Helen Oyeyemi’s The Icarus Girl: Review Essay

An exotic country, magical beings, and a girl’s journey to find friendship is just a short insight into what The Icarus Girl by Helen Oyeyemi has to offer. As I read the story I discovered that there is a much deeper meaning than what is on the surface. My goal is to inform the reader about how I interpreted the story line and why I did so. I found that this novel presented a strong insight into other cultures, great character depth and an overall engaging story. Jessamy Harrison is a one of the most intriguing characters that I have ever confronted in a book. On the first day of my read Jessamy seemed like any other 8 year old. She was one of the types that is always curious but aren’t all 8 year olds curious. Jessamy or Jess for short would always be the one to ask questions. Jess could never pronounce a word right and was any average little kid. Jess being an eight year old made the story very relatable to me because I have at least three cousins at that age. While reading the book I did question why Helen Oyeyemi decided to put Jess at such a young age. The conclusion that I came to make about that question is that she wanted to keep Jess innocent. Through the entire book Jess does not completely understand what is happening around her. She shows her innocence in many occasions throughout this book. Jess does not like it when there is not a happy ending so she likes to change books. When her mother asked why she changes books Jess replied â€Å"Well it’s not a proper story if everyone is miserable.† (62). When she was asked what she wanted to be when she grows up she said she wanted to fly. She did not want to fly planes she just wanted to fly. Jess is a young girl but she is very troubled. When ever she gets into a tight situation she just screams. She always seems to be in the principal’s office. Jess really does not have any friends until she travels to Nigeria. While taking time off in Nigeria Jess meets a girl named Titiola. Jess at the age of eight it is difficult for her pronounce Titiola’s name. Eventually Jess gives up on trying to say her name and decides to call her TillyTilly. By chance the one girl Jess makes friends with has special powers. Jess cant explain it and does not ask questions. TillyTilly is very mysterious and we do not learn much about her until later into the story. I started to question why Jess never really questions how TillyTilly can do these magical acts. If magic were going on around me I would really wonder how it is happening. Later into the story Jess has to travel make to her home in England. Jess has to settle back into the groove of school. She said her goodbyes to TillyTilly but does not want to leave without her one friend. One day after school Jess turns around and there is TillyTilly. This is where I was extremely confused in this book. This girl was just in Nigeria and then just shows up in England. Jess does not even question how or why TillyTilly an eight-year-old girl travels 4200 miles. That sounded a little peculiar to me. That scene I have come to conclude was the reason for Helen Oyeyemi making Jess eight years old. A lonely eight year old does not question where a friend came from. All Jess knows is she was lonely and wanted a friend. Jess wants to bring TillyTilly to school to show her off but Tilly says no one can know about her. The next day Jess proceeds to school and gets into even more trouble than usual. Her parents tell her she has to attend therapy. TillyTilly was very hesitant of letting Jess go. She had to make sure no one found out about her. TillyTilly said, â€Å"He won’t help you, Jessy. There’ll only be trouble.† (127). When Jess goes to meet the doctor she meets his daughter Siobhan. Jess and her have much in common and they become real friends. This is Jess’ first friend other than TillyTilly. One day Jess became very ill and was stuck in bed. TillyTilly came to visit. This visit was not any other visit. Jess learned a very sad truth. TillyTilly told Jess that she had a twin sister named Fern that died at birth. Jess becomes very upset with her parents for not telling her. When she told her parents they were just wondering how she came to find out. She declines to tell them. Her parents know of TillyTilly but they have never actual met her. This was the climax of the whole story. Jess finds out a hidden past that she had no idea of until now. By now Jess has found out that TillyTilly is not a normal eight-year-old girl. TillyTilly always tries to have Jess’ back like a sister. She always says, â€Å"We should get her† (98). She means hurt that person because they have wronged Tilly or Jess. She shattered Jess’ mom’s computer and a mirror in the bathroom. She also pushed Jess’ friend down the stairs. That was when Jess finally figured out that TillyTilly was not as nice as she thought. TillyTilly would always get Jess into trouble. Earlier in the story the broke into an amusement park and they broke into Jess’ enemy’s house. Jess also has to take the blame for all of Tilly’s faults. Jess can never get smart and learn that TillyTilly is bad news. At the end of the book the whole family travels back to Nigeria to celebrate Jessamy’s ninth birthday. While she is there she starts to lose her faith in TillyTilly. Jess does not know if she can trust her. The next day, Jess starts to learn Yoruba the native language of her family. Everyone is excited for her and her grandfather wants to speak to her in Yoruba. For some odd reason Jess told him to leave her alone. He became very upset with her and her father and grandpa started a huge fight. The next day there was a huge tragedy. Jessamy was riding in the back seat of a car with no seat belt. They had a head on collision and she was knocked out. The story ends with Jess standing up to TillyTilly and Jess finally took control. In all honesty this was not a book I would have picked up on my own and started to read. It ended up being a real page-turner and I really enjoyed it. This book had some great insight into different cultures and how the cultures interacted. This book told a great story about how a girl even a little one at that can eventually overcome trouble. That is a lesson everyone can learn from. No one likes having his or her life run by someone else. It is best to live life with a positive outlook and hope for the best.

Foundation’s Edge CHAPTER FOUR SPACE

SPACE The ship looked even more impressive than Trevize – with his memories of the time when the new cruiser-class had been glowingly publicized – had expected. It was not the size that was impressive – for it was rather small. It was designed for maneuverability and speed, for totally gravitic engines, and most of all for advanced computerization. It didn't need size – size would have defeated its purpose. It was a one-man device that could replace, with advantage, the older ships that required a crew of a dozen or more. With a second or even a third person to establish shifts of duty, one such ship could fight off a flotilla of much larger non-Foundation ships. In addition, it could outspeed and escape from any other ship in existence. There was a sleekness about it – not a wasted line, not a superfluous curve inside or out. Every cubic meter of volume was used to its maximum, so as to leave a paradoxical aura of spaciousness within. Nothing the Mayor might have said about the importance of his mission could have impressed Trevize more than the ship with which he was asked to perform it. Branno the Bronze, he thought with chagrin, had maneuvered him into a dangerous mission of the greatest significance. He might not have accepted with such determination had she not so arranged matters that he wanted to show her what he could do. As for Pelorat, he was transported with wonder. â€Å"Would you believe,† he said, placing a gentle finger on the hull before he had climbed inside, â€Å"that I've never been close to a spaceship?† â€Å"I'll believe it, of course, if you say so, Professor, but how did you manage it?† â€Å"I scarcely know, to be honest with you, dear fel – , I mean, my dear Trevize. I presume I was overly concerned with my research. When one's home has a really excellent computer capable of reaching other computers anywhere in the Galaxy, one scarcely needs to budge, you know. – Somehow I expected spaceships to be larger than this.† â€Å"This is a small model, but even so, it's much larger inside than any other ship of this size.† â€Å"How can that be? You are making fun of my ignorance.† â€Å"No, no. I'm serious. This is one of the first ships to be completely graviticized.† â€Å"What does that mean? – But please don't explain if it requires extensive physics. I will take your word, as you took mine yesterday in connection with the single species of humanity and the single world of origin.† â€Å"Let's try, Professor Pelorat. Through all the thousands of years of space flight, we've had chemical motors and ionic motors and hyperatomic motors, and all these things have been bulky. The old Imperial Navy had ships five hundred meters long with no more living space in them than would fit into a small apartment. Fortunately the Foundation has specialized in miniaturization through all the centuries of its existence, thanks to its lack of material resources. This ship is the culmination. It makes use of antigravity and the device that makes that possible takes up virtually no space and is actually included in the hull. If it weren't that we still need the hyperatomic†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A Security guard approached. â€Å"You will have to get on, gentlemen!† The sky was grooving light, though sunrise was still half an hour off. Trevize looked about. â€Å"Is my baggage loaded?† â€Å"Yes, Councilman, you will find the ship fully equipped.† â€Å"With clothing, I suppose, that is not my size or to my taste.† The guard smiled, quite suddenly and almost boyishly. â€Å"I think it is,† he said. â€Å"The Mayor had us working overtime these last thirty or forty hours and we've matched what you had closely. Money no object. Listen,† he looked about as though to make sure no one noticed his sudden fraternization, â€Å"you two are lucky. Best ship in the world. Fully equipped, except for armament. You're swimming in cream.† â€Å"Sour cream, possibly,† said Trevize. â€Å"Well, Professor, are you ready?† â€Å"With this I am,† Pelorat said and held up a square wafer about twenty centimeters to the side and encased in a jacket of silvery plastic. Trevize was suddenly aware that Pelorat had been holding it since they had left his home, shifting it from hand to hand and never putting it down, even when they had stopped for a quick breakfast. â€Å"What's that, Professor?† â€Å"My library. It's indexed by subject matter and origin and I've gotten it all into one wafer. If you think this ship is a marvel, how about this wafer? A whole library! Everything I have collected! Wonderful! Wonderful!† â€Å"Well,† said Trevize, â€Å"we are swimming in cream.† Trevize marveled at the inside of the ship. The utilization of space was ingenious. There was a storeroom, with supplies of food, clothing, films, and games. There was a gym, a parlor, and two nearly identical bedrooms. â€Å"This one,† said Trevize, â€Å"must be yours, Professor. At least, it contains an FX Reader.† â€Å"Good,† said Pelorat with satisfaction. â€Å"What an ass I have been to avoid space flight as I have. I could live here, my dear Trevize, in utter satisfaction.† â€Å"Roomier than I expected,† said Trevize with pleasure. â€Å"And the engines are really in the hull, as you said?† â€Å"The controlling devices are, at any rate. We don't have to store fuel or make use of it on the spot. We're making use of the fundamental energy store of the Universe, so that the fuel and the engines are all – out there.† He gestured vaguely. â€Å"Well, now that I think of it – what if something goes wrong?† Trevize shrugged. â€Å"I've been trained in space navigation, but not on these ships. If something goes wrong with the gravitics, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about it.† â€Å"But can you run this ship? Pilot it?† â€Å"I'm wondering that myself.† Pelorat said, â€Å"Do you suppose this is an automated ship? Might we not merely be passengers? We might simply be expected to sit here.† â€Å"They have such things in the case of ferries between planets and space stations within a stellar system, but I never heard of automated hyperspace travel. At least, not so far. – Not so far.† He looked about again and there was a trickle of apprehension within him. Had that harridan Mayor managed to maneuver that far ahead of him? Had the Foundation automated interstellar travel, too, and was he going to be deposited on Trantor quite against his will, and with no more to say about it than any of the rest of the furniture aboard ship? He said with a cheerful animation he didn't feel, â€Å"Professor, you sit down. The Mayor said this ship was completely computerized. If your room has the FX Reader, mine ought to have a computer in it. Make yourself comfortable and let me look around a bit on my own. Pelorat looked instantly anxious. â€Å"Trevize, my dear chap. You're not getting off the ship, are you?† â€Å"Not my plan at all, Professor. And if I tried, you can count on my being stopped. It is not the Mayor's intention to allow me off. All I'm planning to do is to learn what operates the Far Star.† He smiled, â€Å"I won't desert you, Professor.† He was still smiling as he entered, what he felt to be his own bedroom, but his face grew sober as he closed the door softly behind him. Surely there must be some means of communicating with a planet in the neighborhood of the ship. It was impossible to imagine a ship deliberately sealed off from its surroundings and, therefore, somewhere – perhaps in a wall recess – there would have to be a Reacher. He could use it to call the Mayor's office to ask about controls. Carefully he inspected the walls, the headboard of the bed, and the neat, smooth furniture. If nothing turned up here, he would go through the rest of the ship. He was about to turn away when his eye caught a glint of light on the smooth, light brown surface of the desk. A round circle of light, with neat lettering that read: COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONS. Ah! Nevertheless his heart beat rapidly. There were computers and computers, and there were programs that took a long time to master. Trevize had never made the mistake of underestimating his own intelligence, but, on the other hand, he was not a Grand Master. There were those who had a knack for using a computer, and those who had not – and Trevize knew very well into which class he fell. In his hitch in the Foundation Navy, he had reached the rank of lieutenant and had, on occasion, been officer of the day and had had occasion to use the ship's computer. He had never been in sole charge of it, however, and he had never been expected to know anything more than the routine maneuvers being officer of the day required. He remembered, with a sinking feeling, the volumes taken up by a fully described program in printout, and he could recall the behavior of Technical Sergeant Krasnet at the console of the ship's computer. He played it as though it were the most complex musical instrument in the Galaxy, and did it all with an air of nonchalance, as though he were bored at its simplicity – yet even he had had to consult the volumes at times, swearing at himself in embarrassment. Hesitantly Trevize placed a finger on the circle of light and at once the light spread out to cover the desk top. On it were the outline of two hands: a right and a left. With a sudden, smooth movement, the desk top tilted to an angle of forty-five degrees. Trevize took the seat before the desk. No words were necessary. It was clear what he was expected to do. He placed his hands on the outlines on the desk, which were positioned for him to do so without strain. The desk top seemed soft, nearly velvety, where he touched it – and his hands sank in. He stared at his hands with astonishment, for they had not sunk in at all. They were on the surface, his eyes told him. Yet to his sense of touch it was as though the desk surface had given way, and as though something were holding his hands softly and warmly. Was that all? Now what? He looked about and then closed his eyes in response to a suggestion. He had heard nothing. He had heard nothing! But inside his brain, as though it were a vagrant thought of his own, there was the sentence, â€Å"Please close your eyes. Relax. We will make connection.† Through the hands? Somehow Trevize had always assumed that if one were going to communicate by thought with a computer, it would be through a hood placed over the head and with electrodes against the eyes and skull. The hands? But why not the hands? Trevize found himself floating away, almost drowsy, but with no loss of mental acuity. Why not the hands? The eyes were no more than sense organs. The brain was no more than a central switchboard, encased in bone and removed from the working surface of the body. It was the hands that were the working surface, the hands that felt and manipulated the Universe. Human beings thought with their hands. It was their hands that were the answer of curiosity, that felt and pinched and turned and lifted and hefted. There were animals that had brains of respectable size, but they had no hands and that made all the difference. And as he and the computer held hands, their thinking merged and it no longer mattered whether his eyes were open or closed. Opening them did not improve his vision nor did closing them dim it. Either way, he saw the room with complete clarity – not just in the direction in which he was looking, but all around and above and below. He saw every room in the spaceship and he saw outside as well. The sun had risen and its brightness was dimmed in the morning mist, but he could look at it directly without being dazzled, for the computer automatically filtered the light waves. He felt the gentle wind and its temperature, and the sounds of the world about him. He detected the planet's magnetic field and the tiny electrical charges on the wall of the ship. He became aware of the controls of the ship, without even knowing what they were in detail. He knew only that if he wanted to lift the ship, or turn it, or accelerate it, or make use of any of its abilities, the process was the same as that of performing the analogous process to his body. He had but to use his will. Yet his will was not unalloyed. The computer itself could override. At the present moment, there was a formed sentence in his head and he knew exactly when and how the ship would take off. There was no flexibility where that was concerned. Thereafter, he knew just as surely, he would himself he able to deride. He found – as he cast the net of his computer – enhanced consciousness outward – that he could sense the condition of the upper atmosphere; that he could see the weather patterns; that he could detect the other ships that were swarming upward and the others that were settling downward. All of this had to be taken into ac, count and the computer was taking it into account. If the computer had not been doing so, Trevize realized, he need only desire the computer to do so – and it would be done. So much for the volumes of programming; there were none. Trevize thought of Technical Sergeant Krasnet and smiled. He had read often enough of the immense revolution that gravities would make in the world, but the fusion of computer and mind was still a state secret. It would surely produce a still greater revolution. He was aware of time passing. He knew exactly what time it was by Terminus Local and by Galactic Standard. How did he let go? And even as the thought entered his mind, his hands were released and the desk top moved back to its original position – and Trevize was left with his own unaided senses. He felt blind and helpless as though, for a time, he had been held and protected by a superbeing and now was abandoned. Had he not known that he could make contact again at any time, the feeling might have reduced him to tears. As it was he merely struggled for re-orientation, for adjustment to limits, then rose uncertainly to his feet and walked out of the room. Pelorat looked up. He had adjusted his Reader, obviously, and he said, â€Å"It works very well. It has an excellent Search Program. – Did you find the controls, my boy?† â€Å"Yes, Professor. All is well.† â€Å"In that case, shouldn't we do something about takeoff? I mean, self-protection? Aren't we supposed to strap ourselves in or something? I looked about for instructions, but I didn't find anything and that made me nervous. I had to turn to my library. Somehow when I am at my work†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Trevize had been pushing his hands at the professor as though to dam and stop the flood of words. Now he had to speak loudly in order to override him. â€Å"None of that is necessary, Professor. Antigravity is the equivalent of noninertia. There is no feeling of acceleration when velocity changes, since everything on the ship undergoes the change simultaneously.† â€Å"You mean, we won't know when we are off the planet and out in space?† â€Å"It's exactly what I mean, because even as I speak to you, we have taken off. We will be cutting through the upper atmosphere in a very few minutes and within half an hour we will be in outer space.† Pelorat seemed to shrink a little as he stared at Trevize. His long rectangle of a face grew so blank that, without showing any emotion at all, it radiated a vast uneasiness. Then his eyes shifted right – Left. Trevize remembered how he had felt on his own first trip beyond the atmosphere. He said, in as matter-of-fact a manner as he could, â€Å"Janov,† (it was the first time he had addressed the professor familiarly, but in this case experience was addressing inexperience and it was necessary to seem the older of the two) â€Å"we are perfectly safe here. We are in the metal womb of a warship of the Foundation Navy. We are not fully armed, but there is no place in the Galaxy where the name of the Foundation will not protect us. Even if some ship went mad and attacked, we could move out of its reach in a moment. And I assure you I have discovered that I can handle the ship perfectly.† Pelorat said, â€Å"It is the thought, Go-Golan, of nothingness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Why, there's nothingness all about Terminus. There's just a thin layer of very tenuous air between ourselves on the surface and the nothingness just above. Ail we're doing is to go past that inconsequential layer.† â€Å"It may be inconsequential, but we breathe it.† â€Å"We breathe here, too. The air on this ship is cleaner and purer, and will indefinitely remain cleaner and purer than the natural atmosphere of Terminus.† â€Å"And the meteorites?† â€Å"What about meteorites?† â€Å"The atmosphere protects us from meteorites. Radiation, too, for that matter.† Trevize said, â€Å"Humanity has been traveling through space for twenty millennia, I believe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Twenty-two. If we go by the Hallblockian chronology, it is quite plain that, counting the†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Enough! Have you heard of meteorite accidents or of radiation deaths? – I mean, recently? – I mean, in the case of Foundation ships?† â€Å"I have not really followed the news in such matters, but I am a historian, my boy, and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Historically, yes, there have been such things, but technology improves. There isn't a meteorite large enough to damage us that can possibly approach us before we take the necessary evasive action. Four meteorites – coming at us simultaneously from the four directions drawn from the vertices of a tetrahedron – might conceivably pin us down, but calculate the chances of that and you'll find that you'll die of old. age a trillion trillion times over before you will have a fifty-fifty chance of observing so interesting a phenomenon.† â€Å"You mean, if you were at the computer?† â€Å"No,† said Trevize in Scorn. â€Å"If I were running the computer on the basis of my own senses and responses, we would be hit before I ever knew what was happening. It is the computer itself that is at work, responding millions of times faster than you or I could.† He held out his hand abruptly. â€Å"Janov, come let me show you what the computer can do, and let me show you what space is like.† Pelorat stared, goggling a bit. Then he laughed briefly. â€Å"I'm not sure I wish to know, Golan.† â€Å"Of course you're not sure, Janov, because you don't know what it is that is waiting there to be known. Chance it! Come! Into my room!† Trevize held the other's hand, half leading him, half drawing him. He said, as he sat down at the computer, â€Å"Have you ever seen the Galaxy, Janov? Have you ever looked at it?† Pelorat said, â€Å"You mean in the sky?† â€Å"Yes, certainly. Where else?† â€Å"I've seen it. Everyone has seen it. If one looks up, one sees it.† â€Å"Have you ever stared at it on a dark, clear night, when the Diamonds are below the horizon?† The â€Å"Diamonds† referred to those few stars that were luminous enough and close enough to shine with moderate brightness in the night sky of Terminus. They were a small group that spanned a width of no more than twenty degrees, and for large parts of the night they were all below the horizon. Aside from he group, there was a scattering of dim stars just barely visible to the unaided eye. There was nothing more but the faint milkiness of the Galaxy – the view one might expect when one dwelt on a world like Terminus which was at the extreme edge of the outermost spiral of the Galaxy. â€Å"I suppose so, but why stare? It's a common sight.† â€Å"Of course it's a common sight,† said Trevize. â€Å"That's why no one sees it. Why see it if you can always see it? But now you'll see it, and not from Terminus, where the mist and the clouds are forever interfering. You'll see it as you'd never see it from Terminus – no matter how you stared, and no matter how clear and dark the night. How I wish I had never been in space before, so that – like you – I could see the Galaxy in its bare beauty for the first time.† He pushed a chair in Pelorat's direction. â€Å"Sit there, Janov. This may take a little time. I have to continue to grow accustomed to the computer. From what I've already felt, I know the viewing is holographic, so we won't need a screen of any sort. It makes direct contact with my brain, but I think I can have it produce an objective image that you will see, too. – Put out the light, will you? – No, that's foolish of me. I'll have the computer do it. Stay where you are.† Trevize made contact with the computer, holding hands warmly and intimately. The light dimmed, then went out completely, and in the darkness, Pelorat stirred. Trevize said, â€Å"Don't get nervous, Janov. I may have a little trouble trying to control the computer, but I'll start easy and you'll have to be patient with me. Do you see it? The crescent?† It hung in the darkness before them. A little dim and wavering at first, but getting sharper and brighter. Pelorat's voice sounded awed. â€Å"Is that Terminus? Are we that far from it?† â€Å"Yes, the ship's moving quickly.† The ship was curving into the night shadow of Terminus, which appeared as a thick crescent of bright light. Trevize had a momentary urge to send the ship in a wide arc that would carry them over the daylit side of the planet to show it in all its beauty, but he held back. Pelorat might find novelty in this, but the beauty would be tame. There were too many photographs, too many reaps, too many globes. Every child knew what Terminus looked like. A water planet more so than most-rich in water and poor in minerals, good in agriculture and poor in heavy industry, but the best in the Galaxy in high technology and in miniaturization. If he could have the computer use microwaves and translate it into a visible model, they would see every one of Terminus's ten thousand inhabited islands, together with the only one of them large enough to be considered a continent, the one that bore Terminus City and Turn away! It was just a thought, an exercise of the will, but the view shifted at once. The lighted crescent moved off toward the borders of vision and rolled off the edge. The darkness of starless space filled his eyes. Pelorat cleared his throat. â€Å"I wish you would bring back Terminus, my boy. I feel as though I've been blinded.† There was a tightness in his voice. â€Å"You're not blind. Look!† Into the field of vision came a filmy fog of pale translucence. It spread and became brighter, until the whole room seemed to glow. Shrink! Another exercise of will and the Galaxy drew off, as though seen through a diminishing telescope that was steadily growing more powerful in its ability to diminish. The Galaxy contracted and became a structure of varying luminosity. Brighten! It grew more luminous without changing size, and because the stellar system to which Terminus belonged was above the Galactic plane, the Galaxy was not seen exactly edge-on. It was a strongly foreshortened double spiral, with curving dark-nebula rifts streaking the glowing edge of the Terminus side. The creamy haze of the nucleus – far off and shrunken by the distance – looked unimportant. Pelorat said in an awed whisper, â€Å"You are right. I have never seen it like this. I never dreamed it had so much detail.† â€Å"How could you? You can't see the outer half when Terminus's atmosphere is between you and it. You can hardly see the nucleus from Terminus's surface. † â€Å"What a pity we're seeing it so nearly head-on.† â€Å"We don't have to. The computer can show it in any orientation. I just have to express the wish – and not even aloud.† Shift co-ordinates! This exercise of will was by no means a precise command. Yet as the image of Galaxy began to undergo a slow change, his mind guided the computer and had it do what he wished. Slowly the Galaxy was turning so that it could be seen at right angles to the Galactic plane. It spread out like a gigantic, glowing whirlpool, with curves of darkness, and knots of brightness, and a central all-but-featureless blaze. Pelorat asked, â€Å"How can the computer see it from a position in space that must be more than fifty thousand parsecs from this place?† Then he added, in a choked whisper, â€Å"Please forgive me that I ask. I know nothing about all this.† Trevize said, â€Å"I know almost as little about this computer as you do. Even a simple computer, however, can adjust co-ordinates and show the Galaxy in any position, starting with what it can sense in the natural position, the one, that is, that would appear from the computer's local position in space. Of course, it makes use only of the information it can sense to begin with, so when it changes to the broadside view we would find gaps and blurs in what it would show. In this case, though†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"We have an excellent view. I suspect that the computer is outfitted with a complete map of the Galaxy and can therefore view it from any angle with equal ease.† â€Å"How do you mean, a complete map?† â€Å"The spatial co-ordinates of every star in it must be in the computer's memory banks.† â€Å"Every star?† Pelorat seemed awed. â€Å"Well, perhaps not all three hundred billion. It would include the stars shining down on populated planets, certainly, and probably every star of spectral class K and brighter. That means about seventy-five billion, at least.† â€Å"Every star of a populated system?† â€Å"I wouldn't want to be pinned down; perhaps not all. There were, after all, twenty-five million inhabited systems in the time of Hari Seldon – which sounds like a lot but is only one star out of every twelve thousand. And then, in the five centuries since Seldon, the general breakup of the Empire didn't prevent further colonization. I should think it would have encouraged it. There are still plenty of habitable planets to expand into, so there may be thirty million now. It's possible that not all the new ones are in the Foundation's records.† â€Å"But the old ones? Surely they must all be there without exception.† â€Å"I imagine so. I can't guarantee it, of course, but I would be surprised if any long-established inhabited system were missing from the records. Let me show you something – if my ability to control the computer will go far enough.† Trevize's hands stiffened a bit with the effort and they seemed to sink further into the clasp of the computer. That might not have been necessary; he might only have had to think quietly and casually: Terminus! He did think that and there was, in response, a sparkling red diamond at the very edge of the whirlpool. â€Å"There's our sun,† he said with excitement. â€Å"That's the star that Terminus circles.† â€Å"Ah,† said Pelorat with a low, tremulous sigh. A bright yellow dot of light sprang into life in a rich cluster of stars deep in the heart of the Galaxy but well to one side of the central haze. It was rather closer to the Terminus edge of the Galaxy than to the other side. â€Å"And that,† said Trevize, â€Å"is Trantor's sun.† Another sigh, then Pelorat said, â€Å"Are you sure? They always speak of Trantor as being located in the center of the Galaxy.† â€Å"It is, in a way. it's as close to the center as a planet can get and still be habitable. It's closer than any other major populated system. The actual center of the Galaxy consists of a black hole with a mass of nearly a million stars, so that the center is a violent place. As far as we know, there is no life in the actual center and maybe there just can't be any life there. Trantor is in the innermost subring of the spiral arms and, believe me, if you could see its night sky, you would think it was in the center of the Galaxy. It's surrounded by an extremely rich clustering of stars.† â€Å"Have you been on Trantor, Golan?† asked Pelorat in clear envy. â€Å"Actually no, but I've seen holographic representations of its sky.† Trevize stared at the Galaxy somberly. In the great search for the Second Foundation during the time of the Mule, how everyone had played with Galactic maps – and how many volumes had been written and filmed on the subject And all because Hari Seldom had said, at the beginning, that the Second Foundation would be established â€Å"at the other end of the Galaxy,† calling the place â€Å"Star's End.† At the other end of the Galaxy! Even as Trevize thought it, a thin blue line sprang into view, stretching from Terminus, through the Galaxy's central black hole, to the other end. Trevize nearly jumped. He had not directly ordered the line, but he had thought of it quite clearly and that had been enough for the computer. But, of course, the straight-line route to the opposite side of the Galaxy was not necessarily an indication of the â€Å"other end† that Seldom had spoken of. It was Arkady Darell (if one could believe her autobiography) who had made use of the phrase â€Å"a circle has no end† to indicate what everyone now accepted as truth And though Trevize suddenly tried to suppress the thought, the computer was too quick for him. The blue line vanished and was replaced with a circle that neatly rimmed the Galaxy in blue and that passed through the deep red dot of Terminus's sun. A circle has no end, and if the circle began at Terminus, then if we searched for the other end, it would merely return to Terminus, and there the Second Foundation had indeed been found, inhabiting the same world as the First. But if, in reality, it had not been found – if the so-called finding of the Second Foundation had been an illusion – what then? What beside a straight line and a circle would make sense in this connection? Pelorat said, â€Å"Are you creating illusions? Why is there a blue circle?† â€Å"I was just testing my controls. – Would you like to locate Earth?† There was silence for a moment or two, then Pelorat said, â€Å"Are you joking?† â€Å"No. I'll try.† He did. Nothing happened. â€Å"Sorry,† said Trevize. â€Å"It's not there? no Earth?† â€Å"I suppose I might have misthought my command, but that doesn't seem likely. I suppose it's more likely that Earth isn't listed in the computer's vitals.† Pelorat said, â€Å"It may be listed under another name.† Trevize jumped at that quickly, â€Å"What other name, Janov?† Pelorat said nothing and, in the darkness, Trevize smiled. It occurred to him that things might just possibly be falling into place. Let it go for a while. Let it ripen. He deliberately changed the subject and said, â€Å"I wonder if we can manipulate time.† â€Å"Time! How can we do that?† â€Å"The Galaxy is rotating. It takes nearly half a billion years for Terminus to move about the grand circumference of the Galaxy once. Stars that are closer to the center complete the journey much more quickly, of course. The motion of each star, relative to the central black hole, might be recorded in the computer and, if so, it may be possible to have the computer multiply each motion by millions of times and make the rotational effect visible. I can try to have it done.† He did and he could not help his muscles tightening with the effort of will he was exerting – as though he were taking hold of the Galaxy and accelerating it, twisting it, forcing it to spin against terrible resistance. The Galaxy was moving. Slowly, mightily, it was twisting in the direction that should be working to tighten the spiral arms. Time was passing incredibly rapidly as they watched – a false, artificial time – and, as it did so, stars became evanescent things. Some of the larger ones – here and there – reddened and grew brighter as they expanded into red giants. And then a star in the central clusters blew up soundlessly in a blinding blaze that, for a tiny fraction of a second, dimmed the Galaxy and then was gone. Then another in one of the spiral arms, then still another not very far away from it. â€Å"Supernovas,† said Trevize a little shakily. Was it possible that the computer could predict exactly which stars would explode and when? Or was it just using a simplified model that served to show the starry future in general terms, rather than precisely? Pelorat said in a husky whisper, â€Å"The Galaxy looks like a living thing, crawling through space.† â€Å"It does,† said Trevize, â€Å"but I'm growing tired. Unless I learn to do this less tensely, I'm not going to be able to play this kind of game for long.† He let go. The Galaxy slowed, then halted, then tilted, until it was in the view-from-the-side from which they had seen it at the start. Trevize closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He was aware of Terminus shrinking behind them, with the last perceptible wisps of atmosphere gone from their surroundings. He was aware of all the ships filling Terminus's near-space. It did not occur to him to check whether there was anything special about any one of those ships. Was there one that was gravitic like his own and matched his trajectory more closely than chance would allow?

The United States Economic Development in the World War II Essay

The United States Economic Development in the World War II - Essay Example This essay outlines the efficiency of the economic policies of American government in war and post-war period, that led to strongly improved performance of the economy in the world. There are several reasons that led to wage rise during the Second World War. One reason that led to the rise in wage rates during the Second World War was the increased efficiency in jobs. Millions of residents of the United States of America who worked in occupations that were less productive moved to more efficient occupations. By acquiring efficient jobs, they earned more from their occupations. During the Second World War, wages also increased because productivity was equally improved. The improvement in productivity was brought about by better technologies that were put in place. The United States of America got its resources using an array of methods. One of them was excessive use of taxation. High taxes were imposed on workers as a way of mobilizing resources. The Congress collaborated with Roosevelt to impose heavy taxes as a way of mobilizing resources. The rates of marginal taxes increased from 81 per cent to about 94 per cent during the entire duration of the Second World War. The income level that was subjected to tax was also lowered Following the World War II, the increase in the demand of consumers for commodities fueled a robust economic growth. One industry that benefited from the consumer demand was the motor vehicle industry. To add to that, electronic and aviation industries witnessed enormous growth. ... The army was well marshaled to a force that was feared in the battlefield during the entire season of the war. By the year 1945, the military of the United States of America comprised of at least 13 000 000 million men, in addition to women who were in unison. This jump started the successful tradition in battle fields the United States of America has enjoyed till today. The industrial strength of the United States was also a crucial factor that was observed not only during but also after the Second World War. As much as they imported most of the resources they used outside the nation, their Gross domestic product stood the highest across the entire world. This margin was very large compared to those of other parts of the world (Young, 2013). During the post war era, the industry was transformed into an economic powerhouse still being witnessed today in the United States of America. These are of the reasons that led to the success of the United States as far as economic growth was co ncerned. They were able to recognize some of the gaps by other countries which they filled well. The post war prosperity that was witnessed in the United States of America after the Second World War was such a golden chance to the capitalists. This was attributed to maturity in bonds of about 200 million dollars from the years between 1945 to 1973.These bonds were financed by their work force that was educated. The post war prosperity and economic growth was also brought about by the increased number of farm workers who secured jobs in cities and towns across the United States of America. Before the Second World War, the economics of the United States ditched into a great depression. This occurred in the period between 1929 to 1941.In 1932, the

Uses of the private browsing feature offered by major internet Essay

Uses of the private browsing feature offered by major internet browsers - Essay Example As such, other users of the same computer will not be able to track one’s communication and the pages on social sites that they have visited. Closely related to this point is that people turn on the feature when accessing sites that they do not wish their partners or family members to view, or when performing research on a subject that they consider private. For example, people accessing pornographic sites or sites that feature adult products turn on the feature to hide their tracks (lifehacker, 2012). The feature is also useful at home when planning surprises and buying gifts online (Lienjdlien, 2010). The target of the surprise is not able to detect what is in store for them as no trace of sites visited by a person is left behind. At home, the private browsing feature is also used when visiting or opening pages that are potentially dangerous or intrusive according to Lienjdlien (2010). For example, the feature may be turned on to filter out adverts or sites that may contain viruses. At work, the private browsing feature acts as a security measure against possible threats when performing online transactions (Lienjdlien, 2010). As a security measure against online threats when performing transactions, the feature is also applicable at the home. The feature is also used when one has to log onto a private account from a computer that is publicly accessed. The feature in this case prevents other persons from gaining access to private accounts once an individual has logged off from them. The feature is also important when one needs to hide their tracks and keep the computer’s browser free of information that is not relevant (Lienjdlien, 2010). Web developers enter the private mode with an aim of testing websites’ session and cookie related aspects (lifehacker, 2012). At work, one may use the private browsing feature to manage multiple accounts simultaneously on a single website. For example, if one has several gmail accounts

Dell Inc Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dell Inc Paper - Essay Example In addition, the third party integration cost is higher than the cost of integration done by contract manufacturers. The US labors costs are higher than that of China. From the figure 6-4, it is obvious that in L5 the chassis (without motherboard) is shipped to the United States first, and subsequently the motherboards are airfreighted to the country (Simchi-Levi et al., p.184). Since the motherboard is not manufactured at the time of shipping the chassis, the company incurs additional logistics costs from airfreight. While analyzing the six of the proposed manufacturing solutions to the Dell, it is advisable for the company to manage the 3PI (3rd Party Integration) directly to improve its supply chain efficiency. When the 3PI is managed by Dell directly, the Dell management can enjoy more control over its supply chain activities, and ensure uninterrupted flow of finished products. Another major advantage of this manufacturing solution is that it would help the company trim down integration costs by employing cheap labor. In addition, this manufacturing option may assist the firm to minimize its dependence on external parties. The potential demerit of this solution is that Dell has not adequate expertise in the integration process and this issue may lead to product quality problems. If the supply chain shortage gets deteriorated, the company cannot manage the situation by simply practicing the option 4 (Dell managed 3PI). Under this circumstance, the organization must switch to the option 3A – Integration at SLC/hub. This option is relatively less complex for worldwide procurement, and therefore it may assist the company to resolve the issue. In addition, the management of supply quality engineering is minimized under this option, and hence the chipset supply is likely to improve. However, the option 3A is not very effective considering the difficulties associated with cost accounting. Finally, additional production control and

Germany's Weltpolitik Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Germany's Weltpolitik - Essay Example directed against socialists! Caprivi's successor, Prince Hohenlohe (Chancellor 1894 -1900), was an elderly Bavarian aristocrat with a reputation for indecision and procrastination. Thus Hohenlohe became a figure-head and Blow, his foreign minister, exerted a powerful influence under him. In time Blow became Chancellor between 1900 - 1909. He was a manipulator and self-seeker who pandered to the emperor. He became unpopular with the Kaiser following the Daily Telegraph affair, and was replaced by Bethmann-Hollweg, who was Chancellor between 1909 - 17. He was a hard-working and well-meaning bureaucrat lacking experience in foreign affairs, and ignorant of military issues. Caprivi's adopted a more conciliatory attitude to previously hostile forces within Germany, such as the Centre Party and the Social Democrats. In 1891 with the backing of the Reichstag, he introduced the prohibition on Sunday working and limitations on child labour. He also reformed Germany's tariff policy - in a series a bilateral agreements with Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia and others he negotiated a reduction of German tariffs on agricultural goods in return for reductions in foreign tariffs on German goods. However, this initiated a reaction. In 1893 the Agrarian League was formed; it grew to a million members and acted as powerful pressure group for the Conservatives. earning the resentment of the army... eries a bilateral agreements with Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia and others he negotiated a reduction of German tariffs on agricultural goods in return for reductions in foreign tariffs on German goods. However, this initiated a reaction. In 1893 the Agrarian League was formed; it grew to a million members and acted as powerful pressure group for the Conservatives. In 1892 - 3 Caprivi also reduced conscription from 3 to 2 years in the Army Bill; thus earning the resentment of the army. In 1894 Wilhelm II pressed Caprivi to draw up an anti-socialist Subversion Bill; Caprivi refused. Although he did dissuade Wilhelm II from adopting an even more authoritarian approach, he resigned. Weltpolitik The aged Hohenlohe held the Chancellorship until 1900, but he was no match for court and government intrigue. Policy was directed more by Blow, Tirpitz and Posadowsky-Wehner. In 1897 Admiral von Tirpitz was appointed navy secretary; Count Posadowsky-Wehner as interior minister; Blow as foreign secretary. A period of Weltpolitik was introduced - colonnial annexations, creation of economic spheres of influence, and expansion of the navy. The Kaiser wanted Germany to become a world power. There was a belief in social Darwinism and the unending struggle between nations. The peasantry and Mittlestand had become radicalised; and many pressure groups formed - especially, the Pan-German League, which was anti-Socialist, racist, anti-Semitic and expansionist. In 1898 Tripitz initiated the creation of the Navy League, with financial backing from key industrialists. Membership rose to 1 million. The Navy Bills of 1898 and 1900 were passed with substantial majorities. There was renewed political struggle within Germany over the renewal of Caprivi's commercial treaties - the compromise Tariff

Federalism Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Federalism Paper - Essay Example People have different and varied opinions about federalism but for United States it completely make sense to be a federalist country. This is because US is spreaded over a large geographical area and it is near to impossible to run and control the whole country by just having one government. Federalism might look as an incomprehensible idealistic expression, but it has a substantial meaning. It basically reflects the choice of the people and gives them a say in deciding as how the state or even people living in the state should be governed. When votes are being casted, an individual say will only matter when there will be a small number of people casting votes for their state rather than a million people voting for the whole country. People take more interest in the local elections rather than the country election when they are living in a federalist country (Longley, 2013). When all the activities are being handled by the state, the accountability of the state government as well as the people living in that state increases. If someone is not working in the right manner or if they are not being ethical with their work, it is easier to figure out what is wrong and can be corrected there and then. Federalism also makes people more concerned about the state and the people living in the state which is considered to be the best part of it (Magazu, 2013). Different states have different laws which are to the convenience of the people living there. The law of education, health, marriage and divorce, drinking age limit and driving license are major laws which are made and implemented by the state government. The state government does not need permission from the central government to make changes in these laws when and where required hence giving people a more close say in running the place they live in. Secondly the issues that are related to the people directly are heard and solved more quickly and

American Literature before the Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

American Literature before the Civil War - Essay Example From the start, however, the New England’s literature was also directed to the learning and instruction of the colonists themselves, planned to direct them in the godly ways (Hodge, 1907). The first work available in the Puritan colonies was the Bay Psalm Book which was done in 1640, and the whole attempt of the divines who wrote heatedly to set forward their views among them was Roger Williams along with Thomas Hooker. This was to defend and encourage visions of the religious state. They set out their dreams in effect the primary formulation of the idea of national fortune in a sequence of emotional histories from Edward Johnsons Wonder-Working Providence to the epic of Cotton Mather Magnalia Christi Americana. Puritan poetry was also offered consistently to the service of God. Michael Wigglesworths Day of Doom (1662) was candidly theological, as well as Anne Bradstreets poems, issued as The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung up in America (1650), reflected her own piety (White and Rowlandson, 2009). The best of the Puritan poets, Edward Taylor, whose effort was not available until two centuries following his death, wrote metaphysical rhyme worthy of contrast with that of the English poet George Herbert. American historical literature, in a sense, is a literary face of the pious optimism of the Puritan request. The Puritans had the vision of living under an ideal order and worked with trust as well as courage to building a fresh Garden of Eden (White and Rowlandson, 2009). They therefore tended to view everything with a big quantity of optimism. The Puritans metaphorical style of insight brought American literary symbolism into form. To the devout Puritans, the material world was spiritual, nothing but a sign of God. The world, consequently, was one of numerous meanings. The Puritan style of writing is typically by simplicity. The Puritans have been detested for their severity and

The Autonomic Nervous System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Autonomic Nervous System - Essay Example Each pathway comprises of a preganglionic neurone as well as a postganglionic neurone. Within the sympathetic system, the synapses between these two neurons are located near the spinal cord. On the other hand within the parasympathetic nervous system, these two neurons are located near to, or within the effector organs (Tortora & Derrickson 2009). The effects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems normally oppose each other. They are termed as antagonists, thus is one system contracts a muscle, the other usually relaxes it. The balance between the two systems concisely regulates the involuntary activities of the organs and glands. Exceptional to note is that it is feasible to control consciously specific activities of the autonomic nervous system through training. Some examples in this include control of the anal and bladder sphincters. With regard to nerve impulse transmission process, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates effectors and produces noradrenalin as t he neurotransmitter at nerve junctions. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system inhibits effectors and produces acetylcholine at the nerve junction, otherwise called the synapse (Tortora & Derrickson 2009). The autonomic nervous system comprises of motor neurons which innervate smooth and cardiac muscles as well as the glands. These neurons also ensure optimal environments conditions within the systems to ensure maximum support for body activities. The neurons operate via subconscious control and have viscera as most of their effectors. Within the autonomic nervous system, the preganglionic fibers release acetylcholine as the major neurotransmitter. Postganglionic fibers release norepinephrine or acetylcholine whose effects can either be stimulatory or inhibitory. The neurotransmitter effects within the autonomic nervous system on target organs are dependent on the neurotransmitter released. Additionally, such effects are dependent on the type of receptors expressed on the e ffector organs. The divisions of the autonomic nervous system serve similar visceral organs but cause opposite effects. These divisions exemplified by parasympathetic and sympathetic categories help in maintaining homeostasis. Precisely, the sympathetic division mobilizes the body during activity while the parasympathetic division conserves the energy within the body. The role of parasympathetic division is well illustrated when a person relaxes after taking a meal. In such a circumstance, the division plays a role of keeping the energy level consumption as low as possible. As such, the heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rates are kept at lower concentrations. However, during such circumstances, the gastrointestinal tract activity is high as a result of digestion. The skin is warm while the pupils are constricted. On the other hand, the sympathetic division is a good depiction of fight or flight system. This division allows the regulation of activities during exercises. In s uch scenarios, the system reduces the flow of blood to organs while it increases the flow of blood to muscles. Its activity is illustrated by an individual who is under a threat and as such, the heart rate increases with rapid and deep breathing. Additionally, the glucose levels in the blood are high because this important sugar is released from the liver. Furthermore, the skin is cold and sweaty while the pupils of the eyes are dilated due to alertness. Parasympathetic div

Equality Within Modern Educational System Essay

Equality Within Modern Educational System - Essay Example (Beveridge, 2004) Crucially, the home-school relationship is also influenced by the child himself or herself. It is apparent, for example, that where parents see that their children are liked and valued by teachers, they are more likely to feel positive about communication and cooperation with school. At the same time, however, there is evidence that children seek to preserve some privacy in their home and school lives and to 'manage the gap' (Alldred et al., 2002) between them. Concepts of inclusion and inclusive education have developed over time within the context of broader social values and political priorities. When the Warnock Report (DES, 1978) was published, it used the term 'integration' to refer to the involvement in mainstream school of those children with special educational needs who had traditionally been educated in segregated provision. It distinguished between different forms of integration: locational, when children with special educational needs share a site with mainstream pupils; social, when they also share social out-of-class activities; and functional, when they join in at least some mainstream lessons. This very simple model quickly became associated with narrow interpretations of what integration involved. It appeared to endorse a step-by-step progression, where children who could demonstrate their suitability might gradually move towards full involvement in mainstream provision. As Sir Cyril Taylor (Chairman of the Specialist Trust) once said while giving interview to BBC, "Everybody should be concerned if there are children in the under performing schools" (BBC, 2006a). Bearing all of these approaches in mind, the emphasis was placed on where education took place, rather than on its quality. Further,... This paper approves that disabled school pupils and university students in England and Wales are about to get legal rights against discrimination. Under legislation coming into force on 1 September, educational institutions will have to ensure that disabled learners are not disadvantaged. And admissions procedures must not discriminate against disabled students seeking to enrol. Earlier disability legislation had exempted the education sector. But the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act now extend the anti-discrimination protection to education. Institutions have to make â€Å"reasonable adjustments† to ensure that disabled students can participate in courses and lessons. This essay makes a conclusion that in all schools, the quality, style and attitudes of leadership (in particular those of the head teacher) are crucial to creating and maintaining an inclusive ethos. One head stated, ‘We are a comprehensive school’, before stressing his duty to all-children in his community, including those with learning and behavioural difficulties. In schools coping well with behavioural issues, statements such as this were an articulation of deeply held beliefs, and senior staff, imbued with inclusive values, possessed the skill and motivation to influence the attitudes and actions of their sometimes more-doubting colleagues. Many teachers and Learning Support Assistants have become receptive to senior staff initiatives to engender positive behaviour management. Conversely, head teachers and senior staff are receptive to, and supportive of, teacher ideas and initiatives.

Odyssey and Troy Essay Example for Free

Odyssey and Troy Essay Odyssey, Troy, Hercilles, Itacha, Zeus, Thesues, Alexsander. If I should guess, some these names are not totally strange to you. Tales of war and death, tales that make the heart beat and thrills the soul. Tales of love and of determination for glory. All these are some of the things that characterize epic literature. As a field of study, literature makes us see the world better. It is a way of seeing through words and expressions. Epic literaure is a narrative and dramatic form of literaure that talks about conquests and the heriotic acts of certain people in ancient times. Although there are many literary works that fall under epic literature, one can not just but mention the works of Homer, Virgil and Dante. Not only this this people writer to entertain, we can feel the life of passion in their works. Generally, epic literature are written in the form of poetry which are in a metoric style. Also, they have some perculiar themes – themes like quest for glory and heroism, quest for power and authority, fate and destiny, the activities of the gods in human life and endeavours. People change, languages evolve, cultures change due to several factors. All these has a lot of effect on literature in general. Literature today still contains the same elements and it still talks about what is happening in the soicety. However, there are some difference in their themes. For instance, in the case of epic literature, particularly in ancient greek mythology, there is the exagerated belief in the gods and their presence in the determination of the eventual occurences, whether success or woe, of the people. However, in recent times, literature has become more factual and less religious. Apart from these, the themes/ what they talk abut has changed. Most epic literatures portray war and violence, bringing in the elemnets of devotion and courage into it as a way of celebrating herotic acts of these fierce warlords. On the other hand, literature today dicusses themes like societal coexistence and other themes that has to do with living in peace with one another.

The development of the low cost airline industry in asia

The development of the low cost airline industry in asia 1. Introduction This report will address the assignment topic. ‘Discuss the development of the low cost airline industry in Asia. The topic chosen for this report is the development of Low cost airline in Asia Tourism industry. To address the complexities of this topic, it is necessary to begin the report with an understanding of low cost airline and Aisa tourism industry. In a broader area, it is necessary to concern the impacts of Aisa, and implication for the future. It is important to keep in mind the global impact on the Tourism Industry that these changes could have. However, base on the limitation of time and information, this report will focus on China, Hong Kong, and Japan to investigate all of the issuse of low cost airline.Moreover, because these three regions are most popular to discuss and people will familiar with the situations of these regions.Therefore, the following content will investigate these three regions and all of the issues. 2. What is Low Cost Airline? According to ITF (2002), the operation model of low cost carrier is point to pint services, usually low cost carriers will mainly focus on short haul flight between 400 -600 nautical miles, even they will not have catering and entertainment service inflight. Moreover, they will use one aircaft type to enhance the utilisation and reduce the maintanace cost; also they will often using secondary airports with cheaper landing charges. In addition, they will focus on the lower income market and base on the time of booking and choice of flight 3. The Developmet of Low Cost Airine Refer to Thomas Bieger, Andreas Wittmer (2006), in the early 1970s, the first Low cost airline mode was operated by Southwest Airlines in the United Stated. For the charateristics of this mode, the Southwest Airlines was just providing the single class and no frills air travel services that means they will no provide the meal and snacks, and just provide the economic class for passengers. Moreover, the fare price was low and high restriction, that means the fare will have a high penality for those who need to change the time and location of the fare. Base on the liberalisation, deregulation and release of open skies policy. More Low cost airline was inccur and base on the growth of air travel (WTO 2002), the demand of aircraft was huge. Therefore, air travel was a potental market to develop. For the development of Asia, In 1998 the two low-cost carriers, Skymark Airlines and Air Do, entered, respectively, the Tokyo-Fukuoka route and the Tokyo-Sapporo route. In South Korea, the LCCs, Hansung Airlines and Jeju Air, entered the domestic market in 2005 and 2006 respectively, and two more LCCs, namely, Yeongnam Air and Jin Air, just entered the market in July 2008. In Hong Kong and Macau, the two Special Administrative Regions of China, Oasis Hong Kong and Viva Macau are the respective LCCs, both serving long-haul international routes in effect, established in 2004 Viva Macau is the first long-haul LCC in Asia In 2005, the first low costairline was established in China which was Spring airline. Spring Airline was established by Spring Travel and their operation model was quite similar to Southwest Airliness, they also just provide single class and no frills services. Spring Airine was just provide the domestic flight and have about 34 routes within China. 4. Feasibility Study of Potential Market According to World Airline Report (2008), In 2008 the Revenue passenger kilometreswas about 355,243. For 2009 the Revenue passenger kilometres was about 313,469.Although, the revenue was decrease about 11.8% (Figure, 2). However, it was huge revenue for the airline idustry within Asia Pacific. On the othe hand, in 2009 the amount of passengers was abot 75,363,000 and in 2008 the amount of passengers was about 84,586,000 (Figure, 2), and decrease about 10.9%. However, it can prove that the Asian market still have a large demand of the aviation industry. 3. 1 China Base on the World Tourism Organisation Report (2004), About 108 million foreign visitors travelled to China, and 18 percent increase from 2003 and a 10 percent increase from 2002.Foreign tourists who stayed at least overnight reached 41 million, up 24 percent from 2003 and 11 percent from 2002. Moreover, foreign exchange revenue from tourism reached 25 billion US dollars, a 47 percent increase from2003 and a 25 percent increase from 2002. In addition, the number of domestic tourists will reach 930 million.Domestic tourism revenue isexpected to exceed 400 billion Yuan, 5.9 percenthigher than that of 2003 and 3.1 percent higher than that of 2002. 3.2 Hong Kong On the other hand, in 2004, Hong Kong obtained over 21.8 million tourist arrivals, representing an increase of 40.4% as compared to 2003.Moreover,the strong performance of the tourism industry was mainly attributable to the spectacular growth of the Mainland arrivals, especially after the implementation and continual expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme which covers residents of Beijing, Shanghai Guangzhou, under the auspicesof the Close Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA) with Mainland China. During 2004, over 12.2 million Mainland tourists visited Hong Kong,with over 4.2 million travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme. Meanwhile, other major overseas markets also exceeded pre-SARS level andare growing healthily. 3.3 Japan According to World Tourism Organisation Report (JNTO) international visitors to Japan in 2004 (January to December) is estimated to be 6.1million tourists, up 17.9% from last year. Base on World Tourism Organisation Report (2004), the total number of Japanese travellers to Republic of Korea in 2004 was 2.4 million tourists and it exceeded the same figure in 2002. This is attributed to the popularity of Korean TV dramasinJapan.The total number of Japanese travellers to China in 2004 (January to November) was 3 million. The total number of Japanese travellers who went to Taiwan, province of China and Singapore was 890,000 and 598,000 respectively. Both figures exceeded 2003 figures when SARS was an issue, but did not reach the figure of 2002. 4. Low Cost Carrier Contribution in China According to Civil Aviation Administration of China Report, In 2007, GDP reached 24.6619 trillion yuan, an increase of 11.4%, the fifth consecutive year growth rate of more than 10%. Base on the CAAC report, over the last five years Chinese civil aviation has seen a rapid growth, averaging 20 % annual growth rate. In 2007, the completion of the total Transportation turnover 36.53 billion ton-km, passenger turnover 279.17billion person- kilometers, passenger transport volume of 190 million passengers, cargo and Mail turnover 11.64 billion tonkm, cargo and mail transport volume of 4.019 million tons, respectively, compared with 19.5% last year17.8%, 16.3%, 23.5%, and 15.0% (Figure 1,3) Low cost airline to complete a total turnover of 1.85 billion ton-km, an increase of 216.9 percent, accounting for 5.1% of the industry, an increase of 3.2 percentage points (Figure 2) 4.1 Low Cost Carrier Contribution in Hong Kong By the Census and Statistics Department report (2008), In the first quarter of 2008, Hong Kongs GNP increased by 6.5% over a year earlier to $427.3 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $409.3 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 9.6% increase during the period. Compared with GDP, the value of Hong Kongs GNP was larger by $18.0 billion in the first quarter of 2008, representing a net external factor income inflow of the same amount, and equivalent to 4.4% of GDP in that quarter. Moreover, Hotel occupancy across all categories of hotels in January 2009 was 79%, eight percentage points lower than in January 2009. The geographic locations with the highest occupancy were Yau Ma Tei/Mong Kok, where hotels recorded average occupancy rate of 85%. The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories was HK$1,117, 10.3% lower than in January 2008. 4.3 Low Cost Carrier Contribution of Japan According to Department of National Accounts Economic and Social Research Institute Cabinet Office, the report of Quarterly Estimates of GDP (2009), the GDP offirst quarterly was about 521,560 trillion yen, and in 2008 the GDP of first quarterly was about 569,139 trillion yen. Moreover, for the private consumption between 2008 and 2009, the amount of privateConsumption in 2008 was about 312, 069 and in 2009 was about 303,639 trillion yen. 5The Drawbacks of Low Cost Carrires Base on the analysis of China, Hong Kong, and Japan, although low cost carrires canIncrease the econmoic level of these three regions. However, for the econonmic point of view, when the Gross Domestic Product getting increase, the cost of living will also getting increase. Becase of the inflation problem for the goods and products, people may not affordable to purchase the goods and products. Morover, it will also occurthe unequal income distribution, that means rich guy can get more rich and poor guy will get more poor.On the hand, when the demand of low cost airline increase, that mean the demand of air traffic will increase too. For this issue, it may occur the overcrowding for the airport. The capacity of the airport a limit, if too many flight come to the airport, it may occur the congestion of air traffic, the congestion of runway and apron and increase the accident rate of air traffic. Moreover, air traffic accounts in a sizeable way in the emissions of carbon dioxide the most credited international estimates go from a minimum of 3% to a maximum of 10%. However, Aviation accounts for 2% of man-made global carbon emissions, and with current global demand for the aviation industry increasing, it is predicted to grow to 3% by 2026. 6. Conclusion To sum up this report, after the analysis of the development of low cost Airline in Asia, all of the evidents and data can prove that low cost Airline a continue contribute the Asian regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan. Airline Industry is one of the key transports within Asia, the government of these regions, need to pay atttention to develop and control. But for the further development of Low cost airlines within Asia, there are some barrires will affect the expansion of Low cost carriers. The first one is the deregulation issued, China and Japan are more restrict their sky policy such as Chinese government will restirct the route of the flight and the price stucture of the air ticket, because the government will more protect the local airlines. Second, China and Japan are lack of secondary airport. For China areas, all of the major airports are main airport. If low cost carrires want to entry this market, they can not redcue the operation cost and can not compete with the regional airlines. Thrid, Hong Kong aviation market was monopoly by Cathy Pacify; the Oasis Hong Kong was a good example to prove that if the market was monpoly by a large airlineCompany, they can not survive. The last one is the fuel cost issue, although the international crude oil prices have recently fallen from the peak of US$70-odd to US$50-odd. However, the fuel cost is one of the major cost of airline companies. If the crude oil prices return to peak of US$70-odd or higher, the lost cost airline can not survive with this issue. Therefore, for the further development of Low cost carrires these kinds of issue are necessary to concern and may to have greater negotiation of all the countries to discuss all these issues.

Immunocompromised Infection with Behçet Disease

Immunocompromised Infection with Behà §et Disease Abstract Behà §et disease is a relapsing multiorgan inflammatory disorder characterised by mucocutaneous, opthalmic, neurological, vascular and gastrointestinal involvement. We report an intriging case with rare manifestations of myositis and myocarditis, and the first reported occurrence of an immunocompromised-associated infection (polymicrobial necrotising fasciitis) without immunosuppresive therapy use in this presumably hyperimmune disorder. Lessons from practice: 1. Behà §et Disease is a rare autoimmune condition with significant geographical variation in its distribution and is most prevalent in people of Turkish background. 2. Behà §et disease is a systemic disease with predominant symptoms of oral ulcerations, genital ulcerations and uveitis. Other systemic involvement include neurological, gastrointestination, rheumatic, dermatological manifestation. Less common but well described manifestation include muscle and cardiac involvement. 3. The unexplained manifestation of Type 1 necrotising fascitis in this patient suggests that immune dysregulation in Behà §et disease could contribute to primary immunosuppression. It is important to maintain high viligance for risk of infection in Behà §et disease. Clinical Record A 40-year-old woman presented to hospital for investigation of progressive malaise, anorexia and generalised proximal myalgia over 6 days with an elevated serum creatine kinase [CK] of 3550 U/L (reference range [RR] < 145). She is of Spanish and Turkish ethnic background. Her medical history included transfusion-related Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, lower limb deep vein thrombosis with Factor V Leiden mutation and depression. She denied any infective symptoms, recent trauma or stenuous exercise, rash or athralgias. Physical examation was unremarkable except for proximal generalised myalgia without weakness. Laboratory investigations initially revealed a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP). Over the next 72 hours, she developed an acute bilateral polyathropathy of the wrist and metacarpalphalangeal joints. Multiple cutaneous manifestations were observed including (1) a rapidly evolving erythema nodosum-like rash over the legs which later progressed into a purpuric non-blanching rash with fluctuant subcutaneous oedema, (2) multiple oral aptheous ulcers and (3) perioral acneiform papular nodules. Further laboratory studies showed mildy raised inflammatory markers and a normalising CK of 428 U/L. The results of investigations for differential diagnoses were unremarkable. (Table 1) Multiple skin biopsies showed a neutrophilic-dermatosis like reaction. On day 6, she developed a mildly tender natal cleft excoriation which progressively became pustular over 2 days with a dramatic increase in CRP >380mg/L and worsening renal function. She remained systemically well. A wound swab grew methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus. Oral flucloxacillin and metronidazole were commenced. MRI showed enhanced T2 signals in the presacral fascia correlating to the sacral wound. A biopsy of the natal cleft wound showed similar findings to previous skin biopsies. Simultaneously, a pathergy-like reaction was noted with previous intravenous-cannula and biopsy sites becoming pustular. At this point, further clinical history revealed a 5 year history of recurrent oral and gential ulcerations up to 4 episodes a year. A clinical diagnosis of Behà §et disease was made. Subsequent HLA-B51 testing and ophthalmological examination were unremarkable. On day 10, she deteriorated acutely becoming hypotensive and hypoxic. Computer tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography revealed bilateral pneumonia. Serum white cell count and CK increased substantially from 11.0 x109/L to 37.2 x109/L (RR 4.0 – 11.0) and 233 U/L to 3715 U/L respectively in 4 days. She was intubated, commenced on broad-spectrum antibiotics with systemic glucocoticoid and inotropic support. A further CT of the pelvis revealed numerous sacral subcutaneous gas locules and fluid. Multiple debridement procedures achieved drainage of large amount of pus and excision of the necrotic tissue. Sacral necrotising myofasciits was confirmed on a frozen section specimen showing extensive necrosis within subcutis, fascia and skeletal muscle with numerous mixed bacteria. Post-operatively, a substantially elevated cardiac Troponin-I level of 51.33 ug/L (RR

Logical Fallacies Summary and Application Essay -- English Writing Fal

Logical Fallacies Summary and Application What do you see when you look at Begging the Question, Hasty Generalization, and Appealing to Emotion? When you initially look at these three categories they may not seem to have too much in common. However, when you look deeper you will see that in fact, they are all different types of logical fallacies. Logical fallacies are errors of reasoning, errors that may be recognized and corrected by prudent thinkers (Downes, 1995). The following quote helps explain why logic is important to us in today’s society. â€Å"Logic is not everything. But it is something—something which can be taught, something which can be learned, something which can help us in some degree to think more sensibly about the dangerous world in which we live (Fischer, 1970, p. 306).† Begging the Question is a type of fallacy that is used quite a bit. It is considered to be a fallacy of assuming when trying to prove something. One of the main things to remember with the use of this fallacy is that the term â€Å"Begging the Question† has a very specific meaning. This means that if someone was trying to prove something to us but they are not being specific and leave room for there to be more questions asked then there is a good chance this is an example of a begging the question fallacy. According to Whitman, "The fact that we believe pornography should be legal means that it is a valid form of free expression. And since it's free expression, it shouldn't be banned (Whitman, 2001)" is an example of begging the question. When you are confronted with something that could be a question of Begging the Question you need to think it through and see if what you are seeing or hearing is actually true. Or if it is just an interpretation of what the artist, speaker, or author wants you to believe when exposed to the form of media. An example of Begging the Question is an ad where there are a lot of arms with fingers pointing to a bottle of Pepcid Complete and the arms are clothed in what appears to be medical jackets. Under the picture are the words â€Å"Pepcid’s the #1 choice of pharmacists. Get the point?† This ad is implying that we get the point that Pepcid is the #1 choice of pharmacists because there are a bunch of pharmacists pointing at it. However, another bigger question could be are these people really pharmacists or just a bunch of models since a... ...the first line on the form is â€Å"Yes, my heart is broken by the needs of a child.† This ad is implying that if you do not send money to help these children not only will your heart be broken but also these children will die. As you can see logical fallacies are all around us. They are in most advertisements that you pick up, in most debates you hear, in many political arenas. Fallacies are not something that will just go away. However, if you know that they exist perhaps you can be wiser than the advertisers and not fall into their marketing traps. Just think before you act – and that is advice you can always use! References Downes, S. (1995). Stephen's Guide to the Logical Fallacies. Retrieved January 19, 2005, from http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/ Fischer, D. H. (1970). Historians' Fallacies: Toward a Logic of Historical Thought. : Harper & Row. Labossiere, M. C. (1995). Fallacy Tutorial Pro 3.0. Retrieved January 21, 2005, from http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/ Whitman, G. (2001). Logical Fallacies and the Art of Debate. Retrieved January 20, 2005, from http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/fallacies.html#Committing%20your%20very%20own%20logical%20fallacies

The Most Appropriate Pricing Technique for Cadbury Essay -- Business M

The Most Appropriate Pricing Technique for Cadbury There are 7 different pricing techniques that are available to Cadbury. 1. First pricing technique is skimming pricing. With skimming pricing, these prices are set very high to take advantage of some peoples desire for a new product or design at any price. Skimming is most effective if demand is inelastic. For e.g. Cadbury put their prices at the same as most of their competitors and at the price their customers are able to pay. 2. Cost plus pricing Pricing methods which are based on the cost structure of Cadbury that are favoured by accountants because they are supposedly more accurate and reliable. Cadbury is trying to maximise it profits. This method works successfully because all costs need to be accurately accounted. In many firms this is a very difficult process which is why the simpler mark-up procedure is used. Cost plus pricing tends to ignore the demand for the product and the competition. 3. Positioning pricing Cadbury uses this method to position prices that are set which reflect the consumers view of the chocolate bean. 4. Demand based pricing Cadbury set their prices based on what they think the consumer is prepared to pay. If they don’t then they wont sell as good as they thought. If they do sell at the customer’s price they will have a good reputation and an output of more customers. 5. Competitive pricing In this situation Cadbury set a price roughly in line with their competitors. This will depend on the type of competition that exists for the chocolate bean. It is particularly the number of seller and the number of buyers. This process works reasonably well if the cost structures of the companies are roughly similar. 6. Discount pricing Cadbury is a competitive market which buyers should be able to obtain goods for less than the advertised price. Many firms can be forced into price-cutting if they are short of cash or need to increase sales quickly. 7. Different pricing Cadbury may change different prices sometimes for the same product at different times. Its prices will be based on the elasticity of demand for the chocolate bean. Which is the most appropriate for this market type? The most appropriate strategy for Cadbury is Cost Plus pricing and Demand based pricing. Cost plus pricing is appropriate because the information is more accurate and reliable which is good... ...ghtly difficult but they have managed due to good marketing strategies. It has distributed its products in many ways even if they have failed in some but they always try to find the right way to distribute their product so their customers stay satisfied. PRODUCER WHOLESALER RETAILER COMSUMER When there are a large number of retailers, Cadbury (the manufactures) will usually deal with a wholesaler who buys in bulk, stores the products and sells them on to the retailer in smaller quantities. A small grocer will usually go to the wholesaler. This is mainly done regularly to avoid the small space. Advantages of long channels - Retailer gains convenience and minimises storage costs - Consumers are able to buy in small quantities from retailers - Goods are available close to where they are needed - Wholesalers provide valuable retailer support services - Transport costs are lower because the producer does not have to make as many deliveries. Disadvantages of long channels - Prices tend to be higher when goods change hands many times; compare prices in the corner shop with those in supermarkets - Producers have less control over the way in which goods are stored and sold

Essay --

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Review of the effects of Chinese Herbal medicine in NSCLC treatment By: Jay Shah December 11, 2013 Pharmacology 5600 Herbal medicine, like any alternative forms of medicine and therapy has its share of critics, but like most herbal medicine, it has been developed and practiced for millennia. The first known record of Chinese herbal medicine was found in the â€Å"Wushier Bingfang† (prescriptions for fifty-two ailments) silk manuscript from the Han Dynasty around 206 BCE (Zhang et al, 2012). It contains two hundred and fifty herbal cures to issues such as hemorrhoids, arthritis, inflammation, seizures, warts and many others (Zhang et al, 2012). Historical records of Chinese herbs include over a hundred thousand medicinal recipes to thousands of issues, mostly consisting of plant extracts (Chen et al, 1999). The understanding behind Chinese herbs is an elemental approach that looks as humans as a component of nature and hence can be cured of ailments through natural elements (Chen et al, 1999). Image 1 depicts various Chinese herbs including, ginseng, Astragalus, lilyturf and others. With the development of allopathic medicine from the western world, herbal medicine from around the world has been castigated out of the mind for the majority of the world due to its lack of proper scientific evidence. Recently however, herbal medicine, especially Chinese and Indian has seen somewhat of a resurgence on the global scale in terms of credibility thanks to new research and data from around the world. The National Institute of Health recognizes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a viable source of alternative treatment for various ailments and says that over a million people as of 2004 regu... ..., Zhang L, et al. (2011) Effect s of chemotherapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine Kangliu Zengxiao decoction on tumor markers of patient s with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized, controlled trial. J Chin Integr Med 9: 525–530. 11. Li G, Shu-Ping B, Ling Z, Xiao-Hong W (2009). Astragalus polysaccharide injection integrated with vinorelbine and cisplatin for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: effects on quality of life and survival. Journal of Medical Oncology s12032-011-0068-9. 12. Liu QY, Yao YM, Zhang SW, et al. Astragalus polysaccharides regulate T cell-mediated immunity via CD11c (high) CD45RB (low) DCs in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011; 136(3):457–64. 13. Clement-Kruzel S, Hwang SA, Kruzel MC, et al. Immune modulation of macrophage pro-inflammatory response by goldenseal and Astragalus extracts. J Med Food. 2008; 11(3):493–8.

Firefighter Employment Scenario Essay

Although it’s not clear in the story whether an associates degree is a precondition for taking the exam, in your opinion, should a degree be a requirement to sit for the exam? Yes Why or why not? A Fire science degree should be a requirement to take the test. It shows that the fire fighter it trying to improve him or her self and become more knowledgeable of their craft. It also shows that they are committed to their career. Working and going to school is not an easy thing to do. Like the question states we do not know if the degree is required to sit the exam, if not stated as a requirements, then the degree should not be a factor in the selection process. Based on the fact that Doug and Sam earned the first and second highest test scores, is it a reasonable assumption that the city of Davis will add Doug and Sam to the certification list? Yes Why or why not? According to what we know of the information provided they should both be on the list. They have both meet the requirements to sit for the exam and scored the two best scores. Can the City successfully defend itself on the basis of â€Å"disparate impact?† Yes Why or why not? The city did will not effect anyone of a protected class, under Title VII Once disparate impact is established, the employer must justify the continued use of the procedure or procedures causing the adverse impact as a â€Å"business necessity.† Under what circumstances may racial discrimination be proved by â€Å"disparate impact?† One does not need to be direct about the discrimination. Example would be â€Å"Whites only need to apply†.

Impetus for Global Warming

Although the whole world is aware of the global worming issue and is afraid of what its impacts could do mother earth in the coming future, there are those who still believe global worming is a fiction and does not exist. The global warming debate in many parts of the earth is ranging more than before. Many people assert to the fact that earth is jeopardized by daily human activities that we cannot do without while skeptics strongly continue to believe that human activities are not the cause to global (Haldar, 2011). Most of the skeptics do not understand how human activities are contributing to global warming. They do not realize that every time they turn on their electronic gadgets and drive cars they contribute to the problem. It is due to such ignorance in the past that the problem has continued to creep on us. Additionally, as much as many people understand that global warming, is a problem now; very few understand that each choice they make contribute to the problem while even fewer do not understand that it is the responsibility of every person to solve the problem by remaining conscious of their consumption choices. Global warming is based on the notion that the earth temperatures are increasing due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. The increase in temperatures is caused by the increasing emission of carbon dioxide, CO2, into the atmosphere that is associated with trapping heat hence the greenhouse effect. According to Maslin (2007), human activities that include burning of fossil fuels are the main causes of global warming in our planet. The effect of increasing global temperatures is the main cause of changing global climate, which is the main effect of global warming (Haldar, 2011). This further affects different climatic regions in different ways such as faster melting of the glaciers in the arctic, famine and draughts, heavier rainfall in some regions while others hardly receive any, warmer oceans, loss of species and changing weather patterns amongst others. Therefore, there is a pressing need to protect the environment in the face of global warming especially in adversely affected areas where climatic changes are occurring rapidly (Haldar, 2011). Arguments for Global Warming Currently, many arguments in favor of the global warming issue exist. The most agreed upon argument is that human activities especially those that cause emission of carbon dioxide are quite high to be considered insignificant or negligible, as skeptics to global warming would term them. The other argument is that global temperatures are more constant and do not change over a short while. However, the current increase in the global average temperatures is an indicator of increasing greenhouse effect causing the global warming. Further scientific research indicate that over the past century when the world has undergone a huge transformation into industrialization temperatures have increased significantly especially in the last fifty years. Moreover, scientific studies agree that fluctuating temperatures are not only caused by human activities, but also other activities such as volcanic eruptions and solar activities amongst other cause (Biophile Magazine n. d). This indicates that arguments for global warming are supported by scientific research while skeptic arguments are not. Another argument for global warming is that carbon dioxide being one of the most important greenhouse gases cannot be removed from the atmosphere easily. It requires a lot of time to remove from the atmosphere considering that we currently produce it in huge amounts. The current amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can last for the next 200 years even if we stopped emitting any into the atmosphere (Biophile Magazine n. d). This means that its percentage in the atmosphere will continue to increase if no measures are taken to stop. A comparison of the earth’s climate with its closest planets can indicate how the effect of increase in carbon could jeopardize life. Mars, with a thinner atmosphere has almost all of its carbon dioxide in the ground maintaining its temperatures at -50oC. On the other hand, Venus that is closer to the sun has a thicker atmosphere with 96% of it containing carbon dioxide. This maintains its temperatures at +420oC. This is to mean that increase in carbon implies increased temperatures (Maslin, 2007). Arguments against Global Warming While there are many arguments for global warming, it is surprising that there are as many opposing views especially ones that are just fiction. One of the major opposing arguments is that even though the earth is warming up, we cannot for sure attribute this to human activities. Most of these opposing views from the skeptics attribute global warming to natural causes despite the fact that scientific studies have indicated the contribution of human activities to global warming. As a result, many people are confused over whether global warming is a fact of fiction. Even some scientists argue that global warming if it exists is beneficial since it allows longer growing seasons, efficient irrigation schemes and creates more climates that are conducive. Although this might be partially true, it is a known fact that such effect is only for a short period while the negative effects are permanent. Another argument from the skeptics is that carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere quickly, meaning that we can reverse the effect quickly than it is changing (Biophile Magazine n. d). As aforementioned, this is not true and remains just a fiction. Further, they claim the negligibility of the human activities in causing the problem. These are arguments without scientific or in contrast to scientific studies, making most of them fiction. However, whether fiction or not fiction, such arguments have the effects of slowing the efforts of mitigating the problem. In conclusion, it is evident that two sides to the global warming fact or fiction debate exist with many still believing that human activities have nothing to do with global warming. The arguments presents two sides, one with people who believe that human activities are causing the global warming while the other believes global warming if it exists is caused by natural causes. The two sides of view dictate what one can do to prevent the problem from aggravating. With the view supporting global warming, the proponents are more likely to take up measures that reduce carbon emission especially changing their consumption behavior while the opposing side will just do nothing. It is important to understand both sides of the arguments in order to make better judgment concerning measures that can reduce global warming.

Dbq Mechanization of India and Japans Cotton Industry

Trevor Olds DBQ During the period of time from the 1880s to the 1930s, Japan and India both were beginning to mechanize their cotton industries. Both of these countries had similar recruitment techniques, but differed when it came to who the workers were and where they came from, and the working conditions they had in the mill. Documents 1, 2, and 6 all show the increased usage of machines in Japanese and Indian cotton factories.The chart in Document 1 that details the production of cotton yarn and cloth in India shows how India utilized more machines to create more yarn and cloth in 1914 than in 1884. The chart shows how machine spun yarn was surpassing the amount of hand-woven yarn, as well as how the amount of machine-made cloth is quickly catching the amount of hand-woven cloth, which shows the mechanization of India’s cotton industry. This document is reliable because it is data collected from British colonial officials who would have no benefit of altering the data in an y way.The Indian economist Radhakamal Mukerjee who wrote â€Å"The Foundation of Indian Economics† (1916) in Document 6 talks of how handloom cloth weavers cannot compete with the machines in the factories and are rapidly declining. This shows India’s step towards a more mechanized cloth industry. The document is not completely reliable because as an economist, the author may have overemphasized the decline of India’s handloom weavers to show economic growth. Comparable to India’s increased production of machine spun yarn is Japan’s outlined by the chart in document 2.Japan’s incredulous increase in machine spun yarn from five million pounds in 1884 to 666 in 1914 dwarfs India’s growth that was 151 million pounds in 1884 to only 652 in 1914. Document two may not be completely reliable because the data may have been altered to make Japan’s Industry is improving just a bit faster than India’s. Though Japan and India were s imilar in their implementation of machines in the cotton industry, Documents 7, 8, and 10 show that the workers in these factories are different.Documents 8 and 10 are pictures of an Indian and a Japanese textile mill. The photo of a Japanese cotton mill in document 8 is not reliable because it is from an official company history, that means that the company could only be showing the nicer part of the factory where the labor environment is not that bad. The same goes for the picture of an Indian textile mill in document 10. Moving on the Indian textile mill in Document 10 shows all male workers, indicating that many more men worked in Indian textile mills than women did.However, in contrast to India, the Japanese mill in Document 8 shows quite a few women with several men here and there, which indicates that Japan was different from India and had more women workers than men. The comparative chart of female workers in Japan and India in Document 7 shows that less than a quarter of In dian textile laborers were female and that over three-fourths were women in Japan, which is directly opposite in Japan and India.The chart also shows how the percentage of female workers goes down while the equivalent Japanese percentage rises slightly. This shows the difference of workers between Indian and Japanese textile mills. Document 7 is not very reliable though considering the chart was taken from a dissertation of which we have no knowledge of the author. Document 4 is a written source pertaining to the high percentage of female workers in Japanese mills. This document explains the reason for the increased number of women working in textile factories.The reason is that since the farmers are so poor the money made by their daughters is often more than the farmer’s annual income and that they virtually provide for the family. Of course, since the document is written by a Buddhist priest the document is not completely reliable, his idea would be that these girls in the factories are the families’ salvation, so he pays no attention to the negative aspects of the girls leaving home because Buddhism places individual meditation and salvation over family bonds.A useful document would be a journal entry by one of these girls talking about how they felt about being sent away to work in the textile mills and how her absence would affect the family. Even though the people that worked for the mills were of different nationalities, the systems that textile mills used in India and Japan were similar. Documents 4, 5, and 9 talk about how workers were taken from peasant families. Document 5 talks about how the â€Å"cheap† workers came from rural farming communities.In Japan, the person who leaves their family is no longer a financial load for the family, which explains why families sent workers to the mills. Document 4 basically explains the same ideas, but adds the factor of extra income that can come from the workers in Japan that supports th e family. Document 9 states that the Indian mills also sent people from rural farming communities. Most of the workers are peasants from agricultural villages and earn low wages, resembling the systems of the Japanese mills.Documents 3 and 9 show one of the most important differences between the countries: their respective working conditions. The story of the Japanese mill worker in Document 3 talks of long working hours, no heat, and little food. There are also low wages, with the possibility of no pay for the first year. When the high amount of sick people at the factory who no one will go near is added, we learn that the working conditions in the Japanese mills were terrible.This document also shows the truth because it is a personal recollection from a female worker in one of the mills. People also had to sleep together at the factory. This last fact by itself is directly contrasted by document 9 because the huts Indian workers lived in when working in the factories. Indian work ers lived in their own hut and only worked at one factory for two years, as opposed to the Japanese worker who is only likely to get paid starting their second year. This shows that the Indian workers had better living conditions than the Japanese workers.Since the Indian document is written by a commissioner and not a worker, the author could have altered the information that was presented affecting the reliability of the document because of his bias. Two extra documents that would be helpful would be an account from an Indian worker and a report from a Japanese official to provide an all-around comparison of the countries. In conclusion, the mechanization of the textile industry saw a great rise from 1880 to the 1930s in both Japan and India, who both found the majority of their workers from farming peasants to work in the mills.Japan used mainly female workers with worse working conditions than Indian workers, who were mostly male. An additional document would be a comparison of machines used in India over this time compared to those used in Japan to determine the importance of mechanization in the textile industry of the two countries comparatively to properly examine the similarities and differences of the mechanization of the cotton industry in Japan and India.