Essay Sample on the Mission of the Community College

Essay Sample on the Mission of the Community College South Carolina. Minority students represent 6 to 8 percent of all students enrolled in higher education, yet they constitute nearly 60 percent of the total enrollment in community colleges. These enrollment trends have been consistent over the last 25 years (Nora 1993). Attrition rates of both minorities and non-minorities continue to be a serious problem in most community colleges. Figures on the persistence rates of community college students reported 10 or even 20 years ago are no different today than those cited in earlier studies. In a national study of minority and non-minority student populations in both two and four-year institutions, attrition rates for all groups are still high. While the attrition rates at certain institutions may imply that students are not dropping out as much as in the past, the researchers note that the withdrawal trend at community colleges is still widespread, especially with regard to minority students. Attrition rates for minority students in two-year colleges is at about 60 percent and in some instances is as high as 80 percent (Nora and Rendà ³n 1998). It has been argued that students enrolled in community colleges are not often part of middle and upper-middle-class America. Instead, they are often members of minority groups, and typically are less academically prepared in high school, do not have a high aspiration to achieve academically, do not aim for a college degree, and are less likely to be enrolled full-time (Cohen 1989). These characteristics contribute to the high dropout rates of community college students ( Tinto 1987). Dougherty (1992) has found, however, that even when controlling for background, ability, high school record, and aspirations, students at community colleges are 10 to 18 percent more likely to drop out of college sometime during the first two years than students at four-year colleges with similar backgrounds, abilities, and aspirations. Student characteristics alone have not explained, and do not explain, the high dropout behavior of community college students. It has also been stated that the mission of community colleges is driven by a strong commitment to occupational, remedial, and community, and adult education. Cohen (1988, 398) notes that For the past 25 years, occupational education that leads to direct employment has been high on the priority list of these institutions. One would not expect that the number of community college students graduating with an associate degree in liberal arts would constitute the majority of associate degrees earned in two-year colleges. Furthermore, this view, along with the fact that more than 60 percent of minority students are enrolled in community colleges, may lead one to assume that a larger proportion of associate degrees earned in occupational fields would be conferred on minority students. This is not the case. Sixty percent of associate degrees earned mainly in occupational fields are awarded to non-minority students. Even in those two-year institutions in which the majority of students enroll ed were minorities, the vast majority of all degrees were earned by white students (Nora and Rendà ³n 1998). While community colleges have always prided themselves with having an open-door policy intended to serve those underrepresented in four-year colleges and universities, enrollment figures for high-tech and other occupational programs reveal that minority students continue to be underrepresented in those areas (Dougherty 1992). The idea that the door is open to all groups in all programs at community colleges may be open to discussion. So how exactly are minorities affected by the admissions process? Recent court decisions such as the Hopwood case and later interpretations by university administrators and boards will not have an impact on two-year colleges. The exclusion of race in the admissions process, a process that is unfairly biased against minorities , will only work to lower the acceptance rates of this part of the population at research universities. Lowering the number of minorities at research universities, along with corresponding high attrition rates and low transfer rates, could ultimately exclude minorities from fully participating in society. Access to higher education will fall on two-year institutions as the only segue into four-year institutions, in order for minorities to obtain an undergraduate degree. The future of the representation of all members of our society in graduate and professional schools is greatly affected by the lack of a baccalaureate degree. It has been stated that community co lleges are allied with the democratic principles of equal opportunity and open access (Cohen and Brawer 1990). Valadez (1996) argues, however, that although community colleges provide access they have not necessarily provided opportunity for lower socioeconomic groups to achieve social mobility (391). Pascarella and Terenzini (1998) addressed the challenges students and faculty will face in the next century by stating, Shifts identified in the profile of the undergraduate student body and in the economic and political climate in which higher education finds itself are accompanied by a rapidly emerging and expanding array of computer and information technologies (159). Community Colleges are being urged to utilize and teach as much new technology as possible for two reasons. First, for students attending two-year institutions, who are not planning to transfer and earn an undergraduate degree, the ability to get a job will be adversely affected by not having the technological skills to compete and succeed in the labor market. Second, the role of community colleges is central to the retention of our country as it is today. Those individuals who are in a position to lose their jobs because machines, technology, and the economy have replaced them must find a way to prepare themselves to get back into the workforce. As the only means of access to higher education for many, community colleges must continue to keep their admissions process as painless as possible. Businesses examine the wants and needs of their customers in order to better serve them. Maybe community colleges should ask their students, and potential students once what they see as the mission for community colleges.

Blanche of Castile, Queen of France

Blanche of Castile, Queen of France Dates: March 4, 1188 - November 12, 1252 Known for: Queen of France, 1223-1226; Queen Mother 1226-1252regent of France 1226-1234 and 1248-1252queen consort of King Louis VIII of Francemother of King Louis IX of France (St. Louis) Also known as: Blanche De Castille, Blanca De Castilla About Blanche of Castile:Â   In 1200, the French and English kings, Philip Augustus and John, signed a treaty which gave a daughter of Johns sister, Eleanor, Queen of Castile, as bride to Philips heir, Louis. Johns mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, traveled to Spain to look over her two granddaughters, daughters of Eleanor of England and King Alfonso VIII. She decided that the younger, Blanche, was more suited for the marriage than the year-older Urraca. Eleanor of Aquitaine returned with the 12-year-old Blanche, who was married to the 13-year-old Louis. Blanche as Queen Accounts of the time indicate that Blanche loved her husband. She delivered twelve children, five of whom lived to adulthood. In 1223, Philip died, and Louis and Blanche were crowned. Louis went to southern France as part of the first Albigensian crusade, to suppress the Cathari, a heretical sect that had become popular in that area. Louis died of dysentery which he contracted on the trip back. His last order was to appoint Blanche of Castile as the guardian of Louis IX, their remaining children, and the kingdom. Mother of the King Blanche had her oldest surviving son crowned as Louis IX on November 29, 1226. She put down a revolt, reconciling (in a story with chivalric tones) with Count Thibault, one of the rebels. Henry III supported the rebelling barons, and Blanches leadership, with the help of Count Thibault, put down that revolt as well. She also took action against ecclesiastical authorities and a group of rioting university students. Blanche of Castile continued in a strong role even after Louis 1234 marriage, taking an active role in selecting his bride, Marguerite of Provence. Granted dower lands in Artois as part of the original treaty that brought her to her marriage, Blanche was able to trade those lands for ones closer to Louis court in Paris. Blanche used some of her dower income to pay dowries for poor girls, and to fund religious houses. Regent When Louis and his three brothers all went on crusade to the Holy Land, Louis selected his mother, at age 60, to be regent. The crusade went badly: Robert of Artois was killed, King Louis captured, and his very pregnant Queen Marguerite and, then, her child, had to seek safety in Damietta and Acre. Louis raised his own ransom, and decided to send his surviving two brothers home while remaining in the Holy Land. Blanche, during her regency, backed an ill-fated shepherds crusade, and had to order the destruction of the resulting movement. Death of Blanche Blanche of Castile died in November, 1252, with Louis and Marguerite still in the Holy Land, not to return until 1254. Louis never accepted Marguerite as the strong advisor his mother had been, despite Marguerites efforts in that direction. Blanches daughter, Isabel (1225 - 1270) was later recognized as Saint Isabel of France. She founded the Abbey of Longchamp, connected with the Franciscans and Poor Clares. Marriage, Children husband: Louis VIII of France (married 1200)children who survived to adulthood (of 12):1214: Louis IX, fifth child, first to survive1216: Robert, Count of ArtoisAlphonse of PoitiersSaint Isabel of FranceCharles of Anjou (Charles I of Sicily) Ancestors Father: Alfonso VIII of CastileMother: Eleanor, Queen of Castile (also known as Eleanor of England)Eleanor was the daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine

The Belief in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Belief in Education - Essay Example The children were having their Hindi lessons. And the teacher was seated on a chair placed inside the broken walls. We greeted each other and the children gathered around me trying to communicate with me in whatever few English words they knew. The teacher told me, â€Å"We had a proper school until last year. But it was destroyed last year in a grenade attack. You might know that in Kashmir we are having some trouble with extremists and there was a shoot out between the army and them. Thank God, it was vacation time. No child was hurt. But we lost the school building.† I was shocked though I knew a little bit about the situation in Kashmir. Even some of our friends had warned us not to go to Kashmir, but my father said, â€Å"What is the use of visiting India without seeing the paradise on Earth!† Our tour operator also said we could visit some safe areas of Kashmir if we insisted. â€Å"Why do you take this much risk to continue the school?†, I could not help a sking the teacher, â€Å"can't the children go to some other school in a safer place?† The teacher smiled and said, â€Å"You know, 25 years back, in this village, every house had at least one man who was with the extremists. But after this school came in 1985, we have two doctors, 13 school teachers, and one deputy collector even, all of them completing their 10th standard in this school. And we have fewer extremists. And of course, less unemployment. If this school is not functioning, the next nearby school is 35 kilometers away from here. How many of these children do you think will be able to go there?† I bade the children and teacher goodbye and walked back to our car. Faces of impoverished child soldiers from Sri Lanka, Africa, Lebanon... that I have seen on television flashed before my mind's eyes. Hadn't their fate been different if they had the opportunity to get a proper education? Until then I had never realized the transformation that education could bring into a man or woman. As I lived in a country where there are universal education and better opportunities to avail it, education was like environment. I was inside it and was never aware of its existence and how it molded me. Now I started thinking.

Because I could not stop for death by Dickinsons Essay

Because I could not stop for death by Dickinsons - Essay Example This poem was initially written as ‘The Chariot’. Dickinson went into chronic isolation for 25 years; she wanted to leave the physical life and indulged in the complexities of soul and a free mind. Her friends had separated from her; some had got married and others had moved on in their life. This is when she became aloof and made perpetual decisions in her life. This critically acclaimed poem came out when she decided to detach from public exposure, friends and family. It basically represents Emily’s personification of death; she identified death with a gentleman. The discussion of Dickinson’s poem is significant to comprehend the varying criticisms and interpretations of her work. The poem is equally well-built and spiritual, beguiling literature-obsessed generations to a philosophical understanding of death and our emblematic relationship with it. A developmental paper for this poem enables the researches and readers alike evaluate the difference of opin ions and attitudes towards this poem and the sheer importance of death. Some view this poem from the perceptual lens of social death; some view it as physical death and some state that Dickinson’s focus was primarily on spiritual death. One of the critics goes on to relate her work to Christianity and its core beliefs about afterlife, whereas some literary experts say that this poem was the result of mere loneliness. Four interpretations of ‘Because I could not stop death’ are being presented below, following a precise conclusion. Mary Neff Shaw (1991) built upon the work of Dickinson. Her understanding of the poem reveals that Dickinson was preoccupied with her past relationships and images. The poem links death and eternity together, delving into the layers of soul. Dickinson attempted to explain the reality of the individual as part of the spiritual universe and not just the physical existence. The progression in the poem shoes how the author developed a deepe r and a more reflective understanding of her past. Another important aspect pointed out in Shaw’s paper was the stages that he has inferred from this poem. According to him, when Dickinson says ‘school’ she points towards the tender childhood memories; later when she says ‘fields’, she is indicating maturity that comes in the middle age and finally when she talks about the ‘setting of the sun’, she is implying the onset of old age. A review quoted in the Indian Journal of research, explains Emily Dickinson’s biography as well as her literary development. Premalatha (2012) in this review elaborates on how intense Dickinson’s writing has been. The way she portrays emotions symbolically is commendable; for instance, the author of this review examined how Emily painted the picture of sensations of death and life in her work indirectly. Her writing becomes more relatable as she gives a persona to entities like life, death and so ul. Dickinson, in her poem, tried to illustrate how the human body, on a physical level suffers throughout life from cradle to the funeral. Moreover, the way Dickinson has personalized the thought content of a dying person, has been critically appreciated. This review also highlighted the transitional presentation of life before and after death in Dickinson’s poem. Furthermore, Premalatha has also remarked on the delicate description of death. The words ‘Death drives slowly’, ‘knows no hate’ and ‘kindly’ represent the author’s endeavor to embrace death instead of fearing it. The manifestation of death as a ‘carriage’ tells how death can be a source of ease from life’s frustration and worry. These interpretations are highly related to Dickinson’s life. Literature review demonstrates that she was socially depressed which made her

Course Project Rough Draft Essay Example for Free

Course Project Rough Draft Essay I have learned a lot in achieving goals, time preferences, and pathways of learning; analyze statements, types of thinking, reading and information literacy, bring something new to taking notes, explores types of memory, diversity, communication and stress management, managing money and reflections so I can be successful in my education. In this class I have been giving good tips on every aspect on criminal justice. It also makes me know that it is to learn all the important information in the class so I can success in my education. I am a Verbal-Linguistic and more of a reader/writer then visual person. I have learned all the ends and out of criminal justice. This class has benefited me in every aspect in my life. I am not only motivated to make a difference in the communities, but also motivated to join the ranks of a new family. I chose this path because I have always enjoyed the idea of solving situations. I can honestly say I can’t imagine myself doing anything else because I am extremely fascinated by the role and intensity of these fields. Just watching what it takes to do their job is remarkable. That’s why I love this class so much because it’s a learning process for me and my life. It makes my family so proud of me that I’m taking criminal justice and going forward with my education. So all I have to do is stay with it so I can success in this degree.

Comparing and Contrasting the Book and Play Version of Shelleys Franke

Do not judge a book by its cover. Those are the words of a famous American proverb that says a person’s character cannot be judged based on their appearance. This proverb is very fitting in regards to the monster from Frankenstein. On the outside, he has a terrible appearance, and as a result is victimized and made to suffer by those who cannot see past his looks. Yet he has a kind soul and is simply looking for happiness and a little compassion from others. Both the book and the play present him as a sufferer in a cruel world but ultimately the book does a better job portraying his pain and eliciting empathy from the reader. The monster in the book details his suffering in greater detail, is more eloquent and persuasive and also experiences a more tragic ending, and as a result the reader feels more sympathy towards him than an audience member would feel towards the monster in the play. The greater detail provided by the book about the monster’s experiences allows the reader to sympathize with the monster more so than an audience member. When the Frankenstein monster is retelling the story of the hardships he has endured, he mentions events that were overlooked in the play. One example of this is when the monster saved a girl’s life. Such an act would normally be considered very heroic and receive much praise under any circumstances, but instead the monster is rewarded by being shot, receiving only â€Å"the miserable pain of a wound which shattered the flesh and bone.† (Shelley 135) The book also examines the months of hard work the creature put into learning about human nature and language in order to be fully accepted when he chose to reveal himself. The monster hid by the cottage for around a year, listening and learning during t... ...derstand, but he did everything within his power to fit in. He tried his best to help others, wanting nothing but acceptance in return. Yet he was cursed with a monstrous appearance. This was the one characteristic he had no control over, but it was the one that negated all his good intentions in the eyes of society, causing him a tremendous amount misery and eventually leading him to do some terrible things. If his monstrous appearance is just one example of any characteristic looked down upon by society, then his story is a powerful lesson for any reader. It brings to light the misery and pain inflicted – possibly unknowingly – by society onto those that do not fit in. Taking that into consideration, there remains a simple question: who really was the monster in the novel? Work Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Ed. Susan J. Wolfson. New York: Longman, 2003.

Iron Crowned Chapter 19

It took awhile before Kiyo, Jasmine, and I could return to Tucson. We had to go to the Thorn Land, of course, where Shaya and the others asked me all sorts of questions about what had happened and what I wanted to do. Kiyo and even Jasmine provided most of the answers for me because honestly, I wasn't sure what I wanted now. The only thing I had the real sense to do was demand Jasmine's key and unlock her chains. She stared at her freed hands wonderingly, stroking her wrists. I nearly left the chains and key in the castle but soon reconsidered and took them with me to the human world. She'd never seen my house before and regarded it with approval as we entered. All was quiet, and the empty driveway made me confident I wouldn't find Tim and Lara holed up in his bedroom again. Evidence of their â€Å"love,† however, was still obvious. â€Å"Damn them,† I said, gingerly picking a red lace bra off of the couch and tossing it down the hall toward Tim's room. â€Å"I'm going to have to sanitize this thing. Probably every other piece of furniture too.† â€Å"You have Pop-Tarts!† Jasmine hadn't made it to the living room. She'd stopped in the kitchen, opening every drawer and cupboard she could find. â€Å"And Apple Jacks! Peanut butter, ranch dressing, saltines †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I was surprised that last one excited her so much, but after a couple years eating gentry food, even the most mundane human cuisine was probably exciting. â€Å"Oh!† she exclaimed. â€Å"Can I have one of your Milky Ways?† â€Å"Sure. Have whatever you want.† Her eyes were wide as she tore into the package, and both Kiyo and I watched her with smiles on our faces, like proud parents on Christmas morning. Although they didn't sound good to me right now, Milky Ways were normally my candy bar of choice. From the way she was consuming hers, Jasmine appeared to share that family trait. She completed her sugar rush with a can of Coke and then made herself at home on the couch. Watching her reach eagerly for the remote control, I decided it was best not to mention the amorous activities that had likely occurred where she sat. She flipped through the channels in continued amazement. It was evening – prime time entertainment – and the emotions on her face were transparent as she stumbled across old and new shows alike. â€Å"You want me to see if I can find anything that fits you?† I asked. She might have slipped back easily to human behaviors, but she still wore a long, flowing gentry-style gown. â€Å"Sure,† she said, not looking up from the screen. Kiyo followed me into my bedroom. â€Å"You think she's safe out there?† he asked. â€Å"Alone?† â€Å"Yeah, I do actually.† Jasmine and I weren't the same size, but I found some drawstring shorts that would likely fit. â€Å"I don't know why †¦ but I feel like I can trust her.† â€Å"Be careful,† he warned, sitting on the bed's edge. â€Å"For all we know, she was happy to be captured and have Cassius throw himself at her.† â€Å"He didn't do anything.† I found the smallest T-shirt I could; her frame was more slender than mine. â€Å"So she says.† I sighed and faced him. â€Å"Kiyo, you've got to trust me. I can't explain it, but she's telling the truth. Is she going to turn into a normal teen and forget about her plans to have Storm King's heir? Unlikely. But for now, she's in shock and not dangerous.† â€Å"If you think so. Just be careful, Eug. You've been tricked by people you've trusted before.† â€Å"Surprise, surprise. A slam on Dorian.† I crossed my arms, holding the clothes to my chest. â€Å"Soon to be followed by a lecture on seizing the Rowan Land.† I'd been bracing myself since it all happened, but during the ensuing damage control, he'd held back. I appreciated that but still dreaded the inevitable. â€Å"Actually,† he said, â€Å"no.† â€Å"No?† I'd started to take a step toward the doorway and froze. He laughed, though there wasn't much humor in it. â€Å"No.† â€Å"But I just thought †¦ well, after last time †¦ You weren't very happy about the Thorn Land †¦Ã¢â‚¬  That small smile faded. â€Å"No. And it's not like I'm happy about this. But the truth is, you did find a – relatively – bloodless way to end all of this. When we were out there, you asked me what other solution could fix things. I didn't have an answer. You did. It's not great †¦ but it didn't kill Katrice or those other people. It didn't get you captured.† He shrugged. â€Å"Not ideal, no, but better than the alternatives.† I leaned back against the wall, still shocked at his reaction. â€Å"If it makes you feel better, it's not like I wanted this either. I wanted to sneak in and out and get Jasmine.† He nodded, but there was a sharp look in his eyes. â€Å"And yet, you brought the crown.† I hadn't mentioned that to him when we first set out to the Rowan Land. â€Å"Her note said she didn't believe I had it! I was hoping waving it around might do something to help us.† He stayed quiet. â€Å"Don't look at me like that! You can't believe I planned to use it.† â€Å"I do believe you.† He approached me and rested his hands on my shoulders. â€Å"And I'll help you in any way you need.† Something inside my chest released, and I leaned into him, taking comfort in his warmth and the security he offered. â€Å"Thank you. I'm definitely going to need you.† Kiyo pressed a kiss to my forehead. â€Å"I'm here.† I felt a small smile pull at my lips, though as with his earlier laughter, I didn't really find the situation funny. â€Å"I suppose if there is a silver lining here, maybe I can do a better job ruling the Rowan Land than she did. Some sort of greater good.† To my surprise, his hold on me stiffened, and he stepped back. The smile he offered me looked tight. â€Å"Maybe.† We went back out to Jasmine, who was still riveted to the TV. The only acknowledgment we got was when I handed her the clothes, and she examined them. â€Å"What's ‘The Clash' mean?† I ignored the blasphemy – and Kiyo's obvious amusement at my pain. â€Å"If you want to shower, everything you'll need is in the bathroom. Towels, shampoo.† That too got her attention. â€Å"A shower †¦ oh, man. I've missed showers.† â€Å"Will you two be okay?† asked Kiyo, all signs of his earlier discomfort gone. â€Å"I need to take care of a few things.† I nodded. â€Å"We're fine. Will you be back soon?† â€Å"As soon as I can.† He kissed me again, this time on my lips. I must have worn another pained expression because he cupped my chin, his brown eyes full of love and compassion. â€Å"It's going to be okay, Eugenie. Everything will be okay.† I nodded once more and watched wistfully as he left. I wanted his arms around me again, to hold me and let me escape this mess. A small part of me wouldn't have minded Dorian's arms either. I sat beside Jasmine, whose attention was back on some reality show. â€Å"He's running off to Maiwenn, you know.† Her gaze didn't move. â€Å"Off to report on what happened.† My ire started to rise at her accusation, except †¦ I had a feeling she was right. Even if there was no more romance between them, he was still devoted to her. The recent developments were going to rock the Otherworld, and she'd want the story straight from him. I wondered how she'd take it; she'd always feared my becoming like my father. â€Å"Probably,† I admitted. I rubbed my eyes. â€Å"God, I'm so exhausted. I feel like I could fall over.† This time Jasmine turned to me. There wasn't exactly sympathy in her face, but something surprisingly close. â€Å"No shit. You just stole a kingdom and took it over.† â€Å"It sounds so ugly when you phrase it that way.† She shrugged and looked back at the TV. â€Å"You'll probably do a better job.† Her words echoed my earlier comment to Kiyo. â€Å"You know,† she added conversationally, â€Å"everyone acts like our dad was such a bastard, like he just wanted more power. I mean, he did, but you know what Aeson told me? He said that Storm King was always talking about how he could do a better job too, that the other monarchs weren't as good. He said he was doing the people a favor.† I froze, unable to respond. That was why Kiyo had reacted the way he did earlier. He'd heard that about Storm King's â€Å"good intentions,† I realized. I'd expressed exactly the same sentiment as my father. Jasmine didn't notice the effect of her words and instead jumped subjects in that easy, short-attention-span way of hers. â€Å"Hey, do you think you could get Wil to come over? I want to see him.† â€Å"Sure,† I murmured automatically. My mind was still lost in her earlier words. â€Å"Sure.† Wil was surprised to hear from me the next morning, more surprised still when I told him the reason I was calling. He said he'd be over in five minutes. Jasmine had asked that he come alone after I'd mentioned he now had a girlfriend. Still, she'd been curious. â€Å"Seriously? What's she like?† I thought back to my one meeting with Wil's ladylove. Once I'd banished the monsters living in their house, she hadn't shut up about conspiracy theories and assorted coverups. â€Å"Exactly like him,† I'd replied to Jasmine. The reunion between brother and sister was strange. They stood there awkwardly, both staring at each other and assessing all the ways they'd changed. Then, with no communication, they hugged each other. Jasmine's face was filled with legitimate emotion, and for once, Wil didn't seem like the crazy, paranoid guy he usually was. â€Å"Are you okay?† he asked her, voice trembling. â€Å"I've missed you so much.† Jasmine swallowed, and I was pretty sure there were tears in her eyes. â€Å"I †¦ I missed you too.† And it was the truth. She'd told me once she didn't care about this world – or about the half brother who'd raised her. But she did. This whole time, despite her Otherworldly plans for domination, she'd always loved him. Things grew increasingly bizarre when it became obvious the two weren't quite sure what to do with each other. Wil didn't chastise her for her absence, and at last, she simply asked if he wanted to hang out and watch TV. I think that was partly because it provided a concrete activity and partly because she'd become obsessed with making up for lost TV time. I kept my distance but couldn't help a small, envious feeling as they sat on the couch. Jasmine leaned her head against her big brother's shoulder, and I became acutely aware of the emptiness in my own family life. I hadn't heard from my mom or Roland since getting the referral to Enrique. The closest I had to any familial connection was those goddamn kingdoms I ruled. Just as the Thorn Land had always called to me, the Rowan Land now did too, leaving such an ache within me that I practically felt nauseous. Rurik had been right. I wouldn't be able to stay away. But first things first. Thinking of Enrique reminded me I was due for an update. Retreating to my bedroom, I dialed his number and hoped he was up this early. â€Å"Miss Markham,† he said after just one ring. Caller ID left no surprises anymore. â€Å"Always a delight.† â€Å"I'm sure. What are you doing with the case right now?† â€Å"Nothing.† â€Å"Nothing?† I exclaimed. Irritation rose within me. I wasn't paying him to sit around, especially after he'd gotten so close. â€Å"Nope,† he said cheerfully. â€Å"It's out of my hands. I found what I needed, proved that Deanna Jones didn't buy the gun. From what I hear, the police are searching Cal Jones's house right now and questioning him. Far be it from me to get in the way of the fine men in blue.† Finally, some good news †¦ well, at least as the case's progress went. It wouldn't be easy on Deanna to learn the truth about her husband. â€Å"And women,† I said. â€Å"There are probably women in blue there too.† â€Å"If you say so.† â€Å"Thanks, Enrique. I really appreciate it. I honestly didn't think it could be done.† â€Å"Don't get all emotional,† he said in that brisk way of his. â€Å"At least not until you see the bill.† We disconnected. Attitude or no, Enrique had been a good call on Roland's part †¦ which once again brought about the sadness over the turn in my parental relationship. Well. Nothing to do for it at the moment, not with all my other problems. And anyway, I had a loose end that could now be wrapped up. Taking out my wand, I closed my eyes and cast a minor summoning spell, calling to Deanna. I had no control over her but she'd responded to my call before – particularly since she was always on edge listening for it. After several minutes and no results, I gave up and sadly suspected she wasn't coming because she already knew the truth. As eager as she'd been to get answers, it wouldn't have surprised me if she'd been following Enrique around while he worked. She might have discovered for herself what her husband had done. If so, I hoped she'd now move on to the Underworld and seek peace, rather than staying restless and sad in this world. There was enough suffering here already. I tried as hard as I could the next couple days to stay away from the Otherworld. Wil visited off and on, and Jasmine and I began doing mundane yet enjoyable activities, like seeing movies and shopping for clothes for her. Tim and Lara often appeared, still in the throes of their love, and Kiyo returned with reports about the Otherworld, reassuring me that my kingdom's control of the Rowan Land was progressing smoothly. And at night, he came to my bed, and I found the return of our fierce sex life went a long way toward taking my mind off my laundry list of problems. But finally, I had to give in. The call to my lands was too strong, and even Kiyo admitted that with my new and fragile hold on the Rowan Land, I needed to visit and connect with it to reinforce our bond. By that point, I needed no urging. My own body was telling me as much. I still felt weak and drained, my dreams haunted by cacti and cherry trees. I took Jasmine with me. Our relationship wasn't quite sound enough yet for me to leave her alone. She drew the line at going to the Rowan Land, however, insisting she would stay in the Thorn Land until my return. I had no problem with that, knowing she was secure there. Kiyo was still going with me, and Shaya caught us before we could leave. â€Å"There's a few things you should probably know,† she said uneasily. Her nervousness was likely due to the fact that I hated being troubled with the day-to-day running of a kingdom – in this case, kingdoms. Something about the fear in her eyes told me she also knew I wouldn't like what she had to say. I sighed. â€Å"Go ahead.† â€Å"I †¦ I've heard from King Dorian a number of times.† Kiyo shifted uncomfortably beside me, and I felt that familiar prickle of anger run down my spine. All the memories of Dorian's lying and betrayal came back to me. It stung all the worse because in the end, he'd gotten exactly what he wanted: the Iron Crown had done its job. He probably wanted me to take still more lands. â€Å"What's he want?† I demanded. â€Å"The war's over. We're no longer in a partnership.† â€Å"Well, that's just it. Since you are – were – allies in the war, he says he deserves some of the spoils of your victory.† â€Å"He †¦ what?† My fury increased. â€Å"He doesn't deserve anything. I was the one who won and used the crown.† She nodded, still looking like she wished she could be anywhere else. â€Å"Yes †¦ but he argues that he was the one who sent you to get the crown. And that his armies lost as many lives as yours.† That last point silenced me. His soldiers had fought with mine. His people's families mourned those casualties as much as mine †¦ and for what? To fight against a slight that had nothing to do with them, not really. I didn't owe Dorian anything, of that I was certain, but I was indebted to his subjects. When I didn't respond, Shaya continued. â€Å"Some of his people are also helping hold the Rowan Land.† â€Å"Oh, are they?† Of course Dorian would have swooped in. â€Å"I never asked for that.† She shook her head. â€Å"Nonetheless, you need it. Many are still having trouble accepting your rule. There's a lot of seething resentment. No violence has broken out yet – but that's largely because of the sizable presence Rurik sent to keep control. Dorian's helping with that.† I'd meditated with the Thorn Land as soon as I'd arrived, making me feel a little better, but the pressure and continued political complications were already draining me. I wasn't meant for this. â€Å"What's he want? Half the kingdom?† â€Å"No. Trade. Tribute. The Rowan Land is a huge food producer, and he wants part of that.† â€Å"That doesn't sound so bad,† I said tentatively. â€Å"I'm guessing he wants it at low, low prices,† said Kiyo, speaking up for the first time. Shaya nodded. â€Å"He does. And he's entitled to it to a certain extent. But his current demands are extreme enough that it could endanger the Rowan Land's economy. Maybe that's not an issue. It all depends on what you want for them.† I thought about the refugees at the gates. What did I want for those people? I wanted them to prosper. I wanted things to return to normal. â€Å"Can you negotiate with him to something in the middle?† I asked Shaya. â€Å"Most likely.† â€Å"Then do it.† She bowed her head in acknowledgment, and I knew that's what she'd already known had to be done. She was simply giving me my dues as queen, going through the motions and reminding everyone that ultimately, I still held the authority around here. When Kiyo and I finally made it to the Rowan Land, I felt the land's relief and welcome. Its energy burned into mine, strengthening me. At the castle, we saw little sign of the Rowan military but plenty of mine and Dorian's. They were stationed everywhere, keeping the order Shaya had told me about. They bowed low when they saw me, their actions mirrored by the kingdom's citizens. Only, Katrice's subjects didn't bow out of respect and deference. There was fear in their eyes, confusion in some, and an obvious show among a few that their actions were forced. Rurik was still in residence, personally overseeing the occupation. I felt secure in his control and listened as he explained what needed to be done next. I understood it only a little better than the economics Shaya had pushed on me, the main point being I'd need a governing body here soon. Picking that staff would be a problem. Shaya was one in a million, but even she couldn't be in two places at once. Seeing my dismay, Rurik hesitantly added that Dorian had offered to provide people for the job. My expression at those words gave Rurik all the answer he needed. The Rowan Land's energy continued to flow into me when I set out to have my meditation session with it. The nature of the connection was similar to what I had with the Thorn Land, but the kingdom's feel was totally different. The Thorn Land was harsh – filled with life, yes, but life that fought fiercely against the elements for survival. The Rowan Land was softer, its life bursting forth easily and radiating through its many trees and plants. â€Å"Eugenie,† said Kiyo, following me out to a small garden behind the castle. â€Å"Look.† I paused and glanced behind me. Where I'd walked, flowers had blossomed, small red ones scattered throughout the grassy path. I knelt down, inhaling their heady scent. â€Å"Why's it happening?† â€Å"You're its ruler. You're giving the land life and energy.† I thought about how being here had made me feel marginally better. â€Å"It's strengthening me too †¦ but this doesn't happen in the Thorn Land. I don't have that kind of effect.† â€Å"Don't you?† he teased, a mischievous smile on his face. â€Å"You make it rain†¦.† A memory came to me of when the Thorn Land had floundered in drought. While connecting with the land, I'd had sex with Kiyo, and the energy from that union had empowered the kingdom, breaking the dry spell and sending much-needed rain that made the people and plants flourish. I smiled back at him. â€Å"Looks like we don't have to worry about that today. This land doesn't need as much help.† He slipped an arm around my waist and pulled me to him, voice husky. â€Å"But imagine the results if we did. Extra credit.† Leaning down, he brought his lips to mine, his tongue pushing into my mouth with a rough passion. I felt my body answer, and for a moment, the offer was tempting. I pictured what it would be like to make love among all this greenery, here in the sunshine. Would a bed of red flowers fill the ground below us? Again †¦ I kind of wanted to find out, but I also wasn't comfortable in this kingdom yet. I didn't want to risk discovery of my sex life, even if it wouldn't be a big deal to the gentry. Reluctantly, I pulled away from him. â€Å"Another time.† After a few more protests, he let me be. I sat on the ground while he waited, closing my eyes and opening myself to the world around me. We are one, I assured the land. I am here. I felt its answer, felt warmth spread through me and lost track of time. When I finished, I was startled at how far the sun had moved across the sky. Kiyo sat on the ground cross-legged, looking at ease as he watched me. â€Å"Crap,† I said, jumping up. â€Å"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you wait so long.† He stood as well. â€Å"It's no problem. You needed it. You both needed it.† I knew he was right. I was more energized, and the land felt strong and content. After another check with Rurik, Kiyo and I headed back to the Thorn Land. Here, he parted from me, again to â€Å"take care of a few things.† He assured me he'd be back in Tucson as soon as he could, but I saw the look Jasmine gave me when she overheard. I could guess her thoughts: more reports to Maiwenn. Jasmine was impatient to go to Tucson, but before leaving, I impulsively set out alone to where I'd communed earlier with the Thorn Land. It had been on a distant part of the grounds, one of my favorite places, in the shade of a mesquite tree. Its perfume rivaled that of the Rowan flowers, and around it stood cacti in all shapes and sizes, some of them small and squat and some tall and foreboding like sentries. Almost all of them were blooming. A chill ran down my spine as I stared at the flowers on the cacti. They formed a brilliantly colored perimeter, right around where I'd been meditating, the petals in all shapes and sizes. The flowers were beautiful. Exquisite. And none of them had been there earlier.

Absolutism in Europe

Many countries in Europe experienced hardships in the year 1500s due to a lot of ideologies that led to reforms and freedom of the populace form peasantry. Such reformation also embodied the equality among common masses and the continuous spreading of protection of rights for every people in a particular country. As this philosophy continued to flourish in Europe, more conflict began to arise by the common people to be able to claim and fight for that rights they want. In addition to that, countries like France, England, and Germany also suffered from struggles due to the political breakdown in their lands. Because of that, many sought ways on how to improve the situation in their country and all of these efforts led to the decision of having a single ruler to govern over the land. This also meant the denial of such rights claimed by the common people like freedom from forced labor and land ownerships. Absolutism is defined as a type of government where the full power resides solely in the monarchial rule or the corresponding King of a country. This principle is based on the heavenly right of a ruler to govern a country and that this person should not be queried or challenged. According to this belief, the kingship was given to a person by God, therefore, no one should go against the will of God. With respect to the natural law, the end study still resulted to absolutism. Moreover, while absolutism provides great power on the monarch leader, they still have to maintain good relationship with the aristocrats and other nobles in the country. Members of the aristocracy played a major role in maintaining the rule of king in its good condition. These people supported the ruler by leading the armies of the land against rebels and insurgencies. On the contrary, these nobles can also dispute the authority of the single ruler, making its government shaky. France is a good example of an absolute type of government. Under this government, the political power of France was centered on the kingship and all control over military, taxation and other state affairs is in the hand of the king. However, such control is still fragile because the king should maintain good standing with the other nobles and aristocrats and should maintain a standing army to preserve his rule. With France, King Henry IV laid policies that further strengthened the monarchial rule over the French territory which in turn, provided benefits on the public. In addition to that, King Henry also acquired the services of religious ministers to establish an improved management and as a result, many structures were built that further improved the lives of the people. Conversely, rebellions emerged when higher taxation was imposed by the French ministers, and this made the government weaker and its influence limited. The uprising was led by other aristocrats that defied the orders of the king to collect dues that were beyond the normal taxation. As a result, compromises were made between the two parties to restore peace in France. In countries like Austria and Prussia, absolutism is said to be very effective and was less challenged by wars or rebellions by its citizens and nobles. When the Ottoman Empire attempted to conquer nations like Austria, the nobles joined together that eventually led to the defeat of the Turkish armies. As a result, the authoritarian rule of the present leader on that country was further supported by the people of Austria. The same happened in Prussia when wars continued to plagued the nation and the leader of this country emerged to have saved the country over the possible hardships that â€Å"war defeat† might bring to them. The war also weakened  Ã‚   the power of the nobles who antagonize the Prussian government at that time. In Russia, absolutism was developed and can be traced back when Russia then was conquered by the Mongolian army. The Mongol leader made the people of Russia suffer and even imposed huge taxes against the people. The Mongol leader also appointed Russian nobles to do the tax collection job over the Russian cities which eventually turned against them. When the Russian nobles already gained much resources and support from the populace, they started to revolt against the Mongol rule over their country. When they finally beat their enemies, the ruler of Russia justified the need of absolutism in their country to further strengthen the defense of Russia over its enemies. The tsar also improved the structures of the Russian country like the St. Petersburgh construction. The distinctiveness of absolutism that was in eastern part of Europe by the year 1600s was significantly unusual from that of nations like Spain and France in the western side of the continent. Eastern Europe was able to recover from the stage of scarcity and malady in the 1300s in a diverse way. On the other hand, when population levels in the countries in the western part of Europe were small and there was a lack of manual labor in the medieval era, the peasants were able to attain greater liberty from the said limits occurred in the feudalism epoch. Conversely, in Eastern Europe the landlords and the aristocrats were still clever to constrict the peasants on their lives and as a result, weaken their struggle for freedom. A valid hypothesis for that scenario is that this might happened because those rulers in places in the western part of Europe were much more prominent than in the Eastern towns for the reason that of extensive commercial revolution that happened in the West. These towns gave a substitute and usually a sanctuary for the masses that were not in their original land. Additionally, monarchies in the western part of the continent frequently seen by the populace to protect them from their enemies who would want to plunder their land. The policies made by these rulers were also for the ordinary public to be protected from mistreatment of those who are in the noble families. There are three known countries with powerful kingdoms and these are Prussia, Austria and Russia. All of these nations proved to their citizens the worth of having a single ruler to oversee the whole kingdom and toe welfare of the entire public. They also provided protections for the people who were vulnerable from their enemies like barbarians and other nomadic groups. On the other hand, landlords in the eastern part applied pressures to the peasants to produce goods for other nations rather than for their own spending. As such, the populace was not satisfied with the rule of their landlords in the east, thus, adding mistrust on the kingship of the rulers in the Eastern Europe. In addition to that, there was limited growth in the population in the Eastern Europe and as a result, nobles easily dominated these lands. The rulers perpetually received support from the aristocrats and letting them a liberated life in controlling their own populace. References Absolute Monarchy and Enlightened Absolutism. Retrieved on Feb 25, 2009. Retrieved from Absolutism. Retrieved on Feb 26, 2009. Retrieved from Reign of Louis XIV. Retrieved on February 26, 2009. Retrieved from

Outer Circle - Definition and Examples - World English

Outer Circle s - World English The outer circle is made up of post-colonial countries in which English, though not the mother tongue, has for a significant period of time played an important role in education, governance, and popular culture. Countries in the outer circle include India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and more than 50 other nations. Low Ee  Ling  and Adam Brown describe the outer circle as those countries in the earlier phases of the spread of English in non-native settings[,] . . . where English has become institutionalized or has become part of the countrys chief institutions (English in Singapore, 2005).   The outer circle is one of the three concentric circles of World English described by linguist Braj Kachru in Standards, Codification and Sociolinguistic Realism: The English Language in the Outer Circle (1985).   The labels inner, outer, and expanding  circles represent the type of spread, the patterns of acquisition, and the functional allocation of the English language in diverse cultural contexts.  As discussed below, these labels remain controversial. Explanations of Outer Circle English In the Inner Circle, English spread largely because of a migration of English speakers. In time each settlement developed its own national variety. On the other hand, the spread of English in the Outer Circle has occurred largely as a result of colonization by English-speaking nations. Here, two major types of linguistic development occurred. In some countries like Nigeria and India, where under colonial powers it developed as an elite second language, only a minority of the society acquired English. However, in other countries like Barbados and Jamaica, the slave trade had a significant impact on the variety of English spoken, resulting in the development of English-based pidgins and creoles.(Sandra Lee McKay, Teaching English as an International Language: Rethinking Goals and Approaches. Oxford University Press, 2002)The Outer Circle may be thought of as country contexts where English was first introduced as a colonial language for administrative purposes. . . . English is used in these countries for intra-country purposes. In addition to Outer Circle, terms frequently used to describe the manner in which English has evolved in these settings include institutionalized and nativized. In these countries, a variety of English has evolved which possesses the common core characteristics of Inner Circle varieties of English, but in addition can be distinguished from them by particular lexical, phonological, pragmatic, and morphosyntactic innovations.(Kimberly Brown, World Englishes:  To Teach or Not to Teach. World Englishes, ed. by   Kingsley Bolton and Braj B. Kachru. Routledge, 2006) Problems With the World Englishes Model Considering the history of the emancipation of various Englishes around the globe, it is obvious that the groundbreaking work emanated from and has been essentially focused on the Outer Circle. But it has been an uphill struggle. Even today, what is often termed international by Inner Circle scholars, publishers, etc. is often simply interpreted as the international spread of native-speaker Standard English (a minority variety in itself) rather than the way English has changed to meet international needs.(Barbara Seidlhofer, World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca: Two Frameworks or One? World EnglishesProblems, Properties and Prospects, ed. by Thomas Hoffmann and Lucia Siebers. John Benjamins, 2009)As a large number speakers from the Outer-Circle and Expanding-Circle countries now live in the Inner-Circle countries, even native speakers of English are increasingly exposed to World Englishes. This means revising the notion of proficiency even for the English of native speakers . Canagarajah (2006: 233) maintains that, in a context where we have to constantly shuffle between different varieties [of English] and communities, proficiency becomes complex . . . one needs the capacity to negotiate diverse varieties to facilitate communication.(Farzad Sharifian, English as an International Language: An Overview. English as an International Language: Perspectives and Pedagogical Issues, ed. by F. Sharifian. Multilingual Matters, 2009) Also Known As: extended circle

Prepositional Object Pronouns in Spanish

Prepositional Object Pronouns in Spanish As in English, prepositions in Spanish need an object to be complete (for example, a sentence such as I am going to or Voy a doesnt make much sense). That object can be a noun or a pronoun (or sometimes a verb functioning as a noun). Most of the pronouns used with prepositions in Spanish are the same as the subject pronouns, but they are different in the first- and second-person singular. Otherwise their use is fairly straightforward, as indicated in the following list: mà ­ - me Es un regalo para mà ­. It is a gift for me.Salieron sin mà ­. They left without me. ti - you (singular familiar) Hablan de ti. They are talking about you.No valà ­a nada mi vida antes de ti. My life before you was worthless. usted - you (singular formal) Las flores son para usted. The flowers are for you.Ella no tolera fumar alrededor de usted. She doesnt put up with smoking around you. à ©l, ella - him, her Corrieron hacia à ©l. They ran toward him.Fue escrito por ella. It was written by her. nosotros, nosotras - us Vienen tras nosotros. They are coming after us.Andan al lado de nosotros. They are walking beside us. vosotros, vosotras - you (plural familiar) No estoy contra vosotros. I am not against you.Salgo sin vosotros. I am leaving without you. ellos, ellas - them El coche no es para ellos. The car isnt for them.Salgo con ellas. I am leaving with them. There are two main exceptions to the above usages: Conmigo and contigo: When used with con (usually translated as with) the forms conmigo and contigo are used instead of con mà ­ and con ti, respectively. Voy contigo. Im going with you. ¿Vas conmigo? Are you going with me? Use of yo and tà º with certain prepositions: The following six prepositions are used with the subject pronouns yo and tà º instead of mà ­ and ti, respectively: entre (usually translated as among or between), excepto (except), incluso (including or even), menos (except), salvo (except) and segà ºn (according to). Also, hasta is used with the subject pronouns when it is used with roughly the same meaning as incluso. Es la diferencia entre tà º y yo. Its the difference between you and me.Muchas personas incluso/hasta yo creen en las hadas. Many people including me believe in fairies, or many people, even I, believe in fairies.Todos excepto/menos/salvo tà º creen en las hadas. Everybody except you believes in fairies.Es la verdad segà ºn yo. Its the truth according to me.

Business organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business organisation - Essay Example As such a firm’s response to market changes is structured by its form of capitalism, which has its own features like particular management structure, systems, culture, and legal governing bodies. Thus, success and failure of an enterprise depends on its investment strategy in different system structures and personnel. Accordingly, the British SMEs follow the personal form of capitalism. It is significant to verify how this personal form of capitalism has helped the British SMEs to flourish. Let’s consider some stats on British SMEs in this regard (Chandler [1990]. According to BT Business special report by Bourne (July 2007), importance of small businesses in British economy can be judged from the number of enterprises in the UK, which is 4.3 million, 99.3% of which have less than 50 employees on their roll. Small businesses generate about 10.3 million jobs in the UK, which is 46.8% of all jobs. Turnover of 36.4% UK businesses is above  £800 billion annually. Technology is a big reason according to BT Business report in the expansion in SME’s and it is an add-on to the smaller businesses tradition of collectively working by building further on personal relationships. By getting their business online, SMEs are trying to scale the ladder of progress. Some stats to consider: 60% businesses have online presence, 2% use the online medium for advertisement, 9% are listed on other websites, 8% have a totally dedicated online strategy and 21% have no web presence. About three-quarters of small businesses (74%) view the internet as an important tool in achieving their business targets in the approaching 5 years and 63% businesses assume that they can better compete with bigger players and varied markets through internet. Personal capital being the plus factor of British businesses, they work in the direction of personal relationship and winning the faith of their customers,

Systems Programming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Systems Programming - Essay Example In order to protect digital information, organizations are keen to implement technical controls such as firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems, honeypots and Demilitarized zones. These controls are considered as logical and provide security on the logical layer. However, often the important aspect i.e. information security management is not addressed to the optimal level. A typical information security program is led by an information security manager who establishes a steering committee for discussing security aspects focusing not only the IT department but every department within the enterprise. Some of the management controls that are implemented by the information security manager are IT governance, Risk management, monitoring Key Process Indicators (KPI) and Key Goal Indicators (KGI). KPI demonstrates the current state of security within an organization and KGI demonstrates the level of security to be achieved. As per the current scenario, critical data must be protected by impl ementing Firewalls to secure the network from external logical threats and Virtual Private Network will be implemented for securing the data transmission on the Wide Area Network. The modern operating system introduced by Microsoft is named as Windows 7. This operating system contains advanced tools for network security from viruses, malware and spyware thus reducing the security breaches and risks. Another feature Windows 7 comprises is an enhanced backup solution for the important data. This will also provide more control via parental tool to protect family from possible risks. The Windows 7 also includes enhanced protection, safety and privacy characteristic for better internet experience. 2 What security is all about The Windows 7 incorporates a tool named as an Action Centre that allows the users to check firewall updates, software’s updates such as antivirus. Furthermore, this Action Centre will automatically turn on for all the latest available software updates. This A ction Centre is located in Control Panel for easy access for the users. 2.1 Protect your data from theft, hackers and accidental loss Another new feature that is included in Windows7 is the BitLocker Drive Encryption. This allows your Windows to encode all the important data, passwords and other information stored in the hard disk. The data encodes automatically into the hard disk as soon as the BitLocker is activated. Similarly, firewall also plays a vital role in computer protection. The firewall is designed to block all the unsafe data or malicious soft wares that enter into computer. The firewall present in Windows 7 is made more flexible and easy to use to provide maximum protection against hackers. In Windows 7, the backup system is also enhanced and made user friendly. This helps to generates many copies of your important data and thus restores it when needed. In order to protect your computer from viruses, malware and other spyware you need to download â€Å"Microsoft Secur ity Essential†. This application is available for Windows 7 and is free of cost. The Microsoft Security Essentials provides protection against worms, viruses, Trojans, spywares and other malwares. A detailed catalogue is available online for Microsoft Security Essential and how to use it. Moreover, Windows Defender is also included in Window