The Host Chapter 36: Believed

The congregation relaxed, and a more enthusiastic murmur ran around the half circle. I looked at Jamie. He pursed his lips and shrugged. â€Å"Jeb's just trying to get things back to normal. It's been a bad couple of days. Burying Walter†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I winced. I saw that Jeb was grinning at Jared. After a moment of resistance, Jared sighed and rolled his eyes at the strange old man. He turned and strode quickly from the cave. â€Å"Jared got a new ball?† someone asked. â€Å"Cool,† Wes said beside me. â€Å"Playing games,† Trudy muttered, and shook her head. â€Å"If it eases the tension,† Lily responded quietly, shrugging. Their voices were low, close beside me, but I could also hear other, louder voices. â€Å"Easy on the ball this time,† Aaron said to Kyle. He stood over him, offering his hand. Kyle took the offered hand and got slowly to his feet. When he was standing, his head almost hit the hanging lanterns. â€Å"The last ball was weak,† Kyle said, grinning at the older man. â€Å"Structurally deficient.† â€Å"I nominate Andy for captain,† someone shouted. â€Å"I nominate Lily,† Wes called out, getting to his feet and stretching. â€Å"Andy and Lily.† â€Å"Yeah, Andy and Lily.† â€Å"I want Kyle,† Andy said quickly. â€Å"Then I get Ian,† Lily countered. â€Å"Jared.† â€Å"Brandt.† Jamie got to his feet and stood on his toes, trying to look tall. â€Å"Paige.† â€Å"Heidi.† â€Å"Aaron.† â€Å"Wes.† The roll call continued. Jamie glowed when Lily chose him before half the adults were taken. Even Maggie and Jeb were picked for teams. The numbers were even until Lucina came back with Jared, her two small boys bouncing in excitement. Jared had a shiny new soccer ball in his hand; he held it out, and Isaiah, the older child, jumped up and down trying to knock it from his hand. â€Å"Wanda?† Lily asked. I shook my head and pointed to my leg. â€Å"Right. Sorry.† I'm good at soccer, Mel grumbled. Well, I used to be. I can hardly walk, I reminded her. â€Å"I think I'll sit this one out,† Ian said. â€Å"No,† Wes complained. â€Å"They've got Kyle and Jared. We're dead without you.† â€Å"Play,† I told him. â€Å"I'll†¦ I'll keep score.† He looked at me, his lips pressed into a thin, rigid line. â€Å"I'm not really in the mood for playing a game.† â€Å"They need you.† He snorted. â€Å"C'mon, Ian,† Jamie urged. â€Å"I want to watch,† I said. â€Å"But it will be†¦ boring if one team has too much advantage.† â€Å"Wanda.† Ian sighed. â€Å"You really are the worst liar I've ever met.† But he got up and started stretching with Wes. Paige set up goalposts, four lanterns. I tried to get to my feet-I was right in the middle of the field. Nobody noticed me in the dim light. All around, the atmosphere was upbeat now, charged with anticipation. Jeb had been right. This was something they needed, odd as it seemed to me. I was able to get onto all fours, and then I pulled my good leg forward so I was kneeling on the bad. It hurt. I tried to hop up onto my good leg from there. My balance was all off, thanks to the awkward weight of my sore leg. Strong hands caught me before I could fall on my face. I looked up, a little rueful, to thank Ian. The words caught in my throat when I saw that it was Jared whose arms held me up. â€Å"You could have just asked for help,† he said conversationally. â€Å"I -† I cleared my throat. â€Å"I should have. I didn't want to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Call attention to yourself?† He said the words as if he were truly curious. There was no accusation in them. He helped me hobble toward the cave entrance. I shook my head once. â€Å"I didn't want to†¦ make anyone do anything, out of courtesy, that they didn't want to do.† That didn't explain it exactly right, but he seemed to understand my meaning. â€Å"I don't think Jamie or Ian would begrudge you a helping hand.† I glanced back at them over my shoulder. In the low light, neither had noticed I was gone yet. They were bouncing the ball off their heads, and laughing when Wes caught it in the face. â€Å"But they're having fun. I wouldn't want to interrupt that.† Jared examined my face. I realized I was smiling in affection. â€Å"You care about the kid quite a bit,† he said. â€Å"Yes.† He nodded. â€Å"And the man?† â€Å"Ian is†¦ Ian believes me. He watches over me. He can be so very kind†¦ for a human.† Almost like a soul, I'd wanted to say. But that wouldn't have sounded like the compliment it was to this audience. Jared snorted. â€Å"For a human. A more important distinction than I'd realized.† He lowered me to the lip of the entrance. It made a shallow bench that was more comfortable than the flat floor. â€Å"Thank you,† I told him. â€Å"Jeb did the right thing, you know.† â€Å"I don't agree with that.† Jared's tone was milder than his words. â€Å"Thank you also-for before. You didn't have to defend me.† â€Å"Every word was the truth.† I looked at the floor. â€Å"It's true that I would never do anything to hurt anyone here. Not on purpose. I'm sorry that I hurt you when I came here. And Jamie. So sorry.† He sat down right beside me, his face thoughtful. â€Å"Honestly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He hesitated. â€Å"The kid is better since you came. I'd sort of forgotten what his laugh sounded like.† We both listened to it now, echoing above the lower pitch of adult laughter. â€Å"Thank you for telling me that. It's been my†¦ biggest worry. I hoped I hadn't damaged anything permanently.† â€Å"Why?† I looked up at him, confused. â€Å"Why do you love him?† he asked, his voice still curious but not intense. I bit my lip. â€Å"You can tell me. I'm†¦ I've†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He couldn't find the words to explain. â€Å"You can tell me,† he repeated. I looked at my feet as I answered. â€Å"In part because Melanie does.† I didn't peek to see if the name made him flinch. â€Å"Remembering him the way she does†¦ that's a powerful thing. And then, when I met him in person†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I shrugged. â€Å"I can't not love him. It's part of my†¦ the very makeup of these cells to love him. I hadn't realized before how much influence a host had on me. Maybe it's just human bodies. Maybe it's just Melanie.† â€Å"She talks to you?† He kept his voice even, but I could hear the strain now. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"How often?† â€Å"When she wants to. When she's interested.† â€Å"How about today?† â€Å"Not much. She's†¦ kind of mad at me.† He barked out a surprised laugh. â€Å"She's mad? Why?† â€Å"Because of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Was there such a thing as double jeopardy here? â€Å"Nothing.† He heard the lie again and made the connection. â€Å"Oh. Kyle. She wanted him to fry.† He laughed again. â€Å"She would.† â€Å"She can be†¦ violent,† I agreed. I smiled, to soften the insult. It was no insult to him. â€Å"Really? How?† â€Å"She wants me to fight back. But I†¦ I can't do that. I'm not a fighter.† â€Å"I can see that.† He touched my battered face with one fingertip. â€Å"Sorry.† â€Å"No. Anyone would do the same. I know what you must have felt.† â€Å"You wouldn't -† â€Å"If I were human, I would. Besides, I wasn't thinking of that†¦ I was remembering the Seeker.† He stiffened. I smiled again, and he relaxed a little. â€Å"Mel wanted me to throttle her. She really hates that Seeker. And I can't†¦ find it in myself to blame her.† â€Å"She's still searching for you. Looks like she had to return the helicopter, at least.† I closed my eyes, clenched my fists, and concentrated on breathing for several seconds. â€Å"I didn't used to be afraid of her,† I whispered. â€Å"I don't know why she scares me so much now. Where is she?† â€Å"Don't worry. She was just up and down the highway yesterday. She won't find you.† I nodded, willing myself to believe. â€Å"Can you†¦ can you hear Mel now?† he murmured. I kept my eyes closed. â€Å"I'm†¦ aware of her. She's listening very hard.† â€Å"What's she thinking?† His voice was just a whisper. Here's your chance, I told her. What do you want to tell him? She was cautious, for once. The invitation unsettled her. Why? Why does he believe you now? I opened my eyes and found him staring at my face, holding his breath. â€Å"She wants to know what happened to make you†¦ different now. Why do you believe us?† He thought for a moment. â€Å"An†¦ accumulation of things. You were so†¦ kind to Walter. I've never seen anyone but Doc be that compassionate. And you saved Kyle's life, where most of us would have let him fall just to protect ourselves, intended murder aside. And then you're such an appalling liar.† He laughed once. â€Å"I kept trying to see these things as evidence of some grand plot. Maybe I'll wake up tomorrow and feel that way again.† Mel and I flinched. â€Å"But when they started attacking you today†¦ well, I snapped. I could see in them everything that shouldn't have been in me. I realized I already did believe, and that I was just being obstinate. Cruel. I think I've believed since†¦ well, a little bit since that first night when you put yourself in front of me to save me from Kyle.† He laughed as if he didn't think Kyle was dangerous. â€Å"But I'm better at lying than you are. I can even lie to myself.† â€Å"She hopes you won't change your mind. She's afraid you will.† He closed his eyes. â€Å"Mel.† My heart thudded faster in my chest. It was her joy that sped it, not mine. He must have guessed how I loved him. After his questions about Jamie, he must have seen that. â€Å"Tell her†¦ that won't happen.† â€Å"She hears you.† â€Å"How†¦ straightforward is the connection?† â€Å"She hears what I hear, sees what I see.† â€Å"Feels what you feel?† â€Å"Yes.† His nose wrinkled. He touched my face again, softly, a caress. â€Å"You don't know how sorry I am.† My skin felt hotter where he had touched it; it was a good heat, but his words burned hotter than his touch. Of course he was sorrier for hurting her. Of course. That shouldn't bother me. â€Å"C'mon, Jared! Let's go!† We looked up. Kyle was calling to Jared. He seemed utterly at ease, as if he had not been on trial for his life today. Maybe he'd known it would go his way. Maybe he was quick to get over anything. He didn't seem to notice me there beside Jared. I realized, for the first time, that others had. Jamie was watching us with a satisfied smile. This probably looked like a good thing to him. Was it? What do you mean? What does he see when he looks at us? His family, put back together? Isn't it? Sort of? With the one unwelcome addition. But better than it was yesterday. I guess†¦ I know, she admitted. I'm glad Jared knows I'm here†¦ but I still don't like him touching you. And I like it too much. My face tingled where Jared's fingers had brushed it. Sorry about that. I don't blame you. Or, at least, I know I shouldn't. Thanks. Jamie wasn't the only one watching. Jeb was curious, that little smile gathering up the corners of his beard. Sharon and Maggie watched with fire in their eyes. Their expressions were so much the same that the youthful skin and bright hair did nothing to make Sharon look younger than her grizzled mother. Ian was worried. His eyes were tight, and he seemed on the verge of coming to protect me again. To make sure Jared wasn't upsetting me. I smiled, to reassure him. He didn't smile back, but he took a deep breath. I don't think that's why he's worried, Mel said. â€Å"Are you listening to her now?† Jared was on his feet but still watching my face. His question distracted me before I could ask her what she meant. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"What's she saying?† â€Å"We're noticing what the others think of your†¦ change of heart.† I nodded toward Melanie's aunt and cousin. They turned their backs on me in synchronization. â€Å"Tough nuts,† he acknowledged. â€Å"Fine, then,† Kyle boomed, turning his body toward the ball that sat under the brightest spot of light. â€Å"We'll win it without you.† â€Å"I'm coming!† Jared threw one wistful glance at me-at us-and ran to get in on the game. I wasn't the best scorekeeper. It was too dark to see the ball from where I sat. It was too dark even to see the players well when they weren't right under the lights. I began counting from Jamie's reactions. His shout of victory when his team scored, his groan when the other team did. The groans outnumbered the shouts. Everyone played. Maggie was the goalie for Andy's team, and Jeb was the goalie for Lily's. They were both surprisingly good. I could see their silhouettes in the light from the goalpost lamps, moving as lithely as if they were decades younger. Jeb was not afraid to hit the floor to stop a goal, but Maggie was more effective without resorting to such extremes. She was like a magnet for the invisible ball. Every time Ian or Wes got off a shot†¦ thunk! It landed in her hands. Trudy and Paige quit after a half hour or so and passed me on their way out, chattering with excitement. It seemed impossible that we'd started the morning with a trial, but I was relieved that things had changed so drastically. The women weren't gone long. They came back with arms full of boxes. Granola bars-the kind with fruit filling. The game came to a halt. Jeb called halftime, and everyone hurried over to eat breakfast. The goods were divvied up at the center line. It was a mob scene at first. â€Å"Here you go, Wanda,† Jamie said, ducking out of the group. He had his hands full of the bars, and water bottles tucked under his arms. â€Å"Thanks. Having fun?† â€Å"Yeah! Wish you could play.† â€Å"Next time,† I said. â€Å"Here you go†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ian was there, his hands full of granola bars. â€Å"Beat ya,† Jamie told him. â€Å"Oh,† Jared said, appearing on Jamie's other side. He also had too many bars for one. Ian and Jared exchanged a long glance. â€Å"Where's all the food?† Kyle demanded. He stood over an empty box, his head swiveling around the room, looking for the culprit. â€Å"Catch,† Jared said, tossing granola bars one by one, hard, like knives. Kyle plucked them out of the air with ease, then jogged over to see if Jared was holding out on him. â€Å"Here,† Ian said, shoving half of his haul toward his brother without looking at him. â€Å"Now go.† Kyle ignored him. For the first time today, he looked at me, staring down at me where I sat. His irises were black with the light behind him. I couldn't read his expression. I recoiled, and caught my breath when my ribs protested. Jared and Ian closed ranks in front of me like stage curtains. â€Å"You heard him,† Jared said. â€Å"Can I say something first?† Kyle asked. He peered down through the space between them. They didn't respond. â€Å"I'm not sorry,† Kyle told me. â€Å"I still think it was the right thing to do.† Ian shoved his brother. Kyle reeled back but then stepped forward again. â€Å"Hold on, I'm not done.† â€Å"Yeah, you are,† Jared said. His hands were clenched, the skin over his knuckles white. Everyone had noticed now. The room was hushed, all the fun of the game lost. â€Å"No, I'm not.† Kyle held his hands up, a gesture of surrender, and spoke to me again. â€Å"I don't think I was wrong, but you did save my life. I don't know why, but you did. So I figure, a life for a life. I won't kill you. I'll pay the debt that way.† â€Å"You stupid jackass,† Ian said. â€Å"Who's got the crush on a worm, bro? You gonna call me stupid?† Ian lifted his fists, leaning forward. â€Å"I'll tell you why,† I said, making my voice louder than I wanted to. But it had the effect I was after. Ian and Jared and Kyle turned to stare at me, fight forgotten for the moment. It made me nervous. I cleared my throat. â€Å"I didn't let you fall because†¦ because I'm not like you. I'm not saying that I'm not†¦ like humans. Because there are others here who would do the same. There are kind and good people here. People like your brother, and Jeb, and Doc†¦ I'm saying that I'm not like you personally.† Kyle stared at me for a minute and then chuckled. â€Å"Ouch,† he said, still laughing. He turned away from us then, his message given, and walked back to get some water. â€Å"Life for a life,† he called over his shoulder. I wasn't sure I believed him. Not sure at all. Humans were good liars.

Apologetics Essay

1. What are some ways the Christian gospel is perceived in our culture? To many individuals, the Christian gospel is seen as selective and intolerant. Although we are all free to accept the gift of salvation through Christ, He tells us in John 14:6 that He is â€Å"the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.† To many, this will seem intolerant and almost haughty. How can a God who wants nothing more than to have a relationship with us say that there is only one way to do so? 2. What are some specific moral reasons people may reject the Christian gospel? Many individuals who will reject the Christian gospel do so for moral reasons such as their sexual preferences (gay, bi, or straight), their marital status, or the apparent intolerant moral code found in the Word of God. People believe that you have to give up everything that is worldly to follow Christ, and that Christians think they are more righteous than others. The fact is, you will have to give up living in sin, and you will have to give up treasures of the world, but the heavenly treasures that you gain will outshine any possession that you will have on this earth. 3. What are some specific emotional reasons people may reject the Christian gospel? One specific emotional reason that people will reject the Christian gospel is that they cannot grasp the concept of God’s unconditional love. God loves each and every one of us, even the worst sinner, and tells us in His Word. People will say things like â€Å"God would not let me be poor, or God would not have let me be abused like I was.† Even though we are all loved by God, and He wants us to have a relationship with Him and be happy and well, even the most devout Christian has to go through trials and tribulations. 4. What are some specific intellectual reasons people may reject the Christian gospel? For most Christians, believing in God is â€Å"faith-based,† and that there is no room for science and fact in Christianity. Many non-Christians will say that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of fairy tales for those who are easily enchanted and to make the people who read them feel good. The intellectual non-believer’s insistence that the Bible has no basis in fact  is one reason that they will reject the message, even though there is historical proof to show that Christ lived, died, and was resurrected, as well as that many other Biblical places and people existed at one point in time, even if they do not anymore. 5. What can Christians do to address these objections and better communicate the Christian gospel? As Christians, when we approach someone and begin to talk about our faith, it may seem like they are a little frightened, or maybe just upset and unwilling to take a leap of faith. They maybe feel like we have come on too strong, even though we know that we are just eager to talk about our faith. It is important for Christians to learn that we need to be patient with others but also diligent as we share the gospel of Christ.

Apple

The production concept is a useful philosophy in two types of situation. The first occurs when the demand for a product exceeds the supply. Here, management should look for ways to increase production. The second situation occurs when the product’s cost is too high and improved productivity is needed to bring it down. 2. The Product Concept The product concept holds that consumers will favor products that offer the most quality, performance and innovative features, and that an organization should thus devote energy to making continuous product improvements. Some manufacturers believe that if they can build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to their door. . The Selling Concept The selling concept holds that consumers will not buy enough of the organization’s products unless it undertakes a large-scale selling and promotion effort. The concept is typically practiced with unsought floods – those that buyers do not normally think of buying, such as encyclopedias and funeral plots. These industries must be good at tracking down prospects and convincing them of product benefits. The selling co ncept is also practiced in the non-profit area. A political party, for example, will vigorously sell its candidate to voters as a fantastic person for the job. The candidate works hard at selling him or herself – shaking hands, kissing babies, meeting donors and making speeches. Much money also has to be spent on radio and television advertising, posters and mailings. 4. Marketing Concept The marketing concept holds that achieving organizational goals depends on determining the needs and wants of target markets and delivering the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors do. Also Case Study will describe why Apple Inc. is a very successful company. Surprisingly, this concept is a relatively recent business philosophy. The marketing concept takes an outside-in perspective. It starts with a well-defined market, focuses on customer needs, co-ordinates all the marketing activities affecting customers and makes profits by creating long-term customer relationships based on customer value and satisfaction. Under the marketing concept, companies produce what the consumer wants, thereby satisfying the consumer and making profits. . Societal Marketing Concept The societal marketing concept holds that the organization should determine the needs, wants and interests of target markets. It should then deliver the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors in a way that maintains or improves the consumer’s and the society’s well being. The societal marketing concept is the newest of the five marketing management philosophies. Which orientation do you believe Apple follows when marketing products such as the iPhone and iPad? For most, safest answer will be, â€Å"The Apple Company follows all the marketing orientations, and that’s what made them very successful. † That somehow is true. But particularly speaking, I believe that the Apple Company focuses more on, The Marketing Concept, producing a very innovative, efficient, worthy, and consumer-satisfying product- such as the iPhone and iPad. The price of an Apple product may not be very affordable to everyone, but for whatever price you invest to an Apple product, it’s worth the value. Even though the products don’t go through a lot of promotions and special prices, people sold out Apple products, and most of the time, the company leaves the people asking for more. Apple knows which products to produce, and most especially what will make its’ competitors anxious and disturbed. Apple is with no doubt a big competition in the global industry. Apple Apple The production concept is a useful philosophy in two types of situation. The first occurs when the demand for a product exceeds the supply. Here, management should look for ways to increase production. The second situation occurs when the product’s cost is too high and improved productivity is needed to bring it down. 2. The Product Concept The product concept holds that consumers will favor products that offer the most quality, performance and innovative features, and that an organization should thus devote energy to making continuous product improvements. Some manufacturers believe that if they can build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to their door. . The Selling Concept The selling concept holds that consumers will not buy enough of the organization’s products unless it undertakes a large-scale selling and promotion effort. The concept is typically practiced with unsought floods – those that buyers do not normally think of buying, such as encyclopedias and funeral plots. These industries must be good at tracking down prospects and convincing them of product benefits. The selling co ncept is also practiced in the non-profit area. A political party, for example, will vigorously sell its candidate to voters as a fantastic person for the job. The candidate works hard at selling him or herself – shaking hands, kissing babies, meeting donors and making speeches. Much money also has to be spent on radio and television advertising, posters and mailings. 4. Marketing Concept The marketing concept holds that achieving organizational goals depends on determining the needs and wants of target markets and delivering the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors do. Also Case Study will describe why Apple Inc. is a very successful company. Surprisingly, this concept is a relatively recent business philosophy. The marketing concept takes an outside-in perspective. It starts with a well-defined market, focuses on customer needs, co-ordinates all the marketing activities affecting customers and makes profits by creating long-term customer relationships based on customer value and satisfaction. Under the marketing concept, companies produce what the consumer wants, thereby satisfying the consumer and making profits. . Societal Marketing Concept The societal marketing concept holds that the organization should determine the needs, wants and interests of target markets. It should then deliver the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors in a way that maintains or improves the consumer’s and the society’s well being. The societal marketing concept is the newest of the five marketing management philosophies. Which orientation do you believe Apple follows when marketing products such as the iPhone and iPad? For most, safest answer will be, â€Å"The Apple Company follows all the marketing orientations, and that’s what made them very successful. † That somehow is true. But particularly speaking, I believe that the Apple Company focuses more on, The Marketing Concept, producing a very innovative, efficient, worthy, and consumer-satisfying product- such as the iPhone and iPad. The price of an Apple product may not be very affordable to everyone, but for whatever price you invest to an Apple product, it’s worth the value. Even though the products don’t go through a lot of promotions and special prices, people sold out Apple products, and most of the time, the company leaves the people asking for more. Apple knows which products to produce, and most especially what will make its’ competitors anxious and disturbed. Apple is with no doubt a big competition in the global industry. Apple Apple

Idea of Freedom and to be American in Bradford's, Franklin's, and Essay

Idea of Freedom and to be American in Bradford's, Franklin's, and Crevecoeur's Writings - Essay Example Bradford had narrated the happenings upon the immigration of the Puritans into the Plymouth Plantation through this writing. Bradford, along with the Pilgrims, left England to experience religious freedom in America. It was the freedom of religion that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth Plantation, and William Bradford was one of the Pilgrims, who boarded the Mayflower to experience that freedom. He left his country and led a European Settlement in America, for it was the only place, back then, where his religious freedom will not be deprived. Despite the imminent risks, Bradford, together with other Pilgrims, fled to America with no assurance of safety, only to experience religious freedom, a freedom that they ought to gain under the rules of the Mayflower Compact. As stated in his manuscript, â€Å"one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled shall shine unto many† (Bradford). In the â€Å"The Autobiography† of Benjamin Franklin, a different type of freedom was emphasized, which supports the individual freedom of business and the economy in America. Franklin was dubbed as the first authentic American for he was firm in his stand to uphold colonial unity. His establishment of the Junto intended to demonstrate how the improvement of the American society can be achieved through business and economic freedom. In the above passage, he refers to the benefits of education that libraries have provided the citizens of the country. He has further added that libraries have somehow contributed to the response of the citizens in various colonies, especially in defending their privileges (Franklin). Tradesmen and farmers need access to these libraries for them to make appropriate decisions for their business. By that time, they make their own business successful and eventually contribute to the growth of the economy. This gives the liberty to help America progress and become an authentic American. Hector St. John

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This Whole System is wrong - Case Study Example Any employers or organizations that violate those measures are at risk of being punished severely through the imposing of sanctions and other punitive measures. These sanctions may lead to the boycott of our products and consequently a decline in profitability. Apart from the threat posed by sanctions, you are aware that our company has built a good name for itself because of its quality products and good public relations. The issue of poor working conditions in our factories in China might just mess up our reputation and put us at loggerheads with governments and customers. I believe that this is a price that would be too high for the company to pay, considering we can institute reforms in those factories and make it better for workers there. At the same time, I would like to ask for a second look at the ages of some of the workers in those factories. Child labor is illegal, and the employment of underage workers may be detrimental to our hopes for growth and long-term plans. I trust in your ability to make the right call because you have proven yourself as an able, visionary and pragmatic leader. Let us try to balance our ambitions with our methods, because sometimes the end does not usually justify the

Discussion 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Discussion 1 - Essay Example Indeed, the very dawn of religion is marked with the desire of a human being to understand phenomena that are though to be out of one’s comprehension. Another reason that may be quite compelling to pursuit the path of religious studies is to achieve a global perspective. Indeed, different areas of social life are affected by religion directly or indirectly. What is more important is that the above mentioned notion may also be used as an effective way to analyze the causes of conflicts. Finally, it must be noted that some of the reasons that were provided by Livingston may be reevaluated. It may be true that the former has been influencing the latter for many centuries; however, the process of secularization clearly divided these two institutions. In addition to that, one should also keep in mind that many nations that now belong to a particular religion were converted which resulted in the elimination of the previous state of social affairs. For example, Greece is often regarded as the stronghold of Orthodox Christianity. Nevertheless, for many centuries people of this country were genuine

Diversion Is Better than Prison Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Diversion Is Better than Prison - Assignment Example Diversion Is Of Great Importance To The Child, The Criminal System, And The Society In General. Diversion Is Of Great Importance To The Child, The Criminal System, And The Society In General. Mistakes are made, anger is sometimes not controlled properly and at the end crime is done. Many young offenders fall into criminal activities for various reasons: peer pressure, broken homes, drug addiction, and many more vices. To admit fault is a bold step in life and that is one of the key requirements for diversion.  Diversion is â€Å"the halting or suspension before conviction of formal criminal proceedings against a person, conditioned on some form of counter-performance by the defendant.†(Geroge, 1984) therefore, this gives an undeserving second to young offenders where the criminal justice system is being fair in giving such services. The criminal justice system not only gives a second chance to the offenders but also reduces to the minimum the rate of crime and the rule of la w is perfectly placed in the hearts of its citizens. Law enforcement is the practical use of the rule of law and diversion makes every individual respect the law and law enforcement officers. Diversion is justified and backed by law enforcement it is a fear means of handling crime. Diversion is cost effective as it promotes the use of community service, making a potential criminal a better person, preventing future crime, bringing to a minimum the cost of building more prisons, and saves a lot of possible future crime.

Skill of Narration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Skill of Narration - Essay Example Plutarch's central argument is the possibility of anybody to rise above his circumstances by the exercise of his will and hard work. He gives a detailed portrait of Coriolanus. He explores Coriolanus' family background, culture, psychology, and morality. These determinants and the historical context shaped his character. Plutarch shows us how sentiments are the humans' strongest motivating force. The passionate urge in Coriolanus, operative from child hood to reach the stature of a great soldier, drives him to work for it with determination. Plutarch thus forcibly presents the psychological reasons behind the journey from ordinary circumstances to that of a significant figure in the Roman history glorified by generations of people. Plutarch's strength as a narrator springs from his penetrating vision of the psychological side of his subject. The distinguishing feature of Corilanus' character was his detachment from personal glory usually found in most people of ambition. This trait is so very well expressed in chosen word that a flood of light is thrown on his subject as in this excerpt: And, whereas others made glory the end of their daring, the end of his glory was his mother's gladness; the delight she took to hear him praised and to see him crowned, and her weeping for joy in his embraces rendered him in his own thoughts the most honoured and most happy person in the world. The aesthetic approach of Plutarch is in stark contrast to the didacticism of Bede who writes on a saint of heroic Christian virtues. The central concern of Bede to edify his readers by the exemplary conduct of Cuthbert deflects from the purpose of providing aesthetic pleasure. While Bede reveals the character of Cuthbert conforming to the Christian ideal, the inner side of the Saint is not sufficiently looked at nor is it understood in the style of narration. Cuthbert as a saint working miracles is in the realm of supernatural, while Coriolanus performing heroic feats is in the realm of the natural. Bede's life of Cuthbert is in the form of a string of miracles. Since the aim of the biography was to instill in the reader faith in the powers of saints in the performing of miracles, the literary flourishes are somewhat rudimentary. The sentences do not have the vigour of narrative found in the style of Plutarch. However a believer by the disposition of his mind might find relish in th e style of Bede, as it elevates him to realize the power of God's saints in their miracles. The typical miracle conveys the ineffectiveness of human intervention in a crisis. Bede concludes the miraculous way in which the saint put our a fire: But it was not only in the case of an apparition of a fire that his power was shown; for he extinguished a real fire by the fervency of his tears, when many had failed in putting it out with all the water they could get. NARRATIVE IN VASARI'S LIFE OF DONATELLO AND AUBREY'S LIFE OF THOMAS HOBBES The endowments of a writer are usually reflected in his technique of narration. Vasari was a painter and an architect and in the assessment of Donatello he is able to look at him from the angle of an artist that gives the writing a quality of credibility and hence, on the part of the reader, greater willingness to accept the piece of writing. However, the endowments of Audrey was some what limited compared to the standing the Thomas Hobbes enjoyed while

Hospitality Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hospitality Operations Management - Essay Example Hence, the strategic development should be integrated into the system to increase the satisfaction among its consumers and develop its brand image. This greater acceptance would increase the credibility of the organisation to perform and enhance its image among the consumers (Sian & et. al., 2009). With this regard, the Hilton Hotels & Resort has been catering services to its clients, through its excellent presence in 540 locations in 78 countries. The hotel provides elegant services and develops its cliental base by providing international cuisine and other value added services. The hotel has been serving elegant clients and effectively handling its operational works to develop its consumer base (1Hilton Worldwide, 2014). In this context, the essay elaborates on the observation reports of the operation of the hotel. Furthermore, elaborations are provided on different quality services that are offered by the organisation. Different prices that are prevalent within the organisation are observed to be having a huge impact on the varied compiling prices that are used by the organisations to develop its competitive advantage. The dissimilar economic factors and other development of the diverse strategies are observed to be dependent on the economic factors that explain the pricing mechanism undertaken by the hotel. The diverse prices that are prevalent in the system are further observed to be having a huge impact on the development of the operational system. The development of proper service price will help in enhancing the operation management system (Kenessey & et. al., 2005). The two major pricing methods that are followed by the hospitality sector could be observed as cost oriented as well as market oriented pricing techniques. The cost oriented pricing techniques are involved with the cost that is included to cover the profits and even cover the cost of profit. The cost oriented pricing techniques follows a traditional

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay Example for Free

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay Arthur Miller wrote a play called The Crucible in the early 50s. Even though the text in the play tells the story of some of The Salem Witch Trials, there is evidence which shows that Miller clearly connects his own communist trial by McCarthy to the outrageous trials of the witches. Due to this disgraceful act towards him from the powers within society, Miller decided to write a play to show his own perspective of 1950s society to the people of America. The setting of Act 3 can be interpreted as an attack on the severity of the authorities in Salem and 1950s America. Firstly, at the beginning of Act Three, the stage direction says two high windows. This stage direction is really used just for directors to have a good impression of what the stage should look like from Millers point of view. However, if you examine the whole stage directions carefully, it says that besides the sunlight, the whole room is dark and that the trials are being held in that room. This symbolises that the authorities of Salem are unjust because they believe that what they is doing is holy and just; but they are secretly hiding away from God. The darkness symbolised by the dark room and the light given off by the window, shows that God is present and that they cannot hide from him. The windows being high suggests that God and justice are very hard to reach. This shows that for authority in society to truly reach the holy and just state of existence that they desire, they still have a long way to go. This relates to Millers experience because he was trying to say that America in 1950s was just as corrupt as the witch trials in 1692, therefore saying that since 1692 until 1950 society hasnt moved on to be more fair or more just. Millers attack suggests that there is still a long way to go until society can be truly called fair. Secondly, the way Miller has set out some of the characters such as their language or their tone of voice is also an attack on society. I think this is due to the impressions given off by the characters that most people would usually interpret them as being good people, but Miller shows that they are not. One example is Judge Hathorne. On page sixty-seven he asks Martha how she knows that she is not a witch , this shows that he is trying to trick her in saying the things he wants her to. This shows us that for Hathorne to get what he wants he has to stoop down to a level of trickery, which is very low for a person of his status. This symbolises the fact that the authority are being hypocritical because they do what they are trying to rid society from doing sinful deeds. This point connects with the McCarthy trials of Miller because Judge McCarthy also had to stoop so low, by using threats. Miller had the choice of either naming names or get ruined. Thirdly, I believe that the way some of the people dress also shows how Miller attacks society. This is because Miller wanted us to know how power can corrupt us so he indicated all the sinful people by the clothes they wore and also their clothes showed us how much power they had. One example is again Judge Hathorne. I say this because in the courtroom Hathorne acts as he please due to his awareness that nobody in the court could overthrow him. Miller uses this to try and show the audience how power can cause people to act and abuse it, and even more so if it is supported by everyone in society agreeing with everything Hathorne had to say. Thus showing us that power can be used inefficiently if given to the wrong people. This is a link to Arthur Millers personal experience in the McCarthy trial because he believed that Judge McCarthy let his power get in the way of fairness and justice. The people of America supported McCarthy just like the people of Salem. In the play Miller exposes societys role in helping to condemn people by showing Parris supporting Hathorne. Miller shows that this fed Hathornes ego even more, and therefore Miller seemed to believe that McCarthy was an incompetent person because he abused his power just like Judge Hathorne. This is an attack on society because Miller is saying that society should be even more careful about giving so much power to someone who didnt deserve it. Also he encourages society to consider what they were doing before giving support to someone unworthy and boosting their ego. This courtroom scene presents innocent characters risking their lives in order to tell the truth seems to be an attack on the injustice of Salem as well as of 1950s America. We know this because there is much evidence in this scene to back the point up. One piece of evidence is the statement made by Hale on page seventy-eight where he says there is a prestigious fear in the court. This shows that Hale can see that some injustice is going on and is scared of it. Then when Hale tells Danforth that he is afraid, Danforth replies that there is a prestigious guilt instead and threatens him by asking him if he is afraid to be questioned. Later on Hathornes feeling of intimidation grows so that he becomes angry. This shows injustice and is linked back to my point at the beginning of the paragraph, because all Hale was doing was telling him what he thought was the truth. Danforth seemed like he was being pressurised so he had to use his power to intimidate and threaten Hale so that he could feel safe. This could be associated with Millers own experience because when authority in society in America in the 1950s felt threatened they had to use their influence and power to threaten and intimidate people. Just like when Miller was threatened and risked being ruined just for believing in something. Even though Miller could probably not harm anybody by himself, this is just like the threat Reverend Hale risked of being hanged just for exposing the fact that the court was an unjust one.

The Issue Of Elder Abuse And Neglect Social Work Essay

The Issue Of Elder Abuse And Neglect Social Work Essay Elder abuse and neglect is a critical health care issue that must be brought to the attention of health care providers and older adults family members. Adults older than 65 who live at home or in long-term care facilities may be at risk for abuse. Nurses should be aware of the causes, screening questions, symptoms of abuse, and resources in the community. Armed with information and a better understanding about the issue, nurses can minimize the devastating effects of abuse on older adults and their families. Every man, woman, and child deserves to be treated with respect and caring. Individuals of all ages deserve to be protected from harm by caregivers (American Psychological Association, 2006). Significant policy developments during the past 20 years have focused on eliminating abuse. However, a deficit in health care providers knowledge and clinical skill application remains. The purpose of this article is to define and describe the kinds of abuse, their potential clinical presentations, and theoretical explanations for abuse to enhance nurses knowledge and understanding of their role in its assessment and management in older adults. BACKGROUND Abuse is defined as the infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment, with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish (Table 1). It can also be the willful deprivation by a caregiver of goods or services that are necessary to maintain physical or mental health (American Psychological Association, 2006). Elder abuse and neglect has plagued society for centuries but only recently has the issue come to the attention of health care providers, law enforcement agencies, and protective services. Fewer research studies exist about the maltreatment of older adults than about other forms of family violence, including child abuse, rape, and intimate partner violence. The earliest reports of elder abuse and neglect in the United Kingdom in the 1970s dramatized case reports of the phenomenon, termed Granny battering. The health care community and the public were shocked and appalled. A decade later, studies confirmed that the problem was common in the United S tates as well. In the late 1970s, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging issued a series of reports on abuse and neglect occurring in nursing homes. In 1981, the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Aging conducted hearings in which victimized older adults gave firsthand testimony of their experiences with abuse. In 1986, the Institute of Medicine published recommendations for preventing the maltreatment of older adults in institutions, and several years later, the Elder Abuse Task Force was created by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The task force developed an action plan for the identification and prevention of maltreatment of older adults in their own homes, health care facilities, and communities. The action plan included data collection, research, technical assistance, training, and public education. The National Center on Elder Abuse was established as part of the Administration on Agings Elder Care Campaign. Adult Protective Services progra ms now exist in every state to serve vulnerable adults, particularly older adults, who may be at risk for abuse and neglect. Many law enforcement agencies and Offices of the District Attorney have investigative staff specifically trained to address abuse of older adults and other vulnerable populations, in collaboration with health care and protective service professionals. Such actions have led to increased public and health care provider awareness about elder abuse and neglect. Researchers have also sought to grasp the full scope and causes of maltreatment among older adults. Laws that require health care providers to report suspected cases have been instituted in nearly every state. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (2006) standards for emergency departments and ambulatory care centers call for improved identification and management of elder abuse, in addition to intimate partner violence and child abuse. As the U.S. population ages, demands placed on health care systems to care for older adults are increasing. More than 36 million people who live in the United States are older than age 65, and 600,000 older adults will require assisted living (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, 2006). Currently, there are approximately 17,000 nursing homes in the United States, with 1.6 million residents (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, 2004). Unfortunately, older adults are becoming victims of intentional abuse and neglect within their own homes, as well as in assisted living and long-term care facilities. Each year in the United States, 1 to 2 million adults older than age 65 are injured, exploited, or mistreated by their caregivers (National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 2003). One community-based, cross-sectional survey reported that 32 of every 1,000 older adults reported that they had experienced some form of maltreatment at least once since reaching age 65 (Pillemer Finkelhor, 1988). Underreporting is typical with all kinds of abuse, and it is estimated that only 1 in 14 elder maltreatment cases are reported. Health care providers can expect to see a steady increase in the number of cases of elder maltreatment as the older adult population rapidly increases. THEORIES OF ELDER ABUSE Elder abuse is a complex problem with multiple risks and causes. Dysfunctional family lives, cultural issues, and caregiver inadequacies have been implicated as contributing factors. Awareness of such factors may help nurses understand and anticipate situations where maltreatment may be preventable. Several theories attempt to explain the existence and increasing occurrence of elder abuse. The transgenerational, or social learning, theory asserts that violence is a learned behavior. Individuals who have witnessed or been victims of family violence are more likely to try to resolve challenging and difficult life situations with violent tactics they learned in their formative growth. Although 90% of perpetrators of elder abuse are reported to be family members, this cannot account for all cases (Fulmer, Guadagno, Bitondo, Dyer, Connolly, 2004). Situational theory supports the idea that the greater the burden on caregivers, the more likely caregivers are to abuse. Exchange theory addresses the dependence of older adults on their caregivers as a risk of abuse, along with inadequate methods of problem solving as an established pattern of family behavior. Political economic theory addresses the changing roles of older adults. Their loss of independence and income may cause them to look to others for care and support (Fulmer et al., 2004). Psychopathology of the caregiver theory studies caregivers with severe emotional or mental health problems or addictions that put the older adults for whom they care at risk of being abused. For example, a caregiver with a mental health problem who cares for a frail older adult with cognitive impairment is a dangerous combination and may lead to resistant behavior and maltreatment. Although theoretical frameworks cannot explain all cases of elder maltreatment, they can provide a foundation for nurses to begin to understand the combination of factors responsible for the occurrence of elder abuse and initiate a holistic plan of care. NURSING ASSESSMENT INTERVENTIONS Nurses are in an ideal position to play a significant role in the detection, management, and prevention of elder maltreatment and may be the only individuals outside of the family who have regular contact with an older adult. Nurses are uniquely qualified to perform physical and psychological assessments, order confirmatory diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, x-rays), and collaborate with physicians and protective services. They may authorize services, such as home health care, or recommend hospital admission as they initiate further investigation by the appropriate local agencies. Opportunities for abuse detection and intervention occur daily in health care settings. In institutional settings, nurses may monitor patient health and perform health history interviews and physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse assessments that may be crucial to elicit reports, expose or prevent abuse, and intervene for patients safety (Wieland, 2000). Nurses and other health care providers are part of an interprofessional team collaborating to ensure appropriate, sensitive, and safe outcomes for older adult patients. Institutional maltreatment occurs in long-term care facilities, board-and-care homes, and other assisted-living facilities. Institutional medical directors, private practitioners, nurses, and all health care workers in daily contact with older adults have a responsibility to identify, treat, and prevent abuse. Abuse may be perpetrated by a staff member, another patient, an intruder or a visitor, or a family caregiver. Abuse may include failure to implement a plan of care or provide treatment, unauthorized use of physical or chemical restraints, and use of medication or isolation for punishment or staff convenience. Nurses must be aware of patient diagnoses, medical orders for care, and medications and their side effects to recognize what is suspicious and needs further evaluation or warrants a report to supervisors. However, most elder maltreatment does not occur in institutions but in the home at the hands of a caregiver, often a family member. Unless nurses are educated about abuse and how to observe suspicious injuries, elder abuse may be difficult to detect. Definitions of the kinds of abuse and their signs and symptoms should be included in the training and education of family members and health care workers who care for older adults. Older adults experiencing abuse may be unable to communicate clearly, their bruises may be attributed to the aging process, or they may be fearful and hesitant to report abuse (Wieland, 2000). Indications of physical abuse should signal health care providers to evaluate for other kinds of abuse, such as sexual abuse. In addition to inadequate information, training, and the caregivers experience of caring for older adults, older adults are at risk for maltreatment due to other vulnerabilities. Older adult residents in institutions are typically dependent and chronically ill and may have cognitive, visual, and auditory impairments. They are usually more frail than are younger patients and may not have regular visitors who monitor their mental status, physical condition, or health care. In older adults, each vulnerability increases their mortality risk (Fulmer et al., 2004). Co-existing conditions and medical diagnoses may lead to worse outcomes for older adults who are abused. They may have a decreased ability to heal after injury and may experience greater trauma from physical injuries than do younger people. Their bones are more brittle and tissue more easily bruised, abraded, and lacerated with minimal trauma. Injured older adults differ from the younger population in terms of cause of injury, physical and psychological responses to abuse and injury, and outcomes. Dementia is common in 50% of residents of long-term care facilities (National Center for Health Statistics, 1985), and cognitive impairments often cause older adults to behave in a more resistant manner toward caregivers. Impaired cognition, along with insufficient resources, staff shortages, high staff turnover, and inadequate supervision and training, may increase the risk of elder maltreatment. In addition, societal ignorance about required standards for quality care and victimized older adults acceptance of abusive or neglectful behavior can lead to exacerbation of elder abuse in institutions. Routine questions related to elder abuse and neglect can be incorporated into daily nursing practice. Diminished cognitive capacity does not necessarily negate older adults ability to describe maltreatment. It is always reasonable for nurses to ask about abuse or neglect. A brief mental status examination can be helpful in evaluating patients cognitive status. Assessment for elder abuse should include caregiver, as well as victim, evaluation. Nurses should conduct interviews and examinations with the patient first, in a private setting separate from the caregiver. Clinical settings should have a protocol for the detection and assessment of elder maltreatment. Protocols should consist of a narrative, checklist, or standardized forms that enable rapid screening for elder abuse and provide guidelines for sound documentation that may help disclose patterns of abuse over time and will withstand scrutiny in court. Basic demographic questions should be included and should allow the interviewer to determine the family composition and socioeconomic status. Interviews should proceed from general questions that assess the patients sense of well-being to those focusing on specific kinds of abuse. Common signs and symptoms of maltreatment should be evaluated (Table 2). Elder abuse screening instruments are summarized by Fulmer et al. (2004). Questions recommended by Wieland (2000) for general abuse screening and assessment include: * Do you feel safe where you are living? * Who is responsible for your care? * Do you often disagree with your caregiver(s)? If so, what happens? * Does anyone scold or shout at you, slap or hit you, or leave you alone and make you wait for care or food? After general screening questions, more specific questions about kinds of abuse may follow: * Has anyone ever touched you without your consent? * Has anyone ever made you do things you did not want to do? * Has anyone ever taken something that was yours without asking? * Have you ever signed any documents that you did not understand? Health care providers do not have to prove that elder maltreatment has occurred. They need to screen and document suspicious verbal and physical findings, which may be as simple as stating that the patient seems to have health or personal problems and needs assistance. Sound documentation may include drawings of injuries on body diagrams or photographs to support written reports. Suspicious claims for abuse and neglect may be difficult to quantify. Diagnosis of elder maltreatment depends on education about abuse and application of that knowledge by the multidisciplinary team of health care providers, law enforcement agencies, advocates, and patients. Protocols for elder abuse screening, assessment of risk factors, and documentation should be posted in all health care facilities. ABUSE AND THE LAW National standards for care in nursing homes are based on the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. The law is part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, often referred to as OBRA 87. The intent of the law is to promote high-quality care and prevent substandard care. The law also seeks to ensure that the rights of nursing home residents are respected. These include: * The right of protection against Medicaid discrimination. * The right to participate in health care decisions and to give or withhold informed consent for particular interventions. * The right to safeguards to reduce inappropriate use of physical and chemical restraints. * The right for provisions to ensure proper transfers or discharges. * The right to full access to a personal physician, long-term care ombudsman, and other advocates. * The right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical, or mental abuse, corporal punishment, and involuntary seclusion. * The right to be free from physical restraints or psychoactive drugs administered for the purpose of discipline or convenience. Nearly all states have mandatory reporting laws that require health care professionals and paraprofessionals to report suspected elder abuse and neglect to a designated authority. Some state laws specify that after authorities have been alerted to suspected elder abuse or neglect, an agent of the state must make an onsite investigation in an attempt to corroborate the report. Uniform reporting systems are established, and cases are assigned and investigated by protective services in a timely fashion. Cases are assigned and investigated by protective services in a timely fashion. Nurses may play an important role in preventing and identifying elder abuse, as well as in the subsequent investigation. CONCLUSION Elder abuse is a significant problem in the United States and often goes unreported and unrecognized. Elder abuse may be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial. Immediate care, overnight housing, and care in a safe location, in addition to long-term care and home-delivered food, may be necessary. Elder abuse may be a minor issue that can be easily resolved or it can result in severe and life-threatening debilitation. The more knowledge health care providers have, the more likely they are to institute strategies for abuse prevention and management. No matter how minor or severe the abuse, nurses have a duty to assess elderly patients according to recommended protocols and report suspected abuse to designated authorities. The multidisciplinary team then works together to help resolve the issue. The application of knowledge about elder abuse includes screening, assessment, and sound documentation in an attempt to enhance the quality of life and maximize the functional ability of older adults. [Sidebar]

Essay --

The term forensic is used often among television crime dramas but what is it? Forensic, as defined by Oxford Dictionary of English, is â€Å"relating to or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime (Stevenson). This science has led to the capture of many criminals. DNA testing has been a large part of this forensic science, however forensics played a large role prior to DNA testing being developed. Fingerprinting, blood typing, and trace evidence were three of the forensic tests in use before DNA testing that helped identify a suspect. Fingerprinting is a technique that has been in use for a long time. In 1880, a Scottish doctor, Henry Faulds, first suggested to the British that fingerprints could be used in criminal investigations. This suggestion had merit because every person has a unique set of fingerprints. The concept was then incorporated into the law system. Fingerprints are, in fact, most often used in prosecutions. They are to help the prosecutors identify a suspect and to place them at the scene of a crime (â€Å"Fingerprints† 410-411). Fingerprints can be left on almost any surface, including smooth ones. The combination of the friction ridges, or the raised grooves on the fingertips, and sweat that gathers there is what causes the fingerprint to leave a trace (Bergman and Berman-Barrett). Fingerprinting is widely used today and I believe it still plays a large and crucial role in criminal investigations. Blood Typing, or Serology, is another method of identification used in forensics. This type of science is focused on the study of Antigens in the blood and how specific antibodies places blood into separate groups. The blood groups most commonly used in this scie... ...croscopically match fibers from carpet to a specific car is fascinating and intriguing. Trace evidence also seems to be easily left behind, where as fingerprints can be concealed with rubber gloves and blood is not always left at crime scenes. Forensic science consists of many different components that have helped solve many crimes. Fingerprinting can be used to place criminals at scenes and to identify suspects. Serology is a science that has become outdated but helped prosecutors narrow down suspects. It ultimately led to the development of DNA testing, the culprit for its demise. Edmund Locard was the innovator behind the concept of trace evidence and how particles can be compared microscopically to help in crime solving. All of these aspects of forensics potentially led to the development of DNA testing and laid the groundwork for future expansion.

Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Research Essay -- Exploratory Essays Res

Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Research With the advent of a wide variety of scientific advances in the medical field, especially those improvements in health-related fields, the quality of life for the earth’s inhabitants has improved greatly over the past century. Scientists continue to improve upon current knowledge and expand the field of medicine. Over the past few years, scientists have performed significant research pertaining to the study of stem cells. Many researchers see potential in the manipulation of stem cells - possible treatments for currently incurable diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Goldstein). With these new discoveries, though, questions as to the morality of such practices arise. While few find an ethical problem with the processes involved in adult stem cell research, the destruction of thousands of helpless embryos is wrong and cannot compensate for the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell research, namely some saved lives. There currently exist two primary methods of obtaining stem cells, or generic cells that have the potential to differentiate into more specialized cell types. Most stem cell research is done with embryonic stem cells. When the sperm and the egg combine in the fertilization process, a single zygote cell forms. This cell contains all the same genetic information as every cell in a fully developed human. The only difference is that this zygote has no special function, except to divide multiple times. These other cells that come about as a result of cell division eventually specialize into every type of cell in the body. Because embryonic stem cells have not taken on a specific purpose, they can be manipulated to form the type of cell desired, based on the environm... ... Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. "Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Unethical." Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center 2003. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. 18 October 2003. <http://www.galenet.comk/servlet/OVRC> Goldstein, Lawrence S.B. "Human Stem Cell Research is Ethical." Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center 2003. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. 18 October 2003. <http://www.galenet.comk/servlet/OVRC> Jordan, Craig T. and Van Zant, Gary. "The Biology of Stem Cells." The Biomedical Engineering Handbook. 2nd ed. 2000. Sullivan, Andrew. "Early Human Embryos are Human Beings." Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center 2003. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. 18 October 2003. <http://www.galenet.com/servlet/OVRC> Weise, Robert. Playing God - Redesiging Life. Ed. Edward Engelbrecht. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2002. Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Research Essay -- Exploratory Essays Res Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Research With the advent of a wide variety of scientific advances in the medical field, especially those improvements in health-related fields, the quality of life for the earth’s inhabitants has improved greatly over the past century. Scientists continue to improve upon current knowledge and expand the field of medicine. Over the past few years, scientists have performed significant research pertaining to the study of stem cells. Many researchers see potential in the manipulation of stem cells - possible treatments for currently incurable diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Goldstein). With these new discoveries, though, questions as to the morality of such practices arise. While few find an ethical problem with the processes involved in adult stem cell research, the destruction of thousands of helpless embryos is wrong and cannot compensate for the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell research, namely some saved lives. There currently exist two primary methods of obtaining stem cells, or generic cells that have the potential to differentiate into more specialized cell types. Most stem cell research is done with embryonic stem cells. When the sperm and the egg combine in the fertilization process, a single zygote cell forms. This cell contains all the same genetic information as every cell in a fully developed human. The only difference is that this zygote has no special function, except to divide multiple times. These other cells that come about as a result of cell division eventually specialize into every type of cell in the body. Because embryonic stem cells have not taken on a specific purpose, they can be manipulated to form the type of cell desired, based on the environm... ... Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. "Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Unethical." Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center 2003. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. 18 October 2003. <http://www.galenet.comk/servlet/OVRC> Goldstein, Lawrence S.B. "Human Stem Cell Research is Ethical." Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center 2003. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. 18 October 2003. <http://www.galenet.comk/servlet/OVRC> Jordan, Craig T. and Van Zant, Gary. "The Biology of Stem Cells." The Biomedical Engineering Handbook. 2nd ed. 2000. Sullivan, Andrew. "Early Human Embryos are Human Beings." Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center 2003. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. 18 October 2003. <http://www.galenet.com/servlet/OVRC> Weise, Robert. Playing God - Redesiging Life. Ed. Edward Engelbrecht. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2002.

Increasing :: Computer Science

Increasing The multi-store model of memory has been criticized for its simplicity. Describe and evaluate the multi-store model and contrast it with one other model of memory The purpose of models of memory is to view a larger picture of how the whole system of memory works. One model of memory is the multi-store model of memory by Atkinson and Shiffrin. The multi-store model of memory (MSM) is an explanation of how memory processes work based on the idea that there are three separate stores. This model can be compared with the working memory model (WM), by Baddely and Hitch, where they give an explanation of immediate memory. The MSM shows that information first arrives at the senses. If attention is focused on it, then it is transferred to short-term memory. It demonstrates information is maintained in STM through rehearsal, otherwise it will decay or may be displaced by new information. Increasing rehearsal leads to transfer from STM to LTM concluding that the more rehearsal, the better information is remembered. A strength of this model would be there is general agreement that there is an STM/STM difference, and this is well supported by the experiential evidence. The MSM is also the basis of many late models, even if they were then divided into further STM and LTM stores. However, The model of memory has been criticized for its simplicity. It does not sufficiently explain LTM, as rehearsal doesn’t explain all LTM memories, e.g flashbulb memories. The MSM is over simplified and in practice, there are no clear differences between stores of memory. It presents a passive view of memory and cannot account for active processes such as reconstruction. Research shows that memory does consist of a series of different stores that are linked by rehearsal, as described by the MSM. However, there is more to memory than this, which is explained in other models of memory. For example, the WM is a refinement of the MSM, describing what is happening in immediate storage in terms of a further set of stores specialised for auditory and visual information. The working memory model was proposed by Baddely and Hitch to represent short-term memory in terms of further sub-divisions. WM consists of 3 components: Central executive, phonological loop and a visuo-spatial sketchpad. The Central executive acts like attention and has limited capacity. The phonological loop deals with auditory information and preserves the order of information. Visuo-spatial sketchpad stores visual and spatial information when engaged in such tasks. The model explains how simultaneous performance of two visual tasks interfere with each other, but not when one task is visual and the other auditory.

A small family Essay

There is an increasing trend around the world to have a small family rather than a large family. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a small family rather than a large family? Over the past decades birth rates have steadily declined. Consequently, the says of nuclear families have diminish all over the world. This easy I will discuss the advantages and shortcomings of smaller family sizes. As small family can benefit children and parents and make it easier to find sufficient resources for a family. Children can enjoy their parents full attention instead of sharing it with multiple siblings. Additionally, I an family with less children sibling rivalry is less likely to be a problem among children. Parents can spend more time with the individual child and the child‘s favourite activities. Caring for a large family can be stressful mad exhausting. Parents of a small family should therefore be more relaxed and patient. Lastly, fewer children mean the family budget is more likely to leave room for some extras, like holidays or separate bedrooms for each child. On the other hand, there are also some downsides for all family members of a small family. Children can end become spoilt and less responsible than their peer growing in large families. Being an only child is often associated with egoism and less developed social skills. Parents will focus all their expectations on fewer children. This will heighten pressure to succeed on the individual child. Moreover, it might be simpler for parents to raise multiple children as siblings learn from each other and play together. In a large family every member can contribute is domestic duties are shared. Also, some common family activities, such as outdoor games, are probably more fun with a larger family. All in all, there are positive and negative aspects of having a smaller family. As family sizes are decreasing most people to believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages significantly.

The Pink Cow

On the beautiful sunny beach day of March 12, 2008, I visited the Florida Gulf Coast University’s art complex. The first thing I noticed upon entering the art complex was a pink cow. This pink cow consumed my total attention. I hardly noticed anything else. I was so fascinated and taken away by this pink cow that, as I studied this extraordinary painting, it became clear serious precise art techniques were carefully used to design this creation taking attention off everything else in the gallery. It’s a Pink Cow painted by expert artist, Andy Warhol, uses professional levels of sophisticated art coloring and design elements communicating fun, happy environments to the subconscious minds of youthful crowds occupying the buildings wherever his art work hangs. The only reason art sells is because it inspires emotions, controlling mind manipulation atmospheres from fun to conservative. It’s a Pink Cow painting’s strongest identity is color and subject content. This wall paper image created by famous pop artist Andy Warhol made excellent use of shocking contrasting coloring and design in It’s a Pink Cow. It’s a Pink Cow’s shocking hot pink everyday farm animal peaking through a barn door with a light green background which is lit up by the bright yellow sun invokes feelings of pleasure, comical, social interactions. Color invokes moods. â€Å"We learn from color specialists that rooms painted in different colors tend to cause different reactions. Certain blues are cool, certain greens are relaxing, certain reds are warm and comforting. â€Å"(Blair 43) Observing It’s a Pink Cow, and applying our knowledge about art techniques, it is clearly obvious the artist shows creative potential of colors capacity. Normally green is known as evoking feelings of calmness, quietness, seriousness. However, it is totally unlikely this painting containing a sensible green filling in the background to be observed in a church, senior citizens ballroom or a political business meeting room. In some of these different paintings, the background is yellow. In this particular artwork shown in the museum, the background overlooking the picture is grass green. Reflections of bright yellow sunlight shinning on the green grass gives the neutral nondistracting color pizzazz. Adding sunlight to the earth toned green shades is equivalent to adding Hip-Hop music to church choir music. When artists are working at designing original pieces in a highly competitive market full of talented people, it is not enough to design something that it’s only contribution is being pretty. That is why creative arts are popular for breaking traditions. Warhol’s theme in this painting was showing the unique possibilities by applying extraordinary colors to ordinary objects. In this painting, it is not only a pink cow looking at everyone looking at the painting. By coloring a traditionally black or brown object, such as a cow in any bright shade, it is now the bright tint looking at the viewer. A person looking at the painting mood’s are altered on a level they do not realize. A hot fluorescent pink cow’s head looking out the barn holds the person attention, making them look twice at his artwork. The innocent visitor to the art museum first wonders about themselves upon looking at the pink cow. For reassurance, they stand silently to see if their friend accompanying them says anything first. Their friend is doing the same thing. Then the worker at the art gallery passes by, comments on the pink cow and the art museum visitor is now relaxed. The artist’s main objective is to influence or alter people’s moods, and that is what this painting did. Artists selectively chooses the use coloring, lines, forms, shapes etc†¦innovatively to target their selected audience. A green grass providing the background for trees in a landscape would not have the same effect. Andy wanted to sell to the younger generations. Here he is using vivid colors to capture the fun minded light hearted generation. The subject content works in conjunction with coloring creating a surprising and unexpected product making an artists statement that can only be accurately interpreted by the artist. The colors and the subject matter conflict greatly. Bright vivid colors and a pink cow is a symbology of fun. Of all the animals to choose from, why did he choose a cow? A cow is not really a symbology of fun. Looking at paintings such as these peaks curiosity, it draws attention inviting the viewer to investigate more into the artwork. It is necessary to have an idea of history, including the artists personality and style is necessary to make sense of the painting. It’s a Pink Cow appears like it may be a totally improvised, but the sources say differently. â€Å"Once he's chosen something from the chaos of everyday reality to preserve in his art — particularly in his paintings and sculpture — Warhol works extremely hard â€Å"at getting the image absolutely right,† says Leo Castelli. â€Å"He doesn't simply arrive at an image easily and then repeat it senselessly — as many think. That cow wallpaper took him over a year to define. â€Å"(Pratt 53) The only reason art sells is because it inspires emotions, controlling mind manipulation atmospheres from fun to conservative. It’s a Pink Cow was created to provoke laughter, or comical atmospheres. Of all the paintings in the art gallery, this painting stood out. Hanging this painting in the room of a child or young person’s apartment is great for developing and stimulating imaginations. This is especially true if someone was to elaborate on it this art piece, and make the cow sing, dance or tell jokes.

Multilateral vs bilateral diplomacy Essay

Governments need to develop international relations in different fields like security, and trade as well as to decide the option of engaging in a bilateral or multilateral basis with other countries through diplomacy. Bilateralism and multilateralism have supporters and detractors; however the multilateral approach has increased since the end of the Second World War and thanks to the globalisation that affects all the countries around the world. In this way, the international intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have become important actors in global governance, cooperating in problem-solving agreements and providing activities to face global problems. IGOs can also be independent actors. Bilateralism is considered the reflection of the distribution of powers between the parties, where the dominant country generally takes advantage, while multilateralism is viewed as relations that follow a pattern of principles. This paper will argue why countries prefer multilateral engagement through international organisations rather than bilateral one with other states. The first part of the essay will focus on the need of states to engage with others. The second part will give a broader definition of bilateralism and multilateralism, the main strengths and weaknesses of each approach. The third part will cover the different role of multilateral organisations in diplomacy. Finally, the fourth part will explain the advantages of the multilateralism that place it as the preferred engagement among countries. Some examples and case studies will be used to remark this tendency. The essay however will finish with some challenges that the multilateralism approach face in the near future. Why countries need to engage with others As the whole society, countries cannot be isolated from the world, this means that they need to develop a foreign policy of how to deal with others, negotiating their interests and solving problems that can arise with the neighbours. This process is named diplomacy (Wright 2011). Diplomacy can be on an individual basis (bilateralism) or in groups of three or more (multilateralism) where states follow principles in their relationship. Asian countries rely mainly in the first approach, meanwhile European countries prefer the second one (Wright 2011). According to the  international relations theory, states may create international law and international institutions, and may enforce the rules they codify. Nevertheless, these rules do not determine a state to act in a defined manner, but instead the underlying material interests and power relations. Institutions also may increase information about states behaviour diminishing the significant uncertainty of cooperation. Also, they can increase efficiency, reducing the transaction costs and providing a venue where states can meet as well as they provide norms, practices and decision making procedures to shape expectations and allow a quickly settle on a specific course of action. It is important to remember that states are configurations of individual and group interests that were constructed from mix of history, ideas, norms, and beliefs and that project those interests into the international system through a particular kind of government (Slaughter 2011). Bilateralism and Multilateralism ‘Bilateralism is a value-free concept, and the substance and output are likely to be driven by the relative power between the two parties and, by extension, by the interests of the stronger party’ (Wright 2011). Bilateralism could be discriminatory if the powerful state tries to get the best deal according to its interests with other states on an individual and ad hoc basis as small states depend on its markets. However, this approach could also bring benefits like the risk reduction since actions are controlled and the probability for reciprocal benefits is higher (Wright 2011). ‘Multilateralism, by contrast, organises relations between three or more states along a set of basic principles that lay out certain expectations of behaviour that all parties must agree to and abide by, including the strongest party’ (Wright 2011). The different challenges that states have faced in terms of security, peacekeeping, disease control, human rights violations, and pollu tion in the last few decades have demonstrated that these factors are complex and cannot be managed by a country or a group, no matter how powerful or effective it can be, it is a global issue (Powell 2003). Policy prescriptions of multilateral organisations seem to be intrusive in terms of state sovereignty, becoming difficult to agree and implement in most cases (Roberts 2009). Multilateralism background and International Organisations Multilateral cooperation origins can be traced a long way back through congresses and conferences, such as the Congress of Westphalia from 1644 to 1648, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 and the Congress of Paris in 1856. In terms of committees, the first ones were set up to deal with technical matters like the Commissions to regulate the Rhine, the Danube and other rivers. In 1874, the Universal Postal Union was created after the Berne Conference to allow letters stamped and posted in one country could be transported and delivered in another. In terms of Peace, the First Hague Conference of 1899 and the Concert of Europe in from 1815 to 1914 were established. In 1919, after the First World War, the League of Nations appeared ‘to promote international cooperation and to achieve international peace and security’. Finally, the United Nations was born in 1947 after the Second World War with wider aims open to all states (Roberts 2009, Wiseman & Basu, 2013). The international organisations can belong to universal multilateralism (United Nations – UN), regional multilateralism (European Union – EU), value-based multilateralism (North Atlantic Treaty Organization – NATO) or minilateralism (G20) or a mix of some approaches (Wright 2011). They have changed the representation from nation-state governments’ diplomatic to non-state diplomatic actors thank to their role of diplomacy facilitation venue (Pigman 2010). Their participation model will vary depending on their category. Universal multilateralism is open to all states without taking in account their geographic location, size or regime. The barriers of entry are relatively low but the states participation can be on one-state/one-vote basis (General Assembly of United Nations) or weighting vote in the basis of population, wealth or financial contribution (International Monetary Fund – IMF) (Wright 2011, Pigman 2010, Karns & Mingst 2013). The regional multilateralism ‘focuses on policy coordination and cooperation among states in a specific geographic region’ while the values-based multilateralism relies on their own values in terms of security, economic or human rights matters. Finally, minilateralism ‘allows a powerful state or a small group of states to convene a select group that is capable of acting in a timely manner and in a way that is proportionate to the challenge at hand’. The participation in the regional multilateralism and the minilateralism is inclusive but depending on the institution and  culture of the members can be majoritarian or consensus (Wright 2011, Pigman 2010, Karns & Mingst 2013). Multilateral engagement through international organisations International institutions (IGOs) can play a complementary role with states being the universal multilateralism ones the preferred thanks to the benefits granted to the members. States, most of the time, join the IGOs pursuing their national interests or to solve problems mainly in public goods, telecommunications, transportation among others (Karns & Mingst 2013). It is also said that IGOs can build up democracy enhancing domestic constitutional mechanisms and strengthen the principle of reciprocity among countries allowing compensations or other ameliorative actions. IGOs also concede the opportunity to diffuse general interests against special ones thanks to the public agendas, and disseminate important technical information that can be implemented and adapted according to the nations’ needs. Finally, IGOs have empowered societies protecting individual and minority rights, fostering collective deliberation or discussion and improving the participatory strands (Keohane, Macedo & Moravcsik 2009). The United Nations (UN) is the best known of the world’s universal institutions, and even when all countries are welcome, not all receive the same treatment (Wright 2011). The UN has at the moment 193 members and six principal organs: the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Secretariat, being the most important the General Assembly and the Security Council. The General Assembly allows each member state has one vote however its resolutions are non-binding in a legal sense and only motivate governments to implement them. By contrary, in the case of the Security Council, the five permanent member countries (China, France, United Kingdom, Russian Federation and United States) has the right to veto, and together the other eleven members (elected for two years from the rest of UN members) can authorise to sanction and use the force to preserve or restore peace between nations (Pigman 2010, Wiseman & Basu 2013). Even if this participatory approach could disappoint countries, the fact is that most of the members prefer the UN as their main form of Diplomacy thanks to the opportunity to present proposals, express discomfort or ask for help in specific issues. The UN, through its vast network composed by foundations, major university centres, key NGOs, UN associations, think tanks,  institutes, and prominent individuals, can seek for solutions, programs and activities (Wiseman & Basu 2013). In terms of peace negotiation and new states democracy, the UN has some successful stories as Namibia and East Timor. In the case of Namibia, in 1990, the African country of Namibia became the 160th member of the United Nations after a long process of patient and persistent efforts from the UN that could persuade South Africa to fulfil its colonial mandate in the territory. During Namibia transition, UNTAG (United Nations Transition Assistance Group); consisting of people of 124 nationalities, almost 8,000 troops, and a civilian support and local staff of almost 2,000; worked for around one year to ensure the electoral process and monitor the ceasefire between the South West Africa People’s Organization and South African forces, and the withdrawal and demobilization of all military forces in Namibia (Johnson 2010). In East Timor’s independence, the UN also played an important role to end Indonesia’s 24-year occupation. The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was established to provide an integrated, multidimensional peacekeeping operation and was fu lly responsible for the administration of East Timor until 2002 when its transition to independence was completed. The entire infrastructure required to ensure the prosperity of the new democracy was established, and it is told that the UN’s involvement in this small, remote country goes back much further – to the months after the brutal Indonesian invasion of December 1975, when a young, bearded Timorese by the name of Jose Ramos Horta pleaded at the UN Security Council for international support (Head 2012). Until now, only examples of ‘high politics’ (armed conflicts) have been given, however, the UN is also well-known for its support in ‘low politics’ (socioeconomic factors as poverty and resource scarcity) to its members (Wiseman & Basu 2013). Specialised economic agencies such as the UN Council on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are in charge of much of th e work (Pigman 2010). Important proposals have been raised in these topics, and countless programmes and projects have been executed in developing countries mainly. Examples are Mongolian microfinance plans that have helped this country to pass a centrally planned  to a market-driven economy and have an average annual GDP growth rate of about 5 percent. In Bulgaria, a project named ‘Beautiful Bulgaria’ focused on vocational training for the unemployed, training to small and medium enterprises, start-up financing for small businesses, renovating tourism sites, sporting facilities and playgrounds made possible in 2007 that Bulgaria was admitted to the European Union. The Danube River flows through many Eastern European countries before reaching the Black Sea. In terms of environment, the Black Sea and the Danube River Basin programme has given measurable improvement as countries collectively identified their transboundary problem and agreed to environmental solution. For decades, the discharge of polluted water into the Danube resulted in nutrient over-enrichment in the Black Sea, affecting fish stocks, beaches and the incidence of waterborne disease. The dissolution of the Soviet Union provided an opportunity for countries in the region to launch a collaborative effort to address this issue (UNDP 2011). The UN not only gives the opportunity to deal well-known issues like the ones mentioned before, but it also provides the chance to explore new fields in Diplomacy. An example of this is the current condemnation of United States (US) espionage by Latin America and other countries that feel their sovereignty violated even when the US defends its programme as a tool to fight against terrorism (Stea, 2013). The media has played a key role in this topic pushing the US actual administration to propose changes to the National Security Agency (NSA) program as the promise that US government will no longer store the phone call information, however these ‘changes’ are not clear enough yet for the international community (Ackerman & Roberts 2014). In 2001, United States achieved the support of the UN Security Council that require d states to freeze the assets of individuals or institutions believed to be associated with terrorism (Keohne, Macedo & Moravcsik), however the panorama does not look the same for this issue. Diplomacy through UN has mainly been successful in regulating the international travel through the certification of airports by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the establishment of safety standards; ensuring that products for export meet international standards (e.g. milk, bananas, coffee, tea); ensuring that international agreements are implemented by the member states, for example, agreements relating to shared resources (i.e. animals,  rivers/lakes, logging, etc.); promoting cooperation among various countries, especially within the south (East Asia), resulting in exchange of information, scholarships, businesses, etc.; raising public awareness through international conferences, e.g. Environment (Rio), Human Settlement (Istanbul), Gender (Beijing), the plight of children (New York); promoting technical assistance in various fields to its member states in the third world; and providing shelter and relief to millions of refugees from war and persecution, as well as supporting the repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons (UNDP 2011). Finally, the UN as venue has also allowed the increase of ‘public diplomacy’ (since conferences are open to the media, therefore to an international audience), the ‘behind-the-scenes bilateral diplomacy’ (because in many cases the UN resolution approaches the parties who after bilateral negotiations solve common issues), and the ‘polylateral diplomacy’ (the relationship between the state and non-state representatives composed by NGOs working with the UN) that could be seen as a network diplomacy (Wiseman & Basu, 2013). Multilateralism Challenges Most of IGOs are labelled as ‘western’, with a strong influence of some members like United States which have unresolved historical grievances. Countries like China, that in the 2000s played a leading role in the construction of multilateral structures in Asia, concerns Washington since it considers that Beijing is using soft power to marginalise the United States. Climate change also poses a threat to all states because the major carbon emitters cannot agree to find a solution as it affects their interests. Compromise not always produces the level of cooperation required to solve a problem (Wright 2011). Nowadays, some of the challenges are referred to asymmetries in the evolving process of multiple channels and levels of diplomatic representation and interaction with the rise of such new powers as Brazil, Germany, India and South Africa. Also, the UN diplomacy is now tied to a larger and more complex diplomatic community of diplomats and non-state actors (Pigman 2010, Wiseman & Basu 2013). Another issue is related to structures. ‘The UN’s basic structure has not evolved with the changing international political climate and configurations. Most obviously, the P5 member states’ privileged status has skewed the relations  between government representatives who otherwise hold equal legal status in the international state system’ (Kerr & Wiseman 2013). To maintain the institution’s legitimacy, efficiency and its role of global governance, deep changes need to be done. Sensitive topics and decisions should be addressed in a correct way. For example, nowadays, the Syria crisis has provoked a wave of critics against the UN that have qualified the organisation as incompetent to find effective solutions to this kind of situations that harms innocent people. Another difficult topic is in terms of the nuclear weapon testing even when the nuclear non-proliferation treaty was signed by 190 nations, including five nations that admitted to owning nuclear weapons: France, England, Russia, China, and the US. The nuclear stockpiles remain high, and numerous nations continue to develop these devastating weapons, including North Korea, Israel, Pakistan, and India. These failures of compliance of the non-proliferation treaty and the inability to enforce crucial rules and regulations on offending nations have increased the criticism towards the UN effectiveness. Finally, resolutions related to sensitive topics as the human rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people may provoke the refusal of member countries that do not share this idea, and that could interpret this as an imposition from Western countries (Crary 2011) Conclusion Diplomacy through multilateral engagement represents the favourite channel of most of the countries thanks to the benefits it represents. States can get active participation in forums and raise petitions as well as to sign agreements that not only involve another state-party but even non-state actors. Technical assistance, humanitarian aid, democracy enhancement, complaints are some of the advantages of the IGO’s as venue, being the United Nations the most well-known thanks to its structure. Other IGO’s like the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO are also important as venue to deal with common issues in a universal or regional basis. However, these IGO’s, mainly the UN, also face challenges that need to be solved to continue the model in the future. The current structure of the Security Council with 5 privileged members has been pushed in the last years to change and enlarge if the UN pretends to continue be considered as ‘the centrepiece of global governanceà ¢â‚¬â„¢, effective and legitimate. The rise of the so-called BRIC  countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) have made the decision making process more carefully as the shift of power in the system is undeniable. 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