The Chaco Road System - Southwestern Americas Ancient Roads

One of the most fascinating and intriguing aspects of Chaco Canyon is the Chaco Road, a system of roads radiating out from many Anasazi  Great House sites such as Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl and Una Vida, and leading towards small outlier sites and natural features within and beyond the canyon limits. Through satellite images and ground investigations, archaeologists have detected at least eight main roads that together run for more than 180 miles (ca 300 kilometers), and are more than 30 feet (10 meters) wide. These were excavated into a smooth leveled surface in the bedrock or created through the removal of vegetation and soil. The Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) residents of Chaco Canyon cut large ramps and stairways into the cliff rock to connect the roadways on the ridgetops of the canyon to the sites on the valley bottoms. The largest roads, constructed at the same time as many of the Great Houses  (Pueblo II phase between AD 1000 and 1125), are: the Great North Road, the South Road, the Coyote Canyon Road, the Chacra Face Road, Ahshislepah Road, Mexican Springs Road, the West Road and the shorter Pintado-Chaco Road. Simple structures like berms and walls are found sometimes aligned along the courses of the roads. Also, some tracts of the roads lead to natural features such as springs, lakes, mountain tops and pinnacles. The Great North Road The longest and most famous of these roads is the Great North Road. The Great North Road originates from different routes close to Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl. These roads converge at Pueblo Alto and from there lead north beyond the Canyon limits. There are no communities along the roads course, apart from small, isolated structures. The Great North Road does not connect Chacoan communities to other major centers outside the canyon. Also, material evidence of trade along the road is scarce. From a purely functional perspective, the road seems to go nowhere. Purposes of the Chaco Road Archaeological interpretations of the Chaco road system are divided between an economic purpose and a symbolic, ideological role linked to ancestral Puebloan beliefs. The system was first discovered at the end of the 19th century, and first excavated and studied in the 1970s. Archaeologists suggested that the roads main purpose was to transport local and exotic goods inside and outside the canyon. Someone also suggested that these large roads were used to quickly move an army from the canyon to the outlier communities, a purpose similar to the road systems known for the Roman empire. This last scenario has long been discarded because of the lack of any evidence of a permanent army. The economic purpose of the Chaco road system is shown by the presence of luxury items at Pueblo Bonito and elsewhere in the canyon. Items such as macaws, turquoise, marine shells, and imported vessels prove the long distance commercial relations Chaco had with other regions. A further suggestion is that the widespread use of timber in Chacoan constructions--a resource not locally available--needed a large and easy transportation system. Chaco Road Religious Significance Other archaeologists think instead that the main purpose of the road system was a religious one, providing pathways for periodic pilgrimages and facilitating regional gatherings for seasonal ceremonies. Furthermore, considering that some of these roads seem to go nowhere, experts suggest that they can be linked--especially the Great North Road--to astronomical observations, solstice marking, and agricultural cycles. This religious explanation is supported by modern Pueblo beliefs about a North Road leading to their place of origin and along which the spirits of the dead travel. According to modern pueblo people, this road represents the connection to the shipapu, the place of emergence of the ancestors. During their journey from the shipapu to the world of the living, the spirits stop along the road and eat the food left for them by the living. What Archaeology tells us About the Chaco Road Astronomy certainly played an important role in Chaco culture, as it is visible in the north-south axis alignment of many ceremonial structures. The main buildings at Pueblo Bonito, for example, are arranged according to this direction and probably served as central places for ceremonial journeys across the landscape. Sparse concentrations of ceramic fragments along the North Road have been related to some sort of ritual activities carried out along the roadway. Isolated structures located on the roadsides as well as on top of the canyon cliffs and ridge crests have been interpreted as shrines related to these activities. Finally, features such as long linear grooves were cut into the bedrock along certain roads which dont seem to point to a specific direction. It has been proposed that these were part of pilgrimage paths followed during ritual ceremonies. Archaeologists agree that the purpose of this road system may have changed through time and that the Chaco Road system probably functioned for both economic and ideological reasons. Its significance for archaeology lies in the possibility to understand the rich and sophisticated cultural expression of ancestral Puebloan societies. Sources This article is a part of the About.com guide to the Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) Culture, and the Dictionary of Archaeology. Cordell, Linda 1997 The Archaeology of the Southwest. Second Edition. Academic Press Soafer Anna, Michael P. Marshall and Rolf M. Sinclair 1989 The great North Road: a cosmographic expression of the Chaco culture of New Mexico. In World Archaeoastronomy, edited by Anthony Aveni, Oxford University Press. pp: 365-376 Vivian, R. Gwinn and Bruce Hilpert 2002 The Chaco Handbook. An Encyclopedic Guide. The University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City.

`` Bloodchild `` By Octavia Butler - 834 Words

â€Å"Bloodchild† is a story that pushes the limits of humankind, creating blurry interpretations of good and evil that challenges everyday societal norms. Octavia Butler takes a traditional action-filled story and twists it into an unexpected and intensified tale. Through this heightened piece of work, the most compelling argument can be found from the structure of the narrative itself. From the first-person narrative, readers are able to receive first hand perspective in which no omniscience of any sort can be detected. Readers can acquire the character’s actions, thoughts, and interpretation of the things that happen to them. â€Å"Bloodchild† is a story of an alien planet where the Terrans are enslaved by an alien race called the Tlic. Gan, the protagonist, has been promised as a host for the alien embryos in which the story will later reveal a deeper meaning underlining the sacrifice. The story introduces itself with the line, â€Å"My last night of childho od began with a visit home† (3). Readers are placed into a scene with no real beginning or proper introduction but instead confuse our conception of time and space through this sudden opening of science fiction. Butler’s reduction of humans into a commodity is essential to note because it may suggest that the relationship between the Terrans and Tlic is an enslaved and forced one. However, because of her bloodbath and gory language style that she utilizes, may lead viewers into interpreting this story about slavery andShow MoreRelatedGender Roles In Society In Bloodchild By Octavia Butler1087 Words   |  5 PagesOctavia Butlers short story â€Å"Bloodchild,† reinvents normative ideas of gender, power, and reproduction to demonstrate the discrepancies created by the aforementioned constructed ideals in society, both fictional and otherwise. 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Butler’s â€Å"Bloodchild† be classified as a slave story? The author claims that â€Å"Bloodchild† is not a tale of slavery, but rather a love story and a coming-of-age tale. Does â€Å"Bloochild† conform to the conventions of the slave stories, love stories, or coming-of-age tales with which you are familiar? What other classifications—in t erms of literary genre, form, or mode—apply to â€Å"Bloodchild†? Readers can easily deduce why Octavia Butlers won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for herRead MoreBloodchild: Gender Inequality in Society1462 Words   |  6 Pages Bloodchild by Octavia Butler is seen as a story about the relationship between alien oppressors and a group oppressed humans. It has also been described as a love story between the human narrator and the chief alien. 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Best known as the creator of the Patternist arrangement of sci-fi books, which includes a general public whose occupants have created clairvoyant controls more than a few centuries, Butler investigates topics that have been given just quick treatment in the class, including sexual character and racial clash. Olivia’s champions are darkRead More Bloodchild: Oppression in Science Fiction Essay1404 Words   |  6 PagesBloodchild: Oppression in Science Fiction Throughout American literary history, nearly every form of literature has covered the topic of slavery and black oppression in America. From William Lloyd Garrison’s abolitionist papers to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s controversial Uncle Tom’s Cabin to Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, the exploration of the black position in America has been a theme that engrossed generations. 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The Host Chapter 31 Needed Free Essays

string(129) " and went to sit behind the desk he’d constructed out of wooden crates and an aluminum door, taking the dim lamp with him\." I froze and then looked quickly over my shoulder to see if someone was behind me. â€Å"Gladys was his wife,† Jamie whispered almost silently. â€Å"She didn’t escape. We will write a custom essay sample on The Host Chapter 31: Needed or any similar topic only for you Order Now † â€Å"Gladys,† Walter said to me, oblivious to my reaction. â€Å"Would you believe I went and got cancer? What are the odds, eh? Never took a sick day in my life†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His voice faded out until I couldn’t hear it, but his lips continued to move. He was too weak to lift his hand; his fingers dragged themselves toward the edge of the cot, toward me. Ian nudged me forward. â€Å"What should I do?† I breathed. The sweat beading on my forehead had nothing to do with the humid heat. â€Å"†¦ grandfather lived to be a hundred and one,† Walter wheezed, audible again. â€Å"Nobody ever had cancer in my family, not even the cousins. Didn’t your aunt Regan have skin cancer, though?† He looked at me trustingly, waiting for an answer. Ian poked me in the back. â€Å"Um†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I mumbled. â€Å"Maybe that was Bill’s aunt,† Walter allowed. I shot a panicked glance at Ian, who shrugged. â€Å"Help,† I mouthed at him. He motioned for me to take Walter’s searching fingers. Walter’s skin was chalk white and translucent. I could see the faint pulse of blood in the blue veins on the back of his hand. I lifted his hand gingerly, worried about the slender bones that Jamie had said were so brittle. It felt too light, as if it were hollow. â€Å"Ah, Gladdie, it’s been hard without you. It’s a nice place here; you’ll like it, even when I’m gone. Plenty of people to talk to-I know how you need to have your conversation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The volume of his voice sank until I couldn’t make out the words anymore, but his lips still shaped the words he wanted to share with his wife. His mouth kept moving, even when his eyes closed and his head lolled to the side. Ian found a wet cloth and began wiping Walter’s shining face. â€Å"I’m not good at†¦ at deception,† I whispered, watching Walter’s mumbling lips to make sure he wasn’t listening to me. â€Å"I don’t want to upset him.† â€Å"You don’t have to say anything,† Ian reassured me. â€Å"He’s not lucid enough to care.† â€Å"Do I look like her?† â€Å"Not a bit-I’ve seen her picture. Stocky redhead.† â€Å"Here, let me do that.† Ian gave me the rag, and I cleaned the sweat off Walter’s neck. Busy hands always made me feel more comfortable. Walter continued to mumble. I thought I heard him say, â€Å"Thanks, Gladdie, that’s nice.† I didn’t notice that Doc’s snores had stopped. His familiar voice was suddenly there behind me, too gentle to startle. â€Å"How is he?† â€Å"Delusional,† Ian whispered. â€Å"Is that the brandy or the pain?† â€Å"More the pain, I would think. I’d trade my right arm for some morphine.† â€Å"Maybe Jared will produce another miracle,† Ian suggested. â€Å"Maybe,† Doc sighed. I wiped absently at Walter’s pallid face, listening more intently now, but they didn’t speak of Jared again. Not here, Melanie whispered. Looking for help for Walter, I agreed. Alone, she added. I thought about the last time I’d seen him-the kiss, the belief†¦ He probably wanted some time to himself. I hope he isn’t out there convincing himself that you’re a very talented actress-slash-Seeker again†¦ That’s possible, of course. Melanie groaned silently. Ian and Doc murmured in quiet voices about inconsequential things, mostly Ian catching Doc up on what was going on in the caves. â€Å"What happened to Wanda’s face?† Doc whispered, but I could still hear him easily. â€Å"More of the same,† Ian said in a tight voice. Doc made an unhappy noise under his breath and then clicked his tongue. Ian told him a bit about tonight’s awkward class, about Geoffrey’s questions. â€Å"It would have been convenient if Melanie had been possessed by a Healer,† Doc mused. I flinched, but they were behind me and probably didn’t notice. â€Å"We’re lucky it was Wanda,† Ian murmured in my defense. â€Å"No one else -â€Å" â€Å"I know,† Doc interrupted, good-natured as always. â€Å"I guess I should say, it’s too bad Wanda didn’t have more of an interest in medicine.† â€Å"I’m sorry,† I murmured. I was careless to reap the benefits of perfect health without ever being curious about the cause. A hand touched my shoulder. â€Å"You have nothing to apologize for,† Ian said. Jamie was being very quiet. I looked around and saw that he was curled up on the cot where Doc had been napping. â€Å"It’s late,† Doc noted. â€Å"Walter’s not going anywhere tonight. You should get some sleep.† â€Å"We’ll be back,† Ian promised. â€Å"Let us know what we can bring, for either of you.† I laid Walter’s hand down, patting it cautiously. His eyes snapped open, focusing with more awareness than before. â€Å"Are you leaving?† he wheezed. â€Å"Do you have to go so soon?† I took his hand again quickly. â€Å"No, I don’t have to leave.† He smiled and closed his eyes again. His fingers locked around mine with brittle strength. Ian sighed. â€Å"You can go,† I told him. â€Å"I don’t mind. Take Jamie back to his bed.† Ian glanced around the room. â€Å"Hold on a sec,† he said, and then he grabbed the cot closest to him. It wasn’t heavy-he lifted it easily and slid it into place next to Walter’s. I stretched my arm to the limit, trying not to jostle Walter, so that Ian could arrange the cot under it. Then he grabbed me up just as easily and set me on the cot beside Walter. Walter’s eyes never fluttered. I gasped quietly, caught off guard by the casual way Ian was able to put his hands on me-as though I were human. Ian jerked his chin toward Walter’s hand clasped around mine. â€Å"Do you think you can sleep like that?† â€Å"Yes, I’m sure I can.† â€Å"Sleep well, then.† He smiled at me, then turned and lifted Jamie from the other cot. â€Å"Let’s go, kid,† he muttered, carrying the boy with no more effort than if he were an infant. Ian’s quiet footsteps faded into the distance until I couldn’t hear them anymore. Doc yawned and went to sit behind the desk he’d constructed out of wooden crates and an aluminum door, taking the dim lamp with him. You read "The Host Chapter 31: Needed" in category "Essay examples" Walter’s face was too dark to see, and that made me nervous. It was like he was already gone. I took comfort in his fingers, still curled stiffly around mine. Doc began to shuffle through some papers, humming almost inaudibly to himself. I drifted off to the sound of the gentle rustling. Walter recognized me in the morning. He didn’t wake until Ian showed up to escort me back; the cornfield was due to be cleared of the old stalks. I promised Doc I would bring him breakfast before I got to work. The very last thing I did was to carefully loosen my numb fingers, freeing them from Walter’s grasp. His eyes opened. â€Å"Wanda,† he whispered. â€Å"Walter?† I wasn’t sure how long he would know me, or if he would remember last night. His hand clutched at the empty air, so I gave him my left, the one that wasn’t dead. â€Å"You came to see me. That was nice. I know†¦ with the others back†¦ must be hard†¦ for you†¦ Your face†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He seemed to be having a difficult time making his lips form the words, and his eyes went in and out of focus. How like him, that his first words to me would be full of concern. â€Å"Everything’s fine, Walter. How are you feeling?† â€Å"Ah -† He groaned quietly. â€Å"Not so†¦ Doc?† â€Å"Right here,† Doc murmured, close behind me. â€Å"Got any more liquor?† he gasped. â€Å"Of course.† Doc was already prepared. He held the mouth of a thick glass bottle to Walter’s slack lips and carefully poured the dark brown liquid in slow drips into his mouth. Walter winced as each sip burned down his throat. Some of it trickled out the side of his mouth and onto his pillow. The smell stung my nose. â€Å"Better?† Doc asked after a long moment of slow pouring. Walter grunted. It didn’t sound like assent. His eyes closed. â€Å"More?† Doc asked. Walter grimaced and then moaned. Doc cursed under his breath. â€Å"Where’s Jared?† he muttered. I stiffened at the name. Melanie stirred and then drifted again. Walter’s face sagged. His head rolled back on his neck. â€Å"Walter?† I whispered. â€Å"The pain’s too much for him to stay conscious. Let him be,† Doc said. My throat felt swollen. â€Å"What can I do?† Doc’s voice was desolate. â€Å"About as much as I can. Which is nothing. I’m useless.† â€Å"Don’t be like that, Doc,† I heard Ian murmur. â€Å"This isn’t your fault. The world doesn’t work the way it used to. No one expects more of you.† My shoulders hunched inward. No, their world didn’t work the same way anymore. A finger tapped my arm. â€Å"Let’s go,† Ian whispered. I nodded and started to pull my hand free again. Walter’s eyes rolled open, unseeing. â€Å"Gladdie? Are you here?† he implored. â€Å"Um†¦ I’m here,† I said uncertainly, letting his fingers lock around mine. Ian shrugged. â€Å"I’ll get you both some food,† he whispered, and then he left. I waited anxiously for him to return, unnerved by Walter’s misconception. Walter murmured Gladys’s name over and over, but he didn’t seem to need anything from me, for which I was grateful. After a while, half an hour maybe, I began listening for Ian’s footsteps in the tunnel, wondering what could be taking him so long. Doc stood by his desk the whole time, staring into nothing with his shoulders slumped. It was easy to see how useless he felt. And then I did hear something, but it wasn’t footsteps. â€Å"What is that?† I asked Doc in a whisper; Walter was quiet again, maybe unconscious. I didn’t want to disturb him. Doc turned to look at me, cocking his head to the side at the same time to listen. The noise was a funny thrumming, a fast, soft beat. I thought I heard it get just a little louder, but then it seemed quieter again. â€Å"That’s weird,† Doc said. â€Å"It almost sounds like†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He paused, his forehead furrowing in concentration as the unfamiliar sound faded. We were listening intently, so we heard the footsteps when they were still far away. They did not match the expected, even pace of Ian’s return. He was running-no, sprinting. Doc reacted immediately to the sound of trouble. He jogged quickly out to meet Ian. I wished I could see what was wrong, too, but I didn’t want to upset Walter by trying to free my hand again. I listened hard instead. â€Å"Brandt?† I heard Doc say in surprise. â€Å"Where is it? Where is it?† the other man demanded breathlessly. The running footsteps only paused for a second, then started up again, not quite as fast. â€Å"What are you talking about?† Doc asked, calling back this way. â€Å"The parasite!† Brandt hissed impatiently, anxiously, as he burst through the arched entry. Brandt was not a big man like Kyle or Ian; he was probably only a few inches taller than me, but he was thick and solid as a rhinoceros. His eyes swept the room; his piercing gaze focused on my face for half a second, then took in Walter’s oblivious form, and then raced around the room only to end up on me again. Doc caught up with Brandt then, his long fingers gripping Brandt’s shoulder just as the broader man took the first step in my direction. â€Å"What are you doing?† Doc asked, his voice the closest to a growl I’d ever heard it. Before Brandt answered, the odd sound returned, going from soft to screaming loud to soft again with a suddenness that had us all frozen. The beats thudded right on top of one another, shaking the air when they were at their loudest. â€Å"Is that-is that a helicopter?† Doc asked, whispering. â€Å"Yes,† Brandt whispered back. â€Å"It’s the Seeker-the one from before, the one who was looking for it.† He jerked his chin at me. My throat was suddenly too small-the breaths moving through it were thin and shallow, not enough. I felt dizzy. No. Not now. Please. What is her problem? Mel snarled in my head. Why can’t she leave us alone? We can’t let her hurt them! But how do we stop her? I don’t know. This is all my fault! Mine, too, Wanda. Ours. â€Å"Are you sure?† Doc asked. â€Å"Kyle got a clear view through the binoculars while it was hovering. Same one he saw before.† â€Å"Is it looking here?† Doc’s voice was suddenly horrified. He half spun, eyes flashing toward the exit. â€Å"Where’s Sharon?† Brandt shook his head. â€Å"It’s just running sweeps. Starts at Picacho, then fans out in spokes. Doesn’t look like it’s focusing on anything close. Circled around a few times where we dumped the car.† â€Å"Sharon?† Doc asked again. â€Å"She’s with the kids and Lucina. They’re fine. The boys are getting things packed in case we have to roll tonight, but Jeb says it’s not likely.† Doc exhaled, then paced over to his desk. He slouched against it, looking as if he’d just run a long race. â€Å"So it’s nothing new, really,† he murmured. â€Å"Naw. Just have to lay low for a few days,† Brandt reassured him. His eyes were flickering around the room again, settling on me every other second. â€Å"Do you have any rope handy?† he asked. He pulled up the edge of the sheet on an empty cot, examining it. â€Å"Rope?† Doc echoed blankly. â€Å"For the parasite. Kyle sent me out here to secure it.† My muscles contracted involuntarily; my hand gripped Walter’s fingers too tightly, and he whimpered. I tried to force it to relax while I kept my eyes on Brandt’s hard face. He was waiting for Doc, expectant. â€Å"You’re here to secure Wanda?† Doc said, his voice hard again. â€Å"And what makes you think that’s necessary?† â€Å"Come on, Doc. Don’t be stupid. You’ve got some big vents in here, and a lot of reflective metal.† Brandt gestured to a file cabinet against the far wall. â€Å"You let your attention wander for half a minute, and it’ll be flashing signals to that Seeker.† I sucked in a shocked breath; it was loud in the still room. â€Å"See?† Brandt said. â€Å"Guessed its plan in one.† I wanted to bury myself under a boulder to hide from the bulging, relentless eyes of my Seeker, yet he imagined I wanted to guide her in. Bring her here to kill Jamie, Jared, Jeb, Ian†¦ I felt like gagging. â€Å"You can go, Brandt,† Doc said in an icy tone. â€Å"I will keep an eye on Wanda.† Brandt raised one eyebrow. â€Å"What happened to you guys? To you and Ian and Trudy and the rest? It’s like you’re all hypnotized. If your eyes weren’t right, I’d have to wonder†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Go ahead and wonder all you want, Brandt. But get out while you’re doing it.† Brandt shook his head. â€Å"I’ve got a job to do.† Doc walked toward Brandt, stopping when he was between Brandt and me. He folded his arms across his chest. â€Å"You’re not going to touch her.† The throbbing helicopter blades sounded in the distance. We were all very still, not breathing, until they faded. Brandt shook his head when it was quiet again. He didn’t speak; he just went to the desk and picked up Doc’s chair. He carried it to the wall by the file cabinet, slammed it to the ground, and then sat down hard, making the metal legs squeal against the stone. He leaned forward, his hands on his knees, and stared at me. A vulture waiting for a dying hare to stop moving. Doc’s jaw tightened, making a little popping noise. â€Å"Gladys,† Walter muttered, surfacing from his dazed sleep. â€Å"You’re here.† Too nervous to speak with Brandt watching, I just patted his hand. His clouded eyes searched my face, seeing features that weren’t there. â€Å"It hurts, Gladdie. It hurts a lot.† â€Å"I know,† I whispered. â€Å"Doc?† He was already there, the brandy in hand. â€Å"Open up, Walter.† The sound of the helicopter thumped quietly, far away but still much too close. Doc flinched, and a few drops of brandy splattered on my arm. It was a horrible day. The worst of my life on this planet, even including my first day in the caves and the last hot, dry day in the desert, hours from death. The helicopter circled and circled. Sometimes more than an hour would pass, and I would think it was finally over. Then the sound would come back, and I would see the Seeker’s obstinate face in my head, her protruding eyes scouring the blank desert for some sign of humans. I tried to will her away, concentrating hard on my memories of the desert’s featureless, colorless plain, as if I could somehow make sure she saw nothing else, as if I could bore her into leaving. Brandt never took his suspicious stare off of me. I could always feel it, though I rarely looked at him. It got a little better when Ian came back with both breakfast and lunch. He was all dirty from packing in case of an evacuation-whatever that meant. Did they have anywhere to go? Ian scowled so hard he looked like Kyle when Brandt explained in clipped phrases why he was there. Then Ian dragged another empty cot beside mine, so that he could sit in Brandt’s line of sight and block his view. The helicopter, Brandt’s distrustful watch, these were not really so bad. On an ordinary day-if there was really such a thing anymore-either one of these might have seemed agonizing. Today, they were nothing. By noon, Doc had given Walter the last of the brandy. It seemed like only minutes later that Walter was writhing, moaning, and gasping for breath. His fingers bruised and chafed mine, but if I ever pulled away, his moans turned to shrill screams. I ducked out once to use the latrine; Brandt followed me, which made Ian feel like he had to come, too. By the time we got back-after nearly running the whole way-Walter’s screams no longer sounded human. Doc’s face was hollow with echoed agony. Walter quieted after I spoke to him for a moment, letting him think his wife was near. It was an easy lie, a kind one. Brandt made little noises of irritation, but I knew that he was wrong to be upset. Nothing mattered beside Walter’s pain. The whimpers and the writhing continued, though, and Brandt paced back and forth at the other end of the room, trying to be as far from the sound as possible. Jamie came looking for me, bringing food enough for four, when the light was growing orangey overhead. I wouldn’t let him stay; I made Ian take him back to the kitchen to eat, made Ian promise to watch him all night so he wouldn’t sneak back here. Walter couldn’t help shrieking when his twisting moved his broken leg, and the sound of it was nearly unbearable. Jamie shouldn’t have this night burned into his memory the way it would surely be burned into Doc’s and mine. Perhaps Brandt’s as well, though he did what he could to ignore Walter, plugging his ears and humming a dissonant tune. Doc did not try to distance himself from Walter’s hideous suffering; instead, he suffered with him. Walter’s cries carved deep lines in Doc’s face, like claws raking his skin. It was strange to see such depths of compassion in a human, particularly Doc. I couldn’t look at him the same way after watching him live Walter’s pain. So great was his compassion, he seemed to bleed internally with it. As I watched, it became impossible to believe that Doc was a cruel person; the man simply could not be a torturer. I tried to remember what had been said to found my conjectures-had anyone made the accusation outright? I didn’t think so. I must have jumped to false conclusions in my terror. I doubted I could ever mistrust Doc again after this nightmarish day. However, I would always find his hospital a horrible place. When the last of the daylight disappeared, so did the helicopter. We sat in the darkness, not daring to turn on even the dim blue light. It took a few hours before any of us would believe the hunt was over. Brandt was the first to accept it; he’d had enough of the hospital, too. â€Å"Makes sense for it to give up,† he muttered, edging out the exit. â€Å"Nothing to see at night. I’ll just take your light with me, Doc, so that Jeb’s pet parasite can’t get up to anything, and be on my way.† Doc didn’t respond, didn’t even look at the sullen man as he left. â€Å"Make it stop, Gladdie, make it stop!† Walter begged me. I wiped the sweat from his face while he crushed my hand. Time seemed to slow down and stop; the black night felt unending. Walter’s screams got more and more frequent, more and more excruciating. Melanie was far away, knowing she could do nothing useful. I would have hidden, too, if Walter hadn’t needed me. I was all alone in my head-exactly what I had once wanted. It made me feel lost. Eventually, a dim gray light started to creep in through the high vents overhead. I was hovering on the edge of sleep, Walter’s moans and screams keeping me from sinking under. I could hear Doc snoring behind me. I was glad that he’d been able to escape for a little while. I didn’t hear Jared come in. I was mumbling weak assurances, barely coherent, trying to calm Walter. â€Å"I’m here, I’m here,† I murmured as he cried out his wife’s name. â€Å"Shh, it’s okay.† The words were meaningless. It was something to say, though, and it did seem that my voice calmed the worst of his cries. I don’t know how long Jared watched me with Walter before I realized he was there. It must have been a while. I was sure his first reaction would be anger, but when I heard him speak, his voice was cool. â€Å"Doc,† he said, and I heard the cot behind me shake. â€Å"Doc, wake up.† I jerked my hand free, whirling, disoriented, to see the face that went with the unmistakable voice. His eyes were on me as he shook the sleeping man’s shoulder. They were impossible to read in the dim light. His face had no expression at all. Melanie jolted into awareness. She pored over his features, trying to read the thoughts behind the mask. â€Å"Gladdie! Don’t leave! Don’t!† Walter’s screech had Doc bolting upright, nearly capsizing his cot. I spun back to Walter, shoving my sore hand into his searching fingers. â€Å"Shhh, shhh! Walter, I’m here. I won’t leave. I won’t, I promise.† He quieted down, whimpering like a small child. I wiped the damp cloth over his forehead; his sob hitched and turned into a sigh. â€Å"What’s that about?† Jared murmured behind me. â€Å"She’s the best painkiller I’ve been able to find,† Doc said wearily. â€Å"Well, I’ve found you something better than a tame Seeker.† My stomach knotted, and Melanie hissed in my head. So stupidly, blindly stubborn! she growled. He wouldn’t believe you if you told him the sun sets in the west. But Doc was beyond caring about the slight to me. â€Å"You found something!† â€Å"Morphine-there’s not much. I would have gotten here sooner if the Seeker hadn’t pinned me down out there.† Doc was instantly in action. I heard him rustling through something papery, and he crowed in delight. â€Å"Jared, you’re the miracle man!† â€Å"Doc, just a sec†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But Doc was at my side already, his haggard face alight with anticipation. His hands were busy with a small syringe. He stuck the tiny needle into the crease at Walter’s elbow, on the arm that was attached to me. I turned my face away. It seemed so horribly invasive to stab something through his skin. I couldn’t argue with the results, though. Within half a minute, Walter’s entire body relaxed, melting into a pile of loose flesh against the thin mattress. His breathing went from harsh and urgent to whispery and even. His hand relaxed, freeing mine. I massaged my left hand with my right, trying to bring the blood back to my fingertips. Little prickles followed the flow of blood under my skin. â€Å"Uh, Doc, there really isn’t enough for that,† Jared murmured. I looked up from Walter’s face, peaceful at last. Jared had his back to me, but I could see the surprise in Doc’s expression. â€Å"Enough for what? I’m not going to save this for a rainy day, Jared. I’m sure we’ll wish we had it again, and too soon, but I’m not going to let Walter scream in agony while I have a way to help him!† â€Å"That’s not what I meant,† Jared said. He spoke the way he did when he’d already thought about something long and hard. Slow and even, like Walter’s breath. Doc frowned, confused. â€Å"There’s enough to stop the pain for maybe three or four days, that’s all,† Jared said. â€Å"If you give it to him in doses.† I didn’t understand what Jared was saying, but Doc did. â€Å"Ah,† he sighed. He turned to look at Walter again, and I saw a rim of fresh tears start to pool above his lower lids. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I wanted to know what they were talking about, but Jared’s presence made me silent, brought back the reserve I rarely felt the need for anymore. â€Å"You can’t save him. You can only save him pain, Doc.† â€Å"I know,† Doc said. His voice broke, like he was holding back a sob. â€Å"You’re right.† What’s going on? I asked. As long as Melanie was going to be around, I might as well make use of her. They’re going to kill Walter, she told me matter-of-factly. There’s enough morphine to give him an overdose. My gasp sounded loud in the quiet room, but it was really just a breath. I didn’t look up to see how the two healthy men would react. My own tears pooled as I leaned over Walter’s pillow. No, I thought, no. Not yet. No. You’d rather he died screaming? I just†¦ I can’t stand the†¦ finality. It’s so absolute. I’ll never see my friend again. How many of your other friends have you gone back to visit, Wanderer? I’ve never had friends like this before. My friends on other planets were all blurred together in my head; the souls were so similar, almost interchangeable in some ways. Walter was distinctly himself. When he was gone, there would be no one who could fill his place. I cradled Walter’s head in my arms and let my tears fall onto his skin. I tried to stifle my crying, but it made its way out regardless, a keening rather than sobs. I know. Another first, Melanie whispered, and there was compassion in her tone. Compassion for me-that was a first, too. â€Å"Wanda?† Doc asked. I just shook my head, not able to answer. â€Å"I think you’ve been here too long,† he said. I felt his hand, light and warm, on my shoulder. â€Å"You should take a break.† I shook my head again, still keening softly. â€Å"You’re worn out,† he said. â€Å"Go clean up, stretch your legs. Eat something.† I glared up at him. â€Å"Will Walter be here when I get back?† I mumbled through my tears. His eyes tightened anxiously. â€Å"Do you want that?† â€Å"I’d like a chance to say goodbye. He’s my friend.† He patted my arm. â€Å"I know, Wanda, I know. Me, too. I’m in no hurry. You get some air and then come back. Walter will be sleeping for a while.† I read his worn face, and I believed the sincerity there. I nodded and carefully put Walter’s head back on the pillow. Maybe if I got away from this place for a little bit, I’d find a way to handle this. I wasn’t sure how-I had no experience with real goodbyes. Because I was in love with him, no matter that it was unwilling, I had to look at Jared before I left. Mel wanted this, too, but wished that she could somehow exclude me from the process. He was staring at me. I had a feeling his eyes had been on me for a long time. His face was carefully composed, but there was surprise and suspicion in there again. It made me tired. What would be the point of acting out a charade now, even if I were that talented a liar? Walter would never stand up for me again. I couldn’t sucker him anymore. I met Jared’s gaze for one long second, then turned to hurry down the pitch-black corridor that was brighter than his expression. How to cite The Host Chapter 31: Needed, Essay examples

Bankers’ Bonuses A Force for Good or Evil

Question: Evaluate and describe the difficulties that arise in business and political scenarios where the information held by groups differs. Critically examine the benefits of various mechanisms for allocating resources amongst competing groups. Appraise the effectiveness and desirability of alternative methods of overcoming asymmetric information. Answer: Understanding the Issue The banking sector all over the world is working under tremendous pressure. The pressure comes from the authorities, the stakeholders, the regulators, competitors, and the least from the customers, unless they are influential. To keep a semblance of efficiency, productivity and progression in the organisation, managements, says McCain, (2015), try to keep the employees satisfied through extra pay packages in the form of bonuses. These bonuses are linked to the performance, output, productive results and customer satisfaction shown by the employee. This is a vicious cyclic pattern, where the tussle between the employee and the management keeps going up and down, resulting in little respite for the affected parties, asserts McCain, (2015). Understanding the Situation If the whole issue is given a depth analysis, the results show that the situation is a perfect illustration of the Game Theory. The participants in this game are not after control, nor are they concerned about the end-result. All they are concerned is the Mechanism Design which each faction is trying to formulate as per its own rules. Each party is least concerned about the financial burden these mechanisms and theories, which are propagated every other year, bring about on the customer, who is unknowingly financing all this factionalism in the hope of getting a fair deal, as per Narahari, (2014). Employment Contracts Financial services market in the UK is among the largest in the world. To protect the legal rights of the parties entering into service contracts in UK, many regulatory provisions have been introduced through the Rome Convention. In this context, The Financial Services Act 2012 is an Act which has introduced a new regulatory framework for financial services in the UK with effect from April 1, 2013. It has replaced the Financial Services Authority with two new regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and these are controlled by the Financial Policy Committee of the Bank of England. Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations, 1999 has been controlling unfair means adopted by one party against the other and may include An obligation on the part of one party to fulfil all of its contractual obligations and letting the other party avoid its obligations. Binding one party to the contract while the other decides the services to be provided. Automatic renewal of a fixed-length contract whereas the deadline for one party to cancel the contract is unreasonably short. Changing the terms of the contract by one party, without describing the circumstances under which these can be done. Excluding or limiting the legal rights of any one party using unfair means. This paper takes a sneak preview of the Game Theory and the impact of the Mechanism Designs being played and enacted by both factions, as explained by Myerson, (2013). Game Theory Purpose of the Game Theory is to look at relationships between two participants, who are in a particular situation, and predict the optimal decisions which they shall take. The theory takes into consideration not only the benefits, but also the costs, which may result because of the decisions taken by the participants. GAME TREE A Game Tree, which is also known as the extensive form, is the graphical representation of the Game Theory. It helps in providing information about the parties and the payoff involved, the strategies and order of moves adopted. A game tree consists of nodes, which denote the points from where the parties can plan their next action. These are connected by edges, which represent those actions which the parties have decided to take while at that node. Starting from the root node, every set of edges followed by the parties eventually leads to the terminal node, which represents the end of the game. In the sequence, every terminal node denotes the payoffs which are earned by each player, assert Parsons, Gymtrasiewicz Wooldridge (ed.), (2012). Mechanism Design Once the theory has been put in place, the participants move ahead to decide the mechanism by which to implement the theory. Leonid Hurwicz, the noted economist explains that in the design problem, the goal known, while the mechanism remains unknown, as shown by Parsons, Gymtrasiewicz Wooldridge (ed.), (2012). Hence, economists also believe that Mechanism Design is inverse of the traditional economic theory. Two very distinguishing features of the game theory and mechanism design are: The game theorist shall select a new game structure instead of using an inherited one. The designer shall be interested in the outcome of the game. Bringing up the Issue In a recent development regarding the payment of large amounts of bonus to bank employees in the UK, the text of CRD 4 was approved by the European Parliament. The basic purpose of this document, say Borgers, Krahmer Strausz, (2015), was to stop paying high bonuses to bank employees by implementing the following four points The basic ratio of fixed pay to variable pay shall be 1:1, although some flexibility shall be allowed to increase it to 1:2, provided the shareholders approve. Managements can pay up to 25% of the bonus amount through long term instruments. In case amount paid is above the 25% limit, the excess amount over the 25% limit will not be eligible for payment through long term instruments. The rules shall be applicable to all banks operating in the EU and shall even cover employees which are based outside EU. This ratio between the fixed and variable pay shall be applicable only in respect to duties performed from 2014 onwards. Hence, any bonus amount pertaining to 2013 duty period but paid in 2014 shall not be eligible for the ratio. On the other hand, all performances of 2014 shall comply with this new rule, irrespective of the fact that the arrangement was entered into before the enforcement of CRD 4. Developing a Solution The agreement signed between the representatives of the employee federations, managements of banks and the EU Council Members can be represented by a Game Tree while taking into account the four points mentioned above. These points can be treated as the nodes and each node can be described in context to the timing, scale of implementation and the actual financial effect on the banking industry as a whole, says Lambertini, (2011). This paper draws a detailed comparison of the nodes mentions above. Timing The text of the document has been voted for approval by the European Parliament so there is no scope for any changes in the text. But, the lacuna lies in the implementation time. The authorities have created ambiguity by keeping the compliance date open it can be 1 January 2014 or 1 July 2014. Even for fulfilling the provisions of the existing CRD 3, the provisions clearly state that bonuses shall be paid in 2014 with respect to duty performed in 2013. Here again, according to Myerson, (2013), the implementation has been deferred to 1 January 2015 for the provisions covering the capping of ratio. In this respect, article 151 of CRD 4 clearly mention that provisions concerning the fixation of ratio between fixed and variable remuneration, as detailed under article 90 (1) (f) shall apply only to those remunerations which are for services provided from year 2014 onwards, assert McCarty Meirowitz, (2007). Scope CRD 4 shall cover all banks and institutions, however, the introduction of the ratio between the fixed and variable pay may be given wider coverage to other parts of the financial services industry. In this respect, The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive is already been cited for implementation from July and in a recent vote, the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has shown its support for a similar ratio in its revised UCITS directive. Thus, if this ratio gets confirmed through UCITS, its impact would be felt by asset managers running retail funds in whole of Europe, as per Parsons, Gymtrasiewicz Wooldridge (ed.), (2012). Parties Involved The Identified Staff defined in CRD4 states it as risk takers in senior management and staff which is engaged in control functions. Any employee who receives a total remuneration which takes him into the remuneration bracket of the risk takers in senior management and whose professional activities may have a material impact on their performance shall also be considered as Identified Staff , as per Narahari, (2014). The above figure shows how the participants can make their choice game as this game tree relies on perfect information. Every node is associated with a participant who makes the move by selecting the next node and the connecting lines have been labelled according to the choices made by the participant. The game starts at the root of the tree and ends at that terminal node, which shows the outcome of the participants payoffs. Recent UK Legislations In the UK banks, such categories shall be recognised as Code Staff and shall fall within the existing FCA Remuneration Code. Here again, ambiguity has been created by EBA (the European Banking Authority) which has published a directive on 21 May and this suggests a very radical shift in the approach to apply this test to the identification of Code Staff comparative to the current rules. Under these circumstances, another Game Tree emerges, which involves the banks under the EBA as one party and the employees, who are covered under this revised proposal and to whom the bonus cap and other provisions of CRD4 may therefore become applicable, as party of the second part according to Hurwicz Reiter, (2006). The following can be treated as the nodes of this Game Tree. Deferral Another ambiguity arises when the rules say that at least 50% of the variable remuneration should be in the form of shares or its equivalent ownership interest or should be of instruments which should reflect the credit quality that the institution is a going concern or such an instrument should be convertible into equity in case of adverse circumstances. Variable Remuneration The ambiguity increases when the rules say that at least 40% of the variable remuneration should be deferred over a period which is not less than three to five years. In the UK at present, this variable remuneration component is of high amount, currently set at 500,000, and the rules say that at least 60% of this must be deferred, assert Borgers, Krahmer Strausz, (2015). Conclusion So one can easily surmise that not only the policy makers are engaged in the Game Theory, they are also managing the whole system through the devious Mechanism Design which they are propagating under the disguise of rules which are ambiguous in nature and leave lot of scope for legal challenges in the near future. However, the Commission is out rightly denying any such allegations and charges are being forthright dismissed. One of the most obvious ground for legal challenge, as per McCain, (2015) is the fact that the remuneration provisions being proposed are not compatible with Article 153(5) of the Treaty under the EU law being promulgated for the Functioning of the European Union. This article clearly excludes any kind of pay from the competency of EU laws. Now, the Commission is proposing that CRD 4 has been promoted as a provision which is to address the activities being carried out by credit institutions and investment banks and its purpose is to keep a check on their governanc e policies and is not meant to cover the social provisions of the EU Treaty, assert Parsons, Gymtrasiewicz Wooldridge (ed.). References Borgers, T., Krahmer, D. and Strausz, R. 2015 An Introduction to the Theory of Mechanism Design. Oxford University Press, New York. Hurwicz, L. and Reiter, S. 2006 Designing Economic Mechanisms. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Lambertini, L. 2011 Game Theory in the Social Sciences: A Reader-friendly Guide. Taylor Francis, London. McCain, R.A. 2015 Game Theory and Public Policy, 2nd ed. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham. McCarty, N. and Meirowitz, A. 2007 Political Game Theory: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Myerson, R.B. 2013 Game Theory. Harvard University Press, London. Narahari, Y. 2014 Game Theory and Mechanism Design. World Scientific, Singapore. Parsons, S.D., Gymtrasiewicz, P. and Wooldridge, M.J. (ed.) 2012 Game Theory and Decision Theory in Agent-Based Systems. Springer Science Business Media, New York. Tadelis, S. 2013 Game Theory: An Introduction. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.

The Long Goodbye free essay sample

The film stars Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe, and features Sterling Hayden, Nina Van Pallandt, Jim Bouton and Mark Rydell. The film The Long Goodbye has been described as a study of a moral and decent man cast adrift in a selfish, self-obsessed society where lives can be thrown away without a backward glance and any notions of friendship and loyalty are eaningless. Robert Altman: Hollywood Survivor. Question: Does the plot of this film have unforeseen twists and turns? Is the story technique used in other film noir movies that you have seen in class? Discuss and provide examples. The Long Goodbye is a classic noir who done it filled with twist and turns from the start, with everyone spinning their lies trying to trap Phillip Marlowe. Terry Lennox hides the injuries on his fist with driving gloves. Terry then implied that he only hade a trivial fight with his wife so Marlowe wouldnt ask for details. We will write a custom essay sample on The Long Goodbye or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Terry in fact, did kill Sylvia after she found out that he was having an affair with Eileen Wade and threatened to tell the police of Terrys shady business dealings with Marty Augustine. Eileen Wade lies to Marlowe about her knowing the Lennoxs socially. Eileen also lied about Roger Wade having an affair with Sylvia Lennox to cover up her own affair with Terry Lennox and through Marlowe off the case. In the opening scene we are introduced to chain-smoking, wisecracking, privet eye, Phillip Marlowe and his long time friend, Terry Lennox. Terry is seen driving from his home in the Malibu Colony to Marlowes house, with signs of an altercation. Terry has a scratch on his cheek, and injuries to his fist, of which he covers up by wearing a pair of driving gloves. When Terry arrives, Marlowe notices Terrys face, but Terry Just plays it off as if he had another trivial fght with his wife. Terry then asks Marlowe for a lift to the Mexican boarder. The two hop in Marlowes car and drive to Tijuana. At this point, no knowledge is known about the fate of Sylvia Lenox, except for what seemed to be a minor fght with her husband Terry Lenox. Shortly after Marlowe returns home, two detectives asking questions about Terry Lenox show up at Marlowes house. The detectives arrest Marlowe, take him down to the station, and interrogate him. Marlowe learns that Sylvia Lenox is dead and Terry Lenox is the prime suspect. Upon Marlowes release from his three-day stay in Jail, he sees one of the detectives that interrogated him and questions the detective for information. Marlowe learns that Terry Lenox was affiliated was a mob boss, Marty Augustine. Furthermore, police were claiming the case was solved due to the fact that Terry Lenox committed suicide in Mexico, but not before leaving a suicide note admitting to the murder of his wife. However, Terrys body was never found. We dont know how or why Terry killed his wife. We dont really know if she is actually alive or not and/or how Terry is connected to Mr. Augustine at this point. Nonetheless, Marlowe is more than skeptical of this so called open and shut case and is determined to find out what really transpired. In the meantime, Marlowe is hired by Eileen Wade to find her missing husband Roger Wade, an alcoholic novelist with writers block. Marlowe investigates Malibus sub-culture of private detoxification clinics for rich alcoholics and drug addicts. In the proses of locating Roger Wade in a Malibu rehab clinic. Marlowe questions three women at the front desk about Roger Wade they tell Marlowe that there is no one by that name there. Marlowe then inquires about a Dr. Verringer they claimed he was out of town. Marlowe replys with his catch fraise Its all right by me, and infiltrates the rehab anyway. Phillip Marlowe finds Dr. Verringer trying to extort money from Roger Wade. we learn that Roger checked into the clinic on his own will. Nonetheless, Roger Wade was unable to leave on his own will and was kept heavily medicated. Marlowe returns Roger Wade back to his home in the Malibu colony. Soon after Marlowe returns home, he is meet by Marty Augustine and his thugs. Augustine and his gang begin to interrogate Marlowe and search his home for the 350,000 that Marty Augustine claims Terry Lennox stole from him. Marty Augustine: miour friend was a murder and a thief. Phillip Marlowe: Thats a lie. I know he didnt kill her. Augustine then Brutally attacked his own mistress Just to show Marlowe what would happen to him if he didnt find the money, saying: Her, I love. You, I dont even like. Marty Augustine leaves and heads for Roger and Eileen Wades house. Marlowe tails Augustine and sees Marty Augustine talking to Eileen Wade. Although the conversation was not heard, Marlowe now knows that there is a connection between the Lennoxs, Wades and Augustine. The next day Marlowe goes to see the Wades to find the connection between the wades and Marty Augustine. Roger wade said he didnt know terry Lennox and claimed that Marty Augustine owes him 50,000. At this point its hard to know whom to believe. Later that night a drunk Roger Wade commits suicide by swimming out into the ocean. After the police arrive, Eileen Wade lies and claims that Roger Wade was having an affair with Sylvia Lennox and may have killed her. Marlowe reports this information to the detective on the scene who informs Marlowe that the police were aware that Roger Wade saw Sylvia Lennox, they know when he left and when he checked into Dr. Verringers rehab clinic. Marlowe receives a letter with a 5,000-dollar bill arrives from Terry Lennox, sent from Mexico. On suspicions that Terry is still alive, Marlowe heads down to Mexico to get some answers. Soon After arriving in Mexico, Marlowe finds the Doctor and the police chief that found Terry Lennox dead. The Doctor and the Police chief both claim that Terry Lennox death was a suicide. Marlowe returns home only to be eet by Marty Augustine and his thugs. Augustines thugs start stripping off Marlowes close and expose a S dollar b Augustine immediately suspects Marlowe of lying about the whereabouts of his money. Right before things go from bad to worse and Marlowe is about to get stabbed, the missing money reappears and Marlowe is free to go. On his his way out, Augustine gives Marlowe back the 5,000- dollar bill and says, here, for your troubles, and if your in the neighborhood stop by some time. Marlowe replys Oh yeah, thanks a lot, especially since my fairy godmother came and dropped your three hundred and fifty grand back into your ap. It is clear to Marlowe that Terry Lennox is alive as a result of the letter with the 5,000-dollar bill and the money having been returned to Marty Augustine. Marlowe returns to Mexico for the second time and bribes the Mexican police and the Doctor with the 5,000-dollar bill that Terry sent him. Marlowe finds out that the suicide was staged and Terry is in Mexico somewhere. Marlowe finds Terry Lennox alive and well laying on a hammock. Terry confesses everything to Phillip. He told Marlowe how he was running money for Marty Augustine, his affair with Eileen Wade and the murder of his wife Sylvia. Terry says to Marlowe, Terry Lennox: I was in a bind. I needed help. Nobody cares. Phillip Marlowe: Nobody cares but me. Terry Lennox: Well thats you, Marlowe. Youll never learn youre a born loser. Phillip Marlowe: mieah, I even lost my cat. Marlowe shoots Terry, spits on the ground, and walks away. In the last scene Marlowe passes Eileen Wade on her way to Terry Lennox. Eileen slows down to catch a second glimpse of Marlowe walking the other way and had a realization. Terry, Sylvia, and Roger are now dead, and everyone lost in the end. The Long Goodbyes storytelling technique is very similar to that of the film Out of the Past (1947). Both male leads Phillip Marlowe and Jeff Bail y were privet detectives hired to find their employers spouse. Both were dragged through the under belly of society, being double-crossed at every turn and lead astray by everyone they come in contact with. In the film out of the Past, a small-town gas station owner with mysterious past is hired to by a criminal Whit Sterling to find a woman named Kathie who shot Whit and stole $40,000 from him. Jeff locates Kathie in Acapulco. Nonetheless, Kathie tells Jeff that she didnt steal the $40,000 and confesses her love for him. The two run away from Whit to an Isolated cabin in the woods. Jeffs former partner Fisher finds the couple hiding out in the cabin. Kathie guns down him down and Jeff buried the body. Meanwhile, Jeff finds a deposit slip in the amount of $40,000 in Kathies purse and leaves her. But, when Jeff inevitably meets Whit, he finds out that Kathie is living with Whit. Whit Request one more Job from Jeff to release Jeff from his debt. However, Jeff finds out that Whit was framing him. Question: Is the seeker-hero of this film on a quest? Is he tested, interrogated, attacked, and/or persecuted? Does he emerge safely from this ordeal and uncorrupted and strong? Or is he killed? Explain, providing examples. Phillip Marlowe is on a quest to prove his friends innocence both to the police and himself. Marlowes is physically attacked and persecuted by two detectives that arrive at Marlowes house upon his return from dropping off Terry. Det. Green and det. Dayton physically man handle Phillip as they attempt to question him about Terry Lennox. However, Marlowe replys, look guys, I dont nave to answer any Questions unless you guys have a specific charge. Det. Green signals to Det. Dayton to push Marlowe into Det. Greenly and arrest Marlowe on a trumpet up assault charge. The detectives take Marlowe to the police station to interrogate him. During the interrogation Marlowe only responses are sarcastic cynical remarks to their questions like, Detective: What are you doing here Marlowe? Phillip Marlowe: well Im here cause Im gettin ready for the big game Saturday. You know, were playing Notre Dame and I hope I catch a touchdown pass. The only time Marlowe becomes concerned is when he hears that Sylvia Lennox was murdered and Terry Lennox was the main suspect. The detectives become frustrated with Marlowe and send him to a holding cell for three days. Phillip Marlowe is tested when he is hired by Eileen Wade to find her missing husband Roger Wade. When asking about the details of Roger Wade, Eileen tells Marlowe This isnt the first time this has happened. My husband has a drinking problem. Eileen shows Marlowe a letter to a mysterious Doctor V asking for help. In the course of investigating Mrs. Wades missing-husband case, Marlowe visits a Malibu private detoxification clinic for rich alcoholics and drug attacks. There he finds three unhelpful nurses and a doctor. Marlowe shows them a picture of Roger and asks if they have seen or herd of him. All three nurses claim that nobody by that name or anyone who looked like that was there. Marlowe infiltrates he rehab anyway and to no ones surprise, finds Roger Wade. A known gangster Marty Augustine and his henchmen later visit Phillip Marlowe. Augustines henchman punches Marlowe after he makes a wisecrack about only seeing hoods by appointment. After questioning Marlowe about Terry Lennox and a missing $350,000 that Terry stole, Marty Augustine brings an atmosphere of mobility when making a point to Marlowe by smashing a coke bottle on his mistresss face and saying Her I love. You, I dont even like! This violent display shocked even the henchmen. Augustine tells Marlowe to find the money or else! Marlowe receives a $5,000-dollar ill from Terry Lennox leaving Marlowe suspicious that Terry might still be alive somewhere in Mexico. Nevertheless, Augustine catches up with Marlowe a second time. This time Augustine demands that Marlowe strip down and get naked. Marlowe refuses but Martys thugs pull off his Jacket to reveal a $5,000-dollar bill. Augustine immediately assumes that Marlowe and Terry are in cahoots together and commands one of his goons to Stick Marlowe. It seems as if Marlowes death is inevitable. Just in the nick of time, one of Augustines hoodlums informs Marty Augustine that the money was mysteriously dropped off. Marlowe was attacked, tested, persecuted, and interrogated by Dr. Verringer, Eileen Wade, the police, and Marty Augustine. However, Marlowes cynical attitude and sarcastic attitude toward the world remained fixed and unwavering. Phillip Marlowe survived his ordeal with Marty Augustine and the Police. However, Marlowe did shoot and kill Terry Lennox in the end. This can be viewed as Marlowe decent into corruption or Justice for Sylvia Lennox Question: What is the world view of this noir film, or rather, what is the films attitude toward humanity and the human condition, as expressed by the films writer and director? Explain, providing examples. The story and plot ot the 1973 cinematic adaptation deviate drastically trom those ot the 1953 novel; screenplay writer Leigh Brackett took many literary liberties with the story, plot, and characters of The Long Goodbye in adapting it. The Long Goodbye satirizes the changes in culture between the 1950s. Such as Phillip Marlowe working for Fifty bucks a day. A wage a privet eye would be charging in the 1950s. Marlowes chain-smoking, contrasted with a health-conscious California in which no one else in the movie smokes, is cited as another example of Marlowes incongruity with his surroundings. Altman did not read Chandlers entire book, but instead utilized Raymond Chandler Speaking, a collection of letters and essays. He gave copies of this book to the cast and crew, advising them to study the authors literary essays. However, Altman and Brackett did spend a copious amount of time discussing the plot and ending. Altman wanted Marlowe to be a loser. He even nicknamed Phillip Marlowes character Rip Van Marlowe, as if he was asleep for twenty years, woke up, and wandered around Los Angeles in the early 1970s but trying to invoke the morals of a previous era. Altman conceived of the film as a satire and made several changes to he script, like having Roger Wade commit suicide and having Marty Augustine smash a Coke bottle across his girlfriends face. Altman said, it was supposed to get the attention of the audience and remind them that, in spite of Marlowe, there is a real world out there, and it is a violent world. Question: Who are the male villains of this film? Are they corrupt? What has corrupted them? Explain, providing examples. The male villains of this film are Marty Augustine, his gang, the police, Dr. Verringer, and Terry Lennox. Using their authority weather it is lawful or otherwise, hese men used tactics like intimidation, manipulation, deceit, physical violence, and/ or all of the above to achieve their goals. Marlowe is first unknowingly conned by Terry Lennox into helping him escape from the murder of his wife with $350,000 dollars that doesnt belong to him. Upon Marlowes return home, he is ensnared by two corrupt detectives asking questions about Terry Lennox. Detective Green and Detective Dayton begin questioning Marlowe but he is uncooperative saying, l know how it works, I dont have to answer any questions unless you have a specific charge, and you dont have a specific charge. Det. Green signals to Det. Dayton to push Marlowe into Det. Green so they can arrest him with a charge. After he is released, Marty Augustine and his thugs confront Marlowe. Marlowe up to this point was unaware of the $350,000 that Lennox stole. Marty Augustine breaks a glass coke bottle over his own mistresss face to show Marlowe the consequences of crossing him. Phillip Marlowe is then hired by Eileen Wade to find her missing alcoholic husband Roger Wade. In the mites of investigating the missing Roger Wade, Marlowe meets Dr. Verringer. Verringer attempts to manipulate and deceive Phillip Marlowe in believing that Roger Wade is not under Dr. Verringers care nor has he ever seen or meet Roger Wade. Marlowe is does not buy into the doctors story and rescues Roger Wade and takes him home. Marlowe receives a letter in the mail from Terry Lennox with a $5,000 dollar-bill saying, Im sorry. Signed Terry. Soon atter Marty Augustine visits Phillip Marlowe once more, threatening and interrogating him again. Augustine finds the $5,000 dollar-bill and commands one his henchmen to Stick Marlowe with a knife. Nevertheless, the stolen $350,000 dollars was mysteriously returned Just in time and Marlowe was free to go. Marlowe heads to Mexico and uses the $5,000 dollar bill to ribe the Mexican police and doctor into revealing what really happened to Terry Lennox as well as where Terry was. Marlowe finds Lennox alive and well lying on a hammock. Terry Lennox confesses how he killed his wife, stole $350,000 dollars from Marty Augustine and used Marlowe as the fall guy. The Villains of this film distort the line between good and evil from a clear distention of black and white to an ambiguous grey line. There was not a genuine difference between the behavior from Marty Augustine to the police detectives that arrested and interrogated Marlowe. Both parties used violence and intimidation to achieve their goals.

eat this essays

eat this essays Imagine being in a position that gave you the power to inspire a race and gain the respect of another. Booker T. Washington, a prominent and extremely successful African-American had that opportunity. This opportunity came in the times of the emancipation of slavery. And when given the chance he excelled. In his book, Up from Slavery, Booker T. Washington exposes readers to the hardships he faced from the time he was a slave, until the times he became a leader among African-Americans. His book gives detailed accounts of his life, from a first. It speaks of slavery, racism, triumph, and struggle, which all couldn't overpower handwork. Hard working was something Washington believed in and was. The most in unheard voice at the time of slavery both past and present, was that of the African-American women. During these periods, female accomplishments were not recognized. These accomplishments have been brought forth for people to view them in one of many books. The book, Voice from the S outh, by Anna Cooper combines works of fiction, poetry, autobiographies, and biographies. Cooper was one of few black woman of her time to earn a Ph.D. She was a feminist who believed that women's voices shouldn't go unheard. The book displays great moments of triumph that conquer over hard bearing obstacles. The book is quite interesting one that focuses on black women's writings in the nineteenth and twentieth century. The context however seems to jump around from subject to subject, which could often confuse the reader. This book seems to be drunk on syntax blind to semantics. In other words this book tended to use words that went around the subject. These books try to focus on all aspects of the struggles of both women of color and of African Americans as a whole. A big difference between these books is the fact that one of the voices was heard while the other silenced. Though in times of racism, black males still received more respect then women. My ...

Case Study Analysis - Facebook Faces Up Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Case Study Analysis - Facebook Faces Up - Essay Example With 200 million users, Facebook has no other way but up as it will naturally grow in number over time and eventually affect our lives because of the impact it brings (Mezrich, 2009). With the vast number of applications available at Facebook, it is no wonder that it is the current number one networking site. It is an amalgamation of all the good things that the now generation is hoping to see and simultaneously utilize. It has photo sharing, video sharing and wall posting among other things. Connectivity has never been easier, in it there’s almost no need for any messaging software as you can easily see who among your friends are online and automatically chat with them. An inbox is also at the users’ disposal which functions pretty much like an email. Friends can also be tagged in personally posted photos where it will instantly be included in their photo list. Perhaps one of its groundbreaking applications that have gained tremendous popularity is the advent of social networking games within the site that are quite addicting. Pet Society, Mafia Wars, Farmville, Farmtown, RestaurantVille and YoVille are just some of these. Here, members can take part in interactive and Role Playing Games that mostly involves having interface with other members of your community. These applications are very helpful in how Facebook is viewed as a marketing goldmine and how this now billion-dollar business is continually growing by the second. The fact that it has grown as more than a niche for college students and recent college graduates post a problem for the website as it may turn to the alienation of its target market. This is a common problem as the company grows. And since it is a web-based social networking tool, the possibility of something to come forward and attract its market is tantamount. The current traffic can be attributed to 11.5 million 35 years old and above visitors and the 150, 000 daily new

Compare and contrast the classical and Keynesian theory of Essay

Compare and contrast the classical and Keynesian theory of unemployment. Conclude by discussing which argument has been more convincing for you and why - Essay Example A lower wage rate will lead to an increase in the number of workers being employed and the vice versa. Unemployment occurs when there is excess supply of workers in the market at a particular wage level. The equilibrium level of the demand and supply for labour is established after the unemployed workers accept lower wages. The full employment level is associated with the equilibrium level in the labour market (Blanchard, 2005). Unemployment occurs when the wage level is above the equilibrium wage; hence, leading to a higher labour compared to the quantity being demanded in the market. As a result, unemployment can be classified as the difference between the supply and the demand. The flexibility of the wages has a direct effect on the level of unemployment. A decrease in the demand for a product will lead to a decrease in the demand for labour; hence, leading to high levels of unemployment. Consequently, the wage rate will fall but competition between the workers will cause them to accept the low wages; therefore, leading to a new equilibrium state. The theory explains a situation where low wage rates do not result to higher employment levels due to the employers are facing low demand for services and goods when the economy is in a recession (Phoa, Focardi and Fabozzi, 2007). The aggregate demand is the main determinant of the level of economic outputs during recessions. However, it does not have an equal effect on the productive ability off the economy but is influenced by certain determinants such as inflation and employment rates. According to the Keynesian theory, the changes in aggregate demand have short run effects on employment and output unlike in the prices. The unemployment occurs when the aggregate demand function intersects the aggregate supply function since the economy cannot experience a full employment level. The theory states that the government can use public investment programs to raise the aggregate

Amputation Mishap, Negligence Cited Research Paper

Amputation Mishap, Negligence Cited - Research Paper Example To protect the rights and safety of patient’s certain terms are devised to distinguish between the low qualities of attention paid by Health Care Staff. Negligence is tolerated to some extent, but gross negligence and malpractice raises legal queries and requires authentic actions to ascertain the rights of all. Negligence is an act of failure to provide the required care or attention towards a medical patient, which is his fundamental right. It is a type of slack attitude of carelessness of a health care personal towards the owed responsibility of care and attention, directly affecting lives of people in need of medical attention. If health care staff is unable to provide the legal care with responsibility, which is designed for the sole purpose of care and safety, the personal is said to be negligent towards his obligations. (Ignatavicius,2010).   Gross Negligence is an incurable act of carelessness which comes into the category of extreme negligence. As adults, one is exp ected to be responsible for his actions in professional and private affairs. In healthcare sector mistakes and casual attitude can become a cause of serious damage to the person being taken care of. Thus, gross negligence is intolerable irresponsibility of a nurse, physician or any health care personal, which is lower the ordinary standard of care. It breaches other people’s privilege to protection. ... d as an intentional wrongdoing by nurses of physician, either due to lack of required skill or inability to meet the required standards, which results in fatal injury or death of a person in care. It also includes the deficiency of skill in certain training and failure to see the consequences of his actions. (Kelly, 2008) An article by A. Lowell â€Å"Amputation mishap, negligence cited†, tells the story of Joseph Benson a diabetic 62 year old, who received an amputation on the wrong leg. Benson, who suffered from poor circulation of blood, woke up after the surgery, to his horror he was amputated in the right leg below the knee instead of left which needed treatment. The article states it as a negligent act, but actually it was gross negligence posed by the hospital staff. The gross negligence or malpractice on the part of hospital and physician, who operated surgery, is a case which requires urgent action from the authorities. Benson has not filed a case of malpractice again st the Hospital of Neighborhood, but he completely holds the right to do so. On his behalf the cost of gross negligence by Nurses and Physician, would only be endured by him. Due to gross negligence a legal term in such cases, Benson has faced irreversible loss. Patients suffer greatly especially from low supervision of Nurses. According to NPA (Nursing Practice Act), Nurses are accountable for the decisions they make regarding the patient’s under their care. They have an obligation of taking care of patients regardless of their race, cast or financial status. Code of ethics for nurses is used often in the malpractice cases as evidence where a nurse neglects the need of a patient (Westrick, 2009). In Benson’s case, the documentation was wrong, which specifically directs negligence on the part

Importance Of Experts Opinions In Search For Knowledge Philosophy Essay

Importance Of Experts Opinions In Search For Knowledge Philosophy Essay Searching through newspapers, TV news or radio I can easily find the so called: opinions of  experts. Almost every article in The Economist, Guardian consists of at least two quotations of economists, sociologists or lawyers who are mainly professors of the world most famous Universities such as  Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yell or workers of the specialised institutes. All these opinions may be useful in gaining knowledge yet would it  be  reasonable to uncritically accept them as  a  definite knowledge or call it my own knowledge? To answer the question of how important are the opinions of experts in the search of  knowledge I will carry out an in depth analysis of  three main aspects. First of all I  will try to examine who an  expert is and what conditions need to be completed in order to  call someone an authority in  a  specific field. Secondly, I will focus on the process of  transforming an  opinion into my  own knowledge. The last aspect will set down where do  experts gain their knowledge and what are the bases of their opinions. I believe that an  analysis of these three dimensions, extended by an examples of my everyday life and based on specific areas of  knowledge, will be,  to large extent, sufficient for answering whether experts and their opinions are able to  provide me  with an adequate evidence to accept it  as  a  reliable component of  my  knowledge. As I was thinking of how to define an expert I ended up realizing how complex the perception of experts is. I would say that there is no one, ideal definition. However as I think about it,  this is  a person who possess an in depth knowledge in a specific field and relying mostly on the empirical evidence makes researches developing his/hers own understanding of  a  specific phenomenon. My brief definition seems to find an  application in everyday life for example professors from Universities specify only in narrow fields and by probing particular factors, they form their own proven conclusions which are further presented in  magazines or books as  experts opinions. As  I  am most interested in  economics it seems most reasonable to evoke an  authority specialising in this area. Let me focus on Leszek Balcerowicz, who is considered an  expert in regulating the interference of  the government on  the market. First of all he  graduated from the economics faculty, performed in  the most respected national and European posts and was an author of the famous Balcerowicz Plan which transformed Polish economy what provided him with an  empirical evidence. To  my  mind he  possesses enough knowledge to form reliable conclusions of  what he  observes in  market. Yet we need to be aware that he  is  devoted to  a  specific economics school monetarism, therefore his opinions may be  to  some extent subordinate to  his personal beliefs or  biases. However whenever I see his opinion being expressed I know that it will for sure affect my understanding of a given case as  his authority based on experience, reasoning and although inevitably emotions and personal attitude are sufficient for me to call him an  authority whose opinion I base on when creating my own conclusions, point of view that I  call my own. It  may be claimed that I treat Balcerowicz as an expert just because I  am  sympathetic to his creed yet even people that have contradictory economical opinions do  accept his high appointments and take his opinion into consideration at least to confront their and Balcerowiczs ideas. Therefore an authority is not only a person that people agree with and share the same opinion but rather  someone who can  provide us with evidence of his claims. The process of transforming opinion into knowledge is also worth focusing. Studying in the IB programme I realized that experts opinions are only hints that help to interpret facts more widely. The most important thing for me was realising that even if  an expert does his/her best to be fair minded a bit of subjectivity is inevitable. Yet as I became aware of it the subjectivity turned out to have its positive effects. Historical experts seem to  thrive on the conflicts between their opinions about events in their search for knowledge and better understanding of  the past. The same event can attract vastly different opinions, for example the causes of the First World War. Marxist historians blame the development of capitalism whether as German historian, Geiss blames the failure of  diplomacy.  [1]  Hence being a critically thinking person the contradiction of experts opinions makes me understand the problem in  a  wider way, analyse of who I  trust more, whose evi dence is strongly supported and hammer out a compromise. Experts are not born specialists, they gain knowledge and due to  work and understanding of  specific processes they may start being perceived as authorities within the area of their interest. Yet my look concerns mainly history, natural sciences, human sciences but when it  comes to ethics the knowledge that books or expertises may provide becomes less usable. For example my mother is for me the expert of husband wife relations instead of  the fact that her knowledge is   based only on personal experience. Yet the evidence she can provide me with her successful relationship with my father is at that point sufficient for me. The evidence is in my opinion the most important thing while starting to believe in  something and gaining my own understanding of a given thing (note that in the presented essay I am not discussing religion beliefs). First of all the opinion needs to have rational grounds. This means that if my history teacher said that the First World War started as  a  consequence of the assassination of Grand Duke Constantine without giving any proof or  explanation I would probably doubt whether it  is reliable and true. However if he supported it with opinions of  other experts, primary sources (which may be for example some political documents) or  other evidence the thesis would became more reliable and therefore probably accepted by  me for further consideration of context. The last aspect of my concern is the origin of the need to rely on the opinions of experts. Looking for example at arts, what do I need experts opinions for? As it is the most subjective area of knowledge at first I almost saw no difference whether a painting was commented by  an expert or  a  non expert. The only difference that I considered worth pointing was the fact that experts may be more used to commenting on arts and therefore their language and ability to  express feelings may be clearer and more focused. However, as I thought about it more I realized that there is at least one more aspect. A good example is De Aardappeleters (The Potato Eaters) by Vincent van Gogh which I found to create different interpretations in  different context. When I showed the painting to my friends, almost all of them found it  ordinary and only one person out of ten recognized the author. However when I showed them the painting once more, but prefacing it with a history of masterpie ce and Van Goghs assumptions (therefore I was acting like an  expert) all of them changed their attitude towards the painting and started to see it with a wider perspective appreciating the atmosphere and bright idea. To my mind when it comes to history experts opinions are one of the most important aspects in  gaining knowledge for me. Even the primary sources, which seem to be most reliable and unspoiled source of knowledge, have to be interpreted as well. Therefore experts act like an interpreters. Due to their contrary opinions they create an  opportunity for me to see different attitudes to the same event. This not only extends my  perspective but also reminds me that looking at things from only one point of view is like not looking at them at all. To conclude in my opinion experts opinions are valuable in the search of knowledge. Authorities opinions may be sometimes misleading, lack evidence but as I take them into consideration while creating my own point of view I believe that it provides me with better analysis of the subject. Each opinion is somehow true therefore, whenever an expert or a  non expert expresses an opinion I think that it expends my perspective and hence makes me  think more specifically on the problem, analyse it and create my own conclusion.

The Role of Sacred Space in Judeo-Christian Religions Essay -- Religio

The Role of Sacred Space in Judeo-Christian Religions Certain physical locations take on important meanings in the world’s religions. Religions consider various geographic elements such as different cities, regions, mountains, and rivers to be sacred. For example, Hindus travel to the Ganges River to cleanse themselves from their sins (Momen 157). One of the requirements of all Muslims is that they make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca (Eastman 398). Judeo-Christian religions also have certain places that are held sacred to their followers. The concept of sacred space is important to Judeo-Christian religions, because it helps to explain the questions of existence. Sacred space provides something tangible to represent religions while reducing the obstacles that prevent religious people from having religious experiences. Judeo-Christian religions have extensive histories in which the concept of sacred space has been instrumental to their developments. Today, sacred space remains important in separating these religion s from the rest of the world. As seen in historical stories and reflected through the symbolism of religious architecture as well as in nature, sacred space is an important aspect of Judeo-Christian religions. One reason that believers of Judeo-Christian religions find certain locations to be important is that God has declared that certain places should be considered sacred. In the Book of Exodus, the Lord speaks to Moses on the mountain of Horeb, saying â€Å"Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground† (Exo. 3.5 NAB). In the Book of Genesis, God sends Abraham to the land of Moriah. â€Å"When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar t... ...stance religions from each other by fostering a feeling of superiority among some religions and inferiority among others. Judeo-Christian religions rely on sacred space to do these things for believers. Works Cited Barbour, Ian G. Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Issues. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1997. Eastman, Roger. The Ways of Religion: An Introduction to the Major Traditions. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Eliade, Mircea. The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc., 1987. Holy Bible, New American Bible (Iowa Falls, Iowa, 1986) Johnson, Kevin Orlin. Why Do Catholics Do That?: A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church. New York: Random House, Inc., 1994. Momen, Moojan. The Phenomenon of Religion. Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 1999.