Cartel Behavior and Amateurism in College Sports Essay

Cartel Behavior and Amateurism in College Sports - Essay Example Surprisingly, those working hard to produce the rents are African-American athletes while the whites come out as the beneficiaries. This discourse takes an in-depth critique of Lawrence Kahn’s article and in the process evaluates facts that he outlines. The paper also separates facts from fictitious information in the article. Critique Lawrence Kahn explains that African-American athletes produce the rents benefited by white Americans. He mentions that the African-American sportspersons spent their rent on facilities, head coaches salaries, and nonrevenue sports. The football programs earn revenue from accounting profits. This also happens in the field of basketball. Evaluation of the role of NCAA appears at two levels. One extreme end is people who believe that efforts by NCAA to restrict payments to sportspeople enhance the value of sports by upholding amateurism. The other group holds that NCAA is a cartel that restricts compensation to sportsmen and women. Since its incept ion, the NCAA has been controlling the capacity for its members to access televised games. This started in 1984. This is a typical characteristic of a cartel where it prevents members from accessing and doing business with other competing firms in the industry. This is to avoid a share of the rents produced by sportsmen and women. The cartel wants to enjoy all the money. This is the reason that informed the formation of College Football Association (CFA). The behavior of NCAA towards is enough proof that it is a cartel. Cartels thrive on threats and sanctions. The NCAA threatened to expel any school and higher institution of learning that would sign a different contract following CFA’s readiness to negotiate a different and parallel contract with NBC. Threats by NCAA amounted to schools under CFA loosing on the revenue from the basketball tournament. This is total tyranny. In the modern liberal market, business associations and companies cannot thrive on threats and financial embargos. Finally, the NCAA succeeded in enjoying all the revenues generated from football television rents. The change in broadcasting rights appeared for the first time in college sports following a successful court petition by the University of Oklahoma and the University of Georgia. Cases in the judiciary point to the fact that indeed the NCAA is a cartel. Courts proved in 1995 that it was engaged in backroom dirty tricks to limit salaries for assistant coaches. An association existing for the welfare of members such as NCAA needs to engage making lives for their members. However, NCAA does the reverse. It is very difficult to comprehend what good is in limiting a pay for members and proudly claim to be generating a fair playground for your members. Lawrence Kahn cannot purport to justify the role of NCAA to limit compensation as efforts towards enhancing sports by maintaining amateurism. Kahn explains the value of amateurism by stating the large of members in NCAA makes it dif ficult for it to put ceilings on earnings of sportsmen and women. He holds that a possibility of NCAA failing to prevent a competitive market among players due to the high number of members is farfetched. This point by Lawrence Khan does not hold water. NCAA is cartel and members of such an association have to operate within the rules. Therefore, the rules apply to all irrespective of the size of membership.

Why Learn English Essay Example for Free

Why Learn English Essay There are many reasons to learn English, but because it is one of the most difficult languages to learn it is important to focus on exactly why it is you want to learn English. Here we will look at ten great reasons why English is so important. Post this list somewhere you can see it and it will motivate you to keep going even when you are tired of trying to figure out which witch is which! †¢English is the most commonly used language among foreign language speakers. Throughout the world, when people with different languages come together they commonly use English to communicate. †¢Why learn English when it is so difficult? Well, knowing English will make you bilingual and more employable in every country in the world. You have all the skills but when you are heard in an interview with poor communication, chances to get the job come down by 30%. †¢English is commonly spoken throughout much of the world due to Great Britain’s expansion during the colonial age. People in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, parts of Africa, India, and many smaller island nations speak English. English is the commonly adopted second language in Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Speaking English opens these countries and cultures up to you. †¢Another reason why English is so important is that it is the language of science. To excel in science you need to know English. †¢English is based on an alphabet and, compared to Chinese, it can be learned fairly quickly. †¢English is also the language of the Film Industry and English means you no longer have to rely on subtitles. †¢Speaking English immediately opens up opportunities regardless of your ethnicity, color, or background. †¢Learn English and you can then teach your children English — or if they are already learning, you can now communicate with them in English. †¢English speakers definitely earn more money than non-English speakers. Learning English will open your job prospects and increase your standard of living. †¢Last but not the least, because you have always wished to be more articulately audible, and, to impress your listeners with your fluent and flawless professionalism. Why Learn English From Us †¢First and Most Important to know that we are charging very nominal for you just to provide a platform to overcome your hesitations in terms of communication. †¢Our heartfelt Objective to bring you for the training comes from our personal experience with the job-seekers. †¢We are providing Basic English to International communication skills in one single customized course for you. Register yourself Today for the Induction / Introduction and know your level to enroll in the training. Lets move one step ahead by being More Confident!! Business Skills (iSkills) You are very good technically, but you find it difficult to present your thoughts to others in English. You can negotiate brilliantly in your mother-tongue, but with English, you are tongue-tied. You can write letters and e-mails in English easily, but they seem to be very long, or your boss has to correct them before they are sent across. You know your subject but can’t speak before a crowd. So, you don’t get the recognition you deserve because your communication skills are below par. The iSkill series taps the uniqueness in you and helps you perform effectively, developing you into a well-rounded professional. Programs A. Complete programs (120 hrs) Effective Performance Appraisals Professional Email writingTime Management Assertiveness skills Negotiation skillsSelling skills Business Writing Presentation skills Telephoning skills Leadership skillsPublic Speaking Voice Quality Meeting skills Recruiting and Interviewing Voice Quality B. i-Workshops (Spread over 8 hours – one to two days) Professional email writingEffective public speakingEffective presentation Time management Improve your fluency dramatically – iBlaze We offer iBlaze to improve your listening comprehension, fluency, pronunciation, and auditory memory. What it means is you get to understand the target language better, build your confidence, and improve your pronunciation. How does iBlaze work? Each iBlaze session begins with a listening phase, followed by pronunciation exercises: 1. The listening phase: The learner listens to modulated music that opens his ear to the dominant frequency of the targeted language. 2. The pronunciation phase: During 30 minutes, the learner trains his pronunciation by repeating words and sentences. †¢The learner listens to a native speaker †¢He then repeats †¢His voice is filtered in real time and his ear instantly opens itself to the frequencies of the learned language By hearing yourself speak properly, you correct your pronunciation unconsciously and naturally You can start seeing all this after just 24 sessions. Register yourself to know whether you are at the basic or the advanced. Email: [emailprotected] New Delhi: +91-98118655500

The Destructive Nature of Man Depicted in Keyes Flowers for Algernon E

Imagine how you would feel if you were always being treated as though you were not human, or if people acted as though they created you. Well this is how you would feel if you were the subject of a science experiment. Science experiments should not be performed on humans or animals because of the unknown outcome. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes shows a destructive nature of man through stereotypes, absence of family, and the various IQ levels needed to mature. Scientific experimentation shows a destructive nature of man through stereotypes. Stereotypes are cruel and heartless. â€Å"He makes the same mistakes as the others when they look at a feeble-minded person and laugh because they don’t understand there are human feelings involved. He doesn’t realise I was a person before I came here.† (Keyes, 145) Before the surgery Charlie was looked down upon because of his mental state. However, after the surgery he is treated like he was made by the scientists, as though he was their very own ‘Frankenstein’. This is a destructive nature of man because after the surgery Charlie finds out that his so called friends have been making fun of him his whole life. Stereotypes show a destructive nature of man. â€Å"People with mental illness are depicted as burdens to society and incapable of contributing in positive ways to their communities.† (Edney) Through this book the reader knows this statement is false, b ecause Charlie is able to function fairly well in society, considering he has a job and he is doing very well there. Stereotypes show a destructive nature of man because they belittle people and make them feel worthless. There is a destructive nature of man is shown in Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon through the absence of family. Sci... ...es not necessarily mean just a fully grown up individual it is a combination of age, awareness, intelligence and decision making ability.† (V, Jayram) when you are intelligent you are able to become mature. When Charlie is trying to decide whether or not to tell Donner about Gimpy, this shows he is becoming more mature because of his decision making ability. This proves that there is a destructive nature of man shown through the various IQ levels needed to mature. In the end, Charlie is returned to his previous mental state proving that scientific experimentation leads to a destructive nature of man. In Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes shows the reader a destructive nature of man through stereotypes, absence of family, and the various IQ levels needed to mature. Therefore, science experiments should be left for chemicals and labs not humans and animals. The Destructive Nature of Man Depicted in Keyes' Flowers for Algernon E Imagine how you would feel if you were always being treated as though you were not human, or if people acted as though they created you. Well this is how you would feel if you were the subject of a science experiment. Science experiments should not be performed on humans or animals because of the unknown outcome. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes shows a destructive nature of man through stereotypes, absence of family, and the various IQ levels needed to mature. Scientific experimentation shows a destructive nature of man through stereotypes. Stereotypes are cruel and heartless. â€Å"He makes the same mistakes as the others when they look at a feeble-minded person and laugh because they don’t understand there are human feelings involved. He doesn’t realise I was a person before I came here.† (Keyes, 145) Before the surgery Charlie was looked down upon because of his mental state. However, after the surgery he is treated like he was made by the scientists, as though he was their very own ‘Frankenstein’. This is a destructive nature of man because after the surgery Charlie finds out that his so called friends have been making fun of him his whole life. Stereotypes show a destructive nature of man. â€Å"People with mental illness are depicted as burdens to society and incapable of contributing in positive ways to their communities.† (Edney) Through this book the reader knows this statement is false, b ecause Charlie is able to function fairly well in society, considering he has a job and he is doing very well there. Stereotypes show a destructive nature of man because they belittle people and make them feel worthless. There is a destructive nature of man is shown in Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon through the absence of family. Sci... ...es not necessarily mean just a fully grown up individual it is a combination of age, awareness, intelligence and decision making ability.† (V, Jayram) when you are intelligent you are able to become mature. When Charlie is trying to decide whether or not to tell Donner about Gimpy, this shows he is becoming more mature because of his decision making ability. This proves that there is a destructive nature of man shown through the various IQ levels needed to mature. In the end, Charlie is returned to his previous mental state proving that scientific experimentation leads to a destructive nature of man. In Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes shows the reader a destructive nature of man through stereotypes, absence of family, and the various IQ levels needed to mature. Therefore, science experiments should be left for chemicals and labs not humans and animals.

An Analysis of Robert Ji-Song Kus Leda Essay -- Leda Essays

An Analysis of Robert Ji-Song Ku's Leda      Ã‚  Ã‚   In Robert Ji-Song Ku's short story "Leda," the main character, Sorin, leads a life of imitation. He applies himself to his graduate studies in comparative literature a little too readily: he compares not just text to text; he also compares his life to text, to "works of literature" (Wong 281). If his life does not match that of at least one literary character on several levels of interpretation, whether emotional, physical, or mental, he changes his behavior so that it will. For example, he begins to "smoke and drink - heavily...simply because every one of Hemingway's heroes did it. For a while I drank only vodka martinis in public because I read that James Bond drank it exclusively ... I ... also smoked [his] particular brand of cigarettes" (280). In "Leda," the two influential "oeuvres" (280) are Junichiro Tanizaki's The Bridge of Dreams, a "haunting retelling of the Oedipal myth" (281), and the story of Leda, in Greek mythology. Both have extensive influence on Sorin, and their influences intertwine in his behavior to the extent that it is difficult to separate and identify each.    "Leda" is primarily an Oedipal tale thanks to the influence of Bridge, but, as Sorin "frequently finds himself doing things, saying things, and make certain choices [because] ... some of the most intriguing characters in books have done the same," he mixes Oedipus with Zeus, Castor and Pollux to produce the character he becomes when interacting with Leda, his lover. Oedipus, of course, is the Greek dramatic character who, when he discovers he has married his mother and has had children with her, gouges his eyes out. Zeus is the philandering Greek father of the gods who, according to Greek l... ...or having lived his life vicariously.    Works Cited "Castor and Polydeuces." Microsoft Encarta Online. 27 February 1999 http://encarta.msn.com/index/conciseindex/54/05444000.htm. "Cheju Island." 17 February 1999 http://www.chejuinfo.net/index_e.html. Criss, P. J. "Leda." 17 February 1999 http://www.cybercom.com/~grandpa/ledax.html. Hefner, Alan G. "Zeus." The Encyclopedia Mythica. 27 February 1999 http://www.pantheon.org/mythica/articles/z/zeus.html. "Leda and the Constellation Cygnus." Department of Engineering, University of Michigan. 17 February 1999 http://windows.ivv.nasa.gov/mythology/cygnus.html. Webb, Ruth H. "Leda." 17 February 1999 http://www.princeton.edu/~rhwebb/leda.html. Wong, Shawn, ed. Asian American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology. New York: Harper Collins College Publishers, 1996.      

Organzational Behavior

Clarification is the first step towards understanding dynamics of conflict within the work place. Exploring the various types of conflict should be used as a precursor to approach the differences between constructive and destructive conflict. Understanding how organizations can enhance employee strengths under varying conditions is reinforced through good communication skills in the conflict management process. Communication emphasizes the need for self-understanding and self-management for the conflict resolution process to work.The techniques of Indirect Conflict Management and Direct Conflict Management help in dealing with specific problems such as hostile individuals, personality conflicts, etc. are best used as a guide and should not be taken literal as each individual presents varying issues. Destructive conflict works as a disadvantage to employees, groups and organizations. Destructive conflict affects group efforts needed for team building, and creates hostility resulting i n a hostile environment. Constructive conflict is a beneficial factor for some organizations in which groups address issues and make decisions to provide an opportunities for improvement.Conflict-management appropriately models professional standards so that every employee may effectively progress in a professional manner appropriate for the workplace. Indirect conflict management approaches share the common quality of avoiding direct dealings with personalities. They include reduced interdependence, appeals to common goals, hierarchical referral, and alterations in the use of mythology and scripts (Schermerhorn, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 349). Reduced Interdependence creates a systematic approach by eliminating conflict by separating groups in which require interaction.By spreading or reducing contact with one another resolution is believed to be resolved. As an alternative to reduced interdependence another indirect approach is assigning a liaison to facilitate activities among gro ups to smooth the process creating conflict. Conflict is given a common perspective by directing the attention towards a focus of appealing to common goals as opposed to conflict. Hierarchy referral is used to provide employees with alternatives to conflict when the appropriate steps or conflict resolution is unattainable.Providing a smoke screen, Altering scripts and Myths is utilized when resolution has been unattainable. Approaching common goals indirect conflict management uses a system of individuals in ranking positions above one another. This strategy uses a chain of command for resolutions lacking the interpersonal relationship needed for team building. However, the organizational dynamics of indirect conflict can be useful when there is no direct conflict, and the plans recommended by a primary leader require guidance.Direct conflict management utilizes five methods of managing conflict smoothing or accommodation, collaboration and problem solving, compromise, avoidance, an d competition and authoritative command. â€Å"The five approaches to conflict management are described from the perspective of their relative emphasis on cooperativeness and assertiveness in the relationship† (Schermerhorn, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 349). Maintaining working relationships, direct conflict identifies the underlying issues first proceeded by utilizing systematic actions agreeable for all parties.Smoothing requires a mediator in which allows all parties to address the issues experienced and identify the dynamics of the conflict. Accommodating gives the power to ease conflict by obliging and exploring possibilities of resolution. Smoothing and accommodating prepares and facilitates the methods of Collaboration and Problem Solving seeks true satisfaction of everyone's concerns by working through differences, finding and solving problems so that everyone gains results. (Schermerhorn, Hunt, ; Osborn, 2008).Compromise is an essential effort in which requires an agree ment of resolution without it the likelihood of conflict is possible. In a win-lose conflict some employees may still not be satisfied with the mediation in which one party submits to the compromise to avoid further conflict. â€Å"Avoidance may be used when an issue is trivial, when more important issues are pressing, or when people need to cool down temporarily and regain perspective† (Schermerhorn, Hunt, ; Osborn, 2008, p. 351).All contributing information should be considered in mediation whereas some issues are personality conflicts in which do not apply to issues work related. Placing the conflicting ideas into perspective is advisable at best so long as it does not pose further immediate conflict. â€Å"Competition and Authoritative Command is working against the wishes of the other party, fighting to dominate in win-lose competition, and/or forcing things to a favorable conclusion through the exercise of authority† (Schermerhorn, Hunt, ; Osborn, 2008, p. 49). A uthoritative command is best utilized when immediate action is needed to firmly establish direction in conflict resolution. Understanding the mutual purpose of an organization is beneficial for teambuilding and management. Direct strategies incorporate team building to identify organizations success in business and working relationships. Firmly established leadership abilities are essential to mediate direct conflict.

Academic Writing Essentials Essay Example

Academic Writing Essentials Essay Example Academic Writing Essentials Essay Academic Writing Essentials Essay Essay Topic: Academic The definition of academic writing is â€Å"writing an essay, thesis, report, journal article or another document for purposes of educating the reader or achieving some scholarly aim for the writer† (yourdictionary.com). For instance, this essay would be considered academic writing based on the condition of achieving a scholarly aim for myself the â€Å"writer.† I have identified three elements that I believe are vital to good academic writing. These elements are academic vocabulary, using evidence to support your argument, and citing source material. Throughout this essay, I will speak about the importance of these elements. Also, I will briefly discuss a challenge that was discovered as I did research for this essay. A problem that many students face when presented with the task of writing in an academic format. Academic vocabulary refers to words that are traditionally used in academic dialogue and text. These types of words are used to explain a concept; they are not necessarily common or frequently encountered in informal conversations (Spellingcity.com). Academic vocabulary is essential when writing about a specific subject for informative purposes. â€Å"The link between vocabulary and comprehension is well established† (Townsend, D., Kiernan, D. (2015) (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2000; Stahl Fairbanks, 1986). There are general academic words and discipline-specific academic words. â€Å"College-level and professional writing requires clarity both in grammar and word choice so that the reader can easily understand complex ideas† (Moxley, J. (2010). The next element is using evidence to support your argument. This is essential because academic writing is for an educational purpose. The reader needs facts, not just the writer’s opinion. As the writer is presenting the argument, the reader needs evidence to see how the writer arrived at that particular conclusion. This evidence can come in many fo

Free Essays on Jasmine

Jasmine: Survivor or Victim? At times in life satisfaction is hard to achieve. A person may not ever be satisfied with the way things may be working out. People tend to live according to what they see others doing. If you see a person’s life and you think it’s better than yours you may strive to make you life ditto another person’s life. In Bharati Mukherjee novel â€Å" Jasmine†, the main character Jasmine seems as if she is lost in life and always thinks that someone around her has a better life than hers. Jasmine struggles with never being satisfied with her life so she moves every time she feels that thinks should be changed. Often times if a person cant accept problems they run from them, and that exactly what Jasmine does. Jasmine began her life in India where there is a huge amount of domestic violence going on partially dowry murders, Could this be what jasmine is running from all along? Jasmine was a widow in India at the age of seventeen and became very isolated and depress , this is what cause her to move to America. Jasmine didn’t really know that the same thing that goes on in India also existed in America, so no matter where she ran she had to face something. The main thing Jasmine will face will be learnt assumptions that people may have about her and how she is living. Sometimes in America people rarely realize the types of violence that goes on the serious extent that it happens in. There are many learnt assumptions in other countries about America because in other countries it’s being taught that America is home of the free. In â€Å" Ways of Seeing† John Berger states, â€Å" The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe†(106). This shows how a person can view something and first look at what they know about that image and then view it according to what is already know. Rarely do people look at others and judge them by what they see in front of them, they first search for things they... Free Essays on Jasmine Free Essays on Jasmine Jasmine: Survivor or Victim? At times in life satisfaction is hard to achieve. A person may not ever be satisfied with the way things may be working out. People tend to live according to what they see others doing. If you see a person’s life and you think it’s better than yours you may strive to make you life ditto another person’s life. In Bharati Mukherjee novel â€Å" Jasmine†, the main character Jasmine seems as if she is lost in life and always thinks that someone around her has a better life than hers. Jasmine struggles with never being satisfied with her life so she moves every time she feels that thinks should be changed. Often times if a person cant accept problems they run from them, and that exactly what Jasmine does. Jasmine began her life in India where there is a huge amount of domestic violence going on partially dowry murders, Could this be what jasmine is running from all along? Jasmine was a widow in India at the age of seventeen and became very isolated and depress , this is what cause her to move to America. Jasmine didn’t really know that the same thing that goes on in India also existed in America, so no matter where she ran she had to face something. The main thing Jasmine will face will be learnt assumptions that people may have about her and how she is living. Sometimes in America people rarely realize the types of violence that goes on the serious extent that it happens in. There are many learnt assumptions in other countries about America because in other countries it’s being taught that America is home of the free. In â€Å" Ways of Seeing† John Berger states, â€Å" The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe†(106). This shows how a person can view something and first look at what they know about that image and then view it according to what is already know. Rarely do people look at others and judge them by what they see in front of them, they first search for things they...

Free Essays on Effectiveness Of The Death Penalty As A Means Of Reducing Crime

Effectiveness of the Death Penalty as a Means of Reducing Crime A commonly used phrase for the Death Penalty is Capital Punishment, meaning, â€Å"The infliction of the death penalty for the commission of certain crimes.† American Heritage Dictionary, Houghton Mifflin Company, pg. 200. At one level, the death penalty is a minor issue. The media informs the public of horrible crimes committed, but few people are directly affected by those crimes. Few people are sentenced to death for crimes and fewer are ever executed. Inmates on death row represent only about one-tenth of 1% of inmates in prisons or jail.(Stassen, pg.15.) Several thousand on death row have been awaiting execution for over 10 years. At another level, the death penalty represents a couple of concerns for everyone: the value of human life and how to protect it. Death penalty supporters, in addition to believing the people who commit appalling crimes deserve to die, they also believe it prevents others contemplating such crimes from committing them. Opponents of the d eath penalty believe it is immoral and a civilized society would not employ the death penalty. They maintain that the perpetrators of such crimes can be dealt with by other means. Let’s take a look at the history of the death penalty in our country. During the colonial times death penalty laws varied from colony to colony. One extreme was the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony, which listed 12 death-eligible crimes: (1) idolatry, (2) witchcraft, (3) blasphemy, (4) murder, (5) manslaughter, (6) poisoning, (7) bestiality, (8) sodomy, (9) adultery, (10) man-stealing, (11) false witness in capital cases (12) conspiracy and rebellion. (Bohm 1999). All of the crimes except conspiracy and rebellion were accompanied by a Biblical quotation as justification. The other extreme was the law of the Quakers who were less punitive than their neighbors. In the Royal Charter of South Jersey, capital punish... Free Essays on Effectiveness Of The Death Penalty As A Means Of Reducing Crime Free Essays on Effectiveness Of The Death Penalty As A Means Of Reducing Crime Effectiveness of the Death Penalty as a Means of Reducing Crime A commonly used phrase for the Death Penalty is Capital Punishment, meaning, â€Å"The infliction of the death penalty for the commission of certain crimes.† American Heritage Dictionary, Houghton Mifflin Company, pg. 200. At one level, the death penalty is a minor issue. The media informs the public of horrible crimes committed, but few people are directly affected by those crimes. Few people are sentenced to death for crimes and fewer are ever executed. Inmates on death row represent only about one-tenth of 1% of inmates in prisons or jail.(Stassen, pg.15.) Several thousand on death row have been awaiting execution for over 10 years. At another level, the death penalty represents a couple of concerns for everyone: the value of human life and how to protect it. Death penalty supporters, in addition to believing the people who commit appalling crimes deserve to die, they also believe it prevents others contemplating such crimes from committing them. Opponents of the d eath penalty believe it is immoral and a civilized society would not employ the death penalty. They maintain that the perpetrators of such crimes can be dealt with by other means. Let’s take a look at the history of the death penalty in our country. During the colonial times death penalty laws varied from colony to colony. One extreme was the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony, which listed 12 death-eligible crimes: (1) idolatry, (2) witchcraft, (3) blasphemy, (4) murder, (5) manslaughter, (6) poisoning, (7) bestiality, (8) sodomy, (9) adultery, (10) man-stealing, (11) false witness in capital cases (12) conspiracy and rebellion. (Bohm 1999). All of the crimes except conspiracy and rebellion were accompanied by a Biblical quotation as justification. The other extreme was the law of the Quakers who were less punitive than their neighbors. In the Royal Charter of South Jersey, capital punish...

Significance and Limitations of the Royal Prerogative Essay

Significance and Limitations of the Royal Prerogative - Essay Example In the 1700s, debates regarding the extent of the Royal Prerogative powers ensued.   This was further aggravated by the execution of one King and the expulsion of Charles I in 1649 and James II in 1688.   Discussions on the issue culminated with the passing of the 1689 Bill of Rights, which considered the use, and abuse of certain specific royal prerogatives as unlawful.   It was concluded that most of the prerogative powers may be exercised only upon the advice of ministers, and although the Monarch retained certain powers which can be exercised independently such as the power of appointment and removal of ministers and ministries, the royal power found it difficult to freely exercise its prerogatives, especially if it is in contravention of the advice of the Parliament. The following are some of the powers vested under the Royal Prerogative:   (1) Calling for and dissolving of the parliament, calling of elections; (2) Giving of royal assent to legislation; (3) Preparing plans to confer benefits to citizens; (4) Granting of clemency, pardoning of convicts, or reducing penalties thereof; (5) Entering into treaties, declaring war and making peace, controlling the issuance of passports and preventing foreigners from entering the country; (6) Controlling, organizing and disposing of the armed forces; (7) Appointing of judicial officers, ministers, and other public officers; (8) Procuring of ships; (9) Printing of authorized versions of the Holy Bible. The royal prerogative to establish and enter into diplomatic relations with other countries or states played a significant role in the formation of a strategic alliance that has been an important factor in international relations.   The wisdom of determining whether or not the country should befriend another country, and which country or countries it should be, is properly laid on the Crown/Monarch.   The latter is in a better position to evaluate the conduct of relations with other jurisdictions.   The long process of debates and arguments in the Parliament is considered unnecessary as it involves a purely executive function.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Also, since it is the Crown/Monarch who personally engages himself in these functions, it is but proper that such power be exercised by him, to the exclusion of the Parliament.

Graduation Rate in WV and Principal's Leadership Dissertation

Graduation Rate in WV and Principal's Leadership - Dissertation Example Principals with good leadership practices focus on the welfare of their students. Leadership is an important component of a school’s performance. It is the set of behavioral patterns exhibited by the principal in attainment of the school’s goals. Good leadership can bring about a positive response from teachers as well as students. Many scholars have established the relationship between principal’s effective leadership and its impact on the student’s performance. The trends in educational leadership have changed. In the past the principal had an administrative role whereas these days he is more involved in improving learning of students. A principal with a good leadership style will encourage teachers to employ different techniques to make students learn rather than let students drop out thereby increasing the graduation rate. Graduation Rate in West Virginia Graduation rate is defined by â€Å"the percentage of students who graduate from high school each year with a regular high school diploma† (Gulbin, 2008. pp.84). The graduation rates are a means to measure how a school is performing. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act passed in 2002 aims at achieving 100% results in reading and mathematics on a national level by the year 2014. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education (2009), 1.3 million High school students in the US drop out of school each year. This has dire consequences on the society in the long run. High dropout rate means that lesser number of people will be qualified to do good jobs and this will reduce the number of Americans in key political as well as professional positions. It also has a lasting impact on economy as High school dropouts eventually become a burden on the society. The average income of a family headed by a dropout has decreased by one third from 1974 to 2004 (Postsecondary Education Opportunity, 2010). In the long run more people will live below poverty line if the current trends contin ue. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (2010) published the Digest of education statistics: 2009 according to which the 8% of teenagers across the US were dropping out of school. The results in terms of races paint a shocking picture as about 15% of Native American Indians are either dropping out of schools or not enrolled in schools at all. The dropout rates have a correlation with family income, locality of the school, negative school climate and the leadership of the school. Graduation rate has implications on overall society as students who drop out find it harder to make a living and become a burden n the society. In West Virginia, 72% students graduated with a regular high school diploma in the year 2010-2011 as reported by Alliance for Excellent Education (Understanding High School Graduation Rates in West Virginia, n.d). The America’s Health Rankings, 2011 edition describes the high school graduation rate for the period 1990-2011 (see Figure 1). Figur e 1: West Virginia High School Graduation Rate (1990-2011) (America’s Health Rankings, 2011) As pointed out by the Institute for Educational Leadership (2000), learning is dependent upon leadership. Effective leadership in schools can bring down the dropout rates by improving the performance of students. The principal plays a mediating role between the teachers and students and has a direct as well as indirect effect on their achievements. The leadership

By reference to specific case-law and political examples, critically Essay

By reference to specific case-law and political examples, critically examine the extent to which this statement accurately reflects the development as well as the content of Public International Law today - Essay Example anda, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia in Africa; Bosnia and Kosovo in Eastern Europe; state-sponsored ethnic cleansing in East Timor in Asia and extreme violence on the North American island nation of Haiti. These were the â€Å"new wars† at the end of the 20th century. Although ethnic conflict and humanitarian crises have existed since the dawn of time, for the first time ever images of extreme bloodshed, violence and even genocide were broadcast into the homes of the viewing public through international television stations like the Cable News Network (CNN), Fox and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Images of children being slaughtered, women raped and people brutalized were beamed into the living rooms of people all over the world, for all to see. For the first time, the public was confronted, on a near daily basis, with images of carnage and humanitarian crisis. People pressed their congressmen, parliamentarians and state representatives to act and, in varying degrees, a groundswell calling for a decisive role for governments in ending these humanitarian crises and conflicts emerged. Although some wanted direct military action, often French, British or American, in ending a particular conflict, most governments have traditionally favor ed other instruments of diplomacy: political pressure, economic sanctions and imposed settlement through international bodies such as the United Nations. While support for military intervention was certainly not the operative interventionist choice for most in the cases mentioned in the introductory paragraph above – for example, how many Americans or Frenchmen before the genocide could locate Rwanda on a map? – in each case presented above, the international community did consider some type of military intervention in ending the respective crises (Boettcher, 2004). Are human rights a key determinant of foreign policy? If so, how does the protection of human rights on a global

Phenomenology light in religious building Essay

Phenomenology light in religious building - Essay Example Look at the unparallel beauty of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow designed by Postnik Yakolev and built between 1555 and 1561. Look at the magnitude of the Notre Dame in France worked upon by numerous architects. Head towards Istanbul, Turkey and bask your eyes upon the Hagia Sophia mosque with its intriguing history. The Nidaros Cathedral, the most beautiful cathedral in Norway, probably in all Scandinavian Peninsula;Â  Or the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, an exceptional work of creative genius (Florin Nedelcu, 2008). Remember the anticipation and the excitement you experience as a child when your father takes you out to buy a new toy. At this point I am that child. However after a lot of deliberation on the basis of personal as well as architectural preference The Church of light by Tadao Ando and the Shah Mosque in Iran are the religious structures my essay will focus upon. Church of Light by Tadao Ando Being a student of architecture the work of Tadao Ando has always been one that I have greatly admired. I had initially associated Tadao Ando’s accomplishment for receiving the 18th Prtizker Prize as a result of his notable work and the fact that he had accomplished great architectural credibility being a self-taught designer. However looking at his vast body of work and his artful use of natural light and landscape, from all of his work the design that is my favorite is the Church of Light. I had always had great feelings of respect for Ando’s ability to design the church of light within a limited budget. Not only was that the case but during the course of his work there existed a strong possibility that the church would end up with no roof. I strongly believe that the work of an architect is a mere depiction of his personality. Isn’t that just what the core essence of architectural phenomenology all about? Feelings that are so strong that they are imprinted on the structure that a person designs. The Church of Light is not just a brilliant piece of architectural genius but it is the tangible proof of Tadao Ando’s resilient, diligent and creative strength of character. Tadao Ando, as an architect is brilliant but as a person he is a source of great inspiration for me. He fills my heart with joy and a longing that perhaps one day I can grow into a person that not only excels in his work but receives the admiration and respect of millions around the world. That being said I can clearly recall the reason for my insistence to go visit Ibaraki during my family trip to Japan. I had seen various pictures of The Church of light as any student of architecture during the course of his work would have. However seeing the actual structure was a minor motivation for me to explore Ibaraki. I remember a certain disagreement that I had prior to my trip with my father. The details of which are hazy but I clearly remember the bad and restless mood I had been in. I remember dragging my feet and wanting to get away from everyone with little regard about where I was headed towards. It was with this black mood that I made my way towards the Church of light. At some point I thought I had gotten lost. If I recall correctly I didn’t particularly care. At some point I angrily muttered a few unappreciative words to Ando for selecting such a confusing location. This was when I ran into an old Japanese man. He smiled at me and said something in Japanese. His

Chemical Mind Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chemical Mind - Movie Review Example The axon, which is protected by a myelin sheath, transmits electrical impulses from the soma to other neurons, muscles, and glands. The nervous system depends on neurotransmitters that trigger signal transmission that leads to emotions and motions. Notably, endorphins and norepinephrine control emotions and alertness respectively. Gamma-aminobutyric acid such as serotonin regulates moods, hunger, and sleep. Acetylcholine and dopamine have both exciting and inhibitory properties. The former triggers muscle action and memory while the latter is important in learning, movement, and pleasurable emotions. Excess dopamine has a link to addictive and impulsive behavior, as well as, schizophrenia. Hormones are chemical transmitters in the endocrine system, and exert action on the brain, as well as, other organs. Notably, hormones regulate moods, arousal, circadian rhythm, metabolism, growth, immune system, and sexual reproduction. Unlike the neurotransmitter, the transmission of messages thr ough hormones is slower. The transmission involves secretion of hormones by glands that enter the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain. It is noteworthy that the hormonal effect is long lasting. The most important gland in the brain is the pituitary that release growth hormone and oxytocin, which play a role in social bonding. In summary, the communication between the brain and peripheral organs involves nervous and endocrine systems.Franz Joseph Gall, a German physician, perceived that a link existed between personality and skull morphology.

Phenomenology light in religious building Essay

Phenomenology light in religious building - Essay Example Look at the unparallel beauty of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow designed by Postnik Yakolev and built between 1555 and 1561. Look at the magnitude of the Notre Dame in France worked upon by numerous architects. Head towards Istanbul, Turkey and bask your eyes upon the Hagia Sophia mosque with its intriguing history. The Nidaros Cathedral, the most beautiful cathedral in Norway, probably in all Scandinavian Peninsula;Â  Or the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, an exceptional work of creative genius (Florin Nedelcu, 2008). Remember the anticipation and the excitement you experience as a child when your father takes you out to buy a new toy. At this point I am that child. However after a lot of deliberation on the basis of personal as well as architectural preference The Church of light by Tadao Ando and the Shah Mosque in Iran are the religious structures my essay will focus upon. Church of Light by Tadao Ando Being a student of architecture the work of Tadao Ando has always been one that I have greatly admired. I had initially associated Tadao Ando’s accomplishment for receiving the 18th Prtizker Prize as a result of his notable work and the fact that he had accomplished great architectural credibility being a self-taught designer. However looking at his vast body of work and his artful use of natural light and landscape, from all of his work the design that is my favorite is the Church of Light. I had always had great feelings of respect for Ando’s ability to design the church of light within a limited budget. Not only was that the case but during the course of his work there existed a strong possibility that the church would end up with no roof. I strongly believe that the work of an architect is a mere depiction of his personality. Isn’t that just what the core essence of architectural phenomenology all about? Feelings that are so strong that they are imprinted on the structure that a person designs. The Church of Light is not just a brilliant piece of architectural genius but it is the tangible proof of Tadao Ando’s resilient, diligent and creative strength of character. Tadao Ando, as an architect is brilliant but as a person he is a source of great inspiration for me. He fills my heart with joy and a longing that perhaps one day I can grow into a person that not only excels in his work but receives the admiration and respect of millions around the world. That being said I can clearly recall the reason for my insistence to go visit Ibaraki during my family trip to Japan. I had seen various pictures of The Church of light as any student of architecture during the course of his work would have. However seeing the actual structure was a minor motivation for me to explore Ibaraki. I remember a certain disagreement that I had prior to my trip with my father. The details of which are hazy but I clearly remember the bad and restless mood I had been in. I remember dragging my feet and wanting to get away from everyone with little regard about where I was headed towards. It was with this black mood that I made my way towards the Church of light. At some point I thought I had gotten lost. If I recall correctly I didn’t particularly care. At some point I angrily muttered a few unappreciative words to Ando for selecting such a confusing location. This was when I ran into an old Japanese man. He smiled at me and said something in Japanese. His

Signal Space Cooperative Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Signal Space Cooperative Communication - Essay Example This is possible with the help of expanded constellation; also it enables the destination to combine the received signals in the broadcast phase and the relay phase. Later the performance of the SSC scheme is analysed and numerical results are obtained, with the help of that result two design criteria are derived so that it can achieve the maximum performance from the system. Spatial diversity techniques are used in order to increase system reliability; also it won’t affect the bandwidth or performance. We use cooperative diversity as alternative to achieve special diversity, where antenna diversity become impractical due to size and power limitation of mobile devices. The concept of cooperation among users to provide diversity was introduced by Sendonaris, and then Laneman (Motahari, Ahmadzadeh & Khandani) derived the formulation for cooperative diversity based on two cooperative schemes, namely Amplify and Forward (AF), and Decode and Forward (DF). Signal space diversity was introduced by Belfiore and Boulle (Motahari, Ahmadzadeh & Khandani), which is achieved with the modulation signal space. Here we spread information carried by each signal point across all components of that particular signal point. And then send each component through an independent channel. The performance of the cooperative schemes, which uses the signal space diversity, is affected by the performance of the source-relay channel. Meanwhile, a method called Signal Space Cooperative (SSC) scheme has been proposed to overcome this problem however, which is not easy to scale larger constellations. And also here we take an assumption, that the destination is aware of whether the relay participates in the cooperative scheme or not. Signal Space Cooperative Scheme SSC scheme is the major proposal by this paper. To demonstrate SSC scheme, first we have to see the Constellation Expansion Algorithm that enables the relay to effectively cooperate during the course of transmission. Then, the broadcast phase and the relay phase signals are described followed by a discussion on how the destination decodes received signals. Constellation Expansion In order to achieve maximum diversity gain, any two signal points in the system constellation must have the maximum number of distinct components. Let us consider

Diversity in Sports Essay Example for Free

Diversity in Sports Essay Diversity in sports simply means equal opportunities for every athlete irregardless of gender, color, race, or origin. This is what the true spirit of competition should be all about. Sports should not only involve the white race, Americans, or men but also other races and sex(Jackson 2007). Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. , in his report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said that in recent years, diversity in sports has become very evident. In the world of American football, the Indianapolis Colts, coached by an African-American, won a Super Bowl. In baseball, the Chicago White Sox, a multi-racial team managed by Ozzie Guillen, a Latino, and Ken Williams, an African-American, won the World Series in 2005. A year later, the New York Mets, who is managed by a Latino manager and an African-American general manager, almost duplicated the White Sox’ feat, losing only in Game 7 of the National League Championship. This goes to show that moves to diversify sports are moving forward(Jackson 2007). The National Basketball Association (NBA) has led the way in terms of sports diversity by opening its doors to other races. Long ago, the NBA was dominated by Americans or Canadians. Recently, however, one can see the teams drafting players from Europe and recently Asia. The Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) are likewise starting to provide opportunities for other races which is why spectators would get to see the likes of Alfonso Soriano and Sammy Sossa hitting homeruns here and there(Jackson 2007). Diversity in Sports 4 The NBA: Taking the Lead In Diversity Leading the way as far as diversity in professional sports is the National Basketball Association (NBA). For more than twenty years, the NBA has become the leader in promoting equal opportunities to all races. Here are some NBA diversity facts and figures as reported by The Institute for Diversity in Ethics and Sports(Spears, 2007): 15% of team vice presidents in the NBA are held by colored people, which is the highest in all of professional sports. 79% of NBA players have colors. In 2007, the number of African-American players increased to 75% which is higher than the 73% recorded in 2006. Employment opportunities for colored people at the League offices were at 34 percent, which is 2% higher than the previous year. 39% of professional positions in the League Office are occupied by women. 12 teams in the NBA are handled by African-American coaches. The NBA’s total of 40% still tops all of professional sports. With 53 African-American head coaches, the NBA has more than doubled the number of colored head coaches in any other professional sports. Next in line is the MLB with 25 colored managers. 41% of assistant coaches in the NBA are colored which is the highest so far in the history of the league. Diversity in Sports 5 There are four African-American CEO/Presidents in the league and two other presidents of basketball operations. To date, they are the only people who have held such position in all of professional sports. In 2006, there were eight African-American general managers in the NBA, which tops other professional sports league. By the end of 2006-07, the NBA had 64 percent white referees, 32 percent African-American, 3 percent Latin Americans, and a single black referee in Violet Palmer. Diversity in College Sports While professional sports is heading towards diversity, such is not the case in college sports. According to a report by the University of Central Florida, diversity has not been progressing in collegiate leagues. Here are the facts(Belew, 2006): In Division I schools, only 25. 2% of head coaches are African-American which is higher by 2% than the previous year. In Division IA, out of a total of 119 football head coaches, only six are African-American and zero percent are women. In college basketball, only 4. 1% of head coaches come from the minority group with 2. 6% being Latin Americans. The enforcement of Title IX did not help the cause of women in college sports as not a single one of them is represented. Diversity in Sports 6 In sports involving women, most Division I, II, and III coaching jobs are occupied by 89. 6%, 90. 9%, and 92. 9%, respectively. In the men’s division, the breakdown was 90. 6%, 89. 5%, and 93. 4%, respectively, served as head coaches. Diversity in the Olympics The Olympic Games is one of the many sporting competitions that practices diversity in sports. Once every four years, athletes from various nations converge in one venue in order to have a shot at sports excellence(Guttmann, nd). There are two varieties of this international sporting event namely Winter and Summer Olympics. Contemporary Olympics started in Athens, Greece in 1896, a couple of years after Pierre de Coubertin proposed the holding of an Olympic Games to push for peace in the world. The inaugural Games only had about 300 athletes from less than 15 countries taking part in 43 events in nine disciplines. When the Olympics returned to Athens in 2004, the number of participants had ballooned to 10,000 athletes representing 202 nations vying in 28 various sports(Guttmann, nd). Women In The Olympics During the inaugural Olympics, there were no female athletes who took part in the Games. Four years later, however, golf and tennis allowed the participation of women. In 1912, swimming and diving became available for women athletes as well. Sixteen years later during the 1928 Games, gymnastics and track and field had female athletes likewise. Since then, the number of women competing in the Olympics have considerably increased. At present, fifty percent of all teams are comprised by women, with the exception of the Muslim countries, where female participation is minimal(Guttmann, nd). Diversity in Sports 7 The Paralympics Games In the true spirit of diversity in sports, disabled people can have an opportunity to experience competitive spirit and sports excellence with their own version of the Olympic Games. Introduced in 1960, in conjunction with the Olympic Games in Rome, the Paralympics, as it is called, highlights male and female athletes representing six various disability groups. The emphasis of the Paralympics Games is not on the disability but on individual achievements. Since then, the growth of the event has become steady. From the initial 400 athletes that took part in 1960, a total of 3806 athletes representing 136 nations took part during the 2004 Athens Paralympics Games. Beijing, China will be the cite of the next Paralympics Games(International Paralympics Committee, nd). Conclusion When it comes to sports, not a single nation can dominate all the events. While host nations of the Olympics choose the events where they have the advantage, chances are other nations will beat them in other fronts. This is what diversity in sports is all about. Fairness and equality in the light of competition. References Belew, B(2006 December 17). Diversity in College Sports – Coaching. The Biz of Knowledge. Retrieved July 14 2008 from http://www. thebizofknowledge. com/2006/12/diversity_in_college_sports_co_1. html Guttman, A(nd). Olympic Games. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 14 2008 from http://www. encarta. msn. com

Overview and Analysis of Research Methodologies

Overview and Analysis of Research Methodologies INTRODUCTION This chapter presents the research methodologies adopted for the research. A combination of both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches was adopted by the researcher in order to attain a realistic result from the research. Specifically, the chapter discusses the range of methods used by the researcher for the research, research philosophy, research strategy and research methods used to gain data and data analysis. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY Research philosophy is about the system in which the research problem should be fundamentally approached, and this includes: positivism, realism and interpretivism. (Davies, 2007) Positivism: The roots of positivism lie particularly with empiricism, which works with observable facts. The basic philosophy behind positivism is that, all factual knowledge is based on the positive information gathered from observable experience, and that any idea beyond this realm of demonstrable fact is metaphysical. Only analytic statements are allowed to be known as true, through reason alone. (Davies, 2007) Interpretivism is a view that believes that the world and reality are not objective and external, but are socially constructed and given meaning by people. This view is usually referred to as the qualitative approach and is based on an inductive procedure (Rea and Parker, 2006).(why appropriate to use) Saunders et al (2003) defines realism that is based on the belief that a reality exists that is autonomous of human thoughts and beliefs, and that can influence their perceptions either consciously or unconsciously. Management and Business research is often a mixture between positivist and interpretivist, perhaps reflecting the stance of realism. (Scheurich, 2007) The research issues will try to find out, the extent of employee involvement in the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in PZ Industries (NIG.) PLC as a case study. What they do well or not in this regard. Thus, the research philosophy is interpretivism rather than positivism. Deciding which research method will be adopted depending on what research philosophy is adopted is relevant in a research, Rea and Parker, (2006). For positivism, a deductive process involves the development of a conceptual and theoretical standpoint prior to its testing through empirical observation while for interpretivism, it involves an inductive procedure which is the reverse of deductive process. Interpretivism involves reflecting on recent and past experiences (Davies, 2007). Realism accommodates the use of both deductive and inductive processes (Scheurich, 2007). The research philosophy for this research is interpretivism; therefore, an inductive procedure is adopted.(why is it appropriate) RESEARCH STRATEGY A research strategy is the plan for the researcher to carry out his research. The main research strategies include experiment, survey and case study etc. The chosen research strategy for this research is the case study. According to Davies, (2007), case study is the development of detailed, intensive knowledge about a single case, or a small number of related cases. The advantages of using case study include: the detailed observations surrounding the case study method, allow us to study many different parts, scrutinize them in relation to each other, view the process with its total environment and also utilize the researcher’s capacity for versatility. As a result, case study provides us with a greater prospect than other available methods to obtain a holistic view of a specific research; this is not to say that researches based on case study have no shortcomings. A common criticism of case study is that it provides a limited basis for the traditional â€Å"scientific generalisation†. (Gomm, 2009)(explain what it means and introduce your company briefly and of what benefit will it be to the organisation) DATA COLLECTION Data collection is the most crucial process in a research or study and it comprises of two types: the primary data and the secondary data (Scheurich, 2007) SECONDARY DATA (Cancell this section entirely, it is not necessary) instead put multi-method approach i.e, why have you choosen questionnaire and interview methods) expantiate with reasons in your own words According to Scheurich, (2007), secondary data is that which the author has not been responsible for gathering ‘first-hand’. It therefore includes all the data gathered by someone else and presented in a variety of forms, such as journal articles, reports, archive materials, companies annual reports, newspapers and magazines, conference papers, internet and books etc. For this research, the secondary data collection related to TQM and employee involvement in the implementation and the objectives of this research mainly come from books, journal articles and internet search. PRIMARY DATA According to Scheurich, (2007), primary data is any data which the author has obtained ‘first-hand’ from its original source as part of the ‘applied’ aspect of his research. It therefore, does not include any data previously gathered by anyone else. Hence, primary data sources include: individual enquiry in the form of observation, conversations, questionnaires, interviews etc. For this study, telephone interview and questionnaire will be used for collecting the primary data.(why is it useful and possible barriers to it in your own words opinion) QUESTIONNAIRES Questionnaires are one of the most widely used data collection strategy. It provides an efficient way of collecting responses from a large sample prior to quantitative analysis, because each respondent is asked to respond to the same set of questions. (Saunders et al, 2003). Questionnaires can be associated with both positivism and interpretivism approaches of research. The response rate, the reliability and validity of data collected are two key criteria to a good questionnaire. (Scheurich, 2007) According to Davies, (2007), three main techniques exist in exploring peoples’ opinion and attitudes. These include: Closed questions: the respondent is required to select between a limited numbers of answers. Open-ended question: the participant is allowed to use his discretion in providing any answer to the questions and it’s either written down, verbatim or the researcher is armed with a list of probable pre-determined responses. Scales: limited choice of answers has been chosen to measure an attitude, an intention or some aspect of the participant’s behaviour. The key to designing scalar questions is to decide on what should be measured and then to select the relevant attributes by which they can be rated. In this study, closed questions and scalar questionnaire will be used.(explain why you used it properly in your words opinion) Questionnaire design is important to quantitative data collection. Most of the style of the quantitative method is attitude scaling. There is an example question ‘Reward system’ below Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree I am satisfied with the organisation’s reward system 1 2 3 4 5 The advantages of choosing questionnaire method are time saving for participants and guarantee the accuracy of questionnaires, because the pattern of questions are the same .The next stage is to identify the number of sample(say how you encouraged them to do so). The questionnaire will be designed with 25 questions in four A4 papers(because†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.). There are about 400 people in PZ Industries (NIG.) PLC head office in Lagos, comprising of 5 departments and the questionnaire will be distributed to 100 people who are working in different departments and holding different job positions (managers and employees). Based on the number of people working in each department, the questionnaire will be distributed in the following order: HRM department = 30 Purchasing department = 20 Product department = 15 Finance department = 10 Marketing department = 25 Before this explain the rationale behind your choosing this departments and how they were encouraged to participate) Because of the long distance, the distribution and collection of questionnaires will be e-mailed to the researcher’s friend who is equally a manager in one of the branches of PZ Industries (NIG.) PLC at IIupeju, in Lagos state. He will print 100 questionnaire copies and help the researcher to distribute and collect these questionnaires, then post to the researcher.( more on question design like objectives and questions that answers them) INTERVIEWS According to Scheurich, (2007), interviews are associated with positivist and interpretivist philosophies. This is an approach where the selected respondents are asked questions about what they do, think or feel. A positivist method suggests ‘closed questions’ which have been designed prior to distribution. An interpretivist method suggests ‘unstructured questions’, where the questions have not been designed in advance. There are five different interview styles: structured interview, semi-structured interview, focus group interview and telephone interview.(which did you choose and reason because , reason problemstec) Although the questionnaire has provided the researcher with the main data about what PZ Industries (NIG.)PLC does well or not in the involvement of employees in the implementation of TQM from the participants, the reasons and thoughts of their opinion cannot be ascertained. Thus, four telephone interviews will be utilized in this research (the CEO who is very familiar with the organization, HR manager who knows the employees needs and wants and their level of motivation in doing their job, the marketing manager who well know marketing and front- line employees, Product manager who well knows about quality of their products and back-line employees). The purpose of the interview is to find out what is, in the mind of the interviewee that cannot be known directly (Scheurich, 2007). The interview method is a very good complement to the questionnaire. Telephone interview allows interviews sometimes with individuals otherwise not accessible because of one reason or the other. It therefore involves speed, access and lower cost. There are also disadvantages with interview method for qualitative data. This particularly relates to the complexity in establishing the needed trust, usually so important for obtaining this type of data (Davies, 2007). However, in this research, the researcher is quite familiar with these interviewees, so this eliminates the problem associated with trust when interviewing people over the phone. The findings from above analysis will be linked to theories and opinions with the intention of drawing a conclusion and making adequate recommendation. data requirement table with how each objective each objective is been meant ie.like the one you did befor but put obj I : question so and so 1 ,7 ,8,23) (what questions dis you ask and why ,link to objectives) and refer to interview schedule appendix that you have prepared and refer to them) SAMPLING Whatever your research questions and objectives, you will need to collect data to answer them. If you collect and analyse data from every possible case or group, it is referred to as census, but for many research questions and objectives, it will be impossible for the researcher ,either to collect or analyse all the available data, owing to restrictions of time, money and often access (Saunders et al, 2003). According to Saunders et al,( 2003), sampling technique provide a wide range of methods that enable the researcher to minimize amount of data the researcher need to collect, by considering only data from a subgroup, rather than all possible cases or elements, and which can be categorised into two broad groups of probability sampling and non-probability sampling. Probability samples, are notable by the fact that each population element has a known, non zero chance of being selected in the sample, but with non-probability samples, the reverse is the case, where there is no way of estimating the probability that any population element will be included in the sample, and thus, there is no way of ensuring that the sample is representative of the population. This study will be based on non- probability sampling because the sample size is not critical. The size of the interview is 4 persons, and for the questionnaire, it is 100. The choice of interviews within the sample will be based on managers holding different job positions in the organisation and whose ability to contribute meaningfully to the topic under research is not in doubt. DATA ANALYSIS Quantitative data analysis can be categorized into two types: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics deals with quantitative data that are summarised or displayed in the form of charts, tables, percentages and averages. This type of statistical method is commonly used in management research for analysing data obtained from investigations of a limited nature (Davies, 2007) Inferential statistics may involve the application of descriptive statistics, but have the main aim of drawing results from the data with regard to a theory, model or body of knowledge. Also, this frequently involves reaching a conclusion from a ‘sample’ to generalize to the ‘total population’. This type of statistical method is therefore important to those whose research undertaking is based on positivism (Davies, 2007) The research philosophy for this research is interpretivism, thus, an inductive process is adopted. Therefore, the descriptive statistics is adopted in this study, because the questionnaires are to be collected from limited respondents and using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) or Excel to analyse the data. A percentage table will clearly show the results of the same sort of questions. Take sample question as an example Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Reward system n=100 1 1% 3 3% 7 7% 64 64% 25 25% From the above table, it can be seen that most of the employees at PZ Industries (NIG.)PLC are not satisfied with the reward system in place in the organisation, thus, the organisation is not doing well in this aspect to motivate employees to put in their best, in the implementation of TQM strategy.(how did you you analyse the qualitative data like†¦giving iterpterations to what was said duing the interview session†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. and quantitative data Ms excel (reason and why talk more please) LIMITATIONS The results from 4 interviews and 100 participants in PZ Industries (NIG.) PLC may not be representative of what would be found in the larger number of employees. The people invited to take part in the questionnaire, may influence the outcome, because some respondents may respond in a way that the organisation want them to respond, rather than giving their genuine opinion, because of fear of repercussions. The researcher would have preferred to interview more of the employees at PZ Industries (NIG.)PLC by himself, instead of relying on the marketing manager and product manager to give the opinion of front-line employees and back-line employees respectively during the interview, but this was not possible because of distance problem. Sample distribution was also limited by distance; the researcher could not personally distribute and collect the questionnaires, so, maybe respondents to the questionnaire at PZ Industries (NIG.)PLC may not cover all departments as intended. (ETHIC CONSIDERATIONS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..ONE OR FOUR PARAGRAPHS) EXAMPLE : SPEAK ON CONFIDENTIALITY AND GIVE REASON MAYBE TO REASSURE THEM ETC AND LOOK FOR OTHER REASON YOU CONSIDERED LIKE †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦THEN GIVE REASON †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.LOOK AT APPENDIX 1) *** Generally ,put every thing in past tense as if you have done it) ****(your data anlysis should be change to findings and conclusions as chapter four as in the paper she gave you in discussion @ office) **** conclusions and recommendations as chapter 5 *** write an action plan and reflective statement(5 pages of refective statement) like u did with hrm in context despite u telling them u don’t need cipd , she said it’s a requirement) (multi method approach) Multiple Methods in ASR by Jerry A. Jacobs, Editor, American Sociological Review In recent years, the American Sociological Review (ASR) has featured papers based exclusively on ethnographic research (e.g., Timmermans, 2005), interview data (e.g., Tyson et al., 2005), and sociological theory (e.g., Frickel and Gross, 2005). However, a series of papers that combine different types of data and approaches in the same study are especially noteworthy. One quarter of the papers I have accepted for publication in ASR since becoming editor in 2003 draw on more than one research method. This brief essay highlights some of the ways that authors have employed such multi-method1 research to provide a more informative account of the social world. Interviews and Surveys Several authors of ASR papers have conducted interviews in order to refine the questions employed in a subsequent statistical analysis. In this approach, the qualitative investigation helps to clarify the nature of the issues under investigation, but the â€Å"real proof† is presented in the statistical analysis. For example, Benson and Saguy (2005) interviewed 150 journalists, politicians, activists, and academics in their study of the media coverage of social problems in the United States and France. However, the empirical heart of their article was a statistical analysis of 750 articles on immigration and 685 articles on sexual harassment in these two countries. Similarly, Uzzi and Lancaster (2004) conducted in-depth interviews with a small number of lawyers and clients before embarking on a study of social ties and pricing patterns in large U.S. law firms. Qualitative data play a more central role in the research of Cherlin and his colleagues (2004) on abuse in families. After conducting a survey of more than 2,000 families, Cherlin et al. followed up on 256 of these families with a series of repeated, open-ended interviews over a period of 12-18 months. They found that reports of abuse surfaced increasingly as respondents came to know the researchers over this extended series of interviews. Thus, in this study, qualitative data played a key role in obtaining a more complete and accurate measurement of the phenomenon under investigation. Qualitative data are also sometimes used to help clarify the meaning of the responses to survey questions and to better understand the social processes that might produce broad outcome patterns. For example, Edgell (forthcoming) and colleagues interviewed respondents in four cities to follow up their national survey of attitudes toward atheists. The qualitative data helped establish that attitudes toward atheists are not generally the result of face-to-face encounters but rather represent a symbolic affirmation of the role of religion and skepticism about the moral standing of those who would reject a role for religion in their lives. Similarly, Giordano and colleagues (forthcoming) conducted a survey of more than 1,000 adolescents and then asked more detailed, open-ended questions of a subset of 100 respondents. They drew conclusions about gender differences in confidence, engagement, and power from both types of data. Multiple Quantitative Approaches Multi-method studies are not limited to the blending of qualitative and quantitative research but can also appear in the artful combination of different quantitative methods in the same study. Pager and Quillian (2005), for example, combined a social experiment with a follow-up survey in their study of racial discrimination in hiring practices. The first portion of their study uses an â€Å"audit† methodology, sending â€Å"testers† to apply for jobs at various employers who had advertised positions. This experiment is designed to compare the success of Black and White applicants who are portrayed (fictitiously) as having or not having criminal records. Pager and Quillian returned to the same employers six months later to conduct a survey of the employer’s attitudes about hiring different types of employees. In addition to uncovering discrepancies between employers’ deeds versus words, this follow-up survey allowed a comparison of the insights that can be gained from survey versus experiment. In another case, You and Khagram (2005) combined aggregate national data (i.e., one data point per country) with a multi-level statistical analysis of survey data from 30 countries. They used the survey data to bolster their claim that countries with more inequality have more corruption because there is a higher normative acceptance of corruption in countries characterized by higher levels of inequality. Historical Analyses Historical studies often combine various types of data. For example, Somers and Block (2005) principally examined historical documents in their investigation of welfare reform in Great Britain in the 1830s and the United States in the 1990s. They supplement this qualitative analysis of political texts with a statistical portrait of welfare expenditures before and after reform in both countries. Similarly, Riley (2005) draws on archival, statistical, and spatial data in his study of the connection between civil society and the rise of fascism in Italy and Spain. Wilde’s (2004) study of the success of the reform movement during Vatican II is primarily a qualitative analysis of archival documents, but her summary of the vote counts is an indispensable element in her story. Molnar’s (2005) study of debates among Hungarian architects drew on interview data as well as historical documents and supporting statistics. The 1950s time period she studied is recent enough that parti cipants were still alive and available for interviews. Schwartz and Schuman’s (2005) paper, â€Å"History, Commemoration and Belief,† draws from an especially broad range of sources. They show that while the reputation of President Lincoln as a great leader has remained strong, the basis for this belief has shifted from Lincoln as the â€Å"savior of the union† before the Civil Rights movement to Lincoln as the â€Å"great emancipator† since that time. They support this claim using data from surveys conducted over a 50-year period, as well as analyses of history textbooks, the writings of leading historians, and cultural symbols such as statues and memorials. Their theoretical point is that the study of commemoration as portrayed in statues and celebrated in parades should be accompanied by research on how these commemorative activities are received, as tapped by surveys and other measures of popular beliefs. Thus, in their view, a complete assessment of issues of collective memory requires multiple sources of data. Obstacles While multi-method research can be a fruitful research strategy, this approach is neither necessary nor sufficient for completing a high-quality study. Designing, collecting, and analyzing data from across diverse methodological styles is often only possible under the aegis of a large research project. Dissertation writers, for example, may wish to combine methods but may lack the time and money to complete each facet of the study effectively. Many seasoned investigators also face obstacles that put this strategy out of reach. Moreover, the presentation of different types of data in a single article presents its own challenges. For example, space constraints may prevent the full presentation of qualitative findings. It can be difficult to achieve a substantive and stylistic balance between diverse genres of research. And sometimes different sorts of data speak to somewhat different issues. In short, multi-method papers present their own challenges and thus require at least as much skill and insight to be effective as do single-method studies. Many sociologists view the social world as a multi-faceted and multi-layered reality that reveals itself only in part with any single method. While there are precedents for most if not all of the approaches described above, their use by so many scholars is striking. Multi-method research is more common in the context of journal articles than was the case a decade or two ago. It is also significant that so many sociologists are combining methods rather than trying to herald a single approach as the right way or the best way. Notes 1 I use â€Å"multiple-method research† to refer to studies that draw on data from more than one source and present more than one type of analysis. Such research often, but not always, combines quantitative and qualitative data.Hierarchical linear models typically draw on data from different sources but combine them in a single statistical analysis. Studies that exclusively rely on this very useful method would not qualify as multi-method. Of the 66 papers I have accepted for publication thus far, nearly 26 percent (17) fit my multi-method definition. References Benson, Rodney and Abigail C. Saguy. 2005. â€Å"Constructing Social Problems in an Age of Globalization: A French-American Comparison.† American Sociological Review 70(2):233-259. Cherlin, Andrew J., Linda M. Burton, Tera R. Hurt, and Diane M. Purvin. 2004. â€Å"The Influence of Physical and Sexual Abuse on Marriage and Cohabitation.† American Sociological Review 69(6):768-789. Edgell, Penny, Joseph Gerteis, and Douglas Hartmann. Forthcoming. â€Å"Atheists as ‘Other’: Moral Boundaries and Cultural Membership in American Society.† American Sociological Review. Frickel, Scott and Neil Gross. 2005. â€Å"A General Theory of Scientific/Intellectual Movements.† American Sociological Review 70(2):204-232. Giordano, Peggy, Monica A. Longmore, and Wendy D. Manning. Forthcoming. â€Å"Gender and the Meaning(s) of Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Focus on Boys.† American Sociological Review. Molnar, Virag. 2005. â€Å"Cultural Politics and Modernist Architecture.† American Sociological Review 70(1):111-135. Pager, Devah and Lincoln Quillian. 2005 â€Å"Walking the Talk? What Employers Say Versus What They Do.† American Sociological Review 70(3):355-380. Riley, Dylan. 2005. â€Å"Civic Associations and Authoritarian Regimes in Interwar Europe: Italy and Spain in Comparative Perspective.† American Sociological Review 70(2):288-310. Schwartz, Barry and Howard Schuman. 2005. â€Å"History, Commemoration, and Belief: Abraham Lincoln in American Memory, 1945-2001.† American Sociological Review 70(2):183-203. Somers, Margaret and Fred Block. 2005. â€Å"From Poverty to Perversity: Ideas, Markets, and Institutions over 200 Years of Welfare Debate.† American Sociological Review 70(2):260-287. Timmermans, Stefan. 2005. â€Å"Suicide Determination and the Professional Authority of Medical Examiners.† American Sociological Review 70(2):311-333. Tyson, Karolyn, William Darity Jr., and Domini Castellino. 2005. â€Å"It’s Not a Black Thing: Understanding the Burden of Acting White and Other Dilemmas of High Achievement.† American Sociological Review 70(4):582-605. Uzzi, Brian and Ryon Lancaster. 2004. â€Å"Embeddedness and Price Formation in the Corporate Law Market.† American Sociological Review 69(3):319-344. Wilde, Melissa. 2004. â€Å"How Culture Mattered at Vatican II: Collegiality Trumps Authority in the Council’s Social Movement Organizations.† American Sociological Review 69(4):576-602. American Sociological Review 70(1):136-157. (ANOTHER ARTICLE) THE POTENTIAL AND THE PROBLEM An extraordinary surge in the methodological diversity of clinical research studies has occurred during the past 2 decades, with a recent dramatic rise in the scope and sophistication of mixed methods designs.1,2 Mixed methods (also known as multimethod) research involves integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to generating new knowledge3 and can involve either concurrent or sequential use of these 2 classes of methods to follow a line of inquiry.4,5 Combining methods activates their complementary strengths and helps to overcome their discrete weaknesses.6 Increasingly, integrated mixed methods designs allow researchers to follow emerging questions, rather than limiting their research to questions that are amenable to a particular method.7 Multimethod research brings together numbers and narratives, description, hypothesis testing, hypothesis generation, and understanding of meaning and context to provide fuller discernment and greater transportability of the phenomenon under study. In the past, proponents of quantitative and qualitative methods have been divided into separate camps with different skills and world views.8 The benefits of integrating these methods, however, are increasingly recognized and acted on in the medical and health care arena,1,2,6 as they have been for a longer time in the ethnographic tradition from anthropology and the case study tradition from educational research.7,9 Among many examples, a 1999 National Institutes of Health task force issued guidelines for rigorous qualitative and multimethod research.10 Two years ago, the (US) National Cancer Institute hosted a conference on mixed methods research that identified multimethod research as an important approach to solving some of the most intractable problems in cancer control research. An article by the Medical Research Council on the design and evaluation of complex interventions to improve health11 identified the use of mixed methods as essential. Even so, the dramatic advances in the scope and sophistication of conducting mixed methods research have not been met with parallel progress in ways of disseminating the results of mixed methods studies. From our point of view, a major dilemma is that the results of multimethod studies often are segregated in different publications that reach limited and often nonclinical audiences. For example, Wilson and colleagues12 reported in JAMA on the ineffectiveness of nicotine gum in smoking cessation, while in Social Science and Medicine, Willms13 reported qualitative findings from the same study that the meaning patients attributed to their cigarettes was more influential in stopping smoking than either counseling or nicotine gum. Both articles have important messages, but the JAMA article does not reference the other, and they are published in journals with very different readers. Thus, different fields only come to know part of the research—reminiscent of the story of the 4 blind men each feeling a different part of the elephant and thus unable to develop a coherent idea of the whole. REFERENCES Davies, M., B., (2007) Key Concepts in Social Research Methods, New York, Palgrave, Macmillan LTD Gomm, R., (2009) Doing a Successful Research Project, New York, Palgrave, Macmillan LTD Rea, L., M., and Parker, R., A., (2006) Designing and Conducting Survey Research, San Francisco, Jossy-Bass Saunders, M., Thornhill, A., and Lewis, P., (2003) Research Methods for Business Students, 3rd edition, London, Pearson Education LTD Scheurich, J., J., (2007) Research Methods in the Postmodern, London, Falmer Press

Invisible Man Essay: Puppet or Puppeteer? :: Invisible Man Essays

Invisible Man: Puppet or Puppeteer? Â   Â   One could argue that we are all merely puppets, or dolls, doomed to dance by invisible strings - never realizing who pulls the strings. Ralph Ellison's novel, The Invisible Man is fraught with images of dolls as if to constantly reminded the reader that no one is in complete control of their life. Â   The first example of doll imagery comes very early in the novel with the Battle Royal scene. The nude, blonde woman is described as having hair "that was yellow like that of a circus kewpie doll" (19). Ellison draws a very strong connection between the plight of the Negro man and the white woman. The fact that they are both shown as puppets or dolls in the work is no coincidence. The woman and the African are merely show pieces for the white men in the novel. Â   Tod Clifton's dancing Sambo dolls are the most striking example of doll imagery. This small tissue paper doll has the capability to completely change the Invisible Man. When he sees that the powerful and enigmatic Clifton is the one hawking the abominable dolls, the narrator is so filled with humiliation and rage that he spits upon the dancing figure. But what is it that has caused this surging of fury? It is Tod Clifton and not the narrator who has degraded himself to such a base level. However, it is our narrator's sudden comprehension of his own situation that causes his wrath. The line "For a second our eyes met and he gave me a contemptuous smile" (433) illustrates this moment of realization for our narrator. It shows the reader that Tod Clifton was aware of his position as a puppet all along and chooses to enlighten the narrator at this particular point in the novel. Â   The Invisible Man recognizes that all his life he's been a slave and a puppet to others. Whether those others were Bledsoe, his grandfather, or the brotherhood is irrelevant, but there has always been and imperceptible string attached to him governing everything he does. Not only a string but his own physical characteristics echo those of the grotesque Sambo dolls. Â   It's cardboard hands were clenched into fists. The fingers outlined in orange paint, and I noticed that it had two faces, one on either side of the disks of cardboard, and both grinning.

Dr. John Henry doc Holliday :: essays research papers

On August 14, 1851 in Griffin, Georgia, John Henry Holliday was born to Henry Burroughs and Alice Jane Holliday. Their first child, Martha Eleanora, had died on June 12, 1850 at six months of age. When he married Alice Jane McKay on January 8, 1849, Henry Burroughs was a druggist by trade and, later became a wealthy planter, lawyer, and during the War between the States, a Confederate Major. Church records state: "John Henry, infant son of Henry B. and Alice J. Holliday, received the ordinance of baptism on Sunday, March 21, 1852, at the First Presbyterian Church in Griffin." Alice Jane died on September 16, 1866. This was a terrible blow to young John Henry for he and his mother were very close. To compound this loss, his father married Rachel Martin only three months later on December 18, 1886. Shortly after this marriage, the Holliday family moved to Valdosta, Georgia. Major Holliday quickly became one of the town's leading citizens, becoming Mayor, the Secretary of the County Agricultural Society, a Member of the Masonic Lodge, the Secretary of the Confederate Veterans Camp, and the Superintendent of local elections. Because of his family status, John Henry had to choose some sort of profession and he chose dentistry. He enrolled in dental school in 1870 and attended his first lecture session in 1870-1872. Each lecture session lasted a little over three months. He served his required two years apprenticeship under Dr. L.F. Frank. On March 1, 1872, the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in Philadelphia conferred the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery upon twenty-six men, one of whom was John Henry Holliday. Upon completion of his training and graduation, Dr. Holliday opened an office with a Dr. Arthur C. Ford in Atlanta in 1872. Then, because of the session of the Southern Dental Association, Dr. Arthur C. Ford, D.D.A. was unable to serve patients, until the middle of August. Taking his place was Doc Holliday. John was a good dentist, but shortly after starting his practice, he discovered that he had contracted tuberculosis. Although he consulted a number of doctors, the consensus of all was that he had only months to live. However, they all concurred that he might add a few months to his life if he moved to a dry climate. Following this advice, Doc packed up and headed West. His first stop was in Dallas, Texas, the end of the railroad at the time. Dr. John Henry doc Holliday :: essays research papers On August 14, 1851 in Griffin, Georgia, John Henry Holliday was born to Henry Burroughs and Alice Jane Holliday. Their first child, Martha Eleanora, had died on June 12, 1850 at six months of age. When he married Alice Jane McKay on January 8, 1849, Henry Burroughs was a druggist by trade and, later became a wealthy planter, lawyer, and during the War between the States, a Confederate Major. Church records state: "John Henry, infant son of Henry B. and Alice J. Holliday, received the ordinance of baptism on Sunday, March 21, 1852, at the First Presbyterian Church in Griffin." Alice Jane died on September 16, 1866. This was a terrible blow to young John Henry for he and his mother were very close. To compound this loss, his father married Rachel Martin only three months later on December 18, 1886. Shortly after this marriage, the Holliday family moved to Valdosta, Georgia. Major Holliday quickly became one of the town's leading citizens, becoming Mayor, the Secretary of the County Agricultural Society, a Member of the Masonic Lodge, the Secretary of the Confederate Veterans Camp, and the Superintendent of local elections. Because of his family status, John Henry had to choose some sort of profession and he chose dentistry. He enrolled in dental school in 1870 and attended his first lecture session in 1870-1872. Each lecture session lasted a little over three months. He served his required two years apprenticeship under Dr. L.F. Frank. On March 1, 1872, the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in Philadelphia conferred the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery upon twenty-six men, one of whom was John Henry Holliday. Upon completion of his training and graduation, Dr. Holliday opened an office with a Dr. Arthur C. Ford in Atlanta in 1872. Then, because of the session of the Southern Dental Association, Dr. Arthur C. Ford, D.D.A. was unable to serve patients, until the middle of August. Taking his place was Doc Holliday. John was a good dentist, but shortly after starting his practice, he discovered that he had contracted tuberculosis. Although he consulted a number of doctors, the consensus of all was that he had only months to live. However, they all concurred that he might add a few months to his life if he moved to a dry climate. Following this advice, Doc packed up and headed West. His first stop was in Dallas, Texas, the end of the railroad at the time.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner Chapters 4

He frowned a little. â€Å"What's real y going on. What Riley's up to. Why he keeps bringing the most random kids to her. Why it doesn't seem to matter to Riley if it's someone like you or if it's someone like that idiot Kevin.† It sounded like he didn't know Riley any better than I did. â€Å"What do you mean, someone like me?† I asked. â€Å"You're the kind that Riley should be looking for – the smart ones – not just these stupid gang-bangers that Raoul keeps bringing in. I bet you weren't some junkie ho when you were human.† I shifted uneasily at the last word. Diego kept waiting for my answer, like he hadn't said anything weird. I took a deep breath and thought back. â€Å"I was close enough,† I admitted after a few seconds of his patient watching. â€Å"Not there yet, but in a few more weeks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I shrugged. â€Å"You know, I don't remember much, but I do remember thinking there was nothing more powerful on this planet than just plain old hunger. Turns out, thirst is worst.† He laughed. â€Å"Sing it, sister.† â€Å"What about you? You weren't a troubled teen runaway like the rest of us?† â€Å"Oh, I was troubled, al right.† He stopped talking. But I could sit around and wait for the answers to inappropriate questions, too. I just stared at him. He sighed. The scent of his breath was nice. Everybody smel ed sweet, but Diego had a little something extra – some spice like cinnamon or cloves. â€Å"I tried to stay away from al that junk. Studied hard. I was gonna get out of the ghetto, you know. Go to col ege. Make something of myself. But there was a guy – not much different than Raoul. Join or die, that was his motto. I wasn't having any, so I stayed away from his group. I was careful. Stayed alive.† He stopped, closing his eyes. I wasn't done being pushy. â€Å"And?† â€Å"My kid brother wasn't as careful.† I was about to ask if his brother had joined or died, but the expression on his face made asking unnecessary. I looked away, not sure how to respond. I couldn't real y understand his loss, the pain it stil clearly caused him to feel. I hadn't left anything behind that I stil missed. Was that the difference? Was that why he dwel ed on memories that the rest of us shunned? I stil didn't see how Riley came into this. Riley and the cheeseburger of pain. I wanted that part of the story, but now I felt bad for pushing him to answer. Lucky for my curiosity, Diego kept going after a minute. â€Å"I kind of lost it. Stole a gun from a friend and went hunting.† He chuckled darkly. â€Å"Wasn't as good at it then. But I got the guy that got my brother before they got me. The rest of his crew had me cornered in an al ey. Then, suddenly, Riley was there, between me and them. I remember thinking he was the whitest guy I'd ever seen. He didn't even look at the others when they shot him. Like the bul ets were flies. You know what he said to me? He said, Want a new life, kid?'† â€Å"Hah!† I laughed. â€Å"That's way better than mine. Al I got was, Want a burger, kid?'† I stil remembered how Riley'd looked that night, though the image was al blurry because my eyes'd sucked back then. He was the hottest boy I'd ever seen, tal and blond and perfect, every feature. I knew his eyes must be just as beautiful behind the dark sunglasses he never took off. And his voice was so gentle, so kind. I figured I knew what he would want in exchange for the meal, and I would have given it to him, too. Not because he was so pretty to look at, but because I hadn't eaten anything but trash for two weeks. It turned out he wanted something else, though. Diego laughed at the burger line. â€Å"You must have been pretty hungry.† â€Å"Damn straight.† â€Å"So why were you so hungry?† â€Å"Because I was stupid and ran away before I had a driver's license. I couldn't get a real job, and I was a bad thief.† â€Å"What were you running from?† I hesitated. The memories were a little more clear as I focused on them, and I wasn't sure I wanted that. â€Å"Oh, c'mon,† he coaxed. â€Å"I told you mine.† â€Å"Yeah, you did. Okay. I was running from my dad. He used to knock me around a lot. Probably did the same to my mom before she took off. I was pretty little then – I didn't know much. It got worse. I figured if I waited too long I'd end up dead. He told me if I ever ran away I'd starve. He was right about that – only thing he was ever right about as far as I'm concerned. I don't think about it much.† Diego nodded in agreement. â€Å"Hard to remember that stuff, isn't it? Everything's so fuzzy and dark.† â€Å"Like trying to see with mud in your eyes.† â€Å"Good way to put it,† he complimented me. He squinted at me like he was trying to see, and rubbed his eyes. We laughed together again. Weird. â€Å"I don't think I've laughed with anybody since I met Riley,† he said, echoing my thoughts. â€Å"This is nice. You're nice. Not like the others. You ever try to have a conversation with one of them?† â€Å"Nope, I haven't.† â€Å"You're not missing anything. Which is my point. Wouldn't Riley's standard of living be a little higher if he surrounded himself with decent vampires? If we're supposed to protect her, shouldn't he be looking for the smart ones?† â€Å"So Riley doesn't need brains,† I reasoned. â€Å"He needs numbers.† Diego pursed his lips, considering. â€Å"Like chess. He's not making knights and bishops.† â€Å"We're just pawns,† I realized. We stared at each other again for a long minute. â€Å"I don't want to think that,† Diego said. â€Å"So what do we do?† I asked, using the plural automatical y. Like we were already a team. He thought about my question for a second, seeming uneasy, and I regretted the â€Å"we.† But then he said, â€Å"What can we do when we don't know what's happening?† So he didn't mind the team thing, which made me feel real y good in a way I didn't remember ever feeling before. â€Å"I guess we keep our eyes open, pay attention, try to figure it out.† He nodded. â€Å"We need to think about everything Riley's told us, everything he's done.† He paused thoughtful y. â€Å"You know, I tried to hash some of this out with Riley once, but he couldn't have cared less. Told me to keep my mind on more important things – like thirst. Which was al I could think about then, of course. He sent me out hunting, and I stopped worrying†¦.† I watched him thinking about Riley, his eyes unfocused as he relived the memory, and I wondered. Diego was my first friend in this life, but I wasn't his. Suddenly his focus snapped back to me. â€Å"So what have we learned from Riley?† I concentrated, running through the last three months in my head. â€Å"He real y doesn't tel us much, you know. Just the vampire basics.† â€Å"We'l have to listen more careful y.† We sat in silence, pondering this. I mostly thought about how much I didn't know. And why hadn't I worried about everything I didn't know before now? It was like talking to Diego had cleared my head. For the first time in three months, blood was not the main thing in there. The silence lasted for a while. The black hole I'd felt funneling fresh air into the cave wasn't black anymore. It was dark gray now and getting infinitesimal y lighter with each second. Diego noticed me eyeing it nervously. â€Å"Don't worry,† he said. â€Å"Some dim light gets in here on sunny days. It doesn't hurt.† He shrugged. I scooted closer to the hole in the floor, where the water was disappearing as the tide went out. â€Å"Seriously, Bree. I've been down here before during the day. I told Riley about this cave – and how it was mostly fil ed with water, and he said it was cool when I needed to get out of the madhouse. Anyway, do I look like I got singed?† I hesitated, thinking about how different his relationship with Riley was than mine. His eyebrows rose, waiting for an answer. â€Å"No,† I final y said. â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Look,† he said impatiently. He crawled swiftly to the tunnel and stuck his arm in up to the shoulder. â€Å"Nothing.† I nodded once. â€Å"Relax! Do you want me to see how high I can go?† As he spoke, he stuck his head into the hole and started climbing. â€Å"Don't, Diego.† He was already out of sight. â€Å"I'm relaxed, I swear.† He was laughing – it sounded like he was already several yards up the tunnel. I wanted to go after him, to grab his foot and yank him back, but I was frozen with stress. It would be stupid to risk my life to save some total stranger. But I hadn't had anything close to a friend in forever. Already it would be hard to go back to having no one to talk to, after only one night. â€Å"No estoy quemando,† he cal ed down, his tone teasing. â€Å"Wait†¦ is that†¦? Ow! â€Å" â€Å"Diego?† I leaped across the cave and stuck my head into the tunnel. His face was right there, inches from mine. â€Å"Boo!† I flinched back from his proximity – just a reflex, old habit. â€Å"Funny,† I said dryly, moving away as he slid back into the cave. â€Å"You need to unwind, girl. I've looked into this, okay? Indirect sunlight doesn't hurt.† â€Å"So you're saying that I could just stand under a nice shady tree and be fine?† He hesitated for a minute, as if debating whether or not to tel me something, and then said quietly, â€Å"I did once.† I stared at him, waiting for the grin. Because this was a joke. It didn't come. â€Å"Riley said†¦,† I started, and then my voice trailed off. â€Å"Yeah, I know what Riley said,† he agreed. â€Å"Maybe Riley doesn't know as much as he says he does.† â€Å"But Shel y and Steve. Doug and Adam. That kid with the bright red hair. Al of them. They're gone because they didn't get back in time. Riley saw the ashes.† Diego's brows pul ed together unhappily.