Should Chinas Human Rights Record Prevent Permanent Normal Trade Relations :: Human Rights Essays

Background Since the initial warming of U.S.-China transaction in the early 1970s, policymakers scram had difficulty balancing conflicting U.S. policy concerns in the Peoples Republic of China. From Nixon to Clinton, presidents have had to reconcile security and valet rights concerns with corporations desires for expanded economic relations between the 2 countries. While the U.S. regularly objects to Chinas human rights violations, the Chinese government counters with complaints that the American concerns represent unwarranted American intrusion into its internal affairs.In 1989 the Tiananmen Square massacre displace public attention to the inconsistent character of U.S.-China policy. A wave of public indignation with Chinas repressive practices forced the Bush administration to adopt a sterner strong point toward human rights violations and to impose sanctions, including restrictions on bilateral and multilateral aid. But these measures have not satisfied some critics of China s human rights practices, who contend that the U.S. should apply even more(prenominal) rigid trade restrictions against China. Specifically, some critics insist that the U.S. government not give China permanent normal trade relations status, which would free Chinas government from an yearbook review of its human rights record by Congress.M some(prenominal) critics say PNTR standing should be linked to improvements in Chinas human and labor rights practices - a policy that has been spurned by the Clinton administration. Rather than denying China normal trading status because of human rights violations, the Clinton administration has opted for a policy of comprehensive engagement, which holds that long-term U.S. goals such as human rights improvement are more likely to be achieved through sustained contact and open trading than by further isolating China.Yet Chinese human rights practices, including respect for political and labor rights, continue to fall well below internationally accepted standards. In perhaps the stickiest issue, the White House warned stopping point week that there was little chance of PNTR for China without legislation setting up a watchdog commission to monitor Beijings human rights practices. China, however opposes any plans by the U.S. to monitor human rights as a condition to granting PNTR.On One Hand...American businesses should not be coddled at the expense of human rights. patronage expressions of concern for human rights conditions, the U.S. government has allowed narrow economic interests, particularly those of corporate investors, to guide its China policy. So far, the U.S. government has been unwilling to jeopardize U.S. economic relations by adopting stricter human rights conditions on aid and trade.Chinas trade status is currently reviewed annually by Congress.

Marks & Spencers :: essays research papers

During 2003/2004 Marks & Spencers have worked to improve their performance across their wide range of corporate social responsibility issues.THEIR BUSINESS costume clothing accounts for 50.1% of the UK sales and its their biggest business. Provides a wide range of clothing for women, men and children. They have 11% share of the UK marketing.Marks & Spencers Public Relations weapons platformCustomer I think we should keep a sales information, annual independent Survey and customer consultation and a continues research program, so we git keep a good relation with core customer to know what they are looking for.Employees we should do continues surveys among our employees. We need to keep our Confidential help frontier, so we can keep improving the working environment. Also, apart from our employee magazine, I think we should send continues information about the group, send updating about close to of the decisions making and benefits through their emails.Shareholders we have our ann ual general run across. We need to improve our programme to survey shareholders satisfaction. A good point is to have regular meeting and presentations with investors. Suppliers, including franchisees regular visits, meeting and discussions. Programmes to survey their satisfaction. Direct relationship with important raw material suppliers. Community Regular meetings with key charity partners.Government Regular meetings with bodies such(prenominal) as the Health and Safety Executive, environmental regulators and financial services authority. Local authority partnership on environmental health and trading standards.PROGRAMS Organic cotton We have increased our use of organic cotton to 3,000kgs. Its still a very small proportion. Our long-term target is 5% of all the cotton we produce should be organic by 2010.MEDIAVogue magazine is the number one of fashion authority.

The Harm of Milk Essays -- Health Nutrition Milk Essays

The Harm of milk Got Milk? Well, Austin Powers, Tracy McGrady, Serena Williams, Britney Spears, and even Elvis each(prenominal) do. But, do they know what they are selling in this Got Milk? Advertisements? The Got Milk? campaign was based on a take out deprivation strategy that reminded consumers how inconvenient it was to be without milk. The advertisment made milk a very popular inebriety because of its attractiveness not because of the nutrients and health issues. It has been believed by many that milk is needed to watch a strong and healthy body, when actually milk can be extremely harmful and the nutrients needed for a good body can be build in many other sources.Statistics show that milk consumption is on the rise in the United States since the Got Milk? campaign was launched. In 1993, 58.1 trillion pounds of milk was consumed. It had risen to 59.5 billion pounds by 2002, an increase of 1.4 billion pounds (ERS, Animal Products Branch). Another factor causing the milk indus try to grow is dairy farmers. They endangerment the dissipate of their industry if the population does not consume enough milk. So, of course, the farmers are pushing us to crispen not just virtuoso glass, but deuce and third glass of milk a day. Their briny priority is to make money by getting us to drink milk as often as possible, not to inform us that milk may not be all that healthy because we are not aware of the risks, we tip our glasses and drink up. Milk is not as nutritionally essential as it is portrayed, but rather it is harmful to our bodies. Heart unsoundness is Americas itemize-one killer. The main causes of this disease extradite been believed to be such things as smoking, stress, and even lack of companionship. However, according to an article in Earth Island Journal, milk consumption is probably the number one cause of heart disease. By the time the average American turns fifty-two, he or she will have consumed in milk and dairy products the analogous fol low of cholesterol booked in one million slices of bacon ( Milk The Deadly Poison). dairy farm products are the most instant source of saturated alter. modify blue increases cholesterol production in the liver. This leads to the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries which increase ones risk of heart attack and stroke (The casing against Dairy). The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol found in milk intensify your chances of bypass surge... ...or most people, especially if you dont have whatsoever sort of workout plan. As for me I am told to drink milk to gain muscle, because it is the easiest protein for your body to take in. With all of the physical activities that I do beingness on the Penn State Football Team, I will have less of a risk of having heart problems than people who do not get in in physical activity. That is why it is very important to get the right amount of exercise in order to burn the excess calories from the saturated fat that is contained in regular milk.Even with all of the exercise in the world, there are still problems that can not be taken care of by the consumer. The provided way to be sure that you are not going to have physical problems because of milk is to refrain from drinking regular, whole milk and to drink liquids that contain the healthier calcium and protein that milk in known for. If you are a milk drinker, I encourage you to take a long ambitious witness at all the risks involved with consuming this product. It could prevent you from having heart disease or other ailments associated with milk. So next time you see an advertizing for Got Milk? as yourself, Got Something Else? The Harm of Milk Essays -- Health Nutrition Milk EssaysThe Harm of Milk Got Milk? Well, Austin Powers, Tracy McGrady, Serena Williams, Britney Spears, and even Elvis all do. But, do they know what they are selling in this Got Milk? Advertisements? The Got Milk? campaign was based on a milk deprivation strategy that reminded consumers how inconvenient it was to be without milk. The advertisment made milk a very popular drink because of its attractiveness not because of the nutrients and health issues. It has been believed by many that milk is needed to have a strong and healthy body, when actually milk can be extremely harmful and the nutrients needed for a good body can be found in many other sources.Statistics show that milk consumption is on the rise in the United States since the Got Milk? campaign was launched. In 1993, 58.1 billion pounds of milk was consumed. It had risen to 59.5 billion pounds by 2002, an increase of 1.4 billion pounds (ERS, Animal Products Branch). Another factor causing the milk industry to grow is dairy farmers. They risk the collapse of their industry if the population does not consume enough milk. So, of course, the farmers are pushing us to drink not just one glass, but two and three glasses of milk a day. Their main priority is to make money by getting us t o drink milk as much as possible, not to inform us that milk may not be all that healthy because we are not aware of the risks, we tip our glasses and drink up. Milk is not as nutritionally essential as it is portrayed, but rather it is harmful to our bodies. Heart disease is Americas number-one killer. The main causes of this disease have been believed to be such things as smoking, stress, and even lack of companionship. However, according to an article in Earth Island Journal, milk consumption is probably the number one cause of heart disease. By the time the average American turns fifty-two, he or she will have consumed in milk and dairy products the same amount of cholesterol contained in one million slices of bacon ( Milk The Deadly Poison). Dairy products are the most instant source of saturated fat. Saturated fat increases cholesterol production in the liver. This leads to the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries which increase ones risk of heart attack and stroke (The Case against Dairy). The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol found in milk intensify your chances of bypass surge... ...or most people, especially if you dont have some sort of workout plan. As for me I am told to drink milk to gain muscle, because it is the easiest protein for your body to take in. With all of the physical activities that I do being on the Penn State Football Team, I will have less of a risk of having heart problems than people who do not participate in physical activity. That is why it is very important to get the right amount of exercise in order to burn the excess calories from the saturated fat that is contained in regular milk.Even with all of the exercise in the world, there are still problems that can not be taken care of by the consumer. The only way to be sure that you are not going to have physical problems because of milk is to refrain from drinking regular, whole milk and to drink liquids that contain the healthier calcium and protein that mi lk in known for. If you are a milk drinker, I encourage you to take a long hard look at all the risks involved with consuming this product. It could prevent you from having heart disease or other ailments associated with milk. So next time you see an advertisement for Got Milk? as yourself, Got Something Else?

Race :: essays papers

RaceWhen I was a little girl, my best friends dad was a neurologist. He tricked us with color and number tests and other brainteasers. I was fascinated by how my brain reacted to the games, and ever since, I have wanted to study the brain. Later, as a gritty school sophomore, I still focused on being a doctor, and that year I was deemed worthy of an internship at a local hospital. So, the following summer, I gave up late mornings and relaxing by the pool to get up early and help doctors at the hospital.I had originally applied for a neurologic internship, which the program did not offer, so I was shuffled into working with doctors in the maternity ward and the nursery. Nevertheless, by the end of the first week, I was feeding babies, checking vitals, changing diapers, and bankroll them in carriages to their mothers and get downs. Each moment I spent helping the doctors with the newborns, I wondered if I should be an o.b./gyn doctor instead of a neurologist.One morning a few weeks after I began the internship, the doctors told me a mother was to deliver a baby, and she had given permission for me to view the delivery. For awhile the mother tried to deliver, but she was deform the doctors kept telling her to relax and stay calm for the baby. The tense mother continued trying to deliver, and with the doctors encouraging words and the heat of the small, boxy room, I became conscious of what I was about to witness and wondered if I could handle it all.Before I could change my mind, a small, smooth head slowly emerged. I discovered what I had expected - I could not take it. Tears filled my eyes along with the healthy newborn babys. What I had seen, some never see -- including the father who had decided he should stay in the much calmer hallway. As the beautiful baby was carried around from doctor to doctor to be examined and then to the mothers arms, I complete that I did not want to be an o.b./gyn doctor. Residents had warned me that this job must b e a passion or one would burn out from stress and ceaseless fatigue, which I definitely felt after watching the birth of a baby.As my internship continued, I helped doctors in the neo-natal care unit.

Feedback Effects of Soil Carbon Cycling in Northern Ecosystems Essay

Feedback Effects of Soil Carbon Cycling in Northern Ecosystems spherical thawing will be greatest in mid-continental North America and Eurasia, where temperatures are predicted to increase 4 - 12_C during the winter and 2 - 6_ C in summer (Kasischke et. al, 1995). This thawing will shift the boreal forest, bog, and tundra biomes that dominate these areas northward as much as 500 km in the first hundred years of warm (Toward...1988, qtd. in Varallyay, 1990). Alaskan studies indicate that these changes are already influencing ecosystem function and cytosine balance in northern ecosystems (Grulke et al. 1990 Ochel and Billings 1992 Oechel et al. 1993 qtd. in Oechel et al. 1995). Alterations in carbon cycling in these soils are of particular concern, since soils of northern ecosystems store from 350-455 Pg of carbon, or from 22.5 to 29.4% of the world soil carbon pool (Billings, 1987 Post, et al., 1990 Oechel and Vourlitis, 1993 qtd. in Lal et al.1995). This sink is an important part of the global carbon cycle soil carbon wantes from changes in land use account for 40% of the increase in atmospheric CO2 to date (Tinker and Ineson 1990). metalworker and Shugart (1993) have projected that the vegetation/soil system will eventually become a carbon sink when global warming occurs. However, the initial loss of soil fundamental matter and delayed response of ecosystems to range shifts are expected to cause an initial pulse of carbon to the atmosphere, representing a temporary overbearing feedback to climate change. The amount of organic carbon stored in the soil depends on the net primary productivity (NPP) of the ecosystem and the speed of humic decomposition. Rates of soil organic matter decay are partially temperature dependent Jenkinson... ...niversity Press, 1995. Smith, T. M. and H. H. Shugart, 1993, The transient response of terrestrial carbon storage to a perturbed climate Nature, 361, pp. 523-526. Stevenson, F. J. Cycles of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, Phospho rus, Sulfur, Micronutrients. New York, toilet Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1986. Tinker, P. B., and P. Ineson, 1990. Soil organic matter and biology in relation to climate change in Soils on a Warmer Earth, H. W. Scharpenseel, M. Schomaker and A. Ayoub, eds. New York, Elsevier, 1990. Varallyay, G. Y., 1990, Influence of climatic change on soil moisture regime, texture, structure and erosion in Soils on a Warmer Earth, H. W. Scharpenseel, M. Schomaker and A. Ayoub, eds. New York, Elsevier, 1990. Whalen, S. C., W. S. Reeburgh, and K. S. Kizer, 1991. Methane consumption and emission by taiga Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 5(3), pp. 261-273.

Feedback Effects of Soil Carbon Cycling in Northern Ecosystems Essay

Feedback Effects of Soil Carbon Cycling in Northern EcosystemsGlobal warming leave alone be greatest in mid-continental North the States and Eurasia, where temperatures are predicted to increase 4 - 12_C during the winter and 2 - 6_ C in summer (Kasischke et. al, 1995). This warming will shift the boreal forest, bog, and tundra biomes that dominate these areas northward as much as 500 km in the first hundred years of warming (Toward...1988, qtd. in Varallyay, 1990). Alaskan studies indicate that these changes are already influencing ecosystem bleed and carbon balance in northern ecosystems (Grulke et al. 1990 Ochel and Billings 1992 Oechel et al. 1993 qtd. in Oechel et al. 1995). Alterations in carbon cycling in these farmings are of particular concern, since soils of northern ecosystems store from 350-455 Pg of carbon, or from 22.5 to 29.4% of the humankind soil carbon pool (Billings, 1987 Post, et al., 1990 Oechel and Vourlitis, 1993 qtd. in Lal et al.1995). This sink is an imp ortant part of the global carbon cycle soil carbon losses from changes in defeat use account for 40% of the increase in atmospheric CO2 to date (Tinker and Ineson 1990). Smith and Shugart (1993) have projected that the vegetation/soil system will eventually become a carbon sink when global warming occurs. However, the initial loss of soil organic matter and delayed response of ecosystems to scarper shifts are expected to cause an initial pulse of carbon to the atmosphere, representing a temporary positive feedback to climate change. The amount of organic carbon stored in the soil depends on the net primary productivity (NPP) of the ecosystem and the speed of humic decomposition. Rates of soil organic matter decay are partially temperature dependent Jenkinson... ...niversity Press, 1995. Smith, T. M. and H. H. Shugart, 1993, The short-lived response of terrestrial carbon storage to a perturbed climate Nature, 361, pp. 523-526. Stevenson, F. J. Cycles of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, Pho sphorus, Sulfur, Micronutrients. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1986. Tinker, P. B., and P. Ineson, 1990. Soil organic matter and biology in apprisal to climate change in Soils on a Warmer Earth, H. W. Scharpenseel, M. Schomaker and A. Ayoub, eds. New York, Elsevier, 1990. Varallyay, G. Y., 1990, Influence of climatic change on soil moisture regime, texture, structure and wearing in Soils on a Warmer Earth, H. W. Scharpenseel, M. Schomaker and A. Ayoub, eds. New York, Elsevier, 1990. Whalen, S. C., W. S. Reeburgh, and K. S. Kizer, 1991. Methane consumption and emission by taiga Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 5(3), pp. 261-273.

Reluctant Collectivists Essay

The events of the 20th century, especially of its first part had brought a make out of things to think over in political and economical sphere. The global economical crisis of the 1930ies and the War time had proved there guard to be changes made in the regulation of the political and social relationships as well as in the government policy. Time showed that for consistent and stable development of the country there as to special welfare social programs that would defend all classes of the society. Reluctant collectivists proposed that there has to be democracy intervention in the countrys economy that would consort the role of mechanism for making good the failure of the market to control avoidable ills, but they didnt have a purpose of using it as the only instrument for economical change. Two of the most known reluctant collectivists Keynes and Beveridge are known to be the founders of the British Welfare sate. They strongly believed in the idea of free market relations, and the minimization of the state intervention by their conviction would maximize the efficiency of economics, political and social freedoms. But still reluctant collectivists argued that for a wide variety of political and economical reasons the market in the free society was not working on the ideal level as it was noted by economic theorists. The economical problems and social issues that Great Britain faced during and after WW2 motivated the necessity of state regulation, as they proposed. By their opinion the economical bolt out and instability may discredit parliamentary democracy and gave the birth to mistrust to the government. Even though that reluctant collectivists were in favor of state regulations and intervention of state to the market and economics of the country in the serious period of economical home, they still didnt fully support social insurance system. By their opinion the organization of social security is not the states problem, the assistance schemes of the government according to reluctant collectivists should simply include the guarantee of living income for severally citizen. And thats why the living standards above the minimum wage have to be gained by individuals themselves. The philosophical premises of the reluctant collectivism are originated in the theories of free market, which is considered to be the best mechanism that insures initiative of the individual and hence political freedom. But here comes the fountainhead if there has to be a need in state regulation of market and economical relations how much of the intervention is needed for that. The obvious answer is the following the weakness and the strengths of the market have to be analyzed first. This pragmatism puts reluctant collectivists close to the conservatives, whose philosophy accepts the preserving of the best that remains from the past, while adopting new things that are most likely to change the situation for better. Justification of their political aims and program by reluctant collectivists during the period of serious economical issues in the UK helped Conservatives to come to power in 1950ies and 1960ies. But still the theory of reluctant collectivism that seems to rapidly react on the changes in states market and economy can not fully answer the question what is good for the further development of market that doesnt face problems. As the result the existing problems in understanding of the market development program caused the contradictions in the views of conservatives and those who belonged to reluctant collectivists. The understanding of the market virtues by reluctant collectivists didnt give the chance for introducing and practicing economical and market reforms. As a result most of their programs lost(p) their actuality in 1960ies.ReferenceGeorge. V. & Wilding, P(1985). The Reluctant collectivists. In ideology and social welfare(pp.44-68). New York Routledge.

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 10

When I came home from Seths the next day, there was an early(a) none stuck to my door reminding me ab come forth the package. I plucked it come to and went inside, surprised to find Vincent there again. Id evaluate his angel demarcation would be keeping him busy elsewhere.Hows it any going? I asked. I rummaged through and through my cupboards, facial expression for food. Id skipped breakfast. I average, if you can evidence me without having to kill me.He sat at my kitchen table, leafing through newspapers. Ah, well, still cant give you details, of course, save I can adduce thatum, well, progress isnt being do as quickly as wed like. Theres leftover lasagna in the refrigerator if you want it.I opened the refrigerator door. for certain enough. Wow. Did one of the angels conjure this up for you?Only if you consider Yasmines cooking a type of conjuring.I uncovered the casserole dish. It looked great. There index be magic moving after all. I put a human race in the microwave and set the timer.Sitting down across from him, I peered at the spread out newspapers and remembered finding them left out the other day. You sure like your news.He grimaced. Most of its depressing.Glancing at the headlines, I had to agree with him. Murder. Corruption. Theft.You hear about the cop dead reckoning the other day? I asked. That one was actually depressing.Vincent turned his attention away from a story about domestic abuse. No, what happened?This cop was outside a convenience store and claims someone was inside shooting his partner. So, he ran in, gun in hand, and started shooting. He ended up killing his partner himself.Vincent frowned. Huh. I hadnt perceive that one, he murmured. From the distracted look in his eyes, his mind had clearly latched onto something I wasnt privy to.I gave him a sidelong glance. That mean anything to you? Maybe to this mission from paragon youre on?His easy smile returned. Youre sound but not that good. You issue I cant say anything.T he microwave dinged, and I retrieved my food. As I stabbed a piece of cheesy pasta, I recalled what hed said about Yasmines cooking. My curiosity got the better of me. As it often did.Vince I began slowly, carefully keeping my eyes on my food. I know its none of my businessHe laughed. I always acknowledge it when people introduce topics like that and then go ahead and dive in anyway.Blushing, I shut my mouth.No, no, he said, clearly entertained. Go ahead. What were you going to say?Iwell, nought really. Its unless, I mean, it doesnt matter to mebut I just sort of spy that you and Yasmine seem, um, close.His levity faded. I quickly looked up and met his eyes apologetically.Im sorry, I blurted out. Forget I said anything.Noits, I dont know. He folded up the newspaper, staring at it without really seeing it. Yeah, I guess. Ive known her for a long time, and after a while, its easy towell, shes easy to like.Yeah, she is.A a couple of(prenominal) pregnant moments passed. When he sp oke again, I heard affection in his voice. I first met her at this fair in Akron, of all placesabout, oh, fifteen years ago. Not sure what she was doing there you never do with them but I found her walking away from a concession stand. She had this giant tower of cotton candy. I swear, it was taller than she was. And, since I could tell she was an angel, it made the situation that much much absurd.The story made me smile too. It also shed light on why he was here with the A-Team. I could tell she was an angel. He was other gifted human, like Erik and Dante, who could sense the immortal world. And you went and talked to her?I hadnt planned to, but then the cotton candy started to fall over, so I went to help her and ended up eating half of it myself.Thats sweet, I said. Er, no pun intended. It didnt matter that in the last few months, Id fucked one guy in an office chair, used a leather whip on another, and gone down on another in the back room of a one-seed club. I still loved romantic stories.She started asking for my help after that, off and on, once she realized what I could do. It was supposed to just be thatnothing more than her, you know, professional cases. But after a while, we couldnt help it. Were together all the time now.I swallowed another piece of lasagna. It was divine. Seriously. Do any of the other angels know?Yeah, right. Joel barely tolerates me nowBut obviously, you guys arent, um, you cant be No, but it doesnt matter. It doesnt endure to be physical. Really, its ironic. Angels are creatures of love. Theyre supposed to love everyone. Theyre just not supposed to love one person so much more than another.Thats stupid, I stated adamantly.To you, maybe. And to me, I suppose. But to herwell, she devotes her entire existence to the service of a power and make up bigger than all of us. To be so in love with something or someone else is distracting. You cant serve two masters without eventually betraying one.I looked down again, crook o ver his words. And yet you guys still stay together. Sort of.He shrugged. In as much as we can. Maybe I should move on with my life, but, honestly, theres no one else I want to be with. I accept what she is. Its why I love her. Id rather be with her in a limited capacitor than none at all.Goosebumps rose on the back of my neck. Hed just stated a variant of what Seth used to tell me all the time, back when I would continually urge him to leave me and find someone else. Id accepted his survival by now and honestly couldnt imagine not having him in my life. But still. sometimes I didnt entirely get how he could be okay with everything between us hearing another person support such a choice was refreshing.As though reading my mind, Vincent gently asked, Am I hitting too close to home? Carter mentioned a boyfriendNo. Yes. I dont know. He Seth, my boyfriend says the same thing as you. That if it cant be any other waywell, then this is the way he wants it.Exactly. And thus, life goes o n. Vincent started gathering up the newspapers. I tell you though, I think your side and hers are both so fucked up, its not even funny. Why the rules? Why does a succubus always have to take away someones life when shes with them? Why cant you have the choice? And why cant Yasmine make love? Why cant she be in love?Good question. I dont think Vincent really expected an answer, but I had to give one anyway.Because thats the way it is. The way the system figures. The way its always worked.The system is fucked-up, he said.I thought about it and nodded. No arguments.Smiling, he reached for his coat and slipped it on. Youre okay for a succubus.Vincent left, off to do whatever it was one did with a posse of angels. I intimately envied him because I had something to do that I wasnt looking forward to at all. It was another necessary evil.I had to get Tawny a job.After that debacle of a bound lesson, Id told her Id help. I might not be able to do much about my mysterious zip fastener loss or angelic romances, but I sure as hell could do something to expedite Niphons departure.I drove down to Seatac, a city that owes its entire existence to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Its more of a shadow, really, spreading around the airport in a blanket of long-term parking lots and cheap hotels. It also has a couple of disassemble clubs because really, what else are out-of-town businessmen supposed to do in their downtime?It was late afternoon, so business was slow when I stepped inside Low Blow. A few bored-looking men sat scattered throughout the place, which was dingy and in need of some serious redecorating. Or, well, any decorating. A couple of the guys glanced up with interest as I walked through. Apparently, I held more appeal than the poor brunette trying her damnedest to fuck a pole in time to the dulcet sounds of Pink Floyds junior Lust.I opened my mouth to speak to the bartender, but a voice behind me interrupted.Holyshit. I dont believe it. I dont f ucking believe it.I turned and looked into the long, narrow face of Simon Chesterfield, the proud proprietor of this dive. Between his face and lanky body, he always reminded me of a weasel. His black mustache never quite a seemed able to grow in completely, and he dressed in brand name clothes that were always one size too small. He was thick(p) with the local Hellish players, and rumor had it he was in line to be an imp, eventually selling his soul for immortality and the chance to be a diabolical salesman.You in the long run come to dance for me, doll?You wish.For a sleazy guy who ran a sleazy establishment, Simon actually had a legitimate appreciation for dance. Id once seen him trying to choreograph his strippers and had been impressed by his sense of aesthetics and rhythm. His employees hadnt really caught on. Such talents were kind of wasted here, and I used to wonder why he didnt take his business to one of the more affluent suburbs where he could get a higher caliber of dancers. The reason he stayed, Id later learned, was that this was a better venue for all sorts of other shady business he conducted.Still, Simon had a sharp eye and knew what a good dancer I was. Hed been on me for years to come work for him.We need to talk, I explained. Business.Its what I do. With a sweeping gesture, he pointed to a doorway beside the bar. Lets go to my office then.His office was barely a broom closet, but it had a stool for me to sit on. Resting my heels on a mid-level bar, I brought my knees up to my chest. It made my gray linen skirt slide up a bit. Simon watched with an interest that was more professional than personal.Fuck, charr. You come dance for me, and I could make a killing. He shook his head and collapsed into a rolling faux leather chair. A succubus on my stage. Fuck.I tilted my head to the side. Its funny you mention that because thats kind of why Im here.I think my innocent tone set his alarms off. He eyeball me suspiciously. I thought you said y ou didnt want a job.Not me. We just got a new succubus, and shes looking for a gig. Didnt you hear?No He frowned. And she wants to dance? Here?Yep, I said glibly. She cant wait to take her clothes off. Wasnt that the truth.Simon leaned back in the chair and put his feet on the desk. Casual pose or not, he was still on guard. Whats the catch?Why does there have to be a catch? You should be excited about this. Were doing you a favor.Youre offering to trim down a succubus into my lap. That sounds too good to be true, so it is too good to be true. He paused, still thinking. And why are you here sort of of her?Im altruistic.Georgina, he said warningly.Okay, I admitted. Shes kind ofnew.How new?Really new. Still under warranty.Theres still a catch here somewhere.Wellshes I spun through my mental rolodex of adjectives. Inept.He raised one narrow eyebrow. Inept?Shes still learning how to get men. Since Simon probably wanted sexy women working for him, I figured it wasnt worth mentioning th at Tawny wasnt so much learning as she was still trying to find her way to class. And shes a, um, bad dancer.How bad?Bad.Can you be a little more specific on what level of bad were dealing with?Remember Gigli?Jesus. So, why do you think Id want to take on a shitty dancer?Simon, I exclaimed. All your dancers are shitty.Not all of them, he said. And its not like Im trying to get more. We have standards.I gave him a pointed look.Alright, alright. He ran a hand through his gelled black hair. What do I get in return?Now I was the indignant one. What do you mean? Youre getting a succubus dancer. What else do you need?Im getting a succubus charity case. Im the one doing you a favor. His eyes were shrewd. Yeah. Hed make a good imp someday. He was this close to breaking out a contract. I want you. Dance for me two nights this week.No.One night.Simon, there is nothing in this world thats going to get me to dance here, not even a succubus charity case. Pick something else.Okay, fine. He ponder ed. You. I want you.Hey, I just told you No, no. Not as a dancer. As in right now. On the desk.I sighed. That kind of want.Look, if Ive gotta hire a bad succubus, I might as well fuck a good one.Interesting logic. Arent you worried about your soul?He looked at me like he couldnt believe Id had the shamelessness to ask such a thing. It was similar to the look Id given him when he said Low Blow had standards.Noted. I stood up. But not this body. Pick another shape.Simon snorted. You think Im interested in a pinup girl crossed with an Ann Taylor model? Fuck that. I want a sixteen-year-old version of Liza Minnelli. In a school girls uniform.I stared. I have no idea what that would look like.He started undoing his pants. Youre a smart girl. Figure it out.Sighing again, I shape-shifted, taking on a small body with a black pixie haircut. Baby smooth skin. Green plaid skirt with matching vest. Simon grunted his approval.Turning, I rested my pass on the desk and bent over, thrusting my as s out toward him. I hoped it would be over soon. If I could just get the weasel comparison out of my head, this would probably be a lot easier.I felt his hands slide along my legs as he pushed the skirt up. Suddenly, he froze.A thong? Are you insane, woman?Youre a sick bastard, I told him. The thong changed to white cotton panties.Dont I know it.He pushed the panties down and thrust forward. Well, I guess it was a thrust. Simon wasnt that well-endowed. I was on the verge of saying something like, Are you there yet? Alas, the Tawny situation was too dire. I couldnt risk Simon changing his mind about her for the saki of a joke, no matter how funny.But, whatever Simon lacked in size, he made up for in enthusiasm. He gripped my hips, nails digging into my bare flesh as he pounded away. I had to keep a fierce hold on the desk. Eventually, seeking variety, Simon flipped me over to my back. He unfastened my blouse and bra, exposing small, perky breasts that had just blossomed into womanho od. Eyes on them and not my face, he grabbed my legs and spread them so that my ankles practically rested on his shoulders.He returned to the task at hand, and when he finally came, I have to admit I welcomed the energy burst. It wasnt a lot the guy practically worked for Hell already but I needed it. Simon pulled out of me, and I sat up, mildly sated from an energy standpoint, if not a physical one. I honestly hadnt done much but lie there the whole time, but he regarded me as though wed just gone through the entire Kama Sutra.Definitely worth putting up with an inept succubus, he said happily, pulling his pants back up.I wanted to say that he might want to withhold judgment until he actually met Tawny, but instead, I just smiled. I knew when to keep my run switch on.

Common Law Essay

a)In a letter dated 14/02/2011, the manager (Dave) of Excellent Foods (EF) outlined conditions in writing to the manager (Ben) of Safe Foods (SF) in relation to the purchase of EF. These conditions were that SF must pay the valued essence of EF, which totaled $120,000, $30,000 more than the original amount that SF had been prepared to pay and stipulated during earlier negotiations. At the time of the earlier negotiations, SF also had set a purchase requirement, which was that EFs sales must increase by 20% over the next two months and if this requirement was met, SF would be prepared to pay the $90,000.After earlier negotiations, EF had their business valued at $120,000 and notified SF of the valuation and that they at present required this amount, not the $90,000 that SF had avered. SF did not reply to EF.Whilst EF met the sales increase target and forwarded the record of sales to SF along with the transfer of business contract as healthful as a new condition of the contract b eing that EF require 10% of the 120,000 within 14 days, SF responded in writing stating they no longer were raise in purchasing EF. It would appear that EF are no longer interested in purchasing SF due to the $30,000 price increase and the term that they would now film to pay 10% within 14 days.An important aspect in forming a de jure binding contract is giving and receiving the betrothal of an offer. The requirement of acceptance with every binding legal contact is tied closely to the concept of unqualified mutual assent. Only when some(prenominal) parties have given their mutual assent does the law consider a binding legal contact to have been formed. Hence, if the offeree remains silent, their silence cannot constitute an acceptance.1Another important aspect when creating a legally binding contract is that the acceptance of the offer must exactly mirror the terms and conditions of the offeree and vice versa. If there is even a slight difference, this will close to likely n ot constitute a valid acceptance. If an offer is made that does not mirror the terms of the original offer, than this is considered a riposte-offer, which now negates the original offer.An font of this is demonstrated in the case of Hyde v Wrench (1840) where Wrench offers to sell his land to Hyde for the price of 1200 pounds of which Hyde declined to accept. Wrench responded with a counter-offer of 1000 pounds and Hyde responded with other counter-offer of 950 pounds. When Wrench declined the counter offer, Hyde decided he would accept the earlier offer of 1000 pounds, heretofore Wrench decided he would no longer sell his land to Hyde for this amount. As Hyde had made another counter-offer after the earlier offer, the offer of 1000 pounds was now destroyed. Hyde sued Wrench for breach of contract claiming that the earlier offer was not withdrawn however the judicatory found that Wrench did not need to withdraw the offer of 1000 pounds as it was destroyed when the counter-offer of 950 pounds was made.2In this case, SF made an offer to EF, being $90,000 if sales increase by 20% in two months. EF later responded with a counter-offer of $120,000, which then destroyed the earlier offer of $90,000. SF did not respond to this counter offer, whence not accepting the new offer. EF also added terms to the offer that were not previously discussed with SF, which also did not mirror the terms of the earlier offer of which the court considers being a strict requirement for full and unequivocal assent.3Excellent Foods cannot commence an action for breach of contract against Safe Foods as the counter-offer negates the original offer of which Safe Foods did not respond to and therefore is not considered as an acceptance of the terms.b)Promissory estoppel is an equitable action, which is designed to enforce promises made from one party to another where the promises are not supported by consideration. The doctrine of promissory estoppel can only be applied if a clear prom ise was made from the promiser to the promisee, if the promisse has driveed a significant loss from the promiser now going back on its promise, if the promiser acted unconscionably, and if the promisse undertook certain acts (or refrained from undertaking certain acts) due to the promisers initial promise.A leading case which illustrates the purpose of promisary estoppal is Waltons Stores v Maher where Waltons negotiated with Maher over the grant of a lease of property that Maher owned. Maher agreed to demolish a edifice in order to make way for a new custom designed building to be occupied by Waltons. Changes and agreements were made by both parties over the following months. Waltons later decided that they no longer required the building after Maher had already informed then that they were proceeding with the demolition and in spite of being aware of this, advised their solicitors to go slow in informing Maher of their reservations.Due to Maher having initially received a cle ar promise, suffered considerable loss and spotless many acts under the belief that Waltons would go ahead with the promise as well as Waltons acting unconscionably against Maher in going slow in informing Maher of their true intentions, Maher was able to rely on promisary estoppel and therefore won on first instance and later at the appeal.4In this case, Excellent Foods did not suffer any considerable loss from Safe Foods not following through with the business transfer. Whilst there was an initial promise made by SF to EF, EF later pass along 10% of the transfer price of $120,000 within 14 days a term that had not previously been negotiated. It may be because of this term that SF does not entreat to continue with the transfer in which case they have not acted unconscionably. EF informed SF in writing that they did not wish to continue with the transfer.

Storm Born Chapter Twenty-Four

What constantly snide comments Dorian and Maiwenn might manage, Tucson is the best place in the world to live.Standing at the depopulate crossroads the following evening, I paused a moment to take in my surroundings before crossing all told over. Dorians kingdom was certainly beautiful, solely it just wasnt the kindred. It wasnt home. A soft wind cut through the dry air, ruffling my hair and whispering that spring would yield to summer currently. The breeze carried all the delicious smells of the desert, and I caught the attractive scent of mesquite not the barbecue kind but the delicate perfume emitted by its fuzzy yellow blooms. Above me, the sun beat experience with come come out of the closet remorse, warning the weak to get the hell out. The tourist season tended to drop off-key with the sharp increase in temperatures, but I savord this fourth dimension of y spike heel.And all close to me, in this dry and unforgiving heat, I could note the unseen urine. It was i n the saguaros and the cactus wrens and the mesquite trees tap roots. There were even fiddling bits in the air, despite the ostensible aridness. Everywhere there was life, there was water. Sensing it was second nature to me flat. Calling it still remained a challenge.Closing my eyes, I let my mastermind reach through the boundaries and send me into the Otherworld. Practice real did make perfect with these transitions they were effortless now, just exchangeable sensing water. My body slipped through, pul take toward the corresponding thin emplacement near Dorians home. Before I could arrive there, however, I reached out toward the Slinky, using my stored essence as a magnet to pull me there instead of the road. Moments later, I appe ared on Dorians bed.Presumptuous, I muttered, swinging off of it and standing up. I picked up the Slinky and tossed it around, watching its rings arch and fall.Is that you, my lady? I heard a dubitable articulate call. Seconds later, Nias young fac e peeked in from the different mode. His majesty is in the conservatory. If youll follow me?Wow. Id never heard of anyvirtuoso real having a conservatory, outside of the game Clue. When Nia led me inside, I found Dorian standing in front of a assvas with a painters palette and brush in his hands. Dorian, in the conservatory, with the candlestick, I thought. Er, paintbrush.He smiled when he precept me. Lady Markham, youre just in time. Perhaps you can amuse Rurik. Hes become terribly unreasonable.I glanced over to the side of the populate where Rurik, the colossal warrior with platinum blond hair, sat on a delicate chaise lounge upholstered in lavender velvet. He wore full leather and copper armor, and the sunk juxtaposition do me wince.I dont mean to be unreasonable, your majesty. He spoke through gritted teeth. exclusively sitting here and not locomote while in armor isnt all that easy.Bah, youre whining. Most unseemly for a man of your station. wherefore, Lady Markh am can stay still for hours and in far more uncomfortable quite a little too, I might add.Rurik glanced at me, both startled and pleasantly intrigued.Dont move Look backside here.Ruriks leer faded as he turned back toward his king. Dorians canvas faced away from me, so I had no idea what his masterpiece looked like. I started to walk around and check it out, but he waved me off with the brush.No, no. Not until Im finished.Shrugging, I pulled up another lavender chair the entire room was that color, actually and slouched into it. Dorian spoke without looking up from his range.So what get you done today, my dear? Anything entertaining?Not rattling. Slept in. Banished a shade. I actually read for most of the day. Kind of lame.What are you reading? I really enjoy that one humans worksoh, I forget his name. He was very popular for a while. Shakemore?Shakespeare?Yes, thats the one. Has he written anything new?Um, not in, like, four or five centuries.Ah, pity. So what did you read closely instead?The weather.He paused midstroke. And what did you learn?Storm-formation stuff. How water molecules build up and condense, how charged particles discharge to form lightning. Oh, and there was roughthing else well-nigh high and low pressure, but Ive got to go back and reread that. Kind of confusing.Both men treated me to brief, blank looks, and then Dorian returned to his work. I see. And do you count on this will facilitate your learning?Not sure. But I kind of like loveing what the end result is hypothetic to be. subdue barbaric as Dorian continued painting. Rurik persisted in looking miserable, occasionally sighing loudly to express his discontent. Id never entirely forgiven him for the ice elemental thing, so seeing him domiciliate had its perks. Unfortunately, it grew boring after a while. I crossed my gird and slumped farther into the chair, catching his notice.Sire, your ladys counterweightless. Im sure you have more interesting things to do with her. We can work on this another time. I dont mind.Nonsense. Im almost done.The first happy feel Id seen since arriving showed on Ruriks face. It vanished when Dorian turned the canvas around to display his work.We stared.Sire, am Iwearing a bow?I cocked my whirl. It does kind of look that way. But the restman, thats actually pretty good. I didnt know you could do faces so well.Dorian glowed. Why, thank you. I can paint you too someday if youd like.Its a bow, protested Rurik.Dorian glanced at the canvas, then back to the warrior. It matches the chaise. I had to add it otherwise you would have clashed.Back in his bedroom, Dorian went through his usual motions, flinging off his silver-gray cloak and pouring a glass of wine-colored. He drank some type of blush tonight. wangle to start?I nodded, sitting down in the chair in the middle of the room. As Id said, I didnt really think the meteorology books would give me that a lot of an edge yet, but I snarl more empowered after reading them. L ike I was starting to take my training into my own hands.He took another drink of his wine, procured more cords, and approached me. Putting one hand on his hip, he surveyed me cautiously, not unlike how hed scrutinized his canvas.Thats a very pretty shirt. I glanced down. It was a black tank top with a chain of red daisies embroidered near the top. Hmm. Lets try this.He abandoned the pastel-colored ties he held and replaced them with red and black ones. Placing my arms prone against the chairs arms, he wrapped each of mine down with black first, making X patterns. The style reminded me of the way a ballerinas slippers laced up. When that was finished, he went back over each arm with red.These are more like ribbons than your usual ones, I observed. Or maybe sashes. Do you own, like, every possible form of constraint know to man?Nearly, he said. All right. Lets get started. The waters over there.He indicated a table near the window where my old friend the pitcher sat, but Id already known it was there. Settling as comfortably as I could in the chair, I stared at the pitcher and immediately let my mind reach out to the water. It flared like a beacon to me. Beyond it, I could sense all the other water in the room too. Me and Dorian, the wine, water vapor. I directed my tending to the pitchers water.I can feel you, now come to me.But, as many practices had already demonstrated, demanding didnt make things happen. God, that pissed me off. I honestly didnt know how Dorian could stand waiting around through all of these sessions. It had to be boring as hell. I was bored, and I actually got to do something. Sort of.No, no. That was a bad attitude. Forget the boredom. Focus on the task at hand.Hours passed again. If Dorian was still awake which I doubted I knew hed close off the session soon. The intimacy irritated me, but I understood. I was already feeling tired, my eyes bleary. I unbroken blinking a lot to regain focus and defy them from drying. I think that do me notice what happened next.Dorian, look at the pitcher.He sat up right away and followed my gaze. A moment later, he walked over and touched the pitcher, brushing his fingers along its side. Water quietly ran down the ceramic surface, pooling on the tables glass surface. A slow, delighted smile spread over his face.Youve seized it. Its perceive to you. Now make it come farther all the way out of the jug.With tangible progress before me, my excitement grew. I thought hard about what Id been doing, trying to repeat it. About a minute later, I could see water spilling down the sides of the jug, much faster and in greater amounts. The puddle on the table grew too full, dripping onto the floor.Im ruining your carpet.Never mind the carpet. Bring it farther. I could hear the anticipation in his voice.Some logical part of me saw carpet as tough terrain to navigate, and the waters progress slowed. Soon, I decided, that was only in my manoeuver. The carpet had nothing to do with any thing. only when my control of the water mattered.As soon as I made that leap, the water shot over the carpet in a curving rivulet, almost like a snake. It reached my feet, and I could feel it waiting for some further instruction. Only, I didnt know what to tell it. I simply wanted it to come to me.Id barely given form to that thought when the water sprang up before me and hovered in the air. My mouth dropping, I watched it splinter into hundreds of drops. They hung there, suspended like strings of crystal beads. I gaped, fascinated, but had no idea what to do next. My grasp on them slipped away, and the drops disintegrated further into a fine fog. Seconds later, the cloud dispersed whole, evaporating into the rest of the air. As they faded, so did the tingly, euphoric feeling racing through my blood.neither Dorian nor I did anything right away. Then, I started laughing. And I couldnt stop. It was too wonderful. I wanted to do it again and again but had no more water. The wine wou ld be too messy.An idea occurred to me. Sensing the moisture in the air, I sent my power out to the air right in front of me. Suddenly, tiny flecks of water condensed on my skin, like Id been sprayed by a light mist. I laughed again.Dorian, grinning as broadly as me, walked over and ran his fingers over each of my cheeks. tinge his fingers unitedly, he rubbed the water into his skin, almost as if testing it was real.I did it.You did do it.His eyes shone with unadulterated pleasure. You might have thought hed been the one to do this. humorous that he should take such joy in this, I thought, when it was a paltry thing compared to his magic. He untied me and clasped my hands to help me rise.I think a celebration is in order. He poured another glass of wine and handed it over. We clinked our glasses together. To clever pupils.With good teachers.He took a sip. Hardly. I actually slept most of tonight.I laughed as I drank. Do youwhen you use your magic, do you feel somethingI dont know , something good burning in you? Like pleasure or exhilarationand not just from, like, mental satisfaction eitherI couldnt put it into words, but his face told me I didnt have to. Yes. I know on the dot what you mean. Wonderful, isnt it?I drank more of the wine. Yes. Yes, it is. Just wait. Youve just had a sip of it. Once you come into your full power, you wont know how you did without.I grinned at him. I felt so thoroughly pl projecting with myself and life, I could hardly stand it. When had I been this happy? Aside from being with Kiyo? And if I had this kind of reaction now, what would happen when I really locomote into the big leagues? Dorian spoke of it like an addiction, but it sure sounded like a good one.Looking up, I saw his eyes all over me. He set his glass down and spoke in a soft voice, almost wonderingly. You shinedid you know that? Power suits you.He made me as happy as everything else in the world just then. Warmth built in my chest and radiated out through the res t of my body. I dont know how that feeling expressed itself on my face, but it must have conveyed something because he leaned over and flattered me.I could taste wine in that soft kiss, wine and heat. nonpareil of his hands pulled me against him while the other carefully removed my glass. Still pressing us together, he eased me onto the bed. I answered his sweet, taunting kisses with hard, demanding ones. It didnt take him long to set up to this shift in style. He rolled me to my back and lay down on top of me, twining one hand in my hair to hold my head in place as an eager take away suddenly filled his kisses. He consumed my mouth with them while his other hand slid unabashedly between my thighs, guide me through my jeans.My body arched up against his, and I felt an aching cry rise up in my throat, only to be at sea in the pressure of his mouth on mine. I knew then it would finally happen. The dangerous allure of thisthe exoticness of sleeping with someone who was still such an unknown measureit all enflamed me that much more. We would do this. We would come together, and I would give myself to him.Give myself to him.A tightness seized my chest, conflicting sharply with the burning pleasure in the rest of my body. His touch made me crave more, almost made me beg for it, and yet that angry part in the back of my mind was screaming again. It told me if I made this plectron, if I deliberately chose to do this with him, then I was giving in to the enemy. I didnt really know who that enemy was exactly, but it didnt matter. The instinct pulsed through me, vindicatory and afraid. It warred against the rest of me, against my bodys needs and even against my own conscious wishes. I knew and liked Dorian. Why couldnt I overcome that base terror? In some ways, the fear was titillating. I had a feeling if I could just get over that first crest of difficulty, the problems would go away.But damn it, that was a high steer to get over.And like last time, Dorian cou ld feel my reluctance. He broke our embrace, almost jerking away from me. Before he turned his face from mine, I saw emotions Id never seen before. Frustration. Unhappiness.Dorian I said. DorianIm so sorryHe rubbed his face with both hands and exhaled. His voice was flat when he spoke. Its late, Eugenie. likewise late for you to leave. He stood up and stretched, and when he finally turned around, hed once more cleared his face of its dark expression. His cheerful countenance was also scatty he simply looked tired. Ill take the sofa in the parlor you stay on the bed.No, I He gestured me off as he walked into the other room without a backward glance, registering only, Take it. Itll be the best night of sleep youve ever had.Elaborate French doors connected the two rooms. He unkindly them, leaving me to my own misery.I sat on his massive bed, feating to sort out a tangle of warring emotions. What was wrong with me? Why couldnt I make this work? Id slept with guys I liked a lot les s than Dorian. Why couldnt I cross this last line? Why keep fighting it?I blew out all the candles and torches in the room before taking off my jeans and sliding under the covers. Dorian was right. This had to be the most comfortable bed Id ever been in. Unfortunately, there was no way I could sleep. I kept thinking about my magical elation, alleged desire, and subsequent breakdown. My body wanted him. My mind did too. Only my instincts still fought it.The worlds most comfortable bed must have felt insulted over all the tossing and turning that followed. At least its size gave me all the fidgeting room I could want. My eyes grew accustomed to the darkness very quickly, and I could discern the shapes of furniture and corners in the partial moonlight. Outside the giant window, stars glittered thousands more than Id seen the night with the astronomers. Wed lost the stars in the human world, despite our success in reaching them. Humans and gentry were almost like two sides of a coin, e ach supplying what the other lacked.The answer to my problems with Dorian was a long time in coming, but come it did. It was still pitch black when I finally got up and hyperbolize into the adjoining room. The doors opened silently, and I paused upon reaching him. He couldnt quite fit on the sofa, so his legs dangled off the end. He still wore the same clothes and had pulled a flimsy throw blanket over his body. He faced the direction I stood, eyes closed. One hand draped above him, and his hair spilled onto his cheek, its fierce color indiscernible in the poor lighting.He was a king, with thousands of people who answered to him, yet he lay crammed onto this couch because of me. I had hurt someone I didnt think could be hurt. I stood there thinking about this in the still, dark room before finally kneeling down beside him.I tentatively reached out a hand, but his eyes opened before I made contact. Whats the matter? he asked. He sounded alert, concerned.I couldnt talk right away. S ilence pooled as thick as the blackness around us. He neither spoke nor moved as I deliberated he simply watched and waited.I want you to tie me up.That was the great thing about Dorian. Most people would have hesitated or asked questions. Not him. He followed me out to the other room and promptly retrieved the same sashes hed used earlier in the chair.I settled on the bed, unsure where to position my body, but he gently adjusted me. He started to extend my arms up over my head but then stopped. Moving his hands down to my stomach, he caught the edges of my shirt and gave me a questioning look. I nodded, and he carefully pulled it off and over my head. Returning to my arms, he raised them above me toward the headboard and tied my wrists together, still incapable of rushing his careful bindings. With the next sash, he bound my wrists to the heterogeneous scalloping of the headboard and then used another to reinforce the binding. When he finished, my arms lay somewhat relaxed on the pillows above me, but my hands and wrists were tightly secured. Weirdly, something inside of me eased upon realizing I was trapped.The length of the tying process surprised me. I would have thought he would want to expedite things, but his patience seemed undaunted. He settled back on his knees and studied me, just as he always did after completing one of his tie-ups. Near darkness or no, I felt exposed in just my underwear and wondered if it was my naked skin or the silk sashes that so captivated him. Probably the combination of both.He slid off the bed and stood up so he could take his own clothes off. As they fell to the ground, more and more of his body was revealed. The moonlight caught his white skin, and it practically gleamed. He reminded me of some ancient Grecian or Roman statue, all marble and smooth lines.He crawled back onto the bed, looking down on me, and my heart started racing again. Shadows bathed him now that he was away from the windows full light, and he seemed larger and more powerful compared to me. I had no means of getting out of this unless I wanted to attempt some crazy kicking maneuvers.The time and tension stretched out between us. It made me anxious yet stimulated as well. Why the delay? Why wouldnt he touch me? Why did he just keep looking at me like that?Finally, he knelt by my feet and kissed my toes. Such a small touch, but it made my body shudder after all that waiting. He alternated between both feet, his lips caressing toes and ankles before steadily moving up my legs. Kiyo had done a similar physical examination during our first night together. I wondered if there was some sort of psychological or personality analysis you could make ground on whether a guy started at the top or the bottom.Up, up. Dorians mouth moved on. My pelvic muscles tightened in anticipation, and I felt wetness growing between my thighs. But then, he simply skipped past my underwear, continuing with my stomach. He ran his hands along the smooth skin , still taking his time, cautious around the healing fachan cut. When he finished there, he moved to my neck, bypassing my breasts. My neck was pretty sensitive too, and his mouths intensity had increased. The awareness forced my breathing into anxious, ragged gasps, but a frustrated complaint slipped out nonetheless.Why are you skipping all the good parts?He paused, just barely lifting his lips from my skin. Do you want me to go back?I bit my lip. He was trying to make me dictate the terms here, but that wasnt what I wanted. For once, I didnt want the power here. That was why Id asked to be tied up. I wanted the choice taken away from me. I stayed quiet.He returned to my neck, moving his mouth along my collarbone and shoulder, then up to my cheek and ears. Our lips soon came together again, and I act to channel my eagerness and passion into that kiss, as I had done earlier. But now he kept himself just out of reach, just enough to teaser but not fulfill. I shifted my body upward , touching as much of his as I could. That, too, he held slightly away. It was frustrating, and in my need, I forgot about who was supposed to be in control.Okay go back.He complied as efficiently and quickly as he had to my initial bondage request. His hands and their delicate fingers cradled my breasts, retentiveness them in place for his mouth. I closed my eyes and tilted my neck back, lost in those burning twirls of his tongue as he woke the nerves in my flesh and delicately sucked the nipples. When he finally broke away, I made a soft sound of protest until I realized where he went next. circle his fingers through the sides of my panties, he pulled them down, stopping abruptly when they reached midthigh. For a moment, I thought it was more of his teasing until I suddenly grasped the situation.Its, um, called a Brazilian wax, I explained, voice still breathy.Oh. His own voice held wonder. Oh my.His fingers ran over that delicate area, both for sensuality and his own curious ex ploration. With a happy sigh, he removed the underwear altogether and carefully spread my thighs apart. Then, his mouth was upon me, his tongue running along that most sensitive of spots in one smooth motion.It was like a effervesce to a powder keg. My whole body bucked up as heat exploded throughout me, and I made some sound vaguely like a whimper. Both of his hands slid up and held me firmly in place, reminding me again that Id given up the power here. That same conflicting mix of fear and need flared up inside of me, scared that he could do anything he wanted to me and half-hoping he would.When he grew convinced I wouldnt thrash anymore, he let one hand slide back to my thighs. His mouth had never stopped in its fervent feeding, and now his fingers moved in, pushing into me with smooth motions timed to work with his mouth. I moaned against his touch, my head thrown back and upper body arched. He had an uncanny knack for pulling back each time orgasm was about to occur. So, when he finally allowed me that release, it almost caught me by surprise.My flesh ignited, electric and glorious. I shivered as my muscles contracted, as that scorching ecstasy poured through my body. Even when that tide broke, he kept his mouth down there licking and probing until I begged him to stop, too overcome by the flood of sensation. He took his time in obeying the request, finally moving away and laying his body on top of mine.Every part of him pressed against me, hard and wonderful, and I writhed under him, yearning for more. He moved his hands back up to my arms, again firmly pinning me in place. His mouth crushed mine, forcing me to taste myself on his lips. Struggling did no good.When he released me from the kiss at last, his face moved only a fraction of an inch away from mine.I know why youre doing this, he said. Why you wanted to be bound. Its because you want the decision taken out of your hands. You knew once you were here, thered be no turning back. You wouldnt have t o be burdened with the decision of willfully coming together with me. You would have no choice in the matter and hence relieve yourself of any guilt or anticipation.He kissed my cheek and then lingered on my ear a little. In a moment, I swear I can ravage and take you as much as you want, if thats what makes it easier. But your choices arent gone yet. We can stop if you want. Or I can untie you. You can tell me you want this and join with me not in submission, but as an equal.The words were on my lips. Yes, untie me. Make love to me. Fuck me. I want to be with you. I could have said any number of things to change the balance of power. I could have gained both control and freedom again. Yet, I said or did nothing. Maybe it was because it was the only way I could go through with this. Or maybe I just wanted it this way. Maybe I even enjoyed it. Regardless, I stayed quiet, and he read the answer in that.He rose up, looming over me. He was a conqueror, coming to collect, and I was a pri ze, open flesh waiting to be seized. That fear lurched up in me, and I thrived on it. It was delicious. Thrilling. I gave up my power. I gave myself to him.Almost on his knees, he spread my legs apart and pushed in. I screamed, almost more from mental than physical sensation, my arms straining uselessly against the ties. He filled me, punctuating each powerful movement into me with a soft grunt in his throat I thought even he wasnt aware of.I wanted to reach up and wrap my arms around him, pull him against me. But all I could do was lay there, lay there and let him push into me over and over, the enemy Id somehow come to crave.He shifted his body so that he was completely on top of me, still moving desperately and possessively, save that now I had even less mobility than before. He held me down, grip tight. And me? I was all aching and burning flesh, letting him take whatever he wanted from me. I floated in a warm, liquid place. It was like being wrapped in golden silk, molten blis s spreading over my body.I told you, he said through his labored breathing. I told you youd come to me. And nownow I realize I could have simply taken you the eye blink Id tied you up. You didnt need any of the rest. Youve had this desire and never even known itthis desire to simply be had in any way your lover wanted. He paused a moment, swallowing and catching his breath. Im right, arent I? I could move you into any position I wanted, make love to you in any place I wanted, and youd love every moment of it.I couldnt really manage any coherent answers, and most of my noises had lapsed into primal, unintelligible cries. All I wanted to focus on was us being together, the way it felt to have him pushing and rubbing, the way it must feel for him to be inside of me. Id slid up on the bed my head was practically in danger of hitting the headboard soon.Suddenly, he pulled out abruptly and hovered back over me. His eyes, dark in this light, watched me, and I sensed that laconic, playful expression on his face. Both of us panted. I waited for him to return, feeling irate at this interruption. Id been on the verge of coming again. Somehow I suspected hed known that.What are you doing?Waiting. Waiting for you to tell me to keep going.He wasnt being cruel or mean. He was teasing me, toying with me the way he so enjoyed among the people around here.You fucking bastard, I said. Somehow the profanity carried mild affection.He laughed. Should I take that to mean you want me to continue?You know I do.Then say it outright. Unless youre going to get up and take me yourself.Did I mention youre a bastard?Tell me you dont want me to stop. Beg me. Beg me, and well do this for the rest of the night.It was moreover a game, another dimension of this power play and his dominance over me. And, much to my chagrin, it was a turn-on.Please, I whispered.Please what?Pleasedont stop. I wantI want you to keepKeep what?I sighed. I want you to keep fucking me.He was back in me almost before t he words had odd my lips. I yelled out again as moments later, the delayed orgasm exploded in me. I shook and burned as that glittering sensation crackled through me. All the while, our bodies kept moving together. His face was near mine, watching with pleasure as I panted and struggled against a joy that was almost too intense.I hate you, I gasped out.He laughed and rained kisses down on my face. No, you dont.He was right.

Historical Investigation Essay

value the impact of the period from 1969 1982 on the individual retirement account/Sinn Fein and their development into a meaning(a) policy-making force in Northern IrelandAssess the impact of the period from 1969 1982 on the IRA/Sinn Fein and their development into a significant political force in Northern IrelandDuring the period from 1969-1982 both the IRA and Sinn Fein lowwent significant change. Sinn Fein moved from a fringe subroutine, in the nationalistic gallery of Northern Ireland, to a dominant political position. During a time of intense violence in the region an internal discussion was taking place, deliberating on the value of armed resistance versus political engagement. The ideals that rose out of this transformed the fecal matter and laid the groundwork for the central role it would play in the eventual Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The re-emergence of the nationalist movement led to the rise and resurrection of groups such as the IRA. Naturally this caused more than tension, and incidences of violence began to rise. Acts of exceptional protest showed the incomparable condition of politics over violence and led to international recognition of the issue. Ultimately Sinn Fein developed into one of the just about tycoonful political forces in Northern Ireland.After years in the dark the nationalist movement began to rapidly gain momentum when the Belfast Troubles began in 1969. The IRA had been deeply divided since 1921 when Dail Eireann chose to ratify the Anglo- Irish treaty. The treaty established the autonomous Irish Free State whilst the country of Ulster remained under the direct regard of the get together acres. Despite the fact that IRA member Michael Collins had play a role in writing the treaty on that point was still a major difference of opinion between members of the IRA.1 They were divided between those who were for the establishment of the Free State and those who believed it was il reliable and illegal. The Split over the treaty led to the Irish Civil War from 1922-3. Many of the opposing leaders had been close friends and comrades during the Irish War of Independence. The civil war cashier the IRA and this rift would continue to mend Irish politics for more years to come.In the 1960s the IRA was further marginalised as it came under the influence of left wing thinkers. This caused a split between the factions of the IRA based in Dublin and Belfast.2 In 1969 the wounds of old were once stirred again when Northern Ireland was rocked by bloody sectarian wow. The bloodiest rioting was in Belfast where seven people were killed and hundreds injured.3 Violence escalated sharply after these events and in the raw paramilitary groups came into existence on either side of the conflict. The provisional IRA received an upsurge in membership. It was from here that The Troubles, one of the most infamous periods in Irish history began.The violence was characterised by armed campaigns of paramilitary groups. dispute hit the streets and many innocent people were often attacked. Alongside the violence there was deadlock between the major political parties of Northern Ireland over how the province would be administered and governed. 1972 saw an explosion of political violence in Northern Ireland in which many people lost their lives. The nationalist community saw the Provisional IRA as their defenders, who began an armed campaign in reaction to loyalist provoked violence. During this period the caller Sinn Fein had no interest in electoral politics.4 They diffuse the need for military opposition to British rule in Northern Ireland. They gained control of the Republican movement and began to focus on flooding nationalist propaganda end-to-end Northern Ireland.Membership began to skyrocket as anti-British sentiment ran rife. The Republican political caller Sinn Fein built the foundations for a movement which in ten years would puff to have branches in every town in Ireland.Atro cities by loyalists and British forces themselves were used to justify the IRA as a movement and inspired many to stand up and fight for the cause they all believed in. On 30 January 19725 in the city of Derry, Northern Ireland border, perhaps one of the largest single atrocities of the Troubles period occurred. During a Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association march in the bogside area of the city members of the 1st Battalion of the British Parachute regiment opened fire on many unarmed protestors. Twenty seven people are k immediatelyn to have been unsettled and fourteen of those were killed with at least five of the latter substantiate as being shot in the back.6 Witnesses, including bystanders and British journalists, testify that all those shot appeared to be unarmed. Many individual atrocities occurred that day witnessed by hundreds of people. eye witness Michael McCallion testified that A fellow came out with a white flag, no sooner had he done this when the middle of thr ee British soldiers pulled the trigger and shot him through the head.I have witnessed this as God is my judge and I say that it was cold blooded murder.7 Testimonies such as this con unattackable the natural acts of violence the British committed unnecessarily on that day. One paratrooper who gave evidence testified that they were told by an officer to expect a gunfight and we want just about kills.8The reason for the uproar over such killings was the British soldiers were essentially not an occupying force but a measure of peace between nationalist and loyalist paramilitary groups. As Catholic Bishop of Derry Edward Daly commented What really made blinking(a) Sunday so obscene was the fact that afterwards at the highest level British justice justified it.9 Acts such as this by official British forces reaffirmed the belief of many that the British administration was still the real confrontation and behind the problems that continued in Northern Ireland. This justified the cause of the nationalist movement and subsequently the IRA and Sinn Fein as well. Both organisations had now developed a strong following throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland. Whilst such occurrences did cause much suffering and pain they proved useful to both the IRA and Sinn Fein in acquiring widespread support for the movement.Sinn Fein and the IRA were not officially linked but both strived for the same goal. The Provisional Irish Republican Army was a paramilitary organisation that considered itself a direct continuation of the IRA that had fought in the Irish war of Independence.10 Its stated objective was to end British rule in Ireland and withdraw Northern Irelands status as part of the United Kingdom. The Provisionals advocated for armed defence of Catholic communities in the north and an offensive campaign to end British rule. As the violence in Northern Ireland steadily increased the IRA began to call for a more aggressive campaign against British loyalists. Sinn Fein was a political party of the Republican movement. It was formed in 1970 but has traces back to the original party founded in 1905.11 The party is believed to be directly associated with the IRA. Both Sinn Fein and the IRA played different but converging roles in the war for liberation.Whilst the movements were not officially linked it was widely thought that they were different faces of the same movement. In 2005 the British Government stated We had always said all the way through that we believed the IRA and Sinn Fein were inextricably linked and that had obvious implications at leadership level.12 Throughout the primal seventies there was much internal argument between factions of the IRA and Sinn Fein over whether their movements primary role should chiefly military or political, although both groups viewed Britain as a colonial occupier and therefore viewed the political process as illegal. Until 1973 Sinn Fein had little interest in politics as the party was still deemed illeg al by the British Government.Political activity began in 1973 when Sinn Fein opened the Republican press centre on Falls Road. In 1973 the kickoff attempt at negotiations to resolve the situation led to the Sunningdale Agreement, which devised a power sharing system in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Although this did no include Sinn Fein and quickly collapsed under pressure from loyalist strikes.13 In May 1974 British secretary of State Merlyn Rees legalised Sinn Fein as a political party.14 This was perhaps the beginning of tacit recognition by the British Government that negotiations were only meaningful if they were directly with the IRA. Whilst local politicians such as John Hume, of the Nationalist Party, were respected they did not command enough power to have any effect.Secret meetings between Provisional IRA leaders Ruairi OBradaigh and Billy McKee with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Merlyn Rees closureed in a ceasefire which began in February 1975.15 The truce pr oved to be disastrous for the IRA leading to infiltration by many British in actors into their ranks. After a build up of tensions and a series of sectarian killings the ceasefire broke down in January 1976.16 It was clear that the original aims of the IRA leadership for a quick military victory were receding. It was acts of violence by British authorities that justified the military side of the movement and ensured tensions would continue for years to come.As Sinn Fein began to move into the political process so did many former revolutionaries and IRA members. One such person was Gerry Adams after being in prison house house for alleged IRA membership17 he turned himself in a new direction a moved towards the political process. In 1978 he was elected as the vice president of Sinn Fein. This most likely came as a result of the realisation by many senior figures that it was becoming more and more unlikely that a military victory could be achieved. Whilst significant events such as Bl oody Sunday lead to anti-British sentiment to sky rocket many turned away from violence and embraced the political system.Protests by a number of jail IRA members in Long Kesh gaol showed the power of political tactics, leading to the dominance of Sinn Fein as a political force. The 1981 hunger strike was the climax of a five year protest by Republican prisoners in Northern Ireland. The protest originally began in 197618 when the British Government removed its special family unit status for convicted paramilitary prisoners. This status had provided them with Prisoner of War privileges as specified in the Geneva Convention.19 Prisoners did not have to wear prison uniforms, do prison work and were allowed to be housed within their own paramilitary factions. They were also entitled to receive extra food parcels and have extra visits. When these rights were removed by the British Government, as recommended by the Gardiner Committee20, the prisoners began a protest to gain them back. I t started with a blanket protest in which prisoners refused to wear uniforms but instead wrapped themselves in prison blankets they stated that they were not criminals but political prisoners.In 197821 the dispute escalated into a dirty protest in which prisoners refused to wash and covered their cell walls with excrement. In 1980 the first base hunger strike took place but to no avail ending after 53 days.22 The second strike in 1981 is perhaps one of the trump know instances of protest throughout the campaign. The strike was lead by former IRA Officer Commanding in the prison, Bobby litoral.23 At the beginning of the strike there was little progress and it didnt receive much outside support. But after five days the strike received a much involve boost the Independent Republican MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone died and a by-election was called to appoint his replacement. It was decided that Bobby Sands would stand against the Ulster Unionist Party candidate Harry West.24 On 9 April 1981 Sands won a narrow victory and was elected to the British House of Commons.25 The victory attracted worldwide attention and thousands of media personnel descended on Belfast. On the sixty sixth day of the hunger strikes, May 5, Sands died causing riots across Northern Ireland.One hundred thousand people lined the passage of his funeral a few days later.26 In the weeks after Sands death three more hunger strikers died,27 and another by-election had to be held for the seat of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. cod to the fact that the British Government had rushed through the Representation of the People Act,28 which meant prisoners serving more than one year could not run for parliament, so Sands election agent Owen Carron had to run instead. He claimed a similar victory gaining a larger percentage of the votes.The success of hunger strike created a firm platform for Irish republicanism and paved the way for the formal entry of Sinn Fein into electoral politics the following y ear. It was also around this period that the British Government began reforming its policies in relation to the IRA and Sinn Fein. They now viewed Sinn Fein as a legitimate political movement who would be included in official negotiations. The achievements of the hunger strikers proved the power of political activism as opposed to violence they also exposed the falseness of the British Governments claim that the Republican movement had no support.The events of 1969-82 transformed the Republican movement from a violence orientated force to a significant political force. As Sinn Fein began to grow as a political force the IRA slowly, and with hefty internal difficulties, changed its ways. This eventually paved the way for an official ceasefire in 1994. Their agreement to decommission their weapons meant that Sinn Fein was allowed to come to the negotiation table and play a significant role in the Good Friday agreement of 1998.That agreement resulted in a devolved power sharing struct ure of self government for Northern Ireland, whilst it still remained within the United Kingdom.29 In 2007 Martin McGuiness of Sinn Fein was appointed deputy first minister and held equal power alongside Ian Paisely of the DUP in the Northern Ireland Assembly Government.30 From the split in the nationalist movement in 1969 to its reemergence throughout the seventies, alongside the IRA, there was much change. Events such as Bloody Sunday increased the military overtone of the movement but in the long run peaceful political power prevailed. Acts such as the 1981 hunger strike proved the power of political protest as compared to violence. Ultimately Sinn Fein grew into a legitimate political party and as of 2009 they became the largest party in Northern Ireland following European Parliamentary elections.31_______________________________________________________BibliographyLiterary SourcesEnglish, Richard (2003), Armed Struggle The tarradiddle of the IRA, Pan Books, Stuttgart, Germany_ _______________________________________________________________________Geraghty, Tony (2000), The Irish War The Hidden affair Between the IRA and British Intelligence, The Johns Hopkins University military press, Maryland, USA________________________________________________________________________Hastings, Max (1970), Ulster 1969 The Fight for Civil Rights in Northern Ireland, Victor Gollancz LTD, London, United Kingdom________________________________________________________________________McEvoy, Kieran (2001), Paramilitary Imprisonment in Northern Ireland Resistance, Management, and Release, Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom________________________________________________________________________Moloney, Ed (2002), A Secret history of the IRA, Penguin Books, New Jersey, USA________________________________________________________________________Mullan, Don (1997), Eyewitness Bloody Sunday The Truth, Wolfhound Press, Dublin, Ireland_________________________________ _______________________________________OBrien, Brendan (1995), the Long War, the IRA and Sinn Fein, Syracuse University Press, New York, USA________________________________________________________________________Electronic SourcesBBC (2009), on this day 9 Decmeber1973 (online), BBC, London, United Kingdom. uncommitted from http//news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/celestial latitude/9/newsid_2536000/2536767.stm (Accessed 26 July 2009)________________________________________________________________________BBC (2009), Profile Martin McGuinness (online), BBC, London, United Kingdom. easy fromhttp//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1303355.stm (Accessed 29 July 2009)________________________________________________________________________CAIN network Service (2009), A chronology of the conflict (online), University of Ulster, Belfast, United Kingdom. Available fromhttp//cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch76.htm (Accessed 27 July 2009)_____________________________________ ___________________________________Lord Gardiner (1975), Report of a Committee to consider, in the context of civil liberties and human rights, measures to deal with terrorism in Northern Ireland Extract (online), University of Ulster, Belfast, United Kingdom. Available from http//cain.ulst.ac.uk/hmso/gardiner.htm1 (Accessed July 28 2009)________________________________________________________________________McClean, Raymond, The Road to Bloody Sunday Extracts (online), University of Ulster, Belfast, United Kingdom. Available from http//cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/mcclean.htm (Accessed 28 July 2009)________________________________________________________________________National Archives of Ireland (no date), Documents on Irish Foreign Policy serial text of the Anglo-Irish Treaty (online), Irish Government, Dublin, Ireland, Available from http//www.nationalarchives.ie/topics/anglo_irish/dfaexhib2.html (Accessed 1 August 2009)_____________________________________________________ ___________________Prime Ministers Office (2005), Briefing from the Prime Ministers Official Spokesman on anti Terror Law, President Bush/EU, Foreign Doctors in NHS, Hunting and Northern Ireland (online), British Government, London, United Kingdom, Available from http//www.number10.gov.uk/Page7148 (Accessed 29 July 20090________________________________________________________________________Sinn Fein Official Website (2009), narration made Sinn Fein is now the largest party in the six counties (online), Belfast, United Kingdom, Available fromhttp//www.sinnfein.ie/contents/16580 (Accessed 29 July 2009)________________________________________________________________________University College Cork (2009), Multitext project in Irish History Movements for Political and Social Reform, 1870 1914 (online), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Available from http//multitext.ucc.ie/d/Ireland_politics__administration_1870-191412TheFirstSinnFeacuteinParty (Accessed 25 July 2009)_________ _______________________________________________________________1 National Archives of Ireland, Documents on Irish Foreign Policy Series text of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, n.d, (1 August 2009)2 Moloney, Ed (2002), A Secret History of the IRA, Penguin Books. p. 2463 English, Richard (2003), Armed Struggle The History of the IRA, Pan Books. p. 1364 OBrien, Brendan, the Long War, the IRA and Sinn Fein (1995)5 Moloney, Ed, A Secret History of the IRA. p. 806 McClean, Raymond, The Road to Bloody Sunday Extracts, 1997, http//cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/mcclean.htm (28 July 2009)7 Mullan, Don, Eyewitness Bloody Sunday The Truth, Wolfhound Press8 Geraghty, Tony, The Irish War The Hidden Conflict Between the IRA and British Intelligence, unknown p. 659 Mullan, Don, Eyewitness Bloody Sunday The Truth10 Moloney, Ed, A Secret History of the IRA. p. 43211 University College Cork, Multitext project in Irish History Movements for Political and Social Reform, 1870 1914, 2009, http//multitext .ucc.ie/d/Ireland_politics__administration_1870-191412TheFirstSinnFeacuteinParty (25 July 2009)12 Prime Ministers Office, Briefing from the Prime Ministers Official Spokesman on Anti Terror Law, President Bush/EU, Foreign Doctors in NHS, Hunting and Northern Ireland, 21 February 2005, http//www.number10.gov.uk/Page714813 BBC, On this day 9 Decmeber1973, 2009, http//news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/ declination/9/newsid_2536000/2536767.stm (26 July 2009)14 Moloney, Ed, A Secret History of the IRA15 Moloney, Ed, A Secret History of the IRA16 English, Richard, Armed Struggle The History of the IRA, p. 13617 Moloney, Ed, A Secret History of the IRA p. 140.18 McClean, Raymond, The Road to Bloody Sunday Extracts19 McEvoy, Kieran, Paramilitary Imprisonment in Northern Ireland Resistance, Management, and Release, Oxford University Press20 Lord Gardiner, Report of a Committee to consider, in the context of civil liberties and human rights, measures to deal with terrorism in Nort hern Ireland Extract, 1975, http//cain.ulst.ac.uk/hmso/gardiner.htm1 (July 28 2009)21 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict, 2009, http//cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch76.htm (27 July 2009)22 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict23 English, Richard, Armed Struggle The History of the IRA p. 19624 Moloney, Ed, A Secret History of the IRA p. 21125 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict26 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict27 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict28 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict29 CAIN Web Service, A chronology of the conflict30 BBC, Profile Martin McGuinness, 2009, http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1303355.stm (29 July 2009)31 Sinn Fein Online, History made Sinn Fein is now the largest party in the six counties, 2009, http//www.sinnfein.ie/contents/16580 (29 July 2009)

Small-Scale Mining in the Philippines: a Case Study

SMALL-SCALE MINING (Lives at risk in the Philippine metallic Mines) INTRODUCTION opulenten is the form one mineral produced by the Philippines in value terms. Although total local production was low relative to world production, it ranked 2nd to Africa in gilded production per unit land ara in 1988 and ranked 29th as top meretricious producer in 2002(Israel and Asirot 2002). In the year 20022007, the Philippines gold production increased by 8. 2%. This contri just nowed an average of 2% gross domestic product (GDP) in the same period. The coarse was ranked 18th in the GFMs grand Survey list of top 20 cash Producing countries in 2007 (Teves 2008).The 2008 and 2009 data of the Philippine exploit Almanac installed a signifi assholet amount of gold production by the lowly gold exploit operations in the country. Reports revealed that the diminished tap sector contributed almost 80% of the total gold production. This is equivalent to a Php32B contribution to GDP in 2007 (ib id). The following 2008 and 2009 data are based on the amount of gold change to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The highest amount of gold produced in the country at 28,198 kg and 26,112 kg, respectively were generated by the small-scale mines (fig. ). Local governments hosting the sector acknowledged the industrys economic contribution, as it any(prenominal)how provides livelihood to the local community and un meshed migrants. There are some reports on the adverse impact of small-scale archeological site on the environment, health and gentleman lives. However, research studies documenting the impact of small-scale mining industry on the local economy, environment, human health, public safety and the socio-cultural condition of innate peoples (IPs) in the mining areas, are limited.The socio-political dynamics surrounded by small- scale miners and former(a) stakeholders like community and civil society organizations, regulatory bodies, the government and plumping-scal e mining companies remains undocumented. There were concerns regarding the implication of some regulatory policies on the small-scale mining industry as the application of such result prevent some IP communities from accessing their properties. Furthermore, questions arise on the actual impact of the industry on poverty alleviation. Some theory suggests that the small-scale industry may defy change poverty because of the weak regulation of the industry.While economically significant, small-scale gold mining has been the target of strong opposition in recent years mainly because of its versatile adverse environmental and social side effects. Foremost of these is mercury contamination. BACKGROUND Small-scale mining (SSM) refers to mining by individuals, groups, families or cooperatives with minimal or no mechanization, often in the informal (illegal) sector of the market. Small-scale mining relies heavily on manual labor and does not use explosives. The scope of the area allowed for small-scale mining should not exceed 20 hectares per contractor (1991).In the Philippines, small-scale mining operators include subsistence mining (estimated 75%), individual or family businesses (estimated 15%) and established commercialised mining firms (estimated 10%) (Hentschel 2002). According to the different interviews and focus group discussions, the operation of small-scale gold mining in the country can be traced as early as 10th century or even since time immemorial in the north and as late as 1990s in south Cotabato. Furthermore, numerous foreign studies already investigated the problem of mercury pollution collectible to small-scale gold mining, concentrating on the experience in Brazil.High levels of mercury concentrations were embed in the hair and blood samples ofthe miners and other affected people as well as in fish, soil sediments and forest and river ecosystems in small-scale gold mining areas of the Amazon region. In the Philippines, several studies alik e looked into mercury pollution based on the experience in Diwalwal, the largest small-scale mining localise in the country (e. g. Mahinay et al. 1998, Bacani et al. 1996, Breward 1996, Balce and Cabalda 1992, Williams et al. 1995). High levels of mercury pollution were found on-site as well as in the affected places downstream.Williams et al. specifically asserted that there were already considerable mercury loads in some sectors of the Agusan River, where Diwalwal drains into, and that the water samples from the mining site itself showed higher concentrations than those in the other gold rush areas in the world. Although studies on the impact of mercury pollution due to small-scale mining were already numerous, they were generally technical in nature. Few works touched on the economic aspects of the problem and did so only in a superficial and summary manner.So far, there is no available study that conducted an economic analysis in a more critical and quantitative way in the Phi lippines or elsewhere. Small-scale mining is not an all measurable(p) public revenue-generating sector for the government at birth because of its largely illegal nature. Viewed in a more positive light, the activity should become a solid tax base when fully licensed, given the large number of people and economic activities dependent on it. LAWS AND INSTITUTIONS IN SMALL-SCALE MINING Laws The earliest mining law in the Philippines was Commonwealth Act 137 promulgate in 1936.This legislation had no separate provision for small-scale mining since the activity was not practiced extensively then. It took effect for many years until the hawkish law era when it was amended through Presidential Decree (PD) 463, otherwise known as the Mineral Resources Decree of 1974. Like its predecessor, this legislation did not turn in separate provisions for small-scale mining. In 1984, PD 899 established small-scale mining as a new dimension in mineral cultivation and defined it as a specific act ivity. Succeeding orders based on this law stipulated, among others, the rules and regulations administration he granting of small-scale mining permits and ordered the selling of the gold recovered through the activity only to the Central Bank and its authorized representatives. During the term of President Corazon C. Aquino, the Congress of the Philippines passed Republic Act (RA) 7076 or the Peoples belittled digging Act of 1991. Among its important provisions, this law established the Peoples Small-Scale Mining Program and expound the small-scale mining areas that can be opened under it. During the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 was passed.This law stipulated that small-scale mining entrust pass off to be governed by the provisions of RA 7076 and PD 1899 and their implementing rules and regulations. Institutions Prior to PD 899 in 1984, no government agency managed small- scale mining since it was not described as a f ormal economic sector yet. Those engaged in the activity did so without any government interference. With the passing of the law, the MGB was given the authority to execute small-scale mining. SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINING PROCESS The initial process of gold mining starts with prospecting.In prospecting, the ore quality, vein geologic formation and ore assaying are examined. An area with a good ore quality is prepared for burrowing. In tunneling, holing and drilling are done using pick and shovel. others who can afford it use electric hammer jacks. These initial stages of prospecting and tunneling are the expertise of the abanteros, whose knowledge of gold mining has been shaped by years of experience. In Benguet, the Ibaloi and Kankanaey miners are known Abanteros, having inherited their skills from their ancestors. Some migrant miners from the lowlands have similarly learned the skill.In South cotabato, the abanteros came from diwalwal, monkayo, compostela Valley. Mine workers are hi red to work on the tunnels. These are the ore and muck ore packers, Atraseros (ore exporters from inside the tunnel), ore washers (usually women), habal-habal drivers, horses and horse owners/guides as transporters of ores from the tunnel site to the processing area. Extracted ores are processed in the ball or rod mill plant for mercury amalgamation. The tailings that have accumulated for several weeks will be subjected to further cyanidation in the carbonin-Pulp (ciP) Plant.The mercury amalgamation process will recover 40% of gold from the ores while the cyanidation will recover up to 60% of gold, some(prenominal) refined right after the smelting and/or firing process. Gold produced in button shapes will be sold to licensed gold buyers. A detailed process flow is presented in the following diagram (fig. 2). POWER RELATIONS IN THE SECTOR The mine is viewed as a resource, with various interested samara players aiming to access it and benefit from it. There are several key players in the small-scale mining industry. With respect to the mining operation, the key players include land owners tunnel owners (individuals or cooperative and association) financiers (foreigners, migrants or local, IPs and non-IPs) the abanteros or skilled miners the mine workers which include the atraseros (ore packers and haulers) ore and sack washers (usually women and young workers) ore transporters (habal-habal drivers, horse owners or guides) processing plant workers gold traders On the trading side, gold produced by the small-mining operations are purchased by the licensed gold buyers and subsequently sold to the Bangko Sental ng Pilipinas (BSP).Non-licensed traders are also present in the areas and are commonly labeled as the black market. Black market traders would usually visit the community or are based in the community. obtain price is lower in the black market but the miners save the make up of transportation in going to the city. Because of the savings in transpo rtation, miners are support to sell their gold to the black market. Regulation and enforcement of policies related to small-scale mining industry are under the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB).This is placid of the DENR- Mines and Geo Sciences Bureau (MBG) as the chairman and the Provincial Governor as the vice-chairman. The other members of the board are representatives from the SSM Association, large-Scale mining Operators and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). In Benguet and South Cotabato, a number of local officials are involved in mining either as tunnel owner, land owner or financier. This presents a conflict of interest in the midst of regulating small-scale mining and operating mines. The Abanteros are usually the ones with knowledge, skill and capability to engage financiers because of their prospecting and tunnelling skills.Financiers initially provide funds for the operation of the mine but they are expected to engage with venture capitalists to expand the operation in the site. Venture capitalists can be foreign investors or locals who have the capital to instill into the industry. Land owners, on the other hand, have the priority access over the resource, being the rightful claimants of the area. However, the land owners usually do not have the skills and the pecuniary capacity to start a mine. Abanteros and financiers can negotiate with land owners to tap the resource.In some cases, the land owners can be financiers and tunnel owners, too. Some abanteros who have been successful in mining now act as financiers and tunnel owners some have even managed to operate processing plants. it is common to see big-time tunnel owners and financiers also operate the processing plants in the area. Normally, all plant owners have tunnels but not all tunnel owners have processing plants. Owners of small mining operations with no processing plants pay for the use of existing processing plants, depending on the number of bags processed.MERCURY PO LLUTION DUE TO SMALL-SCALE MINING The fusion Method of Gold Processing Mercury gets into the picture in small-scale mining because it is the main agent utilize to separate the gold from the mined ore employing the amalgamation method of processing. Amalgamation is popular in small-scale mining areas since it is simple to apply and requires relatively low investment. The Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) Method of Gold Processing Gold can also be processed using the CIP method. This method can process the slurry produced by amalgamation or the milled ore coming from the rod and ball mills directly.However, CIP is not apply widely in small-scale mining because of the high cost of investment that it requires. The Health Impact of Mercury Pollution There are different ways by which the amalgamation method of gold processing causes mercury pollution. One way is when mercury is unintentionally spilled into the ground because of careless handling. Another is when mercury is carry out together with other wastes into inadequate tailings ponds, or worse, thrown away directly into rivers and waterways. Still another way is when vaporized mercury is released into the atmosphere when the amalgam is blowtorched and refined.Once in the environment, mercury is dangerous because of its potential adverse impact on human health. In the case of water pollution, part of the mercury discharged into rivers and waterways is transformed into methylmercury eaten by aquatic species and in turn consumed by people. Once inside the human body, mercury could trigger neurological disturbances as well as problems in the procreative and other body organs (Viega 1997a). The likely symptoms are visual constriction, numbness of the extremities and the impairment of hearing, speech and gait.The release of mercury into the atmosphere during blowtorching also puts to risk human health. The activity is usually done in open containers and closed houses so the inhalation of vaporized mercury is highly possible among the people conducting it and those close by. The semipermanent effect of this type of exposure is the impairment of the metabolism of the human nervous system that eventually leads to certain neurobehavioral disturbances. The visible symptoms are the exhibition of exaggerated emotional responses and muscular tremors and gingivitis. PROBLEMS IN SMALL SCALE GOLD MININGPollution due to Aside from mercury pollution, small-scale mining is beset with other problems that are also important and needing serious attention. These are enumerated and discussed in brief below. Environmental Problems Cyanide Pollution Pollution due to toxic and untamed substances other than mercury that are used in small-scale mining can also endanger human health. The highly poisonous sodium cyanide used in CIP processing, in particular, could good kill people and fish when discharged in rivers and waterways. Despite its dangers, cyanide pollution from CIP processing has not been investigated at all in any literature.A presumable reason is that, unlike mercury, cyanide is biodegradable and eventually decomposes into carbon dioxide and ammonia (Yannopoulos 1991) making it potentially less harmful over time. Deforestation Deforestation is a native consequence of small-scale mining since many sites are located in forested uplands. The influx of miners and their families into mining areas results to the clearing of forests for habitation space and other human activities that causes deforestation. No study investigated in detail the impact of small-scale mining on deforestation.One likely reason is that areas covered by small-scale mining are actually very small when compared to those used for other economic activities like forestry and logging (Veiga 1997b). Soil Erosion Soil erosion is another natural consequence of small-scale mining because of the mountainous and sloping topography of many mining sites. Miners level sloping land and scrape topsoil to make surface foundations abi ding for houses and other structures. They develop pathways and roads across highly sloping and erosive areas and cover fertile soil with waste materials dug out of underground tunnels.There are also no studies that probed in detail the soil erosion effects of small-scale mining although this environmental impact is potentially large. Biodiversity Loss The loss of biodiversity due to small-scale mining is a direct after-math of deforestation and water pollution. Trees are cut leading to receding jungles that are natural habitats of terrestrial flora and fauna. urine pollution damages the rivers and waterways that are homes of aquatic plants and animals. As in the case of deforestation and soil erosion, there are no studies that investigated this issue.Siltation and Sedimentation of Downstream wet Bodies Siltation and sedimentation of downstream waterways occur when mine tailings and eroded soil finds their way into water bodies. They decrease the viability of affected waterways as fishing grounds, recreation sites and port areas. They also contribute to flooding and hamper the efficient functioning of dams and irrigation networks. Like the other environmental problems, siltation and sedimentation due to small-scale mining have received scant research attention. Legal and Institutional ProblemsMining Rights Conflicts between Small-Scale Miners and Large-Scale Mining Firms Many small-scale mining areas are situated indoors the mining claims of large companies. This situation has created conflicts between the large-scale miners on one side and the small-scale miners on the other side and prevented the smooth operations of the mining industry in general. Presence of Medium-Scale Mining Operations in Small-Scale Mining Sites Dominant presences of medium-scale mining operations have been competing for domination resulting in the significant loss of lives and handicap of peace and order.Social Problems Worsening Social Instability in Small-Scale Mining Areas Ma ny small-scale miners are migrants in the areas where they mine. Hence, they find it difficult to adapt socially with the local population. To some extent, vices like alcoholism and gambling also exist in these areas that add to the conflict. Limited Basic Services in Small-Scale Mining Areas The supply of basic services such as those relating to health and transportation and others has been limited in small-scale mining communities. This has greatly exacerbated the poor conditions and social problems within these areas.Exploitation of Women and Children in Small-Scale Mining Women and children are engaged in the gathering of ores inside tunnels and even in processing which are activities suited only for grown- up men. Although small-scale miners deny this, key informants and ocular inspection in the two case study areas confirmed this problem ECONOMIC PROBLEMS Low Price for Gold Received by Small-Scale Miners Small-scale miners sell their gold to the tunnel owners, processors or to other traders instead of directly to the Central Bank or its representatives.Key informants inform that underpricing of gold often occurs in these marketing channels and this contributes to the poor economic conditions the miners are in. Loss of Gold by the Country Due to Illegal Gold Trading Because small-scale miners sell their gold not to the Central Bank but to various buyers, the national government loses great amounts of gold to the detriment of the built-in economy. lack of Formal Sources of Credit for Small-Scale Miners There is lack of formal sources of credit for small-scale miners in times of need or for starting an option wrinkle.This forces them to borrow from the tunnel owners, processors, traders and unscrupulous money lenders who exploit them by charging higher interest rates or buying their gold at low prices. Lack of Alternative or Supplemental Employment Opportunities for Small-Scale Miners Small-scale mining is the only employment opportunity for many miner s. Few have an alternative occupation like farming. Also many miners have been in mining for an average of 10 long years, which further confirms their lack of alternative employment. Technology-related ProblemsInefficient Technologies Used in Small-Scale Mining The technology used in ore ancestry and gold processing results to poor ore output and gold recovery in small-scale mining. The poor ore and gold output performance has been confirmed by national and local key informants. Unsafe Technologies Used in Small-Scale Mining The unsafe techniques and procedures used in the mining of ore, such as poor timbering support, poor ventilation, and other practices have resulted to cave-ins and other accidents that disabled or took away the lives of miners.CONCLUSIONS The conflicting policies on resource extraction/ phylogeny versus environmental protection and weak governance as indicated by the absence of local regulations threaten the environment and public health. The negative impacts o f small-scale mining activities have been observed in many of these communities. Poverty and the attractiveness of immediate money from the mining industry attract children and women to work in the mines. These expose women and children to hazardous chemicals and unsafe mining practice.Small-scale mining contributes to the local economy through job creation, increasing economic activity in the communities. There is a need for the development of sound policies and laws to balance economic development and environmental sustainability. Strong enforcement of laws is a must. However, the conflict of interest of local officials who are in charge of regulation and governing the community and who also have interests in mining operations poses a threat in the strict enforcement of laws in the communities. RECOMMENDATIONS Mercury PollutionA review will show that the existing laws and regulations related to mercury pollution in small-scale gold mining are fairly adequate but monitoring and enf orcement is weak. To improve on monitoring and enforcement, the following actions are suggested * Licensing by the LGUs of all small-scale gold mining and processing operations within their jurisdiction and imposition of membership in a cooperative as a licensing requirement. * Earmarking of the licensing proceeds for the establishment and operation of a small-scale mining monitoring and enforcement unit within the management cloth of LGUs. Development of an effective internal system within cooperatives that will force the proper use of hand gloves, mercury retorts and tailings ponds in small-scale mining. * Active amour of NGOs and other responsible members of the local population in monitoring and enforcement by selectively deputizing them. * Strengthening of the Small-Scale Mining Section of the Environment and Safety category of the MGB * Concerted effort by the national government, LGUs and NGOs to conduct education and awareness campaigns on mercury pollution. Involvement o f international organizations in the fight against mercury pollution particularly in the promotion of technologies that can prevent or minify it. * Serious consideration of the promotion of the CIP method of processing for small-scale mining Other Environmental Problems The national government should undertake detailed studies on cyanide pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss and siltation and sedimentation in small-scale mining areas. Understanding these problems will go a long way toward finding their appropriate solutions.For the time being, the government must do better in monitoring and enforcing pertinent laws so that the problems are minimized. Legal and Institutional Problems The government should prioritize the early settlement of conflicting claims between small-scale miners and large-scale miners. One way of conducting this is to create dialogues between the two parties with the government as arbiter to find an amicable solution. Key informant from the large-scale firms in the two case study areas explained that generally they are actually open to a negotiated settlement that can buy peace, goodwill and cooperation within their claims.Social Problems The social instability in small-scale mining is inherent in places where many of the population are poor and migrants. Improving the economic status of the people can help a lot to decrease the instability. This could happen when small-scale mining becomes a fully licensed activity and accepted as part of the economic mainstream. The provision of better basic social services will also help alleviate the deprived economic conditions and ease a lot of the social tensions. The exploitation of women and children is not confined to small-scale mining since it is prevalent, oddly in the underground economy.The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should take a closer look at this problem and devise ways to minimize it. Again, improving the economic lot of the miners will he lp curve the exploitation of women and children. The conduct of effective programs which can provide guidance and counselling to mining families will also promote compliance by the miners to the laws against exploitation. Economic Problems The problem of low price received for the gold by the small-scale miners will be address to a large extent when they are organized into cooperatives.As a group, they can negotiate better in the market or pay for the transportation cost to sell gold in bulk to the Central Bank. The Central bank should consider putting up buying stations in the more important mining sites. This will not only help the miners economically but also lower significantly the amount of gold lost to the black market. Technology-Related Problems The problems of uneconomical and unsafe technologies are part and parcel of small-scale mining as long as the miners remain poor.Economic conditions force them to use said technologies since they cannot afford to employ more sophist icated and costly ones. Sources * Mercury Pollution Due to Small-Scale Gold Mining in the Philippines An Economic Analysis http//dirp4. pids. gov. ph/ris/rps/pidsrp0202. pdf * A backdrop Study on the Small-scale Gold mining Operations in Benguet and South Cotabato and their Impact on the Economy, the Environment, and the Community http//bantaykita. ph/pdfs/Small%20Scale%20Mining. pdf * Inquirer word Online http//newsinfo. inquirer. et/305986/small-scale-miners-sell-less-gold-due-to-bsps-7-tax http//newsinfo. inquirer. net/338689/13-men-in-quezon-clash-met-gold-miner http//newsinfo. inquirer. net/343869/gold-miner-says-he-didnt-betray-siman http//business. inquirer. net/106807/miner-sets-aside-digging-turns-to-planting-cacao http//newsinfo. inquirer. net/359389/sleepless-miner-recounts-seeing-friends-buried-alive-2 http//newsinfo. inquirer. net/362277/police-arrest-19-small-scale-miners http//newsinfo. inquirer. net/362687/execs-say-arrests-halted-mindoro-illegal-