Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 4

The next day, I went to the address on Dante's business card. It was in Rainier Valley, which wasn't exactly rundown but wasn't upwardly mobile either. The directions led to a narrow shop jammed in between a barber and a shady-looking convenience store. PSYCHIC hung in red neon letters in the window. The â€Å"I† had burned out. Underneath it, a handwritten sign read: PALM READING & TAROT CARDS. I stepped through the door, making bells ring. The interior proved to be as barren as the exterior. A narrow counter flanked one wall. The rest of the small, stark space was empty, save for a round table covered in red velvet that had cigarette burns on it. A tacky crystal ball sat on top. This place was a wasteland compared to Erik's warm, inviting shop. â€Å"Just a minute,† a voice called from an open doorway in the back. â€Å"I've just got to – â€Å" A man entered the room and stopped when he saw me. He was about six-foot, with black hair pulled back in a ponytail. Two days worth of facial hair covered his face, and he wore jeans and a plain black T-shirt. Early forties, maybe, and pretty cute. He looked me over from head to toe and gave me a sly, knowing smile. â€Å"Well, hello. What do we have here?† He tilted his head, still studying me. â€Å"Not human, that's for sure. Demon? No, not strong enough. Vampire? No†¦not this time of day.† â€Å"I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped, surprised that he'd sensed something in me. He had no immortal signature; he was definitely human. He must be like Erik, I realized. A mortal who could sense the immortal world, though he didn't have enough skill to pinpoint what I was exactly. Deciding there was no point in subterfuge, I said, â€Å"I'm a succubus.† He shook his head. â€Å"No, you aren't.† â€Å"Yes, I am.† â€Å"You aren't.† I was a bit surprised to be having this conversation. â€Å"I am too.† â€Å"No. Succubi are flame-eyed and bat-winged. Everyone knows that. They don't wear jeans and sweaters. At the very least, you should have a bigger chest. What are you, 34B or something?† â€Å"C,† I said indignantly. â€Å"If you say so.† â€Å"Look, I am a succubus. I can prove it.† I let my form change, shifting through several different female variations before returning to my usual one. â€Å"See?† â€Å"Well, I'll be damned.† I had a feeling he was playing with me. â€Å"Are you Dante?† â€Å"For now.† He approached and shook my hand, holding on to it. He flipped it over. â€Å"You here for a palm reading? I'll show you how to shape-shift your hand to get a good future.† I took my hand back. â€Å"No, thanks. I'm here because I have some questions†¦questions that Erik Lancaster thought you might be able to answer.† Dante's smile dropped. He rolled his eyes and walked over to the counter. â€Å"Oh. Him.† â€Å"What's that supposed to mean? Erik's my friend.† Dante leaned his back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. â€Å"Of course he's your friend. He's everyone's friend. Fucking boy scout. If he could have shaken his holier-than-thou attitude and worked with me, we could have made a fortune by now.† I remembered what Erik had said about Dante being a con artist and a Hell-bound person. I didn't pick up any evil vibes off him, but there was a definite abrasiveness to his attitude that made Erik's assessment more plausible. â€Å"Erik has standards,† I declared. Dante laughed. â€Å"Oh, great. A holier-than-thou succubus. This is going to be fun.† â€Å"Look, can you just answer my questions? It won't take long.† â€Å"Sure,† he said. â€Å"I've got time – at least until the next rush of customers.† The bitter tone in his voice as he gestured to the empty room indicated that there hadn't been a rush in a very long time. â€Å"I had a dream the other night,† I explained. â€Å"And when I woke up, all my energy was gone.† â€Å"You're a succubus. Supposedly. That kind of thing happens.† â€Å"I wish everyone would stop saying that! This wasn't normal. And I'd been with a man the night before. I was charged up, so to speak.† â€Å"You do anything afterward that would have depleted the energy?† Everyone kept asking that too. â€Å"No. I just went to bed. But the dream†¦it was really strange. I don't know how to explain it. Really, really vivid. I've never felt anything like it.† â€Å"What was it about?† â€Å"A, um, dishwasher.† Dante sighed. â€Å"Did someone pay you to come here and mess with me?† Through gritted teeth, I related the dream. â€Å"That's it?† he asked when I finished. â€Å"Yup.† â€Å"Lame dream.† â€Å"Do you know what it means?† â€Å"Probably that you need to fix your dishwasher.† â€Å"It isn't broken!† He straightened up. â€Å"Sorry. Can't help you then.† â€Å"Erik said this was your specialty.† â€Å"It is, I suppose. But, sometimes a dream is just a dream. You sure you don't want me to read your palm? It's all bullshit, but I can at least make something up so you feel like the trip wasn't wasted.† â€Å"No, I want to know about my fucking dream. How can it be just a dream if I woke up with no energy?† Dante walked back over to me and flicked a piece of escaped hair out of his face. â€Å"I don't know. You aren't giving me enough to go on. How many times has it happened?† â€Å"Just the one time.† â€Å"Then it may be just a fluke, kiddo.† I turned toward the door. â€Å"Well, thanks for the ‘help.'† Hurrying over to my side, Dante caught my arm. â€Å"Hey, wait. You want to go get a drink now?† â€Å"I – what?† â€Å"I'll risk upsetting the masses and close up shop for the day. There's a great bar around the corner. Draft Budweiser – only a dollar a glass during happy hour. My treat.† I scoffed. I didn't know what was more absurd. That Dante thought I'd go out with him or that he thought I'd drink Budweiser. His attractiveness wasn't enough to make up for his weird personality. â€Å"Sorry. I have a boyfriend.† â€Å"I'm not looking to be your boyfriend. Cheap sex is fine with me.† I met his eyes. They were gray, similar to Carter's but without the silvery hue. I expected a joke here, but despite the perpetual smirk, Dante appeared to be perfectly serious. â€Å"Why on earth do you think I'd have cheap sex with you? Do I look that easy?† â€Å"You say you're a succubus. You're easy by definition. And even without the bat-wings and flame-eyes, you're pretty cute.† â€Å"Aren't you worried about your soul?† Even if he was as corrupt as Erik had insinuated – and I still wasn't really seeing that – Dante would take some kind of hit from sleeping with me. All mortals did. Of course, I'd met plenty of men – good and evil alike – who'd been willing to risk their souls for sex. â€Å"Nope. My soul's pretty far gone. This would just be for fun. Look, if you want to skip the beer, we can just get right to it. I've always wanted to do it on the table over there.† â€Å"Un-fucking-believable.† I pushed open the door. â€Å"Oh, come on,† he pleaded. â€Å"I'm pretty good. And hey, maybe your boyfriend's poor sexual performance is what's stressing you out and taking away your energy.† â€Å"Not likely,† I told him. â€Å"We don't have sex.† There was a moment's silence, then Dante threw back his head and laughed. â€Å"Did it occur to you that maybe that's stressing you out? Clearly the dishwasher is a metaphor for your broken sex life, which then forces you to wash dishes ‘by hand.'† I left, heading back to the bookstore where I could get a little respect. Some dream expert Dante had turned out to be. I could see now why Erik didn't really like him. I was also starting to wonder if maybe everyone was right. Maybe I had mentally burned myself out. Maybe the dream was really just a dream. I was almost at the bookstore when I got a phone call. â€Å"Miss Kincaid?† asked a pleasant female voice. â€Å"This is Karen from the Seattle Children's Alliance, calling to confirm your participation in our auction this week.† â€Å"Your what?† There was a pause. â€Å"Our charity date auction, to raise money for the Alliance.† I was still baffled. â€Å"Um, sounds like a great cause, but I have no idea what you're talking about.† I heard papers being ruffled. â€Å"We have you listed as a volunteer.† â€Å"For what, to be auctioned off for a date?† â€Å"Yes. It looks like†¦here we are. Your name was submitted by Dr. Mitchell.† I sighed. â€Å"Let me call you back.† I hung up and dialed Hugh. â€Å"Hey, Dr. Mitchell. You volunteered me to be auctioned off?† â€Å"It's not that different from what you usually do,† he argued. â€Å"And it's for charity.† â€Å"I buy the peace-on-Earth-and-good-will-toward-men thing from Peter and Cody – but not from you. You don't care about those kids.† â€Å"I care about the group's director,† Hugh said. â€Å"She's a fucking fox. I get some high quality candidates to raise money, and I can probably get her in bed.† â€Å"You're using a children's charity to further your sex life. That's horrible. And why didn't you ask Tawny? If anyone needs a date, she does.† â€Å"Her? Jesus Christ. It'd be a disaster. We're trying to make money here. Do you hate kids or something?† â€Å"No, but I don't have time to do it. I'll write them a check.† I hung up on his protests, just as I turned onto Queen Anne Avenue. I was a little early for my shift and decided to stop home and grab an apple and a granola bar. Last time I'd worked, we'd been so busy that I'd skipped my lunch break. I figured that this time, I should come prepared. My immortality wouldn't let me starve to death, but I could still get lightheaded and weak. Halfway down the hall to my apartment, I felt a shock wave of crystalline goodness. Angelic auras. I opened my door and found the whole gang: Carter, Yasmine, Whitney, Joel, and Vincent. None of them spoke; they were all just watching me expectantly. The angels would have sensed me long before I sensed them. They all sat in my living room, casually occupying my sofa and chairs as though they weren't a host of heavenly warriors. Well, not all of them were casual. Joel sat as stiff and formal as he had the first time I met him. â€Å"Oh, man,† I said, shutting the door behind me. â€Å"It's just like that They Might Be Giants song.† Vincent grinned. â€Å"‘She's an Angel'?† I nodded. â€Å"Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead – â€Å" † – calling you an angel, calling you the nicest things,† he finished. â€Å"What are you doing here?† demanded Joel, interrupting our jam session. â€Å"Or not so nice,† I muttered. I turned from Vincent and glared at Joel. â€Å"I live here, remember?† â€Å"We're having a meeting,† he said. â€Å"Hey, when you asked if Vince could stay here, you never said anything about making this your top secret tree house headquarters. I don't care if you guys hold your choir practice here or whatever, but don't try to throw me out while you do.† â€Å"Sorry,† said Yasmine. I did a double-take. Apologies from angels were about as rare as from demons. From the look on his face, Joel was about as surprised as me. â€Å"We probably should have asked first. We can go somewhere else.† She leaned over my coffee table and started gathering up newspapers. Interesting. Apparently Vincent's fixation with the news was more than just a personal hobby. I glanced back up at Yasmine and tried to act like I hadn't noticed anything. â€Å"No, it's fine. I'm actually heading right back out. I just came by for some food.† She pushed strands of long, black hair out of her face. They'd slipped out of her ponytail. â€Å"You want Vince to make you something?† He turned to her, startled, wearing an astonished, yet still-amused look. â€Å"What am I, your personal assistant?† â€Å"Not with the kind of respect you show us,† she grumbled. I hid a smile. â€Å"Thanks, but I'm fine. I don't have the time.† â€Å"Good,† said Joel. â€Å"Then hurry up.† Whitney sighed and looked a little embarrassed – but not enough to contradict him. Yasmine had no such qualms and elbowed him in the ribs. â€Å"What was that for?† he exclaimed. â€Å"You have no manners,† she scolded. Grinning broadly, I went to the kitchen and found an apple. When I opened the cupboard to look for my granola bars, I found the box empty. â€Å"Hey,† I said, carrying it out to the living room. â€Å"Did somebody eat these? I had two left this morning.† Carter spoke up for the first time. â€Å"I was hungry.† I stared at him, incredulous. â€Å"You ate both of them?† â€Å"I was hungry,† he repeated, not looking contrite in the least. â€Å"Does it ever stop with you?† I exclaimed. â€Å"First the Christmas tree, now this? You didn't even throw the box away!† â€Å"I was hoping you'd forgotten about the Christmas tree. That was an accident, and you know it.† I sighed loudly and put the apple in my purse. â€Å"I'm going to the grocery store later,† said Vincent helpfully. Aubrey jumped up and settled herself between him and Yasmine. Both their hands instantly moved to pet her. Aubrey gave me a smug cat look at the attention. â€Å"I'll pick you up some more if you want.† â€Å"Pick him up some more so that he doesn't go rob the food bank next. See you guys later. No wild parties while I'm gone.† Carter, Yasmine, and Vincent laughed; Whitney and Joel didn't. When I'd shut the door behind me, I paused in the hall, wishing there was some way to spy on angels. There wasn't, unfortunately. I couldn't even hide from them. They could mask their signatures from me, but not vice versa. In fact, they all knew I hadn't left yet. Annoyed, I headed downstairs, curiosity burning in me. Why were they all here? Why did they need a human? And what role did the newspapers play? Figuring out what angels did with their time was always difficult. With my side, it was pretty straightforward. We were always looking to commit souls to Hell and did so in a well-monitored, micro-managed manner. Heaven's forces moved in mysterious ways, though. Carter's purpose in Seattle was a continual puzzle for my friends and me since none of us ever saw any evidence of him doing anything particularly noble, aside from sharing his cigarettes. He did always show a lot of interest in my love life and was quick to dispense cryptic pieces of advice, but I suspected that was more curiosity than altruism. Work was only a few blocks away. Since it wasn't raining, I simply walked down there. As soon as I entered Emerald City, Maddie approached me, an uncomfortable expression on her face. â€Å"Hey,† she said uneasily. â€Å"I, um, need your advice. I'm going to a wedding tomorrow and don't know what to wear. This is so stupid†¦but could you take a look at my options?† Peering around, I decided the store could function without us for ten minutes, particularly since it had taken Maddie a fair amount of courage to broach this subject. I'd never actually seen her dress up before. â€Å"Okay. Let's see what you've got.† We went back to my office, and she tried on three different dresses. No doubt Seth would have been amused to know she was changing clothes while I was in there. When she'd finished, I gave my honest opinion. â€Å"They don't do you justice.† â€Å"Which is a nice way of saying they look awful on me.† Maddie balled one of the dresses up and tossed it to the floor. â€Å"I hate this sort of thing. How can I write about women's issues and not be any good at them?† â€Å"Well†¦you write about different kinds of issues. The problem here is that you're wearing clothes that are too big for you.† Her dark eyes widened in surprise. â€Å"I'm big. They're loose. They hide it.† Maddie wasn't big, not really. She was a size ten or twelve, if I had to guess, and her short height emphasized that a little. But her curves were all proportioned correctly, and she had a very pretty face. Of course, compared to the anorexic models so popular among humans today, I could understand her attitude. â€Å"You are not big. But those dresses make you look it. Something smaller's going to make you look better.† â€Å"I can't wear tight clothes.† â€Å"They don't have to be tight. They just have to fit.† Maddie sighed and ran her hands down the sides of her thighs. â€Å"You don't know what it's like,† she said, the slightest accusatory note in her voice. â€Å"You're beautiful and tiny. Not all of us have the luxury of looking perfect all the time.† â€Å"No one looks perfect all the time,† I argued. â€Å"I certainly don't.† Okay, I kind of did. â€Å"You've just got to find the right things. And really, half of beauty is attitude. You feel sexy, then you are sexy.† Maddie looked dubious. â€Å"I don't think it's that easy. Guys aren't exactly chomping at the bit to ask me out. You know how long it's been since I was on a date?† â€Å"That goes back to attitude,† I said. â€Å"Look, I don't mean to sound harsh, but you don't always give off friendly vibes. I mean, you do to me. And to Doug. Sort of. But really, that's it.† â€Å"I know I'm not the best with people,† she admitted, crossing her arms over her chest. â€Å"But I just can't do meaningless small talk.† â€Å"Yeah, but you still have to do some talking. It's a fact of life.† â€Å"Well, if guys came and actually talked to me, maybe I could try. But they aren't really lining up.† She gestured at her body. â€Å"Because of this. And now we've come full circle.† â€Å"What if I could guarantee you a date?† I asked, suddenly inspired. Her lips quirked into a smile. It instantly transformed her face. â€Å"Are you asking me out?† â€Å"No, but someone else will, I'm certain of it. You just have to let me pick out your outfit.† â€Å"I'm not wearing anything slutty.† â€Å"It won't be,† I promised. I stood up from my chair. â€Å"Look, I've gotta run. Wear the yellow dress to the wedding. With a belt. I'll give you details later about the date plan.† She left, looking skeptical, and I threw myself into work. The rest of the day flew by. I never saw Seth in the caf? ¦ and presumed he was working at home today. We had a date later on, so I knew I'd see him then. Since becoming manager, I spent a lot of time holed up in my office, which was hard on the social part of me. But, every once in a while, I got to escape to cover someone's break or arrange a display. While near the self-help section, a guy carrying some books stumbled near me and dropped the stack. Hoping he hadn't tripped on a bump in the carpet and was planning a lawsuit, I hastily knelt down to help him. â€Å"No, no,† he said, cheeks burning. He was the age I looked, late twenties. Early thirties at most. â€Å"You don't have to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I was already stacking them, though, and quickly understood his discomfort. They were books on all sorts of fetishes – in particular, exhibitionism and voyeurism. â€Å"Oh God,† he said, as I handed him the books. â€Å"I'm so embarrassed. I feel like such a pervert.† â€Å"It's okay,† I told him. â€Å"It's your business, and we've all got our†¦ah, preferences.† He looked mildly reassured but still clearly wanted to bolt. There was a wedding ring on his hand, and I expected I was dealing with a fetish he probably didn't share with his wife. Honestly, I was surprised he'd resorted to actual books when he could find a hundred times more sources on the Internet. Most likely he and his wife shared a home computer, and he feared discovery. It was Georgina the succubus, not Georgina the bookstore manager, who asked the next question. Georgina the bookstore manager would have gotten fired for it if caught. â€Å"You like the watching or the doing?† I kept my voice low. He swallowed, studied me for mockery, and must have decided I was serious. â€Å"The, um, doing.† For half a breath, I considered going for it with him. I needed the energy, badly. He'd be an easy mark, consumed with a secret obsession he couldn't fulfill anywhere else. But, it'd mean doing it in this body, and I didn't like that. This was my preferred, everyday shape. I didn't want to sully it with business. So, I smiled and sent him on his way, silently wishing him well in fulfilling his sexual desires. I called Seth later while I was walking home from work to confirm our date. We were going to meet over at the Pacific Northwest Ballet to see The Nutcracker. While he appreciated the performing arts, getting him to go out while his book's ending loomed had been a Herculean task, and I still couldn't believe he'd agreed. He'd only conceded after I'd promised he could show up at the last possible minute. Only, we apparently had different definitions of â€Å"last possible minute† because when the lights went down, he still hadn't surfaced. The ballet started, and I craned my neck each time I heard one of the doors open. The chair beside me stayed empty, unfortunately. It was a sign of my agitation that I missed a lot of the performance and couldn't appreciate Clara's dream – a dream as vivid for her as mine had been for me. I loved the ballet. I'd danced in a few shows over my lifetime and never got tired of watching graceful muscles and elaborate costumes. At intermission, I turned on my cell phone and saw that Seth had tried to call. I dialed him back without even listening to the voice message. When he answered, I said, â€Å"Please tell me a crazy fan kidnapped you and broke your legs with a sledgehammer.† â€Å"Um, no. Didn't you get my message?† â€Å"Well, no, seeing as my phone said it came in a half-hour ago. I didn't have it on because I was busy watching this thing. You know, The Nutcracker?† He sighed. â€Å"I'm sorry. I couldn't leave. I was too wrapped up. I thought if I, uh, gave you enough notice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Notice? This was more like a belated birthday card. Six months after the fact.† Silence fell, and I felt some satisfaction in knowing he was quietly acknowledging his wrongdoing. â€Å"I'm sorry, Thetis. It was†¦I shouldn't have done it, busy or not. I'm really sorry. You know how I get.† Now I sighed. He was so damned sincere and adorable that I had a hard time holding a grudge. This wasn't, however, the first time he'd stood me up or otherwise neglected our social life. Sometimes I wondered if I allowed him too much indulgence. I spent so much time worrying about my transgressions taking advantage of him; maybe I was the one being walked over without even realizing it. â€Å"You want to meet up after the show?† I asked, trying not to sound mad. â€Å"Cody invited me out to the bar with them. We could hang out there for a while.† â€Å"Um†¦well, no.† â€Å"No?† The annoyance I'd tried to quell shot its head back up again. â€Å"I just forgave you for standing me up and wasting the money I paid on your ticket, and now you're turning down my conciliatory offer?† â€Å"Look†¦I really am sorry, but watching you and your friends get drunk isn't exactly appealing.† I sat for a moment, too stunned to respond. He'd spoken in his typically mild way, but I'd heard the slightest bit of derision underscoring his words. Seth didn't drink. He always tolerated my excesses good-naturedly, but I suddenly wondered if they irritated him after all. His meaning came through as haughtiness to me. â€Å"Sorry we're not up to your standards. God knows we can't expect you to do anything outside of your comfort zone.† â€Å"Please, stop. I don't want to fight with you,† he said with exasperation. â€Å"I'm really, really, really sorry about all this. I didn't mean to stand you up. You know that.† The lights flashed, signaling the end of intermission. â€Å"I've got to go.† â€Å"Will you†¦will you please come over tonight? Go out with your friends, let me finish, and then I'll make things up to you. I promise. I†¦I have an early Christmas present for you.† The hesitancy in his voice softened my heart. A little. â€Å"Yeah. Okay. It might be really late when I get there.† â€Å"I'll wait up.† We said our good-byes and disconnected. I watched the rest of the show in a grumpy mood and decided drinking and bitching with the gang couldn't come a moment too soon.

Hyundai Mission Statement and Goals Essay

I have chosen the Hyundai Company to work with during this course. When I was reviewing their mission statement I saw that they really commit themselves to a lot of accomplishments. Their mission statement is as follows: At Hyundai, we commit ourselves to the accomplishment of the following goals: * To give equal consideration and opportunity to all individuals seeking a partnership with us in securing a Hyundai dealership. We will continue to strive to become the premier franchise with the broadest minority representation possible. To provide equal opportunity to all suppliers and vendors seeking to do business with our company. Our selection of business partners will always be predicated upon our duty to provide our customers with safe, quality and affordable automobiles. * To continue to be committed to the philanthropic sharing of our profits to promote community development and improvement (focusing on the education and health of young people), protect our environment, and implement programs to improve understanding and respect within our society. To expand our brand image by committing funds and effort to communicate a clear and accurate portrayal of our products, services and company values to all of our customers, regardless of their demographic status. * To hire and retain an executive management and employee staff based on equal participation and opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic. To solicit the advice and wise counsel of nationally recognized persons of achievement and character to assist us in fulfilling our goals. Hyundai mission statement acts as more than just a lot of words on a piece of paper. The mission statement is a vital tool that helps to keep everyone at Hyundai on the same page working towards the same goal. This mission statement also identifies Hyundai and how they are going to be able to meet the goals of their clientele. Hyundai mission statement was designed and inspired to assist with the internal efficiencies like commitment from the staff and loyalty by customers and vendors. The mission statement can be used to help redirect the company when and if needed once you ask yourself a few questions. 1. Where are we today? 2. Where do we wish to arrive, and when? 3. How do we get from here to there? Once these questions are answered they should go back to the mission statement and review what their goals were from the beginning and begin to set new goals to help get the company back on track. This will help them to begin to create some strategic planning. This will also help them find the internal strengths and weaknesses as well as the external opportunities and threats. If the mission statement does not assist with the goals and strategy planning they may need to revamp the mission statement to include the internal and external dimensions. Times change and with that being said sometimes what use to work may not work at this time so making changes may need to take place.

Importance of International Business And Globalisation Essay

Importance of International Business And Globalisation - Essay Example International business enhances efficiency of national organizations to enable them to bear the stiff competition in the global markets. National organizations use contemporary management technologies to enhance efficiency and attain economic growth, such organizations employ qualified and experienced experts and workers. With international business, people are highly motivated by increased benefits, salaries, international promotions and transfers and this leads to organizational efficiency and increased economic growth. International business increases economic growth through economic expansion and diversity to earn more profits. Customers’ creation through international markets leads to increased profits. International business creates global markets for their customers through new products introductions, introduction of new distribution methods like e-commerce, e-communication, and shopping. B Globalization influence on countries Globalization has in the past, influenced d ifferent stakeholder groups, and will affect other stakeholders in future. It has caused various changes in the globe. As clearly defines, it is the extensive economic, social and cultural transformations or interdependence that has let to various changes such as a crucial economic prosperity increase, democracy spread, free capital and ideas flow and heightened entrepreneurship and competition. Globalization has opened world economy for both developed and developing nations to participate and benefit as it allows nations to trade products and services with each other. Globalization has accelerated the rate of trade among nations, for instance, by trading with one... This paper approves that since no two cultures have similar characteristics, therefore comprehending business culture and social culture of the people in another country is crucial for business success. This is because culture dictates the content and activities of a society, ranging from its business operation, marketing strategies, its reactions to marketing and advertising, to sales negotiations. Expanding business internationally may face cultural risk and shock, therefore, investigating the culture of the nation one intends to expand to be crucial for successful marketing. Comprehending these issues ensures that one is better prepared to face and overcome the risks before entering the market. This report makes a conclusion that the firm will be unfamiliar with foreign politics and law as no two nations have similar systems of law and politics. All governments have their own laws and regulations in relation to foreign companies and goods so operating in a foreign land may be difficult. Foreign laws and regulations may adversely affect the potential of permanent achievement of the firms. Finally, just like technological advancement, infrastructure if business in foreign markets may be at diverse development level and this may affect the ability of the firm to market its products. The author of the paper talks that the firm will experience some market intelligence challenges, for instance, limitations in understanding how markets operate and how to determine the best market strategy for entry. It will be hard to find reliable data and information for foreign markets.

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 143

Case Study Example Consequently, this may result to psychological harm to the client depending on how the situation will ensue. In that case, whether the client consents to any kind of physical contact with the social worker, it is best to think through the idea. Although, it is the duty of a social worker to be hospitable, there are limits that should be adhered to. Therefore, Dr. Kim’s situation can be summarized as a painstaking moment. This is because he was keen to safeguard his professionalism but at the same time please his client. Thus, it is fair to conclude that Dr. Kim had the client’s best interest at heart, then again, he did not want to jeopardize his professionalism, and thus, he was quick to seek guidance from another therapist who had more experience in the field. If Dr. Kim had gone along with the act in secrecy, then at that moment he would be more liable to accusations of breach of ethical standards. Nevertheless, he chose to make things right before they get out of hand. NASW (2008). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. Retrieved from

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Management - Essay Example In the contemporary business language, that term has been replaced by HRM, while its description has remained the same. Management of people involves such tasks as hiring and adjusting them, assigning them their respective tasks, and addressing their needs. All of these functions are performed by HR department. So, HR function has a cardinal role to play in the management of people within an organization. What is the role of the first line supervisor or manager in managing people within an organization? First line managers in an organization have a direct interaction with the workers that practically work in the field. First line managers are assigned the responsibility to look after the needs of workers and manage them in the way that would keep the work flowing smoothly. They are directed to do so by the middle managers who are in turn, instructed by the top managers. First line managers make sure that there is sufficient material and equipment available on site, workers are adequa tely allotted their respective tasks, their productivity is up to the mark, they are dropped into and carried from the site without any inconvenience and are provided with food, leave passes and compensation. All of these and such other works are included under the umbrella term of â€Å"management†. As a first line manager looks after all these factors for the workers, he essentially plays a very important role in managing the people within an organization. ... This is what is taken care of by the first line managers. They look after the lowest side of the overall picture so that the progress remains consistent with the strategies of the top managers. Who is responsible for ensuring all HR policies and practices are implemented within the organization? In any organization, the responsibility of ensuring adequate implementation of all HR policies and practices fundamentally rests with the Director of the HR department. The director is supposed to advise the managers regarding various matters of huge significance to the organization. As HR department formulates the strategies, policies and practices to facilitate the work, the HR Director is answerable to the organization owners and/or top managers for their effective implementation and follow up. The director is at the top of the HR department, and is responsible for all actions and activities of the HR department. It is quite reasonable to expect the HR Director to take necessary measures f or adequate implementation of the policies and practices devised by the HR department. Who is responsible for the performance of employees within an organization? In any organization, it is the Human Resource Manager (HRM), who is expected to look after the performance of employees and manage it. Employees perform best when they are satisfied. Employees derive their motivation for work from their satisfaction with various aspects of job. An employee can not be expected to perform adequately unless his/her individualistic concerns are addressed. There are several factors that need to be taken care of in order to keep the employees motivated. These factors include their salary, accommodation, work

Characters analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Characters analysis - Essay Example r to each individual character: Antigone is clearly an agent of the gods and aligned with them for following their portents, while Creon is a person who wantonly rejects both of these important principles. The truth of the matter, is, however, a bit more subtle. A careful examination of the Thebian plays shows that Antigone and Creon are in fact equally concerned with the will of the gods on a theoretical front; Antigone, however, has no more concerns than this theory, while Creon must manage pragmatic issues with running a city. The first-glance analysis of these two characters and their priorities seems to indicate that Antigone and Creon are the antithesis of each other in the realm of honor and duty. Despite the fact that god’s will certainly seems to be that Eteocles should be buried despite his role on the losing side of the Theban civil war (Sophocles 34), Creon stays adamant in his displeasure with the dead man, and insists that he not be buried with any rights. Antigone bravely goes ahead with attempts at burial, showing that she respects the honor of the dead more than Creon does. Antigone is good – Creon is not. This, however, represents a somewhat simplistic analysis of the text. Antigone certainly is willing to do the ‘right thing’ her interests align with those of the gods, and she is willing to follow them through. She also uses the word â€Å"honor† frequently, along with many calls to the importance of family, all things that Creon should value (Sophocles 23). Antigone is clearly in the right in many ways, and is a brave woman for being able to stand up for what is right. Creon, however, does not disagree with Antigone on the theoretical principles, such as respecting family and honoring the gods. He clearly puts a great deal of effort into educating his son, and cares deeply for his son’s wellbeing. He even spends a great deal of time exhorting his son to behave as the gods would have him, and to generally be a godly

Mathematics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Mathematics - Essay Example An example of where it is important to understand integers in the financial world is with banking (Glydon). If someone spends more than they have available in their bank account then their balance will be negative. Also, it is important to understand integers in geography because of the different points either above or below sea level (Glydon). 3. The reason why many students find fractions difficult is because fractions are usually never taught to be looked at visually (Miller). Many teachers like to explain all the different rules of fractions, which can be very confusing. A simple way to learn fractions is to remember that the numerator always goes over the denominator. The denominator indicates how many pieces make up the whole, while the numerator refers to how many of all those pieces we are talking about (Akers). 4. Someone who worked at a pizza company would need to be able to add mixed numbers because a pizza can be cut up into different fractions (â€Å"Mixed Fractions†). Someone who worked in the Human Resources department would also need to use mixed fractions because they would need to calculate employees’ wages based on an hourly rate and they number of hours worked. Finally, taxi drivers would need to use mixed numbers because they would need to work out how many kilometers a trip is so they could charge their passenger the correct

The American food stamp program should continue and the World Food Term Paper

The American food stamp program should continue and the World Food Program should continue supporting and funding it - Term Paper Example erly people or the disabled.   In contrast with other means-tested initiatives that are specific to certain groups of low-income families/individuals, almost all low-income households can benefit from the program. This paper will attempt to explore and divulge the benefits of the program and why it deserves to be funded long-term; all this while the aim will be to defend and support the enthymeme that has been stated above. 1.0 Introduction According to Ohls & Beebout (2009), the food stamp program is an initiative of the American government that was initiated in 1989. Since then it has become a central component of America’s public assistance system that serves over 30 million participants of low income families and has outlays of over $25 billion. It is primarily meant to offer some form of assistance to low income families and low income households on the sole basis that they require financial aid to have meals and eat irrespective of age, race, creed, sex and disability (Ohls & Beebout, 2009). It is also viewed as the cornerstone of almost all nutrition aid programs initiated by the federal government, as well as being the core line of defense against poor nutrition, hunger and if necessary, starvation. The program helps s lower-income families acquire a variety of food products at retail (Slomba, 2008). It is also referred to (officially) as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and there are two key aspects that are examined in order to determine one’s eligibility. These are assets and income (Ronald, 2007). The other criterion applied is the gross income redline, which is set at a certain percentage of the poverty level (usually 130%). In 2009, federal taxpayers contributed $56 billion towards the program, more than three times the $18... According to the research findings the food stamp program is an initiative of the American government that was initiated in 1989. Since then it has become a central component of America’s public assistance system that serves over 30 million participants of low income families and has outlays of over $25 billion. It is primarily meant to offer some form of assistance to low income families and low income households on the sole basis that they require financial aid to have meals and eat irrespective of age, race, creed, sex and disability. It is also viewed as the cornerstone of almost all nutrition aid programs initiated by the federal government, as well as being the core line of defense against poor nutrition, hunger and if necessary, starvation. The program helps s lower-income families acquire a variety of food products at retail. It is also referred to (officially) as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and there are two key aspects that are examined in o rder to determine one’s eligibility. These are assets and income. The other criterion applied is the gross income redline, which is set at a certain percentage of the poverty level (usually 130%). In 2009, federal taxpayers contributed $56 billion towards the program, more than three times the $18 billion it cost them in 2000. Also in 2009, a household of four was guaranteed a maximum monthly stipend of $668. Currently, the number of beneficiaries is almost 30 million, marking a huge rise since the 17 million recorded in the year 2000.

Confederation and Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Confederation and Constitution - Essay Example The benefits of the Articles of Confederation including the signing of an alliance between the United States and France in 1778. The American Revolution succeed due to the unity that existed between the States. The government successfully negotiated to end the American Revolution. The Articles of Confederation facilitated the formation of an organized government that allowed inhabitants to roam freely in all the states. It played a crucial role given that it was formulated at a time when the States had no agreement. Most people were skeptical about the formation of a central government because the unfair treatment by the British was still fresh in their memories. The Articles of Confederation had a unicameral system of government in which Congress was the only branch of government. On the contrary, the U.S. Constitution has three branches of government, which include the legislative, executive, and the judiciary. Every branch of government is independent. The Executive is mandated to carry out the law; the legislative makes the law, and the judiciary interprets the law. Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had powers to declare war, negotiate peace, handle foreign affairs, borrow money, manage the monetary system, settle disputes between states, create a navy and build an army by asking for troops from the different states. The U.S. Constitution gave the National Government more powers. In the U.S. Constitution, the central government has is mandated to collect taxes, handle foreign affairs, raise and maintain an army.

Training and development Essay Example for Free

Training and development Essay Orientation Period All fresh and promotes employees take part in an orientation period. The reason of the orientation period is to greet employees to The Cornell Cooperative Extension Association and to publicize them with the Association and their fresh jobs and responsibilities. The beginning of the orientation period may comprise of a tour of the â€Å"facility, introduction to coworkers, distribution and review of the employee manual, and enrollment in benefits, if applicable. † Along with that, the employees manager will analyze the performance prospect of the job and program on-the-job training and development. During the complete orientation period, the Association will assess and supply on-going feedback comparative to the latest staff members presentation. The Association will then decide whether or not the new staff member will be kept hold of. The new staff member will have the chance to choose whether or not she/he wishes to continue with the service associated with the Association. The orientation period is not an agreement of service for any set phase of time. Exempt staff members provide a least orientation period of twelve months. Non-exempt staff members serve an orientation period of up to six months. All through the orientation period, the employees supervisor â€Å"monitors, provides feedback and coaching, and evaluates the employees job performance, work habits, attendance, cooperation, and potential for development in the position. † Staff members get a written notice if they are not to be kept held by the Association through the orientation or if the orientation period is to be lengthened. http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/310%20(A). htm. Performance Development Professional expansion prospects supply for the constant enlargement and knowledge of employees and, in turn, improve their involvements to the association. Successful proficient development strategies occupy the employee, his/her supervisor, the Association, and Extension Administration. Any staff member has the accountability to look for explanation of roles and responsibilities at any occasion when there is hesitation or perplexity surrounding performance prospects during the supervisor or Association. Promotions and Transfers. Cornell Cooperative Extension supports the career development and expansion of its employees by allowing employees for promotions and transfers to other places. It is the objective of the Association to utilize worthwhile workers whose documentations and knowledge go with the requirements of the situation. The Association normally employs both internal and external candidates for job opportunities. Program and administrative requirements of the Association may involve a worker being allocated latest â€Å"responsibilities, roles and accountabilities at any time. † http://counties. cce. cornell.edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/312%20(A). htm. Separating from Employment To guarantee an even change an employee who proposes to leave from service with Cornell Cooperative Extension is appealed to present a written notice to the employees supervisor at least two workweeks prior to the date of resignation is to be efficient. Supervisory staff is demanded to provide a minimum of four workweeks written notice. Retirement is a partition of service when the member of staff chooses to accept withdrawal advantages under his or her retirement benefit plan. A written exit interview form is supplied to the worker. In the exit interview form, the worker is encouraged to offer â€Å"suggestions, concerns, and constructive recommendations about the Association and its policies. † An employees final paycheck for all hours worked is given on the next habitually planned payday after the employees last day of work. http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/315%20(A). htm Substance Free Workplace It is Associations ambition to supply a â€Å"drug- and alcohol-free and smoke free, healthy, and safe workplace. † Employees are needed to account to work in a suitable mental and physical situation to carry out their jobs in a reasonable approach. An employee is banned from carrying, â€Å"using, selling, purchasing, storing, distributing, manufacturing, or having alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or narcotics present in the employees system when reporting to work, during working hours, or at any time while conducting official business-related activities. † An employee should account any troubles in the place of work that happen as a consequence of alcohol or drugs to the employees supervisor straight away. http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/905%20(A). htm. Compensation Worker’s Compensation Workers Compensation Insurance is a New York State-required agenda planned to defend the monetary steadiness and to cover medical bills of employees who experience an unintentional damage or sickness happening out of and in the route of service, as determined by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Any misplaced time must be recognized by a physicians certificate. Compensation payments are carried out by the State Insurance Fund as a repayment to the Association in agreement with the following salary persistence policy: â€Å"If the injury/illness lasts 7 calendar days or less: The employee will be paid at full salary and sick leave will not be charged against the employee. The Association is not reimbursed by the State Insurance Fund for the missed days. If the injury/illness lasts more than 7 calendar days, but not more than 14: Beginning with the eighth day, the association compensates the employee at 2/3 pay for missed days. The State Insurance Fund will only reimburse the association for up to 2/3 of the employees average weekly salary for those days missed beyond the first seven. The employee may elect to use accrued sick leave to supplement the 2/3 pay from the association. If the injury/illness lasts more than 14 calendar days: The Association will continue to pay the employee at 2/3 pay. The Association will be reimbursed by the State Insurance Fund for up to 2/3 of the employees average weekly salary (including the first 7 days). Again, the employee may elect to use 1/3 accrued sick leave to supplement the 2/3 pay from the Association. † http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/605%20(A).htm Position Classification and Pay Rates. The Association employs the Cornell Cooperative Extension System Classification Model. Each situation surrounded by the Association is allocated a classification payroll title thoughtful of the position’s position and responsibilities. Rates of pay are recognized by the Association in agreement with the Association Compensation Program. The Association’s goal is to pay each employee moderately supported upon presentation and monetary potential and dependable with job responsibilities. The payroll period begins on Thursday and ends 14 calendar days later on Wednesday for non-exempt. For Exempt, the first payroll period begins on the first day of the month and continues through the 15th of that month. The second payroll period begins on the 16th day of the month and continues through the last day of the month. Appraisal Benefits Administration The Association offer its employees a complete benefits parcel. Eligibility for benefits is reliant upon numerous factors, including employment classification and length of service. Benefits are administered according to appropriate administration guideline, â€Å"insurance carrier master policy, plan document, or Association policy. † In addition, the Association has the right to decide suitability for benefits and to understand the terms of each plan or Association policy. The Association reserves the right to put in, adjust, or finish benefits for all present, previous, and retired employees at any time. http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/801%20(A). htm References CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 101 http://counties. cce. cornell.edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/101%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 301 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/301(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 302 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/302%20(A). htm. Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 303 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/303%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 304 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/304%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006. CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 308 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/308%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETompkins. org | Your Page http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/employment/staffDev. htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 310 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/310%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 312 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/312%20(A). htm. Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 315 http://counties. cce.cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/315%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 605 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/605%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 801 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/801%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CCETC HR Policy Manual Code 905 http://counties. cce. cornell. edu/tompkins/HRpolicy/905%20(A). htm Accessed October 4, 2006 CLA: About CLA CLA Position Statements: Human Resource Management Practices ttp://www. cla. ca/about/human.htm Accessed October 4, 2006 Compensation Internet Guide http://www. hr-guide. com/compensation. htm Accessed October 4, 2006 Cornell Cooperative Extension http://www. cce. cornell. edu/about_extension/ Accessed October 4, 2006 Human Resources Management ttp://www. managementhelp. org/hr_mgmnt/hr_mgmnt. htm Accessed October 4, 2006 Human resources Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ttp://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Personnel Accessed October 4, 2006 Office of Human Capital Management Homepage http://www. usda. gov/da/employ. html Accessed October 4, 2006.

Oxford Strengthening Technique Analysis

Oxford Strengthening Technique Analysis Strengthening exercise was used comprehensively in sport training and rehabilitation setting which recognize as an important exercise mode for sport performance as well as health purposes. The term strengthening exercise and resistive training was used interchangeably which targets to improve the maximum amount of force that can be generated by a particular muscle group. It can be define as any form of active exercise in which dynamic or static muscle contraction is resisted by an outside force applied manually or mechanically (Smith, Weiss, Lehmkuhl, 1996). The strength training exercise can be classified into three categories which are isometric or static, dynamic or isotonic and isokinetic (Power Howley, 2009). Following a strength training program, physiological changes will occurs which increased the muscle mass (Ikai Fukunaga, 1968), muscle size or hypertrophy (Always, 1990) and hyperplasia (Mikesky, Giddings, Matthews, Gonyea, 1991). Other than that, in is also believed strength training may result in fast-fiber type conversion in humans (Staron et al., 1990). Staron et al., 1990, demonstrated that, twenty weeks of high intensity strength training result in conversion of type IIx fibers to type IIa in collage age females. Besides, strength training will induce central nervous system changes, which can increase the number of motor units recruited, alter motor neuron firing rates, enhance motor unit synchronization during particular movement pattern and result in the removal of neural inhibition. This will result an improvement in the amount of muscular force generated and appears after few weeks of training session (Rube Secher, 2008). Even though strength training reported to be beneficial, however it may increase cellular damage. Mechanical loads impose stress, strain and sometimes damage on working muscles and connective tissues (Razmjou, Rajabi, Jannati, Azizi, Jahandideh, 2010). Despite the established effectiveness of resistance training, uncertainty still exist as to the most efficient way to train. Designing a resistance training program is complex processes which are incorporating several acute program variables and key training principles. The effectiveness of a resistance training program to achieve a specific training outcome are depending on several acute program variables, all of which affect the degree of the resistance training stimuli (Bird, Tarpenning, Marino, 2005). Throughout the century, various types of exercises regime are arise. Most fame of strengthening exercises is the DeLorme Regime, Oxford Regime, McQueen Regime, Daily Adjustable Progressive Resistance Exercise Technique (DAPRE) and Circuit Training. Several programs have been developed to assist with the design of resistance training program and many of these programs have been advocated for use in the rehabilitation setting (Baechle Earle, 2008). Several key training principles govern safe and effective resistance training program design, including overload, specificity, adaptation, progression, individualization and maintenance (Power Howley, 2009). From the pioneering work of DeLorme and Watkins, the concept of progressive overload exercise (PRE) has become the foundation of resistance training program design. Their works describe the classic program variables of load, frequency, duration and intensity, which to achieve such overload. It shows that, with training strength return more quickly to atrophied muscles if relatively few repetitions are performed at high levels of resistance. This is the basis for the most weight training program (DeLorme Watkins, 1948). The DeLorme exercise technique was based on the progression from light to heavy weight and also known as pyramid resistance training (Razmjou, et al., 2010). DeLorme hypothesized that, the muscle need to be warm up by the 10 repetition maximum (RM) reach before progress to the heavy resistance. In the other hand, he suggested the training overloaded a muscle by increasing the magnitude of the weight against which the muscle developed tension. Therefore, they established training by starting it from 50% of 10 RM for the first set, 75% of 10 RM for second set and 100% of 10 RM for third set (da Silva et al., 2009; Fish, Krabak, Johnson-Greene, 2003; Razmjou, et al., 2010) Another method to strengthen muscle is the Oxford technique or the reverse pyramid technique. The Oxford technique is emphasizing training from the high load to the lighter load based on the 10 RM. It starts from the 100 % of 10 RM, 75 % of 10 RM and 50 % of 10 RM for the first, second and third set respectively. This exercise technique was thought the decrement of resistance would mimic the progressive increased in muscle fatigue. Each set of repetition would continue to exercise the muscle to its maximum capacity, thus preserving the overload principles (da Silva, et al., 2009; Fish, et al., 2003; Razmjou, et al., 2010). Many authors have tried to establish normative data for muscular evaluation in various populations that might serve to orientate a rehabilitation program and aid in the detection of the causes of musculoskeletal system injuries, thereby facilitating preventive action. Therefore, isokinetic dynamometry is widely used for muscular function studies because it facilitates a dynamic, objective, accurate and reproducible evaluation. This measurement is feasible for the resistance applied to the movement and can be adapted to permit a constant angular velocity during the whole range of motion, thus, it optimizes the load, which is always the maximum. This evaluation allows characterizing the muscular alterations resulting from the practice of sports, leading to the improvement of performance, training specificity and injury prevention (Siqueira, Pelegrini, Fontana, Greve, 2002). In order to evaluate the muscular performance, an isokinetic dynamometer was used and the tests involved maximum voluntary contractions of the selected muscles (Fonseca et al., 2007). The isokinetic evaluation becomes increasingly necessary in the high performance sports scenario, since it allows identifying and quantifying muscular performance and balance of athletes. Such evaluation makes it possible to plan specific and functional training of the lower limbs, besides elucidating specific deficiencies of the muscular function so that they can be eliminated or minimized, allowing the designing of prevention programs to decrease incidence of muscle lesions. According to Deschenes Kraemer, 2002 state that depending on program design, it capable in enhancing each of the functional constituents of the neuromuscular system, which are strength, power and local muscular endurance (Deschenes Kraemer, 2002). Despite the proven effectiveness of resistance training, it is still unclear which exercise regimen is more suitable and there are many efficient way to train to develop muscle strength (Razmjou, et al., 2010). However, there are less research had been done to measure the effectiveness of DeLorme and Oxford techniques in rehabilitation or muscle strength training. 1.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY In this study, several objectives were identified. The main objective in this study is to measure the effectiveness of DeLorme and Oxford strengthening exercise techniques on hamstring muscle by using isokinetic system evaluation. This are includes the evaluation of the peak torque, average peak torque, average power, total work, acceleration time and deceleration time within 6 weeks of exercise training interventions. This finding will help the clinician or exercise physician to have evidence based guidelines to rule out their exercise prescription. Other than that, this study also investigates the immediate effect of Delorme and oxford strengthening exercise technique within 3 weeks. Therefore, this finding may help us to determine which exercise techniques have greater immediate effects and adaption on resistive or strengthening exercise. 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION Several research questions were developed upon this study. First research question for this study was upon the effectiveness of DeLorme and Oxford strengthening exercise regime technique within 6 weeks of training. Other research question that may develop upon this study is upon the immediate effects of DeLorme and Oxford strengthening exercise regime within 3 weeks of training. 1.3 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS Ho There is no mean difference of peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of average peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of average peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of average power of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of average power of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of total work of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of total work of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of acceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of acceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of deceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of deceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 6 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of average peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of average peak torque of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of average power of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of average power of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of total work of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of total work of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of acceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of acceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ho There is no mean difference of deceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. Ha There is at least one pair of mean difference of deceleration time of hamstring muscle among DeLorme, Oxford and control group within 3 weeks. 1.5 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY 1.5.1 Disease and health Health condition of the subjects should be concern especially the illness that cause by environmental condition such as fever, cough, influenza or hypothermia. As this research requires the subjects to be immersed in the cold water, some illness might be infected to the subjects. Therefore, any subject whose suffering or had high tendency to be infected to those illnesses was advisable not to join the research because it might cause their health become worse. 1.5.2 Quitting or withdrawal Besides that, other delimitation that might occur is the withdrawal or quitting from the study. As the temperature of the water is cold, it might cause some of the subjects could not withstand to be immersed according to the time stated. Therefore, they might quit from the study and would cause the number of the subjects is decreasing. 1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS In this study, specific terms were use as it would give a clearer explanation upon this research. Some of the terms used in this study were stated below: 1.6.1 Isokinetic system Commercial computer-assistive devices used to assess dynamic muscular force and strength measurement which provides variable resistance. 1.6.2 DeLorme strengthening exercise regime The Delorme system incorporates progression from light to heavy resistance, adding resistance with each set. There are many variations in the progression. However, the Delorme was 50% of 10 RM for the first set, 75% of 10 RM for second set and 100% of 10 RM for third set. 1.6.3 Oxford strengthening exercise regime The Oxford system is the opposite of Delorme with progression from heavy to light, and it reverses the resistance levels. 1.6.4 Peak torque Highest muscular force output at any moment during a repetition. It indicates of a muscles strength capabilities. 1.6.6 Maximum repetition of total work Total muscular force output for the repetitions with greatest amount of work. Work is indicative of muscles capabilities to produce force throughout the range of motion. 1.6.7 Average power Total work divided by time. Power represents how quickly muscle can produce force. 1.6.8 Acceleration time Total time used to reach Isokinetic Speed. It indicates a muscles neuromuscular capabilities to move a limb from at the beginning of the range of motion. 1.6.9 Hamstring muscle Hamstring muscle is refers to a group of posterior thigh muscle which consist of semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris. They are acts as extensors of the thigh and flexors of the leg. 1.6.10 Isometric exercise The tension develops in the muscle but no mechanical work is performed. 1.6.11 Isotonic exercise Exercise in which opposing muscles contract and there is controlled movement (tension is constant while the lengths of the muscles change)angu. It used to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobilization 1.6.13 10 repetition maximum (RM) The maximum amount of weight that could be lifted 10 times through a full range of motion.

Current Research on a New Spacecraft Autonomy Architecture named Remote

Remote Agent Part 1: Introduction to Spacecraft Autonomy Abstract This first paper of a two-part series introduces current research on a new spacecraft autonomy architecture, named Remote Agent, which applies artificial intelligence techniques to spacecraft control functions. The necessity for autonomy technology is nowhere greater than in deep space missions. Remote Agent is a model-based autonomous system being developed in a collaborative effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Ames Research Center. This spacecraft control scheme is composed of three parts that work together: 1) the Planner-Scheduler, 2) Mode Identification and Recovery, and 3) the Smart Executive. Models of the spacecraft's components and environment are given to Remote Agent and it figures out the necessary detailed operating procedures on its own. Because autonomy improves mission performance and reduces costs, autonomously controlled spacecraft will become more prominent in future space missions. Introduction The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is being confronted with the challenge to perform more frequent and intensive space-exploration missions at greatly reduced cost. Nowhere is this more crucial than among robotic planetary exploration missions that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) conducts for NASA. This paper describes current research on a new spacecraft autonomy architecture using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to challenging computational problems in planning and scheduling, and real-time monitoring and control. Work on this software package combines research from diverse areas of AI such as model-based reasoning, qualitative reasoning, planning an... ...-122. 2. "Automata Theory", The New Encyclopedia Brittanica , Vol. 14, 1987 ed., pp 520-28. 3. Williams, Brian C., and P. Pandurang Nayak, Immobile Robots: AI in the New Millennium , AI Magazine, Fall 1996, pp. 16-35. 4. Wan, D., Braspenning, P., and G. Vreeswijk, Limits to Ground Control in Autonomous Spacecraft , Telematics and Infomatics, Vol. 12, No. 3/4, pp 247-59. 5. Schilling, K., De LaFontaine, J., and H. Roth, Autonomy Capabilities of European Deep Space Probes , Autonomous Robots, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1996, pp 19-30. 6. NASA New Millennium Program website, [ http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/News/press/01_09_97.html ] 7. Hanson, Mark L., and Lorraine M. Fesq, A Software Architecture for Next Generation Satellites , TRW Space and Electronics Group, Redondo Beach, CA, Presented at the 1997 Highly Autonomous Systems Workshop, Pasadena, CA, April 10-11, 1997.

Violence is Caused by Cultural Diversities :: Diversity Culture Religion Essays

Violence is Caused by Cultural Diversities In today’s complex society the evidence of a variety of religions is more apparent than ever. Religion is the service and worship of God or the supernatural. Although in its broadest sense religion is simply the expression of a relationship with a supreme power, people have always made religion a formal process. Satellite communications have brought to our attention the diversity of culture as well as religion. We read and witness on a daily basis the conflicts that are a result of different religious beliefs. In order to understand the complexities of the worlds major religions, we need to examine their basic beliefs. Those who believe in one supreme being or God, have a monotheistic religion; those who believe in more than one supreme being adopts a polytheistic religion. Within these two broad classifications, religions can be separated into four categories: the religious savages; the religions of primitive culture, such as those of ancient Mexico, Peru, and the South Sea Islands; the religions of advanced culture, such as were practiced in Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece and Rome; and the religions that are co-extensive with our life such as Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Mohammedanism. Worship of such things as stars, the sun and moon, rivers, trees, and spirits of ancestors, as well as the practice of magic, are characteristic of the first two groups. Mythology is a factor in the religions of the third group. The religions of the last group deal with morals and manner of living, and a man’s relation with the spiritual divine; thus these religions exert a tremendous influence on the world of today. Catholicism is the practice, faith, or system of Catholic Christianity. Catholic Christianity is forming the ancient undivided Christian Church or a church claiming historical continuity from it. Catholic Christianity is a belief in God that is very popular all over the world. Until the Reformation of the Roman Catholic Church, Protestants were the only important Christian organization in Europe.

freeclo Freedom in Anthony Burgess A Clockwork Orange :: Clockwork Orange Essays

Freedom in A Clockwork Orange A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess tells a story about a young man and his choices of freedom. The book asks the question "is it better to have someone constantly do the right thing, or to have the freedom of choice to do the right or wrong thing". The author shows the affect of society on a human who has been institutionalized and let back into society. The author of the book goes on to show how the protagonist copes with society under his given conditions. "Georgie let go of holding his goobers apart and just let him have one in the toothless rot with his ringy fist, and that made the old veck start moaning a lot then, then out comes the blood, my brothers, real beautiful." (Page 7) This had been an occurrence that took place when the protagonist was walking down the street with no apparent intention of harming anyone. This occurrence shows the time in Alex's life where he is able to make decisions on his own, weather he chooses for those actions to be morally appropriate or not is up to his discretion. "He has no real choice, has he? Self-interest, fear of physical pain, drove him to that grotesque act of self-abasement. He ceases also to be a creature capable of moral choice." (Page 126) This is the occurrence of Alex's life after he has been arrested for his wrong doings and has been brought to the institute. This is where the reform of Alex has occurred. He had been tortured beyond his belief. Now each time that Alex has a thought of an immoral deed he gets sick to his stomach. Alex now has no choice of doing what he wishes to do; he has no real choice. This is what the doctors and observers believe was the reform of Alex. "I could viddy myself carving the whole litso of the creeching world with my cut-throat britva. And there was the slow movement and the lovely last singing movement still to come. I was cured all right." (Page 179) The government does try to make Alex an unconditionally good person through institutionalization: however, since it is a forced goodness, conflicting his own will, a complete goodness is not attained. This shows that the reform of Alex is now over and has no significance over him.

Religion and Society Essay

Society is bound by codes of behavior and tacit agreements to live together in harmony. Religion plays an integral part in this code that society has created for itself. Every aspect of life, such as birth, death, marriage, and relationships, often have religious significance. Even though not all peoples in a society prescribe to the same religion, or any religion at all; religion is still deeply rooted in society and plays a part in everyday life. Religion gives people a moral code to live by; it gives life meaning and purpose, and it is prominent in the American government. Religion provides society with a moral compass for its citizens to live by. God provided Christians with the Ten Commandments and countless parables to help guide Christians to the path of righteousness; Buddhists adhere to the five percepts so that they may not stray away from the path to Nirvana, and Islamists follow a moral code outlined for them in the Quran that closely resembles the Christian Ten Commandme nts. These are all vastly different religions with different codes of ethics, but they are similar in the sense that they provide society with a moral code to live by. Although not everyone within society prescribes to a religion, religious influence is still present. Also, even though one may not follow the doctrine of a certain religion, that does not mean one cannot follow the moral code. All of society’s major religions have the same basic code; be a good person, don’t commit murder, obey the laws of society, etc. These guidelines are common sense, and anyone who knows right from wrong has a moral compass and a sense of ethics. With this in mind, although society has a basic understanding of right and wrong, religion takes it a step farther by demanding of its followers something more than just being a good person. Most major religions expect its followers to be moral leaders in society by helping those in need, and going out of their way to do good deeds for others. Thi s thirst to please some higher being or reach a different plane of existence gives mankind the incentive to keep to their moral code. This does not mean that people who do not have or believe in religion have looser morals or are any less than people who are religious; it just means that people of religious faith have extra incentive to live ethical lives. Religion gives life a transcendental purpose and meaning, and often a goal to aspire to at the end of one’s life. Christianity’s goal for its followers  is ultimately for them to live a life pleasing to God so that they may one day preside in Heaven, as well as to spread the word of God to all the people of the world. The goal of Buddhists is to end the cycle of rebirth by reaching nirvana. Goals such as these give the people of a society a purpose in life. Even those who do not prescribe to a religion can find meaning in their life by studying religion, or even by trying to disprove a religion one can find purpose; even though their purpose is antireligious, it is still influenced by religion. A purposeful life is essential; without a purpose or meaning in one’s life there is no reason to go on living. Religion provides people with a meaningful life, a goal to strive toward, and by doing such it allows society to find pleasure in reaching their goals on a spiritual and human level. Although the United States government has no religious affiliation, it is explicitly stated that t here is to be a separation of church and state in the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the United States was and still is based upon religious principles. While not all of the fifty-five founding fathers were Christians, most did have some sort of religion or belief system; for example Thomas Paine was a deist. The Declaration of Independence includes references to a â€Å"Creator,† and although it makes no reference to Christianity or any other religion, it is still has some religious affiliation. Presently only two percent of the United States Congress either does not prescribe to a religion or does not specify their religious affiliation. With ninety-eight percent of Congress prescribing openly to some form of religion, it is ignorant to believe that religion and the moral codes they believe in play no part in the making and passing of laws. This is not to say that all people of religious faith should be barred from being government officials, it is just an observation that church and state can never be fully separated. Religion still influences the lives of millions of people every day, whether religious or not, because the people who have been voted into these positions of power are the people who make and pass laws which affects everyone in American society. Religion is an ever present part of society. No matter if one is religious or not; religion abounds in everyday life. This is not necessarily a bad thing though. Religion provides society with a moral code to live by, and goals to strive for. Even those without religion are affected by these things, and can even  find their own goals and morals through religion without prescribing to a certain one. Religion is even present in the United States government. Although it is unequivocally stated in the First Amendment of the Constitution that there is to be a separation between religion and government, it is difficult to completely separate the two considering the majority of the government’s elected leaders are part of some religious affiliation. Religion is a perpetual part of society; whether one affiliates with religion or not, it affects society as a whole. On my honor, I pledge that I have neither given, received, nor witnessed any unauthorized help on this.

Practical Demonkeeping Chapter 35

35 BAD GUYS, GOOD GUYS Rachel was drawing figures in the dirt of the cave floor with a dagger when she heard something flutter by her ear. â€Å"What was that?† â€Å"A bat,† Catch said. He was invisible. â€Å"We are out of here,† Rachel said. â€Å"Take them outside.† Effrom, Amanda, and Jenny were sitting with their backs against the cave wall, tied hand and foot, and gagged. â€Å"I don't know why we couldn't have waited at your cabin,† Catch said. â€Å"I have my reasons. Help me get them outside, now.† â€Å"You're afraid of bats?† Catch asked. â€Å"No, I just feel that this ritual should take place in the open,† Rachel insisted. â€Å"If you have a problem with bats, you're going to love it when you see me.† A quarter mile down the road from the cave, Augustus Brine, Travis, and Gian Hen Gian were waiting for Howard and Robert to arrive. â€Å"Do you think we can pull this off?† Travis asked Brine. â€Å"Why ask me? I know less about this than the two of you. Whether we pull it off depends mostly on your powers of persuasion.† â€Å"Can we go over it again?† Brine checked his watch. â€Å"Let's wait for Robert and Howard. We still have a few minutes. And I don't think that it will hurt to be a little late. As far as Catch and Rachel are concerned, you are the only game in town.† Just then they heard a car down-shifting and turned to see Howard's old black Jag turning onto the dirt road. Howard parked behind Brine's truck. He and Robert got out and Robert reached into the backseat and began handing things to Brine and Travis: a camera bag, a heavy-duty tripod, a long aluminum lens case, and finally, a hunting rifle with a scope. Brine did not take the rifle from Robert. â€Å"What's that for?† Robert stood up, rifle in hand. â€Å"If it looks like it isn't going to work, we use it to take out Rachel before she gets power over Catch.† â€Å"What will that accomplish?† Brine asked. â€Å"It will keep Travis in control of the demon.† â€Å"No,† Travis said. â€Å"One way or another it ends here, but we don't shoot anyone. We're here to end the killing, not add to it. Who's to say that Rachel won't have more control over Catch than I do?† â€Å"But she doesn't know what she is getting into. You said that yourself.† â€Å"If she gets power over Catch, he has to tell her, just like he told me. At least I will be free of him.† â€Å"And Jenny will be dead,† Robert spat. Augustus Brine said, â€Å"The rifle stays in the car. We are going to do this on the assumption that it will work, period. Normally I'd say that if anyone wants out, they can go now, but the fact is, we all have to be here for it to work.† Brine looked around the group. They were waiting. â€Å"Well, are we going to do this?† Robert threw the rifle into the backseat of the car. â€Å"Let's do it, then.† â€Å"Good,† Brine said. â€Å"Travis, you have to get them out of the cave and into the open. You have to hold the invocation up long enough for Robert to get a picture, and you have to get the candlesticks back to us, preferably by sending them down the hill with Jenny and the Elliotts.† â€Å"They'll never go for that. Without the hostages, why should I translate the invocation?† â€Å"Then hold it as a condition. Play it the best you can. Maybe you can get one of them down.† â€Å"If I make the candlesticks a condition, they'll be suspicious.† â€Å"Shit,† Robert said. â€Å"This isn't going to work. I don't know why I thought it would.† Through the whole discussion the Djinn had remained in the background. Now he stepped into the circle. â€Å"Give them what they want. Once the woman has control of Catch, they will have no need to be suspicious.† â€Å"But Catch will kill the hostages, and probably all of us,† Travis said. â€Å"Wait a minute,† Robert said. â€Å"Where is Rachel's van?† â€Å"What does that have to do with anything?† Brine said. â€Å"Well, they didn't walk here with hostages in tow. And the van isn't parked here. That means that her van must be up by the cave.† â€Å"So?† Travis said. â€Å"So, it means that if we have to storm them, we can go in Gus's truck. The road must come out of the woods and loop around the hill to the caves. We already have the recorder, so the invocation can be played back fast. Gus can drive up the hill, Travis can throw the candlesticks into the truck, and all Gus has to do is hit the play button.† They considered it for a moment, then Brine said, â€Å"Everyone in the bed of the truck. We park it in the woods as close to the caves as we can without it being seen. It's the closest thing to a plan that we have.† On the grassy hill outside the cave Rachel said, â€Å"He's late.† â€Å"Let's kill one of them,† the demon said. Jenny and her grandparents sat on the ground, back to back. â€Å"Once this ritual is over, I won't have you talking like that,† Rachel said. â€Å"Yes, mistress, I yearn for your guidance.† Rachel paced the hill, making an effort not to look at her hostages. â€Å"What if Travis doesn't come?† â€Å"He'll come,† Catch said. â€Å"I think I hear a car.† Rachel watched the point where the road emerged from the woods. When nothing came, she said, â€Å"What if you're wrong? What if he doesn't come?† â€Å"There he is,† Catch said. Rachel turned to see Travis walking out of the woods and up the gentle slope toward them. Robert screwed the tripod into the socket of the telephoto lens, tested its steadiness, then fitted the camera body on the back of the lens and turned it until it clicked into place. From the camera bag at his feet he took a pack of Polaroid film and snapped it into the bottom of the Nikon's back. â€Å"I've never seen a camera like that,† said Augustus Brine. Robert was focusing the long lens. â€Å"The camera's a regular thirty-five millimeter. I bought the Polaroid back for it to preview results in the studio. I never got around to using it.† Howard Phillips stood poised with notebook in hand and a fountain pen at ready. â€Å"Check the batteries in that recorder,† Robert said to Brine. â€Å"There are some fresh ones in my camera bag if you need them.† Gian Hen Gian was craning his neck to see over the undergrowth into the clearing where Travis stood. â€Å"What is happening? I cannot see what is happening.† â€Å"Nothing yet,† Brine said. â€Å"Are you set, Robert?† â€Å"I'm ready,† Robert said without looking up from the camera. â€Å"I'm filling the frame with Rachel's face. The parchment should be easily readable. Are you ready, Howard?† â€Å"Short of the unlikely possibility that I may be stricken with writer's cramp at the crucial moment, I am prepared.† Brine snapped four penlight batteries into the recorder and tested the mechanism. â€Å"It's up to Travis now,† he said. Travis topped halfway up the hill. â€Å"Okay, I'm here. Let them go and I'll translate the invocation for you.† â€Å"I don't think so,† Rachel said. â€Å"Once the ritual has been performed and I'm sure it has worked, then you can all go free.† â€Å"You don't have any idea what you're talking about. Catch will kill us all.† â€Å"I don't believe you. The Earth spirit will be in my control, and I won't allow it.† Travis laughed sarcastically. â€Å"You haven't even seen him, have you? What do you think you have there, the Easter Bunny? He kills people. That's the reason he's here.† â€Å"I still don't believe you.† Rachel was beginning to lose her resolve. Travis watched Catch move to where the hostages were tied. â€Å"Come, do it now, Travis, or the old woman dies.† He raised a clawed hand over Amanda's head. Travis trudged up the hill and stood in front of Rachel. Very quietly her said to her, â€Å"You know, you deserve what you are going to get. I never thought I could wish Catch on anyone, but you deserve it.† He looked at Jenny, and her eyes pleaded for an explanation. He looked away. â€Å"Give me the invocation,† he said to Rachel. â€Å"I hope you brought a pencil and paper. I can't do this from memory.† Rachel reached into an airline bag that she had brought and pulled out the candlesticks. One at a time she unscrewed them and removed the invocations, then replaced the pieces in the airline bag. She handed Travis the parchments. â€Å"Put the candlesticks over by Jenny,† he said. â€Å"Why?† Rachel asked. â€Å"Because the ritual won't work if they are too close to the parchments. In fact, you'd be better off if you untied them and sent them away with the candlesticks. Get them out of the area altogether.† The lie seemed so obvious that Travis feared he had ruined everything by putting too much importance on the candlesticks. Rachel stared at him, trying to make sense of it. â€Å"I don't understand,† she said. â€Å"Neither do I,† Travis said. â€Å"But this is mystical stuff. You can't tell me that taking hostages so you can call up a demon is consistent with the logical world.† â€Å"Earth spirit! Not demon. And I will use this power for good.† Travis considered trying to convince her of her folly, then decided against it. The lives of Jenny and the Elliotts depended on Catch maintaining his charade as a benevolent Earth spirit until it was too late. He glared at the demon, who grinned back. â€Å"Well?† Travis said. Rachel picked up the airline bag and took it to a spot a few feet down the hill from the hostages. â€Å"No. Farther away,† Travis said. She slung the bag over her shoulder and took it another twenty yards down the hill, then turned to Travis for approval. â€Å"What is this about?† Catch asked. Travis, afraid to push his luck, nodded to Rachel and she set the bag down. Now the candlesticks were twenty yards closer to the road that ran around the back of the hill – the road that Augustus Brine would drive when the shit hit the fan. Rachel returned to the hilltop. â€Å"I'll need that pencil and paper now,† he said. â€Å"It's in the bag.† Rachel went back toward the bag. While she was retrieving the pencil and paper from the airline bag, Travis held the parchments out before him, one at a time, counting to six before he put the first one down and picked up the next. He hoped he had the angle to Robert's camera right and that his body was not in the way of the lens. â€Å"Here.† Rachel handed him a pencil and a steno pad. Travis sat down cross-legged with the parchments out in front of him. â€Å"Sit down and relax, this is going to take some time.† He started on the parchment from the second candlestick, hoping to buy some time. He translated the Greek letter by letter, searching his memory first for each letter, then for the meaning of the words. By the time he finished the first line, he had fallen into a rhythm and had to make an effort to slow down. â€Å"Read what he has written,† Catch said. â€Å"But he's just done one line-† Rachel said. â€Å"Read it.† Rachel took the steno pad from Travis and read, â€Å"Being in possession of the Power of Solomon I call upon the race that walked before man†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She stopped. â€Å"That's all there is.† â€Å"It's the wrong paper,† Catch said. â€Å"Travis, translate the other one. If it's not right this time, the girl dies.† â€Å"That's the last time I buy you a Cookie Monster comic book, you scaly fucker.† Reluctantly Travis shuffled the parchments and began to translate the invocation he had spoken in Saint Anthony's chapel seventy years before. Howard Phillips had two Polaroid prints out on the ground before him. He was writing a translation out on a notepad while Augustus Brine and Gian Hen Gian looked over his shoulder. Robert was looking through the camera. â€Å"They've made him change parchments. He must have been translating the wrong one.† Brine said, â€Å"Howard, are you translating the one we need?† â€Å"I am not sure yet. I've only translated a few lines of the Greek. This Latin passage at the top appears to be a message rather than an invocation.† â€Å"Can't you just scan it? We don't have time for mistakes.† Howard read what he had written. â€Å"No, this is wrong.† He tore the sheet from the notepad and began again, concentrating on the other Polaroid. â€Å"This one seems to have two shorter invocations. The first one seems to be the one that empowers the Djinn. It talks about a race that walked before man.† â€Å"That is right. Translate the one with two invocations,† the Djinn said. â€Å"Hurry,† Robert said, â€Å"Travis has half a page. Gus, I'm going to ride up the hill in the bed of the truck when you go. I'll jump out and grab the bag with the candlesticks. They're still a good thirty yards from the road and I can move faster than you can.† â€Å"I'm finished,† Howard said. He handed his notebook to Brine. â€Å"Record it at normal speed,† Robert said. â€Å"Then play it back at high speed.† Brine held the recorder up to his face, his finger on the record button. â€Å"Gian Hen Gian, is this going to work? I mean is a voice on a tape going to have the same effect as speaking the words?† â€Å"It would be best to assume that it will.† â€Å"You mean you don't know?† â€Å"How would I know?† â€Å"Swell,† Brine said. He pushed the record button and read Howard's translation into the recorder. When he finished, he rewound the tape and said, â€Å"Okay, let's go.† â€Å"Police! Don't anyone move!† They turned to see Rivera standing in the road behind them, his.38 in hand, panning back and forth to cover them. â€Å"Everybody down on the ground, facedown.† They stood frozen in position. â€Å"On the ground, now!† Rivera cocked his revolver. â€Å"Officer, there must be a mistake,† Brine said, feeling stupid as he said it. â€Å"Down!† Reluctantly, Brine, Robert, and Howard lay facedown on the ground. Gian Hen Gian remained standing, cursing in Arabic. Rivera's eyes widened as blue swirls appeared in the air over the Djinn's head. â€Å"Stop that,† Rivera said. The Djinn ignored him and continued cursing. â€Å"On your belly, you little fucker.† Robert pushed himself up on his arms and looked around. â€Å"What's this about, Rivera? We were just out here taking some pictures.† â€Å"Yeah, and that's why you have a high-powered rifle in your car.† â€Å"That's nothing,† Robert said. â€Å"I don't know what it is, but it's more than nothing. And none of you are going anywhere until I get some answers.† â€Å"You're making a mistake, Officer,† Brine said. â€Å"If we don't continue with what we were doing, people are going to die.† â€Å"First, it's Sergeant. Second, I'm getting to be a master at making mistakes, so one more is no big deal. And third, the only person who is going to die is this little Arab if he doesn't get his ass on the ground.† What was taking them so long? Travis had dragged the translation out as long as he could, stalling on a word here and there, but he could tell that Catch was getting impatient and to delay any long would endanger Jenny. He tore two sheets from the steno pad and handed them to Rachel. â€Å"It's finished, now you can untie them.† He gestured to Jenny and the Elliotts. â€Å"No,† Catch said. â€Å"First we see if it works.† â€Å"Please, Rachel, you have what you want. There's no reason to keep these people here.† Rachel took the pages. â€Å"I'll make it up to them once I have the power. It won't hurt to keep them here a few more minutes.† Travis fought the urge to look back toward the woods. Instead he cradled his head in his hands and sighed deeply as Rachel began to read the invocation aloud. Augustus Brine finally convinced Gian Hen Gian to lie down on the ground. It was obvious that Rivera would not listen to anyone until the Djinn relented. â€Å"Now, Masterson, where in the hell did you get that metal suitcase?† â€Å"I told you, I stole it out of the Chevy.† â€Å"Who owns the Chevy?† â€Å"I can't tell you that.† â€Å"You can tell me or you can go up on murder charges.† â€Å"Murder? Who was murdered?† â€Å"About a thousand people, it looks like. Where is the owner of that suitcase? Is it one of these guys?† â€Å"Rivera, I will tell you everything I know about everything in about fifteen minutes, but now you've got to let us finish what we started.† â€Å"And what was that?† Brine spoke up, â€Å"Sergeant, my name is Augustus Brine. I'm a businessman here in town. I have done nothing wrong, so I have no reason to lie to you.† â€Å"So?† Rivera said. â€Å"So, you are right. There is a killer. We are here to stop him. If we don't act right now, he will get away, so please, please, let us go.† â€Å"I'm not buying it, Mr. Brine. Where is this killer and why didn't you call the police about him? Take it nice and slow, and don't leave anything out.† â€Å"We don't have time,† Brine insisted. Just then they heard a loud thump and the sound of a body slumping to the ground. Brine turned around to see Mavis Sand standing over the collapsed detective, her baseball bat in hand. â€Å"Hi, cutie,† she said to Brine. They all jumped to their feet. â€Å"Mavis, what are you doing here?† â€Å"He threatened to close me down if I didn't tell him where you went. After he left, I got to feeling like a shit about telling him, so here I am.† â€Å"Thanks, Mavis,† Brine said. â€Å"Let's go. Howard, you stay here. Robert, in the bed of the truck. Whenever you're ready, King,† he said to the Djinn. Brine jumped into the truck, fired it up, and engaged the four-wheel drive. Rachel read the last line of the invocation with a grandiose flourish of her arm. â€Å"In the name of Solomon the King, I command thee to appear!† Rachel said, â€Å"Nothing happened.† Catch said, â€Å"Nothing happened, Travis.† Travis said, â€Å"Give it a minute.† He had almost given up hope. Something had gone horribly wrong. Now he was faced with either telling them about the candlesticks or keeping his bond with the demon. Either way, the hostages were doomed. â€Å"Fine, Travis,† Catch said. â€Å"The old man is the first to go.† Catch wrapped one hand around Effrom's neck. As Travis and Rachel watched, the demon grew into his eating form and lifted Effrom off the ground. â€Å"Oh my God!† Rachel put her fist to her mouth and started backing away from the demon. â€Å"Oh no!† Travis tried to focus his will on the demon. â€Å"Put him down, Catch,† he commanded. From somewhere down the hill came the sound of a truck starting. Gian Hen Gian stepped out of the woods. â€Å"Catch,† he shouted, â€Å"will you never give up your toys?† The Djinn started up the hill. Catch threw Effrom to the side. He landed like a rag doll, ten yards away. Rachel was shaking her head violently, as if trying to shake away the demon's image. Tears streamed down her cheeks. â€Å"So someone let the little fart out of his jar,† Catch said. He stalked down the hill toward the Djinn. An engine roared and Augustus Brine's pickup broke out of the tree line and bounced up the dirt road, throwing up a cloud of dust in its wake. Robert stood in the bed, holding onto the roll bar for support. Travis darted past Catch to Amanda and Jenny. â€Å"Still a coward, King of the Djinn?† Catch said, pausing a second to look at the speeding truck. â€Å"I am still your superior,† the Djinn said. â€Å"Is that why you surrendered your people to the netherworld without a fight?† â€Å"This time you lose, Catch.† Catch spun to watch the truck slide around the last turn and off the road to bound across the open grass toward the candlesticks. â€Å"Later, Djinn,† Catch said. He began to run toward the truck. Taking five yards at a stride the demon was over the hill and past Travis and the women in seconds. Augustus Brine saw the demon coming at them. â€Å"Hold on, Robert.† He wrenched the wheel to the side to throw the truck into a slide. Catch lowered his shoulder and rammed into the right front fender of the truck. Robert saw the impact coming and tried to decide whether to brace himself or jump. In an instant the decision was made for him as the fender crumpled under the demon and the truck went up on two wheels, then over onto its roof. Robert lay on the ground trying to get his wind back. He tried to move, and a searing pain shot through his arm. Broken. A thick cloud of dust hung in the air, obscuring his vision. He could hear the demon roaring behind him and the screeching sound of tearing metal. As the dust settled, he could just make out the shape of the upside-down truck. The demon was pinned under the hood, ripping at the metal with his claws. Augustus Brine hung by his seat belt. Robert could see him moving. Robert climbed to his feet, using his good arm to push himself up. â€Å"Gus!† he shouted. â€Å"The candlesticks!† came back. Robert looked around on the ground. There was the bag. He had almost landed on it. He started to reach for it with both hands and nearly passed out when the pain from his broken arm hit him. From his knees he was able to scoop up the bag, heavy with the candlesticks, in his good arm. â€Å"Hurry,† Brine shouted. Catch had stopped clawing at the metal. With a great roar he shoved the truck up and off of him. Standing before the truck, he threw his head back and roared with such intensity that Robert nearly dropped the candlesticks. Every bone in Robert's body said flee, get the hell out of here. He stood frozen. â€Å"Robert, I'm stuck. Bring them to me.† Brine was struggling with the seat belt. At the sound of his voice the demon leapt to the driver's side of the truck and clawed at the door. Brine heard the skin of the door go with the first slash. He stared at the door in terror, expecting a claw to come through the window at any second. The demon's claws raked the support beam inside the door. â€Å"Gus, here. Ouch. Shit.† Robert was lying outside the passenger side window, pushing the bag with the candlesticks across the roof of the truck. â€Å"The play button, Gus. Push it.† Brine felt the pocket of his flannel shirt. Mavis's recorder was still clipped there. He fumbled for the play button, found it, and pushed, just as a daggerlike claw ripped into his shoulder. A hundred miles south, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, a radar technician reported a UFO entering restricted air space from over the Pacific. When the aircraft refused to respond to radio warning, four jet fighters were scrambled to intercept. Three of the fighter pilots would report no visual contact. The fourth, upon landing, would be given a urinalysis and confined to quarters until he could be debriefed by an officer from the Air Force Department of Stress Management. The bogey would be officially explained as radar interference caused by unusually high swell conditions offshore. Of the thirty-six reports, filed in triplicate with various departments of the military complex, not one would mention an enormous white owl with an eighty-foot wingspan. However, after some consideration, the Pentagon would award seventeen million dollars to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a secret study on the feasibility of an owl-shaped aircraft. After two years of computer simulations and wind-tunnel prototype tests, the research team would conclude that an owl-shaped aircraft would, indeed, be an effective weapon, but only if the enemy should ever mobilize a corps of field-mouse-shaped tanks. Augustus Brine realized that he was going to die. In that same moment he realized that he was not afraid and that it did not matter. The monster clawing to get at him didn't matter. The chipmunk chatter of his voice playing back double-speed on the recorder didn't matter. The shouting of Robert, and now Travis, outside the truck didn't matter. He was acutely aware of it all, he was part of it all, but it did not matter. Even the gunfire didn't matter. He accepted it and let it go. Rivera came to when Brine had started the truck. Mavis Sand was standing over the policeman with his revolver, but she and Howard were watching what was going on up the hill. Rivera glanced up the hill to see Catch materializing in his eating form, holding Effrom by the throat. â€Å"Santa Maria! What the hell is that?† Mavis trained the gun on him. â€Å"Stay right there.† Ignoring her, Rivera stood and ran down the road toward his patrol car. At his car he popped the trunk lid and pulled the riot gun out of its bracket. As he ran back past Howard's Jag, he paused, then opened the back door and grabbed Robert's hunting rifle. By the time he was again in view of the hill, the truck was upside down and the monster was clawing at the door. He threw the riot gun to the ground and shouldered the rifle. He braced the barrel against a tree, threw the bolt to jack a shell into the chamber, sighted through the scope, and brought the cross-hairs down on the monster's face. Resisting the urge to scream, he squeezed the trigger. The round hit the demon in his open mouth and knocked him back a foot. Rivera quickly jacked another shell into the chamber and fired. Then another. When the firing pin clicked on an empty chamber, the monster had been knocked back from the truck a few feet but was still coming. â€Å"Santa fucking Maria,† Rivera said. Gian Hen Gian had reached the top of the hill where Travis knelt by Amanda and Jenny. â€Å"It is done,† the Djinn said. â€Å"Then do something!† Travis said. â€Å"Help Gus.† â€Å"Without his orders I may carry out only the command of my last master.† Gian Hen Gian pointed to the sky. Travis looked up to see something white coming out of the clouds, but it was too far away to make out what it was. Catch recovered from the rifle slugs and went forward. He hooked his huge hand behind the reinforcement beam of the truck's door, ripped it off, and threw it behind him. Inside the truck, still hanging from the seat belt, Augustus Brine turned calmly and looked at the demon. Catch drew back his hand to deliver a blow that would rip Brine's head from his shoulders. Brine smiled at him. The demon paused. â€Å"What are you, some kind of wacko?† Catch said. Brine didn't have time to answer. The reverberation of the owl's screech shattered the windshield of the truck. Catch looked up as the talons locked around his body, and he was swept into the air flailing at the owl's legs. The owl climbed into the sky so rapidly that in seconds it was nothing more than a tiny silhouette against the sun, which was making its way toward the horizon. Augustus Brine continued to smile as Travis released the seat belt. He hit the roof of the truck with his injured shoulder and passed out. When Brine regained consciousness, they were all standing over him. Jenny was holding Amanda's head to her shoulder. The old woman was sobbing. Brine looked from face to face. Someone was missing. Robert spoke first. â€Å"Tell Gian Hen Gian to heal your shoulder, Gus. He can't do it until you tell him. While you're at it, tell him to fix my arm.† â€Å"Do it,† Brine said. As he said it, the pain was gone from his shoulder. He sat up. â€Å"Where's Effrom?† â€Å"He didn't make it, Gus,† Robert said. â€Å"His heart gave out when the demon threw him.† Brine looked to the Djinn. â€Å"Bring him back.† The Djinn shook his head balefully. â€Å"This I cannot do.† Brine said, â€Å"I'm sorry, Amanda.† Then to Gian Hen Gian, â€Å"What happened to Catch?† â€Å"He is on his way to Jerusalem.† â€Å"I don't understand.† â€Å"I have lied to you, Augustus Brine. I am sorry. I was bound to the last command of my last master. Solomon bade me take the demon back to Jerusalem and chain him to a rock outside the great temple.† â€Å"Why didn't you tell me that?† â€Å"I thought you would never give me my power if you knew. I am a coward.† â€Å"Don't be ridiculous.† â€Å"It is as Catch said. When the angels came to drive my people into the netherworld, I would not let them fight. There was no battle as I told you. We went like sheep to the slaughter.† â€Å"Gian Hen Gian, you are not a coward. You are a creator – you told me that yourself. It's not in your nature to destroy, to make war.† â€Å"But I did. So I have tried to vindicate myself by stopping Catch. I wanted to do for the humans what I did not do for my own people.† â€Å"It doesn't matter,† Brine said. â€Å"It's finished.† â€Å"No, it's not,† Travis said. â€Å"You can't chain Catch to a rock in the middle of Jerusalem. You have to send him back. You have to read the last invocation. Howard translated it while we were waiting for you to wake up.† â€Å"But Travis, you don't know what will happen to you. You may die on the spot.† â€Å"I'm still bound to him, Gus. That isn't living anyway. I want to be free.† Travis handed him the invocation and the candlestick with the Seal of Solomon concealed in it. â€Å"If you don't, I will. It has to be done.† â€Å"All right, I'll do it,† Brine said. Travis looked up at Jenny. She looked away. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Travis said. Robert went to Jenny's side and held her. Travis walked down the hill, and when he was out of sight, Augustus Brine began reading the words that would send Catch back to hell. They found Travis slumped in the backseat of Howard's Jaguar. Augustus Brine was the first to reach the car. â€Å"I did it, Travis. Are you all right?† As Travis looked up, Brine had to fight the urge to recoil. The demonkeeper's face was deeply furrowed and shot with broken veins. His dark hair and brows had turned white. But for his eyes, which were still young with intensity, Brine would not have recognized him. Travis smiled. There were still a couple of teeth left in front. His voice was still young. â€Å"It didn't hurt. I expected one of those wrenching Lon Chaney transformations, but it didn't happen. Suddenly I was old. That was it.† â€Å"I'm glad it didn't hurt,† Brine said. â€Å"What am I going to do?† â€Å"I don't know, Travis. I need to think.†