Sexual Minorities - 3395 Words

Sexual Minorities Tiffin University Angela Hofacker February 25, 2013 Instructor Nancy Golinski SOC360 Multicultural Issues in Society When thinking of the different minorities, the one minority that is sometimes not acknowledged as a minority is sexual minorities. These types of minorities can include those who are gay, lesbian, and even bisexual. For purposes of referring to sexual minorities, gays as a reference will be the primary focus. Sexual orientation has been deemed a hot and emotional topic. It can be controversial for many reasons but primarily because it affects so many on the emotional side. Sexual minorities are an established minority because of the discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes they have endured.†¦show more content†¦This then leads to a certain way of thinking that sexual minorities only want to party and meet other gays and or lesbians and have brief sexual encounters; this is a misconception. â€Å"For many people, sexual orientation is just one part of their identity and is not the overriding factor that defines their entire identity† states the Sinclair Institute ( 2012, p. 2). Every person lives life how they see and feel fit to live their lives. Their sexual orientation does not implicate that their lifestyle is only a particular way. Other barrier’s to the gay culture is gender identification. One of the basic problems that sexual minorities encounter is their gender identity or expression. This means â€Å"a person’s internal sense of gender, as well as how a person behaves, appears, or presents with regard to societal expectations of that person† (Bell, 2012, p. 355). Many times a person from a sexual minority faces their own internal challenges along with the discrimination that they face from others. These two issues alone can cause total chaos in the gay or lesbian’s life as well as affecting their friends and family. Another barrier faced by the gay community is homophobia, which is the fear of gays by heterosexuals. Gay people in the military face this problem all the time. With the military employing more than 1.4 million people, there is a very wideShow MoreRelatedSex Minority And Sexual Minority Orientation1156 Words   |  5 Pagesissues they feel are specific to sexual minority (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) adolescents and those that are questioning their sexuality. Williams et al. questions the way sexual orientation, victimization, psychosocial adjustment, and social support are intertwined in relation to sexual minority youth. They hypothesized that the absence of social support, from both family and friends, along with the experiences relating to being a victim, bring about a sexual minority orientation in adolescents. AdditionallyRead MoreSexual Orientation Of Sexual Minority Health Essay2560 Words   |  11 PagesRelatively recent inclusion of sexual orientation measures in a few fe deral and state health surveillance surveys is enabling the production of population-based information about sexual minority health and its status relative to that of the heterosexual majority. Few studies have been adequately powered to investigate variability in health by sexual orientation, let alone by orientation and other key social characteristics (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status); yet research suggestsRead MoreIssues and Intolerance of Sexual Minorities in Arizona1625 Words   |  7 PagesISSUES AND INTOLERANCE OF SEXUAL MINORITIES IN ARIZONA Gays and lesbians are discriminated against and oppressed by archaic sex laws used by the conservative Arizona government. Some statutes include the restriction of same-sex marriage, and no monetary or federal benefits for domestic partners of homosexuals who work for a government agency. Section 38-656 of the Arizona Revised Statutes reads A country, city, town, or other political subdivision of this state shall not offer health andRead MoreSexual Minority, Lesbian, Bisexual, And Transgender Youth1298 Words   |  6 Pagesto their heterosexual peers, sexual minority (LGBT) youth struggle significantly, as they try to navigate through the social stigma attached to their sexual orientation. This population faces significant struggles due to a lack of social support, a hostile school environment, and incidences of bullying, harassment, and physical abuse. Compared to their heterosexual peers, sexual minority youth report experiencing more harassment and discrimination, due to their sexual orientation or gender expressionRead MoreSexual Minority Communities And Hate Motivated Violence1021 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction There is a correlation between culture and crime specifically with sexual minority communities and hate motivated violence. Hate-motivated violence refers to an act of violence that is motivated by bias or prejudice (Grattet, 2009). Reasons for bias crimes occurring include that these criminal offenses tend to occur in communities with high levels of social disorganization, they occur as a defense against neighborhood in-migration of ethnic others†, and neighborhoods with concentratedRead MoreDeveloping Christian Counseling Techniques For Sexual Minorities1862 Words   |  8 Pages Developing Christian Counseling Techniques for Sexual Minorities Stephanie M. Johnson Liberty University Abstract This paper focuses on counseling clients a part of the â€Å"sexual minority† (Yarhouse, Kays, and Jones, 2013). The information regarding sexual minorities and the techniques to counsel these clients are summarized from Yarhouse et al.’s â€Å"The Sexual Minority Client† (2013). The basis for counseling the sexual minority is competence. This shift to competence is primarily fromRead MoreSexual Minority Youth And Juvenile Justice System1920 Words   |  8 PagesIntro / Problem: Sexual Minority youth (SMY) involved with the Juvenile Justice System (JJS) have a culture that require sensitivity treatment . Many youth that identify as or question their sexuality have experience prejudice attitudes from the initial point of entry( arrest). Navigating through the JJS has been a harsh and unwarranted experience with many fearing their safety from other inmates and staff. Many staff lack the knowledge of the societal realities that SMY struggle with. In additionRead M ore Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues - The Struggle of Sexual Minorities710 Words   |  3 PagesThe Struggle of Sexual Minorities Explaining how to challenge the discriminatory attitudes that remain rampant throughout the world, Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a recent article, quotes the incisive words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: We are all of equal worth, born equal in dignity and born free and for this reason deserving respect. . . . We belong in a world whose very structure, whose essence, is diversity almost bewildering in extent, and it is to live in aRead MoreSexual Minority Clients, My Reflections And Plans Of Actions Essay1769 Words   |  8 Pagesto summarize a chapter I read about sexual minority clients, my reflections and plans of actions. Christian counselors counsel sexual minority clients and will encounter several ethical conflicts while working with these clients. The main focus is concentrated on treatments of clients trying to figure out their identity and same-sex attractions. It is emphasized that professional s need to become competent in several aspects while counseling sexual minority clients. Some the areas listed are multiculturalismRead MoreEvidence Based Practices For Homeless Sexual Minority Youth2345 Words   |  10 PagesRunning Head: EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES FOR HOMELESS SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH Evidence Based Practices for Homeless Sexual Minority Youth Kerri Dunn-Bales and Mary Ann Callaway University of Oklahoma â€Æ' Abstract: SMY (sexual minority youth, which refers within this paper to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer) are at risk for trauma in particularly high numbers. When SMY become homeless, their risk for exposure to trauma becomes even higher, presenting

Business Ethics Essay - 1498 Words

Question 1: 1. What are the relevant facts? (10 marks) †¢ Annie, a copywriter for Laird and Laird (LL) Advertising, has been assigned to Bud’s Best (BB) bacon account. †¢ Lance Willard is a popular Hollywood movie star, has signed 1 year contract with BB bacon for product testimonials (when given by celebrities known as celebrity endorsements). †¢ President of LL, (Victor) explains to Annie that Victor has signed an affidavit swearing that he is a bona fide user of BB bacon. †¢ Although Lance has plenty of personal experience with BB bacon, as is legally required for him to give a personal testimonial, and he has always preferred BB to any other brand of bacon, Lance has recently turned into a vegetarian for the past one†¦show more content†¦American Advertising Federation †¢ 4. What are the possible alternatives (course of action) available? (20 marks) †¢ Annie could discuss with the company to drop using Lance in this campaign and use someone else who is currently consuming the product. †¢ Annie could decline to continue to work on the campaign because it is against her professionalism. †¢ Annie could have asked to be reassign to some other account where the product poses no health hazards or morally ethical. †¢ Annie could propose another method using Lance which doesn’t suggest that Lance has ever personally used the product. †¢ Annie could agree to go to work on the campaign as proposed. †¢ Annie could propose another method using Lance which doesn’t suggest that Lance has ever personally used the product. 5. What are the ethics involved in these alternatives? (20 marks) In order to determine the ethics involved in these alternatives, we should look into the outcome of act/omission by a person involved. This would lead to questions asked based on a â€Å"utilitarian† perspective (costs and benefit): For example: 1. Which possible alternative would provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number? 2. How would costs be measured in this vignette? 3. Do the benefits of being consistent with your personalShow MoreRelatedBusiness Ethics : Ethics And Business943 Words   |  4 Pagesdiscussions in Business is Ethics. Some people believe that the decisions businesses make in interest of the business has no place in ethics and that they are essentially amoral. These businesses believe that their main objective is to simply make a profit and that it does not affect the success of the business. Whereas some businesses believe that they have to take ethics into consideration, in order for their business to be a success. Richard T. De George (1999) states that ethics and business do notRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics1471 Words   |  6 PagesReview Nowadays, the concern for business ethics is growing rapidly in the business community around the world. Business ethics are focused on the judgment of decisions taken by managers and their behaviors. The issue regarding these judgments is the norms and cultures that shape these judgments. Business ethics are concerned about the issue, how will the issue be solved and how will it move ahead along the transition analysis as well (Carroll, 2014). Business ethics can be addressed at differentRead MoreEthics And Ethics Of Business Ethics1304 Words   |  6 PagesBusiness Ethics Varun Shah University of Texas at Dallas Business Ethics Morals are a crucial part of life. Without having principles one would never be able to distinguish the right from wrong and good from evil. Just as it applies to life in general, ethics is an integral part of doing business as well. When we here the term Business Ethics in our work place, we usually do not take it seriously and brush it off saying ‘it’s just a simple set of basic rules like not cheating and so on’. ThisRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics Essay1097 Words   |  5 PagesResource A discusses how ethics is crucial in business. There are three key ideas used to understand this. Firstly, making ethically wrong decisions tend to cause more upset than other general mistakes as purposeful unethical actions are not as easily forgiven or forgotten. Secondly, ethics provides businesses with a broader understanding of everything to do with their business. Business ethics is effectively just business it its larger human context. Thirdly, being unethical ca n tarnish the publicRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics1064 Words   |  5 Pages　　　　Business Ethics Ethics can be viewed as the rules and values that determine goals and actions people should follow when dealing with other human beings. However, business ethics can be defined as moral principles of a business. It examines moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. Generally, it has both normative and descriptive dimensions. Organization practice and career specialization are regarded as normative whereas academics attempting to understand business behaviourRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics757 Words   |  4 Pagesdeciding what to do in certain situations, ethics is what guides an individual to act in a way that is good, or right. Those involved in business settings apply ethics to business situations, known as business ethics. It is expected of businesses, small and large, to follow business ethics. There is a particular framework businesses are to follow. However, the reoccurring news headlines of poor business ethics prove differently. Poor busine ss ethics include bribery, corporate accounting scandalsRead MoreEthics And Ethics Of Business Ethics1200 Words   |  5 PagesEthics meaning in simple way for average person is what is right from wrong. According to Chris MacDonald (2010)† Ethics† can be defined as the critical, structured examinations of how we should behave - in particular, how we should constrain the pursuit of self-interest when our actions affect others. â€Å"Business ethics is the applied ethics discipline that address the moral features of commercial activity (Business ethics, 2008).Working in ethical way in business has a lot of benefits which can attractRead MoreBusiness Ethics Essay944 Words   |  4 PagesUnderstanding Business Ethics Unit 37: National Diploma Assignment brief TASK 1: Scenario: Business ethics - a study of a selected company With growing interest among consumers regarding the business ethics of the businesses brands that consumers buy, Westminster council wants to conduct an independent review of some of the organisations that sell their goods and services in the borough. You have been asked to select one of the following brands and conduct research into their business ethics. Read MoreThe Ethics Of The Business Ethics1431 Words   |  6 Pages BUSINESS ETHICS INTRODUCTION:- Presentation Ethics are exceptionally regular and essential good esteem that helps us to take the right choice where we think that it hard to pick between our own advantages and the correct thing to do. We are going to talk about three sections of morals Behavioral morals, Bounded ethicality and last one is irreconcilable situation. As from the names of these parts of morals, its verging on clarifying the significance of it. It clarifies why great individualsRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics Essay2711 Words   |  11 PagesBusiness Ethics Business ethics is a type of professional ethics or applied ethics which examines moral problems and ethical principles that come up in a corporate environment. It is applied to every aspect of conducting business. According to Milton Friedman, a company has the responsibility to generate as much revenue as it can while still conforming to the basic rules that society has set. These rules include the ones embodied in customs as well as in law. Similarly, Peter Drucker stated that

Catcher in the Rye Outline Main Theme Free Essays

Catcher Main Theme – Alienation INTRO: Topic Sentence: Holden Caufield, the misfit, hypocritical boy in J. D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, sees the world from a different view, that often times make him feel extremely misunderstood by everyone he talks to. We will write a custom essay sample on Catcher in the Rye Outline Main Theme or any similar topic only for you Order Now Thesis Statement: It is evident by his many actions throughout the novel that Holden sees the phoniness and fakeness of the adult world and therefore shields himself from it by alienating and isolating himself. PARAGRAPH 1: Topic Sentence: The first instance of Holden isolating himself is when he is watching the football game from the hill instead of from the stands with other people. Quotes: Anyway, it was the Saturday of the football game. I remember around three o’clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill. You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place. You could hear them all yelling. (Chapter 1 paragraph 3) Talking Points: He is above interacting with people He prefers watching people, not talking PARAGRAPH 2: Topic Sentence: A second instance of Holden’s isolation is at Penn Station where he goes into the phone booth, but realizes there is nobody to call. Quotes: The first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz but as soon as I was inside, I couldn’t think of anybody to call up. My brother D. B. was in Hollywood. My kid sister Phoebe was out. Then I thought of giving Jane Gallagher’s mother a buzz. Then I thought of calling this girl Sally Hayes. I thought of calling Carl Luce. So I ended up not calling anybody. I came out of the booth, after about twenty minutes or so. (Chapter 9 paragraph 1) Talking Points: His hesitation is a result of a judgment on others PARAGRAPH 3: Topic Sentence: Third and finally, Holden lives vicariously through other people as a way to combat his isolation. Quotes: But there was one nice thing. This family that you could tell just came out of some church were walking right in front of me – a father, a mother, and a little kid about six years old. They looked sort of poor. The kid was swell. He was making out like he was walking a very straight line, the way kids do, and the whole time he kept singing and humming. It made me feel better. It made me feel not so depressed anymore. (Chapter 16 paragraph 3) Talking Points: Combating isolation by observation CLOSER: Topic Sentence: Holden copes with the problems of not liking the world by just isolating himself from it. Talking Points: Misunderstood leads to frustration Way to cope with his feelings How to cite Catcher in the Rye Outline Main Theme, Papers

Strategic Aspects of the Company

Question Discuss about the Strategic Aspects of the AGL Company. Answer: AGL is one of the largest and fastest growing energy companies in Australia. The company has experience in the field of energy business for more than 180 years. The core business areas of AGL are gas, electricity, solar PV and other related products and services. The company has been providing the above discussed products and services to the people of Australia. AGL has a customer base of 3.5 million. The mission of the company is to provide a carbon-constrained future to the people of Australia. In todays world, AGL has been considered as one of the integrated energy companies that have been providing various kinds of energy related products or services for a long period. The main business operation of the company is to operate and generate renewable energy in Australia. The main objective behind this generation of energy is to reduce the effect of green house gas emission from earth. The company has a diverse power generation portfolio. Some of the major parts of this portfolio are base, peaking and intermediate generation plant, storage of natural gas and different kinds of renewable sources like wind, hydro, solar, landfill gas, biomass and others. Apart from all these, the company has an electricity distribution network. The main operational area of this electricity distribution network is the eastern part of Sydney, Hunter region and Central costs. Another major operation of the company is to set up energy and gas plans for the businesses irrespective of size and type of the businesses (agl.com.au, 2017). AGL has been operating in the renewable energy industry of Australia. As per the current trend, the future of the renewable energy business of Australia is bright. As per the opinion of most of the scientists of the world, Australia has the ability to become the leading renewable energy superpower in the world. One of the major reasons behind this statement is the storage of fuel energy of the country. The demand for renewable energy in Australia is increasing as the Australian Government has recently implemented 33,000 GWh Large-Scale Renewable Energy. At present, 16% of the total electricity used in Australia is renewable energy. In this, majority of the energy is from wind energy. There is also presence of biomass and hydro energy. The Government of Australia is considering the fact that in the recent years; one third of the energies used in Australia will be the solar energy (Oliphant, 2015). It can be seen that there are three major companies that are considered as the competitors of AGL. They are Duke Energy Corporation, International Power Limited and Origin Energy Limited. All these companies are in the business of energy and power. Duke Energy Corporation is involved in the supply of electric and gas to the people of south and mid Australia. The main business operation of International Power Limited is fossil-fueled power plants. The main business operations of Origin Energy Limited are gas, power, energy and others. These are the main business operations of these companies (Twidell Weir, 2015). Based on the above discussions, it can be said that AGL has a bright business prospect in the near future. The growth in the renewable energy industry is the main reason of this. AGL can take advantage of the improvement of the above-mentioned positive factors and they should make future business strategies based on them. Yao et al., (2015) opines that the financial structure of a firm can be referred to as the specific mixture of long term debt as well as equity that a corporation utilizes in order to fund its operations. Essentially, this composition directly affects the risks as well as asset value of the business. The financial structure of AGL can also be divided into amount of particular cash flow of the company that gets directed towards creditors and another amount that is provided to specific shareholders. Therefore, the business enterprise AGL also has own particular debt equity ratio. Total borrowing of AGL has increased $3.9 billion from $3.7 billion; the percentage of increase is 5.4%. The increase is due to the acquisition of Macquarie Generation. In the year of 20114, the company issues Medium Term Notes worth $600 million. In the year of 2015, the company raised funds of $410 million with the help of long-term borrowing. At the end of 2015, the companys (Net Debt/ (Net Debt + Equity) w as 28.6%. With the help of the raised funds, the company developed a facility with a cost of $100 million (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Equity share capital of AGL for 2015 and 2014 was $6696 million and $5437 million respectively. The portion of equity capital increased in the year 2015. The amount of long-term borrowings in the year 2015 and 2014 was $3439 and $3669. The amount decreased in the year 2015 (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). In the year of 2015 and 2014, the amount of intangible assets of the company was $3266 million and $3248 million respectively. The key elements of financial performance of the firm are the assets, liabilities, equity, specific investments that are made by owners, distributions to different owners, earnings, expends, profits or else losses in addition to comprehensive income. Assets are essentially those things that a corporation owns. Assets comprise of cash, inventory of products, plants and buildings, property together with different intangible assets. The assets of AGL is recorded to be $15833 million during the financial year 2015 (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Liability of a firm is necessarily a firms financial debt or else obligations that stem particularly during specific course of operation of business. As such, the liabilities can be settled properly by way of transference of economic advantages that comprises of funds, products as well as services. Essentially, the liabilities of the firm is registered to be $7018 million in 2015. Essentially, equity refers to value of the overall shares that are issued by a corporation. In essence, the equity of the firm AGL is registered to be $8815 million during the financial year 2015. Again, the investment of the business concern of AGL that is recorded to be $91 million refers to funds that is invested by the corporation (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015).). Another very important factor that reflects financial performance of a firm is the revenue that is the overall flow of earnings of a corporation that is generated by selling a specific quantity of companys output particularly at a price, deducting tax to the government. The revenue of the firm AGL is registered to be $10678 million. However, expend of the firm is recorded to be $9759 million. Again, profit that indicates financial gains is essentially variance between the amount earned and spent in buying, running or else producing something. As such, the profit for the company AGL is registered to be $218 million (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). In the year of 2014, after the completion of the financial year, AGL made a 100% acquisition of Australian Power and Gas Company Limited (APG). The company has mentioned this event in the next year financial statement and adjusted the entry accordingly (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). The transaction cost of the acquisition was $16 million. $2 million was associated with the termination process of the funding facilities of APG. $21 million was associated with the existing customer service arrangements. $11 million was associated with other termination costs. AGL has changed the recognition of distribution use of system costs. This change lead to the grossing up of the revenues and expenses in the consolidated statement. Due to this change, there was a restart of comparative information in the consolidated financial statements (agl.com.au, 2017). AGL declared about this market to the market essentially on January 22 of the year 2015. This change in the process of recognition of the Distribution Use of System costs was essentially carried out in South Australia and Queensland for essentially the operating segments of Energy Markets. In addition to this, the company also declared a change in the basis of the reporting segment in order to align with the structure of the organization on particularly April 16 of the year 2025 in addition to subsequent assessment and restructure of the Upstream Gas Business (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Therefore, segment comparative information has been restated to replicate the alterations in the reportable operating sections. Carrying amount of each class of Property, Plant and Equipment at reporting date of AGL As rightly indicated by Hu et al., (2015), carrying amount can be used in place of book value. In essence, the carrying amount indicates towards the amount that a particular corporation has essentially on the books for asset or else liability (Hodgson Russell, 2014). The standard AASB 116 is applicable for accounting the plant, property as well as equipment excluding when other regulations allows a diverse treatment of accounting. As per the AASB 116 para 6 (definitions), carrying amount can be regarded as the amount at which a particular asset is detected after deduction of any accumulated depreciation as well as accumulated impairment loss (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). As per the consolidated statement of financial position of the firm AGL presented in the annual report of 2015, the property, plant and equipment stated under the non-current assets has a carrying amount of $6958 million (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Description of accounting policies related to Property, Plant and Equipment adopted by AGL The financial declarations of the corporation AGL have been prepared consistent with the Corporations Act 2001 as well as the Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Essentially, financial statements of the firm AGL Energy Limited are an extract from particularly the full statements. The accounting policies that can be associated to plant, property and equipment is AASB 116 (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). This particular standard is particularly applicable for the purpose of accounting of plant, property as well as equipment except when other standard necessitates or else permits a diverse accounting usage. According to the directives stated under the regulations AASB 116 paragraph 6 (recognition), cost of a particular item of plant, property as well as equipment needs to be detected as a specific asset iff (if and only if) it is likely that the economic benefits in the upcoming period can be related to the item shall flow to the business entity an d the items cost can be reliably enumerated. Again, as per paragraph Aus. 15 of the accounting regulation AASB 116, items of plant, property as well as equipment that essentially qualifies for recognition as a specific asset can be enumerated at the cost (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). The standard essentially includes certain reporting requirements. The standard is essentially to account for particular plant, property and equipment, mainly its recognition and subsequent treatment by means of two different mechanisms that is cost as well as revaluation. Essentially, this standard covers majority of physical assets until and unless the specific assets are covered by another regulation. The recognition of the asset as per (para 7 to para10) essentially happens at the time when upcoming economic benefits can be associated to assets that can flow to business concern and cost of asset can be enumerated dependably. As per para 13, assets need to ne enumerated at cost (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). Description of the accounting policies related to Intangible Assets adopted by AGL The accounting policies that can be associated to intangible assets adopted by AGL Limited is AASB 138 (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). In particular, this standard is essentially applicable to different business entities that requires to arrange and prepare financial declarations according to Part 2M.3 as stated under Corporations Act and that is essentially a reporting entity. Again, this standard is also applicable for general purpose financial statements of each reporting unit as well as financial declarations that are necessarily general purpose financial statements. Again, as per Aus 1.2, this standard is applicable to different annual reporting periods that are beginning on or after January 1 of the year 2005 (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). Again, the scope of this standard shows the applicability of this regulation for accounting of intangible asset barring intangible assets that within the scope of other Australian Accounting Standard, financial assets that are as distinctly defined in AASB 132 fo r presentation of financial instruments, recognition as well as measurement of particularly exploration as well as evaluation assets, expends on development along with extraction of minerals, oil, natural gas as well as identical non-regenerative assets (Aasb.gov.au, 2017). The intangible assets under the total noncurrent assets is recorded to have the value of $3266 million (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Impairments Impairment loss is essentially enumerated at a particular amount by which carrying value exceeds the fair value (Yao et al., 2015). As rightly indicated by Russell (2015), after detection of impairment loss, adjusted carrying amount of specific intangible asset becomes the new accounting ground. As per the statutory financial outcomes of the firm AGL Energy Limited, so far the highest of the significant items is essentially the impairment of around $600 million in essentially the value of upstream gas assets of Gloucester (AGL Annual Report 2015 2015). Again, the sale of copper oil is also underway and anticipated to lead to loss of around $7 million before tax. An impairment charge can be recognized during the financial year 2015 in comprehension of the event. Conclusion The above discussion shows that that AGL has attractive business opportunities in the future as the renewable energy and power industry of Australia is going through massive growth and it is going to grow more in the future as per the expectations. It can be seen from the discussion that AGL has an effective financial structure. The unrecorded financial incidents of the previous year were adjusted in the current years financial statement. In case of the commutation of plant, property and equipment, the company follows the principles of AASB 116. References Aasb.gov.au, (2017). Retrieved 9 May 2017,from https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content105/c9/AASB138_07-04_COMPjun14_07-14.pdf About AGL | AGL. (2017).Agl.com.au. Retrieved 9 May 2017, from https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl AGL Annual Report 2015. (2015).Agl.com.au. Retrieved 9 May 2017, from https://www.agl.com.au/-/media/AGL/About-AGL/Documents/Investor-Centre/150826_AnnualReport_1466512.pdf?la=en Hodgson, A. Russell, M., (2014). Comprehending comprehensive income.Australian Accounting Review,24(2), pp.100-110. Hu, F., Percy, M., Yao, D. (2015). Asset revaluations and earnings management: Evidence from Australian companies.Corporate Ownership and Control,13(1), 930-939. Oliphant, M. (2015). Renewable Energy in Australia. InEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Handbook, Second Edition(pp. 119-131). CRC Press. Residential | AGL. (2017). Agl.com.au. Retrieved 9 May 2017, from https://www.agl.com.au Russell, M., (2015). Management incentives to recognise intangible assets.Accounting Finance. Twidell, J., Weir, T. (2015).Renewable energy resources. Routledge. Yao, D. F. T., Percy, M., Hu, F. (2015). Fair value accounting for non-current assets and audit fees: Evidence from Australian companies.Journal of Contemporary Accounting Economics,11(1), 31-45.

In Search Of Excellence Review Essays - , Term Papers

In Search of Excellence: review business In Search of Excellence: review In Search of Excellence is a book dealing with many different principles of economics and what makes big business' excellent. The first idea that Peters discusses is his chart of the McKinsey 7-S Framework. The graph is very simple but the ideas are fairly complex. In their research, they found that their philosophies were too hard to explain and easily forgettable. They made this Framework to deal with strategy, structure, style, systems, staff (people), skills, and shared values (culture). This has 7 S's (easy to remember) and a graphical representation to visualize. This shows the businessman that the intractable, irrational, intuitive, and informal organization can be managed. For example, anyone assuming that a new manager of a Taco Bell will perform exactly as the old manager did is ridiculous. The organization of workers must adjust and adapt to the new manager's way of business. Another more main topic of the novel is the Eight Basic Principles. Their research had shown that the excellent companies had been based on the basics. The companies had to try to keep things simple. Sometimes, to a big business, it might seem logical that business should be run more complex the larger it is. From their research, this is usually not true. The first pricnciple is a bias for action. This is basically saying "Stop talking and do something about it." When Taco Bell has a rush of customers and their supplies for making food are low, they (usually) don't say "You know what, I have no more cheese" or "Could someone get me some more cheese?" They take action and get the cheese, make it if necessary, and get the problem solved as quickly as possible. The second Principle they deal with is to be close to the customer. This means good service and listening to what the customer has to say. If the producer, Taco Bell, is not in touch with what the customer wants to eat, then the business will most likely fail. Although it also refers to customer satisfaction; quality food made right and curteous service: "Have a nice day and enjoy your meal!" The third principle is autonomy and entrepreneurship. This is the innovation principle. 3M is known for innovation and they welcome the changing and rearranging of old and new products. For example, my dad took 3M's basic arthroscopy pump and redesigned it into an in flow-out flow cannula. This innovation on his part temporarilly set 3M back on its feet in that product line. The fourth basic principle is productivity through people. This deals with the indivdual as the best means for efficiency improvement rather than capital investment. If Taco Bell could put everyone in the area of work they most enjoyed (drive-thru, washer,...) then they could produce more food and maximize their utiles. The fifth basic principle is hands on, value driven. This is the standard setting and enforcing values in a company. This is keeping the "head honcho" in touch with the assembly line worker and projecting the company's original ideas, instead of an image of some suited businessman lurking in a big, dark office. The sixth and often obvious principle is to stick to the knitting. The basically says that if a company is in the food business, it should not branch off into the wood industry unless they have no where else to expand in the industry they are already in. The seventh basic principle is a simple form, lean staff. This means leaving few people up top to manage a company and keep the form of management simple. The eighth and final basic principle is simultaneous loose-tight properties. This is another value-based principle. This could be described as the ability for a worker of Taco Bell to do his/her job in his/her own way as they incorporate the company's values and philosophies into their work. These values demonstrate that they don't just work because they work, but rather because they just make sense. Peters does a great job of explaining and giving examples of these eight principles and shows us that we would be foolish to ignore these principles. Also, we could learn a new skill from the 7 S-Framework, which is what growth is really about: the ability to learn and teach.

14 Weirdest College Christmas Trees

14 Weirdest College Christmas Trees It’s not that college students don’t love Christmas or take it seriously. That’s not the case at all. The issue is that due to financial restraints some people are forced to get creative. Like a Marine, they must adapt and overcome, and use whatever they have at their disposal. What you end up with are these 14 weirdest college Christmas trees. 1. An Elaborately Decorated Traffic Cone Hey, it’s kind of the same shape as a tree, right? They’re handy and sitting in the road, or perhaps half buried in dirt in the front lawn. Why not just grab some tape, a string of lights and maybe a roll of dental floss and voila, Christmas Cone Tree. 2. The Almighty Beer Bottle Christmas Tree Many have tried, but few succeed. In reality, pulling off an impressive beer bottle tree is hard to do. How many college kids does it take? No one knows yet. Search around the net though and you’ll discover the beer-tree creation is a science (should be a degree option). 3. A Majestically Stacked Pizza Box Tree There’s at least 30 of them all stacked neatly in the corner behind the thing (otherwise known as the love seat sofa), so why not put them to good use? It all comes down to stacking, super glue and then all the many adornments laying around the house. 4. The Keg Tree You’ll need about 20 kegs to pull off a monster keg tree. Stacking them is simple and then decoration is cake walk. Lights galore, and to finish it off perhaps a single light within a Jgermeister bottle (festive green of course)? 5. Walk Outside Grab a Twig When all else fails simply walk outside, grab the nearest branch with foliage still clinging to it (Pine is ideal) and then stick it a bottle, tac it to a wall, or whatever it takes. That right there is a classic dorm room tree, worth of center window placement. 6. The Textbook Tree What else are they good for? Plus, they’re heavy and won’t be missed, unlike the pizza boxes. You can use them to hold lights in place but getting ornaments to hang from them is a bit tricky. 7. Traffic Cone + Branch Tree Combining a traffic cone with a branch is another epic strategy for the â€Å"staying on-campus this year† Christmas student. Like putting peanut butter and bananas together, it just works. 8. Blowup Dino-Tree They’re green with spots and come with plenty of things to hang thing from. Plus, the plastic is thick enough to where you can tape all kinds of festive things (popcorn strings anyone?) on them. Who doesnt love a quality blowup Dino-tree? 9. Air freshener from a Stick Tree Grab one of those timeless, and fresh scented, air fresheners that already come in the shape of a Christmas tree and dangle it from a stick. In college you have to be open minded. Where you might see an air freshener hanging on a string from a stick, the roomies consider it the equivalent to Time Square’s Christmas tree. Lighting it is a problem though. 10. The Disappearing Dorm Hall Tree It’s there one minute and then quite suddenly it disappears. What’s with that? Doesn’t it defeat the purpose? In case you’re wondering, we’re attempting to get you to infer that the tree was stolen. It happens every year, but every year the dorms have to have their own trees. 11. Any Tree Made in The Lab If the tree was concocted or conjured up in a lab on or off campus, then it definitely belongs in this list. If the person creating the tree is wearing protective eye goggles or even a torch mask, then chances are it could end up being more of a hazard than anything else. 12. Toaster + Branch If there’s never any toast around anyway, why not put it to good use. Hey, it plugs in and they can hold not one but two small Christmas Tree twigs without a problem. 13. Thumb Tacs + Short Light String This is for the more artistic Christmas lovers out there. You buy a string of Christmas lights and then use thumb tacs to put it on the wall in the shape of a tree. If the wall paper is green, or festive, then that right there is an epic tree. 14. Christmas Tree Ladder Like the traffic cone, ladders come pre-molded for use as Christmas trees. Throw a green blanket around it, tape some lights into it, maybe even some tinsel and you’re golden! These are some of our favorites, but we know there’s so many more fabulous trees. The lengths that some of us will go to celebrate the Christmas spirit never ceases to amaze. If you still dont know how to celebrate Christmas, here youll find amazing Christmas party ideas. How about it, what kinds of weird Christmas trees have you seen or created?

Critically discuss the similarities and differences between the Great Essay

Critically discuss the similarities and differences between the Great Irish Famine and recent famines of Africa and Asia - Essay Example This definition focuses on the failure of that particular region to deal with the symptoms of famine. It also focuses on the role played by the market; accounting for changes in market demands which hence impacts what happens in the local markets. Many of these regions hit by famines are particularly sensitive to world prices, mostly because they themselves are very small and so cannot influence prices. What is lacking in this definition however is that it does not explain clearly that famine is the end product of a long process whereby people slowly lose access to food. Another aspect lacking in this definition is that it does not explain the breakdown of social support systems, where reciprocity and goodwill slowly start to disappear under the increasingly stressful system. While high death rates are what mark a famine, the increased disunity and societal collapse are inevitable end results of this phenomenon. Atkins (2009) discusses how difficult it is to define the term famine. I n order to measure this phenomenon, he argues that the intensity of it would be looked at. Devereux (1998) looks at two other perspectives on what famine is. One view sees famine as a natural disaster; the result is a lack of food and the cause is failed policy measures by the state or market interventions that were unable to achieve the purpose it had intended. The other definition does not include famine as a natural occurrence. Rather, it sees famine as resulting from successful policy measures by the state – it views the state as essentially repressive and as wanting to keep a tight control over its population. Also, this view on famine blames the international community as being opportunistic and apathetic, helping only when an internal benefit to itself is seen. The former definition is an outsider perspective, arguing that the cause of famine lies in the food distribution system and has nothing to do with repressive political regimes

See word Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

See word - Essay Example Team building exercises help in the development trust among employees. Trust and effective will help eliminate baseless arguments the workplace. Instead, employees will focus on helping each grow as professionals. The overall team productivity is bound to increase. The other factors that might result in profitability after corporate retreats are motivation and familiarity. Employees get to know each other, which benefits the whole team. Employees feel motivated because the company cares for their wellbeing. Motivated employees mean increased output. 2. There are several ways to build effective and encourage teamwork. First, one can organize a meeting for all employees. The meeting can be done with the workplace. It will provide an opportunity to brainstorm on how to improve the company. It is a chance for employees to familiarize with fellow employees. Alternatively, the company can simulate tasks that require teamwork and choose teams to participate. The winning team can receive credits in the form of gifts. The key is to emphasize the importance of teamwork. These alternatives can achieve the same objectives achieved by corporate retreat. In addition, they are much cheaper compared to the cost of corporate retreats. 3. The company can find the best place to fit employees that lack athletic ability. For example, employees that lack athletic team can be part of the team involved in formulating strategies how to win. In addition, the organization can organize exercises that do not demand too much athletic ability. Employees who perform poorly in the athletic activities will feel left out. One is likely to feel discouraged and alien to the team. The team building will drive the poorly performing employee to avoid being with the team. It will separate the individual from the team. Therefore, the organizer must find a way to include the individual in other games. 4. Advancements in

Critical Analysis Essay about economy Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Analysis about economy - Essay Example According to the author, countries poorly ranked on the Index of Economic Freedom risk high unemployment, deteriorating social conditions and economic stagnation. Miller attributes this poor performance by America to the Obama administration’s economic restraining regulations on critical sectors such as energy, finance and healthcare which impede not only personal freedom but also national prosperity. While America lags behind, other countries are fast striving to achieve economic freedom as it promotes economic growth, social progress and long term prosperity. This has seen 114 nations adopt strategies in the past year geared towards this objective with 43 achieving the highest ranking of economic freedom in the history of the ranking. With the 2014 Index of Economic Freedom showing a global race towards enhancement of economic opportunities courtesy of greater freedom, the article finds no excuse for America’s exclusion from the same pursuit. Indeed, restraint on econ omic freedom would worsen America’s economic woes. Measurement of economic freedom relies on indicators such as business regulation, property rights security and fiscal soundness among others. They also include voluntary exchange, personal choice, protection of property and persons and competition freedom. According to Gwartney and Lawson, economic freedom promotes the choice of individuals on the type and process of production of goods and services (406). However, such rights of these individuals do not extend to others but only govern their choices. Institutions and policies also would be consistent with this freedom, allowing for voluntary exchange and protections of people and their property as argued by Miller. Therefore, the government would promote economic freedom by providing legal structures protect property rights of owners. Indeed, economic freedom has been noted as a critical factor for economic growth. Just as Miller argues that economic freedom enables

History of Japan and its Relationship with the World

History of Japan and its Relationship with the World CHAPTER II JAPAN IN ITS SURROUNDING REGION 2.1 Japan in the Post Cold War World When the Berlin wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War, the global balance of power shifted from a tense military stand-off between the worlds two superpowers-the Soviet Union and United States- to one of American dominance. The end of the Cold War, which had gripped the world for nearly a half century, transformed the parameters and dynamics of international security. The end of Cold War did not have the same, immediate impact in Asia than it did in Europe. There was no Soviet Empire in Asia comparable to the vast territories under Moscows control in Europe. While Communist regimes collapsed from Berlin to Moscow, Marxism-Leninism continued to be the ruling orthodoxy in the PRC, North Korea, and Vietnam. In Europe, the fall of the Berlin Wall led to German unification, removing what had been arguably the greatest source of tension in European politics between 1945 and 1989. in Asia, however, disputes over national boundaries remained widespread, from the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas to the Spratley Islands in the South China Sea. Although the collapse of Soviet Union led to a considerable reduction in military tensions in Asia, the potential of conflict, if anything, increased on the Korean peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait. In the bold new world, Japan continued to confront with the strategic dilemma of protecting the vital sea-lanes along with the lifeblood of its economy flowed. Historically rooted fears of Japanese military power eased somewhat, at least in Japan and South East Asia. Nonetheless, the Japanese public remained profoundly uncomfortable with the notion that Japan should assume a larger military role, and in Northeast Asia-especially in China and Korea-historical animosities emerged all the stronger. The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States has also altered the world significantly. Governments around the world now realize that they are facing a new kind of threat that differs from the traditional ones. These new threat also includes various other kinds of aspects that influenced Japans security environment, such as Human trafficking, drug related crime, cyber crime, money laundering, Piracy, and other cross-border organized crimes. This research applies the Neorealism assumption that structures defines a states behaviour, and implies Kenneth N. Waltzs notion that a state is a rational actor that chooses its security strategy based on an assessment of its security environment. In this sense, the researcher argues that Japans relationship with its closest neighbours and also the emergence of the non traditional threat determines how Japan acts towards its alliance relationship with the United States in accordance with its effort on reaching security. Therefore, in this chapter the researcher will try to explore Japans regional environments, which will be explained through several crucial issues that Japan is facing with its neighbours. But before that, in order to explain Japans position in the region, it is also crucial to understand the basic nature of Japan, including its unique pacifist policies, its dilemma on defining national interest, and also its evolving defence posture. 2.2 Japan as a Pacifist Country Japan, or also known as â€Å"The Land of the Rising Sun†[1] is a moderately small country with a total of 377,835 square kilometres of total area and 374,744 square kilometres of land area.[2]. Japan has a Constitutional Monarchy[3] political system with its Emperor as symbol of state. It also has a Parliamentary form of government, with elected bicameral legislature called National Diet[4], consisting of House of Councillors, and also House of Representatives.[5] The head of the government in Japan is the Prime Minister, who must be a member of the House of Representatives and is usually the leader of the largest party in the House of Representatives. After its defeat in the Second World War, Japan has been positioning itself in the relationship among nations as a pacifist country. The subsequent sub-chapter will explore more of Japans pacifist constitution, which has been a symbol of Japans commitment to peace and more importantly its renunciation of wartime militarism. The following sub-chapter will also mentions several of Japans basic principle on pacifism, which clearly signs its effort in war renunciation, namely those principles are the Three Principles of Arms Exports, the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, and also the Self-Defense Force Law. 2.2.1 Japans Peace Constitution Since its promulgation in 1946, Japans constitution, and in particular its preamble and the article 9 â€Å"peace clause,† have occupied central positions in determining the direction of Japanese security policy. The constitution is the origin of a range of prohibitions and anti-militaristic principles that constrain Japans use of military force for national security ends, limiting the military to defending only the states own territory. It also creates significant barriers to cooperation with the United States and with the wider international community.[6] The constitutions preamble states Japans ideals with regard to security: We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honoured place in an international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth. We recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want. [7] Chapter 2 of article 9 of the constitution, â€Å"The Renunciation of War,† reads as follows†: â€Å"Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.†[8] Article 9 is the cornerstone of Japans pacifism. But Pacifism alone has not keep Japan free and safe, Japans security has been guaranteed by the presence of American military personnel in Japan and the shelter of the US nuclear umbrella. 2.2.2 Japans Self-Defense Force Law Having renounced war, the possession of war potential, the right of belligerency, and the possession of nuclear weaponry, Japan held the view that it should possess only the minimum defense necessary to face external threats. within those limits, the self defense forces law of 1954 provides the basis from which various formulations of SDF missions have been derived. The law states that ground, maritime, and air forces are to preserve the peace and independence of the nation and to maintain national security by conducting operations on land, at sea, and in the air to defend the nation against direct and indirect aggression. [9] 2.2.3 Japans Three Non-Nuclear Principles As the only nation in the world to experience the disastrous effect of the nuclear weapon, the Japanese people strongly put emphasize on the effort to eliminate nuclear weapons. This notion has been firmly translated into the non-nuclear principles that Japan is upholding until now. Articulated by Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967, Japans Three Non-Nuclear principles are:[10] Ø Not to make such (nuclear) weapons Ø Not to possess them Ø Not to bring them into Japan Japan later reaffirmed the principles when ratifying the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1976 and agreed to extend the treaty indefinitely in 1995. After 64 years of its promulgation, in 2009, Japans Prime Minister Taro Aso reaffirms that Japan would still going to adhere to its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.[11] 2.2.4 Japans Three Principles of Arms Exports The Three Principles on Arms Exports prevent Japanese firms from selling military hardware and technology on the international market. Like the Three non-nuclear principles, these export restrictions were established by Prime Minister Sato in 1967.[12] Its actual purpose is for Tokyo to bar shipments to the communists bloc and countries on the UN sanction lists. The ban was extended in 1976 to cover all countries, but then eased in 1983 when the United States sought to buy high tech materials for its Stealth bomber fleet and for other uses.[13] The three principles of arms exports prohibit Japan from conducting arms exports to the following countries or regions: Ø Communist bloc countries Ø Countries subject to arms exports embargo under the United Nations Security Councils Resolution and Ø Countries involved in or likely being involved in international conflicts.[14] Up until today, despite increasing calls for the legislation to be relaxed, Japan has no plans to review a government policy that prohibits the export of all military equipment and technologies. 2.3 Japans National Interest References to national interest constitute a new development in Japanese discourse on security. As an academic leaded term, National interest implies a host of realist assumptions concerning state-to state relations and the international system. The concept of national interests is a crucial factor to detect the policy of a state. The hierarchy of national interests can be classified into[15]: Ø Vital, national interests are conditions that are strictly necessary to safeguard and enhance states survival and well-being in a free and secure nation, Ø Extremely Important, national interests are condition that, if compromised, would severely prejudice but not strictly imperil the ability of the states government to safeguard and enhance the well-being of citizens of state in a free and secure nation. Ø Important, national interests are conditions that, if compromised, would have major negative consequences for the ability of the states government to safeguard and enhance the well-being of citizens of a state in a free and secure nation, and Less Important or Secondary, in which national interests are not unimportant. They are important and desirable conditions, but ones that have little direct impact on the ability of the states government to safeguard and enhance the well-being of citizens of state in a free and secure nation. To achieve and secure its national interest, a state would conduct every possible method. However, the term National interest bears a special meaning in the Japanese context. No common agreement exists among elites as to what Japans national interest entails. In fact, national interest is simultaneously a loaded term and a buzzword. When used by policy-oriented Diet members- often young lawmakers in the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and Democratic Party of Japan-the term loosely corresponds to the academic definition of national interest. In the case of the LDP, however, the term may also contain nationalist overtones. On the other hand, Japanese politicians also employ national interest as a form of rhetoric. For example, when justifying the SDFs dispatch to southern Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi told the Japanese press that: Reconstruction and stability of Iraq will be directly related to Japans National Interest.[16] Alternatively, during speeches and interviews, Japanese politicians may refer to national interest out of a desire to appear intellectual. Basically, Japan and the United States share common strategic objectives in the Asia-Pacific region. They seek a politically stable and economically viable, open region. Both would like the US to maintain its strong presence in the region. Both want to play an active role in the field of non-traditional security.[17] Dr Masayuki Yamauchi, the member of the Task Force Foreign Relations chaired by Special Adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat Okamoto, proposed that Japans national interests are almost the same as those of the United States, which shares common values such as freedom, democracy, and free trade with Japan. According to him, Japans national interests are[18]: 2.3.1 Maintenance of the Peace and Security of Japan. Security is the most vital national interest for every nation. To maintain its security, Japan as one of the worlds political leaders should engage itself actively in global security affairs. In this notion, former Prime Minister Koizumi stated in accordance with this matter in a press conference that: â€Å"Considering the fact that the development and prosperity of Japan rests upon the peace and stability of the world, I am convinced that the assistance that Japan currently provides, which realizes the policy of the Japan-US Alliance and international coordination, is in its national interest†[19] In a broader sense, the Japanese government also realizes that creating a secure and prosperous world is vital to Japans national interest, in a regional sense, Japans relation with its neighbours are the crucial point for this matter, this shows as the former Prime Minister Taro Aso stated in one of his speeches: â€Å"I have already met with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao of China eight times in total. I have also held eight summit meetings with President Lee Myung-Bak of the ROK, including the one on the day before yesterday. I believe that the relations with the leaders of these two countries are the closest they have ever been in the post-World War II era. It is we ourselves who create a world that is secure and prosperous. When Japan takes proactive steps towards the realization of such a world, Japan truly furthers its own national interests†[20] More in this notion, the then Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso mentions the importance of Japan to enhance its position in the region as a key player is stated in one of his speeches: â€Å"Japan is a country whose own prosperity depends on the stability and peace that exists around the globe as a whole. To bring us back to the metaphor of the chain, Japan has national interests in raising the degree of the chain as a whole, even should the means be indirect.†[21] In order to achieve security and prosperity, Japan realizes that the Japan-United States alliance is a vital element to achieve the perceived interest. Former Prime Minister Taro Aso stated in one of his statement that: â€Å"As this issue clearly demonstrates, Japans security and prosperity cannot be secured through the efforts of Japan alone. First of all, it is indispensable that the effectiveness of the Japan-US alliance be ensured. This alliance is a living arrangement and not something for which it suffices simply to have a piece of treaty document. We must constantly strengthen the Japan-US Security Arrangements through unremitting efforts by both Japan and the US. At the same time, as Japan asserts its national interests and gains the cooperation of relevant countries, it must fulfil its international responsibilities in tangible ways.†[22] â€Å"Stability was guaranteed by the Alliances among the free nations. On a global scale, balance and nuclear parity were achieved between Eastern and Western blocs. In North East Asia, the United States stood to bear the burden of security vis-à  -vis the communist military colossi like the Soviets, Chinese and North Koreans, and maintained stability in the region. We owe the peace and prosperity that has been created largely to the United States. And todays spread of democracy in the region is nothing but the result of tireless and colossi efforts by the United States to be a beacon of democracy world wide. It is only the Americans among the Western powers who shed blood of tens of thousands of nationals for the cause of freedom in the region.†[23] Japans peace and security can be regarded as a vital national interest, as this is stated by Nobukatsu Kanehara, the then Political Minister of Japan in 2005: â€Å"Japans grand strategy and vital interests consists in maintaining todays strategic stability and economic prosperity of the entire region. Japan can not do it alone. Maybe no nation could do it alone. And it is naturally that the Japan-US alliance, the alliance of the two biggest industrial democracies in the Asia-Pacific region, is and will be the best vehicle to achieve this daunting goal.†[24] â€Å"Japan is one of the major powers whose vital interests are entrusted to the stability of the world system. As Japan pursues its three major points of national interest, namely her own survival, stability, and prosperity, what is clear is that for a country of Japans size, no event occurring in the world can be ignored as being of no relation or interests.[25]† 2.3.2 Support for the free trade system. It is evident that the free trade system is important for Japan to enjoy economic prosperity. Accordingly, Japan should strengthen the free trade system by establishing a network of bilateral free trade agreements and support the World Trade Organization. â€Å"To promote democracy, free market and to enhance stability and prosperity in the region is not only Japans and Americans interests. It is the historic mission of the Japan-US alliance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develops global rules for the world economy and ensures that Japans national interests are reflected within them, a role which is clear and which cannot be carried out by any other domestic entity†[26] In the past, Japan has consistently supported the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) since it became a contracting party to the Agreement[27]. Japan has also believes that the global economy has prospered under the open, multilateral trading system under the GATT. Subsequently after the establishment of the World Trade Organizations after the Uruguay rounds, Japan has always been a contributing supportive member[28]. It could be concluded, then, that the maintenance and strengthening of a free and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system is Japans fundamental policy. 2.3.3 Protection of freedom, democracy and human rights. Freedom and democracy are Japans significant accomplishments since the Meiji Era. It is Japans duty to demonstrate a consistent commitment to the protection of these values in order to maintain regional stability. Taro Aso stated in accordance with Japans foreign policy of the issue of Japans determination towards democracy, peace and human rights: â€Å"Coming as we are from this background with such achievements, when it comes to talk of â€Å"universal values† that are commonly held in the world in general, whether it be talk of democracy, or peace, freedom, or human rights, Japan will no longer hesitate to state its views. This is what I am referring to when I speak of value oriented diplomacy, and my remarks to you here today constitute both a declaration of our qualifications and an expression of our determination.†[29] Democracy, peace, and human rights have a significant portion in the conduct of foreign policy for the government of Japan. In the Charter of Official Development Assistance decided in June 1992, Japan announced that, as the basic principles in implementing its aid, it would pay full attention to efforts toward promoting democratization and market-oriented economies, and to situations of basic human rights and freedom in recipient countries.[30] 2.3.4 Promotion of people to people exchanges and development of human resources through exchanges in the area of culture and education. Japan was the first modern country in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan put emphasis on developing human resources and it is because of the promotion of people-to-people exchange and development of human resources that Japan has flourished. It is important for Japan to continue to increase the number of people who understand Japan well. The 1992 diplomatic blue book of Japan stated in one of its paragraph relevantly this issue: â€Å"Japan has come to occupy an important position in the international community where interdependence among countries is growing. Overseas interest in Japan is being heightened. It is in Japans national interest in the medium and-long term to strengthen efforts to further deepen understanding of foreign countries toward Japan through broad cultural and educational exchanges†[31] The Government of Japan viewed that cultural exchange with other countries is a very important means of deepening understanding of Japan on the part of other countries and promoting international friendship and goodwill. It is the intention of the Japanese government to expand and strengthen various cultural exchange activities, as a major part of its diplomatic efforts[32]. 2.4 Japans Security Environments Japan is located in the Pacific Ocean; it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, Peoples Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia. Japans closest neighbours are South Korea, Russia, and China.[33] Based on the definition of North East Asia the researcher found, the North east Asian continent consist of the Republic of China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and the Russian Federation.[34] The second part of the chapter will try to explore thoroughly Japans security environments, including Japans neighbours, and also emerging security issues such as terrorism and international organized crime. Before we observe specifically several number of states in Japan surrounding region, the researcher would first take a look at the trend in issue of concern in Japans domestic realm, which is described in the following issued by the Cabinet Office of Japan. The above shows changes in Japans public concerns in terms of Japans peace and security. Respondents could choose three issues from a list about a dozen options. The clearly shows that their choices have changed significantly since the end of the Cold War. In February 1991, when the question was fist asked, it was in the midst of the Gulf War. Naturally, most respondents (56.4%) chose the Middle East Issue, as the one that concerned them with regard to Japans peace and security. The second highest percentage of concern was expressed on US-Soviet relations with 44% choosing that option: the timing was not long after the collapse of the Cold War structure. The remote third concern was arms control and reduction with 18.2%. The Korean Peninsula, despite its geographic proximity, came in as the forth most selected option with 17.3%. However, the results changed significantly in the next poll in 1994. the concern on Middle East issue dropped by two-thirds to 18.2 % and that on US-Soviet relations decreased to 31.2%, while the Korean Peninsula became the strongest concern with 34.2%, reflecting the May 1993 North Korean missile test in the Sea of Japan and the nuclear crisis of 1993-94. Since then, public concern about the peninsula has grown with 46.7% in 1997 and 56.7% in 2000 reflecting the August 1998 Taepodong missile incident and the March 1999 invasion into Japans territorial water by spy vessels. In the year 2003, after the December 2001 sunken spy vessel incident and the September 2002 Koizumi visit to Pyongyang, as many as 74.4% of respondents identified the Korean Peninsula as their primary concern. The results of the opinion polls show a clear decline of concern over the US-Soviet (Russia) relations and rapid increase in concern toward the Korean Peninsula among the Japanese public. The series of North Korean provocations since the 1990s as well as the shocking revelation of the abduction of Japanese nationals after Koizumis visit to Pyongyang attracted public attention. The geographical proximity of the Peninsula may have made Japans public concern over national security more realistic than the Soviet during the Cold War period. It is then clear for us to observe, that regional concern is increased in Japans public attention. Therefore, in the next part of this chapter, the researcher would explain specifically several states within Japans regional environments and also non traditional security concern such as terrorism and international organized crime. 2.4.1 Japans Relationship with its Neighbouring Countries 2.4.1.1 Peoples Republic of China China has the worlds largest population and a vast landmass surrounded by 14 countries. It has long borderlines and a long coastline. China is also a nation with various races, religions, and languages. Most of its ethnic minorities[36] populate the borderlands often with the same ethnic groups living across the borders. China, with a long history, has been shaping and maintaining a distinct culture and civilization, and pride of its unique history and the experiences of semi-colonization after the 19th century is driving a desire for a strong nation as well as fuelling their nationalism. China is state with a socialist regime, and aims at building a modern socialist state under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Part (CCP). History plays an important role in the bilateral Japanese-Chinese relationship and has an enduring impact on the perceptions, policies and future outlook of both sides. Historical experience shapes identities, but it is also instrumentalized for pressure on the other side. Depending on the prevailing political situation at a given time. Japan and China have found reasons for optimism or pessimism about their relationship. There have been many instances where Japan-China relations have soured due to various problems originating in history. Even now, the past still haunts bilateral relations. The problem of Yasukuni Shrine[37], school history books[38], the Nanking incident[39], comfort women[40], and also abandoned chemical weapons-these problems related to national honour and dignity have stirred up the emotions of the people of both countries. The core elements of Chinas strategic policies are rebuilding the economy and modernizing its armed forces in order to protect Chinas territorial integrity, providing peripheral security, and restoring her great power status. Taiwan reunification, the defeat of Uyghur separatist in Xinjiang Province, and the defeat of Tibetan insurgency are the dominant issues under territorial integrity. Despite the growth in Chinas economic and military power over the last decade, China remains paranoid about U.S. â€Å"hegemonic† power. China perceives the United States as attempting to contain China through its bilateral alliance structure. China was extremely critical of the 1996 reaffirmation of the U.S-Japan Security Alliance by President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto. On the other hand, China supports the U.S military presence in Japan to keep the â€Å"cork in the bottle† and prevent Japans return to militarism.[41] Wu Xinbo concluded, in an article in 2000, that most policy and academic elites in China do not embrace the idea that Japan will become militarized and aggressive, but rather that their concern is That the increase in Japans military capabilities will shift the balance of power in Japans favour. A militarily powerful Japan is more likely to invoke its alliance with the US to intervene should a military conflict arise in the Taiwan Straits. [42] Historically speaking, When China tested its first nuclear device in October 1964[43], in public the Japanese government reacted very calmly and played it down, hinting at the protection given by the US nuclear umbrella. Feeling secure under the American conventional and nuclear umbrella, Japan was not overly concerned about China becoming a nuclear power in 1964.[44] When Prime Minister Yoshida travelled to Europe in 1955 he indirectly criticised the USAs confrontational approach to Asian communism by stating in a policy paper that in fighting communism, political and economic strength was as important as military might, if not more so'[45] 2.4.1.1.1 The Military Modernization of the Peoples Republic of China In recent years, Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese military modernization and behaviour. In its 2006 defense white paper, the Japan Defense Agency stressed that Chinas defense budget was doubling every five years and that at the current rate, Chinas official reported defense expenditures would surpass Japans defense budget by 2009. It also noted that Chinas actual defense expenditures could be higher because all equipment procurement and research and development costs are not included in the official budget s.[46] In 2007, the Chinese Government announced a staggering increase of almost 17.8% of its military budget[47], resulting in questions asked by the government of its neighbours, including Japan, of its necessity and intentions. Relying mostly in on a naval presence for maintaining its military position, and given the circumstance that China is particularly backward in this arm category, Chinas challenge looks relatively comfortable despite alarmist US media and public opinion polls, and despite Chinas ability to make sustaining US supremacy more costly and/or more difficult in the meantime.[48] The US may consider the Chinese navy still far away from becoming a blue-ocean navy, but for Japanese policy makers Chinas predominantly coastal navy is rather close to Japanese waters, as we have seen in the context of the disputes over the Senkaku Islands and the EEZ.[49] 2.4.1.1.2 Japan-China Territorial Disputes: The Senkaku Islands The Senkaku Islands territorial disputes is one of the most pressing and potentially destabilizing territorial disputes on Japans Horizon, however, involves five small islands and three â€Å"Rocky outcroppings†. The islands, which the Japanese call the Senkaku and the Chinese the Diaoyu, lie roughly 100 miles Northeast of Taiwan and approximately 250 miles west of Japans southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. The largest of these uninhabited islands covers approximately 20 acres, and has the potential to bring the two former combatants into open hostilities once more. The fate of the islands has become a rallying point for Japanese and Chinese nationalists alike. In the summer of 1996, members of the nationalists Japan Youth Association erected aluminium, solar-powered lighthouse that measured about 15 feet tall and petitioned Japans Coast Guard to designate the beacon an official navigational signal and thereby reinforce Japans claims of sovereignty. The Coast Guard has yet to accede to this request. The lighthouse incident led to protests in Taiwan and Hong Kong, some of which involved as many as 10,000 angry Chinese demanding satisfactions for this affront to Chinas sovereignty. The Japanese are quick to point out that China never showed any particular interest in the disposition of the Senkaku Islands until a 1968 United Nations report suggested that there might be large petroleum deposits under the East China Sea in the vicinity of the Senkaku. In fact, the Chinese did not object to Japans 1895 assumption of sovereignty over the islands, nor did it voice any concerns regarding the islands status under Article III of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. As it relates to the Senkaku Islands, Article III says the following: â€Å"Japan will concur in any proposal of the United States to the United Nations to place under the trusteeship system, with the United States as the sole administering authority, Nansei Shoto south of 29 degrees North Latitude (including the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands†.[50] To further bolster their claim, the Japanese aversion that the United States considers the Senkaku Islands to be Japan

Cloning Essay -- essays research papers fc

Cloning our society It is hard to say if cloning is an answer to a problem or just another problem for the human race. There have been books, movies, and even stories about mankind creating their own species of humans. A good example of what could happen if mankind learns to clone itself is Mary Shelly's' Frankenstein, a classic novel demonstrating what could happen when mankind takes the power of "God" in our own hands. Cloning is physically a new science but ethically is a century old debate. A clone is a group of genetically identical cells that are borrowed from a single cell by asexual methods and used to create a new cell identical to the first ones. Cloning happens everyday in the human body, muscle creates more muscle, the cells in the mouth, and the walls of the large intestines are constantly dividing. Besides the human body, plants also are able to procreate by asexual means also create plants that are identical to them. "The body cells of adult animals and humans can be routinely cloned in the laboratory. Adult cells of various tissues, such as muscle cells, that are removed from the donor animal and maintained on a culture medium while receiving nutrients manage not only to survive but to go on dividing, producing colonies of identical descendants. By the 1950's scientists were able to clone frogs, producing identical individuals that carry the genetic characteristics of only a single parent. The technique used in the cloning of frogs consists of transplan ting frog DNA, contained in the nucleus of a body cell, into an egg cell whose own genetic material has been removed. The fused cells then begin to grow and divide, just like a normal fertilized egg, to form an embryo." (Britannica) The process, which was previously described, is the same way that human beings can be cloned. The major misunderstanding is that all someone needs is a sample of DNA to put in this magical machine and a couple days later a fully-grown identical twin is born. The cloning of a human being would be a very difficult, time consuming, and risky venture. It took 277 attempts to clone "Dolly", the sheep born as the first success in cloning an adult mammal. This was achieved in 1996 at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland by a team of British researchers led by Ian Wilmut. However, there is a group of people who have the intent to... ...eplace an extinct animal but the animal won't even be pure guar. The newly born animal will have some cow DNA as well and now there will be a new species not the replacement of an old one. Humans may think that we've found the answer to so many problems, when actually we have just opened the door to cloning, but that's not the only door. Scientists seem to be the only ones who want to use this new technology with caution and reason. But yet the private sector just seems to be out there for its own interests: to be the first, be the best, or to go down in history. They don't seem to care of what a large responsibility this puts on the world as an entire population, it weighs down on us with moral problems, mental problems, and cloning problems. Works Cited "Clone". Britannica. 1999-2000 ed. "Private Group Set to Launch Human Cloning Scheme" National Geographic Society. http://www.ngnews.com/news/2000/10/10132000/clone_3142287101384834.asp "Raising the Dead". New Scientist. http://www.newscienist.com/nsplus/insight/clone/raisingthedead "Cult of the Clone". New Scientist. http://www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/clone/cultoftheclone Cloning Essay -- essays research papers fc Cloning our society It is hard to say if cloning is an answer to a problem or just another problem for the human race. There have been books, movies, and even stories about mankind creating their own species of humans. A good example of what could happen if mankind learns to clone itself is Mary Shelly's' Frankenstein, a classic novel demonstrating what could happen when mankind takes the power of "God" in our own hands. Cloning is physically a new science but ethically is a century old debate. A clone is a group of genetically identical cells that are borrowed from a single cell by asexual methods and used to create a new cell identical to the first ones. Cloning happens everyday in the human body, muscle creates more muscle, the cells in the mouth, and the walls of the large intestines are constantly dividing. Besides the human body, plants also are able to procreate by asexual means also create plants that are identical to them. "The body cells of adult animals and humans can be routinely cloned in the laboratory. Adult cells of various tissues, such as muscle cells, that are removed from the donor animal and maintained on a culture medium while receiving nutrients manage not only to survive but to go on dividing, producing colonies of identical descendants. By the 1950's scientists were able to clone frogs, producing identical individuals that carry the genetic characteristics of only a single parent. The technique used in the cloning of frogs consists of transplan ting frog DNA, contained in the nucleus of a body cell, into an egg cell whose own genetic material has been removed. The fused cells then begin to grow and divide, just like a normal fertilized egg, to form an embryo." (Britannica) The process, which was previously described, is the same way that human beings can be cloned. The major misunderstanding is that all someone needs is a sample of DNA to put in this magical machine and a couple days later a fully-grown identical twin is born. The cloning of a human being would be a very difficult, time consuming, and risky venture. It took 277 attempts to clone "Dolly", the sheep born as the first success in cloning an adult mammal. This was achieved in 1996 at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland by a team of British researchers led by Ian Wilmut. However, there is a group of people who have the intent to... ...eplace an extinct animal but the animal won't even be pure guar. The newly born animal will have some cow DNA as well and now there will be a new species not the replacement of an old one. Humans may think that we've found the answer to so many problems, when actually we have just opened the door to cloning, but that's not the only door. Scientists seem to be the only ones who want to use this new technology with caution and reason. But yet the private sector just seems to be out there for its own interests: to be the first, be the best, or to go down in history. They don't seem to care of what a large responsibility this puts on the world as an entire population, it weighs down on us with moral problems, mental problems, and cloning problems. Works Cited "Clone". Britannica. 1999-2000 ed. "Private Group Set to Launch Human Cloning Scheme" National Geographic Society. http://www.ngnews.com/news/2000/10/10132000/clone_3142287101384834.asp "Raising the Dead". New Scientist. http://www.newscienist.com/nsplus/insight/clone/raisingthedead "Cult of the Clone". New Scientist. http://www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/clone/cultoftheclone

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Five

November 2, Saturday Dear Diary, This morning I woke up and felt so strange. I don't know how to describe it. On the one hand, I was so weak that when I tried to stand up my muscles wouldn't support me. But on the other hand I felt†¦ pleasant.So comfortable , sorelaxed. As if I were floating on a bed of golden light. I didn't care if I never moved again. Then I remembered Stefan, and I tried to get up, but Aunt Judith put me back to bed. She said Bonnie and Meredith had left hours ago, and that I'd been so fast asleep they couldn't wake me. She said what I needed was rest. So here I am. Aunt Judith brought the TVin,but I don't care about watching it. I'd rather lie here and write, or just lie here. November 3,Sunday (10:30 p.m.) I've just read over yesterday's entry and I'm shocked. What was wrong with me? I broke off in the middle of a sentence, and now I don'teven know what I was going to say. And I didn'texplain about my new diary or anything. I must have been completely spaced out. Anyway, this is the official start of my new diary. I boughtthis blank book at the drugstore. It's not as beautiful as the other one, but it will have to do. I've given up hope of ever seeing my old one again. Whoever stole it isn't going to bring it back. But when I think of them reading it, all my inner thoughts and my feelings about Stefan, I want to kill them. While simultaneously dying of humiliation myself. I'm not ashamed of the way I feel about Stefan. But it's private. And there are things in there, about the way it is when we kiss, when he holds me, that I know he wouldn't want anybody else to read. Of course, it hasn't got anything about his secret in it. I hadn't found that out yet. It wasn't until I did that I really understood him, and we got together, really together, at last. Now we're part of each other. I feel as if I've been waiting for him all my life. Maybe you think I'm terrible for loving him, considering what he is. He can be violent, and I know there are some things in his past that he's ashamed of. But he could never be violent toward me,and the past is over. He has so much guilt and he hurts so much inside. I want to heal him. I don't know what will happen now; I'm just so glad that he's safe. I went to the boarding house today and found out that the police had been there yesterday. Stefan was still weak and couldn't use his Powers to get rid of them, but they didn't accuse him of anything. They just asked questions. Stefan says they acted friendly, which makes me suspicious. What all the questions really boil down to is: where were you on the night the old man was attacked under the bridge, and the night Vickie Bennett was attacked in the ruined church, and the night Mr. Tanner was killed at school? They don't have any evidence against him. So the crimes started right after he came to Fell's Church, so what? That's not proof of anything. So he argued with Mr. Tanner that night. Again, so what? Everybody argued with Mr. Tanner. So he disappeared after Mr. Tanner's body was found. He's back now, and it's pretty clear that he was attacked himself, by the same person who committed the other crimes. Mary told the police about the condition he was in. And if they ever ask us, Matt and Bonnie and Meredith and I can all testify how we found him. There's no case against him at all. Stefan and I talked about that, and about other things. It was so good to be with him again, even if he did look white and tired. He still doesn't remember how Thursday night ended, but most of it is just as I suspected. Stefan went to find Damon Thursday night after he took me home. They argued. Stefan ended up half-dead in a well. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened in between. I still haven't told him that I went looking for Damon in the graveyard Friday morning. I suppose I'd better do it tomorrow. I know he's going to be upset, especially when he hears what Damon said to me. Well, that's all. I'm tired. This diary is going to be well-hidden, for obvious reasons. P.S. I wonder who our new European history teacher will be? She tucked the diary under her mattress and turned out the light. Elena walked down the hallway in a curious vacuum. At school she was usually peppered with greetings from all sides; it was â€Å"hi, Elena,† after â€Å"hi, Elena,† wherever she went. But today eyes slid away furtively as she approached, or people suddenly became very busy doing something that required them to keep their backs to her. It had been happening all day long. She paused in the doorway of the European history classroom. There were several students already sitting down, and at the chalkboard was a stranger. He looked almost like a student himself. He had sandy hair, worn a little long, and the build of an athlete. Across the board he had written â€Å"Alaric K. Saltzman.† As he turned around, Elena saw that he also had a boyish smile. He went on smiling as Elena sat down and other students filed in. Stefan was among them, and his eyes met Elena's as he took his seat beside her, but they didn't speak. No one was talking. The room was dead silent. Bonnie sat down on Elena's other side. Matt was only a few desks away, but he was looking straight ahead. The last two people to come in were Caroline Forbes and Tyler Smallwood. They walked in together, and Elena didn't like the look on Caroline's face. She knew that catlike smile and those narrowed green eyes all too well. Tyler's handsome, rather fleshy features were shining with satisfaction. The discoloration under his eyes caused by Stefan's fist was almost gone. â€Å"Okay, to start off, why don't we put all these desks in a circle?† Elena's attention snapped back to the stranger at the front of the room. He was still smiling. â€Å"Come on, let's do it. That way we can all see each other's faces when we talk,† he said. Silently, the students obeyed. The stranger didn't sit at Mr. Tanner's desk; instead, he pulled a chair to the circle and straddled it backward. â€Å"Now,† he said. â€Å"I know you all must be curious about me. My name's on the board: Alaric K. Saltzman. But I want you to call me Alaric. I'll tell you a little more about me later, but first I want to give you a chance to talk. â€Å"Today's probably a difficult day for most of you. Someone you cared about is gone, and that must hurt. I want to give you a chance to open up and share those feelings with me and with your classmates. I want you to try to get in touch with the pain. Then we can start to build our own relationship on trust. Now They stared at him. No one so much as moved an eyelash. â€Å"Well, let's see†¦ what about you?† Still smiling, he gestured encouragingly to a pretty, fair-haired girl. â€Å"Tell us your name and how you feel about what's happened.† Flustered, the girl stood. â€Å"My name's Sue Carson, and, uh†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She took a deep breath and went doggedly on. â€Å"And I feelscared. Because whoever this maniac is, he's still loose. And next time it could be me.† She sat down. â€Å"Thank you, Sue. I'm sure a lot of your classmates share your concern. Now, do I understand that some of you were actually there when this tragedy occurred?† Desks creaked as students shifted uneasily. But Tyler Smallwood stood up, his lips drawing back from strong white teeth in a smile. â€Å"Most of us were there,† he said, and his eyes flickered toward Stefan. Elena could see other people following his gaze. â€Å"I got there right after Bonnie discovered the body. And what I feel is concern for the community. There's a dangerous killer on the streets, and so far nobody's done anything to stop him. And – † He broke off. Elena wasn't sure how, but she felt Caroline had signaled him to do it. Caroline tossed back gleaming auburn hair and recrossed her long legs as Tyler took his seat again. â€Å"Okay, thank you. So most of you were there. That makes it doubly hard. Can we hear from the person who actually found the body? Is Bonnie here?† He looked around. Bonnie raised her hand slowly, then stood. â€Å"Iguess I discovered the body,† she said. â€Å"I mean, I was the first person who knew that he was really dead, and not just faking.† Alaric Saltzman looked slightly startled. â€Å"Not just faking? Did he often fake being dead?† There were titters, and he flashed that boyish smile again. Elena turned and glanced at Stefan, who was frowning. â€Å"No – no,† said Bonnie. â€Å"You see, he was a sacrifice. At the Haunted House. So he was covered with blood anyway, only it was fake blood. And that was partly my fault, because he didn't want to put it on, and I told him he had to do it. He was supposed to be a Bloody Corpse. But he kept saying it was too messy, and it wasn't until Stefan came and argued with him – † She stopped. â€Å"I mean, we talked to him and he finally agreed to do it, and then the Haunted House started. And a little while later I noticed that he wasn't sitting up and scaring the kids like he was supposed to, and I went over and asked him what was wrong. And he didn't answer. He just – he just kept staring at the ceiling. And then I touched him and he – it was terrible. His head just sort offlopped †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bonnie's voice wavered and gave out. She gulped. Elena was standing up, and so were Stefan and Matt and a few other people. Elena reached over to Bonnie. â€Å"Bonnie, it's okay. Bonnie, don't; it's okay.† â€Å"And blood got all over my hands. There was blood everywhere, so much blood†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She sniffed hysterically. He stood up and paced around the center of the circle, his hands opening and shutting nervously. Bonnie was still sniffling softly. â€Å"I know,† he said, the boyish smile coming back full force. â€Å"I'd like to get our student-teacher relationship off to a good start, away from this whole atmosphere. How about if you all come around to my place this evening, and we can all talk informally? Maybe just get to know each other, maybe talk about what happened. You can even bring a friend if you want. How about it?† There was another thirty seconds or so of staring. Then someone said, â€Å"Your place?† â€Å"Yes†¦ oh, I'm forgetting. Stupid of me. I'm staying at the Ramsey house, on Magnolia Avenue.† He wrote the address on the board. â€Å"The Ramseys are friends of mine, and they loaned me the house while they're on vacation. I come from Charlottesville, and your principal called me Friday to ask me if I could take over here. I jumped at the chance. This is my first real teaching job.† â€Å"Oh, that explains it,† said Elena under her breath. â€Å"Does it?† said Stefan. â€Å"Anyway, what do you think? Is it a plan?† Alaric Saltzman looked around at them. No one had the heart to refuse. There were scattered â€Å"yeses† and â€Å"sures.† â€Å"Great, then it's settled. I'll provide the refreshments, and we'll all get to know each other. Oh, by the way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He opened a grade book and scanned it. â€Å"In this class, participation makes up half your final grade.† He glanced up and smiled. â€Å"You can go now.† â€Å"The nerve of him,† somebody muttered as Elena went out the door. Bonnie was behind her, but Alaric Saltzman's voice called her back. â€Å"Would the students who shared with us please stay behind for a minute?† Stefan had to leave, too. â€Å"I'd better go check about football practice,† he said. â€Å"It's probably canceled, but I'd better make sure.† Elena was concerned. â€Å"If it's not canceled, do you think you're feeling up to it?† â€Å"I'll be fine,† he said evasively. But she noticed that his face still looked drawn, and he moved as if he were in pain. â€Å"Meet you at your locker,† he said. She nodded. When she got to her locker, she saw Caroline nearby talking to two other girls. Three pairs of eyes followed Elena's every move as she put away her books, but when Elena glanced up, two of them suddenly looked away. Only Caroline remained staring at her, head slightly cocked as she whispered something to the other girls. Elena had had enough. Slamming her locker, she walked straight toward the group. â€Å"Hello, Becky; hello, Sheila,† she said. Then, with heavy emphasis: â€Å"Hello, Caroline.† â€Å"What's going on?† she demanded. â€Å"Going on?† Caroline was obviously enjoying this, trying to draw it out as long as possible. â€Å"Going on with who?† â€Å"With you, Caroline. With everybody. Don't pretend you're not up to something, because I know you are. People have been avoiding me all day as if I had the plague, and you look like you just won the lottery. What have you done?† Caroline's expression of innocent inquiry slipped, and she smiled a feline smile. â€Å"I told you when school started that things were going to be different this year, Elena,† she said. â€Å"I warned you your time on the throne might be running out. But it isn'tmy doing. What's happening is simply natural selection. The law of the jungle.† â€Å"And just whatis happening?† â€Å"Well, let's just say that going out with a murderer can put a cramp in your social life.† Elena's chest tightened as if Caroline had hit her. For a moment, the desire to hit Caroline back was almost irresistible. Then, with the blood pounding in her ears, she said through clenched teeth, â€Å"That isn't true. Stefan hasn't done anything. The police questioned him, and he was cleared.† Caroline shrugged. Her smile now was patronizing. â€Å"Elena, I've known you since kindergarten,† she said, â€Å"so I'll give you some advice for old times' sake: drop Stefan. If you do it right now you might just avoid being a complete social leper. Otherwise you might as well buy yourself a little bell to ring in the street.† Rage held Elena hostage as Caroline turned and walked away, her auburn hair moving like liquid under the lights. Then Elena found her tongue. â€Å"Caroline.† The other girl turned back. â€Å"Are you going to go to that party at the Ramsey house tonight?† â€Å"I suppose so. Why?† â€Å"Because I'll be there. With Stefan. See you in the jungle.† This time Elena was the one to turn away. The dignity of her exit was slightly marred when she saw a slim, shadowed figure at the far end of the hallway. Her step faltered for an instant, but as she drew closer she recognized Stefan. She knew the smile she gave him looked forced, and he glanced back toward the lockers as they walked side by side out of the school. â€Å"So football practice was canceled?† she said. He nodded. â€Å"What was that all about?† he said quietly. â€Å"Nothing. I asked Caroline if she was going to the party tonight.† Elena tilted back her head to look at the gray and dismal sky. She remembered what he had told her in his room. He could see better than a human, and hear better, too. Well enough to catch words spoken down forty feet of corridor? â€Å"Yes,† she said defiantly, still inspecting the clouds. â€Å"And that's what made you so angry?† â€Å"Yes,† she said again, in the same tone. She could feel his eyes on her. â€Å"Elena, that's not true.† â€Å"Well, if you can read my mind, you don't need to ask me questions, do you?† They were facing each other now. Stefan was tense, his mouth set in a grim line. â€Å"You know I wouldn't do that. But I thought you were the one who was so big on honesty in relationships.† â€Å"All right. Caroline was being her usual bitchy self and shooting her mouth off about the murder. So what? Why do you care?† â€Å"Because,† said Stefan simply, brutally, â€Å"she might be right. Not about the murder but about you. About you and me. I should have realized this would happen. It's not just her, is it? I've been sensing hostility and fear all day, but I was too tired to try and analyze it. They think I'm the killer and they're taking it out on you.† â€Å"What they think doesn't matter! They're wrong, and they'll realize that eventually. Then everything will be the way it was again.† A wistful smile tugged at the corner of Stefan's mouth. â€Å"You really believe that, don't you?† He looked away, and his face hardened. â€Å"And what if they don't? What if it only gets worse?† â€Å"What are you saying?† â€Å"It might be better†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Stefan took a deep breath and continued, carefully. â€Å"It might be better if we didn't see each other for a while. If they think we're not together, they'll leave you alone.† She stared at him. â€Å"And you think you could do that? Not see me or talk to me for however long?† â€Å"If it's necessary – yes. We could pretend we've broken up.† His jaw was set. Elena stared another moment. Then she circled him and moved in closer, so close that they were almost touching. He had to look down at her, his eyes only a few inches from her own. â€Å"There is,† she said, â€Å"only one way I'm going to announce to the rest of the school that we've broken up. And that's if you tell me that you don't love me and you don't want to see me. Tell me that, Stefan, right now. Tell me that you don't want to be with me any more.† He'd stopped breathing. He stared down at her, those green eyes striated like a cat's in shades of emerald and malachite and holly green. She never got to finish the sentence. It was cut off as his mouth descended on hers.