The Golden Lily Chapter 21

I'D SEEN MOVIES where blindfolded people were able to tell where they were going, based on some innate talent to sense motion and direction. Not me. After a few turns, I couldn't have told you where in Palm Spring we were – especially since I suspected Trey was taking a slightly roundabout way in order to make sure there wasn't a tail. The only thing I was certain of was when we got on I-10, simply because of the feel of the freeway. I didn't know what direction we were headed and had no way to accurately time how long we traveled either. Trey didn't offer much in the way of conversation, though he did give short answers whenever I asked questions. â€Å"When did you join the vampire hunters?† â€Å"Warriors of Light,† he corrected. â€Å"And I was born into it.† â€Å"That's why you're always talking about family pressure and why so much is expected of you, isn't it? It's why your dad is so concerned about your athletic performance.† I took Trey's silence as an affirmative and pushed on, needing to get as much information as possible. â€Å"How often do you guys have your, um, meetings? Are you always having those brutal tests?† Until very recently, there had been nothing to suggest Trey's life was much different from any other high school athlete who kept up with his grades, a job, and an active social life. In fact, thinking of all the things Trey usually did, it was hard to imagine him having any time at all for the Warriors. â€Å"We don't have regular meetings,† he said. â€Å"Well, not someone at my level. We wait until we're called, usually because a hunt's under way. Or sometimes we conduct competitions, in order to test our strength. Our leaders travel around, and then Warriors gather from all different places in order to be ready.† â€Å"Ready for what?† â€Å"The day when we can end the vampire scourge altogether.† â€Å"And you really believe this hunt is the way to do it? That it's the right thing to do?† â€Å"Have you ever seen them?† he asked. â€Å"The evil, undead vampires?† â€Å"I've seen quite a few of them.† â€Å"And you don't think they should be destroyed?† â€Å"That's not what I've been trying to tell you. I don't have any love for Strigoi, believe me. My point is that Sonya's not one of them.† More silence. Eventually, I felt us exit the freeway. We drove for a while longer until the car slowed again and turned, onto a gravel road. We soon came to a stop, and Trey rolled down the window. â€Å"This is her?† asked an unknown man. â€Å"Yes,† said Trey. â€Å"You turned off her cell phone?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Take her in then. They'll do the rest of the search.† I heard a squeaking gate open, and then we continued on the gravel road until turning onto what felt like packed dirt. Trey stopped the car and turned it off. He opened his door at the same time someone on the outside opened mine. A hand on my shoulder nudged me forward. â€Å"Come on. Get out.† â€Å"Be careful with her,† warned Trey. I was led from the car into a building. It wasn't until I heard a door shut and latch that my blindfold was finally taken off. I was in a stark room with unfinished drywall and bare bulb lights in the ceiling. Four other people stood around Trey and me, three men and one woman. All of them looked to be in their twenties, and two were the guys who had stopped me at the cafe. Also, all of them were armed. â€Å"Empty out your purse.† It was Jeff, the guy with buzzed dark hair, wearing a gold earring of the antique sun symbol. I complied, dumping my purse's contents onto a makeshift table composed of plywood set on top of some cinderblocks. While they sifted through it, the woman patted me down for wires. She had hair with a bad bleach job and a perennial snarl on her face, but at least her frisk was professional and efficient. â€Å"What's this?† Blond Hair from the cafe held up a small plastic bag filled with dried herbs and flowers. â€Å"You don't look like the drug type.† â€Å"It's potpourri,† I said promptly. â€Å"You keep potpourri in your purse?† he asked disbelievingly. I shrugged. â€Å"We keep all sorts of things around. I took out all the acids and chemicals before I came here, though.† He dismissed the potpourri as harmless and tossed it into a pile with other cleared items, like my wallet, hand sanitizer, and a plain wooden bracelet. I noticed then that the pile also included a pair of earrings. They were round gold discs, covered in intricate swirls and tiny gems. They were beautiful – but I'd never seen them before. I certainly wasn't going to call attention to anything, however, particularly when the woman snatched up my cell phone. â€Å"We should destroy this.† â€Å"I turned it off,† said Trey. â€Å"She might turn it back on. It can be tracked.† â€Å"She wouldn't,† argued Trey. â€Å"Besides, that's a little paranoid, isn't it? No one has that kind of technology in real life.† â€Å"You'd be surprised,† she said. He held out his hand. â€Å"Give it to me. I'll keep it safe. She's here on good faith.† The woman hesitated until Jeff nodded. Trey slipped the phone into his pocket, and I was grateful. There were a lot of saved numbers that would be a pain to replace. Once my purse was deemed safe, I was allowed to put it back together and take it with me. â€Å"Okay,† said Blond Hair. â€Å"Let's go to the arena.† Arena? I had a hard time picturing what that would entail in a place like this. My vision in the silver plate hadn't shown me much of the building, save that it was single-story and had a ratty, worn look to it. This room seemed to be keeping right along with that theme. If the antiquated brochures were further proof of the Warriors' sense of style, I expected this â€Å"arena† to be in someone's garage. I was wrong. Whatever the Warriors of Light had lacked in other areas of their operation, they'd sunk it into the arena – or, as I was told its official name was, The Arena of Divine Radiance of Holy Gold. The arena had been built upon a clearing surrounded by several buildings. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a courtyard. It was bigger, and the ground was more of that sandy packed dirt we'd driven in on. This setup was far from polished or high tech, yet as I took it all in, I couldn't help but think of Trey saying the Warriors had come to town this week. Because for them to have put this together so quickly†¦ well, it was kind of impressive. And frightening. Two sets of rickety wooden bleachers had been erected on opposite sides of the space. One set held about fifty spectators, mostly men, of varying ages. Their eyes, suspicious and even hostile, were on me as I was led in. I could practically feel their gazes boring into my tattoo. Did they all know about the Alchemists and our history? They were all dressed in ordinary clothing, but here and there, I caught glimmers of gold. Many of them wore some kind of ornament – a pin, an earring, etc. – with either an ancient or modern sun symbol. The other bleachers were nearly empty. Three men – older, closer to my dad's age – sat side by side. They were dressed in yellow robes covered in golden embroidery that glittered in the orange light of the setting sun. Golden helmets covered their heads and were engraved with the old sun symbol, the circle with the dot. They watched me as well, and I kept my head high, hoping I could hide the shaking of my hands. I couldn't present a convincing case for Sonya if I seemed intimidated. Around the arena, draped on poles, were banners of all shapes and sizes. They were made of rich, heavy fabric that reminded me of medieval tapestries. Obviously, these weren't that old, but they nonetheless gave the place a luxurious and ceremonial feel. The banners' designs varied considerably. Some really did look straight out of history, showing stylized knights fighting against vampires. Looking at those gave me chills. I really had stepped back in time, into the fold of a group with a history as old as the Alchemists'. Other banners were more abstract, portraying the ancient alchemical symbols. Still others looked modern, depicting the sun on Trey's back. I wondered if that newer sun interpretation was meant to appeal to today's youth. All the while, I kept thinking, less than a week. They put all this together in less than a week. They travel around with all of this, ready to put it up at a moment's notice in order to conduct these competitions or executions. Maybe they are primitive, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. Although the large crowd of spectators had a rough-and-tumble look to them, like some sort of backwoods militia, it was a relief that they didn't appear to be armed. Only my escort was. A dozen guns were still too many for my tastes, but I'd take what I could get – and hope that they mostly kept the guns for show. We reached the bottom of the empty stands, and Trey came to stand beside me. â€Å"This is the high council of the Warriors of Light,† said Trey. He pointed to each of them in turn. â€Å"Master Jameson, Master Angeletti, and Master Ortega. This is Sydney Sage.† â€Å"You are very welcome here, little sister,† said Master Angeletti in a grave voice. He had a long and messy beard. â€Å"The time for the healing of our two groups is long overdue. We will be much stronger once we put aside our differences and unite as one.† I gave him the politest smile I could and decided not to point out the Alchemists were unlikely to welcome gun-toting zealots into our ranks. â€Å"It's a pleasure to meet you, sirs. Thank you for allowing me to come. I'd like to talk to you about – † Master Jameson held up a hand to stop me. His eyes looked too small for his face. â€Å"All in good time. First, we'd like to show you just how diligently we train our youth to fight in the great crusade. Just as you encourage excellence and discipline in the mind, so too do we encourage it in the body.† Through some unspoken cue, the door we'd just come through opened. A familiar face walked out to the center of the arena: Chris, Trey's cousin. He was wearing workout pants and no shirt, giving a clear view of the radiating sun tattooed on his back. He had a ferocious look on his face and came to stand in the clearing's center. â€Å"I believe you've met Chris Juarez,† said Master Jameson. â€Å"He's one of the finalists in this last round of combat. The other, of course, you also know. Quite the irony that cousins should be facing off, but also fitting since both failed in the initial attack on the fiend.† I turned to Trey, my jaw dropping. â€Å"You? You're one of the†¦ contenders to kill Sonya?† I could barely get the words out. I turned back to the council in alarm. â€Å"I was told I'd have a chance to plead Sonya's case.† â€Å"You will,† said Master Ortega, in a tone that implied it would be a wasted effort. â€Å"But first, we must determine our champion. Contenders, take your places.† I noticed now that Trey was also in sweatpants, looking as though he could be going off to football practice. He stripped off his shirt as well and, for lack of anything else to do with it, handed it to me. I took it and kept staring at him, still unable to believe what was happening. He met my gaze briefly but couldn't hold it. He walked off to join his cousin, and Master Jameson invited me to sit down. Trey and Chris faced each other. I felt a little embarrassed to be studying two shirtless guys, but it wasn't like there was anything too sordid happening. My impressions of Chris since the first time I'd met him hadn't changed. Both he and Trey were in excellent physical shape, muscled and strong with the kinds of bodies that constantly worked and trained. The only advantage Chris had, if it was one, was his height – which I'd also noticed before. His height. With a jolt, memories of the alley attack came back to me. There'd been little of our attackers to see, but the one wielding the sword had been tall. Chris must have been the one originally assigned to kill Sonya. Another robed man appeared from the door. His robes were cut slightly differently from the council's and somehow sported even more gold embroidery. Rather than a helmet, he wore a headdress more in line with what a priest might have. Indeed, that's what he seemed to be as Chris and Trey knelt before him. The priest marked their foreheads with oill and said some kind of blessing I couldn't hear. Then, to my shock, he made the sign against evil on his shoulder – the Alchemist sign against evil. I think that, more so than any of the spiels about evil vampires or shared usage of ancient symbols, was what really drove home the fact that our two groups had once been related. The sign against evil was a small cross drawn on the shoulder with the right hand. It had survived among the Alchemists since ancient days. A chill ran through me. We really had been one and the same. When the priest was finished, another man came forward and handed each of the cousins a short, blunt wooden club – kind of like what police sometimes used in crowd control. Trey and Chris turned toward each other, locked in aggressive poses, holding the clubs in striking positions. A buzz of excitement ran through the crowd, as it grew eager for violence. Evening breezes stirred up dust devils around the cousins, but neither of them flinched. I turned to the council incredulously. â€Å"They're going to attack each other with those clubs?† I asked. â€Å"They could be killed!† â€Å"Oh no,† said Master Ortega, far too calmly. â€Å"We haven't had a death in these trials in years. They'll take injury, sure, but that just toughens our warriors. All of our young men are taught to endure pain and keep on fighting.† â€Å"Young men,† I repeated. My gaze moved down to the bleach blonde girl who'd brought me in. She was standing near our bleachers, holding her gun at her side. â€Å"What about your women?† â€Å"Our women are tough, too,† said Master Ortega. â€Å"And certainly valued. But we'd never dream of letting them fight in the arenas or actively hunt vampires. Part of the reason we do what we do is to keep them safe. We're fighting this evil for their good and our future children.† The man who'd handed out the clubs also announced the rules in a loud, ringing voice that filled the arena. To my relief, the Juarez cousins wouldn't be beating each other senseless. There was a system to the combat they were about to enter into. They could only hit each other in certain places. Hitting elsewhere would result in penalties. A successful hit would yield a point. The first person to five points was the winner. As soon as it started, however, it was clear this wasn't going to be as civilized as I'd hoped. Chris actually landed the first hit right away, nailing Trey so hard on the shoulder that I winced. Animalistic cheers and whoops rang out from the bloodthirsty crowd, echoed by hisses of dismay from Trey's supporters. Trey didn't even react and kept trying to hit Chris, but I could tell there'd be a nasty bruise there later. Both of them were pretty fast and alert, able to dodge a majority of the attempted blows. They danced around, trying to get through each other's guards. More dirt was kicked up, clinging to their sweaty skin. I found myself leaning forward, fists clenched in nervousness. My mouth felt dry, and I couldn't utter a sound. In a remote way, I was reminded a little of the way Eddie and Angeline trained. Certainly, they walked away with injury too. In their situation, however, they were playing guardian and Strigoi. There was a difference between that and two guys striving to inflict the most damage on other. Watching Chris and Trey, I felt my stomach twist. I disliked violence, particularly this barbaric display. It was like I'd been transported back to the days of the gladiators. The crowd's fervor continued to increase. It was on its feet cheering wildly and urging the cousins on. Their voices rang out in the desert night. Despite being struck first, Trey could clearly hold his own. I watched as he made hit after hit on Chris and wasn't sure which sickened me more: seeing my friend hurt or seeing him hurt someone else. â€Å"This is terrible,† I said, when I could finally find my voice. â€Å"This is excellence in action,† said Master Angeletti. â€Å"No surprise since their fathers are outstanding warriors as well. They sparred quite a bit in their youths, too. That's them, down in the front row.† I looked at where he indicated and saw two middle-aged men, side by side, with gleeful looks on their faces as they shouted encouragement at the cousins. I didn't even need Master Angeletti's guidance to guess that they were related. The Juarez family stamp was strong on these men and their sons. The fathers cheered just as avidly as the crowd, not even flinching when Trey or Chris got injured. It was just like my father and Keith's. Nothing mattered except family pride and playing by the group rules. I'd lost track of the points until Master Jameson said, â€Å"Ah, this will be good. Next point determines the winner. It always makes me proud when the contenders are so evenly matched. Lets me know we've done the right thing.† There was nothing right about this. Tears stung my eyes, but whether it was from the dry, dusty air or simply my anxiety, I couldn't say. Sweat was pouring off Trey and Chris now, their chests rising and falling with the exertion of battle. Both were covered in scrapes and bruises, adding onto old ones from days past. The tension in the arena was palpable as everyone waited to see who would land the final hit. The cousins paused slightly, sizing up each other as they realized this was the moment of truth. This was the blow that had to count. Chris, face excited and alight, acted first, lunging forward to land a hit on the side of Trey's torso. I gasped, jumping to my feet in alarm with most of the crowd. The sound was deafening. It was clear from Chris's expression that he could taste victory, and I wondered if he was already imagining the strike that would kill Sonya. Sunset bathed his face in bloody light. Maybe it was because I'd seen enough of Eddie to learn some of the basics, but I suddenly realized something. Chris's movement was too rash and sloppy. Sure enough, Trey was able to evade the strike, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I sank back down to my seat. Those who had been certain he was about to be taken out roared in outrage. That left Trey with a beautiful opening to get in on Chris. My tension returned. Was this really any better? Trey â€Å"winning† the right to take a life? The point was moot. Trey didn't take the shot. I frowned as I watched. He didn't exactly fumble, but there was something that didn't seem right. There's a rhythm to fighting, where instinct and automatic responses take over. It was almost as though Trey had purposely fought against his next instinctive move, the one that said strike now! And in doing so, Trey left himself open. He took a hit from Chris, which knocked him to the ground. I rested a hand on my own chest, as though I'd also felt the blow. The crowd went crazy. Even the decorous masters jumped up from their seats, screaming approval and dismay. I had to forcibly stay seated. Every part of me wanted to run down there and make sure Trey was okay, but I had a feeling one of the armed members of my escort would shoot me or knock me out before I took two steps. My worry faded a tiny bit when I saw Trey stagger to his feet. Chris clapped Trey good naturedly on the back, grinning from ear to ear as those assembled shouted his name. Trey soon retreated to the crowded stands, yielding the victor's spot. His father met him with a look of disapproval but said nothing. The man who'd given out the clubs approached Chris with the sword I'd returned. Chris held it over his head, earning more applause. Near me, Master Jameson stood up and bellowed, â€Å"Bring out the creature!† Creature was hardly how I'd describe Sonya Karp as four heavily armed Warriors dragged her out across the dusty arena. Her legs barely seemed to work, and even from this distance, I could tell she was drugged. That was why Adrian couldn't reach her in dreams. It also explained why she wouldn't have used any magic to attempt escape. Her hair was a mess, and she wore the same clothes I'd seen her in that last night at Adrian's. They were bedraggled, but otherwise, she didn't seem to have any signs of physical abuse on her. This time, I couldn't stop myself from standing up. The blonde girl immediately put a hand on my shoulder, forcing me down. I stared at Sonya, wanting so desperately to help her, but knew I was powerless. Swallowing back fear and rage, I slowly sat back on the bleachers and turned toward the council. â€Å"You told me I'd have a chance to talk.† I remembered their sense of honor. â€Å"You gave your word. Doesn't that mean anything?† â€Å"Our word means everything,† said Master Ortega, looking offended. â€Å"You'll have your chance.† Behind Sonya's guard came two more men hauling a huge block of wood with arm constraints on it. It looked like it had come straight out of a medieval movie set, and my stomach twisted when I realized it was for: decapitation. The shadows had increased, forcing the men to bring out torches that cast sinister, flickering light around the arena. It was impossible to believe I was in twenty-first-century California. I felt like I'd been transported to some barbarian castle. And really, these hunters were barbarians. One of Sonya's guards pushed her to her knees from behind, forcing her head against the block's surface while he bound her hands with the leather restraints. In her addled state, it didn't require nearly the level of force the guy put into it. I couldn't believe they could act so self-righteous when they were about to end the life of a woman who could offer no resistance, let alone even knew she was here. Everyone was screaming for her blood, and I felt like I was going to get sick. Master Angeletti rose, and a hush fell over the arena. â€Å"We have gathered here from all parts of the country for a great thing. It is a rare and blessed day when we actually have a Strigoi in captivity.† Because she's not a Strigoi, I thought angrily. They'd never be able to capture a live one. â€Å"They plague decent humans like ourselves, but today we shall dispatch one back to Hell – one who's particularly insidious because of her ability to hide her true nature and pretend to be one of the more benign fiends, the Moroi – whom we will deal with one day as well.† Murmurs of approval ran through the crowd. â€Å"Before we commence, however, one of our Alchemist brethren would like to speak out on behalf of this creature.† The approval vanished, replaced by angry mutterings and glaring. I wondered uneasily if the guards who kept their guns pointed at me would turn on one of their associates if I was attacked. Master Angeletti held up his hands and silenced them. â€Å"You will show our little sister respect,† he said. â€Å"The Alchemists are kin, and once, we were one. It would be a momentous event if we could once again join forces.† With that, he sat down and gestured to me. Nothing else was offered, and I assumed this meant the floor was mine. I wasn't entirely sure how I was supposed to make my case or where. The council made the decisions, but this seemed like something everyone should hear. I stood up and waited for the girl with the gun to stop me from moving. She didn't. Slowly, carefully, I made my way down the bleachers and stood in the arena, mindful not to go near Sonya. I didn't think that would go over well. I kept my body angled toward the council but turned my head in a way that would hopefully carry to others. I'd given reports and presentations before but always in a conference room. I'd never addressed an angry mob, let alone spoken to such a large group about vampire affairs. Most of the faces out there were swallowed by shadows, but I could picture all those mad, bloodthirsty eyes fixed on me. My mouth felt dry, and, in what was a very rare occurrence, my mind blanked. A moment later, I was able to push through my fear (though it certainly didn't go away), and remember what I'd wanted to say. â€Å"You're making a mistake,† I began. My voice was small, and I cleared my throat, forcing myself to project and sound stronger. â€Å"Sonya Karp is not a Strigoi.† â€Å"We have records of her in Kentucky,† interrupted Master Jameson. â€Å"Eyewitnesses who saw her kill.† â€Å"That's because she was a Strigoi back then. But she isn't anymore.† I kept thinking the tattoo would stop me from talking, but this group was already well aware of the vampiric world. â€Å"In the last year, the Alchemists have learned a lot about vampires. You must know that the Moroi – your so-called ‘benign fiends' – practice elemental magic. We've recently found out there's a new, rare kind of magic out there, one that's tied to psychic powers and healing. That power has the ability to restore Strigoi back to their original form, be it human, dhampir, or Moroi.† A few angry denials quickly rose to a frenzy. Mob mentality in action. It took Master Jameson to quiet them again. â€Å"That,† he said simply, â€Å"is impossible.† â€Å"We have documented cases of three – no, four – people this has happened to. Three Moroi and a dhampir who once were Strigoi and are now in possession of their original selves and souls.† Speaking about Lee in the present tense wasn't entirely accurate, but there was no need to clarify. Besides, describing a former Strigoi who wanted to become Strigoi again probably wouldn't help my case. â€Å"Look at her. Does she seem Strigoi? She's out in the sun.† There wasn't much of it left, but even these fleeting rays of sunset would kill a Strigoi. With the way I was sweating from fear, I might as well have been out under a blazing midafternoon sun. â€Å"You keep saying this is the work of some twisted magic, but have you ever, even once, seen her in Strigoi form here in Palm Springs?† No one acknowledged that right away. Finally, Master Angeletti said, â€Å"She defeated our forces in the street. Obviously, she turned back into her true form.† I scoffed. â€Å"She didn't do that. Dimitri Belikov did – one of the greatest dhampir warriors out there. No offense, but despite all the training, your soldiers were hopelessly outclassed.† I was met with more aggressive gazes. I realized that probably wasn't the best thing I could've said. â€Å"You've been deceived,† said Master Angeletti. â€Å"No surprise since your people have long since become enmeshed behind the scenes with the Moroi. You aren't like us, down in the trenches. You don't come face-to-face with the Strigoi. They're evil, bloodthirsty creatures who must be destroyed.† â€Å"I agree with that. But Sonya's not one of them. Look at her.† I was gaining courage, my voice growing stronger and clearer in the desert night. â€Å"You keep bragging about capturing some terrible monster, but all I see is a drugged, restrained woman. Nice work. Truly a worthy enemy.† None of the council looked nearly as tolerant of me as they had before. â€Å"We simply subdued her,† said Master Ortega. â€Å"It's a sign of our prowess that we were able to do so.† â€Å"You've subdued an innocent and defenseless woman.† I didn't know if driving home that point would help, but I figured it couldn't hurt if they had twisted, chivalrous views of women. â€Å"And I know you've made mistakes before. I know about Santa Cruz.† I had no idea if this had been the same group whose men had gone after Clarence, but I was gambling the council at least knew about it. â€Å"Some of your more zealous members went after an innocent Moroi. You saw the errors of your way then when Marcus Finch told you the truth. It's not too late to correct this mistake either.† To my astonishment, Master Ortega actually smiled. â€Å"Marcus Finch? You're holding him up as some kind of hero?† Not exactly, no. I didn't even know the guy. But if he was a human that talked these crazy people down, then he must have some kind of integrity. â€Å"Why wouldn't I?† I asked. â€Å"He was able to see right from wrong.† Even Master Angeletti chuckled now. â€Å"I would never have expected an Alchemist to praise his sense of ‘right and wrong.' I thought your own views of that were immovable.† â€Å"What are you talking about?† I didn't mean to get derailed, but these comments were too puzzling. â€Å"Marcus Finch betrayed the Alchemists,† explained Master Angeletti. â€Å"You didn't know? I assumed a rogue Alchemist is the last person you'd use to make your case.† I was momentarily speechless. Was he saying†¦ was he saying that Marcus Finch used to be an Alchemist? No. He couldn't be. If he had been, then Stanton would have known who he was. Unless she lied about not having any record of him, a voice in my head warned. Master Jameson had apparently heard enough from me. â€Å"We appreciate you coming out here and respect your attempt to stand up for what you believe is true. We're also glad you were able to see just how strong we've become. I hope you'll take this news back to your order. If anything, your attempts here have demonstrated what we've long known: our groups need each other. Clearly, the Alchemists have gleaned a lot of knowledge over the years that could be very useful to us – just as our strength could be useful to you. Nonetheless,† he glanced over toward Sonya and scowled, â€Å"the point remains now that whatever your intentions, you truly have been deceived. Even if there's some tiny impossible chance that you're right, that she truly is a Moroi†¦ we can't take the chance that she's still been corrupted. Even if she believes she's been restored, she may still have been subconsciously influenced.† Again, I was speechless – but not because I appeared to have lost my case. Master Jameson's words were nearly identical to what Keith's father had said, when he'd told me Keith would be taken back to Re-education. Mr. Darnell had echoed the sentiment, that they couldn't take the risk of even a subtle bit of influence affectin g Keith. Extreme actions had been required. We're the same, I thought. The Alchemists and the Warriors. Years have divided us, but we came from the same place – in both our goals and blind attitudes. And then Master Jameson said the most shocking thing of all. â€Å"Even if she is just a Moroi, it's no great loss. We'll come for them eventually anyway, once we've defeated the Strigoi.† I froze at those words. The blonde girl came forward and again forced me to sit down on the first row of the bleachers. I offered no resistance, too shocked at what I'd just heard. What did they mean they'd come for the Moroi? Sonya could just be the beginning, then the rest of my friends, and then Adrian†¦ Master Angeletti snapped me back to the present. He made a grand gesture toward Chris as he spoke. â€Å"By the divine power we have been granted to bring light and purity into this world, you are authorized to destroy this creature. Commence.† Chris raised the sword, a fanatical gleam in his eyes. A happy gleam, even. He wanted to do this. He wanted to kill. Dimitri and Rose had killed many, many times, but both had told me there was no joy in it. They were glad to do what was right and defend others, but they didn't take pleasure in bringing death. I'd been taught the existence of vampires was wrong and twisted, but what I was about to witness was the true atrocity. These were the monsters. I wanted to scream or cry or throw myself in front of Sonya. We were a heartbeat away from the death of a bright, caring person. Then, without warning, the silence of the arena was pierced with gunfire. Chris paused and lifted his head in surprise. I flinched and looked immediately toward the armed escort, wondering if they'd take it upon themselves to become a firing squad. They looked just as surprised as me – well, most of them. Two of them didn't show much emotion at all – because they were crumpled on the ground. And that was when Dimitri and Eddie burst into the arena.

Political Corruption and Countries Essay

Corruption is a word with many meanings and each of them depends on the specific social and political context in which it is used (Brown, 2006). Nowadays this phenomena is closely connected with political world and business sphere. In developing countries mainly economic field is attached by this problem. In the 1990s when those countries accepted official bribery and a huge misuse of public money the level of corruption has increased (Hwang, Jung & Lim, 2010). Lots of flaws that still exist in the system of those countries have caused this complicated problem. First of all, it is the selfishness and greediness of people. According to Johnson, corruption appears in a weak civil society (as cited in Causes of Corruption, 2001, para 3). It means that the lack of moral values and ethics is the main cause of corruption. A survey which was conducted in South Africa proves this fact, because 31 per cent of people pointed this reason as the most common one (as cited in Causes of corruption, 2001, para 6). Secondly, another factor that caused this problem is the lack of strict punishment. For instance, the author Schumpeter compares corruption with eruption and says that corrupt people do take bribes because it is in their purpose (Schumpeter, 2010). They keep getting money by illegal way because they always have the possibility to avoid serious punishment. Thirdly, corruption thrives when bad government makes it impossible to control. As, H. L. Mencken stated: â€Å"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods. † (Stossel, 2009, para 6). So, it is always important to choose the right person to be on the head of a country because he or she would have an enormous power. Otherwise, corruption would have the negative effects and consequences on the economic development. First of all, it would reduce the growth of business benefits in developing countries. In the presence of corruption, businessmen are aware of the fact that bribing is acceptable and obviously they would commit corrupt proceedings (Mauro, 1997). For example, those entrepreneurs would avoid regular tax paying. Secondly, this phenomenon contradicts with the democratic opportunities and lowers the competitive ability of the countries as well. It has been proved that corruption has a negative impact on investment and economic growth because it lowers the marginal productivity of capital (Hwang, Jung & Lim, 2010). As a result this factor breeds to the economic collapse in developing countries because the budget money has been stolen in huge amounts. Different types of researches, whether in the international or in local level have showed that the problem still stays as one of the raging topics. Firstly, over the past few years, some $10 billion worth of oil, cars, telecom equipment, and cigarettes has passed illegally through the Fujian port across from Taiwan (Robberts & Clifford, 2000). Secondly, one recent data estimated that there was a 1. 15 per cent decrease in economic growth in 40 countries because of the corruption effects (Hwang, Jung & Lim, 2010). From the examples of these studies it is seen that developing countries are suffering from the horrible affects of economic corruption. The population does not get any profit from a huge amount of natural resources that they own because all the investments are stolen by the local elites and corrupt officials (Craggs, 2005). Current measures of the government officials such as anti-corruption programs are not enough. The problem needs really effective and working solutions to be done in a short period of time. The first solution is that the government should encourage active public participation in anti-corruption plans. The major reason of the flourishing corrupt practices is the authority’s misconception about it. People give bribes and think that they are benefiting from it. There is not much consensus in their actions and most of them do not consider the consequences (as cited in Causes of corruption, 2001, para 11). But the problem such as corruption requires collective actions and the balanced burden of responsibilities (Ngozi, 2008). It would be much better if people stop taking bribes and risk to report about corrupt practices that they have witnessed. Obviously this measure would help to prevent the problem with the roots. There are several advantages that it could bring. Firstly, people would enjoy the benefits of a democratic society. They are likely to value the chance of participating in government’s anti-corrupt programs. By taking part in the government’s plans the authority will create serious attitude towards the problem as well (Limit corruption, 2006). Secondly, the power against corruption would become even stronger. The government alone faces lots of difficulties and troubles in the way of solving this problem (Schweiker & Trofimenko, 2009). There is not much help from the authority’s side. But cooperate actions would be really helpful in realization of anti-corruption programs. Thirdly, people would get a good knowledge of the real situation. The reason for such an arising conflict is that almost everyone is being convinced by propaganda and entertainment efforts of the media (Hinz, 2005). It has become very easy to change people’s viewpoint, they often tend to believe what is written in the newspapers and shown on TV screen. But instead of this, each of them would personally investigate the issue and report to the justice officials about the cases of corruption. However, this solution has one disadvantage as well. It definitely requires some period of time. It is impossible to immediately reformulate people’s attitude towards money. The majority of the human authority is involved in bribery because it has become a way of life and a form of economic survival for them (Hors, 2000). They have got used to it, so it would be hard to resolve the problem quickly. But combined job of the government and the authority would definitely bring positive effects in the future. Finally, cooperate actions of ordinary people with politicians would be beneficial in preventing negative affects of corruption on economic development of the countries. The second solution is that the government should use strict methods of punishment against people involved in corruption. For example, nowadays in the governmental field lots of doubtful situations occur. Politicians spend a huge amount of money, nearly 70 percent of their budget, on TV and Internet advertising campaigns (Hinz, 2005). But after the elections most of those popular individuals forget about their promises to improve the economy. As a result, corruption creates uncertainty, such as a big regime collapse, which indeed seriously lowers a country’s economic efficiency (Hwang, Jung & Lim, 2010). Also nowadays ordinary people also have got used to solve their small problems by giving bribes. For instance, people have to pay even for an ordinary process such obtaining civil documents (Hors, 2000). In any case, regardless of their social status and power each of those persons deserves cruel punishment. They must get a prison sentence and realize the seriousness of the problem. The usage of different methods of strict punishment has several advantages. Firstly, people would be afraid of committing corrupt proceedings. The set of strong rules and regulations will definitely keep them in disciplined way. For example, in Russia the recent law against corruption has made it possible to reduce corruption factors and make its effects less harmful for business field (Business in Russia, 2009). Secondly, every person would be equal in front of the law face. It means that no one would be able to avoid the court. Even the influential people will have to accept the given punishment. The case with Mukhtar Dzhakishev, the former head of the Kazatomprom can be a bright sample. At the first time he was under the police investigation, but then Mr. Dzhakishev was arrested because the facts about his corrupt experiences have been proved (Lillis, 2009). However, this kind of solution has one disadvantage. It needs quite big amount of money. Proper and correct investigations of those cases definitely require professional judges. The government would have to pay really good salaries for all of them. Low payment is one of the main reasons to extract bribes from citizens (Causes of corruption, 2001). Only high salaries could help to prevent such practices. But cruel methods of punishments are indeed likely to stop people from committing corrupt proceedings. Overall, individuals would be aware about the consequences that might happen because of their illegal acts. The third solution against corruption is that the government officials should take some active anti-corruption initiatives. Unfortunately the phenomenon called corruption has always been connected with the politics. The author Stossel (2009) states that, in fact, â€Å"being in a big government means being involved in big corruptionâ€Å"(para 2). Nowadays every $100US million of stolen money in developing countries could fund ammunition for 4 million children, or approximately 250 thousand water connections for households, or 50-100 million treatments for malaria (Ngozi, 2008). But politicians do not seem to care and make any serious efforts in combating this significant problem. They are definitely the head of the country and everything takes its root from their actions. Those individuals should serve as the real representatives of justice and fight global anti-corrupt actions. This possible solution has several advantages. Firstly, people would not show aggressive behaviour. For instance, one recent data proved the fact that global political efforts impact positively on organizational legitimacy and strategic decision making (Rodriguez, Uhlenbruck & Eden, 2005). The reason is that big conflicts between public and the government can be easily solved in cooperating societies. Secondly, this measure would bring global economic progress to the countries. Unfortunately, nowadays in developing nations leaders consider themselves as commanders and think only about their personal interests. They have forgotten that such a serious problem as corruption requires actions in international level. Leaders should become faithful and hardworking persons in order to build useful relations with other countries in the world. For example, last year U. S. and world leaders have made a meeting to combat global corruption and operate policies against it, reports Transparency International (Fight against Corruption, 2009). Thirdly, there would be real control and discipline in the society. According to the recent United Nations report, detailing pervasive corruption in Afghanistan, the Afghan government is often â€Å"unable to deliver basic services, such as security, food or shelter, or protect communities from lawlessness. † (Vlasic & Noell, 2010). While, EU countries has created the project in order to improve all aspects of governance in its member states (Romer, 2010). Developing countries should also make such steps to fight corrupt experiences. However, this measure could bring one disadvantage. Obviously, it would need some period of time. It is really impossible to reformulate whole political system immediately. Every year in developing countries alone, political officials receive bribes up to several billion dollars. Overall, in order to change this existing reality, the government officials of developing countries must make some cooperate efforts. In conclusion, it seems that developing countries are facing all the present economic difficulties because of the corruption. This phenomenon has indeed become one of the most significant problems in modern society. Combination of serious and workable solutions must be done in order to prevent its negative impact. Mainly government must encourage people’s participation in anti-corruption programs. Then political officials have to take active measures like meetings in international level. Also those individuals who have broken the law and committed illegal acts must be punished strictly. After all, if the governments of developing countries do all these efforts, the level of corruption in economic field would decline. References Brown, A. (2006). What are We Trying to Measure? Reviewing the Basics of Corruption Definition. Measuring Corruption. Retrieved on November 07, from: http://books. google. com/books? hl=ru&lr=&id=k06/ Business in Russia (2009). Interfax : Russia & CIS Business Law Weekly. Retrieved on November 07, from: http://proquest. umi. com/ Causes and Conditions of Corruption (2001). Corruption in South Africa, Results of an Expert

Does Vonnegut Write Like Kilgore Trout and Eliot Rosewater Essay

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German singer in jail after ex-lover claims she infected him with HIV Article

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The Art Of The Rapanui Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Hate Crime Prevention Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Holdsworth's English Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Holdsworth's English Law - Essay Example In his opinion, Holmes perceives that humans are only obedient to the law because it is what is presented to them by the world and that they obtain results fancied as desirable. While obeying the law, humans tend to ignore the fact that their search for desirable ideas results comes at a high cost those results in bills that are relatively obscure. Holmes’ thought is that even in the present day and age, inventing a different code for humans would result in men who are well off compared to their situations today. However, the worst part is that as of now, humans would be reluctant to adopt codes of life that differ from what they consider to be the norm. Such human attitude could be due to the naivetà © with which principles are eternalized based on social prejudices. Eternalized principles in humans then result in beliefs and want which are reinforced by the laws of imitation. Consequently, until humans are presented with reasons strong enough to change, they remain resistan t and conservative and need no more justification than appetite. Instead of following what they want, the human is expected to and always feel obliged to follow rules since no little doubt makes it inevitable to follow the rule by the courts. In summary, Holmes argues without their conservative nature and internalization of life principles, humans are subject to living a better life that does not bind them to high evitable bills. In my opinion, humans have been subjected to the law since time in memory and from one generation to the other, the law has been internalized as the only means to desirable results. Consequently, humans are reluctant to dare live life without laws or under the guidance of different laws. Humans have grown to remain conservatisms of the law hence always react to change in those laws with great resistance.  Ã‚  

Positive Impacts of London Olympics to UK Economy Essay

Positive Impacts of London Olympics to UK Economy - Essay Example The impact of the Olympic Games to the United Kingdom will ever be felt and seen even after the games ended in relation to economic advancements, developments, and features, which include unmatched infrastructure and other economic impacts. the Olympic Games have led to rapid modernization of transport services. This is in relation to infrastructure such as then underground and Docklands Light Rail in an attempt to cut back on the pollution related to high transport rates. The country has also ripped benefits from the Olympic Games following the reduced congestion that was experienced because of expanded transport systems. This means that the UK gained substantially since without the Olympics the remaining infrastructure can still handle the reduced population using the transport system. In addition, the UK has benefited concerning the environment due to reduced emissions of both sound and noise. On the other hand, airports have received a significant boost from increased traffic from international tourists looking to enjoy the English culture after the tourism marketing from the Olympic Games. The United Kingdom has reaped the benefits of the Olympic Games on a large scale in all sectors of its economy. Therefore, in relation to this, it is safe to say that the Olympics were a blessing for the nation in spite of the costs involved in organizing the games. This shows how much the UK gained from international tourism, which brought in significant amounts of foreign exchange and sold more of the English culture to the rest of the world. It also creates an opportunity for international marketing of the UK as a tourist’s destination after the Olympics.... It also creates an opportunity for international marketing of the UK as a tourist’s destination after the Olympics. In addition to the economy, the Olympics have set the UK as a destination for business tourism; this is following packages developed by different companies in an attempt to cash in on the Olympics held in London. Such companies include Excel and O2 with a significant case of event venues tailored to meet the needs of business tourists due to the lack of dedicated international conference centres in the UK (Communities and Local Government 2009, p.49). In addition, following the influx of tourists, other industries such as housing and rent have enjoyed the benefits of the Olympics. In housing and accommodation services, the Olympic Games created an opportunity for property owners to rent out their properties to interested parties. This happened for prices similar to those that were used in previous Olympics, where the rental price went up by over ten times the nor mal going rate. As a result, the economy has reaped significant economic benefits in form of finances from domestic and international tourists who were interested in living near the venue of the games. In relation to transport, the United Kingdom has achieved substantial progress all thanks to hosting the Olympic Games since before the games were held; the country had to make preparations in readiness for the games, which means that there must have been infrastructural developments to handle the large amounts of traffic. In this case, traffic refers to both human and vehicular systems that include motor vehicles and trains meant to assist in the

The Effects of the English Language and Culture in Translating A Essay

The Effects of the English Language and Culture in Translating A Non-English Text into Film - Essay Example When a film is to be made in English that was previously in another language and in text format, there are a great number of considerations on how the language and the visual elements can be translated. Meaning in one language must be carefully translated so that not only the verbal language, but the visual language makes sense. Film is unique in that the cultural meanings that are implied through one language must be translated as well as the literature of the original language. Due in large part to colonialism and then to the Westernization of consumerism, the English language has become a part of most languages, English-isms emerging throughout the cultures as they become part of the globalized world. Homogenization creeps into cultures that had previously been very ‘other’ through interactions with the dominance of the English language in business, media, and in presence in the world as English speaking travelers have a dominant position in world travel. Creating Eng lish versions of pieces of work that are written in another language often means that the work itself becomes transformed by the differences between cultures. In dominance, sometimes, comes the arrogance of transformation rather than merely translation. Transforming a literary work takes the meaning from it that was specific to a culture and re-creating it to have meaning for another culture that may no longer hold the same key symbols or meanings that it did in its original form. In translating a piece of fiction into a second language visual experience there are a great many aspects of the work that must be taken into consideration. Coding the translated work so that it reflects both the audience and the language of origin is a difficult achievement. The nature of coding in a language supports cultural meanings of symbols, but in translations that are both visual and verbal that are trying to capture meaning from one cultural language into another the task can be daunting. In the example of the result of colonialism is the key to how to undertake a project that involves translation. Where in colonialism entire cultures were translated into new cultural patterns through the coercive influence of the colonizer, so to can a text be butchered by misunderstanding the meanings that are cultural relevant and stand apart from the Western mind and the English construction of a text to prepare it for film. In translating a text into a script and direction for a film, the numbers of factors that are relevant to the translation are deep and meaningful in relationship to culture and symbols. Translation includes more than just replacing words, but replacing the emotional and cultural context through which the work was expressing meaning. Language Coding In trying to determine the best approach to translating a text from its original language into a film, the cultural coding that exists within the language must be evaluated. The first thing that must be determined in tran slating a text in one language to that of another is if the film will be intended for a mixed language population. In other words, if the film is made for a location in which two languages are prevalent and the work is being translated from one language to the other, the coding will be different than if a text is from a geographically different culture than to the culture that the film will be intended as an audience. If a Chinese book is translated for an English audience it is very

Sex, Vampires and the Fascination with Bloodsucking Essay Example for Free

Sex, Vampires and the Fascination with Bloodsucking Essay Vampires have long fascinated the world, from their ability to change forms often times transforming into a bat, fog, or other creatures, and their charismatic and sexual nature which has not only seduced literature in Bram Stocker’s Dracula but has also been the outlet of the movie going audience in such films as the adaptation of Dracula in movies such as Blade, Monster Squad, Interview with a Vampire, and the series of Dracula films. The following paper will explore this fascination with Dracula, and vampires in general, paying attention to not only the novel Dracula but the mainstream movie going audience as well as the subculture that exists of vampires. Two main themes of the vampire will be explored in this paper: that of immortality, and of seduction. In the idea of forgetting one’s identity the concept of a vampire is a great iconic figure by which to catalyst the role of the double identity. It is with these two things that the vampire, as a literary character, a movie icon, and a subculture holds the interest of the general population. Body In Bram Stocker’s rendition of vampires in the character of Count Dracula there are certain elements which have become part of the increasing myth and fascination of vampires. Stocker’s character was very enigmatic, however, this did not mean that John was not attracted to this mystery. The idea of stealing someone’s life force, and of the willingness at times that Dracula achieved this feat is part of the lure of the vampire, â€Å"The lust that they portray on the movie screen, the woman gladly greeting the vampires lips with her own, then bending her head to the side so he can bite the tender flesh of her neck. What a marvelous image that seems, enticing us, and repelling us at the same time. Who among us can say for a moment that we did not find that fascination in the mystery of the vampires arms? † (Gottberg 2006). It is with Count Dracula’s charm that the readers become intrigued by the vampire, and his ability to beckon his victim while at the same time having to hold up to a code of ethics. These ethics are also part of the fascination and they are usually including the following characteristics and elements of a vampire: only permitted to come into a house or dwelling after being requested to do so by the owner, only sucking blood that is still warm from the blood pumping through the heart, having an allergic reaction to garlic, sunlight and anything holy, ability to shape shift, extreme sexuality. It is with this last part that the true fascination with vampires hinges. The sexuality of the vampire is accustomed to a smooth tongue, charming people into getting what they, a type of bending of the will of the victim, and their immortality. Especially with this element of immortality, there seems to be a certain gift and curse involved with it because the vampire trades so much in order to gain immortality which is never being able to see sunlight again, and having to feed on human or animal blood to survive. However, despite these gifts and/or curses, the in the original legend of Count Dracula as perceived by Bram Stocker, the Count is able to at once almost haunt the conscious mind of his victim John while at the same time enticing him to become part of the vampiric world. The ability of a vampire to bend a victim’s will, so much so that the victim becomes a willing participant in the bloodlust is how the mainstream media or movies, are focusing their plot outlines. Vampires are becoming a subculture which allows a person to be completely sexual, willing, and to crave blood while at the same time embracing their ‘curse’, as the fascination with vampires persist the question becomes not why does a vampire need blood to stay alive, but there is a more interesting equation involving sucking someone’s life force which in turn gives one the ability to live forever (excluding certain circumstances involving exposure to UV rays, black lights, garlic, holy relics, and a stake through the heart). Thus, the fascination of mainstream movie going audience and the more intellectual reading of a book becomes not an intrigue into an occult but rather that more alluring of attributes of the vampire: immortality. It seems that John in Dracula was not so much duped into becoming an occupant of the Count’s castle, his slave, his blood supply, as he was wanting to learn the Count’s trick of living past the status quo dying age. Thus, John realized that the Count needed blood in order to maintain his life, his charm, his intrigue, his health, and his strength, â€Å"The blood is the life, or so it is said in the vampire culture. Many cultures have included sacrifice, blood letting, and drinking of blood in their worship, so it is really no surprise that our fascination would continue. Even in biblical times blood was important for sealing covenants and sacrifice. So impotent was the blood that God forbade it to be drunk. † (Gottberg 2006). Not only in the aspect of immortality, of man’s desire to cheat death at any cost, especially as the legend goes, to give his soul as a vampire is said to do (hence the aversion to anything holy) but there is a definite sexual drive in vampires that is further seen in Stocker’s Dracula. The view of the Count as he seduces Mary is one in which a man/vampire becomes a part of his victim, sucking her blood, allowing one of the most intimate parts of her to become a part of him, to in fact sustain his life. Thus, it is not sex alone that entices her to allow the Count to ‘enter’ her through the neck, but it is the need, the primal need for life, that makes their relationship one of complete engrossment for her as well as the audience/reader, It is so many things. For many it is the ability to be so fully known by another, to be enraptured inside and out by one who could know every ounce of our being, know all we have ever done, and all we have ever thought, and still desire us more then anything. That was the mystery of Bram Stokers Dracula, a man who could listen to her deepest thoughts and travel the length of not only the world, but time itself to win her back. A woman who would stand by him, even against God himself. This is the true romance of the legend, the image that entices us beyond understanding. † (Gottberg 2006). Conclusion It seems then that this paper has explored two main points of the fascination with vampires, or Count Dracula, that is: immortality, and seduction. In these two elements the main stream culture of the movie going audience is enthralled as well as readers of Stocker’s work. These two main themes or characteristics of the vampire are what continually entice a person to read up on vampires, to watch movies, to delve into the darker realms of the subculture and to explore the idea of immortality, of sucking the life blood from a willing or even unwilling victim and to become so intrinsically a part of someone to know their thoughts, to know their heart beat, to depend on them for true sustenance, that it is no wonder that there remains, after hundreds of years, this verdant image of a charming man or woman in a cloak, knocking on one’s door asking permission to come in and to suck their blood. The idea of possession is a turn on for the subculture of vampires just as it was for Count Dracula; the kind of dependence on someone for a life force as well as the control the vampire has over their victim is what makes this subculture so fascinating and how it can attract the type of crowd that it attracts. Thus, the subculture of the vampire is not merely about bloodsucking but involves something quite animal and quite human about it; it involves allowing someone to take control of one as well as force control on another person, the turn on then becomes power through possession. Although critics might argue that the vampire is a lonesome creature, cursed to walk the earth for eternity, living without a soul, but with the rise of this as a subculture and the popularity it has attracted over the years, it seems that vampirism is becoming more mainstream as more movies are made glamorizing the sex appeal of vampires and the fact that eternity is the natural attraction of this subculture and the young are always attracted to maintaining their youth.The vampire victim is almost always willing. Work Cited Gottberg, C. Why a Fascination with Vampires. 2006. Online. Retrieved 5 November 2007. http://www. associatedcontent. com/article/110969/why_a_fascination_of_vampires. html? page=3

Resort World Sentosa And Marina Bay Sands Tourism Essay

Resort World Sentosa And Marina Bay Sands Tourism Essay Though casino was their major way to earn revenue because of high gamblers addict all over the world, both of these resorts also added wide varieties of attractions and amenities for tourist attraction such as skypark, universal studios Singapore, celebrity chefs restaurant, museums, convention and exhibition centre, floating pavilion, etc. to attract not only the gamers but also families and childrens. In total both the resorts offer 33,500sqm of MICE space and more than 4000 hotel rooms. Attractions helped in many ways such as: Universal Studios Singapore- welcomed 13.2 million visitor and 22.3 billion tourism receipts last year (STB 2012). Both resorts support more than 40,000 jobs throughout which includes wide number of sectors such as retail, FB and transportation. Approx. 22,000 employees have been hired by these integrated resorts (Michael 2012). Both the IR hope to achieve 17 million visitors a year and generate about US $21 billion by 2015 (Katie 2011). Singapores both integrated resorts have a total development investment of more than S$13 billion (Iswaran 2010). The IR helped to broaden the range of job and career opportunities for Singaporeans with the bulk of jobs in for them in areas such as theme park operation, retain and Food and Beverage, etc. Both the resorts plan to continue re-invest and enhance their attractions to appeal to visitors an visitorship trends, benchmarks with respect to similar international attractions, industry standards and so on (Israwan 2011). Since both these resorts have done wonder full things for the people as well as tourist such as giving jobs to locals or providing attractions to tourist it also have negative impact on society as gamble addicts are borrowing money from loan sharks and when they are unable to repay the loan money they abandon their wives and children so as to feed their gambling addiction that leads women into forced prostitution to feed their kids (Dinah Lee-Phua 2011). Gambling leads to bankruptcy, imprisonment, family violence/breakdown. Economic Impacts: Singapores decision to build casino-based destination resorts was in part based on that argument, that the country could not ignore the potential economic significance of the IRs as it will not only boost the tourism industry, increase jobs but also the investment of billions of dollars to the economy; in other words growth, as opposed to stagnation (Wong, 2005). Singapores economy is diversified and is not based solely on tourism or the IRs but the income certainly could be useful. Such revenue for the state or country could be used to develop infrastructure and superstructures; essentially an economic development tool for the state or country as a whole. One of the other reasons that states or territories decide to legalize gambling and thus build casinos is to attract tourists to the area. These tourism products can complement and enhance the other tourism products and thus motivate tourist to the state or territory. Tourism is one of the key sectors that contribute to the Singapore economy. The goal is to achieve SDG$30 billion in tourism receipts with 17 million visitors by 2015 (STB, 2010). Proponents of casinos or casino-based resorts argue that the gaming element will increase tourism numbers. When Singapore legalized gambling, it was to increase the demand for and motivate tourists to the island state (Remesh, 2010). Casinos had to be part of the tourism product to be of significant economic value (Eadington, 1999). Families could be attracted to such places and there will be reason for the adults to stay longer. Going by the revenues that Macau received, the argument might be valid. The demand for non-gaming products, services and amenities will subsequently go up; in essence, the casinos could be for the greater good because on the whole the economy will be better off and thus the majority of the people within the gaming jurisdiction will benefit. Social Impacts: When the decision is made to legalize gambling, a state or country will experience not just positive impacts but negative social impacts as well. Petty theft and fraud linking casino employees have arisen. Traffic jams have increased, and environmental conditions have deteriorated. Consumer spending is neither reduced nor substituted. Bankruptcy, suicides, depression, lowered productivity and crime like fraud, are most prevalent with gambling. As if costs to the community like suicides, bankruptcies and lowered productivity are not enough, 5 to 10 other people were affected for every single problem gambler, (Australian Commission, 2009). The carrying capacity of a region could affect how the locals perceive the tourists within the gaming jurisdiction. There was no conclusive evidence that crime increased as a result of the casinos. Crime rates were contained in the initial opening of the casinos due to the increase in staffing by the local law enforcement agencies. However this increase in staff could not be sustained and as a result crime rates increased over time due to the casinos. Increase of child abuse may also occur due tom negligence of guidance from the parents addicted to gambling. As parents who lose money on gambling table often end up taking their frustration out on their kids or abusing them physically. Problems of borrowing from loan sharks are seen in Singapore due to high addiction of gambling. This happens due to people losing everything on gambling table thus deterioting them financially and forcing them to borrow more from loan sharks. They were also concerned that casinos would escalate gambling addition of locals, which would create financial difficulties for families and hence effect the Singapore economy altogether. Family harmony would be affected, while the good Singapore work ethic would be compromised. Social ills would also resurface (Withiam 2011). Resort World Sentosa has led to damaging of environmental effects on the countrys physical resources, ecological resources and terrestrial ecosystem. It has also resulted in the habitat destruction, removal of airshed, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and water contamination (EIA Abhineet 2011). Bellagio is a luxury resort and casino in Las Vegas in Nevada. It is owned by MGM Resorts International and is famed for its elegance. It has total of 3,950 rooms with three different towers and is home to the most watched and famous Cirque du Soleil aquatic production commonly referred as O. It was opened on October 15 1988 and the total cost was approx US$88 million. It has number of attractions such as Gaming room, Fountains of Bellagio, Conservatory and Botanical gardens, Gallery of Fine Art, etc. with number of famous restaurants such as Le Cirque, Circo, Picasso, etc. Political Impacts: as we all know that Las Vegas is famous for casinos and has lot of casino at a stretch but for it to operate smoothly the casino are to updated with latest trends so as to keep up with the laws in a timely manner. Bellagio has a casino license and runs over more than 50 slot machines and more than 10 tables so as to pay a certain amount in tax per table in a month so as to not violate any laws. Economic Impacts: The casino creates jobs and reduces the level of unemployment. It contributes to improvement in community and infrastructure mainly in the transportation side as well as reducing public spending. The casino development has been targeted where economic development benefits the community and jobs scarcity has been reduced (J.P.Girard 2001). With Bellagio casino being so big it has helped the locals of Las Vegas and also the foreigners to earn their livelihood by working in the casino. Because of gambling, Las Vegas has shown impressive job growth, developed into a major city with a low tax burden that many state and local governments look at with envy, and has spawned significant private and public sector investment. However society would only support this if the benefits outweighs the costs. Social Impacts: But also it has affected the economy as local residents who used to travel outside of the region and gamble now stay within the region. Local residents who used to go to restaurants now spend their money in the casino. Then the casino has no net economic benefit. Tourists who used to spend money on other activities within the region now go to a gambling facility within the region. Still casino plays an important part on society as Bellagio Las Vegas is a testament of the powerful ability of gambling to foster economic development. But casinos leave a negative impact on society causing increase in traffic congestion, increased gambling addiction, drug use and prostitution. Tourists from abroad spend more time and money within the region. It was noted that alcohol and drug use increased between gamblers due to their loss in the casino or for people seeking treatment for gambling problems. Family breakdowns and mental health issues such as depression, psychiatric disorde rs, past histories of sexual or physical abuse and low self-esteem were found among the gamblers. Due to high addiction of gambling there has been an expenditure growth in casino industry than the growth in personal income (Ricardo 2008). It has been researched and proved that profound gamblers often suffer from profound marital difficulties. Gaming has jeopardized the quality of life of individuals and families in past (Burke 2003). A lot of financial difficulties involving money, laundering, paying high interest rates on debts and suicide have been seen so far. Technology: helps Bellagio to offer more luxury, better customer service and an overall increase in customer satisfaction. Fast and easy communication service provides Bellagio with a competitive advantage compared to other hotel. Bellagios website helps the customer to give information about the latest happenings anywhere anytime. Bellagio has full range of services on their website such as customers can take virtual tour, see the rooms and make the reservation online. Environmental Impacts: a casino usually generates about 20,000 to 30,000 customer vehicles and 6,000 or more employee vehicles each day leading to air pollution due to increased traffic. With a casino comes a heavy parking demand and more congestion. It draws down scarce groundwater and also threaten endangered species. Correcting all this cost between $5.5 to$7.7 million per year leading to waste of money and resources. Though Las Vegas is commonly known as Sin City so the crime rates are expected to be high. It was noted that last year fall the crime rates including shop lifting, stealing of casino chips, etc. increased a lot due to proper security management. It was reported that last year December 14, Anthony Michael Carleo stole $1,500,000 worth of Bellagio chips from Bellagio casino and was sentenced to 35 years of imprisonment last month (Pitt 2012). So Bellagio took this this really seriously and did a stringent screening and drug test on its employees to reduce internal threats. It was also noted that there were fake Bellagio chips being sold in the local market at a reasonable price that attracted lot of people and those people even had links with the security guards of the casino so as to take the chips inside (LAPD 2008). So as to avoid all this in future a proper security system was installed in Bellagio that had its eye everywhere. Systems such as 24 hours monitored security alarm, smok e alarms in all non-smoking rooms were installed to ensure the safety of the hotel as well as the customers. Every corner of the casino had a camera with 2 control rooms to look out for thief and to ensure safety of everyone there. There was 24 hours security and the security came from the best security department in USA. Bellagio used proper safety measures in case of emergency such as fire, accidents, deaths, etc. by keeping proper safety measures such as medical kit, qualified doctors in the house, etc. with all such steps/measures. Mixed use development simply involves the addition of residential units to a standard resort concept as a part of a sometimes rather dubious way to finance the whole development (Philip 2009). Bellagio has been using it for years now and everytime when possible tries to upgrade it. It provides customer with a variety of accommodation styles, sporting and leisure activities, security, a lifestyle living experience. Bellagio attracts lot of its customer via the casino as it is home to many professional poker players due to high table limit including high stakes and also because it holds world poker tournament as well. But it does not only attract the gamblers it also succeeds in attracting non-gamblers, family and children while using mixed use development concept as it has a very famous show O by Cirque du Soleil as it has international cast of world class acrobats, divers, swimmers performing on water to create a breath taking experience for its customers. Fountains of Bellagio that is set in 8 acre man-made lake with 4.500 lights and have lot of performance for the people to enjoy at night. The conservatory and botanical gardens is a must watch as it shows five seasonal themes such as Chinese new year from January to march displaying the bromeliads and orchids as well as animal of Chinese zodiac, spring displaying varieties of tropical flower, summer, fall and winter. Along with all this Bellagio has also focused on relaxation and fitness for its customer by providing variety of spa packages along with fitness centre. It is home to many golf lovers and those who wants to learn golf can learn at a reasonable rate at Bellagio with different courses available for different needs. Bellagio is famous in Las Vegas for its nightlife as it has many bar, lounge and clubs for party animals to enjoy the sin city and have a memorable time. Bellagio offers high range of exclusive shops for gifts, accessories, jewellery and fragrances and is a must shopping place for ladies . Though Bellagio use a mixed use development concept but it also takes care of the environment by using reclaimed water and on-site power generation plant and has also constructed a 5.300 space parking garage for the employees as well as customers so as to avoid traffic congestion. In todays date it is very important for any hotel to develop sustainability plan in order to survive in the market and stay ahead of its competitor. Bellagio is committed to conservation efforts that support living in the desert. These practices extend beyond Bellagio and reach the local community by educating employees about conserving natural resources at home as well as partnering with local, eco-minded organizations (Drew 2007). Bellagio is using $70 million alone to refurbish all the guest rooms so as to make it more attractive for the guest and they are changing everything in their restaurants to the exteriors of the hotel. Bellagio has achieved sustainable development and will keep on achieving it by following four most important steps towards sustainable development that is to guide and be guided by a clear vision of sustainable development and goals to achieve highest ranking among all hotels. It reviews the whole system as well as its parts considering the well-being of soc ial, ecological and economic systems, their state as well as the direction and rate of change of that state, their parts and use of these parts. It has adopted a time horizon long enough to capture human and ecosystem time scales to know what they want to achieve and how they want to achieve and also whats best for their customers in terms of needs, necessities, etc. they take in the advice of their customers very seriously to make themselves better and also to outbeat the rest of the hotels. The employees are well trained and educated and provide ongoing support in the decision making process. Bellagio has been home to many events in the casino as well as in the clubs or lounges and has also been shown in many movies. They have kept this tradition alive by calling someone or the other every year to perform in their hotel and this year also they are doing the same but on a large scale as they are inviting the Korean pop dancer/singer PSY to perform in their casino on February 23rd s tarting around 9 pm and there would be lot of songs sung by him and his world famous song Oppa Gangnam Style. Tickets are going at 100, $200 and $300 with lots of surprises for the guest and there would be lot of games as well and the winner will get an autograph t-shirt by PSY himself and an opportunity to dance with him on the stage created in casino. Thus all this helps and will keep on helping the Bellagio hotel to remain on track and be one of the top most preferred hotel of Las Vegas in near future also.

Live Today…Strive for Tomorrow Essay -- Essays Papers

Live Today†¦Strive for Tomorrow My senior year is here, and passing quite quickly. Each day â€Å"I walk with a purpose, but no destination† (Ehrlich 232). I’ve had this same purpose etched in my mind since I can remember, it occasionally changes, ever so slightly, but remains consistent—to surpass people’s expectations and achieve something out of the norm. College is around the corner, but where will that be, what will it be? Close to home? A Thousand miles away? Why am I so concerned with this aspect of life—is it because that’s what everyone else seems consumed with? Everyone is pushing me for tomorrow, but what happened to today? I’m losing sight of what is so close. I’ve forgotten about treasuring the moment, absorbing the experiences right here in front of me. We all want to grow up, move on, and encounter something better, but â€Å"when [we] run so fast to get somewhere, [we] miss half the fun of getting there. When [we] worry and hurry through [our] day, it’s like an unopened gift, thrown away† (unknown). I think it’s time to take a step back and look at all today has to offer, see the people around who love me, relish every moment with friends who won’t be here next year, and take a good look at myself. Why I am the way I am and am I headed in the right direction? Joan Didion said that we are what we learned as children (161). I am fortunate enough to have grown up in a nurturing home with two stable parents. That has been the single most important influence on who I am today. The encouragement to do well and accomplish something in everything I do has been a constant force in my development. Winning— People often get caught up and forget that the reason they’re playing a game is to enjoy the experience.... ... life that happened in the past are the forevers because they live on in one’s memory. Those memories are so powerful—that’s what makes me want to make today worth something instead of always simply looking ahead. â€Å"Life is about the journey, not the destination†. My senior year of high school†¦I want to enjoy people’s company, appreciate my family’s presence, and keep a permanent Polaroid of my â€Å"home town† etched in my memory. I have a purpose for the year, I know what I want to accomplish for the future, but I have to remember to make the most out of today because there may not always be a tomorrow. Works Cited Didion, Joan. â€Å"On Morality.† Slouching Towards Bethlehem. New York; Noonday, 1995 (1961). Ehrlich, Gretel. â€Å"Looking for a Lost Dog.† Encounters: Reading and the World. 229-233. Stockton, Jessica. â€Å"Eternity’s Corner.† Mercer Street. 52-54.

Components Of Law :: essays research papers

Components Of Law   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In class, we broke components of law up into four categories. System of social norms on which laws are based, a group empowered to enforce the laws, a legitimate system of enforcement, and a system for interpreting the law. Throughout this essay I’ll divide up these categories, and give examples of each of them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A system of social norms on which laws are based, generally determine what is good or bad in a society. Legalization of alcohol consumption makes it moral to consume alcoholic beverages, but stores that sell have guidelines to sell the legal beverage. But the illegalization of prostitution, however, is immoral. No one should have to sell their body for money in our society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Law enforcement is a group empowered to enforce the laws. Some laws are unenforced, such as traffic and jay walking laws. There is also a legitimate system of enforcement, that lets a body that has seen a legitimate act to carry out the law. An example is a police officer acting on an observed robbery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The last component of law is a system for interpreting the law. All laws cannot cover every situation that may happen, therefore it must be interpreted. The Supreme court applies or interprets the law and/or gives the law meaning. Words have no meaning unless we give them meaning to laws and the constitution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Sociological Definition of law suggests a link between laws and customs. To understand laws you must study social conditions and background(effects all of society). Components Of Law :: essays research papers Components Of Law   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In class, we broke components of law up into four categories. System of social norms on which laws are based, a group empowered to enforce the laws, a legitimate system of enforcement, and a system for interpreting the law. Throughout this essay I’ll divide up these categories, and give examples of each of them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A system of social norms on which laws are based, generally determine what is good or bad in a society. Legalization of alcohol consumption makes it moral to consume alcoholic beverages, but stores that sell have guidelines to sell the legal beverage. But the illegalization of prostitution, however, is immoral. No one should have to sell their body for money in our society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Law enforcement is a group empowered to enforce the laws. Some laws are unenforced, such as traffic and jay walking laws. There is also a legitimate system of enforcement, that lets a body that has seen a legitimate act to carry out the law. An example is a police officer acting on an observed robbery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The last component of law is a system for interpreting the law. All laws cannot cover every situation that may happen, therefore it must be interpreted. The Supreme court applies or interprets the law and/or gives the law meaning. Words have no meaning unless we give them meaning to laws and the constitution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Sociological Definition of law suggests a link between laws and customs. To understand laws you must study social conditions and background(effects all of society).

Racial Profiling by Police Essay -- Race Racism Prejudice Essays

Racial profiling has become a severe obstacle in the U.S. today though most Americans know very little of this vital issue. Every day, people are being pulled over, harassed, and even killed for being of a certain race. There are new laws that politicians are trying to pass that promote racial discrimination. Racial profiling is immoral and does not increase public safety. Incarceration rates are a definite proof that racial discrimination occurs. â€Å"Incarceration rates in the United States have risen sharply since 1980†, stated Filip Spagnoli, â€Å"the racial distribution of inmates in the U.S. is highly negative for black Americans. Whereas they only make up 12% of the total U.S. population, they represent more than 40% of inmates† Black Americans are one of the many races that are accused of many crimes that they are innocent of and being imprisoned for them. Addy Bareiss, a five-year volunteer and worker at the ACLU of Arizona affirmed, â€Å"A 2008 report by the ACLU of Louisiana found that people of color were arrested at higher rates than their representation in the population in every town, city and parish examined† Imprisonment of innocent people has to come to a stop. When officers are focusing mainly on a certain group they overlook criminals of other races who deserve to be in prison. She also stated, â€Å"b lack and Hispanic residents were stopped, frisked, searched, and arrested by Los Angeles Police Department officers far more frequently than white residents, and that these disparities were not justified by local crime rates or by any other legitimate policing rationale evident from LAPD’s extensive data† (Bareiss, Addy). Stereotypes play a significant part of racial profiling. When officers see a black or Hispanic man... ...on=1.0>. "Jose Serrano." BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2010. 30 November. 2010. Kennedy, Randall. "Racial Profiling Should Be Abolished." Current Controversies: Racism. Ed. Mary E. Williams. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Raymond S Kellis High School. 29 Nov. 2010 . "Motivated Quotes." Brainy Quote. Xplore, Inc., BrainyQuote, 2001 - 2010. Web. 5 Dec 2010. . "The First 10 Amendments to the." n. pag. Web. 2 Dec 2010. . Spagnoli, Filip. http://filipspagnoli.wordpress.com/stats-on-human-rights/statistics-on-freedom/statistics-on-prisoner-population-rates/

Proposing a solution for global warming

INTRODUCTION.The occurrence of increased average temperature in the earth’s surface air and water bodies in the recent decades and its projected continuation constitutes global warming.  These increments in temperatures are due to higher amounts of green gas concentrations, which warm the surface and lower atmosphere thereby increasing the green house effects  On the other hand, natural phenomena such as volcanoes and solar variation have also impacted on global warming(1).Increased global temperatures results into other changes such as sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns that result in floods, droughts and glacier retreat. These adverse effects of global warming have sparked off serious debate especially after Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic change (IPCC) projected climatic models that global surface temperatures are likely to increase to 6.40C (2.0 TO 110F) between 1990 and 2100.(2)The debate focuses on world scale regarding, what, if any, action should be taken to adapt to expected consequences or reduce future warming.  There is however a general agreement that affirmative action should be taken to avert further crisis.(3) To this effect, most governments have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing the green gas emissions, which cause global warming.The major challenge to this process is that industrialized nations who are the major contributors of green house gases such as America are reluctant to make this worthy commitment(4).  The main aim of Kyoto protocol is to reduce â€Å"Anthropogenic Climatic Change†(Human induced changes).It is believed that implementation of the Kyoto protocol will plummet these climatic changes. However, thermal inertia of the earth’s ocean and slow responses of other indirect effects would still cause further warming but at drastically reduced levels that are not very harmful (at 0.90f) as indicated by climatic changes studies.(5) The scientific consensus indicat es levels of green house gases due to human activity.In 1824, Joseph Fourier discovered the green gas effect, and Svante Arrhenius investigated it quantitatively in 1896.Green house effect is the process by which absorption and emission by infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warms a planet’s atmosphere and its surface(6). The green house gases include natural ones such as water vapor, carbondioxide, methane, ozone and nitrous oxide. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon and methane have increased by 31% and 149% above pre-industrial revolution times since 1970.This occurrence has been attributed to fossil fuel burning and other anthropogenic causes such as deforestation.(7)Further, carbon dioxide levels are expected to increase due to ongoing fossil fuel burning processes around the globe. And land use change. This will depend on uncertain economic, technological and natural developments.(8)IPCC projected increase of methane from melting permafrost peat bogs in Siberia may lead to significant additional sources of green gas emissions.(9)  Thus, the effect of global warming including sea level rise, extreme weather events, stream flows, and change in rainfall patterns, increased deaths, displacements and increased economic losses projected due to extreme weather may even be exacerbated by increased population densities.(10) There is also expected reduction of ozone layer, intensity and frequency of hurricanes and worse, spread of diseases such as malaria and other epidemiological related ailments.A typical example is the current heavy rains experienced in Britain, which scientists have attributed to be, and effect of global warming.(11) The scientists, lead by Peter Stott at Hadley center, have used computer models in finding evidence to predict the course of global warming which all show heavy rainfall as it is documented in the local daily, The Independent. The effects of these rains have been disastrous with many Britons fleeing their homes.(12)B ritain is currently making headlines in the world media; only because of the destructive results its citizens are experiencing from the heavy rains. The new Prime Minister called a crisis meeting with the top leadership of his government in response to this crisis.(13)  The rains have left many Britons desperate and in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Droughts attributed to global warming currents witnessed in several parts of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa has left their citizens in famine and utter penury,(14) malnourished only to depend on aid. Surely the world cannot continue like this, it is only prudent, affirmative action is taken to avert this situationTHE   Ã‚  SOLUTIONS.Just as it is called Global warming, it needs global solution, which calls for nothing other than global input. Participation of the whole globe is necessary without exclusion of any particular state or individual.  Efficiency in the use of energy (Use of renewable energy) is a major step t o reduce global warming to reduce dependenc4 on oil and other fossil fuels that cause global warming. Currently, over 70% of USA electricity comes from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil in contrast to only 2% from renewable energy sources(15). We should therefore focus on sources such as wind, solar, georthermal and bioenergy to generate our electricity instead of fossil fuel sources that increase global warming emissions.It is indeed true that these measures need radical step. Fortunately, we have the solutions, and the energy to implement them(16). What we lack is the will. The steps we make will in most cases save consumer’s money. Radical measures include total overhaul of our practices, where instead of Deforestration, we should plant trees in bare lands. Deforestation accounts for 20% of global warming. We should therefore protect threatened forests(17).  Most scientists believe postponing these measures would require much more input once severe consequen ces occur than if we had implemented them today.Pollution of the atmosphere needs to stop forthwill, it will become an irreversible damage and we had better stopped the practice. Carboon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years.(18) Pollution practice would require more duration to reverse its effects on global warming, we better prevent this. Waste damping particularly in water bodies such as rivers needs to be addressed to avoid decomposition and subsequent release of carbon dioxide that would increase the green house effect in the atmosphere.(19)We must also strive to reduce the production of Chlorofluorocarbons that are powerful green house gases and ozone depleters .(20) For such a radical course, legislation control from the central government in different democracies and even globally is apparent. However, individual citizens must institute in themselves the required environmental standards to make it their own initiative to act on this end. For instance it would be wiser to use a push mower to cut your lawn instead of a power mower(21). Or have a low water-use machine. It is also wise to reduce the water heater thermostat heating degree. Buying energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for most used lights in the house is also important.A solar water heater system instead of electric or other fuel use is wiser move. In addition, an individual should drive a fuel-efficient car or a new hybrid gasoline electric vehicle. Insulating homes, installing energy efficient showerheads and even tuning up of the furnace are some of the basic steps individuals should implement to reduce global warming(22). Wise and committed person (not necessarily an environmentalist) should also contact his or her utility company for a home energy audit check for poor insulations or energy-inefficient places in the home.Other credible moves to reduce global warming by individuals include wrapping up the heater in an insulating jacket. Workers should also consider le aving their cars at home for some days and then walking to work or alternatively using public means of transport. Recycling of wastes newsprint, cardboard, glass and metals are also better alternatives to using non-renewable that emit green gases after use.(23) People should also consider buying food and other products with less packaging or reusable packaging instead of those in non-recyclable packaging.I believe most measures outlined above are but mere common sence, very achievable if we introduce discipline amongst ourselves.(24) Drastic reduction of global warming will have much more benefits that would outweigh possible risks involved in its implementation. We as humans must entitle ourselves to tackle the anthropogenic causes of global warming to treat the world we live in(25).The world’s leading scientific authority on global warming documents that the warming of the last 50 years has been due to anthropogenic (human caused) green house gases. The panel, after monitor ing current trend of human approach to the envoiroment, further says the rise could be by 50C this century.(26) This would represent twice the entire warming after the last ice age 12000 years ago and it would take place in 100 years. Shocking!More confirmation to human destructive trends on the atmosphere were detailed in the recent statement by the American Geophysical Union that there is no known geological precedent for the transfer of Carbon from the Earth crust to the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Inequalities comparable to the burning of fossil fuels, without simultaneous changes in other parts of the carbon cycle and climate system( 27).We must therefore strive to achieve our aim through all means including institutionalization of global warming reduction programs such as developing systems to clean our electric power plants, currently using coal to produce electricity. This should be converted into plants that burn cleaner natural gas.(27) In addition, harnessing clean, abund ant energy of the sun and wind is a viable measure to solving the global warming problem.  We have what it takes to make the globe a better place to live in.EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe havoc global warming has caused the earth is perhaps the greatest. From its effects such as floods, droughts we have seen, read and understood the implications of destroying our atmosphere.(28) Millions of lives have been lost through its related effects.  Implementation of the possible solutions outlined in this essay, provides the framework for improving our livelihood in the globe.  For this worthy course, every single individual or nation on the globe must play an active role through involvement in the pragmatic measures aimed at alleviating global warming from the world.This should be done today.REFERENCES 1,2,3 .Revkin, Andrew C, Rise in Gases Unmatched by a history in ancient ice, The New York times, 2005-11-054-9Tans, Peter, Trends in Atmospheric carbon dioxide, Mauna Loa.National oceanicand At mospheric Administration.10-14Hansen, James; et al (2006-09-26) Global temperature ChangePNAS 103 14288-1429315-23Purse, Betham V, Philips (Feb 2005) Climate change and the recent emergence of bluetongue in Europe (2) 171-18124-28Harte, John, et al, Shifts in Plant Dominance Control Carbon Cycle Response To Experimental Warming and widespread drought environmental research letters