost?† I said. â€Å"I want to be entertained first,† the Consu said. â€Å"So I offer you this bargain. You have among you several hundred Obin. Select one hundred of them in any way you choose. I will ask the Consu to send one hundred of our own – convicts, sinners, and others who have strayed from the path and would be willing to attempt redemption. We will set them at each other, to the death. â€Å"In the end, one side will have a victory. If it is yours, then I will help you. If it is mine, I will not. And then, having been sufficiently amused, I will be on my way, to continue my death journey. I will call to the Consu now. Let us say that in eight of your hours we will start this entertainment. I trust that will be enough time for you to prepare your pets.† â€Å"We will have no problem finding a hundred volunteers among the Obin,† Dock said to me. It and I were in the conference room General Gau had lent me. Hickory and Dickory stood outside the door to make sure we weren't disturbed. â€Å"I will have the volunteers ready for you within the hour.† â€Å"Why didn't you tell me how the Obin planned to get the Consu to me?† I asked. â€Å"The Consu here told me that hundreds of Obin died to get him here. Why didn't you warn me that would happen?† â€Å"I did not know how we would choose to try to get the Consu's attention,† Dock said. â€Å"I sent along your requirement, along with my own assent. I was not a participant in making the choice.† â€Å"But you knew this could happen,† I said. â€Å"As a member of the Council I know that we have had the Consu under observation, and that there had been plans to find ways to talk to them again,† Dock said. â€Å"I knew this was one of them.† â€Å"Why didn't you tell me?† I said. â€Å"I told you that attempting to speak to the Consu would come at a high cost,† Dock said. â€Å"This was the cost. At the time, the cost did not seem too high for you.† â€Å"I didn't know that it would mean that hundreds of Obin would die,† I said. â€Å"Or that they would just keep throwing themselves into a Consu firing line until the Consu got curious enough to stop. If I had known I would have asked you to try something else.† â€Å"Given what you required us to do and the time in which we had to do it, there was nothing else,† Dock said. It came to me and opened up its hands, like it was trying to make me see something important. â€Å"Please understand, Zoe. We had been planning to petition a Consu on its death journey for a long time now, and for our own reasons. It was one of the reasons we were able to fulfill your requirement at all. Everything was already in place.† â€Å"But it was my order that killed them,† I said. â€Å"It is not your fault that the Consu required their deaths,† Dock said. â€Å"The Obin who were part of the mission had already known what was required to get the attention of the Consu. They were already committed to this task. Your request changed only the timing and the purpose of their mission. But those who participated did so willingly, and understood the reason for doing it. It was their choice.† â€Å"They still did it because I didn't think about what I was asking,† I said. â€Å"They did it because you required our help,† Dock said. â€Å"They would have thought it an honor to do this for you. Just as those who will fight for you now will consider it an honor.† I looked at my hands, ashamed to look at Dock. â€Å"You said that you had already been planning to petition a Consu on its death journey,† I said. â€Å"What were you going to ask?† â€Å"For understanding,† Dock said. â€Å"To know why the Consu kept consciousness away from us. To know why they chose to punish us with its lack.† I looked up at that. â€Å"I know the answer,† I said, and told Dock what the Consu had told me about consciousness and why they chose not to give it to the Obin. â€Å"I don't know if that was the answer you were looking for,† I said. â€Å"But that's what this Consu told me.† Dock didn't say anything. I looked more closely at it, and I could see it was trembling. â€Å"Hey,† I said, and got up from my chair. â€Å"I didn't mean to upset you.† â€Å"I am not upset,† Dock said. â€Å"I am happy. You have given us answers to questions we have been asking since as long as our race has existed. Answers the Consu would not have given us themselves. Answers many of us would have given our lives for.† â€Å"Many of you did give your lives for them,† I said. â€Å"No,† Dock said. â€Å"They gave their lives to help you. There was no expectation of any compensation for the sacrifice. They did it because you required it. You did not have to give us anything in return. But you have given us this.† â€Å"You're welcome,† I said. I was getting embarrassed. â€Å"It's not a big thing. The Consu just told me. I just thought you should know.† â€Å"Consider, Zoe, that this thing that you just thought we should know was something that others would have seen as something to hold over us,† Dock said. â€Å"That they would have sold to us, or denied to us. You gave it freely.† â€Å"After I told you that I required your help and sent hundreds of Obin out to die,† I said, and sat back down. â€Å"Don't make me out to be a hero, Dock. It's not the way I feel right now.† â€Å"I am sorry, Zoe,† Dock said. â€Å"But if you will not be a hero, at least know that you are not a villain. You are our friend.† â€Å"Thank you, Dock,† I said. â€Å"That helps a little.† Dock nodded. â€Å"Now I must go to find the hundred volunteers you seek,† it said, â€Å"and to tell the Council what you have shared with me. Do not worry, Zoe. We will not disappoint you.† â€Å"This is what I have for you on short notice,† General Gau said. He swept an arm through the space station's immense cargo bay. â€Å"This part of the station is just newly constructed. We haven't actually used it for cargo yet. I think it'll suit your purposes.† I stared at the immensity of the space. â€Å"I think so,† I said. â€Å"Thank you, General.† â€Å"It's the least I could do,† General Gau said. â€Å"Considering how you've helped me just recently.† â€Å"Thank you for not holding the Consu invasion against me,† I said. â€Å"On the contrary, it's been a benefit,† Gau said. â€Å"It stopped the battle around the space station before it could get truly horrific. The traitor crews assumed I had called those ships for assistance. They surrendered before I could correct the impression. You helped me quash the rebellion before it could get started.† â€Å"You're welcome,† I said. â€Å"Thank you,† said Gau. â€Å"Now, of course, I would like them to go away. But it's my understanding that they're here to make sure we don't do anything foolish with our Consu guest while he's here. The ships are fighter drones, not even manned, but this is Consu technology. I don't imagine if they opened fire on us we'd stand much of a chance. So we have an enforced peace here at the moment. Since it works for me, not against me, I shouldn't complain.† â€Å"Have you found out any more about Nerbros Eser and what his plans are?† I asked. I didn't feel like thinking about the Consu anymore. â€Å"Yes,† Gau said. â€Å"Lernin has been quite forthcoming now that he's trying to avoid being executed for treason. It's been a wonderful motivator. He tells me that Eser plans to take Roanoke with a small force of soldiers. The idea there is to show that he can take with a hundred soldiers what I couldn't take with four hundred battle cruisers. But ‘take' is the wrong word for it, I'm afraid. Eser plans to destroy the colony and everyone in it.† â€Å"That was your plan too,† I reminded the general. He bobbed his head in what I assumed was an acknowledgment. â€Å"You know by now, I hope, that I would have much preferred not to have killed the colonists,† he said. â€Å"Eser does not intend to offer that option.† I skipped over that piece of data in my head. â€Å"When will he attack?† I asked. â€Å"Soon, I think,† Gau said. â€Å"Lernin doesn't think Eser has assembled his troops yet, but this failed assassination attempt is going to force him to move sooner than later.† â€Å"Great,† I said. â€Å"There's still time,† Gau said. â€Å"Don't give up hope yet, Zoe.† â€Å"I haven't,† I said. â€Å"But I've still got a lot on my mind.† â€Å"Have you found enough volunteers?† Gau asked. â€Å"We have,† I said, and my face tightened up as I said it. â€Å"What's wrong?† Gau said. â€Å"One of the volunteers,† I said, and stopped. I tried again. â€Å"One of the volunteers is an Obin named Dickory,† I said. â€Å"My friend and my bodyguard. When it volunteered I told it no. Demanded that it take back its offer. But it refused.† â€Å"Having it volunteer could be a powerful thing,† Gau said. â€Å"It probably encouraged others to step forward.† I nodded. â€Å"But Dickory is still my friend,† I said. â€Å"Still my family. Maybe it shouldn't make a difference but it does.† â€Å"Of course it makes a difference,† Gau said. â€Å"The reason you're here is to try to keep the people you love from being hurt.† â€Å"I'm asking people I don't know to sacrifice themselves for people I do,† I said. â€Å"That's why you're asking them to volunteer,† Gau said. â€Å"But it seems to me the reason they're volunteering is for you.† I nodded and looked out at the bay, and imagined the fight that was coming. â€Å"I have a proposition for you,† the Consu said to me. The two of us sat in the operations room of the cargo bay, ten meters above the floor of the bay. On the floor were two groups of beings. In the first group were the one hundred Obin who had volunteered to fight for me. In the other group were the one hundred Consu criminals, who would be forced to fight the Obin for a chance to regain their honor. The Consu looked scary big next to the Obin. The contest would be modified hand-to-hand combat: The Obin were allowed a combat knife, while the Consu, with their slashing arms, would fight bare-handed, if you called being able to wield two razor-sharp limbs attached to your own body â€Å"bare-handed.† I was getting very nervous about the Obin's chances. â€Å"A proposition,† the Consu repeated. I glanced over at the Consu, who in himself nearly filled the operations room. He'd been there when I had come up; I wasn't entirely sure how he'd gotten himself through the door. The two of us were there with Hickory and Dock and General Gau, who had taken it upon himself to act as the official arbiter for the contest. Dickory was on the floor. Getting ready to fight. â€Å"Are you interested in hearing it?† the Consu asked. â€Å"We're about to start,† I said. â€Å"It's about the contest,† the Consu said. â€Å"I have a way that you can get what you want without having the contest at all.† I closed my eyes. â€Å"Tell me,† I said. â€Å"I will help you keep your colony safe by providing you a piece of our technology,† the Consu said. â€Å"A machine that produces an energy field that robs projectiles of their momentum. A sapper field. It makes your bullets fall out of the air and sucks the power from missiles before they strike their targets. If you are clever your colony can use it to defeat those who attack it. This is what I am allowed and prepared to give to you.† â€Å"And what do you want in return?† I asked. â€Å"A simple demonstration,† the Consu said. It unfolded and pointed toward the Obin on the floor. â€Å"A demand from you was enough to cause hundreds of Obin to willingly sacrifice themselves for the mere purpose of getting my attention. This power you have interests me. I want to see it. Tell this one hundred to sacrifice themselves here and now, and I will give you what you need in order to save your colony.† â€Å"I can't do that,† I said. â€Å"It is not an issue of whether it is possible,† the Consu said. It leaned its bulk over and then addressed Dock. â€Å"Would the Obin here kill themselves if this human asked it?† â€Å"Without doubt,† Dock said. â€Å"They would not hesitate,† the Consu said. â€Å"No,† Dock said. The Consu turned back to me. â€Å"Then all you need to do is give the order.† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"Don't be stupid, human,† the Consu said. â€Å"You have been assured by me that I will assist you. You have been assured by this Obin that your pets here will gladly sacrifice themselves for your benefit, without delay or complaint. You will be assured of helping your family and friends survive imminent attack. And you have done it before. You thought nothing of sending hundred to their death to speak to me. It should not be a difficult decision now.† He waved again toward the floor. â€Å"Tell me honestly, human. Look at your pets, and then look at the Consu. Do you think your pets will be the ones left standing when this is over? Do you want to risk the safety of your friends and family on them? â€Å"I offer you an alternative. It carries no risk. It costs you nothing but your assent. Your pets will not object. They will be happy to do this for you. Simply say that you require this of them. That you demand it of them. And if it makes you feel any better, you can tell them to turn off their consciousness before they kill themselves. Then they will not fear their sacrifice. They will simply do it. They will do it for you. They will do it for what you are to them.† I considered what the Consu had said. I turned to Dock. â€Å"You have no doubt that those Obin would do this for me,† I said. â€Å"There is no doubt,† Dock said. â€Å"They are there to fight at your request, Zoe. They know they may die. They have already accepted that possibility, just as the Obin who sacrificed themselves to bring you this Consu knew what was required of them.† â€Å"And what about you,† I said to Hickory. â€Å"Your friend and partner is down there, Hickory. For ten years, at least, you've spent your life with Dickory. What do you say?† Hickory's trembling was so slight that I almost doubted that I saw it. â€Å"Dickory will do as you ask, Zoe,† Hickory said. â€Å"You should know this already.† It turned away after that. I looked at General Gau. â€Å"I have no advice to offer you,† he said. â€Å"But I am very interested to find out what you choose.† I closed my eyes and I thought of my family. Of John and Jane. Of Savitri, who traveled to a new world with us. I thought of Gretchen and Magdy and the future they could have together. I thought of Enzo and his family and everything that was taken from them. I thought of Roanoke, my home. And I knew what I had to do. I opened my eyes. â€Å"The choice is obvious,† the Consu said. I looked at the Consu and nodded. â€Å"I think you're right,† I said. â€Å"And I think I need to go down and tell them.† I walked to the door of the operations room. As I did, General Gau lightly took my arm. â€Å"Think about what you're doing, Zoe,† Gau said. â€Å"Your choice here matters.† I looked up at the general. â€Å"I know it does,† I said. â€Å"And it's my choice to make.† The general let go of my arm. â€Å"Do what you have to do,† he said. â€Å"Thank you,† I said. â€Å"I think I will.† I left the room and for the next minute tried very hard not to fall down the stairs as I walked down them. I'm happy to say I succeeded. But it was a close thing. I walked toward the group of Obin, who were milling about, some doing exercises, some talking quietly to another or to a small group. As I got closer I tried to locate Dickory and could not. There were too many Obin, and Dickory wasn't somewhere I could easily see him. Eventually the Obin noticed I was walking to them. They quieted and equally quietly formed ranks. I stood there in front of them for a few seconds, trying to see each of the Obin for itself, and not just one of a hundred. I opened my mouth to speak. Nothing would come. My mouth was so dry I could not make words. I closed my mouth, swallowed a couple of times, and tried again. â€Å"You know who I am,† I said. â€Å"I'm pretty sure about that. I only know one of you personally, and I'm sorry about that. I wish I could have known each of you, before you were asked†¦before I asked†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped. I was saying stupid things. It wasn't what I wanted to do. Not now. â€Å"Look,† I said. â€Å"I'm going to tell you some things, and I can't promise it's going to make any kind of sense. But I need to say them to you before†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I gestured at the cargo bay. â€Å"Before all of this.† The Obin all looked at me, whether politely or patiently, I can't say. â€Å"You know why you're here,† I said. â€Å"You're here to fight those Consu over there because I want to try to protect my family and friends on Roanoke. You were told that if you could beat the Consu, I would get the help I needed. But something's changed.† I pointed up to the operations room. â€Å"There's a Consu up there,† I said, â€Å"who tells me that he'll give me what I need to save Roanoke without having to have you fight, and risk losing. All I have to do is tell you to take those knives you were going to use on those Consu, and use them on yourselves. All I have to do is to tell you to kill yourselves. Everyone tells me you'll do it, because of what I am to you. â€Å"And they're right. I'm pretty sure about that, too. I'm certain that if I asked all of you to kill yourselves, you would do it. Because I am your Zoe. Because you've seen me all your lives in the recordings that Hickory and Dickory have made. Because I'm standing here in front of you now, asking you to do it. â€Å"I know you would do this for me. You would.† I stopped for a minute, tried to focus. And then I faced something I'd spent a long time avoiding. My own past. I raised my head again and looked directly at the Obin. â€Å"When I was five, I lived on a space station. Covell. I lived there with my father. One day while he was away from the station for a few days on business, the station was attacked. First by the Rraey. They attacked, and they came in and they rounded up all the people who lived on the station, and they began to kill us. I remember†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I closed my eyes again. â€Å"I remember husbands being taken from their wives and then shot in the halls where everyone could hear,† I said. â€Å"I remember parents begging the Rraey to spare their children. I remember being pushed behind a stranger when the woman who was watching me, the mother of a friend, was taken away. She tried to push away her daughter, too, but she held on to her mother and they were both taken away. If the Rraey had continued much longer, eventually they would have found me and killed me too.† I opened my eyes. â€Å"But then the Obin attacked the station, to take it from the Rraey, who weren't prepared for another fight. And when they cleared the station of the Rraey, they took those of us humans who were left and put us in a common area. I remember being there, with no one looking after me. My father was gone. My friend and her mother were dead. I was alone. â€Å"The space station was a science station, so the Obin looked through the research and they found my father's work. His work on consciousness. And they wanted him to work for them. So they came back to us in the common area and they called out my father's name. But he wasn't on the station. They called his name again and I answered. I said I was his daughter and that he would come for me soon. â€Å"I remember the Obin talking among themselves then, and then telling me to come away. And I remember saying no, because I didn't want to leave the other humans. And I remember what one of the Obin said to me then. It said, ‘You must come with us. You have been chosen, and you will be safe.' â€Å"And I remembered everything that had just happened. And I think even at five years old some part of me knew what would happen to the rest of the people at Covell. And here was the Obin, telling me I would be safe. Because I had been chosen. And I remember taking the Obin's hand, being led away and looking back at the humans who were left. And then they were gone. I never saw them again. â€Å"But I lived,† I said. â€Å"Not because of who I was; I was just this little girl. But because of what I was: the daughter of the man who could give you consciousness. It was the first time that what I was mattered more than who I was. But it wasn't the last.† I looked up at the operations room, trying to see if those in there were listening to me, and wondering what they were thinking. Wondering what Hickory was thinking. And General Gau. I turned back to the Obin. â€Å"What I am still matters more than who I am,† I said. â€Å"It matters more right now. Right this minute. Because of what I am, hundreds of you died to bring just one Consu to see me. Because of what I am, if I ask you to take those knives and plunge them into your bodies, you will do it. Because of what I am. Because of what I have been to you.† I shook my head and looked down at the ground. â€Å"All my life I have accepted that what I am matters,† I said. â€Å"That I had to work with it. Make accommodations for it. Sometimes I thought I could manipulate it, although I just found out the price for that belief. Sometimes I would even fight against it. But never once did I think that I could leave what I was behind. Because I remembered what it got me. How it saved me. I never even thought of giving it up.† I pointed up at the operations room. â€Å"There is a Consu in that operations room who wants me to kill you all, just to show him that I can. He wants me to do it to make a point to me, too – that when it comes down to it, I'm willing to sacrifice all of you to get what I want. Because when it comes down to it, you don't matter. You're just something I can use, a means to an end, a tool for another purpose. He wants me to kill you to rub my face in the fact I don't care. â€Å"And he's right.† I looked into the faces of the Obin. â€Å"I don't know any of you, except for one,† I said. â€Å"I won't remember what any of you look like in a few days, no matter what happens here. On the other hand all the people I love and care for I can see as soon as I close my eyes. Their faces are so clear to me. Like they are here with me. Because they are. I carry them inside me. Like you carry those you care for inside of you. â€Å"The Consu is right that it would be easy to ask you to sacrifice yourselves for me. To tell you to do it so I can save my family and my friends. He's right because I know you would do it without a second thought. You would be happy to do it because it would make me happy – because what I am matters to you. He knows that knowing this will make me feel less guilty for asking you. â€Å"And he's right again. He's right about me. I admit it. And I'm sorry.† I stopped again, and took another moment to pull myself together. I wiped my face. This was going to be the hard part. â€Å"The Consu is right,† I said. â€Å"But he doesn't know the one thing about me that matters right now. And that it is that I am tired of being what I am. I am tired of having been chosen. I don't want to be the one you sacrifice yourself for, because of whose daughter I am or because you accept that I can make demands of you. I don't want that from you. And I don't want you to die for me. â€Å"So forget it. Forget all of this. I release you of your obligation to me. Of any obligation to me. Thank you for volunteering, but you shouldn't have to fight for me. I shouldn't have asked. â€Å"You have already done so much for me. You have brought me here so I could deliver a message to General Gau. He's told me about the plans against Roanoke. It should be enough for us to defend ourselves. I can't ask you for anything else. I certainly can't ask you to fight these Consu and possibly die. I want you to live instead. â€Å"I am done being what I am. From now on I'm just who I am. And who I am is Zoe. Just Zoe. Someone who has no claim on you. Who doesn't require or demand anything from you. And who wants you to be able to make your own choices, not have them made for you. Especially not by me. â€Å"And that's all I have to say.† The Obin stood in front of me, silently, and after a minute I realized that I didn't really know why I was expecting a response. And then for a crazy moment I wondered if they actually even understood me. Hickory and Dickory spoke my language, and I just assumed all the other Obin would, too. That was a pretty arrogant assumption, I realized. So I sort of nodded and turned to go, back up to the operations room, where God only knew what I was going to say to that Consu. And then I heard singing. A single voice, from somewhere in the middle of the pack of Obin. It took up the first words of â€Å"Delhi Morning.† And though that was the part I always sang, I had no trouble recognizing the voice. It was Dickory. I turned and faced the Obin just as a second voice took up the counterpoint, and then another voice came in, and another and another, and soon all one hundred of the Obin were singing, creating a version of the song that was so unlike any I had heard before, so magnificent, that all I could do was stand there and soak in it, let it wash around me, and let it move through me. It was one of those moments that you just can't describe. So I won't try anymore. But I can say I was impressed. These Obin would have known of â€Å"Delhi Morning† for only a few weeks. For them to not only know the song but to perform it flawlessly was nothing short of amazing. I had to get these guys for the next hootenanny. When it was done, all I could do was put my hands to my face and say â€Å"Thank you† to the Obin. And then Dickory came through the ranks to stand in front of me. â€Å"Hey, you,† I said to Dickory. â€Å"Zoe Boutin-Perry,† said Dickory. â€Å"I am Dickory.† I almost said, I know that, but Dickory kept speaking. â€Å"I have known you since you were a child,† it said. â€Å"I have watched you grow and learn and experience life, and through you have learned to experience life myself. I have always known what you are. I tell you truthfully that it is who you are that has mattered to me, and always has. â€Å"It is to you, Zoe Boutin-Perry, that I offer to fight for your family and for Roanoke. I do this not because you have demanded it or required it but because I care for you, and always have. You would honor me if you would accept my assistance.† Dickory bowed, which was a very interesting thing on an Obin. Here was irony: This was the most I had heard Dickory say, ever, and I couldn't think of anything to say in return. So I just said, â€Å"Thank you, Dickory. I accept.† Dickory bowed again and returned to ranks. Another Obin stepped forward and stood before me. â€Å"I am Strike,† it said. â€Å"We have not met before. I have watched you grow through all that Hickory and Dickory have shared with all Obin. I too have always known what you are. What I have learned from you, however, comes from who you are. It is an honor to have met you. It will be an honor to fight for you, your family, and for Roanoke. I offer my assistance to you, Zoe Boutin-Perry, freely and without reservation.† Strike bowed. â€Å"Thank you, Strike,† I said. â€Å"I accept.† And then I impulsively hugged Strike. It actually squeaked in surprise. We unhugged, Strike bowed again, and then returned to ranks just as another Obin came forward. And another. And another. It took a long time to hear each greeting and offer of assistance, and to accept each offer. I can honestly say there was never time better spent. When it was done I stood in front of one hundred Obin again – this time, each a friend. And I bowed my head to them and wished them well, and told them I would see them after. Then I headed back toward the operations room. General Gau was at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for me. â€Å"I have a position for you on my staff, Zoe, if you ever want it,† he said. I laughed. â€Å"I just want to go home, General. Thank you all the same.† â€Å"Some other time, then,† Gau said. â€Å"Now I'm going to preside over this contest. I will be impartial when I'm observing it. But you should know that inside I'm rooting for the Obin. And that's something I never thought I would say.† â€Å"I do appreciate it,† I said, and headed up the stairs. Hickory met me at the door. â€Å"You did what I hoped you would do,† Hickory said. â€Å"I regret not volunteering myself.† â€Å"I don't,† I said, and hugged Hickory. Dock bowed to me; I nodded back. And then I approached the Consu. â€Å"You have my answer,† I said. â€Å"So I have,† the Consu said. â€Å"And it surprises me, human.† â€Å"Good,† I said. â€Å"And the name is Zoe. Zoe Boutin-Perry.† â€Å"Indeed,† the Consu said. He sounded amused at my cheekiness. â€Å"I will remember the name. And have others remember it as well. Although if your Obin do not win this contest, I do not imagine we will have to remember your name for long.† â€Å"You'll remember it for a long time,† I said. â€Å"Because my friends down there are about to clean your clock.† And they did. It wasn't even close.