A Case Study on a South African Investment Essay

A Case Study on a South African Investment - Essay Example Such a process creates a situation for the decision-maker that he or she has never done before (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2008). On the other hand, business ethics is defined as applied ethics, and is the application of the knowledge of understanding what is good and right in the context of business, transactions and other related situations (Velasquez, 2012). The beliefs, values and goals of a company reflect what the management understands about handling the business through moral perspectives. However, many companies and other businesses have been labeled negatively due to the rise of scandals involving unethical and illegal operations, which challenges the trust ratings of the public (Ferrell et al., 2008). Another is that not only do companies suffer but entities they are associated with also get negative publicity just by being tied to them. Thus is the strong need for the implementation of strong business ethics in large groups and companies. A case study involving a moral and social dilemma that needs well-thought actions but is at the mercy of the government is presented (Velasquez, 2012). In the 1970’s to the 1980’s turmoil has been brewing in South Africa regarding the apartheid system being practiced, as well as the oppression of the majority of the population (blacks) by the minority (whites). US oil companies Texaco, Inc. and Standard Oil Company of California (SoCal), joint owners of Caltex Petroleum Co. were pushed by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, coordinated and lead by project director Tim Smith to pull out and terminate their operations in South Africa due to extreme and unfortunately legal racial discrimination among the black Africans by the whites. Such includes the complete segregation of blacks from whites, the deprivation of basic human rights such as voting rights, the right to claim a parcel of land, being underpaid, among others (ibid). Owners of Caltex insist that they were indeed committed to the improvement of their employees by increasing their wages and narrowing the gap between white and black Africans’ incomes (Nickel, 1968). If they withdraw from operating and expanding in South Africa, the results would greatly affect all employees of Caltex, both black and white South Africans. However there were still constraints that were beyond their control, and were implemented by the South African government. Among these are: the segregation of where the blacks live from the whites, the provision of strategic products to the government as per the law, and other forms of support of the apartheid law (Smith, 1971). The eventual imposition of martial law in South Africa in 1985 caused a severe recession of the economy, civil unrest, and an increase of unemployment by up to 35% (Velasquez, 2012). Western nations sanctioned the government by not allowing the renewal of loans of private companies, but this was met with retaliation by not repaying any of their foreign debt starting September of 1985 (ibid.). The possible utilitarian benefits of the Caltex 1977 expansion is not as important as the possible violations of moral rights and justice that could be involved with it. Yes, the expansion would have been beneficial to the employed citizens, and that it would put food on their tables, but it still does not give them any proper rights at all, and that no matter how much they get promoted, they were still lower-class citizens (Smith, 1971). Also, there would be the eventual unrest due to the people realizing that they are the true owners of their land, and that they have been treated unjustly for so long. There is also almost no

Review of the “Safety Training” Episode of The Office Television Series Essay Example for Free

Review of the â€Å"Safety Training† Episode of The Office Television Series Essay The mockumentary-inspired effort of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) in presenting real life situations of workplace environment has paid off with the apparent success of the network’s American version of British BBC 2001 hit television comedy show â€Å"The Office. † The 2005 release of the TV series in the United States paved the way for the public’s realization of the various exploits existing within an organizational setting. This is primarily due to the diversified hence obvious clashing of personalities and professional attributes among office personnel. In particular, such office conflict is clearly manifested by the 47th episode of â€Å"The Office† entitled â€Å"Safety Training. † This is where Andy Bernard who is being portrayed by actor Ed Helms and who after finishing his anger management therapy, returned to Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton, Pennsylvania branch which is a fictional paper supply office. It is during this specific episode that arguments concerning employees’ egos, improper conducts and boredom have become more effectively depicted. In the said episode, Regional Manager Michael Scoot, played by actor Steve Carell, showed his usual hazardous antics, which eventually endangered an employee and required all of them to undergo safety training. This showed a thesis that anything is inevitably risky in an office environment or that any office activity, even a supposedly safety training, may go astray if the personnel involved are apparently clashing with each other and are always in conflict thus despairing people. Ultimately, the said episode which was carried out in an amusing spoof manner manifested that an office-based depression is a threat to an employee (Novak Ramis, 2007). Lastly, such episode of â€Å"The Office† generally imparted a premise that each office equipment and machinery has its own function and possible danger which may affect both the employees and organizational performance. Hence, office employees need to protect themselves regardless of their respective conflicts in order to achieve office success. Reference Novak, B. J. Ramis, H. (2007). Safety Training. In G. Daniels, The Office. Los Angeles: Reveille Productions.

Unequal Education in America: Urban vs Suburban Education Essay

Unequal Education in America: Urban vs Suburban Education The gap between the nation’s best and worst public schools continues to grow. Our country is based on freedom and equality for all, yet in practice and in the spectrum of education this is rarely the case. We do not even have to step further than our own city and its public school system, which many media outlets have labeled â€Å"dysfunctional† and â€Å"in shambles.† At the same time, Montgomery County, located just northwest of the District in suburban Maryland, stands as one of the top school systems in the country. Within each of these systems, there are schools that excel and there are schools that consistently measure below average. Money alone can not erase this gap. While increased spending may help, the real problem is often rooted in the complex issues of social, cultural, and economic differences. When combined with factors involving the school itself and the institution that supports it, we arrive at what has been widely known as the divide between the suburban and urban schools. Can anything actually be done to reverse this apparent trend of inequality or are the outside factors too powerful to change? The issue of equality in education is not a new problem. In 1787, our federal government required all territories petitioning for statehood to provide free education for all citizens. As part of this requirement, every state constitution included, â€Å"an education clause, which typically called for a â€Å"thorough and efficient† or â€Å"uniform† system of public schools† (School Funding 6). Despite this requirement, a â€Å"uniform† system of schools has yet to be achieved in this country for a variety of reasons, many of which I will discuss later on. During the early part of th... ...omic background when judging students. Money will not solve or make this problem go away, no matter how many social workers are hired. Schools will succeed despite their financial circumstances if they have the basic components of motivated students, parent support, caring teachings, and strong central leadership. While this is the typical model of a suburban school system, Wilson High School proves that it can work anywhere. When ones thinks of urban public schools, overcrowded classes, underpaid teachers, and a lack of resources often come to mind. The fact is these problems can happen anywhere. While the environment at Kennedy could never be compared to the worst DC high school, the assumptions made against these schools are the same. By erasing these notions and confronting the problems one by one, we will be one step closer to reaching equal education for all.

Leadership Essay -- Leader essays research papers

Everyone has probably played the game â€Å"Follow the Leader† back in elementary school. It is a game where the leader stands in front of the line. He or she can say or do anything, and her followers (standing in a straight line behind her) must repeat exactly the same thing he or she does or says. Whoever was picked to be the leader must have loved the experience because one had the freedom to do whatever they please, while others followed miserably or happily depending on what the leader is saying or doing. However, if one was the follower, one would wait anxiously to be the next chosen leader. At the same time, one must somehow express his or her self in a fashion that will make them stand out from the rest of the students. Whether he or she is perfectly imitating the leader or behaving really respectfully of others. Nonetheless, who determines who should be the leader? What kind of characteristics must a leader possessed? What makes a great leader (Robbins, 2005)? Is the re only one kind leadership? These questions will be answered as you continue to read on. In addition, you will come across case studies, real life experiences, and my own observation on how leaders in my work setting exhibit leadership behavior and how followers respond to it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Leadership is the capability to influence a person or a group to achieve many goals (Robbins, 2005). To elaborate, leadership is a complex process by which a person influences others to accomplish a mission, task, or objectives and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent by applying their leadership attributes such as values, ethics, knowledge, skills, and belief (Clark, 2000). Most importantly, not all leaders happen to be managers, and not all managers are leaders (Robbins, 2005). Even though one is positioned as a manager or a supervisor (he has the power to accomplish certain tasks within the organization) it does not necessarily mean he is a leader unless he makes people want to achieve high goals and objectives. He has the authority to tell his subordinates to do the task and they will do it just to complete it but is not interested in achieving higher goals. However, â€Å"leaders can emerge from within a group as well as being formally appointed [manager]† (Robbins, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is great leadership? According to the trait theories, some personality traits may lead pe... ... be technically proficient; one must know his job and the duties of his employees. A leader should always look for new ways to guild your organization to new heights. And if it does not work, re-evaluate, take corrective action and move on to the next challenge. However, do not look for someone to blame. A good leader is not an authoritarian leader. A good leader sets good examples (employees should also see and hear what they are expected to do) and work as a team. A good leader always look out for the well being of their people and always keep them informed. (Clark, 1999). Leadership is like an ART! REFERENCE Ballentine, k., George, A., and Hamburg, D. (1999). Preventing deadly conflict: the critical role of leadership. Archieves of General Psychiatry; 56, 971-976. Clark, D. (2000). Big dog’s leadership page-concept of leadership. Retrieved on December 02, 2004 from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcon.html. In Brief; do women make better leaders? (2004). Harvard Mental Health Letter, pNA. Pree, M.D (1992). Leadership jazz. New York: A Dell Trade Paperback. Robbins, S. (2005). Essentials of organizational behavior. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Modernization Theory Essay

According to Macionis (2010), the definition of modernization theory â€Å"is a model of economic and social development that explains global inequality in terms of technological and cultural differences between nations†. Modernization theory is a description, explanation, and account of the way of traditional and under established or underdeveloped societies, compared to more modern societies. Modernization is one of the most important perspectives in development and underdevelopment since the 1950s. Primary attention has focused on ways in which past and present modern societies become modern through the process of economic growth and change in community, educational, and supporting structures. Modernization is the process in which society experiences industrialization urbanization and many other social changes that transform the lives of the population. Social change has been, and probably will continue to be, a complex process that reflects the priorities we set for any na tion as well as our will to achieve them. Modernization has rapidly manifested itself through four distinct categories; the decline of small traditional communities, expansion of personal choice, increasing social diversity, and orientation toward the future and growing awareness. Society will continue to change as new technology is developed and new ideas are explored. Modernization can produce many rewarding results. On the other hand, according to some theorists it can be detrimental to certain societies. With modernization comes the decline of small traditional communities, the foothold to the once solidarity and meaning of society’s experience, weakened if not destroyed all together. For thousands of years, before the industrial revolutions, people lived in rural villages spread throughout the land. These societies revolved around family and neighbor, and valued traditions, where each person had a well-defined roll, a strong sense of identity, belonging and purpose. Yet, the downside to life in these rural village’s people was that they had limited personal choice in what they could do. Some of the negative consequences of modernization are: it lessens the requirement for labor, creating job cuts. At one point in time, modernization became the problem of the environment pollution. You can see the detrimental effects from the industrial fog hanging above our large cities. This fog is caused mostly by automobiles and industrial plants. Prevalence of terrorism is also a consequence, and face-to-face social interaction is dwindling. Some of the positive consequences of modernization are: it reduces costs, improves the quality of goods, deliverance of goods is faster, efficiency level is higher, people stay healthy longer, communication is improved, and so forth. With modernization in an area, comes the resistance from traditional people. Change is an uncomfortable thing for the older generations. Some people see modernization in a bad way because they feel that it has destroyed our traditional values. They might feel that the modern way of life has affected our rules and our principles. The term modernization is connected to technology, which does not affect cultural traditions exactly. Cell phones, for example, are not used in churches or temples, a place of tradition. The amount of information technology can bring however, will influence traditional thinking. Some say that one only has to turn on the local news to realize that never has it been clearer that the perceptions and values taught by our ancestors have fallen at the feet of modernization. Some people feel â€Å"too old† to learn the new ways of the world. Technology, as they see it, could possibly destroy human relationships. The personal computer and internet have replaced the post cards and even the human conversations. Mobile messages have replaced the human voice. I believe that one can preserve all the traditions one wants, but with the rest of the world moving forward a balance can be established between tradition and modernization. Modernization is necessary if the country desires to be included in the economic development and advancements that are around us. Assuming that modernization is a systematic and transformative process, from an economic development perspective, accounting for the developmental stages of a society (traditional society, precondition for takeoff, the takeoff process, the drive to maturity, and high mass consumption), one could systematically modernize a Third World Country. Countries in Latin America, Cambodia, and Laos, to name a few, stagnated in development due to their lack of productive investments and stood to benefit from mitigating efforts based out of the modernization theory. The modernization solution to their stagnation relied on the provision of aid to these countries in the form of capital, technology, and expertise. Once modernization takes hold of a society, it will never let go. People with knowledge want more. The more people know, the more they want to know, so yes modernization is here to stay. The trend has become a worldwide trend. However, there are many areas of the world that have yet to be touched by modernization and the ways of the modern world, but it is only a matter of time before they too are assimilated into the process and are unable to resist the impetus towards modernization. References Macionis, J. (2010). Soc 100: Sociology: 2011 custom edition (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ. (pp. 312-316). Google (2012). Modernization, Retrieved May 2, 2012 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/387301/modernization

Adventures of Huck Finn Essays - English-language Films, Free Essays

Adventures of Huck Finn Essays - English-language Films, Free Essays Adventures of Huck Finn title = Adventures of Huck Finn American Heritage Pd 5 & 6 The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel about a young boys coming of age in the Missouri of the mid-1800s. The main character, Huckleberry Finn, spends much time in the novel floating down the Mississippi River on a raft with a runaway slave named Jim. Before he does so, however, Huck spends some time in the fictional town of St. Petersburg where a number of people attempt to influence him. Before the novel begins, Huck Finn has led a life of absolute freedom. His drunken and often missing father has never paid much attention to him; his mother is dead and so, when the novel begins, Huck is not used to following any rules. The books opening finds Huck living with the Widow Douglas and her sister, Miss Watson. Both women are fairly old and are really somewhat incapable of raising a rebellious boy like Huck Finn. Nevertheless, they attempt to make Huck into what they believe will be a better boy. Specifically, they attempt, as Huck says, to "sivilize" him. This process includes making Huck go to school, teaching him various religious facts, and making him act in a way that the women find socially acceptable. Huck, who has never had to follow many rules in his life, finds the demands the women place upon him constraining and the life with them lonely. As a result, soon after he first moves in with them, he runs away. He soon comes back, but, even though he becomes somewhat comfortable with his new life as the months go by, Huck never really enjoys the life of manners, religion, and education that the Widow and her sister impose upon him. Huck believes he will find some freedom with Tom Sawyer. Tom is a boy of Hucks age who promises Huck and other boys of the town a life of adventure. Huck is eager to join Tom Sawyers Gang because he feels that doing so will allow him to escape the somewhat boring life he leads with the Widow Douglas. Unfortunately, such an escape does not occur. Tom Sawyer promises muchrobbing stages, murdering and ransoming people, kidnaping beautiful womenbut none of this comes to pass. Huck finds out too late that Toms adventures are imaginary: that raiding a caravan of "A-rabs" really means terrorizing young children on a Sunday school picnic, that stolen "joolry" is nothing more than turnips or rocks. Huck is disappointed that the adventures Tom promises are not real and so, along with the other members, he resigns from the gang. Another person who tries to get Huckleberry Finn to change is Pap, Hucks father. Pap is one of the most astonishing figures in all of American literature as he is completely antisocial and wishes to undo all of the civilizing effects that the Widow and Miss Watson have attempted to instill in Huck. Pap is a mess: he is unshaven; his hair is uncut and hangs like vines in front of his face; his skin, Huck says, is white like a fishs belly or like a tree toads. Paps savage appearance reflects his feelings as he demands that Huck quit school, stop reading, and avoid church. Huck is able to stay away from Pap for a while, but Pap kidnaps Huck three or four months after Huck starts to live with the Widow and takes him to a lonely cabin deep in the Missouri woods. Here, Huck enjoys, once again, the freedom that he had prior to the beginning of the book. He can smoke, "laze around," swear, and, in general, do what he wants to do. However, as he did with the Widow and with Tom, Huck begins to become dissatisfied with this life. Pap is "too handy with the hickory" and Huck soon realizes that he will have to escape from the cabin if he wishes to remain alive. As a result of his concern, Huck makes it appear as if he is killed in the cabin while Pap is away, and leaves to go to a remote island in the Mississippi River, Jacksons Island. It is after he leaves his fathers cabin that Huck joins yet another important influence in his life: Miss Watsons slave, Jim. Prior to Hucks leaving, Jim has been a minor character in the novelhe has been shown being fooled by Tom Sawyer and telling Hucks fortune. Huck finds Jim on Jacksons Island because the slave has run awayhe has overheard a conversation

Comes the blind fury summary essays

Comes the blind fury summary essays Saul, John. Comes the Blind Fury . New York: Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1980. 383 pages. 1. The Pendelton Family arrived at Paradise Point and began moving into their new home. Michelle, their 12 year old daughter, found a doll in her closet and she named it Amanda. 2. Michelle met her neighbor, Jeff Benson, on the beach. They quickly good became friends. 3. Michelle met Sally Carstairs while on a house call with her father. Sally told her about a young boy who died at Michelles new house. 4. Michelle showed Sally the doll and she also found out that she gave it the same name as a girl who fell off the bluff a long time ago. 5. Sally and Michelle visited the old graveyard near Michelles house. That night, Michelle dreamt there was a young girl in her room 6. June Pendelton, Michelles mom, went into labor in the graveyard. Michelle learned that the girl in her dream was the famous ghost of Amanda, a twelve year old girl who fell off the bluff a long time ago. 7. Jenny Pendelton became the newest member of the family. Michelle saw Amanda again. 8. The Pendeltons get situated in their new home. 9. Michelle went to a picnic on the beach with her school friends. Susan teased her about being adopted, while she was running away, she tripped on something and fell off the bluff. 10. Michelle began to hear voices talking to her while recovering from her fall. 11. Michelle stayed in bed with her doll and wouldnt talk to anyone. All movement is very painful but she insists that "Amanda" is "helping" her. 12. Michelle limped out to the graveyard and she met Amanda there. 13. Michelle finally returned back to school. All the children stared and laughed at her because she is a "gimp" 14. Cal Pendelton, Michelles father, is in denial and he wouldnt admit that she isnt getting better. He is afraid that it is his fault because he picked Michelle up ...

The Iron Age - Social and Technological Advances

The Iron Age - Social and Technological Advances The European Iron Age (~800-51 BC) (see also the African Iron Age) is what archaeologists have called that period of time in Europe when the development of complex urban societies was spurred by intensive manufacturing of bronze and iron, and extensive trading in and out of the Mediterranean basin. At the time, Greece was flourishing, and the Greeks saw an explicit division between the cultured peoples of the Mediterranean, as compared to the barbaric northerners of central, western and northern Europe. Some scholars have argued that it was Mediterranean demand for exotic goodssalt, furs, amber, gold, slaves, foodstuffs, eventually iron weaponrythat drove the interaction  and led to the growth of an elite class in the hillforts of central Europe. Hillfortsfortified settlements located on the tops of hills above Europes major riversbecame numerous during the early Iron Age, and many of them do show the presence of Mediterranean goods. European Iron Age dates are traditionally set between the approximate period when iron became the principal tool-making material and the Roman conquests of the last century BC. Iron production was first established during the Late Bronze Age  but did not become widespread in central Europe until 800 BC, and in northern Europe by 600 BC. Chronology of the Iron Age 800-450 BC (Early Iron AgeHallstatt in central Europe, Jastorf in north central Europe) The early part of the Iron Age is called the Hallstatt culture, and it was during this time in central Europe that elite chiefs rose in power, perhaps as a direct result of their connections to the Mediterranean Iron Age of classical Greece and the Etruscans. Hallstatt chiefs built or rebuilt a handful of hillforts in eastern France and southern Germany, and maintained an elite lifestyle. Hallstatt sites: Heuneburg, Hohen Asberg, Wurzburg, Breisach, Vix, Hochdorf, Camp de Chassey, Mont Lassois, Magdalenska Gora, and Vace 450-50 BC (Late Iron Age, La Tà ¨ne) Between 450-400 BC, the Hallstatt elite system collapsed, and power shifted to a new set of people, under what was at first more egalitarian society. The La Tà ¨ne culture grew in power and wealth because of their location on important trade routes used by the Mediterranean Greeks and Romans to acquire status goods. References to Celts, conflated with Gauls and meaning central European barbarians, came from the Romans and Greeks; and the La Tà ¨ne material culture is broadly agreed to represent those groups. Eventually, population pressure within the populous La Tà ¨ne zones forced younger La Tà ¨ne warriors out, beginning the massive Celtic migrations. La Tà ¨ne populations moved southward into Greek and Roman areas, conducting extensive and successful raids, even into Rome itself, and eventually including most of the European continent. A new settlement system including central defended settlements called oppida were located in Bavaria and Bohemia. These were not princely residences, but instead residential, commercial, industrial and administrative centers that focused on trade and production for the Romans. La Tene sites: Manching, Grauberg, Kelhim, Singindunum, Stradonice, Zvist, Bibracte, Toulouse, Roquepertuse Lifestyles of the Iron Age By ca 800 BC, most of the people in northern and western Europe were in farming communities, including the essential grain crops of wheat, barley, rye, oats, lentils, peas, and beans. Domesticated cattle, sheep, goats and pigs were used by Iron Age people; different parts of Europe relied on different suites of animals and crops, and many places supplemented their diets with wild game and fish and nuts, berries and fruit. The first barley beer was produced. Villages were small, usually under a hundred people in residence, and the homes were built of wood with sunken floors and wattle and daub walls. It wasnt until near the end of the Iron Age that larger, town-like settlements began to appear. Most communities manufactured their own goods for trade or use, including pottery, beer, iron tools, weapons, and ornaments. Bronze was most popular for personal ornaments; wood, bone, antler, stone, textiles and leather were also used. Trade goods between communities included bronze, Baltic amber and glass objects, and grinding stones in places far from their sources. Social Change in the Iron Age By the late 6th century BC, construction had begun on fortresses on the tops of hills. Building within the Hallstatt hillforts was quite dense, with rectangular timber-framed buildings built close together. Below the hilltop (and outside the fortifications) lay extensive suburbs. Cemeteries had monumental mounds with exceptionally rich graves indicating social stratification. The collapse of the Hallstatt elites saw the rise of La Tà ¨ne egalitarians. Features associated with La Tene include inhumation burials and the disappearance of elite tumulus-style burials. Also indicated is a rise in the consumption of  millet  (Panicum miliaceum). The fourth century BC began the out-migration of small groups of warriors from the La Tà ¨ne heartland towards the Mediterranean Sea. These groups waged terrific raids against the inhabitants. One result was a discernible drop in the population at early La Tene sites. Beginning in the middle of the second century BC, connections with the Mediterranean Roman world steadily increased and appeared to stabilize. New settlements such as Feddersen Wierde became established as production centers for Roman military bases. Marking the traditional end of what archaeologists consider the Iron Age, Caesar conquered Gaul in 51 BC and within a century, Roman culture became established in central Europe. Sources Beck CW,  Greenlie  J, Diamond MP, Macchiarulo AM, Hannenberg AA, and Hauck MS. 1978.  The chemical identification of baltic amber at the Celtic oppidum Starà © Hradisko in Moravia.  Journal of Archaeological Science  5(4):343-354.Bujnal  J. 1991.  Approach to the study of the Late Hallstatt and Early La Tà ¨ne periods in eastern parts of Central Europe: results from  comparative  classification of Knickwandschale.  Antiquity  65:368-375.Cunliffe B. 2008. The Three Hundred Years that Changed the World: 800-500 BC. Chapter 9 in  Europe Between the Oceans. Themes and Variations: 9000 BC-AD 1000.  New Haven: Yale University Press. p, 270-316Hummler M. 2007.  Bridging the gap at La Tà ¨ne.  Antiquity   81:1067-1070.Le Huray JD, and Schutkowski H. 2005.  Diet and social status during the La Tà ¨ne period in Bohemia: Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bone collagen from Kutn Hora-Karlov  and Radovesice.  Journal of Anthropological Archa eology  24(2):135-147.Loughton ME. 2009.  Getting smashed: the deposition of amphorae and the drinking of wine in Gaul during the late Iron Age.  Oxford Journal Of Archaeology  28(1):77-110. Marciniak A. 2008.  Europe,  Central  and Eastern.  In: Pearsall DM, editor.  Encyclopedia of Archaeology. New York: Academic Press. p 1199-1210.Wells PS. 2008.  Europe, Northern and Western: Iron Age.  In: Pearsall DM, editor.  Encyclopedia of Archaeology. London: Elsevier Inc. p 1230-1240.

Assignment 1 Week 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assignment 1 Week 5 - Essay Example help entrepreneurs learn what trends a certain country has been following or what are the driving factors for people. Google Analytics gives details of traffic, sources of traffic, new visitors, average number of pages visited, the search engine driving most traffic and even the key words driving traffic. There are some sites that even provide information regarding how trends in countries have changed. Such data can be used by entrepreneurs when entering new markets and when venturing into new business arenas. This whole data eventually leads to the fact that entrepreneurs need to keep bringing innovation, because at the end of the day it is the entrepreneur’s Unique Selling Proposition that makes him the winner. IT is not only used for competitive analysis, but is also used by different professionals in order to look for information regarding their field. For instance, IBM has designed an innovation called Care360 which helps the doctors to learn about the effects of a certain medicine on a specific patient. This has helped the doctors and the patients by giving them satisfaction and a sense of safety and

The Unlikely Secret Agent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

The Unlikely Secret Agent - Essay Example Eleanor’s race, class and gender affected how others saw and treated her in ways that were advantageous and disadvantageous to her, and these advantages would not have been present for working-class black men; also, however different she may be to those directly affected by apartheid, she was still effective in opposing it because she showed that these differences did not justify the inhumanity of apartheid, and that her race, class, and gender also led to similar experiences of oppression. Eleanor’s race and class are advantages for her because they helped her elude suspicions and maltreatment. Eleanor is not black or a Jewish man, but a Scottish woman who is romantically involved with a Jew. Because of her race, she evaded the initial roundups of the Secret Police who targeted male Jews and blacks first. In addition, her race had been a good source of prevention of police brutality that normally showed against anti-apartheid demonstrators. Eleanor remembered that it was possible that without the presence of the white couple, Harold and Maggy Strachan, heading a rally and facing armed policemen ready to fire, another massacre of black working-class protesters would have followed the Sharpville Massacre (39). Because of her class, she also earned some form of respect. As a middle-class South African, she was also not an immediate target of suspicion, for how many middle-class people would sacrifice their comfortable social status for the risks involved in fighti ng against the apartheid? In addition, Eleanor had a bookstore, and so she was also able to order subversive books from America and use it as a front line for sending and receiving messages for ANC members. Her class provided money and social status that enabled her to serve the ANC and to end apartheid. As a woman, Eleanor also accessed greater social support, respect, and care than men. Eleanor’s gender was a source of social support. She remembered being imprisoned

Economics assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics - Assignment Example Both oligopolies and monopolies are affected by the increased production in the sense that higher production decreases the prices of products and services. The two market structures, unlike other market structures, are able to attain a monopoly on production in the specific goods or services under their copyright (Albano & Lizzeri 1997). Monopolistic markets are solely controlled by a single seller only. The seller has absolute power to influence market decisions and prices. Consumers attain limited choices, and they have to make a choice from what is being supplied at the market. Conversely, oligopoly is characterized by few sellers in the market. The market situation is friendly to consumers since it encourages competition among the sellers (Spanjers 1994). A monopolistic market gets its power from three sources: these include, legal, economic and deliberate. A monopolistic market will make into use the position it has to its advantage and completely drive out competitors. It can achieve this either through reducing prices to such levels that existence for another firm may become nearly impossible or through virtue of economic situations like large capital requirements when starting companies. Though an oligopolistic market situation does not have sources of power, it, however comes into existence merely due to the accommodating character of other sellers already in the market (Spanjers 1994). A monopolistic market might quote very high prices because of nonexistence of other competitors. The monopolistic sellers will make use of their status of dominance in the market and maximize their profits. Oligopolistic markets, on the other hand, ensure competition in the market hence fairer prices for the consumers (Spanjers 1994). These are regulations that are put into place to prevent entrance of firms into the market. Barriers to entry into

Discuss and analyse the recent global financial crisis and consequent Essay

Discuss and analyse the recent global financial crisis and consequent credit crunch - Essay Example Massive trade excesses in some nations, and deficit in trade in other nations and lastly, savings rates that were too high in some areas of the world and too low in others were also other events that led to the global financial crisis (Kirton, Oldani, and Savona 2011, p90). The recent global financial crisis events began on 9 August 2007. On that date, there was a seizure in the banking system, which was instigated by the BNP Paribas’ move, to cease its activities in three hedge funds that focused on US mortgage debt (Elliott 2011, p1). In 2008, credit markets in the Wall Street froze, and this indicated that credit crunch crisis was eminent. This affected everything in the financial markets (Szilagyi 2011, p18). Sustained low interest rates that began in 1999 up to 2004 made the adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) look very attractive to the potential buyers. The low interest rates were largely driven by the huge current deficit in the United States and other nations such as Chi na who purchased the US Treasury bonds (Marshall 2009, p10). There is strong evidence that suggests that, in most parts of the United States, it had become very easy and cheap to get a subprime mortgage (Marshall 2009, p11). The upward rise in the house prices was as a result of the property speculations. These mentioned factors led to the huge housing bubble. However, a number of factors led to the collapse of the housing bubble. These factors include; (a) stagnation and decline of the average hourly wages in the United States since 2002 until 2009, (b) the growth in housing supply that tracked price rises, and (c) as the interest rates increased, the ARMs became less attractive, and this led to the elimination from the market of most non-prime prospective buyers (Marshall 2009, p13). The macroeconomic imbalances (that is, deficits in the current accounts and low bond yields) stimulated low interest rates, which ultimately affected the housing market (Marshall 2009, p15). The event s that led to the recent global financial crisis can be summarised into three main shocks that captured the crisis. Firstly, bursting of the housing bubble caused the reallocation of capital and the consequential loss of household wealth and a drop in the consumption rates. Secondly, a sharp increase in equity risk premium caused a rise in the cost of capital, fall in private investment, and the collapse of the demand for durable goods. Thirdly and lastly, a reappraisal of risk by the households caused them to increase savings, decrease consumption, and discount their future labour income (McKibbin and Stoeckel 2009, p6). Economic and Financial Consequences The global financial crisis has had a significant effect on the public finances of most nations in the world. Fiscal revenues are decreasing because of lower commodity and asset prices, and operation of the automatic stabilizers (International Monetary Fund 2009, p3). The global financial crisis affected both the developing and d eveloped nations of the world. However, the effects were far felt in developing nations where there was further segmentation. In the advanced economies, the global financial crisis led to the drying up of credit, as susceptible financial institutions became highly risk unfavorable and very cautious in evaluating the creditworthiness of other companies (Kirton, Oldani, and Savona 2011, p91). Even with the massive bailouts to the

From Francovich to Brasserie du Pecheur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

From Francovich to Brasserie du Pecheur - Essay Example Francovich5 is a landmark case because it established the fact that European Community law confers certain rights on individuals and if there is an infringement of these rights by a Member State, then the State will be legally and financially liable and will have to make reparation to the individuals concerned for the losses and damages sustained by them due the Member State’s breach of Community law. Application of national law where individual rights may be violated, will be limited by the obligation of the Member States to implement the EU Directives. Francovich, Bonfaci and others filed the suit against Italy for failure to implement the provisions of a European Directive that was not directly effective in Italy and required payment of unpaid wages to individuals in the event of the insolvency of their employer. Italy was held liable for damages to be paid to the Plaintiffs. In specific reference to the damages sustained by individuals and the obligation of the Member Stat e to assume liability, the Court relied upon Article 5 of the EEC Treaty in establishing that such a principle was inherent in the Treaty. State liability had earlier been established in other cases, where the supremacy of individual rights had been established to the extent of requiring states to be liable if those rights were infringed.

Discuss and analyse the recent global financial crisis and consequent Essay

Discuss and analyse the recent global financial crisis and consequent credit crunch - Essay Example Massive trade excesses in some nations, and deficit in trade in other nations and lastly, savings rates that were too high in some areas of the world and too low in others were also other events that led to the global financial crisis (Kirton, Oldani, and Savona 2011, p90). The recent global financial crisis events began on 9 August 2007. On that date, there was a seizure in the banking system, which was instigated by the BNP Paribas’ move, to cease its activities in three hedge funds that focused on US mortgage debt (Elliott 2011, p1). In 2008, credit markets in the Wall Street froze, and this indicated that credit crunch crisis was eminent. This affected everything in the financial markets (Szilagyi 2011, p18). Sustained low interest rates that began in 1999 up to 2004 made the adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) look very attractive to the potential buyers. The low interest rates were largely driven by the huge current deficit in the United States and other nations such as Chi na who purchased the US Treasury bonds (Marshall 2009, p10). There is strong evidence that suggests that, in most parts of the United States, it had become very easy and cheap to get a subprime mortgage (Marshall 2009, p11). The upward rise in the house prices was as a result of the property speculations. These mentioned factors led to the huge housing bubble. However, a number of factors led to the collapse of the housing bubble. These factors include; (a) stagnation and decline of the average hourly wages in the United States since 2002 until 2009, (b) the growth in housing supply that tracked price rises, and (c) as the interest rates increased, the ARMs became less attractive, and this led to the elimination from the market of most non-prime prospective buyers (Marshall 2009, p13). The macroeconomic imbalances (that is, deficits in the current accounts and low bond yields) stimulated low interest rates, which ultimately affected the housing market (Marshall 2009, p15). The event s that led to the recent global financial crisis can be summarised into three main shocks that captured the crisis. Firstly, bursting of the housing bubble caused the reallocation of capital and the consequential loss of household wealth and a drop in the consumption rates. Secondly, a sharp increase in equity risk premium caused a rise in the cost of capital, fall in private investment, and the collapse of the demand for durable goods. Thirdly and lastly, a reappraisal of risk by the households caused them to increase savings, decrease consumption, and discount their future labour income (McKibbin and Stoeckel 2009, p6). Economic and Financial Consequences The global financial crisis has had a significant effect on the public finances of most nations in the world. Fiscal revenues are decreasing because of lower commodity and asset prices, and operation of the automatic stabilizers (International Monetary Fund 2009, p3). The global financial crisis affected both the developing and d eveloped nations of the world. However, the effects were far felt in developing nations where there was further segmentation. In the advanced economies, the global financial crisis led to the drying up of credit, as susceptible financial institutions became highly risk unfavorable and very cautious in evaluating the creditworthiness of other companies (Kirton, Oldani, and Savona 2011, p91). Even with the massive bailouts to the

Evidence-Based Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Evidence-Based Practice - Essay Example The aspects of evidence-based practice in home care are interrelated, and all of them have the opportunity of affecting the clinical decision. For a person working as a home care professional, serving the elderly population, evidence-based practice within the context of providing care may lead to the best clinical decision-making, as well as helping in providing the best outcomes for the patients and their families. A homecare professional may use the EBT approach and guidelines obtained from the scientific literature, government agencies, and diagnosis-related organizations into delivering best services to the homecare patients (Spitz et al., 2007). There is a need to have consistency of evidence and cross-site replication for it to be sufficient to for EBT. Much of the nursing research is subject to develop for the acute care nursing and through its many realms. In conclusion, both aspects of patient safety and consistency of care can be subject to develop into the evidence-based practice while the home health nursing procedure must dedicate itself to this paradigm. One can use evidence-based practice for serving the dual purpose for the home health care through improving on patient care and for ensuring appropriate reimbursement for the home care agencies. Finally, I think the nursing research may contribute to some positive outcomes, help in improving morbidity for the healthcare patients, and help in standardizing

Benefits of a Liberal Arts Degree Essay Example for Free

Benefits of a Liberal Arts Degree Essay The student who decides to pursue a liberal arts education in University often faces a discouraging reaction from family and friends. Everyone seems to know a B. A. in Philosophy who is flipping burgers at Wendy’s, or an M. A. in English who is clerking at Wal-Mart. Students who choose liberal arts hear the same remarks over and over: â€Å"What good is a degree in Medieval History, or Chinese literature, or Classics? Study something practical and get a real job! † In fact, however, no degree provides an automatic job ticket, since the market for employment is constantly in flux. The liberal arts offer education, not training, and thus prepare students for a wide range of possibilities in both work and life. By developing their minds through a liberal arts education, students benefit themselves, their eventual careers, and the culture at large . For anyone interested in personal and intellectual growth, the liberal arts offer immeasurable benefits. Studies in such fields as English and Philosophy introduce a student to the great writers and thinkers whose ideas have shaped our culture. By working through the dialogues of Plato, students see logic in action; by studying the plays of Shakespeare, the poetry of Wordsworth, or the novels of Dickens, they realize the power of language. Without knowledge of the great writers and thinkers of the past, people operate in a vacuum, unable to see beyond their immediate world. How can they gauge the validity of ideas if they know nothing except the present moment? In a media-driven culture of instant celebrity, students need to experience truths that have endured over hundreds and even thousands of years. These truths expand their thinking beyond their immediate limitations, and they discover new insights into their own minds. The benefits of a liberal arts education, however, go beyond personal growth into longer-term career skills. Every liberal arts course from Art History to Women’s Studies requires proficiency in reading and writing. Graduates with Arts degrees find their communication skills in demand by employers seeking people who can read, write, and speak well. As Francis Bacon observed nearly 400 years ago, â€Å"Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man, and writing an exact man†(106). No courses develop these skills more fully than do those in the liberal arts. In addition, the liberal arts foster analytical thought: the ability to break an argument into its parts and assess its validity. Clear analysis is fundamental to the practical worlds of trade  and commerce. Finally, the liberal arts encourage originality, as students learn to think in creative ways. The student who gives an inventive presentation or develops a fresh perception will enhance the workplace with that creativity. It’s no surprise that law schools actively seek liberal arts graduates for its programs, or that jobs in the civil service, human resources, and upper management are typically staffed by people with Arts degrees. The only surprise is that anyone still scoffs at the notion that a general B. A. is a useful degree. As significant as its impact may be on personal and career growth, the real value of a liberal arts education is found in its benefits to the culture as a whole. The liberal arts retain and transmit the history of civilization itself. Without a commitment to preserving that history, our culture runs the risk of forgetting or distorting its past. Liberal arts students serve as guardians of intellectual thought for the next generation. Writers, journalists, film-makers, and politicians – the people shaping the thoughts and actions of the future – are drawn from the ranks of liberal arts majors. For example, the creator of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling, has an undergraduate degree in Classics, and Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff earned degrees in History. Moreover, the liberal arts tend to be interdisciplinary in nature. Knowledge in one area illuminates another, so that instead of creating a society of narrow specialists, liberal arts studies actually encourage a culture of educated, open-minded people. Such individuals have both the capacity and the training to address practical problems in society. Leading reformers of the 20th century, including Nelson Mandela (â€Å"Nelson†) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (â€Å"Martin†), profited from their liberal arts studies. A degree in the liberal arts is not a dead-end route that culminates in a lifetime of serving fries or stocking shelves. Rather, it is a doorway that opens to paths heading in every direction. Students who expand their minds through liberal arts benefit themselves, their future career choices, and the wider culture.

Key Benefits And Limitations Of LCA Environmental Sciences Essay

Key Benefits And Limitations Of LCA Environmental Sciences Essay Major benefits can arise from LCA. Through the ability to analyses exchanges that take place in the environment, it enables decision-makers to select the product or process that result in the least impact to the environment. LCA data identifies the transfer of environmental impacts from one media to another and/or from one life cycle stage to another (EPA 2001). Quantification of emissions, detection of variation between the various life cycle phases, the ability to estimate environmental burden of materials, the ability to compare and contrast competing products and the potential to structure and improve the flow of data between stakeholders are just some of the obvious benefits that can be gained through adoption of LCA. Papers by Deloitte Enhancing the value of life cycle assessment and Lifecycle assessment: where is it on your sustainability agenda? provide an insight into several benefits from utilizing LCA, including (Deloitte, 2009): Innovation: Through revealing the source and magnitude of environmental impacts, product level LCA data can inform the innovation agenda. Cost savings: Clarity in relation to cost drivers can lead to increased efficiency via material and energy requirements minimizing the negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, certain investments in RD and projects related to renewable energy may be eligible for tax credits or other incentives. Internal alignment: LCA provides a common ground for internal goal-setting and communication. Different departments within an organization can unite on enterprise-wide priorities. Regulatory preparedness: LCA can help quantify the projected product cost implications of future carbon legislation and flag those areas that warrant immediate action. LCA can also enhance general transparency to deflect scrutiny from regulators and other stakeholders. Corporate reputation: LCA can demonstrate a companys deeper commitment to improved environmental impact. Improved sustainability claims can strengthen stakeholder relations. Risk reduction: LCA helps companies develop their position around environmental issues to which their operations contribute. Increases awareness of potential liabilities the company should be aware of. On top of these benefits examples of how customized LCA studies can support significant sustainability objectives include (Deloitte, 2012): Enhance brand value for competitive differentiation: Compares the environmental impact of an organizations product to alternatives to determine which benefits are distinguishable. Improve design decisions: Evaluates resource and materials use to inform product and process design decisions that increase environmental efficiencies. Make better procurement decisions: Engages multiple stakeholders and suppliers to allow organizations to make procurement decisions that significantly boost their sustainability efforts. Meet communications needs: Provides a platform for authentically communicating positive environmental attributes about products to buyers and consumers. Achieve compliance: Addresses regulatory mandates at local, national and international levels. Create better policies: Evaluates internal and external policies of the organization to determine realistic objectives. While all of the above benefits help paint a positive picture of LCA, one also has to consider the various disadvantages or limitations of such systems. As with all new and evolving systems there will always be significant teething problems during development. The more noteworthy of these include the fact LCAs utilizing the same and different methodologies can have vastly different results with assumptions, which can be subjective, being a requisite even for simple comparisons to be carried out. The validity of data is always a concern and whether the most up to date data has been used. Performing LCA is resource consuming and gathering data can be problematic. As a result, it is essential to weigh the resources needed against the projected benefits to measure feasibility. There is still no widely accepted standardised format for LCA, with most of the already existing ones such as ISO 14040 having several imperfections. Finally results of LCAs focused on national and regional level m ay not be suitable for local applications. These limitations do take some of the shine away from LCA and indicate that in essence at present LCA is fundamentally flawed given it can be near impossible in many cases to know the validity and relevance of conclusions drawn by the practitioner. While this may be true what has to be consider is that LCA is the best tool we have at present to tackle this significant area of concern. In reality the benefits of LCA far outreach its flaws and as transparency of methods and data becomes the norm its integrity will increase. What is for certain is LCA is set to become a fundamental element of product and service design. Applications and potential of LCA Applications of LCA The application of LCA has been well documented and includes supporting initiatives to assessing environmental impacts that need addressing. Studies (Frankl and Rubik, 1999; Frankl et al., 2000) have highlighted key areas of application including: Bottleneck identification Information and education to consumers and stakeholders Compare existing products with planned alternatives Compare existing company products with products of competitors Procurement specifications, supplier screening, product co-makership Internal information and training Anticipate and negotiate legislation Marketing, advertising policies joining eco-labelling criteria Environmental cost allocation Assess the gap from eco-label criteria Radical changes in product life cycle What can be taken from these findings is that there are three principle areas of application are; (1) comparison on an environmental basis which includes comparison of materials, methods and conformity. (2) In manufacturing LCA can be used to find the most ecological method through optimal material and processes selection. (3) In commercial development LCA can be used for marketing purposes and as a public informational aid (in example EPDs). In reality there are many different views among the scientific populace as to use and best practice for LCA. What is of interest is that one article by Grantadesigns in 2011 called Grantas new Guide: Five Steps to Eco Design proposed that up to 80% of the environmental footprint of a product is determined during the design phase. From this we must assume that the best application for LCA would be in the design phase via evaluation of design alternative. Potential of LCA LCA is a methodology for quantifying and assessing the potential impacts of goods and services from an environmental perspective. From this viewpoint it can be taken that LCA can be applied to any kind of product or decision where environmental impacts are of concern. This in turn implies LCA can be applied by all the different stakeholders who are invested in a product or service including governmental, non-governmental and industries. While this dissertation cannot elaborate on all the opportunities open to LCA, focus will be placed on the following areas which are of particular interest to this study: The potential of LCA at multinational corporation level The potential of LCA for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) The potential of LCA at governmental level The potential of LCA for multinational enterprises Multinational companies face important strategic decisions that help establish the direction of their environmental performance. The decision whether to adopt a global standard or not is one such decision. While specific characteristics of multinationals make the application of LCA easier including; dedicated resources made available, separate departments responsible for implementation and co-ordination, development of internal databases and operating methodologies, and the ability to influence stakeholders, among others; there are equally other factors which present significant challenges including; diverse cultural approaches and consensus on methodologies including weighting across impact categories (Schmidt and Sullivan, 2002; Reap et al., 2008), and how to integrate LCA across the whole organisation as LCA in general tend to be reserved to environmental departments. The value which can be extracted by large corporations who adopt LCA tends to be in terms of material choice, tech nology choice, infrastructure and location choice, and product and process improvement. The potential of LCA for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) While the need for environmental practices have been widely accepted in SMEs, as can be seen through the widespread adoption of ISO 14001, the adoption of LCA has being met with less enthusiasm. This is largely to do with the fact most SMEs need to focus their available resources on establishing their position in the market and cant afford to extend resources to non essential activities. However, many small and medium enterprises are now seen the economic benefits that can be reaped from LCA implementation via simplified low cost approaches. Significant advantages can be gained in the RD stage of products via material swap outs, process improvements or benchmarking (Hunkeler, 2003). One could even go as far as to say that LCA can be useful to improve credit terms as it improves resource allocation and minimises the risk of resources being spent inappropriately. The tangible benefits with regard to environmental business policy include (Hunkeler et al., 2004): reduced operating cost, improved resource efficiency, improved relations with authorities, improve external image, improved credit terms and reduced overheads. It is also worth noting that the addition of LCA will add value for firms in their IPO (initial public offering) as it will be recognised that the company will be more likely to be sustainable with future environmental requirements. The potential of LCA at governmental level The pattern to which goods and services are produced and consumed is established and controlled via government regulated frameworks and conditions. LCA falls within the reams of sustainable development and is of key importance in addressing waste and emissions attributes of products and services. Government activities are ongoing in regards to LCA with supporting strategies becoming widespread. This has led to the development of several nationally managed databases along with new methodologies and tools. Government bodies, including the departments of environment, energy and defence etc., are now active in supporting LCA development via conducting case studies and making data available. Websites have been developed and product orientated environmental policy is evolving, none more so than in the European Union (EU). In its Communication on Integrated Product Policy (COM (2003)302), the European Commission concluded that Life Cycle Assessments provide the best framework for assessing the potential environmental impacts of products currently available. There is an understanding within the EU for the need of life cycle thinking in stakeholder consultations and in policy implementation. There is an acknowledgment that information from LCA can support public policy making in eco-design criteria setting, such as contributing to performance targets within the Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP) and for energy-using products within the EuP Directive, in green public procurement (GPP), and in environmental product declarations (EPDs) (European commission, 2003). However, consideration has to be giving to the fact that LCA is only a decision supporting tool, and not a decision making tool. While advances aid its progression it is still limited with regards economic and social impacts, along with local environmental issues. As a result it can only be utilised in support of other tools to aid detection of potential improvement areas. Policies, Laws, Standards and Incentives Life-cycle analysis (LCA) is not a new phenomenon with scientists and manufacturers increasingly using it to expose opportunities to reduce environmental impacts of products and services, from cradle to grave. This has led to the rise of policies, legislation, standards and incentives in the race to control and maximise the potential of this rapidly expanding sector. Policies LCAs offer the opportunity to shift the traditional policy basis away from waste and resource amounts to one where the potential environmental impacts they cause is the focus and in so far as is feasible the related consequences to humans and the ecosystems is catered for. Laws While traditionally focus has been on reducing impacts of production processes, the responsibility is now being extended to manufacturers to reduce the impacts of products as well. This extension of manufacturers responsibility to cover the entire lifecycle of a product is known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The EC Sixth Environmental Action Programme Environment 2010 emphasises the importance of product policy which is also reflected in the Integrated Product Policy. Standards The International Organization for Standardization introduced the ISO 9000 series quality management standards in 1987. These were later followed in 1992 by various environmental standards known as the ISO 14000 series. These voluntary standards require verification by an external certification body to obtain the ISO certificate. In the ISO 14000 series there is a family of standards to choose from, so when you want to get environmentally certified you need to consider which best matches your requirements. The point of note in relation to the ISO 14000 series is that it is generic, meaning any business, regardless of size or sector can apply. The following provides a brisk overview from a European perspective of the main policies, laws and standards where the life-cycle approach is emphasised as an important element. Table : Overview of relevant policy, law and standards (Developed with data from European commission and Irish department of environment) Designation Class Foundation Title Subject matter Policy Framing policy 06/2008 Sustainable Consumption and Production Action Plan, (SCP) This communication sets out the measures to deliver more sustainable consumption and production, while improving the competitiveness of the European economy. It builds on several EU policies including the renewed Sustainable Development Strategy. The Community Lisbon Programme for 2008-2010 includes the promotion of an industrial policy geared towards more sustainable consumption and production as one of its major orientations (European commission, 2008). Framing policy 12/2005 EUs thematic strategy on the sustainable use of natural resources The objective is to reduce environmental impacts linked to resource use in a growing economy enabling sustainable development (European commission, 2005a). A review carried out by the Bio Intelligence Service in 2010 indicates the integration of key concepts conveyed by the resource strategies have had a positive but partial influence with the clear need for clear objectives and targets, and the establishment of data centre for natural resources being highlighted (Mudgal et al., 2010). Framing policy 12/2005 EUs thematic strategy on prevention and recycling of waste Describes a number of key objectives as part of an evolving EU policy on waste including; Prevent waste, Promote re-use, recycling and recovery; and Establish the European recycling society. The aim of this strategy is to reduce the negative impact on the environment that is caused by waste throughout its life-span, from production to disposal, via recycling. The objective is that every item of waste is seen not only as a source of pollution but also a potential resource to be exploited (European commission, 2005b). Framing policy 06/2003 Communication Integrated Product Policy (IPP) Aims to support the realisation of environmental product innovations in order to achieve a broad reduction of all environmental impacts along a products life cycle (Commission, 2001). Due to the nature of products, IPP cannot consist of a single general policy instrument, a variety of measures must be employed to achieve the IPP objective (In example standards or so-called soft environmental policy instruments such as activities regarding voluntary agreements or environmental labelling.) (Rehfeld et al., 2007). European Commission, Integrated Product Policy Communication (IPP), 2003 states LCA is the best framework for assessing the potential environmental impacts of products, but the debate is ongoing about good practice with the European commission committing to; developing a handbook on best practice, Co-ordinating to make data more accessible and systematically collected, Regularly update directory of LCA databases, and develop a platform to facilitate communication and exchanges . All of the above commitments have or are in the process of being delivered. Specific instrument 2005 revised 2009 Eco-design directive Provides for improving the environmental performance of energy related products (ERPs) through ecodesign and prevents distinct national legislations on environmental performance becoming obstacles to the intra-EU trade. The ecodesign requirements must not lower the functionality of a product, its safety, or have a negative impact on its affordability or consumers health. The Directive is under the responsibility of DG Enterprise and Industry and DG Energy (European commission, 2012b). Specific instrument 2005 Energy-using products (EuP) Directive The main objective of the EuP Directive is to bring about improvements in energy efficiency throughout a products lifecycle, from cradle to grave. Its focuses on the design phase as it is considered that up to 80% of the environmental load of a product is fixed during design. EuP is a Framework Directive which outlines the legal context within which implementing measures will be developed and targeted at particular product groups (Premier Farnell, 2009). Specific instrument 1/2004 Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP) The plan covers a range of actions to promote eco-innovation and the take-up of environmental technologies including: promoting research and development, mobilising funds, helping to drive demand and improving market conditions. Information from LCAs can contributing to meeting performance targets within the Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP). In Ireland specific consideration will be given to projects that have the potential to address the three specific challenges identified in the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) State of the Environment Report 2004, namely: eutrophication of surface waters, meeting international commitments on air emissions and better management of waste (Department of the Environment, 2012a). Specific instrument 2008 Green public procurement (GPP) Defined in the Communication (COM (2008) 400) Public procurement for a better environment as a process whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle when compared to goods, services and works with the same primary function that would otherwise be procured. The EU committed to aiming to achieve by 2010 a proposed a target of 50% of all the EUs public procurement tendering procedures to be green. Although this target has not been met a recent report monitoring the uptake of GPP found 26% of the last contracts signed in the 2009-2010 period by public authorities in the EU included all core GPP criteria with 55% of these contracts having at least one EU core GPP criterion, showing that some form of green procurement is being done at a large scale (European commission, 2012c). In Ireland the GPP national action plan has been developed to make half the estimated à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬15 billion in public spendi ng to meet green procurement criteria (Department of the Environment, 2012b). Specific instrument 2002 and Under review Environmental product declarations (EPDs) Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are life-cycle based ecolabels that disclose the environmental performance of the product, similar to nutrition information labels. In France a law was passed in 2007 the Grenelle Environment which requires environmental product declarations for all mass produced consumer goods. 2012 has seen experiments begin to establish best practice to implement this law. The European Commission is following suit and has begun a program to develop guidance on environmental product declarations indicating this will be widespread shortly. Specific Instument 1992 Eco-labelling Is in general a voluntary scheme where producers, importers and retailers can choose to apply for the label for their products. Ecolabel criteria focus on the stage / stages with the highest environmental impact during a products life cycle. By the end of 2011, more than 1,300 licences had been awarded, and at present, more than 17,000 products have the EU Ecolabel. A licence gives permission to use the EU Ecolabel logo. (European commission, 2012d). Laws Legal requirement 2003 Restriction on the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Adopted in 2003 by the European Union the directive took effect in 2006 becoming law in each member state. It restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of electronic and electrical equipment. It correlates with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which is part of a legislative initiative to reduce toxic e-waste. Legal requirement 2002 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) The WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC is an EU Directive founded on the principle of Producer Responsibility and its general objectives are to prevent waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and to improve the environmental performance of all operators involved in the life cycle of such including producers, distributors and consumers (European commission, 2012e). Legal requirement 2000 End of Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/ EC of the European Parliament on end of life vehicles was developed to limit or exclude the presence of dangerous substances including lead, cadmium, chromium IV and mercury in vehicles with the purpose of minimising their environmental impact. In 2006, the target for reuse and recovery was a minimum of 85% of the materials rising to 95% in 2015 with most major OEMs such as Ford, Honda etc on the way to meeting these targets. Legal requirement 1994 EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC This directive regulates the heavy metal content of, and recovery of any packaging put on the market. Implemented in Ireland through the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations S.I. No. 61 of 2003 as amended by the Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations S.I. No. 871 of 2004. While it should be noted the directive is under review at European level, the legislation is now well developed in Ireland with waste recovery schemes like REPAK in place. Legal requirement 2007 Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) REACH came into force in 2007 with the aim to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market and enhancing competitiveness and innovation (European commission, 2012f). Manufacturers have to register each substance, assess the risks it poses and pass on the safety information to downstream users. Legal requirement 2006 Batteries Directive Directive 2006/66/EC prohibits placing certain batteries and accumulators with mercury or cadmium content above a fixed threshold on the market and promotes a high rate of collection and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators. The aim is the reduction of hazardous substances (mercury, cadmium and lead) dumped in the environment (European commission, 2012g). Standards Voluntary 1997 revised 2000 and 2006 Life cycle assessment: ISO 14040/44 When concerned with the environmental impact of a new or existing product, it may well be beneficial to carryout a complete life cycle assessment. In such a case you would look to the ISO 14040 certificate. It evaluates the products LCA framework and is intended to make reliable and reusable assessments. It endeavours to provide a clear overview of the findings to stakeholders, including those who have limited knowledge of life cycle assessment. The specific requirements and guidelines for LCAs are in ISO 14044. Voluntary 2001 Environmental site assessment: ISO 14015 This International Standard provides guidance on how to conduct an Environmental assessment of sites and organizations (EASO) through a systematic process of identifying environmental aspects and environmental issues and determining, if appropriate, their business consequences. Voluntary ISO 14020 1998 rev 2000 ISO 14024 1999 ISO 14025 2000 rev 2006 Environmental product declaration (EPD), Labelling: ISO 14020/24/25 ISO 14020/24/25 will help you label your product. It includes quantified data which helps ensure environmental data published is of a certain quality. These product labels are built upon the Life Cycle Assessment which means the information generated is relevant, verified and comparable. Voluntary 1999 Environmental Performance Evaluation: ISO 14031 When you dont require a certificate and just want to measure your environmental performance, this document gives guidance on environmental performance evaluation. It provides management with reliable and verifiable information on an ongoing basis through its Plan-Do-Check-Act system (PCDA). Voluntary 2002 Integrating environmental aspects into product design and development: ISO 14062 Guidance standard providing generic instruction on how to incorporate environmental criteria into product design and development. It can act as a reminder or a checklist and is applicable to all industry sectors. Other industry sectors have developed similar standards including:- Standard ECMA 341, Environmental design considerations for electronic products developed by ECMA International. EN/BSI 13420:2000 Packaging Requirements for packaging recovery by material recycling. BS/EN 13193:2000 Packaging and the environment Terminology. Voluntary 2006 Impact on Climate Change: ISO 14064 ISO 14064-1:2006 facilitates quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reductions. It provides stakeholders with an integrated set of tools to achieve their objectives and it enables participation in emissions trading schemes using a globally recognised standard. Voluntary/ Under construction N/A Product Carbon Footprint: ISO 14067 Strives to standardize the maze of product carbon footprint approaches. Voluntary/ Under construction N/A Water Footprint: ISO 14046 Aims to establish harmonized metrics for water footprints. Other Voluntary 2008 GHG Protocol Product Standard This is a product life cycle accounting and reporting standard developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD). This standard is to a large extent in compliance with ISO 14040/44, except it is explicitly focused on greenhouse gas accounting.

Labyrinths in Garden of Forking Paths :: World Literature Jorge Luis Borges

In Jorge Luis Borges' "Garden of Forking Paths", we find the protagonist as a Chinese English professor Yu Tsun who is a spy for the German army, obviously chased by his enemy, Richard Madden who is an Irishman at the service of the English army. At first glance, Yu Tsun may seem to be a "loyal" member of the German army but he manifests a characteristic throughout the story as being the oppressed member of the army. It seems that Yu Tsun shows a "desperate desire of the oppressed to be accepted by its oppressors." Yu Tsun doesn't care about Germany which imposed upon him the objection of being a spy. He even refers to the chief as a sick and hateful man and that he only needs to prove to him that a "yellow man" could save his armies. It's ironic because it clearly shows that Yu Tsun is oppressed because of his race (Yellow=Chinese) and yet he still serves the one oppressing him and even seeks its approval. He seems to be struggling in a Labyrinth of oppression, forever lost within i ts walls. This is just one of the Labyrinths that Yu Tsun is engaged/ trapped in. The story speaks about a certain Labyrinth, that which is related to Tsui Pen, a book which is composed of different chapters that seem to be diverging from a single path which also creates its own diverging paths. This particular part in the story challenges/ questions the common notion of time as being a linear process and instead raises a possibility of history branching out in an endless number of diverse directions at each spot in time; every space-time node as the midpoint of a system of branching or forking paths, an ever-recurring moment/place of selection with profound effects on and links to everything else. The book represents a Labyrinth of time "where all possible outcomes occur; each one is the point of departure for other forkings which sometimes converge" ( 22). Also, before going inside Albert's house, Yu Tsun got lost in the garden, which seemed like a maze. This is the result of his pondering over his ancestor's Labyrinth; Getting caught in this maze allowed the reader to reflect over a different perspective about real life. This maze represented the numerous paths that a person can travel and all of the outcomes from these paths. Thus, I can infer that the imagination is one of the representations of the Labyrinth.

The Move of Super Saver to the UK Food Retail Market :: Business Management Triangle Test Essays

The Move of Super Saver to the UK Food Retail Market A new low cost overseas retailer, ‘Super Savers’ is wishing to move into the UK Food Retail market. One of the ranges they wish to stock is blackcurrant squash. The company has two potential suppliers, Ribeena and Tesco, and wishes to select one brand for the range of outlets. The product manager would like to know: 1. If there is a significant difference between the two brands 2. What are the differences in terms of the sensory profile 3. Which attributes of the products most affect consumer acceptance 4. Which product consumers prefer TASK: As sensory analysts we are required to design and execute appropriate tests to elicit this information and present our findings in the form of full report to the product manager. 1.ABSTRACT ---------- In this report, a new low cost overseas retailer, ‘Super Savers’ is wishing to move into the UK Retail Market. One of the ranges they wish to stock is blackcurrant squash. The company has two potential suppliers, Ribeena and Tesco, and wishes to select one brand for the range of outlets. Four tests had been chosen to undertake, which were the Triangle test, the Just-Right test, the Descriptive Analysis test (taste, colour, smell, and texture) and the 9-point hedonic test. For the achievement of the above four tests, twenty panellists were selected. The results obtained from this evaluation showed in general that there was a significant difference between Ribeena and Tesco blackcurrant squashes. The only case that the null hypothesis was rejected, that is there was not any difference between the two products, was in the attribute of smell tested in the sensory profile. The methodology for each test took a sequence of experimental design, null-hypothesis and test selection. In addition environmental conditions, sample presentation and panel selection where considered and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data derived the most suitable product. 2. INTRODUCTION: â€Å"Sensory evaluation is a scientific discipline used to evoke, measure, analyse and interpret reactions to those characteristics of foods and materials as they are perceived by the senses of sight, smell, taste touch and hearing† (Institute of Food Technology, USA, 1981). As sensory analysts, we were asked to give a sensory evaluation of the two products - Ribeena and Tesco blackcurrant squashes – to the ‘Super Savers’ overseas retailer. â€Å"For sensory analysis to be successful, it is necessary for someone to take the responsibility to ensure the tests are carried out in the correct and appropriate manner. This is the role of the sensory analyst or the panel leader† (Lyon, Francombe, Hasdell, Lawson, 1992, p.47). 3. AIMS OF THE PROJECT  · To find out if there is a significant difference between the two

Partisanship

Before I continue I would like to reassert that this house believes that a two-party system is preferable to a multi party system. Partisanship is a problem that has plagued America for centuries. In recent decades the issue has become even more severe with the American people witnessing the first government shutdown in the nation's history in 1981. A government shutdown is the result of the failure of congress to pass a budget for the new fiscal year and results in the halt of most federal services. The shutdown in 1981 occurred because the president of the time Ronald Reagan vetoed a budget that had been passed by the Democratic majority in congress. In 2013 the government fully shut down for over two weeks; the result of the partisan debate over Obama care. In recent years the problem of a government shutdown has become increasingly prevalent as the sectarianism within the essential political institutions such as the United States congress become even more extreme. This year the government has already shut down twice. A clear sign of the danger that the irrational level of partisanship within the United States' government poses to its citizens. Beyond government shutdowns partisanship drastically affects many other aspects of government. Recently the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh has showcased the intensity of the sectarianism in the United States today. The hearing, which should have served to validate or invalidate the claims made against Kavanaugh, was instead used by members of both the Democratic and Republican Parties to point fingers at one another in mock outrage. This is only one example of how sectarianism has frequently prevented the United States' lawmakers from properly doing their job, causing laws that benefit many Americans to fail. Laws such as the DISCLOSE Act, which would have forced companies to disclose their political spending, would have helped to ensure transparency in government-private business relations, is only example of a law that was killed by sectarianism. There are countless other examples of laws stopped by nothing but partisan hatred such as the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would have ensured equal pay for men and women doing the same jobs. In other words, for no reason then hatred of the basic ideology of another party dozens of men and women in the United States congress have chosen to vote against bills that would serve to make America an even greater country. All that has been accomplished in this country's recent years: rapid economic recovery and growth from the 2008 crash, government subsidized health insurance, and the legalization of gay marriage, has happened despite, not because of the partisanship within our government. Furthermore the sectarianism outside of the United State's government negatively impacts the people of the United States. Far too often people are unable to agree with or even recognize perfectly reasonable claims or ideas simply because they are presented by a person who does not share the same political affiliation as them. This leads to discordance and dissatisfaction among the American public, as well as most populations around the world, as people who do not share opinions constantly fight and bicker failing to see things that are legitimately important. Additionally partisanship leads to extremism such as that propagated by groups such as ISIS or the KKK, due to people forcing the opinions of their party on those who do not share those opinions or violently attacking those who refuse to change their minds. It is clear that with only two parties in America the sectarianism in the country is already stretching the country to the breaking point. With only two parties America's governmental institutions struggle to pass the bare minimum of laws to keep the government running. Ultimately, the addition of new parties to a two party would only add to the strain felt be the American government and others like. More parties would mean more sides, each with their own separate agenda, attempting to force laws through a legislative branch filled with people that oppose them. As no one party would have the majority in a true multi-party system it would be next to impossible for any law to gather enough support to pass through congress let alone the desk of a president who, in all likelihood would be of a different party affiliation than the people trying to pass the laws. The sectarianism seen among the public of America and other countries today would increase as well, the result of even more separate political affiliations, causing further social unrest. The famous saying, â€Å"united we stand divided we fall,† is true. A multi-party system will divide a country's citizens, causing discordance and the eventual failure of its government, while two or fewer parties will unite the country, allowing it to continue unimpeded and grow stronger. From the arguments that the members of my team and I have made, it is clear that a two party system is far preferable to a multi-party system. We affirm the resolution and strongly encourage an affirmative ballot.

Prelude to Foundation Chapter 17 Wye

WYE-†¦ A sector of the world-city of Trantor†¦ In the latter centuries of the Galactic Empire, Wye was the strongest and stablest portion of the world-city. Its rulers had long aspired to the Imperial throne, justifying that by their descent from early Emperors. Under Mannix IV, Wye was militarized and (Imperial authorities later claimed) was planning a planet-wide coup. Encyclopedia Galactica 82. The man who entered was tall and muscular. He had a long blond mustache that curled up at the tips and a fringe of hair that went down the sides of his face and under his chin, leaving the point of his chin and his lower lip smoothly bare and seeming a little moist. His head was so closely cropped and his hair was so light that, for one unpleasant moment, Seldon was reminded of Mycogen. The newcomer wore what was unmistakably a uniform. It was red and white and about his waist was a wide belt decorated with silver studs. His voice, when he spoke, was a rolling bass and its accent was not like any that Seldon had heard before. Most unfamiliar accents sounded uncouth in Seldon's experience, but this one seemed almost musical, perhaps because of the richness of the low tones. â€Å"I am Sergeant Emmer Thalus,† he rumbled in a slow succession of syllables. â€Å"I have come seeking Dr. Hari Seldon.† Seldon said, â€Å"I am he.† In an aside to Dors, he muttered, â€Å"if Hummin couldn't come himself, he certainly sent a magnificent side of beef to represent him.† The sergeant favored Seldon with a stolid and slightly prolonged look. Then he said, â€Å"Yes. You have been described to me. Please come with me, Dr. Seldon.† Seldon said, â€Å"Lead the way.† The sergeant stepped backward. Seldon and Dors Venabili stepped forward. The sergeant stopped and raised a large hand, palm toward Dors. â€Å"I have been instructed to take Dr. Hari Seldon with me. I have not been instructed to take anyone else.† For a moment, Seldon looked at him uncomprehendingly. Then his look of surprise gave way to anger. â€Å"It's quite impossible that you have been told that, Sergeant. Dr. Dors Venabili is my associate and my companion. She must come with me.† â€Å"That is not in accordance with my instructions, Doctor.† â€Å"I don't care about your instructions in any way, Sergeant Thalus. I do not budge without her.† â€Å"What's more,† said Dors with clear irritation, â€Å"my instructions are to protect Dr. Seldon at all times. I cannot do that unless I am with him. Therefore, where he goes, I go.† The sergeant looked puzzled. â€Å"My instructions are strict that I see to it that no harm comes to you, Dr. Seldon. If you will not come voluntarily, I must carry you to my vehicle. I will try to do so gently.† He extended his two arms as though to seize Seldon by the waist and carry him off bodily. Seldon skittered backward and out of reach. As he did so, the side of his right palm came down on the sergeant's right upper arm where the muscles were thinnest, so that he struck the bone. The sergeant drew a sudden deep breath and seemed to shake himself a bit, but turned, face expressionless, and advanced again. Davan, watching, remained where he was, motionless, but Raych moved behind the sergeant. Seldon repeated his palm stroke a second time, then a third, but now Sergeant Thalus, anticipating the blow, lowered his shoulder to catch it on hard muscle. Dors had drawn her knives. â€Å"Sergeant,† she said forcefully. â€Å"Turn in this direction, I want you to understand I may be forced to hurt you severely if you persist in attempting to carry Dr. Seldon off against his will.† The sergeant paused, seemed to take in the slowly waving knives solemnly, then said, â€Å"It is not in my instructions to refrain from harming anyone but Dr. Seldon.† His right hand moved with surprising speed toward the neuronic whip in the holster at his hip. Dors moved as quickly forward, knives flashing. Neither completed the movement. Dashing forward, Raych had pushed at the sergeant's back with his left hand and withdrew the sergeant's weapon from its holster with his right. He moved away quickly, holding the neuronic whip in both hands now and shouting, â€Å"Hands up, Sergeant, or you're gonna get it!† The sergeant whirled and a nervous look crossed his reddening face. It was the only moment that its stolidity had weakened. â€Å"Put that down, sonny,† he growled. â€Å"You don't know how it works.† Raych howled, â€Å"I know about the safety. It's off and this thing can fire. And it will if you try to rush me.† The sergeant froze. He clearly knew how dangerous it was to have an excited twelve-year-old handling a powerful weapon. Nor did Seldon feel much better. He said, â€Å"Careful, Raych. Don't shoot. Keep your finger off the contact.† â€Å"I ain't gonna let him rush me.† â€Å"He won't.-Sergeant, please don't move. Let's get something straight. You were told to take me away from here. Is that right?† â€Å"That's right,† said the sergeant, eyes somewhat protruding and firmly fixed on Raych (whose eyes were as firmly fixed on the sergeant). â€Å"But you were not told to take anyone else. Is that right?† â€Å"No, I was not, Doctor,† said the sergeant firmly. Not even the threat of a neuronic whip was going to make him weasel. One could see that. â€Å"Very well, but listen to me, Sergeant. Were you told not to take anyone else?† â€Å"I just said-â€Å" â€Å"No, no. Listen, Sergeant. There's a difference. Were your instructions simply ‘Take Dr. Seldon!'? Was that the entire order, with no mention of anyone else, or were the orders more specific? Were your orders as follows: ‘Take Dr. Seldon and don't take anyone else'?† The sergeant turned that over in his head, then he said, â€Å"I was told to take you, Dr. Seldon.† â€Å"Then there was no mention of anyone else, one way or the other, was there?† Pause. â€Å"No.† â€Å"You were not told to take Dr. Venabili, but you were not told not to take Dr. Venabili either. Is that right?† Pause. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"So you can either take her or not take her, whichever you please?† Long pause. â€Å"I suppose so.† â€Å"Now then, here's Raych, the young fellow who's got a neuronic whip pointing at you-your neuronic whip, remember-and he is anxious to use it.† â€Å"Yay!† shouted Raych. â€Å"Not yet, Raych,† said Seldon. â€Å"And here is Dr. Venabili with two knives that she can use very expertly and there's myself, who can, if I get the chance, break your Adam's apple with one hand so that you'll never speak above a whisper again. Now then, do you want to take Dr. Venabili or don't you want to? Your orders allow you to do either.† And finally the sergeant said in a beaten voice, â€Å"I will take the woman.† â€Å"And the boy, Raych.† â€Å"And the boy.† â€Å"Good. Have I your word of honor-your word of honor as a soldier-that you will do as you have just said†¦ honestly?† â€Å"You have my word of honor as a soldier,† said the sergeant. â€Å"Good. Raych, give back the whip.-Now.-Don't make me wait.† Raych, his face twisted into an unhappy grimace, looked at Dors, who hesitated and then slowly nodded her head. Her face was as unhappy as Raych's. Raych held out the neuronic whip to the sergeant and said, â€Å"They're makin' me, ya big-† His last words were unintelligible. Seldon said, â€Å"Put away your knives, Dors.† Dors shook her head, but put them away. â€Å"Now, Sergeant?† said Seldon. The sergeant looked at the neuronic whip, then at Seldon. He said, â€Å"You are an honorable man, Dr. Seldon, and my word of honor holds.† With a military snap, he placed his neuronic whip in his holster. Seldon turned to Davan and said, â€Å"Davan, please forget what you have seen here. We three are going voluntarily with Sergeant Thalus. You tell Yugo Amaryl when you see him that I will not forget him and that, once this is over and I am free to act, I will see that he gets into a University. And if there's anything reasonable I can ever do for your cause, Davan, I will.-Now, Sergeant, let's go.† 83. â€Å"Have you ever been in an air-jet before, Raych?† asked Hari Seldon. Raych shook his head speechlessly. He was looking down at Upperside rushing beneath them with a mixture of fright and awe. It struck Seldon again how much Trantor was a world of Expressways and tunnels. Even long trips were made underground by the general population. Air travel, however common it might be on the Outworlds, was a luxury on Trantor and an air-jet like this- How had Hummin managed it? Seldon wondered. He looked out the window at the rise and fall of the domes, at the general green in this area of the planet, the occasional patches of what were little less than jungles, the arms of the sea they occasionally passed over, with its leaden waters taking on a sudden all-too-brief sparkle when the sun peeped out momentarily from the heavy cloud layer. An hour or so into the flight, Dors, who was viewing a new historical novel without much in the way of apparent enjoyment, clicked it off and said, â€Å"I wish I knew where we were going.† â€Å"If you can't tell,† said Seldon, â€Å"then I certainly can't. You've been on Trantor longer than I have.† â€Å"Yes, but only on the inside,† said Dors. â€Å"Out here, with only Upperside below me, I'm as lost as an unborn infant would be.† â€Å"Oh well.-Presumably, Hummin knows what he's doing.† â€Å"I'm sure he does,† replied Dors rather tartly, â€Å"but that may have nothing to do with the present situation. Why do you continue to assume any of this represents his initiative?† Seldon's eyebrows lifted. â€Å"Now that you ask, I don't know. I just assumed it. Why shouldn't this be his?† â€Å"Because whoever arranged it didn't specify that I be taken along with you. I simply don't see Hummin forgetting my existence. And because he didn't come himself, as he did at Streeling and at Mycogen.† â€Å"You can't always expect him to, Dors. He might well be occupied. The astonishing thing is not that he didn't come on this occasion but that he did come on the previous ones.† â€Å"Assuming he didn't come himself, would he send a conspicuous and lavish flying palace like this?† She gestured around her at the large luxurious jet. â€Å"It might simply have been available. And he might have reasoned that no one would expect something as noticeable as this to be carrying fugitives who were desperately trying to avoid detection. The well-known double-double-cross.† â€Å"Too well-known, in my opinion. And would he send an idiot like Sergeant Thalus in his place?† â€Å"The sergeant is no idiot. He's simply been trained to complete obedience. With proper instructions, he could be utterly reliable.† â€Å"There you are, Hari. We come back to that. Why didn't he get proper instructions? It's inconceivable to me that Chetter Hummin would tell him to carry you out of Dahl and not say a word about me. Inconceivable.† And to that Seldon had no answer and his spirits sank. Another hour passed and Dors said, â€Å"It looks as if it's getting colder outside. The green of Upperside is turning brown and I believe the heaters have turned on.† â€Å"What does that signify?† â€Å"Dahl is in the tropic zone so obviously we're going either north or south-and a considerable distance too. If I had some notion in which direction the nightline was I could tell which.† Eventually, they passed over a section of shoreline where there was a rim of ice hugging the domes where they were rimmed by the sea. And then, quite unexpectedly, the air-jet angled downward. Raych screamed, â€Å"We're goin' to hit! We're goin' to smash up!† Seldon's abdominal muscles tightened and he clutched the arms of his seat. Dors seemed unaffected. She said, â€Å"The pilots up front don't seem alarmed. We'll be tunneling.† And, as she said so, the jet's wings swept backward and under it and, like a bullet, the air-jet entered a tunnel. Blackness swept back over them in an instant and a moment later the lighting system in the tunnel turned on. The walls of the tunnel snaked past the jet on either side. â€Å"I don't suppose I'll ever be sure they know the tunnel isn't already occupied,† muttered Seldon. â€Å"I'm sure they had reassurance of a clear tunnel some dozens of kilometers earlier,† said Dors. â€Å"At any rate, I presume this is the last stage of the journey and soon we'll know where we are.† She paused and then added, â€Å"And I further presume we won't like the knowledge when we have it.† 84. The air-jet sped out of the tunnel and onto a long runway with a roof so high that it seemed closer to true daylight than anything Seldon had seen since he had left the Imperial Sector. They came to a halt in a shorter time than Seldon would have expected, but at the price of an uncomfortable pressure forward. Raych, in particular, was crushed against the seat before him and was finding it difficult to breathe till Dors's hand on his shoulder pulled him back slightly. Sergeant Thalus, impressive and erect, left the jet and moved to the rear, where he opened the door of the passenger compartment and helped the three out, one by one. Seldon was last. He half-turned as he passed the sergeant, saying, â€Å"It was a pleasant trip, Sergeant.† A slow smile spread over the sergeant's large face and lifted his mustachioed upper lip. He touched the visor of his cap in what was half a salute and said, â€Å"Thank you again, Doctor.† They were then ushered into the backseat of a ground-car of lavish design and the sergeant himself pushed into the front seat and drove the vehicle with a surprisingly light touch. They passed through wide roadways, flanked by tall, well-designed buildings, all glistening in broad daylight. As elsewhere on Trantor, they heard the distant drone of an Expressway. The walkways were crowded with what were, for the most part, well-dressed people. The surroundings were remarkably-almost excessively-clean. Seldon's sense of security sank further. Dors's misgivings concerning their destination now seemed justified after all. He leaned toward her and said, â€Å"Do you think we are back in the Imperial Sector?† She said, â€Å"No, the buildings are more rococo in the Imperial Sector and there's less Imperial parkishness to this sector-if you know what I mean.† â€Å"Then where are we, Dors? â€Å"We'll have to ask, I'm afraid, Hari.† It was not a long trip and soon they rolled into a car-bay that flanked an imposing four-story structure. A frieze of imaginary animals ran along the top, decorated with strips of warm pink stone. It was an impressive facade with a rather pleasing design. Seldon said, â€Å"That certainly looks rococo enough.† Dors shrugged uncertainly. Raych whistled and said in a failing attempt to sound unimpressed, â€Å"Hey, look at that fancy place.† Sergeant Thalus gestured to Seldon clearly indicating that he was to follow. Seldon hung back and, also relying on the universal language of gesture, held out both arms, clearly including Dors and Raych. The sergeant hesitated in a slightly hangdog fashion at the impressive pink doorway. His mustache almost seemed to droop. Then he said gruffly, â€Å"All three of you, then. My word of honor holds.-Still, others may not feel obligated by my own obligation, you know.† Seldon nodded. â€Å"I hold you responsible for your own deeds only, Sergeant.† The sergeant was clearly moved and, for a moment, his face lightened as though he was considering the possibility of shaking Seldon's hand or expressing heartfelt his approval in some other way. He decided against it, however, and stepped onto the bottom step of the flight that led to the door. The stairs immediately began a stately upward movement. Seldon and Dors stepped after him at once and kept their balance without much trouble. Raych, who was momentarily staggered in surprise, jumped onto the moving stairs after a short run, shoved both hands into his pockets, and whistled carelessly. The door opened and two women stepped out, one on either side in symmetrical fashion. They were young and attractive. Their dresses, belted tightly about the waist and reaching nearly to their ankles, fell in crisp pleats and rustled when they walked. Both had brown hair that was coiled in thick plaits on either side of their heads. (Seldon found it attractive, but wondered how long it took them each morning to arrange it just so. He had not been aware of so elaborate a coiffure on the women they had passed in the streets.) The two women stared at the newcomers with obvious contempt. Seldon was not surprised. After the day's events, he and Dors looked almost as disreputable as Raych. Yet the women managed to bow decorously and then made a half-turn and gestured inward in perfect unison and with symmetry carefully maintained. (Did they rehearse these things?) It was clear that the three were to enter. They stepped through an elaborate room, cluttered with furniture and decorative items whose use Seldon did not readily understand. The floor was light-colored, springy, and glowed with luminescence. Seldon noted with some embarrassment that their footwear left dusty marks upon it. And then an inner door was flung open and yet another woman emerged. She was distinctly older than the first two (who sank slowly as she came in, crossing their legs symmetrically as they did so in a way that made Seldon marvel that they could keep their balance; it undoubtedly took a deal of practice). Seldon wondered if he too was expected to display some ritualized form of respect, but since he hadn't the faintest notion of what this might consist of, he merely bowed his head slightly. Dors remained standing erect and, it seemed to Seldon, did so with disdain. Raych was staring open-mouthed in all directions and looked as though he didn't even see the woman who had just entered. She was plump-not fat, but comfortably padded. She wore her hair precisely as the young ladies did and her dress was in the same style, but much more richly ornamented-too much so to suit Seldon's aesthetic notions. She was clearly middle-aged and there was a hint of gray in her hair, but the dimples in he r cheeks gave her the appearance of having rather more than a dash of youth. Her light brown eyes were merry and on the whole she looked more motherly than old. She said, â€Å"How are you? All of you.† (She showed no surprise at the presence of Dors and Raych, but included them easily in her greeting.) â€Å"I've been waiting for you for some time and almost had you on Upperside at Streeling. You are Dr. Hari Seldon, whom I've been looking forward to meeting. You, I think, must be Dr. Dors Venabili, for you had been reported to be in his company. This young man I fear I do not know, but I am pleased to see him. But we must not spend our time talking, for I'm sure you would like to rest first.† â€Å"And bathe, Madam,† said Dors rather forcefully, â€Å"Each of us could use a thorough shower.† â€Å"Yes, certainly,† said the woman, â€Å"and a change in clothing. Especially the young man.† She looked down at Raych without any of the look of contempt and disapproval that the two young women had shown. She said, â€Å"What is your name, young man?† â€Å"Raych,† said Raych in a rather choked and embarrassed voice. He then added experimentally, â€Å"Missus.† â€Å"What an odd coincidence,† said the woman, her eyes sparkling. â€Å"An omen, perhaps. My own name is Rashelle. Isn't that odd?-But come. We shall take care of you all. Then there will be plenty of time to have dinner and to talk.† â€Å"Wait, Madam,† said Dors. â€Å"May I ask where we are?† â€Å"Wye, dear. And please call me Rashelle, as you come to feel more friendly. I am always at ease with informality.† Dors stiffened. â€Å"Are you surprised that we ask? Isn't it natural that we should want to know where we are?† Rashelle laughed in a pleasant, tinkling manner. â€Å"Really, Dr. Venabili, something must be done about the name of this place. I was not asking a question but making a statement. You asked where you were and I did not ask you why. I told you, ‘Wye.' You are in the Wye Sector.† â€Å"In Wye?† said Seldon forcibly. â€Å"Yes indeed, Dr. Seldon. We've wanted you from the day you addressed the Decennial Convention and we are so glad to have you now.† 85. Actually, it took a full day to rest and unstiffen, to wash and get clean, to obtain new clothes (satiny and rather loose, in the style of Wye), and to sleep a good deal. It was during the second evening in Wye that there was the dinner that Madam Rashelle had promised. The table was a large one-too large, considering that there were only four dining: Hari Seldon, Dors Venabili, Raych, and Rashelle. The walls and ceiling were softly illuminated and the colors changed at a rate that caught the eye but not so rapidly as in any way to discommode the mind. The very tablecloth, which was not cloth (Seldon had not made up his mind what it might be), seemed to sparkle. The servers were many and silent and when the door opened it seemed to Seldon that he caught a glimpse of soldiers, armed and at the ready, outside. The room was a velvet glove, but the iron fist was not far distant. Rashelle was gracious and friendly and had clearly taken a particular liking to Raych, who, she insisted, was to sit next to her. Raych-scrubbed, polished, and shining, all but unrecognizable in his new clothes, with his hair clipped, cleaned, and brushed-scarcely dared to say a word. It was as though he felt his grammar no longer fit his appearance. He was pitifully ill at ease and he watched Dors carefully as she switched from utensil to utensil, trying to match her exactly in every respect. The food was tasty but spicy-to the point where Seldon could not recognize the exact nature of the dishes. Rashelle, her plump face made happy by her gentle smile and her fine teeth gleaming white, said, â€Å"You may think we have Mycogenian additives in the food, but we do not. It is all homegrown in Wye. There is no sector on the planet more self-sufficient than Wye. We labor hard to keep that so.† Seldon nodded gravely and said, â€Å"Everything you have given us is first-rate, Rashelle. We are much obliged to you.† And yet within himself he thought the food was not quite up to Mycogenian standards and he felt moreover, as he had earlier muttered to Dors, that he was celebrating his own defeat. Or Hummin's defeat, at any rate, and that seemed to him to be the same thing. After all, he had been captured by Wye, the very possibility that had so concerned Hummin at the time of the incident Upperside. Rashelle said, â€Å"Perhaps, in my role as hostess, I may be forgiven if I ask personal questions. Am I correct in assuming that you three do not represent a family; that you, Hari, and you, Dors, are not married and that Raych is not your son?† â€Å"The three of us are not related in any way,† said Seldon. â€Å"Raych was born on Trantor, I on Helicon, Dors on Cinna.† â€Å"And how did you all meet, then?† Seldon explained briefly and with as little detail as he could manage. â€Å"There's nothing romantic or significant in the meetings,† he added. â€Å"Yet I am given to understand that you raised difficulties with my personal aide, Sergeant Thalus, when he wanted to take only you out of Dahl.† Seldon said gravely, â€Å"I had grown fond of Dors and Raych and did not wish to be separated from them.† Rashelle smiled and said, â€Å"You are a sentimental man, I see.† â€Å"Yes, I am. Sentimental. And puzzled too.† â€Å"Puzzled?† â€Å"Why yes. And since you were so kind as to ask personal questions of us, may I ask one as well?† â€Å"Of course, my dear Hari. Ask anything you please.† â€Å"When we first arrived, you said that Wye has wanted me from the day I addressed the Decennial Convention. For what reason might that be?† â€Å"Surely, you are not so simple as not to know. We want you for your psychohistory.† â€Å"That much I do understand. But what makes you think that having me means you have psychohistory?† â€Å"Surely, you have not been so careless as to lose it.† â€Å"Worse, Rashelle. I have never had it.† Rashelle's face dimpled. â€Å"But you said you had it in your talk. Not that I understood your talk. I am not a mathematician. I hate numbers. But I have in my employ mathematicians who have explained to me what it is you said.† â€Å"In that case, my dear Rashelle, you must listen more closely. I can well imagine they have told you that I have proven that psychohistorical predictions are conceivable, but surely they must also have told you that they are not practical.† â€Å"I can't believe that, Hari. The very next day, you were called into an audience with that pseudo-Emperor, Cleon.† â€Å"The pseudo-Emperor?† murmured Dors ironically. â€Å"Why yes,† said Rashelle as though she was answering a serious question. â€Å"Pseudo-Emperor. He has no true claim to the throne.† â€Å"Rashelle,† said Seldon, brushing that aside a bit impatiently, â€Å"I told Cleon exactly what I have just told you and he let me go.† Now Rashelle did nor smile. A small edge crept into her voice. â€Å"Yes, he let you go the way the cat in the fable lets a mouse go. He has been pursuing you ever since-in Streeling, in Mycogen, in Dahl. He would pursue you here if he dared. But come now-our serious talk is too serious. Let us enjoy ourselves. Let us have music.† And at her words, there suddenly sounded a soft but joyous instrumental melody. She leaned toward Raych and said softly, â€Å"My boy, if you are not at ease with the fork, use your spoon or your fingers. I won't mind.† Raych said, â€Å"Yes, mum,† and swallowed hard, but Dors caught his eye and her lips silently mouthed: â€Å"Fork.† He remained with his fork. Dors said, â€Å"The music is lovely, Madam†-she pointedly rejected the familiar form of address â€Å"but it must not he allowed to distract us. There is the thought in my mind that the pursuer in all those places might have been in the employ of the Wye Sector. Surely, you would not be so well acquainted with events if Wye were not the prime mover.† Rashelle laughed aloud. â€Å"Wye has its eyes and ears everywhere, of course, but we were not the pursuers. Had we been, you would have been picked up without fail-as you were in Dahl finally when, indeed, we were the pursuers. When, however, there is a pursuit that fails, a grasping hand that misses, you may be sure that it is Demerzel.† â€Å"Do you think so little of Demerzel?† murmured Dors. â€Å"Yes. Does that surprise you? We have beaten him.† â€Å"You? Or the Wye Sector?† â€Å"The sector, of course, but insofar as Wye is the victor, then I am the victor.† â€Å"How strange,† said Dors. â€Å"There seems to be a prevalent opinion throughout Trantor that the inhabitants of Wye have nothing to do with victory, with defeat, or with anything else. It is felt that there is but one will and one fist in Wye and that is that of the Mayor. Surely, you-or any other Wyan-weigh nothing in comparison.† Rashelle smiled broadly. She paused to look at Raych benevolently and to pinch his cheek, then said, â€Å"If you believe that our Mayor is an autocrat and that there is but one will that sways Wye, then perhaps you are right. But, even so, I can still use the personal pronoun, for my will is of account.† â€Å"Why yours?† said Seldon. â€Å"Why not?† said Rashelle as the servers began clearing the table. â€Å"I am the Mayor of Wye.† 86. It was Raych who was the first to react to the statement. Quite forgetting the cloak of civility that sat upon him so uncomfortably, he laughed raucously and said, â€Å"Hey, lady, ya can't be Mayor. Mayors is guys.† Rashelle looked at him good-naturedly and said in a perfect imitation of his tone of voice, â€Å"Hey, kid, some Mayors is guys and some Mayors is dames. Put that under your lid and let it bubble.† Raych's eyes protruded and he seemed stunned. Finally he managed to say, â€Å"Hey, ya talk regular, lady.† â€Å"Sure thing. Regular as ya want,† said Rashelle, still smiling. Seldon cleared his throat and said, â€Å"That's quite an accent you have, Rashelle.† Rashelle tossed her head slightly. â€Å"I haven't had occasion to use it in many years, but one never forgets. I once had a friend, a good friend, who was a Dahlite-when I was very young.† She sighed. â€Å"He didn't speak that way, of course-he was quite intelligent-but he could do so if he wished and he taught me. It was exciting to talk so with him. It created a world that excluded our surroundings. It was wonderful. It was also impossible. My father made that plain. And now along comes this young rascal, Raych, to remind me of those long-ago days. He has the accent, the eyes, the impudent cast of countenance, and in six years or so he will be a delight and terror to the young women. Won't you, Raych?† Raych said, â€Å"I dunno, lady-uh, mum.† â€Å"I'm sure you will and you will come to look very much like my†¦ old friend and it will be much more comfortable for me not to see you then. And now, dinner's over and it's time for you to go to your room, Raych. You can watch holovision for a while if you wish. I don't suppose you read.† Raych reddened. â€Å"I'm gonna read someday. Master Seldon says I'm gonna.† â€Å"Then I'm sure you will.† A young woman approached Raych, curtsying respectfully in Rashelle's direction. Seldon had not seen the signal that had summoned her. Raych said, â€Å"Can't I stay with Master Seldon and Missus Venabili?† â€Å"You'll see them later,† said Rashelle gently, â€Å"but Master and Missus and I have to talk right now-so you must go.† Dors mouthed a firm â€Å"Go!† at Raych and with a grimace the boy slid out of his chair and followed the attendant. Rashelle turned to Seldon and Dors once Raych was gone and said, â€Å"The boy will be safe, of course, and treated well. Please have no fears about that. And I will be safe too. As my woman approached just now, so will a dozen armed men-and much more rapidly-when summoned. I want you to understand that.† Seldon said evenly, â€Å"We are in no way thinking of attacking you, Rashelle-or must I now say, ‘Madam Mayor'?† â€Å"Still Rashelle. I am given to understand that you are a wrestler of sorts, Hari, and you, Dors, are very skillful with the knives we have removed from your room. I don't want you to rely uselessly on your skills, since I want Hari alive, unharmed, and friendly.† â€Å"It is quite well understood, Madam Mayor,† said Dors, her lack of friendship uncompromised, â€Å"that the ruler of Wye, now and for the past forty years, is Mannix, Fourth of that Name, and that he is still alive and in full possession of his faculties. Who, then, are you really?† â€Å"Exactly who I say I am, Dors. Mannix IV is my father. He is, as you say, still alive and in possession of his faculties. In the eyes of the Emperor and of all the Empire, he is Mayor of Wye, but he is weary of the strains of power and is willing, at last, to let them slip into my hands, which are just as willing to receive them. I am his only child and I was brought up all my life to rule. My father is therefore Mayor in law and name, but I am Mayor in fact. It is to me, now, that the armed forces of Wye have sworn allegiance and in Wye that is all that counts.† Seldon nodded. â€Å"Let it be as you say. But even so, whether it is Mayor Mannix IV or Mayor Rashelle I-it is the First, I suppose-there is no purpose in your holding me. I have told you that I don't have a workable psychohistory and I do not think that either I or anyone else will ever have one. I have told that to the Emperor. I am of no use either to you or to him.† Rashelle said, â€Å"How naive you are. Do you know the history of the Empire?† Seldon shook his head. â€Å"I have recently come to wish that I knew it much better.† Dors said dryly, â€Å"I know Imperial history quite well, though the pre-Imperial age is my specialty, Madam Mayor. But what does it matter whether we do or do not?† â€Å"If you know your history, you know that the House of Wye is ancient and honorable and is descended from the Dacian dynasty.† Dors said, â€Å"The Dacians ruled five thousand years ago. The number of their descendants in the hundred and fifty generations that have lived and died since then may number half the population of the Galaxy-if all genealogical claims, however outrageous, are accepted.† â€Å"Our genealogical claims, Dr. Venabili†-Rashelle's tone of voice was, for the first time, cold and unfriendly and her eyes flashed like steel-â€Å"are not outrageous. They are fully documented. The House of Wye has maintained itself consistently in positions of power through all those generations and there have been occasions when we have held the Imperial throne and have ruled as Emperors.† â€Å"The history book-films,† said Dors, â€Å"usually refer to the Wye rulers as ‘anti-Emperors,' never recognized by the bulk of the Empire.† â€Å"It depends on who writes the history book-films. In the future, we will, for the throne which has been ours will be ours again.† â€Å"To accomplish that, you must bring about civil war.† â€Å"There won't be much risk of that,† said Rashelle. She was smiling again. â€Å"That is what I must explain to you because I want Dr. Seldon's help in preventing such a catastrophe. My father, Mannix IV, has been a man of peace all his life. He has been loyal to whomever it might be that ruled in the Imperial Palace and he has kept Wye a prosperous and strong pillar of the Trantorian economy for the good of all the Empire.† â€Å"I don't know that the Emperor has ever trusted him any the more for all that,† said Dors. â€Å"I'm sure that is so,† said Rashelle calmly, â€Å"for the Emperors that have occupied the Palace in my father's time have known themselves to be usurpers of a usurping line. Usurpers cannot afford to trust the true rulers. And yet my father has kept the peace. He has, of course, developed and trained a magnificent security force to maintain the peace, prosperity, and stability of the sector and the Imperial authorities have allowed this because they wanted Wye peaceful, prosperous, stable-and loyal.† â€Å"But is it loyal?† said Dors. â€Å"To the true Emperor, of course,† said Rashelle, â€Å"and we have now reached the stage where our strength is such that we can take over the government quickly-in a lightning stroke, in fact-and before one can say ‘civil war' there will be a true Emperor-or Empress, if you prefer-and Trantor will be as peaceful as before.† Dors shook her head. â€Å"May I enlighten you? As a historian?† â€Å"I am always willing to listen.† And she inclined her head ever so slightly toward Dors. â€Å"Whatever size your security force may be, however well-trained and well-equipped, they cannot possibly equal in size and strength the Imperial forces backed by twenty-five million worlds.† â€Å"Ah, but you have put your finger on the usurper's weakness, Dr. Venabili. There are twenty-five million worlds, with the Imperial forces scattered over them. Those forces are thinned out over incalculable space, under uncounted officers, none of them particularly ready for any action outside their own Provinces, many ready for action in their own interest rather than in the Empire's. Our forces, on the other hand, are all here, all on Trantor. We can act and conclude before the distant generals and admirals can get it through their heads that they are needed.† â€Å"But that response will come-and with irresistible force.† â€Å"Are you certain of that?† said Rashelle. â€Å"We will be in the Palace. Trantor will be ours and at peace. Why should the Imperial forces stir when, by minding their own business, each petty military leader can have his own world to rule, his own Province?† â€Å"But is that what you want?† asked Seldon wonderingly. â€Å"Are you telling me that you look forward to ruling over an Empire that will break up into splinters?† Rashelle said, â€Å"That is exactly right. I would rule over Trantor, over its outlying space settlements, over the few nearby planetary systems that are part of the Trantorian Province. I would much rather be Emperor of Trantor than Emperor of the Galaxy.† â€Å"You would be satisfied with Trantor only,† said Dors in tones of the deepest disbelief. â€Å"Why not?† said Rashelle, suddenly ablaze. She leaned forward eagerly, both hands pressed palms-down on the table. â€Å"That is what my father has been planning for forty years. He is only clinging to life now to witness its fulfillment. Why do we need millions of worlds, distant worlds that mean nothing to us, that weaken us, that draw our forces far away from us into meaningless cubic parsecs of space, that drown us in administrative chaos, that ruin us with their endless quarrels and problems when they are all distant nothings as far as we are concerned? Our own populous world-our own planetary city-is Galaxy enough for us. We have all we need to support ourselves. As for the rest of the Galaxy, let it splinter. Every petty militarist can have his own splinter. They needn't fight. There will be enough for all.† â€Å"But they will fight, just the same,† said Dors. â€Å"Each will refuse to be satisfied with his Province. Each will feel that his neighbor is not satisfied with his Province. Each will feel insecure and will dream of Galactic rule as the only guarantee of safety. This is certain, Madam Empress of Nothing. There will be endless wars into which you and Trantor will be inevitably drawn-to the ruin of all.† Rashelle said with clear contempt, â€Å"So it might seem, if one could see no farther than you do, if one relied on the ordinary lessons of history.† â€Å"What is there to see farther?† retorted Dors. â€Å"What is one to rely on beyond the lessons of history?† â€Å"What lies beyond?† said Rashelle. â€Å"Why, he.† And her arm shot outward, her index finger jabbing toward Seldon. â€Å"Me?† said Seldon. â€Å"I have already told you that psychohistory-â€Å" Rashelle said, â€Å"Do not repeat what you have already said, my good Dr. Seldon. We gain nothing by that.-Do you think, Dr. Venabili, that my father was never aware of the danger of endless civil war? Do you think he did not bend his powerful mind to thinking of some way to prevent that? He has been prepared at any time these last ten years to take over the Empire in a day. It needed only the assurance of security beyond victory.† â€Å"Which you can't have,† said Dors. â€Å"Which we had the moment we heard of Dr. Seldon's paper at the Decennial Convention. I saw at once that that was what we needed. My father was too old to see the significance at once. When I explained it, however, he saw it too and it was then that he formally transferred his power to me. So it is to you, Hari, that I owe my position and to you I will owe my greater position in the future.† â€Å"I keep telling you that it cannot-† began Seldon with deep annoyance. â€Å"It is not important what can or cannot be done. What is important is what people will or will not believe can be done. They will believe you, Hari, when you tell them the psychohistoric prediction is that Trantor can rule itself and that the Provinces can become Kingdoms that will live together in peace.† â€Å"I will make no such prediction,† said Seldon, â€Å"in the absence of true psychohistory. I won't play the charlatan. If you want something like that, you say it.† â€Å"Now, Hari. They won't believe me. It's you they will believe. The great mathematician. Why not oblige them?† â€Å"As it happens,† said Seldon â€Å"the Emperor also thought to use me as a source of self-serving prophecies. I refused to do it for him, so do you think I will agree to do it for you?† Rashelle was silent for a while and when she spoke again her voice had lost its intense excitement and became almost coaxing. â€Å"Hari,† she said, â€Å"think a little of the difference between Cleon and myself. What Cleon undoubtedly wanted from you was propaganda to preserve his throne. It would be useless to give him that, for the throne can't be preserved. Don't you know that the Galactic Empire is in a state of decay, that it cannot endure for much longer? Trantor itself is slowly sliding into ruin because of the ever-increasing weight of administering twenty-five million worlds. What's ahead of us is breakup and civil war, no matter what you do for Cleon.† Seldon said, â€Å"I have heard something like this said. It may even be true, but what then?† â€Å"Well then, help it break into fragments without any war. Help me take Trantor. Help me establish a firm government over a realm small enough to be ruled efficiently. Let me give freedom to the rest of the Galaxy, each portion to go its own way according to its own customs and cultures. The Galaxy will become a working whole again through the free agencies of trade, tourism, and communication and the fate of cracking into disaster under the present rule of force that barely holds it together will be averted. My ambition is moderate indeed; one world, not millions; peace, not war; freedom, not slavery. Think about it and help me.† Seldon said, â€Å"Why should the Galaxy believe me any more than they would believe you? They don't know me and which of our fleet commanders will be impressed by the mere word ‘psychohistory'?† â€Å"You won't be believed now, but I don't ask for action now. The House of Wye, having waited thousands of years, can wait thousands of days more. Cooperate with me and I will make your name famous. I will make the promise of psychohistory glow through all the worlds and at the proper time, when I judge the movement to be the chosen moment, you will pronounce your prediction and we will strike. Then, in a twinkling of history, the Galaxy will exist under a New Order that will render it stable and happy for eons. Come now, Hari, can you refuse me?†