What is Microeconomics

In Incentives, Commitments, and Habit Formation in Exercise: Evidence from a Field Experiment with Workers at a Fortune-500 Company study a wellness incentive program implemented at a large corporate headquarters office. Three groups of employees were given different types of financial incentives to visit the on-site fitness center, and their gym-going behavior was monitored for many months afterward. The incentives were that a set of employees received $10 per gym visit over 1 month. After the month was over then they were offered a 2 month contract to continue going with a little bit of a twist, to see the effect of it. How does a commitment contract work? The employee puts down a certain amount of money, they get to choose the amount. If they don't stick to their commitment, they lose the money. They need to be able to go to the gym every 2 weeks over the next 2 months. It is all about risk vs commitment. How much do you really want this, do you want to see personal growth in yourself, are you doing it just so you don't lose the money, it is all in your hands the way you decide to play it. Why would anyone want to take up this offer, the best possible result is breaking even? This was made to differentiate between your long-term preferences vs the short-term preferences. You may set a schedule saying I'm going Monday and Friday every week. You go Monday and you feel great after going and are excited to continue on Friday. You make it to Friday and you make plans with your friends instead of having your gym time. It was a long week so you want to have a good time. You should be able to reward yourself after a long week but do you think that you would feel even better and have a better time out if you went to the gym beforehand. With having this contract, say you know you haven't been to the gym in 13 days and you need to go tomorrow or you lose your money. That might push people to get to the gym, not just for the money but that specific trip could make them want to keep going back in the long run. So the best-case scenario for a commitment contract is not just breaking even: its changing behavior in a positive way. About 1 out of every 8 employees offered a chance to create a commitment contract decided to do it (Royer, Stehr, & Sydnor, 2015). Below are the results of the commitment contract subjects. It was shown that there was a spark in the gym visits more for the group who signed the contracts than when they were offered the $10 per visit. With the contract you are putting your own money on the line. You have something to lose if you don't hold up your end of the bargain. In the long run it is not about the money, it is about your lifestyle and goals. You have things you want to achieve and sometimes you just need a little nudge to get you going. After the 2 month commitment ended, it was wanted to be known the long term effects of the subjects. It was shown that they had noticeably more frequent gym visits on average. Main Hypothesis:Does linking incentives to fitness really help you get to the gym more?Why is it that after the free trial period ends that most of the memberships decline? Why do people not continue on? See no results? Have no incentives?Commitment devices (Fitbit/ Apple Watch) may be the best way to achieve long-term changes New Year's resolutions for most seem to be about Eating healthier, go to the gym more, and cut out sugar, most of health/Fitness related. Get statistics on the New Year's resolutions. How may are making this there resolution and how many actually keep this resolution. 45% of people said that there 2018 resolution was to lose weight/get in shape Fitbit (27.4 million users) and My Fitness Pal (19.1 million users) are 2 of the most used fitness trackers in 2018 Only 8% of people keep their resolutions. People tend to over set goals. When they are too big to reach, you tend to fail. You also don't want to under set your goals because you may be able to reach them too easily and not get the results out of them that you had really hoped. If you fail at your goal, that doesn't mean you should give up. You just have to reevaluate the goal. You want to get back out there achieve your goals. Ex. You said you wanted to go to the gym 4 days a week, but that was too much with your schedule, you shouldn't quit all together just go 2 days a week instead. Sources:https://www.statista.com/statistics/378105/new-years-resolution/https://www.statista.com/statistics/650748/health-fitness-app-usage-usa/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-years-resolutions-psychology_us_5862d599e4b0d9a59459654cEconomic Concepts: Everything is in the incentives, put it all out there.54864132751300Supply describes the total amount of a specific good or service that is available to consumers (Something needed or wanted) available to someone. (Market driven)People want a membership, they want to achieve their fitness goals, and they want to be a better version of themselvesDemand consumer's desire and willingness to pay a price for a specific good or service.Cost of membership may increase as more member sign up In the study- they had to put up their own money, they were able to risk for their goals45720036575900 Cost – (of an object or an action) require the payment of (a specified sum of money) before it can be acquired or done. The money they had to put up, their time, their energy, their commitment Benefit -an advantage or profit gained from something. Better body, feel good about themselves, achieved goalsBottom linehttps://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/11/five-economic-concepts-need-to-kno w.aspConcluding thoughts Reading articles, writing this essay has got me thinking about my fitness goals and lifestyle. I own a Fitbit and I do enjoy it but I need to get back to using it for all of its features and feeling proud of what I have accomplished in a day. You need to be persistent and have goals. You can't just decide one day to start working out. You need a plan and be physically and mentally ready to conquer the task you set up for yourself. You need an incentive first, that is what gets your foot in the door, and then you continue going because you want to better yourself. Once you start the drive to better body helps keep going back.

Bloodlines Chapter Eighteen

â€Å"WHAT DO YOU MEAN ‘MISSING'?† I asked. â€Å"She was supposed to meet us a couple hours ago,† Eddie said, exchanging glances with Micah. â€Å"I thought maybe she was with you.† â€Å"I haven't seen her since PE.† I was trying hard not to kick into panic mode yet. There were too many variables at play and not enough evidence to start thinking crazy Moroi dissidents had kidnapped her. â€Å"This is a really big place – I mean, three campuses. Are you sure she isn't just holed up studying somewhere?† â€Å"We've done a pretty exhaustive search,† said the security officer. â€Å"And teachers and workers are on alert looking for her. No sightings yet.† â€Å"And she isn't answering her cell phone,† added Eddie. I finally let true fear overtake me, and my face must have shown it. The officer's expression softened. â€Å"Don't worry. I'm sure she'll turn up.† It was the kind of conciliatory thing people in his profession had to say to family members. â€Å"But do you have any other ideas of where she might be?† â€Å"What about your other brothers?† asked Micah. I'd been afraid it would come to that. I was almost one hundred percent sure she wasn't with Keith, but he should still probably be notified about her disappearance. It wasn't something I looked forward to because I knew there'd be a lecture in it for me. It would also be a sign of my failure in the eyes of other Alchemists. I should have stayed by Jill's side. That was my job, right? Instead, I'd – foolishly – been helping someone run errands. Not just anyone – a vampire. That's how the Alchemists would see it. Vamp lover. â€Å"I was just with Adrian,† I said slowly. â€Å"I suppose she could've somehow gotten to Clarence's and waited for him. I didn't actually go inside.† â€Å"I tried Adrian too,† said Eddie. â€Å"No answer.† â€Å"Sorry,† I said. â€Å"We were doing his interviews, so he must have turned his phone off. Do you want to try him again?† I certainly didn't want to. Eddie stepped aside to call Adrian while I talked with Mrs. Weathers and the officer. Micah paced around, looking worried, and I felt guilty for always wanting to keep him from Jill. The race thing was a problem, but he really did care about her. I told the officer all the places Jill liked to frequent on campus. They confirmed that they'd already checked them all. â€Å"You got ahold of him?† I asked when Eddie returned. He nodded. â€Å"She's not there. I feel kind of bad, though. He's pretty worried now. Maybe we should've waited to tell him.† â€Å"No†¦ actually, it might be a good thing.† I met Eddie's eyes and saw a spark of understanding. Adrian's emotions seemed to intrude on Jill when they were running strong. If he was panicked enough, she'd hopefully realize people were concerned and show back up. That was assuming she was just hiding out or had gone somewhere we couldn't find. I tried not to consider the alternative: that something had happened where she couldn't contact us. â€Å"Sometimes students just sneak off,† said the officer. â€Å"It's inevitable. Usually they try to sneak back in before curfew. Hopefully that's just the case now. If she doesn't show up then – well, then we'll call the police.† He walked off to radio the rest of security for a status check, and we thanked him for his help. Mrs. Weathers returned to the front desk, but it was clear she was worried and agitated. She came across as gruff sometimes, but I had the feeling she actually cared about her students. Micah left us to find a few friends of his who worked on campus, in case they'd seen anything. That left Eddie and me. Without conferring, we turned toward some chairs in the lobby. Like me, I think he wanted to stake out the door in order to see Jill the instant she showed up. â€Å"I shouldn't have left her,† he said. â€Å"You had to,† I said reasonably. â€Å"You can't be with her in classes or her room.† â€Å"This place was a bad idea. It's too big. Too hard to secure.† He sighed. â€Å"I can't believe this.† â€Å"No†¦ it was a good idea. Jill needs some semblance of a normal life. You could've locked her in a room somewhere and cut her off from all interaction, but what good would that do? She needs to go to school and be with people.† â€Å"She hasn't done much of that, though.† â€Å"No,† I admitted. â€Å"She's had a rough time with it. I kept hoping it'd get better.† â€Å"I just wanted her to be happy.† â€Å"Me too.† I straightened up as something alarming hit me. â€Å"You don't think†¦ you don't think she would've run away and gone back to her mom, do you? Or Court or somewhere?† His face grew even more bleak. â€Å"I hope not. Do you think things have been that bad?† I thought about our fight after the shower incident. â€Å"I don't know. Maybe.† Eddie buried his face in his hands. â€Å"I can't believe this,† he repeated. â€Å"I failed.† When it came to Jill, Eddie was usually all fierceness and anger. I'd never seen him so close to depression. I'd been living with the fear of my own failure since coming to Palm Springs but only now realized that Eddie had just as much on the line. I recalled Adrian's words about Eddie and his friend Mason, how Eddie felt responsible. If Jill didn't come back, would this be history repeating itself? Would she be someone else he'd lost? I'd thought this mission might be redemption for him. Instead, it could turn into Mason all over again. â€Å"You didn't fail,† I said. â€Å"You've been in charge of protecting her, and you've done that. You can't control her happiness. If anything, I'm to blame. I gave her a lecture for the shower incident.† â€Å"Yeah, but I destroyed her hopes when I told her the modeling idea Lee had wouldn't work.† â€Å"But you were right about – Lee!† I gasped. â€Å"That's it. That's where she is. She's with Lee, I'm certain of it. Do you have his number?† Eddie groaned. â€Å"I'm such an idiot,† he said, taking out his cell phone and scanning for the number. â€Å"I should've thought of that.† I touched the cross around my neck, saying a silent prayer that this would all be solved easily. As long as it meant Jill was alive and well, I could've handled her and Lee eloping. â€Å"Hey, Lee? It's Eddie. Is Jill with you?† There was a pause as Lee responded. Eddie's body language answered the question before I heard another word. His posture relaxed, and relief flooded his features. â€Å"Okay,† said Eddie a few moments later. â€Å"Well, get her back here. Now. Everyone's looking for her.† Another pause. Eddie's face hardened. â€Å"We can talk about that later.† He disconnected and turned to me. â€Å"She's okay.† â€Å"Thank God,† I breathed. I stood up, only then realizing how tense I'd been. â€Å"I'll be right back.† I found Mrs. Weathers and the security officer and relayed the news. The officer immediately spread the word to his colleagues and soon left. To my surprise, Mrs. Weathers almost looked like she was on the verge of tears. â€Å"Are you okay?† I asked. â€Å"Yes, yes.† She turned flustered, embarrassed at being so emotional. â€Å"I was just so worried. I – I didn't want to say anything and scare you all, but every time a student's missing†¦ well, a few years ago, another girl disappeared. We thought she'd just sneaked off – like Matt said, it happens. But it turned out†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mrs. Weathers grimaced and looked away. â€Å"I shouldn't be telling you this.† As if she could stop with that kind of intro. â€Å"No, please. Tell me.† She sighed. â€Å"The police found her a couple days later – dead. She'd been abducted and killed. It was terrible, and they never caught her killer. Now I just think of that whenever someone disappears. It's never happened again, of course. But something like that scars you.† I could imagine so. And as I returned to Eddie, I thought about him and Mason again. It seemed like everyone was carrying baggage from past events. I certainly was. Now that Jill's safety wasn't a concern, all I kept thinking was: What will the Alchemists say? What will my father say? Eddie was just hanging up his phone again when I approached. â€Å"I called Micah to tell him everything's okay,† he explained. â€Å"He was really worried.† All signs of Mrs. Weathers's past trauma vanished the instant that Jill and Lee walked through the door. Jill actually looked upbeat until she saw all of our faces. She came to a halt. Beside her, Lee already looked grim. I think he knew what was coming. Eddie and I hurried forward but didn't have a chance to speak right away. Mrs. Weathers immediately demanded to know where they'd been. Rather than cover it up, Jill confessed and told the truth: she and Lee had gone off campus, into Palm Springs. She was careful to make sure Lee didn't get accused of any kidnapping charges, swearing he didn't know she could only leave with approved family members. I confirmed this – though Lee was hardly off the hook in my opinion. â€Å"Will you wait outside?† I asked him politely. â€Å"I'd like to speak to you privately later.† Lee started to obey, flashing Jill a look of apology. He lightly brushed her hand in farewell and turned away. It was Mrs. Weathers who stopped him. â€Å"Wait,† she said, peering at him curiously. â€Å"Do I know you?† Lee looked startled. â€Å"I don't think so. I've never been here before.† â€Å"There's something familiar about you,† she insisted. Her frown deepened a few moments more. At last, she shrugged. â€Å"It can't be. I must be mistaken.† Lee nodded, met Jill's eyes in sympathy again, and left. Mrs. Weathers wasn't done with Jill. She launched into a lecture about how dangerous and irresponsible they'd been. â€Å"If you were going to sneak off and break rules, you could've at least confided in your siblings. They've been scared to death for you.† It was almost funny, her advising on â€Å"responsible† rule-breaking. Considering how panicked I'd been, I couldn't find anything amusing just then. She also told Jill that she'd be written up and punished. â€Å"For now,† said Mrs. Weathers, â€Å"you are confined to your room for the rest of the night. Come see me after breakfast, and we'll find out if the principal thinks this warrants suspension.† â€Å"Excuse me,† said Eddie. â€Å"Can we have a few minutes alone here with her before she goes upstairs? I'd like to talk to her.† Mrs. Weathers hesitated, apparently wanting Jill's punishment immediately enforced. Then she gave Eddie a double take. The look on his face was hard and angry, and I think Mrs. Weathers knew there was punishment of a different sort coming from Jill's big brother. â€Å"Five minutes,† said Mrs. Weathers, tapping her watch. â€Å"Then up you go.† â€Å"Don't,† said Jill, the instant we were alone. Her face was a mixture of fear and defiance. â€Å"I know what I did was wrong. I don't need a lecture from you guys.† â€Å"Don't you?† I asked. â€Å"Because if you knew it was wrong, you wouldn't have done it!† Jill crossed her arms over her chest. â€Å"I had to get out of here. On my own terms. And not with you guys.† The comment rolled right off of me. It sounded young and petty. But to my surprise, Eddie actually looked hurt. â€Å"What's that supposed to mean?† he asked. â€Å"It means that I just wanted to be away from this place without you always telling me what I'm doing wrong.† That was directed to me. â€Å"And you jumping at every shadow.† That, of course, was to Eddie. â€Å"I just want to protect you,† he said, looking hurt. â€Å"I'm not trying to smother you, but I can't have anything happen to you. Not again.† â€Å"I'm in more danger from Laurel than any assassins!† Jill exclaimed. â€Å"Do you know what she did today? We were working in the computer lab, and she ‘accidentally' tripped over my power cord. I lost half my work and didn't finish in time, so now I'm going to get a lower grade.† A lesson on backing up work probably wouldn't be useful just then. â€Å"Look, that's really terrible,† I said. â€Å"But it's not in the same category as getting yourself killed. Not by a long shot. Where exactly did you go?† For a moment, she looked as though she wasn't going to give up the info. Finally, she said, â€Å"Lee took me to Salton Sea.† Seeing our blank looks, she added, â€Å"It's a lake outside of town. It was wonderful.† An almost-dreamy expression crossed her features. â€Å"I haven't been around that much water in so long. Then we went downtown and just walked around, shopping and eating ice cream. He took me to that boutique, with the designer who's looking for models and – â€Å" â€Å"Jill,† I interrupted. â€Å"I don't care how awesome your day was. You scared us. Don't you get that?† â€Å"Lee shouldn't have done this,† growled Eddie. â€Å"Don't blame him,† said Jill. â€Å"I talked him into it – I made him think you guys wouldn't mind. And he doesn't know the real reason I'm here or the danger.† â€Å"Maybe dating was a bad idea,† I muttered. â€Å"Lee's the best thing that's happened to me here!† she said angrily. â€Å"I deserve to be able to go out and have fun like you guys.† ‘†Fun'? That's kind of an exaggeration,† I said, recalling my afternoon with Adrian. Jill needed a target for her frustration, and I won the honor. â€Å"Doesn't seem like it to me. You're always gone. And when you aren't, you just tell me what I'm doing wrong. It's like you're my mom.† I'd been wading through all of this calmly, but suddenly, something about that comment made me snap. My finely tuned control shattered. â€Å"You know what? I kind of feel that way too. Because as far as I can tell, I am the only one in this group behaving like an adult. You think I'm out there having fun? All I'm doing is babysitting you guys and cleaning up your messes. I spent my afternoon – wasted my afternoon – driving Adrian around so that he could blow off the interviews that I set up. Then I get here and have to deal with the aftermath of your ‘field trip.' I get that Laurel's a pain – although maybe if Micah had been warned off from the beginning, these problems with her never would've happened.† I directed that last comment at Eddie. â€Å"I don't get why I'm the only one who sees how serious everything is. Vampire-human dating. Your lives on the line. These aren't the kinds of things you can screw around with! And yet†¦ somehow, you all still do. You leave me to do the hard stuff, to pick up after you†¦ and all the while, I've got Keith and the other Alchemists breathing down my neck, waiting for me to screw up because no one trusts me since helping your pal Rose. You think this is fun? You want to live my life? Then do it. Step right up, and you start taking responsibility for a change.† I hadn't yelled, but my volume had certainly gone up. I'd pretty much delivered my speech without taking a breath and now paused for some oxygen. Eddie and Jill stared at me, wide-eyed, as though they didn't recognize me. Mrs. Weathers returned to us just then. â€Å"That's enough for tonight. You need to go upstairs now,† she told Jill. Jill nodded, still a little stunned, and hurried away without saying goodbye to any of us. Mrs. Weathers walked her to the stairs, and Eddie turned to me. His face was pale and solemn. â€Å"You're right,† he said. â€Å"I haven't been pulling my share.† I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. â€Å"You're not as bad as they are.† He shook his head. â€Å"Still. You might be right about Micah. Maybe he'll keep some distance if I talk to him, and then Laurel will lay off Jill. I'll ask him tonight. But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He frowned, choosing his words carefully. â€Å"Try not to be too hard on Adrian and Jill. This is stressful for her, and sometimes I think a little of Adrian's personality is leaking into her through the bond. I'm sure that's why she ran off today. It's something he'd do in her situation.† â€Å"No one forced her to do it,† I said. â€Å"Least of all Adrian. The fact that she coaxed Lee and didn't tell us shows that she knew it was wrong. That's free will. And Adrian has no such excuses.† â€Å"Yeah†¦ but he's Adrian,† said Eddie lamely. â€Å"Sometimes I don't know how much of what he does is him and how much is spirit.† â€Å"Spirit users can take antidepressants, can't they? If he's worried about it becoming a problem, then he needs to step up and take charge. He has a choice. He's not helpless. There are no victims here.† Eddie studied me for several seconds. â€Å"And I thought I had a harsh view on life.† â€Å"You have a harsh life,† I corrected. â€Å"But yours is built around the idea that you always have to take care of other people. I was raised to believe that's necessary sometimes but that everyone still needs to try to take care of themselves.† â€Å"And yet here you are.† â€Å"Tell me about it. You want to come talk to Lee with me?† All apology vanished from Eddie's face. â€Å"Yes,† he said fiercely. We found Lee sitting on a bench outside, looking miserable. He jumped up when we approached. â€Å"You guys, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have done it. She just sounded so sad and so lost that I wanted to – â€Å" â€Å"You know how protective we are of her,† I said. â€Å"How could you have not thought that this would worry us?† â€Å"And she's a minor,† said Eddie. â€Å"You can't just take her away and do whatever you want with her!† I admit, I was a little surprised that the threat to Jill's virtue was what he chose to bring up. Don't get me wrong – I was also conscious of her age. But after he saw her literally die, it seemed like Eddie would be worried about more than making out. Lee's gray eyes went wide. â€Å"Nothing happened! I would never do anything like that to her. I promise! I'd never take advantage of someone so trusting. I can't ruin this. She means more to me than any other girl I've dated. I want us to be together forever.† I thought being â€Å"together forever† was extreme at their ages, but there was a sincerity in his eyes that was touching. It still didn't excuse what he'd done. He took our lecturing seriously and promised there would never be a repeat. â€Å"But please†¦ can I still see her when you're around? Can we still do group things?† Eddie and I exchanged glances. â€Å"If she's even allowed to leave campus after this,† I said. â€Å"I really don't know what's going to happen.† Lee left after a few more apologies, and Eddie also returned to his dorm. I was walking upstairs when my phone rang. Glancing down, I was startled to see my parents' number in Salt Lake City on the caller ID. â€Å"Hello?† I asked. For a frantic moment, I hoped it was Zoe. â€Å"Sydney.† My father. My stomach filled with dread. â€Å"We need to talk about what's happened.† Panic shot through me. How had he found out about Jill's disappearance already? Keith jumped out as the obvious culprit. But how had Keith found out? Had he been at Clarence's when Eddie called Adrian? Despite his flaws, I couldn't imagine Adrian telling Keith what had happened. â€Å"Talk about what?† I asked, playing for time. â€Å"Your behavior. Keith called me last night, and I must say, I'm very disappointed.† â€Å"Last night?† This wasn't about Jill's disappearance. So what was it about? â€Å"You're supposed to be coordinating efforts for that Moroi girl to blend in. You aren't supposed to be out socializing with them and having a good time! I could hardly believe it when Keith said you took them out bowling.† â€Å"It was mini-golf, and Keith okayed it! I asked him first.† â€Å"And then I hear you're helping all these other vampires run errands and whatnot. Your duty is only to the girl, and that is to do only what's necessary for her survival – which I also hear you aren't doing. Keith tells me there was an incident where you didn't properly handle her difficulties in the sun?† â€Å"I reported that immediately!† I cried. I'd known Keith was planning to use that against me. â€Å"Keith – † I paused, thinking about the best way to handle this. â€Å"Misunderstood my initial report.† Keith had blown off my initial report, but telling my father his protege had lied would just put my father's defenses up. He wouldn't believe me. â€Å"And Keith's one to talk! He's always hanging out with Clarence and won't say why.† â€Å"Probably to make sure he remains stable. I understand the old man isn't all there.† â€Å"He's obsessed with vampire hunters,† I explained. â€Å"He thinks there are humans out there that killed his niece.† â€Å"Well,† said my father, â€Å"there are some humans out there who catch on to the vampire world, those whom we can't dissuade. Hardly hunters. Keith's doing his duty by enlightening Clarence. You, however, are misguided.† â€Å"That's not a fair comparison!† â€Å"Honestly, I blame myself,† he said. Somehow I doubted that. â€Å"I shouldn't have let you go. You weren't ready – not after what you went through. Being with these vampires is confusing you. That's why I'm recalling you.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"If I had my way, it'd be right now. Unfortunately, Zoe won't be ready for another two weeks. The Alchemists want her to undergo some testing before she gets her tattoo. Once she does, we'll send her in your place and get you†¦ some help.† â€Å"Dad! This is crazy. I'm doing fine here. Please, don't send Zoe – â€Å" â€Å"I'm sorry, Sydney,† he said. â€Å"You've left me no choice. Please don't get into trouble in your remaining time.† He disconnected, and I stood in the hall, my heart sinking. Two weeks! Two weeks and they were sending Zoe. And me†¦ where were they sending me? I didn't want to think about it, but I knew. I needed to stop this from happening. Wheels were already in motion. The tattoos, I suddenly thought. If I could finish my tests on the stolen substances and find out info about the blood supplier, I would earn the Alchemists' regard – hopefully enough to take away the taint that Keith had put on me. And why had he done it? Why now? I knew he'd never wanted me along. Maybe he had just been biding his time, building up evidence against me until he could get me ousted in one fell swoop. I wouldn't let him, though. I'd bust open this tattoo case and prove who the stellar Alchemist was. I had enough evidence now to get their attention and would simply turn in what I had if nothing new came to light within a week. The decision filled me with resolve, but I still had trouble sleeping when I went to bed later. My father's threat hung over me, as did my fear of the reeducation centers. After about an hour of tossing and turning I finally dozed off. But even that was fitful and troubled. I woke up after only a few hours and then had to fall asleep all over again. This time, I dreamed. In the dream, I stood in Clarence's living room. Everything was neat and in place, the dark wood and antique furniture giving the space its usual ominous feel. The details were surprisingly vivid, and it was like I could even smell the dusty books and leather on the furniture. â€Å"Huh. It worked. Wasn't sure if it would with a human.† I spun around and found Adrian leaning against the wall. He hadn't been there a moment ago, and I had a flash of that childhood fear of vampires appearing out of nowhere. Then I remembered this was a dream, and these kinds of things happened. â€Å"What weren't you sure about?† I asked. He gestured around him. â€Å"If I could reach you. Bring you here into this dream.† I didn't quite follow what he meant and said nothing. He arched an eyebrow. â€Å"You don't know, do you? Where you are?† â€Å"At Clarence's,† I said reasonably. â€Å"Well, in reality I'm asleep in my bed. This is just a dream.† â€Å"You're half right,† he said. â€Å"This is a spirit dream. This is real.† I frowned. A spirit dream. Since most of our information about spirit was sketchy, we had hardly anything on spirit dreams. I'd learned most of what I knew about them from Rose, who had been frequently visited by Adrian in them. According to her, the dreamer and the spirit user were actually together, in a meeting of the minds, communicating across long distances. It was hard for me to fully grasp that, but I'd seen Rose wake up with information she wouldn't have otherwise had. Still, I had no evidence to suggest I was really in a spirit dream now. â€Å"This is just a regular dream,† I countered. â€Å"Are you sure?† he asked. â€Å"Look around. Concentrate. Doesn't it feel different? Like a dream†¦ but not like a dream. Not quite like real life either. Call it what you want, but the next time we see each other in the waking world, I'll be able to tell you exactly what happened here.† I looked around the room, studying it as he'd suggested. Again, I was struck by the vividness of even the smallest details. It certainly felt real, but dreams often did†¦ right? You usually never knew you were dreaming until you woke up. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to still my mind. And like that, I felt it. I understood what he meant. Not quite like a dream. Not quite like real life. My eyes flew open. â€Å"Stop it,† I cried, backing away from him. â€Å"Make it end. Get me out of here.† Because in accepting that this really was a spirit dream, I'd had to acknowledge something else: I was surrounded in vampire magic. My mind was ensnared in it. I felt claustrophobic. The magic was pressing on me, crushing the air. â€Å"Please.† My voice grew more and more frantic. â€Å"Please let me go.† Adrian straightened up, looking surprised. â€Å"Whoa, Sage. Calm down. You're okay.† â€Å"No. I'm not. I don't want this. I don't want the magic touching me.† â€Å"It won't hurt you,† he said. â€Å"It's nothing.† â€Å"It's wrong,† I whispered. â€Å"Adrian, stop it.† He reached out a hand, like he might try to comfort me, and then thought better of it. â€Å"It won't hurt you,† he repeated. â€Å"Just hear me out, and then I'll dissolve it. I promise.† Even in the dream, my pulse was racing. I wrapped my arms around myself and backed up against the wall, trying to make myself small. â€Å"Okay,† I whispered. â€Å"Hurry.† â€Å"I just wanted to say†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stuffed his hands in his pockets and glanced away uncomfortably before looking at me again. Were his eyes greener here than in real life? Or was it just my imagination? â€Å"I wanted to†¦ I wanted to apologize.† â€Å"For what?† I asked. I couldn't process anything beyond my own terror. â€Å"For what I did. You were right. I wasted your time and your work today.† I forced my mind to dredge up memories from this afternoon. â€Å"Thank you,† I said simply. â€Å"I don't know why I do these things,† he added. â€Å"I just can't help it.† I was still terrified, still suffocating in the magic surrounding me. Somehow, I managed to echo my earlier conversation with Eddie. â€Å"You can take control of yourself,† I said. â€Å"You aren't a victim.† Adrian had been gazing off, troubled by his thoughts. He suddenly jerked his gaze back to me. â€Å"Just like Rose.† â€Å"What?† Adrian held out his hand, and a thorny red rose suddenly materialized there. I gasped and tried to back up farther. He twirled the stem around, careful not to prick his fingers. â€Å"She said that. That I was playing the victim. Am I really that pathetic?† The rose wilted and crumpled before my eyes, turning to dust and then vanishing altogether. I made the sign against evil on my shoulder and tried to remember what we were talking about. â€Å"Pathetic's not the word I'd use,† I said. â€Å"What word would you use?† My mind was blanking. â€Å"I don't know. Confused?† He smiled. â€Å"That's an understatement.† â€Å"I'll check a dictionary when I wake up and get back to you. Can you please end this?† The smile faded to an expression of amazement. â€Å"You really are that scared, aren't you?† I let my silence answer for me. â€Å"Okay, one more thing, then. I thought of another way I can get out of Clarence's and get some money. I was reading about college and financial aid. If I took classes somewhere, do you think I could get enough to live on?† This was a concrete question I could deal with. â€Å"It's possible. But I think it's too late. Classes have started everywhere.† â€Å"I found a place on the internet. Carlton. A college on the other side of town that hasn't started yet. But I'd still have to act fast, and†¦ that's what I don't know how to do. The paperwork. The procedures. But that's your specialty, right?† â€Å"Sad but true,† I said. Some part of me thought Carlton sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it. He took a deep breath. â€Å"Will you help me? I know it's making you babysit again, but I don't know where to start. I promise I'll meet you halfway, though. Tell me what I need to do, and I will.† Babysit. He'd been talking to Jill or Eddie or both. That was reasonable, though. He'd want to know that she was okay. I could only imagine how my tirade had been paraphrased. â€Å"You were in college before,† I said, recalling his record. I'd scoured it when putting together the ill-fated resume. â€Å"You dropped out.† Adrian nodded. â€Å"I did.† â€Å"How do I know you won't this time? How do I know you aren't just wasting my time again?† â€Å"You don't know, Sage,† he admitted. â€Å"And I don't blame you. All I can ask is that you give me another chance. That you try to believe me when I say I'll follow through. That you believe I'm serious. That you trust me.† Long moments stretched out between us. I'd relaxed slightly, without even realizing it, though I remained up against the wall. I studied him, wishing I was better at reading people. His eyes were that green in real life, I decided. I just usually didn't look at them so closely. â€Å"Okay,† I said. â€Å"I trust you.† Total shock filled his features. â€Å"You do?† I was no better at reading people than I had been ten seconds ago, but in that moment, I suddenly gained a flash of understanding into the mystery that was Adrian Ivashkov. People didn't believe in him very often. They had low expectations of him, so he did as well. Even Eddie had sort of written him off: He's Adrian. As though there was nothing to be done for it. I also suddenly realized that, as unlikely as it seemed, Adrian and I had a lot in common. Both of us were constantly boxed in by others' expectations. It didn't matter that people expected everything of me and nothing of him. We were still the same, both of us constantly trying to break out of the lines that others had defined for us and be our own person. Adrian Ivashkov – flippant, vampire party boy – was more like me than anyone else I knew. The thought was so startling that I couldn't even answer him right away. â€Å"I do,† I said at last. â€Å"I'll help you.† I shivered. The fear of the dream returned, and I just wanted this to be over. I would've agreed to anything to be back in my non-magical bed. â€Å"But not here. Please – will you send me back? Or end this? Or whatever it is?† He nodded slowly, still looking stunned. The room began to fade, its colors and lines melting like a painting left in the rain. Soon, all dimmed to black, and I found myself waking up in my dorm room bed. As I did, I just barely caught the sound of his voice in my mind: Thank you, Sage.

Realism: Citizen Kane & Double Indemnity Essay

Movies have long been known to create a portal through which its viewers can transcend through their own realities and experience the unimaginable. The visual, sounds, and narrative of great movies immediately attract the focus of its audience as they move into a trance for those 1-2 hours of screen time. While many great movies introduce their audiences to varying experiences that heighten their senses and grasp their focus, some measure of relatability is necessary to connect with audiences. Such concepts of implementing elements of realism into the various facets of a film help establish a relevant connection, through which audiences can relate. However during the Hollywood Classical era, introducing such techniques of intensifying realism in movies was often unconventional and not an achievable goal for directors and cinematographers. The techniques required to implement such elements were either not well known or plausible. There were some movies during this era that did defy such tendencies and broke barriers in terms of delivering a movie that differentiated through such concepts like realism. Two famous films that have utilized certain techniques in creating an intensified form of realism in their own ways are Citizen Kane, by Orson Welles, and Double Indemnity, by Billy Wilder. The story of Citizen Kane and its main character Charles Foster Kane is actually loosely based of the real-life media mogul William Randolph Hearst, and Chicago tycoons Samuel Insull and Harold McCormick. Considering that the movie is based loosely off the lives of famous individuals already brings in a strong sense of realism within the film that audiences can understand. Yet just because Charles Foster Kane is somewhat based on these figures does not immediately equate it to an intensified form of realism. In fact, what really separates Citizen Kane from many other films, in aspects of compounding realism, are its use of unconventional cinematographic techniques. In an article from American Cinematographer in February 1941, Gregg Toland, the cinematographer for Citizen Kane, emphasizes that the movie’s â€Å"keynote is realism.† Two important techniques that were used by Toland and Welles in making the movie into more of a reality were the mis-en-scene and visual flow of the picture. The mis-en-scene and sets developed for Citizen Kane were crucial in establishing certain aspects of reality with the audience. One important feature that Toland and Welles made sure of during their shootings was that scenes in rooms actually had ceilings. As silly as it may sound now, conventionally shots taken inside a room on set rarely used to have ceilings. Even if they did have ceilings, viewers could only see them during Extreme long shots. In the case of Citizen Kane however, Toland and Welles realized that in reality, the audience would consciously realize anytime they are in a room that a ceiling exists. Thus it would make sense to bring such practicality into the scenes of the movie. In fact, this technique is employed multiple times through out the movie like when Kane, Leland, and Bernstein are in the office of the Inquirer and Kane comes up with the Declaration of Principles. During this sequence, the ceiling is within the frame of the lens for almost all the shots. Another sequence in which the ceiling is clearly visible is right after Kane loses the election and has a quasi-argument with Leland about his ideologies. In this sequence the camera is placed at such a low angle that almost every shot is a long shot where the audience can clearly see the whole figures of the characters and the ceiling. Such a technique of ensuring not only the construction of a ceiling on set, but also its presence on shots through out the movie intensifies the notion of realism. The audience is not just watching characters on a set in some studio, but they are actually seeing characters in a normal room. Another great thing about the mis-en-scene and set production of Citizen Kane is that it actually helped in delivering smooth visual flows, thus promoting notions of realism. Welles’ concept for the film was to make it as real as possible and executing that concept through the details of shooting the film. Welles and Toland came upon the agreement of avoiding straight cuts as much as possible as it was unnatural. Instead they focused more on developing a depth of field and pan/track shots. For instance, during the beginning of the movie, there is a scene during which Kane’s mother and father agree to sign over their son to Thatcher to be educated. During this sequence the shot starts with Kane playing outside in the snow. The camera then tracks out through the window of the house and all the way back into the dining room where Kane’s mother signs the papers provided by Thatcher. Through out this single shot, the depth of field ranges from young Kane playing outside all the way into the dining room. Conventionally, such a shot would have probably been broken up but Welles and Toland insisted on delivering long shots through the film to preserve its form of realism. Contrasting to Citizen Kane, the crime/thriller film Double Indemnity brings upon different technical aspects that intensify its notion of realism. As a film noir and crime thriller, Double Indemnity focuses on the fatal romance between a smart insurance salesman, Walter Neff, and a greedy housewife, Phyllis Dietrichson. Double Indemnity is glorified as one of the classic film noirs with its peculiar style such as an affinity for the night and rain, romantic narration, and presence of a femme fatale. However in addition to depicting a classic film noir, Double Indemnity utilizes certain effects to heighten its sense of realism and produce a stronger connection with its audience. One unique feature within this film is its predominant use of on-screen narration, depicting what the protagonist Walter thinks. A lot of times during the film, the on-screen narration will appear during moments of high tension or scenes exhibiting the restricted narrative. It also comes on when Walter starts to think to himself why he is committing to the idea and execution of murder and how he does not care if it is wrong because he is infatuated with Phyllis. For instance, in the beginning of the film, after Walter leaves Phyllis’ home, realizing she may want to purchase accident insurance for the â€Å"wrong reasons,† the on-screen narration comes on depicting his thoughts at his apartment. The audience hears Walter’s thoughts and how he feels completely out of it and cannot stop thinking about Phyllis. Such thoughts of infatuation and confusion are feelings the audience can relate to and put into perspective in their own lives, which intensifies the realism effect. Another technique utilized in Double Indemnity is the lighting effect on-screen. Coinciding with the style of a film noir is the use of low-key lighting in significant portions of the film. Many shots through out the movie, such as in Phyllis’ home, Walter’s apartment, and the car ride to the train station when Phyllis’ husband is murdered all use low-key lighting. The usage of the effect itself does not immediately signify a sense of realism but the fact that the lighting technique is used during moments of tension and suspense adheres to the mood and emotions of the movie. This combination is essentially what is picked up by viewers and again builds upon the idea of creating a relatable connection through which viewers can watch the film. Another combination that is prominent in the film is the crafted amalgamation of the non-diegetic soundtrack and the tension built up in certain scenes. A perfect example is during the car ride to the station when Walter murders Phyllis’ husband, the music slowly builds up in speed and volume as the scene gets closer to the time of the murder. During the action of the murder, the music is blaring with eerie music. Another interesting point is that instead of focusing on the murder, the shot is focused on Phyllis’ face and her glaring eyes lit by the low-key lighting. This combination of the various elements of lighting, sound, and camerawork culminate together to create a very real and thrilling scene. In might even seem contradictory to say these â€Å"added† elements intensify the form of realis m evident in the film, but as mentioned earlier, to deliver realism, a connection needs to be established with the audience. The connection created in Double Indemnity is based on tone and the mood set through the elements mentioned above. The notion of incorporating a form of realism within a film is beyond creating a narrative that would seem feasible in the real world. Actors and Actresses can also do their best in mimicking the habits of society in their performances but at the end, a movie will be just a movie in the eyes of the audience. However through the usage of distinct cinematic elements, a relatable connection can be created between the film and the audience. Such a connection allows for the concept of realism to be achieved considering the concept itself falls in the perception of the viewers. From the analysis provided above, both films Citizen Kane and Double Indemnity employ special techniques that aim to intensify the form of realism evident in their narratives. In doing so, each film delivers, in their own unique way, a screenplay that objectifies a truth held in the general values of our society. For Citizen Kane, it could be the power and destruction caused by greed, and for Double Indemnity, the possibility that lust stains even the good. Regardless of the â€Å"truth,† or message sent, the techniques used by both movies allow for viewers to perceive the story in their own fashion.

Emergency Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Emergency Nursing - Essay Example This paper approves that the Giger and Davidhizar Transcultural Assessment Model provides a framework to systematically assess the role of culture on health and illness and has been used extensively in a variety of settings and by diverse disciplines. This model does not presuppose that every person within an ethnic or cultural group will act or behave in a similar manner. In fact, Giger and Davidhizar emphasize that a culturally appropriate model must recognize differences in groups while avoiding stereotypical approaches to client care. In addition, the 6 cultural phenomena described are not mutually exclusive but are related and often interact. Whereas the phenomena vary with application across cultural groups, the concepts of the model are evident in every cultural group. The need for social congruency with one’s cultural group may have an adverse impact on essential care. Access to health providers does not necessarily translate into positive lifestyle behaviors or risk-reduction activities as prescribed by the dominant society. People from some cultures may verbally agree with a treatment plan out of respect to the provider but thendefer to folk remedies or alternative health practices upon discharge. This essay makes a conclusion that emergency nursing care is initiated by first prioritizing medical interventions with the purpose of saving the life, and then services and support are brought in to provide optimal care to the patient. Finally, the cultural aspect is taken care of, so that the new immigrant gets the required treatment, and best patient outcome can be achieved.

Application of the Letter from Birmingham in the War in Syria Essay

Application of the Letter from Birmingham in the War in Syria - Essay Example Martin Luther and his friend Abernathy Ralph had led demonstrations against laws that promoted the segregation of the black people in America. According to the law, Martin and Abernathy were supposed to get a permit to conduct the demonstrations. However, they failed to get the permit and that led to his arrest (King 34). The church clergy had responded to his arrest on the same day that he was detained in Birmingham prison arguing that both the white and black people should obey the civil laws in the country. Luther wrote the letter with the aim of justifying his disobedience of the law by arguing that it was the unjustness of the law that made him to demonstrate. Luther argues there are just and unjust laws, but the existence of unjust laws anywhere leads to injustice everywhere in the letter (King 36). King’s separation of just and unjust laws may be used in the analysis of the way in Syria and recommend on the actions that should be taken to end the war in the country. Mar tin argues that a regulation is just when it concurs with the laws of God, which he calls the ethical rules. Unjust laws, on the other hand, are those that are not based on the moral laws of God. Thus, according to King, laws are fair when they are acceptable in the whole society because God’s rules are equal to all citizens despite their race and color (Tiefendbrun 68). This argument aimed at informing the state that the segregation of the black people who lived in the southern parts of Alabama was an unfair act that was against the will of God. The segregation of the black people commonly known as the Negros had been in the country since the eighteenth century when slavery of Africans and Asians was practiced in the western nations (King 25). King also argued that injustice in any part of the country led to unfairness in the whole nation. This meant that the injustice that existed in the southern part of the nation led to the unfairness in all regions of America (Tiefenbrun 70). Luther also meant that the segregation of the black people was a sign of immorality of the whole nation including the whites. This indicated that the white people would be considered as immoral even when they acted fairly in other things in the south and in other regions in the country. This means that even if nations and people conduct themselves in all things except one, they will still be unfair and they will lack development. King demonstrates this by giving the example of how Africa was moving towards independence at a high speed while America was wasting time segregating the black people. The activist argued that Americans were lagging behind by taking the longest time to serve Africans only a cup of coffee (King 79). This meant that the injustice of the laws would cause injustice in the country by slowing down freedom and development like that which Africa and Asia were experiencing at that time. Martin postulates that â€Å"the oppressors who are mainly the leaders do not award the minority groups their freedom voluntarily† (King 80) Therefore, he argues that there is need for civil disobedience by the oppressed groups to force the leaders to grant them their moral rights. This argument justified King’s act of disobeying laws by conducting demonstrations instead of negotiating with the leaders. He further justifies himself by pronouncing that he was tired of being asked to wait for negotiations. Luther argued that the word wait had become a synonym of never because he and his fellow Negros had heard it for numerous years before deciding to disobey the law (King 82). Thus, according to Martin, leaders should award their people with justice on time to avoid the disobedience of the law. However, when the leaders fail to create fair regulations, they should be reminded through

King Lear Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

King Lear - Essay Example Politically, Lear begins as a tyrant, divides his kingdom, which leads to his loss of kingship and then learns the true meaning of kingship as he embraces his humanity. As a father, he severs his natural bonds by misunderstanding the true meaning of familial duty and learns the meaning of unconditional love through the unadorned love of his youngest. As a man, he begins his journey isolated from those who love him and then regains his humanity while locked up in prison. Throughout the chaos, the poetry is ripe with imagery of sight. Lear begins the play with no insight, no ability for introspection and leaves the mortal world with eyes open and sight restored. The first act of King Lear identifies all the divisions. Lear expresses his "darker purposes" (Shakespeare 548), to divide his kingdom, ironically, in the hopes "that future strife May be prevented now" (Shakespeare 549). But, as we soon see, there can only be strife because there is an unnatural balance, a division of all things, which leads to chaos and then, as all begins to become reconciled and balanced, there emerges hope for a better future. It all stems from Lear's inability to reconcile his will with reason. Dividing up his kingdom is his first serious mistake. He violates the law of nature at the highest level of order, that of the State. He thinks he can "shake all cares and business from our age," (Shakespeare 708) but still keep the superficial trappings of a king. Then he divides his family by acting as a tyrant. A tyrant sees no "otherness". He sees the world only through his own eyes. He separated himself from the world and thereby has no understanding of what goes o n around him. Lear banishes the two people, Cordelia and Kent, who love him because he sees love and daughters as a commodity. He then leaves evil to rule the kingdom. Lear is blind to the truth. When Kent asks him to reconsider, Lear says, "Out of my sight" and Kent responds, "See better Lear, and let me still remain the True blank of thine eye" (Shakespeare 555). Lear's last words in 5.3 are ripe with images of sight which mirror his statements in Act I. "Mine eyes are not o' the best, I'll tell you straight" ( Shakespeare 780). Lear's physical sight is waning but he now sees the truth because he has regained his reason, which allows him to see more clearly his duties as a father, a human being and a king. Lear looses his kingship, dignity, and family very quickly, Goneril and Reagan conspire to leave him defenseless. It seems that Shakepseare wants to get the details of the plot over very quickly so that he can concentrate on character development. Lear's first stage of enlightenment or reconciliation comes during the storm, a powerful example of pathetic fallacy, into which his two daughters send him, saying ""Tis his own blame; hath put himself from rest, And must needs taste his folly." (Shakespeare 741). Good advice from an unlikely source. Lear must go through the storm of self-discovery if he is to reconcile himself with reasoning and integrity. Gloucester's blinding signals a moment of greatest pain. The crisis of madness that Lear has unleashed in his kingdom. And then there's a turning point. The storm symbolizes the cathartic moment between chaos and the beginnings of a reconstruction. Not until Lear is physically striped of all his royal markings, does he begin to understa nd that a real king is not

Italian Renaissance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Italian Renaissance - Essay Example The refined and educated thinkers of the Renaissance spoke and read Greek and Latin which helped the transformation of several fields of learning including those which were the dominions of the church and the impact was visible even in the aspects of Christian learning such as theology and spirituality. The Renaissance which nourished itself on antiquity, the rediscovery of Greek and Roman ways, resulted in new ways of thinking in theology and spirituality, and restructured the essence of Christian learning. "The Renaissance was a revival of learning and art. The Europeans were always aware of antiquity since they lived with it, but they now saw everything in a different light. They ceased to see the world through ecclesiastical glasses... Great interest in Greek and Roman art, language, and philosophy developed... Thus, the Renaissance had its intellectual impact. It would, in effect, replace the church's dominance in the area of thought... To this extent, the Renaissance was anti-c lerical but not anti- religious." (Bausch, Cannon, and Obach 1989, P. 225). Significantly, Renaissance was most influential in theology and spirituality of Christianity which were no longer exclusively served by art and science which began to be studied for their own sakes. Theology and spirituality are the two essential domains of Christian learning which were most influenced by the Renaissance thought and thinkers. It is of great importance to analyse the influence of Italian Renaissance on the theology and spirituality as it can help one comprehend the role played by the Renaissance in bringing out drastic change in these areas of Christian thinking. Therefore, this paper undertakes a profound analysis of the Italian Renaissance in relation to the role it played in the transformation of two of the most important spheres of Christianity, i.e. theology and spirituality. In other words, it looks into the Italian Renaissance from a historical point of view and a theological point of view, comparing the theology and spirituality of the period before Renaissance with that of the period after Renaissance. In such a comparative analysis of the theology and spirituality in relation to Renaissance, it becomes lucid that this great event of revival in learning and art was central to ultimate transformation in these areas, which was corresponding to the spirit of humanism. Notwithstanding the attempts to limit the great role of Renaissance in making vital revival in theology and spirituality, it becomes obvious that the Renaissance played a seminal role in transforming these spheres of Christian knowledge. The Influence of Italian Renaissance on the Theology and Spirituality From the historical point of view, the Renaissance is one of the essential factors which caused the revival of Christian ideology and it resulted in the Reformation. There were several central elements in the early phase of the Renaissance which could very well pave the way for a complete change or reformation in the Christian thought and ideology. In an analysis of the situation before and after the Renaissance,

Finance and Growth Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Finance and Growth Strategies - Essay Example In fact, more mature companies tend to have better payout ratio, with regular increases in the rates. The firm's dividend policy is generally affected by a number of factors like; 1. Future Expansion Plans and Capital Requirements: If the company has expansion plans, diversification plans etc. then it will prefer to have a large reserve of its resources and funds readily available for the new venture. The requirement could be in the form of capital for setting up a new production facility or liquid funds to launch a marketing blitz for a new range of products or tapping a new market. 2. Competitive Environment: Today we are living in an era of globalization and liberalization. This has led to intense competition in many sectors and industries. This is particularly the case for companies in consumer goods and retail industry. Beckett-Camarata et al. (1998) present a conceptual overview of relationship management in a rapidly changing global environment: "In a global economy, all system members are interdependent and are customers. Companies are restructuring (i.e. downsizing) to fund only those core competencies that are key to their profitability and long-term survival. Managing relationships with their customers - especially with employees, channel partners, and strategic alliance partners - is critical to the firm's long-term success" (p71) Therefore companies try to reach all stakeholders in equal measure. For the customers it tries to rationalize the prices in order to attract them towards the product while it is equally crucial that the company tries to keep all its stakeholders in good humor, by paying out good returns on their respective holdings. 3. The overall business scene in the sector/s: Dividend payout decisions are also influenced by the number of companies and the kind of requirements that the business sector has. For example the diamond exploring companies in some of the South African countries do not generally find intense competition and the sector itself is a specialized one, with labor intensive inputs in the industry. In such a scenario, the company will have a committed number of investors and financers who understand the sector well and realize its potential benefits and drawbacks. On the other hand, a telecom services company will have intense competition not only from with the regional telecom companies but from other companies as well. Therefore, in such a scenario the company will be hard pressed for remaining in good books of the investors, coming from a wider spectrum of society. 4. Profit earned during the financial year: Dividend is certainly dependent upon the revenues and profits earned during the year. If the company can keep apart a sufficient amount, in addition to reserves and other liabilities, then the investors can expect better payouts. 5. Political scenario prevailing in the country/ region: The dividend policy is indeed impacted to a great extent by the political environment prevailing in the country or the region. If the political class is supportive of firms' business activities and the firm can chart out a future course of action, the firm can be quite liberal in its payout policy as well. But,

Ethical problem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethical problem - Essay Example The action of the managers to hide some information to the shareholders is unethical. This is because, ethical behavior requires that any decision reached by the management should be a truthful one, and thus any action that is mean to hide the truth from the shareholders is unethical (Frederic, 17). This type of conflict falls under the category of conflict referred to as Normative ethics, in a subset referred to as professional ethics, which requires that the professional conduct of individuals within an certain professions should act in accordance with set standards of right and wrong, and the deviation from such conduct eventually creates an ethical conflict (Weiss, 41). The classification of this ethical conflict under the Normative ethics category is informed by the fact that Normative ethics apply a practical approach towards arriving at an ethical decision, which has to do with the duties that individuals should follow and the implication of behaviors of an individual on other s (Frederic, 31). Explaining the conflict can happen in the corporation Normative ethics conflict can happen in organizations due to conflicts of interests, where the interests of the professionals tend to compete with the obligations and responsibilities of the professional (Weiss, 72). The managers can hide information from the shareholders, so that they can favor their interests at the expense of the interests of the shareholders, considering that he interest of the shareholders and those of the management are always conflicting (Frederic, 22). Therefore, the managers can hide a potential investment venture to the stakeholders, which would have long-term benefits for the shareholders through enhancing organizational growth, and prefer to pursue short-term investments that will result to short term benefits for the shareholders, to avoid taking risks, while also trying to make a name amongst their peers and other corporate commentators, who evaluates organizations on the basis of their short term revenues and performances (Weiss, 49). Further, the managers might hide the long-term benefits of an investment from the shareholders, and instead pursue short-term investments, so that they can increase the revenues in the short-term and benefit from salary increments and promotions, at the expense of pursuing investments that may have no revenue benefits in the present, but will yield more benefits and revenues for the shareholders in the future, such as investment in Research & Development (Frederic, 44). The effect of this conflict on the stakeholders This conflict has an adverse effect on the shareholders, since it works towards making the shareholders lose their future value of investment, while the managers are the ones who benefit from the conflict, through financial gains and promotions. Another effect of the conflict on the stakeholders is that; it erodes the trust that the stakeholders had on the managers, since the existence of such a conflict shows that the managers are not favoring the

Collision 1D Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Collision 1D - Lab Report Example It is as well known to be a vector quantity and its direction is same as the velocity. There is no special name for momentum unit but commonly letter p is used to represent the momentum vector. Momentum conservation can be derived using Newton’s third law. There is conservation of momentum in cases where there is interaction of interacting objects with each other. For instance, if p1is the systems initial momentum before collision and pf is the final systems momentum after collision, then we have: Energy conservation is considered to be another important conservation law. Energy is not a vector but a scalar. Whereby a scalar has no direction but it has magnitude only. There is conservation of energy based on whether the forces between are conservative. Gravity magnetic forces and electric are example of conservative forces. Other forces at nuclear physics level are also conservative. Friction is considered to be the most critical non-conservative force and it was been considered in this experiment. It is non-conservative force because there is energy conversion to heat. Two bodies sticking together after collision is also considered to be another non-conservative force. This is a special friction case since the energy is converted to heat in the process The experiment dealt with collisions only in one dimension. The bodies’ motion was constrained by a horizontal track. This implied that momentum and velocity was only in one direction(x or -x).Where x represents the tracks co-ordinates. Because we dealt with 2 bodies, the momentum conservation law can be illustrated as. Hence, the masses of the 2 bodies as well as their vectors velocity after and before collision is supposed to be known is order to show momentum conservation. It is mandatory to evaluate the energy after and before collision in order to find out if the energy conserved. The gravitational potential energy is not changed in this case

The North Korean missile defense testing Essay Example for Free

The North Korean missile defense testing Essay The North Korean missile defense testing in the Pacific is a current event that can be considered to have a great impact in the world today. North Korea’s neighbors and the United States are particularly concerned because it just raised the accusations that the North is keeping weapons of mass destruction, which could be more dangerous than those threats posed in Iraq. As Marianne Bray claims, the nuclear class has become a high-stakes no bluff game, where the threats are potentially greater than those posed in Iraq (Bray, 2003). According to her, North Korea might be using its nuclear program as a bargaining tool to get attention, money, food and fuel from the outside. The article by Marianne Bray even if it is true supports the idea that media can make or break a company’s or country’s image. While it is true that North Korea has strong and big armed forces, ranging in about one-million men and several missiles, Bray may have unintentionally led her readers to believe the far-reaching damage that North Korea can give to the world. This may be seen as an exaggeration of the consequences of North Korea’s power. Since North Korea claimed to have launched a nuclear underground test a few weeks ago, there have been doubts if indeed North Korea launched the said test as the explosion was only a small one and it still has to be confirmed if it was from a nuclear weapon. Clearly then, the article by Bray has widened North Korea’s image as a dictator and oppressive regime which can be a great danger to the world. However, she only gave a little importance on North Korea’s economic capability to endure boycotts from other countries and sanctions which will be given by the United Nations. All in all, this article has been negligent because it has been impartial and reported more on the options that might be taken against North Korea by its neighbors and the United States.

Projection & people Essay Example for Free

Projection people Essay The way a person projects him r herself affects how people perceive him or her as an individual. A person can either have a positive or a negative self-image. In the workplace, a poplar employee has a positive self-image and high self-esteem while an unpopular one has a negative self-image. People live through each day trying to project a positive self-image. Self-image is how one views himself, which includes the strengths and weaknesses that a person believes he or she has (Selk and Wilkins 69). For other people, self-image is about self-impressions that can give them confidence with regards to their actions and thoughts. If a person projects a positive self-image, he or she will be perceived by people around him or her as a capable person (â€Å"What is Self-Image? †). Self-image is related to self-esteem; wherein the latter is about believing that one is capable, lovable, and treats other people with respect (Clarke xi). Having a high self-esteem can affect the person, as self-esteem can affect how he or she feels about him or herself. Self-esteem can also make someone look good, productive, and effective (Clarke 5). All these things can contribute to the happiness of the person (â€Å"What is Self-Image? †). This is especially true in the workplace. There would always be someone who rises above the rest, and then there would be someone who might as well have seemed invisible. This has something to do with the way that a person projects him or herself towards other people. Self-image and self-esteem can make people stand out. A person who has a positive self-image is happy, has a healthy self-esteem, and feels independent and competent. Some people would say that image is everything. The manner at which someone sees him or herself is an important aspect that can influence his or her behavior and how that person relates to the people around him or her. A popular employee in the workplace exudes a positive self-image and self-esteem which then attracts other people. Researches have shown that self-image can affect one’s job performance. There are some people whose work ethic was influenced by self-image. Others found out that once they change their negative self-image into a positive one, it can help them get through tough times at work. Having a positive self-image can also eliminate any negative thought and doubts. Those who have a positive self-image believe in themselves and in what they can do. They can also turn away from things that could pull them down (Selk and Wilkins 75). An employee whom nobody seems to notice has the opposite characteristics. Having a low concept of self-image has adverse effects. This employee doubts him or herself and the things that he or she can do. This is because there is no one to praise the person’s achievements. Many of unpopular employees are also treated inferiorly by others. This in turn leads them to lose confidence on their abilities. Also, they will tend to make self-debasing comments. Researches have also pointed out that these people are at risk of depression (â€Å"Self-Image†). People do not approach someone of these characteristics because he or she has no confidence and projects him or herself negatively. Furthermore, a person with negative self-image does not have much confidence in relationships. Thus, he or she does not have many friends (Perera). Self-image is how one perceives him or herself. It is an important aspect for people to improve their job and relationships. A person who projects him or herself positively will be liked by everyone. This person possesses positive thoughts and feelings. A person with negative self-image, on the other hand, tends to be ignored in the workplace because he or she projects negatively to others. This kind of individual has low opinion of him or herself and of his or her own performance; and as such, this person tends to be treated inferiorly. Works Cited Clarke, Jean Illsley. Self-Esteem: A Family Affair. United States: Hazelden, 1998. Perera, Karl. 2008. â€Å"Self-Image – What does it Mean? † More Self-Esteem. 17 March 2009 http://www. more-selfesteem. com/selfimage. htm. â€Å"Self-Image. † 2009. Truth Media Internet Group. 17 March 2009 http://truthmedia. com/resources/self-image/. â€Å"What is Self-Image? † n. d. Mountain state, Centers for Independent Learning. 17 March 2009 http://www. mtstcil. org/skills/image-1. html.

History of Japan and its Relationship with the World

History of Japan and its Relationship with the World CHAPTER II JAPAN IN ITS SURROUNDING REGION 2.1 Japan in the Post Cold War World When the Berlin wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War, the global balance of power shifted from a tense military stand-off between the worlds two superpowers-the Soviet Union and United States- to one of American dominance. The end of the Cold War, which had gripped the world for nearly a half century, transformed the parameters and dynamics of international security. The end of Cold War did not have the same, immediate impact in Asia than it did in Europe. There was no Soviet Empire in Asia comparable to the vast territories under Moscows control in Europe. While Communist regimes collapsed from Berlin to Moscow, Marxism-Leninism continued to be the ruling orthodoxy in the PRC, North Korea, and Vietnam. In Europe, the fall of the Berlin Wall led to German unification, removing what had been arguably the greatest source of tension in European politics between 1945 and 1989. in Asia, however, disputes over national boundaries remained widespread, from the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas to the Spratley Islands in the South China Sea. Although the collapse of Soviet Union led to a considerable reduction in military tensions in Asia, the potential of conflict, if anything, increased on the Korean peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait. In the bold new world, Japan continued to confront with the strategic dilemma of protecting the vital sea-lanes along with the lifeblood of its economy flowed. Historically rooted fears of Japanese military power eased somewhat, at least in Japan and South East Asia. Nonetheless, the Japanese public remained profoundly uncomfortable with the notion that Japan should assume a larger military role, and in Northeast Asia-especially in China and Korea-historical animosities emerged all the stronger. The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States has also altered the world significantly. Governments around the world now realize that they are facing a new kind of threat that differs from the traditional ones. These new threat also includes various other kinds of aspects that influenced Japans security environment, such as Human trafficking, drug related crime, cyber crime, money laundering, Piracy, and other cross-border organized crimes. This research applies the Neorealism assumption that structures defines a states behaviour, and implies Kenneth N. Waltzs notion that a state is a rational actor that chooses its security strategy based on an assessment of its security environment. In this sense, the researcher argues that Japans relationship with its closest neighbours and also the emergence of the non traditional threat determines how Japan acts towards its alliance relationship with the United States in accordance with its effort on reaching security. Therefore, in this chapter the researcher will try to explore Japans regional environments, which will be explained through several crucial issues that Japan is facing with its neighbours. But before that, in order to explain Japans position in the region, it is also crucial to understand the basic nature of Japan, including its unique pacifist policies, its dilemma on defining national interest, and also its evolving defence posture. 2.2 Japan as a Pacifist Country Japan, or also known as â€Å"The Land of the Rising Sun†[1] is a moderately small country with a total of 377,835 square kilometres of total area and 374,744 square kilometres of land area.[2]. Japan has a Constitutional Monarchy[3] political system with its Emperor as symbol of state. It also has a Parliamentary form of government, with elected bicameral legislature called National Diet[4], consisting of House of Councillors, and also House of Representatives.[5] The head of the government in Japan is the Prime Minister, who must be a member of the House of Representatives and is usually the leader of the largest party in the House of Representatives. After its defeat in the Second World War, Japan has been positioning itself in the relationship among nations as a pacifist country. The subsequent sub-chapter will explore more of Japans pacifist constitution, which has been a symbol of Japans commitment to peace and more importantly its renunciation of wartime militarism. The following sub-chapter will also mentions several of Japans basic principle on pacifism, which clearly signs its effort in war renunciation, namely those principles are the Three Principles of Arms Exports, the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, and also the Self-Defense Force Law. 2.2.1 Japans Peace Constitution Since its promulgation in 1946, Japans constitution, and in particular its preamble and the article 9 â€Å"peace clause,† have occupied central positions in determining the direction of Japanese security policy. The constitution is the origin of a range of prohibitions and anti-militaristic principles that constrain Japans use of military force for national security ends, limiting the military to defending only the states own territory. It also creates significant barriers to cooperation with the United States and with the wider international community.[6] The constitutions preamble states Japans ideals with regard to security: We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honoured place in an international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth. We recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want. [7] Chapter 2 of article 9 of the constitution, â€Å"The Renunciation of War,† reads as follows†: â€Å"Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.†[8] Article 9 is the cornerstone of Japans pacifism. But Pacifism alone has not keep Japan free and safe, Japans security has been guaranteed by the presence of American military personnel in Japan and the shelter of the US nuclear umbrella. 2.2.2 Japans Self-Defense Force Law Having renounced war, the possession of war potential, the right of belligerency, and the possession of nuclear weaponry, Japan held the view that it should possess only the minimum defense necessary to face external threats. within those limits, the self defense forces law of 1954 provides the basis from which various formulations of SDF missions have been derived. The law states that ground, maritime, and air forces are to preserve the peace and independence of the nation and to maintain national security by conducting operations on land, at sea, and in the air to defend the nation against direct and indirect aggression. [9] 2.2.3 Japans Three Non-Nuclear Principles As the only nation in the world to experience the disastrous effect of the nuclear weapon, the Japanese people strongly put emphasize on the effort to eliminate nuclear weapons. This notion has been firmly translated into the non-nuclear principles that Japan is upholding until now. Articulated by Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967, Japans Three Non-Nuclear principles are:[10] Ø Not to make such (nuclear) weapons Ø Not to possess them Ø Not to bring them into Japan Japan later reaffirmed the principles when ratifying the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1976 and agreed to extend the treaty indefinitely in 1995. After 64 years of its promulgation, in 2009, Japans Prime Minister Taro Aso reaffirms that Japan would still going to adhere to its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.[11] 2.2.4 Japans Three Principles of Arms Exports The Three Principles on Arms Exports prevent Japanese firms from selling military hardware and technology on the international market. Like the Three non-nuclear principles, these export restrictions were established by Prime Minister Sato in 1967.[12] Its actual purpose is for Tokyo to bar shipments to the communists bloc and countries on the UN sanction lists. The ban was extended in 1976 to cover all countries, but then eased in 1983 when the United States sought to buy high tech materials for its Stealth bomber fleet and for other uses.[13] The three principles of arms exports prohibit Japan from conducting arms exports to the following countries or regions: Ø Communist bloc countries Ø Countries subject to arms exports embargo under the United Nations Security Councils Resolution and Ø Countries involved in or likely being involved in international conflicts.[14] Up until today, despite increasing calls for the legislation to be relaxed, Japan has no plans to review a government policy that prohibits the export of all military equipment and technologies. 2.3 Japans National Interest References to national interest constitute a new development in Japanese discourse on security. As an academic leaded term, National interest implies a host of realist assumptions concerning state-to state relations and the international system. The concept of national interests is a crucial factor to detect the policy of a state. The hierarchy of national interests can be classified into[15]: Ø Vital, national interests are conditions that are strictly necessary to safeguard and enhance states survival and well-being in a free and secure nation, Ø Extremely Important, national interests are condition that, if compromised, would severely prejudice but not strictly imperil the ability of the states government to safeguard and enhance the well-being of citizens of state in a free and secure nation. Ø Important, national interests are conditions that, if compromised, would have major negative consequences for the ability of the states government to safeguard and enhance the well-being of citizens of a state in a free and secure nation, and Less Important or Secondary, in which national interests are not unimportant. They are important and desirable conditions, but ones that have little direct impact on the ability of the states government to safeguard and enhance the well-being of citizens of state in a free and secure nation. To achieve and secure its national interest, a state would conduct every possible method. However, the term National interest bears a special meaning in the Japanese context. No common agreement exists among elites as to what Japans national interest entails. In fact, national interest is simultaneously a loaded term and a buzzword. When used by policy-oriented Diet members- often young lawmakers in the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and Democratic Party of Japan-the term loosely corresponds to the academic definition of national interest. In the case of the LDP, however, the term may also contain nationalist overtones. On the other hand, Japanese politicians also employ national interest as a form of rhetoric. For example, when justifying the SDFs dispatch to southern Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi told the Japanese press that: Reconstruction and stability of Iraq will be directly related to Japans National Interest.[16] Alternatively, during speeches and interviews, Japanese politicians may refer to national interest out of a desire to appear intellectual. Basically, Japan and the United States share common strategic objectives in the Asia-Pacific region. They seek a politically stable and economically viable, open region. Both would like the US to maintain its strong presence in the region. Both want to play an active role in the field of non-traditional security.[17] Dr Masayuki Yamauchi, the member of the Task Force Foreign Relations chaired by Special Adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat Okamoto, proposed that Japans national interests are almost the same as those of the United States, which shares common values such as freedom, democracy, and free trade with Japan. According to him, Japans national interests are[18]: 2.3.1 Maintenance of the Peace and Security of Japan. Security is the most vital national interest for every nation. To maintain its security, Japan as one of the worlds political leaders should engage itself actively in global security affairs. In this notion, former Prime Minister Koizumi stated in accordance with this matter in a press conference that: â€Å"Considering the fact that the development and prosperity of Japan rests upon the peace and stability of the world, I am convinced that the assistance that Japan currently provides, which realizes the policy of the Japan-US Alliance and international coordination, is in its national interest†[19] In a broader sense, the Japanese government also realizes that creating a secure and prosperous world is vital to Japans national interest, in a regional sense, Japans relation with its neighbours are the crucial point for this matter, this shows as the former Prime Minister Taro Aso stated in one of his speeches: â€Å"I have already met with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao of China eight times in total. I have also held eight summit meetings with President Lee Myung-Bak of the ROK, including the one on the day before yesterday. I believe that the relations with the leaders of these two countries are the closest they have ever been in the post-World War II era. It is we ourselves who create a world that is secure and prosperous. When Japan takes proactive steps towards the realization of such a world, Japan truly furthers its own national interests†[20] More in this notion, the then Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso mentions the importance of Japan to enhance its position in the region as a key player is stated in one of his speeches: â€Å"Japan is a country whose own prosperity depends on the stability and peace that exists around the globe as a whole. To bring us back to the metaphor of the chain, Japan has national interests in raising the degree of the chain as a whole, even should the means be indirect.†[21] In order to achieve security and prosperity, Japan realizes that the Japan-United States alliance is a vital element to achieve the perceived interest. Former Prime Minister Taro Aso stated in one of his statement that: â€Å"As this issue clearly demonstrates, Japans security and prosperity cannot be secured through the efforts of Japan alone. First of all, it is indispensable that the effectiveness of the Japan-US alliance be ensured. This alliance is a living arrangement and not something for which it suffices simply to have a piece of treaty document. We must constantly strengthen the Japan-US Security Arrangements through unremitting efforts by both Japan and the US. At the same time, as Japan asserts its national interests and gains the cooperation of relevant countries, it must fulfil its international responsibilities in tangible ways.†[22] â€Å"Stability was guaranteed by the Alliances among the free nations. On a global scale, balance and nuclear parity were achieved between Eastern and Western blocs. In North East Asia, the United States stood to bear the burden of security vis-à  -vis the communist military colossi like the Soviets, Chinese and North Koreans, and maintained stability in the region. We owe the peace and prosperity that has been created largely to the United States. And todays spread of democracy in the region is nothing but the result of tireless and colossi efforts by the United States to be a beacon of democracy world wide. It is only the Americans among the Western powers who shed blood of tens of thousands of nationals for the cause of freedom in the region.†[23] Japans peace and security can be regarded as a vital national interest, as this is stated by Nobukatsu Kanehara, the then Political Minister of Japan in 2005: â€Å"Japans grand strategy and vital interests consists in maintaining todays strategic stability and economic prosperity of the entire region. Japan can not do it alone. Maybe no nation could do it alone. And it is naturally that the Japan-US alliance, the alliance of the two biggest industrial democracies in the Asia-Pacific region, is and will be the best vehicle to achieve this daunting goal.†[24] â€Å"Japan is one of the major powers whose vital interests are entrusted to the stability of the world system. As Japan pursues its three major points of national interest, namely her own survival, stability, and prosperity, what is clear is that for a country of Japans size, no event occurring in the world can be ignored as being of no relation or interests.[25]† 2.3.2 Support for the free trade system. It is evident that the free trade system is important for Japan to enjoy economic prosperity. Accordingly, Japan should strengthen the free trade system by establishing a network of bilateral free trade agreements and support the World Trade Organization. â€Å"To promote democracy, free market and to enhance stability and prosperity in the region is not only Japans and Americans interests. It is the historic mission of the Japan-US alliance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develops global rules for the world economy and ensures that Japans national interests are reflected within them, a role which is clear and which cannot be carried out by any other domestic entity†[26] In the past, Japan has consistently supported the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) since it became a contracting party to the Agreement[27]. Japan has also believes that the global economy has prospered under the open, multilateral trading system under the GATT. Subsequently after the establishment of the World Trade Organizations after the Uruguay rounds, Japan has always been a contributing supportive member[28]. It could be concluded, then, that the maintenance and strengthening of a free and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system is Japans fundamental policy. 2.3.3 Protection of freedom, democracy and human rights. Freedom and democracy are Japans significant accomplishments since the Meiji Era. It is Japans duty to demonstrate a consistent commitment to the protection of these values in order to maintain regional stability. Taro Aso stated in accordance with Japans foreign policy of the issue of Japans determination towards democracy, peace and human rights: â€Å"Coming as we are from this background with such achievements, when it comes to talk of â€Å"universal values† that are commonly held in the world in general, whether it be talk of democracy, or peace, freedom, or human rights, Japan will no longer hesitate to state its views. This is what I am referring to when I speak of value oriented diplomacy, and my remarks to you here today constitute both a declaration of our qualifications and an expression of our determination.†[29] Democracy, peace, and human rights have a significant portion in the conduct of foreign policy for the government of Japan. In the Charter of Official Development Assistance decided in June 1992, Japan announced that, as the basic principles in implementing its aid, it would pay full attention to efforts toward promoting democratization and market-oriented economies, and to situations of basic human rights and freedom in recipient countries.[30] 2.3.4 Promotion of people to people exchanges and development of human resources through exchanges in the area of culture and education. Japan was the first modern country in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan put emphasis on developing human resources and it is because of the promotion of people-to-people exchange and development of human resources that Japan has flourished. It is important for Japan to continue to increase the number of people who understand Japan well. The 1992 diplomatic blue book of Japan stated in one of its paragraph relevantly this issue: â€Å"Japan has come to occupy an important position in the international community where interdependence among countries is growing. Overseas interest in Japan is being heightened. It is in Japans national interest in the medium and-long term to strengthen efforts to further deepen understanding of foreign countries toward Japan through broad cultural and educational exchanges†[31] The Government of Japan viewed that cultural exchange with other countries is a very important means of deepening understanding of Japan on the part of other countries and promoting international friendship and goodwill. It is the intention of the Japanese government to expand and strengthen various cultural exchange activities, as a major part of its diplomatic efforts[32]. 2.4 Japans Security Environments Japan is located in the Pacific Ocean; it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, Peoples Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia. Japans closest neighbours are South Korea, Russia, and China.[33] Based on the definition of North East Asia the researcher found, the North east Asian continent consist of the Republic of China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and the Russian Federation.[34] The second part of the chapter will try to explore thoroughly Japans security environments, including Japans neighbours, and also emerging security issues such as terrorism and international organized crime. Before we observe specifically several number of states in Japan surrounding region, the researcher would first take a look at the trend in issue of concern in Japans domestic realm, which is described in the following issued by the Cabinet Office of Japan. The above shows changes in Japans public concerns in terms of Japans peace and security. Respondents could choose three issues from a list about a dozen options. The clearly shows that their choices have changed significantly since the end of the Cold War. In February 1991, when the question was fist asked, it was in the midst of the Gulf War. Naturally, most respondents (56.4%) chose the Middle East Issue, as the one that concerned them with regard to Japans peace and security. The second highest percentage of concern was expressed on US-Soviet relations with 44% choosing that option: the timing was not long after the collapse of the Cold War structure. The remote third concern was arms control and reduction with 18.2%. The Korean Peninsula, despite its geographic proximity, came in as the forth most selected option with 17.3%. However, the results changed significantly in the next poll in 1994. the concern on Middle East issue dropped by two-thirds to 18.2 % and that on US-Soviet relations decreased to 31.2%, while the Korean Peninsula became the strongest concern with 34.2%, reflecting the May 1993 North Korean missile test in the Sea of Japan and the nuclear crisis of 1993-94. Since then, public concern about the peninsula has grown with 46.7% in 1997 and 56.7% in 2000 reflecting the August 1998 Taepodong missile incident and the March 1999 invasion into Japans territorial water by spy vessels. In the year 2003, after the December 2001 sunken spy vessel incident and the September 2002 Koizumi visit to Pyongyang, as many as 74.4% of respondents identified the Korean Peninsula as their primary concern. The results of the opinion polls show a clear decline of concern over the US-Soviet (Russia) relations and rapid increase in concern toward the Korean Peninsula among the Japanese public. The series of North Korean provocations since the 1990s as well as the shocking revelation of the abduction of Japanese nationals after Koizumis visit to Pyongyang attracted public attention. The geographical proximity of the Peninsula may have made Japans public concern over national security more realistic than the Soviet during the Cold War period. It is then clear for us to observe, that regional concern is increased in Japans public attention. Therefore, in the next part of this chapter, the researcher would explain specifically several states within Japans regional environments and also non traditional security concern such as terrorism and international organized crime. 2.4.1 Japans Relationship with its Neighbouring Countries 2.4.1.1 Peoples Republic of China China has the worlds largest population and a vast landmass surrounded by 14 countries. It has long borderlines and a long coastline. China is also a nation with various races, religions, and languages. Most of its ethnic minorities[36] populate the borderlands often with the same ethnic groups living across the borders. China, with a long history, has been shaping and maintaining a distinct culture and civilization, and pride of its unique history and the experiences of semi-colonization after the 19th century is driving a desire for a strong nation as well as fuelling their nationalism. China is state with a socialist regime, and aims at building a modern socialist state under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Part (CCP). History plays an important role in the bilateral Japanese-Chinese relationship and has an enduring impact on the perceptions, policies and future outlook of both sides. Historical experience shapes identities, but it is also instrumentalized for pressure on the other side. Depending on the prevailing political situation at a given time. Japan and China have found reasons for optimism or pessimism about their relationship. There have been many instances where Japan-China relations have soured due to various problems originating in history. Even now, the past still haunts bilateral relations. The problem of Yasukuni Shrine[37], school history books[38], the Nanking incident[39], comfort women[40], and also abandoned chemical weapons-these problems related to national honour and dignity have stirred up the emotions of the people of both countries. The core elements of Chinas strategic policies are rebuilding the economy and modernizing its armed forces in order to protect Chinas territorial integrity, providing peripheral security, and restoring her great power status. Taiwan reunification, the defeat of Uyghur separatist in Xinjiang Province, and the defeat of Tibetan insurgency are the dominant issues under territorial integrity. Despite the growth in Chinas economic and military power over the last decade, China remains paranoid about U.S. â€Å"hegemonic† power. China perceives the United States as attempting to contain China through its bilateral alliance structure. China was extremely critical of the 1996 reaffirmation of the U.S-Japan Security Alliance by President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto. On the other hand, China supports the U.S military presence in Japan to keep the â€Å"cork in the bottle† and prevent Japans return to militarism.[41] Wu Xinbo concluded, in an article in 2000, that most policy and academic elites in China do not embrace the idea that Japan will become militarized and aggressive, but rather that their concern is That the increase in Japans military capabilities will shift the balance of power in Japans favour. A militarily powerful Japan is more likely to invoke its alliance with the US to intervene should a military conflict arise in the Taiwan Straits. [42] Historically speaking, When China tested its first nuclear device in October 1964[43], in public the Japanese government reacted very calmly and played it down, hinting at the protection given by the US nuclear umbrella. Feeling secure under the American conventional and nuclear umbrella, Japan was not overly concerned about China becoming a nuclear power in 1964.[44] When Prime Minister Yoshida travelled to Europe in 1955 he indirectly criticised the USAs confrontational approach to Asian communism by stating in a policy paper that in fighting communism, political and economic strength was as important as military might, if not more so'[45] 2.4.1.1.1 The Military Modernization of the Peoples Republic of China In recent years, Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese military modernization and behaviour. In its 2006 defense white paper, the Japan Defense Agency stressed that Chinas defense budget was doubling every five years and that at the current rate, Chinas official reported defense expenditures would surpass Japans defense budget by 2009. It also noted that Chinas actual defense expenditures could be higher because all equipment procurement and research and development costs are not included in the official budget s.[46] In 2007, the Chinese Government announced a staggering increase of almost 17.8% of its military budget[47], resulting in questions asked by the government of its neighbours, including Japan, of its necessity and intentions. Relying mostly in on a naval presence for maintaining its military position, and given the circumstance that China is particularly backward in this arm category, Chinas challenge looks relatively comfortable despite alarmist US media and public opinion polls, and despite Chinas ability to make sustaining US supremacy more costly and/or more difficult in the meantime.[48] The US may consider the Chinese navy still far away from becoming a blue-ocean navy, but for Japanese policy makers Chinas predominantly coastal navy is rather close to Japanese waters, as we have seen in the context of the disputes over the Senkaku Islands and the EEZ.[49] 2.4.1.1.2 Japan-China Territorial Disputes: The Senkaku Islands The Senkaku Islands territorial disputes is one of the most pressing and potentially destabilizing territorial disputes on Japans Horizon, however, involves five small islands and three â€Å"Rocky outcroppings†. The islands, which the Japanese call the Senkaku and the Chinese the Diaoyu, lie roughly 100 miles Northeast of Taiwan and approximately 250 miles west of Japans southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. The largest of these uninhabited islands covers approximately 20 acres, and has the potential to bring the two former combatants into open hostilities once more. The fate of the islands has become a rallying point for Japanese and Chinese nationalists alike. In the summer of 1996, members of the nationalists Japan Youth Association erected aluminium, solar-powered lighthouse that measured about 15 feet tall and petitioned Japans Coast Guard to designate the beacon an official navigational signal and thereby reinforce Japans claims of sovereignty. The Coast Guard has yet to accede to this request. The lighthouse incident led to protests in Taiwan and Hong Kong, some of which involved as many as 10,000 angry Chinese demanding satisfactions for this affront to Chinas sovereignty. The Japanese are quick to point out that China never showed any particular interest in the disposition of the Senkaku Islands until a 1968 United Nations report suggested that there might be large petroleum deposits under the East China Sea in the vicinity of the Senkaku. In fact, the Chinese did not object to Japans 1895 assumption of sovereignty over the islands, nor did it voice any concerns regarding the islands status under Article III of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. As it relates to the Senkaku Islands, Article III says the following: â€Å"Japan will concur in any proposal of the United States to the United Nations to place under the trusteeship system, with the United States as the sole administering authority, Nansei Shoto south of 29 degrees North Latitude (including the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands†.[50] To further bolster their claim, the Japanese aversion that the United States considers the Senkaku Islands to be Japan