Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Was the Civil War inevitable essays

Was the Civil War unavoidable articles Was the Civil War an unavoidable clash? The Civil War was an unavoidable clash that will undoubtedly detonate because of the contrasts between the North and South social orders, subjection, and governmental issues. After Independence, the multifaceted nature of the American culture developed. The three parts that added to this multifaceted nature was the move away structure little scope, to a great extent resource cultivating by generous quantities of northerners; the relocation of thousands of white Americans and dark slaves, and the reestablishment of subjugation as a suitable financial framework. Together, these set off a honing struggle between monetary interests, social classes and districts that were as often as possible showed in party governmental issues. During the primary portion of the nineteenth century, monetary contrasts between the locales of the North and South expanded. By 1830, cotton was the central harvest of the South, and it spoke to simply over portion of all U.S. trades. It kept on growing and by 1836, it spoke to almost 66% of every single American fare (Enduring Visions, 244). The benefit of cotton finished the Souths reliance on the estate framework and its basic segment, servitude. The North was by then solidly settled as a mechanical society. Work was required, yet not slave work (Class Notes). Movement was essential. 5,000,000 individuals moved structure Europe to the United States somewhere in the range of 1790 and 1860, the greater part of them to seek after financial chance. The settlers worked in processing plants and fabricated railways of the north (Enduring Visions, 250-253). The south, opposing industrialization, fabricated close to nothing. Practically totally made merchandise must be imported. Southerne rs thusly contradicted high duties, or expenses that were put on imported products and expanded the cost of made articles. The assembling economy of the North, then again, requested high levies to shield its own items from modest remote rivalry (Enduring Vision, 251... <!

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Frankenstein :: Essays Papers

Frankenstein Hero: The hero in the novel is Victor Frankenstein. He is the fundamental character who fights with the contention in the novel. His choice to make life gives an issue that he endeavors to get away however inevitably denotes his demise. Enemy: The opponent in the novel is additionally the hero, Victor Frankenstein. Victor may have coordinated the entirety of his abhor and fault towards the beast he made, however is most noticeably awful foe lay inside himself and his refusal to acknowledge obligation regarding his activities. Struggle: The principle strife in the novel depends on the â€Å"monster† Victor Frankenstein made in his research center. He dismisses his obligation to the beast he made by disregarding its reality, and his weakness prompts inward sentiments of blame and despondency that at last reason his life to unwind and his loved ones to die. His refusal to be responsible for his activity brings the wretchedness and hardship that establish the establishment of the novel. Sequence: Robert Walton writes in his first letter to his sister Margaret Saville about his longing to investigate the world. His second letter at that point tells about his arrangements for a group and increasingly about how he wants to investigate the unexplored. In this letter he additionally clarifies how he wishes he had a companion to impart his life to. In his third letter, he tells how the journey is in progress and working out in a good way. His fourth letter tells how the boat got caught between drifting squares of ice and, in the wake of being liberated, the boat experiences and takes on board a man who was abandoned on coasting ice. Walton tells how the man is in vomited condition and is despairing. He tells how he step by step becomes a close acquaintence with the man and, subsequent to talking for quite a while, the man consents to reveal to Walton an incredible narrative and how he came to be the place he is currently. His name is advised to be Victor Frankenstein. Wal ton, during the portrayal, takes notes as a letter for Margaraet. Victor Frankenstein was conceived in Geneva, Switzerland, to a group of reputation. His family embraced a little youngster his age named Elizabeth from a poor family who couldn't bolster her. As a youngster, Victor was intrigued with speculative chemistry and sciences. At age seventeen, Victor’s mother kicked the bucket.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Tips for the First Week You Quit Smoking

Tips for the First Week You Quit Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use After You Quit Print Getting Through Your First Week When You Quit Smoking Ways to Help Manage Nicotine Withdrawal By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Armeen Poor, MD on January 27, 2020 Armeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist. He specializes in pulmonary health, critical care, and sleep medicine. Learn about our Medical Review Board Armeen Poor, MD Updated on February 23, 2020 Sigrid Olsson / Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery The first week after you quit smoking can feel like a roller coaster.  Both your body and mind are being denied something theyve become accustomed to, and while that can create some undesirable physical and psychological symptoms, there are things you can do to make the week after quitting smoking easier to bear. What to Expect With Nicotine Withdrawal Whether you use a quit aid or go cold turkey, you’re going to feel some discomfort due to nicotine withdrawal. Physically, your body is reacting to the absence of not only nicotine but all of the other chemicals in cigarettes that youve been regularly inhaling. When the supply gets cut off, you can expect to feel the effects of that. Flu-like symptoms are common during the first couple of weeks of smoking cessation. In addition, you may experience irritability, anxiousness, feeling low, and increased appetite, among other symptoms of withdrawal.?? The amount of discomfort youll face depends in part on how well you take care of yourself during this phase. Helpful Strategies for Minimizing the Effects of Nicotine Withdrawal Deciding to quit smoking is the first step in the process. And while you cant avoid the physical and mental effects of withdrawal from nicotine, you can work to minimize them. Create a list of reasons for quitting and read it every day to help you remember why youre doing this on the days when things get tough. Then, consider working these strategies into your routine. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet Your body is working hard to expel toxins during the withdrawal process, and that takes energy. Choose foods that will provide you with the high-quality fuel you need â€" fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins â€" and avoid the empty calories of junk food.?? Keeping sensible snacks handy for when hunger strikes can help. Have small bags of bite-size fresh veggies within easy reach; celery and carrot sticks with low-fat ranch dressing or tzatziki sauce for dipping makes a good snack. Fresh fruit, such as pineapple chunks, berries, melon, or other seasonal fruits will satisfy your sweet tooth if theyre clean and ready to eat when youre looking for a snack. Dont Skip Meals Doing so will probably leave you with low blood sugar, which will trigger the urge to smoke. It usually also leads to more snacking, which is something youll want to avoid. Aim to have three larger or five smaller meals per day, depending on your preference. Go for a Walk A short walk every day, even as little as 15 minutes, can work wonders for beating back smoking urges and improving your mood.??  Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, so head out for a walk around the block once or twice a day. You’ll come back refreshed and relaxed. Drink Plenty of Fluids, Especially Water Water helps you flush residual toxins from smoking out of your body more quickly. It also works well as a craving buster, filling you up so youll eat less. And since water is an important part of your diet regardless of your smoking status, staying hydrated will help you feel better overall, which will make it easier to manage withdrawal symptoms.   You can try herbal teas or fruit juices, too, but limit coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can negatively affect your mood and they are often associated with times when you would light up (such as social engagements), so they can increase the urge to smoke.?? Keep Some Supplies in Your Car If you spend a lot of time driving, have some items handy to help you pass the time in the car more comfortable. Drink some of that water we just talked about while youre driving and keep a bottle or two in the car at all times. Also, store a bag of hard candies and lollipops in the glove compartment and have some straws or cinnamon sticks available to chew on to help fight cravings.?? Do Some Deep Breathing Cravings usually are the most intense during the first three days and will fade over time.  Typically, they last two to three minutes.?? Try not to panic when you get a craving to smoke. Take a few moments to concentrate on your breathing. Close your eyes, if possible, and breathe in and out slowly. Let the craving wash over you like a wave while you focus on your breathing. The urge will pass and you’ll be left feeling stronger for having overcome it successfully. Distract Yourself What you choose to pay attention to has a habit of growing. Dont let thoughts of smoking run unchecked through your mind. Instead, nip them in the bud by identifying them and taking action to change your mindset. Make a list of healthy and productive activities you can do when the urge hits, like household projects or hobbies you enjoy. Reward Yourself Come up with a list of small gifts that you can give yourself every day you dont smoke, like taking a hot bath, buying a new candle, reading a fun magazine, or enlisting someone else in the family to cook dinner. Small daily rewards will boost your spirits and fortify your resolve to stay smoke-free. Get More Sleep Early smoking cessation is tiring. Your body is stressed and so is your mind. Allow more time to sleep if you need it, and try not to worryâ€"your energy will return soon. Change Your Habits Smoking likely wasnt the only habit in your life, so shake up your other routines to avoid backsliding. Take a different route to work, eat breakfast in a different place, or get up and jump into the shower before that first cup of coffee.  Expect to feel awkward to begin with, but dont panic. The more practice you put into new routines, the more comfortable they will become. Eventually, those new routines will become the norm. Do Something to Reduce Your Stress Cigarettes were probably your go-to stress neutralizer and now you have to begin the work of managing tension in new ways.?? Try catching up on the phone with a friend, reading a book, or getting outside for a quick walk around the block when you feel yourself starting to tense up. A Word from Verywell Consider engaging with an online support forum for smoking cessation. There is nothing more beneficial for managing the ups and downs that come with nicotine withdrawal than getting help from people who have been through it. Consider talking to your doctor about using nicotine replacement therapy as a way to address withdrawal and cravings. While the first week after you quit smoking is intense for almost everyone, remember that better days are ahead.  The discomforts are all temporary, so dig your heels in and go the distance. Your body and mind will thank you in the long run.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

How to Grow Crystals From Salt and Vinegar

Salt and vinegar crystals are easy-to-grow non-toxic crystals that you can grow in a rainbow of colors. This crystal growing project is especially useful for kids or beginners looking for quick and easy crystals. Materials 1 cup hot water (H)1/4 cup salt (sodium chloride)2 teaspoons vinegar (dilute acetic acid)food coloring (optional)piece of spongeshallow dish Instructions Stir together the water, salt, and vinegar. Boiling water works best, but its alright if the waters not quite boiling.Place the piece of sponge on the shallow dish. Pour the mixture over the sponge so that it soaks up the liquid and almost covers the bottom of the dish.If you want colored crystals, you can dot the sponge with food coloring. As the crystals grow, the colors may run together a bit. You can use this to your advantage to make more colors. For example, dotting blue and yellow food coloring near each other can produce blue, green, and yellow crystals.Save the rest of the crystal growing solution in a sealed container.Set the dish in a sunny window or another warm area with good air circulation. You will see crystal growth overnight or within a day. Add more crystal growing solution to replace the liquid that evaporates.Continue growing your crystals as long as you like. The project is non-toxic so when you are done, you can either save your crystals or else throw them away . You can dump leftover crystal solution down the drain and wash the dish as usual.You can keep the crystals and watch them. Over time, the salt will react with water in the air to subtly change the appearance of the crystals. How the Crystals Grow Salt dissolves better in hot water than cold water, so as the solution cools the salt wants to come out of solution and crystallize. When you pour the solution over the sponge, this causes the liquid to evaporate. This further concentrates the salt so that it will crystallize. The salt crystals will start to form on undissolved salt or the sponge. Once the crystals start developing, they grow fairly rapidly. Try This Table salt crystals have a cubic shape. Adding the vinegar and growing the crystals on a sponge alters the appearance a bit. You can experiment with different types of salt, such as sea salt, iodized salt, Himalayan salt, and other.Instead of using a sponge, try growing the crystals on another surface. Good choices include a charcoal briquette, a brick, or a rough rock.If you use a charcoal briquette, another interesting chemical to add to the mixture is laundry bluing or Prussian blue. It is available online as well as in stores in the laundry section (as bluing) or art section (as Prussian blue). This iron-based solution produces intricate white crystals that readily absorb food coloring. While it is safe to work with, its best to avoid its use around very young children to prevent any chance they might ingest the iron salt.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Bullet Ant Facts Habitat, Predators, Painful Sting

The bullet ant (Paraponera clavata) is a tropical rainforest ant named for its powerfully painful sting, which is said to be comparable to being shot with a bullet. Fast Facts: Bullet Ants Common Name: Bullet antAlso Known As: 24-hour ant, conga ant, lesser giant hunting antScientific Name: Paraponera clavataDistinguishing Features: Reddish-black ants with large pincers and a visible stingerSize: 18 to 30 mm (up to 1.2 in)Diet: Nectar and small arthropodsAverage Lifespan: Up to 90 days (worker)Habitat: Tropical forests of Central and South AmericaConservation Status: Least ConcernKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthropodaClass: InsectaOrder: HymenopteraFamily: FormicidaeFascinating Fact: The bullet ants sting is known for being the most painful sting of any insect. The pain, which has been compared to being shot with a bullet, naturally dissipates after 24 hours. The bullet ant has many common names, however. In Venezuela, it is called the 24-hour ant because the pain of a sting can last a full day. In Brazil, the ant is called formigà £o-preto or big black ant. The Native American names for the ant translate to, the one who wounds deeply. By any name, this ant is feared and respected for its sting. Appearance and Habitat Worker ants range from 18 to 30 mm (0.7 to 1.2 in) in length. They are reddish-black ants with large mandibles (pincers) and a visible stinger. The queen ant is slightly larger than the workers. ThoughtCo / Vin Ganapathy Bullet ants live in the tropical rainforest of Central and South America, in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. The ants build their colonies at the base of trees so they can forage in the canopy. Each colony contains several hundred ants. Predators, Prey, and Parasites Bullet ants eat nectar and small arthropods. One type of prey, the glasswing butterfly (Greta oto) has evolved to produce larvae that taste unpleasant to bullet ants. Larvae of the glasswing butterfly taste bad to bullet ants. Helaine Weide / Getty Images The phorid fly (Apocephalus paraponerae) is a parasite of injured bullet ant workers. Injured workers are common because bullet ant colonies fight with each other. The scent of the injured ant lures the fly, which feeds on the ant and lays eggs in its wound. A single injured ant may harbor up to 20 fly larvae. Bullet ants are preyed upon by various insectivores and also by each other. The Most Painful Insect Sting Although nonaggressive, bullet ants will sting when provoked. When one ant stings, it releases chemicals that signal other ants in the vicinity to sting repeatedly. The bullet ant has the most painful sting of any insect, according to the Schmidt Pain Index. The pain is described as blinding, electric pain, comparable to being shot with a gun. Two other insects, the tarantula hawk wasp and warrior wasp, have comparable stings to that of the bullet ant. However, the pain from the tarantula hawk sting lasts less than 5 minutes, and that from the warrior wasp extends to two hours. Bullet ant stings, on the other hand, produce waves of agony that last 12 to 24 hours. Action of poneratoxin on sodium channels to produce pain.   Pchien2 The primary toxin in bullet ant venom is poneratoxin. Poneratoxin is a small neurotoxic peptide that inactivates voltage-gated sodium ion channels in skeletal muscle to block synapse transmission in the central nervous system. In addition to excruciating pain, the venom produces temporary paralysis and uncontrollable shaking. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, and cardiac arrhythmia. Allergic reactions to the venom are rare. While the venom is not lethal to humans, it paralyzes or kills other insects. Poneratoxin is a good candidate for use as a bio-insecticide. First Aid Most bullet ant stings can be prevented by wearing over-the-knee boots and watching for ant colonies near trees. If disturbed, the ants first defense is to release a stinky warning scent. If the threat persist, ants will bite and latch on with their mandibles prior to stinging. Ants may be brushed away or removed with tweezers. Quick action may prevent a sting. In the event of stings, the first action is to remove the ants from the victim. Antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, and cold compresses may help alleviate swelling and tissue damage at the sting site. Prescription pain relievers are required to address the pain. If untreated, most bullet ant stings resolve on their own, although the pain may last for a day and uncontrolled shaking may persist much longer. Bullet Ants and Initiation Rites Hands are coated with charcoal prior to putting on the bullet ant gloves. The charcoal is supposed to minimize stinging. Geckochasing The Saterà ©-Mawà © people of Brazil use ant stings as part of a traditional rite of passage. To complete the initiation rite, boys first gather the ants. The ants are sedated by immersion in an herbal preparation and placed into gloves woven of leaves with all their stingers facing inward. The boy must wear the mitt a total of 20 times before he is considered to be a warrior. Sources Capinera, J.L. (2008). Encyclopedia of Entomology (2nd ed.). Dordrecht: Springer. p. 615. ISBN 978-1-4020-6242-1.Hogue, C.L. (1993). Latin American Insects and Entomology. University of California Press. p. 439. ISBN 978-0-520-07849-9.Schmidt, J.O. (2016). The Sting of the Wild. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 179. ISBN 978-1-4214-1928-2.Schmidt, Justin O.; Blum, Murray S.; Overal, William L. (1983). Hemolytic activities of stinging insect venoms. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 1 (2): 155–160. doi:10.1002/arch.940010205Szolajska, Ewa (June 2004). Poneratoxin, a neurotoxin from ant venom: Structure and expression in insect cells and construction of a bio-insecticide. European Journal of Biochemistry. 271 (11): 2127–36. doi:10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04128.x

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Indigo Spell Chapter Eight Free Essays

string(169) " favor to ask me\?† While I wasn’t responsible for my human friends in the same way I was the Moroi and dhampirs, I still had a tendency to look after them\." I THINK ADRIAN WOULD’VE gone hunting Ms. Terwilliger’s sister with me then and there. Amberwood’s curfew wouldn’t allow it, and besides, it was something I wanted to do in daylight. We will write a custom essay sample on The Indigo Spell Chapter Eight or any similar topic only for you Order Now To his credit, he did heal Marcus without them getting into a fistfight, so that was progress. Marcus lost a little of his animosity and tried to engage Adrian in conversation about what spirit could do. Adrian gave wary responses and looked relieved when Sabrina showed up to take Marcus away. He gave me a mysterious farewell, simply saying he’d text me soon about the â€Å"next stage.† I was too tired to ask for more details and headed back to my dorm to sleep off what had been a pretty crazy day. I was awakened at the crack of dawn by heavy pounding at my door. I squinted at the clock, grimacing when I saw that it was an hour earlier than I usually got up. I stayed in bed, hoping whoever it was would go away. If there was something really urgent happening, someone would’ve called me on my cell phone. The display showed no missed calls, however. Unfortunately, the knocking didn’t stop. With a feeling of dread, I finally dragged myself up, half-afraid of what I’d find outside my door. It was Angeline. â€Å"Finally,† she said, inviting herself into my room. â€Å"I thought you’d never answer.† â€Å"Sorry,† I said, shutting the door behind her. â€Å"I was busy sleeping.† She walked right up to my bed and sat down like she owned it. I really didn’t know her schedule, but she always struck me as a late riser. Apparently not today. She was dressed in a school uniform, with her brilliant red hair pulled back in what was, for her, a rather tidy ponytail. â€Å"I have a problem,† she said. My feeling of dread grew. I turned on my coffeemaker, which I always had ready with fresh grounds and water. Something told me I was going to need a cup to get through this. â€Å"What’s going on?† I asked, settling into my desk chair. I made no attempt at even guessing. When it came to Angeline, her problems could range from throwing a desk in rage or accidentally spilling hydrochloric acid on another student. Both had happened recently. â€Å"I’m failing math,† she said. This was unwelcome but not unexpected news. Angeline’s mountain community, while still educating its children, didn’t quite match the standards of Amberwood’s elite curriculum. She struggled in a number of her classes but had managed to scrape by so far. â€Å"I’m already in trouble in my Spanish class,† she added. â€Å"But that pinata I made got me some extra credit, so I’m hanging in there okay for now.† I’d heard about the pinata. It had been for her class’s cultural day, and she’d been so thorough with her papier-mache that none of her classmates had been able to open it through normal means. Angeline had ended up beating it against a wall and had to be stopped by her teacher when she’d produced a lighter. â€Å"But if I slip there and in math, I could get expelled.† That dragged me away from the flammable pinata and back to the present. â€Å"Ugh,† I said, having no better way to articulate my thoughts. The problem with a school that had high standards was . . . well, it had high standards. Trouble in one class might be tolerated, but not two. And if Angeline got kicked out, we’d be down one level of security for Jill – not to mention the fact that I’d probably get blamed for it all. â€Å"Ms. Hayward told me I need to get a tutor. She says I either need to get better or at least show I’m trying.† That was promising, I supposed. Even if a tutor couldn’t help, hopefully the school would be lenient with her good faith effort. â€Å"Okay,† I said. â€Å"We’ll get you a tutor.† She frowned. â€Å"Why can’t you do it? You’re smart. You’re good at math.† Why couldn’t I? Well, first I had to stop an evil sorceress from sucking the youth and power from innocent girls. Then I had to crack the secrets and lies that the organization I’d been born into was telling me. Instead I said, â€Å"I’m busy.† â€Å"You have to do it. It’d be easy for you,† she protested. â€Å"Really busy,† I said. â€Å"I’m surprised Eddie can’t do it.† His name brought a smile to her face. â€Å"He offered, but his grades are just average. I need someone really good.† â€Å"Then I’ll get you someone really good. I just can’t do it myself right now.† Angeline didn’t like that answer, but at least she didn’t flip over my desk. â€Å"Okay. Fine. Just hurry up.† â€Å"Yes, your majesty,† I muttered, watching her strut out of my room in a huff. At least Angeline’s academic problems were something a little easier to deal with than the other supernatural intrigues occupying my time. Since I was already awake and had coffee, I decided there was no point in going back to sleep. I showered and dressed, then caught up on some extra homework while I waited for breakfast. When the serving time started in our cafeteria, I headed downstairs and lingered near the entrance. It only took about five minutes before my friend Kristin Sawyer came by. She always went running before class started and was usually one of the first in line for breakfast afterward. She was also in AP calculus with me. â€Å"Hey,† I said, falling in step with her. â€Å"Good run?† â€Å"Great run,† she said. There was still a little sweat on her dark skin. â€Å"A lot nicer now that the weather’s cooler.† She eyed me curiously. â€Å"I don’t usually see you here this early. I don’t usually see you eat breakfast.† â€Å"It’s the most important meal of the day, right?† I selected oatmeal and an apple. â€Å"Besides, I have a favor to ask you.† Kristin nearly dropped the plate of scrambled eggs one of the servers handed to her. Her brown eyes widened. â€Å"You have a favor to ask me?† While I wasn’t responsible for my human friends in the same way I was the Moroi and dhampirs, I still had a tendency to look after them. I’d helped Kristin a number of times. â€Å"Yeah . . . my cousin Angeline needs a math tutor.† There was an expectant look on Kristin’s face, like she was waiting for me to finish my story. Then understanding hit. â€Å"Who, me? No. No way.† â€Å"Oh, come on. It’d be easy.† I followed her to a table, having to hurry to catch up. I think she thought that if she walked quickly enough, she might be able to escape my request. â€Å"She’s in remedial math. You could tutor her in your sleep.† Kristin sat down and gave me a long, level look. â€Å"Sydney, I saw your cousin punch a grown man and throw a speaker at someone. Do you really think I’m going to sign on for a job that makes her do work she doesn’t want to do? What if she gets frustrated at what I’m telling her? How do I know she won’t stab me with a compass?† â€Å"You don’t,† I admitted. â€Å"But I think it’s unlikely. Probably. She really wants to improve her grade. Otherwise, she could get kicked out.† â€Å"Sorry.† Kristin actually did look legitimately apologetic. â€Å"You know I’d do almost anything for you – but not this. You’re going to have to find someone who’s not afraid of her.† I thought about her words over and over as I headed off to history class. She was right. But the only people completely at ease around her were Eddie and Jill, and they were off the list as tutors. I wondered if maybe I should offer up money to someone when I went to calculus later. â€Å"Miss Melbourne.† Ms. Terwilliger was back in her classroom, no doubt to the relief of yesterday’s sub. She waved me up to her messy desk and handed me a single sheet of paper. â€Å"Here’s the list we discussed.† I scanned it. It contained the names of six girls as well as their addresses. These must be the ones she’d mentioned, girls with known magical aptitude but no coven or teacher to look out for them. All the addresses were in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. â€Å"I trust Mrs. Santos got you the other information you needed for your project?† â€Å"Yes.† Mrs. Santos had emailed me the historical neighborhoods she knew about, and I’d narrowed them down to a couple likely candidates. â€Å"I’ll start working on the, uh, project this weekend.† Ms. Terwilliger arched an eyebrow. â€Å"Why are you putting it off? I’ve never known you to procrastinate on an assignment.† I was a little startled. â€Å"Well . . . normally I don’t, ma’am. But this is going to take some extra time – travel time – and I don’t have enough of it on school days.† â€Å"Ah,† she said, realization hitting her. â€Å"Well, then, you may use your independent study for it. That’ll give you extra time. And I’ll tell Mrs. Weathers you may be coming in after curfew. I’ll make sure that she’s accommodating. This project is of the utmost importance.† There was no protest I could make. â€Å"I’ll start today, then.† As I was walking back to my desk, a voice said, â€Å"Jeez, Melbourne. Just when I thought that independent study you had with her couldn’t get any easier . . . now you don’t even have to show up for class?† I paused to give Trey a smile. He was Ms. Terwilliger’s assistant during this class period, meaning he did a lot of filing and photocopying. â€Å"It’s a very important assignment,† I said. â€Å"I guess. What is it?† â€Å"It’d bore you.† I did a double take as I looked him over. I didn’t even have to grope for a change in conversation. â€Å"What happened to you?† His eyes were bloodshot, and the unkempt state of his black hair suggested he hadn’t had a shower this morning. There was a sallow, almost sickly hue to his normally tan skin. He gave me a weak smile and lowered his voice. â€Å"Craig Lo’s brother scored us some beer last night. It was from some microbrewery I guess that’s good.† I groaned. â€Å"Trey, I thought you were better than that.† Trey managed as much of an indignant look as he could in his hungover state. â€Å"Hey, some of us like to have a little fun now and then. You should give it a shot sometime. I already tried to help you with Brayden, but you messed that up.† â€Å"I didn’t mess anything up!† Brayden was a barista who worked with Trey, one who rivaled me when it came to a love of academia and random knowledge. Our brief relationship had been full of facts and low on passion. â€Å"He broke up with me.† â€Å"You wouldn’t guess it. Did you know he writes all this lovesick poetry about you on his breaks?† I was taken aback. â€Å"He . . . he does?† The reason Brayden had broken up with me was because my various duties to my vampire family had constantly interfered with the two of us, forcing me to neglect him and cancel a lot. â€Å"I feel kind of bad he took it that hard. I’m surprised he’d have such a, I don’t know, outburst of passion.† Trey snorted. â€Å"I don’t know that it’s that passionate. He’s more concerned about form and sits around with books detailing iambic pentameter and sonnet analysis.† â€Å"Okay, that sounds more like him.† The bell was about to ring, so I had started to return to my seat when I noticed something on Trey’s desk. â€Å"You’re not done with that?† It was a big homework assignment we had for our chemistry class, involving a number of complicated acid and base problems. It was due in our next period, and it seemed unlikely Trey would finish in time since all he had on the paper so far was his name. â€Å"Yeah . . . I was going to finish it last night, but . . .† â€Å"Right. The beer. Having fun.† I didn’t even bother to hide my disapproval. â€Å"That’s a huge part of our grade.† â€Å"I know, I know.† He looked down at the papers with a sigh. â€Å"I’ll finish as much as I can before then. Partial credit’s better than no credit.† I studied him for a moment and then made a decision that went against many of my basic principles. I reached into my messenger bag and handed him my completed homework. â€Å"Here,† I said. He took the pages with a frown. â€Å"Here what?† â€Å"It’s the assignment. Use my answers.† â€Å"I. . . .† His jaw dropped. â€Å"Do you know what you’re doing?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"I don’t think you do. You’re giving me your homework.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And telling me to pass it off as my homework.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"But I didn’t actually do the work.† â€Å"Do you want them or not?† I asked in frustration. I started to take the papers back, but he pulled them close. â€Å"Oh, I want them,† he said. â€Å"I just want to know what you want in return. Because this doesn’t really make up for getting me ostracized from my family and friends.† He kept his tone light, but I heard the edge of bitterness. There it was. No matter how friendly he and I were, our respective allegiances to the Warriors and the Alchemists would always be between us. Maybe it was a joke now . . . but someday it wouldn’t be. â€Å"I need a favor,† I explained. â€Å"A small one, really. Has nothing to do with any of that . . . stuff.† Trey looked understandably wary. â€Å"Which is?† The bell rang, so I spoke quickly. â€Å"Angeline needs a math tutor or else she’ll fail. And if she fails, she’ll get kicked out of school. It wouldn’t be hard for you at all. And it’d look good on your college applications.† â€Å"Your cousin’s a little unstable,† he said. But he didn’t say no, so I thought that was a good sign. â€Å"You used to think she was hot,† I reminded him. â€Å"Yeah, that was before. . . .† He didn’t finish, but I knew. Before he found out she was a dhampir. The Warriors had the same taboos the Alchemists did about relationships between the races. â€Å"Okay,† I said. â€Å"I understand. I’ll just take my homework and go.† I held out my hand, but he didn’t give the papers back. â€Å"Wait, I’ll do it. But if she injures me, I hope you’ll feel really bad. Basketball season just started, and the team will fall apart if I’m sidelined because of her.† I grinned. â€Å"I’ll be devastated.† Angeline was not so thrilled when I told her at lunch. She flushed with rage and looked like she was about ready to throw her tray across the cafeteria. â€Å"You expect me to work with that . . . that . . . vampire hunter?† she demanded. I wondered if she’d had another name in mind but had held back in some remarkable show of restraint. â€Å"Especially after what they tried to do to Sonya?† â€Å"Trey’s not like the rest of them,† I said defensively. â€Å"He refused to kill her and even went through the trouble of getting me in to help her – which ended up severely messing up his life, I might add.† Eddie looked amused, despite the grim subject. â€Å"You should also add that he wants very, very badly to get back to that old life.† I pointed at Eddie with my fork. â€Å"Don’t tell me you think Trey’s a bad choice too.† â€Å"For tutoring?† He shook his head. â€Å"Nah, he’s fine. I’m just saying you shouldn’t be so quick to assume everything’s happy and bright with him. It seems pretty likely his group’s working against us.† â€Å"He’s my friend,† I said, hoping my firm tone would put an end to the discussion. After a few more assurances, Eddie convinced Angeline to work with Trey, reminding her she needed to keep her grades up. Still, Eddie’s words haunted me. I believed absolutely that Trey was my friend but again wondered when that rift between us would rear its ugly head. When Eddie and Angeline left to go to their afternoon classes, I asked Jill to hang back at the table for a minute. â€Å"What’s Adrian doing right now?† â€Å"He’s in his painting class,† she said promptly. â€Å"The bond must be running strong today, huh?† I asked. Sometimes her view of his mind and experiences was clearer than others. She shrugged. â€Å"No, but it’s eleven on Tuesday.† â€Å"Right,† I said, feeling foolish. I knew everyone’s schedules; it was necessary for my job. â€Å"I should’ve realized that. Do you think he’d be able to meet up with me after school?† â€Å"To go on that witch hunt? Yeah, he’d probably leave right now.† Jill knew what Adrian knew, so she’d also been briefed about my search for Veronica. While I’d learned to accept Jill’s knowledge as part of confiding in Adrian, it was still a little shocking for me to hear these forbidden topics discussed openly. Seeing my stunned reaction, Jill smiled a little. â€Å"Don’t worry,† she said. â€Å"I keep Adrian’s secrets. And yours.† The bitterness in her voice also caught me off guard. â€Å"Are you mad at me?† I asked, puzzled. â€Å"You’re not . . . you’re not still upset about what happened between Adrian and me, are you? I thought you’d eased up on that.† Although Adrian’s proclamation of loving me against the odds had been unsettling, his more relaxed attitude had come through in her until now. â€Å"Adrian has,† she said. â€Å"He doesn’t see the danger of you running around with another guy.† I was lost. â€Å"Another guy? You don’t mean . . . Marcus? That’s crazy.† â€Å"Is it?† asked Jill. The bond was so strange at times. Jill was jealous on Adrian’s behalf. â€Å"He’s human, you’re human. You’ve both got this rebel Alchemist thing going on. And I saw him. He’s pretty cute. There’s no telling what could happen.† â€Å"Well, I know what could happen: nothing,† I said. Even through a psychic bond, Marcus could win over girls. â€Å"I just met him. I don’t even know if I can entirely trust him, and I certainly don’t have any feelings for him. Look, I get that you want to help Adrian, but you can’t be mad at me about what happened. You know why I turned him down – especially after Micah.† Micah was Eddie’s human roommate, and even though she knew human-vampire relationships couldn’t get serious, she’d still been surprised at just how complex and difficult the situation had been. â€Å"Yeah. . . .† She frowned, no doubt conflicted over Adrian’s feelings and what she knew was true. â€Å"But maybe with Adrian, I don’t know. Maybe things could be different. Or maybe there’s at least a way to make them less painful for him.† I looked away, unable to meet her eyes. I didn’t like to think of Adrian in pain, but what else could I do? What did either of them expect me to do? We all knew the rules. â€Å"I’m sorry,† I said, picking up my tray and standing. â€Å"I never asked for any of this. Adrian will get over me.† â€Å"Do you really want him to get over you?† she asked. â€Å"What? Why would you even ask something like that?† She didn’t answer and instead made a great show of stirring around her mashed potatoes. When I realized she wasn’t going to elaborate, I shook my head and walked off toward the exit. All the while, I could feel her watching me as that question echoed in my mind: Do you really want him to get over you? How to cite The Indigo Spell Chapter Eight, Essay examples

Monday, May 4, 2020

Labour Relation free essay sample

He is aware that launching a full organizing campaign is an expensive proposition for the union, in time as well as resources, and his personal reputation as a successful organizer is at stake. That being said, the union needs additional members as their overall membership has decreased in recent years. The decrease in membership has meant a decrease in union dues and a resultant loss of manpower and resources in the union offices. All of the full time personnel in the union are spread very thin so, if the union proceeds with the organization drive, they have to be successful. The vast majority of the employees in the company are women who have been in Canada for less than five years. Question #1 What major events in Canada’s labour relations history got Phil to the point in which he could lawfully organize a union, have it certified, and negotiate a collective agreement with the company? Answer: The major events in labour history are the division between craft and industrial unions, the influcen of the US-based AFL, and 1944 change in legal environment with the passage of legislation supporting collective bargaining. One of the first international unions to operate in Canada was the Knights of Labour. The union organized members in Canada in the 1880s. The Knights organized unskilled labour as well as those belonging to particular trades and crafts. The union was also successful at organizing on a plant basis. In Canada, the Knights had given some workers their first opportunity to belong to a union. Being said, this event marked an important step so people could affiliate to a union. The Knights were very popular in Quebec and eventually combined with craft unions to establish the Trades and Labour Congress. As a result of international unions operating in Canada, information about the law in the United States was followed closely. The Committee for Industrial Organizing was very active in Canada for unions based in the United States. In 1937, the Trades and Labour Congress prepared a draft statute for provinces to adopt, taking a great many ideas from the Wagner Act. All provinces, except Ontario and Prince Edward Island, then passed laws based on the draft statute, which confirmed that collective bargaining was legal. This legislation made it illegal for an employer to interfere with the rights of an employee or to refuse to bargain with a union that represented the majority of the workforce. Later, Ontario passed a law that went further in establishing a Labour Court to deal with issues of union selection. As a result of the Snider case in 1925, in times of national emergency the responsibility for the civil rights of employers and employees reverted to the federal government. During the Second World War, the federal government passed laws regulating industries associated with the war effort, in fact covering most industries. The laws were consolidated into the Wartime Labour Relations Regulations (1944), which were also known as PC1003. PC1003 tried to achieve a balance between the competing rights of employees, both individually and collectively, and the rights of employers. Therefore, unions were not allowed to interfere in employers organizations or to use tactics to force union membership. Unions could only carry out union activity at a workplace during working hours with the agreement of an employer and could not cause any restrictions on production such as slow downs. Employers were not allowed to interfere in union affairs or to discriminate against workers who took part in union activities. Certain employees were not included in the law, for example, those who could hire and fire, and those working in agriculture. Perhaps most importantly a comprehensive system of collective bargaining was established. In conclusion, with all those major events in the history of labour relations, benefit the future allowing any individual to create a union, certified and negotiate a collective agreement with the employer. Question #2 hat strategies can Phil use to increase his chance of success in organizing an union within this company? Answer: Phil has to create an organizing committee of the best activists that can meet weekly or to coordinate the work, help each other with issues that come up, and build solidarity. Phil must fully understand all the standard arguments employers use to intimidate their workers and defeat the union and they must develop effect ive tactics to respond to any attack. Phil must radiate competence. He must be able to give clear, sincere and convincing answers to workers, many of them skeptical about unions. He must be able to handle all sorts of difficult situations. Whatever the challenges, he must not lose his composure and temper. One of the most important strategies is to involve as many of the workers as possible in the actual organizing activities. They must make the workers feel that it is their union and they will play a major role in all decisions. For Phil to be successful in organizing a union within this company he has to ensure that he is fully prepared in indentifying and resolving any obstacles the Employer will throw in his way. Employers, most of the time, use both illegal and legal deterrents with their employees to prevent the formation of a union. If an employer decides to use legal means such as forming a employee representative (a joint committee) or matching rates of pay that a union may offer; it is Phil’s opportunity to show and convince the employees with facts that in the long term this will only benefit the employer as that committee will belong to the Company and not them. Phil should also ensure that the women who are relatively new to Canada are well informed of the benefits that having a union would bring to their work life. Educating himself on the Companys demographic, i. e. the age of the working population within the company is a very important factor and one which in its self almost guarantees his success. Younger workers are often harder to convince as they do not have the years of experience working and knowledge that a older worker will have. It will be Phil’s job to ensure that they are aware of the benefits that the union will bring for example, improving the conditions of the workplace and providing a median ground between them and the employer and an alternative that may make the difference between getting fired and keeping their job. In essence for Phil to be successful he has to be very knowledgeable of the Company he is entering and ensure that the employees are well informed of what the union has to offer them; not only in the short term but long term also. Question #3 what barriers will Phil face in his attempt to attract these workers to the union, and what arguments will he use to try to convince them to join? Answer: There are four significant matters that pertain to this case. One of them is the fact that this firm employs mostly women. This could potentially be a barrier for Phil if he does not properly address the different needs that women have in comparison to men. Women in the workplace have different priorities such as equal pay and work-life balance. Traditionally, men were given higher paying jobs than women in order for them to support their family. Today, this is no longer the case as women now contribute to the household or are the single income earner for their household. Despite this fact, women in Canada earn wages 28% lower than men. It is believed to be the result of women working in women dominated jobs such as child care or secretarial jobs which have historically always paid lower wages. It is also the result of women taking time off work to care for their family (excluding maternity leave) and less unionization amongst women. This should be particularly concerning for the women workings in this firm because it is likely that the garment industry is a female dominated industry affected by the pay gap that many other women face. The second concern that women have is work-life balance. This term refers to prioritizing work and personal time, including family. It is common for women to care for the household and children both in a single parent and two-parent households. Hockey practice, dance lessons, school plays and other children’s extra- curricular activities and school related activities can be demanding on parents especially when they still have to work and take care of the home. In order for Phil to overcome this barrier he should convince the women that as a result of joining the union, the union will advocate for flextime, which would allow them to complete the hours required by their job, but also to complete any other personal obligations outside of work such as picking up their children from school. In addition, the union could advocate for a child-care program within the workplace. Finally, the fact that the women in this industry are likely to be a victim of the gender wage gap is an excellent way for Phil to convince the women to join the union. Unions fight for increased wages and the women may view joining the union as a way to overcome this unfortunate reality. Another consideration for Phil is that the majority of women working in the garment firm have been in the country for less than five years. This may be especially challenging for Phil if hey come from a region of the world where workers have fewer rights and unions are not common. The foreign workers in this Canadian workplace may feel that the Employment Standards Act provides them with more protection than what they had while living in their home country and that unionization would be unnecessary. For example, an American immigrant working in Canada is already better off than they were when working in the United S tates. In the U. S. , workers are not entitled to paid maternity leave, have a lower minimum wage, and less job security than their Northern neighbors. Therefore, American workers in Canada may feel that they are already fortunate with the opportunity to have a paid maternity/paternity leave, increased minimum wage, and more secure jobs Foreign workers who come from less fortunate parts of the world, would likely feel even more privileged than an American who lives a lifestyle comparable to that of a Canadian. The majority of immigrants in Canada come from the Middle East region of the world. Women there have significantly less rights and workers in general are not treated in the same manner as those in Canada. The International Labour Organization website reports that in the Middle East and Arab States, worker safety and pay is of particular concern at the moment. For those workers coming to Canada, the increase health and safety regulations and wages that enable them to live above the poverty line are significant advancements in terms of their working conditions. So much so, that they may not even consider a union to be necessary in their workplace. To combat this, Phil can use the workers greed. He can demonstrate to them what the Canadian standards for working are and how they can benefit even more by joining the union. According to Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, everyone is selfish and will complete evil acts to better themselves. If we consider this philosophy to be true, then the foreign workers, even though better off, will know that they can still better themselves and will choose to join the union in order to do so. The third barrier that might weaken Phil’s chances to attract these workers to the union is the fact that the union has limited resources in time and money. It’s essential to have guidance by a resourceful union representative who has with them the influence and resources of a powerful organization. The organizer must be capable of matching the organizational strength against the employer, who usually has the advantage of greater economic resources. Phil’s greatest asset in recruitment is his fifteen years of experience within the union. He can explain to the employees how he joined the union and became an active member, including his experience in the union and its achievements. Empathy is a powerful influencing technique. Phil can talk to potential recruits more than once and get them to talk to their colleagues. Employees are more likely to be recruited by colleagues they already know and trust. By recruiting a few influential employees, Phil can get most of the workers on board without having to launch a full size expensive campaign. The fourth barrier that can weaken Phil’s chances to recruiting new members can be that the company has preventative measures put in place. The company’s wages and benefits may be comparable to the union’s rates within the garment industry. The union representative can overcome preventative measures by educating the work force on their rights as employees. The company might not educate their employees on the right for collective bargaining or correct grievance procedure. The union will have to convince the majority of workers that the introduction of a union will better their lives by giving them better working conditions, rights, wages and benefits. The employer might not protect the employees. Employers will only provide the basic rights required by law whereas unions will give the workers the basics and beyond. Unions are essential in protecting workers rights. Workers cannot negotiate individually. Unions will provide employees with the collective power that cannot be obtained individually. If workers didn’t think their workplace was safe, the only way to guarantee that the employer provided a safe work place is by having the workers unite under a collective bargaining agreement. Phil will have to hold information sessions explaining these sometimes un-discussed issues. Question #4 What specific argument would the company try to use to convince employees not to join? The specific arguments that the company would try to use to convince employees not to join are: oAre you sure a union will be able to represent your personal needs? They represent a group majority. Unions cannot promise raises or increased benefits; this is negotiated by the company and the union representing you. oA Union can prevent some flexibility for the company In that we will not be able to negotiate individual terms for employment. oHave you thought of how your seniority will impact you directly in regard to things like work shortages, promotions, and cross training or job movement? Are you aware of and do you support the political and social activities the perspective union is involved in? oHave you considered what services you will receive in return for union dues paid? Do you know how much the union dues are? Other strategies and actions employers can take to hopefully avoid unions during and prior to a campaign: Working within the confines of fair labour practices the emp loyer will be able to do a number of things to fully educate their employees about unions while putting measures in place to protect the workers and protect their company rights. They must do this in a manner that remains neutral and in no way comes across as intimidating, threatening or appears as though they are coercing employees to not unionize. Secondly, they must also ensure they do not make promises or add/increase benefits due to the defeat of the union . Proper education provided by an employer can affect how well employees really understand the impact of unionizing. Hopefully it will help to make employees understand the pros and cons to them of unionizing while providing a clearer picture of what changes may occur. During a union campaign sometimes the facts can get distorted (only the positives are mentioned) and ensuring your employees receive the best information is your first line of defense. Educating them on such things such as the voting process, all about union dues, collective bargaining, and impact on them if a strike should occur (the pay) are good examples of what needs to be communicated. Imagine your employees who don’t want a union not showing up to vote because they don’t support it. If they knew how the process worked and how votes are calculated they could have impacted the final result. All employees need to be aware that they must be present for the vote no matter what their decision (with the exception of provincial legislation allowing certification based on majority of cards signed). During the education process it is very important that both perspectives get stated to ensure that employees truly know what they are signing up for. Another example would be explaining the certification process and how difficult it is to remove the union should they decide they don’t want to be represented. It is very difficult to reverse and may be a point that an employee has never considered. These types of information can be distributed in handouts, posted on company bulletin boards or in person provided they keep the message to the facts and follow fair labour practices. Protection of the worker and employer rights is somewhat limited but can be accomplished. Dont allow union organizers to harass your employees. Your workers need to know that it is against the law for the union and it organizers to bully, threaten, intimidate or coerce employee to join the union and such cases can be dealt with by the company. The employer can and should prohibit entry into their workplace by non-employees and limit entry to employees on shift. They can also establish rules that prevent solicitation of union membership during working hours. Make your employees aware that they have a right not to speak to union organizers or attend their meetings and they have no obligation to provide personal information about themselves or anyone else to anyone acting on behalf of the union. By enforcing these few things it will force all union activities to occur on the union/union supporters/ employees own time and help ensure work time is used to explain/educate both sides of unionizing. Another legal strategy is reinforcing your â€Å"open door policy† while assuring the employees that the company will always provide correct facts. Explain that management will always be willing to discuss any subject frankly with employees and should they choose to be represented by someone outside the company (the union) that is their right. Remember in this case a majority of the employees are women who have immigrated to Canada less than 5 years ago. In their past they might not have been represented fairly in groups. The point should be made â€Å"will the union be looking out for their specific needs†? Or is dealing directly and or even independently with the company going to serve them better? The employer also has a legal right to respond to union claims provided they do so using fair labour practices. Statements such as we have always respected your opinions and have always been willing to work with you on an individual basis to achieve â€Å"win- win† situations has been our preference but we are willing to accept your desire to be represented by an outside group†. Ensuring you are not discriminating against the union but allowing employees to see they are adding a middle man. It should also be said that the employer should also provide training for management and supervisors to ensure they are prepared to answer questions properly and avoid claims of unfair labour practices. This will prepare them to reply to any untrue or misleading statements made by the union in a correct and legal manner. Sometimes employees are not aware of all of the benefits that their employer provides and so it would be in their best interest to point out the positives. This can be done by describing the good features of working for the company; all the benefits, job security, and company policies. In some cases preparing information on your current wage status if competitive with the surroundings may be advantageous as well. Depending on the circumstances you could also explain how unionizing may impact current practices (company policies). For example: how the promotion policy may change; from promoting by experience and merit to a seniority based system. Last but not least the employer has the right to carry on with normal working conditions and practices prior to the statutory freeze and during it.