Substance Use Disorders ( Sud ) - 1020 Words

Introduction Substance use disorders (SUD’s) are defined when the recurrent use of drugs and / or alcohol give rise to an array of clinically significant behavioral and physical health problems (Agley, 2016; Dwinnels, 2015). Substance use disorders impair individuals’ safety and quality of life and often co-occur with depression disorders (Dwinnels, 2015; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million Americans aged 12 or older had SUDs within the past year (Montgomery, 2015; SAMHSA, 2014). Currently, it is estimated that 20.2 million people with SUDs did not receive appropriate care (SAMHSA, 2014; Small, 2016).†¦show more content†¦Department of Health Human Services, DHHS, n.d.). Milstead Framework Agenda Setting Applying Knestrick and Milstead (1998), health policy framework to the previously identified problem of SUDs, agenda setting is priority. Politicians, lobbyists, congressmen, and the public, need to know the prevalence, scope, and impact of substance use disorders at the local level. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, (2016) alcohol-impaired driving death rates were 28% compared to the U.S. top performer 14%. Drug overdose death rates in Athens County, Ohio were 13% compared to the U.S. top performer 8% (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2016). According to a recent economic study conducted by the National Drug Intelligence Center (2011), estimated costs for illicit drug use in the United States in 2007 exceed $193 billion health care dollars. Moreover, in 2012, fatal drug overdoses cost Ohioans $2.0 billion dollars (Ohio Department of Health, 2015). Legislative Action The next facet of Knestrick and Milsteid’s framework (1998) is legislative action. Reflecting back to the 1990’s the Institute of Medicine published a series of reports informing on the need to integrate primary care services with mental health and SUD’s, however, legislation failed to support this recommendation until the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The MHPAEA act requires equal insurance coverageShow MoreRelatedSubstance Use Disorders ( Suds )1720 Words   |  7 Pagesdetermined that children raised by substance using parents are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) in adulthood as a result of familial dissemination of substance abuse through both the environments in which the children are raised and genetic susceptibility (Merikangas et al., 1998; Merikangas Avenevoli, 2000). Unfortunately, there is an insignificant amount of literature exa mining the effects that the combined treatment and recovery of substance abusing parents has on theRead MoreSubstance Use Disorder ( Sud )948 Words   |  4 PagesSubstance Use Disorder’s (SUD) have become an escalating issue in the mental health field over the last few decades. The alarming incline to drug related and co-occurring maladaptive behaviors has created a dedicated science to better understand and define this problematic situation. Definition allows the therapeutic process to evolve around the symptomatic problem in order to deliver the hope of recovery. Social stigmas often view drug abuse and addiction as one in the same, but when viewed by theRead MoreSubstance Use Disorders ( Suds )2100 Words   |  9 Pagesby substance using parents are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) in adulthood as a result of familial dissemination of substance abuse through both the environments in which the children are raised and genetic susceptibili ty (Merikangas et al., 1998; Merikangas Avenevoli, 2000). However, there is an insignificant amount of literature examining the effects that the combined treatment and recovery of substance abusing parents has on their children. Substance useRead MoreIndividuals With Substance Use Disorders ( Suds )843 Words   |  4 PagesIndividuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) are difficult to treat due to the high prevalence of relapse, with an average of 50% relapsing within the first year (Bowen et al., 2014). Research has shown that current relapse prevention therapy is ineffective and other techniques are needed for effective treatment. To decrease the incidence of relapse, Bowen et al. (2014) set out to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) compared with standard relapse preventionRead MoreIntegrating Substance Use Disorder ( Sud ) And Healthcare Services969 Words   |  4 PagesIntegrating substance use disorder (SUD) and healthcare services is a major target in the era of healthcare reform.1 Care integration has gained momentum with the recognition that people with SUDs often have multiple physical health problems and are at greater risk for chronic diseases (e.g., conge stive heart failure).1 One practice that has been cited as important in efforts to integrate care is Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), an evidence-based model that can beRead MorePosttraumatic Stress Disorder Research by Essay example1624 Words   |  7 Pages　　In the research paper of â€Å"Examining the Interactive Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Distress Tolerance, and Gender on Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Retention† which is written by Matthew T. Tull, Kim L. Gratz, and Scott F. Coffey, University of Mississippi. Researchers conducted a research about how PTSD-SUD diagnosis affect on residential SUD treatment completion(Tull, 2012;Gratz, 2012;Coffey,2012 p.763). 　　Aside from the researches leaded by professors at University ofRead MoreBorderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse Essay1650 Words   |  7 Pagespaper will examine the results of four studies: One is a prospective follow-up study, one is a prospective naturalistic study, one is a case control study and the last one is a randomized clinical trial. They are on borderline personality disorder and substance abuse articles by Walter et al. (2009), Zanarini et al. (2010), Gratz Tull, (2010), and by Linehan, Schmidt III, Dimeff, Craft, Kanter Comtois, (1999) respectively. The hypotheses, methods and results will be summarized. The future researchRead MoreThe Addiction Epidemic Of Substance Abuse Essay1699 Words   |  7 PagesAddiction Epidemic The use of substances for physical, mind and social advantage has been around since the beginning of documented history. Contemporary use of prescription medication for these advantages has led to a national epidemic of substance abuse. Health care providers need to recognize the disease process of addiction in order to effectively combat the growing epidemic of substance use disorders (SUD). Strategies to decrease the prevalence and incidence of SUD include defining addictionRead MorePost Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay912 Words   |  4 Pagesof post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) is very prevalent. The rate of PTSD and SUD in adults receiving chemical dependency services ranges from 12% to 34% and the rates of trauma throughout the lifetime is even greater (Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Huges, Nelson, 1995; Langeland Hartgers, 1998; Najavits, Weiss, Shaw, 1997; Stewart, 1996; Stewart, Conrod, Pihl, Dongier, 1999; Triffleman, 1998). Moreover, a dual-diagnosis of PTSD and SUD is two to three times moreRead MoreThe Growing Percentage Of Males And Females With Substance Use Disorder1656 Words   |  7 PagesSuffering with Substance Use Disorder Jerrelda Drummer Sanders SOWK 751 Dr. D. Freeman December 4, Fall Semester 2015 Southern University at New Orleans Males and Females Suffering with Substance Use Disorder 2. About 24 million Americans over age 12 (or 9% of the population) have used an illegal drug (mostly marijuana) or abused a medication in the past month, (APA 2013). A drug is (1) any substance that affects the

Relationship of Cultural Diversity and Employee Motivation...

The study is focused on multiple methods research design. The research design uses deductive approach which involves testing of theoretical preposition by the employment of data collection. A theoretical perspective is used in this paper provides certain direction for the research. From this perspective, particular theories discussed in Section 2 are used to limit the scope of the research and brig a focus to it. The data which used to analyze the central question of the paper is quantitative. Quantitative data includes both primary and secondary data which can contribute to a research process (Saunders et al., 2012). The secondary data was collected primarily through academic journals (peers-reviewed) and some text books which can be found in reference list. The reference list also includes small number of additional readings which highly contributed to the research process. One of the most broadly used data collection method within the survey strategy is questionnaire (Saunders et al., 2012) Therefore, data which used to test a theoretical preposition in this paper is primarily collected through questionnaire. This study based on the method of questionnaire, because it is an efficient way to gather data from a large number of respondents. Another reason why the questionnaire was choosen is the context of the research topic. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of cultural diversity on employee motivation within European context. The size of sampleShow MoreRelatedAn Informal Institution Based View1593 Words   |  7 Pages 2014) Informal institution governs individual and firm behavior in various countries. When formal institutions are unclear, informal institutions help to reduce the uncertainty. Informal institution deserves attention in facilitating better relationships among people who belongs to different backgrounds. As mentioned above, according to the institution based view or framework, culture falls under informal institution, and the success, and failure of firms are enabled, and constrained by the institutionsRead MoreCase Study: Club Med1409 Words   |  6 Pagesas GOs – who handle all jobs outside of house and grounds keeping. One of the biggest problems the organization faces is with the increasingly high turnover rate of newly recruited GOs. Turnover is now at 50% with North America at twice that of Europe. In the American zone, differences in culture and language have set barriers of communication between the North Americans and Europeans, frequently with French-speaking GOs and A merican GMs – congenial members. Thus the importance of American GOsRead MoreHow Globalization Affects Our Small Companies Or Large Businesses?2628 Words   |  11 Pagesthat while we have some type of knowledge of this, it isn’t the same as really understanding a different culture and how Globalization plays such a huge role. Globalization In todays world managers must understand the culture and diversity of the people they are, or will be, managing. In many countries women are not equal, if the manager is a strong, independent manager it may be difficult for a man in one of these countries to learn to work with her. As long as a manager is awareRead MoreThe Top 2015 Best Companies For Multicultural Women1420 Words   |  6 Pageshundred and eight countries worldwide, including America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Payau, 2014). The company was built based on innovation as it is today with technological advances, which is one of the core business fundamentals. Research labs were created back in 1880 and by 1924; it was the first company to conduct a data- base market research analysis with consumers. It is one the first companies to establish a Consumer Relationship Department in 1941. Later on, they implemented the Toll-FreeRead MoreFour Seasons Goes to Paris: â€Å"53 Properties, 24 Countries, 1 Philosophy †2707 Words   |  11 Pagesleading operator of midsized luxury hotels. Four Seasons has enabled guests to maximize the value of their time with providing high-quality and truly personalized service. Four Seasons was able to succeed with their unique strategy of dealing with cultural differences, unique corporate culture, and strategy of human resources. In 1961, Isadore Sharp found Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto with his intrinsic architect ability focusing solely on guests, and kept expanding in Toronto. Success in Toronto ledRead MoreLeadership in a Multicultural Organization4096 Words   |  17 Pages These internal changes of the business require three things: * Management Commitment * Universal Approval * Appropriate measures and Rewards Research Methodology This study tries to investigate the role of a leader in a multi-cultural travel company. The study will be a qualitative analysis of sources to include major studies and researches on the issues, which determine the role of leaders and managers in multicultural organizations. This study will not conduct any survey ofRead MoreInfluence of Culture on Strategic Human Resource6353 Words   |  26 Pagesculture. On the other hand, some researchers and scholars have questioned the validity and reliability of national culture-SHRM practices research. The current paper explores the employee cultural values in the Kenyan multinational companies (MNCs) and the influence of culture on SHRM practices. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions of collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and femininity are applied. These value dimensions reflect human thinking, and feelings of people, which pose basicRead MoreMulti Ethnic And Socio Cultural Background Of Nigeria2292 Words   |  10 Pages 1.0. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Problem indication Nigeria is unique and embellished with a very rich culture and diversities. Because of the multi-ethnic and socio-cultural background that Nigeria is known for, the work environment in this setting is still far from what the western organizational system operates in. Beliefs, ethnic background, stereotypic way of work ethics and level of exposure seems to all play a key role in the way employers, managers would want their employees to engage in the taskRead Morebest fit and best practice in HRM3167 Words   |  13 Pagesï » ¿In the today world Human resource management is so important to manage human than early time .It plays vital role for organization how they recruit highly motivated and competent employee. To sustain competitive advantage over the organization as we know managing human is difficult task so that to fulfill this need we need professional HR manager .Managing human resources depends upon both external and organizational environment. . The genesis of Human resource management was originated fromRead MoreThe Importance Of Achieving Congruence Between An Organization s Strategy And Hrm Practices1801 Words   |  8 Pagesbased on the type of organization and industry (Theriou and Chatzoglou, 2008). Our focus will be the following HRM practices administering multinational and global organisations:(i) Selection and Recruitment (ii) Training and Development (iii) Employee Motivation (iv) Labour Laws and Regulations (v) HRIS Recruitment and selection is the initial and most crucial activity of Human resource management. It is a process of attracting and seeking a pool of qualified applicants from which potential candidates

Export Instability and Economic Development

Question: Discuss about the Export Instability and Economic Development. Answer: Introduction The report will discuss in detail about the economic development which is based on the elaboration of the financial wealth which are associated with the countries or communities for the welfare of the people. It can be done from the policy perspectives or an economic development point of view (Blakely and Leigh, 2013). It can also be defined as some reasonable efforts that can help in improving the economic welfare and also improve the necessary quality of life for the society. This is done by developing or retaining work of people and also supporting incomes and the central base for tax (Coale and Hoover, 2015). Economic development There are significant differences that exist between economic development and growth. The term growth in the economy is related to the rising of particular measures such as real kind of national income or gross domestic product. National income can be expressed regarding calculation of value added results which can be aggregated based on the local economic known as GDP. So when GDP of any country increases economists calls it economic growth (Blakely and Leigh, 2013). Also, the term economic development is something else and much more than economic growth (Blakely and Leigh, 2013). It means improvement in a various kind of indicators like literacy rates or life expectancy. In fact, it is considered as a measure based on economic welfare that does not base on significant aspects like leisure time, freedom, and social justice. On the other hand, economic growth of any particular measure is not enough for economic development. The term economic development is often utilized in the local sense as well since it aims at recruitment of various operations in business to a particular region and it is based on the retention of business functions within a region or assisting in many new companies (Coale and Hoover, 2015). Moreover, there are also the needs of many groups in a constituency that consistently guide economic developer and their action. For instance, when a local developer is functioning in the office of mayor then he can act towards diminishing the level of unemployment by gaining the attention of business which has the huge need for labor. The Economic Developer also works in the chamber of commerce which is mainly dominated by banks, utilities that will select producer with significant capital-based investments (Duflo, 2012). At the same time, an economic developer who is functioning for many state manufacturers will also lobby for increased workforce and training money. He will also focus on many new businesses particularly those who are based on intellectual property which is developed by the colleges. There are three vital areas in the concept of economic development discussed in detail as below: These are the policies that any government takes to meet many broad economic based goals like stability in prices, high rate employment, increased tax base and growth related to sustainability. These kinds of efforts also consist of monetary as well as many fiscal policies; then there is regulation of many financial institutions and tax policies (Lockwood, 2015). Programs and policies also provide a significant infrastructure and various kinds of services like parks, highways, housing and many education-based projects. It is also directed towards the creation of job as well as retaining through some extraordinary efforts in finances, small new businesses, development in neighborhood and development in general. It also consists of retention of business and its overall expansion, transfer in technology, workforce training, and development in real estate. The third part is the primary attention of economic development working people (Lockwood, 2015). The concept of economic development which is, therefore, is imperative for the economics on a society level, have also evolved in last few years into a full-fledged industry of high expertise and practitioners. There are two important roles for the professionals where one aims at providing leadership in the formulation of policies, and in other, there are administer program and projects. The professionals in this concept work in a public office or local level office or semi government company (MacBean, 2011). Such companies operate as single entities and in few cases as a department of a local body. The primary role is to seek out new kind opportunities and at the same time also retain the wealth in existing business. There are more twenty thousand professional who work worldwide in the current highly specialized industry. The competition is intense between the states and communities. Primary attention is given too many functions which are undertaken by an organization that helps them compete and at the same time also sustain in the vibrant societies. Also, the usage of community that is profiling for tools and database also calculate the assets of the community versus another kind of communities which also happens to a major factor of the concept of economic development. Creation of job, various economic output, and rise in taxable kind are many common types of tools that can be measured (MacBean, 2011). While focusing on the measurement, too much attention is also placed on the professional involved in economic development for not creating any jobs. But in reality, the economic developers do not participate in the creation of employment, but it facilitates the process for many existing businesses and new businesses. This is why it is important that economic developers must ensure there are enough economic and community-based development programs which help in assisting the business to accomplish the objectives. Such kinds of programs are commonly related to policies and can be domestic, statewide and also national in nature (Dob b, 2012). Why have some countries have improved their living standard considerably over the last two decades while others continue to remain impoverished? The main result of the world economy is expanding at a very fast rate in past many years; the advantages of development and growth have just reached the developing countries to a very limited rate. This is not because of any failure in developing countries since the group shares the concept of general economic expansion. The income per capita is also rising but at a low rate per year, but it can be faster than the past (Dobb, 2012). The overall failure lies in many distribution based patterns of previous development which left the poor groups primarily external to the sphere of expansion and improvement of material. There are two kinds of aspects in this concept. First is related to important kind of development which is recorded of the third world and it conceals the fact that many poor or developing countries contains and it is also based on the maximum concentration of the world, and this further leads to experience which will not increase much. Secondly, there is so many examples that the process of growth comes under way in many developing economies are such that overall incomes of poor group rise at a slower rate than the average (Sumner, 2012). The overall debate is also discussed around the design of different policies to offset different trends. Some proponents can be considered with the main aim to be the driver of development in some developing countries along with a particular kind of concession for the poor. Then there is other who provides a larger weight on different policies to improve the distribution internally which is based on income. There are certain differences in the growth and development of the economy. For this, one needs to take care of the regional sense as well the recruitment of the business operations, assisting in the expansions or the business retention. The economic models are set for act which leads to the decrease in the unemployment by attracting the needs of the labor. The work is also for the commercial chambers that is d ominated by the banks, utilities or the other real estate agents. The economic developer tends to work on the state manufacturing association with lobbying for increase in the workforce training money. The economic development for any university is set through the policies that the government tends to undertake to meet the economic objectives like the stability of price, higher employment and the expansion of the tax based services. It also includes direct measurement which is done to satisfy the needs of disadvantaged groups (Sumner, 2012). The challenge has been discussed with many so far which qualitative in terms while trying to translate the international targets for removing the poverty rate into more particular strategy and where feasibility can be tested. The current situation also suggests a framework which is quantitative for analysis, and it also derives some most important conclusion from it (Bixler and Porse, 2011). However, it is not right for a statistical basis for a n analysis which is formal of central relationships involved. Also, there has been a lot of progress in the past sometimes in many areas as well like: The measurement and overall definition of many incidences of poverty are based on using the physical and monetary based indexes. Internationally securing the comparable data on many income based level which is also based on comparisons associated with the purchasing power (Bixler and Porse, 2011). Calculation of the distribution of consumption and revenue within some developing countries. It can be concluded from some researchers that the comparison of many different approaches to reduction of poverty and rise in development also the implication for global and national actions (Bixler and Porse, 2011). The experimental nature is also considered, and it is based on the nature of some underlying assumptions which shows that it builds on the combination of many approaches. It is also related to national and international kind of actions which is more likely to gain success by decreasing the rate of poverty than just the exclusive dependence on any one of all. The process discussed helps in estimating the level of poverty in every country which utilizes an income level that shows some comparable levels related to purchasing power. It was found that use of any purchasing power ratios decreases the primary difference that exists between the cases based on poverty in developing countries compared to developing countries (Giddens, 2013). The level of poverty in any country entirely based on two points- some incomes and the standard of inequality in the overall distribution. However, the estimated of growth in income are gaining popularity. There is a regular kind of time series where there are some reliable sources, and it also utilizes different comparable theories which are not present sometimes. There are some countries that can be observed for some time and when time series data is not available for single countries any assessment of transition in the distribution of income will help in the development, and it should be based on what is known as cross country information (Giddens, 2013). The underlying theme in the debate builds on the trends present in income distribution, and it is also based on the development of past which is accompanied by the rising in inequality where poor can gain advantages is low from current overall growth. The concept of difference in income is there since ages, and the idea of globalization has gained a lot of force in the current world economy. There are some views which work as a process which is advantageous and is considered a key to coming economic development in the world. The concept is both inevitable and also irreversible. There is other who regards it with some amount of hostility; in fact, there is fear in some cases as well which is based on the increase in the level of inequality in nations, the threat to employment and standard of living and slow progress in society. It is important to understand some concept and aspects of globalization which focus on recognizing different methods in which different countries can tap the advantaged of the overall process while also remaining more realistic about the overall potential and risks associated with it (Chambers, 2014). The concept of globalization also offers so many opportunities for world development in the real sense but is not evenly progressive. There are some countries which are becoming more and more integrated into the global economy quickly than other. Those countries that could integrate are the one that is on the path of faster growth and also reduced overall poverty. There are some outward based policies which are brought a lot of prosperity and dynamism. At the same time, when the living standard rises, it is possible to grow and develop from the democratic point of view, and economic issues like work standards and environment may reduce (Chambers, 2014). The overall crisis in the market which are emerging during the time of the 1990s have made it evident that there is a considerable amount of risk in globalization and one can expect the high level or risk in it. Risk comes from changing capital movement and the overall risk of environmental issues or degradation in social and economic level which is caused because of poverty (Castles et al., 2013). In developed countries, there are many investors to embrace the transformations in policies to (or intending to) building a strong economy and a financial system which is stronger that can manufacture a rapid amount of growth and make sure that level of poverty can be decreased (Castles et al., 2013). Conclusion There is unparallel economic growth with global per capita GDP is rising at a very fast rate. However, the overall increase is not very steady and the strongest expansion and the time of quick expansion in trade were accompanied by a different kind of business and later considered as financial or liberalization. In the wartime, the world turned the back number of internationalism or concept of globalization and number of counties went into closed kind of economies where an idea of protectionism and pervasiveness in capital control was familiar (Castles et al., 2013). Significant factors were existing in devastation where the growth in per-capita income fell to very low percentage during the time of 1950 and before. For rest of the time, when the population grew at unparalleled speed, per capita income development was above two percent and fastest was the speed at the date of the boom in a post-world war in many industrial based countries (Castles et al., 2013). Reference Blakely, E.J. and Leigh, N.G., 2013.Planning local economic development. Sage. Coale, A.J. and Hoover, E.M., 2015.Population growth and economic development. Princeton University Press. Duflo, E., 2012. Women empowerment and economic development.Journal of Economic Literature,50(4), pp.1051-1079. Lockwood, W.W., 2015.Economic development of Japan. Princeton University Press. MacBean, A., 2011.Export instability and economic development(Vol. 45). Routledge. Dobb, M., 2012.Soviet economic development since 1917. Routledge. Sumner, A., 2012. Where do the poor live?.World Development,40(5), pp.865-877. Bixler, H.J. and Porse, H., 2011. A decade of change in the seaweed hydrocolloids industry.Journal of Applied Phycology,23(3), pp.321-335. Giddens, A., 2013.The third way: The renewal of social democracy. John Wiley Sons. Chambers, R., 2014.Rural development: Putting the last first. Routledge. Castles, S., De Haas, H. and Miller, M.J., 2013.The age of migration: International population movements in the modern world. Palgrave Macmillan.

Modernization and Democratization

Modernization can be defined as a set of symptoms of social changes in relation to industrialization. one set of these symptoms is motion which infiltrate through all phases of life to make life more comfortable by improving standards of living, enhancing economic growth and development, reducing mortality rate by increasing life expectancy among others. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Modernization and Democratization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Modernization also means discarding ones way of life and accepting civilization, urbanization, or occupational specialization. Modernization results in improved social life, transformed political institutions, and may even bring in increased political participation, which may result in the recognition of democratic institutions. This paper gives an in-depth analysis of modernization as it tries to relate it to the concept of democratization. Modernization started as early as the 19th century but became apparent in the 20th century. Some scholars believed that, by abolishing all the property owned by private enterprises and individuals, inequalities, and exploitation would be reduced. On the other hand, capitalist theorists argued that, economic development would result in improvement in standard of livings, which would finally result in democracy. Democratization can therefore be defined as the system of letting people decide for themselves (Haggard and Kaufman 17). In politics, the term democratization refers to the transition from an authoritarian government to one that is liberal. An authoritarian government leads people through dictatorship whereas in a democratic government, there is freedom. When country achieves democratization, leaders are elected by a majority vote thereby creating competition in politics, the market becomes liberal, and traders can trade anywhere and in almost every thing. Many scholars have been holding many con flicting debates as to whether democratization results from modernization. Some strongly hold that, democratization has its roots in modernization because, once a country become civilized and people get to learn more about their rights, then for democracy begins.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In an authoritarian government, citizens are exploited and denied their rights for instance their right to land because they are assumed to be ignorant about rights and freedoms. However, with modernization, people are exposed and meet other people and are able to realize and point unto the areas where they are receiving unfair treatment from the law officials. There are mainly three forms of democratization; behavioral, attitudinal, and constitutional. A system is said to be experiencing behavioral democratization when there are no factors, for instance from the economic or political systems that are knocking down the regime. Attitudinal democratization occurs when majority of the citizens in a given country are willing to adopt democratic principles. Last but not least, constitutional democratization becomes evident when regulations and laws are put in place in order to prevent the system from falling (Linz and Stepan 62). Before the Second World War, democratization was a term that was only found in dictionaries and many scholars had not developed an interest in it. However, towards the end of the war, many scholars were interested in knowing why some governments would choose to replace their political systems with laissez-faire democracies. They were amazed at how some countries such as Europe would adopt the rule of law to ensure that, its citizens enjoyed their liberties in a political, social, and economic perspective (Karl 23). That is when most scholars defined this shift in political systems as a democratization wave. Since 1970s, many developing cou ntries have made democratic reforms by shifting their systems to liberal systems in other times referred to as â€Å"the western democracies.† They are called western democracies because they emerged from the western countries such as East Asia, and Europe. To explain the factors that lead to democratization, scholars have come up with three theories namely structural, transitional, and modernization. Using the structural theory, democratization is believed to have emerged from the change in structures belonging to the state and some intermediary power. On the other hand, transitional scholars believe that, democratization is caused by inventiveness made by political intellectuals. According to modernization scholars, democratization is led by economic development made by the state. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Modernization and Democratization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Out of the three theori es, modernization seems to carry more weight than the others do and it was actually the first theory to explain the democratization process. According to Rustow (338), economic development is responsible for all the major changes that occur in a country. It is through economic development that, a nation gains stability even in the global world. Economic development is a result of increased industrialization, urbanization, and literacy levels. According to Lipset (73), more often that not the underdeveloped rural areas lack political democracy simply because their development level is very low. It would be true to say that, modernization leads to democratization. However, there are other factors attributed to democratization, such as change in structures but modernization seems to be leading. It also looks logical given that most of the countries with liberal economies are actually the ones that have high economic development. Most countries in Africa and Asia are yet to achieve de mocratization because their economic development is still very low and unless it rises, they may continue to be led by authoritarian governments. Works Cited Haggard, Stephan and Kaufman, Robert. The political economy of democratic transitions. Lisa Anderson: Transitions to Democracy, 1999 Karl, Terry Lynn. Dillemmas of Democratization in Latin America. New York: Prentice Hall, 1990. Linz, Joseph and Stepan, Andrew. Problems of democratic transition and consolidation. New York: John Hopkins University Press, 1996Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Lipset, Samuel M. Some social requisites of democracy: Economic development and political legitimacy, American Political science Review 53 (1) 1959, pp. 69-105 Rustow, D. A. Transitions to Democracy: Toward a Dynamic Model, Comparative politics 2 (3) 1970, pp. 337-363 This essay on Modernization and Democratization was written and submitted by user Mitchell Evans to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Muslims

â€Å"Muslim society had a sophistication matched at that time only by the Tang Empire of China.† (Mcdougal Littell, 242) The Muslim society was very advanced in many ways compared to the societies of other major civilizations. They made great advancements in the blending of cultures, math and science, and arts and literature. All this made possible the a semblance of the House of Wisdom, a combination library academy, and translation center. Muslim culture was centered around its four social classes. It included the born Muslims at the top. Converts were in the next class and had to pay higher taxes than the born Muslims. Next came the non-Muslim people who paid the most taxes of them all. The lowest class were the slaves, all of whom were non-Muslim. Muslims believed that math was the basis of all knowledge. A Muslim first described â€Å"al-jabr†, which we still use today as Algebra. Many of the Muslim’s researched of math lead to scientific discoveries. Astronomy and Optics were two fields in which the Muslims greatly excelled in. Ibn Haytham was the person to discover that rays pass from object to eyes. Literature was a strong tradition to the culture All literature stemmed from things such as bravery, love, generosity, and hospitality. All the culture’s literature was based on the sacred Qur’an. Muslims also had a deep interest in art, though they had to come up with inter esting ways to do it. Islam forbid the painting of humans. So artist came up with creative ways to do it, for example using calligraphy. But the most beautiful thing from their culture was the architecture. Though Muslims are now regarded as back-wards in their ways of women. In this particular time period Muslim women had more rights than most women. Poor women could work along side their husbands and the rich ones overlooked servants and could even get an education.... Free Essays on Muslims Free Essays on Muslims â€Å"Muslim society had a sophistication matched at that time only by the Tang Empire of China.† (Mcdougal Littell, 242) The Muslim society was very advanced in many ways compared to the societies of other major civilizations. They made great advancements in the blending of cultures, math and science, and arts and literature. All this made possible the a semblance of the House of Wisdom, a combination library academy, and translation center. Muslim culture was centered around its four social classes. It included the born Muslims at the top. Converts were in the next class and had to pay higher taxes than the born Muslims. Next came the non-Muslim people who paid the most taxes of them all. The lowest class were the slaves, all of whom were non-Muslim. Muslims believed that math was the basis of all knowledge. A Muslim first described â€Å"al-jabr†, which we still use today as Algebra. Many of the Muslim’s researched of math lead to scientific discoveries. Astronomy and Optics were two fields in which the Muslims greatly excelled in. Ibn Haytham was the person to discover that rays pass from object to eyes. Literature was a strong tradition to the culture All literature stemmed from things such as bravery, love, generosity, and hospitality. All the culture’s literature was based on the sacred Qur’an. Muslims also had a deep interest in art, though they had to come up with inter esting ways to do it. Islam forbid the painting of humans. So artist came up with creative ways to do it, for example using calligraphy. But the most beautiful thing from their culture was the architecture. Though Muslims are now regarded as back-wards in their ways of women. In this particular time period Muslim women had more rights than most women. Poor women could work along side their husbands and the rich ones overlooked servants and could even get an education....

Documentos para green card por matrimonio con ciudadano

Documentos para green card por matrimonio con ciudadano La documentacià ³n para sacar la tarjeta de residencia por matrimonio con un ciudadano es numerosa y conviene tenerla en mano o al menos solicitada antes de empezar la tramitacià ³n. En este artà ­culo se distingue, para hacerlo ms claro, entre los trmites que se realizan cuando el cà ³nyuge extranjero est ya en los Estados Unidos y se sigue lo que se conoce como un ajuste de estatus. Y tambià ©n cuando se da la circunstancia de que est en otro paà ­s y se sigue lo que se llama procedimiento consular. Recordar, antes de empezar, que en los Estados Unidos producen los efectos migratorios los matrimonios entre una mujer y un varà ³n que los de personas del mismo sexo. Lo à ºnico que se pide en este à ºltimo caso, es que la boda se celebre en un lugar cuyas leyes permiten el matrimonio gay. Documentos para la tarjeta de residencia por matrimonio con ciudadano por ajuste de estatus Las personas extranjeras presentes en Estados Unidos pueden obtener la residencia, tambià ©n conocida como green card, por matrimonio con un ciudadano mediante un ajuste de estatus siempre y cuando hubieran ingresado al paà ­s de forma legal, con una visa o mediante el Programa de Exencià ³n de Visas. Es decir, no pueden hacerlo aquellas personas que ingresaron ilegalmente a los Estados Unidos. Los migrantes que se encuentren en esta situacià ³n deben asesorarse con un abogado de confianza antes de iniciar los trmites. Ello es porque a mitad de los mismos tendrn que salir del paà ­s y, en la mayorà ­a de los casos, tendrn una prohibicià ³n para regresar por 3 o 10 aà ±os. Es necesario informarse para estudiar honestamente si existe alguna posibilidad de regularizar la situacià ³n sin necesidad de salir del paà ­s. Para los que pueden ajustar su estatus, pueden realizar en un solo paquete dos tramitaciones distintas: la peticià ³n de esposo y el ajuste de estatus. Los documentos son los siguientes: - Formulario I-130, peticià ³n de familiar - Copia certificada del acta de matrimonio. Si el casamiento se celebrà ³ en otro paà ­s, asegurarse de que cumple con todos los requisitos para ser considerado vlido en Estados Unidos. En este caso, si el documento o cualquier otro no est en inglà ©s, deber traducirse. Este es  un modelo de carta para hacer una traduccià ³n certificada  para Inmigracià ³n. - Prueba de la nacionalidad estadounidense: pasaporte americano, acta o certificado de nacimiento en Estados Unidos, certificado de naturalizacià ³n, acta de nacionalidad por ser hijo o hija de americano a pesar de haber nacido en el extranjero o cualquier otro documento que pueda ser admitido para probar la nacionalidad. - Del cà ³nyuge extranjero es necesario presentar copia certificada del acta o partida de nacimiento. Si no estuviera en inglà ©s, deber traducirse y certificarse dicha traduccià ³n. No es necesario obtener la apostilla de la Haya. - 6 fotografà ­as tipo pasaporte de cada uno de los cà ³nyuges (cada uno, la suya). - Formulario I-485 para ajuste de estatus - Formulario del affidavit of support, tambià ©n conocida como planilla de mantenimiento, I-864 - Prueba de cumplir con el  requisito de ingresos para patrocinar: W2 o 1099, copia de haber pagado impuestos (tax returns) en los à ºltimos aà ±os y una carta de la empresa o empleador para la que se trabaje en la que se especifique desde cundo se trabaja en dicha compaà ±Ãƒ ­a, quà © posicià ³n se ocupa y cul es el monto del salario anual. - Copia de las tres à ºltimas nà ³minas (pay stubs). - Formulario de informacià ³n biogrfica, que es el G-325A - Planilla de los resultados del examen mà ©dico, I-693 - Si se desea un permiso de trabajo antes de recibir la green card, llenar el formulario I-765 - Si se desea viajar fuera de Estados Unidos y regresar mientras se realiza la tramitacià ³n, puede que sea necesario llenar el formulario I-131 para el advance parole, o permiso para viajar. - El pago de la tarifa de todo el proceso. El Servicio de Inmigracià ³n y Ciudadanà ­a (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s) se pondr en contacto para la cita de datos biomà ©tricos.   El siguiente paso ser recibir el permiso de trabajo, tambià ©n conocido como EAD, si se ha solicitado uno. Despuà ©s, aproximadamente entre 2 y 4 meses de haber enviado la aplicacià ³n, se recibir una cita para la entrevista. En ella un empleado del USCIS intentar determinar si el matrimonio es de conveniencia, en cuyo caso se suspender la peticià ³n de la green card.   Es importante llevar a la entrevista documentacià ³n que sirva para acreditar que el matrimonio es de verdad, como por ejemplo: Cuentas bancarias a nombre de ambos asà ­ como la titularidad de propiedades que pertenezcan a los dos o hipotecas conjuntas.Pà ³lizas de seguros (incluidos mà ©dicos) a nombre de ambos o en los que uno de ellos sea beneficiario de la pà ³liza del otro, como por ejemplo en los casos de seguros de vida.Fotocopias a color y de calidad de fotografà ­as de la boda, de la fiesta de compromiso, si la hubiera habido, de la pareja sola y tambià ©n con miembros de la familia y amigos. Colocar 2 à ³ tres fotografà ­as en un folio en blanco y escribir en inglà ©s el nombre de las personas que aparecen, el lugar y la fecha en la que se tomaron. Repetir la operacià ³n cuantas veces sea necesario.Lease del alquiler de la vivienda, si lo hubiere o hipoteca.Copia de cualquier documento en el que figuren los nombres de ambos cà ³nyuges, como por ejemplo cualquier tipo de factura.Copia de la factura de telà ©fono que pueda probar la comunicacià ³n entre ambos cuando eran novios.Si lo hubi era, copia de los tiquetes de avià ³n para visitarse. Tambià ©n llevar identificacià ³n, incluido el pasaporte del cà ³nyuge extranjero. Si la entrevista es exitosa, se sellar el pasaporte del cà ³nyuge extranjero con una Tarjeta de Residencia temporal, que sirve para viajar y para trabajar. En el plazo de uno o dos meses se recibir la green card de plstico por correo.   Finalmente, si la green card se recibià ³ antes de cumplir dos aà ±os de casado, ser de carcter condicional. Dicha condicionalidad la hay que levantar a los dos aà ±os. Peticià ³n de ciudadano para cà ³nyuge extranjero que est fuera de Estados Unidos En este caso el proceso es un poco distinto. Se inicia con la peticià ³n con el formulario I-130 y envindose el pago por la tramitacià ³n y la documentacià ³n de apoyo que sirve para probar que existe un matrimonio, la ciudadanà ­a del solicitante y la identidad del solicitado (ver ms arriba en apartado anterior). Una vez que la peticià ³n es aprobada, el USCIS la envà ­a al Centro Nacional de Visas (NVC, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). Y sern ellos los que contacten y comiencen a pedir documentos y planillas, seguir las instrucciones al pie de la letra. Pedirn, entre otras cosas, el affidavit of support y todo lo relativo a probar que se tienen ingresos suficientes para patrocinar. Tambià ©n se darn instrucciones para el examen mà ©dico y, finalmente, para la entrevista en el consulado o embajada. Llevar toda la documentacià ³n que se indique. Si se pasa la entrevista, se recibe una visa de inmigrante que se estampa en el pasaporte. A partir de ese momento hay 6 meses para ingresar a los Estados Unidos. Y en ese momento, al llegar a un puerto de entrada terrestre, marà ­timo o de aeropuerto, se sella de nuevo el pasaporte con un sello de ingreso que junto a la visa de inmigrante equivale a una green card temporal, hasta que se recibe la de plstico. Al igual que sucede con el caso anterior, la green card de plstico es condicional si se recibe antes de llevar dos aà ±os de casado. En es caso hay que levantar dicha condicionalidad. Finalmente, destacar que si una persona est fuera de los Estados Unidos y piden a su nombre una green card, es muy difà ­cil que a partir de ese momento aprueben una peticià ³n de visa de turista. A tener en cuenta antes de iniciar los trmites para pedir a un cà ³nyuge De todas las cosas, dos destacan por su importancia y posibles consecuencias. En primer lugar hay que asegurarse de que se tienen ingresos suficientes o que se cuenta con un co-patrocinador. El USCIS no aprueba peticiones si no se cumple este requisito, no hay excepciones.   Y, en segundo lugar, informarse sobre las causas de denegacià ³n de la residencia. Y es que no es suficiente estar casado con un ciudadano. Hay que ser elegible para ingresar a los Estados Unidos y convertirse en residente. En algunos casos no es posible arreglar el problema. En otros es cuestià ³n de esperar a que pase el tiempo de castigo o, cuando se puede, pedir un perdà ³n, tambià ©n conocido como waiver o permiso. Esto à ºltimo hay que tenerlo especialmente en cuenta cuando el problema viene del hecho de haber estado ilegalmente en los Estados Unidos. Esto à ºltimo es un problema cuando se superan los 6 meses de ilegalidad  y se est fuera de Estados Unidos sin importar cà ³mo se habà ­a ingresado o cuando se est dentro y se ingresà ³ ilegalmente. Tambià ©n hay que tener en cuenta que en cosas del amor, las situaciones pueden cambiar. Si hay un cambio de opinià ³n por parte del ciudadano, podrà ­a poner fin a la peticià ³n.  Tambià ©n tener en cuenta que el divorcio, por parte de cualquiera de los cà ³nyuges, puede tener efectos migratorios importantes. Finalmente, para saber ms sobre la tarjeta de residencia se recomienda tomar este test de preguntas mà ºltiples, cuyas respuestas aclaran numerosas dudas. Este es un articulo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Unit 7 mini Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unit 7 mini - Coursework Example It is important to note how long the carnival will last for a budget to be set. In this case it commences from the 11th to the 20th of September, 1998. A budget committee should be set for the selection process of any proposal. This helps in determining the amount of funds that will be allocated the carnival. Their work is to come up with a budget for every single detail that will be available. The budget proceedings also includes a charge incurred during the week of the carnival. In this case, the risk to be experienced will be overcharging the citizens since the people of Spokane County will take part in the selection of qualified firms for setting this event. The firm that submits an affordable and a well evaluated budget will stand a chance to secure the available carnival contract. Quality of products is a crucial aspect of getting into a contract with Spokane County. Nobody will want poor quality products of their carnival, it poses a risk not only to the firm but also to all the people attending the carnival. An opportunity in the contract exists where quality services are offered and well trained workers are employed based on the level knowledge and skills (Jaafari, 2001). Services offered have to meet the eye of the consumer. The major risks likely to be encountered with this field will be failure to satisfy consumers’ needs. This may lead to a termination of the contract mainly because it is a long term contract for up to 5years. The Spokane County Carnival is expected to have technical equipment such as carnival rides that are meant to satisfy the residents. The firm that provides these services and state of art equipment at reasonable fees lands the contract. According to Jaafari 2001, innovativeness is also crucial, people are accustomed to change, and hence the firm that comes up with new ideas, new carnival games, and shows have a

Gods and Humans Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gods and Humans - Assignment Example Part of the reason both Oedipus and Antigone are considered to be classic works is that they feature characters who are larger than life and whose deeds are truly remarkable. Even centuries and millennium later the human and divine figures featured in these stories astonish us with their extreme and powerful qualities. We can marvel at these classical figures but we can also examine the different ways they interact with one another and the sorts of relationships they have with one another, plus the different ways Sophocles portrays them. Surely this interplay is one of the reasons these figures continue to resonate in our modern days and continue to excite us so much. The conflict between the world and laws of humans and those of gods is one that is truly timeless.In both quoted passages, the laws of the gods and the laws of human beings are examined and discussed. There are two clearly different principles at play. In both works the human heroes are at odds with the political system which is trying to subjugate them. In both cases, the heroes stand up for what they believe. They are willing to obey a higher law, a higher order which is in conflict with the human law before them. They do not recognize the arbitrarily exercised power of the regent. They operate under a different, more powerful law which they think is more objective, or more fair. Oedipus serves Apollo. Although he is blind he is capable of seeing that real life, full of human laws, is corrupt and false. The higher world of gods and forms is truer and more just. His blindness is perhaps something of an asset as it separates him somewhat from the human world and allows him to imagine or perceive of a more just world where the law of gods such as Apollo dominate. In Antigone much the same idea is presented. Antigone also must deal with Creon and the law of the human system. â€Å"[M]y reverence only brands me for irreverence!† she exclaims, weeping at the injustice of it. She has obeyed the religious ritual of burying her dead brother at the expense of the human law forbidding her to do so. That is why she is being punished. For her, obeying the gods is more important than obeying the king. And that is why she is willing to endure her punishment even if it is unjust in the human world.

Nordstrom Rewards Its Customers Essay Example for Free

Nordstrom Rewards Its Customers Essay Nordstrom is a great place to go shopping and receive rewards while spending money. Nordstrom shoppers automatically become members of Nordstrom’s Fashion Rewards program when they people sign up for the store’s credit. When each person accumulates 2,000 points, then they receive a $20 Nordstrom Note, a gift certificate redeemable for Nordstrom merchandise or services. In the book one of the questions is â€Å"what are the design characteristics of an effective loyalty program.† The structure of their loyalty program and how they use the data collected through the program to make informed product, marketing and customer experience decisions are key to its success. The store’s frequent customers will be able to get perks like custom shopping parties and tickets to in-store fashion shows after shelling out just half as much as they used to spend to qualify for rewards. Loyalty marketing is and should always be much bigger than points, thresholds or incentives. It is about changing and influencing behavior in a proactive manner that creates long-term brand advocates who, in turn, enter into a dialogue with the brand. Nordstrom’s program is effective for a number of key reasons. First, even the lower levels of Nordstrom’s loyalty program are engaging because they offer meaningful soft benefits and because it’s aspirational, members remain engaged; they aspire to be at the higher tiers in the program so they can get the bigger rewards. Another question asks is the Nordstrom program worth what it spends to reward customers. I think it does because when you reward your customers then they would want to come into the store and buy their supplies to build up their points. When they do that then they get awards. Example would be I have a credit card and I receive points, the more I spend then the more money I get off from that store. I use my card all the time and I go and pay it off. I would get a credit card from any store I shop at if they reward me to use it.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Mechanisms of Action

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Mechanisms of Action Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a type of drugs that can be used as pain killers. Nowadays, other pain killers such as paracetamol are more widely used, as they have fewer side effects, and cost less. However, NSAIDs are mostly used in conditions which cause inflammation. It may take from a few days to more than three weeks to show their anti-inflammatory effects. They are specifically used to treat arthritis, menstrual cramps, sports injuries, and headaches. There are different types of NSAIDs that are used in different situations. For example, Ketorolac (Toradol) is only used for short-term treatment of moderately severe acute pain that otherwise would be treated with opioids. (Ogbru, 1997). Aspirin is also a NSAID that is used long-term, at low doses, specifically to inhibit blood clot formation and prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals at high risk for developing blood clots. The most common and undesirable side effects of NSAIDs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, constipation, rash, dizziness and headache. The most severe side effects are kidney failure, liver failure, ulcers and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery (Ogbru, 1997). Mechanisms of Action Prostaglandins are a group of lipid compounds that are produced by specific group of enzymes called cyclooxygenases from arachidonic acid (Zeilhofer, 2007), which promote vital functions in inflammation, pain, fever; support the blood clotting function of platelets; and protect the lining of the stomach from the damaging effects of acid (Ogbru, 1997) (Figure 1). Mode of action of NSAIDs is to exert anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects through the blockade of prostaglandin synthesis via non-selective inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) isozymes (Chakraborti et al., 2010). Both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes produce prostaglandins that serve inflammation, pain and fever. However, only COX-1 produces and regulates prostaglandins that protect the stomach (gastrointestinal) and support platelets (Ogbru, 1997) (Figure 2). NSAIDs reduce the concentration of prostaglandins throughout the body by blocking the COX enzymes. As a result of this, ongoing inflammation, pain and fever are decreased. For example, when concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) elevates in certain parts of the brain, body temperature increases. This increase in body temperature changes the firing rate of neurons that control thermoregulation in the hypothalamus. Aspirin which can act as an antipyretic, work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase and reducing the levels of PGE2 within the hypothalamus of the brain. As a consequence, body temperature falls, and fever is relieved (Aronoff Neilson, 2001). It is important to understand that the pain pathway is not the same for fever and other cases like tissue injuries. In tissue injury, prostaglandins together with other agents like histamine, act on the sensory neurons present in the injured or stimulated tissue which in turn conduct the generated signal to the spinal cord. The afferent fibres (neurons) transmit the pain signal to the spinal cord. The signal is then propagated from the spinal cord to the pain centres in brain. This is carried out by synapse formation between afferent sensory neuron in the dorsal root ganglion of the spinal cord, transferring the signal up the spinothalamic tract to synapse in the thalamus. Therefore the final synapse with the primary sensory cortex fibres occurs in the thalamus (Lorne, 2010) (Figure 3 4). As a result of this, pain centres in brain will become alerted and body will feel the pain. Therefore, prostaglandin synthesis inhibition by NSAIDs will result in pain pathway blockage, hence reduc ing or killing the pain. Irrespective of the type of injured tissue (ligament, tendon or muscle), the body reacts to injury with a sequence of events that initiates with an influx of inflammatory cells and blood. Removal of debris and recruiting growth factors e.g. cytokines toward the injury site are the subsequent events that are carried out by the inflammatory cells. The same Prostaglandins that are blocked by NSAIDs are partly involved in this inflammatory stage. In a normal healing process (without application of NSAIDs), a proliferative stage consisting of a mixture of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells naturally follows the inflammatory stage. At this stage, the fibroblasts construct a new extracellular matrix and continue into the maturation stage (final stage) where functional tissue is laid down. The crucial point is that each stage of repair is a prerequisite for the subsequent stage. Hence, although blocking the inflammatory stage by NSAIDs relieves the pain, it may delay the healing of musculosk eletal injuries (Stovitz Johnsons, 2003). Side effects of NSAIDs such as ulcers and bleeding promotion are due to reduction in bodys prostaglandin level which protects the stomach and supports platelets and blood clotting. In other words, NSAIDs like aspirin, especially in high doses, act as pain killers by reducing prostaglandin concentration; however, this reduction can also raise severe unwanted effects like ulcers (Ogbru, 1997). There are various NSAIDs in terms of potency, duration of action, body elimination manner, how strongly they inhibit COX-1 and their tendency to cause ulcers or promote bleeding. The more an NSAID blocks COX-1, the greater is its tendency to cause ulcers and promote bleeding. One NSAID,  celecoxib  (Celebrex), blocks COX-2 but has little effect on COX-1, and is therefore further classified as a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Selective  COX-2 inhibitors  cause less bleeding and fewer ulcers than other NSAIDs. (Ogbru, 1997). Rofecoxib (tradename = Vioxx) In 1999, two new highly selective COX-2 inhibitors, known as coxibs (celecoxib and rofecoxib) which were claimed to have low gastrointestinal (GI) side effects were introduced which resulted in high commercial development. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) was introduced by Merck (one of the largest pharmaceutical companies) as a more effective and a safer alternative to NSAIDs for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis (Krumholz et al., 2007). While found to have fulfilled these goals in part, a worrying series of events took place in the late 2004 period when rofecoxib was withdrawn worldwide from the market because of alarming cardiovascular incidents and concerns about increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to long-term, high-dosage use. Other coxibs were subsequently withdrawn on suspicion of having the same adverse effects, although to a varying degree (Rainsford, 2007). Previous to introducing the drug to the market, it were concerned that the drug might have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system by changing prostacyclin to thromboxane ratio, which have opposite effects on regulating blood flow and clotting. (Prostacyclin and thromboxane are members of the family of lipids known as eicosanoids.) (Krumholz et al., 2007) A study sponsored by Merck during 1996-1997 reported that rofecoxib decreased the concentration of prostacyclin metabolites in urine in healthy volunteers by about half. Merck officials sought to soften  the academic authors interpretation that COX-2 inhibition within the vascular endothelium may increase the propensity for thrombus formation, the basis of what became  known as the FitzGerald hypothesis. The academic authors changed  the manuscript at Mercks request-for example, they changed  systemic biosynthesis of prostacyclin was decreased by  [rofecoxib] to Cox-2 may play a role in the systematic biosynthesis  of prostacyclin. (Krumholz et al., 2007). However, despite knowing that rofecoxib may elevate thrombus formation, none of the studies that constituted Mercks new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 were designed to examine cardiovascular risk. The studies were all generally small, had short treatment periods, enrolled patients at low risk of cardiovascular disease, and did not have a standardised procedure to collect cardiovascular results (Krumholz et al., 2007). In 1999, the largest study on rofecoxib, the vioxx gastrointestinal outcomes research (VIGOR), took place by Merck. The purpose of the study was to show that the drug would have fewer GI side effects than naproxen (NSAID) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The study took place without a standard procedure for collecting information on cardiovascular events. Finally, the study showed that rofecoxib was not more effective in terms of mitigating symptoms of arthritis but halved the risk of GI events. However, the study showed that there was also evidence of an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Therefore, the first suspicion about the metabolite meanings i.e. urine prostacyclin data was right. Nevertheless, Merck decided to propose a naproxen assumption, implying that rofecoxib had not been harmful but that naproxen had been protective, despite having no evidence that naproxen had a protective effect on cardiovascular system (Krumholz et al., 2007). Finally, after wide usage of Vioxx in clinical centres around the world for around 5 years, due to an increase in serious cardiovascular events, the company voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market, in 2004. Currently, a lot of studies are taking place to discover why cardiovascular failures took place with coxibs, to identify safer coxibs, and to clarify the roles of COX-2 and COX-1 in cardiovascular diseases and stroke in order to develop newer agents to control these conditions (Rainsford, 2007). Overall, in order to improve the care of patients and gain their trust back, putting patients interests first is necessary. A renewed commitment and re-establishing collaborations between industry, academics, journals and practising doctors are the only way to extract something positive from this unfortunate event.

Tourism and it’s negative Effects

While tourism can be a powerful positive force for change in poor countries, it can also be seriously damaging for the local environment and culture. An increase in mass tourism that is not controlled responsibly can ruin areas of natural beauty. com/the-economic-impact-of-tourism/">Tourism can damage coral reefs, pollute beaches and destroy the habitats of wildlife as roads and hotels are built. Ironically, damage to these natural resources is likely to reduce future numbers of visitors. Another negative effect is that the increasing numbers of aeroplane ?ights are a major cause of global warming.A second problem is that the tourist resorts are frequently owned by large Western companies and all too often the pro?ts earned from tourism go straight into the bank accounts of these companies. Moreover, the well-paid managerial positions are often held by foreigners, and the wages given to local hotel employees are usually very low. Where this is the case, very little money enters the l ocal economy at all. By purchasing souvenirs, food and other goods from local people you can help to spread the bene?ts of tourism.Finally, tourism can have an adverse effect on local culture, traditions and the way of life. Large numbers of tourists can undermine traditional beliefs, values and customs and in particular risk commercialising the culture that they ?nd so interesting. And where these tourists are insensitive to local traditions their behaviour can cause great offence. Tourism Fact File  · Tourism employs 250 million people, roughly one in ten of the world's workforce.  · 80% of the people that travel internationally come from the USA, Canada, Japan and 17 European countries, including the UK. · 15 million Britons take package holidays abroad each year.  · The developing world's share of the tourist trade has increased by an average of 9. 5% a year since 1990.  · The amount of money that leaves a destination country (the country where people spend their holid ay) varies from 40% out of India, and 80% out of the Caribbean islands.  · The UN calculates that the amount of water used by an average tourist in 24 hours would be enough to grow rice for an individual for 100 days.  · An 18-hole golf course in a dry country can use as much water as a town of 10,000 people.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 7. REPETITION

I WASN'T SURE WHAT THE HELL I WAS DOING HERE Was I trying to push myself back into the zombie stupor? Had I turned masochisticdeveloped a taste for torture? I should have gone straight down to La Push I felt much, much healthier around Jacob This was not a healthy thing to do. But I continued to drive slowly down the overgrown lane, twisting through the trees that arched over me like a green, living tunnel My hands were shaking, so I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. I knew that part of the reason I did this was the nightmare, now that I was really awake, the nothingness of the dream gnawed on my nerves, a dog worrying a bone. There was something to search for. Unattainable and impossible, uncaring and distracted but he was out there, somewhere. I had to believe that. The other part was the strange sense of repetition I'd felt at school today, the coincidence of the date. The feeling that I was starting overperhaps the way my first day would have gone if I'd really been the most unusual person in the cafeteria that afternoon. The words ran through my head, tonelessly, like I was reading them rather than hearing them spoken: It will be as if I'd never existed. I was lying to myself by splitting my reason for coming here into just two parts. I didn't want to admit the strongest motivation. Because it was mentally unsound. The truth was that I wanted to hear his voice again, like I had in the strange delusion Friday night. For that brief moment, when his voice came from some other part of me than my conscious memory, when his voice was perfect and honey smooth rather than the pale echo my memories usually produced, I was able to remember without pain. It hadn't lasted; the pain had caught up with me, as I was sure it would for this fool's errand. But those precious moments when I could hear him again were an irresistible lure. I had to find some way to repeat the experience or maybe the better word was episode. I was hoping that dj vu was the key. So I was going to his home, a place I hadn't been since my ill-fated birthday party, so many months ago. The thick, almost jungle-like growth crawled slowly past my windows. The drive wound on and on. I started to go faster, getting edgy. How long had I been driving? Shouldn't I have reached the house yet? The lane was so overgrown that it did not look familiar. What if I couldn't find it? I shivered. What if there was no tangible proof at all? Then there was the break in the trees that I was looking for, only it was not so pronounced as before. The flora here did not wait long to reclaim any land that was left unguarded. The tall ferns had infiltrated the meadow around the house, crowding against the trunks of the cedars, even the wide porch. It was like the lawn had been floodedwaist-highwith green, feathery waves. And the house was there, but it was not the same. Though nothing had changed on the outside, the emptiness screamed from the blank windows. It was creepy. For the first time since I'd seen the beautiful house, it looked like a fitting haunt for vampires. I hit the brakes, looking away. I was afraid to go farther. But nothing happened. No voice in my head. So I left the engine running and jumped out into the fern sea. Maybe, like Friday night, if I walked forward I approached the barren, vacant face slowly, my truck rumbling out a comforting roar behind me. I stopped when I got to the porch stairs, because there was nothing here. No lingering sense of their presence of his presence. The house was solidly here, but it meant little. Its concrete reality would not counteract the nothingness of the nightmares. I didn't go any closer. I didn't want to look in the windows. I wasn't sure which would be harder to see. If the rooms were bare, echoing empty from floor to ceiling, that would certainly hurt. Like my grandmother's funeral, when my mother had insisted that I stay outside during the viewing. She had said that I didn't need to see Gran that way, to remember her that way, rather than alive. But wouldn't it be worse if there were no change? If the couches sat just as I'd last seen them, the paintings on the wallsworse still, the piano on its low platform? It would be second only to the house disappearing all together, to see that there was no physical possession that tied them in anyway. That everything remained, untouched and forgotten, behind them. Just like me. I turned my back on the gaping emptiness and hurried to my truck. I nearly ran. I was anxious to be gone, to get back to the human world. I felt hideously empty, and I wanted to see Jacob. Maybe I was developing a new kind of sickness, another addiction, like the numbness before. I didn't care. I pushed my truck as fast as it would go as I barreled toward my fix. Jacob was waiting for me. My chest seemed to relax as soon as I saw him, making it easier to breathe. â€Å"Hey, Bella,† he called. I smiled in relief. â€Å"Hey, Jacob,† I waved at Billy, who was looking out the window. â€Å"Let's get to work,† Jacob said in a low but eager voice. I was somehow able to laugh. â€Å"You seriously aren't sick of me yet?† I wondered. He must be starting to ask himself how desperate I was for company. Jacob led the way around the house to his garage. â€Å"Nope. Not yet.† â€Å"Please let me know when I start getting on your nerves. I don't want to be a pain.† â€Å"Okay.† He laughed, a throaty sound. â€Å"I wouldn't hold your breath for that, though.† When I walked into the garage, I was shocked to see the red bike standing up, looking like a motorcycle rather than a pile of jagged metal. â€Å"Jake, you're amazing,† I breathed. He laughed again. â€Å"I get obsessive when I have a project.† He shrugged. â€Å"If I had any brains I'd drag it out a little bit.† â€Å"Why?† He looked down, pausing for so long that I wondered if he hadn't heard my question. Finally, he asked me, â€Å"Bella, if I told you that I couldn't fix these bikes, what would you say?† I didn't answer right away, either, and he glanced up to check my expression. â€Å"I would say that's too bad, but I'll bet we could figure out something else to do. If we got really desperate, we could even do homework.† Jacob smiled, and his shoulders relaxed. He sat down next to the bike and picked up a wrench. â€Å"So you think you'll still come over when I'm done, then?† â€Å"Is that what you meant?† I shook my head. â€Å"I guess I am taking advantage of your very underpriced mechanical skills. But as long as you let me come over, I'll be here.† â€Å"Hoping to see Quil again?† he teased. â€Å"You caught me.† He chuckled. â€Å"You really like spending time with me?† he asked, marveling. â€Å"Very, very much. And I'll prove it. I have to work tomorrow, but Wednesday we'll do something nonmechanical.† â€Å"Like what?† â€Å"I have no idea. We can go to my place so you won't be tempted to be obsessive. You could bring your schoolworkyou have to be getting behind, because I know I am.† â€Å"Homework might be a good idea.† He made a face, and I wondered how much he was leaving undone to be with me. â€Å"Yes,† I agreed. â€Å"We'll have to start being responsible occasionally, or Billy and Charlie aren't going to be so easygoing about this.† I made a gesture indicating the two of us as a single entity. He liked thathe beamed. â€Å"Homework once a week?† he proposed. â€Å"Maybe we'd better go with twice,† I suggested, thinking of the pile I'd just been assigned today. He sighed a heavy sigh. Then he reached over his toolbox to a paper grocery sack. He pulled out two cans of soda, cracking one open and handing it to me. He opened the second, and held it up ceremoniously. â€Å"Here's to responsibility,† he toasted. â€Å"Twice a week.† â€Å"And recklessness every day in between,† I emphasized. He grinned and touched his can to mine. I got home later than I'd planned and found Charlie had ordered a pizza rather than wait for me. He wouldn't let me apologize. â€Å"I don't mind,† he assured me. â€Å"You deserve a break from all the cooking, anyway.† I knew he was just relieved that I was still acting like a normal person, and he was not about to rock the boat. I checked my e-mail before I started on my homework, and there was a long one from Renee. She gushed over every detail I'd provided her with, so I sent back another exhaustive description of my day. Everything but the motorcycles. Even happy-go-lucky Renee was likely to be alarmed by that. School Tuesday had its ups and downs. Angela and Mike seemed ready to welcome me back with open armsto kindly overlook my few months of aberrant behavior. Jess was more resistant. I wondered if she needed a formal written apology for the Port Angeles incident. Mike was animated and chatty at work. It was like he'd stored up the semester's worth of talk, and it was all spilling out now. I found that I was able to smile and laugh with him, though it wasn't as effortless as it was with Jacob. It seemed harmless enough, until quitting time. Mike put the closed sign in the window while I folded my vest and shoved it under the counter. â€Å"This was fun tonight,† Mike said happily. â€Å"Yeah,† I agreed, though I'd much rather have spent the afternoon in the garage. â€Å"It's too bad that you had to leave the movie early last week.† I was a little confused by his train of thought. I shrugged. â€Å"I'm just a wimp, I guess.† â€Å"What I mean is, you should go to a better movie, something you'd enjoy,† he explained. â€Å"Oh,† I muttered, still confused. â€Å"Like maybe this Friday. With me. We could go see something that isn't scary at all.† I bit my lip. I didn't want to screw things up with Mike, not when he was one of the only people ready to forgive me for being crazy. But this, again, felt far too familiar. Like the last year had never happened. I wished I had Jess as an excuse this time. â€Å"Like a date?† I asked. Honesty was probably the best policy at this point. Get it over with. He processed the tone of my voice â€Å"If you want. But it doesn't have to be like that.† â€Å"I don't date,† I said slowly, realizing how true that was. That whole world seemed impossibly distant. â€Å"Just as friends?† he suggested. His clear blue eyes were not as eager now. I hoped he really meant that we could be friends anyway. â€Å"That would be fun. But I actually have plans already this Friday, so maybe next week?† â€Å"What are you doing?† he asked, less casually than I think he wanted to sound. â€Å"Homework. I have a study session planned with a friend.† â€Å"Oh. Okay. Maybe next week.† He walked me to my car, less exuberant than before. It reminded me so clearly of my first months in Forks. I'd come full circle, and now everything felt like an echoan empty echo, devoid of the interest it used to have. The next night, Charlie didn't seem the smallest bit surprised to find Jacob and me sprawled across the living room floor with our books scattered around us, so I guessed that he and Billy were talking behind our backs. â€Å"Hey, kids,† he said, his eyes straying to the kitchen. The smell of the lasagna I'd spent the afternoon makingwhile Jacob watched and occasionally sampledwafted down the hall; I was being good, trying to atone for all the pizza. Jacob stayed for dinner, and took a plate home for Billy. He grudgingly added another year to my negotiable age for being a good cook. Friday was the garage, and Saturday, after my shift at Newton's, was homework again. Charlie felt secure enough in my sanity to spend the day fishing with Harry. When he got back, we were all donefeeling very sensible and mature about it, tooand watching Monster Garage on the Discovery Channel. â€Å"I probably ought to go.† Jacob sighed. â€Å"It's later than I thought.† â€Å"Okay, fine,† I grumbled. â€Å"I'll take you home.† He laughed at my unwilling expressionit seemed to please him. â€Å"Tomorrow, back to work,† I said as soon as we were safe in the truck. â€Å"What time do you want me to come up?† There was an unexplained excitement in his answering smile. â€Å"I'll call you first, okay?† â€Å"Sure.† I frowned to myself, wondering what was up. His smile widened. I cleaned the house the next morningwaiting for Jacob to call and trying to shake off the Litest nightmare. The scenery had changed. Last night I'd wandered in a wide sea of ferns interspersed with huge hemlock trees. There was nothing else there, and I was lost, wandering aimless and alone, searching for nothing. I wanted to kick myself for the stupid field trip last week. I shoved the dream out of my conscious mind, hoping it would stay locked up somewhere and not escape again. Charlie was outside washing the cruiser, so when the phone rang, I dropped the toilet brush and ran downstairs to answer it. â€Å"Hello?† I asked breathlessly. â€Å"Bella,† Jacob said, a strange, formal tone to his voice. â€Å"Hey, Jake.† â€Å"I believe that we have a date† he said, his tone thick with implications. It took me a second before I got it. â€Å"They're done? I can't believe it!† What perfect timing. I needed something to distract me from nightmares and nothingness. â€Å"Yeah, they run and everything.† â€Å"Jacob, you are absolutely, without a doubt, the most talented and wonderful person I know. You get ten years for this one.† â€Å"Cool! I'm middle-aged now.† I laughed. â€Å"I'm on my way up!† I threw the cleaning supplies under the bathroom counter and grabbed my jacket. â€Å"Headed to see Jake,† Charlie said when I ran past him. It wasn't really a question. â€Å"Yep,† I replied as I jumped in my truck. â€Å"I'll be at the station later,† Charlie called after me. â€Å"Okay,† I yelled back, turning the key. Charlie said something else, but I couldn't hear him clearly over the roar of the engine. It sounded sort of like, â€Å"Where's the fire?† I parked my truck off to the side of the Blacks' house, close to the trees, to make it easier for us to sneak the bikes out. When I got out, a splash of color caught my eyetwo shiny motorcycles, one red, one black, were hidden under a spruce, invisible from the house. Jacob was prepared. There was a piece of blue ribbon tied in a small bow around each of the handlebars. I was laughing at that when Jacob ran out of the house. â€Å"Ready?† he asked in a low voice, his eyes sparkling. I glanced over his shoulder, and there was no sign of Billy. â€Å"Yeah,† I said, but I didn't feel quite as excited as before; I was trying to imagine myself actually on the motorcycle. Jacob loaded the bikes into the bed of the truck with ease, laying them carefully on their sides so they didn't show. â€Å"Let's go,† he said, his voice higher than usual with excitement. â€Å"I know the perfect spotno one will catch us there.† We drove south out of town. The dirt road wove in and out of the forestsometimes there was nothing but trees, and then there would suddenly be a breathtaking glimpse of the Pacific Ocean, reaching to the horizon, dark gray under the clouds. We were above the shore, on top of the cliffs that bordered the beach here and the view seemed to stretch on forever. I was driving slowly, so that I could safely stare out across the ocean now and then, as the road wound closer to the sea cliffs. Jacob was talking about finishing the bikes, but his descriptions were getting technical, so I wasn't paying close attention. That was when I noticed four figures standing on a rocky ledge, much too close to the precipice. I couldn't tell from the distance how old they were, but I assumed they were men. Despite the chill in the air today, they seemed to be wearing only shorts. As I watched, the tallest person stepped closer to the brink. I slowed automatically, my foot hesitating over the brake pedal. And then he threw himself off the edge. â€Å"No!† I shouted, stomping down on the brake. â€Å"What's wrong?† Jacob shouted back, alarmed. â€Å"That guyhe just jumped off the cliff! Why didn't they stop him? We've got to call an ambulance!† I threw open my door and started to get out, which made no sense at all. The fastest way to a phone was to drive back to Billy's. But I couldn't believe what I'd just seen. Maybe, subconsciously, I hoped I would see something different without the glass of the windshield in the way. Jacob laughed, and I spun to stare at him wildly. How could he be so calloused, so cold-blooded? â€Å"They're just cliff diving, Bella. Recreation. La Push doesn't have a mall, you know.† He was teasing, but there was a strange note of irritation in his voice. â€Å"Cliff diving?† I repeated, dazed. I stared in disbelief as a second figure stepped to the edge, paused, and then very gracefully leaped into space. He fell for what seemed like an eternity to me, finally cutting smoothly into the dark gray waves below. â€Å"Wow. It's so high.† I slid back into my seat, still staring wide-eyed at the two remaining divers. â€Å"It must be a hundred feet.† â€Å"Well, yeah, most of us jump from lower down, that rock that juts out from the cliff about halfway.† He pointed out his window. The place he indicated did seem much more reasonable. â€Å"Those guys are insane. Probably showing off how tough they are. I mean, really, it's freezing today. That water can't feel good.† He made a disgruntled face, as if the stunt personally offended him. It surprised me a little. I would have thought Jacob was nearly impossible to upset. â€Å"You jump off the cliff?† I hadn't missed the â€Å"us.† â€Å"Sure, sure.† He shrugged and grinned. â€Å"It's fun. A little scary, kind of a rush.† I looked back at the cliffs, where the third figure was pacing the edge. I'd never witnessed anything so reckless in all my life. My eyes widened, and I smiled. â€Å"Jake, you have to take me cliff diving.† He frowned back at me, his face disapproving. â€Å"Bella, you just wanted to call an ambulance for Sam,† he reminded me. I was surprised that he could tell who it was from this distance. â€Å"I want to try,† I insisted, start ing to get out of the car again. Jacob grabbed my wrist. â€Å"Not today, all right? Can we at least wait for a warmer day?† â€Å"Okay, fine,† I agreed. With the door open, the glacial breeze was raising goose bumps on my arm. â€Å"But I want to go soon.† â€Å"Soon.† He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Sometimes you're a little strange, Bella. Do you know that?† I sighed. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And we're not jumping off the top.† I watched, fascinated, as the third boy made a running start and flung himself farther into the empty air than the other two. He twisted and cartwheeled through space as he fell, like he was skydiving. He looked absolutely freeunthinking and utterly irresponsible. â€Å"Fine,† I agreed. â€Å"Not the first time, anyway.† Now Jacob sighed. â€Å"Are we going to try out the bikes or not?† he demanded. â€Å"Okay, okay,† I said, tearing my eyes away from the last person waiting on the cliff. I put my seat belt back on and closed the door. The engine was still running, roaring as it idled. We started down the road again. â€Å"So who were those guysthe crazy ones?† I wondered. He made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. â€Å"The La Push gang.† â€Å"You have a gang?† I asked. I realized that I sounded impressed. He laughed once at my reaction. â€Å"Not like that. I swear, they're like hall monitors gone bad. They don't start fights, they keep the peace.† He snorted. â€Å"There was this guy from up somewhere by the Makah rez, big guy too, scary-looking. Well, word got around that he was selling meth to kids, and Sam Uley and his disciples ran him off our land. They're all about our land, and tribe pride it's getting ridiculous. The worst part is that the council takes them seriously. Embry said that the council actually meets with Sam.† He shook his head, face full of resentment. â€Å"Embry also heard from Leah Clearwater that they call themselves ‘protectors' or something like that.† Jacob's hands were clenched into fists, as if he'd like to hit something. I'd never seen this side of him. I was surprised to hear Sam Uley's name. I didn't want it to bring back the images from my nightmare, so I made a quick observation to distract myself. â€Å"You don't like them very much.† â€Å"Does it show?† he asked sarcastically. â€Å"Well It doesn't sound like they're doing anything bad.† I tried to soothe him, to make him cheerful again. â€Å"Just sort of annoyingly goody-two-shoes for a gang.† â€Å"Yeah. Annoying is a good word. They're always showing offlike the cliff thing. They act like like, I don't know. Like tough guys. I was hanging out at the store with Embry and Quil once, last semester, and Sam came by with his followers, Jared and Paul. Quil said something, you know how he's got a big mouth, and it pissed Paul off. His eyes got all dark, and he sort of smiledno, he showed his teeth but he didn't smileand it was like he was so mad he was shaking or something. But Sam put his hand against Paul's chest and shook his head. Paul looked at him for a minute and calmed down. Honestly, it was like Sam was holding him backlike Paul was going to tear us up if Sam didn't stop him.† He groaned. â€Å"Like a bad western. You know, Sam's a pretty big guy, he's twenty. But Paul's just sixteen, too, shorter than me and not as beefy as Quil. I think any one of us could take him.† â€Å"Tough guys,† I agreed. I could see it in my head as he described it, and it reminded me of something a trio of tall, dark men standing very still and close together in my father's living room. The picture was sideways, because my head was lying against the couch while Dr. Gerandy and Charlie leaned over me Had that been Sam's gang? I spoke quickly again to divert myself from the bleak memories. â€Å"Isn't Sam a little too old for this kind of thing?† â€Å"Yeah. He was supposed to go to college, but he stayed. And no one gave him any crap about it, either. The whole council pitched a fit when my sister turned down a partial scholarship and got married. But, oh no, Sam Uley can do no wrong.† His face was set in unfamiliar lines of outrageoutrage and something else I didn't recognize at first. â€Å"It all sounds really annoying and strange. But I don't get why you're taking it so personally.† I peeked over at his face, hoping I hadn't offended him. He was suddenly calm, staring out the side window. â€Å"You just missed the turn,† he said in an even voice. I executed a very wide U-turn, nearly hitting a tree as my circle ran the truck halfway off the road. â€Å"Thanks for the heads-up,† I muttered as I started up the side road. â€Å"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.† It was quiet for a brief minute. â€Å"You can stop anywhere along here,† he said softly. I pulled over and cut the engine. My ears rang in the silence that followed. We both got out, and Jacob headed around to the back to get the bikes. I tried to read his expression. Something more was bothering him. I'd hit a nerve. He smiled halfheartedly as he pushed the red bike to my side. â€Å"Happy late birthday. Are you ready for this?† â€Å"I think so.† The bike suddenly looked intimidating, frightening, as I realized I would soon be astride it. â€Å"We'll take it slow,† he promised. I gingerly leaned the motorcycle against the truck's fender while he went to get his. â€Å"Jake†I hesitated as he came back around the truck. â€Å"Yeah?† â€Å"What's really bothering you? About the Sam thing, I mean? Is there something else?† I watched his face. He grimaced, but he didn't seem angry. He looked at the dirt and kicked his shoe against the front tire of his bike again and again, like he was keeping time. He sighed. â€Å"It's just the way they treat me. It creeps me out.† The words started to rush out now. â€Å"You know, the council is supposed to be made up of equals, but if there was a leader, it would be my dad. I've never been able to figure out why people treat him the way they do. Why his opinion counts the most. It's got something to do with his father and his father's father. My great-grandpa, Ephraim Black, was sort of the last chief we had, and they still listen to Billy, maybe because of that. â€Å"But I'm just like everyone else. Nobody treats me special until now.† That caught me off guard. â€Å"Sam treats you special?† â€Å"Yeah,† he agreed, looking up at me with troubled eyes. â€Å"He looks at me like he's waiting for something like I'm going to join his stupid gang someday. He pays more attention to me than any of the other guys. I hate it.† â€Å"You don't have to join anything.† My voice was angry. This was really upsetting Jacob, and that infuriated me. Who did these â€Å"protectors† think they were? â€Å"Yeah.† His foot kept up its rhythm against the tire. â€Å"What?† I could tell there was more. He frowned, his eyebrows pulling up in a way that looked sad and worried rather than angry. â€Å"It's Embry. He's been avoiding me lately.† The thoughts didn't seem connected, but I wondered if I was to blame for the problems with his friend. â€Å"You've been hanging out with me a lot,† I reminded him, feeling selfish. I'd been monopolizing him. â€Å"No, that's not it. It's not just meit's Quil, too, and everyone. Embry missed a week of school, but he was never home when we tried to see him. And when he came back, he looked he looked freaked out. Terrified. Quil and I both tried to get him to tell us what was wrong, but he wouldn't talk to either one of us.† I stared at Jacob, biting my lip anxiouslyhe was really frightened. But he didn't look at me. He watched his own foot kicking the rubber as if it belonged to someone else. The tempo increased. â€Å"Then this week, out of nowhere, Embry's hanging out with Sam and the rest of them. He was out on the cliffs today.† His voice was low and tense. He finally looked at me. â€Å"Bella, they bugged him even more than they bother me. He didn't want anything to do with them. And now Embry's following Sam around like he's joined a cult. â€Å"And that's the way it was with Paul. Just exactly the same. He wasn't friends with Sam at all. Then he stopped coming to school for a few weeks, and, when he came back, suddenly Sam owned him. I don't know what it means. I can't figure it out, and I feel like I have to, because Embry's my friend and Sam's looking at me funny . . and† He trailed off. â€Å"Have you talked to Billy about this?† I asked. His horror was spreading to me. I had chills running on the back of my neck. Now there was anger on his face. â€Å"Yes,† he snorted. â€Å"That was helpful.† â€Å"What did he say?† Jacob's expression was sarcastic, and when he spoke, his voice mocked the deep tones of his father's voice. â€Å"It's nothing you need to worry about now, Jacob. In a few years, if you don't well, I'll explain later.† And then his voice was his own. â€Å"What am I supposed to get from that? Is he trying to say it's some stupid puberty, coming-of-age thing? This is something else. Something wrong.† He was biting his lower lip and clenching his hands. He looked like he was about to cry. I threw my arms around him instinctively, wrapping them around his waist and pressing my face against his chest. He was so big, I felt like I was a child hugging a grown-up. â€Å"Oh, Jake, it'll be okay!† I promised. â€Å"If it gets worse you can come live with me and Charlie. Don't be scared, we'll think of something!† He was frozen for a second, and then his long arms wrapped hesitantly around me. â€Å"Thanks, Bella.† His voice was huskier than usual. We stood like that for a moment, and it didn't upset me; in fact, I felt comforted by the contact. This didn't feel anything like the last time someone had embraced me this way. This was friendship. And Jacob was very warm. It was strange for me, being this closeemotionally rather than physically, though the physical was strange for me, tooto another human being. It wasn't my usual style. I didn't normally relate to people so easily, on such a basic level. Not human beings. â€Å"If this is how you're going to react, I'll freak out more often.† Jacob's voice was light, normal again, and his laughter rumbled against my ear. His fingers touched my hair, soft and tentative. Well, it was friendship for me. I pulled away quickly, laughing with him, but determined to put things back in perspective at once. â€Å"It's hard to believe I'm two years older than you,† I said, emphasizing the word older. â€Å"You make me feel like a dwarf.† Standing this close to him, I really had to crane my neck to see his face. â€Å"You're forgetting I'm in my forties, of course.† â€Å"Oh, that's right.† He patted my head. â€Å"You're like a little doll,† he teased. â€Å"A porcelain doll.† I rolled my eyes, taking another step away. â€Å"Let's not start with the albino cracks.† â€Å"Seriously, Bella, are you sure you're not?† He stretched his russet arm out next to mine. The difference wasn't flattering. â€Å"I've never seen anyone paler than you well, except for† He broke off, and I looked away, trying to not understand what he had been about to say. â€Å"So are we going to ride or what?† â€Å"Let's do it,† I agreed, more enthusiastic than I would have been half a minute ago. His unfinished sentence reminded me of why I was here.