Bloodlines Chapter Fifteen

ADRIAN SLEPT for a lot of the way back to Palm Springs. Apparently, his late-night partying with Carla and Krissy had resulted in very little rest. Thinking about it made me uncomfortable. Thinking about Jill experiencing it through him made me ill. There'd been little we could do for Carla and Krissy except offer our sympathies. Strigoi attacks happened. It was tragic and terrible, but the only way most Moroi could protect themselves was to exercise caution, keep their whereabouts secure, and stay with guardians if possible. For non-royal Moroi living and going to school in the world like Carla and Krissy were, guardians weren't an option. Plenty of Moroi got by like that; they just had to be careful. The two of them thought the circumstances surrounding their friend's death were awful. That was true. They were. But neither girl thought much past that or felt there was anything odd about the throat-slitting. I wouldn't have either if I hadn't heard Clarence's account of his niece's death. I brought Adrian back to Amberwood with me and signed him in briefly as a guest, figuring Jill would feel better about seeing him in the flesh. Sure enough, she was already waiting for us in the dorm when we arrived. She hugged him and flashed me a grateful look. Eddie was with her, and though he said nothing, there was a look of exasperation on his face that said I wasn't the only one who thought Adrian had behaved ridiculously. â€Å"I was so worried,† Jill said. Adrian ruffled her hair, which made her duck away. â€Å"Nothing to worry about, Jailbait. So long as the wrinkles come out of this shirt, there's no harm done.† No harm done, I thought, feeling anger kindle within me. No harm except Jill has to watch Adrian hook up with other girls and endure his drinking binges. It didn't matter if Lee had supplanted her old crush on Adrian. She was just too young to witness anything like that. Adrian had been selfish. â€Å"Now,† Adrian continued, â€Å"if Sage would be kind enough to keep playing chauffeur, I'll take us all out to lunch.† â€Å"I thought you didn't have any money,† I pointed out. â€Å"I said I don't have very much money.† Jill and Eddie exchanged looks. â€Å"We, um, were going to meet Micah for lunch,† Jill said. â€Å"Bring him along,† said Adrian. â€Å"He can meet the family.† Micah showed up shortly thereafter and was happy to meet our other â€Å"brother.† He shook Adrian's hand and smiled. â€Å"Now I see some family resemblance. I was starting to wonder if Jill was adopted, but you two kind of look like each other.† â€Å"So does our mailman back in North Dakota,† said Adrian. â€Å"South,† I corrected. Fortunately, Micah didn't seem to think there was anything weird about the slip. â€Å"Right,† said Adrian. He studied Micah thoughtfully. â€Å"There's something familiar about you. Have we met?† Micah shook his head. â€Å"I've never been to South Dakota.† I was pretty sure I heard Adrian murmur, â€Å"That makes two of us.† â€Å"We should go,† said Eddie hastily, moving toward our dorm's door. â€Å"I've got some homework to catch up on later.† I frowned, puzzled by the attitude change. Eddie wasn't a bad student by any means, but it had been obvious to me since coming to Amberwood that he didn't take the same interest in the school that I did. This was a repeated year for him, and he was content to just play along and only do what was necessary to stay in good standing. If anyone else thought his behavior was odd, they didn't show it. Micah was already talking to Jill about something, and Adrian still looked like he was trying to place Micah. Adrian's generous offer to buy lunch only extended to fast food, so our meal was quick. After a week of dorm food, though, I appreciated the change, and Adrian had long since made his views clear on Dorothy's â€Å"healthy† cooking. â€Å"You should've just gotten a kids' meal,† Adrian told me, pointing to my half-eaten burger and fries. â€Å"You could have saved me a lot of money. And gotten a toy.† ‘†A lot' is kind of an exaggeration,† I said. â€Å"Besides, now you have leftovers to help get you by.† He rolled his eyes and stole a fry off my plate. â€Å"You're the one who should take the leftovers home. How do you even function on so little food?† he demanded. â€Å"One of these days, you're just going to blow away.† â€Å"Stop it,† I said. â€Å"Just telling it like it is,† he said with a shrug. â€Å"You could stand to gain about ten pounds.† I stared at him incredulously, too shocked to even come up with a response. What did a Moroi know about weight gain? They had perfect figures. They didn't know what it was like to look in the mirror and see inadequacy, to never feel good enough. It was effortless for them, whereas no matter how hard I worked, I never seemed to match their inhuman perfection. Adrian's eyes drifted over to where Jill, Eddie, and Micah were animatedly talking about practicing more self-defense together. â€Å"They're kind of cute,† said Adrian in a voice pitched just for my ears. He played with his straw as he studied the group. â€Å"Maybe Castile was on to something about letting her date at the school.† â€Å"Adrian,† I groaned. â€Å"Kidding,† he said. â€Å"Lee would probably challenge him to a duel. He couldn't stop talking about her, you know. When we got back from mini-golfing, Lee just kept going on with, ‘When can we all go out again?' And yet, he dropped off the face of the earth when he was in LA and I needed him.† â€Å"Had you made plans to meet up?† I asked. â€Å"Had he agreed to take you home?† â€Å"No,† Adrian admitted. â€Å"But what else was he really doing?† Just then, a gray-haired man passed by, bumping into Jill's chair as he balanced a tray of burgers and sodas. Nothing spilled, but Eddie jumped to his feet with lightning speed, ready to fly across the table and defend her. The man backed up and mumbled an apology. Adrian shook his head in amazement. â€Å"Just send him as a chaperone with whoever she goes out with, and we'll never have to worry.† Knowing what I knew now about Adrian and Jill's bond, I was able to regard Eddie's protectiveness in a different light. Oh, sure, I knew his guardian training had instilled that nature into him, but there always seemed to be something a little stronger there. Something almost†¦ personal. At first, I'd wondered if maybe it was because Jill was just part of his larger circle of friends, like Rose. Now, I kept thinking it might go further than that. Jill had said Eddie had been the only one to try to protect her the night of the attack. He'd failed, most likely through timing and not because of a lack of skill. But what kind of mark must that have left on him? He was someone whose sole purpose in life was to defend others – and he'd had to watch someone die on his watch. Now that Adrian had brought her back to life, was it almost like a second chance for Eddie? An opportunity to redeem himself? Maybe that's why he was so vigilant. â€Å"You look confused,† said Adrian. I shook my head and sighed. â€Å"I think I'm just overthinking things.† He nodded solemnly. â€Å"That's why I try to never do it.† An earlier question popped into my head. â€Å"Hey, how come you told those girls your name was Jet?† â€Å"Standard practice if you don't want chicks to find you later, Sage. Besides, I figured I was protecting our operation here.† â€Å"Yeah, but why Jet? Why not†¦ I don't know†¦ Travis or John?† Adrian gave me a look that said I was wasting his time. â€Å"Because Jet sounds badass.† After lunch, we returned Adrian to Clarence's, and the rest of us went back to Amberwood. Jill and Micah went off to do their own thing, and I convinced Eddie to go to the library with me. There, we staked out a table, and I brought out my laptop. â€Å"So, we found out something interesting when I picked up Adrian today,† I told Eddie, keeping my voice library soft. Eddie gave me a wry look. â€Å"I'm guessing the whole experience of picking up Adrian was interesting – at least from what Jill told me.† â€Å"It could've been worse,† I speculated. â€Å"At least he was dressed when I got there. And there were only two other Moroi there. I didn't stumble into a sorority house full of them or anything.† That made him laugh. â€Å"You might have had a harder time getting Adrian out of there if that was the case.† My laptop screen flared to life, and I began the complicated process of logging into the Alchemists' mega-secure database. â€Å"Well, as we were leaving, the girls he was with found out that a friend of theirs was killed by Strigoi the other night.† All humor vanished from Eddie's face. His eyes went hard. â€Å"Where?† â€Å"In LA, not here,† I added. I should've known better than to open up the conversation like that without clearly stating beforehand that he didn't need to be on the lookout for Strigoi on campus. â€Å"As far as we know, everyone's right – Strigoi don't want to hang out in Palm Springs.† Eddie became about one percent less tense. â€Å"Here's the thing,† I continued. â€Å"This Moroi girl – this friend of theirs – was allegedly killed like Clarence's niece.† Eddie's eyebrows rose. â€Å"With the slit throat?† I nodded. â€Å"That's weird. Are you sure that's what happened – to either of them? I mean, we're just going off of Clarence's report, right?† Eddie drummed a pencil against the table as he pondered this. â€Å"Clarence is nice enough, but come on. We all know he's not quite there.† â€Å"That's why I brought you here. And why I wanted to check this database. We keep track of most Strigoi-related deaths.† Eddie peered over my shoulder as I brought up an entry on Tamara Donahue from five years ago. Sure enough, she'd been found with a cut throat. Another search on Melody Croft – Krissy and Carla's friend – also turned up a report from last night. My people had been on the scene and quick to log the information. Melody too had had her throat slit. There had been other reported Strigoi murders in LA – it was a big city, after all – but only two matched this profile. â€Å"Are you still thinking about what Clarence said – about vampire hunters?† Eddie asked me. â€Å"I don't know. I just thought it was worth checking these out.† â€Å"Guardians weighed in on both of these cases,† said Eddie, pointing at the screen. â€Å"They also declared them Strigoi attacks – there was blood taken from both girls. That's what a Strigoi does. I don't know what a vampire hunter does, but I just don't see drinking blood as part of their goal.† â€Å"I wouldn't think so either. But neither of these girls was drained.† â€Å"Strigoi don't always finish drinking from their victims. Especially if they're interrupted. This girl Melody was killed near a club, right? I mean, if her killer heard someone coming, they'd just take off.† â€Å"I suppose. But what about the throat-slitting?† Eddie shrugged. â€Å"We have tons of accounts of Strigoi doing crazy things. Just look at Keith and his eye. They're evil. You can't apply logic to them.† â€Å"Um, let's leave his eye out of this.† Keith wasn't a case I wanted brought up. I sat back in my chair and sighed. â€Å"There's just something bugging me about all the killings. The half-drinking. The throat-slitting. They're both strange things happening together. And I don't like strange things.† â€Å"Then you're in the wrong profession,† said Eddie, his smile returning. I smiled back, my mind still turning everything over. â€Å"I suppose so.† When I didn't say anything else, he gave me a surprised look. â€Å"You're not actually†¦ you don't think there are vampire hunters, do you?† â€Å"No, not really. We have no evidence to think they exist.† â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Eddie prompted. â€Å"But,† I said. â€Å"Doesn't the idea freak you out a little? I mean, right now, you know who to look out for. Other Moroi. Strigoi. They stand out. But a human vampire hunter?† I gestured to the students gathered and working in the library. â€Å"You wouldn't know who's a threat.† Eddie shook his head. â€Å"It's pretty easy, actually. I just treat everyone as a threat.† I couldn't decide if that made me feel better or not. When I returned to my dorm later, Mrs. Weathers flagged me down. â€Å"Ms. Terwilliger dropped something off for you.† â€Å"She brought me something?† I asked in surprise. â€Å"It's not money, is it?† So far, none of my coffee purchases had been reimbursed. By way of answer, Mrs. Weathers handed over a leather-covered book. At first, I thought it was the one I'd just finished. Then I looked more closely at the cover and read Volume 2. A yellow sticky note attached to the book had Ms. Terwilliger's spidery writing on it: Next. I sighed and thanked Mrs. Weathers. I'd do any task my teacher asked of me, but I was kind of hoping she'd assign me a book that was more of a historical account than recipes for spells. As I was walking down my hall, I heard a few exclamations of alarm from the far end. I could see an open door and a few people huddled around it. Hurrying past my own room, I went to see what the problem was. It was Julia and Kristin's room. Although I wasn't sure I really had the right, I pushed my way past some of the frightened onlookers. No one stopped me. I found Kristin lying on her bed, twitching violently. She was sweating profusely, and her pupils were so large, there was hardly any discernible iris. Julia sat near her on the bed, as did a couple girls I didn't know so well. She looked up at my approach, her face filled with fear. â€Å"Kristin?† I cried. â€Å"Kristin, are you okay?† When no response came, I turned to the others. â€Å"What's the matter with her?† Julia anxiously refolded a wet cloth and placed it on Kristin's forehead. â€Å"We don't know. She's been like this since this morning.† I stared incredulously. â€Å"Then she needs to see a doctor! We need to call someone now. I'll get Mrs. Weathers – â€Å" â€Å"No!† Julia jumped up and caught hold of my arm. â€Å"You can't. The reason she's like this†¦ well, we think it's because of the tattoo.† â€Å"Tattoo?† One of the other girls caught hold of Kristin's wrist and turned it so that I could see the inside. There, tattooed in glittering coppery ink on her dusky skin, was a daisy. I remembered Kristin pining for a celestial tattoo, but last I knew, she couldn't afford it. â€Å"When did she get this?† â€Å"Earlier today,† said Julia. She looked abashed. â€Å"I lent her the money.† I stared at that sparkling flower, so pretty and seemingly harmless. I had no doubt it was what was causing this fit. Whatever was mixed with the ink to provide the high wasn't reacting correctly with her system. â€Å"She needs a doctor,† I said firmly. â€Å"You can't. We'll have to tell them about the tattoos,† said the girl who had been holding Kristin's hand. â€Å"No one believed Trey, but if they saw something like this†¦ well, everything at Nevermore could be shut down.† Good! I thought. But to my astonishment, her words were met with nods from the other gathered girls. Were they crazy? How many of them had those ridiculous tattoos? And was protecting them really more important than Kristin's life? Julia swallowed and sat back down on the edge of the bed. â€Å"We were hoping this might pass. Maybe she needs a little time to adjust.† Kristin moaned. One of her legs trembled like it was having a muscle spasm and then stilled. Her eyes and their large pupils stared off blankly, and her breathing was shallow. â€Å"She's had all day!† I pointed out. â€Å"You guys, she could die.† â€Å"How do you know?† asked Julia in astonishment. I didn't, not for sure. But every once in a while, Alchemist tattoos didn't take either. In ninety-nine percent of the cases, human bodies accepted the vampire blood used in an Alchemist tattoo, allowing its properties to infuse with our own, kind of like a low-grade dhampir. We gained good stamina and long life, though hardly got the amazing physical abilities dhampirs received. The blood was too diluted for that. Even so, there was always the occasional person who got sick from an Alchemist tattoo. The blood poisoned them. It was made worse because the gold and other chemicals worked to keep the blood infused in the skin, so it never had a chance to leave. Those left untreated died. Vampire blood wouldn't cause a euphoric high, so I didn't believe there was any in this tattoo. But the treatment we used for Alchemist tattoos relied on breaking down the metallic components of the tattoo in order to release the blood, allowing the body then to clear it naturally. I had to assume the same principle would work here. Only, I didn't know the exact formula for the Alchemist compound and wasn't even sure it would break down copper like it did gold. I bit my lip, thinking, and finally made a decision. â€Å"I'll be right back,† I told them, racing to my room. All the while, an inner voice chastised me for foolishness. I had no business attempting what I was about to. I should go straight to Mrs. Weathers. Instead, I opened my room door and found Jill with her laptop. â€Å"Hey, Sydney,† she said, smiling. â€Å"I'm IM-ing with Lee and – † She did a double take. â€Å"What's wrong?† I turned on my own laptop and set it on the bed. While it booted up, I reached for a small metal suitcase I'd carefully packed but never expected to use. â€Å"Can you go get me some water? Quickly?† Jill hesitated only a moment before nodding. â€Å"Be right back,† she said, jumping off her bed. While she was gone, I unlocked the case with a key I always kept on me. Inside it were small amounts of dozens of Alchemist compounds, the kinds of substances we mixed together and used as part of our jobs. Some ingredients – like the ones I used to dissolve Strigoi bodies – I had lots of. Others, I had only a sampling of. My laptop finished booting up, and I logged onto the Alchemist database. A few searches and I soon had the formula for antitattoo treatment pulled up. Jill returned then, carrying a cup brimming with water. â€Å"Is this enough? If we were in any other climate, I could've pulled it straight from the air.† â€Å"It's fine,† I said, glad the climate had kept her from magic. I scanned the formula, analyzing which ingredients did what. I mentally deleted the ones I was certain were specific to gold. A couple I didn't even have, but I was pretty sure they were simply for skin comfort and weren't requisite. I began pulling out ingredients from my kit, carefully measuring them – though still moving as quickly as possible – into another cup. I made substitutions where necessary and added an ingredient I was certain would break down copper, though the amount required was only a guess on my part. When I finished, I took the water from Jill and added the same amount that was in the original instructions. The final result was a liquid that reminded me of iodine. I lifted it up and felt a little like a mad scientist. Jill had watched me without comment the entire time, sensing the urgency. Her face was filled with concern, but she was biting back all the questions I knew she had. She followed me when I left the room and headed back to Kristin's. More girls were there than before, and it was honestly a wonder Mrs. Weathers didn't just hear the racket. For a group so intent on protecting their precious tattoos, they weren't being particularly covert. I returned to Kristin's bedside, finding her unchanged. â€Å"Expose her wrist again, and hold her arm as still as possible for me.† I didn't direct the command to anyone but put enough force into it that I felt certain someone would obey. I was right. â€Å"If this doesn't work, we get a doctor.† My voice left no room for argument. Julia looked paler than Jill but gave a weak a nod of acceptance. I took the washcloth she'd been using and dipped it into my cup. I'd never actually seen this done and had to guess about how to apply it. I made a silent prayer and then pressed the washcloth against the tattoo on Kristin's wrist. She let out a strangled cry, and her whole body bucked up. A couple nearby girls instinctively helped hold her down. Tendrils of smoke curled up from where I was holding the washcloth against her, and I smelled a sharp, acrid odor. Waiting what I hoped was an acceptable amount of time, I finally removed the washcloth. The pretty little daisy was mutating before our eyes. Its clean lines began to run and blur. The coppery color began to shift, darkening into a bluish green. Before long, the design was unrecognizable. It was an amorphous blob. Around it, red welts appeared on her skin, though they seemed to be more of a superficial irritation than anything dire. Still, the whole thing looked terrible, and I stared in horror. What had I done? Everyone else was silent, no one knowing what to do. A couple minutes passed, but they felt like hours. Abruptly, Kristin stopped twitching. Her breathing still seemed labored, but she blinked, her eyes focusing as though suddenly seeing the world for the first time. Her pupils were still huge, but she managed to look around and at last focus on me. â€Å"Sydney,† gasped out Kristin. â€Å"Thank you.†

Are Customer loyalty and online grocery shopping linked in anyway

How client trueness and on-line food market shopping in anyway are linked or affected by one another? The wide job country or publish that this pupil wanted to turn to was to happen a correlativity between client trueness from the early phases when food market shops where traveling to the online market topographic point, and how, if any manner they are linked. They will besides supply research into the country that is on-line food market shopping and client trueness, to set up a nexus between the two and to analyze the grounds as to why people choose to shop online instead than in shop.Keywordso Customer Loyalty o Grocery Shopping o Online Grocery Shopping o Attitude to shopping online o Links between client trueness and on-line food market shopping o Customer trueness strategies o Shoping Rewards strategies o Internet shopping o E-loyaltyLiterature SearchRE Anderson, SS Srinivasan – Psychology and Selling, ( 2003 ) Eaˆ?satisfaction and eaˆ?loyalty: A eventuality model. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ Cited by 331 ] SS Srinivasan, R Anderson, K Ponnavolu – Journal of Retailing, ( 2002 ) Customer trueness in e-commerce: an geographic expedition of its ancestors and effects. Elsevier Science Inc. [ Cited by 467 ] MA Morganosky, BJ Cude – International Journal of Retail & A ; aˆÂ ¦ , ( 2000 ) Consumer response to online food market shopping. MCB UP Ltd – [ Cited by 116 ] Lisa O'Malley – Selling Intelligence & A ; Planning ( 1998 ) â€Å" Can trueness strategies truly construct trueness? . MCB UP Ltd [ Cited by 91 ]Literature ReviewCompare your mentions to the 1s chosen by the pupil In comparing with the mentions that I found through my literature hunt, there is a wider spread between my beginnings and that of the subjects discussed by the writer of my chosen undertaking. The chief distinguishing country was the keywords that were used to execute my literature hunt. I personally believe that the spread between both our consequences, was that my mentions where really generic given information about that peculiar subject. Whereas the pupils mentions where highly narrow and really near to the issues being discussed, the bulk of the mentions were in line with their point of position. Are any the same? What is different? The mentions that I found where really different to that of the pupil, the bulk of my mentions were surveies into the cardinal subject countries for illustration ‘e-loyalty ‘ and ‘customer satisfaction ‘ . Unsurprisingly none of our mentions matched, the bulk of my consequences were for that specific subject as I saw tantrum. Look up some of their mentions†¦ How good are they? The mentions chosen by the pupil were really good chosen I believe as they were relevant to their research country. However in my sentiment the quality of the mentions could hold been better. Having found some of their diaries through Google ‘s Scholar, they were non extremely rated in this subject country. That leads me to oppugn some of the points raised in the study. The bulk of mentions I believe were chiefly in support of their position. This is what I would anticipate from this type of subject. However I believe it would hold been a much more compelling study if we were given an opposing position every bit good, hence doing their statements interesting. During the chapter where the pupil was explicating the history of the Internet, wholly there mentions in that paragraph were in support of the points being raised which is what would be expected when a subject is being explained. Can you judge the quality of their mentions? I personally believe that the quality of the mentions obtained by the pupil was of exceeding quality, they were relevant to the point that was being made. I personally followed up a few of their mentions and the three that I followed were of highly high credibleness. For illustration the diary Lewin, C ( Editor ) . ( 2004 ) . Research Methods in the Social Sciences. Harmonizing to Google Scholar, had been cited by other readers and authors 89 times, since it was published in 2005, this is a really good indicant that the beginning and writers positions are extremely respected on this field of subject besides lending to the credibleness of the beginnings used in this article.For Comments Please Refer To Original Post on VictoryCapable: WK 4 – Research Ethics Topic: Learning Journals Group 5 Writer: DERICK AGYEPONG BOATENG Date: 08 January 2011 13:13 How the research was carried out? ( E.g. study, questioning ) In my chosen undertaking, Primary research was used both in the signifier of a study to mensurate public sentiment of on-line food market shopping and besides of a personal rating of Tesco ‘s web based food market shopping site. This questionnaire was sent out to an estimated 300 respondent ‘s via an e-mail nexus who attend the University of Portsmouth Computing and Maths section. Some questionnaires were besides sent to friends and household members of the research workers – but the exact sum is non disclosed. Did it affect human topics? ( Did people get involved? ) Yes the study included human topics, the study contained a sum of 12 inquiries, in which respondents gave background inside informations foremost ( sex and age group ) in order for the research worker to construct up a profile of the respondent ‘s. They so proceeded to reply inquiries based on on-line food market shopping experience and wonts. This was a quantitative survey incorporating structured inquiries with a choice of pre-set replies. This type of research allowed for a standardized set of informations to be collected from the respondents which could be easy analysed to look for possible forms and tendencies in the replies given. Do you believe that all the ethical issues were covered? Were there any ethical quandary that you think were non adequately addressed? I believe that the pupil covered all the ethical countries in the study ; they besides completed an ethical scrutiny which was mentioned in the study but non included. I presume that the electronic mail provided the topic with adequate inside informations about the study and besides what their information would be used for. I am assured that no ethical boundaries where crossed in the executing of this survey. From the study no bush leagues where sampled in the study as their sentiments would non be relevant to the subject being investigated. In your sentiment, do you believe that failure to turn to any ethical issues reduced the credibleness of the consequences from this Undertaking? ( Gave readers an alibi to dismiss those findings? ) . I personally do non believe that credibleness of this undertaking was any affected by any ethical issues that may hold arose. The mode in which the pupil created the questionnaire for illustration, one time a respondent had entered their age the system would find whether they were of legal age to take part in the questionnaire before continuing. This was critical in guaranting that bush leagues did non by chance take part in the survey without parental consent. There was no ground from the undertaking study that would bespeak to readers to oppugn the findings. However there are issues that I believe should be raised about the dependability of the consequences obtained. To me personally the targeted group does non look to be the typical food market shopper. I think it would hold been a much more bewitching if the questionnaire was made available to supermarkets to let their clients to supply their sentiments as good giving a much wider range of participants and guaranting that the con sequences are justified.For Comments Please Refer To Original Post on VictoryCapable: WK 5 – Research Design Topic: Learning Journals Group 5 Writer: DERICK AGYEPONG BOATENG Date: 13 December 2010 12:27 The intent of this research is to look into why e-waste is a turning concern. Suggest ONE research attack ( methodological analysis ) , a research inquiry, a research method and a sampling scheme which would let you to research this inquiry successfully. To get down, I started by making a really general hunt as to what e-waste is and to familiarize myself with the job being investigated. I rapidly came across statistical grounds that this issue is much bigger than what I ab initio thought. Below is a speedy snipping of the issues that I came across. â€Å" Thirty million computing machines are thrown out every twelvemonth in the US entirely, and many are dumped in India and China. Some 70 % of the heavy metals in landfills come from electrical equipment waste. † Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3307815.stm From this initial hunt I was able to rapidly make up one's mind that a questionnaire would be the most suited method of transporting out the research. These questionnaires can be given to both consumers to derive an apprehension of their position points and how this issue affects them. The 2nd group that the questionnaire could be given to, would be those in industry, including a sample from fabrication, providers and besides retail merchants, this would supply a suited apprehension on how this issue affects all those concerned. Some illustration inquiries that could be posed in the questionnaire could include: 1. How do you dispose of defective points? a. Throw in general waste B. Shit at land fill c. Find suited recycling strategy d. Donate to charity 2. Would you be more likely to utilize recycling strategies if they were free or small cost to you? a. Yes B. No c. Maybe ( Please give ground ) These inquiries would be aimed at consumers, it would be ideal to hold different types of inquiries for those other sectors that are besides being investigated to truly understand the impact this issue is holding on the environment and besides a suited solution that could be implemented to cut down the impact. See your ain Study Project Report: In the undertaking that I ‘m reviewing, the research worker used a fixed Research Design. The research worker specified in advanced what methods were traveling to be used to roll up qualitative informations. These included a questionnaire to prove both facets of the primary research and besides a personal rating of the Tesco.com web site. Unfortunately in my chosen undertaking, there was no reference of any variables, but from my consideration I can place two dependent variables. The first 1 would be age this would be dependent on the respondent ‘s gender, from the consequences included in the study, it fair to state that the bulk of the respondents were males, which were dependent on the topic ‘s age, which was between 18 and 30. There was no sample inquiries attached to my chosen undertaking ; nevertheless from what was discussed and besides the consequences, I can construct a image of the type of inquiries asked in order to have those consequences. There does look to be usage of both nominal and numeral informations types to have the replies that was gained from the study. Capable: WK 6 – Research Design 2 Subject: Learning Journals Group 5 Writer: DERICK AGYEPONG BOATENG Date: 04 January 2011 02:24 How much consideration did the writer give to taking a Research Design at all? I believe that the writer of my chosen research did n't take that much clip in order to take their research design, as I presume that one time the aims were determined, it would hold been directly frontward to reason that a study would be the most efficient method of roll uping qualitative informations that can be easy analysed at a ulterior phase. However I do believe it was a good thought for the research worker to besides include a personal rating of an bing on-line food market shop which at the clip appeared to be making good. I presume that there must had been some thought nevertheless no grounds or treatment took topographic point in the concluding study, as to what countries to look into and what the primary end to be achieved from this private survey. Do you hold any grounds that the writer considered any pick of design? From what I have read in this undertaking there is no treatment from the writer, sing a suited research design. However in the Methodology portion, the research worker did discourse really briefly what methods were traveling to be used to bring forth concrete consequences, from which they could establish the study upon. Did the writer usage a Flexible Research Design and, if non, do you believe that there were possibilities for qualitative research that were missed? Give grounds for your reply. The research worker of my chosen undertaking used a flexible research design, this is apparent in the type of research used, they utilised both questionnaires and besides personal rating into research inquiry. However I do believe that an chance to capture qualitative informations was missed by the research worker, I believe that this would hold given the undertaking a much more compelling grounds to back up their concluding decision, for illustration the research shows that 72 % of respondents would see utilizing on-line supermarkets in the close hereafter – it would hold provided the reader with a much more in deepness analysis if we were provided the chance to happen out what the respondents sentiments on what might alter in the close hereafter for them to see utilizing on-line supermarkets. Remarks Forward Remarks 1 Writer: THOMAS ELLIOTT Date: 09 November 2010 21:51 I see you have undertaken an indepth literature hunt and compared it with your allocated undertaking successfully. I feel the key words you highlighted are of a high criterion and after sing some of the links you posted, they look really relevant to the capable country and besides really dependable and if I were composing an essay on â€Å" on-line shoping and client trueness † and I got the same hunt consequences, I would non waver to utilize the links you have highlighted. Out of interset what search engine did you utilize? CiteULike? Google Scholar? 2 Writer: DERICK AGYEPONG BOATENG Date: 10 November 2010 11:44 Thank you. I used both to be honest, picking the most relevant from both beginnings. But I believe Google Scholar was the most comprenshive with its broad catelog the biggest job was delving through them all to happen the ‘golden nugget ‘ 3 Writer: THEO POWELL Date: 17 November 2010 15:50 Seems like an interesting survey undertaking to cover, with a batch of information out at that place to cover. With this being said how hard did you happen it to happen the right type information, to assist back up your farther research and analysis on the undertaking? 4 Writer: THOMAS ELLIOTT Date: 29 November 2010 23:03 Yes, one agree with you, out of the two Google bookman is, in my sentiment, the most good but I do experience the consequences brought up in both sites are either be excessively specific to certain topics countries or on the other manus excessively wide and non concentrate down plenty, hence doing both sites reasonably boring and slippery to utilize when seeking for stuff when researching a specific subject country. 5 Writer: DERICK AGYEPONG BOATENG Date: 08 January 2011 12:16 Thank you for your remarks – @ Theo – It was quiet hard at first if I was to be honest. I had to maintain in head the research aim and what was to be achieved, from that point I considered any information that would be necessary to carry through this. @ Thomas – Yes that is an interesting point to raise, but I believe that if you combine both together you will have a much more relevant consequences that can be of usage. Capable: WK 7 – Data Collection Methods Topic: Learning Journals Group 5 Writer: DERICK AGYEPONG BOATENG Date: 04 January 2011 02:55 7.1 â€Å" Assorted Method is the usage of both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze phenomena. These two sets of methods can be used at the same time or at different phases of the same survey. † Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uwex.edu/ces/tobaccoeval/glossary.html The difference between Single Approach Design is that merely one research scheme is used, such as sampling, informations aggregation, or informations analysis where as in Mixed Approach Design utilizing a combination of two or more methods in sampling, informations aggregation or information analysis. Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimethodology 7.2 Locate the subdivision in your chosen Study Project for the Part 1: Appraisal, where the writer has chosen to get down the information aggregation. For my chosen undertaking, the research worker used a assorted attack design, this is apparent in their research design, their primary research was a questionnaire, this was used for it efficiency in obtaining relevant and precise information from the respondents. And a secondary research was a personal rating of Tesco ‘s on-line food market shopping service. The rating examined characteristics of the web site and how this could play a portion in client trueness and keeping. I believe that this was an appropriate method for the research inquiry that was posed. It allowed relevant information to be extracted from participants and was less clip devouring than an interview. In my observation of this undertaking, I believe that the application of the study would hold been more relevant if it was to be given to those in the class that would purchase food market shopping, those in the age of 30 – 50, who presently shop at traditional food market shops to happen out their sentiment on how on-line food market shopping will impact them, and if they will demo trueness to a specific trade name. I believe this would hold besides supported the research worker ‘s bing study which was taken by chiefly male pupils at the University of Portsmouth. I would see the consequences obtained by the research worker as believable, because the right inquiries were asked to participants, from the typical age group that would be most likely to shop online. However with that being said, I still believe that this would hold been a much more compelling undertaking had the reader given both sides of the statement. From the research undertaking that I was reviewing, I believe the user chiefly utilised quantitative research method. I personally do n't believe utilizing merely a Quantative method produced the most concrete consequences, for the specified subject country, had the research worker utilized triangulation in their research as to utilize multiple signifiers of research in the research design it would hold allowed the consequences to be much more enlightening into the shopping wonts and trueness of participants. I think that the research worker took the necessary safeguards to guarantee that all facets of the study was ethical, they mentioned finishing an ethical studies, and assured readers that no bush leagues would be involved in the study, there is besides grounds that they planned the most effectual manner to transport out the research before supplying to participants to finish. There are presently no concerns that I would raise in respect to how ethical the research was, all expected undertakings and treatments that took topographic point instantly extinguished any uncertainties that were raised. I believe that the research scheme was appropriate for the purposes specified in the debut of the papers ; they were able to supply a house relationship between the usage of on-line food market shops and client trueness ; which showed a positive correlativity between high client satisfaction when utilizing an on-line food market shop and high client trueness. The usage of interviews would hold given this research topic a more in-depth apprehension to attitudes of those who complete food market shopping online and besides those who do n't and what their ideas are for the hereafter of on-line food market shopping.

Japan or China the Most Important Strategic Relationship for Australia Among the Major Asian Powers?

Is Japan or China the most important strategic relationship for Australia among the major Asian powers? By Mej Amran B Mohamad RMAF Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College Haigate Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. 12 Nov 2009 Author can be contacted at : [email  protected] com. au ——————————————————————————————————————— Introduction Australia’s credentials and place in today international system is quite significant which influence greatly her ability to position and formulating herself strategically in the global scenario especially in the Asia Pacific region. As a nation with global interests, Australia deals with many countries in many regions and one of them is in Asian region. Australia undoubtedly and substantially engages hers interests in a wide range of aspects within the framework of the countries within this Asian region. Among the countries which are influential in shaping Australia’s strategic and defense policy within the Asia Pacific ring are China, Japan and South Korea, North Korea and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) block countries. On the other hand significant Australian interests are also engaged in Australia’s relationships with the other states such as the European Union and its member states, and in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. However the emerging of China and the influence of Japanese among the major power and largest economies of the Asia-Pacific region has considerably alter the region stability lately. Many new factors and balancing pointers have emerged and its impacts cannot be ignored in shaping Australia strategic relationship and its development of defense policy. Consequently new form of challenges have emerged such as North Korea nuclear proliferation issues and overlapping claimed territory in the South China Sea to mention a few. As such advertently Australia needs to revisit and review back its strategic relationship between the so called major powers in Asia region like China and Japan in order to ensure its effective implementation of strategic environment. Australia essentially need to ensure its security, trading, investment, economic, social partners towards the region continue to uphold and be beneficial to Australia in order to continue sustain and maintain its competitive advantage. Aim The aim of this paper is to examine and to look into some critical aspects of Australia strategic and defense planning policy framework imperatives in order to decide whether China or Japan is the most important strategic relationship for Australia among the major Asian powers. Australia International Relations In its international relations arena, Australia utilizes its assets such as economic, strategic and cultural to uphold its international reputation as a responsible, constructive and practical country. It can be seen that the values which Australia brings to its international relations presently are the values of a liberal democracy greatly influence by her American ally. Australia global politics undoubtedly have been shaped by national experience and given vigour through cultural diversity of the country itself. Some of the important imperatives include the rule of law, the accountability of the government to an elected parliament, freedom of the press and a commitment to a ‘fair go’. Australia ranks eleventh in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. For comparison, Australia's main export destinations[1], 2008 to Japan was 22. 7% 1 and China 15. 6% respectively. Australia's main import sources, 2008 China 14. 6% and from Japan 9%. Australia’s defense capability is seem to be very significant in regional terms. Australia also has a broadly based alliance relationship with the United States, whose strategic engagement and commitment underwrite the stability of East Asia as a whole. Australia Strategic Environment According Senator the Hon Robert Hill Minister for Defense[2] in 2005, he stressed out that providing the capability to defend Australia and Australian interests remains the first responsibility of ruling government. Now lets us look into Australia strategic environment before discussing in depth by delineates the impact of globalization in relation to its strategic perspective. The Impact of Globalisation The world is undeniably experiencing profound and rapid change. While the international world system is dynamic, globalization is accelerating the movement of ideas and technologies and advertently exposing Australia to a new strategic environment framework such as increased the interdependency between countries and made borders more porous, increased of the potency of the terrorist threat, increase the complexity of the potential danger of WMD proliferation[3]. Globalisation has accelerated the trends which have a significant impact on security policy matters, defense capability and decision-making due to increased unpredictability and uncertainty; the technology revolution has led to a diffusion of technology at a faster tempo, particularly in the areas of information and communications; existing of asymmetric threats such as terrorism or WMD have reduced the value of defenses built around geographic advantage; non-state players quite often in some circumstances, constitute a strategic threat such as new form of transnational terrorist organisations, with no state allegiance and new types of weapons and tactics ; and borders as security barriers are now much less effective to mention a few[4]. The interconnectedness of globalisation profoundly have widen and intensify their impacts. Defense Policy In general, Australia’s defense policy response to this environment comprises of two major elements[5]. The first is to shape and build a defense capability that is versatile and adaptable. Australia has and will continue to build a force that is joint, balanced, networked and deployable. Such a force provides options for a credible response wherever Australia’s security interests are engaged. Secondly is to build strong security relationships both globally and regionally. It must be able to lead and have the capacity to contribute to coalitions in region of interest such as the Asia region as per say. Australia’s Security Interests Asia Pacific global issues have significant security implications for Australia. Generally the risk of global conflict diminished considerably with the end of the Cold War, however other potential threats remain. Conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and South Asia regions have the potential to disrupt global security. To address this Australia need to form a strategic partnership with many countries in her global political engagements and of course within Asia Pacific Ring, Japan and China are the most important priority among the Asia regional major powers. Australia’s national security and its economic interests are inextricably linked to the security and stability of the Asia Pacific region. It can be seen that the key components of Australia’s security strategy are maintaining a strong national defense capability, the security alliance with the United States, developing bilateral defense and security relationships with the countries throughout the Asia Pacific, and strengthening multilateral security links in the region, especially with the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). As such by continuously fostering strategic relationship with China and Japan are paramount. Regular bilateral security dialogues with countries in the Asia Pacific, and with key partners beyond the region, provide an opportunity to share views on a wide range of regional and global security issues, promote transparency and reinforce Australia’s commitment to working cooperatively with regional countries on security issues. Australia has increased the number of countries with which it has such dialogues, as part of its long-term strategy of promoting shared security perceptions in the Asia Pa cific region. The ARF for example is an important means of encouraging a sense of strategic community in the region. It complements the central role of bilateral links in dealing with global and regional security issues, and has an important role in encouraging regional support for international regimes against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their missile delivery systems. One of the features of the ARF in 2000 was the participation for the first time of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). On the other hand Australia sees Japan as a strong proponent and strongly supports ASEAN countries economic growth by providing financial aids and assistance in terms of Official Development Aids (ODA) for instance. Subsequently, Australia on the other hand has been very much part of the process of seeking to engage the DPRK more constructively with the regional and international community, including through an exchange of high-level visits. Australia announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the DPRK in May 2000. Australia has made a major contribution to the significant progress in establishing international regimes to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and of missiles. Australia’s future efforts will be concentrated on ensuring that these regimes are implemented and remain effective and, where necessary, are strengthened. Australia is a strong proponent of encouraging adherence to the international regime banning the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Australia is committed and relentlessly to adopt practical measures such as landmine clearance, victim assistance and mine clearance technology programs. So after looking inside the Australia needs, now lets us see what has China and Japan share in common and in what ways Australia can benefit more and have the edge by associating herself with the two countries strategically from my perspectives. One thing for sure is that Australia strategic relationships in the Asian region are becoming more complex and continue to evolve. China China’s increasing political and strategic engagement with the Asia-Pacific region with its emerging economic profoundly has many significant impacts on the global economy as well as within the Asia region. Its increasing demand for resources is driving China expansion of economic activity development in the Asia-Pacific region and also emerging as a significant technological centre for region. Hence, China’s importance to Australia grows along with this development accordingly and it cannot be totally ignored. Undoubtedly Australia sees China’s relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region are critically important to the maintenance of regional peace, security and stability. According to Jieh-Yung Lo, (2007)[6], Australia’s strategic responses would include China’s relationship with East Asia, placing strong emphasis on the Korean Peninsula. In particular, China’s relations with Japan and the United States play another vital role in shaping the security context for the entire region. It is in Australia’s national interest actively to encourage and support Chinese participation in dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues. As for example during 2000-01 the exchange of high-level visits started by the visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to Australia in late 1999 continued, with six Australian ministers and the Deputy Prime Minister visiting China. The investment and trade relationship between Australia and China is very encouraging and expanding. China today is Australia’s third largest merchandise trade partner. New opportunities for Australia are wide open when China’s was accepted entry into the WTO, both in terms of greater market access for Australian goods and services. Thus by encouraging China to integrate further into the global economy and abide by international trade rules, the role China played in advocating regional stability become more pronounce.. Mutual economic and trade interests are increasingly underpinned by the strengthening of broader bilateral ties including cultural, educational, scientific and people-to-people links. With different cultures and traditions, Australia and China do not always share the same view, but regular dialogue and government-to-government exchanges have been established on a range of issues – from human rights to security issues – in a bid to discuss differences of opinion. The one-China policy will continue to be a fundamental element of the bilateral relationship within which Australia pursues important economic and trade interests with Taiwan. The size, competitiveness and pace of growth of the Chinese economy will continue to be a dynamic influence on other Asia-Pacific economies. Hence its strategic influence will continue to grow and need to be carefully weighted by Australia in planning her defense policy in the region. Japan On the other hand Japan arms of influence cannot be simply being ignored. It must not be forgotten and by reminiscing on the past history of the might of Japanese expansion and World War II (WW II) and the remarkable effort of its quick phase to recover and become a developed country later to become the giant world economy just next to United States need not to be considered lightly. As such undoubtedly Japan occupies a vital strategic position in North-East Asia and continues to play a primary economic and political role in Asia Pacific immediate region. So, realizing this, Australia relentlessly works hard to encourage and continue endlessly for close dialogue with Japan on a wide range of political, economic, and strategic issues and the development, to the extent possible, of policies which are mutually reinforcing. Japan continues to be Australia’s major trading partner, accounting for some 16% by value of our total trade (exports plus imports) in 2000. It is a significant investor in Australia and our largest source of in-bound tourism. The Japanese Government is taking more active role in regional and global security. It remains active in the war on terrorism. Japan increased its commitment to other part of the world such as Iraq, both financially and through the deployment of elements of the Japanese Self-Defense Force in non-combat roles. The Japanese Self-Defense contributions to peacekeeping effort are quite positive. On the other hand the strategic relationship with the United States continues to develop through increased interoperability, harmonization of Japanese and US capabilities and cooperation in missile defense. Australia’s partnership with Japan reflects the broad alignment of Australian and Japanese strategic, political and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Like Australia, Japan supports the long-term strategic engagement of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and recognizes the fundamental contribution that it makes to regional stability. Japan also shares our interest in advancing the APEC forum as the primary vehicle for economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. The Australia-Japan Conference for the 21st Century was held in Sydney on 29 and 30 April 2001 to chart new directions – strategic, economic, cultural, educational and scientific – for the relationship. The Conference Declaration, ‘The Sydney Declaration for Australia-Japan Creative Partnership’, set out a comprehensive action agenda: to strengthen economic relations, including through a trade and investment facilitation agreement; to expand dialogue and cooperation on security; and to increase people-to-people links. The Prime Minister’s visit to Japan in August 2001 built further on these links. The Factors Shaping Its Development and the Challenges to Be Met To Ensure Its Effective Implementation. In today dynamic environment more quite often the failure of existing international institutions to provide confidence in collective security arrangements has prompted an increasing resort to coalitions-of-the-willing to resolve issues of common concern. As such anticipating and meeting hallenges to Australia’s security remains a demanding task. Some of the crucial factors shaping Australia defense planning in general include the war on terrorism, proliferatio n of nuclear weapons and weapon of mass destruction The war on terrorism continues unabated on many fronts. Successive terrorist attacks in NewYork, Washington, Jakarta, Bali, Madrid, London and elsewhere since 2001 have demonstrated clearly that no country is immune from experiencing the debacle and horrors of non state actor such international terrorism. The threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has yet to be defeated as some states still seek to acquire a nuclear weapons capability. Longstanding issues, including those relating to the Middle East, North Korea, Iran and Taiwan, remain the subject of international tension. Many countries, including in the Asia-Pacific region, continue to struggle to create the conditions they need for stable economic and political development. Issues of economic downturn, human trafficking, human migration, drugs smuggling, environmental issues, overlapping claimed, boundary disputes are among current issues that need to be emphasize and handle diplomatically and strategically. These imperatives are among many challenges faced by Australia. Analyse the Strengths and Limitations on Current Australian Policy Australia employs its defence capability as the most potent of the range of instruments in order to promote and support its security interests. Among Australia strength include having a formidable Australian Defence Forces (ADF) which is able to meet all these policy and strategic needs. The ADF is capable of operating as a networked, joint force across information, air, land and maritime domains. It also has the capability to operate in environments that are complex and ambiguous, and where adversaries, including non-state adversaries, have increasingly lethal capabilities. Through continuing modernization, it needs to retain capability edge over potential rivals by having the elements of versatility[7]. robustness[8], jointness[9] and integration[10]. At all times it must maintain high levels of preparedness as demonstrated by ADF personnel whom have been deployed in many operations, including those in East Timor, Bougainville, Afghanistan, the Middle East and Iraq, the Solomon Islands, and the Sudan to mention a few. Several of these operations have been concurrent. On the other hand, there have been continuing border security tasks, natural disaster relief operations and contributions to long-running UN peacekeeping or peace-monitoring operations in the Sinai and elsewhere in the Middle East. Other role includes supporting domestic security operations such as those for the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Some of the constraints include growing cost pressures on the defense budget. This consequently affects the rising cost of ‘state of the art’ military equipment, particularly capabilities essential for the ADF’s capacity to develop and operate as a superior networked force. The other aspects is the recruitment and retention of an evermore technically capable force amidst of a strong and growing economy, will surely become more challenging Thirdly is to ensure the most efficient use of resources posses a significant challenge to the ADF. Australia Strategic Alliance Priority to Chinese or Japan Australia security accord with Japan has been greeted with much controversy over Australia's actions and intentions of containing China. These two Asian major powers have brought back the shadows of â€Å"Cold War† language of fundamental power relations and strategic competition within the Asia region. However rivalry could be restricted to peaceful economic competition for economic resources. According to Jieh-Yung Lo[11] (2007) China and Japan produce an environment of bi-polar Asia and putting Australia with the dilemma of balancing its national interests in the face of this strategic competition. All this while Japan has become a long time trusted partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and Australia share a common interest in regional stability and prosperity. And today, Australia and Japan enjoy one of the most significant economic and strategic partnerships in Asia. As can be seen in July 2003 besides the latest security accord, Australia and Japan concluded a Trade and Economic Framework to set directions for the future development of the bilateral trade relationship. On the contrary Australia recognizes that both China and Japan are important to its foreign policy and defense policy in the region and shares a growing and thriving relationship with China and on the other side of the coin have a stable relationship with Japan. Australia is very clear where its interests lie and tends to see economics and security as separate issues. It welcomes China's growth, but believes that Japan and the United States should remain influential players in regional affairs. 12] Conclusion From the discussion above it can be seen that it is essential for Australia to form up a formidable defense planning which must provide for both the needs of the present and the possibilities of the future into the uncharted territory. In my opinion thus Australia strategic a lliance with Japan is most crucial and prioritized compare to with China. It is based on many elements of shared values and interests between Japan and Australia. I cogently believed the relationship will still remain the cornerstone of Australia strategic partnership in order to foster and enhance further regional security and stability in the Asian region. Bear in mind that a country’s effectiveness and influence in international affairs is determined by a combination of tangible and intangible factors including its reputation, its geographic size and population, the size and success of its economy, its strategic culture and its defense capability. I can foresee that Australia will continue to work to support the Asia-Pacific region in addressing threats of terrorism, weapons proliferation and the challenge of failing states. In an ever more inter-related world, threats to our neighbours are threats to us among which include the threat of proliferation of WMD within the region and in supporting fragile and vulnerable states. Whether fighting terrorism, piracy, transnational crime, international drug syndicates or people smugglers, effective defense policy remains a key tool of the Australian Government. As such it is importantly and uniquely for Australia to form up a smart partnership and strategic alliance with another countries in this case among one of the major powers in Asia region the most important is Japan if compare to China. In building war fighting capacity to respond to possible future threats, undoubtedly the right defense policy framework will still remains the primary instrument of the Australian Government and will therefore continue to have a central role to play in protecting and assuring Australia’s national goals of a peaceful, stable and increasingly prosperous region. However China as an emerging economic power with it renowned of its military might of course also play a vital role in destabilize the East Asian region and have great influence on the North Koreas and its proliferation nuclear issues cannot be totally ignored. I strongly believe that that a good ongoing relationship with Australia-China is still very useful and Australia need to diligently and willingly maintain a role in influencing China to a certain extent. There is evident in Australia's growing economic and political relationship with China in terms of trade and regional affairs. I also believe that strategic competition between China and Japan will continue to be dominant factors and shape the security and future stability in the region. On present trends, I believe China has reasons to be confidence. Bibliography Books Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific century: Force 2030. Canberra, ACT : Dept. of Defense (2009) Dibb, Paul. (2008) Australia’s security relationship with Japan: how much further can it go? Canberra, ACT : Strategic and Defense Studies Centre P 355. 033094 AUS/407 Frost, Frank. (2005) Directions in China’s foreign relations: implications for East Asia and Australia. Canberra, ACT : Dept. of Parliamentary Services Gupta, Amit. (2008) Strategic stability in Asia. Aldershot, England : Ashgate. 355. 03305 STR Hale, David D. 92006) In the balance: China’s unprecedented growth and implications for the Asia-Pacific. Canberra, ACT : Australian Strategic Policy Institute. P 327. 94 ASP Jennings, Peter. 2005) Getting China right : Australia’s policy options for dealing with China. Canberra, ACT : Australian Strategic Policy Institute. P 327. 94 ASP / SI 19 Lee, John. (2007) Foundations for modern approaches to the China security question. Canberra, ACT : Strateg ic and Defense Studies Centre P 355. 033094 AUS/405 Mulgan, Aurelia George. (2007) Australia-Japan relations: New Directions. Canberra, ACT : Australian Strategic Policy Institute. P 327. 94 ASP Sutter, Robert G. (2008) Chinese foreign relations: power and policy since the Cold War. Lanham, MD. : Rownan & Littlefield 327. 51 CHI Taylor, Brendan. (2007) Australia As An Asia-Pacific Regional Power: Friendships In Flux? London : Routledge 327. 94 AUS Terrill, Rose. (2006) Riding the wave: the rise of China and options for Australian policy. Canberra, ACT : Australian Strategic Policy Institute. P 327. 94 ASP Tow, William T. (2007) Asia-Pacific Security: Us, Australia And Japan And The New Security Triangle. London : Routledge. 355. 03305 ASI Williams, Brad and Newman Andrew. (2006) Japan, Australia and Asia-Pacific security. London : Routledge 355. 0310952 JAP Articles Beeson, Mark and Yoshimatsu, Hidetaka. (2007) Asia’s odd men out: Australia, Japan, and the politics of regionalism. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, Vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 227-250. Bisley, Nick. 2008) The Japan-Australia security declaration and the changing regional security setting: wheels, webs and beyond? Australian Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 62, no. 1, March, pp. 38-52. Cobb, Adam C. (2007) Balancing act: Australia’s strategic relations with China and the United States. Georgetown Journal of Int ernational Affairs, Vol. 8, no. 2, Summer, (Available via Proquest) Ishihara, Yusuke. (2009) Partnership adrift: reshaping Australia-Japan strategic relations. Security Challenges, Vol. 5, no. 1, Autumn, pp. 103-122. Jain, Purnendra. (2006) Japan-Australia security ties and the United States: the evolution of the trilateral dialogue process and its challenges. Australian Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 60, no. 4, December, pp. 521-535. Mulgan, Aurelia George. (2008) Breaking the mould: Japan’s Subtle Shift From Exclusive Bilateralism To Modest Mini Lateralism. Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 52-72. Naoko, Sajima. (2006) Japan and Australia: potential for an effective strategic partnership. Gaiko Forum, Vol. 6, no. 2, Summer, pp. 12-21. Sato, Yoichiro. (2008) Japan-Australia security cooperation: jointly cultivating the trust of the community. Asian Affairs, an American Review, Vol. 35, no. 3, Fall (Available via Proquest) Snyder, Craig A. (2006) Southeast Asian perceptions of Australia’s foreign policy. Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 322-340. Taylor, Nicholas. (2007) China as a status quo or revisionist power: implications for Australia. Security Challenges, Vol. 3, no. 1, February, pp. 29-45 Terada, Takashi. (2006) Thirty years of the Australia-Japan partnership in Asian regionalism: evolution and future directions. Australian Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 60, no. 4, December, pp. 536-551. Tow, William T. (2008) Asia’s competitive ‘strategic geometries’: the Australian perspective. Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 30, no. 1, pp. Walton, David. (2006) Future Directions In Australia-Japan Relations: An Australian Perspective. Australian Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 60, no. 4, December, pp. 598-605. White, Hugh. (2005) The limits to optimism: Australia and the rise of China. Australian Journal of International Affairs, Vol. 59, no. 4, December, pp. 469-480. Internet Bateman, Sam. (2009) The great Australian defense debate: is China a threat? RSIS Commentaries, 24 April 09 http://www3. ntu. edu. sg/rsis/publications/Perspective/RSIS0402009. pdf Australia's bilateral relationships can be found at http://www. dfat. gov. au/geo/fs Specific trade and investment information see http://www. dfat. gov. au/ And http://www. tradewatch. dfat. gov. au East Asian Analytical Unit http://www. dfat. gov. u/publications/catalogue/pub_bycountry. html DFAT statistical publications see http://www. dfat. gov. au/publications/index. html Australia's international treaty commitments http://www. austlii. edu. au/au/other/dfat Australia's human rights policy e http://www. dfat. gov. au/hr Australia’s international environmental activities http://www. dfat. gov. au/environment Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), http://www. ausaid. gov. au. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, http://www. aciar. gov. au Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office, http://www. asno. dfat. gov. au Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), http://www. austrade. ov. au Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC), http://www. efic. gov. au/ ———————– [1] Fact Sheet, Market Information and Research Section, DFAT, http://www. dfat. gov. au/geo/fs (dated 4 Sept 09) [2] Australia’s National Security, A Defence Update 2005, Australia Department Of Defense , pp. v [3] Ibid pp. 5 [4] Ibid pp. 2-4 [5] Ibid pp 12 [6] Jieh-Yung Lo, (2007), Article on China v Japan: implications for Australia? Dated 4 Dec 2007 [7] Versatility represents the capacity to perform a range of different roles, often concurrently. Aust ralia’s National Security, A Defense Update 2005, Australia Department Of Defense pp. 9 [8] Robustness is indicated by depth in resources and personnel and is an essential quality if the ADF is to retain the ability to sustain operations for lengthy periods. Ibid pp. 20 [9] Jointnes refers to responds to the challenge of ensuring that all service elements operate together in ways that make a truly joint force. Ibid pp. 20 [10] Integration represents the ability to network weapons platforms and capabilities to strengthen their effectiveness as part of a whole force. Ibid pp. 20 [11] Jieh-Yung Lo, (2007), Article on China v Japan: implications for Australia? Dated 4 Dec 2007. [12] Jieh-Yung Lo, (2007), Article on China v Japan: implications for Australia? Dated 4 Dec 2007

40 Connection between Writing and Sleeping

40 Connection between Writing and Sleeping Various people were told it is best to express your feelings and thoughts on paper. Bottling up your emotions and keeping them inside, could cause major stress on your body. That’s where the subject of diaries and journals come in to position. They are made to help others who can’t express their feelings verbally, express their feelings by writing them down. Writing however, does have a significant connection to sleep. Writing can affect how we sleep in multiple ways. â€Å"Forty percent of American adults say they have difficulty falling asleep at least a few times each month. The most common reason is an inability to stop thinking aboutwhatever it is you can’t stop thinking about.† (Denworth, 2018). Almost everyone has had trouble falling asleep either because they were worried about something or someone, or they constantly can’t stop thinking about a situation. Studies shows that if we write down our thoughts before we go to bed, then you’ll be able to fall asleep faster at night. â€Å"There’s something about the act of writing, physically writing something on paper, that tends to offload it a little bit, or help us hit the pause button on it. The outcome seems to be [that] you decrease cognitive arousal, and you decrease rumination and worry† (Denworth, 2018). Cognitive arousal comes from a theory that was created by Stanley Schachter and Jerome E. Singer. This theory is known to the cause of misinterpret thoughts because it is based off two factors: cognitive label and physiological arousal. To sum this up, writing your feelings down before bed, will help you fall asleep faster but it will also decrease the chance of misinterpreting your thoughts. Not only does writing before bed helps you fall asleep quicker but writing a to-do list versus a completed list, will also affect how you sleep. â€Å"If you test people’s memory for things that were unfinished versus things that were completed, people remember the things that were unfinished a lot better. It seems that unfinished tasks rest at what we call a heightened level of cognitive activation† (Denworth, 2018). Cognitive activation is the idea of stress. It is about learning new ways to solve problems and focusing on the steps that was taken to solve the problem. Not so much of focusing on the answer itself but the action. When something is not done, our mind tends to drift off towards that because we consistently think about ways we can complete that project. We think of events that will happen the next day that will affect how the project gets done. From personal experience, I can recall a time where I had a major mid term project due. Of course, I was a procrastinator, so I waited till the day before it was due to fully complete it. It was late in the night and I told myself that I was going to finish it in the morning. Moral of the story, I was up all night and I didn’t get any sleep because I was thinking about this unfinished project that I still had to complete. The next day I was drowsy, and I didn’t feel very well. I did finish my project but because of my lack of sleep, my presentation did not reflect my best work. Thinking back, some ways I could’ve took to avoid this situation would include; not waiting until the last minute to finish or taking a few minutes before bed to write down exactly what I needed to do in order to complete it. Based on the reason of not having that completed or written down, I lost a very much effective sleep and major points on an important assignment. Don’t be like me. Write your thoughts down. Researchers and readers still have unanswered questions pertaining to writing and the affects of sleep. The two main questions Denworth is being asked are, did to-do lists improve sleep in other ways? If so, do you think the effect can be sustained? Her response was â€Å"We haven’t tested that. It could be, yes, because each night you’ve got this big to-do list. But [it’s also true that] the to-do list fluctuates, and how much you accomplish during the day also feeds into that. So maybe it’s going to be most effective on the nights when you have a whole lot of stuff to do, and it’s more likely to be eating at you if you don’t write things down† (Denworth, 2018). During this study, I believed she used an experiment for only one night. The goal of this study is more so understanding because we are having the ability to understand the connection between writing and sleep. You write down your day’s thoughts, you get a longer sleep. Structuralism is an idea founded by Wilhelm Wundt and his ideas was focused more on the structure of mental life into the building blocks of life (personal experiences). This study corresponds more with structuralism because the connection between writing and sleep is reflecting off your pass experiences and analyzing them into your mental life, to determine the amount of sleep your will get. In this experiment, the dependent variable is the amount of time it takes for that individual to fall asleep. The independent variable is taking five minutes before bed to write down your thoughts, feelings, or your to-do list. In conclusion, taking a little time before bed to reflect on your day is very effective. It will determine how your body act towards sleep. Remember our body need as much energy as it can get, so we should treat it with care. Even the littlest thing, can affect how much sleep we can receive. Our brains are always working, so it is highly recommended that we clear our mind while we are sleeping to get that full stock of energy for the next day. One way to achieve that is to write.

Observation #6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Observation #6 - Essay Example I get the idea that women can only excel in the field of fashion and beauty; while, accomplishments and rewards are only for men, which should not be the case in real. This is gender biasing, which the media is portraying very beautifully. The Financial Times is a business magazine, and has some very current and hot news related to the business market. Women are considered as equally proficient gender as men, since the magazine highlights news regarding both men and women equally. April 5, 2013 publication talks about a female consultant chemist, Rachel Edwards-Stuart, and highlights her accomplishment in the lab. Both men and women are shown to be having the same level of intellect, engaging in professional meetings and conferences. The magazine does not portray gender biasing, and I get the idea that both the genders are equally professional in their fields; otherwise, there are many other magazines that emphasize the intellect and wits of men

Kentuckys Educational System; Argument by Definition, Evaluation, and Essay

Kentuckys Educational System; Argument by Definition, Evaluation, and Proposal - Essay Example This essay declares that education in Kentucky encompasses elementary school such as kindergarten to fifth grade, middle school also called junior high that starts from sixth grade to eighth grade, and high school starting from ninth to twelfth grade. The system also includes post secondary institutions. Many Kentucky colleges and schools have an accreditation of various Associations of Colleges and Schools in the region. However, Kentucky education suffers from a common negative stigma like other Southern states. This paper makes a conclusion that the system emphasizes on various levels where capacity building takes place. The initial focus is that of having individual officers, precisely from government management and planning teams are participating in remodeling the system. Also, organizational goals revolve around improving the overall effectiveness of the methods and incentivizing better teamwork in education. The other level includes that of developing public service reforms to have a fundamental national leadership while adapting to the respective administration circumstances. Lastly, the levels of external assistance from international and bilateral agencies need to have a long-term consideration leading into a critical transfer for skills, precisely within the fragile state of Kentucky. The development strategy can be prepared together with international education organizations focusing on the development of capacity across areas of quality and equity, leadership, organization, insti tutions, and knowledge generation.

The War on Drugs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

The War on Drugs - Research Paper Example The initiative geared toward the prevention of drug abuse in the United States has raised concerns due to the huge sums of taxpayers’ money that are directed toward supporting it. According to Miron (2004), it consumes millions of dollars annually trying to maintain the war on drugs. This is an expenditure that many views as wastage of resources that could be useful for containing the rising crime rate. Moreover, it has been identified as an agent of corruption, mainly in the funding of the numerous task forces meant for the reduction of illegal trading and abuse of drugs. For example, the Byrne Justice Grant is one of the programs that have been set for funding the initiative and has proved to yield unsatisfactory results for many. In regard to the reduction of the illegal drug trade and abuse, the program has not been able to accomplish the desired results, and its existence raises questions as to why huge sums of taxpayers’ money should be used on such a futile under taking (Holden-Rhodes 1997). The awareness campaigns through television are also a major consumer of taxpayers’ money. Advertisements regarding drugs are mainly used to sensitize the population about drug abuse. All these anti-drug campaigns are usually exposed to corrupt deals, which is in itself a crime that is punishable under the laws of the United States. Moreover, the evidence that forms the basis for prosecution is usually minimal, which leads to the imprisonment of many citizens, especially those of the African American descent. The process is usually prone to lies and racial discrimination.