The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 27

As If He Were Yoda and I Were Luke Skywalker Training on the Dagobah System When we finish discussing our Kubb tournament victory and Mrs. Patel's extraordinary ability to render an exact likeness of Brian Dawkins's bust on the hood of a school bus, I pick the black recliner and tell Cliff I am a little depressed. â€Å"What's wrong?† he says, pulling the lever and raising his footrest. â€Å"Terrell Owens.† Cliff nods, as if he were expecting me to bring up the wide receiver's name. I did not want to talk about this earlier, but it was reported that Terrell Owens (or T.O.) tried to kill himself on September 26. News reports stated that T.O. overdosed on a pain medication. Later, after T.O. was released from the hospital, he said he did not try to kill himself, and then everyone began to think he was crazy. I remember T.O. as a young 49er, but Owens was not on the 49ers' roster when I watched the Eagles play in San Francisco a few weeks ago. What I learned from reading the sports pages was that T.O. had played for the Eagles when I was in the bad place, and he had helped the Birds get to Super Bowl XXXIX, which I do not remember at all. (Maybe this is good, since the Eagles lost, but not remembering still makes me feel crazy.) T.O. apparently held out for more money the next year, said bad things about Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, was suspended for the second half of the season, and then was actually cut from the team, so he signed with the very team Eagles fans hate most – the Cowboys. And because of this, everyone in Philadelphia currently hates T.O. more than just about anyone else on the planet. â€Å"T.O.? Don't worry about him,† Cliff says. â€Å"Dawkins is going to hit him so hard that Owens will be afraid to catch any balls at the Linc.† â€Å"I'm not worried about T.O. making catches and scoring touchdowns.† Cliff looks at me for a second, as if he does not know how to respond, and then says, â€Å"Tell me what worries you.† â€Å"My father refers to T.O. as a psychopathic pill popper. And on the phone this week, Jake also made jokes about T.O. taking pills, calling Owens a nutter.† â€Å"Why does this bother you?† â€Å"Well, the reports I read in the sports pages claimed that T.O. was possibly battling depression.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Well,† I say, â€Å"that would suggest maybe he needs therapy.† â€Å"And?† â€Å"If Terrell Owens is really depressed or mentally unstable, why do the people I love use it as an excuse to talk badly about him?† Cliff takes a deep breath. â€Å"Hmmm.† â€Å"Doesn't my dad understand that I'm a psychopathic pill popper too?† â€Å"As your therapist, I can confirm that you are clearly not psychopathic, Pat.† â€Å"But I'm on all sorts of pills.† â€Å"And yet you are not abusing your medications.† I can see what Cliff means, but he doesn't really understand how I feel – which is a mix of very complicated and hard-to-convey emotions, I realize – so I drop the subject. When the Dallas Cowboys come to Philadelphia, the fat men's tent and the Asian Invasion bus are combined to create a super party that again features a Kubb tournament on Astroturf, satellite television, Indian kabobs, and much beer. But I cannot concentrate on the fun, because all around me is hatred. The first things I notice are the homemade T-shirts other tailgaters are buying and selling and wearing. So many different slogans and images. One has a cartoon of a small boy urinating on the Dallas star, and the caption reads dallas sucks. t.o. swallows †¦ pills. Another shirt has a large prescription bottle with the universal skull-and-crossbones poison symbol on the label and terrell owens written underneath. Yet another version features the pill bottle on the front and a gun on the back, under which the caption reads T.O., if at first you don't succeed, buy a gun. A nearby tailgater has nailed T.O.'s old Eagles jersey to a ten-foot cross, which is also covered with orange prescription bottles that look exactly like mine. People are burning their old T.O. jerseys in the parking lot; human-size dolls in T.O. jerseys are strung up so people can hit them with bats. And even though I do not like any Dallas Cowboy, I feel sort of bad for Terrell Owens because maybe he really is a sad guy who is having trouble with his mind. Who knows, maybe he really did try to kill himself? And yet everyone mocks him, as if his mental health is a joke – or maybe they want to push him over the edge and would like nothing more than to see T.O. dead. Because of my poor throws, Cliff and I get knocked out of the Kubb tournament early, losing the five bucks my brother fronted me, and this is when Cliff asks me to help him move some India Pale Ale out of the Asian Invasion bus. When we are inside of the bus, he closes the door and says, â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"Nothing,† I say. â€Å"You weren't even looking to see where your batons landed, you were so distracted during the Kubb games.† I say nothing. â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"You're not in your leather seat.† Cliff sits down, pats the bus seat, and says, â€Å"Pleather will have to do today.† I sit down in the seat across from Cliff and say, â€Å"I just feel bad for T.O. That's all.† â€Å"He's getting millions of dollars to endure this type of criticism. And he thrives on it. He brings it on himself with those touchdown dances and the hoopla. And these people don't really want T.O. to die; they just don't want him to perform well today. It's all in good fun.† Now, I know what Cliff means, but it doesn't seem like good fun to me. And regardless of whether T.O. is a millionaire or not, I'm not sure T-shirts encouraging anyone to shoot himself in the head should be condoned by my therapist. But I don't say anything. Back outside the bus I see that Jake and Ashwini are in the final game of the Kubb tournament, so I try to cheer for them and block out the hatred that surrounds me. Inside the Linc, all throughout the first half, the crowd sings, â€Å"O.D. – O.D., O.D., O.D. – O.D. – O.D.† Jake explains that the crowd used to sing, â€Å"T.O. – T.O., T.O., T.O. – T.O. – T.O.† back when Owens was an Eagle. I watch Owens on the sideline, and even though he doesn't have many catches yet, he seems to be dancing to the rhythm of the crowd's O.D. song, and I wonder if he is really so immune to seventy thousand people mocking his near overdose or if he really feels differently inside. Again I can't help feeling bad for the guy. I wonder what I would do if seventy thousand people mocked my forgetting the last few years of my life. By halftime Hank Baskett has two catches for twenty-five yards, but the Eagles are losing 21 – 17. All throughout the second half, Lincoln Financial Field is alive; we Eagles fans know that first place in the NFC East is at stake. With just under eight minutes to go in the third, everything changes. McNabb throws a long one down the left side of the field. Everyone in my section stands to see what will happen. Number 84 catches the ball in Dallas territory, puts a move on the defender, takes off for the end zone, and then I am in the air. Under me are Scott and Jake. I'm riding high on their shoulders. Everyone in our section is high-fiving me because Hank Baskett has finally scored his first NFL touchdown – an eighty-seven-yarder – and of course I am wearing my Baskett jersey. The Eagles are winning, and I am so happy that I forget all about T.O. and start to think about my dad watching at home on his huge television, and I wonder if maybe the TV cameras caught me when I was riding high on Jake's and Scott's shoulders. Maybe Dad saw a life-size me celebrating on his flat screen, and maybe he is even proud. A series of tense moments get our hearts beating at the end of the fourth quarter, when Dallas is driving, down 31 – 24. A score will send the game into OT. But Lito Sheppard intercepts Bledsoe and returns the pick for a TD, and the whole stadium sings the Eagles fight song and chants the letters, and the day is ours. When the clock ticks down, I look for T.O. and see him sprint off the field and into the locker room without even shaking the hand of one single Eagle. I still feel bad for him. Jake and Scott and I exit the Linc and run into the Asian Invasion – which is easy to spot from far away because it consists of fifty Indian men, usually clumped together, all in Brian Dawkins jerseys. â€Å"Just look for fifty number 20's,† they always say. Cliff and I run up to each other and high-five and scream and yell, and then all fifty Indian men start chanting, â€Å"Baskett, Baskett, Baskett!† And I am so happy; I pick little Cliff up and hoist him onto my shoulders and carry him back to the Asian Invasion bus as if he were Yoda and I were Luke Skywalker training on the Dagobah System in the middle section of The Empire Strikes Back, which is – as I told you before – one of my all-time favorite movies. â€Å"E!-A!-G!-L!-E!-S! EAGLES!† we chant so many times as we navigate the crowds and find our way back to our spot behind the Wachovia Center, where the fat men are waiting with ice-cold celebration beers. I keep hugging Jake and hig h-fiving Cliff and chest bumping the fat men and singing with the Indians. I am so happy. I am so impossibly happy. When the Asian Invasion drops me off in front of my house, it's late, so I ask Ashwini not to blow the Eagles chant horn and he reluctantly agrees – although when the bus rounds the corner at the end of my street, I hear fifty Indian men chant, â€Å"E!-A!-G!-L!-E!-S! EAGLES!† I can't help smiling as I enter my parents' home. I am ready for Dad. After such a big win – a win that puts the Eagles in first place – surely Dad will want to talk to me. But when I enter the family room, no one is there. No beer bottles on the floor, no dishes in the sink. In fact, the whole house looks spotless. â€Å"Dad? Mom?† I say, but no one answers. I saw both of their cars in the driveway when I came home, so I am very confused. I begin to climb the steps, and the house is deadly quiet. I check my bedroom, and my bed's made and the room is empty. So I knock on my parents' bedroom door, but no one answers. I push the door open and immediately wish I hadn't. â€Å"Your father and I made up after the Eagles victory,† Mom says with a funny smile. â€Å"He aims to be a changed man.† The sheet is pulled up to their necks, but somehow I know my parents are naked underneath the covers. â€Å"Your boy Baskett healed the family,† my father says. â€Å"He was a god out there on the field today. And with the Eagles in first place, I thought, Why not make up with Jeanie?† Still, I cannot speak. â€Å"Pat, maybe you'd like to go for a run?† my mom suggests. â€Å"Maybe just a little half-hour run?† I close their bedroom door. While I change into a tracksuit, I think I hear my parents' bed squeak, and the house seems to shake a little too. So I slip on my sneakers and run down the stairs and out the front door. I sprint across the park, run around to the back of the Websters' house, and knock on Tiffany's door. When she answers, she's in some sort of nightgown and her face looks confused. â€Å"Pat? What are you – â€Å" â€Å"My parents are having sex,† I explain. â€Å"Right now.† Her eyes widen. She smiles and then laughs. â€Å"Just let me get changed,† she says, and then shuts the door. We walk for hours – all around Collingswood. At first I ramble on and on about T.O., Baskett, my parents, Jake, the Asian Invasion, my wedding pictures, my mother's ultimatum actually working – everything – but Tiffany does not say anything in response. When I run out of words, we simply walk and walk and walk, and finally we are in front of the Websters' house and it is time to say good night. I stick my hand out and say, â€Å"Thanks for listening.† When it is clear that Tiffany's not going to shake, I start to walk away. â€Å"Turn around, bright eyes,† Tiffany says, which is a very weird thing for her to say, because my eyes are brown and very dull, but of course I turn around. â€Å"I'm going to give you something that will confuse you, and maybe even make you mad. I don't want you to open it until you are in a very relaxed mood. Tonight is out of the question. Wait a few days, and when you are feeling happy, open this letter.† She pulls a white business envelope out of her jacket pocket and hands it to me. â€Å"Put it away in your pocket,† she says, and I do as I am told, mostly because Tiffany looks so deathly serious. â€Å"I will not be running with you until you give me your answer. I will leave you alone to think. Regardless of what you decide, you cannot tell anyone about what is inside of that envelope. Understand? If you tell anyone – even your therapist – I'll know by looking in your eyes, and I will never speak to you again. It's best if you simply fo llow my directions.† My heart is pounding. What is Tiffany talking about? All I want to do is open the envelope now. â€Å"You have to wait at least forty-eight hours before you open that. Make sure you are in a good mood when you read the letter. Think about it, and then give me your answer. Remember, Pat, I can be a very valuable friend to you, but you do not want me as an enemy.† I remember the story Ronnie told me about how Tiffany lost her job, and I begin to feel very afraid.

Expository/Persuasive Writing: Romeo & Juliet Essay

Is Romeo & Juliet still relevant to a modern audience? Romeo and Juliet’s story is still relevant today, as people in society and religion have similar experiences with what they went through. For example: -Gang warfare (Capulet vs Montague) -Strength of love (Romeo & Juliet) -Strength of friendship (Romeo & Mercutio). Don’t you agree? Romeo and Juliet is a play that shows how prejudice leads to escalating violence, In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare teaches that families can divide a relationship. It took both families the deaths of their own children to realize the family feud had to be ended immediately. The two key factors of this message: Love is blind Vengeance never ends well. ‘Romeo and Juliet were silly kids who asked for trouble and got it’ is this fair to say? Was this Love or Stupidity? It was love alright. Love at its purest and most intense. I think that’s why Shakespeare chose such young people to be the lovers. And yes, they’re stupid. Young love often is. Unfortunately for Romeo and Juliet, they die before they get wiser, or more disillusioned. What lessons can we learn from Romeo and Juliet? We can learn that Romantic love can be beautiful and ennobling, Passion Can Overtake Reason and Common Sense, Immaturity and inexperience can lead to tragic endings, Judge People by their character and personal qualities, not by their name or social standing and Innocent children sometimes pay for the sins of their parents.

Childhood Christmas to Adulthood Christmas Essay

Christmas as a child for me was very fun. I got many presents from Santa as well as many from relatives. Christmas was probably my favorite holiday of the year, to me it meant that if I was good enough Santa would bring me presents. Most of the time I was very good and never got into trouble. In my family when you go from childhood to adulthood it becomes a big deal. For starters you open presents with the adults. You also don’t have to worry about leaving with the other kids while the adults open presents. Seeing that I do not have kids I am sort of at a mid point of whether or not to look forward to this holiday. One of the many reasons I love Christmas is because my grandmother makes the best food. There is more food than any of us can eat and we have leftovers for days. My grandma makes most of the food and some people bring a favorite dessert. All of the food is set out on the dinning room table buffet style. We gather around to bless the food and then us kids get our pla tes first, most kids are picky I sure was at that age. You couldn’t hardly get me to eat anything as a kid so my plate was full of mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls and probably green beans since I was not much of a turkey eater as a youngster. After we filled our plates with food we are free to eat wherever we please and since we are kids we normally go down into the basement away from the adults. After we eat then the dessert comes out. My favorite dessert would have to be pumpkin pie with cool whip on top. I could probably scarf down a whole pan of that stuff. There are only a few people in my family that like pumpkin pie so all of the leftover pie went to me. Every year we have Christmas lunch and presents at my grandparents house in Atwater California. My grandparents house is huge, they built it sometime before I was born. It is a three story house not including the attic, the first floor has a bathroom, living room, dinning room, and kitchen which has a door leading to the huge basement that could be more living space if needed. Then you have the second floor, that has three bedrooms, an office and 2 bathrooms. I love having Christmas at this house because it is the almost the perfect size for everyone to fit. My family’s very funny, they love to joke around with people. They are also very laid back and always on schedule. Every year we have almost the same people during the holidays. A few years ago we lost my great grandma and my great grandpa a few months after that. Four years ago my aunt Nikki and her husband Gary left for Georgia because that is where he got stationed. My eldest sister Elysebeth got married and has two children and they join us for family holidays. Some of my moms side of the family comes and that’s when things get loud considering we are very obnoxious and you basically need a hearing aid to hear anything. Over the past seven years I have gotten used to the change from childhood to Adulthood Christmas. I thought it was so cool to finally open presents with the adults. A few years went by and I started realizing that the transition was not exactly what I had been hoping for, and I did not want to be with the adults but by then it was to late so I got ov er it. Its not as fun as it used to be but I try to do the best I can for the little ones in the family who still believe in Santa. The downside of the food as an adult is that you have to wait for all the kids to get done filling there plates before you can fill yours. Yes, that sounds greedy but I love my food! Something that can also be a downside is where to sit, at this point all the little kids want to sit up at the table right next to you. The only problem with that is there are not enough seats for everyone to sit right next to you. So you have to be the bad guy and tell someone no. The setback about having Christmas at my grandparents house is that there are a lot of people and it can become crowded and overwhelming. From children running around to presents spread out everywhere. Everyone is either sitting in a chair, on the floor or standing up because there is no where to sit. With everyone catching up and bonding the walls sometimes echo and it’s to cold to have be in the backyard. A fly in the ointment for me about there being a lot of people is that I now start buying presents for everyone, which normally isn’t a bad thing because I love buying things for people but I have an enormous family. When you count all of us together during this holiday there is a total of about eighteen, which is a lot of money to spend! Over the span of time since I have joined the adults in the opening of presents has made me realize that it isn’t necessarily about the gifts. Its being thankful for what you have and the people around you. The  overall exp erience for is a great one because it brings family together and shows you what the holidays are really about rather than just opening presents, eating and leaving. I love my family and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Constructing an argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Constructing an argument - Essay Example Rejection is a scenario where one feels a sense of discontentment as a result of not being capable of achieving something or being below other people’s expectations. The fear of rejection cannot be ignored since its consequences are so numerous due to emotional and psychological torture that comes with it. It does not make one a lesser being when one undergoes fear of rejection since it is something that is inevitable at one time in life. Trying to control your sub conscious mind to deviate from such thought is akin to running away from reality of life. Accepting every challenge that comes in life is a means and a remedy to making you a better person through self acceptance (Dooly 260). It is necessary to define fear of rejection before proceeding further. The fear of rejection can be defined as the act of intrinsic, irrational anxiety which is inherent out of the phobia of people unfamiliar to us otherwise known as xenophobia; fear of failure, fear of love (philophobia), tech nology (technophobia) or even resulting from socializing , also known as sociophobia. As a matter of fact, it must be acknowledged that the difference in people’s in born features and biological elements in them may cause them either to develop fear of being rejected by others or withstand challenges that may befall them. My arguments will thus be geared towards opposing the fear of rejection. However, the fact that fear of rejection is a natural occurrence should not deter one from attempting what they feel is a worthy duty, thanks to a number of counselors, books and therapies that are currently available (McDonald et al. 565). Despite a number of people’s stereotypic belief that science and psychological counseling and therapy are capable of doing little to avert incidences of fear of rejection, much can be done with the application of these exercises. For instance, there are people who are naturally born shy; others are not actually shy but fear trying out new and unfamiliar things. Such people can be helped to achieve and boost their ego and the necessary self esteem that result from such fears. This can be done by organizing interactive sessions that will help them articulate the genesis of their fear and trying to find long term solutions aftermath. Mentioning history of people who have managed to overcome fear in their lives can act as great examples to be emulated. This is just an example of tried and tested fear-elimination method through which one can be helped to realize his or her worth (Jarcho 1890). Acknowledging that fear exists typically in every aspect of one’s cycle is the first step to assisting those who constantly fall victims of the impulse of fear. One reason why, for example, most men do not get the right spouses is because they fear losing. In the event that they try to convince the ladies to accept a hand in marriage and fail, most of them easily give up. Little do they know that a woman may say no for the first time, but again accept the request another time. The ego in men does not permit them in most occasions to accept defeat; they would rather stop trying than fail in the event of trying. Unassertiveness is also a characteristic feature of people who experience fear of unknown. Fear that is not managed or harnessed

The Concerns of the Management Team of All Star Industries Essay

The Concerns of the Management Team of All Star Industries - Essay Example Considering all the facts of the case, it is fairly clear that the potential public relations backlash that the management fears is purely their problem. Consequently, Yvonne is entitled to have a full refurbishment of costs for the surgical procedure. The suspicion that she may have acquired the kidney via unauthorized channels is again a problem for the regulators and policymakers, taking for granted the basic entitlement of a citizen to. Looking exclusively at the issue of buying body parts, one can take guidance from principles of environmental ethics in ascertaining the legitimacy and ethicality of particular decisions. (Ashley et.al, 2006, p.47) It is important to remember that regulating transplants and aiming to stamp out illegal trading in organs is the need of the hour, for this practice is seen as tainting medical standards and causing a shortage of donated organs for those most in need. Critics of the practice bemoan how transplant surgery  in China has now become â€Å"a cash cow, due to the rising trade in illegal organs and the fact that many hospitals offer the operations despite having staff who are poorly qualified to carry them out or inadequately supervised. The illegal organ trade has led to a severe shortage of donated organs, to the extent that it is estimated that only around 20,000 transplants can be carried out annually despite up to 2 million Chinese people needing these operations every year.† (Perspectives in Public Health, 2006, p.152) Social class also plays a major role in who gets the transplant and who does not. For a Chinese company like All Star Industries, this is a sensitive issue, for, despite all the genuine intentions behind approving Yvonne’s claim, they could be perceived as siding with the elite – an image that could damage their business prospects. Further, many foreigners from advanced nations also visit China for  transplants as they â€Å"are far more affordable than prices for the same operations in Western Europe, thus pushing the poorer Chinese people (80% of whom have no medical insurance) still further down the queue†.  

Corruption In The United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corruption In The United States - Essay Example Most obseThere are few things determining corruption in the United Sates. The economic approach to corruption in the US starts with the costs and benefits facing corrupt potential public offices. As put across, corruption is actually the use of public office or power for personal gains. In American, the most rampant determinant of corruption is the ability of a public official to increase someone’s private wealth by paying that person using money from the public purse. In extreme cases, this someone could be just the public official himself. Additionally, the other means by which public officials create wealth for themselves is through the transfer of government property to private persons for their own benefit (Williams and Kenneth 6-8). For instance, the transfer of government land to traction companies in the nineteenth century is a popular form of corruption. Furthermore, the other primary form of corruption is the creation of private wealth through manipulation of office power or enforcements of legal rulings in favor of personal gains. Some recent data collected from different states in the US reveal that the rising corporate agriculture to dominate the economies of rural and farm communities is one of the most devastating events of corruption in this country’s history. The data put across that, sixty years ago, there were over six million farms dotted across the landscape of America. Later, the number declined to only two million whereby the large numbers of these are small and medium-sized operations. sized operations. Surprisingly, the bulk of profits from corporate agriculture accrue to only a few hundred super farms. Few companies control most of these farms and there are increasing cases of vertical integration. These companies are flourishing and rural communities are suffering economically, socially, and environmentally due

Processing the Crime Scene and Establishing Identity Essay - 3

Processing the Crime Scene and Establishing Identity - Essay Example However, when using this method the investigator must be careful not to overdevelop the finger prints. 2. There are many types of evidence in crime investigation that should be documented, collected and preserve. The impressions such as finger prints and forensic biology such blood, and body fluid must also be collected. The trace evidences and firearms evidences which include gun powder patterns are needed. Lastly, the question documents must be kept safe. When documenting, collecting and preserving evidence of the crime scene we must make sure that we follow local, state and federal laws for collection and admissibility. The evidences such as drugs, paraphernalia or personal property shall be recorded, collected, and safeguarded in presence of a witness. The investigator shall also participate in the scene debriefing to make sure that responsibilities are well communicated especially those that are post-scene. There should also be markings of the detectives because this will be used in trial and this is the way to prevent any contamination of the evidences and assure that the evidences presented are

Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 12

Research - Essay Example g is an issue that need to be tackled holistically by all people and the relevant authorities without blaming each other for the current worsening conditions. Technically, global warming is a problem that emanates from the presence of too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This acts as a blanket which traps heat, thereby warming the planet. Other gases such as methane and nitrous oxide have the same effect. Therefore, burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy leads to accumulation of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Scientific evidence indicate that an increase in global average temperature by 3.6 (F) poses a major risk to the natural systems and the existence of the human beings (Smith 18). Scientists have discovered that methane is mainly released by landfills and various agricultural practices such as use of nitrous oxide from fertilizers. In addition the gas is released through both industrial and refrigeration processes. Greenhouse gas emission is one of the major causes of global warming; global warming, thus, results from the greenhouse effect. The latter involves a process through which the emission and absorption of infrared radiation through the gases in the earth’s atmosphere, which warms the lower atmosphere and the surface of the earth (Smith 26). On the surface of the earth, the naturally occurring greenhouse gases have a mean warming effect of approximately 59˚F. Without the existence of the Earth’s atmosphere, the average temperature on the planet would be lowered to the freezing point. The major greenhouse gases exist in terms of water vapor that results in about 30-70% of the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming. Scientists have pointed out that carbon dioxide causes 10-25%; methane causes 5-10%; and the ozone causes 3-8% of the greenhouse effects. Scientists have also pointed out that human activity that began during the times of Industrial Revolution in the United States and Western Europe increased the level

Does N.I.E. help a business assess the risks when considering Foreign Assignment

Does N.I.E. help a business assess the risks when considering Foreign Direct Investment - Assignment Example The growing inequality and the gap between rich and poor countries have put questions on the ability of foreign institutions having solution. NIE also suffers from the means of measuring variables discussed in the theory such as transaction cost. 13 Conclusion 13 Introduction In order to fully understand and analyze the role of new institutional economics (NIE) in risk assessment of foreign direct investment (FDI), we first need to develop a sound understanding of the new institutional economy and various aspects of foreign direct investment. In this paper I will discuss what is New Institutional Economics and its background; and how it is dissimilar from traditional economics. Its various impacts and demands will also be discussed. I will also discuss help of NIE in finding solutions which were previously unresolved. What change in system is required for its implementation? NIE is not without its shortcomings it also poses some problems. In this paper we will try to analyze the impa ct of NIE on foreign direct investment. ... believe 1(Barnard Chavance, 2009) that importance of institutions can also be analyzed with the instruments of standard economic theory with some adjustments. He emphasized on the absence of existence of the firms in the conventional economics. He uses the cost of using the price mechanism as his basis. The search of appropriate prices and negotiation of separate contracts can be costly for individuals. Hence an individual volunteers himself under the authority of an organization or entrepreneur to sell his services to the market. Hence market transactions are eliminated and firm replaces the market thus economizing the cost of price determination. He developed the concept of transaction cost. Differing cultural values provide an advantage. The nature of the labour force shows that the cost of overcoming the difference in culture is sometimes worth the cost because of other benefits. This may not be the case always, some countries are obliged to adopt systems that are not in accordan ce to their customs, or companies create their own cultures. Some of the examples from the real world are former COMECON states adopting market based ideas and practices. Candidate states for membership to the E.U. adopting practices to facilitate entry. Western states adopting Japanese production systems, systems developed in a Japanese culture, because of its efficiency. All this implies that national cultural systems must adjust to the demands of modern capitalism. Inability to adjust will restrict or limit the extent the country or region is able to participate in international trade. New Institutional Economics (N.I.E.) helps in studying this problem. Main Characteristics of the New Institutional Economics New institutional economics is different from old institutional economics which

Personal Career Goal Paper Essay Example for Free

Personal Career Goal Paper Essay Introduction Psychology has many different types of practices and aspects so essentially to pursue a career in psychology would be too vague. One of the practices that entice my ability to push myself to continue in psychology would be the forensics and the ability to diagnose an individual that tries to say that he or she is mentally unstable. I feel that this is one of the biggest factors that helps prosecute some of the world’s most profound individual’s known to our legal system. Forensic Psychologists: Roles and Activities An interesting article I encountered in regards to my career goals was one written by, John Wiley, named, â€Å"Forensic Psychologists: Roles and Activities†. Forensic psychologists have a role in a variety of agencies and institutions. In legal situations psychologists are used to assess inmates that suffer from different types of disorders, which could lead to hurting themselves or others. They play a role as an evaluator as they monitor the mental state of a person on trial that claims to have a mental disorder. Evaluation of individuals that are on trial claim to have a mental disorder but this is where some of their main contributions are made. The â€Å"insanity† plea is the most common that one will face in this profession, however, if an individual is found incompetent to for trial by due to insanity, psychologists refer them back to the proper institution for proper therapy and treatments. The individual then is to stay in that facility until they are fit for their trail. In either case they are required to testify on the defendants competence to plead insanity or to stand trial. They are also required to testify on the defendants mental state upon  evaluation. Psychologists can be hired by different parties to testify with conclusive evidence, either by the defense attorney or the prosecution attorney. Since either the prosecution or defense is paying them, are they going to state to the court what the person who paid them to testify wants to hear or are they going to be truthful. There really is no guarantee on the forensic psychologists honesty of their testimony, therefore I would not suggest this area of p ractice. Professional interests One of the most important areas, in my opinion, is working with law enforcement agencies. I plan to further pursue a degree in criminology but would I would love to work with individuals who commit the crime that way when I investigate crime scenes I get a better understanding of things. Forensic psychologists are often called upon to conduct a psychological profile on an individual to help solve crimes but without a psychological point of view the law enforcement agencies are limited in assets. Another professional portion I find interesting is how they are able to give information on the approximate age, sex, religion, working status or any other behavioral patterns that might aid in catching a criminal. Forensic psychologists are also used to debrief witnesses or victims who may result in acquiring elaborate information from key persons related to the case. However, some of my favorite reasons would have to include the thought process and thought distribution of serial killers. Being able to dissect some of the common thought processes are what really intrigues me but nevertheless, the overall aspect as to why one would commit such an atrocity. When I was taking psychology in high school, I remember watching a documentary of â€Å"Americas Serial Killers†. This video fascinated me because of how crucial these killers were and how they just loved killing people. Several questions regarding their behavior arose which led to an infinite amount of speculation and unanswered questions. Lastly, these thoughts and actions are what currently motivates me to strive in Psychology only further pursue the career of forensics and criminology. Conclusion Forensic Psychology is a broad and important science on the Criminal Justice system. The main goal is to focus the understandings of the offenders’ behaviors and evaluate not only what makes them offense but also follow the rehabilitation inside and outside correctional. It is important to realize that a forensic psychologist do not perform in all the subspecialties that forensic psychology has to offer. Each practitioner will become an expert in particular areas that allows him or her to focus on specialty fields provided by the profession. References Forensic psychologists: Roles and activities. (2004). In The concise Corsini encyclopedia of psychology and behavioral science. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/content/entry/wileypsych/forensic_psychologists_roles_and_activities/0

Banana as a Natural Superdisintegrant

Banana as a Natural Superdisintegrant The objective of the study was to evaluate banana powder as a superdisintegrant for the formulation of oral disintegrating tablets and to compare the results with commonly used superdisintegrants like croscarmellose sodium, pre gelatinised starch and sodium starch glycolate. Oral disintegrating tablets containing Domperidone as the model drug were formulated using five different concentrations of each superdisintegrant (2%, 4%, 6%, 8% 10%) and compressed by direct compression. The formulations were subjected to various evaluation studies such as wetting time, water absorption ratio, disintegration time and in-vitro dissolution. The results showed that the disintegration time and drug release of the formulation containing banana powder (6%) was comparable to other super disintegrants. The IR spectrum analysis demonstrated that banana powder was compatible with the drug. These results suggest that banana powder can be used effectively as a superdisintegrant in orally disintegrating ta blet formulations. Banana, is a natural product which is available in plenty, economically affordable and has its own nutritional value. It can be used as a potential additive in the formulation of oro -dispersible tablets. Keyword: orodispersible tablets, superdisintegrants, disintegration time, natural excipients. INTRODUCTION The tablet is the widely used dosage form because of its convenience in terms of self-administration, compactness, and ease in manufacturing. For the past one decade, there has been a demand for more patient-friendly and compliant dosage forms. As a result, the development of new technologies has been increasing annually. Since the cost for development new drug molecule is very high, efforts are now being made by pharmaceutical companies to focus on the development of new drug dosage forms for existing drugs with more safety and efficacy together with reduced dosing frequency, and the production of more cost-effective dosage forms. However, geriatric and pediatric patients were having difficulty in swallowing conventional tablets, which leads to poor patient compliance. To overcome this problem, scientists have developed innovative drug delivery systems known as melt in mouth or mouth dissolve (MD) or sometimes dispersible tablets. These are novel types of tablets that disintegrate /disperse in saliva. Their characteristic advantages such as administration without water, lead to suitability for the geriatric and pediatric patients. They are also suitable for the bedridden patients, and patients who do not have easy access to water. The advantages, in terms of patient compliance, rapid onset of action, increased bioavailability (in some instances) and comparable stability to conventional tablets make these tablets popular as a dosage form of choice particularly in these populations. Domperidone maleate is a widely used anti-emetic drug, acting by inhibition of the dopaminergic receptor. Domperidone maleate does not cross the blood brain barrier. Domperidone maleate is also effective in gastro paresis, pediatrics gastro esophageal reflux (infant vomiting). Domperidone maleate after oral dosing undergoes extensive gastric and hepatic first pass metabolism resulting in low bioavailability (15%) which therefore, may not minimize the rate of vomiting. In context of the above principles, a strong need was recognized for the development of mouth dissolving tablets of Domperidone maleate to improve its bioavailability for relief on nausea and vomiting. In mouth dissolving tablets, disintegrants plays a major role. A  disintegrant  is a substance in a tablet formulation that enables the tablet to break up into smaller fragments upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids. Such a rapid rupture of the tablet matrix increases the surface area of the tablet particles, thereby increasing the rate of absorption of the active ingredient and decreasing the onset of time to therapeutic effect. A new disintegrant class has emerged during the recent past known as the Superdisintegrant. Superdisintegrants improve disintegrant efficiency resulting in decreased use levels, typically 1-10% by weight relative to total weight of tablet when compared to traditional disintegrants. The excipients added to the formulation should not only act as formulating agent it also act as good therapeutic agent and also free from toxicity. In the present research work an attempt was made to use banana powder as a superdisintegrant in the formulation of mouth dissolving tablets. Banana powder being a natural substance and rich in nutrition and availability can be an added advantage in using them as a pharmaceutical excipient. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials Domperidone maleate was a gift from sterling lab (hosur,India) banana powder (self made) croscarmellose sodium (CCS) and sodium starch glycolate (SSG)as pharmaceutical grade was obtained from Loba chem ,mumbai, pre-gelatinised starch (PGS) as pharmaceutical grade was obtained from colorcon, Mumbai ,all other materials used were of suitable analytical grade. Preparation of banana powder: The unriped banana fruit was purchased from the local market. The fruit was cleaned and the peel was removed. Then the pulp was dried and powdered using mixer. The powdered substance was collected and stored in well closed container for further studies. Phase solubility studies: Phase solubility studies was done as per the method reported by (K.Venkates et.al,2009)2.Drug and superdisintegrant as per specified ratio (1:1,1:2,1:3,1:4,1:5) were weighed accurately and added to 25ml of water in screw capped bottles. All the bottles were shaken in Remi orbital incubator shaker at 370c with 100rpm for 24 hr. The container with drug and water was used as control. After 24 hr the solution was filtered using whatman filter paper (0.45 microns) .Then the filtrate was analyzed at wavelength of 284nm using Systronics TM double beam spectrophotometer. From the absorbance the solubility of drug was calculated. Compatibility studies: The compatibility study of drug with excipients was done using IR spectroscopy. The drug and the excipients were mixed in a ratio of 1:1 and stored in glass vials at 40 °C/75% RH for 30days. At the end of 30 days samples were withdrawn from each vial and the IR spectrum for those samples were taken. The samples were prepared by pressed pellet technique. The IR spectras was determined using JASCO FT/IR-4100 (3-4).16 scans were taken for each sample. The scanning range was between 4000-400 cm-1. The IR spectra of pure drug and pure excipients were compared to that of the mixture of drug and excipients and any interaction were analyzed. Microbial load for banana powder: Pour plate method was used to cultivate 1ml of banana powder solution with distilled water on muller Hilton agar medium for enumeration of bacteria and sarboured dextrose agar medium for fungi. The plate was incubated at 370c for 24 hours for bacteria while fungi plates were incubated at 270c for 72 hrs (3-6). At the end of the incubation period, the bacterial and fungal colonies formed were counted. Sterilized banana powder solution was taken as control. Swelling index: Swelling index was defined as the volume in milliliters occupied by 1 gram of superdisintegrant powder including any adhering mucilage, after it had swollen in water for 4 hour. The swelling index of the superdisintegrant was performed according to the (BP, 2007) method (7-9). In a 25ml ground- glass stoppered cyclinder graduated over a height of 125 ±5 mm in 0.5 ml divisions. About 25ml of water was added and shaken vigorously every 10 min for 1 hour and then allowed to stand for 3 hours. The volume occupied by the superdisintegrating agent including adhering mucilage was measured. The swelling index was calculated from the mean of three determinations. Pre-compression studies: All materials were mixed as per the composition shown in table1 and passed through 60 mesh sieve. The pre-compression studies (10-11) were done as follows. Bulk density: It is the ratio of total mass of powder to the bulk volume of powder. It was measured by Pouring the weight powder (passed through standard sieve # 60) into a measuring cylinder and initial weight was noted. The initial volume is called the bulk volume. From this the bulk density is calculated according to the formula. It is expressed in g/ml and the equation was given by Bulk density= mass/bulk volume (1) Tapped density: It is the ratio of total mass of the powder to the tapped volume of the powder. Volume was Measured by tapping the powder for 750 times and the tapped volume was noted if the difference between these two volumes is less than 2%. If it is more than 2%, tapping is continued for 1250 times and tapped volume was noted. Tapping was continued until the difference between successive volumes is less than 2 % (in a bulk density apparatus). It is expressed in g/ml and the equation was given by Tapped density= mass/ tapped volume. (2) Carrs index (or) % compressibility: It indicates powder flow properties. It is expressed in percentage and is given as Carrs index =Tapped density-Bulk density/Tapped density (3) Hausner ratio: Hausner ratio is an indirect index of ease of powder flow. It is calculated by the formula given below. Hausner ratio= Tapped density/bulk density (4) Lower hausner ratio (1.25). Preparation of tablet: All the materials were passed through 60 # screens prior to mixing. Domperidone maleate, Croscarmellose sodium (CCS), Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG), Pre-gelatinised starch (PGS),Banana powder, Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC),Neotame (nutrasweet), Mannitol (DC) , Talc, Magnesium stereate and flavour ( pharmaceutical grade) were mixed using a glass mortar and pestle. The formulation without superdisintegrant was prepared and used as control. All the materials were directly compressed into tablets using concave face round tooling on a Rimek- rotary tablet machine at 12 rpm . The composition of the batches is shown in Table 1. INGREDIENTS Evaluation of tablet: Tablet hardness: The hardness of the tablet was determined by using Tab machine hardness tester. Weight variation: Twenty tablets were selected randomly from each formulation and weighed individually using a Shimadzu digital balance (BL-220H). The individual weight was compared with the average weight for the weight variation. Friability test: The friability of the tablets was measured in a Friability apparatus (Camp-bell Electronics, Mumbai). Tablets of a known weight (W0) or a sample of 20 tablets are dedusted in a drum for a fixed time (100 revolutions) and weighed (W) again. Percentage friability for each formulation was calculated from the loss in weight as given in equation below. Determination was made in triplicate. % Friability = W0â‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬â„¢WÃÆ'-100/ W0 (5) Wetting time: A piece of tissue paper folded twice was placed in a small petridish (internal diameter = 6.5 cm) containing 6 ml of simulated saliva pH (phosphate buffer pH 6.8). A tablet was placed on the paper, and the time required for complete wetting was measured visually. Six measurements were performed for each batch (Nitin Jonwal et al, 2010). Water absorption time: A piece of tissue paper folded twice was placed in a small petridish (Internal Diameter = 6.5 cm) which containing 6 ml of phosphate buffer (pH6.8). A tablet was placed on the paper and the time required for complete wetting was then measured (Nitin Jonwal et al, 2010). The water absorption ratio (R) for the each formulation was determined using the following Equation. Water absorption ratio (R) =Waâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Wb ÃÆ'-100 / wb (6) Where, Wb is the weight of the tablet before water absorption and Wa is the weight of the tablet after water absorption. Disintegration test: Disintegration test was done by using disintegration apparatus (camp-bell electronics, Mumbai)with distilled water as disintegration media at 370c and the time in second taken for complete disintegration of tablet with no palpable mass in the apparatus was noted visually (Nitin Jonwal et al,2010). In-vitro dissolution study: The release study was performed using (Tab machine) six stage dissolution rate apparatus (BP/IP/USP) paddle type with 900ml of 0.1N HCL (PH=1.2) as dissolution medium at 370c and 50rpm. The sample10ml was withdrawn with the time interval of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20,25and 30 min. The volume of withdrawn sample was replaced with 10ml 0.1N HCL. The sample was filtered. Absorbance of the sample was measured using PC Based double beam spectrophotometer. The cumulative release was measured using equation obtained from standard curve. The regression co efficient of the standard was R2= 0.9997. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Phase solubility studies: The phase solubility studies was done as per the method reported by K .Venkates etal2.The solubility of drug was determined by increasing the concentration of superdisintegrant by specified ratio (1:1,1:2,1:3,1:4,1:5). The pure drug had a solubility of 0.2mg/ml whereas the solubility of the drug with added superdisintegrants showed a value of about 0.44 to 1.1mg/ml for CCS, 0.46 to 1.21mg/ml for SSG, 0.34 to 0.46mg/ml for PGS and 0.8 to 2.7mg/ml for banana powder. The above results suggested that on increasing concentration of the superdisintegrants the solubility of the pure drug tends to increase. Of the four superdistegrants used, banana powder showed the maximum increase in solubility of the drug. Compatibility studies: The drug excipient compatibility study was done by using JASCO FT/IR spectrometer. The IR spectra for pure drug, excipients and drug-excipient mixture were shown in Figure1. The pure drug showed characteristic absorption bands at 3127.97 (Aromatic CH stretching), 1487.81 (C=C ring stretching), 1147.44 (CH2 Alkane bending), 928.557 (RCH=CH2), 891,866,833 (Para substituted benzene) and the formulation shows characteristic absorption band at 3123.15 (Aromatic CH stretching), 1487.81 (C=C ring stretching), 1147.44 (CH2 Alkane bending), 928.557 (RCH=CH2), 891,865,833 (Para substituted benzene). The spectrum of the drug-excipient mixture was found to be a mere summation of the individual spectrum of the drug and excipients which suggest that there were no interaction between drug and excipients and were compatible with each other. Swelling index: The swelling indeces for the crosscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate , pre-gelatinised starch, banana powder are presented in table3. The values obtained suggest that the swelling index banana powder is comparable to other superdisintegrant. Microbial load: The banana powder was a natural substance and so the microbial load test was done and the results shown that it contains microbial growth of about 253 cfu/gm and fungal growth of about 89 cfu/gm which was under the limit specified by (United state pharmacopoeia,2007) (5). Pre-compression studies: All the materials was mixed as per composition shown in table1.For each designed formulation blend of drug and excipients was prepared and evaluated for micromeritic properties and the obtained results were shown in Table3. The bulk density and tapped density for all formulation was presented in table 3. The hausners ratio and %compressibility index was found to be in the range of 1.14-1.28 and12-22% (Table 3). All formulation shows good blend property for direct compression and hence tablet was prepared by using direct compression technology. The results shows that formulation containing banana powder has better physical properties compare to other formulation (Table 3). Evaluation of tablets: The tablet was prepared by direct compression method as per Table1.The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, friability, wetting time, water absorption ratio, as shown in Table4. The weight variation was found to be in the range of 248mg-253mg for all formulation .The hardness was found to be in the range of 2-3kg/cm in all formulation indicating good mechanical strength and it has ability to with stand physical and mechanical stress condition while handling. The friability for all formulation was less than 1% as per (British pharmacopoeia, 2007) . The wetting time is closely related to the inner structure of the tablet. This method mimics the action of saliva in contact with the tablet to illustrate the water uptake and subsequent wetting of tablet. This shows the wetting process was very rapid in almost all formulation. This may be due to the ability of swelling followed by breaking and also capacity of water absorption and swelling. The wetting time was found in the range of (Table4). Water absorption which is important criteria for understanding the capacity of disintegrants to swell in the presence of light amount of water was calculated. The tablets showed in the range of 12-100 sec (Table4). This shows all the formulation have good water absorption capacity. The most important parameter that needs to optimize in the development of mouth dissolving tablet is the disintegration time of tablet. In the present study all the formulations disintegrated within 1min. Table 5 give the disintegration time achieved by all the formulation. Four replicates were done. The disintegration time for tablet prepared with banana powder was much lower than the other synthetic superdisintegrants, indicating that banana powder has good disintegrant property (Table 5). Among the synthetic agents CCS was found to be having good disintegrating property than SSG and PGS. This rapid disintegration of banana powder and CCS was due to their rapid capillary activity and pronounced hydration with little tendency to gel formation . The results are in consistent with wetting and water absorption time. Dissolution studies: The drug release studies of the prepared formulations were done as per the method prescribed by British pharmacopoeia. The dissolution profiles of all the formulations were shown in Figure 2-6. It is clearly evident from the obtained data, that the tablet with banana powder as superdisintegrant showed excellent drug release as compared to other agents. It is clear that release of drug has improved considerably in formulation containing banana powder and CCS due to the rapid capillary activity and pronounced hydration with little tendency to gel formation. But the formulation containing SSG and PGS has less dissolution efficiency because it has more tendencies to form gel formation .The batch B3 containing banana powder (6%) and C3 containing CCS (6%) shows good dissolution efficiency and rapid dissolution compare to SSG and PGS. CONCLUSION The present study was aimed at evaluating the disintegrant property of banana powder in the formulation of mouth dissolving tablets. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the ability of banana powder as a superdisintegrant. The disintegration time obtained by tablets with banana powder wascomparable to that obtained with other commonly used disintegrants. Hence it can be used very effectively in the formulation of MDTs. Banana powder being a natural product with abundant availability can be used as a potential pharmaceutical excipient in various solid dosage forms especially in fast release products. The economical and nutritional value of banana powder will be an added advantage of using them in the pharmaceutical formulations.

Financial Services Regulation Literature Review

Financial Services Regulation Literature Review Literature review on financial services regulation Consider whether flexibility in implementation of financial services regulation can undermine legal certainty. Does a move towards principles-based regulation of financial services presage a regulatory creep without a statutory grounding or does it allow regulators to keep pace with the financial services market? Introduction Regulation is often unpopular, and may be viewed as unnecessary. However, the existence of market failure is a reality in certain markets that needs to be corrected by some form of government intervention. In the financial services industry, for example, there is clearly a need for some kind of regulation as demonstrated by, for example, the Nick Leeson affair or the Enron scandal. Yet such cases also demonstrate the failure of regulation – the regulatory systems in place did not succeed in preventing these two debacles. Hodgson (2006:247) takes a positive view of regulation, or at least of the right kind of regulation, arguing that ‘[r]egulation can and should be a necessary, proportional and beneficial approach to the organisation of society. It lets us police the supply of goods and services and maintain standards and resolve complaints within a properly established legal framework, but without inappropriate political involvement or, in most cases, resort to the court s.’ Financial services regulation in the UK – objectives In the UK, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has four statutory objectives: market confidence (maintaining confidence in the financial system); public awareness (promoting public understanding of the financial system); consumer protection (securing the appropriate degree of protection for consumers); and reduction of financial crime (reducing the extent to which it is possible for a business carried on by a regulated person to be used for a purpose connected with financial crime). In addition, the FSA is guided by a set of principles to which it must adhere. For example, it must use its resources efficiently, and any restrictions it imposes on an industry must be proportionate to the expected benefits of the restrictions. Furthermore it should avoid stifling innovation where possible. This means that the FSA must allow for different means of compliance in order not to unduly restrict firms and industries from launching new products and services. In addition, the FSA should help to maintain the competitive position of the UK internationally. In order to promote competition among the firms that it regulates, the FSA should avoid creating any unnecessary regulatory barriers to entry or expansion in any of the markets it regulates. Hodgson (2006:251) explains that the ‘FSA was set up to do rather a lot of things: to promote market confidence and public awareness of financial services (meaning encourage savings), protect consumers and reduce financial crime. It is also required to maintain the international success of Britain’s financial sector, promote competition whilst minimizing any adverse effects, and weight the costs and benefits of its own actions. Plenty of scope for conflicts of interest there.’ An assessment of the move to more principles-based regulation must examine how such a move is likely to impact on all of the objectives of the FSA. Principles-based regulation and rules-based regulation Cunningham (2007) explains that since the Enron scandal and other debacles in the financial services industry, there has been a trend to categorise rules-based regulatory systems as bad, and principles-based regulatory systems as good. However, he argues that the distinction being made between â€Å"rules-based† and â€Å"principles-based† systems is false and misleading. Cunningham (2007:3) claims that while an individual provision in a regulatory system may be â€Å"rules-based† or â€Å"principles-based†, these ‘classifications are too crude to describe or guide the design of corporate law, securities regulation or accounting systems.’ That is to say the terms are not scalable to the level of an entire system. Instead, Cunningham (2007:4) points to ‘the necessity and value of combining rules and principles and the difficulty of designing systems warranting classification as rules-based or principles-based.’ While it may be the case that any regulatory system is necessarily a hybrid made up of a mixture of â€Å"rules-based† and â€Å"principles-based† individual provisions, that does not mean that some systems are not â€Å"more rules-based† or â€Å"more principles-based† than others. Indeed this notion ties in with the reality of the UK financial services regulatory system. As will be seen below, the system is already a hybrid of â€Å"rules-based† and â€Å"principles-based† approaches, and it is moving towards â€Å"more principles-based† regulation. Regulatory creep There are various definitions of regulatory creep. The Better Regulation Task Force (2004:3) define it as ‘the process by which regulation is developed or enforced in a less than transparent fashion and not in accordance with our five Principles of Good Regulation.’ The BRTF (2004:5) goes on to identify four examples of how regulatory creep may occur when regulation takes place without transparency. In the first place, ‘a lack of clarity about the intention of regulation, particularly goal-based regulation, both on the part of regulators and those being regulated, can lead to unnecessary compliance burdens.’ Secondly, the way that guidance ‘is developed and used can influence enforcement activity and compliance, again leading to unnecessary burdens that bring little benefit to those the original regulation was designed to protect’. Thirdly, it is argued that ‘enforcement activity can induce over compliance in those being regulated’ and finally, ‘ombudsmen’s rulings can have wider regulatory implications’. Jones (2004:6), on the other hand, points out that ‘there is a positive aspect to creep. Formal responsibilities may leave gaps in enforcement. Shifting priorities and creative interpretation of a regulator’s brief may be necessary to tackle newly emergent issues.’ Moving towards more principles-based regulation: the case of the UK The first point to make is that in the UK, Principles-based regulation has existed since 1990, and the eleven high-level Principles for firms (see box 1) have been in place since 2001 (FSA 2007a:4). The FSA is now talking about a ‘more Principles-based approach’. This shift is based on a move towards broad-based standards instead of detailed rules together with an increased focus on outcomes-based regulation and an increase in senior management responsibility. According to the FSA (2007a:4), ‘Principles-based regulation means, where possible, moving away from dictating through detailed, prescriptive rules and supervisory actions how firms should operate their business. We want to give firms the responsibility to decide how best to align their business objectives and processes with the regulatory outcomes we have specified.’ Moving towards more principles-based regulation: pros and cons There are clear advantages to a principles-based approach to regulation, but such an approach also carries certain risks (of which regulatory creep is just one). The challenge is to achieve the right balance between principles and rules. As the BRTF (2004:6) explains, ‘part of the attraction of goal-setting regulation is its flexibility and we do not want to discourage this. Nor do we want to discourage the use of guidance as a useful alternative to regulation for driving up standards. But where does guidance as a useful alternative in driving up standards end, and regulatory creep begin?’ In this section, I will review the pros of a move towards more principles-based regulation, and I will then outline the various risks or cons associated with such a move. One major advantage of more principles-based approaches to regulation is increased flexibility and responsiveness to innovation and market developments. de Serres et al (2006:32) find that ‘financial system regulation has a statistically significant influence on output and productivity growth as well as on firm entry, via the impact on industrial sectors relying more heavily on external sources of funding. The economic impact is also found to be substantial enough to matter, yet sufficiently small to remain credible.’ This highlights the need for financial system regulation to minimise unnecessary regulatory barriers to entry or expansion in the financial services market. According to the FSA (2007a:5), a principles-based system is likely to be more durable than a rules-based system precisely because of its flexibility. ‘Financial markets are constantly changing. Continuous innovation and new product development are important ways in which the financial services industry generates benefits for consumers and markets. It is important that regulation can respond rapidly to the pace of change in markets and so allow them to continue to develop for the benefit of their users. We believe regulation that focuses on outcomes rather than prescription is more likely to support this development and innovation. Any set of prescriptive rules is unable to address changing market circumstances and practices at all times, and it inevitably delays, and in some instances prevents, innovation.’ Another benefit of more principles-based regulation is that it should provide greater freedom for firms to develop their own approach to compliance. According to the FSA (2007a:7), a more principled-based approach does in practice mean ‘giving firms increased flexibility to decide more often for themselves what business processes and controls they should operate.’ In addition, a move to principles implies less need for detailed rules which leads to a simplification of the rules or handbook. The FSA (2007a:8) views a simplified handbook as a side benefit of a move to more principles-based regulation, rather than a key driver behind the move, additionally arguing that, ‘reducing the overall size of the Handbook, however desirable, does not in itself deliver principles-based regulation. Even a substantially reduced Handbook will still be regarded by many as a daunting prospect. We should therefore not measure our success in achieving principles-based regulation by the number of Handbook pages or the number of rules they contain, but by the effect that the Handbook review, together with other initiatives, achieves over time.’ Perhaps one of the most important potential advantages of a move to more principles-based regulation, if properly implemented, is a greater degree of substantive compliance as individuals and firms come to comply with outcomes and the general principles rather than on the detailed rules – as the spirit of the law is prioritised over the letter of the law. Another key advantage is the increased engagement of senior management. The FSA (2007a:12) explains that ‘Moving towards principles-based regulation has significant implications for how we work with firms on a day-to-day basis We are looking for firms to take greater responsibility for how they meet their regulatory obligations. This responsibility in many cases will be taken on at senior management and Board level, using the various materials that will be available and, where necessary, conversations with us†¦ Firms will see a difference in how we behave towards them. We will give greater recognition to firms’ own management and controls and this will be reflected in areas such as capital requirements and supervisory intensity. Well controlled and managed firms that engage positively and openly with us should expect to experience real benefits from our more principles-based approach in the form of a regulatory dividend, for example relatively lower levels of regula tory capital, less frequent risk assessments, greater reliance on firms’ senior management or a less intensive risk mitigation programme.’ Finally, proponents of a more principles-based approach argue that it should lead to more efficient solutions to regulatory problems. This, however, depends on the system for the resolution of any such problems and could in fact be more or less efficient with a more principles-based approach, depending on how that system is designed and implemented. A major risk associated with a move to principles-based regulation is the lack of certainty or predictability. This is a risk that needs to be managed carefully in order to ensure that firms and individuals understand their obligations in the absence of specific rules as to how they should act. The FSA (2007a:12) acknowledges the need to address this risk and explains that ‘with a less prescriptive Handbook we are convinced that we must go further than we have been inclined to in the past in responding to firms’ queries. We will need to work with firms and the practitioner panels to find the right balance in achieving this.’ Accountability issues are, arguably, also more likely to arise in the absence of detailed rules. Wilson (2007) explains that the FSA approach to accountability and governance issues has always been principles-based, explaining that ‘we take a strong interest in how firms govern and organise their affairs because we take the view that if you get this right, much else follows. In doing this, our approach is generally to ask for explanations as to why the structure put in place offers the necessary challenge and level of control, and where such explanations are unconvincing, to seek change that achieves a better outcome.’ There may also be certain legal obstacles to a more principles-based approach to regulation. Obviously any regulatory body needs to remain within the law, and in the case of the UK FSA this includes, for example, EU law. It is important to recap at this stage that a move to more principles-based regulation does not mean the abolition of all detailed rules. Indeed the FSA (2007a:20) cites European legislation as one of the challenges or constraints that will remain as they move in the direction of a more principles-based system of regulation. Finally, and most pertinent to this review, is the increased risk of regulatory creep with a move to a more principles-based system of regulation. The BRTF (2004:11) identify two principal means through which a principles-based approach may lead to regulatory creep. The first of these is through a possible proliferation of guidance and overzealous enforcement. ‘High level goal-setting objectives may need further clarification. Goalsetting regulation can leave a vacuum that Government, regulators and industry will seek to fill with guidance. The guidance may stray beyond the original intention and/or it may be applied prescriptively by regulators and those being regulated.’ The second occurs if insufficient thought is given to how firms will demonstrate compliance with the principles, or if compliance staff lack adequate skills. ‘Regulators argue that it is their job to prove noncompliance and that there is no legal requirement for duty holders to demonstrate compli ance. However, compliance should not be a guessing game. Those being regulated do need to understand what is required of them in practice.’ Conclusion Clearly there are some advantages to Principles-based regulation of financial services, but there are also some risks. There will always be a place for rules in regulation, and the key to successful Principles-based regulation is to know when it is appropriate to rely on Principles, and when to specify detailed rules. Reliance on principles requires the provision of consistent advice to firms, and a commitment to ensure the regulator’s accountability mechanisms are not bypassed. These requirements in turn point to the need to ensure that compliance staff are sufficiently skilled and trained. The OECD (2005:4) highlights the need to pay ‘close attention to the institutional setting, with a view towards fostering accountability, transparency and trust’ in order to achieve high quality regulation. This is the case whether a more rules-based or a more principles-based approach is taken. As the BRTF (2004:14) points out, ‘[i]t is not only goal-setting regulation that can lead to regulatory creep. A lack of clarity about the scope of any type of regulation can lead to regulatory creep.’ A move to more principles-based regulation has the potential to presage a regulatory creep without a statutory grounding as well as the potential to allow regulators to keep pace with the financial services market. The aim of any such move must be to realise this latter potential whilst avoiding the former. Bibliography Better Regulation Task Force (2004) Avoiding Regulatory Creep. October 2004. London: Better Regulation Task Force. Cunningham, L. (2007) A Prescription to Retire the Rhetoric of â€Å"Principles-Based Systems† in Corporate Law, Securities Regulation and Accounting. Boston College Law School Legal Studies Research Paper Series, Research Paper 127, 13 March 2007. de Serres, A. et al. (2006) Regulation of Financial Systems and Economic Growth, OECD Economics Department Working Papers, No. 506. Paris: OECD Publishing. FSA (2007a) Principles-based regulation: Focusing on the outcomes that matter. April 2007. London: FSA. FSA (2007b) FSA Handbook, Release 065, May 2007 Hodgson, P. (2006) The Rise and Rise of the Regulatory State. The Political Quarterly 77(2) April-June 2006. pp247-254 Jones, C. (2004) ‘Regulatory Creep: Myths and Misunderstandings’, in Risk and Regulation, No 8 Winter 2004 p.6 OECD (2005) Designing independent and accountable regulatory authorities for high quality regulation. Proceedings of an Expert Meeting in London, United Kingdom, 10-11 January 2005. Paris: OECD. Wilson, S. (2007) Supervision in a Principles Based World. Speech given to the FSA Retail Firms Division Conference, London, 27 February 2007 (available from http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Communication/Speeches/2007/0227_sw.shtml)

Sin and Suffering Essay -- essays research papers

Sin and Suffering Is there a reason for sin and suffering? It is obvious the two are directly related in the Bible. In the Old Testament we see Saul/Paul feeling the wrath of God when he killed innocent people, as a king. Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden of Eden when they took fruit from a tree which God told them not to do. Today though, the relationship between sin and suffering is not so clear. We see poor, starving people in Africa. They suffer terribly, but there is no evidence that they haved sinned to the extent of being starved to death. Sin and suffering have been interpreted in different ways by different aspects of Christianity. Conservative Christians believe the Adam and Eve story to be literal history, and suffering is a direct consequence of their breaking of the covenant that Adam had with God. The Old Testament gives us an overall understanding of sin. Some beliefs include turning away from God and putting yourself before him. Not fufilling God's will or goals or rebellion or disobedience towards God. A classic view of sin is highlighted in Jeremiah (17.9) : 'Sin is that which sets up in place of God. It is an inner attitude of going against what is right, with it's basis in the heart.'; Is sin free will? Or is it something we are born with; something we have inherited from Adam? The Westminister Larger Catectism summarises the Biblical teaching of sin itself. It takes Paul's argument : 'The wages of sin is death'; in Romans.(6.23) Like this ve...

Free College Admissions Essays: Social Work Will Allow Me to Grow :: College Admissions Essays

The Study of Social Work Will Allow Me to Grow    The rapidly growing elderly population is becoming a serious social problem in many countries. Some countries have been successful at finding solutions for this problem but others have not. Japan is one of the latter countries. Although Japan has one of the highest life expectancy rates and a reputation for good quality of life for its elderly population, it has been unsuccessful at addressing this problem. Compared to other industrialized countries, Japan lags behind in programs for elders who are physically disabled, bedridden or in need of long term care. The current economic crisis is exacerbating this situation as the government is cutting funding for elder programs. This problem resonates deeply with me, and I hope to someday work on finding a solution. It is for this reason that I am applying to the graduate program in social work at Boston University: I seek the skills and knowledge I need to return to Japan and work for a social work service.    My interest in the elderly dates back to my childhood. Growing up with my grandparents greatly influenced my values and personality: they taught me to be self-motivated and disciplined. Their resilience and support has helped me to persevere even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Because of their kindness toward me I have a deep respect for them and for elderly people in general. This is what motivates me to become involved in the field of social work.    Traditionally in Japanese society, the care of one's parents is believed to be the children's duty. After World War II, such traditions have evolved due to changes in family structure. No longer is the eldest child the only one to inherit his parent's property, and two-income families have become the norm. These changes have left Japanese people at a loss as to how to care for their aging parents. The current response to this problem seems to be hospitalization.    Families increasingly hospitalize their elders who are physically disabled, bedridden or in need of long-term care. These individuals are usually transferred to nursing homes, but because of sparse accommodations and a one to two year wait list, they end up staying with family members who are often ill equipped to care for them. As a result, there are a number of incidences of elder abuse by family members and elder suicide.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Fifty-eight

Eddard The straw on the floor stank of urine. There was no window, no bed, not even a slop bucket. He remembered walls of pale red stone festooned with patches of nitre, a grey door of splintered wood, four inches thick and studded with iron. He had seen them, briefly, a quick glimpse as they shoved him inside. Once the door had slammed shut, he had seen no more. The dark was absolute. He had as well been blind. Or dead. Buried with his king. â€Å"Ah, Robert,† he murmured as his groping hand touched a cold stone wall, his leg throbbing with every motion. He remembered the jest the king had shared in the crypts of Winterfell, as the Kings of Winter looked on with cold stone eyes. The king eats, Robert had said, and the Hand takes the shit. How he had laughed. Yet he had gotten it wrong. The king dies, Ned Stark thought, and the Hand is buried. The dungeon was under the Red Keep, deeper than he dared imagine. He remembered the old stories about Maegor the Cruel, who murdered all the masons who labored on his castle, so they might never reveal its secrets. He damned them all: Littlefinger, Janos Slynt and his gold cloaks, the queen, the Kingslayer, Pycelle and Varys and Ser Barristan, even Lord Renly, Robert's own blood, who had run when he was needed most. Yet in the end he blamed himself. â€Å"Fool,† he cried to the darkness, â€Å"thrice-damned blind fool.† Cersei Lannister's face seemed to float before him in the darkness. Her hair was full of sunlight, but there was mockery in her smile. â€Å"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die,† she whispered. Ned had played and lost, and his men had paid the price of his folly with their life's blood. When he thought of his daughters, he would have wept gladly, but the tears would not come. Even now, he was a Stark of Winterfell, and his grief and his rage froze hard inside him. When he kept very still, his leg did not hurt so much, so he did his best to lie unmoving. For how long he could not say. There was no sun and no moon. He could not see to mark the walls. Ned closed his eyes and opened them; it made no difference. He slept and woke and slept again. He did not know which was more painful, the waking or the sleeping. When he slept, he dreamed: dark disturbing dreams of blood and broken promises. When he woke, there was nothing to do but think, and his waking thoughts were worse than nightmares. The thought of Cat was as painful as a bed of nettles. He wondered where she was, what she was doing. He wondered whether he would ever see her again. Hours turned to days, or so it seemed. He could feel a dull ache in his shattered leg, an itch beneath the plaster. When he touched his thigh, the flesh was hot to his fingers. The only sound was his breathing. After a time, he began to talk aloud, just to hear a voice. He made plans to keep himself sane, built castles of hope in the dark. Robert's brothers were out in the world, raising armies at Dragonstone and Storm's End. Alyn and Harwin would return to King's Landing with the rest of his household guard once they had dealt with Ser Gregor. Catelyn would raise the north when the word reached her, and the lords of river and mountain and Vale would join her. He found himself thinking of Robert more and more. He saw the king as he had been in the flower of his youth, tall and handsome, his great antlered helm on his head, his warhammer in hand, sitting his horse like a horned god. He heard his laughter in the dark, saw his eyes, blue and clear as mountain lakes. â€Å"Look at us, Ned,† Robert said. â€Å"Gods, how did we come to this? You here, and me killed by a pig. We won a throne together . . . â€Å" I failed you, Robert, Ned thought. He could not say the words. I lied to you, hid the truth. I let them kill you. The king heard him. â€Å"You stiff-necked fool,† he muttered, â€Å"too proud to listen. Can you eat pride, Stark? Will honor shield your children?† Cracks ran down his face, fissures opening in the flesh, and he reached up and ripped the mask away. It was not Robert at all; it was Littlefinger, grinning, mocking him. When he opened his mouth to speak, his lies turned to pale grey moths and took wing. Ned was half-asleep when the footsteps came down the hall. At first he thought he dreamt them; it had been so long since he had heard anything but the sound of his own voice. Ned was feverish by then, his leg a dull agony, his lips parched and cracked. When the heavy wooden door creaked open, the sudden light was painful to his eyes. A gaoler thrust a jug at him. The clay was cool and beaded with moisture. Ned grasped it with both hands and gulped eagerly. Water ran from his mouth and dripped down through his beard. He drank until he thought he would be sick. â€Å"How long . . . ?† he asked weakly when he could drink no more. The gaoler was a scarecrow of a man with a rat's face and frayed beard, clad in a mail shirt and a leather half cape. â€Å"No talking,† he said as he wrenched the jug from Ned's hands. â€Å"Please,† Ned said, â€Å"my daughters . . . † The door crashed shut. He blinked as the light vanished, lowered his head to his chest, and curled up on the straw. It no longer stank of urine and shit. It no longer smelled at all. He could no longer tell the difference between waking and sleeping. The memory came creeping upon him in the darkness, as vivid as a dream. It was the year of false spring, and he was eighteen again, down from the Eyrie to the tourney at Harrenhal. He could see the deep green of the grass, and smell the pollen on the wind. Warm days and cool nights and the sweet taste of wine. He remembered Brandon's laughter, and Robert's berserk valor in the melee, the way he laughed as he unhorsed men left and right. He remembered Jaime Lannister, a golden youth in scaled white armor, kneeling on the grass in front of the king's pavilion and making his vows to protect and defend King Aerys. Afterward, Ser Oswell Whent helped Jaime to his feet, and the White Bull himself, Lord Commander Ser Gerold Hightower, fastened the snowy cloak of the Kingsguard about his shoulders. All six White Swords were there to welcome their newest brother. Yet when the jousting began, the day belonged to Rhaegar Targaryen. The crown prince wore the armor he would die in: gleaming black plate with the three-headed dragon of his House wrought in rubies on the breast. A plume of scarlet silk streamed behind him when he rode, and it seemed no lance could touch him. Brandon fell to him, and Bronze Yohn Royce, and even the splendid Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Robert had been jesting with Jon and old Lord Hunter as the prince circled the field after unhorsing Ser Barristan in the final tilt to claim the champion's crown. Ned remembered the moment when all the smiles died, when Prince Rhaegar Targaryen urged his horse past his own wife, the Dornish princess Elia Martell, to lay the queen of beauty's laurel in Lyanna's lap. He could see it still: a crown of winter roses, blue as frost. Ned Stark reached out his hand to grasp the flowery crown, but beneath the pale blue petals the thorns lay hidden. He felt them clawing at his skin, sharp and cruel, saw the slow trickle of blood run down his fingers, and woke, trembling, in the dark. Promise me, Ned, his sister had whispered from her bed of blood. She had loved the scent of winter roses. â€Å"Gods save me,† Ned wept. â€Å"I am going mad.† The gods did not deign to answer. Each time the turnkey brought him water, he told himself another day had passed. At first he would beg the man for some word of his daughters and the world beyond his cell. Grunts and kicks were his only replies. Later, when the stomach cramps began, he begged for food instead. It made no matter; he was not fed. Perhaps the Lannisters meant for him to starve to death. â€Å"No,† he told himself. If Cersei had wanted him dead, he would have been cut down in the throne room with his men. She wanted him alive. Weak, desperate, yet alive. Catelyn held her brother; she dare not kill him or the Imp's life would be forfeit as well. From outside his cell came the rattle of iron chains. As the door creaked open, Ned put a hand to the damp wall and pushed himself toward the light. The glare of a torch made him squint. â€Å"Food,† he croaked. â€Å"Wine,† a voice answered. It was not the rat-faced man; this gaoler was stouter, shorter, though he wore the same leather half cape and spiked steel cap. â€Å"Drink, Lord Eddard.† He thrust a wineskin into Ned's hands. The voice was strangely familiar, yet it took Ned Stark a moment to place it. â€Å"Varys?† he said groggily when it came. He touched the man's face. â€Å"I'm not . . . not dreaming this. You're here.† The eunuch's plump cheeks were covered with a dark stubble of beard. Ned felt the coarse hair with his fingers. Varys had transformed himself into a grizzled turnkey, reeking of sweat and sour wine. â€Å"How did you . . . what sort of magician are you?† â€Å"A thirsty one,† Varys said. â€Å"Drink, my lord.† Ned's hands fumbled at the skin. â€Å"Is this the same poison they gave Robert?† â€Å"You wrong me,† Varys said sadly. â€Å"Truly, no one loves a eunuch. Give me the skin.† He drank, a trickle of red leaking from the corner of his plump mouth. â€Å"Not the equal of the vintage you offered me the night of the tourney, but no more poisonous than most,† he concluded, wiping his lips. â€Å"Here.† Ned tried a swallow. â€Å"Dregs.† He felt as though he were about to bring the wine back up. â€Å"All men must swallow the sour with the sweet. High lords and eunuchs alike. Your hour has come, my lord.† â€Å"My daughters . . . â€Å" â€Å"The younger girl escaped Ser Meryn and fled,† Varys told him. â€Å"I have not been able to find her. Nor have the Lannisters. A kindness, there. Our new king loves her not. Your older girl is still betrothed to Joffrey. Cersei keeps her close. She came to court a few days ago to plead that you be spared. A pity you couldn't have been there, you would have been touched.† He leaned forward intently. â€Å"I trust you realize that you are a dead man, Lord Eddard?† â€Å"The queen will not kill me,† Ned said. His head swam; the wine was strong, and it had been too long since he'd eaten. â€Å"Cat . . . Cat holds her brother . . . â€Å" â€Å"The wrong brother,† Varys sighed. â€Å"And lost to her, in any case. She let the Imp slip through her fingers. I expect he is dead by now, somewhere in the Mountains of the Moon.† â€Å"If that is true, slit my throat and have done with it.† He was dizzy from the wine, tired and heartsick. â€Å"Your blood is the last thing I desire.† Ned frowned. â€Å"When they slaughtered my guard, you stood beside the queen and watched, and said not a word.† â€Å"And would again. I seem to recall that I was unarmed, unarmored, and surrounded by Lannister swords.† The eunuch looked at him curiously, tilting his head. â€Å"When I was a young boy, before I was cut, I traveled with a troupe of mummers through the Free Cities. They taught me that each man has a role to play, in life as well as mummery. So it is at court. The King's Justice must be fearsome, the master of coin must be frugal, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard must be valiant . . . and the master of whisperers must be sly and obsequious and without scruple. A courageous informer would be as useless as a cowardly knight.† He took the wineskin back and drank. Ned studied the eunuch's face, searching for truth beneath the mummer's scars and false stubble. He tried some more wine. This time it went down easier. â€Å"Can you free me from this pit?† â€Å"I could . . . but will I? No. Questions would be asked, and the answers would lead back to me.† Ned had expected no more. â€Å"You are blunt.† â€Å"A eunuch has no honor, and a spider does not enjoy the luxury of scruples, my lord.† â€Å"Would you at least consent to carry a message out for me?† â€Å"That would depend on the message. I will gladly provide you with paper and ink, if you like. And when you have written what you will, I will take the letter and read it, and deliver it or not, as best serves my own ends.† â€Å"Your own ends. What ends are those, Lord Varys?† â€Å"Peace,† Varys replied without hesitation. â€Å"If there was one soul in King's Landing who was truly desperate to keep Robert Baratheon alive, it was me.† He sighed. â€Å"For fifteen years I protected him from his enemies, but I could not protect him from his friends. What strange fit of madness led you to tell the queen that you had learned the truth of Joffrey's birth?† â€Å"The madness of mercy,† Ned admitted. â€Å"Ah,† said Varys. â€Å"To be sure. You are an honest and honorable man, Lord Eddard. Ofttimes I forget that. I have met so few of them in my life.† He glanced around the cell. â€Å"When I see what honesty and honor have won you, I understand why.† Ned Stark laid his head back against the damp stone wall and closed his eyes. His leg was throbbing. â€Å"The king's wine . . . did you question Lancel?† â€Å"Oh, indeed. Cersei gave him the wineskins, and told him it was Robert's favorite vintage.† The eunuch shrugged. â€Å"A hunter lives a perilous life. If the boar had not done for Robert, it would have been a fall from a horse, the bite of a wood adder, an arrow gone astray . . . the forest is the abbatoir of the gods. It was not wine that killed the king. It was your mercy.† Ned had feared as much. â€Å"Gods forgive me.† â€Å"If there are gods,† Varys said, â€Å"I expect they will. The queen would not have waited long in any case. Robert was becoming unruly, and she needed to be rid of him to free her hands to deal with his brothers. They are quite a pair, Stannis and Renly. The iron gauntlet and the silk glove.† He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. â€Å"You have been foolish, my lord. You ought to have heeded Littlefinger when he urged you to support Joffrey's succession.† â€Å"How . . . how could you know of that?† Varys smiled. â€Å"I know, that's all that need concern you. I also know that on the morrow the queen will pay you a visit.† Slowly Ned raised his eyes. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Cersei is frightened of you, my lord . . . but she has other enemies she fears even more. Her beloved Jaime is fighting the river lords even now. Lysa Arryn sits in the Eyrie, ringed in stone and steel, and there is no love lost between her and the queen. In Dorne, the Martells still brood on the murder of Princess Elia and her babes. And now your son marches down the Neck with a northern host at his back.† â€Å"Robb is only a boy,† Ned said, aghast. â€Å"A boy with an army,† Varys said. â€Å"Yet only a boy, as you say. The king's brothers are the ones giving Cersei sleepless nights . . . Lord Stannis in particular. His claim is the true one, he is known for his prowess as a battle commander, and he is utterly without mercy. There is no creature on earth half so terrifying as a truly just man. No one knows what Stannis has been doing on Dragonstone, but I will wager you that he's gathered more swords than seashells. So here is Cersei's nightmare: while her father and brother spend their power battling Starks and Tullys, Lord Stannis will land, proclaim himself king, and lop off her son's curly blond head . . . and her own in the bargain, though I truly believe she cares more about the boy.† â€Å"Stannis Baratheon is Robert's true heir,† Ned said. â€Å"The throne is his by rights. I would welcome his ascent.† Varys tsked. â€Å"Cersei will not want to hear that, I promise you. Stannis may win the throne, but only your rotting head will remain to cheer unless you guard that tongue of yours. Sansa begged so sweetly, it would be a shame if you threw it all away. You are being given your life back, if you'll take it. Cersei is no fool. She knows a tame wolf is of more use than a dead one.† â€Å"You want me to serve the woman who murdered my king, butchered my men, and crippled my son?† Ned's voice was thick with disbelief. â€Å"I want you to serve the realm,† Varys said. â€Å"Tell the queen that you will confess your vile treason, command your son to lay down his sword, and proclaim Joffrey as the true heir. Offer to denounce Stannis and Renly as faithless usurpers. Our green-eyed lioness knows you are a man of honor. If you will give her the peace she needs and the time to deal with Stannis, and pledge to carry her secret to your grave, I believe she will allow you to take the black and live out the rest of your days on the Wall, with your brother and that baseborn son of yours.† The thought of Jon filled Ned with a sense of shame, and a sorrow too deep for words. If only he could see the boy again, sit and talk with him . . . pain shot through his broken leg, beneath the filthy grey plaster of his cast. He winced, his fingers opening and closing helplessly. â€Å"Is this your own scheme,† he gasped out at Varys, â€Å"or are you in league with Littlefinger?† That seemed to amuse the eunuch. â€Å"I would sooner wed the Black Goat of Qohor. Littlefinger is the second most devious man in the Seven Kingdoms. Oh, I feed him choice whispers, sufficient so that he thinks I am his . . . just as I allow Cersei to believe I am hers.† â€Å"And just as you let me believe that you were mine. Tell me, Lord Varys, who do you truly serve?† Varys smiled thinly. â€Å"Why, the realm, my good lord, how ever could you doubt that? I swear it by my lost manhood. I serve the realm, and the realm needs peace.† He finished the last swallow of wine, and tossed the empty skin aside. â€Å"So what is your answer, Lord Eddard? Give me your word that you'll tell the queen what she wants to hear when she comes calling.† â€Å"If I did, my word would be as hollow as an empty suit of armor. My life is not so precious to me as that.† â€Å"Pity.† The eunuch stood. â€Å"And your daughter's life, my lord? How precious is that?† A chill pierced Ned's heart. â€Å"My daughter . . . â€Å" â€Å"Surely you did not think I'd forgotten about your sweet innocent, my lord? The queen most certainly has not.† â€Å"No,† Ned pleaded, his voice cracking. â€Å"Varys, gods have mercy, do as you like with me, but leave my daughter out of your schemes. Sansa's no more than a child.† â€Å"Rhaenys was a child too. Prince Rhaegar's daughter. A precious little thing, younger than your girls. She had a small black kitten she called Balerion, did you know? I always wondered what happened to him. Rhaenys liked to pretend he was the true Balerion, the Black Dread of old, but I imagine the Lannisters taught her the difference between a kitten and a dragon quick enough, the day they broke down her door.† Varys gave a long weary sigh, the sigh of a man who carried all the sadness of the world in a sack upon his shoulders. â€Å"The High Septon once told me that as we sin, so do we suffer. If that's true, Lord Eddard, tell me . . . why is it always the innocents who suffer most, when you high lords play your game of thrones? Ponder it, if you would, while you wait upon the queen. And spare a thought for this as well: The next visitor who calls on you could bring you bread and cheese and the milk of the poppy for your pain . . . or he could bring you Sansa's head. â€Å"The choice, my dear lord Hand, is entirely yours.†