Oreo Essay

Since its introduction, he initial Ore chocolate cookie did not change much, but over time, Ore expand its line by launching new flavors new shapes and forms. Ore has even progressed beyond the cookie field developing sweet, desert, and many different food service. (http://www. Immaterial. Com/pages/ore. Asps#! Prototype/()/) The alma of this paper Is to discuss and evaluate Ore through an analysis of its: Superior performance, Marketing environment, through the use of Porter Five Forces, Marketing mix, using the 4 AS, and finally we will identify Ore's future Critical Success factors, with aSOOT analysis for support. L) Successful company During the super Bowl blackout In 2013, Ore took advantage of the captive public and posted an ad on Backbone and twitter that became â€Å"one of the most talked moments of the game† The message got almost 15,000 re Twitter and more that 20,000 likes on Backbone. (Minute) 2013 Smarty Pants elected Ore as kids' most loved brands. Brand keys customer loyalty leaders survey 2013 Chips ahoy, its primary competitors is at the 21st place. Ore generates 1,billion in global annual revenues. 916 million consumer reach points growing at 8%Now an international favorite MACRO DEMOGRAPHIC School-aged kids and young adults are the main consumers of Ore cookie. However every Ore advertisement stages a family generally one kid with one parent. Indeed household with kids consume more cookies that those who don't have children (Minute 2010). Furthermore, the forecast of children population growth augurs the Cookie industry in the way that children that are younger than 6 years old and those between the ages of 6 and 11 demonstrate the strongest population growth (census) The brand s ass slogan â€Å"America s best loved cookie†.Shows how Ore used to be more nationally than internationally focused. The 2 Asian giants China and India were the first abroad market in which Ore was introduced. In 1996 Ore expanded its worldwide ambit ion, being present today in more than 100 countries. The changes in traditional assumption habits (busier and irregular life style, time pressure) have limited the number of sit at table repast. According to MIMI, the worldwide snack food sales is expected to grow by 7 percent annually to reach 334$ billion by 2015.Kraft China has adapted Ore recipes in function of the local; they reduced the annuity of sugar in the biscuits. ECONOMIC The current crisis has led to a global precautionary behavior toward consumption. Cookies are moderately elastic maintain its sales thanks to its customer loyalty. Ore opted for a strategy focusing on emerging Market. Indeed, Ore is today sold in 85 developing markets. From 2007 to 201 5 Ore has grown averagely on 37 percent every year in developing markets. Ore has emerged in the global market adapting its product with suitable flavors shapes and packaging.For instance Canadian Ore contains coconut oil, Japanese Ore are made with ‘salty hookah M ilk cream. Ore s social networking was first made in English exclusively; Ore then translated it in 10 different languages and customized messages to reach more customers and fans by adapting to local markets. (Business Week) FIDEL However, in 1996, Ore was introduced to China during the 4 years that followed, the brand showed solid growth. However right after, Ores growth in the country crushed.In 1996 when Kraft first introduced Ore, the Brand first showed solid growth until late asses. Then the brand began to struggle for years, Kraft even noninsured leaving China. After many surveys explaining the mistakes of the Brand, Ore adjusted its recipe to localized flavors by using less sugar in the recipe. Kraft Food enhances the brand's growth by increasing Ore's footprint all over the world. It has done many acquisitions 2006: Kraft acquired the Spanish Portuguese operations of British cookie maker United Biscuits. 007: Damon sold its biscuit business to Kraft 2010: Kraft buys Academy which then abele to trigger Ore in India. => Internationalization of Ore It effectively expand the worldwide scope of Ore by retrieving the patents and sciences kept by PUB NATURAL Terra Cycle (a waste recycling company) uses a fusing machine to transform Ore wrapping paper into kites, bags and umbrellas. (wry. Acquisitiveness's. Com) Ore cookies utilizes palm oil in their products, its main providers are located in Indonesia and Malaysia.Farmer has expanded their plantation by burning rainforest's. Ore's awareness of the impact of deforestation, they then encourage their provider to be part of the â€Å"Roundtable on sustainable Palm Oil (RSVP)† Ore does it's best buying Palm Oil that has a minimum impact on environment. (Money. CNN. Com) TECHNOLOGICAL (Shore branding. Com) Ore is one of the brands with the most successful digital marketing strategy. 35 million Backbone fans and 100,000 followers. Ore's E-Business strategy has led the company to post one tweet per day and o ne Vine per week.The Sandwich cookie brand's crafty posts and attracting attention to pictures and videos have led Ore to a growing number of Fans across its different networks. Ore is the 63rd Backbone Page with most Fans. Also, in February 2011, Ore successfully got a Guinness World Record in the most â€Å"likes† received within 24-hours (Wassermann, 2011) POLITICAL / SOCIAL Ore used to use trans fat (a fatty acid that increases cholesterol and heart diseases risks) in its product. After many campaigns to ban to use of the product, Kraft Food was sued. Ore then started using non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.Furthermore, in France, the way ask the food product advertising on TV to introduce sanitary message such as â€Å"for your health avoid eating too Greece, too sugary, too salty' or â€Å"for your health practice sport regularly'. This was set in order to prevent the public (especially kids) to sickness related to unhealthy food. Ore entered into the political debate co ncerning the gay marriage. In recognition with the LIGHT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) pride month, Kraft Food has posted an Ore head up with 6 colorful layers representing the gay rainbow. (NY daily news) -> Received more than 226 000 likes.But some comment said they wanted to boycott the Brand. In the ass the Jewish population represented 5,2 million of the US (potential market) so in 1998 the brand decided to respond to the Jewish formalities by introducing its first kosher cookie. Micro Power of supplier – Low Raw materials are readily (accessible? (Basic commodities) Supplier size Ore's switching cost are quite low, nearly nil costs. Variety of substitute inputs (easy and cheap to witch to alternative) Labor force (low power unions) Ore buys in high volume standardized products. Ore ‘s brand strength makes it more powerful.Freedom to choose best supplier Responsive to supplier cost. â€Å"More picky' Suppliers are weak Ore is made of chocolate, cacao, vanilla, wheat flour. Ore can buy agriculture product from many different farmers. (Many small supplier with wide range of supply firms and small market share). Diverse range of supplier. So, low supplier power abeles Ore to increase its profit and to be more profitable, attractive and beneficial. DATA: who makes the packaging? Buyers moderate Output differentiation Because Ore differs from competitors due to (taste, packaging blue color) The Ore chocolate sandwich cookie makes 10% of all store cookie sales. 3 billion market. Ores has shown towards its competitive isolation for its competitors. Corporate customers, convenience store, dollar stores, grocery stores and dispenser mainly distribute Ore. Ore scale economies, Important fixed cost. More they produce less the unit price is expensive. s the world's top selling cookie Substitute There is many kind of snack and biscuits, Healthier substitute does exist, for instance Newman-co's (no organic sugar) due to increase in health conc ern. As Ore is quite a low cost product, its potential substitute, There is a low switching cost from Ore to other snacks such as chocolate bars.Ore has succeeded in differentiating by†¦. New competitors low Entry barrier are not so high in the cookie industry, there is a low initial capital required to create food-processing plant. But Ore is not only considered as a cookie but also as a Brand. Ore has crated brand loyalty. Strong brand name and customer loyalty. New brand need to create a network of loyal client to hope to be as competitive. They need a large capital to invest, Ore enjoys major economy of scales due to there large factory which can discourage new entrant.Data: expenses on marketing, plant capital requirement. In the I-J it was first available in Ginsburg. Now it is launched across the I-J on the back of its E,5 million campaign. Ore's major competitor is Chip Ahoy, which is also part of Kraft Food. PRODUCT After the first Ore was introduced in 1912, the cooki e design hasn't change. It is still the sandwich cookie made of 2 chocolate disks with the creamy white filing in the middle. There is 30% of cream and 70% of biscuit. The annual cookie recipe 18 million pounds of cacao an 47 million pounds of cream filling.

Controversial Essay: High School Students and Beginners’ Guide

To order an article, please click this link www. thepensters. com/gimatria. Thank you. Most controversial essays are emotionally-packed, hot issues that are intensifying and debatable in nature, thus, sparking conflicts. They contain disputable topics of recurring interests. Simply put, any essay contents where strong contentions are typically presented for long periods build up into particular forms of controversy. Hence, they are generally considered highly polemical pieces of essay. The reason for this is that people have varied ideas and opinions regarding topics that are contentious, debatable or disputable.Controversial essays polarize people to raise powerful arguments in favor of or against any issues. This results from concepts or ideas that have distinct viewpoints, which comprise any specific contexts. Most people are good in writing this type of essay mainly because they follow these basic ideas underlying any controversial essay topics, as follows: First, you will not fi nd any comprehensive guidelines of composing controversial essay topics, but only opinionated views. Subjective topics and observations in crafting articles generally generate controversies but primarily entirely relative.They ensure first if a particular article is a personal essay, opinion piece, news report, persuasive article or thingamajig. Anyway, you should usually come up with timely content articles in furnishing details for this type of essay. Second, identify your subject theme and be familiar with the argument. Remain centered on the theme. Have understanding of your subject matter by doing some research to write impartial content. Just take into account to keep yourself unbiased, except if it is your opinion or own piece.Needless to say, if you would like to write a contentious topic, pick one out that will appropriately elicit your own understanding about the given issue. Even so, be ready to be disputed and/or corrected. Third, be sensitive to your readers. Keep this in mind when writing: Know whom you are addressing or target audience. Keep the readers’ interest and concentrate on the end results. Ask yourself some of these questions: What is your objective as an essayist? Is your essay a controversial article, news items, or persuasive in nature?Provide only correct factual observations even when you are trying to be creative explaining some theories. Readers can be offended or even annoyed with a contentious topic; yet, this does not constitute injurious expressions or offensive practice in the slightest form. Remember, as a writer, you’ve the right to contradict or denounce unfair remarks. As such, obnoxious content should never be tolerated. On the other hand, your readers can consider forgoing your piece, talk about it, or disregard it altogether. That could be their decision. Nevertheless, no writer should be abused.Excessive prejudicial opinions and hateful bashing need to be dealt with judiciously. Injurious activities are unacceptable and no readers or author owns a right to damage or harm another person. In summary, if you choose to create controversial essay topics, yours may result in serious debates requiring supporting evidences. Really, you need profoundly, sensitive understanding of proper argumentation to deal mainly with opinionated essays, which are simply and entirely subjective any way you view them. Eilvu Gimatria Essay Guide To order an article, please click this link www. thepensters. com/gimatria. Thank you. Controversial Essay: High School Students and Beginners’ Guide To order an article, please click this link www. thepensters. com/gimatria. Thank you. Most controversial essays are emotionally-packed, hot issues that are intensifying and debatable in nature, thus, sparking conflicts. They contain disputable topics of recurring interests. Simply put, any essay contents where strong contentions are typically presented for long periods build up into particular forms of controversy. Hence, they are generally considered highly polemical pieces of essay. The reason for this is that people have varied ideas and opinions regarding topics that are contentious, debatable or disputable.Controversial essays polarize people to raise powerful arguments in favor of or against any issues. This results from concepts or ideas that have distinct viewpoints, which comprise any specific contexts. Most people are good in writing this type of essay mainly because they follow these basic ideas underlying any controversial essay topics, as follows: First, you will not fi nd any comprehensive guidelines of composing controversial essay topics, but only opinionated views. Subjective topics and observations in crafting articles generally generate controversies but primarily entirely relative.They ensure first if a particular article is a personal essay, opinion piece, news report, persuasive article or thingamajig. Anyway, you should usually come up with timely content articles in furnishing details for this type of essay. Second, identify your subject theme and be familiar with the argument. Remain centered on the theme. Have understanding of your subject matter by doing some research to write impartial content. Just take into account to keep yourself unbiased, except if it is your opinion or own piece.Needless to say, if you would like to write a contentious topic, pick one out that will appropriately elicit your own understanding about the given issue. Even so, be ready to be disputed and/or corrected. Third, be sensitive to your readers. Keep this in mind when writing: Know whom you are addressing or target audience. Keep the readers’ interest and concentrate on the end results. Ask yourself some of these questions: What is your objective as an essayist? Is your essay a controversial article, news items, or persuasive in nature?Provide only correct factual observations even when you are trying to be creative explaining some theories. Readers can be offended or even annoyed with a contentious topic; yet, this does not constitute injurious expressions or offensive practice in the slightest form. Remember, as a writer, you’ve the right to contradict or denounce unfair remarks. As such, obnoxious content should never be tolerated. On the other hand, your readers can consider forgoing your piece, talk about it, or disregard it altogether. That could be their decision. Nevertheless, no writer should be abused.Excessive prejudicial opinions and hateful bashing need to be dealt with judiciously. Injurious activities are unacceptable and no readers or author owns a right to damage or harm another person. In summary, if you choose to create controversial essay topics, yours may result in serious debates requiring supporting evidences. Really, you need profoundly, sensitive understanding of proper argumentation to deal mainly with opinionated essays, which are simply and entirely subjective any way you view them. Eilvu Gimatria Essay Guide To order an article, please click this link www. thepensters. com/gimatria. Thank you.

Reconstruction Surgery is a Modern Miracle Essay

Reconstruction Surgery is a Modern Miracle - Essay Example Yet, few would deny the rationale of performing reconstruction surgery on a child that had been disfigured in an accident. As the practice of treating our mental well being has become more accepted by the medical community, the line between medical, cosmetic, and psychological has shifted and blurred. For millions of people, self-image has become as important as cholesterol in terms of overall health and highlighted the importance of these modern procedures. Reconstruction surgery has offered a viable means to improve our self-image, our mental health, and our enjoyment of life. The value of any plastic surgery, or reconstruction procedure, needs to be examined on an individual basis to determine its value to the recipient. With the vast array of options available, what may be right for John Doe, may be wrong for Jane. The value of the procedure needs to be measured at a personal level. When examined one at a time, the effect of these procedures can be measured by the impact they have on the individual involved. Our mental well-being is often a direct reflection of the person we see staring back at us as we gaze into a mirror. For millions, cosmetic surgery has provided a way to view themselves as younger and more attractive. Enhanced by the removal of unwanted facial hair, breast augmentation, and liposuction, these individuals become more self-confident, self-assertive, and more at ease with the world around them. As Caplan asserts, "Medical technology has become, in the popular imagination, a way of revealing and displaying an identity that has been hidd en by nature, circumstance or pathology". For some this is a medical imperative, while for others it is a modern convenience. In a world of highly competitive career and business, these improvements give them an edge that would otherwise be missing. Their quality of life is improved as they become more of the person that they want to be, more able to meet the world on their terms and not through the eyes of a judgmental and pessimistic world. Often, plastic surgery is used to correct a feature that society has deemed to be unattractive. This removes the stigma that the person feels in public and provides them a greater sense of individual well-being. This is not excessive. Consider the case of Lucy Grealy, whose face was disfigured by the removal of her jaw during the treatment of bone cancer. She tells of the feeling as, "the deep bottomless pit of griefcalled ugliness" (qtd. in Gleeson). Society has an obligation to provide what is often trivialized as technical enhancements to improve the lives of these patients. It was not trivial to Lucy as she laments, "How could I pass up this chanceto fix my face, fix my life, my soul" (qtd. in Gleeson). This is using science to enhance a life, which results in greater happiness and opens the door to greater opportunity and achievement. Geary's tale of the stigma that was attached to her physical appearance is revealed when she is allowed to go into public on Halloween wearing a mask. Her appearance was all encompassing to her well being. It inhabited every other feeling she knew. Geary's mental condition was directly linked to her self-perception when she says, "It was easier to slip back into my depression and blame my face for everything" (127). Reconstruction was not a luxury for Geary, it was a necessary step to gain self

Two-party system in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Two-party system in Texas - Essay Example a growing challenge to the Democrats in Texas even though the characteristics of the state today lean towards the side of the Democrats more than the Republicans (Young, 2008). The leaning towards the Democratic Party was evident even during the times of Andrew Jackson since the earliest politically motivated individuals working in Texas were close friends of Jackson with strong ties to the Democratic Party. Even though the elections at the time were dominated by personality and charisma issues more than political leanings, those who won elections in Texas were more likely to be democrats than anything else. Even after the civil war and the reconstruction era, the individuals who settled in Texas were Democratic Party sympathizers and the Republicans could do little to gain a lot of power in Texas (Young, 2008). Even through the progress of the First World War and the depression, democrats held on their power base in Texas due to â€Å"the oil, land and financial barons who traditionally kept conservative Democrats in power (Time Magazine, 1966, Pg. 1)†. However, things changed after the Second World War when the increasing importance of oil placed the Texas democrats in a conundrum. While the democrats suggested greater control of the federal government and the improved need for looking at the greater good, the Republicans presented a different picture with regard to the natural resources of the state (Young, 2008). The rights of the state with regard to the natural resources found in the state were supported by the Republicans who offered the idea of less federal interference in state matters. This idea became quite attractive to many people in Texas as they did not appreciate the democrats handing over the resources of the state to the federal government. Further, the issue also weakened the Democratic Party in Texas as factions within the party had different ideas as to how the issue should be handled. From 1976 to 1992, the democratic presidential

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 25

Art - Essay Example The statue sits in a corner spot, well lit by natural windows from behind and both sides. This position forces the viewer to appreciate the work from the frontal position, and does not allow a good view from the sides or the back. The positioning of what amounts to a severed head onto a base places great emphasis on the facial expression. The work is representational and very detailed, showing realistic touches such as the wrinkles on the forehead and the waves of hair sticking out in patches from the head. This realism is modified somewhat by the blue coloring, which is an unusual choice for a representational self-portrait because it does not represent the human skin tones very accurately. The head maintains the usual proportions of adult human anatomy and conveys an expression of intensity and concentration, indicated by the pursed lips and protruding neck veins. The beard, head hair and eyebrows are represented by tufts and clumps and they all sit frame-like around the central eyes and nose which form the focus of the whole piece. This lumpy texture contrasts with the smoother texture of expanses of skin. The glaze is shiny, which makes the surface of the cheeks and the forehead glisten. This adds to the realism of the piece because it is reminiscent of human perspiration. My first reaction on viewing this work was surprise. The incongruous color and startling expression drew my attention to the piece. At first I did not notice the inscription on the base and I wondered what the meaning of the strange expression might be. I imagined that the head was rendered speechless by something that it had seen. It did not look too pleased, and something about the eyes suggested to me that the person was unhappy and perhaps a little afraid. The head reminded me of an ancient sculpture and the color made me think of the sea. I thought it might be an ancient image of the sea god Neptune or perhaps a Biblical character like Noah or Moses. When I

CLC EMR Business Plan-Executive summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

CLC EMR Business Plan-Executive summary - Essay Example 11). That is, organizations all around the globe are doing all their best to promote their competitive advantage in their respective industries. To be specific, hospitals and other institutions all around the world are fighting tooth and nail to remain up to date with all major technological advancements that influence their success in the health industry (Rochelle and Courtney, 2010). It is hereby clear that for any organization to triumph in the current and future status of different industries, technology has to be in the forefront of the day-to-day operations (Kate, 2012). In this sense, this paper aims to provide a market plan for promoting the adoption of Healthland EMR software via an account of Inner City Care LLC. To ensure that the business plan succeeds in promoting the targeted area of concern, this paper is divided into five major sections (Rochelle and Courtney, 2010). The first section analyses the background of the company that this paper aims to lay on its major mark eting strategy. This is followed by a thorough analysis of the market that this industry dwells on. Thirdly, a well-planned sales and marketing strategy is described to clarify how exactly the business is going to promote its competitive advantage. ... e at the companies two main areas concern, namely, the Inner City Care Hospital (ICCH) and Inner City Care Clinic (ICC) (Rochelle and Courtney, 2010). In addition, recent acquirement of 4 satellite clinics create a clear background of how the company’s focus has greatly benefited from technology (Kate, 2012). To be brief, Inner City Care LLC is made up by a membership of thirty (30) people whom have enjoyed the fact that the company has an expansive customer base. That is, through its technologically focused health care services, the company has created a great customer base, which keeps on expanding day in day out. This great background of Inner City Care hospital has played a huge in ensuring that a more strategized business plan has to be in place to guarantee the company’s vision. The chief vision at Inner City Care LLC has been to create a full service medical centre along with clinics. This is to ensure that Inner City maintains its focus on the use of technologic ally advanced medical services and advanced learning and research opportunities for the respective stakeholders (Rochelle and Courtney, 2010). Essentially, this vision has been playing a very huge role the partnerships between the company and other education institutions. This is to provide a platform for novices and other advanced members in the industry to get well prepared to be successful in promoting the globally accepted standards of high-tech health care professionals. Among some of the most notable advancements in the United States’ health industry is the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems (Rochelle and Courtney, 2010). Several health care organizations are taking advantage of the fact there is a large number of software development companies that deliver these products and at

Changing Working Practices in the Music Industry Essay

Changing Working Practices in the Music Industry - Essay Example One such case in point is the deal between the record company EMI and singing sensation Robbie Williams. The $80 million deal which was signed in 2002 allowed the record company to share the profits during his world tours and his merchandising profits. According to a music business consultant, in the year 2010 the sale of albums will contribute only 30% of the total profits, whereas the other 70% would comprise of merchandise sales as well as sales from musical tours. Keith Negus (1999, p.22) comments ‘While portable CD players, Walkmans and car stereos have made recorded music increasingly mobile, the products of the film industry must still be watched in the cinema or at home on a video machine.’ Four of the major record companies in the world are Warner Music, Sony/BMG, Universal and EMI. For a long time, they had monopolized the music industry but now the trend seems to be changing. On such example is the band Enter Shikari, which has released their debut album under its own record label. Many such examples abound in the music industry, and this is making the major record companies see red. EMI and Universal has already started to retrench, EMI having laid-off almost half of its employees. Keith Negus (1999, p.15) states ‘That the major entertainment corporations are continually seeking to control and thus maximize their profits from cultural production is a point that has been repeatedly emphasized by political economists.’ The only glimmer of hope of the major record companies is the potential of earning profits from the burgeoning internet download market. Some experts believe that record companies tying up with major download sites will help the record com panies to stay in the profit books for a longer time. It’s clear now where the music industry is drifting to. According to the American music industry trade body RIAA, the number of paid downloads from internet sites is on

How does learning effect your life now. details below Essay

How does learning effect your life now. details below - Essay Example This accountability may not enhance the adequate decision making skills which a person requires to live perfect life, but what this accountability does, is to offer us with solutions or alternatives, which make life easy and peaceful with a high element of acceptance and broader vision to see different aspects to life. The issues can be petty, but they bring about a whole enormous chain of changes ahead. What I truly believe and have learned throughout the course is that it is important to keep a check on oneself and the gratifications around. Humans are extremely unpredictable species, they want pleasure and fun, but it bores them eventually; so life offers different phases and challenges, in which miseries enable one to learn to be grateful of what one already has. Of course, perfection is something that doesn’t exist, but somewhere on the way, it is a fair possibility that a person masters the art of excellence, Vince Lombardi believed. When I first started my self-examinat ion I was convinced, prior to the reflection, that I am a person who knows everything about himself. However, it turned out to be that I’m completely flawed, or was, at that point in time. Of course, I haven’t really understood myself completely and I’m still in the process of doing so, but I do appreciate whatever I have learned throughout the entire experience. ... This view is very generic these days; everyone believes that others are not wise. The truth is the person holds such opinion about others merely believes in others. Linking another thought from the same philosopher is about knowledge. A person cannot possibly know everything, but this he knows for sure and that what his span of knowledge. To relate to the Philosopher’s heedful analysis of knowledge and wisdom, I have my own personal experience to share. A friend once said to me, about how preposterously I discuss the random mundane matters, and was only being judgmental. Now I realize by deeply analyzing my actions and perspective regarding others, that one tends to act in such manner every once in a while. Yes, but my speaking ‘Preposterously’ of the mundane has everything to do with how I wanted myself to appear. Though, I knew that trivial matters in chat often change one’s image in others perspective and I held the same opinion about others, but unconsc iously I acted in the same manner. I adapted the impulsive style and became someone I never was, or acted in a manner that I despised myself. Although, I did not like my friend being judgemental about me, but eventually I realized that the dear friend has showed be a personality trait of mine, which I never knew before. Another thought that I reflected upon throughout this whole process is that even though friend of mine might be a different person, and he may not have reflected upon it as yet. He enabled me to reflect upon something which never came across to me and that I gathered while I was trying to figure out myself. I am not implying, but just imagining the endless possibilities of personalities in this world, who are doing the same and not realizing.

Public participation Essay Example for Free

Public participation Essay The end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the new millennium have seen the rapid growth of two undeniably related phenomena. They are the rise of international democracy and the explosion in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). â€Å"E-democracy† is the concept widely used and even sometimes misused. Crick (2002:93) defines democracy as the, â€Å"polity or political rule [that] strives to balance individual freedom, individual rights, and the common good. † In this paper I’m going to examine the impact of ICTs on the concept of democracy as presented by Crick. Conditions of modern democracy are the role of individuals, official doctrines, typical social structure, nature of the elite, typical institutions of government, type of economy, theories of property, attitudes to law, diffusion of information, and attitudes to politics. No doubt that ICTs have potential to expand democratic participation. Still the question whether ICTs facilitate and enhance democracy is surrounded by much controversy. Areas such as e-voting and e-consultation attract great attention of political scientists from over the globe. ICTs provide an excellent opportunity for governments to become more transparent, efficient and accountable. ICTs mean that people are provided greater services and opportunities online, and as a result become more informed, articulate and active in public affairs. Thus, ICTs have a significant potential to widen civic engagement. Much hype surrounds the newly created term â€Å"global civil society†. Norris (2001:6) poses an inevitable and burning question, â€Å"Will the Internet have the capacity to revitalize public participation in conventional politics, such as levels of party membership, electoral turnout, or activism in civic and voluntary organizations? † ICTs may create the possibility of reaching out to publicize political parties, solicit feedback, new ideas, and new members, energize party activists and build leadership cadres. Thus, ICTs may help to promote political pluralism and activism. Individualism becomes a core value in the ICT-driven society, and the role of an individual is the condition of modern democracy. Also we should keep in mind that e-commerce empowers previously economically disadvantaged strata, and type of economy is one of the conditions of modern democracy. Norris (2001:97) stresses the following fact, â€Å"The Internet may broaden involvement in public life by eroding some of the barriers to political participation and civic engagement, especially for many groups currently marginalized from mainstream politics. † So ICTs provide a perfect opportunity to increase youth participation, enhance women on the political arena, and include marginalized and disadvantaged groups. As Crick (2002:98) argues, â€Å"Participation is critical, for moral education and for the implementation of democratic government. † Still, Leslie David Simon (2002:36) argues that, â€Å"Participation fortifies democracies, but it is also a favourite tool of many totalitarian states. † But Norris (2001:101) states that, â€Å"the new opportunities for civic engagement and political participation on the Internet will serve primarily to benefit those elites with the resources and motivation to take advantage of [them]. † The nature of the elite is the essential condition of modern democracy, and today we can speak of â€Å"information elite† as well as of â€Å"information society. † Transparency of the government, both federal and local, is another possible consequence of democracy. Crick (2002:103) states that, â€Å"Democracies work better (can only work) in an atmosphere of trust. † Norris (2001:107) states that, â€Å"new technologies allow greater transparency in the policy-making process, wider public participation in decision making, and new opportunities for interaction and mobilization in election campaigns, but, critics argue, whether these potentialities are realized. † Attention to the protection of human rights through the use of new communication technologies is an area of growing interest. On the other hand, the implementation of more â€Å"technological democracy† will exacerbate the existing digital divide present within and between developed and developing countries. The explosive growth of the Internet is exacerbating existing inequalities between the information rich and poor. Also, as Norris argues, a so-called democratic divide is developing between the citizens who do and do not use ICT’s to engage, mobilize and participate in public life. Instead of promoting democracy, ICTs could be manipulated by political parties as tools of propaganda. With no Internet censorship it is becoming a widespread political phenomenon. Crick (2002:21) defines anarchy as â€Å"a central danger of democracy†, and cyber-pessimist perceive Internet as a totally anarchical environment. Leslie David Simon (2002:Front Matter) reminds the reader that, â€Å"Today we know that there is another side to the story. Those who hate democratic values and human rights have also learned to use the Internet. In the United States and abroad, neo-Nazis and other hate groups maintain Web-sites † Also e-democracy should be seen as enhancing, not replacing traditional forms of government-citizen interaction. Norris (2001:104) reminds us that ICTs should be used, â€Å"to promote and strengthen the core representative institutions connecting citizens and the state. In this regard, opportunities for public participation and civic engagement generated via new technology are important. † Analysing all the abovementioned, I came to the conclusion that the views expressed by cyber-optimist are more realistic. Personally I believe that ICTs are able and will promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, and attitude to law is one of the important conditions of modern democracy. ICT’s bring more opportunity and freedom, and these two factors will gradually cause wider adoption and improvement of democratic governance. Certainly, I admit the existence of numerous dangers related to the spread of ICTs, but I believe that the growing political consciousness will prevent further misuse of this powerful tool. Open and transparent government as well as availability and circulation of information can guarantee democracy and participation, and diffusion of information is one of the crucial conditions of modern democracy. Making a final conclusion I would life to state once more that the rational use of the whole potential of ICTs can facilitate democracies worldwide. Sources: 1. Leslie David Simon, Javier Corrales, Donald R. Wolfensberger, Democracy and the Internet: Allies or Adversaries?, Woodrow Wilson Centre Press, 2002 2. Pippa Norris, Digital Divide: Civic Engagement, Information Poverty, and the Internet Worldwide, Cambridge University Press, 2001 3. Bernard Crick, Democracy: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2002

Cambridge University Press Essay Example for Free

Cambridge University Press Essay In literature, the notions of a sovereign and a tyrant were always mixed. Philosophical and theological works have not delineated any clear boundaries between a sovereign and a tyrant. However, several professors have attempted to determine, whether it was permissible to resist a tyrant, and how easily a sovereign could turn into a tyrant. In order to decide whether it is possible to resist a tyrant, we should determine who a tyrant is, and what resistance is meant by the question. Bodin (1992) refers to a tyrant as someone who makes himself into a sovereign prince by his own authority – without election, or right of succession, or lot, or a just war, or a special calling from God. Furthermore, tyrants are identified as those who are cruel, oppressive or excessively wicked (Bodin, 1992). Although ancient writers discussed the possibility of resisting to tyrant, they have not evaluated the risks for such resistance. Any opposition, whether real or imagined (planned) would be equaled to treason. Furthermore, a tyrant is also a sovereign who possesses absolute power and unlimited rights. Bodin (1992) suggests that the nation does not have the right to kill or physically eliminate the tyrant; but it can ignore the decisions that contradict to the laws of nature and God (Bodin, 1992). In this context, we should also remember that to be a sovereign does not necessarily means to be a tyrant; but being a tyrant always implies being a sovereign. It is a matter of ethical and powerful boundaries that each sovereign is able to cross. The first prerogative of a sovereign prince is to give law to all in general and each in particular (Bodin, 1992). This is also a prerogative of a tyrant, but a tyrant gives law without distinguishing between wickedness and virtue (Bodin, 1992). In general, Bodin (1992) concludes that it is never permissible for a subject to attempt a thing against a sovereign price, no matter how wicked and cruel a tyrant he may be. The problem is in that we still lack a proper definition of what a tyrant is. We risk abusing a sovereign for high taxes, but that does not mean that this sovereign is a tyrant! A tyrant may have the right to punish conspirators, but this may also be a natural need to protect ones right to live (Bodin, 1992). That is why we cannot make tyrants elimination lawful. References Bodin, J. (1992). On Sovereignty. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Influence Of Alchemy In Frankenstein English Literature Essay

Influence Of Alchemy In Frankenstein English Literature Essay Frankenstein, the novel written by Mary Shelley, takes ideas found in literary texts, moments in time, and people and incorporates them into the novel to tell the framed narrative. Alchemy and the alchemists, although scarcely mentioned in the novel, are quintessential to the continutation of the plot. It is the alchemists and their ideas, particularly those of Paracelsus and the concept of the elixir of life, that propel Victor Frankenstein to pursue the idea of creation through science, ultimately leading Victor to the creation of the creature in Frankenstein. A modern misconception is that alchemy is the act of transmuting objects such as lead and mercury into gold and silver for material gain. In Frankenstein, the natural philosophy that is mentioned views alchemists as those who wished to discover the mystery of life and the creation of inanimate objects in addition to those who sought to restore the human soul to perfection. By viewing alchemy in such way, Victor wishes to use the alchemy he learns from his teachers to exterminate the state of death, a goal that is not for the wealth but for the benefit of the people. With the intention of demonstrating of how Victor utilizes alchemy, one must see where Victor learns alchemy. While on a trip with his family, undesired weather prompts the family to stay inside the inn where Victor stumbles upon a book by the alchemist, Cornelius Agrippa. With Agrippas ideas as an impulse, Victor goes on to read all of Agrippas works as well as works by Paracelsus and Magnus, alchemists that lived in a time before Frankenstein was written. Victor regards these three alchemists as his teachers. Even Victor states that he is a disciple of Albertus Magnus that arose in the eighteenth century. (Shelly 23) Shelley uses this direct reference to illustrate that alchemy was the start of Victors education. Although it is apparent all three alchemists have ideas that contribute to Victors education, the works of Paracelsus are most recognizable and notable in the novel. Paracelsus was a Swiss alchemist and physician who viewed and used alchemic medicine above all other ideas of alchemy to help people. Paracelsus taught that the object of chemistry is not to make gold, but to prepare medicinesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Redgrove 60) These medicines would be able to extend the life of man by healing them, and thus allow them to live a better life. It was believed that the exilir of life, a goal of many alchemists, was the ultimate medicine that would allow man to live eternally. With this in mind, one can view a parallel to Victors idea in Frankenstein. Victor himself seeks the fabled elixir in the novel. He directly quotes the elixir of life. I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosophers stone and the elixir of life. Butà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦wealth was an inferior object; but what glory would attend the discovery, if I could banish disease from the human frame, and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death! (Shelley 23) At this po int, Victors focus lies in extending life, not the wealth that may have come with the discovery of making life. Consequently the ideas that the alchemists teach Victor and lead him towards creation do not stay with him entirely. In spite of all that alchemy has taught Victor, modern day science challenges the views of the alchemists and pushes Victor toward chemistry. Although in this event Victor becomes a scientist, one must know that alchemy evolved into chemistry. It is a demonstration with electricity that Victors father conducts that causes the overthrow of Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, in Victor. (Shelley 24) Due to this experiment, Victor goes off to study natural sciences at a school in Inglostadt. At Inglostadt Universiry, Victor comes across two professors, Krempe and Waldman, both men of science, with different views of alchemy. Krempe, on one hand, ridicules Victor and tells Victor that his time has been wasted acquiring knowledge on alchemy. On the other hand, Waldman sees Victors educational background and does not criticize Victor. As Waldman states, They had left to us, as an easier task, to give new names, arrange in connected classifications, the facts which they in a great degree had been the instruments of bringing to light. (Shelley 29) These words solidify that chemistry originated from alchemy since the statement refers to how this natural philosophy of alchemy, as a precursor, brought some of the mysteries of the world into public knowledge. Along side eachother, one can inspect use of alchemy against the use of science. Shelley uses both alchemy and science in the novel and thus, with the words Waldman states, it is seen that alchemy and science can not be separated. It is the union of the practice of science and ideas of alchemy that allow the creature to be created. The creation of the creature is one of the most, if not the most, important moment in Frankenstein, yet to see how alchemy is related to this moment, an observation on the events leading to the creation must be made. Victor states, One of the phaenomena which had peculiarly attracted my attention was the structure of the human frame, and, indeed, any animal endued with life. (Shelley 31) Victor starts to focus on the idea of life and death in living beings. It is here that he begins to question what causes death and more importantly, what causes life. With this, Victor eventually discovers the secret of the barrier that seperates life and death. I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter. (Shelly 32) At this point Victor makes the biggest scientific discovery possible at the time and goes to work on making it possible by starting to collect dead matter, or in terms of alchemy, base materi als to put together his creation. Intitially Victor is indesicive in what he wishes to make, but he eventually decides on making the creature based on the image of human beings. When Victor has collected all his materials, after two years of working on his discovery, he finally brings his creation to life. In spite of how scientific his decision may be, it also has origins in alchemic teachings. One of Victors teachers, Paracelsus, taught, the belief in the artificial creation of minute living creatures resembling men (called homunculi). (Redgrove 61) This decision to make the creature resemble a human can classify it a homunculus, since it was created artificially. This is important to see since in the novel, Shelley does not explicitly tell her readers the process in which the monster was created. The idea of collecting the dead material, before the creature is put together, can be seen as alchemy. In addition, the byproduct, the homunculus, also has an idea in alchemy. It would therefore seem the actual creation o f the monster would have been alchemic as well since the initial and finals states were alchemic. As it has been noted, alchemy and the teachings and ideas of alchemists were very influential in the creation of the creature in Frankenstein. Paracelsus teachings along with the ideas of the elixir of life and the animation of inaminate materials are the key items that allow the creature to be born. Although one may say that science was the important factor in the creation of the monster, the science most visible in the book, chemistry, has its origins in alchemy. The inclusion of first alchemy and then science does not imply that alchemy is more important than science or vice-versa. These references to alchemy also prompt one to observe the case where alchemy was inexistent in the novel. This prompts the questioning of the initial impluse that Victor receives. What if Victor had initially picked up a book in religion or oceanography while at the inn instead of a book on alchemy? In this case I believe the novel would have advanced differently than way that it did, since without alc hemy, using science to create would have little value. Waldmans character may not have been as supportive towards Victor since it is Waldmans view to alchemy, a common ground for both, that makes Victor trust him. Without alchemy, it is possible that Victor may have never pursued discovering the boundry of life and death. Without the desire to discover how to bring inanimate objects back to life Victor might have never created the creature therefore prompting a total shift in the plot of the story. It is alchemy that allows the creation of the monster and allows the novel to continue the way Shelley initially wrote it.

Dr. Strangelove, by Stanley Kubrick :: Dr. Strangelove Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Dr. Strangelove, Stanley Kubrick took a serious issue and turned it into a political comedy. He was able to illustrate a satire of the hazardous notion of a nuclear war and the insane individuals who were coordinating it, and furthermore, addressed the issue of stereotyping. This movie was created in 1964; today in 2005, we still have nuclear weapons. Yes, the United States and other countries still have nuclear weapons, however, a question does arise, do we still have insane individuals coordinating war plans and security procedures? If you are expecting to find the answer in this essay, do not continue reading for that reason, the answer will not be found in this essay. The reason being is the answer needs to be realized and determined by every individual, not just me. However, if questioned that in Dr. Strangelove was there an individual who was insane and should he have not been placed in command of a military base, then I would have to answer yes there was such an individual. This individual was General Jack Ripper.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I think that it was not coincidental that Kubrick named this individual Jack Ripper, but purposely did so. The real Jack Ripper was a serial killer. Not only does the name fit with the character in Dr. Strangelove, but also the images and actions often associated with the serial killer. Silent and cruel attacks, nighttime, darkness and dense fog are a few images associated with the serial killer. In the movie General Ripper was in a dark office, he ordered Wing Attack Plan R to bombard the Soviet Union with a nuclear bomb before they could respond, and right before killing himself he was in a cloudy/smoky room. The Wing Attack Plan R is my analysis of the silent and cruel killings. The cloudy/smoky room is the dense fog. And finally the darkness of General Ripper’s office fits with the darkness image. What was the purpose of General Ripper when looking at the movie as a whole?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is my analysis that Kurbrick was not just showing America the stupidity of nuclear war, but was also showing that the United States government often makes mistakes. One mistake, not just in the movie but in life, is the allocating of power to an individual who is not fit, whether mentally or physically, to have this power. When these individuals are allocated this power their actions can have a worldly consequence.

Parkinsons Disease: Is It All In the Brain? :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Parkinson's Disease: Is It All In the Brain? "When I should go lay down on the couch, but I know that I will never find a comfortable position, so if I'm to be uncomfortable, it may as well be here, in front of this gently glowing screen. I feel the last of last night's meds burn away in my throat and then the dreaded "heebie-jeebies" come" (6). Parkinson's disease otherwise named the "shaking palsy" in 1817 by James Parkinson affects 50,000 Americans every year. The risk of the disease is higher amongst men giving them twice risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to women (5). It is not clear why men are more prone to getting the disease, but it may be related to them not having the female hormone estrogen. (5). The general population that is at risk for developing Parkinson's disease are people older than fifty (1,5).The disease is related to a motor system disorder that cause the patient's hands, legs, jaw, face, and arms to tremor. Parkinson's disease may also cause bradykinesia (slowness of movement) as well as a loss of balance, and a difficulty in doing ordinary daily activities such as walking, talking, eating, and writing (1,2,5). How does this disease then affect the I-Function? If we already have all of our learned capabilities stored there then how do we account for such a loss once Parkinson's disease h as occurred? Symptoms associated with the disease such as tremors are very rhythmic and usually ends when the patient is sleeping. The resistance of the body to move causes rigidity in motion and is caused by an imbalance of opposing muscles in the body. Postural instability is a disturbance in the patient's balance and coordination (1). Notice many of these symptoms occur in relation to a certain movement the body makes. This is because it is said our brains control our movements, thus Parkinson's disease must directly affect some aspect of the brain. By the previous symptoms stated associated with Parkinson's disease it is clear that most would directly link the disease to the brain. Parkinson's disease is caused by a decrease in the nerve cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine (1,4). A chemical in the synapse is what breaks down the dopamine levels and once that occurs it continues to try to deplete the little dopamine that is left (4). The importance of the dopamine is so that messages can be relayed steadily between the substantia nigra (movement control center in the brain) and the corpus striatum (part of the brain that helps regulate motor activities) (1,4). Parkinson's Disease: Is It All In the Brain? :: Biology Essays Research Papers Parkinson's Disease: Is It All In the Brain? "When I should go lay down on the couch, but I know that I will never find a comfortable position, so if I'm to be uncomfortable, it may as well be here, in front of this gently glowing screen. I feel the last of last night's meds burn away in my throat and then the dreaded "heebie-jeebies" come" (6). Parkinson's disease otherwise named the "shaking palsy" in 1817 by James Parkinson affects 50,000 Americans every year. The risk of the disease is higher amongst men giving them twice risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to women (5). It is not clear why men are more prone to getting the disease, but it may be related to them not having the female hormone estrogen. (5). The general population that is at risk for developing Parkinson's disease are people older than fifty (1,5).The disease is related to a motor system disorder that cause the patient's hands, legs, jaw, face, and arms to tremor. Parkinson's disease may also cause bradykinesia (slowness of movement) as well as a loss of balance, and a difficulty in doing ordinary daily activities such as walking, talking, eating, and writing (1,2,5). How does this disease then affect the I-Function? If we already have all of our learned capabilities stored there then how do we account for such a loss once Parkinson's disease h as occurred? Symptoms associated with the disease such as tremors are very rhythmic and usually ends when the patient is sleeping. The resistance of the body to move causes rigidity in motion and is caused by an imbalance of opposing muscles in the body. Postural instability is a disturbance in the patient's balance and coordination (1). Notice many of these symptoms occur in relation to a certain movement the body makes. This is because it is said our brains control our movements, thus Parkinson's disease must directly affect some aspect of the brain. By the previous symptoms stated associated with Parkinson's disease it is clear that most would directly link the disease to the brain. Parkinson's disease is caused by a decrease in the nerve cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine (1,4). A chemical in the synapse is what breaks down the dopamine levels and once that occurs it continues to try to deplete the little dopamine that is left (4). The importance of the dopamine is so that messages can be relayed steadily between the substantia nigra (movement control center in the brain) and the corpus striatum (part of the brain that helps regulate motor activities) (1,4).

Should Animals Used Lab Research Health And Social Care Essay

Peoples all over the universe have different ideas on utilizing animate beings for lab research. Most of animate being rights groups believe that animate being should non be used in lab research because they are ethically incorrect, and painful to the animate beings. They besides claim that most carnal research find medical remedy really abuse the animate beings in lab research. Research studies have shown that there are more than 20 million animate beings experimented yearly in lab research to acquire better medical specialty for people ( Andre & A ; Valesque, n.d. ) . Majority of carnal right groups prefer that research workers use alternate research method for their lab research, because there are many ethical statements against the usage animate beings in lab research ( American Anti-Vivisection Society, 2010 ) . On the other manus, due to many new types of human disease today, big sum of animate being will be used in lab research to happen suited vaccinums and remedy ( Animal Research, 2009 ) . Animal proving continues because this is the best manner to prove medical merchandises to understand the basic physiologic mechanisms and the best manner to cover with certain disease. Other ground carnal research to go on is because the usage of animate beings has made major parts to the apprehension, intervention, and bar for homo and animate being diseases ( Quimby, 1998 ) . Furthermore, in many instances, animate beings are vulnerable to hold the same diseases that affect worlds because most animate beings have variety meats and organic structure system alike to worlds and other animate beings ( AALAS, 2010 ) . This is why animate beings are preferred to be used in lab research instead than other alternate methods. Although there are many carnal right groups claiming that utilizing animate beings in lab research is barbarous, it is undeniable that carnal research is needed to salvage the homo and carnal life. First, most carnal right groups claim that animate being ‘s life are non valued in lab research, because about all the animate beings used for lab research will decease when their experiments are over. It is true that big sum of animate beings are used in lab research, but this does non intend that all of the animate beings will decease. A study of U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘s twelvemonth 2009 shows that a sum of 1,131,076 experiment animate beings were purchased for lab research. From the full 1,131,076 animate beings purchased, study shows that 151,457 animate beings were non used, 548,755 animate beings were used with no hurting and no drug, 76,001 animate beings were used with hurting but no drugs and 354,863 animate beings were used with hurting and with drugs ( USDA, 2009 ) . Traveling to the extent, merely some animate beings might decease. This is because, from the same study, it revealed that 38 % of animate beings suffer in hurting therefore there should be less than 38 % of animate beings will be deceasing ( USDA, 2009 ) . Furthermore, it is usual that some experiment fails in lab research and might do animate beings decease, but animal right groups should understand there are many records of experiments which success will profit for many life ( Roche FAQs, n.d. ) . There are many diseases looking while we already have batch diseases with no remedy ( Animal Research, n.d ) . Assorted diseases affect worlds ‘ life, as in 2004, WHO report shows 58.8 million people died globally because of diseases like bosom onslaught and malignant neoplastic disease. ( WHO, 2004 ) . This state of affairs decidedly necessitate big sum of carnal research to be carried out, but the statistic of animate being research shows that animate beings used in lab are worsening each twelvemonth ( AALAC, 2010 ; European Commission, 2007 ) . Disease like malignant neoplastic disease have no remedy found until now, but from the part of carnal research there are anti-cancer medical specialty found by research companies such as Roc he ( Animal Research, n.d. ; Roche FAQs, n.d. ) . Despite of that, there is no strong ground animate being right groups tell that the full animate being which used are been killed or the carnal use were been increasing. Some company have been perfect but other companies should seek their best to cut down the use of animate beings and increase the benefit to salvage much life ‘s disease. Second, carnal right groups have claimed that animate being ‘s rights are mistreated when they were used in experiments. They says that animate beings will be forced to engender, caged in dark, and specimens will be exhibited. All of the statements are non true because the animate beings are controlled stairss and regulations on making research. This type of animate being abuse largely will be done by illegal research companies since legal companies will follow carnal rights association ‘s regulations that have been prepared. Example of regulation have been prepared was riddance of hurting and facet of animate being attention like caging eating, exercising for Canis familiariss and the psychological comfort of Primatess which purely controlled by Federal Torahs which the Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service Act for animate being ‘s right ( AALAS, 2010 ) . Roche Company is one illustration of the legal company that follows regulations fixed by animate being r ights groups ( Roche FAQs, n.d. ) . Roche Company ‘s research workers will non lb or shelter the animate beings because they will buy all animate beings from selected Sellerss who specialise in lovingness and bring forthing animate beings for research intent. The carnal seller Roche research workers choose should be professional breeders, because animate being should be breed with their voluntary and non forced On the other manus, there are several types of organisation that statute law was placed to protect the public assistance and attention for animate beings used in scientific research by assorted states. Many states have their ain specified jurisprudence regulating the intervention of animate beings which involved in scientific procedures ( Animal Research, n.d. ) . They have Torahs for protect the public assistance of animate beings to guarantee that any scientific experiments refering carnal agony will be balanced by the possible benefit of the research as protection to animate beings. Some of the illustrations of research associations are European Biomedical Research Association ( EBRA ) , European Commission ( EU ) , American Association for Laboratory Animal Science ( AALAS ) and Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International ( AAALAC ) . EBRA association which represent the research community within Europe states was established to animate th e apprehension of the place of animate beings in medical and veterinary research ( EBRA, 2010 ) . This means all the European states must follow EBRA or any other association regulations, if non they will be known as illegal research organisation. Many people are misconstruing about carnal research because merely some illegal research workers that misuse animate beings in lab research and do legal research workers besides get the incrimination for the abuse of animate being. Third, carnal right groups claimed that all the animate being which been experimented are have similar feeling like homo. So animate beings will see hurting and hurt when involve in experiment merely like homo does. This issue was a often argued affair by carnal rights group. They should understand that â€Å" the usage of animate beings in research and testing is purely controlled, peculiarly sing possible hurting † ( AALAS, 2010 ) . Therefore most animate beings will merely experience merely little or fleeting hurting when taking blood samples, giving injection, or holding a alteration of diet ( Roche FAQs, n.d. ) . Every research worker or establishment that does carnal research should follow regulations which purely controlled by Federal Torahs from the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Act ( AALAS, 2010 ) . In extra, every establishment of research worker must fall in a commission which includes an external member of the public plus a veterinary who will an alyze and supervise every possible experiment to assist guarantee best animate being attention and interventions. Research workers believe that the animate beings that help out us to check the secrets of disease that should be respected with best attention, because the animate being which good threated will supply more dependable scientific consequences ( AALAS, 2010 ) . Sometimes the animate being will experience utmost hurting and hurt affected by diseases, but anesthetics or trouble relieving drug will be given for most instances to relief them from hurting. Before certain carnal research is approved by associations like the Roche Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ( IACUC ) , hurting and hurt direction will be used in carnal research proposal. Therefore, if there are any researches that may potentially do hurting or hurt in animate beings found, they must be scientifically justified by including a warrant that alternate methods are non available. ( Roche FAQs, n.d. ) . All carnal research proposals besides must hold a declaration that the proposal does non needlessly double other ca rnal research. So people do non necessitate to worry about carnal feeling in lab research because there are legion ways to diminish the hurting and hurt that animate being will travel through in research and some Animal Welfare associations that concern about animate being rights in lab research. Finally, carnal right groups have claimed that animate being lab research is non necessary and they should non be continued because there are other alternate methods could be used. Examples of other alternate methods are In Vitro Research, In Silico ( Computer ) Technologies, Safety Testing, and Epidemiologic and Clinical Studies ( PCRM, n.d. ) . Truly to develop utilizing non-animal method to replace the usage of carnal research is proved really hard because even after non-animal method were developed and validated will non accepted by regular governments worldwide. That method should be the first pick to the carnal trials before clinical test ( Animal Research, n.d. ) . An illustration is, if you have discovered a imaginable drug that might destruct lung malignant neoplastic disease cells and it will be a imaginable new intervention for lung malignant neoplastic disease. But the first thing to happen out is, do it really does kill lung malignant neoplastic disease cells merely or h ealthy lung cells excessively. â€Å" Laboratory animate beings have variety meats and organic structure systems similar to worlds and other animate beings. In many instances, they are susceptible to the same diseases that affect worlds. â€Å" ( AALAS, 2010 ) It is non imaginable to come on drugs or performs several different sorts of of import scientific probe without carnal research. Animal research was biological and medical research methods that use cells, tissues, people, and high tech equipment ( Animal Research, n.d. ) . In modern universe, kids normally receive a vaccinum that delivers lifetime protection from the diseases and immunise them in contrast to typhus, diphtheria, whooping cough, variola, and lockjaw. Millions of people in the universe are healthy grownup because of those vaccinums that were made probably through carnal research ( AALAS Foundation, n.d. ) In the intervening clip, alternate methods like computing machine theoretical accounts and cell civilizations are first-class used for demoing and specifying the toxic potency of a substance in the early stages of probe for lessening the figure of animate beings required in research ( AALAS, 2010 ) . There is possible of ‘3Rs ‘ construct of alternate method which Reduce, Refine and Replace could be followed in carnal research ( DLRM, 2001 ) . There are legion alternate methods could be used for cut down the use of animate beings in lab research. Animal research can non be banned in lab research because animate beings are biol ogically similar with human, they could assist to bring around human and carnal diseases. It is true that animate being researches have many history of success on remedy diseases. Besides, censoring carnal research and non-human archpriest research in any state is non possible and really unsafe for that state ‘s economic assistance and medical progress. Once the carnal researches were banned in their county, the research workers from their state will carry on their research experiment outside of their state. This will impact their state ‘s criterion of research and medical demands because the state ‘s research criterion will be influenced by other planetary states. On other side of position, if the carnal research or non-human archpriest research was banned globally, there will bigger job because greater country of medical required could be found ( Roche FAQs, n.d. ) . There are studies shows that more than 90 % of animate being and non-human Primatess are used in research merely for evaluates curtain drugs or vaccinum ‘s efficiency and safety earlier tested on homo. The study on animate beings or non-human Primatess proving was required by regulative governments worldwide. Examples of regulative governments worldwide are European Medicines Evaluation Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( European Commission Environment, 2010 ) . The ground why these regulative authorization organic structures worldwide wants an efficiency and safety database on carnal experimentation, is because they want to minimise the hazards of patient who will be utilizing the merchandise. Lastly animate beings which benefit on biomedical research non merely cure human diseases but besides save carnal diseases. â€Å" Feline immunodeficiency virus ( FIV ) and feline leukemia virus ( FeLV ) infections are major causes of decease in cats. In the U.S. , it is estimated that 2-3 % of all cats are infected with one or both of these diseases. A vaccinum is available to forestall these diseases, but much extra work is necessary to explicate these diseases and their i ntervention † ( AALAS Foundation, n.d. ) . Scarification of each animate beings were been saves many lives non merely for now but for the hereafter excessively. In decision, carnal research is good and there are several other parts of research where animate being testing is wholly necessary particularly in medical spheres, like shots, behavior jobs, mental defects, and other. Peopless besides must be clear about some jobs that they do non cognize in carnal research and non to fault carnal research. First there is no cogent evidence that full animate beings which used in carnal research were been killed, and research worker are seeking their greatest manner to cut down the use of animate beings and increase the benefit for safe all life ‘s disease. Second people should understand that legal animate being research worker will non harm animate beings in researches because all carnal research is really purely regulated by legion different moralss communities and regulative organic structures. Third there are legion ways to diminish the hurting and hurt that animate beings go through in research, so people do non necessitate to worry about animate beings experiencing. Ultimately, because animate beings are biologically similar to human and they have solved many disease of human go through, there is no manner to censoring the carnal research ; hence alternate methods besides are non dependable as carnal research. Scarification of each animate being will salvage many lives non merely now but for the hereafter excessively. In order to make consciousness for people about the benefit of carnal research, companies should make explanation about their company mission in utilizing animate being for lab research and the authorities should take serious action for company that does non follows regulations made by carnal rights group. Indeed at that place many facts that prove carnal research is of import and should be continued by following the regulations fixed by animate being rights associations, as it is good and improves the quality for human and animate beings life. 2390 words

The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 30

Like a Shadow on Me All of the Time Veronica drops us off in front of the Plaza Hotel on Saturday, saying, â€Å"Break a leg,† just before she pulls away. I follow Tiffany into the lobby, where four towers of water shoot out of a large fountain – at least ten feet up in the air. Real fish swim around in the pool of water, and signs read do not throw coins into the fountain. Tiffany has been here before. She walks right past the information desk and leads me through a maze of hallways with gold wallpaper and swanky-looking light fixtures that are all large bronze fish with lightbulbs in their mouths. Finally, we find the hall where the dance recital will take place. Red curtains frame a large stage. A huge banner hangs high above the dance floor; it reads dance away depression. We try to register at a desk, and it becomes obvious that we are the first contestants to show up, because the fat woman who is in charge of registration says, â€Å"Registration is not for another hour.† We sit down in the last row of seats. I look around. A huge chandelier dangles above us, and the ceiling is not just a regular ceiling, but has all sorts of plaster flowers and angels and other fancy things sticking out of it. Tiffany is nervous. She keeps cracking her knuckles. â€Å"Are you okay?† I ask. â€Å"Please don't talk to me before the performance. It's bad luck.† So I sit there and start to get nervous myself, especially since I have a lot more riding on this competition than Tiffany does, and she is obviously rattled. I try not to think about losing my chance to send Nikki a letter, but of course this is all I can think about. When other contestants begin to arrive, I notice that most of them look like high school students, and I think this is strange, but I do not say anything – mostly because I am not allowed to talk to Tiffany. We register, give our music to the sound guy, who remembers Tiffany from last year, I know, because he says, â€Å"You again?† After Tiffany nods, we are backstage, changing. Thankfully, I'm able to slip into my tights before any of the other contestants make it backstage. In the far corner, I'm minding my own business, sitting with Tiffany, when an ugly woman waddles over and says to Tiffany, â€Å"I know you dancers are pretty liberal about your bodies. But do you really expect me to allow my teenage daughter to change in front of this half-naked man?† Tiffany is really nervous now. I know because she does not curse out this ugly woman, who reminds me of the nurses in the bad place, especially since she is so out of shape and has a poofy old-lady haircut. â€Å"Well?† the mom says. I see a storage closet on the other side of the room. â€Å"How about I go in there while everyone else changes?† â€Å"Fine with me,† the woman says. Tiffany and I enter the supply closet, which is full of abandoned costumes from what must have been a children's show – all sorts of pajama-looking suits that would make me look like a lion or a tiger or a zebra if I put one on. A dusty box of percussion instruments – tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and wooden sticks you bang together – reminds me of the music room in the bad place and music relaxation class, which I attended until I was kicked out. And then I have this terrifying thought: What if one of the other contestants is dancing to a Kenny G song? â€Å"You need to find out what songs the other dancers are performing to,† I tell Tiffany. â€Å"I told you not to talk to me before the performance.† â€Å"Just find out whether anyone is dancing to any songs played by a smooth jazz performer whose initials are K.G.† After a second she says, â€Å"Kenny – â€Å" I close my eyes, hum a single note, and silently count to ten, blanking my mind. â€Å"Jesus Christ,† Tiffany says, but then stands and leaves the closet. Ten minutes later she returns. â€Å"No music by that person,† Tiffany says, and then sits down. â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"I said no Kenny G.† I close my eyes, hum a single note, and silently count to ten, blanking my mind. We hear a knock, and when Tiffany opens the door, I see that many moms are backstage now. The woman who knocked tells Tiffany that all the dancers have checked in and are changed. When I leave the storage closet, I am shocked to see that Tiffany and I are the oldest contestants by at least fifteen years. We are surrounded by teenage girls. â€Å"Don't let their innocent looks fool you,† Tiffany says. â€Å"They're all little pit vipers – and extraordinarily gifted dancers.† Before the audience arrives, we are given a chance to practice on the Plaza Hotel stage. We nail our routine perfectly, but most of the other dancers also nail their impressive routines as well, which makes me worry we will not win. Just before the competition begins, the contestants are brought out before the crowd. When Tiffany and I are announced, we take the stage, wave, and the applause is mild. The lights make it hard to see, but I spot Tiffany's parents in the front row, seated with little Emily, Ronnie, Veronica, and a middle-aged woman who I guess is Dr. Lily, Tiffany's therapist, because Tiffany told me that her therapist would be in attendance. I scan the rest of the rows quickly as we walk offstage, but I do not see my mother. No Jake. No Dad. No Cliff. I catch myself feeling sad, even though I did not really expect anyone but Mom to show up. Maybe Mom is out there somewhere, I think, and the thought makes me feel a little better. Backstage, in my mind I admit that the other contestants received more applause than we did, which means their fan bases are larger than ours. Even though the woman who announced us is now giving a speech, saying this is a showcase and not a competition, I worry that Tiffany will not get the golden trophy, which would kill my chance to write Nikki letters. We are scheduled to perform last, and as the other girls do their numbers, the applause ranges from mild to enthusiastic, which surprises me, because during the preshow rehearsal, I thought all the routines were excellent. But right before we are set to dance, when little Chelsea Chen concludes her ballet number, the applause is thunderous. â€Å"What did she do out there to get such good applause?† I ask Tiffany. â€Å"Don't talk to me before the performance,† she says, and I start to feel very nervous. The woman in charge of the recital announces our names, and the applause is a little livelier than what we received before the competition. Right before I lie down at the back of the stage, I look to see if maybe Jake or Cliff showed up late, but all I see when I look out into the audience is the hot white from the spotlights that are on me. Before I have a chance to think, the music starts. Piano notes – slow and sad. I begin my incredibly drawn-out crawl to center stage, using only my arms. The male voice sings, â€Å"Turn around †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bonnie Tyler answers, â€Å"Every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you're never coming round.† At this point Tiffany runs onto the stage and leaps over me like a gazelle or some other animal that is beautifully nimble. As the two voices continue to exchange verses, Tiffany does her thing: running, jumping, tumbling, spinning, sliding – modern dance. When the drums kick in, I stand and make a huge circle with my arms so people will know that I am the sun and I have risen. Tiffany's movements also become more fervent. When Bonnie Tyler builds up to the chorus, singing, â€Å"Together we can take it to the end of the line; your love is like a shadow on me all of the time,† we go into the first lift. â€Å"I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark.† I have Tiffany up over my head; I am steady as a rock; I am performing flawlessly. â€Å"We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks.† I begin to rotate Tiffany as she lifts her legs out into a split and Bonnie Tyler sings, â€Å"I really need you tonight! Forever's gonna start tonight! Forever's gonna start tonight.† We make a 360-degree rotation, and when Bonnie Tyler sings, â€Å"Once upon a time I was falling in love, but now I'm only falling apart,† Tiffany rolls forward down into my arms and I lower her to the floor as if she were dead – and I, as the sun, mourn her. â€Å"Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart.† When the music builds again, she explodes upward and begins to fly all around the stage so beautifully. As the song continues, I again make huge, slow circles with my arms, representing the sun as best I can. I know the routine so well, I can think about other things while I am performing, so I begin to think that I am actually nailing this performance pretty easily and it is a shame my family and friends are not here to see me dancing so excellently. Even though we will most likely not win the audience's loudest applause – especially after Chelsea Chen obviously brought every single one of her family members to the performance – I begin to think we will win anyway. Tiffany is really good, and as she flies by me so many times, I begin to admire her in a way I had not previously. She has kicked her game up a notch for the competition and is now showing a part of herself I had not previously seen. If she was crying with her body for the last month or so, whenever we practiced in her studio, she is weeping uncontrollably with her body tonight, and you would have to be a ston e not to feel what she is offering the audience. But then Bonnie Tyler is singing, â€Å"Together we can make it to the end of the line,† which means it is time for the second lift – the hardest one – so I lower myself into a squatting position and place the backs of my hands on my shoulders. As the song builds, Tiffany stands on my palms, and when Bonnie Tyler sings, â€Å"I really need you tonight,† Tiffany bends her knees, so I engage my leg muscles and push upward as fast as I can, extending my arms, elevating my palms. Tiffany shoots high up into the air, does a full flip, falls into my arms, and as the chorus dies down, we gaze into each other's eyes. â€Å"Once upon a time I was falling in love, but now I'm only falling apart. Nothing I can do, a total eclipse of the heart.† She falls from my arms, as if dead, and I – being the sun – set, which means I lie back on the floor and use only my arms to slowly push myself backward and out of the spotlight, which takes almost a full minute. The music fades. Silence. For a second I worry that no one will clap. But then the house explodes with applause. When Tiffany stands, I do too. Just like we practiced so many times, I hold Tiffany's hand and take a bow, at which time the applause thickens and the audience stands. I'm so happy, but at the same time I am sad because none of my family and friends came to support me – but then I hear the loudest Eagles chant I have ever heard in my entire life. â€Å"E!-A!-G!-L!-E!-S! EAGLES!† I look up toward the back rows, and not only do I spot Jake and Caitlin and Mom, but also Scott and the fat men and Cliff and the entire Asian Invasion. They are all wearing Eagles jerseys, and I start to laugh when they begin to chant, â€Å"Baskett! Baskett! Baskett! Baskett!† In the front row, Ronnie is smiling at me proudly. He gives me the thumbs-up when we make eye contact. Veronica is also smiling, and so is little Emily, but Mrs. Webster is crying and smiling at the same time, which is when I realize that she thinks our dance was really beautiful – enough to make her cry. Tiffany and I run offstage, and the high school girls congratulate us with their gaping eyes and their smiles and their chatter. â€Å"Oh, my God. That was so amazing!† they all say. It is easy to see that every one of them admires Tiffany because Tiffany is an excellent dancer and a talented choreographer. Finally Tiffany faces me and says, â€Å"You were perfect!† â€Å"No, you were perfect!† I say. â€Å"Do you think we won?† She smiles and looks down at her feet. â€Å"What?† I say. â€Å"Pat, I need to tell you something.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"There's no gold trophy.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"There are no winners at Dance Away Depression. It's just an exhibition. I made up the part about the wreath just to motivate you.† â€Å"Oh.† â€Å"And it worked, because you were beautiful out there onstage! Thank you, and I will be your liaison,† Tiffany says just before she kisses me on the lips and hugs me for a very long time. Her kiss tastes salty from the dancing, and it is strange to have Tiffany hugging me so passionately in front of so many teenage girls in tights – especially because I am shirtless and my torso is freshly shaved – and also I do not like to be touched by anyone except Nikki. â€Å"So now that we are done dancing, can I talk about Eagles football again? Because I have a lot of Eagles fans out there waiting for me.† â€Å"After nailing the routine, you can do whatever you want, Pat,† Tiffany whispers into my ear, and then I wait a long time for her to stop hugging me. After I change in the storage closet, Tiffany tells me there are no more naked teenagers backstage, so I go to greet my fans. When I hop down off the stage, Mrs. Webster grabs my hands, looks into my eyes, and says, â€Å"Thank you.† She keeps looking into my eyes, but the old woman doesn't say anything else, which makes me feel sort of weird. Finally Veronica says, â€Å"What my mother means to say is that tonight meant a lot to Tiffany.† Emily points at me and says, â€Å"Pap!† â€Å"That's right, Em,† Ronnie says. â€Å"Uncle Pat.† â€Å"Pap! Pap! Pap!† We all laugh, but then I hear fifty Indian men chanting, â€Å"Baskett! Baskett! Baskett!† â€Å"Better go greet your rowdy fans,† Ronnie says, so I walk up the aisle toward the sea of Eagles jerseys. Other audience members I don't know pat me on the back and congratulate me as I weave my way through them. â€Å"You were so good up there!† my mother says in a way that lets me know she was surprised by my excellent dancing skills, and then she hugs me. â€Å"I'm so proud!† I hug her back and then ask, â€Å"Is Dad here?† â€Å"Forget Dad,† Jake says. â€Å"You got sixty or so wild men waiting to take you to the most epic tailgate party of your life.† â€Å"Hope you weren't planning on getting any sleep tonight,† Caitlin says to me. â€Å"You ready to end the Pat Peoples curse?† Cliff asks me. â€Å"What?† I say. â€Å"The Birds haven't won since you stopped watching. Tonight we're taking drastic measures to end the curse,† Scott says. â€Å"We're sleeping in the Asian Invasion bus, right outside the Wachovia parking lot. We set up the tailgate party at daybreak.† â€Å"Ashwini is driving around the block right now, waiting for us,† Cliff says. â€Å"So. Are you ready?† I am a little shaken by the news, especially since I just finished such an excellent dance routine and was hoping to simply enjoy the accomplishment for more than ten minutes. â€Å"I don't have my clothes.† But my mom pulls my Baskett jersey out of a duffel bag I hadn't noticed before and says, â€Å"You have everything you need in here.† â€Å"What about my meds?† Cliff holds up a little plastic bag with my pills inside. Before I can say or do anything else, the Asian Invasion begins chanting louder: â€Å"Baskett! Baskett! Baskett!† The fat men pick me up above their heads and carry me out of the auditorium, past the fountain full of fish, out of the Plaza Hotel, and onto the streets of Philadelphia. And then I am in the Asian Invasion bus, drinking a beer and singing, â€Å"Fly, Eagles, fly! On the road to victory †¦Ã¢â‚¬  In South Philadelphia, we stop at Pat's for cheesesteaks – which take a long time to prepare, as there are sixty or so of us, and no one would dare go next door to Geno's Steaks, because Geno's steaks are inferior – and then we are at the Wachovia parking lot, parked just outside the gate so we will be the first vehicle admitted in the morning and therefore will be guaranteed the lucky parking spot. We drink, sing, throw a few footballs, and run around on the concrete; we roll out the Astroturf and play a few Kubb games under the streetlights, and even though I have only had two or three beers, I begin to tell everyone I love them because they came to my dance recital, and I also tell them I'm sorry for abandoning the Eagles mid-season and that it was for a good reason, but I just can't say what – and then I am on a bus seat and Cliff is waking me up, saying, â€Å"You forgot to take your night meds.† When I wake up the next morning, my head is on Jake's shoulder, and it feels good to be so close to my brother, who is still asleep. Quietly I stand and look around and realize that everyone – Scott, the fat men, Cliff, all fifty or so Asian Invasion members – is asleep on the bus. Two or three men are sleeping in every seat, with their heads on each other's shoulders. Everywhere brothers. I tiptoe to the front of the bus, past Ashwini, who – in the driver's seat – is asleep with his mouth wide open. Once outside, on the small patch of grass between the street and the sidewalk, I begin the same push-up and sit-up routine I used to do back in the bad place, before I had access to free weights and a stationary bike and the Stomach Master 6000. After an hour or so, first light comes. As I finish the last set of sit-ups, I feel as though I have burned off my cheesesteak and the beers I drank the night before, but I can't help feeling like I should go for a run, so I run a few miles, and when I return, my friends are still sleeping. As I stand next to Ashwini and watch my boys sleep, I feel happy because I have so many friends – a whole busful. I realize that I left the Plaza Hotel without saying goodbye to Tiffany, and I feel a little bad about that, even though she said I could do whatever I wanted after we performed so well. Also I am very eager to write my first letter to Nikki. But there is Eagles football to think about now, and I know that an Eagles victory is just about the only thing that will smooth things over with my father, so I begin to hope, and I even say a little prayer to God, who I bet was pretty impressed with my dance routine last night, so maybe He will cut me a break today. Looking at all those sleeping faces, I realize I have missed my green-shirted brothers, and I begin to anticipate the day.

Growing Up Asian in Australia Creative Story Essay

I just had an enormous fight with my mother, â€Å"I forbid you to ever go near the athletic track when you’re under my roof.† She didn’t take the news of my athletic training too lightly. â€Å"You go back there, you’re out! Out on the streets!† I grabbed my runners and slammed the front door on her. When she was out of earshot, I started insulting her with every swear word I knew, in both English and Vietnamese. I started running as fast as I could, but I should stop there and explain the whole thing. This morning I drifted between consciousness and sleep while everyone bustled around getting ready. They all get up so early and seem to stomp around the house for what feels like an hour before they finally leave. When the noise had subsided I managed to fall back asleep and woke up to my alarm and the foul smell of pho wafting from the kitchen. When I had dragged myself out of bed, I shuffled to the kitchen, enjoying the emptiness of the house. I like having it to myself in the morning, in fact I’d rather have it to myself most of the time, but my family never seem to leave. The house always feels so full. I unfolded and perched myself on one of the new kitchen stools my mum decided on. I picked out the pieces of chicken from the pho and threw away the rest of the noodle soup. I keep asking for something more edible for breakfast, like vegemite on toast, but mum insists that we eat our traditional cuisine. I left for school, jogging to school is my favourite part of the day. There’s just something about jogging in the morning, I can taste the crisp air as I breathe in and the feeling of it whipping my face and legs wakes me up. I sat outside of the locker bay, I can’t stand going in there during ‘peak hour’, the stench, a combination of sweat, deodorant, and old food, makes me want to puke. There’s always that crowd of older girls staring at me with that look of disgust as I walk through the corridor with my shiny black hair held up in a bun with some chopsticks and my uniform skirt that reached my knees that my mum made me wear. This was in contrast to the blonde hair and pasty white skin the other girls had. Their school uniforms barely covered their bums and I could almost see what they had for breakfast. I was used to it now though, being different to the other kids. My mother was big on  honouring our traditional culture, it was getting a bit ol d for me though. But I strolled through the door catching my breath, and ignored the girls as I have come accustomed to doing every morning. As I made my way to English I reminded myself why I hate school and I couldn’t wait to get to the athletic track just as my mum had told me not too. I despised English, I was no good at it, I always managed to get it confused with my home language. I was so conscious not to make mistakes. The other kids would give me the strangest of looks when I couldn’t think of the right words, I could hear them whispering amongst themselves whenever I raised my hand to speak. Shazza in the back row would always have a remark, â€Å"Here we go, dark one,† after being called anything and everything enough times, I stopped wincing. But class went quickly anyway, which most kids would be thankful for, but I hated lunchtime. I couldn’t stand the other kids staring at my lunch in the cafeteria, I was always eating something different to the other kids, they would grab there salad sandwiches and eat quietly together, whereas everyone could smell my goi from a mile away. I was lucky to get spring rolls one day, at least it was familiar to the other kids. I dreaded lunch time for that reason, I was sick to death of everyone starin g at me and asking, â€Å"what is that?† â€Å"where did you get that from?† â€Å"why does it smell like that† Not to mention there was always that one blatantly rude person that would walk past and simply just say, â€Å"ew, yuck† I just wasn’t in the mood today after the morning I’d had. After school, I made my way quickly to the athletics track, I knew my mother wouldn’t approve of this choice but it was the only place I could be myself. I quickly got changed into my active shorts and Nikes and made my way around the track. I could feel the breeze skim through my hair as my loose shirt caught the brisk air behind me. This was my sanctuary, the feeling was bliss. I made my way home, bracing myself for the approaching argument I was about to have with my mother. That feeling of pleasure left my body as quickly as it arrived. I stepped into the front door, and closed it behind  me as quietly as I could, maybe she wouldn’t notice I was late home. But before I could even take the first few steps inside, I heard mum coming from the kitchen, â€Å"where have you been!† â€Å"I told you not to go back to that athletics track!† â€Å"does this family mean nothing to you?† â€Å"you are too come home and do your homework afterschool, not run around willy nilly out on that track!† â€Å"now go and get those shoes off and go to your room!† The next day, I went straight home after school like my mother had said, she made me sit at the bench perched up on those hideous stools and do my homework until dinner time. She keeps telling me to respect our culture, and how if I were in Vietnam, I’d still be at school at this hour. Hearing about Asia frustrates me, it just reminds me that I don’t belong anywhere. But I didn’t have a choice, I sat there alone in front of my open books. I was almost the queen of procrastination, so I found myself questioning why I let her dictate how I spent my afternoon and why those nasty girls at school continuously direct cruel comments at me.. I was much more alert the following day, I sat in bed awake until I heard the front door close, it was the silence of the house and just the sound of clocks ticking, when I knew that the house was finally empty. I jumped out of bed, more enthused than ever, I ran straight into the bathroom and snapped the chopsticks I usually pin in my hair. I spent my time straightening my hair and piling on the makeup. This was something I’d never done before, it took me ten minutes to realise what the mascara was for, only after reading the fine print on the side of the bottle. I plucked and pampered myself until I felt like one of those geisha dolls, I was just missing the pointed conical hat. But I wasn’t thinking about Asia today, today I was purely Australia. A true blue Aussie Sheila. I was enjoying the emptiness of the house as I ran into my bedroom and pinned my school dress up to the top of my leg, a length that my mother would never catch me dead in. I was excited about scho ol today, I was excited for my salad sandwich that I’d just freshly cut diagonally and to see the look on the other girls  faces when they see me in the corridor. It was my favourite part of the day, my jog to school, it was more liberating this morning, I was more excited to arrive at the front gate, although I found myself running slower than usual. The wind wasn’t whipping my face at the same speed, I was conservative, I didn’t want to work up a sweat or do anything that might ruin my hair or smudge my mascara. I didn’t wait outside the locker bay today, I was ready to face everyone bright and early. I walked past the girls whom stand in the same place every morning and instead of the greasy look I get most mornings, each and every one of them looked me up and down, but in a good way. They actually seemed impressed to see me. The look on their faces was worth all the effort I had been to that morning and I was even more excited to get to class. People treated me differently today, it must’ve been about the way I looked. The kids in the cafeteria looked at me differently than usual, instead of a look of repulse, they were almost captivated to see what I had for lunch. Although my salad sandwich wasn’t as satisfying to the tastebuds as my traditional cuisine, I was more satisfied within myself especially when a few of the older boys said hello to me as they walked by, I couldn’t believe it! I was content with myself today, this was a feeling I hadn’t experienced for a while. I was even more excited to go to the athletics track this afternoon, I knew my mum would disapprove but maybe she wouldn’t know, I could just go there quickly and she might not realise what time it is when I get home. So I made my way there, I jogged to the track to save time warming up when I arrive. I sprinted into the change room, the smell of sweat was overwhelming and I just got a hint of a mild scent of cheap fragranced deodorant, that didn’t stand a chance in the old water damaged change rooms. I quickly threw my hair up into a messy bun, this wasn’t too different to usual, but my hair was still so silky straight that I looked like I’d gone to a lot of effort. I ran out onto the track as quickly as I had arrived and jumped straight into my lane. It was an exhilarating feeling, side by side my biggest competitor, she always undermined my abilities, but after the day I’d had I  was ready to take her on, I was sprinting as fast as I possibly could coming down the 100m stretch, I looked up and to my surprise my mum was standing up in the stand at the finishing line. She looked cross, but all I could think about was beating the girl beside me, she started to fall be hind, but I pushed through to the end and stepped over the finish line a length in front. I set a personal best! As I caught my breath I turned to my mum who was walking towards me, she still looked mildly unimpressed although the hint of a little smile was seeping through her smirking lips. I felt her arms wrap around me, which was totally unexpected as I hugged her back. â€Å"I am proud of you,† she said. â€Å"I’m sorry I didn’t let you train, I didn’t realise how happy it made you.† â€Å"But that beaming smile proved me wrong, and you’re so talented.† These words were more than touching coming from my mother, she then asked about the remainder of the makeup that was running down my face, I’d forgotten to wash it off in such a rush! I explained to her about the people at my school, and that I felt half & half, like I didn’t belong anywhere. She enlightened me to the fact that I didn’t have to change my identity to meet other people’s expectations, she said she supported me in my choice to be half Aussie and I was then allow to attend the training track whenever I wanted.