New Caledonia

There are two primary facts about New Caledonia that are particularly interesting and unique.   The first is that it was formally colonized by the French in 1864, and for the next four decades following, it served as a Penal Colony.   The prison of ‘New Caledonia’, which housed thousands of French felons, would serve until 1897 when the penal nature of the island ended (World Infozone, New Caledonia). In addition to its use as a penal colony, New Caledonia is also unique for its natural resources.   For a stretch during the prominence of Nickel, New Caledonia as the world’s fourth largest exporter of Nickel, experienced great economic growth (Australian Radio ABC.net, New Caledonia). However, as the world demand for nickel has declined, the economy has struggled to regain its previous levels of prosperity. II. The Penal Colony New Caledonia was settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century.   Eventually, by 1853, it was officially colonized by France, and has remained in France’s possession ever since (Virtual New Caledonia).   â€Å"New Caledonia was founded as a penal colony, and the first shiploads of convicts were shipped from France to New Caledonia in 1864† (Logan, Leanna, p.16, 2001).   The conditions of the four-month sail from France to the new colony were horrible, and the few that did survive ended up living in small makeshift huts.   They were responsible for all of the colony’s public works; they built churches, and carved roads out of the landscape (Logan at p.16). The most terrible of the convicts sent over were kept in dungeons, and were put to extreme hard labor.   They were beaten, and within twenty years of the colonies formalization as a French colony, the guillotine made its way to the colony (Logan at p.16).   The guillotine would be used with regularity once arriving, and during its first 21 years 80 people felt its blade (Logan at. 16). New Caledonia, in all, would house more than 21,000-22,000 convicts from France.   This number would end, as in 1898, Le Governor Feillet decided to close the flow of â€Å"The dirty water spigot†, as he termed it.   He eventually ended the delivery of prisoners to the island (Croixdusud.info, New-Caledonia).   Although the flow of prisoners stopped, the actual camps continued until 1922, when 2310 prisoners were still held in camps (Croixdusud.info, New-Caledonia). The prison colony created several problems during its operation, including the fact that the population was almost exclusively male.   In addition, the large influx of various felons meant that eventually, many would be released, and the nation became a dangerous haven of ex-convicts. III. Nickel as Export The mineral industry of New Caledonia is dominated by Nickel (Lyday, Travis Q., 1999).   The French government, who earned 60% of the New Caledonia share, initially dominated nickel production in the area, while Japanese led companies (10%) and New Caledonia (30%) shared the balance (Lyday, Travis Q., 1999). Although large for a Pacific Island, New Caledonia’s only true export of immense value is Nickel.   As such, the economy is highly dependant upon the market economy for the mineral.   There are several uses for Nickel, and the market has shown major changes since the 1960’s (Cranfield, Peter, 2006, p.2). The peaks of usage rates for the United States were in the 1960’s, which were the golden age of post war growth.   During this time, the world had a growth rate of 7% for Nickel use, and the economy of New Caledonia felt the influx of this wealth of demand (Cranfield, Peter, 2006, p.2).   However, in each of the decades to follow, the demand growth has dwindled to 2%, and it does not appear to be increasing again any time soon. The products created from Nickel range from: stainless steel (62%), non-ferrous alloys (15%), batteries (4%), playing (7%), alloy steels and foundry (5% each)   (Cranfield, Peter, 2006, p.3).   It is very likely that the creation of new demand for nickel, much like the world has seen with stainless steel, will be instrumental in maintaining the economy of the island nation.   At the moment, China accounts for all increases in the demand for nickel worldwide.   Other exports like coffee and tourism assist New Caledonia’s economy, but nickel will remain its staple. IV.   Facts and Conclusions New Caledonia, as of 2006, has a population of 230,000 people (BBC News, 2006).   The major languages are French, Melanesian and Polynesian Dialects.   The major religion is Christianity, and the monetary unit is the Pacific Franc (BBC News, 2006).   The head of state is the French president, although there is a sovereign leader in New Caledonia, which has spurred inconsistent rumblings of an independence movement. (BBC News, 2006)   The representatives are freely elected, although are very polarized along country lines. The media is considered free, and there are various radio stations that are private in nature (BBC News, 2006).   The country is gaining some rights independent of France, as French citizens have been refused the right to vote in the nation subject to residency requirements. (BBC News, 2006)   There are rumors that the nation will vote for its independence between 2014 and 2019 in a referendum. The two most interesting facts about New Caledonia may be its nickel productions amazing level of world contribution, and the fact that it was colonized by the French for the sole purpose of housing its prisoners.   Although much of the impact of the penal camps are now gone, nickel remains the driving force of the economy. Bibliography ABC Radio Australia, ABC.net, New Caledonia, 2005, . BBC News, Regions and Territories, New Caledonia, December 20, 2006, . Cranfield, Peter, The Nickel Industry – Long Term Drivers of Nickel Supply and Demand, October 2, 2006, < http://www.insg.org/docs/Mr_Cranfield_Oct06.pdf >. Croixdusud.info, New-Caledonia, History, . Logan, Leanne, Cole, Geert, Lonely Planet New Caledonia, Lonely Planet Publications 2004, 4th edition. Lyday, Travis Q., The Mineral Industry of New Caledonia, 1999, . â€Å"New Caledonia,† CIA World Fact Book (2001), < http://www.cia.gov>. Nicol, David, The Fundamentals of New Caledonia, Luath Press Ltd. Publishing 2002, copyright 2002. Virtual New Caledonia, Information and Stats on New Caledonia, . World Info Zone, New Caledonia Facts, Copyright World Info Zone 1997-2007, .      

“A Conversation with My Father” Response Essay

In the short story â€Å"A Conversation with My Father,† there are two narratives intertwined. This story brings to light a generation gap between the past and the present. This generation gap leaves the dying father and his writer daughter with different views not only in life but also in literature. Paley’s use of characters exemplifies her efforts to combine realism with experimentation. This story is a great example of her style of writing: telling stories through the use of characters. Paley blends real life and literature, portraying her characters as practical people with realistic problems. Every character has his/her own unique opinion on life. The two narratives mirror each other in the sense that they are about the relationships between parents and their children. Read more: Essay About My Father Goes to Court The daughter hates the kind of story her father wants, while the father rejects her tale because he sees in it her inability to face tragic realities of fiction and life. Their different attitudes towards the possibility of opportunities and change, fictional or real, stem from their different worldviews and experiences. Not only are the intertwined narratives paralleled, but the overall story might also reflect Paley’s relationship with her father. Did Paley have issues with her father regarding her career choice? In the story the daughter writes for her dying father, the father she would rather have surfaces as the mother who uses drugs as a mean of being closer to her son. This idea might be Paley’s way of expressing her desire to have a father like the mother her protagonist created. In a way, Paley puts herself into her work as the protagonist and uses the hidden message in her work as a way to express her problems.

Corporate Personhood Essay

Corporate personhood is the concept that a company or business has legal recognition by the court; it simply means that the corporation has the power or ability to enter into contracts, to hire and fire its employees, to sue and to be sued, to make speeches freely and to hold property just like any other individual (Diamond, 2012). Corporate personhood was recognized first in the year 1886 by the Supreme Court of the United States in a ruling during a case between the Santa Clara County and Southern Pacific Railroad. The main reason that they were targeting then was to give corporations the legal rights of people in order to maintain minority rule and to avoid democracy. In this essay we get to discuss the challenges that have come with corporate personhood, its impact on other businesses and the community at large. We also get to look at the current affairs and state of corporate personhood. In comparison, of the two articles which are, The endangered public company and the Occupy Santa Clara Corporate personhood recognized, we get to see some of the points in which the two articles concur and those that they differ. We are also going to look at the Strength and Weaknesses of their decision or arguments. The title endangered public company comes into use because the corporations are being targeted for closure, some people are of the mind that corporations have been given too much power and they end up ruling us instead of us controlling them (The Economist, 19 May 2012). Corporations are doing a lot of damages and injustices to other small businesses and due to the fact that it cannot be punished or fined. It avoids justice which many people think or feel is not fair for the community. Everyone should be answerable for the mistakes they commit and no one is above the law. In one of the articles that critics are challenging corporate personhood, they are against it and would wish for it to be made illegal and all the issues regarding the corporation be directed to a particular individual, but the railroad barons and lawyers get away with their mischief’s by giving corporations personhood, we also get to see that people are accusing Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook directly, ignoring the fact that he is not Facebook as Facebook is now a separate entity that can sue and be sued. Although, Zuckerberg acts on behalf of Facebook; he cannot be held accountable for the deeds done under the umbrella of Facebook. (The Economist, 21 May 2012) In both of the articles, corporate personhood ends up being recognized as legal though some critics don’t like it. It is however, important that we get to see the strengths and weaknesses of a corporation personhood. Some of the benefits that a business or the individuals owners of the business may get from being in a corporate are. The ability of the corporation to carry all its liabilities incases of any calamity; in case of bankruptcy or any other unfortunate occurrence, the corporation will be responsible for the damages and not the individual owners. The railroad barons can now sit in comfort for the blames will not be put to them but directed to the corporation, Zuckerberg can also relax for the actions taken by face book are not answerable by him (The Economist, 21 May 2012). The ability of the corporation to sue and be sued; the corporation can take any person to court if aggrieved in any way and it can also be taken to court just like it is with Facebook, individuals have taken it to court for the treatment they have received in the social media, it is also clearly seen I the article of Occupy Santa Clara Personhood reconsidered that a number of corporation have been taken to court for one reason or the other, it is evident that most of the corporations always go scot free immediately their lawyers quote the decision made by the supreme court in the case of Santa Clara County Vs. Southern Pacific Railroad. This is because the court have to always uphold previous decisions or judgments’ made especially if it were made by a court that is of a higher authority that the one currently in question. A corporation can live forever, in case of death of any of the owners it just continues operating, a simple process of change of ownership is all that is required, and although the founders of the South Pacific Railroad are long gone their corporation is still functioning. Despite the fact that a corporation can be sued, an individual cannot take it to jail, this is because it’s just an abstraction, and this is seen clearly in the issue involving the railroad barons. (Diamonds, 2012) Despite a corporation being of enormous advantages and benefits, they also carry with them their disadvantages, Some of the weaknesses that can be viewed include the fact that the legal formalities of establishing the corporation are quite many and tedious, an organization will have to adhere to more sta te and federal rules and regulation. The fact that a corporation is expensive to form also gives it a negative touch, not every individual can just come and decide to form a corporation. The other issue is that since a corporation can be sued and taken to court, if found guilty of the charges levied against it the repercussion might be severe if the shareholders had not prepared themselves well for the consequences, the corporation might be rendered bankrupt or may be put under receivership which may not ogre well with the shareholders. Corporation personhood is an issue of great concern and many people in the current generation are trying to find a way to overrule the decision of the Santa Clara case that haunts many legal suits, they are of the opinion that the 126 years that corporation have been terrorizing people is enough. Historian Morton Horwitz is among the individuals who have been trying their level best to overturn the ruling of the supreme court of the year 1886, (Meyers, 2002) though it is evident that the court ruling at that time was aimed at protecting the interest of a big business and protecting the barons it will still be hard to overturn it because its benefits have been seen in the long run. So many countries have adopted the same and they have ripped the fruits of corporate personhood. It may have its side effects but for the record, corporate personhood is one of the best things that has ever happened for the benefits it has brought with it far much outweighs the negative aspects of it. People may magnify the negative aspects but it is evident that without corporate personhood there are a lot of things that would not have been achieved, starting with the railroad. References Meyers, W., (2002). The Santa Clara Blues, Corporate Personhood versus Democracy. Retrieved from http://www.iiipublishing.com/afd/santaclara.html Diamond, S. F., (2012, April 12). Occupy Santa Clara! Corporate Personhood Reconsidered. Dissent Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/occupy-santa-clara-corporate-p

The economy today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The economy today - Essay Example In a closed economy, if the government raises its budget deficit in the short run, both prices and GDP will rise. In the new equilibrium the real income is unchanged but the nominal is higher. The demand for money, then, increases. This means that with a fixed money supply the interest rate will rise so reducing the investment. Thus, the new equilibrium has lower investment demand and lower national savings. This is known as the crowding-out effect. In the case of a large recessionary gap the crowding out effect is much less important because with the rise of GDP determined by the government the volume of private savings will increase and will finance the deficit. By reducing private investment, the crowding out effect implies that the stock of capital to pass on to the future generation will be smaller and smaller will be the output as well. This is the long-term burden of the debt. If government spending crowds out private investment and reduces the wealth of a country, deficits ar e not eliminated or reduced because of short term stabilization policy that reduces the deficit involving real costs today, in higher taxes and lower government services, in exchange for benefits in the future. Such exchange does not appeal to everyone. However, there is little evidence to back up the idea of government borrowing "crowds out" private borrowing and thus reduces private investment and increases interest rates. ... In the new equilibrium the real income is unchanged but the nominal is higher. The demand for money, then, increases. This means that with a fixed money supply the interest rate will rise so reducing the investment. Thus, the new equilibrium has lower investment demand and lower national savings. This is known as the crowding-out effect. In the case of a large recessionary gap the crowding out effect is much less important because with the rise of GDP determined by the government the volume of private savings will increase and will finance the deficit. By reducing private investment, the crowding out effect implies that the stock of capital to pass on to the future generation will be smaller and smaller will be the output as well. This is the long-term burden of the debt. If government spending crowds out private investment and reduces the wealth of a country, deficits are not eliminated or reduced because of short term stabilization policy that reduces the deficit involving real costs today, in higher taxes and lower government services, in exchange for benefits in the future. Such exchange does not appeal to everyone. However, there is little evidence to back up the idea of government borrowing "crowds out" private borrowing and thus reduces private investment and increases interest rates. This has not been the eff ect in Japan, and cannot be shown to be the effect of deficits in the United States. Private savings and investment are reduced by government expenditures--regardless of whether they are financed by government borrowing or by taxation. Either way the private individual is left with less money, and ultimately with fewer resources. The attempt to replace

Economics for Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Essay

Economics for Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure - Essay Example The popularity of Guam as a tourist spot among Japanese could be attributed to the former’s location as well as alignment to East Asian culture. However, recently the set of Japanese tourists has been changed from the traditional set of middle-aged tourists; Guam is recently being viewed as a favorite weekend spot by the Japanese youth (Dougan, 2007). Given the tourism revenues which come from Japan, Guam thus needs to devise new strategies of attracting and retaining the new set of tourists. Marketing decisions are important in the tourism sector which is featured by a high degree of competition (Dasgupta, 2011). In the present case, marketing decisions are necessary to adopt by the Guamanian government to ensure that the Japanese prefer no other destination as a vacation spot. One important strategy they might adopt is to frame new tourism packages for the new set of tourists. In the era of globalization, youth generally are fonder of a culture inclined more towards the West, unlike the middle-aged population. Hence, Guam could pay greater attention to features which are more Western than Asian in order to retain their new set of visitors. It can easily gain the assistance of USA – of which Guam is a territory, in this regard. Simultaneously, they may not neglect their older features as well since such a step might bar the middle-aged population. Guam is more popular as a weekend spot which is why they might not need to hold back upon their traditional culture, as a method to attract the historical tourist. In addition to marketing decisions, the national administration needs to stay alert about the supply side factors as well in order to attract tourists. Supply decisions primarily include the method in which tour operators cater to the needs of visitors to the nation (Shaw & Williams, 2004). In this regard, the national administration could induce tour operators to enter into pacts with hotels so as to make the rates more

Economics, Quality and Organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Economics, Quality and Organisation - Essay Example A further stream of concepts such as total quality management (TQM), statistical process control, quality control, quality assurance, quality system and quality management will form the basis upon which manufacturing organization quality will be discussed to link firm’s success and achievement to attainment of an organization’s quality. Cost minimizing an output maximum remains the objectives of profit-oriented firms and this can only be achieved based on a good manufacturing organization. It is upon these bases that the paper lays its framework upon which a modern firm draws its competitive advantage by being efficiently organized. Consumer perception is a key in sales of any particular commodity, firm that are efficient in their organization will ensure a customer’s is nagged into buying through satisfaction of his perception of a commodity. A consumer post purchase evaluation determines his loyalty to the purchased brand and this will help a firm’s bran d sell since a satisfied customer will promote the firm’s product to his colleagues and relative at no pay. This was conducted by New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership based on the analysis and review of the production process and the layout of the company’s production area. The researchers applied the Value Mapping Process and realized that ACs was able to rid out excess movement, materials and tooling which resulted to establishment of a greater streamlined commodity flow. The reported indicated a reduction in the company costs by 65% with its production being raised to 45 units from the initial 20 units per shift. Another remarkable benefit was a reduction in production facility size by 73% as well as scrap rates declined to 18% from the original figure of 24%. A research conducted by NC State University Industrial assessment Center and the NC state industrial Extension Service’s

The Development and Structure of Nursing Knowledge Paper Essay

The Development and Structure of Nursing Knowledge Paper - Essay Example Nonetheless, there are some characterizing differences between theoretical and practical knowledge in nursing. Differences between theoretical and practical knowledge in nursing Theoretical knowledge Practical knowledge Also referred to as â€Å"know-that† knowledge, theoretical knowledge is gained from conducting various types of research. Also referred to as â€Å"know-how† knowledge, practical knowledge is acquired through individual experience. Involves trying to identify the necessary conditions for the occurrence of a real-life situation. Involves what happens during real-life situations. Involves what nurses read or are told concerning patient care. Involves what nurses observe during patient care. It is rational, in that it is easily communicated through description. It is tactical, in that it is hard to communicate this knowledge by word of mouth; observing someone doing it is more helpful. It is used to predict future occurrences, using cause-and-effect correl ations. It is used to attend to immediate situations, while relying on psychomotor skills. It is conditional and subject to inaccuracy and future challenges. Time, skill, and competence lead to more refined practical knowledge. In the end, although there are glaring differences between theoretical and practical knowledge in nursing, none can exist without the other. ... The most pertinent issue concerns the incongruity between what is taught in nursing courses and what actual practice demands. Aligning nursing education with actual practice All through the history of nursing, emergent healthcare issues have led to the adoption of new and different designs of the nursing curriculum. In the modern world, the healthcare industry is undergoing a lot of changes occasioned by new lifestyles, new technologies, and demographic changes. As a result, there have been concerns over whether the nursing education provided in nursing schools is still relevant in the healthcare industry. According to McKenna & Slevin (2008) one of the issues that have caused the public to lack confidence in the nursing curriculum is the increased number of medical errors. Fundamentally, medical errors mean patient safety is at risk, leading to an increased number of people dying from medical errors. It has been argued that there exists a large discrepancy between theory and practic e in nursing education. Today, this concern is gaining more global attention, as research shows that graduate nurses are unable to apply their theoretical knowledge to nursing practice. NACNEP (2010) states that a study conducted in 2008 showed that graduate nurses felt confident that the knowledge they had acquired in while studying was sufficient to enable them practice efficiently. However, according to the research, these graduates were lacking in certain skills, such as charting patient information and the use of information technology in healthcare. As a result, it the assumption is that the current nursing curriculum emphasizes more on theory than on practice. According to McKenna & Slevin (2008) nurses spend more time

'Discuss with reference to academic sources, case law, the Law Essay

'Discuss with reference to academic sources, case law, the Law Commission's proposals in the Law Commission Consultation Paper 1 - Essay Example This means that such evidence carries a considerable weight in jury decisions, especially if it goes in accordance with circumstantial evidence4. Indeed, the â€Å"aura of infallibility†5 regarding the scientific evidence is sometimes enough to polarise the court and sway it heavily in favour of one party6. Whereas the inclusion of expert evidence in criminal trials has proven to be very helpful in jury decisions, especially when it is as straightforward as DNA results7, there have been many disturbing miscarriages of justice in regard to either too much or very unreliable expert evidence, which has led to a growing skepticism8 among the legal bodies about the involvement of such information. This paper relays some of those problems and their causes, and proposes a solution in the form of a screening panel for the analysis of such evidence as a solution to these problems. Expert evidence, owing to its nature, is complex and technical, and is often beyond the intellectual capac ity and understanding of the legal body, including the judge, jurors, and lawyers, because they have not been trained for such disciplines. This leads to the basic controversy that the judge and the jurors tend to side with the expert readily, given the â€Å"aura of infallibility†(No 5)9, as stated before. This trend alone can lead to grave miscarriages of justice, as it stems from two further issues. Firstly, it is not necessary that the expert opinion is based on reliable and authentic sources, and that the methodology of data collection and analysis is standardised and authentic. Often the scientific techniques for gathering evidence do not reach up to the mark10, or are not fully developed or researched in that region. This means that the legal body would be basing their decisions on unreliable and flawed information_ an inexcusable error in the legal discourse11. Secondly, the objectivity of the expert can be questionable. By law, the expert is expected to be an â€Å" independent† witness12, that is, unbiased and basing his statements only on the factual evidence. However, this might not be the case. The expert witness is, more often that not, also the expert adviser to one of the parties13, and as an adviser, by law, he is expected to abide by non-disclosure and loyalty to his party, aiming, at no time during the legal proceedings, to harm the image or motives of his party14. The same adviser, when presenting as a witness in court and submitting expert evidence, is expected, by law, to be impartial and adhere to complete disclosure of all the information on which he is basing his opinions, such that those facts should be the same on which the judge or the jurors would base their decisions15. As can be clearly seen, these two roles of the expert witness contradict each other and are paradoxical in nature, leading to many wrongful decisions by the court16, or at the least, eliciting a lot of controversies. Expert witnesses cost money, and th e employment of multiple expert witnesses by the different parties means the legal proceedings become quite an expensive affair17. This problem exacerbates when the parties involved have different economic standings, leading to a disparity between the parties in relation to the accessibility of resources. This means that those who can afford it will be able to call more expert witnesses

Child Abuse Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Child Abuse Paper - Essay Example (Roberts) It is both shocking and disheartening that the abuse of children, despite the legal sanctions in place in every part of the world, is still so rampant. This paper will attempt to discuss the history of child abuse, the different forms of the crime and the punishment set for abusers. Historical Background Throughout history, children have been abused and neglected. This is said to be a result of the low value placed on children. (Weisberg) The maltreatment of children has its roots in ancient times. Two examples from the Bible that stand out are when a Pharaoh orders babies to be killed during Moses’ time and when King Herod instructs the killing of infants during Christ’s birth. It is said that children were considered â€Å"property† in ancient times and were easily sold, mutilated, killed or used as sacrifice for the gods. (Volpe) This disregard for children continued until the Middle Ages. During this period, unwanted children served as apprentices w hile those with deformities were declared omens of evil and were killed. (Child Abuse) Parents and even teachers in the Medieval Period believed that beating the child was the norm for instilling discipline. (Snell) Because society did not see it wrong parents teach their children by way of spanking or hitting the latter, most of the reported cases of child abuse were between masters and servants, who were children. (Child Abuse) The case of Mary Allen McCormack in 1874 was the first time a victim of child abuse was brought out in the open. McCormack had been given up for adoption and was physically abused by her adoptive mother until her neighbors brought her case to the Department of Public Charities and Corrections. (Markel) Ironically, the case was initiated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as there were no laws to protect children from physical abuse inflicted by parents. Fortunately, the case triggered movements for the formulation and enforceme nt of laws to rescue and protect abused children. (Watkins) Forms of Child Abuse According to the World Health Organization, child abuse and neglect is defined as â€Å"all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity.† (Child Maltreatment) Physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and negligent treatment, emotional abuse and exploitation are the five types of child abuse. Each of these may be described in various ways in different nations. In the United States for example, although the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) gives the minimum criterion for physical child abuse, child neglect, and sexual abuse, it also only defines sexual abuse and special cases concerning withholding or failing to provide medically indicated treatment. (Pecora, et. al.) Physical abuse is generally inflicting bodily harm to a child when in anger. The trauma should be non-accidental. This is also referred to battered child syndrome. People who beat children are often those abused themselves when they were young. Nevertheless, alcoholism, domestic violence, drug abuse, lack of education, poverty and being a single parent can increase the risk of abuse. (Child Abuse -

Oxford Don and Half Caste Essay Example for Free

Oxford Don and Half Caste Essay The poems, Listen Mr. Oxford Don and Half Caste were both written by John Agard, and in both of these poems, Agard challenges the status quo. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, he challenges the use of language and in Half Caste, he challenges views of ethnicity. In the poem Listen Mr. Oxford Don, Agard characterizes Mr. Oxford Don as the Guardian of English, and the idea of a person who uses the correct form of English. In this poem, Agard challenges the view that Standard English is the correct form of English, and other forms of English are of a lesser status. In the poem Half Caste, Agard challenges the reader prejudices towards people of mixed ethnicity. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, Agard uses repetition of particular words and imagery to help him convey his ideas. He uses the phrase, is a dangerous one twice in the poem. He also uses sentence like, I ent have no gun to create the image of violence. Words such as, bashing and slashing are also used by Agard which suggest him being very threatening. The reason that Agard creates all these violent images is because he wants us to know that hes a peaceful man, but he can be very dangerous if people think that English has to be spoken in a particular way. Unlike Listen Mr. Oxford Don, in Half Caste Agard concentrates more on using imagery to make his point. An example of imagery used by Agard, when yu say half-caste yu mean tchaikovsky mix a black key wid a white key? Here, Agard is saying to the reader that Tchaikovsky uses both white and black notes, but no one calls him half caste because hes respected by others. Agard is asking the reader that if you can mix a black and white key, then why cant you be of mixed race? As the poem goes on, Agard carries on using examples to make his point, but this time it relates to his body. He says, why I offer yu half-a-hand an when I sleep at night I close half-a-eye. Hes saying this in a way that he can only have half a hand and half an eye because hes half caste or half made. When people call him half caste, hes offended because its like saying that hes not a complete human being, hes only half made. He wants these people to review the term half caste, and think about it before using as its the wrong term to use. Agard uses non-standard English in Listen Mr. Oxford Don. He uses a lot of double negatives for example, Me not no Oxford Don. Many of his spellings also comes from the Caribbean dialect: de, dont, ent, etc. Both double negatives and Caribbean dialect spellings are informal and non-standard. The purpose of him using these words is to show that hes against the academics because he knows that the academics would never write in a non-standard way like this. Agard also uses colloquial language, Im not a violent man Mr. Oxford Don. This type of language is used to speak not to write so its informal and non-standard. Agard uses non-standard English throughout the poem; this shows that hes unashamed to use it, and shows that hes challenging Standard English which is the accepted form of English. Alternatively, in Half Caste, non-standard English is used for different reasons. In this poem, Agard also uses words from the Caribbean dialect, for example, dem, yu, etc, but the effect of this is to show that hes not fully English and hes of a mixed race. Agard also uses the direct address; he refers to himself as I and refers to the reader as you as shown in this quotation, but yu must come back tomorrow wid de whole of yu eye an I will tell yu de other half of my story. Agard makes the reader feel as though the point is being made directly to them, and makes them feel more challenged that if they want to hear another half of his story, they need to be more open minded. Most importantly, they must not judge people because of their race. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, theres no clear structure to the poem. There is not the same number of lines in each stanza, and theres no fixed number of syllables in each line like there would be in a Standard English poem. He also doesnt use any form of punctuation, and he even adds a slash in the middle of the line: to split/ up yu syntax. This makes it even more non-standard because slash breaks the rhythm of the poem. All of these things shows the fact that he doesnt believe Standard English is the only form of English; there are other forms of English which are equally legitimate. In Half Caste, the lines throughout the poem are generally quite short, the effect of this is to make the poem go faster, and make us receive short quick messages. Agard also uses many commands, for example, Explain yuself wha yu mean when yu say half-caste. The effect of this is to grab peoples attention, but its also asking the reader what do we mean when we say half caste. Do we say it because we feel prejudiced towards people of mixed ethnicity? In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, the tone starts off lightly; this is when hes talking about who he is and where hes from. As the poem goes on, he begins to talk about violence, I ent have no gun, I ent have no knife. This is when his tone starts to become quite aggressive and threatening. After this he says, I dont need no hammer to mash up your grammar, his tone becomes even more threatening because he says that he will speak whatever he wants. The word mash up implies violence, Agard is threatening to destroy the English language. Unlike Listen Mr. Oxford Don, the tone of Half Caste is lighthearted, only towards the end of the poem that the tone starts to get serious. This is when he says that we need to give people full respect if we want to understand them completely as human beings. If were categorizing them into groups, were not giving them respect. In both of the poems, Agard uses clever humor to grab our attention, but at the same to provoke our preconceptions. Both of these poems are very political, and have a social impact. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, Agard is challenging the traditional institutions to say that theres no such thing as the correct form of English anymore. Society has moved on, and now we need to embrace other forms of English language as well because we all have different dialects, but each dialect is as valid as the other. The traditional form of English doesnt mean its more superior or more acceptable in society. In Half Caste, Agard not only wants to address the reader, hes challenging the reader into questioning their own preconceptions and prejudices. Hes also getting them to think about the implications of the words they use, because most people do not know the full meaning of it, and do not realize the weight of what theyre saying. For example, the word half caste can seriously offend the people who are of mixed ethnicity.

A Brief Description Of Singapore

A Brief Description Of Singapore A Journey into Singapores Past While the earliest known historical records of Singapore are shrouded in the mists of time, a third century Chinese account describes it as Pu-luo-chung, or the island at the end of a peninsula. Later, the city was known as Temasek (Sea Town), when the first settlements were established from AD 1298-1299. During the 14th century, this small but strategically located island earned a new name. Legend, Sang Nila Utama, a Prince from Palembang founded a city The Lion City or Singapura, from the Sanskrit words simha (lion) and pura (city). At this time, the city was then ruled by the five kings of ancient Singapura. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the city served as a flourishing trading post for a wide variety of sea crafts, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels etc. The next important period in the history of Singapore was during the 19th century, when modern Singapore was founded. At this time, Singapore was already an upcoming trading post along the Malacca Straits, and Britain realized the need for a port of call in the region. British traders needed a strategic venue to refresh and protect the merchant fleet of the growing empire, as well as forestall any advance made by the Dutch in the region. The then Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen (now Bengkulu) in Sumatra, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore on 29 January 1819, after a survey of the neighboring islands. Recognizing the immense potential of the swamp covered island, he helped negotiate a treaty with the local rulers, establishing Singapore as a trading station. Soon, the islands policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far away as the US and the Middle East. In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of the telegraph and steamship, Singapores importance as a centre of the expanding trade between the East and West increased tremendously. By 1860, the thriving country had a population that had grown from a mere 150 in 1819 to 80,792, comprising mainly Chinese, Indians and Malays. But the peace and prosperity of the country suffered a major blow during World War II, when it was attacked by the Japanese aircrafts on 8 December 1941. Once regarded as an impregnable fortress, Singapore fell under the Japanese invasion on 15 February 1942. It remained occupied by the Japanese for the next three and half years, a time marked by great oppression and an immense loss of lives. When the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the island was handed over to the British Military Administration, which remained in power until the dissolve of the Straits Settlement comprising Penang, Melaka and Singapore. In March 1946, Singapore became a Crown Colony. In 1959, the growth of nationalism led to self-government, and the countrys first general election. The Peoples Action Party (PAP) won a majority of 43 seats and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore. In 1961, Singapore joined Malaya and merged with the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak and North Borneo to form Malaysia in 1963. However, the merger proved unsuccessful, and less than two years later on 9 August 1965, Singapore left Malaysia to become an independent and sovereign democratic nation. On 22 December that year, Singapore finally became an independent republic. Today, you can experience Singapores rich historical heritage by visiting many of the national monuments, museums and memorials located around the city. On your trip here, remember to take a walk along one of the many heritage trails or visit the well-known landmarks for a complete Singapore journey. ECONOMY OVERVIEW Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services sector. Real GDP growth averaged 8.6% between 2004 and 2007. The economy contracted 1.0% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but rebounded 14.8% in 2010 and 4.9% in 2011, on the strength of renewed exports. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses on raising productivity, which has sunk to a compound annual growth rate of just 1.8% in the last decade. Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asias financial and high-tech hub. ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY Singapore is widely acknowledged as having one of the best business environments in the world one of the worlds most competitive (Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Year book), most profitable (Business Environment Risk Intelligence Report), most transparent (Transparency International Survey), with world-class intellectual property protection and enforcement (World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report). The presence of many leading global companies and local enterprises here is a testimony to Singapores excellence in manufacturing and services. There are more than 7,000 Multi-National Corporations in Singapore now days. Singapore is an attractive and competitive manufacturing location, possessing world class capabilities in the design, development and manufacture of cutting edge products for the world. As MNCs are always looking for the most cost efficient for its investment, Singapores high labor rate loses out to other developing countries e.g. Vie tnam and China. As some manufacturers have left Singapore to other countries with cheaper labor, we can see the transformation from the manufacturing activities into trading and services. In addition, by leveraging on its strength as the regional hub for services such as logistics and education, Singapore is poised to become Asias leading services hub, providing an array of world-class services. The following sections will analyze the factors (Politic, Economy, Social and Technology) that influence the business environment in Singapore and also its limitation. PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL/LEGAL Singapore is an enterprise friendly country. The government has set up several organizations in helping the business in a very systematic way. Regulation Structure Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has its vision to make Singapore a leading global city of talent, enterprise and innovation. Its mission is to promote economic growth and create jobs, so as to achieve higher standards of living for all. It was tasked with anticipating problems ahead, identifying opportunities for growth, rationalizing existing policies and giving broad directions for the economy. The main tasks are categorized as below:- Growing economy Expanding trade Developing industries Fostering pro-enterprise environment Statutory boards are semi-independent agencies that specialize in carrying out specific plans and policies of the Ministry. One of such agencies under the MTI is SPRING Singapore. SPRING Singapore (Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board) is the enterprise development agency for growing innovative companies and fostering a competitive SME sector. SPRING works with partners to help enterprises in financing, capabilities and management development, technology and innovation, and access to markets. As the national standards and accreditation body, SPRING also develops and promotes internationally-recognized standards and quality assurance to enhance competitiveness and facilitate trade. It has many programmes to encourage entrepreneurship and assisting the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). These are two available financial incentive schemes:-i) Business Angels Scheme (BAS) where they will provide Innovative Singapore-based young companies a matching dollar for every dollar invested by pre-approved angel groups, up to $1.5 million. ii) Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Startups (YES! Startups) Where they will provide youths with grants of up to $50,000 to start their innovative business. SPRING also provides business leadership and capability development where a number of training courses are conducted to improve leadership and business management skills. Several available programs are:-i) Advanced Management Programme (AMP) where it will help tobuild management capabilities of SME leaders through postgraduate and executive development courses that focus on the business management needs of SMEs. ii) Management Development Scholarship (MDS): Designed to Nurture the leadership of tomorrow for growth-oriented enterprises where it provides MBA scholarship to help the SME to develop their talent for the future. Enterprise One (One Network for Enterprises) is a multi-agency initiative managed by SPRING Singapore. Enterprise One aims to help local enterprises find the answers they need to start, sustain and grow their businesses. Its resources pose:- Rich and Deep Content Over 20 sections covering a comprehensive range of topics such as venturing abroad, hiring people, Government tenders, loans, taxes and regulations. It pulled together information from different Government agencies so the business owners dont have to trudge from agency to agency to look for answers. Industry Guides Topics are grouped by industries and organized in sections so that the business owners can easily find information relevant to your sector. The Competition Commission of Singapore (under MTI) who is a statutory body established to enforce the Competition Act and ensure a fair competition environment. Any unfair business practice can be prevented and this can ensure a healthy competition and business growth. Another MTI agency is Public Service for the 21st Century or PS21 It is about the Singapore Public Services commitment to Anticipate, Welcome and Execute change, influencing developments in order to provide Singapore with the best conditions for success. One of its main objectives is to cut red tape to achieve service excellence and efficiency. Red tape reduction definitely will encourage entrepreneurship, foreign investment and positive growth of the business sector. Ministry of Finance (MOF) The main regulatory statutes under MOF are the Companies Act, Business Registration Act, Currency Act and Accountants Act. The emphasis of the regulatory policy is on development, rather than control. MOF aims to collaborate with industry experts to make Singapore a world-class financial and business hub. The main strategy in helping the business in the Singapore is building a Conducive Business Environment by Facilitate growth of businesses and nurture an entrepreneurial environment Under the MOF, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Directorates role is: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To drive the development of a holistic and cross directorate/ agency approach to the FTA issues à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To shape and balance the outcome of the issues in the FTA negotiations to align with MOFs policies and goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To function as a centralized focal point within MOF for information on all FTA issues. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is one of the statutory boards under the MOF with mission to provide a responsive and forward looking regulatory environment for companies, businesses and public accountants, conducive to enterprise and growth in Singapore. The focus of the statutory board will be on issues concerning businesses, such as developing the corporate law framework, accounting and corporate governance. Government E-Business Portal In an effort to promote transparency, the Singapore government has setup GeBIZ (Government E-Business Portal) who is the Singapore governments one-stop e-procurement portal. All the public sectors invitations for quotations and tenders are posted on GeBIZ. Suppliers can search for government procurement opportunities, download tender documents, and submit their bids online. Enforcement Singapore is a country where the enforcement units are very efficient and with very low corruption rate. The Singapore Police Force enjoys a relatively positive public image, and is credited for helping to arrest Singapores civic unrests and lawlessness in its early years, and maintaining the low crime rate today. Another example is the taxi services where the drivers collect fares by using the meter and do not cheat the passengers. Taxi in Singapore is regulated by the Land Transport Authority. This gives the passengers especially tourist peace of mind in using taxi service. Any bad taxi service may hamper the tourism industries. Corruption Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) Singapore is reputed to be one of the few countries in the world where corruption is under control. This is due mainly to the strong political will to curb corruption, firm actions taken against the corrupt regardless of their status and background, and the general public who do not accept corruption as a way of life. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is an independent body which investigates and aims to prevent corruption in the public and private sectors in Singapore. The bureau is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the public service and encouraging corruption-free transactions in the private sector. Deregulation Liberalization Singapore has deregulated several markets, e.g. the electricity and telecommunication. The government no more monopolized these markets, but it is open for competition among the industry players. Even since 1989, the government of Singapore started eliminating restrictions on the sale of telecom consumer goods to make businesses more competitive. From this we can see the competitive telecommunication markets nowadays, which benefit to the end consumer and the business as well. Singapore is reliant on foreign direct investments and exports so competition from countries with lower costs such as China and India is exerting pressure on the government to reduce the costs of doing business here. Electricity cost is one of these. Deregulation is believed to be able to bring about lower electricity costs due to the various efficiency gains possible. Since corporatization the power industry has become more efficient and more reliable. Customer service has improved. Investments in new power pl ants and transmission network infrastructure have increased significantly. The industry is also making healthy profits through efficiency and productivity gains, and lower cost of purchase of power equipment and cables. One of the deregulation result is YTL Power of Malaysia has acquired 100% interest in Power Seraya Limited recently. Also the China Hua Neng Power has acquired100% stake in the Tuas Power Ltd. We can see the deregulation has attracted foreign direct investment into the countries and thus accelerate its economic growth. Being Asias first liberalized electricity market, the Singapore government has liberalized the electricity wholesale and retail market. This means contestable consumers will have greater choice about how they purchase their electricity. Non-contestable consumers continue to buy electricity from SP Services Ltd at regulated tariffs. Eventually, all consumers in Singapore will become contestable. This certainly has reduced the electricity bills for the i ndustrial/ business user and consumer. The government must be very careful and governing the deregulated market and not to repeat the failure encountered by the US deregulated energy market, where expenditures become higher and consumers suffered from the higher energy cost and was a failure in the USA energy policy. Another example is the liberalization of the civil aviation industry where the flyers can fly at lower cost. Tiger Airways, the major airlines also reduce the air fares significantly and this help in driving down business expenses and accelerated growth especially in the tourism related industries e.g. hotel, FB services and local retail business. Licensing Singapore government has been very careful in allowing foreign hyper market to operate in Singapore. So far only the Malaysians Giant (4 outlets) and Frenchs Carrefour (2 outlets) are allowed to operate on the island. Strict control has been taken to protect the retailer especially. Non Government Organization (NGO) NGO play an important role as pressure group in the government policy and implementation. As part of an effort to bolster tourism as more manufacturing jobs shift to countries with lower labor costs and in view of the possibility that Singapore would lose out in its status as a tourist hub as well as the economic benefits from tax revenues, Singapore government has revisited the idea of building casino in Singapore in 2004. This had generated substantial and intense public debate and objection from the NGOs as this was not just a socio-economic policy dilemma, but has potential to touch the sensitive nerves of social identity, public morality and values and has bad implication on Singapore as a clean, sterile, corruption-free and crime-free city. Further the NGOs protested that this development will be at the expense of the environment as the developer has to reclaim the sea for extra land where ecology system will be spoilt. However, after much debate about the tangible and intangib le facts and costs, the government finally approved the casino plan and it is now under construction. The completion of this casino together with the entertainment resort and other infrastructure will certainly attract more foreign tourists and boosting the domestic economy once the plan is completed. ECONOMY The Singapore economy is an example of a vibrant free-market economy that is developing at a rapid pace 1. The per-capita income of the country is the highest in ASEAN. The business sector has been supported and strengthened by a corruption-free environment, an educated and motivated workforce, and well-established legal and financial business framework. In recent years, the Singapore government has invested heavily in diversifying the economy. This has led to growth in the tourism industry, the pharmaceutical industry with a particular focus on biotechnology, financial services, business consultation services, education, multimedia, retail and leisure, and the medical technology industry. Productivity Significantly from 2008-Q3 onwards, economic growth was rapidly slowing down because of the financial crisis, while commodity prices hit unprecedented heights, creating sharp inflationary pressures in Singapore and other economies. The data for this section are for the year 2010. Singapore achieved GDP (current market value) of S$257,419 million, which is a 2.3% increment from the previous year. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the economy contracted by 4.2 per cent, after posting flat growth in the third quarter. Unemployment rate as of end 2008 is 2.3%, which is a 0.2% increment from year 2007. However, the retrenchment rate has almost doubled from year 2009s 7,700 to year 2010s 13,400 workers. This is certainly the consequence of the global economic crisis, where almost not a single country can be escaped. Gross national income per capita was S$51,739 which is the highest per capita income in ASEAN and making its citizen income on par with the developed nations. In fact, the city st ate is the only developed country in ASEAN. The services producing industries made up 68.8% of the overall economy and manufacturing weighted at 19.4%. Financial services and business services has become more and more important and made up 13.1 and 14.0% respectively of the overall economy. We can observe a transition from the manufacturing based into services oriented and this demands more professional and intellectuals. The government spends a lot of effort to attract foreign professional and talented individual to work and migrate to Singapore to support the local business. Of course they do not left out to attract foreign direct investment. However the drawback will be the outflow foreign exchange. Petroleum refined products top the export list with 23.7%. This can be attributed to the petrochemical complexes in Jurong Island. This initiative has boosted the heavy petrochemical industries in the country and has attracted foreign direct investment like the Exxon-Mobile Refinery. The limitation will be the pollution to the environment which will increase the social cost like healthcare services. Exchange Rates Currency exchange rate is about US$1.00 to S$1.50 range lately. Due to its high exchange rate to the Ringit Malaysia (S$1.00 = RM2.40 approximately), many Singapore residents like to cross the Tebrau Straits to Malaysia for weekend spending. Additionally, the comparative cheaper petrol price in Malaysia has attracted Singaporean to fill up their vehicle fuel tank in Malaysia. These have directly affected the Singapore domestic businesses and the petrol retailers. Therefore the government has set the rule for the car owner to have at least the fuel tank  ¾ filled when travelling outbound to Malaysia. On the other hand, the high exchange rate to Ringgit Malaysia and Indonesian Rupiah has attracted many white and blue collar labors from these two neighboring countries. Especially the high numbers of skilled workers from Malaysia has contributed to Singapores GDP growth but on the other hand remarking loss in foreign exchange. On the other hand, construction and heavy industries in Sin gapore are over dependant on foreign workers which in one hand has become a threat to the social identity and safety. Monetary and Fiscal Policies The success of Singapores fiscal policy over the years lies in the governments prudent expenditure patterns and conducive taxation policies that have complemented monetary policy in promoting sustained and non-inflationary economic growth. Singapores tax policies, although providing the main source of funding for the government, seek to enhance its economic competitiveness and attract foreign investments to Singapore. In its Budget 2009, the Singapore government has announced The Resilience Package totaling $20.5 billion to help Singaporeans preserving their jobs and helping viable company stay afloat. The government spent S$5.8 billion to stimulate bank lending. It also would spend S$2.6 billion to enhance business cash flow and competitiveness. Further, it also allocated S$4.4 billion to develop Singapore as a global city and best home for Singaporean. Under the severe global economy crisis, Singapore government has justified withdrawal from its past reserves to fund the Jobs Credit Scheme and Special Risk-Sharing Initiative to ensure that the Resilience Package will stimulate the business sector. This combination of fair tax policies and prudent expenditure programs, augmented by high economic growth has enabled Singapore to enjoy consistent budget surpluses over the years. Singapore is one of the very few countries who enjoy surplus in its economy nowadays. In 2008, as part of the governments move to share the nations surpluses with its citizens, the government has allocated S$1.06 billion as growth dividend for this purpose which benefited about 2.4 million Singaporean, especially those of the lower income. This allocation has help the lower income group to cope with the higher living cost and in turn has stimulus the buying power in the market. However, the effectiveness for the market stimulation is only for the short term. Th e Official Foreign Reserves at Feb 2009 is US$163,549.4 million and Singapore government does not bear any foreign debt. This again proves that Singapore economic and financial performance is well managed and the local business can enjoy strong support and enterprise friendly policies from the government. International Trade International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the lead agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry spearheading the development of Singapores external economic wing. Its mission is to promote the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade. At the same time, IE works to position Singapore as a base for foreign businesses to expand into the region in partnership with Singapore-based companies. In championing international trade, IE Singapore contributes to the Singapore economy through active promotion of export of goods and services, and offshore trade. Singapores Global Trader Program (GTP) which provides incentives to attract international trading companies to set up their base in Singapore. The IEs Enterprise Group manages and develops a range of broad-based services for Singapore-based companies wanting to export internationalized goods. In 2007, Singapore was ranked the 14th largest trading nation in the world, amounting to total of $846.6 billion of external trade, with Malaysia remained as the biggest trade partner, followed by EU. The Port of Singapore is the world busiest port in term of total shipping tonnage. It is also the world busiest container port and transshipment port. The Port of Singapore is not only a mere economic boon but an economic necessity as it is lack of natural resources and land. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore was established with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre. The establishment of Malaysias Port of Tanjung Pelepas has threaten the Singapore Port status as the rival has attracted prestigious maritime companies like Maesk and Evergreen to switch over to Tanjung Pelepas. Surely, the Singapore Port operator will be facing more fierce competition ahead. The Singapore Tourism Board aims to triple tourism receipts to $30 billion and double visitor arrivals to 17 million visitors by 2015. It is working closely with international in vestors to develop new world-class attractions (e.g. the casino), and attract strategic business and leisure events to Singapore. SOCIAL CULTURAL Singapore is an eastern country who still follows the traditional family values, but the younger generation has started to adopt to western culture and values. Society Values and Principles As nowadays, many Singaporean have the mindset of Kia-su which means afraid of lose out to others. Many Singaporean works very hard to retain or fulfill their materialism desire. In some extent this has positively increased the nation productivities and the business sectors can expect a higher purchasing power from the consumers. On the other hand, some family and social values have to be sidelined. Demographic Profile The current population is about 5,353,494 (July 2011 est.). Singapore ethnic mix is Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census). Most of the Singaporean dislikes blue collar works like construction and other works in hard environment. These are considered hard and dirty works and therefore not welcome especially by the younger generation. This created the window for importing foreign workers to fill up blue collar vacancies. With the cheaper labor from neighboring countries, the business sector has enjoyed cost saving and therefore more can be reinvested for further expansion. Education Singapore has codified compulsory education for children of primary school age, and made it a criminal offence if parents fail to enroll their children in school and ensure their regular attendance. English is the primary language used in Singapores education systems. Good command of English has given Singapore an edge advantage for attracting foreign investment and international trade. Further the Chinese language proficiency among the Chinese ethnic has attracted the investor from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and on the other hand enable investing ventures into these countries easily. The latest statistic shows that the literacy rate stands at 92.5% whilst secondary or higher qualification holders are 89%. This is the driving force for the government to promote knowledge. Economy which is less labor incentive but more talent and intellectual are on demand. Besides, owing to the kia-su mindset, the parents here are very concerned about the performance of the kids in school. This has led to blossoming of tuition centers and other arts/musical learning classes. TECHNOLOGY Technology is the power behind to change our life style and improve out quality of life. The Internet Comprehensive infrastructure setup has been a fundamental attractiveness for foreign investment and local business establishment, not to mention about the IT infrastructure. Currently, the household broadband internet penetration rate has achieved more than 70%. The successive of e-commerce and e-B2C model highly relies on the broadband internet. As of latest, 10 Mbps of broadband internet service is available. The comprehensive IT infrastructure also has encouraged MNC to setup their regional operation in Singapore. The successful of the financial and IT services business are highly rely on the state of the art IT infrastructure. On the other hand, the Singapore government is moving towards an electronic government era. Many useful resources and information are available in the relevant ministries/ department or government agencies website. For instance, the Customs Office of Singapore has provided e-service, these are few examples:- Application for: Manufacturers Registration New Product Line(s) Application for Registration of Companies/ Firms and Signatories for Customs and/ or GST Transactions Application for GST relief on household articles and personal effects. This approach enables to cut red tapes and enhanced the efficiency. Water Due to its lack of water resources and the government would like to reduce its dependence on the Malaysian supplied water, the Singaporean has ventured into water recycling and desalination. NEWATER is the brand name given to reclaimed water produced by Singapores public utilities. More specifically, it is treated wastewater (sewage) that has been purified using dual-membrane (via microfiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies, in addition to conventional water treatment processes. Many experts suggested that Singapore could become the worlds water hub for water recycling and desalination technology and could export this technology to the world including China. With the new technology in water reclamation, waste water would become the most important sustainable water resource in the future. Singaporeans expertise in the water recycling will definitely give its edge advantage if its exports this expertise and technology in the future. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTH Manufacturing constituted 26% OF Singapores GDP in 2005. The manufacturing industry is well diversified with significant electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical sciences manufacturing sectors. Singapore has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world, with thousands of foreign expatriates working in multi-national corporations. As of 2009, Singapore has 16 bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with 24 trading partners. Singapore is a popular travel destination, making tourism one of its largest industries. About 10.2 million tourists visited Singapore in 2007.

Mcdonalds And Computer Systems Information Technology Essay

Mcdonalds And Computer Systems Information Technology Essay McDonalds is one of the fast growing and wide available fast food chain of the world. It has developed a global recognition a competitive advantage all over the world. Technology is the new paradigm of assessing a business performance and success. In our discussion, we will discuss that how McDonalds is able to manage its computer systems. In the start, we will discuss the major component, subcomponents and performance requirements of computer systems. Then we will discuss the operating systems and suggest a compatible operating system to be used with an organization. Thirdly, there will be a discussion about how can we design a computer system keeping in view the end user requirements and organizational goals. Finally, we will test our designed computer system for example, it is properly designed or note keeping view the organizational goals, functional fitness and health and safety of end users. Introduction: As we all know that McDonalds is one of the most growing fast food chains of the world. It has a very diverse system of operations and management. Today due to the recent advancements in technology, McDonalds has developed such a computer and information technology system to manage its operations which has now become a core competence for McDonalds against its competitors. Technology can be a great competitive advantage against competitors if it is used efficiently and correctly. In our discussion, we will try to view technology and computers as a part of operations strategically. First of all, we will investigate the computer systems of McDonalds. Outcome 1: Investigation of Computer Systems P1: Machine components or sub systems appropriate to given task: If we see the operations of McDonalds, then we can easily analyze that due to wide spread and diversity of McDonalds operations, we need a complicated, complex and flexible internal computer database system. This system is needed in such a way that all the departments such as Marketing, Finance and Human Resources should record their operations and data in one database system for integrity and convenience. Talking about the sub systems, we need to develop such a strong subsystem to develop a strong integration in operations but with customer convenience and satisfaction. In terms of machine components, we need CPUs, Display Monitors, Networking Designs and Operating System Software. On the customer side, we need to develop a convenient system to make customer experience better and to increase our sales. Due to the dramatic increase in internet and web users, it could be a powerful strategy to go online for selling merchandise. Unfortunately, McDonalds has not developed such a system yet to deliver goods to customers. They have developed a system of placing orders on phone in which goods like burgers are delivered directly to consumers. Finally, we should develop such a computer system which could provide us convenience, integration and better experience for customers. P2: Evaluation of the Performance of Selected System: The system above we have suggested for McDonalds has a large number of advantages which are as follows: Integrity and Reliability Speed of Operations Enhancement of Customer Experience Control and Audit And the main disadvantages could be: Complexity of Operations Higher Costs But if we evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of selected system then we can see that advantages are more than disadvantages. The advantages of an enhanced computer system may easily overcome the costs of adopting such a system. If we see McDonalds, they have already installed the complete system as we discussed above, but there is small discrepancy that they are not yet online to sell their products. If they add this thing in their strategy, it would be a source of competitive advantage. The reason for is that mostly the online shoppers are à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Youngstersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  and these youngsters are the most frequent buyers of fast food than the population of other ages. (Associated Press, 2004) (Meena Kumari Rajani, M. S. Chandio, 2004) Outcome 2: Investigation of Operating System P3: Functions and features of different types of operating systems: The different kinds of operating systems are Windows, Acorn Computers, Amiga, Apollo Computers, and Apple etc. The selection of a operating system purely depends on its efficiency, known quality and its compatibility with the organization systems. The different categories of operating systems are: technology, ownership, usage, working state and licensing etc. Microsoft is one the most extensively and widely used operating system in the business world. We think McDonalds being a fast food chain must adopt Microsoft as its operating system due to its known quality, compatibility and integrity. The basic features and functions of Microsoft windows are: Most Widely Used Integrity and Reliability Speed of Operations Another important function of windows is that it is mostly compatible with latest World Wide Web. There is some news about the compatibility issues of other operating systems. Another important function of windows is that it provides more network storage than any other operating system. Most of the computer systems are designed only for Microsoft and it works easily with the older computers. P4: How to customize operating systems: There is a large number of operating software which can be used to customize our operating systems. For example for customizing windows we can use Microsoft word, excel, works etc. For Mac, there is also much software for customization. If we analyze the operations of McDonalds, then by adopting windows, we can customize this operating system and it can be made flexible to use. For writing reports about daily sales or new recruits, we can use Microsoft word. Similarly, for financial reporting, we can use Microsoft Excel. For enterprise resource planning there are a large number of options available. For example, we can use SAP for as an ERP system for McDonalds. For Customer Invoicing, we can again use Microsoft word or Microsoft excel. This customization has also an advantage for us because the numbers of windows users are much more in world than Mac or other operating system users. The McDonalds is operating through franchising system in almost all the countries of the world (McDonalds Official Website, 2007). There are a different operating systems being used in different franchises of McDonalds. It could become a problem and inconvenience to control operations. We think McDonalds, should develop a single operating system and a world wide database to better manage and control it s operations. Outcome 3: Designing a Computer System P5: investigation and identification of the key components for a computer system for a particular user: The key components required for an individual totally depends on the usage and responsibility of a particular user. We can take an example, for example at the front desk needs a complete Central processing unit plus some accessories such as printers for printing invoices. Similarly the accounts department needs to have almost all computer accessories and components because they need to do financial recording and reporting. Similarly the marketing managers need laptops because they to analyze the consumers taste and habits. The higher management needs some extra system software to monitor the activities of the organization. Now will try to develop and investigate the key components for a marketing manager at McDonalds. A marketing manager needs to travel to different areas for making strategies about market segmentation and product positioning. Moreover, McDonalds is also operating in a whole world with diverse cultures and tastes. It has to face the challenges of different cultures and marketing managers need some research work to be done. Thirdly, they need to manage and direct their subordinates. Also, marketing managers need to communicate with the higher level management. Keeping all the function in mind, a marketing manager needs a LAPTOP with wireless internet connectivity for convenience and flexibility. Laptop is helpful because it will not affect the works of a manager while he is shifting places or travelling. Secondly, through internet connectivity, it can guide and manage subordinates through emails. P6: Complete computer system to suit a given task: Let us elaborate more on designing a special computer system for a special task. We will take human resources for McDonalds for our point of attention. McDonalds is a global organization and it operates is different parts of the world. Due to its operations in diverse parts of the world, it needs to hires from local countries to lower its cost and better operations. Human Resources Department of McDonalds has to face different kind of challenges to meet this objective. For example, interviewing candidates from different parts of the world is nothing more but a challenge. They need a computer system with complete components plus accessories such as printers and faxes etc. They also need internet connectivity. This will help them to interview candidates from different parts of the world and their efficient screening. Moreover, they can email candidates or can communicate with them online through internet connectivity. Moreover, they can publish their reports using Microsoft word or excel. They also need projectors and video conferencing to train their employees and subordinates. A proper internal database system must be designed to develop integration and convenience of operations. For example, Human resources department can access personnel information through anywhere in the world. This can help them in efficient personnel planning and employee database. Today, McDonalds is using the Human Resources Information system for this purpose. It is easy for the operation managers again to send reports to the human resources department for internet connectivity. Moreover, employees can easily report back to human resources department in all their organizational problems. Outcome 4: Testing the Computer System P7: Planning that check system hardware and software components using standard techniques: We can adopt systems development lifecycle for managing and checking the computer components just like McDonalds does. We can divide this checking and audit in three sections: Initiation phase, Planning Phase, Designing Phase. In the initiation phase, we can firstly assess the strategic business objectives and can have useful insights about our business. This step involves strategic business objectives and technology goals, expected benefits from adopting a computer system, expected and potential organizational changes, and business regulations and laws. Then we can move to the functional requirements and checks such as end user requirements, information and internal security requisitions, operating systems compatibility and adoption, and internal or external interface requirements. Thirdly, Project management and risk management must be considered. Finally, while selecting a computer system, alternative solutions must be considered. In the Planning phase, we need to plan about the rules and regulations and compatibility of technology with the organizational culture. In this phase, we can check and plan that if a computer system is compatible with the organizational culture or not? Secondly, based on the roles and controls of end user, we can analyze the functional fit of particular computer hardware or software requirement and availability. In the design phase, we can design or REDESIGN a computer system after considering the organizational requirements and end users convenience and efficiency. In our example of McDonalds, we can easily analyze that although McDonalds has a good computer system and management but a lot more needs to be done to avoid any future threat from competition. (www.ffiec.gov, 2009) P8: User Documentation for Computer System: User documentation is the process of discussing and experimenting during a project or in an organization. This system is really important to implement. It includes goals, theories, roles, method, mechanics, and benefits. Goals involve the target assigned to each user in documentation. Well in case of computer sytem, it is the target of a user which he has to achieve using a system. For example, in the example of McDonalds, a sales officer need to properly use computer systems to reach potential sales. Theories involve the purpose or organizational objectives and visions. Users should work under the theories of organization. While roles, method, mechanics and benefits are all associated with user and all these things are important. (Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference, 1991) P9: Security Policy for the System: The Computer system can be secured by installing proper antivirus software like Norton Antivirus. Proper internet security applications software must be used to prevent the systems from any threats. Moreover, the email monitoring or screen capturing of emails is also practiced by some organizations but it can give rise to a large number of ethical issues like the privacy of employees. Moreover proper firewalls can also be installing to overcome this issue. All these practices are adopted by McDonalds. P10: Health and Safety Requirements of Systems: Proper measures should also be taken while implementing a system. For example, sitting long time against computers can damage the eyesight end users. So proper rays blocking screen must been used with display monitors to prevent employees from the threats of eyesight. McDonalds is doing well in this area by offering its employees a proper balance between work and home. (McDonalds Official Website, 2009) Conclusion: From the discussion above, we can see that McDonalds is a global organization and it has developed a strong computer and information technology system in its operations but there are also some defects in it. All the things we discussed above are important for having a powerful and successful computer system. For a Global Organization like McDonalds, A proper consideration and attention must be paid to I.T Section to meet global challenges.

Feminism and Slavery Essay -- Literature Feminist Papers

Feminism and Slavery Harriet Jacobs escaped from slavery and at great personal risk wrote of her trials as a house servant in the South and later fugitive in the North. Her slave narrative entitled Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl gave a true account of the evils slavery held for women, a perspective that has been kept relatively secret from the public. In writing her story, Jacobs, though focused on the subjugation due to race, gave voice subtly to a different kind of captivity, that which men impose on women regardless of color in the patriarchal society of the ninetenth century. This form of bondage is not only exacted from women by their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons, but also is accepted and perpetuated by women themselves, who forge the cage that holds them captive. Jacobs directed her stirring account of the afflictions a woman is subjected to in the chain of slavery to women of the North to gain sympathy for their sisters that were enslaved in the South. In showing this, Jacobs revea ls the danger of such self condemnation women maintain by accepting the idealized role that men have set as a goal for which to strive. Harriet Jacobs' slave epic is a powerful statement unveiling the impossibility and undesirability of achieving the ideal put forth by men and maintained by women. Her narrative is a strong feminist text. The idealized Woman that men and women alike propagated consists of four qualities. "The attributes of True Womanhood, by which a woman judged herself and was judged by her husband, her neighbors and society, could be divided into four cardinal virtues- piety, purity, submissiveness and domesticity."[1] Of all of the women that Jacobs' autobiographical character Linda Brent meets, not one ... ... "Perilous Passages in Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" in The Discourse of Slavery: Aphra Behn to Toni Morrison. Plasa, Carl and Ring, Betty J., eds. New York: Routledge, 1994. McKay, Nellie Y. "The Girls Who Became Women: Childhood Memories in the Autobiographies of Harriet Jacobs, Mary Church Terrell, and Anne Moody" in Tradition and the Talents of Women. Howe, Florence, ed. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1991. Smith, Valerie. Self-Discovery and Authority in Afro-American Narrative. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1987. Starling, Marion Wilson. The Slave Narrative: Its Place in American History. Washington, D.C.: Howard University Press, 1988. Welter, Barbara. "The Cult of True Womanhood: 1820-1860" chap. in Dimity Convictions: The American Woman in the Nineteenth Century. Athens: Ohio University Press, 1976.

Go Ask Alice Essay -- essays research papers

Go Ask Alice, written by an anonymous author, is a diary kept by a fifteen-year-old drug user. The author, through this book, doesn’t wants his readers to look for advise in it, but to learn about the real world in which some teenagers have to live through. Alice, the main character, made the worst mistake ever and radically changed her life around to fit in with the crowd . She is soon exposed to drugs, sex and violence. It is a battle that Alice can win, but sometimes as much as you want something, the environment around you can pull you back. The author emphasizes the fact that you should never trust anyone, not even your own shadow. You never know what life has prepared for you, and sometimes it’s not always the best. The fact that someone is your friend doesn’t mean they can’t become your enemy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This book mainly takes place in Chicago, during the 60’s era. Alice is a young teenager who lives a normal life and has a good up-bringing. Her family gives her all the support to succeed and is always there for her. She loves boys, wearing nice clothes, and basically being your average everyday girl. As she moved into a new town, she began making new friends and one of those was Jan. She looks like a nice and popular girl. Jan has a way of influencing others into new trends and Alice is so excited to be accepted by her popular crowd, that she begins spicing up her lifestyle. Chris is another one of her new friend an...

Wilderness vs Civilization

Wilderness Versus Civilization In â€Å"The Place, the Regions, and the Commons,† Gary Snyder discusses the importance of place when dealing with the environment and establishment of ideological hearths. The contrasting sides between the natural world and synthetic societies play a large part within the essay, for we must take a stand when determining our own personal place. Snyder cites many examples of how humanity's search for place leads to the destruction of the natural world around us, such as overgrazing in the commons.This clash between the necessity for a stable â€Å"place† and the universal needs of nature force us to find an equilibrium in which a comprehensive happiness can be reached. Snyder follows up on this environmental critique with a deeper philosophical mindset. He eagerly suggests the idea that our longing for â€Å"place† severely reflects our subconscious tendencies and realities. There are a frustrating number of examples of bioregional s elfishness, such as the tragedy of the commons.However, there are also a delightful abundance of examples that demonstrate the optimistic and altruistic deeds completed in order to insure the health of the habitat within. There are two sides of a coin when dealing with the darkness and purity of mankind as a whole. This same coin exists within us individually, and it is up to us to decide which side lands facing up. It is a difficult task to describe the inner conflicts that occur within myself solely through text. In order to properly express my true feelings and thoughts, another medium must be used.In this scenario, it would be best to demonstrate my newfound resolve and terror through the eyes of a camera lens. Ever since I moved to Boone to begin my college career, I have begun a new personal era of introspection. I seek to know why I commit the corrupt sins that I succumb to, and why I choose to aid subjects that I could optionally neglect. By observing these hidden demons and saints within my soul, I am able to emulate it onto the surface and understand the world as a whole. As Susan Sontag eloquently points out: â€Å"As photographs give people an imaginary possession of a post that is unreal, they also help eople take possession of space in which they are insecure†. In essence, I feel that this picture aptly describes the state of wildness within our fabricated society. The leaf is being consumed by the manufactured acts of humanity, and I feel helpless as I gaze onto it's decaying structure. My mind immediately begins to take responsibility for nature's impending fall into this desolate land. The wildness within us inhibits our sympathies towards the habitats that we constantly surround ourselves with. Civilization is being dominated in this photograph.The trees stand tall, the bushes lay as a shroud of eloquence atop a seething boredom of concrete. The mountains extend their hand to the sky, greeting it with a warm resolve. The wild side to m yself would scuffle this minor victory for nature under the carpet and continue onwards, however the civilized side recognizes the absolutely exquisite act of defiance by the cosmos. As Snyder states: â€Å"The State is destroyed, but the mountains and rivers remain†, the wilderness ignores our presence almost as much as we tend to ignore it. rom the cataclysmic tendencies that plague most. In this fleeting moment of nonsensical entertainment, serenity is achieved and balance is restored; leaving the rest to remain asunder. The war between wilderness and civilization rages inside all of us. The guilt of our selfish actions is only matched by our desire for a better â€Å"place†. These individual conflicts add up to a cumulative impact on the region that we live in. It is apparent that the cruelty of man has influenced certain areas for the worse.My exploration of Boone has led me to conclude that a somewhat stable symmetry between both sides has been formed. There is a sense of order within this town, for many advocates have cascaded a protective sheath around the weakening wild. Even as the nature dwindles away, it is merely retreating and waiting to have the last laugh. The resilience of nature will surely outlast the overabundance of man. This conclusion leaves me hollow and optimistic at the same time, clouding any absolute fulfillment within myself individually.When mankind has free reign, the oversaturation of our greed typically poisons the vulnerable. This is why Snyder urges us to take great efforts in order to restore the equilibrium between civilization and the wilderness. Our time is beginning to run thin as the battle between both sides continue, but Snyder urges us to stay positive and learn from our mistakes in order to reach complete attainment in the future. ———————– I took this picture after the conclusion of my final class on Thursday.I was in the process of contemplation when I looked down and noticed this lonesome leaf surrounded by the artificial landscape. I immediately felt that this small act of symbolism was worth capturing for eternity. It occurred just outside of the Central Dining Hall. I gazed upon the mountain skyline and noticed the rampant growth of trees from my lowered perspective on the ground. This observation made me smile, which led to the capturing of the photograph. By altering my perception of the world around me, I was able to obtain this earthly image.I was extremely delighted to spectate my first game of Quidditch since arriving to my new home. The rambunctious cheers of both sides were only rivaled by the serene beauty brought upon by the landscape on Sanford Mall. I felt like this universal victory should be documented as a model for co-dominance between the wild and civilization. The leaves fall from the trees, as if they are jumping from the stands in an attempt to join the game. The men and women pay respect to the worl d around them by refraining

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 16-17

Chapter 16 I searched in vain for peaceful sleep but never found it. Instead when I closed my eyes I saw Damon, his legs curled around a hard wooden chair, his arms bound in ropes. His skin bled, the droplets a dark maroon where the vervain-soaked ropes bit into his flesh. Next came the images of Callie, her flame-colored hair flowing behind her, her eyes lit with a frightening passion. She and her father danced around Damon, my brothers form prone on the ground. They threw their hands in the air tauntingly, gripping wooden stakes, the ends so sharpened they reached a fine point. Their movements became more frenzied as they approached, readying their weapons But worst of all were the visions of Katherine. I would see her, looking beautiful as always, her porcelain face hovering above mine and her glossy mane tickling my shoulders. With a coy, knowing smile she would lean toward me, and then she would open her mouth. Her fangs glinted in the lamp light as they plunged into my neck. My eyes flew open. Sleep would not afford me any rest. My mind went to memories of Katherine. The human part of me–or what was left of it–hated her with every fiber of my being. My hand curled into a fist involuntarily when I thought of her, and how shed destroyed my family. But the vampire part of me missed what shed represented–stability and love. And just as that part of my soul would last for eternity, so too would the part of me that longed for her. I wanted her now, beside me, curled up in my sheets. I wanted her to lean against the windowsill and listen as I told her about Damon, and tell me, in her calm, even cold, matter-of-fact way what to do. Being with Katherine had made me fearless, confident. She had made everything seem possible. Even though I trusted Lexi, I knew she didnt trust me to take care of things she didnt believe that any plan I had would work. That was why Lexi reminded me so often of all the obstacles in my path. I longed for the Katherine I had fallen for, the one who seemed both fearless and to truly care for me. I wanted her by my side right now so I would feel less alone. But I knew that couldnt be. That Katherine had never really existed. Besides, she was gone, and she was never coming back. The door opened, and Lexi stood there, a goblet of animal blood in her hands. She brought it to my lips. I took a few deep sips, despite the disgust it called up in me. When I had drained the cup, she put it on the nightstand, then brushed my hair off my forehead. â€Å"Are you still going to the fight tonight?† â€Å"Are you going to try to stop me?† â€Å"No.† Lexi bit her lip. â€Å"Not so long as you simply leave it at saving your brother. Revenge is for humans–and killing Gallagher wont teach humans any lesson.† I nodded, all the while knowing Id use brute force if it was necessary to free Damon. â€Å"Good.† Lexi turned to leave. Halfway toward the door, she turned back and locked eyes with me, and her expression softened. â€Å"Youve cheated death once. I hope youll cheat it a second time.† After dressing, I walked to Lake Road with human speed. By the time I got there, it was past dusk. Lanterns and torches were set up around the perimeter of the fairgrounds, making the entire area look as if it was bathed in daylight. The circus tent was striped red and white, and surrounded by midway games and individual booths. â€Å"Fortunes Told!† a poster above one read. â€Å"See the Worlds Ugliest Woman–If You Dare!† proclaimed another. I could hear the chattering of some type of animal coming from a far corner, but I couldnt get a sense of where Damon was. Just then, Callie walked out of the main tent, trailed by her father and her two henchmen. She was wearing the same pair of overalls shed had on the night before over a mans linen shirt, and her hair fell around her shoulders. There was a smudge of dirt beneath her eye. I had a sudden urge to wipe it away but stuck my hands in my pocket instead. â€Å"Stefan!† she called, her face breaking into a smile. â€Å"Youre here. Father, this is the man I told you about.† Mr. Gallagher looked even more imposing up close. He towered above me, his dark brows knitted together. I kept my expression open, innocent. Lexi said Gallagher was a skilled vampire hunter–would he be able to detect the truth just by staring at me? â€Å"My daughter says youre curious about vampires,† he said. â€Å"Prove youre serious and work the ticket counter. Then we can talk.† â€Å"Yes, sir.† I nodded, feeling like Stefan the obedient child. â€Å"And, boy?† Gallagher asked, turning back toward me. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"You want to place a bet on the fight? Winnerll take a lot. Could make you a fortune.† He raised an eyebrow. My eyes narrowed, and blood screamed through my veins, fast and hot. How dare this man ask me to bet on my brothers life? How dare he act so self-important when I could rip his throat out in an instant? â€Å"Stefan?† Callie asked warily. Forcing myself to calm down, I reached into the pockets of my well-worn britches and pulled them inside out. â€Å"Im afraid I have no money, sir. Thats why Im so grateful to have this job.† Gallagher took a step closer to me. â€Å"You say youre from Mississippi, boy?† He gazed at me curiously. â€Å"Your accent sounds more northern–maybe Virginian.† â€Å"My parents were from Virginia. I suppose their accent rubbed off on me,† I said in as casual a voice as I could muster. After a long moment, he nodded. â€Å"Well, when you rustle up some currency, come find me. In the meantime, Callie will show you the ropes. And son?† he called, turning on his heel. â€Å"Yes, sir?† I asked. â€Å"Ill be watching you.† Chapter 17 Dont be bothered by him,† Callie said, once her father was a safe distance away. â€Å"Im not,† I lied. Her green eyes flicked over me, as if she didnt believe my words. But she didnt press the issue. â€Å"Ill give you a quick tour,† she said, taking me into one of the smaller tents. In a corner, a woman was hunched over a mirror. She turned, and I took a step back. Her face was covered with tattoos, which, upon closer inspection, were courtesy of rapidly drying India ink. â€Å"The tattooed woman,† Callie said. â€Å"And the conjoined twins.† The woman and the twins next to her waved at us. The twins bodies were connected at the hip. They were beautiful, with blond hair and sad expressions. A man with flippers instead of arms whispered something in one of their ears. They glanced at each other, then broke into laughter. â€Å"This is the show.† Callie opened her hands wide, and for the first time I noticed a wooden stake dangling on a silver chain from her wrist. She also had a sprig of vervain tucked behind her ear. â€Å"Miss Callie!† A hulking, seven-foot-tall mountain of a man ducked under the door of the tent and walked toward us. He picked her up by her tiny waist and swung her around. â€Å"Arnold!† she said gleefully. â€Å"The worlds strongest man. Married to the bearded lady,† she explained to me before looking back up at Arnold. â€Å"How is Caroline feeling?† The giant shrugged. â€Å"Shes doing well. Cant wait to come back and introduce everyone to the babies.† â€Å"They just had twins!† Callie said fondly. I nodded my greeting to the man and gazed over Callies shoulder. Where were they keeping Damon? â€Å"Are you okay?† Callie asked. She brushed my arm, and I flinched when the vervain touched my skin. â€Å"I just need air,† I said, bursting out of the tent. Callie ran after me. â€Å"Im sorry, Stefan,† she said, her voice cold. â€Å"Some people dont like it here. Theyre not comfortable. But somehow I thought youd be different.† â€Å"No, its not that.† Even surrounded by these human curiosities, I was the biggest freak of them all: the vampire who pretended to be human. â€Å"Ive just got a lot on my mind. I promise you, I like it here.† â€Å"Okay,† she said, not sounding quite convinced. But she continued to lead me farther into the grounds. We passed a two-headed cat, a sad-looking monkey playing â€Å"Old Tom Dooley† on a harmonica, and the skeleton of what a sign declared to be a sea monster. Some freaks milling around were obviously actors, wearing fabric tubes filled with straw to simulate extra limbs, while others had been born that way. â€Å"Come with me,† Callie said as she tugged on my arm. But I stayed. A black iron wagon rolled up to the tent, similar to the one Father had used to round up vampires during the Mystic Falls siege. It stopped, and the driver jumped from the cart. Immediately, five burly men rushed up with stakes. Once they were in place, the driver unlocked the back of the wagon. The scent of vervain wafted in the air, causing my joints to ache. Damon. â€Å"And theres your vampire,† Callie said, her mouth set in a firm line as all five men dragged Damon from the back of the wagon. One burly man, his sweat-stained shirt rolled at the sleeves, kept a stake positioned firmly over his heart. â€Å"Gentle now, Jasper! We need him alive before the fight!† Callie called, her voice sharp. Damon turned, baring his teeth in our direction. I saw surprise in his eyes, which quickly turned into contempt. â€Å"My little brother, the good Samaritan,† he whispered under his breath, barely moving his jaw. Luckily, he said it low enough that only I heard. His voice sent a tremor through my body. Callie cocked her head, and I realized how risky it was for Damon and me to be in such close proximity. Would spite cause him to call me out as a fellow demon? â€Å"Are you sure I cant help with the vampire?† I asked her. â€Å"You heard my father. Well start you at the ticket counter. And if anyone tries to sneak in, let Buck handle them,† she said, gesturing to the hulking man hovering several paces behind her like a distended shadow. A commotion sounded in front of the tent. Callie let out a whistle as we approached. The front flap was closed tight, and a mass of people had surrounded a wooden ticket booth. Some, dressed in tattered britches and with dirt-stained hands, were clearly from the shantytown surrounding the lake. But others were dressed in their finest: the men in top hats and silk smoking jackets, the women in feather-adorned hats and silk dresses, fur stoles draped around their bosoms. Callie turned to me, her eyes shining. â€Å"Its never been so busy. Dads going to be so happy!† she said, clapping her hands together. â€Å"Now, go help Buck,† she commanded before running back around the tent. I stood in the wooden booth at the entrance, listening for Damon. But instead my ears filled with snatches of human conversation. â€Å"Ive got a hundred dollars on the lion.† â€Å"No, the vampire. Monsters always win over beasts.† â€Å"Ive told this pretty lady here that she owes me a kiss if the beast wins.† One man hiccupped, obviously drunk. I ground my teeth, wanting to lash out, to bite each and every one of them, to teach them a lesson. But I remembered Lexis words about revenge. Killing these men would not help Damon. A hand clapped my shoulder. I whirled around, ready to bare my teeth. It was Gallagher, his face flushed with excitement. â€Å"We have to hustle, son! The fights about to start, and the more we pack em in, the bigger the payday.† He hopped on an overturned apple crate standing just outside the entrance. â€Å"Step right up, folks! Welcome to my Odditorium! See the worlds ugliest woman, marvel at the worlds strongest man! But thats just the warm-up act. Because tonight, we have a battle royale, the likes of which have never been seen. Monster versus Beast. Who will win? And who wants to bet? Because this is one death that will lead to riches for some.† The crowd pressed in more tightly around me, swarming like a mass of hungry insects. Gallagher grinned at me. â€Å"Get em in, and get em bidding.† And so I held out my hand, collecting their coins and orange stubs of paper, all the while resisting the urge to reach out and snap their necks, as easily as I would a twig branch, and drink the liquid within.