Death and Dylan Thomas Essay -- Literary Analysis

Dylan Thomas, a famous 20th century poet from Wales once said that poetry is the rhythmic, inevitably narrative, movement from an over clothed blindness to a naked vision and that it must drag further into the clear nakedness of light (Dylan Marlais Thomas 189). Though his poetry, Thomas often sought to reveal aspects of intent that are often overlooked in order to reveal important truths about them. Like many an(prenominal) authors, his experiences influenced his writing and revealed many important themes such as the celebration of the divine purpose that he saw in all human and natural processes(Dylan Marlais Thomas 189). Growing up and living during the times of the bombings of capital of the United Kingdom and the massive stopping point tolls of world War II, Thomas poetry depicts a war torn society, which contributes to his themes dealing with death- the inevitability of death and the acceptance of death as part of the cycle of reputation. In Thomas poem Do Not Go Gentle In to that Good Night, a child urges his dying father to rabidity, rage against the dying of light(3). This poem acts as a reflection of Thomas own feelings towards the death of his own father from cancer. This poem reflects Thomas own angry against and rejoicing in both the limits and possibilities of all human forms as well as a vivid declaration of love and fear(Persoon 2). Although many spate wish for their relatives to die in peace, this son wishes his father to fight off the evilness of death and fight toward the light showing the paradoxical nature of the poem. For example, the speaker says dark is right(4), blinding sight(13), and curse, bless, me now(17). All of these phrases contribute to the paradoxical nature of the poem and reveal the overall sentiment that although deat... ... to mourn the death, by fire, of a child in London, and Ceremony After A Fire Raid, Dylan Thomas sought to describe the realities he faced such as death and shed light onto the acceptance of de ath as a part of the cycle of nature. His poems catch the imagination and the spirit and understanding of the people who endured the Depression and World War II and embody a fearlesssearch for reality and a limited hope in a world bereft of its traditionalistic theological certainties(Knepper 3838). In a world where many people fear death and the consequences that death presents, we must accept it as part of the cycle of nature and realize that we can try to fight death, but in the end, death is inevitable. Mankind must remember that human beings will die in many ways and places but in the end, their bodies will return to the elements and be scattered(Knepper 3839).

Components of Compensation paid to Employees Essay -- wages salary inc

A rigorous review of compensation and all its components Compensation is what is paid to an employee, whether in the form of wages, salary or incentives by the employer for a specific amount of time, skill and effort do available by the employee in fulfilling specific job requirements (Biesheuval, 1984). Compensation is important in shapings as it conveys information to an employee about their relative importance to the organisation and provides a scale to identify how untold recognition they are receiving for their contribution (Harley and Stephenson, 1992). Compensation shows employees how much they are appreciated and worth. The most important differentiating element between jobs is the effort involved in performing a job (Biesheuval, 1985). intentions of pay systems (Harzing and Van Ruysseveld, 1999)Objective How to achieve it.To attract employees Job salaryTo keep qualified employees Bonus or incentive to stay e.g. sharesTo stimulate effective performance Payment by res ultsTo teach employees new behaviours at work Multi-skill bonusTo compensate for inconvenient working conditions A separate allowance Monetary and non-monetary compensationCompensation is made up of many parts. Although money (extrinsic compensation) is the most recognised, other factors can be just as rewarding. Employee benefits are one type of non-monetary compensation and are mean to improve the quality of work life of an organisations labour force (Sherman and Bohlander, 1992). These benefits make up a significant portion of the wage bill. Although benefits were initially introduced as a bonus to employees, they have since come to be expected in the workplace (ibid). Employee input is integral in determining the type of non-monetary compensation that is the most desired (ibid). Benefits (Sherman and Bohlander, 1992) Medical aid funds including health and dental plans Pension funds where the employer also contributes a percentage. Employee assistance weapon s platforms where counselling and assistance are provided with day-to-day issues such as career planning and emotional trauma. Education assistance plans where the employer pays a portion towards further study. This often benefits the employer as the employee becomes more multi-skilled and efficient at their job. tiddler and elder care ... ...e companys overall strategy before determining the compensation structure. The way an organisation uses compensation can drive an organisation in specific directions (Noe et al, 2003). Therefore, great thought should go into deciding what type of compensation structure to use in terms of the whole organisations strategy and the chosen method should contribute to furthering the overall objectives of the organisation (Sherman and Bohlander, 1992). E.g., individual incentives will not fit into an organisation that wants to further a team-based approach to work (ibid). Compensation sends a message about what an organisation feels is imp ortant and the types of activities it encourages (Sherman and Bohlander, 1992). Compensation tailoring is an integral method of maintaining the budget (ibid). For this reason, many companies resort to retrenchments in economic downturns (Venter, 2003). An organisations compensation program determines the type of employees that it will attract as well as either increase or decrease the applicant pool (Sherman and Bohlander, 1992).2295Works CitedWork motivating and Compensation By Simon Biesheuvel Published 1984 McGraw-Hill ISBN0074507184

Say Yes by Tobias Wolff & Bread by Sandra Cisneros :: Race Relationships Love

Say Yes by Tobias WolffIf deuce people acknowledge each other regardless of any difference they may have, hence why are there lots of things to consider( paragraph 36)? Answer the question within the context of the story.According to the context, the lots of things to consider is referring to the track down, background by the maintain. In his opinion, beside whether love this person or not, race, ethics background is also a very important factor to consider whether they should marry or not. He stated that if two people are not from the same race, they are not in the same culture, they have different language. People from different race never know each other.Compare the husbands actions to his wifes reactions. Are these people understanding each other? If he had state yes, would their relationship have changed? If so, how?From the husbands action to his wifes reaction, they didnt understand each other much counterbalance though the husband was trying to show how considerate he is. But he failed to understand what his wife truly wants to hear and wants to see in the conversation on the upshot of whether white people should marry black people. In the husbands view he thinks that it was ridiculous to think this kind of question when his wife asked him whether he will marry her if she were black. He thinks that it will never happen. If it happened, his wife will be another person but not the same her anymore. In his views, as he never think that this two race should get marry, he will not allow himself to fall in love or even date a black girl. He is telling the truth and trying to explaining that to his wife. However he failed to realized that that was not what his wife wanted to hear. In fact from the context we can guessed for his wife, its not the greatest matter on whether white people should marry black people, what she matters is whether they love each other of not. For her, she thinks that if two people love each other, everything can be solved and r ace is not a big deal. She wants her husband to agree with this and showed that he will love her and marry her no matter what race she is. Bread by Sandra CisnerosThis story, in some ways, is about crossing borders.

Victor Frankenstein’s Obsession in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essay

The most prevalent theme in bloody shame Shelleys Frankenstein is that of obsession. Throughout the novel there are constant reminders of the struggles that Victor Frankenstein and his monster have endured. Many of their problems are brought upon by themselves by an obsessive drive for cognition, secrecy, fear, and last revenge.From the onset of Victors youth, his earliest memories are those of Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember (ch. 4) This is the first example of obsession that we see in the novel. This drive to learn the hidden laws of nature is the original driving force that sets the eyepatch in motion. Without this, Victor would have never embarked on his unholy quest to overcome mortality, thus leading to his creation of his monster. Dr. Victor Frankenstein feels uncontrollably compelled to create vitality in the lifeless body (Stormen t) this obsession with the creation of life alienated him from his loved ones. His impending marriage to Elizabeth was one aspect of his life that he sacrificed. In chapter 22, Elizabeth writes to him Tell me, dearest Victor. Answer me, I conjure you by our mutual happiness, with simple truth-- Do you not love another? Elizabeths concern approximately his faithfulness is based on his neglect of their relationship. He simply did not allow any other aspect of his life to impede his goal. Victor Frankenstein is finally successful in his endeavor to create life. This, however, does not stop the underlying theme of obsession. Shelleys shift from Victors never-ending quest for knowledge is replaced with an obsession of secrecy. I had worked har... ...his mental strength, taking its toll, leaving him incapacitated for months on end. The final compulsion to destroy his daemon takes him to the end of existence. Exhausted from his relentless pursuit, he dies without ever obtaining the clos ure that he was searching for. Victor Frankensteins life was destroyed because of an obsession with the power to create life where none had been before (Moring)Shelley leaves us pondering the question, when does obsession cross the line into insanity?Works CitedMoring, Patrick. Who is the Monster? California State University, Northridge. n.d.Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Storment, Suzanna. Frankenstein Commentary. Washington State University. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Page By Page Books. Read Classic Books Online, Free. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014.

Americas Segregation Essay -- essays research papers

America Segregation how has it been affecting the society of Americans for so long? Well jibe to American Apartheid there just hasnt been enough time for the 1960s civil rights laws to fake themselves out. How long will this take, and will it ever just work itself out? Why be there ghettos and how did they come about. Why are most ghettos in towns and cities in parts that are usually run overcome? Well if we can remember back in time when immigrants locomoteed to enter the United States the distinct cultures established in the same neighborhoods and communities. Why did they do this? Because they were almost people that made them comfortable they were around their cultures and communities that they were accustomed to. They were around a society that was their own. So how did minorities end up in the ghetto? I dont think they ever got out. When commerce was booming in the city most people lived in the city because thats where the action was. The jobs, schools, bakeries whateve r you needed was in the city. Back in the day when there was no cars or a form of transportation people had to walk or ride horses to where they were going and by being in a place that was condensed with all of these things it made it easy to live there.I think it was a case of a couple different ideas that all had an effect on minorities just now primarily I think that the major ingredient was that the elites of the community prevented minorities for exiting the poverty stricken lifestyles and here is how they did it. Education, transportation and mat out racism. These three factors play a major role in why there is segregation today in the U.S. lets start with transportation.I started with transportation because with transportation came elites moving out of the city to the suburbs. When this happened only people with some kind of money could afford a car to change to and from the city. These people were the ones who had good jobs and powerfulness. Mostly whites had cars at the time and few blacks. These elites moved from the city to establish communities of their own and I am pretty sure that minorities were not welcome. Without transportation minorities were forced to stay in the city and as the suburbs grew larger and larger jobs and commerce that at were one time in the city had at one time left for the booming suburbs. Business was better in the suburbs and mone... ...re afraid of educated minorities running the country or educating their children.Political power this will come with education. If you are educated and can get your part of the community to support you then you let a great shot of being elected. How do you maintain your power? You keep the people that supported you happy and you dont upset the other side to bad while you do it. Who doesnt want you to have to power anyone else who wants it and the ones that you are not giving the benefits too. For instance politician gives tax breaks to elites while struggling citizens still pay high t axes this is not good and destroys a community. I dont care if your white or black on this issue you will still have major problems.I remember that changes have been made and are being made to desegregate I do believe that there will always be a ghetto. forthwith cities and towns all have them and have to deal with the crime and poverty that comes along with them. I do believe that education will help these communities somehow but a little self-help in these communities is also needed. Lets face it some people like the ghetto and couldnt think of a better place to live.

Americas Segregation Essay -- essays research papers

America Segregation how has it been affecting the society of Americans for so long? Well according to American Apartheid there provided hasnt been enough time for the 1960s civil rights laws to work themselves out. How long will this take, and will it ever just work itself out? Why ar there ghettos and how did they come about. Why ar most ghettos in towns and cities in parts that are usually run down? Well if we can telephone back in time when immigrants started to enter the United States the different cultures established in the same neighborhoods and communities. Why did they do this? Because they were around people that made them satisfactory they were around their cultures and communities that they were accustomed to. They were around a society that was their own. So how did minorities end up in the ghetto? I dont think they ever got out. When barter was booming in the city most people lived in the city because thats where the action was. The jobs, schools, bakeries whatev er you needed was in the city. Back in the solar day when there was no cars or a form of impartation people had to walk or ride horses to where they were going and by being in a place that was condensed with all of these things it made it easy to live there.I think it was a case of a couple different ideas that all had an effect on minorities but primarily I think that the major ingredient was that the elites of the community prevented minorities for exiting the poverty stricken lifestyles and here is how they did it. Education, transportation and flat out racism. These three factors repair a major role in why there is segregation today in the U.S. lets start with transportation.I started with transportation because with transportation came elites moving out of the city to the suburbs. When this happened only people with some kind of money could afford a car to commute to and from the city. These people were the ones who had good jobs and power. more often than not whites had ca rs at the time and few blacks. These elites moved from the city to establish communities of their own and I am pretty sure that minorities were not welcome. Without transportation minorities were forced to preventative in the city and as the suburbs grew larger and larger jobs and commerce that at were one time in the city had now left for the booming suburbs. avocation was better in the suburbs and mone... ...re afraid of educated minorities running the country or educating their children.Political power this will come with education. If you are educated and can go far your part of the community to support you then you slang a great shot of being elected. How do you maintain your power? You keep the people that back up you happy and you dont upset the other side to bad while you do it. Who doesnt want you to have to power anyone else who wants it and the ones that you are not giving the benefits too. For instance politician gives tax breaks to elites while struggling citizens still pay high taxes this is not good and destroys a community. I dont care if your white or black on this issue you will still have major problems.I believe that changes have been made and are being made to desegregate I do believe that there will always be a ghetto. Today cities and towns all have them and have to deal with the crime and poverty that comes along with them. I do believe that education will help these communities somehow but a little self-help in these communities is also needed. Lets face it some people like the ghetto and couldnt think of a better place to live.

Police: Racial Profiling in America

POLICE RACIAL PROFILING IN AMERICA Naomi D. Hopkins Stevens-Henager College APP 101 9 February 2013 Abstract This paper pull up stakes discuss the relationship between Fear and how it relates to Racial Profiling in law of nature Practices. We will also discuss and elaborate real life examples under which Racial Profiling has occurred and how it is scientifically defined. The communication between peace officers and ordinary every mean solar day citizens will also be examined. Police Racial Profiling in America The issue of Racial Profiling in America by our Police blackmail is an undeniable truth and tragedy.Steve Holbert and Lisa travel in their take for the color of Guilt & Innocence recount a story of a Caucasian wo human being who is threadd to walk alone with her new girl down dark unfamiliar San Francisco streets at night in the dark. Well call this woman Lisa. She had just exited a train car with her teen daughter and was walking down the dark streets unsure of her s urroundings when she noticed that a stranger man, whose features she couldnt make break, was following her and her daughter.Lisa had heard and seen reports about a young man in his mid-20s that was dark complected and had been robbing tourists. She felt her body tighten as she began breathing rapidly and she had quickened her pace pulling her daughter along without realizing it, until her daughter started pulling her in the opposite direction because she had dropped her thunder mugdy cane that she had gotten from the cable car employee earlier that evening. After her experience in the city, she began to question whether the irrational fear of monsters conjured up in the mind of a four year old was so different from the monsters in the closet we perceive as adults, the only difference cosmos that the monsters we see as adults assume a face and the face is of those who are different or those whose skin color is darker than our own. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004). This begs the questi on, Did she fear this man because it was night measure and she couldnt see him and was unsure of her surroundings?Or was it because the man following her reminded her of that minority man who had been on the news who was robbing tourists? This brings to mind another paraphrase I found while writing this paper Rather, racial profiling is more about our human response to an instinctual and primitive fear buried enigmatical in each one of us. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004) On the subject of Fear and Racism, Im led to another quote in the book used primarily for my research on this very subject as it relates to American Law Enforcement practices. When we ponder the concept of fear in the comfort of a classroom, almost all would agree that to fear a person because of skin color, religious affiliation, or appearance is irrational. In the phobic sense, this fear is xenophobia, the fear and/or hatred of foreigners or anything that is foreign. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004). I would even go so far as to say that contempt prior to investigation is in itself, a form or fear and intolerance. How can we judge a situation, let alone a person, accurately without all the facts?Do we assume we are Gods or Goddesses that are worthy to judge our fellow men or women? If so, what makes us so different, or dare I say, Superior to another? I am reminded of my own feelings, when as a small child I made the decision to say that all white people are racist. This relation in and of itself is in fact, a form or racial profiling. That is, I was judging a certain race of people, in this case, whites and assuming that I had gathered enough information to do so.This brings me to another quote out of my research, To understand the complexities of prejudice, racism, and racial profiling, we mustiness first explore the origin of fear and understand how it can dictate the way in which our body responds to outside stimuli long before we become consciously aware of the racial implications. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004). In fact, the discourse fear comes from the old English word for danger. When we, as human beings, experience fear our brains respond to perceived danger by using three perspicuous systems.The first is called Primal or Primitive fear system, and is found in most animals and mammals. This system responds first by alerting the body to any danger. This reply is automatic and triggers our fight or flight response. The second is triggered by the fight or flight response and is the minds Rational or analytical fear system. This system takes over in an effort to assess the potential drop danger and weighs options for survival or escape. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004). This system effectively plans possibilities we necessitate to consider to escape an immediate or future threat.The third system is called a persons Consciousness or Awareness, and acts as a mediator between Primal Fear and Rational Thought. This system will strike a balance between the minds emotion and r eason and will become the ultimate decision maker in the entire process. Now, lets examine some history on racial profiling that is really quite interesting. This thought brings me to another quote I pulled out of this book I used to research this topic/ Start with a healthy idea. judge it thoroughly, and use it with care.Put it in the hands of those who dont have the experience and training to apply it properly. Add a little discrimination and pressure, and turn up the heat for 20 years. What do you get? Racial Profiling. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004). In a nutshell, this is the story of Howard Teten, a former FBI Chief of research in the late 1950s who many criminologists credit with popularizing the concept of criminal profiling. A man who lived the best of both worlds, Mr. Teten studied psychology at the University of California at Berkeley while working crime scenes in San Leandro, California.Back in the 1950s, cops typically looked for clues at a crime scene to try to tie the crime to a grumpy suspect. Teten took this concept one step further by looking at the manner in which the criminal committed the crime in order to become a psychological profile. This profile ultimately helped officers identify a criminals personality traits and mental state and led to a classification of potential suspects who could have committed the crime. (Holbert S Rose, L 2004). This very method, which is called criminal profiling, has been widely distorted, especially when it comes to the United States War on Drugs. For example, it is assumed that if a person, specially a person belonging to a minority group (that is not white or Caucasian), is seen wearing gold jewelry that is large in size, a corn roll hair style, baggy clothes, and perhaps gold teeth, Law Enforcement Officials automatically assume that this individual is a drug courier, or an individual that smuggles drugs or money into or out of the country. It can be said that a persons appearance, jewelry, and trave l habits can be used as a basis for identifying and prosecuting those involved in the drug trade. The end result of these discriminatory attitudes is that these profiles do not demonstrate good science or offer level-headed approaches to productive Law Enforcement procedures. Now, lets examine the other side of the coin, as it were as it relates to basic race relations. When we all withdraw of a guard officer, we all have this stereotypical view that they are tough, intimidating, and very arrogant. In actuality, police officers have learned their very behavior and personality traits from the general public. roughly people, when contacted by a police officer, become irritated, hostile, overbearing, and even belligerent.So, in turn, officers have learned how to desensitize or become numb to their emotions and feelings. It wouldnt be a far cry to say that they have learned to behave as not human just so that they can get through their day without having to worry about what they sai d, was it rude, right or wrong, what the repercussions might be, and so on. So it is accurate to say that the general public ourselves, have contributed to the attitudes and behaviors of our own Police Force in America. What we dont hear about or realize often times is that when an officer goes on duty, he or she faces any subject of different variables.For example, having a gun pulled on them, being attacked, being shot, taken hostage, being kidnapped, and any number of other things that would threaten or endanger their lives all mortally or fatally. I will illustrate an example of what ought to be advertised when hiring police officers WANTED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Must be a loving worker, mediator, a fighter, a priest. Must be savvy to the criminal element however have an unblemished criminal background. Candidates should be compassionate yet distant. frighten yet gentle. Aggressive yet always in control. Daily risk of death.Low Pay. Must be willing to work all hours of th e day and night in hazardous and extreme conditions. The Faint of Heart need not apply. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004) WANTED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Must be a social worker, mediator, a fighter, a priest. Must be savvy to the criminal element yet have an unblemished criminal background. Candidates should be compassionate yet distant. Intimidating yet gentle. Aggressive yet always in control. Daily risk of death. Low Pay. Must be willing to work all hours of the day and night in hazardous and extreme conditions. The Faint of Heart need not apply. Holbert, S Rose, L 2004) Realizing these facts, we all ought to be a little gentler with the officer next time we are pulled over for speeding or contacted about a conflict resolution issue. Police Officers deserve respect, but they also do not have the right to demand respect, and it is the same with the rest of us. That being said, when we think of use of force by police officers, we all know the familiar image conjured up the Rodney King bea ting on March 3 1991. In case youre wondering, the case went to trial and all of the officers involved were NOT convicted. The result was the L.A. Riots of 1992. When we think of this case, we wonder, what could have gone so wrong in our justice system? The answer is not as clear as one might speculate. The tag of silence is as much to blame as ignorant and wrong attitudes are to blame. The Code of hush up also known as The Blue contend of Silence is based on the premise that an officer does not reveal negative information about a fellow police officer. (Holbert, S Rose, L 2004). I can recall an experience I had in California with an officer who responded to a call about me when I was homeless and sleeping in my vehicle.The officer responded alone, without backup, and contacted myself and two friends of mine. He falsely accused us of smoking weed, arrested my friend for a warrant she had, shined his flashlight deliberately in my face, and pulled his Taser on me when I reacted unf avorably to his bullying behavior. I then had to demand that he call his Watch Commander, or Supervisor out to the field to discuss what happened and what I precious done about his misconduct. I told the Watch Commander that I wanted an apology, both written and verbal, but to my dismay, he responded and told me, Im sorry maam I cannot do that.If I promise to talk to him about this incident, will you refrain from reporting it? I was appalled to say the least. I subsequent had to go through the channels to report this incident at the Police Department in person, but this is a prime real-life example of The Code of Silence in action. How many times has this happened to other citizens, but for whatever reason, they are too afraid or intimidated to report such misconduct. If we as a society wish our Police Force to be more accountable, we must take the action to make sure that happens. Otherwise, we are just birds preaching to a choir with deaf ears.The sad fact is that many Police D epartments still retain the right to police themselves on such issues of misconduct and use of force incidents. This is the main reason that the officers involved in the Rodney King beating of 1991 were cleared of guilt. First of all, to even file a complaint against a police officer, citizens must endure a lengthy and time consuming process that involves appearing in person at the police department, then weeding through the trouble and disincentive of even telling a department employee or filling out a report about the alleged incident, and sometimes are refused and intimidated out of that process.Second and most important, even after all that trouble has been endured by the complainant, little or nothing is ever done about the problem other than to relate it to the Internal Affairs Division of the police department and they in themselves have their own policies and procedures which may or may not include final revaluation by the Chief of Police and even then, the issue may not be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant. In conclusion, I have learned it is sometimes better to ignore arrogant and racist comments by officers unless I have the time to devote to a complaint and investigation process.Ill end with this quote from Martin Luther King, jr. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. (King Jr. , Martin Luther 1963) References Holbert, S Rose, L (2004) the color of GUILT & INNOCENCE RACIAL PROFILING AND POLICE PRACTICES IN AMERICA King Jr. , Martin Luther (1963) Letter from Birmingham cast away April 16, 1963 Retrieved from www. history1900sabout. com/od/martinlutherkingjr/a/mlkquotes. htm

A Recommendation to join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc

In the pursuant of the above subject, I am constitution this recommendation letter for Trevor Garrett. Currently I am a member of the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington DC, a fraternity that instills strict brotherhood and career teaching (www.mulamba.org). My acquaintance with Trevor dates back to a couple of years back in Webster University where we were taking our master degree in Human Resource ManagementMy interactions with him were at an donnish level where he emerged as a person of impressive communication and inter personal skills. He has over time been of exemplary academic standing enabling him to achieve above average grade points.Looking at your minimum requirements for membership into the Alpha Phi Fraternity Inc. leaves me convinced that Trevor in an example candidate for membership, and the fraternity stands to gain much from his strong character and personality. He in turn I believe will have an ample and a clear opportunity to develop his career and religio us ties.Trevor is of good character and of high moral and social standings, a fact I came to note in the many interactions during his master. His undergraduate course was taken from one of the few accredited universities in this nation and posses the level of academic background that your organization is looking for.It is my unbiased believe that armed with the above qualities and qualifications. Trevor posses the zeal and abilities to make an excellent member of your organization.In case of any questions or reservations please dont pause to call me.Yours SincerelyGeorge HigginsWork CitedAlpha Phi Alpha. Fraternity, Mulambda chapter, Chapter, Washington D.C, September 18, 2007 from http//www.mulamba.org/page.php?page-id=15887

Student: Finance and Foods Market

FI-516 WEEK 2 MINI CASE ASSIGNMENT Select a major industrial or commercial association based in the United States, and listed on one of the major stock exchanges in the United States. Each student should take aim a different participation. Avoid selecting an insurance company or a bank, as the financial ratios for these financial businesses are different. Write a 7 8 page double spaced reputation answering and demonstrating with calculations and financial data the following questions 1. What is the name of the company? What is the industry sector? * The company name is upstanding Foods Market Inc. Whole foods market, Inc. is the Food Retailers & Wholesalers industry. * The products include grocery, seafood, bakery, prepared foods, meat and poultry, dietary and nutritional supplements, vitamins, specialty (beer, wine and cheese) body care products, floral and household products and deary products. 2. What are the operating risks of the company? * Organic foods market has sev eral laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation and food labeling. * FDA, FTC, CPSC, USDA and EPA have set standards for the manufacture, packaging, and advertising of organic products. If failure to do these standards could result in the confiscation of marketing and sales licenses. 3. What is the financial risk of the company (the debt to total capitalization ratio)? Debt to total capitalization ratio = Debt / (Shareholders faithfulness + Debt) - 1,300,770 / 4,292,075 = 30. 31% 4. Does the company have any preferred stock? No, the Whole foods market, Inc. does not have any preferred stock. 5. What is the capital structure of the company? unawares term portion of Long Term Debt, Long Term Debt, Preferred Stock (if any), and market app assert f Common Stock issued and outstanding? * majuscule structure - bring Debt to Total Equity 0. 60 - Total Debt to Total Capital 0. 60 - Total Debt to Total Assets 0. 42 - Long-Term Debt to Equity 0. 58 - Long-Term Debt to Total Ca pital 0. 58 * The Whole foods market, Inc. does not have any short-term portion of long-term debt, and there is no preferred stock. long debt $17. 44 million * The Whole foods market, Inc. has 300,000 share authorized and $178. 89 million shares issued and outstanding at 2011. 6. What is the companys period actual Beta? - * The current actual Beta is 0. 66 7. What would the Beta of this company be if it had no Long Term Debt in its capital structure? (Apply the Hamada Formula. ) - BL= B1 1+(1-T) (D/E) - = 0. 66 / 1+(1-0. 35) (0. 43) - 0. 52 8. What is the companys current Marginal Tax Rate? - 35% 9. What is the salute of Debt, before and after taxes? The cost of debt before taxes is 6. 7%, and after taxes is 4. 5%. 10. What is the Cost of Preferred Stock (if any)? The Whole foods market, Inc. does not have any preferred stock. 11. What is the Cost of Equity? - Cost of Equity = (Dividends per share/current market value of stock)+Growth Rate of Dividends - = (0. 40 / $86. 47) + 0. 56% = 0. 01 12. What is the cash dividend yield on the Common Stock? The cash dividend yield on the common stock is 0. 56 (0. 60%) 13. What is the Weighted Average Cost of Capital of the company? The Weighted Average Cost of Capital is 7% 14. What is the Price Earnings Multiple of the company? - Current market value of stock / EPS - = $86. 47 / 2. 21 - = 39. 13 15. How has the companys stock been performing in the last 5 age?In May 2007, the price of common stock was $39. 74 per share, but it dropped to $8. 19 per share in 2009. Although after the recession of price drop, the price begins the raise up to $86. 47 per share now. 16. How would you assess the overall risk structure of the company in terms of its Operating Risks and Financial Risk (Debt to Capitalization Ratio)? Total debt/total equity 0. 0063 Total debt/total capital 0. 0063 17. Would you clothe in this company? Why? Or Why not? * Officially I would invest portion of my assets into the portfolio. Since the price has raise from the last two years in an even steady price.Even though they have two small period of cartridge clip that drop for about 15%. Overall the stock market seems to be passive about the movement of the behavior optimistically. Therefore be hold within the smaller beta that show less variable of the changes. I believe this could be a chance to be rich 18. The last page of your paper should be a Bibliography of the sources you used to prepare this paper. Bibliography * http//www. wikinvest. com/stock/Whole_Foods_Market_(WFM) * http//www. thestreet. com/quote/WFM/details/company-profile. html * http//yahoo. brand. edgar online. com/displayfilinginfo. spx? FilingID=8260392-165255- 169255&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=10959&ppu=%252fdefault. aspx%253fcik%253d865436 * http//www. investopedia. com/terms/d/debt-to-capitalratio. aspaxzz1v5caUyeq * http//www. marketwatch. com/ put/stock/wfm/profile * http//finance. yahoo. com/q? s=WFM&ql=1 * http//www. investopedia. com/terms/c/costof equity. aspaxzz1v5caUyeq * http//www. thestreet. com/quote/WFM/details/growth-rates. html * http//www. wikiwealth. com/wacc-analysiswfm * http//markets. ft. com/research/Markets/Tearsheets/Financials? s=WFMNSQ

Plain View/Open Fields Case Study Essay

In the case of the purse which was dropped by a shadowed who had been running from the police military officers, the plain view and the sluttish sketch doctrines were both applicable. According to the law, the Plain View Doctrine is applied when a police officer comes upon a contraband which is in plain view in any area where the social movement of said police officer is legal. In such a situation, the officer could legally seize the contraband on the spot without the need of a warrant and arrest its proprietor for illegally possessing the cognitive content. Only one judicial admission should be established that before seizing the object, said police officer should establish probable cause that the object is unquestionably contraband. Under such circumstances, the owner of the object in question is non protected by the Fourth Amendment (FindLaw, n.d.). On the other hand, according to the Open Fields Doctrine, the owner of an object situated out of portals where it could be plainly seen or accessible to anybody who is on foot, from inside any motor vehicle, or a low-flying aircraft, could not seek the privacy v character under the Fourth Amendment. This means that plain if a dwelling unit is protected by a fence, the fenced-in demonstrate is still considered an open handle if community can easily peep through cracks in the fence, or if the fence is low enough for people to buzz off a clear view of the ground inside without standing on their toes or on top of any object in order to have a clear line of sight. The shield against intrusion exercised by the owner such as a locked introduction is also taken into consideration. Open field include streets, sidewalks, bodies of water, outdoor fields, or even the cartilage of a fenced-in residential building if it is in plain view of people standing outside the fence (FindLaw, n.d.).The purse was dropped in a beat which was accessible to anybody at all times of the day, being a back alley where residen ts deposit their trash for the garbage collectors to pick up. In other words, the presence of any person in that area, including police officers, could not be considered unlawful. These circumstances made that particular alley an open field. The doctrine on open fields is in that respectfore applicable. In addition, when the purse was dropped, it sprung open and spilled most of its contents on the ground, including the cannabis sticks. In other words, the police officer now saw the marijuana sticks when he came back for the purse after failing to catch up with the escaping man because they were in plain view.Given that the place where the purse was dropped could be considered an open field and that the marijuana sticks were in plain view of the officer in a place where the presence of said officer is not unlawful, the open field doctrine as well as the doctrine of plain view could both be applied to the case of the dropped purse. This being the case, the marijuana sticks could the refore be legally seized and used as evince to justify the arrest of the owner of the purse. Had the purse stayed tightly closed when it was dropped and the marijuana sticks remained hidden from plain view, it could not have been the subject of a legal seizure proceeding.In the case of the two boys who were fighting inside a fenced-in residence, the two doctrines were again applicable. When the officers who failed to catch up with the doubt went back for the purse which was dropped on the alley, it was then that policeman Nelson heard the commotion inside a fenced-in yard. When he went near the fence of the nearest residence, he put up that he could easily see into the fenced-in ground of the house without having to stand on his toes or on top of any object. The fenced-in ground, therefore, fell under the open field doctrine because what was happening inside could easily be observed by anybody passing by the fence.Then, since Officer Nelson saw the violent incident involving two puerile boys, it became his duty, being a peace officer, to break up the fight and prevent further physical damage to the boys involved. He therefore felt duty-bound to disgrace the premises. The fact that the gate to the backyard was not locked proved that his incoming was not forced therefore he did not violate the Fourth Amendment. This is because an unlocked gate is an indication that the owner of the premises did not expect too much privacy by not restricting entry into an open field. In addition, no entry signs were not posted either on the fence or on the gate.In U.S. v. Thomas, supra, the court ruled that police officers who defered an apartment through an open gate were not violating the rights of the owners under the Fourth Amendment, noting that the open gate indicated that entering did not require permission from the owner or occupant of the apartment. It also pointed out that there was no other indication or warning that unauthorized entry was not allowed.All things considered, the court ruled that the gate only served as the incoming to the apartment and not as a means of preventing people from entering simply because it was open (as cited in State vs. Ramaekers, 1999). The circumstances which attended U.S. v. Thomas were like to the circumstances present in the case study There was a fence, and a gate, but the latter was not locked, and no do not enter signs were posted. The ruling in U.S. v. Thomas is therefore applicable to the case study when the police officers entered the fenced-in ground.The Open Field Doctrine, however, was applicable only as far as the breakup of the fight between the two boys was concerned. Since Officer Nelson did not yet see the baggies when he was outside the fence, it could not be applied to the baggies which contained the contraband. However, when he approached the door to the patio to call the guardians of the boys, he saw the baggies in plain view on top of the table near the door. At that point, the discov ery of the white substance fell under the doctrine of plain view. It was discovered by Officer Nelson inadvertently in a place where his presence was legitimate.It should be emphasized that Officer Nelsons presence in the area was to break up a fight which he had observed from the alley outside the fence of that residence. In addition, it was not necessary for the officer to establish probable cause that the white substance was contraband because the woman who came out of the house in response to his call immediately confirmed that the substance was indeed contraband. The seizure was therefore lawful under the Plain View Doctrine and the contraband should be admissible as evidence in court (Findlaw, n.d.).

Homelessness in the usa

Psychology Name College Homelessness in the USA There stock-still exist problem of statelessness in the United States long after the United States Housing Act of 1937 made it clear that the federal government would provide safe, congruous and affordable housing. It is non that the government has neglected the distressingest people in the country. The United States Quality of Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 reveals that the federal government has critical role to play in ensuring that every citizen is housed. This is a show that there be other factors contributing to the set abouting problem of theatrelessness.In every American city, iodin is likely to find homeless families living in abandoned buildings, cars, shelters among other places. This paper looks at two biological factors and two well-disposed factors that may be related to becoming or being homeless. History on mental illness is one of the contributing factors to increase in homelessness. A majority o f the homeless persons experience mental problems as a result of traumatic circumstances that dominate their lives (The United States Conference of Mayors, 2008). The illness takes different forms and mainly affects the functioning of the mind.This makes it onerous for an individual to lead a normal life as it becomes hard to perform day-to-day duties. In addition, relatives or close friends lots avoid associating with the mentally ill pushing them to the streets. Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness affecting homeless individuals. According to the National Institute of Health (201 1), round twenty-five per cent of the mentally ill population comes from the homeless population. This is a high figure that is attributed to the stressful concomitants characterized by the depression.Individuals in such situations have a egative outlook towards life and ar constantly struggling to make things work out. A person without a home feels lost and has a general mo o self-esteem. In addition, such a person has no interest in previous activities that were considered fun and would most likely keep to themselves. The isolation and loneliness often leads to depression for persons living in a homeless community. Moreover, situations that result in depression can result trom actual homelessness or can occur atter the going ot a home (Marcuse, 1988).Another form of mental illness that has relations with becoming or eing homeless is schizophrenia. However, unlike depression, schizophrenia has biological and genetic components. This means that it does not result from external features like harmful environment or homelessness. The mental condition is devastating as it affects the how one perceives reality. This makes it difficult for one to handle the daily activities. Therefore, it is the condition that makes an individual become homeless. Individuals suffering from schizophrenia display two categories of symptoms.The first category of symptoms is ref erred to as positive symptoms. They re in form of delusions and hallucinations and cannot be seen on healthy individuals. For instance, hallucinations take the form of smell, sounds, and sights felt only by the affected persons. On the other hand, delusions are consistent false beliefs regardless of whether they are true or not. The second category is that of negative symptoms which are evidently seen in the life of a healthy individual but are not considered schizophrenic. Some of the common symptoms are displeasure in life or activities.It to a fault includes the tendency to stay lonely and avoiding interaction with ther persons. This category also has symptoms relating to cognitive ability whereby an individual is unable to remember information Just received. This includes reduced capability of making informed decisions and solving problems (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011). The symptoms are a cause of distress to individuals who find it difficult to handle even the sim plest tasks. This makes it hard for the affected individuals to build lasting relationships and develop careers.In turn, it becomes difficult to maintain a home consequently leading to homelessness. There are many social factors that may lead to becoming or being homeless. Two of the most prominent social factors are poverty and social abuse. Poverty can be as a result of lack of material resources and the unfavorable market condition for housing. This affects the poor who can barely afford to rent a decent house. Most of the homeless are poor and are not well educated to furbish up well-paying Jobs. Therefore, they are less skilled and survive on the wages whose returns have been on the decline (Quigley Raphael & Smolensky, 2001).The rising share of income spent on housing osts is intolerable for the majority of the poor. It has become nearly impossible to own or rent a housing unit. This is the reason why most metropolitan areas have proceed to experience an increase in homeles s families living within the cities. Measures such as availability of shelter beds in certain cities and regulations that criminalize homelessness have not been successful in bringing families and individuals out of the street. Social abuse is another factor that determines if an individual will become homeless.The most common forms of abuse are physical and exual abuse in childhood. The experience is traumatizing and may lead to major problems such as inability to adjust in all stages of life. There is also increased likelihood of experiencing stress, inability to build lasting relationships, and make good decisions. Furthermore, persons coming from an abusive background are likely to have low self-esteem, which worsens their situation as they become prone to health complications such as going into a depression and substance abuse (Richardson and Bacon, 2003).Children are worse affected compared to adults when t comes to physical and sexual abuse. In addition, children who witness constant abandon are also likely to develop negative ettects that lead to homelessness. T atmosphere of violence becomes a part of their lifestyle as they become used to the incidences. Such exposure makes them develop less fear to otherwise dangerous experiences. This is what has enabled most of the children who grow in the street to get used to the harsh conditions. They tolerate the violence and later become perpetrators of the same.

Notes on Appeasement

Slide 2 calming Appeasement characterises British Foreign Policy for altogether 20th Century e. g. modifying of treaty of Versailles. Appeasement now associated with weakness (dirty word) but in 1900s was seen as honourable. CATO guilty men published by left wing journalists analysed why appeasement failed, the guilty men were seen as moral cowards people supported this until the opening of the National Archives. WHO you are trying to appease is the problem. Doomed to fail from the latch on? Trying to appease the unappeasable?Slide 4 Anglo German Act of revenge on part of previous warfare against Ethiopia Inferiority complex oft fourth dimensions shown by Italy as it had no Empire League put economic sanctions but did not shut the Suez Canal- showing they did not want to provoke Italy and Britain wants Italy as eachy against Hitler Therefore there is a need for Appeasement, Britain and France were put to shame, angered Mussolini and therefore joins Hitler in taking over Aust ria. Diplomatic allegiance that threatens Britains security collect to disarmament. (Japan, Italy and Germany)Collective security completely discredited League plays no role at all in any of succeeding crises everyone for themselves. Slide 5 Re- Occupation of Rhineland Hitler sees solid ground is distracted and takes the opportunity and invades Rhineland and re arms it. Gamble by Hitler Army was not sent in just a few infantry. Britain wants him to get international with it. Public opinion Pacifist against war v no interest in foreign affairs This was last chance to stop Hitler. Slide 6 Spanish Civil War Representative of ideological struggle in Europe as whole Communists and socialists vs.Fascists and right wing. Britain and France Appease once again EST OF NON INTERVENTION charge BUT DOES NOTHING BRITAIN BEGINS TO FEAR AERIAL BOMBARDMENT Slide 7 Guernica STRIKE FEAR INTO BRITONS AND BEGIN TO RE ARM TO SECURE SAFETY OF capital of the United Kingdom (PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL CIRCLES) STANLEY BALDWIN NO DEFENCE AGAINST THE BOMBER. MORAL PANIC. REFER TO GUERNICA IN STATISTICAL ANALYSIS. EXPECTED DEATHS CAUSED EVEN MORE PANIC Slide 8 The Anschluss HITLER BREACHES VERSAILLE AGAIN FELT THAT THERE WAS LITTLE BRITAIN AND FRANCE COULD DO, SO APPEASED AGAIN Slide 10- CzechoslovakiaWanted to take back land that was originally German But part of little entente, so makes a seperatist movement e. g. propaganda against each other Slide 13 Appeasement If you dont negotiate with Hitler? What do you do? League of Nations a busted flush Any collective security via Empire? Empire a source of weakness, give commitments and responsibilities but not necessarily the strength to deal with those responsibility? Possibility of an alliance clay against Germany? potential of a front against Hitler, Poland hates Russia and Vice Versa and czechs, not easy to form.Likliehood of provoking a war becomes increasingly more apparent Slide 14 defense team Weaknesses Red. Britains defences 1934 penny drops, DRC formed beca white plague thought that world is no longer a peaceful place. Specifically look at defence requirements 15yrs of cuts left britain with very minute army, air force not good, navy only thing that was useful. Not useful on mainland Europe. Slide 15 Defence Weaknesses cont. Fear of German barrage was rife, need a strong air force. Even though not consistent but still at heart. 1938 rearmament really begins to take placeRAF slower than bombers they compulsory to intercept. Needed a modern defensive. 1935 1939 Britain manages to create a modern air defence system, RAF more effective now. Makes Appeasement seem logical Slide 16 Economic weakness Economic Consequences of going into war, just emerging out of Great depression dont want involvement in war for 2nd time in 20 yrs. Munitions are now very expensive, cost of rearmament begins to bite 40% of total govt expenditure- treasury had to borrow money, weakens the pound. Could Br itain plunge back into depression? Appeasement looks like a good idea nowSlide17 European commitments Britain has too many commitments but not enough power to keep to them. External threats to the empire are possible so do not want to exhaust all resources on Germany. Internal threats within the Empire are also rife. All hostile to any European entanglements. Specific memory of disastorious consequences of involvement in Gallipole (Austrailia and New Zealand) Slide 18 Absence of consort No real allies within Europe in 1930s Retreatment of USA legal neutral and isolate Soviet Union? Communism worse than Nazism.Fundamentally unreliable change in govt every 6 months. (politically unstable) shocked by consequences of ww1 not willing to go out on a limb against Hitler. Slide 19 Domestic computer science Students of Oxford Union vote that they will NOT serve King and Country. Score points for more outrageous form _or_ system of government score of political debate within UNI wh atsoever evidence of pacifism but not as strong as people believe. Housing led to socialists being elected and nearly unseating current Mayor. Chamberlain confident(p) public not enthusiastic about War. In order to win war impetus for appeasement.Slide 21- failure of appeasement Lebensraum key German policy goes way beyond re taking german territory. Wants to create a german empire. Apeasement led to demand for more territory on behalf of Hitler? Kristallnacht Horrified people, persecution of Judaic people of Germany made them feel guilty of betraying Jewish people. Slovak nationalist Seperatism allowed Hitler to invade the remains of Czechoslovakia Slide 22- Abandonment of Hitler could not be trusted and was willing to use force when necessary 1st time in peace time introduction of limited conscription (more spending? Announces that Britain would give cast Iron gurantees to Poland etc. guarantees security. But all efforts too little too late. Chamberlain still believes that Hi tler would not have guts to risk a European war. Hitler expected a all of a sudden campaign. Slide 23 Franco Russian talks Spurred on by German Italian axis. Britains Lack of common sense. British Naval conservation goes to head of missionary post to be greeted by Soviets, wore medal for fighting against soviet union. Stalin has own agenda, wants russian troops in Poland, but neither can agree.

Gambino Cleaning Products Salesman System Specification Essay

A new system of calculating and reporting on cleaning products salesmen is to be designed and implemented. cleanup position products salesmen commission is based on a set of selective information which is the monthly sales of cleaning products sold by the salesmen.ObjectivesThe new system must* Be automated as far as possible, needing no thorough knowledge of spreadsheets, databases or any other software in order to operate it.* vex fitted controls to ensure precision and completeness of data input.* Take into account commission payments from monthly sales.* Print commission reports for individually of the salesmen, and a summary report showing centre paid to each salesman and overall total.* Include an option to delete commission records previous to a accustomed epoch so that the file does not accession for an indefinite period.The proposed new system can be shown in a direct 0 data flow diagram as followsA level 1 Data Flow Diagram of the proposed system is as followsUser f unctions1. The Commissioning Salesman in the Sales Department provide be responsible for go in all dilate of new cleaning products salesman and new products.2. An Accounts shop clerk go out suck in special responsibility for the commission system.3. The Accounts clerk will enter each month the sales of each product, giving quantity sold and gross sales value (i.e. quantity X cover price).4. Every 6 months, the Accounts clerk will produce the Commission reports for each cleaning products salesman. This will show the commission that has been earned in the previous 6 months. A payment is because recorded and a cheque issued to each cleaning products salesman to whom commission is due, together with the Commission statement showing sales details, and the statement from the Accounts system the total core due.Database specificationMenu structureThe many functions of the Commission System will be accessed by means of a front-end menu, which will have the following structure.The data modelThere are three main entities in this system related in the entity relationship diagram shown below.Because a many-to-many relationship cannot be utilize in a relational database, an additional entity named Salesman/ proceeds is introduced. The ERD can now be drawn as followsThe database for Gambino cleaning products salesman system specification will have the following tablestblSalesman (SalesmanID, Surname, FirstName)tblProduct (ProductID, ProductName, SalesTeam, Price)tblSalesman/Product (ProductID, SalesmanID, StandardCommission, BonusCommission)tblSales (Sales round, ProductID, Date, QuantitySold, GrossValue)NameTypeMeaningRangeWhere UsedtblSalesmanTableSalesman TabletblProductTableProduct TabletblSalesman/ProductTableSalesman/Product TabletblSalesTableSales TableSalesmanIDtext (5)Unique IDPrimary reveal in tblSalesmanForeign key in tblSalesman/ProductSurnameText (20)Salesmans SurnametblSalesmanFirstnameText (15)Salesmans first nametblSalesmanProductIDText (5)Unique pro duct codePrimary key in tblProductForeign key in tblSalesman/ProductProductNameText (40)Product titletblProductSalesTeamText (40)All salesman who sell a producttblProductPriceCurrencyProduct pricetblProductStandardCommissionNumberPercentage commission on each product sold1-10tblSalesman/ProductsBonusCommissionNumberBonus percentage commission on each products sold11-20tblSalesman/ProductsSalesNumberNumber1=Standard commission2=Bonus Commission1 or 2tblSalesQuantitySoldNumberNumber of products soldtblSalesGrossValueCurrencyData Dictionary remark SpecificationThree input forms will be required.frmProductsThis will be used to enter product details.frmSalesmanThis will be used to enter details of a salesman and all products on which they receive commission. The commission percentages for each product will be entered in a subform of the main form.Validation methodsThe Product ID will be selected from a drop-down argument of existing Product IDs. Once a Product ID is entered, the product name will be automatically displayed.frmTransactionThis form will be used to enter transactions.Validation methodsOnly valid dates will be accepted.The Product ID will be selected from a drop down list of existing Product IDs. Once a Product ID is entered, the product name will be automatically displayed.Selecting a radio button so that however a valid alternative can be selected will choose the transaction type.Process SpecificationCommission CalculationsTo calculate the commission for a given transaction, a query has to be performed to combine attributes from tblTransaction, tblProduct, tblProduct/Salesman and tblSalesman.The calculation of the commission is performed as followsIf TransactionType = 1 (i.e sales)ThenRate = StandardCommissionRateElseRate = BonusCommissionRateendifAmount = Rate * GrossValueThese processes will be carried out in qryCommission. This query will be the source of both the commission report and the summary report.MaintenanceEach year, transactions prior to a given date will be removed from tblTransactions. This prevents the transaction file from becoming too large and slowing down the system. The maintenance will be carried out as followsRun a Delete query to delete records from tblTransaction.Test PlanTests will be carried out using valid and invalid data and data at the extremes of acceptable values.

Electronic Health Record Essay

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a governing body of records that atomic number 18 electronically managed, providing longitudinal information of the patients health. The information is generated during unmatchable or more encounters with the patient. knowledge can be recorded and stored under several sections including demographics, encounters, interventions, treatments, immunizations, prescriptions, laboratory and imaging data, etc. The EHR is not alone a recording system, but also helps in clinical decision-making. It has several features incorporated much(prenominal) as providing reminders, precautionary measures to be taken, alerts, evidence-based information, tips in improving prognosis and the quality of care provided. An EHR system can voice inside one department of the enterprise, in the entire enterprise, or even between several enterprises within a nation or region. EHRs can be customized depending on the type of department requiring them and the map for its use (NIH NICRR, 2006 & Gurley, 2004).Advantages of the EHR system- Patient information can be stored for longer periods and would occupy lesser spot Patient information can be accessed from any point in the hospital and also from one hospital to another, if chooseed Patient information can be secured and confidentiality can be maintained (as a particular user would be accessing the system with a username/password, and would get information only about his/her patient) data can be updated from any of the user points Several features such as alerts, reminders, etc, which are very efficacious to the user can be enabled in an EHR system Built-in intelligence of the EHR would provide several benefits to the physicians such as providing evidence-based information, potential drug reactions, etc The quality of care can be improved The requirements and standards set by accreditation organizations, legislations and insurance companies can be more easily met using an EHR system Potential life- threatening situations and unwarranted drug reactions can be better prevented and managed using an EHR system The patient workflow can be effectively managed if an EHR system is present Communication between several structures of the healthcare organization can be improved (faster and more effective) Depending on the needs of the hospital, a customized EHR can be enabled Risk assessment, management processes and fracture identification can be better enabled using an EHR system (NIH NICRR, 2006 & Gurley, 2004).Disadvantages of the EHR system- Initiating and maintaining an EHR system may be very costly for the organization (however, the improvements in quality need to be considered) Training healthcare professionals in EHR use may be difficult (as it requires some amount of technical knowledge) Getting competent with the EHR system requires a sharp learning curve The EHR systems incorporated from one hospital may be contrastive from another, which may hamper the flow of information Lacks standard architecture and terminologies (effective interconnecting links need to be considered) provide members may find it difficult to adopt to the clinical changes brought about through incorporation of an EHR system retard systems may affect the workflow Risk of the system being hacked and data misused (certain standards should be compiled with and protocols need to be followed) (NIH NICRR, 2006 & Gurley, 2004).

Sub Prime Crisis

imeContent Page Sub prime quantity crisis http// commiting. about. com/od/mortgages/a/mortgagecrisis. htm http//www. lewrockwell. com/rozeff/rozeff203. html http//www. slidesh atomic number 18. net/satanic/subprime-crisis-pre moveation-785636 http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Causes_of_the_2007%E2%80%932012_global_financial_crisis http//www. investopedia. com/articles/economics/09/lehman-brothers-collapse. asp http//ezinearticles. com/? Merrill-Lynch-and-the-Subprime-Mortgage-Market&id=1600761 http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=kb6g3S4scy4 http// capitalmorning. com/2008/09/22/ deferred payment- c arlessness-swaps-2/ ttp//money. cnn. com/2008/09/16/news/companies/aig_questions/index. htm http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Credit_rating_agencies_and_the_subprime_crisis Discuss the cause of the Sub-Prime crisis and the parties responsible for causing such(prenominal) a crisis. there were different multiform factors that whitethorn experience contri entirelyed to the Sub-prime crisis during 20 08-2009. They were easily associated with the enthronization banks and g everyplacenment sponsored enterp plagiarise, such as Fannie Mae, on how to behave dealt with their liquidity issues and Subprime mortgage loans that got them back-fired.One of the largest contributors to the expansion of the high-risk-loans was Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. When majority of the banks first started off with low commendation cheer and easy conditions loans, stead was look outn as an appreciating asset. Banks offered adjustable- swan-mortgage (ARMs) and Subprime loans to all kind of people with good or bad impute scrapes as they wanted higher taxation when they re betray the bund take subprime mortgages called the Collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and Mortgages-backed securities (MBS) to the other Investors around the lay downing.The subprime crisis had shaken blue Rock bank so badly that they had a hard time seeking help to contain the business going. The British banks Lloyds TSB group Plc had bought over HBOS Plc whom is the largest mortgage loans lenders. Bradford & Bingley took control over by UK establishment firearm their branches were taken over by Spains Santander. Germany struggled to save Hypo Real Estate while Nomura Holdings Inc was cosmos bought over by Lehmans franchise in many countries such as Europe, Asia Pac, Japan and Australia.The Crisis ca apply shockwaves and sent panic to the other neighbouring countries causing shares to drop sharply over a short period of time. commercialized Banks, investment banks, investors and people suffered great losses resulting in certain foreclosure or even bankruptcy. Large derive of loan was in like manner taken from hedge pedigrees to instigate banks that are falling apart. When banks fell from its actor glory, tons of people lost their jobs and banks became more cautions when traffic with any loans to business, properties or even to other banks.Traditionally, banks would go deep into analysing every single loan applicant, from their credit scores, to their employment details, net disposable income and even to represent their ability to pay off their mortgage loans before financing the applicant with sufficient funds to purchase their desirable property. Thorough checks had to be done before granting them with the loans as some of the applicants that came forward may have high probabilities of defaulting their loan or would leave for other competitions for loan which would eventually cause a property d averturn in the market.These methods were often the safest choice but banks were restricted to their growth. The traditional methods were concisely discarded by the newer generations. Hence, the newer generation were willing to take higher risk loans for higher revenues. Assuming that expenditures for property continue to appreciate, they would be enjoying higher profits thus willingly offered larger amount of loans at low interest pass judgment to the borrowers. Before subprime mortgage was implemented, prime mortgages were sell to banks investors which they would bundle them up as CDOs and sell it to outside investors after(prenominal) securitising it.Securitization became a demand as it provides the opportunity for rating agencies to rate, or in a nonher words to repackage or beautify those poor credit score investment assets from the collateral pool into AAA grade credit score investment assets. Investors whom are not well versed with these bundled subprime mortgages called the CDO were exposed to high risk investment unknowingly as they assumed that what they were handling was a group of people who have good credit scores.As banks at wallstreets began to greed, mortgage underwriting standards de-proved during this period where the banks failed in these 3 sectors Failure to examine if the borrowers is able to repay the amount, implemented automated loan approval (which allows users to get done even without proper documentations) and fabricat ing information or shammer by some(prenominal) banks and applicants. This simply showed how devious and irresponsible the banks were when they try to gain huge profits through the loopholes of the poor standard mortgage underwritings over a short period of time.Studies showed that the difference between chemical formula prime mortgage interests declined greatly comparing to subprime mortgages as Subprime mortgages offer better returns than the normal prime mortgages. The rise of the property increase greatly until the subprime mortgages began to default after re give of the first two years, Federal interest rate rose and adjusted. Subprime loaners soon encounter difficulties in refinancing their houses due to ARMs, which eventually led to foreclosure after a a few(prenominal) warning letters.As the bank investors included Subprime mortgages, which are defaulted, in the CDOs they are dealing to the outside investors. The outside investors soon suffer losses as the CDOs became wor thless over a short period of time and U. S propertys legal injurys dipped as more foreclosure occurred. Economy was affected as few of these U. S. banks such as e. g. Peter Lehman which was refused by the Federal government to be bail out possess Stearns, an investment bank, which was acquired by J. P. Morgan Chase lost US$1. billion Washington Mutual was closed by the US Government their assets was bought over by J. P Morgan Chase. With reference to President Obama speech on his take on banks Too big to fail, The American people who are already struggling in their own right were forced to rescue financial firms facing crisis largely of their own creation. The actual substance of such is that the levy payers have become the safety net of the financial institutions which went into crisis and the tax payers are paying off their debt on behalf of them.President Obama in like manner states that banks should not use tax payers money to heap for profit or abuse the funds coming fro m the tax payers as subsidy for investment. It is unfair to those tax payers as it will cause conflict of interest between the banks and the customers. President Obama besides said that the Americans have to cut down on their luxuries to help in this crisis. The parties that are responsible for the crisis are, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers Investment Bank, Merrill Lynch & Co and AIG. Bear Stearns used to be a conservative firm and see conservation as a defensive move.Eventually, they are discovered of risking the hedge funds for higher turn-over which they miscalculated investment funds huge amount (without setting aside a sum for event risk) in CDOs and insuring Credit default swaps (CDS) obligates in a short period of time and the cash back was too slow for them to have a turnover in time of crisis which brought them to their failure. To put it in a simpler way, they purchase CDOs that are deemed to be rated AAA by rating firms, sells them to investing banks (usually in bundles and at the cheaper rates) and then again sells them to investors.This allows the bank to at large(p) itself from the principles and interests they are getting for the borrowers gaining lump sum from the investors, called Mortgage backed securities. The CDS bonds works with 3 parties which are the CDS buyer, the bond issuer and the CDS seller. Assuming that if bond defaults when the CDS issuer is unable to pay back the principle and the interests at the maturity date, the CDS buyer may pay a certain amount of interest to the CDS seller (for instances, Bear Stearns) to purchase a CDS as an insurance for the invested amount.Therefore, if the bond issuer is unable to pay up, the CDS buyer that made his purchase of CDS with the CDS seller will be compensated by the CDS Seller. This strategy is known as the absolute return strategy, if everything flows smoothly and economic continues to boom, which was not the case. Problem began to arise when the subprime mortgages didnt work out and pr operty cheer dipped tremendously. When the property price dipped, Bear Stearns managers realised that they do not have sufficient funds to protect the losses.Its a domino effect when public was enlightened of Bear Stearns crisis. They started selling the bonds at lower price to fund their losses and more bonds are sold when they realise that the losses increase exponentially causing the price of the subprime bonds to drop tremendously and eventually led to the down fall of Bear Stearns. Soon after the hastiness of Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers filed the largest amount of debt throughout the history, debt of $619 Billion dollars. As the U.S government refuses to bail them out, Lehman Brother, one of the few largest banks in U. S. faces their downfall and sent 25,000 Americans jobless. This tremor caused by Bear Stearns directly result in the decreasing value of CDOs prices day by day. CDS bond causes banks to fail as more and more defaults are happening. Subsequently, it led to the bank liquidity issues and went into a credit crunch while being unable to sell their CDOs to sufficiently assist the losses they face.Lehmans stocks plunged as investors pull out on them and their liquidity pool depletes. Lehman then tries to sell their firm to prevent further losses but potential partners turned them down as such, led to their bankruptcy. Right after the downfall of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers Investment Bank, Merrill Lynch & Co followed up, facing the crisis as they are into generating commissions, subprime loans, CDOs and such which are similar with what Bear Stearns and Lehman brother dealt with.On top with what they are dealing with, they took an extra travel guidebook by providing loans to investors for the purchase of their bundle of CDOs right after they have been securitized. Some of the CDOs are even brought over from nonbank institutions and sent for a much risky asset backed securitization (ABS), before providing more loans to the investors for th e purchase of the bond. This was also the reason why Merrill Lynch was able to survive as they are the most aggressive when dealing with subprime market.Merrill was the investment banks that even out the highest amount of loans to any nonbanks as long as they sell the mortgages to Merrill eventually. Before Merrill falls, they genuinely tried to get Bear Stearns to pay them back the $850 million from the hedge funds which Bear loans hoping to make a turn over. However, the hedge funds collapsed and started the economic crisis. It was when Lehman brothers was still struggling, the government refuses to bail them out but instead requested The Bank of America to buy over Merrill Lynch as they see them both a potential assistance to the subprime crisis.Merging Merrill Lynch and Bank of American, it made them the ninth largest corporation in the world and presently called the Bank of American Merrill Lynch. American International Group Inc (AIG) was the largest insurance gild that gre w aggressively in U. S. The problems arise when AIG started to lose money in the investment they dealt with like CDOs, CDS, Pool of subprime mortgages and pool of Alt-A mortgages. Without a discredit they were earning a huge amount of premium incomes from their invested products, they came crashing when the prices of the properties falls.Increasing rate of foreclosure and amount of the loan pools it had see to it cannot be leveraged and realize that their company do not have enough money for pay-outs. The Securities and Exchange Commission also found out that AIG had got low integrity as they slip-uped from the main relief cerement to the off balance sheet to cover up the problem. There werent transparency as the company tries to move or shift the amount that was supposed to be shown on the main balance sheet to the written off balance sheet, abusing the loopholes of the off balance sheet to beautify the main ones.They suffered the largest amount of losses when the rating firm s such as ensample & Poors, Moodys Investors Service and Fitch Ratings Inc lower the companys rating. AIG was already on the edge of bankruptcy when all the counterparties started to demand for their cash which they do not have. AIG was greedy and irresponsible and failed to assure that there was enough fund to pay-out all the insured parties. The U. S Government cannot let AIG fall as they are one of the largest insurance company, if they were to declare bankrupt, U.S will fall into a financial crisis and the insurance regulator will have to take over the firm and compensate the insured and it would create a tighter credit market for consumers and businesses trying to get loans. Thus, the U. S government cannot allow the sparing to go down any further, they will have to use the tax payers money as a safety net to bail AIG out. Credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poors (S&P) have been reprimanded as they are also one of the crucial groups of people that contributed to the su bprime crisis.They handled complex securities such as the MBS and CDO which are from the loaners with bad credit scores and rated them highly so it could be sold to the investors. The underrated MBS and CDOs that the investors purchase caused them to suffer great losses. It comes hand in hand, as without the rating agencies doing, the bank would not be able to resell the CDOs and MBS. It was ridiculous as a subprime loaner with a bad credit score can be securitized and rated as AAA ratings. It was also said that part of the revenue that the banks got from selling the CDOs and MBS are shared to the agencies.Competitions happened between different rating agencies as all of the wants to enjoy the high influx of revenue which eventually caused the rating standard to drop tremendously due to the conflict of interests. A source from (from where) also states that due to the low standardization in the ratings from the agencies, the AAA CDOs and MBS that went through securitizations doubled the amount as it used to be. As rating the CDOs and MBS is the rating agencies job, they are not held responsible for the compensations to the investors as ratings, was only a particle of advice from them to make references to.TO sum it up, investment banks was unable to rectify the illusion of how property value would climb endlessly thus causing a domino effect that ultimately caused their downfall. When there is rise, there will continuously be a fall. As the bank did not foresee such circumstances affecting the prices of property, therefore continued with the high-risk-loans to everyone and anyone that applies for a grant to purchase a property. It all falls into place when rating agencies started enceinte their rating standard to compete with their competitions due to favouritism of their own interests.

Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story Chapter 22

Chapter 22A motion to the Queen of the DamnedIt only took five minutes to convince the police that Tommy had been at work only night and had conceiven no consistence. Simon had d iodin most of the talking. Tommy was so shocked to see his discussion in the cops hand that he couldnt find the answers to even so the simplest questions. He was, however, able to convince the cop that his shocked state came from a eubstance having been order pop outside his apartment. Some time it paid to play on the I exactly fell away the exploitip truck from Indiana image.They hauled the turtles up the steps and set the crates on the bag in the kitchen area.Wheres the flyspeck woman? Simon submited, eyeing the spacious chest freezer.Probably still sleeping, Tommy said. Grab yourself a beer out of the fridge. Ill check on her.Tommy palmed open the bedroom door, then slipped through and closed it behind him. He theme, Ive got to keep Simon out of here. Hes way out to emergency Jody to b uy the farm up andThe bed was empty.Tommy ran to the bathroom and looked in the ad valorem tax, thinking that Jody aptitude acquire been caught in that respect at sunrise, save except for a rust ring, the tub was empty. He looked under the bed, found nothing exactly an nonagenarian sock, then tore open the closet door and pushed the hanging clothes aside. affright rose in his throat and came out in a scream of NoYou okeh in on that battery-acid? Simon said from the kitchen.Shes not hereSimon subject the door. You got a nice crib here, Flood. You inherit few m iodiney or whateverthing? Simon said. thus he spotted the travelic on Tommys face. Whats the matter?Shes not here.So, she plausibly went out early to conquer a doughnut or something.She stick outt go out during the day, Tommy said in the leadhand he realized what he was saying. I mean, she never goes out early.Dont sweat it. I imagination you were expiry to teach me to read. Lets drink some beers and read some fucking books, okay?No, I stool to go look for her. She could be out in the sunChill, Flood. Shes fine. The worst that could get hold is shes out with another guy. You might be a free man. Simon picked up a book from the stack by the bed. Lets read this one. Whats this one?Tommy wasnt listening. He was seeing Jodys burned body lying in a gutter somewhere. How could she let it happen? Didnt she check the almanac? He had to look for her. merely where? You notifyt search a city the size of San Francisco.Simon threw the book back on the stack and headed out of the bedroom, Okay then, Slick, Im out of here. Thanks for the beer.Okay, Tommy said. Then the idea of outlay the day alone, waiting, threw him into another wave of panic. No, Simon Wait. Well read.That one on the top of the stack, Simon said. Whats that one?Tommy picked it up. The lamia Lestat, by Anne Rice. I hear its good.Then grab a beer and lets get literate.Rivera, bleary-eyed and aspect as if he had slept in his suit, sit down at his desk look over his notes. No matter how he shuffled them, they didnt make sense, didnt show a pattern. The only link between the victims was the way they had died no motive. They wouldnt get the autopsy report for another xii hours, but there was no doubt that the same person had done the killings.Nick Cavuto came through the squad room door carrying a box of doughnuts and a copy of the San Francisco Examiner. They fucking named him. The Examiner is c onlying him the whiplash Killer. Once they name the killer, our problems double. You got anything?Rivera waved to the notes spread over his desk and shrugged. Im out of it, Nick. I cant even read my own writing. You go a look.Cavuto took a maple stick from the box and sat low-spirited crosswise from Rivera. He grabbed a handful of papers and began leafing through them, then stopped and flipped back. He looked up. You talked to this Flood kid this morning, right?Rivera was looking at the doughnuts. His stoma ch lurched at the thought of eating one. Yeah, he lives across the street from where we found the body. He works at the Marina Safeway was working at the time of the murder.Cavuto raised an eyebrow. The kid was staying at the motel where we found the old lady.Youre kidding.Cavuto held out the notes for Rivera to read. List of guests. A uniform talked to the kid, said he was at work, but no one confirmed it.Rivera looked up apologetically. I cant believe I missed that. The kid was a little squirrelly when I talked to him. His friend did most of the talking.Cavuto gathered up the papers. Go home. Shower and sleep. Ill call the manager of the Safeway and make authentic the kid was working at the time of the murders. Well go there tonight and talk to the kid.Okay, then lets ask him how hes getting the blood out of the bodies.Tommy had spent two hours trying to explain the difference between vowels and consonants to Simon before he gave up and sent the cowboy home to wax his truck an d watch Sesame Street. peradventure Simon wasnt meant to read. Maybe he was meant to be all instinct and no in severaliseigence. In a way, Tommy admired him. Simon didnt worry, he took things at face value as they happened. Simon was uniform the strong, free and easy Cassady to Tommys introspective, overanalytical Kerouac. Maybe he would model Simon in his story of the little girl growing up in the South. The story he would be working on if he werent worrying virtually Jody.He sat all day on the couch, reading The Vampire Lestat until he couldnt concentrate anymore, then he paced the apartment, checking his watch and railing to Peary, who listened patiently from the freezer.You know, Peary, its unmannerly of her not to leave me a note. I dont entertain any idea what she does while Im at work. She could be having a dozen affairs and I wouldnt even know.He checked the almanac eight times for the time the sun would set.I know, I know, until I met Jody, nothing really ever happene d to me. Thats why I came here, right? Okay, Im being unfair, but maybe Id be better off with a normal woman. Jody in effect(p) doesnt understand that Im not the likes of other guys. That Im special. Im a writer. I cant handle stress as hale as other guys I take it personal.Tommy heated up a frozen dinner and left wing the freezer lid open so Peary could hear him better.I have to look to the future, you know. When Im a famed writer Im going to have to go on book tours. She cant go with me. What can I say, No, Im sorry, but I cant go. If I go away my wife will starve to death?He paced around the turtles, who were try in their crates. One of them raised his spiny head and considered Tommy.I know how you guys feel. Just waiting for soul to eat you. You think I dont know how that feels?When he could no hugeer look them in the eye, he carried the turtles into the bathroom, then returned to the living room and move to get through a few more chapters of The Vampire Lestat.This is wrong, he said to Peary. It says that vampires dont have sex after they are turned. Of course it only talks about male vampires. What if shes been faking? You know, she could be frigid except for when she drinks my blood.He was working himself into a frenzy of sexual hazard something that felt familiar and almost comfortable when the phone rang. He yanked it off the cradle.Hello.A womans voice, surprised but trying to not to show it, said, Hello. Id like to speak to Jody, please.Shes not here, Tommy said. Shes at work, he added quickly.I called her at work and they said she left her job over a month ago.Uh, she has a new job. I dont know the number.Well, whoever you are, the woman said, losing the pretense of politeness, would you propound her that she still has a mother. And tell her that it is common courtesy to tell your mother when you change your phone number. And tell her that I need to know what she is going to do for the holidays.Ill tell her, Tommy said.Are you t he stockbroker? What was it Kurt?No, Im Tommy.Well, its only two weeks until Christmas, Tommy, so if youre still around, well be meeting.Ill look forward to it, Tommy said. Like I look forward to a root canal, he thought.Jodys mom hung up. Tommy put down the phone and checked his watch. Only an hour to sunset. Shes alive, he said to Peary, Im sure of it. If she survived her mother, she can survive anything.She heard steam cannonball along through pipes, rats scurrying in shredded paper, the spinnerets of spiders weaving webs, the footsteps of a heavy man, and the padding and panting of dogs. She opened her eyes and looked around. She was on her back on the basement floor, alone. Cardboard boxes were scattered about the room. Moonlight and sounds of social movement spilled through the broken window.She got up and stepped up on a crate to look out the window. She was met by a yap and a snort and the growling countenance of a bug-eyed dog with a pan strapped to his head.Ack She wiped the slime from her cheek.The Emperor fell to his knees and reached through the window. Oh goodness, are you all right, dear?Yes, Im fine. Im fine.Are you injured? Shall I call the police?No, thank you. Could you give me a hand? She would have leaped through the window, but it wasnt a good idea in front of the Emperor. She took his hand and let him pull her through the window.Once on her feet in the alley, she dusted off her jeans. Bummer had fallen into a yapping fit. The Emperor picked up the little dog and stuffed him into his oversized cover pocket.I must apologize for Bummers behavior. Theres no excuse for it, really, but he is a victim of inbreeding. beingness royalty myself, I make allowances. If its any consolation, it was only on Bummers insistence that we ventured down this alley and found you.Well, thanks, Jody said. I dont know exactly what happened.Check your valuables, dear. Youve obviously been accosted by some neer-do-well. Perhaps we should find you some medical a ttention.No, Im just a little shaken up. I just need to get home.Then please allow me and my men to escort you to your door.No, thats okay. My loft is just at the end of the alley.The Emperor held up his finger to caution her. Please, my dear. Safety first.Jody shrugged. Well, all right. Thanks. Bummer was squirming and snorting inside the Emperors buttoned pocket like well, like a pocketful of dog. Can he breathe in there?Bummer will be fine. Hes just a bit overexcited since weve gone to war. His first time in the field, you know.Jody eyed the Emperors cruelly pointed wooden sword. How goes the date?I believe we are closing in on the forces of evil. The fiend will be vanquished and triumph will soon be ours.Thats nice, Jody said. When Tommy heard her coming up the stairs he threw his book across the room, ran to the loft door, and yanked it open. Jody was standing on the landing.Hi, she said.Tommy was torn between taking her in his arms and pushing her down the steps. He just s tood there. Hi, he said.Jody kissed him on the cheek and walked passed him into the loft. Tommy stood there, trying to figure out how to react. Are you okay? Once he was sure she wasnt hurt, hed tear into her for staying out all day.She fell onto the futon like a sweetheart of rags. I had a really bad night.Where were you?I was in a basement, about half a block from here. I would have called, but I was dead.Thats not funny. I was worried. They found a body out front last night.I know, I saw the cops all over the place outside, just before dawn. Thats why I couldnt get back.The cops had my copy of On the Road in an evidence bag. I think Im in trouble.Was your name in it?No, but obviously my fingerprints were all over it. How did it get there?The vampire put it there, Tommy.How did he get it? It was here in the loft.I dont know. Hes trying to freak us out. Hes leaving the bodies near us so the police will connect us to the killings. He doesnt have to leave bodies at all, Tommy. Hes k illing these people in a way that leaves evidence.What do you mean, he doesnt have to leave bodies at all?Tommy, come here. Sit down. I have to tell you something.I dont like the tone of your voice. This is bad news, isnt it? This is the big letdown, isnt it? You were with another guy last night.Sit down and shut up, please.Tommy sat and she told him. Told him about the killing, about the body turning to dust, and about being dragged into the basement.When she had finished, Tommy sat for a moment looking at her, then moved away from her on the futon. You took the guys money?It take careed wrong to throw it away.And killing him didnt seem wrong?No, it didnt. I cant explain it. It felt like I was supposed to.If you were hungry you should have told me. I dont mind, really.It wasnt like that, Tommy. Look, I dont know how to file this emotionally, I mean. I dont feel like I killed someone. The point Im trying to make is that the body crumbled to dust. There was no body. The people th e vampire is killing arent dying from his bite. Hes shift their necks before they die. Hes doing all this on purpose to scare me. Im afraid he might hurt you to get at me. Ive suspected it for a long time, but I didnt want to say anything to you. If you want to leave, Ill understand.I didnt say anything about leaving. I dont know what to do. How would you feel if I told you I had killed someone?It would depend. This guy cherished to die. He was in pain. He was going to die anyway.Do you want me to leave?Of course not. But I need you to try and understand.I am trying. Thats all Ive been doing. Why do you think Ive been doing all these experiments? You act like this is easy for me. Ive been a mess all day worrying about you and youre in a basement a few steps away. What about that? Who dragged you into the basement?I dont know.Whoever it was saved your life. Was it the vampire?I said, I dont know.Tommy went across the room and pick up the paperback of The Vampire Lestat. This guy, L estat, he can tell when theres another vampire around. He can sense it. Cant you sense it?Right, and thats why we have a dead guy in the freezer. No, I cant sense it.Tommy held up the book. Theres a whole history of the vampire race in here. I think this Anne Rice knows a real vampire or something.Thats what you thought about Bram Stoker, too. And I spent an hour standing on a chair trying to turn into a bat.No, this is different. Lestat isnt evil, he likes humans. He only kills murderers that are without remorse. He knows when there are other vampires around. Lestat can fly.Jody jumped up and ripped the book out of his hand. And Anne Rice can write, Tommy, but Im not throwing that in your face.You dont have to get personal.Look, Tommy, maybe theres some truth in one of these books that youre reading, but how do we know which one? Huh? goose egg gave me a fucking owners manual when I got these fangs. Im doing the best that I can.Tommy looked away from her, then at his shoes. Youre right, Im sorry. Im at sea and Im a little scared. I dont know what Im doing either. Hell, Jody, you might have AIDS now, we dont know.I dont have AIDS. I know I dont.How do you know? Its not like we can send you down to the clinic to runnel you or anything.I know it, Tommy. I could feel it if I did. Except for sunlight and food, Im not even allergic to anything anymore. Hand lotions and soaps I couldnt get near before without breaking into a rash dont stir me. Ive done a few experiments of my own. My body wont let anything hurt me. Im safe. anyways Jody paused and grinned, waiting for him to ask.Besides what?He was wearing a condom.Tommy resumed staring at his shoes, said nothing, then looked up at her and laughed. Thats incredibly sick, Jody.She nodded and laughed.I love you, he said, moving to her and taking her in his arms.Me too, she said, hugging him back.Thats really sick, you know that?Yep, she said. Tommy, I dont want to break this beautiful moment, but I have to take a shower. She kissed him and pushed him away gently, then headed into the bathroom.Uh, Jody, he called after her, I got a present for you in Chinatown today.Theres an explanation for this, she thought, standing in the bathroom, looking at the turtles. There is a perfectly good reason why there are two huge snapping turtles in my tub.Do you like them? Tommy was standing in the doorway behind her.These are for me, then? She tried to smile. She really did.Yeah, Simon helped me get them home. I didnt think I could carry them on the bus. Arent they great?Jody looked in the tub again. The turtles were trying to crawl on top of each other. Their claws screeched on the porcelain when they moved.I dont know what to say, Jody said.I thought that we could feed them fish and stuff, and youd have a blood supply right here at home. Besides me, I mean.She turned and regarded Tommy. Yes, he was serious. He was really serious. You haventTheir names are Scott and Zelda. Zelda is missing a toenail on h er back foot. Thats how you tell them apart. Do you like them? You seem a little reticent.A little, she thought. You couldnt have brought me flowers or jewelry, like most guys. You had to say it with reptiles. I dont suppose theres any chance that you saved the pass on?Tommys face avalanched into disappointment. You dont like them.No, theyre fine. But, I really wanted to take a shower. Im not sure I want to be naked in front of them.Oh, Tommy said, brightening. Ill take them into the living room.He pulled a pass over off the rod and began maneuvering over the tub, trying to get a drop on Zelda. You have to be careful they can take off a finger in those jaws.I see, Jody said. But she didnt see at all. The idea of biting one of the spiny creatures in the tub gave her an industrial-size case of the creeps.Tommy lunged and came up with Zelda, masked in swaddling clothes and snapping at his face. She hates being picked up. Zeldas claws tore at the towel and Tommys shirt as she assay to swim through midair. He set the turtle on her back on the bathroom floor and readied the towel to lunge into the tub for Scott. Lestat can call animals to him when hes hungry. Maybe you can train them.Stop it with the Lestat stuff, Tommy. Im not sucking turtles.He turned to her and slipped, falling into the tub. Scott snapped, barely missing Tommys arm, and latched on to the sleeve of his denim shirt. Im okay. Im okay. He didnt get me.Jody pulled him from the tub. Scott was still attached to his sleeve and was determined not to let go.Turtles hate heights. They dont even like being a few feet off the ground. Its the main reason they have resisted evolution for so long fear of heights. Turtle thinking goes thus Sure, first our scales turn into feathers and the next thing you know were quick and chirping and perching on trees. Weve seen it happen. Thanks, but were staying right here in the mud where we belong. Youre not going to see us flying full-tilt boogie into a sliding gla ss door.Scott was not letting go of the sleeve, not as long as Tommy was standing. Help me, Tommy said. Pry him off.Jody looked for a place on the turtle to grab reached out and pulled back several times. I dont want to touch him.The phone rang.Ill get it, Jody said, running out of the bathroom.Tommy dragged Scott to the doorway, tutelage his feet safely away from Zeldas jaws. I forgot to tell youHello, Jody said into the phone. Oh, hi, Mom.