Why is promotion decision making so difficult Essay

Why is promotion decision making so difficult - Essay Example Among the most important considerations when deciding who to promote into a position is which candidate possesses the highest level of hard skills to do the job. It usually does not make much sense to promote someone into a finance management position who does not have a background in finance. This is often the first step in identifying qualified candidates, and usually comes as part of the resume review and screening process. The hiring manager must assess the educational and professional experience of the candidates to help determine who would likely be capable of doing the work that would be required. That being said, there are times when all of the other qualities of a prospective candidate are so strong that a decision might be made to promote that person even though he/she lacks the requisite level of hard skills to do the job effectively. However, this will only be the case when a persons ability and willingness to learn the requisite skills is evident. That may mean choosing someone with a background of high educational achievement who displays a propensity to engage in professional development activities. Another important characteristic to consider when deciding whom to promote is leadership ability. ... All of these responsibilities require effective leadership. When assessing a person's leadership potential, a hiring manager should inquire into the candidates' experiences that may have evidenced leadership qualities. Behavioral based interviewing can be an effective tool in this regard. Using this method, the hiring manager will ask the candidates to recall a particular event in their personal or professional experience in which they actually demonstrated the desired characteristic. This requires the interviewee to demonstrate a sharp mind in quickly recalling an appropriate event. It also precludes the candidate from talking hypothetically about what they would do in a given scenario. Rather, they are required to explain what they actually have done in a scenario. The theory is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. For example, the hiring manager might ask the candidates to recall a time when they had to delegate responsibility in order to achieve an objective. Or she might ask them to recall a time when they had to influence others to behave in a way that helped them to achieve their goals. Either of these questions would elicit valuable information about whether and how the candidates have demonstrated an ability to lead. This information can then be added to the overall formula in determining which candidate has the greatest preponderance of desirable characteristics for the position. Personality Personality fit is a huge consideration for any hiring decision, particularly when deciding whom to promote. This is also arguably one of the most difficult factors to evaluate in prospective candidates. To be sure, people generally act somewhat different in an interview than they would in a

Dreaming argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dreaming argument - Essay Example An argument is considered valid only if the conclusion is logically drawn from the premises. The two premises of the argument are; â€Å"I can know something about the world outside my mind only if I can know that I am not dreaming†. â€Å"I cannot know whether I am dreaming or awake†. From these two premises, the conclusion is; â€Å"Therefore, I cannot know anything about the world outside my mind†. The conclusion flows from the premises. The first premise is a statement that explains why it is impossible to know about the world outside one’s mind. It means that the world outside is only real when one is not dreaming. The second premise then indicates that the person is not able to distinguish when he is awake or dreaming. This then leads to a logical conclusion that the person cannot know anything that is real, because he does not know when to distinguish what is real and what is not. The argument is therefore valid. Premise one is true because what is outside the mind is real and one can only know of reality when one is awake. This premise can be interpreted to mean that the world outside one’s mind is unknown to the person because the mind creates everything. The mind is in control and gives the perceptions. There are two worlds according to Descartes, the dream world, and the real world. In these worlds, similar things occur, making it hard to differentiate between a dream from real life. It, therefore, gives an individual the chance to choose to live in reality or a dream. One is given the chance to decide when the experiences he is going through are real, and when the experiences are a dream. Reasons for doubting that premise one as true: The premise argues that dreams are similar to normal life experiences that people go through making it difficult for one to know when he is living through a dream or is awake. This means that dreams only focus on people’s lives and not any other thing outside an individual’s mind. Dreams

An inspector calls Essay Example for Free

An inspector calls Essay After reading an Inspector calls, I am certain it is obvious to any one who reads it that the inspector is not what he appears to be at all. At first you have no suspicions of the Inspector, but as the play moves on it slowly dawns on you that the Inspector might be an impostor. The inspector also has major impacts on some of the characters. He is Priestleys vehicle for his views on social responsibility. He represents social conscience. He has moral dimension. The Inspectors name, Goole, has noteworthy significance. Ghoul has the same sound and its meaning has a great bearing on the play. A Ghoul is an evil spirit To Birling, and his upper class peers; this is an exact analysis of the Inspector. The thought of the Inspector being something extraordinary seems to be briefly confronted by Sheila but it is dismissed just as quickly. Another theory might be that the Inspector represents truth and is not a real person at all but just a representative of justice. I think that this is a very plausible idea and probably Priestleys own thought. He could be a spirit representing the future, the Birlings chance of repent, although only Eric and Sheila recognize this. They are the only ones to realise that they have ruined this girls life and it could be their doings that sent her to this horrible end. The Inspector could also be as real as all the other characters in body and can eat and drink and is solid. I think that the inspector may have gone back in time or there might have been a time slip of some sort to make sure that these people new what they had done. I think there is a possibility that the Inspector could be Eva Smith and just goes back to haunt them. This maybe quite far fetched by I would not rule it out completely, because if it were true then it would explain everything. The main role of the inspector is his forcing role, which he uses to overpower the other characters to admit to their secrets. He appears to the characters to be very rude at times, but this rudeness only adds to the factor at which he can interrogate the characters, and also provokes them admit to their wrongdoings, I know. I had her turned out of a job. I started it. Some characters take longer to acknowledge their secrets than others. They try to hide, but cannot escape from the inspector. For example Mr. Birling, a very stubborn man, who, even when he confesses to his  concealment, believes that it has nothing to do with the death, and believes that he has nothing to do with it at all. Other characters like Sheila and Eric admit and dont try to hide it, and know that they had added to the tragic death of Eva Smith. They know that the inspector is right, and if they hadnt done what they did, then Eva Smith would still be alive. Sheila in particular is very guilty and gets very emotional. The inspector has trouble with getting them all to admit themselves, Inspector, Ive told you before, I dont like your tone.I dont propose to give you much more rope however he knows they had something to do with it, and he knew exactly what that was as well. This may have helped him. The inspector makes his views on social responsibility clear. He believes that we are all responsible for one another and should act together as a community, helping those of us who are less fortunate. Ironically, Mr Birling has the opposite view to the inspector. When the inspector arrives he is discussing business with Gerald and says that he thinks you are responsible for yourself and your family only. Mr Birling is absolutely against the idea of communism. Priestley expresses his views on communism through the inspector demonstrating to the reader how important it is to care for others in your community. In conclusion I think that the Inspector is as real as every one else in the play but I think that he represents justice or truth and is a form of angel or something along those lines. The play can only be understood after it is closely reviewed. I am sure that there will always be a sense of mystery about this play; who was the inspector? What was the Inspector? Will we ever know? His role in the play is forcing to discover the characters terrible secrets and leave them with a lasting impression as well as a lot to think about. Priestley has very strong views on social responsibility which are expressed through the inspector.

Examining Disordered Offenders Within The Prison System Criminology Essay

Examining Disordered Offenders Within The Prison System Criminology Essay As of December 2010, the prison population in England and Wales stands at 84,896. Staggeringly, government figures estimate that over 70% of prisoners have two or more mental health problems of some kind, and 64% of sentenced, male prisoners have a personality disorder (Singleton, Meltzer and Gatward, 2007). This essay will attempt to find out why so many mentally ill people enter and remain in the criminal justice system, and why diversionary methods are not used as often as they should be. If these figures are correct then it seems clear that large numbers of mentally disordered patients are being held in prison as punishment for offending rather than being diverted away from the criminal justice system and into treatment. This essay will attempt to find out why that should be the case. Diversion, in terms of mentally disordered patients, means diverting the individual in question to the health services and seeking treatment, rather than prosecution and entering the criminal justice system. Short of outright insanity, (see the McNaughton rules) no matter how mentally disturbed the offender is, it comes down to whether or not it is in public interest to prosecute. The Crown Prosecution Services ask whether any useful purpose would be served in prosecution, and this can apply to anything from assault to murder (Home Office and Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS), 1975). We can see in the case of Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, even when four different psychiatrists told a judge that he was a paranoid schizophrenic, he was sent to prison rather than a secure hospital, as it was in the publics interest to prosecute. Diversion has arguably been around, though not in its current form, since the dark ages. Roth and Kroll (1986: 100) describe a man possessed by evil spirits who goes on to murder three people, yet is not deemed criminal and instead help is sought from wise men, possibly early forms of doctors. It was not formally in existence until the late 19th century when the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was created, and the power to determine whether it was in public interest to prosecute was introduced. It is generally argued that diversion is beneficial to the mentally disordered offender. Smith and Donovan (1990) argue the opposite case. They postulate that excusing the offenders is not always in their best interests, especially regarding mentally ill patients still possessing most of their faculties. They believe that if the patient is prosecuted normally, it can help instil a sense of responsibility which may deter them from any further crimes, and reinforce the belief that they are in control of their own behaviour. Diversion may do the opposite and reduce their sense of responsibility to adverse effects (Prins, 2010). Similarly, we must consider the effects of diversion from the views of medical staff. They are forced to look after and care for violent patients. This then leads to the use of guards to make sure order is kept, which could be reminiscent of the prison experience the offender has just come from. A significant early factor in the failure of the diversion system would seem to be lack of mental health awareness training for front-line police officers, the first people offenders come into contact with. If a police officer is not trained in identifying mental health problems, the diversion process can not even be started. Also, mental health in regards to the law is often not fully understood by the police, including Section 136 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) 2007, which give the Police the authority to remove a person appearing to be suffering from a mental illness and in need of immediate care or control from a place that the public have access to and take them to a safe place, being a hospital or a police station. A questionnaire regarding police constables knowledge of section 136 was undertaken in 2002 by Lynch, Simpson, Higson and Grout (2002), which found that 40% of those questioned did not realise section 136 was even a police power, and just 22% had had any training on section 136. Section 136 is immensely important in the diversionary process, as it enables trained medical persons to evaluate an offender before they enter the criminal justice system. On the other hand it is used wrongly on far too many occasions where instead being taken to hospitals, the offenders are merely placed in a police station, which could easily put the offender in an even more uncontrolled state of mind. This is not always the fault of the police but down to the lack of mental healthcare experts available in any given area (The Bradley Report, 2009). The report goes on to say that police stations should no longer be used at all as a place of safety. Prins (2010) claims that offender contact with the police is the least developed pathway in terms of engagement with the health and social services. This needs to change as prolonged time spent in police stations or court can exacerbate the conditions of the mentally disordered patients. Rowlands, Inch, Rodger and Soliman (1996) found that diversion, when used properly, can be very effective. They looked at a court diversion scheme and a forensic community psychiatric nurse specialist in particular. A year later, not a single patient in their study area with a psychotic illness was in prison, and just 17% overall had reoffended, while most where living safely back in the community. These figures can be compared to the national figures quoted in the introduction. Rowlands et al. (1996) did, however, conclude that although diversion was better than imprisonment, it was second best to hospitalising the offender, and highlighted the need for a greater number of secure beds and locations. Similarly, Joseph (1992) attributed success to the availability of detailed professional assessments and an increase in inter-service communication. This leads us onto another important point. The diversionary process cannot work without proper communication between the services involved, such as the police, judges, psychiatrists, social and probation services. The Bradley Report (2009) highlights the fact that the healthcare services in each police station are not run by the National Health Service (NHS), but by each individual force instead. This brings up many issues when moving mentally ill offenders between hospitals and police stations, such as police stations not being subject to the same governance and performance measures as the NHS hospitals. The report suggests transferring commissioning and budgetary responsibility for healthcare services in police custody suites to the NHS at the earliest opportunity and also brings to light the polices difficulty in obtaining information from the NHS. Bradley (2009) also states that the number of people who come into contact with the police is not known as there are no requirements for them to keep statistics. One of the majo r changes called upon by the Bradley Report (2009) is the introduction of liaison and diversion services in all police stations which would chiefly identify and assess mental disabilities and learning difficulties swiftly and effectively under arrest, and provide better services for people taken to police stations under Section 136 MHA 2007. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) also has very little contact with the healthcare services. This is worrying because they have to make the decision whether to prosecute a mentally ill offender solely on information received from the police with respect to any charging advice, who are obviously ill equipped to relay such medical matters (The Bradley Report, 2009). Prosecutors are also reminded that not all mentally ill offenders are ineligible for a caution as without which, the possibility of discrimination appears. It is entirely possible the offenders mental disorder played little to no role in the crime they committed, so why shouldnt they be eligible for a caution. The Bradley Report calls for more conditional cautions for mentally disordered offenders while notifying relevant health authorities. When looking at this question, it is easy to assume that all the incarcerated mentally disordered people would rather have been diverted to the healthcare services, which links to Smith and Donovans comments earlier . This is not always the case. Prins (2010) states that there are a number of benefits to the offender if he is dealt with by the normal criminal justice system model. Firstly, hospitalisation orders often result in a much longer length of imprisonment, and if the defendant is declared unfit to plea, immediate, indefinite hospitalization is issued in the majority of cases. Secondly we must consider the possibility of iatrogenic effects brought on by psychiatric intervention. Fonagy and Bateman (2006) tell us that this is down to the difference between ones own experience of ones mind and that presented by another person. Psychiatrists and other mental healthcare workers can only use the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) , the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and past experience to treat patients. The possibilities of worsening patient health comes from the fact that all mental disorders can and are different in so many respects and so exact guidelines for experts to follow are less personal and therefore have room for error. To combat this, psychiatrists must integrate the patients own experience of mind with their own (Fonagy and Bateman, 2006). The Bradley Report (2009) highlights the lack of treatment available to mentally disordered offenders in prisons, and questions whether the treatment should be carried out in prisons at all. No longer should inmates be getting their first assessment in jail, they should be assessed for mental disorders or learning difficulties at least once by the courts or the police. Reed and Lyne (2000) explore the inpatient care of mentally ill prisoners, and find it to be wholly unsatisfactory. Of the 13 prisons inspected and the 348 inpatient beds within them, not a single doctor in charge of the inpatients had completed psychiatric training, and only 24% of the nurses had had any mental health training, obviously some disturbing figures. As Prins (2010) states, it is all too easy to blame these shortcomings on a lack of finances, but there must be methods used to overcome them nonetheless. The Bradley Report (2009) also states the need to remove those from prisons with mild or medium mental di sorders and introduce many more community based primary mental health services. The Power of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 lays out the basis for passing custodial sentences on an offender who is, or appears to be mentally disordered. A medical report must be compiled and considered, as must the likely effect of the sentence imposed and any treatment available for the condition. This act is something all judges and magistrates must know, which makes it even stranger that so many mentally disordered offenders make it through to the prison systems. It would seem that much more intense and thorough psychiatric assessments should be made prior to appearing in court, as to enable the courts to recognize mental disabilities in offenders and help the diversionary scheme become more effective. The Bradley Report (2009) says that information regarding people appearing in court is essential in not only sentencing and remand options, but also whether they are even fit to plea. It goes on to say we should make available the same provisions to vulnerable defendants a s we do vulnerable witnesses, as the traumatic courtroom procedures can be very trying on a defendant with a mental disorder. The Bradley Report (2009) criticises the excessive use of remand for offenders with mental disorders. It encourages the use of more mental health service provisions outside in the community, but accepts this is not possible at the moment due to current strain on healthcare, and the fear in communities about the frequent reoffending of some mentally disordered people. More approved premises must be created to house people on remand as opposed to placing them in jail, as just 3 out of 101 of these facilities can specifically deal with mentally disordered offenders. It is worth making the point here that in the current economic climate it is questionable whether funding is likely to be made available for either enhanced community provision or further approved premises. On the other hand, there are studies that show treatment by prison care services is just as, or even more, effective than community hospitals or NHS hospitals. Brooke, Taylor, Gunn and Maden (1996) interviewed 750 unconvi cted males in 3 young offenders institutes and 13 adult male prisons. Of the 63% diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, the largest majority were deemed to be treated best by the prison care health services and transfer to a NHS bed was advised in just 9% of these cases. Although there is certainly a need for a great increase in mental healthcare services outside of the prisons for diversion to take place effectively, we cannot neglect the mental disorder work that goes on within them. No matter how thorough the screening and assessment processes are, some mentally disordered offenders will fall through the cracks, and some prisoners certainly develop mental illnesses as a result of their prison stay, such as depression. It is vitally important to increase trained staff and facilities both within and outside the prison context. A report by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health found many shortcomings within the diversionary schemes currently in place. These range from a lack of locations leading to certain parts of the country with no help, to the offenders lack of engagement with the services. They estimate just one fifth of the potential national caseload is seen to, and this doesnt even count those who are missed by assessments at the police and court stages. Even worse, those that do get seen often drop out of the system as little is done to ensure they engage with the diversion process. Overall, this report is very similar to the Bradley Report, condemning the poor, current use of diversion with regards to mentally disordered offenders. The main remedy they put forward is the introduction of many diversion and liason teams working throughout the country, at all levels of the criminal justice system, as this would be the best way not only to detect the vulnerable offenders, but also help in treating th em. To try and combat the usual defence of a lack of funding, they propose all diversionary and liaison teams are jointly funded by both the mental health services and the criminal justice system. The Bradley Report (2009) also goes into some depth about the benefits of a fully functioning diversionary and liaison team, such as ensuring the police can make a fully informed risk assessment at the early stages, and the links that must be made from the prison mental care services to the continued care of a mentally disordered offender post release. Clearly, the overriding problem with diversion is the lack of assessment and diagnoses before an offender enters the prison system, and a lack of liaison and diversionary services available for when mental disorders are recognized. The Bradley Report (2009) puts forward the need for these services to move back from the court process and into the police stations which can improve the identification and assessment of mental health problems and learning disabilities at an earlier stage, which would also assist and contribute to the increasing communication between all agencies in the criminal justice system, and the healthcare services. This would also enable some mentally disordered offenders to completely avoid the criminal justice system as the police would instantly divert them to the appropriate mental health services, providing the best care for the offender, and reducing the workload of the police and the courts. The amount of prisoners with mental health problems is obviously di sproportionate to the society in general, but many might not display symptoms of mental illness or even develop one until incarcerated. We also must consider whether society wants mentally disordered offenders treated in the community rather than in Prisons, after all, public protective comes first and foremost. Look at the case of Christopher Clunis, a paranoid schizophrenic reviving community care from the psychiatric and social services, who went on to stab a stranger three times in the face. It seems inevitable that these occurrences would be more prevalent with many more psychologically disordered offenders walking the streets,. Of course there is the argument that these individuals would be housed in secure hospitals, but the system is not 100% foolproof, as we can see. In conclusion, while there are undoubtedly many people in the prison system with mental disorders that do not belong there, with the healthcare system in its current state it is hard to argue mentally disordered offenders would be better off receiving treatment in the community and mental healthcare institutions. The fact is they are underfunded and under developed, there would simply be no room for thousands more patients released from prisons or diverted in the first place. Similarly, there are many mentally ill offenders that would prefer to be dealt with via the criminal justice system because it can often lead to a shorter spell of incarceration, and societys reluctance to integrate mentally disordered offenders into the public. Of course, if these problems can be addressed then diversion can be used as a suitable alternative to prisons for the mentally disordered offender (The Bradley Report, 2009).

Obesity and Diabetes in Young Children Essay -- Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity is medical condition where excess body fat accumulates to an extent that it becomes harmful to the body. Medical practitioners consider obesity a chronic and life-long disease like diabetes and high blood pressure. The disease has long-term effects for health. In fact, it is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States of America. Obesity affects both adults and children but it is more chronic to young children. This paper will look at the analysis of diabetes in young children, obesity, health education strategies and communication strategies used in nursing care and control of diabetes (Benjamin, 2011, 108). Summary of the article Obesity in children has become a serious health issue, in the United States of America. The disease causes problems that persist, as children grow older and has the capability of affecting the quality and length of their lives as adults. Younger children are now at high risk of becoming obese. As early childhood obesity prevention policies article states, ten percent of infants and toddlers have an excess weight. More than twenty percent of children between the ages of two and five years old have excess weight and suffer from obesity. This is an alarming rate of child obesity rates, in the United States of America. Several environmental factors can influence the risk of a child, for obesity. Therefore, assessing obesity trends and instituting preventive measure could help in minimizing the susceptibility of children becoming obese. Multiple groups of people and other stakeholders can help, in ensuring that children grow healthy without the risk of obesity. The article addresses the importance of early assessment of the risk of obesity and creating healthier behaviors ... ...he age of five years are at risk of getting obesity. This rate has become alarming in the United States of America, as discussed in the paper. Medical practitioners consider obesity a chronic and life-long disease like diabetes and high blood pressure. The disease has long-term effects for health that affect the lives of individuals, in adulthood. Obesity calls for close observation of healthy eating habits and exercise. Cognitive theory and psychosocial theory discuss issues that are common, at infancy and childhood. As discussed above, these issues could help lead to obesity, in young children between birth and age five. Appropriate health educational strategies and communication strategies help to reduce the susceptibility of children getting obesity. Therefore, adults must help children avoid obesity by teaching them the benefit of healthy eating and exercise.

Chile Essay -- essays research papers fc

Introduction Chile is a republic located in southwestern South America. On the north side of Chile lies Peru, to the east is Bolivia and Argentina, and on the south Peru is bounded by the Pacific Ocean. The Archipelagoes Islands extend along the southern coast of Chile from Chiloà © Island to Cape Horn. Among these islands are the Chonos Archipelago, Wellington Island, and the western portion of Tierra del Fuego. Some other islands that belong to Chile include the Juan Fernà ¡ndez Islands, Easter Island, and Sala y Gà ³mez. All of these islands lie in the South Pacific. Chile also happens to claim a section of Antarctica. The capital and largest city of Chile is Santiago. Land and Resources The most dominant physical feature in Chile are the Andes Mountains, which extend the entire length of the country, from the Bolivian plateau in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south. PHYSICAL REGIONS Chile can be divided in to three topographic zones: the lofty Andean cordillera on the east; the low coastal mountains on the west; and the plateau area, which includes the Central Valley, between these ranges. Three major geographical and climatological regions can be distinguished: the northern (arid), central (Mediterranean), and southern (temperate marine) regions. The ranges of the Andes are the widest in the northern region. This forms broad plateaus that contain the country’s highest peak, Ojos del Salado, which is located on the border with Argentina. The plateau area is occupied by the great Atacama Desert, which contains vast nitrate fields and rich mineral deposits. In the central region the plateau gives way to a valley, known as the Central valley. The valley, which ranges form 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 mi) in width, is the most heavily populated area of the country. The fertile area between the Aconcagua and Biobà ­o rivers forms the agricultural heartland of Chile. The central Andes are narrower in width and have lower elevation that those in the north. The most important passes in the Andes are located here. The country’s finest natural harbors are located in this region. The southern region is without an interior valley; it disappears below the sea at Puerto Montt. Peaks of the submerged coastal mountains form the long chains of islands along the coast. Chile lies in a zone of geologic instability and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity. ... ...hydroelectric power. Major efforts have been made to harness this potential, and by 1998 about 52 percent of Chile’s energy was generated from waterpower. TRANSPORTATION Chile has a network of about 49,000 miles of roads. Only 14 percent are paved. Railroad lines total over 1500 miles in length and are confined to the northern two-thirds of the country. Spur lines to important coastal towns connect the main north-south system. Because of the difficult terrain, many coastal cities rely on water transportation from various ports including Valparaà ­so, Antofagasta, and Punta Arenas. There are also important international airports located near Santiago, and Arica. Conclusion Chile is a country that is developing very quickly and therefore is in demand when exporting the goods that are produced here are taken into account. All of the factors presented have the same developing relationship. The increase in skills, knowledge, communication, and population are what make this economy grow. Works Cited Fellmann, Getis, and Getis. Human Geography, Sixth Edition, Updated Edition. McGraw Hill. New York, 2001. Hudson, Espendhade. Goode’s World Atlas, 20th Edition. Rand McNally, 2000. Chile Essay -- essays research papers fc Introduction Chile is a republic located in southwestern South America. On the north side of Chile lies Peru, to the east is Bolivia and Argentina, and on the south Peru is bounded by the Pacific Ocean. The Archipelagoes Islands extend along the southern coast of Chile from Chiloà © Island to Cape Horn. Among these islands are the Chonos Archipelago, Wellington Island, and the western portion of Tierra del Fuego. Some other islands that belong to Chile include the Juan Fernà ¡ndez Islands, Easter Island, and Sala y Gà ³mez. All of these islands lie in the South Pacific. Chile also happens to claim a section of Antarctica. The capital and largest city of Chile is Santiago. Land and Resources The most dominant physical feature in Chile are the Andes Mountains, which extend the entire length of the country, from the Bolivian plateau in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south. PHYSICAL REGIONS Chile can be divided in to three topographic zones: the lofty Andean cordillera on the east; the low coastal mountains on the west; and the plateau area, which includes the Central Valley, between these ranges. Three major geographical and climatological regions can be distinguished: the northern (arid), central (Mediterranean), and southern (temperate marine) regions. The ranges of the Andes are the widest in the northern region. This forms broad plateaus that contain the country’s highest peak, Ojos del Salado, which is located on the border with Argentina. The plateau area is occupied by the great Atacama Desert, which contains vast nitrate fields and rich mineral deposits. In the central region the plateau gives way to a valley, known as the Central valley. The valley, which ranges form 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 mi) in width, is the most heavily populated area of the country. The fertile area between the Aconcagua and Biobà ­o rivers forms the agricultural heartland of Chile. The central Andes are narrower in width and have lower elevation that those in the north. The most important passes in the Andes are located here. The country’s finest natural harbors are located in this region. The southern region is without an interior valley; it disappears below the sea at Puerto Montt. Peaks of the submerged coastal mountains form the long chains of islands along the coast. Chile lies in a zone of geologic instability and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity. ... ...hydroelectric power. Major efforts have been made to harness this potential, and by 1998 about 52 percent of Chile’s energy was generated from waterpower. TRANSPORTATION Chile has a network of about 49,000 miles of roads. Only 14 percent are paved. Railroad lines total over 1500 miles in length and are confined to the northern two-thirds of the country. Spur lines to important coastal towns connect the main north-south system. Because of the difficult terrain, many coastal cities rely on water transportation from various ports including Valparaà ­so, Antofagasta, and Punta Arenas. There are also important international airports located near Santiago, and Arica. Conclusion Chile is a country that is developing very quickly and therefore is in demand when exporting the goods that are produced here are taken into account. All of the factors presented have the same developing relationship. The increase in skills, knowledge, communication, and population are what make this economy grow. Works Cited Fellmann, Getis, and Getis. Human Geography, Sixth Edition, Updated Edition. McGraw Hill. New York, 2001. Hudson, Espendhade. Goode’s World Atlas, 20th Edition. Rand McNally, 2000.

The Host Chapter 30: Abbreviated

M el?† he asked again, the hope he didn't want to feel coloring his tone. My breath caught in another sob, an aftershock. â€Å"You know that was for you, Mel. You know that. Not for h-it. You know I wasn't kissing it.† My next sob was louder, a moan. Why couldn't I shut up? I tried holding my breath. â€Å"If you're in there, Mel†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He paused. Melanie hated the â€Å"if.† A sob burst up through my lungs, and I gasped for air. â€Å"I love you,† Jared said. â€Å"Even if you're not there, if you can't hear me. I love you.† I held my breath again, biting my lip until it bled. The physical pain didn't distract me as much as I wished it would. It was silent outside the hole, and then silent inside, too, as I turned blue. I listened intently, concentrating only on what I could hear. I wouldn't think. There was no sound. I was twisted into the most impossible position. My head was the lowest point, the right side of my face pressed against the rough rock floor. My shoulders were slanted around a crumpled box edge, the right higher than the left. My hips angled the opposite way, with my left calf pressed to the ceiling. Fighting with the boxes had left bruises-I could feel them forming. I knew I would have to find some way to explain to Ian and Jamie that I had done this to myself, but how? What should I say? How could I tell them that Jared had kissed me as a test, like giving a lab rat a jolt of electricity to observe its reaction? And how long was I supposed to hold this position? I didn't want to make any noise, but it felt like my spine was going to snap in a minute. The pain got more difficult to bear every second. I wouldn't be able to bear it in silence for long. Already, a whimper was rising in my throat. Melanie had nothing to say to me. She was quietly working through her own relief and fury. Jared had spoken to her, finally recognized her existence. He had told her he loved her. But he had kissed me. She was trying to convince herself that there was no reason to be wounded by this, trying to believe all the solid reasons why this wasn't what it felt like. Trying, but not yet succeeding. I could hear all this, but it was directed internally. She wasn't speaking to me-in the juvenile, petty sense of the phrase. I was getting the cold shoulder. I felt an unfamiliar anger toward her. Not like the beginning, when I feared her and wished for her eradication from my mind. No, I felt my own sense of betrayal now. How could she be angry with me for what had happened? How did that make sense? How was it my fault that I'd fallen in love because of the memories she forced on me and then been overthrown by this unruly body? I cared that she was suffering, yet my pain meant nothing to her. She enjoyed it. Vicious human. Tears, much weaker than the others, flowed down my cheeks in silence. Her hostility toward me simmered in my mind. Abruptly, the pain in my bruised, twisted back was too much. The straw on the camel. â€Å"Ung,† I grunted, pushing against stone and cardboard as I shoved myself backward. I didn't care about the noise anymore, I just wanted out. I swore to myself that I would never cross the threshold of this wretched pit again-death first. Literally. It was harder to worm out than it had been to dive in. I wiggled and squirmed around until I felt like I was making things worse, bending myself into the shape of a lopsided pretzel. I started to cry again, like a child, afraid that I would never get free. Melanie sighed. Hook your foot around the edge of the mouth and pull yourself out, she suggested. I ignored her, struggling to work my torso around a particularly pointy corner. It jabbed me just under the ribs. Don't be petty, she grumbled. That's rich, coming from you. I know. She hesitated, then caved. Okay, sorry. I am. Look, I'm human. It's hard to be fair sometimes. We don't always feel the right thing, do the right thing. The resentment was still there, but she was trying to forgive and forget that I'd just made out with her true love-that's the way she thought of it, at least. I hooked my foot around the edge and yanked. My knee hit the floor, and I used that leverage to lift my ribs off the point. It was easier then to get my other foot out and yank again. Finally, my hands found the floor and I shoved my way through, a breech birth, falling onto the dark green mat. I lay there for a moment, facedown, breathing. I was sure at this point that Jared was long gone, but I didn't make certain of that right away. I just breathed in and out until I felt prepared to lift my head. I was alone. I tried to hold on to the relief and forget the sorrow this fact engendered. It was better to be alone. Less humiliating. I curled up on the mat, pressing my face against the musty fabric. I wasn't sleepy, but I was tired. The crushing weight of Jared's rejection was so heavy it exhausted me. I closed my eyes and tried to think about things that wouldn't make my stinging eyes tear again. Anything but the appalled look on Jared's face when he'd broken away from me†¦ What was Jamie doing now? Did he know I was here, or was he looking for me? Ian would be asleep for a long time, he'd looked so exhausted. Would Kyle wake soon? Would he come in search? Where was Jeb? I hadn't seen him all day. Was Doc really drinking himself unconscious? That seemed so unlike him†¦ I woke slowly, roused by my growling stomach. I lay quietly for a few minutes, trying to orient myself. Was it day or night? How long had I slept here alone? My stomach wouldn't be ignored for long, though, and I rolled up onto my knees. I must have slept for a while to be this hungry-missed a meal or two. I considered eating something from the supply pile in the hole-after all, I'd already damaged pretty much everything, maybe destroyed some. But that only made me feel guiltier about the idea of taking more. I'd go scavenge some rolls from the kitchen. I was feeling a little hurt, on top of all the big hurt, that I'd been down here so long without anyone coming to look for me-what a vain attitude; why should anyone care what happened to me?-so I was relieved and appeased to find Jamie sitting in the doorway to the big garden, his back turned on the human world behind him, unmistakably waiting for me. My eyes brightened, and so did his. He scrambled to his feet, relief washing over his features. â€Å"You're okay,† he said; I wished he were right. He began to ramble. â€Å"I mean, I didn't think Jared was lying, but he said he thought you wanted to be alone, and Jeb said I couldn't go check on you and that I had to stay right here where he could see that I wasn't sneaking back there, but even though I didn't think you were hurt or anything, it was hard to not know for sure, you know?† â€Å"I'm fine,† I told him. But I held my arms out, seeking comfort. He threw his arms around my waist, and I was shocked to find that his head could rest on my shoulder while we stood. â€Å"Your eyes are red,† he whispered. â€Å"Was he mean to you?† â€Å"No.† After all, people weren't intentionally cruel to lab rats-they were just trying to get information. â€Å"Whatever you said to him, I think he believes us now. About Mel, I mean. How does she feel?† â€Å"She's glad about that.† He nodded, pleased. â€Å"How about you?† I hesitated, looking for a factual response. â€Å"Telling the truth is easier for me than trying to hide it.† My evasion seemed to answer the question enough to satisfy him. Behind him, the light in the garden was red and fading. The sun had already set on the desert. â€Å"I'm hungry,† I told him, and I pulled away from our hug. â€Å"I knew you would be. I saved you something good.† I sighed. â€Å"Bread's fine.† â€Å"Let it go, Wanda. Ian says you're too self-sacrificing for your own good.† I made a face. â€Å"I think he's got a point,† Jamie muttered. â€Å"Even if we all want you here, you don't belong until you decide you do.† â€Å"I can't ever belong. And nobody really wants me here, Jamie.† â€Å"I do.† I didn't fight with him, but he was wrong. Not lying, because he believed what he was saying. But what he really wanted was Melanie. He didn't separate us the way he should. Trudy and Heidi were baking rolls in the kitchen and sharing a bright green, juicy apple. They took turns taking bites. â€Å"It's good to see you, Wanda,† Trudy said sincerely, covering her mouth while she spoke because she was still chewing her last bite. Heidi nodded in greeting, her teeth sunk in the apple. Jamie nudged me, trying to be inconspicuous about it-pointing out that people wanted me. He wasn't making allowances for common courtesy. â€Å"Did you save her dinner?† he asked eagerly. â€Å"Yep,† Trudy said. She bent down beside the oven and came back with a metal tray in her hand. â€Å"Kept it warm. It's probably nasty and tough now, but it's better than the usual.† On the tray was a rather large piece of red meat. My mouth started to water, even as I rejected the portion I'd been allotted. â€Å"It's too much.† â€Å"We have to eat all the perishables the first day,† Jamie encouraged me. â€Å"Everyone eats themselves sick-it's a tradition.† â€Å"You need the protein,† Trudy added. â€Å"We were on cave rations too long. I'm surprised no one's in worse shape.† I ate my protein while Jamie watched with hawk-like attention as each bite traveled from the tray to my mouth. I ate it all to please him, though it made my stomach ache to eat so much. The kitchen started to fill up again as I was finishing. A few had apples in their hands-all sharing with someone else. Curious eyes examined the sore side of my face. â€Å"Why's everyone coming here now?† I muttered to Jamie. It was black outside, the dinner hour long over. Jamie looked at me blankly for a second. â€Å"To hear you teach.† His tone added the words of course. â€Å"Are you kidding me?† â€Å"I told you nothing's changed.† I stared around the narrow room. It wasn't a full house. No Doc tonight, and none of the returned raiders, which meant no Paige, either. No Jeb, no Ian, no Walter. A few others missing: Travis, Carol, Ruth Ann. But more than I would have thought, if I'd thought anyone would consider following the normal routine after such an abnormal day. â€Å"Can we go back to the Dolphins, where we left off?† Wes asked, interrupting my evaluation of the room. I could see that he'd taken it upon himself to start the ball rolling, rather than that he was vitally interested in the kinship circles of an alien planet. Everyone looked at me expectantly. Apparently, life was not changing as much as I'd thought. I took a tray of rolls from Heidi's hands and turned to shove it into the stone oven. I started talking with my back still turned. â€Å"So†¦ um†¦ hmm†¦ the, uh, third set of grandparents†¦ They traditionally serve the community, as they see it. On Earth, they would be the breadwinners, the ones who leave the home and bring back sustenance. They are farmers, for the most part. They cultivate a plant-like growth that they milk for its sap†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And life went on. Jamie tried to talk me out of sleeping in the supply corridor, but his attempt was halfhearted. There just wasn't another place for me. Stubborn as usual, he insisted on sharing my quarters. I imagined Jared didn't like that, but as I didn't see him that night or the next day, I couldn't verify my theory. It was awkward again, going about my usual chores, with the six raiders home-just like when Jeb had first forced me to join the community. Hostile stares, angry silences. It was harder for them than it was for me, though-I was used to it. They, on the other hand, were entirely unaccustomed to the way everyone else treated me. When I was helping with the corn harvest, for example, and Lily thanked me for a fresh basket with a smile, Andy's eyes bulged in their sockets at the exchange. Or when I was waiting for the bathing pool with Trudy and Heidi, and Heidi began playing with my hair. It was growing, always swinging in my eyes these days, and I was planning to shear it off again. Heidi was trying to find a style for me, flipping the strands this way and that. Brandt and Aaron-Aaron was the oldest man who'd gone on the long raid, someone I couldn't remember having seen before at all-came out and found us there, Trudy laughing at some silly atrocity Heidi was attempting to create atop my head, and both men turned a little green and stalked silently past us. Of course, little things like that were nothing. Kyle roamed the caves now, and though he was obviously under orders to leave me in peace, his expression made it clear that this restriction was repugnant to him. I was always with others when I crossed his path, and I wondered if that was the only reason he did nothing more than glower at me and unconsciously curl his thick fingers into claws. This brought back all the panic from my first weeks here, and I might have succumbed to it-begun hiding again, avoiding the common areas-but something more important than Kyle's murderous glares came to my attention that second night. The kitchen filled up again-I'm not sure how much was interest in my stories and how much was interest in the chocolate bars Jeb handed out. I declined mine, explaining to a disgruntled Jamie that I couldn't talk and chew at the same time; I suspected that he would save one for me, obstinate as ever. Ian was back in his usual hot seat by the fire, and Andy was there-eyes wary-beside Paige. None of the other raiders, including Jared, of course, was in attendance. Doc was not there, and I wondered if he was still drunk or perhaps hung-over. And again, Walter was absent. Geoffrey, Trudy's husband, questioned me for the first time tonight. I was pleased, though I tried not to show it, that he seemed to have joined the ranks of the humans who tolerated me. But I couldn't answer his questions well, which was too bad. His questions were like Doc's. â€Å"I don't really know anything about Healing,† I admitted. â€Å"I never went to a Healer after†¦ after I first got here. I haven't been sick. All I know is that we wouldn't choose a planet unless we were able to maintain the host bodies perfectly. There's nothing that can't be healed, from a simple cut, a broken bone, to a disease. Old age is the only cause of death now. Even healthy human bodies were only designed to last for so long. And there are accidents, too, I guess, though those don't happen as often with the souls. We're cautious.† â€Å"Armed humans aren't just an accident,† someone muttered. I was moving hot rolls; I didn't see who spoke, and I didn't recognize the voice. â€Å"Yes, that's true,† I agreed evenly. â€Å"So you don't know what they use to cure diseases, then?† Geoffrey pressed. â€Å"What's in their medications?† I shook my head. â€Å"I'm sorry, I don't. It wasn't something I was interested in, back when I had access to the information. I'm afraid I took it for granted. Good health is simply a given on every planet I've lived on.† Geoffrey's red cheeks flushed brighter than usual. He looked down, an angry set to his mouth. What had I said to offend him? Heath, sitting beside Geoffrey, patted his arm. There was a pregnant silence in the room. â€Å"Uh-about the Vultures†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ian said-the words were forced, a deliberate subject change. â€Å"I don't know if I missed this part sometime, but I don't remember you ever explaining about them being unkind'†¦?† It wasn't something I had explained, but I was pretty sure he wasn't really that interested-this was just the first question he'd been able to think of. My informal class ended earlier than usual. The questions were slow, and most of them supplied by Jamie and Ian. Geoffrey's questions had left everyone else preoccupied. â€Å"Well, we've got an early one tomorrow, tearing down the stalks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Jeb mused after yet another awkward silence, making the words a dismissal. People rose to their feet and stretched, talking in low voices that weren't casual enough. â€Å"What did I say?† I whispered to Ian. â€Å"Nothing. They've got mortality on their minds.† He sighed. My human brain made one of those leaps in understanding that they called intuition. â€Å"Where's Walter?† I demanded, still whispering. Ian sighed again. â€Å"He's in the south wing. He's†¦ not doing well.† â€Å"Why didn't anyone tell me?† â€Å"Things have been†¦ difficult for you lately, so†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I shook my head impatiently at that consideration. â€Å"What's wrong with him?† Jamie was there beside me now; he took my hand. â€Å"Some of Walter's bones snapped, they're so brittle,† he said in a hushed voice. â€Å"Doc's sure it's cancer-final stages, he says.† â€Å"Walt must have been keeping quiet about the pain for a long while now,† Ian added somberly. I winced. â€Å"And there's nothing to be done? Nothing at all?† Ian shook his head, keeping his brilliant eyes on mine. â€Å"Not for us. Even if we weren't stuck here, there would be no help for him now. We never cured that one.† I bit my lip against the suggestion I wanted to make. Of course there was nothing to do for Walter. Any of these humans would rather die slowly and in pain than trade their mind for their body's cure. I could understand that†¦ now. â€Å"He's been asking for you,† Ian continued. â€Å"Well, he says your name sometimes; it's hard to tell what he means-Doc's keeping him drunk to help with the pain.† â€Å"Doc feels real bad about using so much of the alcohol himself,† Jamie added. â€Å"Bad timing, all around.† â€Å"Can I see him?† I asked. â€Å"Or will that make the others unhappy?† Ian frowned and snorted. â€Å"Wouldn't that be just like some people, to get worked up over this?† He shook his head. â€Å"Who cares, though, right? If it's Walt's final wish†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Right,† I agreed. The word final had my eyes burning. â€Å"If seeing me is what Walter wants, then I guess it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, or if they get mad.† â€Å"Don't worry about that-I'm not going to let anybody harass you.† Ian's white lips pressed into a thin line. I felt anxious, like I wanted to look at a clock. Time had ceased to mean much to me, but suddenly I felt the weight of a deadline. â€Å"Is it too late to go tonight? Will we disturb him?† â€Å"He's not sleeping regular hours. We can go see.† I started walking at once, dragging Jamie because he still gripped my hand. The sense of passing time, of endings and finality, propelled me forward. Ian caught up quickly, though, with his long stride. In the moonlit garden cavern, we passed others who for the most part paid us no mind. I was too often in the company of Jamie and Ian to cause any curiosity, though we weren't headed for the usual tunnels. The one exception was Kyle. He froze midstride when he saw his brother beside me. His eyes flashed down to see Jamie's hand in mine, and then his lips twisted into a snarl. Ian squared his shoulders as he absorbed his brother's reaction-his mouth curled into a mirror of Kyle's-and he deliberately reached for my other hand. Kyle made a noise like he was about to be sick and turned his back on us. When we were in the blackness of the long tunnel south, I tried to free that hand. Ian gripped it tighter. â€Å"I wish you wouldn't make him angrier,† I muttered. â€Å"Kyle is wrong. Being wrong is sort of a habit with him. He'll take longer than anyone else to get over it, but that doesn't mean we should make allowances for him.† â€Å"He frightens me,† I admitted in a whisper. â€Å"I don't want him to have more reasons to hate me.† Ian and Jamie squeezed my hands at the same time. They spoke simultaneously. â€Å"Don't be afraid,† Jamie said. â€Å"Jeb's made his opinion very clear,† Ian said. â€Å"What do you mean?† I asked Ian. â€Å"If Kyle can't accept Jeb's rules, then he's no longer welcome here.† â€Å"But that's wrong. Kyle belongs here.† Ian grunted. â€Å"He's staying†¦ so he'll just have to learn to deal.† We didn't talk again through the long walk. I was feeling guilty-it seemed to be a permanent emotional state here. Guilt and fear and heartbreak. Why had I come? Because you do belong here, oddly enough, Melanie whispered. She was very aware of the warmth of Ian's and Jamie's hands, wrapped around and twined with mine. Where else have you ever had this? Nowhere, I confessed, feeling only more depressed. But it doesn't make me belong. Not the way you do. We're a package deal, Wanda. As if I needed reminding†¦ I was a little surprised to hear her so clearly. She'd been quiet the last two days, waiting, anxious, hoping to see Jared again. Of course, I'd been similarly occupied. Maybe he's with Walter. Maybe that's where he's been, Melanie thought hopefully. That's not why we're going to see Walter. No. Of course not. Her tone was repentant, but I realized that Walter did not mean as much to her as he did to me. Naturally, she was sad that he was dying, but she had accepted that outcome from the beginning. I, on the other hand, could not bring myself to accept it, even now. Walter was my friend, not hers. I was the one he'd defended. One of those dim blue lights greeted us as we approached the hospital wing. (I knew now that the lanterns were solar powered, left in sunny corners during the day to charge.) We all moved more quietly, slowing at the same time without having to discuss it. I hated this room. In the darkness, with the odd shadows thrown by the weak glow, it seemed only more forbidding. There was a new smell-the room reeked of slow decay and stinging alcohol and bile. Two of the cots were occupied. Doc's feet hung over the edge of one; I recognized his light snore. On the other, looking hideously withered and misshapen, Walter watched us approach. â€Å"Are you up for visitors, Walt?† Ian whispered when Walter's eyes drifted in his direction. â€Å"Ungh,† Walter moaned. His lips drooped from his slack face, and his skin gleamed wetly in the low light. â€Å"Is there anything you need?† I murmured. I pulled my hands free-they fluttered helplessly in the air between me and Walter. His loosely rolling eyes searched the darkness. I took a step closer. â€Å"Is there anything we can do for you? Anything at all?† His eyes roamed till they found my face. Abruptly, they focused through the drunken stupor and the pain. â€Å"Finally,† he gasped. His breath wheezed and whistled. â€Å"I knew you would come if I waited long enough. Oh, Gladys, I have so much to tell you.†