Balance Sheet and Public Sector Reform Essay

Financial control 1.1 Assess the relationship(s) between a financial system or function and other systems or functions in an organisation Answer: Information and records are of critical importance to the functioning and controlling of systems in general, including organisational systems. Given the central importance of information and records to systems operation, including public sector organisations and the societies they exist to govern, we should not be surprised to learn that public sector reform efforts that overlook the information component often fail to meet their immediate objectives and the longer-term goal of establishing a framework for good governance. Efforts to improve the management of public sector records in many countries have been hampered by a gap between the National Archives and the government’s record-creating departments. The result has been that most of the records in the custody of the Archives are over forty years old, while the records in government departments remain unmanaged. Some National Archives have inspecting powers, but there are few professionals trained to manage current records. Moreover, there are rarely systems in place to ensure that semi-current and non-current records are transferred to secure accommodation or appropriately destroyed. The introduction of computerized systems, often a key part of public sector reform projects, is compounding existing record-keeping problems. These computerized systems are using information that may be seriously flawed and based on collapsed paper-based systems. It is because effective management of records is so crucial to achieving public sector reform objectives, which lead to good governance, that restructuring must encompass the management of records. Restructuring of records and archives management processes must be seen as an integral part of the restructuring of core government processes to ensure the success of public sector reform efforts. 1.2 Describe the systems of accounts and financial statements used to control a financial system Answer: Financial statements are the primary means of communicating financial information to parties outside the business organization. The four basic financial statements: Balance Sheet Income Statement Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Retained Earnings ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS In small enterprises there can be different kinds of accounting systems such as external, internal and tax accounting. Annex 3 summarises data per Member State concerning accounting system requirements for small enterprises. On the basis of this data, the following descriptions of accounting systems are given: Internal accounting Internal accounting, also called management accounting is based on the enterprise’s internal accounting procedures and recorded accounting information. Internal accounting is intended for managers within organizations, to provide them with the economic basis to make informed business decisions that would allow them to be better equipped in their management and control functions. For example, managers may want to be able to assess the contribution or the profitability of different products or services that they supply by comparing the revenues and costs that they generate. Unlike external accounting information, internal accounting is usually confidential and it is accessible only to the management. In most cases, small enterprises do not use internal accounting at all due to their size. Internal accounting is normally not governed by national legislation. However, in some Member States internal accounting is compulsory even for small enterprises. External accounting External accounting, also called financial accounting is concerned with the preparation of financial statements for decision makers, such as the owners, suppliers, banks, governments and its agencies, customers and other stakeholders outside the enterprise. External accounting makes use of the accounting information from the internal accounting system. In the preparation of the external accounting, the small enterprise may be governed by local 1.3 Analyse financial information contained in a set of accounts or financial statements Answer: The two main sources of data for financial analysis are a company’s balance sheet and income statement. The balance sheet outlines the financial and physical resources that a company has available for business activities in the future. It is important to note, however, that the balance sheet only lists these resources, and makes no judgment about how well they will be used by management. For this reason, the balance sheet is more useful in analysing a company’s current financial position than its expected performance. The main elements of the balance sheet are assets and liabilities. Assets generally include both current assets (cash or equivalents that will be converted to cash within one year, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and prepaid expenses) and noncurrent assets (assets that are held for more than one year and are used in running the business, including fixed assets like property, plant, and equipment; long-term investments; and intangible assets like patents, copyrights, and goodwill). Both the total amount of assets and the makeup of asset accounts are of interest to financial analysts. The balance sheet also includes two categories of liabilities, current liabilities (debts that will come due within one year, such as accounts payable, short-term loans, and taxes) and long-term debts (debts that are due more than one year from the date of the statement).Liabilities are important to financial analysts because businesses have same obligation to pay their bills regularly as individuals, while business income tends to be less certain. Long-term liabilities are less important to analysts, since they lack the urgency of short-term debts, though their presence does indicate that a company is strong enough to be allowed to borrow money. The balance sheet also commonly includes stock-holders’ equity accounts, which detail the permanent capital of the business. The total equity usually consists of two parts: the money that has been invested by shareholders, and the money that has been retained from profits and reinvested in the business. In general the more equity that is held by a business, the better the ability of the business to borrow additional funds. In contrast to the balance sheet, the income statement provides information about a company’s performance over a certain period of time. Although it does not reveal much about the company’s current financial condition, it does provide indications of its future viability. The main elements of the income statement are revenues earned; expenses incurred, and net profit or loss. Revenues consist mainly of sales, though financial analysts may also note the inclusion of royalties, interest, and extraordinary items. Likewise, operating expenses usually consist primarily of the cost of goods sold, but can also include some unusual items. Net income is the â€Å"bottom line† of the income statement. This figure is the main indicator of a company’s accomplishments over the statement period. Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/financial-analysis#ixzz1uKymsDuW 2.1 As a manager you need to fully understand your role in the budgetary process. It is the most basic financial planning and control tool. Every manager needs to know what costs are associated with their department, and how in relation are they doing to that budget. You might achieve your departmental goals, but if you go over budget in order to achieve those goals, you create financial problems for the company and jeopardize your own job performance review. In most cases, part of your performance appraisal will be based on whether or not you were within budget for the year. Budgets need to be realistic. You can’t just say at a whim you need 20 new people, just as upper management can’t say you have only $10 for a years’ worth of training classes. Budgets are used to investigate variances, whether you went over or under budget, and address the reasons for the variances. You need to always look at ways to control those variances by controlling costs. By being on top of your budget, you might be able to make changes before it’s too late and you end up having to reduce staff or eliminate a branch of your department. There are basically two types of budgets, a capital expenditure budget and operating budget: 1. Capital expenditure (also known as â€Å"Capex†) relates to costs associated with plant and equipment. This is equipment that generally lasts for more than a year such as a copy machine. 2. Operating budget, which is related to the normal day-to-day operations and expenditures such as payroll, supplies, and miscellaneous. There are two types of budgets within an operating budget, sales budgets and expense budgets:  · Sales budget is associated with comparison and variance of the actual revenue brought with the projected revenue.  · Expense budget applies to all areas incurring operating expenses, including the sales department. This is the budget we will focus on. CASH BUDGET FOR 90 DAYS Beginning cash balance $ 320,000 Add: Estimated collections on accounts receivable750,000 Estimated cash sales 250,000 $1,320,000 Deduct: Estimated payments on accounts payable $ 800,000 Estimated cash expenses 150,000 Contractual payments on long-term debt 150,000 Quarterly dividend 50,000 $1,150,000 Estimated ending cash balance $ 170,000 2.2 Budgetary Control is defined as â€Å"the establishment of budgets, relating the responsibilities of executives to the requirements of a policy, and the continuous comparison of actual with budgeted results either to secure by individual action the objective of that policy or to provide a base for its revision. 2. Salient features: a. Objectives: Determining the objectives to be achieved, over the budget period, and the policy (ies) that might be adopted for the achievement of these ends. b. Activities: Determining the variety of activities that should be undertaken for achievement of the objectives. c. Plans: Drawing up a plan or a scheme of operation in respect of each class of activity, in physical as well as monetary terms for the full budget period and its parts. d. Performance Evaluation: Laying out a system of comparison of actual performance by each person section or department with the relevant budget and determination of causes for the discrepancies, if any. e. Control Action: Ensuring that when the plans are not achieved, corrective actions are taken; And when corrective actions are not possible, ensuring that the plans are revised and objective achieved. Budgetary Control is an integral part of management. It consists in comparisons between the results of actual performance and budgeted performance. Central to this kind of comparison is Standard Costing and Variance Analysis. The purpose of this article is to clarify simply to the leaner, reader, and others peoples who related with accounts, budgets, costing department. 01. Variance Analysis: In a well-run organization the comparison between actual and budget is used as the basis for deciding the appropriate action. This document sets out how the analysis is used to highest effect. The procedure is actually part of the normal control process. Any variation from expected performance, in terms of budgets, where income or expenditure did not occur as expected. Variance analysis is the act of determining the drivers for those variations. Variances are noted and accounted for. A decision can be made to reduce expenses or reallocate resources. This technique greatly reduces the need for comprehensive review cycles. 2.3 Budget and Budgetary control, both at management and operational level looks at the future and lays down what has to be achieved. Control verifies whether or not the plans are understood, and puts into effect corrective measures where deviation or underperformance is occurring. This article â€Å"Techniques of Budgetary Control† examines how budget and budgetary control can impact on the performance of the organizations Techniques: Budgetary Control is an integral part of management. It consists in comparisons between the results of actual performance and budgeted performance. Central to this kind of comparison is Standard Costing and Variance Analysis. The purpose of this article is to clarify simply to the leaner, reader, and others peoples who related with accounts, budgets, costing department. What variance analysis is all about, avoiding pure technicalities and the terminology of accountants? Notice is confined to costs and cost variances in this article. A similar dealing of revenue and revenue variances would also be compulsory to acquire a proper perspective. Following explained The Budgetary Control Techniques 01. Variance Analysis: In a well-run organization the comparison between actual and budget is used as the basis for deciding the appropriate action. This document sets out how the analysis is used to highest effect. The procedure is actually part of the normal control process. Any variation from expected performance, in terms of budgets, where income or expenditure did not occur as expected. Variance analysis is the act of determining the drivers for those variations. Variances are noted and accounted for. A decision can be made to reduce expenses or reallocate resources. This technique greatly reduces the need for comprehensive review cycles.

MayBank: Malaysia’s Largest Bank and Financial Group

1. 0. INTRODUCTION 1. 1. MAYBANK BERHAD BACKGROUND Maybank is a trade name for Malayan Banking Berhad. Maybank is well known as the largest bank and financial group in Malaysia, with significant banking operations in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. This bank also has large interests in Islamic banking throughout Maybank Islamic Berhad and insurance via its Etiqa subsidiary. As it moves into its six decade, Maybank Group already show it commitment and changes in order to become the financial service leader in Malaysia.From its incorporated on 13th May 1960, Maybank starting its operation on 12th September 1960 at Mansion House, High Street, Kuala Lumpur. At that time, Malayan economy was fully dependant on rubber and tin and Maybank take the chances to be the first wholly bank that owned finance company. It was known as Malayan Finance Corporation and later its change to Maybank Finance. Maybank opened its first overseas branch in Brunei on 28th November 1960 followed by Sou th Bridge Road, Singapore in December 1960.On 12th December 1962, the Hong Kong branch was opened followed by a branch in London on 12th September 1962. Maybank also listed on Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on February 17 at the same year. On September 1973, Maybank step forward and sets up its investment banking arm known as Aseambanker and was already rename as Maybank Investment Bank in 2009. In 1974, Maybank introduced the Rural Credit Scheme which purposed its services to rural sectors and also to fulfil the government’s objective which want to balance the economic among populance.As the time passed by, Maybank upgraded its services and come out with the first mobile bus banking services in Johor in 1976 which provided financial services to rural communities. Maybank also introduced Mayban Phoenix Assurance Berhad in 1977 with the bank hold 70 % equity and the remaining 30% is held by British Phoenix assurance and changed its name to Mayban Assurance. In 1978, Maybank becom e the first Malaysian bank that computerized all the saving and other current account services. Maybank launched its first credit card called Maybank Visa Card in year 1980.Then, around 1983, the foundation stone of Menara Maybank or known as Maybank Headquarter was lay by Malaysian fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamed. Maybank also step forward by opened Balai Seni Maybank and Maybank Numismatic Museum that officially launched by Tan Sri Dato Jaafar Hussein, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. An offshore bank in Labuan International Financial Centre was set up by Maybank to prove their establishment in this sector. After that, in 1992, Maybank formed Maybank Securities. This situation clearly show that Maybank always improving their standard year by year by introducing new services and products.Then,in year 1996, Maybank sell Kwong Yik Bank to Rashid Hussain Berhad Maybank also become the first bank that offer the convenience of ticket less travel for domestic flights on MAS through MASET (MAS Electronic Ticketing) in 1997. Maybank also upgraded its services by introducing Internet Banking services or known as Maybank2u. com that help their customer to use Maybank services at any time and places. In year 2001, Maybank then merged with Pacific Bank Berhad and Phileo Allied Bank berhad which well known as foreign banks.At the same year, Maybank also introduces Dataran Maybank which consists of head office of Mayban Finance, Maybank General Assurance, Mayban Fortis Holding, Mayban Life Assurance, Maybank Securities and last but not least is Maybank Futures. In year 2004, Mayban Finance vested all their entire operation and business into Maybank. Around 2008, Maybank was starting to establish its Islamic Banking Subsidiary known as Maybank Islamic Berhad. Besides that, Maybank also completed the acquisition of 15% in An Binh Bank (Vietnam), 20% of Muslim Commercial Bank of Pakistan and 97. 5% of Bank International Indonesia (BII).In addition, Maybank won for the second year Malaysia's Most Valuable Brand (worth RM9. 3 billion), and Deal of the Year – Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year at the 2008 ALB SE Asia Law Awards. Maybank was founded by Malaysian business tycoon Khoo Teck Puat, who died in 2004. The company was led by President and CEO Amirsham Abdul Aziz for some two decades until March 2008 after which he was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in-charge of the Economic Planning Unit, a post he held until April 2009. Dato' Sri Abdul Wahid Omar was officially appointed as President and CEO of Maybank Group in May 2008.As of June 30, 2010, Maybank boasting group assets worth RM337 billion (US$106 billion), placing it among the top 120 banks worldwide. Malayan Banking is also a listed corporation on Bursa Malaysia. Maybank is well known as the largest bank in Malaysia with 384 domestic branches and 190 international branches and offices. Maybank is largest listed companies on the Malaysian Stock Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, with a market capitalization of over RM54 billion (USD22 billion) as of end-March 2011. In addition, Maybank was ranked at 458th in the Forbes Global 2000 Leading Companies with market cap of USD 20. 8 billion in year 2011. 1. 2. MAYBANK OPERATION Maybank operates consumer banking, business and corporate banking as well as private banking services, through a network of 384 branch offices and more than 2,800 automated teller machines in Malaysia. The company operates 22 branches throughout Singapore providing a full range of banking and financial products and services. Maybank, through Maybank Philippines Incorporated, has 50 branches in the Philippines and also has a banking presence in most of the other Southeast Asian markets, including Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam.The bank also operates branches in New York, London, Hong Kong and Bahrain. Beside its commercial banking network, Maybank operates a number of specialized s ubsidiaries in the insurance, investment banking and assets management, and finance sectors. The group's subsidiaries include Etiqa Insurance & Takaful which provides both conventional and Shariah compliant insurance products, and Maybank Investment Bank which is the Group's investment banking division following the acquisition of Maybank Discount and Maybank Securities. Maybank was the first Malaysian bank granted the right to establish a branch office in China.

America Industrial Revolution

Industrial revolution has been identified as the defining force behind the tremendous economic growth witnessed in the American nation during the 19th and twentieth century (Hudson 56). Thanks to industrial revolution, the American nation improved its ability to conduct mass production both for its domestic needs and surplus for export. Just to be appreciated here is the factor that the sustainable economic development of any nation does not only depend on self-sufficiency but on its ability to conduct international business. Another important aspect of the American industrial revolution is that it led to the formalization of employment, a factor that served to mitigate human exploitation (Collier, and Kevin 21). Â  However, the American industrial revolution is blamed for compromising the sustainable competitive advantage of small scale cortege industries in the nation (Michigan State University). The revolution is also significantly blamed for compromising the cultural identity of the individual American ethnic groups (Hudson 88). This is because it led to increased social intermixing of races as well as cross-race marriages. Still, the revolution is closely attributed to an increase in environmental hazards among American communities (Hudson 91). This paper is written as a discussion on the effects of the American industrial revolution. The author takes a look at both sides of the implications of the revolution to the American people. Effects of industrial revolution to the life of the Americans There are many positive effects of the American industrial revolution to the people of America. According to available historical information, the massive industrial growth in the American nation during the 19th century is the direct result of its current superpower status in the globe. Following the emergence of the industrial revolution, the people of America enjoyed the concept of increased production in the industries, a factor that greatly improved their investment profitability (Collier, and Kevin 21). It is worth noting that the sole purpose of any investor is to ensure maximum profits. Although slaves provided cheap labor for agricultural industries in America, their productivity could not much the modernized agricultural practices that came with the industrial revolution. Another important effect of the American industrial revolution is that it led to the formalization of employment in the nation (Collier, and Kevin 21). Prior to the onset of the industrial revolution, slavery was one of the most commonly employed forms of labor for fueling the economy of America. This was a negation of the human rights since slaves were perceived as a property to their masters rather than human beings who deserved decent treatment. Nevertheless, with the coming of the industrial revolution, there came more effective and reliable machine technologies, a factor which negated the need for forced labor in the industries (Collier, and Kevin 25). This greatly improved the working conditions for the employed people of America. Still on formalization of employment is the creation of new employment opportunities for the American citizens (Michigan State University). The onset of industrial revolution brought with it new jobs for the different professional classes in the American nation. This did not only serve to improve the living standards for some members of the community but also as an encouragement for professionalism among Americans. Also, the revolution is to be thanked for the innovative development of industrial management and leadership principles as well as strategic marketing practices in America (Collier, and Kevin 27). With increased level of productivity, management and industrial leadership principles grew. Such also called for the expansionism process by the American nation in the quest to ensure sustainable market for its surplus products. According to proponents of the industrial revolution, the American industrial revolution brought with it the need for innovative approach to problem solving. It is rightly asserted that necessity is the ultimate mother of invention. Still, it is worth to acknowledge the fact that the process of industrialization has undergone many challenges. Based on this reasoning, the American industrial revolution is praised for the overall improvement of the technological and economic stand of the American nation (Collier, and Kevin 28). As per the available information, America is one of the leading influences in the international industrial product market to date. This gives its citizens a competitive advantage over those of other nations. Also, the extensive industrial revolution that marked America during the 19th and early 20th centuries are to be praised for the power control enjoyed by the nation across the globe (Michigan State University). According to available information, due to the influence of its industrial revolution, the American nation enjoys the competitive advantage of intellectual properties. Just to be underscored here is the fact that intellectual properties are found to promote the economic advantage of a nation. This is because they are protected by the law against use by other persons without providing commercial benefits to the source. Therefore, since the revolution led to establishment of numerous intellectual property rights, it served to protect the social and economic stability of the American people (Hudson 67).

Japanese Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Japanese Economy - Essay Example An important indicator of that achievement is that Japan continues to be the only non-western nation to have had the ambition of ruling the world and the only non-western country to have implemented a policy of attempting to subjugate the whole world in modern history. Japanese economy has been described as a success in 1980s but the decade of the 1990s was a lost decade. However, data indicate that situation may have to be more accurately described. For instance, in Figure 1, we see that if gross domestic product or GDP per capita figures are not adjusted for inflation, it would appear that Japanese economy appears to be alright until the mid-1990s. However, beginning in the mid-1990s, the Japanese economy appeared to have plunged downward and started to recover sometime at the beginning of the 21st century, if not for the Fukushima nuclear and tsunami disasters of 2011. Figure 1 is a graph from the website of the Intellectual Takeout while Figure 2 is my own reconstruction of Japan’s GDP in $ at current prices based on data set of the International Monetary Fund. At least for Japan, the insight that can be obtained based on the GDP per capita in $ is that the key insight that can be developed from Figure 1 is correct: Japanese economy was on a steady rise from 1980 to around 1995 but nose-dived before slowly recovering upward. Figure 3 compare the GDP per capita in current US$ of select countries and compare them with Japan. It is worth noting that Figure 3 suggests that in terms of GDP per capita, the overall context is that Japan still belongs to the bigger league of strong nations although Japan has been weaker in the last several years. In contrast, China may be a big economy (and some report the economy as the second biggest economy) but in GDP per capita dollar terms, the citizens of Japan appear to be in a better situation than China. Meanwhile, the key insight that can be derived from Figure 4 is that globally, the

Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Energy - Essay Example Jacobson (2008) even stated that â€Å"some late-technology turbines are gearless. The instantaneous power produced by a turbine is proportional to the third power of the instantaneous wind speed† (p.4). The advantage of the use of wind energy is that it is that it does not release any polluting gas exhausts. Wind energy is also more ecologically friendly since it does not require much land to be cleared away for zoning. Most of the time, these turbines are placed where there are strong wind currents and are generally opened areas like flat plains. Although, there are some concerns or setbacks with the use of wind energy and these also need consideration. As stated by Daniels (2005), â€Å"many concerns associated with safety, noise and aesthetics can be addressed by placing distance between wind turbines and people, property lines, roads and certain environmental areas or scenic or historic landscapes† (p.4). If a wind power turbine is not maintained well, it most certainly could cause safety hazards as well as cause noise pollution. It should also be noted that despite its practical benefits, having a wind turbine at distant wilderness could be seen as an eye sore. Of course, this is easily remedied through proper zoning and maintenance of the wind power

Violence Among American Youths Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Violence Among American Youths - Essay Example ates, homicide resulting from violence committed by or suffered by the youth has been identified as being identified as the second leading cause of death among American people aged between 15-24 years old. The increasing violence has also been identified as having a number of negative economic effects on the country’s economy. By exploring the different causes and effects of increasing levels of violence among the youth and children, this paper will seek to show that increasing violence among children and youth across the entire United States is having an adversely negative impact on the country’s economy. Media Exposure and Aggressive and Violent Behavior: There has been an intensely raging debate over the years as to the extent to which media violence has served to contribute as a major cause of children and youth violence and aggression. The exposure youth and children in the United States get to violent media has been noted to be extremely high. Different bodies have presented reports and advisories against media violence but these have largely been ignored. Some of these bodies include the AMA and the APA (Escobar-Chaves & Anderson, 2008). There have been numerous empirical studies conducted that have been able to establish links between aggression and media violence. These studies have all managed to reach the conclusion that media violence definitely increases aggressive behavior among youth and children. Poor Parenting: Various aspects of parenting have been identified as possibly contributing to the increased violent behavior among children and youth in the United States. These include poor supervision, parental disharmony in the home, limited involvement by parents in a child’s activities such as school plays and games, erratic and harsh discipline as well as the rejection of a child (Seifert, Ray & Schmidt, 2012). The effect of these poor parenting traits is that parents who exhibit these behaviors often tend to engage in various parent-child

Compare & Contrast essay between Malcolm X and Marthin Luther King

Compare & Contrast between Malcolm X and Marthin Luther King - Essay Example Many people contend their admiration to the way they preached about the rights of the blacks in America, and they have both preached on self-knowledge and having respect for African culture and history, since it is the basis for uniting blacks. Their beliefs were similar, and this was evident towards the end of their lives in the way they emphasized on having bride amongst the black as well as respecting us rather than hating one another. Their speeches informed the blacks that in order to attain freedom, they start by respecting one another, hence it reflected on the vision of men improving America. Malcolm X talked about Blacks hating the color of their skin, shape of their nose; overall, he talked about Blacks hating their own kind. Major points about the Blacks are that for the past four hundred years, the Blacks have been taught to hate their identity; the self-hatred resulted in a pervasive sin among many members of the Black community. He stated that one cannot hate the root o f the tree and not hate the tree itself; this made the Blacks feel inferior making them turn to other people to show them the way. Martin on the other hand talked about standing against a system that oppresses the Blacks, he emphasized that being nobody is not easy, therefore, that which was seen as black should shot be seen as ugly. Martin went ahead and talked about having a Negro freedom among all the Negros since enslaving the body involves enslaving the entire soul. Hence the Blacks should encourage themselves and not be ashamed of their past as slaves, but appreciate themselves as being black and beautiful. Both men have the same analysis that we have been taught to have ourselves, lack of belief in ourselves as Blacks, and the blacks should do something to offset this cultural homicide, as called by Martin. Both Malcolm and Martin called for the blacks to embrace the Black pride, develop self-affirmation and all the blacks to undergo education that will reflect the past histo ry of the Black people. In the larger world, they had other priorities except for internal priorities that were connected to the establishment of education, and Martin emphasized African-American unity by stating any movement present that is meant to overlook this necessity is only waiting to be buried. The work and life events of Martin Luther were stressed exclusively making the history taught in schools expressed in different ways (Weis and Fine 239). The manner in which Malcolm X and Martin spread their views was through assertiveness, powerful speeches that were hard hitting. To put it simpler, both the intentions of Martin and Malcolm were delivered in styles that were different. For example, Martin was an inspirational speaker, and he travelled all over the country motivating people to live a life full of racial harmony. Martin appeared to have idealistic mind and was rational and positive in giving his speeches and views on different things. This is evident in his speech tha t he said he had a dream of seeing his children living a life that they are not judged by their race but character. In comparison to Martin, Malcolm X was an extremist, and this is evident the time he was an Islamic Minister, X talked more about separating blacks from whites, emphasizing Black Supremacy and presence of nationalism among the Blacks. To look at this in

Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Risk Management - Essay Example Thus facility might be owned by local authorities or councils while the event might have a number of service providers such as medical and transport companies. The event must be executed in conformance with agreements signed with them. Next there is the inevitable risk of increasing costs as the project or the event gets under way. It’s financially sacrosanct to control the event’s costs within the budgeted limits. For example in the case of the above sports event the government might sanction limits on spending by local authorities. If the event management company fails to identify the degree of risk associated with overspending then it’s bound to fail. Similarly insurance costs associated with the event must be controlled. This goal is of very critical significance for the successful implementation of the event. For instance the greater the element of risk associated with an event the greater will be the insurance premium to be paid by the company to the insurer (Bannerman, 2008). For example in times and places where there is tension taking tourists to a site would involve a greater degree of risk. Thus in order to insure the tour, including the life and property (e.g. the bus) the insurer would demand a higher premium. Thus reducing the risk related premium as far as possible is an objective of the firm. Fifthly reducing over concern with risk is one of the goals in event risk management process (Williams, 1993). For example non-profit organizations have a tendency to reduce the risk element associated with event management by removing the anxiety of stakeholders. A non-profit organization involved in social welfare projects might plan an event like introducing a novel agricultural or farming technique to local farmers. The anxiety about the degree of risk associated with the adoption of the new technique might in fact increase the level of risk. Sixthly the organization must take into consideration the social

Write what you want Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Write what you want - Essay Example At the same time, the college student looks for opportunities to maintain their social connections, which further complicates the process of time management. Stress is created by missing out on certain social activities in favor of being a more responsible and conscientious academic and by no longer being able to rely on more lenient instructors. The college experience, though extremely important for future career success, continues to exert pressure related to personal accountability for sensible and dependable schoolwork. These are activities common in the college experience. Because of this, the student must develop more effective coping skills to deal with these pressures. The student must also schedule their personal activities in a way that makes them secondary to more desirable social gatherings, which is not always easy for self-satisfaction. Failure to achieve timely deadlines for work submission can also create anxiety which only enhances the stress responses. A college stu dent needs to start acting like an adult and realizing the importance of education. Having a mature-minded attitude will assist in reducing these stresses even when social needs cannot be immediately fulfilled. Is this difficult? It definitely is, however, college demands it. It has been said that money is the root of all evil. People who strive to attain large amounts of money, such as drug dealers or stock investors, often build their entire lives around the receipt of money. However, in order to receive these funds, they often have to harm others in society. Laws about prohibiting drug use make dealers seek opportunities through the black market which is often littered with crime rings that applaud negative behavior. Dealers often get rich so quickly that it goes to their head and they rapidly believe that they are better than others in society. This egotism creates a desire to treat others like

Short listening and assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Short listening and assignment - Essay Example The instrumental roles of the drums are to provide brushes on the drums. Drums are beating out a categorical beat periodically as the performance ends (Ventnor43 2012). ii. Melody statements-Melody assertions in the performance have a head arrangement. The head arrangement originates from the lateral thinking around the 12-bar blue sample that encourages the same. In the 2nd chorus, Basie controls this chorus line with a head arrangement that commences with a two-chorus icebreaker (Ventnor43 2012). 4th Chorus: George Hunt comes into his solo on a trombone and the timbral distinction changes from the 3rd chorus so that the brass is soloing forthright and the reeds go together with the background (Ventnor43 2012). The name of the solo to be analyzed is the third chorus performance. This solo engages Herschel Evans coming into his solo on a saxophone escorted by riffs from the brass division. The solo was successful because it was such a popular tune and so simply accepted (Ventnor43 2012). My emotional response is that the solo was normal for big band swingers. The solo was normal between the soloing reed tone and the brass supplement. I liked the timbres because they were distinct and utilized to start out one chorus from the next. Even though Basie is not the only black artist to have endured pain this way, One O’clock Jump† pulls it out the best (Ventnor43

Channel Tunnel Project Essay Example for Free

Channel Tunnel Project Essay Channel Tunnel project, which aimed to create a fixed connection between Britain and France, is one of the largest private funded projects in the world. It required the use of newest technology and great management skills in order to deal with unexpected changes. Also the cooperation of two countries’ governments, several constructors, banks and other agencies are needed to make this project run smoothly. This essay divided the whole project into 4 steps in analyzing: conceive, develop, execute and finish. Further, it demonstrates the key advantages and disadvantages of Chunnel project including project scheduling, risk management, people management, cross-culture communication and so on with critical thinking. In addition, recommendations are provided due to the improvement in these procedures. Background The channel tunnel is one of the longest undersea rail tunnels in the world. It has an overall length of 50.5-kilometre and links Folkestone in the UK and Calais in the France. (Anderson, 1994) The proposal of building a fixed link across the English Channel was firstly created as early as 1802 by an engineer in France but it was shelved due to security and political reasons. In 1957, Louis Armand formed the Channel Tunnel Study Group and then presents a design of railway tunnel, bored of submerged, comprising a twin rail tunnel with a service tunnel to the government in 1960. (eurotunnelgroup.com) However, the British minister cancelled the project in 1975 due to financial problems and oil crisis. The project started again until the British and French government reached an agreement, which is finding private promoters for the construction without public funding in 1984. Finally, after negotiate with governments, banks and shareholders, constructions began in 1987 and completed in 19 94. The American Society of Civil Engineers recognizes Channel Tunnel as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. (Reynolds, 1996) Phase 1: Conceive From a project management perspective, the whole project can be divided into 4 stages which are conceive, develop, execute and finish. During conceive phase, it is necessary to focus on the project’s overall strategy. It considers the projects goal, potential problems and opportunities, possible solutions and the links of projects to other projects. Also it should be clarified projects’ basic assumptions. In 1981, the British and French governments are agreed to launch the project. Four plans including Eurobridge, Euroroute, Channel Expressway and Channel Tunnel were submitted to the government and Channel Tunnel Group/ France–Manche (CTG/FM) won the bid eventually. After that, an map of organizational structure had been designed: Source: channel tunnel project overview The picture above reveals the structure of all participants. Eurotunnel is an international company originally formed by CTG/FM. It is the owner and operator of the whole project. And it provided the construction contract to TML. From 1985- 86, Eurotunnel was controlled by CTG/FM and banks. Each of them holds 50% of it. Later on, Eurotunnel became independent company and then transferred to its shareholders and banks. A 55 years contract had been reached between Eurotunnel and the government of Britain and France based on the proposal submitted. The Construction Contract between Eurotunnel and TML sets out the Eurotunnel is also linked to the banks by a loan agreement and to national railways by a usage agreement. Furthermore, governments hired several experts to build an agency called IGC (Intergovernmental Commission) to ensure the project is under control. IGC was permitted for demanding changes in the process of project to keep it â€Å"healthy and safety†. During the stage of planning, the total cost of the project was 5.5 billion dollars and the whole project would be private financed without any government aids. On the consideration of CTG/FM owned an agreement, which gave group the sole right of Channel operation during 55 years, over 200 banks around the world offered loan to the project. (Genus, 1997) However, for a project this large, the lack of scope makes to resource planning, budgeting and cost calculating very difficult, thus it would be a challenge to use ROI (return on investment) to provide accurate data. Because ROI only gives results based on assumptions from TML Schedule management plays an important role in the first stage as well. Several milestones were built including (Fairweather, 1994): 1. 1974, idea of tunnel gathered, but abandoned 2. 1978, British and French discussions continued 3. 1985, British and French government asked for bids 4. 1986, The Treaty of Canterbury was signed allowing the project to proceed and CTG/FM won the contract 5. 1987, Channel tunnel project started 6. 1994, the project complete The schedule was planned to build 3 tunnels, two rail tunnels and one service tunnel allows mixed traffic at short headway (3 minutes between trains) and high speed (100 to 160 km/h) of national trains and its shuttles. These special Shuttles allow rail transportation of cars from one country to another. This made designer to illustrated 12 tunneling faces worked by 11 boring machines. A very complex schedule was made in logistics management and WBS development (work breakdown structure) due to high requirements of activity arrangements and activity duration estimate. Quality and risk management is another significant part of preparation stage. Management team needs to evaluate potential risks of technical, commercial, political, and financial aspects because if risks are identified early enough, an effective response strategy can be made. A risk impact matrix can be made in analyzing process

African American Characteristics Paper Essay Example for Free

African American Characteristics Paper Essay African American culture in the United States refers to the cultural contributions of Americans of African descent to the culture of the United States, either as part of or distinct from American culture. The distinct identity of African American culture is rooted in the historical experience of the African American people. The culture is both distinct and enormously influential to American culture as a whole. African-American culture is rooted in Africa. It is a blend of chiefly sub-Saharan African and Sahelean cultures. Although slavery greatly restricted the ability of Americans of African descent to practice their cultural traditions, many practices, values, and beliefs survived and over time have modified or blended with European American culture. There are some facets of African American culture that were accentuated by the slavery period. The result is a unique and dynamic culture that has had and continues to have a profound impact on mainstream American culture, as well as the culture of the broader world (Rydell, 2010). Learning Team B has chosen African Americans as the culturally diverse group we will focus on. The subjects in this paper will be African American history, family characteristics, parenting practices, language, and religion. Also, the primary characteristics of African Americans and how those characteristics impact their experience as a subculture in American Society will be a topic. The last topic will be the implications of the characteristics for psychological theories and practices. History African Americans are the descendants of Africans brought to America during the slavery era. Many were owned as property and forced to work as day laborers in the fields or as servants in their owner’s homes. Others were allowed to work off their debts by being bough and sold on the block. An article titled The Slave Auction of 1859 gives a brief account of what it was to be sold on the block: The buyers, who were present to the number of about two hundred, clustered around the platform; while the Negroes, who were not likely to be immediately wanted, gathered into sad groups in the background to watch the progress of the selling in which they were so sorrowfully interested. The wind howled outside, and through the open side of the building the driving rain came pouring in; the bar down stairs ceased for a short time its brisk trade; the buyers lit fresh cigars, got ready their catalogues and pencils, and the first lot of human chattels are led upon the stand, not by a white man, but by a sleek mulatto, himself a slave, and who seems to regard the selling of his brethren, in which he so glibly assists, as a capital joke. It had been announced that the Negroes would be sold in families, that is to say; a man would not be parted from his wife, or a mother from a very young child. There is perhaps as much policy as humanity in this arrangement, for thereby many aged and unserviceable people are disposed of, who otherwise would not find a ready sale (New York Daily Tribune, 1928). President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of civil war. The proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free. Despite this expansive wording, the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in many ways. It applied only to states that had seceded from the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal border states. It also expressly exempted parts of the Confederacy that had already come under Northern control. Most important, the freedom it promised depended upon Union military victory. History pages often claim President Lincoln as The Great Emancipator which most educated adults come to learn is an over exaggeration. The general consensus is that Lincoln never freed a single slave, and only used the proclamation as a means to get what he wanted from the states. Once freed most African Americans still experienced racial violence and lived in fear for many years. In 1870 the fifteenth amendment was added to the constitution giving blacks the right to vote. Although blacks were free they were still segregated from the white people, made to go to different schools, stores, and even ride at the back of the bus. In 1954 the supreme courts declared segregation in school unconstitutional due to the Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka Kansas. The civil right movement was at its peak during 1955-1965. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ensuring basic civil rights for all Americans, regardless of race, after nearly a decade of nonviolent protests and marches, ranging from the 1955-1956 Montgomery bus boycotts to the student-led sit-ins of the 1960s to the huge March on Washington in 1963. In 1968 President Johnson signed the Civil Right act prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing. Some of the most famous leader of the civil right movement includes Martin Luther King Jr. , Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks and many others. Although civil rights were established many African American still struggled to be treated fairly in America. Affirmative Action was established in 1978 by a ruling of the Supreme Court to ensure that minorities are given an opportunity that they may have missed because of their race. In 2008 Barack Obama was the first African American to be nominated for a major party nominee for president. He was elected the 44th President of the United States on November 4, 2008, and sworn in on January 20, 2009. Family and Parenting Characteristics As with most cultures, African Americans place a high value on their families. In the United States African American family’s make-up 12. 9 percent of the population according to the 2003 US Census. The US census also shows that for African Americans over the age of 15 there are 34 percent married, five percent separated, eleven percent divorced, seven percent widowed, and 43 percent were never married. According to the First Things First website, â€Å"African Americans are the most un-partnered group in America† (Medium, 2011, para. 4). One major goal of African American families is communalism, which is very important for effective functioning (Hall, 2010). Hall (2010) describes African American families as having three family types. The first type is the cohesive-authoritative that is explained to be a family with high cohesion along with being supportive, nurturing, and involved with their children (Hall, 2010). The second type of family is the conflictive-authoritarian that is defined as families with conflict and the parents are controlling, critical, and express unhappiness with children (Hall, 2010). The last type of family Hall (2010) explains is the defensive- neglectful, that did not like other racial groups and also did not teach their children to be proud of being an African American. One significant trend that has been determined about the African American family structure is that the more interconnected the family is, the lower the rate of depression in African Americans (Hall, 2010). Based on these findings, a program called Strong African American Families has been created in order to strengthen the relationships between parents and children. According to Hall (2010), â€Å"The Strong African American Families program also has been found to reduce preadolescent risky sexual behaviors, preadolescent alcohol use, and parental depression among African American families† (p.95). This kind of program has been very effective in keeping families cohesive and helping to improve the goal of communalism. Language Generations of hardships imposed on the African American community created distinctive language patterns. Slave owners often intentionally mixed people who spoke different African languages to discourage communication in any language other than English. This, combined with prohibitions against education, led to the development of pidginsimplified mixtures of two or more languages that speakers of different languages can use to communicate. Examples of pidgins that became fully developed languages include Creole, common to Louisiana, and Gullah, common to the Sea Islandsoff the coast of South Carolina and Georgia (Rydell, 2010). It is sad to think that slave owners intentionally put Africans with people who did not speak their language to discourage communication, but is have been researched and proven to be true. Slavery is not the only element to African American culture, and it often seems that when discussing African American culture slavery is the main topic. However, when discussing language the centuries of slavery that they endured have everything to do with the evolution of African-American language. Now that we have covered the origin of African American language we can discuss the American perspective of where modern day African American language stands, and how this effects the culture. African American Vernacular English (AAVE)—also called African American English; less precisely Black English, Black Vernacular, Black English Vernacular (BEV), or Black Vernacular English (BVE)—is an African Americanvariety(dialect, ethnolect and sociolect) of American English. Non-linguists sometimes call it Ebonics(a term that also has other meanings or strong connotations) or jive or jive-talk. Its pronunciation is, in some respects, common to Southern American English, which is spoken by many African Americans and many non-African Americans in the United States. There is little regional variation among speakers of AAVE. Several creolists, including William Stewart, John Dillard, and John Rickford, argue that AAVE shares so many characteristics with Creole dialects spoken by black people in much of the world that AAVE itself is a Creole dialect; while others maintain that there are no significant parallels. As with all linguistic forms, its usage is influenced by age, status, topic and setting. There are many literary uses of this variety of English, particularly in African-American literature (Rydell, 2010). Of course this information does not imply that all African Americans speak a version of AAVE, only that it is very common and prevalent throughout the modern day African American culture. Religion In the African American community religion plays an extremely significant role. The story of African-American religion is a tale of variety and creative fusion. Enslaved Africans transported to the New World beginning in the fifteenth century brought with them a wide range of local religious beliefs and practices. This diversity reflected the many cultures and linguistic groups from which they had come. The majority came from the West Coast of Africa, but even within this area religious traditions varied greatly. Islam had also exerted a powerful presence in Africa for several centuries before the start of the slave trade: an estimated twenty percent of enslaved people were practicing Muslims, and some retained elements of their practices and beliefs well into the nineteenth century. Preserving African religions in North America proved to be very difficult. The harsh circumstances under which most slaves lived—high death rates, the separation of families and tribal groups, and the concerted effort of white owners to eradicate heathen (or non-Christian) customs—rendered the preservation of religious traditions difficult and often unsuccessful. Isolated songs, rhythms, movements, and beliefs in the curative powers of roots and the efficacy of a world of spirits and ancestors did survive well into the nineteenth century. Historically during their most difficult times the African American relied on their religious beliefs to endure. During the civil rights movement black churches were often the target of racial violence because that was a place that African Americans spent most of their time. This was a place where they often held meetings to discuss their civil rights efforts. African Americans practice a number of religions, but Protestant Christianity is by far the most prevalent. Some African and African American also follow the Muslim and Judaism. According to Fife, Kilgour, Canter and Adegoke (2010), â€Å"African spiritual traditions have historically held a central place in African American communalism (Mbiti, 1990) and were vital to survival during the time of slavery. In African and African American culture the concept of spirituality is inseparable from all other aspects of human experience. The spiritual and the physical are indistinguishable (Mbiti, 1990). A deep connection exists between humans, God, family, and group (Barrett, 1974). Spirituality is not compartmentalized into systematized beliefs and practices but woven into everyday experience (Boyd Franklin, 1989). The Black church is the primary means through which many African Americans express their religious and spiritual beliefs and values (Richardson June, 1997). This institution is a central force in African American childhood and adolescent identity and helps to shape ideas about what comprises community. † Many African American children have christen ceremonies for they can even walk or talk. African American families generally spend a substantial amount of time within their places of worship. Conclusion For review, the big questions the above research addressed were: †¢What are the primary cultural characteristics of this selected group? †¢How do the characteristics of this group impact its experience as a subculture in American society? †¢How might the cultural aspects of this group be applied to traditional psychological theory? †¢What are the implications of these characteristics for psychological theory and practice? We have found that the primary cultural characteristics of the African America culture are their history of slavery in America, distinct family and parenting practices, slavery based evolution of their language, and their dedicated religious beliefs. The characteristics of this group impact its experience as a subculture in American society by enticing others in to the culture and sparking curiosity around the world. African Americans make up a small percentage of the minority in America. However African American culture dominates the world of music, fashion, and professional sports. The cultural aspects of the African American group can be applied to traditional psychological theory when considering family dynamics, cultural perspectives, and how these aspects influence mental health. The implications of these characteristics for psychological theory and practice would focus on how the African American history of slavery in America influences their world view, how family and parenting practices mold their ideals of what a family should be, how religion influences their beliefs and actions, and how language distinguishes them from others and what psychological impact this has on them as a whole. For many years African-American culture developed separately from mainstream American culture, both because of slavery and the persistence of racial discrimination in America, as well as African-American slave descendants desire to create and maintain their own traditions. Today, African-American culture has become a significant part of American culture and yet, at the same time, remains a distinct cultural body. References Fife, J. , McCreary, M. , Kilgour, J. , Canter, D. , Adegoke, A. (2010). Self Identification Among African American and Caucasian College Students. College Student Journal, 44(4), 994. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Hall, G. C. N. (2010). Multicultural psychology (2nd ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Medium. (2011). First Things First. Retrieved from http://firstthings. org/page/research/african-american-family-facts New York Daily Tribune, March 9, 1859 reprinted in Hart, Albert B. , American History Told by Contemporaries v. 4 (1928). Retrieved from http://eyewitnesstohistory. com Rydell, R. J. , Hamilton, D. L. , Devos, T. (2010). NOW THEY ARE AMERICAN, NOW THEY ARE NOT: VALENCE AS A DETERMINANT OF THE INCLUSION OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE AMERICAN IDENTITY. Social Cognition, 28(2), 161-179. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) Case Study

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) Case Study ABSTRACT Consanguinity in marriages can lead to many genetic abnormalities in the offsprings. The children are affected in varying degrees of severity. Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome is an example of a genetic abnormality wherein there is an absence of apoptosis of lymphoproliferative cells, hence leading to enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen and associated autoimmune abnormalities. Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome arises early in childhood in people who inherit mutations in genes that mediate lymphocyte apoptosis, or programed cell death. In the immune system, antigen-induced lymphocyte apoptosis maintains immune homeostasis by limiting lymphocyte accumulation and minimizing reactions against self-antigens. In autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, defective lymphocyte apoptosis manifests as chronic, nonmalignant adenopathy and splenomegaly; the expansion of an unusual population of CD4CD8T cells; and the development of autoimmune disease. Most cases of autoimmune lympho proliferative syndrome involve heterozygous mutations in the lymphocyte surface protein Fas (CD95, Apo1) that impair a major apoptotic pathway. Here, we report a case of a 10 year old child with recurrent multiple swellings in the head and neck region. Keywords Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, apoptosis, generalized lymphadenopathy INTRODUCTION Lymphadenopathy in children with no known infectious or malignant cause constitutes a challenging diagnostic dilemma. A recently described entity that deà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nes some children with previously unexplained lymphadenopathy is the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). The clinical antecedents to ALPS entail various syndromes of familial chronic nonmalignant lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, including pseudomononucleosis, pseudolymphoma, and the Canale-Smith syndrome.1 Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) is a rare inherited disorder of disrupted lymphocyte homeostasis characterized by chronic splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy of early onset, hypergammaglobulinemia (Ig G and Ig A), autoimmune phenomena, and expanded populations of T cells, called double negative T-cells (DN) T cells.2 Impaired Fas-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes in vitro is a principal feature of the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). It is a disorder characterized by generalized, nonmalignant lymphadenopathy,hypergammaglobulinemia, lymphocytosis, splenomegaly, and autoimmune phenomena. A distinct feature of ALPS and an early clue to its nature, is the occurrence of markedly increased numbers and percentage of T cell receptor (TCR)-ab CD42 CD82, double negative (DN) T cells in the circulation and lymphoid tissues. 3 We report the case of a patient who had come to our department with multiple swellings in the head and neck region. CASE REPORT A 10 year old male patient had come to the Department of Oral medicine and Radiology with the chief complaint of pain in the lower right back region of the jaw since a day. The patient had pain and swelling in the lower right back teeth region since a day which was moderate to severe, intermittent, aggravates on having food and relieves on its own. His past medical history revealed bilateral neck region swellings at the age of 1 and a half yrs for which he was treated with oral medications. History of developing a swelling in the axilla following BCG vaccination and was diagnosed as BCG adenitis and was treated for the same. At the age of 6 yrs he developed bilateral neck swellings for which he was referred to a pediatrician in 2009. Hematology report revealed normochromic normocytic anemia with neutrophilic lymphocytosis, FNAC of the cervical lymph node suggested necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis and was treated with oral antibiotics. At seven and a half yrs of age patient developed bilateral cervical lymphadenitis with abscess formation which lasted for 8 to 10 months which healed with scarring. Patient gives a history of a severe form of chicken pox , scars have remained all over the body. ESR was elevated at 110. Ultrasound of abdomen revealed mildly enlarged inguinal lymph nodes with mild hepatomegaly. The patient’s axillary and inguinal lymph nodes biopsy specimen was given for histopathology and immunohistochemistry analysis. A report of reactive lymphadenitis was obtained. Skin biopsy of rashes on lower limbs revealed lymphocyte perivasculitis. Patient also gave a history of joint pain of his lower limbs. His HIV status was negative and his random blood sugar was within normal limits.Ultrasound of abdomen and neck done recently revealed multiple mesenteric and non necrotic cervical lymphadenopathy. On general physical examination, patient appeared malnourished, lethargic with protruded abdomen and generalized healed scars of chicken pox were also observed(Fig. 1 and 2) and scar in left inguinal region.On extraoral examination there was a well defined swelling on face on the right side extending superiorly from the mid third of the face, inferiorly to the submandibular region, mesially from the corner of the mouth and distally below the ear lobule (Fig.3). On palpation, swelling was soft to firm in consistency, tender on palpation with rise in surface temperature. On inspection of the neck, there was a diffuse swelling of the submental and submandibular lymph nodes , raising the ear lobules. On the left side of the neck lymph enlarged node seen one below the ear lobule and another on the lateral aspect of neck, associated with scar of previous biopsy (Fig. 4). On palpation, bilaterally submandibular and submental lymph nodes were palpable measuring approximately 3x3cm , firm to hard in consistency, fixed, tender on palpation and all cervical lymph nodes were palpable and tender, variable in size. On intraoral examination, on inspection there was vestibular erythema and obliteration with swelling in relation to 55 on the buccal vestibule and on palpation swelling was firm in consistency, with vestibular tenderness was elicited. On hard tissue examination, presence of mixed dentition and deep dental caries with tenderness on percussion positive with 55. The diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic periapical abscess with 55 with buccal and submandibular space infection was considered. With the history of consanguineous marriage of his parents, his younger sibling having similar and milder symptoms with BCG adenitis, generalized unexplained lymphadenopathy, severe form of chickenpox, joint pain of lower limbs and vasculitis of skin lesions and based on the histopathology and immunohistochemistry reports of the lymph nodes a diagnosis of autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease was given. The treatment given to the patient was syrup naprosyn 125mg for 5 months 6ml b.d. The treatment planned for him was Fas mutation for confirmation Tab Wysolone (1mg/kg/day) with inj Methotrexate (15mg/m2 ) as a steroid sparing agent Tab Shelcal/calcitriol sachet  ½ sachet /month (50 mg/kg/day). The patient after 1 month follow up post treatment, there is no reduction in the size of lymph nodes. His blood reports revealed marked increase in the level of immunoglobulins. Presently the patient complains of inguinal pain and swelling since 6 months , which has not regressed even after treatment and he is unable to walk due to the pain. But the patient, on consequent follow up visits, General appearance of the patient has improved. (Fig. 5,). He showed decrease in the size of the lymph nodes except for residual scars of the fibrosed lymph nodes in the right lateral cervical regions. (Fig.6, 7, 8) DISCUSSION The autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare disease. ALPS is a rare inherited condition that affects both sexes. ALPS generally does not lead to death and most individuals with ALPS are able to live normal lives. ALPS is a disorder associated with abnormal lymphocyte apoptosis, lymphoproliferation, and autoimmunity. Lympho proliferation in ALPS patients is generally benign, but they are at increased risk for the development of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is characterized by massive lympho adenopathy, splenomegaly, autoimmunity including episodes of immune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia,and neutropenia. ALPS patients have lymphocytosis and a number of lymphocyte abnormalities, including the marked expansion of T lymphocytes that express alpha/beta T-cell receptors, but neither CD4 nor CD8 surface markers (TCR alpha/beta+; CD4–; CD8– cells).4 ALPS  is subdivided into: 1) Type Ia,  ALPS  with mutant  Fas; 2) Type Ib,  lymphadenopathy  and mutation in the ligand for  Fas  in one patient with  systemic lupus erythematosus; 3) Type II,  ALPS  with mutant caspase 10; and 4) Type III,  ALPS  as yet without any defined genetic cause. 5 In type 0 disease, homozygous Fasmutations usually cause a complete deficiency of the Fas protein and a severe form of the disease.In ALPS type I, heterozygousFasmutations (ALPS type Ia)or, more rarely, heterozygous mutations in the gene for Fas ligand (ALPS type Ib)are usually associated with a partial defect in apoptosis mediated by Fas and its ligand. ALPS type II, which is characterized by resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis despite the presence of normal Fas ligand and Fas, with caspase 10 mutations. In ALPS type III, Fas-mediated apoptosis is also normal,and the genetic defect is unclear. Patients with ALPS type III may not have all four classic features of the syndrome — lymphoproliferation, excessive numbers of double-negative T cells, hypergammaglobulinemia, and autoimmune manifestations. Many cases of ALPS type III are sporadic, precluding the use of a genetic approach to identify the molecular defect 6 A study done by Michael Sneller et al 7 to study the lymphocyte apoptosis, revealed that ALPS was identified in 9 unrelated individuals with moderate to massive spleenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, hypergammaglobulinemia and autoimmunity, B cell lymphocytosis and an increase in the population of D4/CD8 T cells. All these findings coorelated to our case in which there were similar findings. Somatic heterozygous mutations of Fas can cause a sporadic form of ALPS by allowing lymphoid precursors to resist the normal process of cell death. as (also called apo-1 and cd95) is a cell-surface receptor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily (Fas is the sixth member, TNFRSF6). Fas initiates a cascade of events within the cell that culminates in the death of the cell (apoptosis). This process involves the formation of the death-inducing signaling complex, consisting mainly of the Fas associated death domain and the caspase 8 and caspase 10 proteins. The constellation of lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoimmune cytopenia, however, was described by Canale and Smith in 1967, Weisdorf and Krivit and others noted that similar patients had decreased proportions or function of lymphocyte subsets.8 This heterozygous dominant mutations of Fas were found in children with the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS),which is also known as the Canaleâ₠¬â€œSmith syndrome. 4 ALPS manifestations usually appear in the first 5 years of life (median onset at 3.5 years). The most frequent presentation of ALPS is a benign lymphoproliferation limited to lymphoid organs.9 Enlargement of spleen and lymph nodes is the most prominent feature of the lymphoproliferation in nearly all ALPS patients. Autoimmunity is the second most salient feature of ALPS. Autoimmune cytopenias account for more than 80% of the autoimmune manifestations and are, essentially, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and, sometimes, neutropenia.9 Fas and FasL are members of two superfamilies of complementary receptors and ligands that are important in immune regulation. These membrane-spanning receptors have 20%-25% amino acid identity and contain variable numbers of extra- cellular cysteine-rich domains (CRDs) regions approximately 40 amino acids in length with six cysteine residues in conserved positions. There are four CRDs in the p55 TNFR and three in the Fas protein. These two receptors share a 70 amino acid intracellular death domain that transduces signals for cell death.10 CONCLUSION The diagnosis and management of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) remains a challenge to the oral diagnostician. Knowledge of immunological aspects of oral diseases is a new frontier for any oral healthcare professional. These patients require prompt treatment and long term follow-up, by multiple specialists that are familiar with ALPS. It is imperative that all cases with oral manifestations are reported. The diagnosis of Autoimmune lymphoproliferative disorder should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnosis in a patient with generalized lymphadenopathy with the history of consanguinous marriage in the family. This case report is one more effort in this direction.

Ethnic Identity and the Maintenance of Heritage Languages Essays

Ethnic Identity and the Maintenance of Heritage Languages ‘Neither ethnicity nor mother tongue nor even identities can be treated as things, commodities, that one can choose and discard like an old coat at will’ ~Tove Skutnabb-Kangas (qtd in Fishman 55) Broadly speaking, â€Å"language policy† in the United States is thought of as a covert policy. Schiffman (2000) writes of the challenges of researching this field, given that issues of language are usually addressed subordinately to other issues. In Schiffman’s view, it is a fallacy to assume that the U.S. government is neutral in regard to issues of language simply because the U.S. does not have an official language; in actuality, the strength of this â€Å"covert† policy lies in how the government deals with issues of language in conjunction with, for example, education and immigration policies (Schiffman 211). Despite America’s history of immigration and linguistic diversity, the only overt piece of legislation passed whose purpose was to protect a specific language’s use was the Native American Languages Act of 1990 (Schiffman 263), which stated that protecting Native American languages was the â€Å"policy† of the United States g overnment. From the 19th century onward, English, then, has served as a â€Å"de facto† language of the United States, although no laws in addition to the previously mentioned act have been enacted to protect the rights of speakers of languages other than English. Many researchers have pointed out how the federal government did not intervene in issues of language, because the right to speak a language was considered a natural extension of living in a democratic society, and therefore did not have to be protected under the law (as cited in Bey... ...;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> â€Å"Steve.† Personal Interview. 28 April, 2003. Works Consulted â€Å"Gold Mountain Dreams,† and â€Å"Between Two Worlds.† Becoming American: The Chinese Experience. Narr. Bill Moyers. Producer Thomas Lennon. PBS. 25-26 March 2003. Jen, Gish. Mona in the Promised Land. New York: Vintage, 1997. Piller, Ingrid. â€Å"Passing for a Native Speaker: Identity and Success in Second Language Learning.† Journal of Sociolinguistics 6.2 (2002): 179-206. Spolsky, Bernard. Sociolinguistics. Oxford University Press, 1997. Tong, Yuk Yue, et al. â€Å"Language Use as a Carrier of Social Identity.† International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 23.2 (1999): 281-296.

menopause Essay -- essays research papers

 ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the function of the ovaries ceases. The ovary, or female gonad, is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual process. This so-called perimenopausal transition period is a different experience for each woman.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The average age of menopause onset is 51 years old. There is no single method to predict when a woman will experience menopause.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The age at which a woman starts having menstrual periods is not related to the age of menopause onset.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A women is in menopause when she has had no menstrual periods (menses) for 12 months and has no other medical reason for her menses to stop.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Symptoms of menopause can be divided into early and late onset symptoms. Early symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, and mood changes. Late symptoms include vaginal dryness and irritation, osteoporosis, and heart disease.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Treatments for menopause are directed toward alleviating the symptoms present in the particular woman affected. *What is menopause? Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the function of the ovaries ceases. The ovary, or female gonad, is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a fallopian tube to the uterus. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual process. This so-called perimenopausal transition period is a different experience for each woman. Scientists are still determining all the factors that affect when this transition begins and the details of how it occurs. The average age of menopause is 51 years old. Although women tend to undergo menopause at an age simil... .... HTML1DocumentEncodingutf-8What is menopause? When does a woman know she is in menopause? Are hormone levels or other blood tests helpful in detecting menopause? What are the symptoms of menopause?  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hot Flashes  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mood Symptoms  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vaginal Symptoms  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Osteoporosis  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Heart disease What are the treatment options for menopause?  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hot Flashes  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mood Symptoms  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vaginal Symptoms  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Osteoporosis  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Heart Disease

Cultural Diversity in the Armenian Community Essays -- essays research

Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The cultural context for the Armenian person is the result of upholding and defending a way of life and values that have been maintained for centuries, for perhaps two thousand years. For that reason, although Armenians living in the United States today come from a variety of countries of origin, and may to some extent speak different dialects or even different languages, yet they have many cultural similarities due to centuries of commonality. The cultural similarities among the Armenians can be seen mainly in three different areas: Spirituality, historicity, and family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spirituality refers to the perspective of that which is valued in life, and that which must to be upheld and defended under any and all circumstances, regardless of the social environment and surrounding conditions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Historicity refers to that which has been traditionally done, the ‘Armenian way of life,’ – both that which is important and perhaps not as important. Whereas spirituality may refer more to ‘content,’ the important values in life, historicity refers more to the living ‘process,’ how the important values in life are attained.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Family on the other hand is the everyday living environment within which spirituality and historicity are applied and lived out. ‘Family’ in the Armenian community refers to more than the family of origin or the nuclear family. Instead, it includes both of these along with all of the extended family and even the small surrounding community. These family ties are much more important and influential in the decision making process than would initially appear, therefore, they must be acknowledged and understood. All Armenians may not uphold the same spirituality, historicity, and family values, however, they would still approach life’s decisions based on these cultural categories.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Armenians living in the United States, especially those who live in large communities tend to discover opposing trends between the culture in which they were brought up, and those of the dominant culture in which they have to live, work, interface, and survive. Working at the Berjikian Law Firm   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vicken Berjikian established the Berjikian law firm in 1983, as a criminal defense and personal injury firm. In the past 17 years the Berjikian Law firm has grown to become established and well known in the Armenian community. The... ...h out and help persons and families. All these lead to better and higher quality, as well as more timely services to clients, and a sense of satisfaction for both the client and the professional.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The relationship between the Armenian client and the legal professional is a complex one. It is full of issues that go beyond giving them legal advice or filing a law suit on their behalf, it includes issues relating to a person’s cultural context. In fact, generally the actual legal issues sometimes become secondary, or at least not as central in the person’s priorities. At the beginning, such a relationship can cause great frustration and waste of time in the legal professional’s attempt to provide the appropriate service. Eventually, these communication issues can cause delays in providing professional service, and lead to extra unnecessary legal expenses. The correct understanding of a client’s cultural situation by the legal professional can lead to a higher quality of service, and lower costs. As difficult and complicated as this situation may sound, it is still not impossible. In fact, most experienced professionals learn over th e years to relate to the Armenian culture.

Black House Chapter Twenty-nine

29 â€Å"YOU GUYS READY?† Dale asks. â€Å"Aw, man, I don't know,† Doc says. This isn't the fifth time he's said it, maybe not even the fifteenth. He's pale, almost hyperventilating. The four of them are in a Winnebago kind of a rolling green room that has been set up on the edge of La Follette Park. Nearby is the podium on which they'll stand (always assuming Doc can keep his legs under him) and deliver their carefully crafted answers. On the slope running down to the broad river are gathered nearly four hundred newspeople, plus camera crews from six American networks and God knows how many foreign stations. The gentlemen of the press aren't in the world's best mood, because the prime space in front of the podium has been reserved for a representative sampling (drawn by lottery) of French Landing's residents. This was Dale's one ironclad demand for the press conference. The idea for the press conference itself came from Jack Sawyer. â€Å"Mellow out, Doc,† Beezer says. He looks bigger than ever in his gray linen slacks and open-collared white shirt almost like a bear in a tuxedo. He has even made an effort to comb his acres of hair. â€Å"And if you really think you're going to do one of the Three P's piss, puke, or pass out stay here.† â€Å"Nah,† Doc says miserably. â€Å"In for a penny, in for a fuckin' pound. If we're gonna give it a try, let's give it a try.† Dale, resplendent in his dress uniform, looks at Jack. The latter is if anything more resplendent in his gray summerweight suit and dark blue silk tie. A matching blue handkerchief pokes from the breast pocket of his coat. â€Å"You sure this is the right thing?† Jack is completely sure. It's not a matter of refusing to allow Sarah Gilbertson's Color Posse to steal the limelight; it's a matter of making certain that his old friend is in an unassailable position. He can do this by telling a very simple story, which the three other men will back up. Ty will do the same, Jack is confident. The story is this: Jack's other old friend, the late Henry Leyden, figured out the Fisherman's identity from the 911 tape. This tape was supplied by Dale, his nephew. The Fisherman killed Henry, but not before the heroic Mr. Leyden had mortally wounded him and passed his name to the police. ( Jack's other interest in this press conference, understood perfectly and supported completely by Dale, is to make sure Henry gets the credit he deserves.) An examination of French Landing property records and plats uncovered the fact that Charles Burnside owned a house on Highway 35, not far out of town. Dale deputized Jack and two widebodies who just happened to be in th e vicinity (that would be Messrs. Amberson and St. Pierre), and they went on out there. â€Å"From that point on,† Jack told his friends repeatedly in the days leading up to the press conference, â€Å"it's vital that you remember the three little words that lead to most acquittals in criminal trials. And what are those words?† † ? ®I can't remember,' † Dale said. Jack nodded. â€Å"Right. If you don't have a story to remember, the bastards can never trip you up. There was something in the air inside that place â€Å" â€Å"No lie,† Beezer rumbled, and grimaced. † and it messed us up. What we do remember is this:Ty Marshall was in the backyard, handcuffed to the clothesline whirligig.† Before Beezer St. Pierre and Jack Sawyer slipped through the police barricades and vaporized Black House with plastic explosive, one reporter got out there and took numerous pictures. We know which reporter it was, of course; Wendell Green has finally realized his dreams of fame and fortune. â€Å"And Burnside was dead at his feet,† Beezer said. â€Å"Right. With the key to the handcuffs in his pocket. Dale, you found that and released the boy. There were a few other kids in the backyard, but as to how many â€Å" â€Å"We don't remember,† Doc said. â€Å"As to their sexes â€Å" â€Å"A few boys, a few girls,† Dale said. â€Å"We don't remember exactly how many of each.† â€Å"And as for Ty, how he was taken, what happened to him â€Å" â€Å"He said he didn't remember,† Dale said, smiling. â€Å"We left. We think we called to the other kids â€Å" â€Å"But don't exactly remember † the Beez chips in. â€Å"Right, and in any case they seemed safe enough where they were for the time being. It was when we were putting Ty into the cruiser that we saw them all streaming out.† â€Å"And called the Wisconsin State Police for backup,† Dale said. â€Å"I do remember that.† â€Å"Of course you do,† Jack said benevolently. â€Å"But we have no idea how that darn place got blasted all to hell, and we don't know who did it.† â€Å"Some people,† Jack said, â€Å"are all too eager to take justice into their own hands.† â€Å"Lucky they didn't blow their heads clean off,† said Dale. â€Å"All right,† Jack tells them now. They're standing at the door. Doc has produced half a joint, and four quick, deep tokes have calmed him visibly. â€Å"Just remember why we're doing this. The message is that we were there first, we found Ty, we saw only a few other children, we deemed their situation secure due to the death of Charles Burnside, also known as Carl Bierstone, the South Side Monster, and the Fisherman. The message is that Dale behaved properly that we all did and he then handed the investigation off to the FBI and WSP, who are now holding the baby. Babies, I guess in this case. The message is that French Landing is okay again. Last but far from least, the message is that Henry Leyden's the real star. The heroic blind man who I.D.'d Charles Burnside and broke the Fisherman case, mortally wounding the monster and losing his own life in the process.† â€Å"Amen,† Dale says. â€Å"Sweet old Uncle Henry.† Beyond the door of the Winnebago, he can hear the surflike rumble of hundreds of people. Maybe even a thousand. He thinks, This is what rock acts hear before they hit the stage. A lump suddenly rises in his throat and he does his best to gulp it back down. He reckons that if he keeps thinking of Uncle Henry he will be okay. â€Å"Anything else,† Jack says, â€Å"questions that get too specific â€Å" â€Å"We can't remember,† Beezer says. â€Å"Because the air was bad,† Doc agrees. â€Å"Smelled like ether or chloro or something like that.† Jack surveys them, nods, smiles. This will be a happy occasion, on the whole, he thinks. A love feast. Certainly the idea that he might be dying in a few minutes has not occurred to him. â€Å"Okay,† he says, â€Å"let's go out there and do it. We're politicians this afternoon, politicians at a press conference, and it's the politicians who stay on message who get elected.† He opens the RV's door. The rumble of the crowd deepens in anticipation. They cross to the jury-rigged platform this way: Beezer, Dale, Jack, and the good Doctor. They move in a warm white nova glare of exploding flashbulbs and 10-k TV lights. Jack has no idea why they need such things the day is bright and warm, a Coulee Country charmer but it seems they do. That they always do. Voices cry, â€Å"Over here!† repeatedly. There are also thrown questions, which they ignore. When it comes time to answer questions they will as best they can but for now they are simply stunned by the crowd. The noise begins with the two hundred or so French Landing residents sitting on folding chairs in a roped-off area directly in front of the podium. They rise to their feet, some clapping, others waving clenched fists in the air like winning boxers. The press picks it up from them, and as our four friends mount the steps to the podium, the roar becomes a thunder. We are with them, up on the platform with them, and God, we see so many faces we know looking up at us. There's Morris Rosen, who slipped Henry the Dirtysperm CD on our first day in town. Behind him is a contingent from the now defunct Maxton Elder Care: the lovely Alice Weathers is surrounded by Elmer Jesperson, Ada Meyerhoff (in a wheelchair), Flora Flostad, and the Boettcher brothers, Hermie and Tom Tom. Tansy Freneau, looking a bit spaced out but no longer outright insane, is standing next to Lester Moon, who has his arm around her. Arnold â€Å"Flashlight† Hrabowski, Tom Lund, Bobby Dulac, and the other members of Dale's department are up on their feet, dancing around and cheering crazily. Look, over there that's Enid Purvis, the neighbor who called Fred at work on the day Judy finally high-sided it. There's Rebecca Vilas, looking almost nunnish in a high-collared dress (but cry no tears for her, Argentina; Becky has stashed away quite a nice bundle, thank you very much). Butch Yerxa is with her. At the back of the crowd, lurking shamefully but unable to stay away from the triumph of their friends, are William Strassner and Hubert Cantinaro, better known to us as Kaiser Bill and Sonny. Look there! Herb Roeper, who cuts Jack's hair, standing beside Buck Evitz, who delivers his mail. So many others we know, and to whom we must say good-bye under less than happy circumstances. In the front row, Wendell Green is hopping around like a hen on a hot griddle (God knows how he got into the roped-off area, being from La Riviere instead of French Landing, but he's there), taking pictures. Twice he bum ps into Elvena Morton, Henry's housekeeper. The third time he does it, she bats him a damned good one on top of the head. Wendell hardly seems to notice. His head has taken worse shots during the course of the Fisherman investigation. And off to one side, we see someone else we may or may not recognize. An elderly, dark-skinned gentleman wearing shades. He looks a little bit like an old blues singer. He also looks a little bit like a movie actor named Woody Strode. The applause thunders and thunders. Folks cheer. Hats are thrown in the air and sail on the summer breeze. Their welcome becomes a kind of miracle in itself, an affirmation, perhaps even an acceptance of the children, who are widely supposed to have been held in some bizarre sexual bondage linked to the Internet. (Isn't all that weird stuff somehow linked to the Internet?) And of course they applaud because the nightmare is over. The boogeyman died in his own backyard, died at the foot of a prosaic, now vaporized aluminum clothes whirligig, and they are safe again. Oh how the cheers ring in these few last moments of Jack Sawyer's life on planet Earth! Birds are startled up from the bank of the river and go squawking and veering into the sky, seeking quieter environs. On the river itself, a freighter responds to the cheers or perhaps joins in by blasting its air horn over and over. Other boats get the idea and add to the cacophony. Without thinking about what he's doing, Jack takes Doc's right hand in his left, Dale's left hand in his right. Dale takes Beezer's hand, and the Sawyer Gang raises their arms together, facing the crowd. Which, of course, goes nuts. If not for what is going to happen next, it would be the picture of the decade, perhaps of the century. They stand there in triumph, living symbols of victory with their linked hands in the sky, the crowd cheering, the videocams rolling, the Nikons flashing, and that is when the woman in the third row begins to make her move. This is someone else we know, but it takes us a second or two to recognize her, because she has had nothing at all to do with the case we have been following. She's just been . . . sort of lurking around. The two hundred seats up front have been awarded by random drawing from the French Landing voter rolls, the lucky lottery winners notified by Debbi Anderson, Pam Stevens, and Dit Jesperson. This woman was No. 199. Several people shrink from her as she passes them, although in their happy frenzy they are hardly aware of doing it; this pale woman with clumps of straw-colored hair sticking to her cheeks smells of sweat and sleeplessnes s and vodka. She's got a little purse. The little purse is open. She's reaching into it. And we who have lived through the second half of the twentieth century and have through the miracle of TV witnessed a dozen assassinations and near assassinations know exactly what she is reaching for. We want to scream a warning to the four men standing with their linked hands raised to the sky, but all we can do is watch. Only the black man with the sunglasses sees what's happening. He turns and starts to move, aware that she has probably beaten him, that he is probably going to be too late. No, Speedy Parker thinks. It can't end like this, it can't. â€Å"Jack, get down!† he shouts, but no one hears him over the clapping, the cheering, the wild hurrahs. The crowd seems to block him on purpose, surging back and forth in front of him no matter which way he moves. For a moment Wendell Green, still bobbing around like a man in the throes of an epileptic seizure, is in the assassin's path. Then she heaves him aside with the strength of a madwoman. Why not? She is a madwoman. â€Å"Folks † Dale's got his mouth practically on the microphone, and the P.A. horns mounted to the nearby trees whine with feedback. He's still holding up Jack's hand on his left and Beezer's on his right. There's a small, dazed smile on his face. â€Å"Thank you, folks, we sure do appreciate the support, but if you could just quiet down . . .† That's when Jack sees her. It's been a long time, years, but he recognizes her at once. He should; she spat in his face one day as he left the Los Angeles courthouse. Spat at him and called him a railroading bastard. She's lost fifty pounds since then, Jack thinks. Maybe more. Then he sees the hand in the purse, and even before it comes back out, he knows what's happening here. The worst is that he can do nothing about it. Doc and Dale have his hands in a death grip. He drags in a deep breath and shouts as he has been taught to do in just such a situation as this â€Å"Gun!† and Dale Gilbertson nods as if to say, Yes it is, it is fun. Behind her, pushing through the clapping, cheering crowd, he sees Speedy Parker, but unless Speedy's got a particularly good magic trick up his sleeve He doesn't. Speedy Parker, known in the Territories as Parkus, is just fighting his way into the aisle when the woman standing below the platform brings out her gun. It's an ugly little thing, a bulldog .32 with its handle wrapped in black kitchen tape, and Jack has just half a second to think that maybe it will blow up in her hand. â€Å"Gun!† Jack shouts again, and it's Doc Amberson who hears him and sees the snarling woman crouched just below them. â€Å"Ohfuck,† Doc says. â€Å"Wanda, no!† Jack cries. Doc has let go of his left hand (Dale has still got his right one hoisted high in the summer air) and Jack holds it out to her like a traffic cop. Wanda Kinderling's first bullet goes right through the palm, mushrooms slightly, begins to tumble, and punches into the hollow of Jack's left shoulder. Wanda speaks to him. There's too much noise for Jack to hear her, but he knows what she's saying, just the same: Here you go, you railroading son of a bitch Thorny says hello. She empties the remaining five bullets into Jack Sawyer's chest and throat. No one hears the insignificant popping sounds made by Wanda's bulldog .32, not over all that clapping and cheering, but Wendell Green has got his camera tilted up, and when the detective jerks backward, our favorite reporter's finger punches the Nikon's shutter-release button in simple reflex. It snaps off eight shots. The third is the picture, the one that will eventually become as well known as the photo of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima and that of Lee Harvey Oswald clutching his belly in the parking garage of the Dallas police station. In Wendell's photo, Jack Sawyer looks calmly down toward the shooter (who is just a blur at the very bottom of the frame). The expression on his face might be one of forgiveness. Daylight is clearly visible through the hole in the palm of his outstretched hand. Droplets of blood, as red as rubies, hang frozen in the air beside his throat, which has been torn open. The cheering and the applause stop as if amputated. There is a moment of awful, uncomprehending silence. Jack Sawyer, shot twice in the lungs and once in the heart, as well as in the hand and the throat, stands where he is, gazing at the hole below his spread fingers and above his wrist. Wanda Kinderling peers up at him with her dingy teeth bared. Speedy Parker is looking at Jack with an expression of naked horror that his wraparound sunglasses cannot conceal. To his left, up on one of four media towers surrounding the platform, a young cameraman faints and falls to the ground. Then, suddenly, the freeze-frame that Wendell has captured without even knowing it bursts open and everything is in motion. Wanda Kinderling screams â€Å"See you in hell, Hollywood† several people will later verify this and then puts the muzzle of her .32 to her temple. Her look of vicious satisfaction gives way to a more typical one of dazed incomprehension when the twitch of her finger produces nothing but a dry click. The bulldog .32 is empty. A moment later she is pretty much obliterated broken neck, broken left shoulder, four broken ribs as Doc stage-dives onto her and drives her to the ground. His left shoe strikes the side of Wendell Green's head, but this time Wendell sustains no more than a bloody ear. Well, he was due to catch a break, wasn't he? On the platform, Jack Sawyer looks unbelievingly at Dale, tries to speak, and cannot. He staggers, remains upright a moment longer, then collapses. Dale's face has gone from bemused delight to utter shock and dismay in a heartbeat. He seizes the microphone and screams, â€Å"HE'S SHOT! WE NEED A DOCTOR!† The P.A. horns shriek with more feedback. No doctor comes forward. Many in the crowd panic and begin to run. The panic spreads. Beezer is down on one knee, turning Jack over. Jack looks up at him, still trying to speak. Blood pours from the corners of his mouth. â€Å"Ah fuck, it's bad, Dale, it's really bad,† Beezer cries, and then he is knocked sprawling. One wouldn't expect that the scrawny old black man who's vaulted up onto the stage could knock around a bruiser like Beezer, but this is no ordinary old man. As we well know. There is a thin but perfectly visible envelope of white light surrounding him. Beezer sees it. His eyes widen. The crowd, meanwhile, flees to the four points of the compass. Panic infects some of the ladies and gentlemen of the press, as well. Not Wen-dell Green; he holds his ground like a hero, snapping pictures until his Nikon is as empty as Wanda Kinderling's gun. He snaps the black man as he stands with Jack Sawyer in his arms; snaps Dale Gilbertson putting a hand on the black man's shoulder; snaps the black man turning and speaking to Dale. When Wendell later asks French Landing's chief of police what the old fellow said, Dale tells him he doesn't remember besides, in all that pandemonium, he could hardly make it out, anyway. All bullshit, of course, but we may be sure that if Jack Sawyer had heard Dale's response, he would have been proud. When in doubt, tell 'em you can't remember. Wendell's last picture shows Dale and Beezer watching with identical dazed expressions as the old fellow mounts the steps to the Winnebago with Jack Sawyer still in his arms. Wendell has no idea how such an old party can carry such a big man Sawyer is six-two and must go a hundred and ninety at least but he supposes it's the same sort of deal that allows a distraught mother to lift up the car or truck beneath which her kid is pinned. And it doesn't matter. It's small beans compared to what happens next. Because when a group of men led by Dale, Beez, and Doc burst into the Winnebago (Wendell is at the rear of this group), they find nothing but a single overturned chair and several splashes of Jack Sawyer's blood in the kitchenette where Jack gave his little gang their final instructions. The trail of blood leads toward the rear, where there's a foldout bed and a toilet cubicle. And there the drops and splashes simply stop. Jack and the old man who carried him in here have vanished. Doc and Beezer are babbling, almost in hysterics. They bounce between questions of where Jack might have gone to distraught recollections of the final few moments on the platform before the shooting started. They can't seem to let that go, and Dale has an idea it will be quite a while before he can let go of it himself. He realizes now that Jack saw the woman coming, that he was trying to get his hand free of Dale's so he could respond. Dale thinks it may be time to quite the chief's job after all, find some other line of work. Not right now, though. Right now he wants to get Beezer and Doc away from the Color Posse, get them calmed down. He has something to tell them that may help with that. Tom Lund and Bobby Dulac join him, and the three of them escort Beez and Doc away from the Winnebago, where Special Agent Redding and WSP Detective Black are already establishing a CIP (crime investigation perimeter). Once they're behind the platform, Dale looks into the stunned faces of the two burly bikers. â€Å"Listen to me,† Dale says. â€Å"I should have stepped in front of him,† Doc says. â€Å"I saw her coming, why didn't I step in front â€Å" â€Å"Shut up and listen!† Doc shuts up. Tom and Bobby are also listening, their eyes wide. â€Å"That black man said something to me.† â€Å"What?† Beezer asks. â€Å"He said, ? ®Let me take him there may still be a chance.' â€Å" Doc, who has treated his share of gunshot wounds, gives a forlorn little chuckle. â€Å"And you believed him?† â€Å"Not then, not exactly,† Dale says. â€Å"But when we went in there and the place was empty â€Å" â€Å"No back door, either,† Beezer adds. Doc's skepticism has faded a little. â€Å"You really think . . . ?† â€Å"I do,† Dale Gilbertson says, and wipes his eyes. â€Å"I have to hope. And you guys have to help me.† â€Å"All right,† Beezer says. â€Å"Then we will.† And we think that here we must leave them for good, standing under a blue summer sky close to the Father of Waters, standing beside a platform with blood on the boards. Soon life will catch them up again and pull them back into its furious current, but for a few moments they are together, joined in hope for our mutual friend. Let us leave them so, shall we? Let us leave them hoping. ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE TERRITORIES . . . ONCE UPON A TIME (as all the best old stories used to begin when we all lived in the forest and nobody lived anywhere else), a scarred Captain of the Outer Guards named Farren led a frightened little boy named Jack Sawyer through the Queen's Pavilion. That small boy did not see the Queen's court, however; no, he was taken through a maze of corridors behind the scenes, secret and seldom-visited places where spiders spun in the high corners and the warm drafts were heavy with the smells of cooking from the kitchen. Finally, Farren placed his hands in the boy's armpits and lifted him up. There's a panel in front of you now, he whispered do you remember? I think you were there. I think we both were, although we were younger then, weren't we? Slide it to the left. Jack did as he was bidden, and found himself peeking into the Queen's chamber; the room in which almost everyone expected her to die . . . just as Jack expected his mother to die in her room at the Alhambra Inn and Gardens in New Hampshire. It was a bright, airy room filled with bustling nurses who had assumed a busy and purposeful manner because they had no real idea of how to help their patient. The boy looked through the peephole into this room, at a woman he at first thought was his own mother somehow magically transported to this place, and we looked with him, none of us guessing that years later, grown to a man, Jack Sawyer would be lying in the same bed where he first saw his mother's Twinner. Parkus, who has brought him from French Landing to the Inner Baronies, now stands at the panel through which Jack, hoisted by Captain Farren, once looked. Beside him is Sophie of Canna, now known in the Territories as both the Young Queen and Sophie the Good. There are no nurses in the sleeping chamber today; Jack lies silent beneath a slowly turning fan. Where he is not wrapped in bandages, his skin is pale. His closed eyelids are hazed with a delicate purple bruise-blush. The rise and fall of the fine linen sheet drawn up to his chin can hardly be seen . . . but it's there. He breathes. For now, at least, he lives. Speaking quietly, Sophie says, â€Å"If he'd never touched the Talisman â€Å" â€Å"If he'd never touched the Talisman, actually held it in his arms, he would have been dead there on that platform before I could even get close to him,† Parkus says. â€Å"But of course, if not for the Talisman, he never would have been there in the first place.† â€Å"What chance has he?† She looks at him. Somewhere, in another world, Judy Marshall has already begun to subside back into her ordinary suburban life. There will be no such life for her Twinner, however hard times have come again in this part of the universe and her eyes gleam with an imperious, regal light. â€Å"Tell me the truth, sir; I would not have a lie.† â€Å"Nor would I give you one, my lady,† he tells her. â€Å"I believe that, thanks to the residual protection of the Talisman, he will recover. You'll be sitting next to him one morning or evening and his eyes will open. Not today, and probably not this week, but soon.† â€Å"And as for returning to his world? The world of his friends?† Parkus has brought her to this place because the spirit of the boy Jack was still lingers, ghostly and child-sweet. He was here before the road of trials opened ahead of him, and in some ways hardened him. He was here with his innocence still intact. What has surprised him about Jack as a grown man and touched him in a way Parkus never expected to be touched again is how much of that innocence still remained in the man the boy has become. That too is the Talisman's doing, of course. â€Å"Parkus? Your mind wanders.† â€Å"Not far, my lady; not far. You ask if he may return to his world after being mortally wounded three, perhaps even four times after being heart-pierced, in fact. I brought him here because all the magic that has touched and changed his life is stronger here; for good or ill, the Territories have been Jack Sawyer's wellspring since he was a child. And it worked. He lives. But he will wake different. He'll be like . . .† Parkus pauses, thinking hard. Sophie waits quietly beside him. Distantly, from the kitchen, comes the bellow of a cook lacing into one of the ‘prentices. â€Å"There are animals that live in the sea, breathing with gills,† Parkus says at last. â€Å"And over time's long course, some of them develop lungs. Such creatures can live both under the water and on the land. Yes?† â€Å"So I was taught as a girl,† Sophie agrees patiently. â€Å"But some of these latter creatures lose their gills and can live only on the land. Jack Sawyer is that sort of creature now, I think. You or I could dive into the water and swim beneath the surface for a little while, and he may be able to go back and visit his own world for short periods . . . in time, of course. But if either you or I were to try living beneath the water â€Å" â€Å"We'd drown.† â€Å"Indeed we would. And if Jack were to try living in his own world again, returning to his little house in Norway Valley, for instance, his wounds would return in a space of days or weeks. Perhaps in different forms his death certificate might specify heart failure, for instance but it would be Wanda Kinderling's bullet that killed him, all the same. Wanda Kinderling's heart shot.† Parkus bares his teeth. â€Å"Hateful woman! I believe the abbalah was aware of her no more than I was, but look at the damage she's caused!† Sophie ignores this. She is looking at the silent, sleeping man in the other room. â€Å"Condemned to live in such a pleasant land as this . . .† She turns to him. â€Å"It is a pleasant land, isn't it, sirrah? Still a pleasant land, in spite of all?† Parkus smiles and bows. Around his neck, a shark's tooth swings at the end of a fine gold necklace. â€Å"Indeed it is.† She nods briskly. â€Å"So living here might not be so terrible.† He says nothing. After a moment or two, her assumed briskness departs, and her shoulders sag. â€Å"I'd hate it,† she says in a small voice. â€Å"To be barred from my own world except for occasional brief visits . . . paroles . . . to have to leave at the first cough or twinge in my chest . . . I'd hate it.† Parkus shrugs. â€Å"He'll have to accept what is. Like it or not, his gills are gone. He's a creature of the Territories now. And God the Carpenter knows there's work for him over here. The business of the Tower is moving toward its climax. I believe Jack Sawyer may have a part to play in that, although I can't say for sure. In any case, when he heals, he won't want for work. He's a coppiceman, and there's always work for such.† She looks through the slit in the wall, her lovely face troubled. â€Å"You must help him, dear,† Parkus says. â€Å"I love him,† she says, speaking very low. â€Å"And he loves you. But what's coming will be difficult.† â€Å"Why must that be, Parkus? Why must life always demand so much and give so little?† He draws her into his arms and she goes willingly, her face pressed against his chest. In the dark behind the chamber in which Jack Sawyer sleeps, Parkus answers her question with a single word: Ka. Epilogue SHE SITS BY his bed on the first night of Full-Earth Moon, ten days after her conversation with Parkus in the secret passageway. Outside the pavilion, she can hear children singing â€Å"The Green Corn A-Dayo.† On her lap is a scrap of embroidery. It is summer, still summer, and the air is sweet with summer's mystery. And in this billowing room where his mother's Twinner once lay, Jack Sawyer opens his eyes. Sophie lays aside her embroidery, leans forward, and puts her lips soft against the shell of his ear. â€Å"Welcome back,† she says. â€Å"My heart, my life, and my love: welcome back.† April 14, 2001