Essay about Beowulf Battles The Death of Comitatus

In the epic poem of Beowulf, written by an unknown monk in about 725 AD, the Anglo-Saxon virtue of comitatus is displayed as a slowly dying aspect of life. Comitatus is the basic idea that everyone protects the king at all costs even if it means a warrior giving up his own life, and if a king is killed, the warriors must avenge the death of the king or they can no longer serve as warriors for the next king. This value of comitatus is displayed mostly through the three battles that Beowulf encounters during the epic poem. An analysis of the three battles is important because Beowulf’s choice of weapons, behavior of the Thanes, and preparation for and attitude toward battle all emphasize the death of the Anglo-Saxon virtue of†¦show more content†¦1459-1463). This shows Beowulf’s acceptance of the Hrunting sword and his realization that he is not as strong as he used to be so he shall use weapons in his fight against Grendel’s mother. In the battle that Beo wulf encountered with the dragon, many weapons are used and the value of comitatus is dead. The narrator states, â€Å"The glittering sword, / infallible before that day, / failed when he unsheathed it, as it never should have† (l. 2584-2586). This displays Beowulf’s final use of his sword, which displays as Beowulf ages, his weapons increase, Beowulf knows that he is going to die, and comitatus is dying with him. Beowulf’s support of the Thanes in each of the three challenges displays the fall of Anglo-Saxon loyalty overtime. As the three battles went on, Beowulf’s support of the Thanes became lesser and lesser and by the third battle with the dragon, the idea of comitatus had died. In the battle that Beowulf encountered with Grendel, the Thanes support Beowulf with all of their willpower and there is a very high comitatus. The narrator states, â€Å"Through the strength of one they all prevailed, / they would crush their enemy and come through / in tri umph and gladness† (l. 698-700). This shows that the Thanes will prevail through and with Beowulf’s strength and they will not let him down, they will defeat Grendel no matter what the circumstance. In the battle that Beowulf encountered with Grendel’s mother, the ThanesShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Moral Codes of Comitatus and Chivalry1151 Words   |  5 PagesThe Moral Codes of Comitatus and Chivalry Throughout history, there have been different codes of ethics that are often more important to a society that the governing laws of the land. While laws are written standards that people are compelled to abide by for fear of punishment, these codes serve as guideline for how people should live their lives. Two such codes are comitatus as demonstrated in Beowulf and chivalry as depicted in Morte D’Arthur. When the characters in these stories live byRead MoreCharacteristics Of Beowulf936 Words   |  4 Pagesstories passed down are centered around battles where the hero represents strong leadership characteristics. The story of Beowulf was commonly used as a story to teach upcoming leaders powerful ways to lead. Common traits are shown in the story illustration common themes for leadership. Throughout the epic of Beowulf, an element of Anglo-Saxon culture is represented in the virtues of humility through actions, loyalty in the fighting, and the Code of Comitatus. Humility reflects strong characterRead MoreBeowulf : The Epic Of Beowulf1027 Words   |  5 Pages To begin, Beowulf the poem has a unknown author, Beowulf is an epic poem. 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Communication Is A Fundamental Aspect Of Advancing Interests

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Overview of Medicine’s Origins, Social Impacts, Ethics and Trends free essay sample

The significance of the potential constructive and destructive fiscal effects of medical development is an ongoing subject that affects medicine in our time, and is also considered in this research Overview of Medicine Origins of Medicine From the dawn of civilization every human culture has had medical beliefs in order to provide explanations to events such as illness, the miracle of birth, and the inevitable arrival of death. Since the dawn of time, the cause of many medical conditions were attributed to a more primal set of beliefs such as witchcraft, planetary influence, demonic possession, and the simple bestowment of divine will on a misfortunate individual. Some of these faiths and positions are still active and remain in practice in some places around the globe, but the development of medical technology alongside scientific knowledge has reformed and taken over mysticism in most geographical areas and society. The earliest historical traces of medical science lead us to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the Mesopotamians to mention a few. The most prominent and easily overlooked of these examples are the Ancient Egyptians; due to the hot and dry climate in the arid regions of Egypt, a great deal of ancient papyri have survived the relentless test of time. The preservation of these precious artifacts have enabled historians and scientists to gain a significant amount of knowledge about their attitude towards medicine and their medical research. The Edwin Smith Papyrus, believed to be dated as early as 3000 BC, details various treatments and technologies used at that time to perform surgical procedures. The papyrus reveals that Egyptians had knowledge of the beneficial antibiotic properties of certain foods, and therefore implemented a diet rich in radish, garlic, and onion, which modern scientists have found to contain a rich amount of beneficial substances including Raphanin, Allicin, and Allistatin. It is now known that the consumption of these foodstuffs was extremely helpful and beneficial to the control and prevention of disease outbreaks in their population—especially in the crowded conditions at the work camps—allowing the Egyptians to maintain a healthy labor force essential to the construction of their marvelous structural masterpieces. Later, the Ebers Papyrus listed as many as 21 different treatments for cough, and also described in detail some external operations performed by the Egyptians. Although it is known that the Egyptians didn’t open the stomach while performing surgery, they were successful in removing cysts, as well as dealing with wounds and fractures with a degree of knowledge that was centuries ahead of their time. Evidence strongly indicates that Egyptians were also adept in eye surgery, since foreign objects inadvertently being blown into the eyes and causing inflammation were, and to this day, are still quite a common occurrence in the dessert. Other achievements like the cure for night blindness were achieved by feeding the patient powdered liver, a substance highly rich in ? -carotene, now commonly known to help the prevention of sight degeneration. Another major technological contribution of the Egyptians to the field of medicine was the standardization and development of surgical instruments. Historical evidence suggests that the Egyptians utilized scalpels, knives, forceps, and probes as well as red-hot irons to cauterized wounds. Archaeological evidence in the form of mummified bodies reveal a level of surgical precision and accuracy unimaginable without the aid of such instruments; the preserved mummies also offered todays scientists a window to the origin and development of medicine in its early stages by showing direct evidence of ailments and the treatments in practice at that time. Perhaps as a direct result of their advanced surgical tools, the Egyptians also possessed a great deal of knowledge pertaining to healing herbs, the human anatomy, and repairing physical injuries. The Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt as â€Å"a country filled with doctors† and the Egyptians, â€Å"the healthiest to all men, next to the Libyans. † Furthermore, Herodotus claimed that the practice of medicine was so specialized in Egypt, that a given healer or physician specialized in only one disease and nothing more. These contemporary findings have shown that Egyptians had identified and suffered from diseases to the eye, rheumatoid arthritis, bladder, kidney and gall stones, bilharzias, arterial disease, gout, and appendicitis. Development and advances in medical technology continued after the ancient Egyptians to some degree, but without much significance during the time of the Roman Empire. The Middle Ages, however, saw the rise of public distribution of medicine, which appeared in the form of the worlds first drug stores in Baghdad thanks to Islamic advances in pharmaceutical knowledge. Also of note during this period, is the first recorded description of the pulmonary and coronary circulation systems given by Lbn al-Nafis in 1242. Careful description of skin conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, and the first recorded instances of animal testing can also be attributed this period. Lbn al-Nafis expeditionary work would later be completed by William Harvey during the early Renaissance Period, who compiled the refined and complete descriptions of the circulatory system we use today in modern medicine. Modern medical technology as we know it today was ultimately materialized during the 19th century through the consolidation of medical knowledge, which allowed physicians to engage in a more systematic analysis of symptoms in the diagnosis of patients. Many of the greatest discoveries and technical advances in medicine were accomplished during this century. Among the most significant of these new breakthroughs were the development of anesthesia, and the widespread use of aseptic and antiseptic techniques in operating theaters. The field of microbiology was first established in 1676, shortly after the invention of the microscope by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. With the advent of the microscope, Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard were able to discover a correlation between microorganisms and disease in the 19th century, giving birth to the practice of pasteurization which is still in use today. Pasteurs groundwork later enabled Koch to link two of the deadliest killers of the industrial age, the tuberculosis and cholera, to the tubercle bacillus and the cholera bacillus, respectively. The historical events of the American civil war, WW I, and WW II were without a doubt factors that contributed to the rapid advancement in medical technology due to the immense number of casualties as a result of the battles during these conflicts. The introduction of antibiotics and the standardization of vaccines in preventing and eradicating disease was a part of the shift witnessed in the 20th century. The development of international efforts such as the Human Genome Project and the introduction of new types of reconstructive plastic surgery were some of the great accomplishments along with revolutions in cardiovascular medicine in the late 1940’s as a due to progress in the field of open heart surgery. Further milestones, in the form of replacing entire human organs through transplantation such as those of the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, were also introduced in the 20th century; advances in the fields of robotics and fiber optics have opened doors to the possibility of minimally invasive practices in the field of microsurgery. These stepping stones are just some of the facts proving how fast advances in medical science is allowing medicine to not only extend the human lifespan, but also better the quality of human life. The continuous endeavor to reach a better understanding and the incessant quest for new technologies is what has allowed mankind to reap the benefits of the modern life style that we enjoy today. Benefits and Disadvantages of Medicine The technological advances made in the field of medicine bring not only convenience, but also efficiency to both doctors and patients. Nonetheless, there are a few drawbacks regarding the benefits of medicine. The medical field is responsible for a great number of improvements in human life since it allows humans to prolong life expectancy around the world, while offering a much higher quality of life as a result of extending good health as we age. The aforementioned convenience is one the biggest advantages of today’s medical technology because it allows for improved communication and sharing of information between doctor and patient, and also between departments that are vital for treatment in an emergency situation. The very complex technologies and the sophisticated systems aiding medicine can also become a disadvantage sometimes due to their very own complex nature. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that 9% of medical device failures are directly linked to usage errors; usage errors currently account for as much as 90% of fatalities and injuries in the medical branch of anesthesiology. Some of the main causes of the mistakes previously indicated are poorly designed equipment, unclearly written and disregarded warning labels, and the lack of proper instructions and training (or lack thereof,) provided to technicians. Whereas some of the drugs intended as medication do have the ability to prolong life when applied toward a chronic condition, such as diabetes, AIDS, hypertension, etc. others such morphine, ex-lax ®, marijuana may have significant side effects such as hives, depression, liver failure, and substance addiction. Impact of Medicine in Society Current or Potential Ethical Considerations in Medicine Since the introduction of medical science and the exercise of medical practice from its very early stages, the medical field has always faced many ethical dilemmas regarding human life. These instances of solomonic decision-making, where the argument of human life lies solitarily in the hands of the physician, are as old as medicine itself. Although the professional capacities and the kind wisdom of healers have been widely trusted throughout time when confronting life-death assessments, a more standardized way to manage these dilemmas have come to be necessary, and that is how the set of doctrines known as medical ethics started taking shape. The discipline of medical ethics can be described as the system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine. Some ethical guiding principles can be dated centuries back in time, such as the Hippocratic Oath that is believed to have been written by Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of western medicine. The Hippocratic Oath is one of the most widely known of Greek medical texts, and requires the physician to swear upon a diverse number of healing gods to uphold various professional ethical standards. Even with all these diverse ideologies of morality and medical professionalism in our contemporary society, the medical field has to collide with many ethical challenges and considerations. Ethical considerations in modern medicine are more diverse and more specific to particular cases now than at any previous time in history. Some of these ongoing ethical considerations are observable in cases such as human cloning, euthanasia, organ transplant, and assisted suicide, just to mention a few. Medicine today has given rise to unique situations and predicaments that no one would have ever expected previously, simply because of all the radical advances in modern medicine. Far before scientists acquired the technological capability to clone a human being, Scottish researchers, in 1997, announced the successful cloning of the famous â€Å"Dolly the Sheep† and another lab soon followed suit by publicizing that they had successfully cloned mice. However, Richard Seed, a retired physicist made his intentions known to set up a clinic to clone humans giving people the resources to not only clone themselves, but to also clone people that may have been recently deceased. It is abundantly clear that the ethical connotations of this scenario are worth reflecting upon, much like in 1978 setting when the birth of Louis Brown, the first in vitro test-tube baby shocked the nation. Many doctors, ethicists, and religious figures have now come to question whether it is morally acceptable for medical science to be assisting the creation of life at human will. Another example of a miraculous medical breakthrough that has passed through severe ethical considerations before being accepted as common practice, is the topic of organ transplant. The narrative of the organ transplantation plainly demonstrates how rapidly medical practices can go from theory to reality. The idea of a surgeon taking organs from one body—either a corpse or a living donor—and transplanting them into a different person once struck many people as absurd, even repugnant. However, in a very short amount of time, many people have come to view organ transplants as a marvelous medical procedure that has saved thousands of human lives rather than as something xtracted from a horror novella. Nonetheless, the ordeals surrounding human organ transplants have certainly not been fully resolved. In 1990, human rights advocates were repelled to find out that the Chinese government had legalized the harvesting of organs from the bodies of executed prisoners. Even though organ transplants have saved several lives, they have raised moral questions about the use of the dead in order to assist in saving the living. The ethical considerations that medicine must take into account nowadays as an ironic consequence of advances in medicine are relentlessly narrowing the scope of what medicine can accomplish, and the perpetual dilemma of medical ethics dictating what medicine should or should not accomplish still remains today as it did from the day of its conception. At the end of all the moral doubts and travails, we can all only wonder if medical ethics will keep up with the rapid pace of medical development in a future where only our imagination seems to draw the line of limitations to our never ending expedition for new medical innovations. The Positive and Negative Economic Effects of Medicine The incredibly fast-paced, growing society we live in today offers countless benefits to our comfortable way of life. We owe our ability to enjoy all the magnificent industrial and scientific progress we enjoy in the present day, however, to megacorporations that are persistently battling each other to enhance and expand existing technologies with the purpose of not only better our quality of life in the process, but also generating profit from the social order. Medical science has become one the fastest growing, most profitable industries in the financial market in this day and age. Medicine has, within a time span of a few centuries, converted itself from a noble and altruistic practice into a large conglomerate of giant pharmaceutical and biotechnological corporations that maintain their existence solely by struggling with each other to find ways of monopolizing the industry in order to maximize their financial gains and profits. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) commissioned a study in order to find out how much research conducted at the nation’s medical schools and teaching hospitals contribute to the U. S. economy (AAMC, March 2012). The study found that in 2009, federal and state funded research in medical schools and teaching hospitals added close to 4. 5 billion dollars to the U. S. economy overall. Researchers also found that medical research supports nearly 300,000 jobs—or 1 in 500 citizens—in the United States (Collins, 2011). Moreover, the figures from the study show that every dollar invested in medical research at medical schools and teaching hospitals result in $2. 60 of economic activity. The study measured and defined â€Å"economic impact† to include both the direct and indirect business volume generated by an institution from public state and federal research funding (AAMC, March 2012). Researchers also noted that a large part of state research funds were allocated to specific areas, such as cancer and stem cell research programs. Other areas of eminent local economic impact were cited, such as the extensive contributions of physicians and scientist that engage in home buying, grocery shopping, and restaurant dining in local establishments. Although substantiating amounts of evidence have been collected in varying studies conducted by different institutions, the economical impact of medicine appear to be staggering in the context of the monumental sums of revenue involved in medical research. We must not dismiss the fact that the colossal industrialization of medicine has saved many lives and improved the quality of life of an incalculable number of people, and we the society, regardless of the time we live in, must always keep in mind and heart that the goal of medical research will forever be to offer hope to patients and improve the health for all men regardless of creed, social status, race, or particular views in life. Perspectives and Opinions of Medicine Political Implications and Influences of medicine in Modern Society Since the introduction of modern medical science, the very existence of medical development has been inextricably intertwined with the diverse world of politics. Politics have an undeniable effect on medicine and life expectancy; famine, for example, is now believed to only occur in places where political pressures limit the freedoms of the governed, including that of information and free speech. In today’s culture, the institutional arrangement under which medicine is practiced is determined by the political resolutions of a well-structured central government that shapes the social order of the hoi polloi. Numerous medical achievements and pledges have often been used to fulfill political agenda, or have been exploited in order to justify supralegal acts under the auspices of various political aims throughout history. Some of these instances can be cited and traced back to authoritative political regimes, such as that of communist Cuba under Fidel Castro’s iron fist, which utilized Cuba’s healthcare system to frequently justify the armed revolution and his Marxist-Leninist political regime, even to this day. A sharp contrast to this example can be examined in the case of Francisco Franco’s rule of Spain, where Franco provided the Spanish population with excellent public health care—to the point where Spain ranked in with one of the highest life expectancies in the world at the time—without expecting the general populace to curry his favor in return. In trying to explain the correlation between politics and medicine in modern society, Eric Krakauer, PhD, postulates the idea of a â€Å"medico-political society†; a society in which a nation is seen as â€Å"the emergence of population. In Krakauer’s model society, population is an object with specific phenomena and variables—birth and death rates, life expectancy, fertility, state of health, frequency of illnesses, patterns of diet and habitation—which can be scientifically calculated and technologically controlled (Krakauer, 1991). The introduction of medico-political reasoning, such as tho se outlined by Krakauer, and eugenics in societies driven by fanatic political orders in the 20th century, however, revealed the potential dangers of medical science when employed as a means to execute government policy. As witnessed over the past century with the various political parties of the more Machiavellian persuasion, and just as it happened in Nazi-Germany where particular atrocious medical policies were carried out by a highly organized killing machine, yet as horrific as it may sound, in many ways a medical undertaking. With the proliferation of global warfare in the 20th century, medicine and medical technology found itself even further intertwined between the affairs of the state. During the war tainted years that many remember simply as â€Å"Dubya-dubya-two†, many brilliant scientists sympathetic with the idea of National Socialism, such as physician Alfred E. Hoche, manipulated medical language to carry out political motive. The result of this medical infusion into government policy led to ethically questionable political projects ordered by Adolf Hitler himself, such as sterilization and euthanizing practices. Furthermore, through emphasizing the importance of medicine as the nation’s protector and maintainer of health and purity, the ground was paved for the Third Reich’s systematic riddance of the mentally ill, the Jews, communists, and homosexuals from the Aryan nation. Nevertheless, not all political implications and influences have negative consequences in the medical field. The healthcare reform proposed by President Barack Obama, for example, happens to be a political attempt to tackle some of the issues affecting the healthcare system, and has already been considered one of the most significant movements in the history of the medical field. The precarious healthcare system has many ramifications in social affairs, and according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States has the highest per capita spending in healthcare in the world, and in fact healthcare has become so costly that it accounted for 62 % of American bankruptcies in 2007 due in great part to unpaid medical bills. Alarming numbers reported by a study conducted by Harvard Medical School showed that approximately 45,000 people die annually due to the lack of basic health coverage, but as severy big enterprise this reform has many challenges to overcome still, and several details about the project will have to be reviewed and amended before it takes full motion, yet some of the basic medical foundations that the reform seeks to deal with has to do with a better care of children to provide well-checks, immunizations and preventive care in order to manage medical issues, such as, diabetes and obesity affecting a great number of American children in an attempt to avoid more complex problems later when they become adults. Public Opinion of Medicine and Media Perception Public opinion of medicine is vastly affected by diverse factors such as political climate, economic aspects, and most importantly, the way the media reflects its image to the public through either the romanticization or vilification of medical effectiveness and safety. Some of the key elements fueling the opinion-shaping forces in the psyche of the average city dweller at the time of passing judgment on medical science, are the fear of being injured as a result of medical malpractice, and the numerous allegations of corporate malfeasance constantly spread by the media on a daily basis. Surveys show that the public is evidently distressed in a significantly igher level when facing the fear of possible medical malpractice occurring in their lifetime, in comparison to other tragic potential medical scenarios. Some percentages derived from public studies shows that a staggering 47% are afraid of becoming a victim of medical errors when receiving healthcare in general (Kaiser Surveys, 20 11). The level of concern from the average citizen regarding healthcare and medical science is quite the opposite of the altruistic and noble goals that much of the fervor and research on medicine was established upon, and this popular anxiety has significant supremacy over other popular fears such as that of flying, which is only possessed by a meager 32% of the travelling population according to polls. In a social order facing all the tribulations regarding medicine and healthcare, there is one issue that comes out on top in terms of importance and the number of people affected by it, and that is none other than the large amount of citizens without health coverage due to the lack of health insurance. A poll conducted by NBC in 1998 showed that while only 23% of the population has a fear of not being able to afford medical care, 47% have qualms about receiving medical attention due to the possibility of becoming a victim of medical malpractice (Kaiser, 2011). Another concern disturbing the community is the questionable safety of new medications and drugs being released to the market, along with the mixed anxiety regarding their possible side effects. The FDA has become quite aware of these popular concerns and has established panels to investigate and perform preliminary studies before releasing a new product on to the market. As it is with any other process, however, this process sometimes falls far from being perfect; when the FDA does not encounter enough concerns to postpone the approval of a new drug, they end up conducting post-market studies to fill in the blanks, with drug recalls and abundant lawsuits being the usual result of these premature releases of pharmaceutical products. Historical Trends and the Future Trajectory of Medicine Previous Trends in Medicine Medicine, as any other science, became what it is today through a long process of experimentation and research. Like in any scientific process, it also had to deal with uncertainty and the hope that the result of such venture will become a breakthrough in an attempt to create a new trend for self-improvement. Several examples of trends can be cited to illustrate the various processes that led medicine to overcome the lack of knowledge about the human condition; the more recent efforts in achieving better, safer, and more effective patient care are also trends with significant influence in the improvement of the medical field. One of the most considerable trends in biological-medical research took place while investigating reading disabilities between 1850 and 1915. The significance of these studies left behind a great legacy that later paved the foundations for neuropsychological research. The most important finding during this research was the discovery of anatomical and functional modularity for cortical processes that consequently became the central principle for diagnosing and correcting reading difficulties in patients of all ages. The immense scientific value of the aforementioned findings created a trend in medical research that shifted the focus of neuropsychological explanations of reading difficulties from gross neuro-anatomical studies to investigations of the microstructure of the central nervous system, consequently paving the way for the advent of neuron doctrine. The ultimate outcome of this scientific shift in research resulted in a better overall interpretation of the concepts of the dimensions of local lesions, autonomous cognitive processes, and etiology (Disabil, 1998). Another especially considerable trend in American medicine was noted in 1995 when a significant decline in the production of primary care physicians was recognized. The decline was directly associated with a decrease in the production of general internists and an increase in the number of subspecialists. In the later decades a large number of entry-level internal medicine residents found themselves anticipating entering a medical subspecialty at a very early stage in their studies. This modern transition of medical manpower is considered by many as inappropriate, since the creation of virtually independent subspecialty departments may prove detrimental and counter-productive to the education of future physicians. Recommendations for medical educational reforms are currently being reviewed and new proposal have been presented to the American Board of Internal Medicine. The crux of these proposed reforms include the increase of residency from three to four years, and creating investigational units in basic disciplines within the department of internal medicine that would serve as a resource for all the subspecialty divisions (Anderson, 1995). The Future Trajectory of Medicine Today the medical field finds itself at a crucial point on its road of never-ending development, and now more than ever, the turns and decisions made in our time will have a great impact on future generations due to the fast-paced nature in which medical technology fuels the process of its transformation. There is much room for improvement in the socio-medical status quo, and the actuality of our medical system is influenced by various issues such as, the escalating cost of healthcare, the continuous injuring of patients as a result of medical mistakes and malpractice. As a result, it has now become apparent that patients are looking for a future change in the healthcare structure. The United States devotes vast amounts of financial resources in maintaining the existing healthcare system and expects high quality care as its return on investment. The crushing reality, however, is that our healthcare system must undergo a makeover of historical proportions in order to redirect and set back on course with the purpose of improving overall patient care in the coming years. Since 2003, annual publications of the National Healthcare Quality Report (NHQR) by the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have played an important role in the mapping of the future trajectory of medicine and the possible reforms required for better allocation of resources and technology. The result of the careful analysis of the NHQR that has taken place in the later years has led to extensive research and deliberations, but furthermore, the future trajectory committee concluded that the reports alone will not improve the quality of healthcare in the future. Consequently the factual nature of the reports take a compelling case for closing the gap between contemporary performance levels and recommended standards of patient care by focusing on aligning the content of the reports with nationally recognized priority areas for quality improvement to help drive national medical restructuring. At the end of the day, innovative guidelines are being vigorously promoted as the means to improve the effectiveness of American medicine and its healthcare system in the future. Although existing initiatives show both strengths and weaknesses of these proposed guidelines, now is the time when the attention given to the development guidelines must be matched with the implementation strategies. Also proper scientific evaluation in real clinical settings must be taken into account in order to make a constructive impact in professional behavior, patient outcomes, and healthcare cost. The direction that medicine will take in the near future will not only be dictated by the guidelines and reforms in our contemporary healthcare system, but will be highly influenced by all the technological research enterprises and advances in several key areas, such as genetics, stem cell research, cardiovascular studies, HIV drug therapy, robotic surgery, and cancer treatment. Conclusion The eternal enterprise for humans trying to achieve a better quality of life by preserving health has been fueled in great part by technology and the marvels accomplished by Medicine, furthermore; the number of benefits that mankind enjoys thanks to the medical achievements accomplished are innumerable, and although, the time in which medicine was first introduced and our present time are strikingly different, the challenges and dilemmas that the medical field faces still the same The characteristics and complexity of science today faces many ethical considerations that require the use of deep moral codes guided by our social morality, and regardless of politics and other mundane affairs occasionally twisting the field of medical science throughout time. The memory of public opinion will not allow adulterated ideals of political agendas take away or disfigure the noble purposes of a science that was founded with the sole principle of making the trip known as life more enjoyable and pain free, but at the end of the day regardless of the previous trends and future directions that medicine may take in the crusade for the improving of human life and helping those in need, mankind will always count with medicine as its unconditional ally in order to overcome whatever challenges time may bring upon us.

Organizational Behavior Total Quality Management

Background The issue of organizational behavior has been abundantly discussed in recent days. Following the rise of globalization and liberalization of markets, there has been wide spread of information across all corners of the globe. The forces of globalization have led to revolution in the nature and manner of managing private and government organizations.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Organizational Behavior: Total Quality Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, undue pressure and competition has been mounted on the organizations to ensure quality and admirable image. Following the increase in competition in the corporate world, business organizations are bound to maintain high quality standards in their operations, services, and products (Miner 47). In regards to this scenario, the need to adopt Total Quality Management (TQM) has been raised. Through the adoption of TQM, business organizati ons are able to attain higher levels of efficiency and productivity. Many researchers and scholars have indulged into the topic on organizational management and precisely on the issue of TQM. It has however been evident that there has been a high gap in knowledge in the field thus calling for further research. The need to mobilize adequate information on the issues of organizational behavior and TQM has been inevitable (Ross and Perry 135). This research proposal will seek to mobilize adequate information on the issue of Total Quality Management as a key pillar in the running of business organizations. Methods With reference to the significance of the study, the methodology will be offered a high sense of attention. The study methodology will ensure adoption of effective and efficient research approaches as well as data collection. By adopting efficient research approaches, effectiveness and authenticity of the research results will be attained. In relation to the descriptive nature of the topic, a qualitative research design would be the most suitable. This will comprise an intensive data or information search that will see the mobilization of sufficient inferences for addressing the research topic. The study will entail the integration of responses from various participants as well as review of literature review. Qualitative research design will ensure that all aspects of the topic are adequately addressed.Advertising Looking for proposal on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A positivist philosophical position would be maintained across the study, whereby the ideas of previous scholars in the topic will be adopted. This would help in enhancing the credibility and acceptability of the research results (Kumar 121). Following the availability of numerous scholarly materials on the topic, the study will primarily comprise of secondary data. This will entail and intensive literature revie w of books and journals on the topic of organizational behavior and more precisely on TQM. In order to ensure relevance of the collected information, the researcher will be focused on materials concerning TQM. The various aspects of TQM will be reviewed. Regarding the materials to be adopted for the literature review, only resources ranging from 10 years to 1 year will be adopted. This will enhance the relevance of the materials in addressing modern issues in private organizations (Kumar 121). Outcomes A study by Samuel (76) indicated that organizational behavior is a vital element in the running of business organizations. In relation to the high competition faced by business organizations in recent days, there is every need to embrace admirable organizational behavior. Kanji (103) indicated that each organization is bound to ensure that all practices and relations within and out of the organization are admirable to its members and the outside world. With this in mind, the issue of Total Quality Management comes into use. This entails the maintenance of high quality standards of all services, processes and products of the organization. In order to excel in the currently competitive business world, Total Quality Management can not be exempted from organizational management. In order to adequately execute Total Quality Management, the management should be conscious of all aspects entailing goals, vision, values and philosophy (Samuel 76). These are special aspects of organizational behavior which carry high weight in the execution of Total Quality Management. The concept of Total Quality Management has also been noted to have great correlation with organizational culture. As observed by Ross and Perry (135), Total Quality Management determines the nature of group dynamics, communication and leadership to be adopted. In order to arrive at a very competitive organization, the issues of TQM and culture should be considered.Advertising We will write a custom pr oposal sample on Organizational Behavior: Total Quality Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hakes (82) depicted that successful organizations have a high regard on TQM and organizational culture. This can however not be attained without embracing admirable organizational behavior, visions, goals, communication and leaderships. The creation and management of business organizations has been identified to depend adequately on the pillars of organizational behavior and more precisely TQM. As observed by Harris and Hartman (165), successful organizations ensure acceptable organizational behaviors through maintenance of TQM. Through execution of TQM, the working environment as well as the efficiency of the organization is boosted. From another perspective, business organizations should integrate TQM into human resources policies to ensure that employees are fully motivated (Miner 47). This will in turn guarantee high quality, effici ency and productivity of the organization. Works Cited Hakes, Chris. Total Quality Management: The Key to Business Improvement: A Pera  International Executive Briefing. London: Prentice Hall, 2004. Print. Harris, Jeff and Hartman, Sandra. Organizational Behavior. New York: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print. Kanji, Gopal. Total Quality Management: Proceedings of the First World Congress. New York: Routldge, 2005. Print. Kumar, Ranjit. Research Methodology: A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners. London: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print.Advertising Looking for proposal on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Miner, John. Organizational Behavior: From Theory to Practice. New Jersey: McGraw Hill Press, 2007. Print. Ross, Joel and Perry, Susan. Total Quality Management: Text, Cases, and Readings. New Jersey: McGraw Hill Press, 2009. Print. Samuel, Anand. Total Quality Management. New York: Wiley Sons Press, 2004. Print. This proposal on Organizational Behavior: Total Quality Management was written and submitted by user Brooklynn K. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Analysing St Francis In Ecstasy Religion Essay Essay Example

Analysing St Francis In Ecstasy Religion Essay Essay Example Analysing St Francis In Ecstasy Religion Essay Paper Analysing St Francis In Ecstasy Religion Essay Paper The Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa houses several pieces of art work from the Renaissance epoch that trade with spiritual subjects. One peculiarly interesting illustration of Renaissance art work is Bernardo Strozzi s St. Francis in Ecstasy ( fourteenth century ) . This painting refers to Francis of Assisi, birth name Giovanni di Bernardone. Francis was known as the frequenter saint of the animate beings, environment, and of Italy. He was born into a wealth merchandiser household in 1182. In 1201 he joined the war between his hometown and the nearby town of Perugia. During this clip he was captured and was a captive for a twelvemonth. Following this he fell earnestly sick and therefore began his transition. In 1209 he began the creative activity of a new spiritual order based on entire poorness and sermon. Francis so took his first followings to acquire permission from Pope Innocent III to do it official. Once the order was approved they chose the name of Friars Minor intending sm allest of us which refered to the Gospels ( Matthew 25:40-45 ) . In 1212 a adult female by the name of Claire so joined Francis and was so converted. The transition of Claire set the foundation for the Poor Claires which is the 2nd Franciscan order. The Third Order was created in 1221 and was dedicated to the layman, leting everyone to acknowledge Christ without abdicating the secular universe. During the sixteenth century he gained a batch of acknowledgment through pictures, more so than during his clip in the 13th and 14th centuries for his spiritual work and spiritual art being prevalent in this period. Bernardo Strozzi was an Italian painter born in 1581. By the age of 17 he joined a monastery and finally left 10 old ages subsequently to take attention of his sick female parent after the passing of his male parent. During this clip he sold painting to gain a life. His pictures conveyed the Franciscan instructions from his instruction at the monastery. Strozzi sold his picture for many old ages and was so tried for practising art without being decently licensed. After being tried he spent a short period of clip in gaol for his offense. Five old ages subsequently Strozzi s female parent died and he relocated to Genoa and continued picture and became really good known for his endowment. [ 2^ ] [ 6^ ] During the period that Strozzi was caring for his female parent he created St. Francis in Ecstasy. During this clip Christian art was really popular and with it was the usage of saints in every type of work. Saints are thought to be the ears of God and everything or state of affairs has a saint. Strozzi used many different saints in his plants and one if his most noteworthy plants he used St. Francis of Assisi. Harmonizing to Terry Jones, St. Francis took the Gospels as the regulation of his life, Jesus Christ as his actual illustration. He dressed in unsmooth apparels, begged for his nutriment, and preached pureness and peace. His household disapproved, and his male parent disinherited him ; Francis officially renounced his wealth and heritage. He visited infirmaries, served the ill, preached in the streets, and took all work forces and adult females as siblings, visited and preached to the Saracens, composed vocals and anthem to God and nature, lived with animate beings, worked wi th his custodies, cared for lazars, cleaned churches, and sent nutrient to stealers. He began to pull followings in 1209, and with apostolic approval, founded the Franciscans based on a simple statement by Jesus: Leave all and follow me. In 1212 Clare of Assisi became his religious pupil, which led to the initiation of the Poor Clares. In 1221 he resigned way of the Franciscans. While in speculation on Mount Alvernia in the Apennines in September 1224, Francis received the stigmata, which sporadically bled during the staying two old ages of his life. This miracle has a separate commemoration on 17 September. [ 2^ ] [ 5^ ] The chief focal point of this picture is the aura, besides referred to as a rain cloud. This is placed behind the caputs of spiritual figures and symbolizes ageless life or infinity. Strozzi had non come out of his Carravogesque wonts being that this is an early work and hence utilizations deep colourss conveying decease. The contrast between the dark back land and the aura makes this the focal point of the picture. The look on St. Francis face suggests that he is holding a really passionate experience looking upward presumptively toward Eden. [ 1^ ] When looking at this painting the focal point seems to travel, get downing at the part that is brighter being the caput and so in an upward diagonal gesture towards the upper right part of the picture. In this corner is Jesus on the cross. Throughout the picture Strozzi does non utilize lines except on the cross. Aside from the texture of the pigment there is besides no knowing texture added. Traveling from the cross down to the organic structure of St. Francis you can besides see that the usage of overlapping as the legs curtain over the arm. The rope belt that is seen contains knots, which is used in most pictures incorporating St. Francis, is a signifier of symbolism for poorness, celibacy, and obeisance. [ 1^ ] Last the focal point comes upon an unfastened book resting on a skull. By and large when there is a book it represents the word of God ( Bible ) . An unfastened book represents truth or disclosure. The skull resting underneath the book is understood to stand for decease. Puting the two together can be interpreted in many ways. The representation of these figures in this picture is most likely a statement about St. Francis realisation of his ain mortality. His disclosure may hold been that he knew that with decease came finalisation, nevertheless through the word of God his thoughts and beliefs could be carried on past his ain decease. [ 1^ ] [ 3^ ] [ 1^ ] Symbols in Christian Art A ; Architecture. Web. 01 Feb. 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //wegast.home.att.net/symbols/ [ 2^ ] Saint Francis of Assisi. Saints.SQPN.com. Web. 01 Feb. 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //saints.sqpn.com/saint-francis-of-assisi [ 3^ ] Strozzi, Bernardo. St. Francis in Ecstasy. Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK. Philbrook Museum of Art. Web. 01 Feb. 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.philbrook.org/exhibitions/galleries/page.cfm? page=22 [ 4^ ] Historical Sketch of the Order of Friars Minor. ORDO FRATRUM MINORUM. Web. 01 Feb. 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ofm.org/1/info/INFhist.html [ 5^ ] Symbols of the Saints in Art. The Whys and Hows of Traditional Catholicism. Web. 01 Feb. 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fisheaters.com/saintsart.html [ 6^ ] Bernardo Strozzi Biography ( 1581 1644 ) . The Humanistic disciplines: Fine Art, Contemporary Art A ; Music. Web. 20 Feb. 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //arts.jrank.org/pages/16869/Bernardo-Strozzi.html

France Vs England During 17th century essays

France Vs England During 17th century essays During the 17th century, two very different types of governments developed in Europe. In France, Louis XIV established an Absolutist State, while in England, Elizabeth I followed a Parliamentary government. Even though, Louis XIV and Elizabeth I saw a brilliant flourishing in their kingdoms, only one of them had the power to rule successfully. In France, Louis XIV ruled by Divine Right and had the absolute control of his kingdom during his long reign. He took several steps to assure his authority above everyone in France. First, he only allowed the nobles who supported him to retain their titles. Second, he revoked Edict of Nantes that forced the Hugnenots (French Protestants) to convert to Catholicism or die. Then, he started his move toward building his splendid palace, which known as the Versailles (located outside Paris). He needed a finance minister, so he hired Colbert to strengthen the economy and trade of France. Louis XIV was an extremely authoritive king, but people called him the Sun King for they witnessed how France was a place of art and glory. In England, Elizabeth I followed a Parliamentary government, which allowed her to rule her people, and in the time, satisfy Parliament with her kingdom policies. Elizabeth I aimed for peace and security to England, which was why she didnt allow any religious strives to arise in her it. Therefore, her first step was to promote Protestantism within England. Then, she chose excellent advisors and she expanded the English Navy which stunned the world of its defeat to the Spanish Armada. Elizabeth I never got married and was wedded to England, that was why people called her the Virgin Queen. France and England had excellent rulers, however, England was ruled successfully, without any economical or political problems. Even though Louis XIV ruled with absolute control, he still wasnt completely wise in the decisions he took toward the H ...

Curriculum checklist Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Curriculum checklist - Assignment Example A curriculum should be designed with having all these diversities in mind and even then it should be a very solid one because this is the basic stepping stone for every student who seeks knowledge because the institute that the students visits is to decide what a students is going to study and learn at the institute. There should be no disbursement of education that is biased towards any gender or race because then it would be very difficult to strike the correct balance with in the institute because the atmosphere would then be very hostile towards that race or gender. Religious studies imparted at any student should be done with extreme care because religion is aspect of life where emotions run high and wild and it is very easy to mould religion into different shapes and use it for ones convenience. There should also be checks and balances and the curriculum should be changed when the need for it arises because there is no point in teaching obsolete curriculums. DESIGN When one speaks of curriculum special care should be practiced while designing the curriculum because the design of the curriculum is the first step towards having an appropriate curriculum. The designing should be inline, as mentioned before, with the admission policy of the educational institute because that would affect the level of education imparted to the students. The design should be accurate and inline with the curriculum goal which defines what the program or a course is aimed to teach the students or what the end goal is sought to be, this accuracy level is very important because if this is not the case then the curriculum goals would not be achieved to the optimum levels and hence the whole point of designing the curriculum would be lost. Special care should be given to the organization of the content in a logical sequence because if this is not done so then the students would be at a loss because then they would have to cope up with extra pressure that is unwarranted bec ause of a lack of proper designing and this mistake is on part of the administration where as the students would have to pay in the form of lower grades and there would be resentment within the students. The examples within any course material should be very well presented and they should be illustrated because illustrations go a long way in helping students remember things but at the same time it should be remembered that the books does not solely depend on these illustrations because then the students might feel over burdened because of them. The questions in the course material should be presented logically, in a manner of ascending difficulty and the questions should be well aimed and should be inline with the text that has been presented in the book because students should not be expected to tackle questions on which material isn't present in the course material. Procedures The procedure of presenting course material is perhaps the most important part because this is

Understanding why People Carry Guns Along Research Paper

Understanding why People Carry Guns Along - Research Paper Example They denied the concept that guns are only used for bad purposes and allowed the citizens to carry arms along with them. The amendment was made with the idea that allowing people possess guns will lead in decrease in violence and crimes. It is true that many people are hurt or killed by falling down or drowning rather than by guns (Croes& Smith, 1997). (2nd) Protection is most prominent reason for the use of gun (kleck, 2005).To avoid being victimized by a crime people keep guns with them because the police do not have much ability be all over the place, it is kept by the people for the cause of prudent and precaution. Similarly the feeling of having a gun with them will go accordingly like anindividual who has no knowledge how to swim and is quite afraid to do so, for his safety he wears floaters. For a person who owns the gun for protection is not for use mostly, but only for the purpose of security. The will have the confidence that if for instance something bad happens, they will be having a gun to tackle with bad people, that will result in their survival and can act as a shield. It develops a sense that the criminals won’t mess with a person possessing gun (Shelley & Wright, 1995). Moreover, people usually keep guns due to their innate fear. When they have a fear that they would be killed if they go at places where the re is a chance, to overcome their own fear they tend to carry guns along. For example, a person going in a strange street or a place where it is dark, then he tends more to carry gun. But it is not only that they live in fear so they tend to carry guns. They carry guns in order to take responsibility for their own safety and that of of other innocents. We have observed from history that nothing short of enduring vigilance can keep us safe in an unsafe world. It is obvious that we have police for out protection but usually police do not protect you from crime, they just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess. For example a farmer living far away from the city keeps gun with him, to safe himself if any robber comes at his house to steal his crops, a police cannot be there 24 hours looking over the farmers house. To carry a gun for the reason of protection makes the person stronger and superior, he feels no fear because he has an equipment to act as his shield. In the United States, there was a polling done and it resulted that out of 45% who owned gun, 16% people own gun to protect themselves (Baumeister & Bushman, 2012). (4th)The reason for owning a gun may be simply because when they own a gun they are likely to participate in activities like sporting clays, cowboy action shooting etc. The inclination towards carrying a gun can be driven by the urge to get involve in some sort of social activity or a hobby done for fun. Apart from this guns are possessed by people for target shooting means, for attaining the sense of achievement, by shooting in certain targets and guns can also be kept for hunting animals. It is said to be a justified reason and owning guns for the reason of hunting is now not really common in United States of America because there are many other forms of sports for leisure time (Carter Ph.D., 2012). (5th)Many people carry guns because it is in their family legacy

Genetically Modified Food and Crops Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Food and Crops Essay Abstract Since the 1980s scientists have been altering crops, including some of the food we eat (Fairly Gaskins, 2000). Genetically modified food has always been a concern for many people. I find the concerns to be unwarranted because there has never been a negative health report due to the fact of consuming GM foods. Biotechnology gives us the best means for solving the worlds food shortage now and in the future. Genetically modified crop plants are now grown on nearly 150 million acres in the United States alone, helping farmers to increase yields, reduce pesticide spraying, and save topsoil (Conko Miller, 2011). What are we actually eating? Looking at ingredients on the back of a product was almost considered out of the ordinary ten to fifteen years ago. But now it is one of the most important factors in the decision on whether or not a consumer will buy the product. In all the research I conducted there was never a proven harmful effect from genetic engineering. However, the benefits are scientifically proven which gives genetically modified crops the advantage over traditional farming. The proposed ideas and research by scientist show that a lot more can be done with GM food other than eating it. Globalization of GM crops is becoming apparent as well as GM crop commercialization. _Keywords: GM Food, GM Crops, Genetically engineered crops, Biotechnology, GM organisms. _ Genetically modified organisms can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called biotechnology and it allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another (World Health Organization, 2002). For more than twenty years of scientific, humanitarian, and financial success genetic engineering has been applied to agriculture. This has been accomplished without injury to a single person or damage to the ecosystem. However, activists are still fighting the use of genetically modified crops (Conko Miller 2011). Millions of people around the world suffer from malnutrition and with the steep projected increase of our worlds population in the next fifty years a change needs to be made. Genetically modified crops increase yield, nutrition and uses fewer pesticides all without proven negative effects. GM crops and all its benefits make it the gateway for the worlds agriculture success. Genetically modified crops are becoming the building blocks for agriculture advancements. Scientists are continually working to create more benefits for consumers as well as farmers. The main concern of GM foods is negative health risks however, they are actually more beneficial. GM foods have longer shelf life, contain higher nutritional value and are safer to eat. For example, GM corn has lower fungal toxin content then non-GM corn, and farmers typically produce GM crops using fewer pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers (Tyson, 2001). By drastically reducing the use of chemicals on the plants it provides a major improvement for the consumers safety and nourishment. Because scientists slightly tweak the DNA of the plants with other genes it is possible that food allergens may end up in GM products. Steve Taylor, a scientists at the University of Nebraska states that, the food-allergy threat is small because food engineers now avoid using genes from nuts and other common food allergens. The benefits of genetic engineering justify the risk (Fairley Gaskins 2000). Products from biotechnology are no less safe than traditionally bred crops. According to Dr. Prakash, genetically improved products are subjected to intensive testing, while conventional varieties have never been subjected to any such regulation for food safety or environmental impact (Prakash, 2000). Every GM food that is currently available on the international market has already passed risk assessments and is not likely to pose a risk for the consumers. No effects have been shown and GM foods will continue to be regulated in more and more countries (World Health Organization, 2002). GM crops are never expected to present a health risk and therefore should reassure government officials worldwide in the use of this technology. Another concern of GM technology is the effect it has on the environment. The environmental risks of biotechnology are also unidentified just like the health trepidations. No scientific evidence proves that GM crops are harmful to the environment. U. S. officials pointed out that scientists in Europe had been unable to find any evidence of added risk to human health or the environment from any GM crop variety developed to date. In fact, none of the studies by Europe found any scientific evidence of added harm to humans or the environment (Paarlberg, 2003). GM engineering will actually help the environment rather than harm it. In the U. S. alone farmers annually administer more than nine hundred seventy million tons of insect and plant killers. Now GM crops have the ability of containing their own insect and plant killing gene which means the farmers can use fewer chemicals (Tyson, 2001). To ensure that the environment is remaining safe, risk assessments are conducted for the GM product as well as the area in which the crop will grow (World Health Organization, 2002). Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Program has used funding for developing countries to implement biosafety regulations for GM crops. The UNEP wants these regulations implemented before any crop is planted no matter the cost or delay (Paarlberg, 2003). Since 2011, The U. S. Department of Agriculture has approved seventy four different GM crops. In each case the crops data was reviewed for several years and each concluded that they will have no significant environmental impact (Conko Miller 2011). These precautionary measures toward genetically modified crops allow the government to regulate farming actions and safeguard the environment. The initial reason GM organisms were created was to improve crop production. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides (Tyson, 2001). Producers are getting a lot more for a lot less which translates to products with lower prices. The improved production of crops and technology accounts for the lowered costs and have forced tremendous competition in the herbicide and insecticide markets (Prakash, 2000). This also helps traditional farmers because it now allows them to buy these products at a cheaper cost. In fifty years the world population could exceed eleven billion people unfortunately, the current food supply is not expanding at the same rate. Because of this, GM crops need to expand and gain popularity over traditional farming. Global GM crop farming in 1999 covered about one hundred million acres (Tyson, 2001). Now, genetically modified crop plants are grown on nearly one hundred fifty million acres in the United States alone (Conko Miller 2011). These statistics show that GM crop farming is rapidly expanding and the benefits are obvious. Biotechnology and its productivity give us the best chance to safely solve the food needs of today and the future. Poor farmers in tropical countries face problems such as crop pests, drought and low soil fertility (Paarlberg, 2003). These are the people who annually struggle to produce enough food for their families. Bugs, drought and disease destroy many acres of farmland every year. Fortunately scientists are creating GM crops with built in resistance to insects and diseases. GM Crops are also being developed that can grow in deserts or near salt water which allows more area for farming (Fairley Gaskins, 2011). Because GM crops are now being built in with these resistances farmers wont experience huge financial setbacks caused by pests killing their plants. Since the majority of malnutrition people in the world live in developing countries this opens up the opportunity for them to increase crop yield and provide enough food for everyone. Also, in developing countries people often have to survive off a single staple that own its own doesnt supply sufficient amounts of nutrients. Food scientist hope to solve this problem by creating crops equipped with vitamins and minerals. According to Tyson, one of the most promising is golden rice, which can stimulate our bodies to generate vitamin A. In the developing world, vitamin-A deficiency kills two million children each year (Tyson, 2001). A development through GM foods may be able to save two million people which would be a life changing breakthrough. Scientists are also trying to perfect eatable vaccines. They are genetically adding vaccines to tomatoes and bananas, since traditional vaccines are expensive to manufacture and require specialized storage. Eatable vaccines, will be easier to transport, store, and administer in third world countries (Tyson, 2001). Biotechnology holds unlimited potential for areas of the world where poverty and poor agricultural conditions make farming challenging. The U. S. needs to ensure the people of these countries that GM food is safe and will be nothing but beneficial to their people. Genetic engineering is a crucial factor in agricultural productivity and if it continues to safely expand it could help meet the problematic food challenges that have already started. Genetic engineering holds great possibilities that could change the world. Simply peeling back a banana infused with antibiotics could be the next breakthrough science has to offer. Biotechnology continues to show safety is not an issue. GM farmers are now administering fewer chemicals on their crops. This reduces the amount of air pollution and water contamination in the environment. Genetic modifications were being made since farming started. Farmers always crossed bred the most successful plants year to year and without any concerns from the public. Today, scientist have a better understanding of how genetic modifications work making it safer for the consumers. However, government regulations are still implemented just for precautionary purposes. The United States is fortunate enough to grow numerous varieties of crops and also have the ability to choose the method of how they are grown. Unfortunately, not every country has these advantages. Genetically modified products allow these developing nations to grow crops at a more productive rate. Commercialization of genetically modified agriculture needs to be strictly monitored to make sure regulations are followed. Over industrialization of farming today is negatively viewed therefore making it essential that a golden mean is set for genetically modified products. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Fairley, P. , Gaskins, P. (2000). Food Fight!. _Scholastic Choices_, _15_(8), 16. CONKO, G. , MILLER, H. I. (2011). The Rush to Condemn Genetically Modified Crops. _Policy Review_, (165), 69-82. World Health Orginization.(2002). Retrieved from website: http://www. who. int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/index. html Tyson, P. T. (2001, April 12). _Harvest of fear_. Retrieved from http://www. pbs. org/wgbh/harvest/exist/ Prakash, C. (2000). Genetically engineered crops can feed the world!. Retrieved from http://www. 21stcenturysciencetech. com/articles/biotech. html Paarlberg, R. L. (2003). Reinvigorating genetically modified crops. _Issues in Science and Technology, 19_(3), 86-92. Retrieved from http://ezproxy. sju. edu/login? url=http://search. proquest. com/docview/195920735? accountid=14071.

Heteronormartive Notions of Gender Essay -- Gender Studies

Heteronormartive notions of gender create challenges and issues that require a complex process of resolving gender inequalities. In particular, one of the challenges is resolving the inequalities that are reinforced by male and female gender norms. The notion of gender creates a dichotomy in male and female roles. Through socialization processes, we learn to identify specific behaviours as 'masculine' or 'feminine', and boys and girls are taught to perform and display these traits, which become a dominant part of their identities. Western society has constructed gender roles that promote and maintain notions of suitable behaviours and expectations. For instance, males and females are required to act a certain way according to their situational and contextual location. Moreover, gendered behaviour can be seen in the context of families because parents continue gender roles into families, preserving the idea of â€Å"doing gender† (West & Zimmerman, 2011). â€Å"Doing genderâ⠂¬  refers to the process of socially guided perceptions, which make us believe that male and female behaviours are â€Å"natural.† Further, these perceptions are routinely embedded within our everyday interactions that claim a specific gender (West & Zimmerman, 2011). Although parents in Western society continue to hold onto traditional roles of parenting, they are slowly recognizing methods that have no gender boundaries. Ideas of masculinity and femininity are reinforced in families to form practices and customs that create an imbalance among genders (Coltrane, 2011). Within heterosexual families, gender role inequalities are reinforced through household labour and domestic work. Furthermore, it is important to analyze this topic in order to understand the problematic notions ... ...rison, D. and Albanese, P. (2011, in press) Parental Military Deployments and adolescent's housework. Studies in Political Economy, 88 (1).   Margolis, M.L. (2009). Putting mothers on the pedestal. Ontario: Oxford University Press. Shaw, S.M. (1988). Gender Differences in the Definition and Perception of Household Labour. Family Relations 37(3), 333-337. Silverman E.L. (2011). The Last Best West: Women on the Alberta’s Frontier, 1880-1930. In M. Kimmel (Ed.), A. Aronson (Ed.), A. Kaler (Ed.), The Gendered Society Reader. (pp. 186-197). Ontario: Oxford University Smith, D. (1993). The standard north American family. Journal of Family Issues. 14(1), 50-65. West, C, & Zimmerman, D.H. (2011). Doing Gender. In M. Kimmel (Ed.), A. Aronson (Ed.), A. Kaler (Ed.), The Gendered Society Reader (pp. 28-42). Ontario: Oxford University Ontario: Oxford University Press.

Bloodlines Chapter Four

ABE HAD THE KIND OF APPEARANCE that could leave many people speechless, even if they knew nothing about him. Oblivious to the heat outside, the Moroi man was dressed in a full suit and tie. The suit was white, at least, but it still looked like it would be warm. His shirt and tie were purple, as was the rose tucked into his pocket. Gold glittered in his ears and at his throat. He was originally from Turkey and had more color to him than most Moroi but was still paler than humans like me and Keith. Abe's complexion actually reminded me of a tanned person who'd been sick for a while. â€Å"Hello,† I said stiffly. His smile split into a full grin. â€Å"So nice to see you again.† â€Å"Always a pleasure.† My lie sounded robotic, but hopefully it was better than sounding afraid. â€Å"No, no,† he said. â€Å"The pleasure's all mine.† â€Å"If you say so,† I said. This amused him further. Keith had frozen up again, so I strode over to the old Moroi man and extended my hand so that at least one of us would look like we had manners. â€Å"Are you Mr. Donahue? I'm Sydney Sage.† Clarence smiled and clasped my hand in his wrinkled one. I didn't flinch, even though the urge was there. Unlike most Moroi I'd met, he didn't conceal his fangs when he smiled, which almost made my facade crack. Another reminder that no matter how human they seemed at times, these were still vampires. â€Å"I am so pleased to meet you,† he said. â€Å"I've heard wonderful things about you.† â€Å"Oh?† I asked, arching an eyebrow and wondering who'd been talking about me. Clarence nodded emphatically. â€Å"You are welcome in my home. It's delightful to have so much company.† Introductions were made for everyone else. Eddie and Jill were a little reserved, but both friendly. Keith didn't shake any hands, but he at least stopped acting like a drooling fool. He took a chair when offered and put on an arrogant expression, which was probably supposed to look like confidence. I hoped he wouldn't embarrass us. â€Å"I'm sorry,† said Abe, leaning forward. His dark eyes glittered. â€Å"Did you say your name was Keith Darnell?† â€Å"Yes,† said Keith. He studied Abe curiously, no doubt recalling the Alchemists' conversation back in Salt Lake City. Even through the bravado Keith was attempting to put on, I could see a sliver of unease. Abe had that effect. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"No reason,† said Abe. His eyes flicked to me and then to Keith. â€Å"It just sounds familiar, that's all.† â€Å"My father's a very important man among the Alchemists,† said Keith loftily. He'd relaxed a little, probably thinking the stories about Abe were overrated. Fool. â€Å"You've undoubtedly heard of him.† â€Å"Undoubtedly,† said Abe. â€Å"I'm sure that's what it is.† He spoke so casually that no one would suspect he wasn't telling the truth. Only I knew the real reason Abe knew who Keith was, but I certainly didn't want that revealed. I also didn't want Abe dropping any more hints, which I suspected he was doing just to irk me. I tried to steer the subject away – and get some answers for myself. â€Å"I wasn't aware you were joining us, Mr. Mazur.† The sweetness in my voice matched his. â€Å"Please,† he said. â€Å"You know you can call me Abe. And I won't be staying, unfortunately. I simply came along to make sure this group arrived safely – and to meet Clarence in person.† â€Å"That's very nice of you,† I said dryly, sincerely doubting Abe's motives were as simple as that. If I'd learned anything, it was that things were never simple when Abe Mazur was involved. He was a puppet master of sorts. He not only wanted to observe things, he also wanted to control them. He smiled winningly. â€Å"Well, I always aim to help others in need.† â€Å"Yeah,† a new voice suddenly said. â€Å"That's exactly what comes to mind when I think of you, old man.† I hadn't thought anyone could shock me more than Abe, but I was wrong. â€Å"Rose?† The name came out as a question from my lips, even though there could be no doubt about who this newcomer was. There was only one Rose Hathaway, after all. â€Å"Hey, Sydney,† she said, giving me a small, crooked smile as she entered the room. Her flashing, dark eyes were friendly, but they were also assessing everything in the room, much as Eddie's gaze was. It was a guardian thing. Rose was about my height and dressed very casually in jeans and a red tank top. But, as always, there was something exotic and dangerous about her beauty that made her stand out from everyone else. She was like a tropical flower in this dark, stuffy room. One that could kill you. I'd never seen her mother, but it was easy to tell that some of her looks came from Abe's Turkish influence, like her long, dark brown hair. In the dim lighting, that hair looked nearly black. Her eyes rested on Keith, and she nodded politely. â€Å"Hey, other Alchemist.† Keith stared at her wide-eyed, but whether that was a reaction to us being further outnumbered or simply a response to Rose's extraordinary nature, I couldn't say. â€Å"I-I'm Keith,† he stammered at last. â€Å"Rose Hathaway,† she told him. His eyes bugged even more as he recognized the name. She strode across the room, toward Clarence, and I noted that half of her allure was simply in the way she dominated her surroundings. Her expression softened as she regarded the elderly man. â€Å"I checked the house's perimeter like you asked. It's about as safe as you can make it, though your back door's lock should probably be replaced.† â€Å"Are you sure?† asked Clarence in disbelief. â€Å"It's brand new.† â€Å"Maybe when this house was built,† came yet another new voice. Looking over to the doorway, I realized now that someone else had been with Rose when she arrived, but I'd been too startled by her to notice. Again, that was a Rose thing. She always drew the attention. â€Å"It's been rusted since we moved here.† This newcomer was a Moroi, which set me on edge again. That brought the count up to four Moroi and two dhampirs. I was trying very hard not to adopt Keith's attitude – especially since I already knew some of the people here – but it was hard to shake that overwhelming sense of Us and Them. Moroi aged like humans, and at a guess, I thought this new guy was close to my age, maybe Keith's at most. He had nice features, I supposed, with black curling hair and gray eyes. The smile he offered seemed sincere, though there was a slight sense of uneasiness in the way he stood. His gaze was fixed on Keith and me, intrigued, and I wondered if maybe he didn't spend a lot of time with humans. Most Moroi didn't, though they didn't share the same fears about our race as we did about theirs. But then, ours didn't use theirs as food. â€Å"I'm Lee Donahue,† he said, extending his hand. Once again, Keith didn't take it, but I did and introduced us. Lee looked back and forth between me and Keith, face full of wonder. â€Å"Alchemists, right? I've never met one of you. The tattoos you guys have are beautiful,† he said, eyeing the gold lily on my cheek. â€Å"I've heard about what they can do.† â€Å"Donahue?† asked Keith. He glanced between Lee and Clarence. â€Å"Are you related?† Lee gave Clarence an indulgent look. â€Å"Father and son.† Keith frowned. â€Å"But you don't live here, do you?† I was surprised that this, of all things, would draw him out. Maybe he didn't like the idea that his intel was faulty. He was Palm Springs' Alchemist, after all, and he'd believed Clarence was the only Moroi in the area. â€Å"Not regularly, no,† said Lee. â€Å"I go to college in LA, but my schedule's just part-time this semester. So, I want to try to spend more time with Dad.† Abe glanced at Rose. â€Å"You see that?† he said. â€Å"Now that's devotion.† She rolled her eyes at him. Keith looked like he had more questions about this, but Clarence's mind was still back in the conversation. â€Å"I could've sworn I had that lock replaced.† â€Å"Well, I can replace it soon for you if you want,† said Lee. â€Å"Can't be that hard.† â€Å"I think it's fine.† Clarence rose unsteadily to his feet. â€Å"I'm going to take a look.† Lee hurried to his side and shot us an apologetic look. â€Å"Does it have to be right now?† When it appeared that it did, Lee said, â€Å"I'll go with you.† I got the impression that Clarence frequently followed his whims, and Lee was used to it. I used the Donahues' absence to get some answers I'd been dying to know. I turned to Jill. â€Å"You didn't have any problems getting here, did you? No more, um, incidents?† â€Å"We ran into a couple dissidents before we left Court,† said Rose, a dangerous note in her voice. â€Å"Nothing we couldn't handle. The rest was uneventful.† â€Å"And it's going to stay that way,† said Eddie matter-of-factly. He crossed his arms over his chest. â€Å"At least if I have anything to do with it.† I glanced between them, puzzled. â€Å"I was told there'd be a dhampir along†¦ did they decide to send two?† â€Å"Rose invited herself along,† said Abe. â€Å"Just to make sure the rest of us didn't miss anything. Eddie's the one who will be joining you at Amberwood.† Rose scowled. â€Å"I should be the one staying. I should be Jill's roommate. No offense, Sydney. We need you for the paperwork, but I'm the one who's gotta kick anyone's ass who gives Jill trouble.† I certainly wasn't going to argue against that. â€Å"No,† said Jill, with surprising intensity. She'd been quiet and hesitant the last time I'd seen her, but her eyes grew fierce at the thought of being a burden to Rose. â€Å"You need to stay with Lissa and keep her safe. I've got Eddie, and besides, no one even knows I'm here. Nothing else is going to happen.† The look in Rose's eyes said she was skeptical. I also suspected she didn't truly believe anyone could protect either Vasilisa or Jill as well as she could. That was saying something, considering the young queen was surrounded in bodyguards. But even Rose couldn't be everywhere at once, and she must have had to choose. Her words made me turn my attention back to Jill. â€Å"What did happen?† I asked. â€Å"Were you hurt? We heard stories about an attack but no confirmation.† There was a heavy pause in the room. Everyone except Keith and me seemed distinctly uncomfortable. Well, we were uncomfortable – but for other reasons. â€Å"I'm fine,† said Jill at last, after a sharp look from Rose. â€Å"There was an attack, yeah, but none of us were hurt. I mean, not seriously. We were in the middle of a royal dinner when we were attacked by Moroi – like, Moroi assassins. They made it look like they were going for Lis – for the queen, but instead came for me.† She hesitated and dropped her eyes, letting her long, curly brown hair fall forward. â€Å"I was saved, though, and the guardians rounded them up.† There was a nervous energy to Jill that I remembered from before. It was cute and made her seem very much like the shy teenager she was. â€Å"But we don't think they're all gone, which is why we have to stay away from Court,† explained Eddie. Even as he directed his words to Keith and me, he radiated a protectiveness toward Jill, daring anyone to challenge the girl he was in charge of keeping safe. â€Å"And we don't know where the traitors in our own ranks are. So, until then, here we all are.† â€Å"Hopefully not for long,† said Keith. I gave him a warning look, and he seemed to realize his comment could be perceived as rude. â€Å"I mean, this place can't be all that fun for you guys, with the sun and everything.† â€Å"It's safe,† said Eddie. â€Å"That's what counts.† Clarence and Lee returned, and there was no more mention of Jill's background or the attack. As far as father and son knew, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian had simply fallen out of favor with important royal Moroi and were in exile here. The two Moroi men didn't know who Jill really was and believed that the Alchemists were helping her due to Abe's influence. It was a web of lies but a necessary one. Even if Clarence was in self-imposed exile, we couldn't risk him (or Lee now) accidentally letting outsiders know the queen's sister was holed up here. Eddie glanced over at the older Moroi. â€Å"You said you've never heard of any Strigoi being around here, right?† Clarence's eyes went unfocused for a moment as his thoughts turned inward. â€Å"No†¦ but there are worse things than Strigoi†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Lee groaned. â€Å"Dad, please. Not that.† Rose and Eddie were on their feet in an instant, and it was a wonder they didn't pull out weapons. â€Å"What are you talking about?† demanded Rose. â€Å"What other dangers are there?† asked Eddie, his voice like steel. Lee was actually blushing. â€Å"Nothing†¦ please. It's a delusion of his, that's all.† ‘†Delusion?'† asked Clarence, narrowing his eyes at his son. â€Å"Was your cousin's death a delusion? Is the fact that those high-ups at Court let Tamara go unavenged a delusion?† My mind spun back to a conversation I'd had with Keith in the car. I gave Clarence what I hoped was a reassuring look. â€Å"Tamara was your niece, right? What happened to her, sir?† â€Å"She was killed,† he said. There was a dramatic pause. â€Å"By vampire hunters.† â€Å"I'm sorry, by what?† I asked, certain I'd misheard. â€Å"Vampire hunters,† repeated Clarence. Everyone in the room looked as surprised as I felt, which was a small relief. Even some of Rose and Eddie's fierceness wavered. â€Å"Oh, you won't find that anywhere – not even in your records. We were living in Los Angeles when they got her. I reported it to the guardians, demanded they hunt the culprits down. Do you know what they said?† He peered at each person in turn. â€Å"Do you?† â€Å"No,† said Jill meekly. â€Å"What did they say?† Lee sighed and looked miserable. Clarence snorted. â€Å"They said there was no such thing. That there was no evidence to support my claim. They ruled it a Strigoi killing and said there was nothing anyone could do, that I should be grateful she wasn't turned.† I looked at Keith, who again seemed startled by this story. He apparently didn't know Clarence as well as he'd claimed. Keith had known the old man had a hang-up involving his niece, but not the extent of it. Keith gave me a small shrug that seemed to say, See? What did I tell you? Crazy. â€Å"The guardians are very thorough,† said Eddie. His tone and words were both clearly chosen with care, striving not to offend. He sat back down next to Jill. â€Å"I'm sure they had their reasons.† â€Å"Reasons?† asked Clarence. â€Å"If you consider denial and living a delusional life reasons, then I suppose so. They just don't want to accept that vampire hunters are out there. But tell me this. If my Tamara was killed by Strigoi, why did they cut her throat? It was cut cleanly with a blade.† He made a slashing motion under his chin. Jill flinched and cowered into her chair. Rose, Eddie, and Abe also looked taken aback, which surprised me because I didn't think anything would make that group squeamish. â€Å"Why not use fangs? Makes it easier to drink. I pointed that out to the guardians, and they said that since about half of her blood had been drunk, it was obviously a Strigoi. But I say a vampire hunter did it and made it look like they took her blood. Strigoi would have no reason to use a knife.† Rose started to speak, paused, and then began again. â€Å"It is strange,† she said calmly. I had a feeling she'd probably been about to blurt out how ridiculous this conspiracy theory was, but had thought better of it. â€Å"But I'm sure there's another explanation, Mr. Donahue.† I wondered if mentioning that the Alchemists had no records of vampire hunters – not in several centuries, at least – would be helpful or not. Keith suddenly took the conversation in an unexpected direction. He met Clarence's gaze levelly. â€Å"It might seem strange for Strigoi, but they do all sorts of vicious things for no reason. I know from personal experience.† My stomach sank. Oh no. All eyes turned to Keith. â€Å"Oh?† asked Abe, smoothing his black goatee. â€Å"What happened?† Keith pointed to his glass eye. â€Å"I was attacked by Strigoi earlier this year. They beat me up and ripped out my eye. Then they left me.† Eddie frowned. â€Å"Without drinking or killing? That is really weird. That doesn't sound like normal Strigoi behavior.† â€Å"I'm not sure you can really expect Strigoi to do anything ‘normal,'† pointed out Abe. I gritted my teeth, wishing he wouldn't engage Keith in this. Please don't ask about the eye, I thought. Let it go. That was too much to expect, of course, because Abe's next question was, â€Å"They only took the one eye? They didn't try for both?† â€Å"Excuse me.† I rose before Keith could answer. I couldn't sit through this conversation and listen to Abe bait Keith, simply for the fun of tormenting me. I needed to escape. â€Å"I†¦ I don't feel well. I'm going to get some air.† â€Å"Of course, of course,† said Clarence, looking as though he wanted to rise as well. â€Å"Should I have my housekeeper get you some water? I can ring the bell – â€Å" â€Å"No, no,† I said, moving toward the door. â€Å"I just†¦ I just need a minute.† I hurried out and heard Abe saying, â€Å"Such delicate sensibilities. You'd think she wouldn't be so squeamish, considering her profession. But you, young man, seem like you can handle talking about blood†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Abe's ego-stroking worked, and Keith launched into the one story I most definitely didn't want to hear. I went back down the dark hallway and emerged outside. The fresh air was welcome, even if it was more than twenty degrees warmer than what I'd come from. I took a deep, steadying breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Everything was going to be okay. Abe would be leaving soon. Keith would return to his own apartment. I would go back to Amberwood with Jill and Eddie, who really didn't seem like bad companions, considering who I could have ended up with. With no real destination in mind, I decided to walk around and scope out Clarence's home – more like an estate, really. I picked a side of the house at random and walked around, admiring the detailed sculpting of the house's exterior. Even if it was hopelessly out of place in the southern California landscape, it was still impressive. I had always loved studying architecture – a subject my father thought was pointless – and was impressed by my surroundings. Glancing around, I noted that the grounds didn't match the rest of what we'd driven through to get here. A lot of the land in this region had gone brown from summer and lack of rain, but Clarence had clearly spent a fortune to keep his sprawling yard lush and green. Non-native trees – beautiful and full of flowers – were artfully arranged to make walking paths and courtyards. After several minutes of my nature stroll, I turned around and headed back toward the front of the house. I came to a stop when I heard someone. â€Å"Where are you?† a voice asked. Abe. Great. He was looking for me. â€Å"Over here,† I just barely heard Adrian say. His voice came from the far side of the house, opposite the side I was on. I heard someone walk across the gravel driveway, the footsteps coming to a halt when they reached what I gauged to be the back door where Abe stood. I bit my lip and stayed where I was, concealed by the house. I was almost afraid to breathe. With their hearing, Moroi could pick up the tiniest detail. â€Å"Were you ever coming back?† asked Abe, amused. â€Å"Didn't see the point,† was Adrian's laconic response. â€Å"The point is politeness. You could have made an effort to meet the Alchemists.† â€Å"They don't want to meet me. Especially the guy.† There was concealed laughter in Adrian's voice. â€Å"You should have seen his face when I ran into him at the door. I wish I'd had a cape on. The girl's at least got some nerve.† â€Å"Nevertheless, they play a crucial role in your stay here – and Jill's. You know how important it is that she remain safe.† â€Å"Yeah, I get that. And I get why she's here. What I don't get is why I'm here.† â€Å"Don't you?† asked Abe. â€Å"I'd assume it's obvious to both Jill and you. You have to stay near her.† There was a pause. â€Å"That's what everyone says†¦ but I'm still not sure it's necessary. I don't think she needs me close by, no matter what Rose and Lissa claim.† â€Å"You have something better to do?† â€Å"That's not the point.† Adrian sounded annoyed, and I was glad that I wasn't the only one Abe had that effect on. â€Å"That's exactly the point,† Abe said. â€Å"You were wasting away at Court, drowning in your own self-pity – among other things. Here, you have a chance to be useful.† â€Å"To you.† â€Å"To yourself as well. This is an opportunity for you to make something of your life.† â€Å"Except you won't tell me what it is I'm supposed to do!† said Adrian irritably. â€Å"Aside from Jill, what is this great task you have for me?† â€Å"Listen. Listen and watch.† I could perfectly picture Abe stroking his chin in that mastermind way of his again as he spoke. â€Å"Watch everyone – Clarence, Lee, the Alchemists, Jill and Eddie. Pay attention to every word, every detail, and report it to me later. It may all be useful.† â€Å"I don't know that that really clears things up.† â€Å"You have potential, Adrian. Too much potential to waste. I'm very sorry for what happened with Rose, but you have to move on. Maybe things don't make sense now, but they will later. Trust me.† I almost felt bad for Adrian. Abe had once told me to trust him too, and look how things had turned out. I waited until the two Moroi returned inside and then followed a minute later. In the living room, Keith was still wearing his cocky attitude but looked relieved to have me back. We discussed more details and worked out a schedule for feedings, one I was in charge of maintaining since I'd have to drive Jill (and Eddie, since he didn't want to let her out of his sight) back and forth to Clarence's. â€Å"How are you going to get to feedings?† I asked Adrian. After hearing his conversation with Abe, I was now more curious than ever about his role here. Adrian was standing against the wall, on the opposite side of the room. His arms were crossed defensively, and there was a rigidness to his posture that conflicted with the lazy smile he wore. I couldn't be sure, but it looked as though he was purposely positioning himself as far from Rose as possible. â€Å"By walking down the hall.† Seeing my puzzled look, Clarence explained, â€Å"Adrian will be staying here with me. It will be nice to have someone else in these old walls.† â€Å"Oh,† I said. To myself, I muttered, â€Å"How very Secret Garden.† â€Å"Hmm?† asked Adrian, tilting his head toward me. I flinched. Their hearing was good. â€Å"Nothing. I was just thinking of a book I read.† â€Å"Oh,† said Adrian dismissively, glancing away. The way he said the word seemed to be a condemnation of books everywhere. â€Å"Don't forget me,† said Lee, grinning at his father. â€Å"I told you I'll be around more.† â€Å"Maybe young Adrian here will keep you out of trouble, then,† declared Clarence. No one said anything to that, but I saw Adrian's friends exchange a few amused glances. Keith didn't look nearly as freaked out as he had when we'd arrived, but there was a new air of impatience and irritability in him that I didn't quite understand. â€Å"Well,† he said, after clearing his throat. â€Å"I need to get home and take care of some business. And since you're my ride, Sydney†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He left the words hanging but looked at me meaningfully. From what I'd learned, I was more convinced than ever that Palm Springs was the least active vampire area anywhere. I couldn't honestly figure out what â€Å"business† Keith would have to take care of, but we had to leave here sooner or later. Eddie and Jill went to gather their luggage, and Rose used the opportunity to pull me aside. â€Å"How have you been?† she asked in a low voice. Her smile was genuine. â€Å"I've been worried about you, ever since†¦ well, you know. No one would tell me what happened to you.† The last time I'd seen her, I'd been held prisoner in a hotel by guardians while the Moroi tried to figure out how big my role had been in Rose's escape. â€Å"I was in a little trouble at first,† I said. â€Å"But it's past.† What was a small lie between friends? Rose was so strong that I couldn't stand the thought of looking weak in front of her. I didn't want her to know that I still lived in fear of the Alchemists, forced to do whatever it took to get back in their good graces. â€Å"I'm glad,† she said. â€Å"They told me originally it was your sister that was going to be here.† Those words reminded me again how Zoe could replace me at any moment. â€Å"It was a mix-up.† Rose nodded. â€Å"Well, I feel a little better with you here, but it's still hard†¦ I still feel like I should protect Jill. But I need to protect Lissa too. They think Jill's the easier target, but they're still going after Lissa.† The inner turmoil shone in her dark eyes, and I felt a pang of pity. This was what I'd had trouble explaining to the other Alchemists, how dhampirs and vampires could seem so human at times. â€Å"It's been crazy, you know. Ever since Lissa took the throne? I thought I'd finally get to relax with Dimitri.† Her smile broadened. â€Å"I should've known nothing's ever simple with us. We've spent all our time looking out for Lissa and Jill.† â€Å"Jill will be okay. As long as the dissidents don't know she's here, it should all be easy. Boring, even.† She was still smiling, but her smile had dimmed a little. â€Å"I hope so. If you only knew what had happened†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her expression changed as some memory seized her. I started to insist she tell me what had happened, but she shifted the subject before I could. â€Å"We're working on changing the law – the one that says Lissa needs one family member in order to stay queen. Once that's done, both she and Jill will be out of danger. But that just means those who want to take out Jill are more insane than ever, because they know the clock's ticking.† â€Å"How long?† I asked. â€Å"How long will it take to change the law?† â€Å"I don't know. A few months, maybe? Legal stuff†¦ well, it's not my thing. Not the details of it, at least.† She grimaced briefly and then became battle tough again. She tossed her hair over one shoulder. â€Å"Crazy people who want to hurt my friends? That is my thing, and believe me, I know how to deal with it.† â€Å"I remember,† I said. It was weird. I thought of Rose as one of the strongest people I knew, yet it seemed as though she needed my assurance. â€Å"Look, you go do what you do, and I'll do what I do. I'll make sure Jill blends in. You guys got her out without anyone knowing. She's off the grid now.† â€Å"I hope so,† Rose repeated, voice grim. â€Å"Because if she's not, your little group here doesn't stand a chance against those crazy rebels.†