Impact of Grey Marketing on Indian Economy Essay Example for Free

Impact of Grey Marketing on Indian Economy Essay â€Å"An unofficial market in which goods are bought and sold at prices lower than the official price set by a regulatory agency Grey marketing (also sometimes known as â€Å"gray market†) involves the trade of legal goods through unauthorized, unofficial, and unintended channels of distribution. Hence, trademarked products are often exported from one country to another and sold by unauthorized individuals or firms. This practice is also often known as parallel importing, product diverting, and even arbitrage, and typically flourishes when a product is in short supply, when manufacturers resort to skimming strategies in specific markets. A good example is the trading of crude oil by an individual. The grey market includes services that are typically unregistered to evade taxes. Perfectly legitimate occupations, such as domestic help, babysitters, part time beauticians and freelancers, may not be registered. Not only is it difficult to detect such defaulters, the punishment is usually mild. For example, even as Apple, Inc., rolled out its latest third-generation iPhone on July 11, 2008, several retail stores throughout the world, including those in China and Thailand, continued to take orders even though this product was not being sold in those markets. Their computer codes were unlocked, so that the phones could be used with different mobile service providers. Even in India, one of the fastest-growing markets for cell phones, Apple delayed the release of the original iPhone until mid-2008, a year after the release in the United States and six months after its release in Europe, because of the fear of grey market sales. A wide range of goods and services have been sold through grey markets, including automobiles, broadcasting delivery, college textbooks, pharmaceuticals, photographic equipment, video games, and even wines. Research has demonstrated that every one of the world’s eight major export regions has experienced grey marketing activity damaging to their operations. Parallel market is further encouraged by periods of war or any other crisis. During harsh political conditions or natural disasters, scarce goods are rationed by the government. People have the tendency to violate restrictions or rationing laws to secure the products they desire. In the United States, grey market goods are prohibited according to Section 526 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which expressly forbids importation of goods of foreign manufacture without permission of the trademark owner. However, the implementation of regulation by the U.S. Customs Service and the courts’ interpretation of the law have not been in line with each other. In a recent study, about 13 percent of the firms in North America have reported some form of grey marketing. A positive outcome of grey markets is that they provide brand-name goods at lower prices to the customer. They can create incremental sales in markets not in direct competition with sanctioned dealers, and sometimes help companies overcome distribution bottlenecks because of local government regulations. Occasionally, it is less expensive to tolerate grey marketing than to shut down the operations completely because of the time and resources required to monitor the violations. Finally, eradicating grey marketing activities can provide a firm with sound marketing intelligence regarding customers in these markets and their buying behavior. On the other hand, the phenomenon obviously also has several drawbacks for companies. It simultaneously undermines the manufacturer’s distribution arrangements and their ability to control quality it creates the dilution of exclusivity and damages existing channel relationships. Official dealers may not choose to offer significant services in order to compete with the grey market price for the product. There is likely to be an erosion of the brand’s global image, and the firm is unlikely to have the ability to use traditional pricing strategies, thus having less control over their overall marketing strategies. 2.According To World Health Organization: 2.1.Parallel Imports: Parallel imports are imports of a patented or trademarked product from a country where it is already marketed. For example, in Mozambique 100 units of Bayers ciprofloxacin (500mg) costs US$740, but in India Bayer sells the same drug for US$15 (owing to local generic competition). Mozambique can import the product from India without Bayers consent. According to the theory of exhaustion of intellectual property rights, the exclusive right of the patent holder to import the protected product is exhausted, and thus ends, when the product is first launched on the market. When a state or group of states applies this principle of exhaustion of intellectual property rights in a given territory, parallel importation is authorized to all residents in the state in question. In a state that does not recognize this principle, however, only the patent holder who has been registered has the right to import the protected product. Sometimes referred to as â€Å"grey market† imports, parallel imports often takes place when there is differential pricing of the same product either brand-name or generic drugs in different markets (usually owing to local manufacturing costs or market conditions). The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement explicitly states that this practice cannot be challenged under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement system and so is effectively a matter of national discretion. Parallel imports can reduce the price of health products and pharmaceuticals by introducing competition. However, they can also affect the negotiation of tiered pricing regimes with pharmaceutical companies. If a private pharmaceutical company agrees to sell a product at a lower price in poor countries, it will need some assurance that the cheaper product will not be imported back into its rich country markets, undercutting its profits (product diversion). 3.Grey Marketing by Industry: 3.1. IPO Grey Marketing in India: Cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Rajkot are the most active centers for the IPO (initial public offerings) grey market. Trades done in the grey market are settled on the day of listing. Once the deal is done at a stipulated price, the seller must deliver the shares after he has been allotted the shares by the company. If the seller falls short in receiving the exact number of shares that he has sold in anticipation, then he must buy the shares on the market (once the share is listed) to honor his commitment. Most of the recently-concluded initial public offerings are quoting at a significant premium in the grey market, compared to their issue prices; this means that the issues are perceived to have been underpriced. Many traders short sell in the grey market if they feel that the premium on offer is unwarranted and that the stock may list at a price lower than what most market players expect it to. Though grey-market operators say that there is a constant change in the grey-market premium, it largely depends on the subscription on the last day and the market conditions, post issue closing. 3.1.1. In the stock market, what is the concept of grey marketing? Grey marketing is a trade of something legal but through unofficial and unauthorized distribution channels. In contrast, black marketing is a trade of illegal goods or services through illegal channels. The grey market of goods is to import and sell products through market channels which are not authorized by the manufacturers. It occurs when the prices of a product differ significantly in different countries. The grey market of securities markets and IPO (Initial Public Offer) is to buy and sell the shares to be allotted in the future. Once the trading is done in the grey market at a stipulated price, the seller must deliver the sold number of shares to the buyer on the day of listing to honor the commitment. 3.1.2.Effect of Grey Market Trading on Indian Economy 3.1.2.1Grey Market: Rs. 1L in Reliance Power IPO will earn 9% in 20 days [pic] AHMEDABAD: Reliance Power (REPL) seems to have electrified grey market operations in Ahmedabad with operators willing to shell out as much as Rs. 9,000 for every application of Rs. 1 lakh. In the bustling grey market in Gujarat, such high rates are unheard of. The last benchmark for hectic activity was the Mundra Port and SEZ IPO in November when the grey market started buying applications for Rs. 7,500 in the last stages of the issue. With the REPL offer ready to hit the market on January 15, the grey market is trading the shares and the applications. It basically means that if you have Rs. 1 lakh to invest when the IPO opens, you have a secured 9% return within 20 days of closing of the issue when the stock would be listed. After SEBI cleared REPLs IPO, grey markets had resumed trading in the stock with premium saudas (trades) at Rs. 340-350 and application buying rate at Rs. 7,500. While the premium has zoomed to Rs. 390-400, the applications rate touched Rs. 9,000 and could break the Rs. 10,000 mark by the time the IPO hits the market, sources said. The excitement on the counter in the grey market has come on the heels of news that REPL will offer 5% discount to retail investors, who will also get an option to pay only 25% of IPO amount at the time of application. 3.1.2.2.Reliance Power IPO: Grey market sees Rs. 2000 crore loss: [pic] AHMEDABAD: The dismal debut of Reliance Power on the bourses may result in losses to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crore in the grey market. Operators also fear a payment crisis as many investors are threatening to hold back payments. Grey market players — both operators and investors — who were expecting the stock to list in the range of Rs. 550-Rs 600 per share, were in shock as Reliance Power opened at Rs. 430 and closed at Rs. 372.50 on its first day on the exchanges. This could also adversely impact the premium transactions in forthcoming IPOs (initial public offers). Ever since the grey market began trading in this IPO, the premium on Reliance Power shares had peaked at Rs. 450 over and above IPO price of Rs. 450 per share. Majority of trading in R-Power IPO in the grey market was done at an average premium of Rs. 300 per share. As the issue closed at Rs. 372.50, most market operators, who had taken huge exposures, have lost Rs. 377 per share. It is estimated the grey market has already taken an exposure of five crore equity shares, leading to losses worth Rs. 1,900 crore. It is also learnt that many investors in Jaipur have refused to honor their payment commitment to grey market operators in Ahmedabad, as the IPO plunged after listing. This could well result in operators losing out on large sums of money and have a cascading effect in the market. 3.1.2.3.Grey market bets big time on DLF IPO: [pic] AHMEDABAD: Only time can tell whether you could get the elusive pit of gold at the end of the DLF IPO rainbow. But, street savvy investors in Gujarat have already started earning a secured 4% return on their investment in the initial public offer of the countrys biggest realty developers, much before the offer hits the market on June 11. Large numbers of investors, who want to earn secured interest earning up to 4%, are selling their IPO applications to grey market operators in Ahmedabad. Although the DLF IPO is opening from May 11, IPO applications are being sold anywhere between Rs. 3,800 and Rs 4,000 for a single application worth Rs. 1 lakh. Activities in the Ahmedabads grey market, popularly known as Sakar Bazar, has gradually been heightening as the market enters the final week before a deluge of public offering hit the primary markets. Led by DLF IPO, the next two months could see close to Rs. 50,000 crore being raised from the market. On one hand, the grey market is witnessing huge trading in IPOs, which are yet to be listed on the bourse. On another hand, people are selling their IPO applications to the grey market operators for a secured interest. Even as DLF shares are yet to be listed on the bourse, operators in Ahmedabads grey market are trading DLF shares at a premium of Rs 37 to Rs 38 on its issue price of Rs 500-Rs 550. Similarly, Meghmani Organic is fetching a premium of Rs 5 over its issue price. And, its not only in the case of these two IPOs. All IPOs are traded in the Ahmedabad grey market, which seems to have a handle on the pricing of IPO listings. It has been found by most market participant of the capital market that majority of the IPOs listing prices are normally close to the last trading price of the IPO in the Ahmedabads grey market. 4.WINE: The grey market in wine flourishes, particularly in the case of champagne. Many large champagne producers do their own importing, and desire to maintain independent price points in different markets. Thus a bottle of Champagne might cost US$35 in the United States while the same bottle might be only 15 Euros in France. It is often profitable to buy the wine in Europe from an authorized distributor, and resell it in the US. In the case of enormous pricing disparity, it is not uncommon to find a grey-marketed wine selling for less at retail than the wholesale price of the authorized distributor. In the case of a large availability disparity between the US and Europe, the grey market price may be the same or higher than the authorized price. Typically the importer of a wine is the one most concerned about grey market sources. The winemaker may or may not care what happens to the wine after it is sold, although he or she might complain to appease an importer. 4.1.India imports 72,000 cases of wine a year PUNE: The Indian wine market is growing at 30-40% annually and this rate will continue for the next 5-6 years in keeping with global trends. However, the current per person per year consumption of wine in the country is as low as 9-10 ml. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation has mentioned this in its note on the grape wine industry of Maharashtra, based on a report prepared by Rabo International Bank. The highest wine consuming countries such as France and Italy has per person wine consumption as high as 60 to 70 liters annually. Those in China consume four liters, the report stated. Domestically, 80 % of wine consumption is confined to major cities like Mumbai (39 %), Delhi (23 %), Bangalore (9 %) and Goa (9 %) whereas rest of India has only 20 % consumption. The MIDC report further stated that India currently imports 72,000 wine cases (nine liters to a case) a year. About 32,000 of this are bottled at origin and the other 40,000 cases are imported in bulk flexi bags, which are subsequently bottled by Indian wineries. Besides this, about 12,000-15,000 wine cases are sold through the grey market. In 2009-2010, some seven lakh liters of wine worth Rs. 5.92 crore was exported to France, Italy, Germany, US, UK, Singapore and Belgium from Maharashtra. The state had announced its `Maharashtra Grape Processing Industrial Policy 2001 on September 19, 2001 with wine as an important part of it. According to a report by MIDC, four components are required to make good wine. Those are soil, climate, vines and human factor that is the people who brew wine. A lot depends on finding the ideal balance between the characteristic of soil, the microclimate and the grape varieties. At present wine grapes are grown on a 7,000 acre area in the state. In 2010 there were a total of 74 wines making units (36 in Nashik, 13 in Sangli, 12 in Pune, 5 in Solapur, 4 in Osmanabad, 3 in Buldana and 1 in Latur district) that had started production in the state. At present, total production of wine in the country is 1.45 crore litres from 90 wineries in the country. Of that, 1.32 crore litres wine is produced by 75 wineries in Maharashtra. The total investment in wineries was Rs 431.71 crore in 2009 which rose to Rs 452.10 crore in 2012. France, Italy, Spain, Germany are the main grape wine producing countries in the world. Nearly 32,000 million litres wine is produced per annum. 5.AUTOMOBILES: Automobile manufacturers segment world markets by territory and price, thus creating a demand for grey import vehicles. In the United Kingdom the term applies to vehicles imported either new from cheaper European countries or from Japanese domestic models imported secondhand from Japan or Singapore, which both have strict laws against older cars. This importation of secondhand models from Japan/Singapore tends to involve sports models that were never released in the UK or models that fetch a high price in the UK due to their performance or status. Although some grey imports are a bargain, some buyers have discovered that their vehicles do not meet British regulations or that parts and service are hard to come by because these cars are different from the versions sold new in the UK. In New Zealand, grey market vehicles comprise a majority of cars in the national fleet. These secondhand imports have achieved normal status and are used and serviced without comment throughout society. A huge industry servicing and supplying parts for these vehicles has developed. After years of trying to stop grey imports the car companies themselves have become involved, importing in competition with their own new models. 6.MOBILE HANDSET: iphone Launch gets hit by Grey Marketing: 6.1.Low-cost handsets to get impacted, says industry: Nearly 75 per cent of the currently available mobile handset models in the market could get defunct or redesigned with the Government deciding to bring in new radiation norms for the telecom sector. The Department of Telecom has accepted a proposal by an inter-ministerial committee to lower the permitted radiation in mobile phones by 50 per cent. The move will impact almost all the handset makers, especially those who operate in the low-end segment. 6.2.Handset price: According to the Indian Cellular Association, the new radiation norm will jack up handset price by 5-30 per cent as handset makers will have to make additional investments to meet the new rules. According to the new guidelines, handsets should not have Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of more than 1.6 watt/kg taken over a volume containing as mass of 1 gram of human issue. This is the same levels allowed in the US. India till now followed the European standards wherein handset makers are allowed to have SAR levels of 2 watt/kg on a 10 gram human issue. Globally, about 1,500 million mobile phones are sold per year out of which more than 80 per cent is sold in countries where European guidelines are followed. In India, there about 10 global brands, another 15-20 Indian brands and more than 4,000 importers who trade in unbranded Chinese phones. â€Å"Most of the handsets under Rs 11,999 which are approximately 645 or so would have to be redesigned. Effectively, this would disrupt the entire operation of more than 88 per cent of the legal handsets sold in the market (the legal market is approximately 70-75 per cent of Indias total volume market). All global brands and domestic brands will get seriously impacted by this,† Mr. Pankaj Mohindroo, President, Indian Cellular Association. 6.3.Chinese handsets: The industry is worried that the new guidelines will have no impact on the Chinese unbranded grey market phones, which is handled by over 4,000 importers with volumes between 3 and 4 million a month. The handset makers fear that the grey market will get a window of opportunity of approximately 6-9 months to rapidly expand their volumes before the branded companies start bringing redesigned phones. â€Å"If the Government is bringing new laws to address concerns of health and security then it should also set up good monitoring. While the branded phones will have to bear the costs to redesign phones, grey market devices will continue to be available without any check,† said Mr. S.N. Rai, Co-founder Director, Lava International – one of the Indian handset Company. According to ICA, the industry would be able to redesign approximately 100 models in about 6-9 months and 200 in 24 months. There are about 850 handset models available in the market at present. â€Å"The legal industry will never be able to redesign all the models and the availability would constrict to at best 150- 200 models within 18-24 months of implementation of such norms,† Mr. Mohindroo said 6.4.Ultra low-cast models: ICA said that in the case of ultra low-cost handsets, it may not be possible to redesign these handsets and all the models in the ultra low-cost handsets less than Rs 1,500 could get knocked out of the market. Apart from lowering the permitted radiation levels, the new guidelines also make it mandatory for handset makers to display the SAR level on the handset. The DoT is expected to notify the new norms shortly. Keywords: mobile radiation norms, low-cost handsets to get impacted, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) 6.5.Dark days for mobile grey market: The import duty on mobile phones has been reduced from about 16 per cent to around 4 per cent.Industry participants also believe that the shift from grey market to the legal market is by and large on the account of growing number of mobile retail stores. The mobile stores provide accessibility to the consumers. Our mobile stores are at all the visible locations, so consumers can walk in anywhere and get the best deals possible, said Subhiksha marketing vice-president Mohit Khattar. Industry analysts say that a huge grey market exists because of the differential of around 10 per cent to 25 per cent between legal and grey handset prices.With growing competition in the organized mobile retail market, players are offering products at lower prices. This, in turn, helps counter the grey market and bolsters footfalls in these stores. Consumers can buy high-end, genuine branded handsets with guarantee of replacement or repair through the mobile retail stores. Trust is the predominant factor that consumers are turning towards the branded retail stores, said HotSpot CEO Sanjeev Mahajan. Consumers are opting for accessibility and do not mind paying extra for it. The grey markets operate from a few areas in a city. On the other hand, mobile stores are more easily accessible as they are located in all prominent markets. The growing brand consciousness among the people, analysts say is also propelling the consumers to approach branded mobile retail stores. Mobile phone retail chains like Mobile Store, Mobi Retail, RPG Cellucom, currently account for just 7 percent of the overall mobile handset market, which has a market share of Rs 15,000 crore. Currently, the impact of mobile retail stores on the grey market is minimal. However, considering the rapid growth rate of organized mobile retail, its contribution is set to increase in the next 3-4 years, said retail consultancy Technopak Advisors chairman Arvind Singhal. Though the grey market in mobile phones has reduced, a large (75%) grey market still exists in mobile phone accessories such as batteries and chargers, which are often available at one-tenth the price of company branded accessories . Last year, the mobile phone makers asked finance ministry to reduce 34% duty on imported accessories, but nothing concrete has happened as yet. 7.PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPTMENT: Generally regarded as legal in most countries, parallel imports make expensive photographic equipment attractive to savvy users. The grey market in photographic equipment is thriving in highly developed and heavily taxed states like Singapore, with dealers importing directly from lower taxed states and selling at a lower price, creating competition against a local authorised distributor. Grey sets, as colloquially called, are often comparable to authorised imports. Lenses or flash units of parallel imports often only differ by the warranty provided, and since the grey sets were manufactured for another state, photographic equipment manufacturers often offer local warranty, instead of international warranty, which will render grey sets ineligible for warranty claims with the manufacturer. Due to the nature of local warranty, importers of grey sets usually mask the flaw in warranty with their own warranty schemes. These are often warranties with reduced benefits or lasting a shorter period of time. Grey sets do not differ particularly from an authorised import. They look and function identically, apart from the manufacturers warranties having been voided. 7.1.Grey market for digital cameras may bite the dust soon: KOLKATA: Grey markets for digital cameras may soon become a thing of past, feel the imaging majors in India. It is certainly the year of demise for grey market in compact category, and the sun will set soon in DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) segment, said Alok Bharadwaj, senior V-P, Canon India. Though being an unorganized sector, it is spread in many metro cities, like in Kolkata, at Metro Galli, Kidderpore, and in Delhi, at Pallika Bazar. Earlier, Nikons competition was Nikon grey but now the scenario has changed and grey market has shrunk a lot. Its no more a cause for concern, said Sajjan Kumar, GM, imaging, Nikon India. According to Bharadwaj, the grey market in the country is mostly activated in DSLR segment and its roughly around Rs. 250 crore, but since India is the main focus for all the global camera majors and as a consequence of that, the market is also increasing rapidly, which is ultimately causing the death of grey market. The general trend amongst consumers is to buy expensive lenses and camera bodies from the grey market at a cheaper rate, but now with most of the players providing the product at a place nearby them, with an extended guarantee period and free memory cards, people are ready to buy it from us officially, said Kumar. More awareness among the consumers and round-the-clock marketing have also stepped up the chances to diminish the grey market, said Hiroshi Takashina, MD, Nikon India. It may be noted that Nikon India has recently doubled its marketing expenditure to Rs. 120 crore from last years Rs 60 crore. Another common feeling amongst the leading camera players is, if government reduces tax on the DSLR bodies, lens, accessories, then the process of erasing grey market will be rapid. Currently, the basic duty on lenses and accessories is still at 10%, which makes it a little difficult for us to bring DSLR prices further down, despite a phenomenal growth in the sector, said a top official of Olympus India. Currently only 1% of Olympus Indias sales is affected by grey market. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will benefit us surely to cut the excessive costing, feels Bharadwaj. It may be noted that India and Japan have signed the CEPA Act, under which both the countries will enjoy some trade benefits during the bilateral trade. According to Takashina, India is a price conscious market where 75% of the sales are in the category of cameras priced below Rs.10,000, so with more shopping shop concept and 24 hour customer care backup, it is now more sensible for a customer to buy the gear from official dealers than to go and buy it from the grey market. 8.BROADCASTING: In television and radio broadcasting, grey markets primarily exist in relation to satellite radio and satellite television delivery. The most common form is companies reselling the equipment and services of a provider not licensed to operate in the market. 8.1Industry body opposes levy on TV sets: [pic] NEW DELHI: Consumer electronics industry said on Monday that sale of television sets would be hit and investment flows affected, if government imposes a license fee on TV sets. Also, share of the grey market would go up if such a proposal is accepted, Anoop Kumar president Consumer Electronics and TV Manufacturers Association (Cetma) said.[pic] Government is planning to impose a license fee of 10-15% on purchase price of each TV set, to provide financial help to Prasar Bharati. If the proposed levy is imposed, the level of taxation on TV sets would rise to 45-50% and the share of the grey market will certainly increase, a Cetma official said. When total incidence of taxes on ACs was about 50%, the grey market was more than 80%. With the reduction of taxes, the grey market for ACs has practically disappeared. The increase in the share of grey market for TV sets will ultimately result in loss of revenue to the government, Cetma added. Cetma said any additional burden would result in a major slowdown of the television industry, already reeling under heavy taxes. 9.VIDEO GAMES: Grey markets can sometimes develop for select video game consoles and titles whose demand temporarily outstrips supply and the local shops run out of stock, this happens especially during the holiday season. Other popular items, such as dolls can also be affected. In such situations the grey market price may be considerably higher than the manufacturers suggested retail price. Online auction sites such as eBay have contributed to the emergence of the video game grey market. 10.How to control the web of Grey Marketing? In order to reduce the impact of grey market goods, firms can take the following strategies: Enforcement of intellectual property rights Manufacturers or their licensees often seek to enforce trademark or other intellectual-property rights against the grey market. Such rights may be exercised against the import, sale and/or advertisement of grey imports. However, such rights can be limited. Examples of such limitations include the first-sale doctrine in the United States and the doctrine of the exhaustion of rights in the European Union. When grey-market products are advertised on Google, eBay or other legitimate web sites, it is possible to petition for removal of any advertisements that violate trademark or copyright laws. This can be done directly, without the involvement of legal professionals. eBay, for example, will remove listings of such products even in countries where their purchase and use is not against the law. Refusal to supply Manufacturers may refuse to supply distributors and retailers (and with commercial products, customers) that trade in grey-market goods. They may also more broadly limit supplies in markets where prices are low. Refusal to honor warranties Manufacturers may refuse to honor the warranty of an item purchased from grey-market sources, on the grounds that the higher price on the non-grey market reflects a higher level of service. Alternatively, they may provide the warranty service only from the manufacturers subsidiary in the intended country of import, not the diverted third country where the grey goods are ultimately sold by the distributor or retailer. This response to the grey market is especially evident in electronics goods. Reliance on regulation Local laws (or customer demand) concerning distribution and packaging (for example, the language on labels, units of measurement, and nutritional disclosure on foodstuffs) can be brought into play, as can national standards certifications for certain goods. Tracing grey-market goods Manufacturers may give the same item different model numbers in different countries, even though the functions of the item are identical, so that they can identify grey imports. Manufacturers can also use batch codes to enable similar tracing of grey imports. Parallel market importers often de-code the product in order to avoid the identification of the supplier. In the United States, courts have decided that decoding which blemishes the product is a material alteration, rendering the product infringed. Parallel market importers have worked around this limitation by developing new removal techniques.

Antibiotics for Treatment of Acute Otitis Media

Antibiotics for Treatment of Acute Otitis Media The role of Antibiotics for Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Prevention of Subsequent Development of Acute Mastoiditis in Children Introduction Acute otitis media (AOM) is considered to be one of the most common infections in children. Most of the time it is self-limiting disease without need for antibiotic therapy; however, some children have individual potential for serious complications such as mastoiditis. Acute mastoiditis is still the most common complication of acute Otitis media and is defined as an acute inflammation of the mastoid air cells which are contiguous with the middle ear cleft and arising as a result of spread of infection from acute otitis media beyond the middle ear. The incidence of acute mastoiditis was signià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cantly reduced following the antibiotic era and the overall incidence of mastoiditis as a complication of acute otitis media dropped to less than 1%.1,3. But some recent literature indicated an increase of the disease incidence especially in countries with less antibiotic prescription [2], while others reported that no increased incidence despite the national restriction guidelines of antibiotics prescription [4]. Most recently published guidelines reported that acute otitis media should be treated initially with supportive therapy with discretionary clinical follow-up and antibiotic treatment is reserved for cases in children younger than 6 months, unresolving cases, or otherwise complicated cases. The aim of this study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of all children admitted with acute mastoiditis and to study the role of antibiotics prescribed for acute otitis media on development of acute mastoiditis. Patients and Methods The medical records of all children admitted, diagnosed and treated as acute mastoiditis in the Ear, Nose and Throat department in King Hussein Medical center, Amman- Jordan during the period 2002 to 2012 were studied retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I: patients who received antibiotics for acute otitis media 2 weeks pre hospitalization. Group II: patients who did not receive antibiotics prior to hospitalization. The clinical criteria for the diagnosis of acute mastoiditis were based on the following: Clinical and Otomicroscopic evidence of acute otitis media on admission or recent episode of otitis media within 2 weeks before admission. Post-auricular inflammatory signs (swelling, erythema and tenderness). Anteroinferior displacement of the auricle. Exclusion criteria were: Patients with incomplete data or in which the diagnosis was not conclusive. Patients suspected to have cholesteatoma. Immune compromised patients. Patients with ventilation tubes in situ. Patients who had undergone prior ear surgeries. Data regarding the age, gender, and duration of pre hospitalization antibiotic therapy, the clinical and microbiological findings, treatment modality and the outcome of the disease were recorded. Results During the study period, a total number of 63 children were admitted with the diagnosis of acute mastoiditis (42 males and 21 females) aged from 7 months to 13 years with a mean age of 5.7 years. Out of 63 patients, 56 (88.9%) patients had post auricular inflammation only whereas the remainder 7 (11.1%) cases had a subperiosteal abscess. The preadmission history demonstrated that 52 (82.5%) patients had a history of antecedent acute otitis media within 2 weeks before admission. Before the development of acute mastoiditis, we recorded that 41(65.1%) children were taking oral antibiotics 2 weeks before admission prescribed for acute otitis media (Group I) with duration of therapy ranging between 1-13 days (mean duration 3.6 days). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic prior to hospitalization was amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (n=30) followed by amoxicillin (n = 6), and à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ rst or second-generation cephalosporin (n = 5). On other hand 11 patients did not use any type of antibiotics before admission which was confirmed by the Parents of patients (Group II). The duration of illness before admission of patient was ranging between 1-14 days (mean 3.5  ± 3.1 days). Acute otitis media in the left side was reported to be more common than the right side (25 cases vs. 20 cases, respectively), Whereas 7 children were reported to have bilateral acute otitis media. None of our patients reported to have bilateral mastoiditis. The Clinical features of children with acute mastoiditis on admission are shown in table I. Computerized tomography of the Temporal bone was performed on admission in all patients and cloudiness of the mastoid was demonstrated in all the patients. In 7 cases there was destruction of cortex with subperiosteal abscess. Data regarding microbiological culture findings was recorded in 48 patients, of whom 25 (52%) cultures were taken from middle ear aspirate during myringotomy; culture of pus from the external auditory canal was obtained in 11 patients (23%), from subperiosteal abscess in 7 patients (14.6%) and from the mastoid cavity during mastoidectomy in 5 patients (10.4%). The most commonly isolated organisms were Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Haemophilus inà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡uenzae. On admission, all of the patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics and the most commonly used antibiotics were ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, Ceftazidime and Metronidazole. In addition to Intravenous antibiotics, some patients were underwent tympanostomy tube insertion, abscess drainage and cortical mastoidectomy. All patients in our study were recovered uneventfully with these treatment modalities and none of them developed recurrences of mastoiditis within a period of at least one year of clinical follow up. Discussion Although, in the literature the incidence of acute mastoiditis decreased in the last decades, there is some evidence that in recent years, this entity is rising, as Papournas and Kudo [6,9] have reported. However, our series includes 63 cases of acute mastoiditis in 10 years period. The demographic data collected in this study with regard to gender and age was consistent with other series [3, 7, 1 2]. Acute mastoiditis has been reported to be more predominant in boys as has been noted previously [11—14]. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics as initial treatment for acute otitis media, a rather common practice in our country, might play a role in selecting resistant microorganisms. In our study, in which 65.1% children were taking oral antibiotics for otitis media before admission provides evidence for the assumption that widespread use of antimicrobials in treatment of acute otitis media does not provide complete protection against acute mastoiditis. Furthermore, the symptoms of acute mastoiditis may be abated, in consequence of the treatment, requiring a high degree of awareness by contemporary clinicians to watch for manifestations. Therefore, antimicrobials should be used judiciously in treatment of acute otitis media, avoiding the employment of broad-spectrum drugs as an initial regimen. Yet, complete abstention from use of antibiotics in treatment of suppurative otitis media is not advisable, as this seems to increase the risk of complications in general and of acute mastoiditi s in particular [15,16]. Recently, some authors observed that the number of children admitted to some hospitals with acute mastoiditis has risen [12-14]. However, Luntz et al [15] reported that the use of antibiotics is not a safe guard against acute mastoiditis and it may lead to a latent (masked) mastoiditis. Also, Kvaerner et al [4] In their registry based study on 399 Norwegian children proved that the incidence of acute mastoiditis has not been increased in Norway despite the national restricted use of antibiotics in primary care. Findings in children with acute mastoiditis are well described in clinical studies. In agreement with our à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ndings the children are young, and present with retroauricular oedema, protrusion of the ear and abnormal tympanic membranes in addition to various degrees of general discomfort [1,5 – 9]. The most frequent symptom in our study was abnormal tympanic membrane with retroauricular erythema. During the last decade several reports show a decreasing rate of cortical mastoidectomy as the treatment of choice for acute mastoiditis. The rate of surgery varies greatly from 12 – 98% in different studies [1,4 – 8]. This may be due to different criteria for the diagnosis and may also reà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ect the fact that an increasing portion of children are treated in pediatric wards. The increasing tendency for conservative treatment during the recent years may also reà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ect an increasing availability of CT or MR scans to exclude complications. Microbiological culture findings were recorded in 48 patients in this study and Streptococcus pneumonia was the most commonly isolated organism. Similar results have been reported by other authors [2,6,12,15,16]. Other identià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ed organisms were Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Haemophilus inà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡uenzae. Our data do not support that general use of antibiotics in acute otitis media will prevent the subsequent development of acute mastoiditis. Neurological complications was reported in 5 – 20% in the literature [2,3,15], although recent publications show a lower rate of complications [6,12]. In our material none of the patients developed neurological complications. Conclusion References Table I Clinical features on admission of 63 children with Acute Mastoiditis

Introduction To Bulk Carriers And Cargo Operations Engineering Essay

Introduction To Bulk Carriers And Cargo Operations Engineering Essay Introduction to Bulk Carriers Bulk Carriers are designed primarily for the transportation of solid bulk cargoes. Leading bulk cargoes are coal, iron ore, phosphate, nitrate and grains such as wheat. The carriage of cargo in bulk reduces packaging costs and loading and unloading operations can be speeded up.  In many cases bulk cargoes are found in countries away from where they are required. Bulk carriers are built to various sizes and classified as Handymax/Panamax/Cape-sized bulkers etc. They also vary in types like geared bulkers, self-unloaders, combination carriers etc. Bulk carriers today form a high percentage of world trade. Bulk cargoes carried by them are subject to hazards because of which there are various codes in place for the safety of operating Bulk Carriers. They comprise of the BC Code, International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (International Grain Code).   Like the original grain rules, the Code is to prevent the particular qualities of grain threatening the stability of ships when it is carried in bulk.  Ã‚   The revised BC Code deals with types of cargoes which may liquefy, materials which possess chemical hazards, and materials which fall into neither of these categories but may nevertheless pose other dangers.   The Code highlights dangers associated with certain types of cargoes giving information on their properties and how to handle them. Various test procedures are stated as well to determine properties of the cargo. The Code also lays importance on how cargoes should be properly distributed so as not to overstress the structure and maintain an adequate standard of stability. All bulk cargoes when loaded have an angle or repose which determines if the cargo is prone to shift. Unlike high dense cargoes such as iron ore cargoes like grain have a low angle of repose whereby the code states precautions to take so that the cargo movement does not affect the vessels stability. For cargoes with low angle of repose, the Code states that such cargoes should be trimmed reasonably and the holds should be filled fully as far as possible without resulting in excessive weight on the supporting structure. The  trimming also helps to cut oxidation by reducing the surface area exposed to the atmosphere thus preventing spontaneous combustion. The code states dangers related with different types of cargoes, like some cargoes are liable to oxidation where as others may emit toxic fumes without oxidation or when wet.   The code gives details of precautions that should be taken for these types of cargoes. The Code also gives details of the various sampling procedures and tests which should be used before transporting concentrates and similar materials and also recommended test procedures to be used by laboratories. A list of cargoes, which may liquefy is contained in appendix A to the Code, while appendix B gives an extensive list of materials possessing chemical hazards.   Appendix C deals with bulk cargoes which are neither liable to liquefy nor possess chemical hazards.   More detailed information concerning test procedures, associated apparatus and standards, which are referred to in the Code are contained in appendix D.   Emergency Schedules for those materials listed in appendix B are contained in appendix E.   Recommendations for entering cargo spaces, tanks, pump rooms, fuel tanks and similar enclosed compartments are shown in appendix F.   Procedures for gas monitoring of coal cargoes are contained in appendix G. Works Cited Isbester, J (1993), Bulk Carrier Practice IMO, (2004), BC Code Ship/Shore Safety checklist for loading or unloading dry bulk cargo carriers Dateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Portà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Terminal/Quayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Available depth of water in berthà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..Minimum air draughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Ships nameà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Arrival draught (read/calculated)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Air draughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Calculated departure draughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..Air draughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. The master and terminal manager, or their representatives, should complete the checklist jointly. Advice on points to be considered is given in the accompanying guidelines. The safety of operations requires that all questions should be answered affirmatively and the boxes ticked. If this is not possible, the reason should be given, and agreement reached upon precautions should be taken between ship and terminal. If a question is considered to be not applicable write N/A, explaining why if appropriate. SHIP TERMINAL Is the depth of the water at the berth, And the air draught, adequate for the Cargo operations to be completed? Are mooring operations adequate for all local effects of tide, current, Weather, traffic and craft alongside? In emergency, is the ship able to leave the berth at any time? Is there safe access between the Ship and the wharf? Tended by ship/terminalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (cross out as appropriate) Is the agreed ship or terminal communications system operative? Communication methodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Languageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Radio channels/phone numbersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. SHIP TERMINAL Are the liaison contact persons during operations positively identified? Ship contact personsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Shore contact person(s)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Locationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Are adequate crew on board, and adequate staff in the terminal, for emergency? Have any bunkering operations been advised and agreed? Have any intended repairs to wharf or ship whilst alongside been advised and agreed? Has a procedure for reporting and recording damage from cargo operations been agreed? Has the ship been provided with copies of port and terminal regulations, including safety and pollution requirements and details of emergency services? Has the shipper provided the master with the properties of the cargo in accordance with the requirements of chapter VI of SOLAS? 13. Is the atmosphere safe in holds and enclosed spaces to which access may be required, have fumigated cargoes been identified, and has the need for monitoring of atmosphere been agreed by ship and terminal? Have the cargo handling capacity and any limits of travel for each Loader/unloader been passed to the ship/terminal? Loaderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Loaderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Loaderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Has a cargo loading or unloading plan been calculated for all stages of loading /deballasting or unloading/ballasting? Copy lodged withà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ SHIP TERMINAL Have the holds to be worked been clearly identified in the loading or unloading plan, showing the sequence of work, and the grade and tonnage of cargo to be transferred each time the hold is worked? Has the need for trimming of cargo in the holds been discussed, and have the methods and extent been agreed? Do both ship and terminal understand and accept that if the ballast programme becomes out of step with the cargo operation, it will be necessary to suspend cargo operation until the ballast operation has caught up? Have the intended procedure for removing cargo residues lodged in the holds while unloading, been explained to the ship and accepted? 20. Have the procedures to adjust the final trim of the loading ship been decided and agreed? Tonnage held by the terminal conveyer systemà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Has the terminal been advised of the time required for the ship to prepare for sea, on completion of cargo work? THE ABOVE HAS BEEN AGREED: Timeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Dateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ For shipà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. For terminalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Rankà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Position/Titleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Works Cited IMO, (1998), BLU Code, pp.22-25 GYPSUM A natural hydrated calcium sulphate. Insoluble in water. It is loaded as a fine powder that aggregates into lumps. Average moisture content is 1% to 2%. Characteristics Angle of repose Bulk density(kg/m3) St. Factor (m3) N.A. 1282 to 1493 0.67 to 0.78 Size Class Group Up to 100mm N.A. C Hazard: No special hazard. This cargo is non-combustible or has a low fire-risk. Hold cleanliness: No special requirement. Weather precautions: This cargo is to be kept as dry as possible. It shall not be handled during precipitation. All non working holds in which the cargo is loaded or to be loaded to be kept closed. Loading: Trim in accordance with sections 4 5 of the IMSBC CODE. Precautions: No special requirements. Ventilation: No special requirements. Carriage: No special requirements. Discharge: No special requirements. Clean up: Prior to washing of this cargo, decks and cargo spaces should be shovelled and swept clean because washing of the cargo is difficult. Loaded voyage Hatch covers should be secured battened down for sea and water tight. Booby hatches holds ventilation flaps to be secured and should be water tight. Works Cited (2009), IMSBC Code, pp. 176 Information Provided by Shipper Prior to loading of any cargo the shipper provides the master with information necessary for the safe planning and supervision of loading of the cargo. A declaration is made by the shipper related to the cargo in compliance with the recommendation of the BC Code. Along with the MSDS, information provided consists of: Shippers name Reference numbers Consignee Description of cargo (type of material/particle size etc.) Stowage factor Specification of cargo (IMO class, Ems No. Etc.) Angle of repose Chemical properties Relevant special properties of cargo Additional certificates, if required such as TML and moisture content, exemption certificate etc. Works Cited IMO, (1998) BLU Code, pp. 32 MSDS FOR GYPSUM 1. Product Identification Synonyms: Alabaster, Gypsum stone, Land plaster, Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate, Native calcium sulphate. CAS No.: 13397-24-5 2. Composition/Information on Ingredients Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous Gypsum 13397-24-5 90 99% No 3. Hazards Identification Toxic Harmful by inhalation (contains crystalline silica). Mineral Formulae: CaSo42H2O Emergency Overview It is an off white, odourless powder. It is not combustible or explosive. Short term exposure to the powder poses no hazard. Potential Health Effects - Inhalation: May causes irritation to the respiratory tract and choking depending on the degree of exposure. Ingestion: Do not ingest. Small quantities are not known to be harmful but large quantities can cause an obstruction causing pain in the digestive tract. Skin Contact: May cause irritation, dry skin and discomfort. Eye Contact: May cause immediate or delayed irritation or inflammation. With large amounts it can cause eye irritation, redness. Eye exposure requires immediate first aid. Chronic Exposure (inhalation): The product contains crystalline silica which with prolonged or repeated inhalation can cause disabling and fatal lung disease. Silicosis (prolonged inhalation of crystalline silica) increases risk of tuberculosis. Some studies show an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease in workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Medical Conditions aggravated by exposure: Individuals with lung disease can cause aggregation by exposure. 4. First Aid Measures Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention for discomfort or if coughing. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting .If conscious have person drink plenty of water. Get medical attention. Skin Contact: Wash with cool water and mild skin detergent. Seek medical attention for rash, irritation and prolonged unprotected exposure to wet gypsum. Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, including lower eyelids. Seek medical attention for abrasions and burns. 5. Fire Fighting Measures Fire: Poses no fire related hazard. General Hazard: Avoid breathing dust. Fire Extinguishing Media: Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire. Fire fighting Equipment: A SCBA is recommended to limit exposures to combustion products when fighting any fire. 6. Accidental Release Measures. Put spilled material in a container. Avoid actions causing it to become airborne. Avoid inhalation and contact with skin. Wear appropriate PPE at all times. Do not wash gypsum down sewage and drainage systems. 7. Handling and Storage General: Keep bulk gypsum dry until used. Engulfment hazard. To prevent burial or suffocation, do not enter confined space. Gypsum can build up or adhere to walls of confined space. It can release or fall unexpectedly. Do not stand on stockpiles of gypsum, they may be unstable. Usage: Cutting, crushing, sanding or other crystalline silica bearing materials will release respirable crystalline silica. Housekeeping: Avoid actions causing the gypsum to become airborne during clean up. Use all appropriate measures of dust control or suppression. Clothing: Promptly remove and launder clothing that is dusty or wet with gypsum. Wash skin after exposure to gypsum. 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or other suppression methods to maintain dust levels. Skin Protection: Wear protective gloves, boot covers and clean body-covering clothing. Remove clothing and protective equipment that becomes saturated with wet gypsum and wash exposed areas. Eye Protection: Wear approved safety goggles when handling dust or wet gypsum to prevent contact with eyes. Wearing contact lenses under dust conditions is not recommended. Respiratory Protection: Under ordinary conditions no respiratory protection is required. Wear a approved respirator when exposed to dust above exposure limits. 9. Physical and Chemical Properties Appearance: White or off-white powder. Odour: None Solubility in water: Negligible Specific Gravity: 2.3 g/cm3 pH: 5-8 Boiling Point: >1000 C Freezing Point: None, solid Vapour Density NA. Vapour Pressure NA. Evaporation Rate NA. 10. Stability and Reactivity Stability: Stable. Avoid contact with incompatible materials. Hazardous Decomposition: Decomposes to sulphur oxide and calcium oxide above 1450 C Hazardous Polymerization: None. Incompatibilities: Gypsum is incompatible with acids. It contains silicates which may react with powerful oxidizers such as fluorine, chlorine trifluoride and oxygen difluoride. 11 and 12. Toxicological and Ecological Information Refer to contact information provided. 13. Disposal Considerations Dispose of waste and containers in compliance with applicable Federal, state, provincial and local regulations. Works Cited www.lafarge-na.com (Accessed: 16 November 2010) PREPARATION OF HOLDS On completion of discharge the mate decides on the procedure for cleaning of the holds on basis of time, manpower and next cargo to be loaded. Some cargoes require certain precautions in relation to cleaning of the holds. Gypsum on the other had requires no special preparation. Prior to commencement of cleaning it should be ensured that minimum amount of cargo is left behind by the stevedores. In the early stages of discharge of cargo like wheat when there are interruptions crew members can be sent into the hold to clean positions high under the deck head which will not be accessible during the later stages. This should only be done when there is no cargo working in the hold and it has been ascertained that there is no risk to the crew members. Before commencing work it should be ensured the cargo space is fully ventilated and a Permit to Work obtained. All crew to have proper PPE and safety equipment. The holds are to be swept prior washing in a manner whereby creating minimum dust clouds. The bilges should be checked so that no cargo has gotten in to them and if required get out the cargo before the completion of discharge. The stevedores should be requested to remove the sweepings gathered by the crew. If for reasons it is not possible it should then be stored in drums and kept ready for lifting by the ships cranes. When it is clear and permissible(taking account of the weather) to use the ships cranes the sweepings should be hoisted from the holds and stored on deck until such time when it would be possible to tip it overboard. Washing of holds is carried out by using sea water .Hand held hoses are used for this along with a water cannon. This combination uses compressed air to inject more pressure into the water from the mains. This provides a powerful jet which helps in better cleaning reaches high extremities of the holds. The washing sequence starts at the top of the holds and works down towards. Simultaneously a separate party of seamen will wash the hatch covers and comings with the help of hand held hoses. During this process the water should not be allowed to accumulate on the tank top. The bilges should be run continuously. A slight list to either side and maintaining a stern trim is the most effective method to aid in washing. Communication should be maintained with the bridge or the cargo control room to aid with the above. Once the higher extremities of the holds are washed the tank top is then hosed down to wash off the cargo residue and any dirt. The sounding pipes should also be flushed during washing as neglect of this over time causes the pipes to become blocked. When the salt water washing is complete traces of salt remain on the surface of the hold. If this is allowed to remain it helps in corrosion and is also not acceptable by most surveyors which is why the holds should be rinsed with fresh water. This rinsing also aids in accelerating the drying process. The drying of holds is usually carried out by natural ventilation, time permitting. If vessel is at sea and the waters are relatively calm the hatches can be opened up to speed up the process. The puddles formed by depressions in the tank top are sponged or mopped up by the crew. The water accumulated between the manhole surface and the lid will also have to be dried. The hold bilges should be drained of the unpumpable water, cleaned along with the strum boxes and then dried as well. Once the holds have dried an inspection should be carried out. Loose rust scales if found should be scrapped and cleared. Look for any cargo residue which may be spotted from the hold ladder high up. Bulk heads, tank tops are clean to touch. Look for any residues beneath manhole cover plates and behind pipes. Outlets for the CO2 system should be checked to ensure they are not blocked. If time permits DB tanks can be pressed up to check for any leakages in the holds. Holds to be also checked for damages in case they were missed out during discharge and if found recorded. Also if any maintenance as per the PMS or repair work needs to be carried out should be attended to, time permitting and recorded. A chalk test or a hose test can be carried out to check the water tight integrity of the hatch covers and any repairs if required and then logged. The final preparation would consist of resealing the manhole covers with duct tape. The bilge plate should be bur lapped and replaced to prevent the cargo from falling into the bilge. This system also allows the water to drain in the bilge. In the hold used for heavy weather ballast the gaskets along with the bolting of the watertight cover plate over the ballast suction should be checked. Works Cited South Tyneside College Notes. Isbester, J (1993), Bulk Carrier Practice HAZARDS ASSOCIATING WHEAT GYPSUM PRECAUTIONS Wheat: Is capable of self combustion due the gases given off. Dust is a major factor as it can affect personnel on deck with regard to respiration and cause irritation if it goes into the eyes. On exposure to wheat dust, personnel may also suffer from wheat rash. It can also affect the ships ventilation system if proper filters are not in place. The free flowing characteristics can reduce stability of a vessel caused by free surface effect (in partially filled holds) similar to liquids in partially filled tanks. Due to movement of the vessel the wheat is likely to shift to a side causing a list or even a possibility of capsizing the vessel. In cases where wheat requires fumigation in the form of pellets, gases or sprays all personnel to be made aware of the poisonous characteristics they pose and precautions to be taken. Precautions: All personnel on deck during cargo operations to be donned with proper PPE at all times, including disposable dust masks and safety goggles. Loading to be carried out as low as possible in holds to minimise dust. Wheat cargo has to be kept dry at all times and any form of water ingress has to be avoided to prevent damage to the cargo. As far as possible wheat should be avoided being loaded by partially filling holds. Where a vessel has partially filled holds she should be trimmed level in order to prevent shift of cargo. The surface of the partially filled holds should be secured by approved methods as mentioned in the IMO-grain rules. These methods used are strapping, lashing, saucering, over stowing and securing with wire mesh. In case fumigation is to be carried out on board the master is to be provided about details and precautions to be taken. The spaces to be fumigated have to have warning signs displayed. It is to be carried out by competent shore personnel. In cases where ships staffs presence is required during this operation, it has to be ensured that adequate respiratory protection is worn. Ventilation is required to a great extent to prevent condensation and removal of heat. The total weight of wheat should not exceed one-third of the ships deadweight. GM of 0.30 meters to be maintained or as given by formulae in the BC Code, whichever is greater. During discharge precautions to be taken by stevedores when using hydraulic equipment and grabs so that oil from such equipment does not damage the cargo. Gypsum: This type of cargo is generally not classified as a hazardous cargo. Airborne dust may cause irritation or inflammation to eyes. It could be harmful by inhalation depending on the level and duration of exposure as it contains crystalline silica. It could also cause skin discomfort to a certain level. It poses an engulfment hazard are personnel are advised not to stand on stock piles. It can also adhere to walls and can collapse and fall unexpectedly. Precautions: All personnel on deck during cargo operations to be donned with proper PPE at all times, including disposable dust masks and approved safety goggles. Actions to be avoided which can cause gypsum to become airborne. Bulk gypsum is to be kept dry until used as it tends to cake when in contact with water. It is recommended not to wash gypsum down sewage and drainage systems. Works Cited www.lafarge-na.com (Accessed: 16 November 2010) South Tyneside college notes MCA, MGN 284 (M+F) Swadi, D (2nd Edtn.), Cargo Notes IMO, International Grain Code LIFTING PLANT In order to have any equipment or machinery working effectively on board vessels a Planned Maintenance System should be in place and in effect. From an inspection of this maintenance record it is easy to keep track of details like when was the maintenance done last, what was done, when is it due next, what materials are required, how many man hours etc. The reason for this planning is so that we have the necessary tools, spares and consumables on board in advance prior to undertaking maintenance. The basic requirements of lifting plants are:- To keep the equipment in safe and good working order To maintain supporting documentation for the above. The main aspects of lifting plant maintenance are: Routine Inspection and Maintenance In addition to statutory inspections routine inspections are to be carried out by a competent person to asses if the plant is safe for continued use looking for problems like: Cracking at welds. Damaged/Missing grease nipples. Hydraulic oil leakage from motors. Worn or damaged wires. Corrosion. Missing markings. Lack of greasing and oiling. Defects to structure and fittings. Swivels that may not be rotating freely. Loose connection and gap between rails. All maintenance is carried out as per manufacturers instructions which also specify the time period (e.g. Weekly, monthly, yearly and before and after use).Prior to operation all control units, alarms, limit switches and joysticks should be operated and checked. If the plant is in regular use checks required by the external surveys should be done more by ships competent staff more often than once a year, even thou regulations require only an annual survey. Operation by Trained Personnel All vessels lifting plant should be operated by trained and certified personnel to avoid damages and improper use of the equipment. Trained personnel should also be appointed to direct the plant operator using approved hand signals as contained in COSWP. Testing Of Lifting Plant As per the manufacturers instructions the testing and certification of the lifting plant should be carried out at maximum intervals of 5 years. This testing is initially carried out after manufacture and installation of the plant at the ship yard under supervision of a competent person from the ship yard. The test is carried out using an approved proof load exceeding the SWL as specified under the merchant shipping regulations. This test is also required to be carried out if: Any repairs or modifications have been done which is likely to affect the SWL or the strength or stability of the equipment. Prior using any crane which has been idle for more than 6 months If it has been involved in an accident or mishap. Rigging Plan The rigging plans should be available at times along with sufficient technical details like: SWL of all fittings A means of identification Boom limiting angles Instructions for replacing wires and sheaves Dismantling procedures Erection procedures Certification and reports The master is to ensure that a certificate is on board within 28 days of a statutory test or examination for at least 2 years following receipt of next certificate. They are to be kept readily available on board for any dock worker using the ships plant. A register of lifting appliances along with items of loose gear are also kept on board. Works Cited Swadi, D (2009), Cargo Notes Dickie Short, Crane Hand book

The Big Sleep Movie and Novel :: Movie Film comparison compare contrast

The Big Sleep Movie and Novel On first inspection of Raymond Chandler's novel, The Big Sleep, the reader discovers that the story unravels quickly through the narrative voice of Philip Marlowe, the detective hired by the Sternwood family of Los Angeles to solve a mystery for them. The mystery concerns the General Sternwood's young daughter, and a one Mr. A. G. Geiger. Upon digging for the answer to this puzzle placed before Marlowe for a mere fee of $25 dollars a day plus expenses, Marlowe soon finds layers upon layers of mystifying events tangled in the already mysterious web of lies and deception concerning the Sternwood family, especially the two young daughters. When reading the novel, it is hard to imagine the story without a narrator at all. It certainly seems essential for the story's make-up to have this witty, sarcastic voice present to describe the sequence of events. Yet, there is a version of Chandler's novel that does not have an audible storyteller, and that version is the 1946 movie directed by Howard Hawks. Hawks' version of The Big Sleep is known to be one of the best examples of the film genre-film noir. "Film noir (literally 'black film,' from French critics who noticed how dark and black the looks and themes were of these films) is a style of American films which evolved in the 1940s." (The Internet Movie Database LTD). Film noir typically contains melancholy, and not so moral themes. Another characteristic of film noir is just because the main character has the title hero, that does not mean that he will always be alive at the end of the book, or that the hero is always "good." Marlowe in The Big Sleep is a prime example of this concept. In the novel it is questionable how lawfully moral he actually is, concerning the situation of turning Carmen into the police for killing Sean Regan. This aspect of Marlowe's character added yet another difficult task of formatting The Big Sleep to the big screen-the question of how the audience (media) might react to such a personality trait was now placed before the writing staff (IE production codes). The Big Sleep Movie and Novel :: Movie Film comparison compare contrast The Big Sleep Movie and Novel On first inspection of Raymond Chandler's novel, The Big Sleep, the reader discovers that the story unravels quickly through the narrative voice of Philip Marlowe, the detective hired by the Sternwood family of Los Angeles to solve a mystery for them. The mystery concerns the General Sternwood's young daughter, and a one Mr. A. G. Geiger. Upon digging for the answer to this puzzle placed before Marlowe for a mere fee of $25 dollars a day plus expenses, Marlowe soon finds layers upon layers of mystifying events tangled in the already mysterious web of lies and deception concerning the Sternwood family, especially the two young daughters. When reading the novel, it is hard to imagine the story without a narrator at all. It certainly seems essential for the story's make-up to have this witty, sarcastic voice present to describe the sequence of events. Yet, there is a version of Chandler's novel that does not have an audible storyteller, and that version is the 1946 movie directed by Howard Hawks. Hawks' version of The Big Sleep is known to be one of the best examples of the film genre-film noir. "Film noir (literally 'black film,' from French critics who noticed how dark and black the looks and themes were of these films) is a style of American films which evolved in the 1940s." (The Internet Movie Database LTD). Film noir typically contains melancholy, and not so moral themes. Another characteristic of film noir is just because the main character has the title hero, that does not mean that he will always be alive at the end of the book, or that the hero is always "good." Marlowe in The Big Sleep is a prime example of this concept. In the novel it is questionable how lawfully moral he actually is, concerning the situation of turning Carmen into the police for killing Sean Regan. This aspect of Marlowe's character added yet another difficult task of formatting The Big Sleep to the big screen-the question of how the audience (media) might react to such a personality trait was now placed before the writing staff (IE production codes).

September 11 and America’s Careless Diplomacy Essay -- September 11 Te

  Ã‚  Ã‚   For the past century, Americans have viewed the United States as standing as a symbol of strength, freedom, and prosperity. Recently, however, this perceived symbol of a higher society has been directly attacked by those who strongly disagree with the values projected by the United States. This is the first time since the Cold War that the stance of America has even been questioned. The most deliberating issue resulting from this atrocity has been how America should retaliate, or if the US should even retaliate at all. Within the past few weeks this question has been answered by actions from Washington. This action, however, has caused the emergence of even more questions. There are many deeply rooted problems to address that go beyond mere retaliation. To begin to solve these problems, the origins of conflict between America and the Middle East must first be addressed. It has been stated over and over again by politicians and journalists since September 11, that "evil terrorists" have attacked American values and institutions and Western civilization as a whole. However, as more time unfolds, this seems more and more like an overly simplified patriotic statement, and the real reason for the attack has become increasingly apparent; the acts of Al-Qa'ida were not an attack on American society, but an attack on US foreign policy. Bombing a few terrorist training camps may serve as a deserved immediate solution and a clarification that revenge has been sought; however it will not put an end to the alienations American foreign policies have created. A resolve to this "war" will require diplomatic measures and ultimate compromises, which will begin to undo the chaos the US has contributed in the Middle East. This turmoil can... ... Worldbook.com, Zionism and the Jewish Claim to Palestine, http://www.worldbook.com/fun/wbla/israel50/html/zion.htm Worldbook.com, The Idea of Israel Takes Shape, http://worldbook.com/fun/wbla/israel50/html/shap.htm CNN.com, Bin Laden, Millionaire With a Dangerous Grudge, Sept. 27, http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/12/binladen.profile/index/index.html Zmag.org, The United States and the Iran Iraq War, Shalom, Stephen R., http://www.zmag.org/zmag/articles/ShalomIranIraq.html FAS.org, Iran-Iraq War, http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/ops/war/iran-iraq.htm Afghan-web.com, Contemporary Afghanistan- the Last Sixty Years, http://www.afghan-web.com/history/articles/reshtya.html Coldwar.org, Afghan War, http://www.coldwar.org/articles/70s/afghan_war.php3 Mtholyoke.edu, The Terrible Regime: Taliban Rule, http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~mvcarmac/taliban.html

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 16. EPOCH

â€Å"I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!† I MOANED TO MYSELF. Every item of clothing I owned was strewn across my bed; my drawers and closets were bare. I stared into the empty recesses, willing something suitable to appear. My khaki skirt lay over the back of the rocking chair, waiting for me to discover something that went with it just exactly right. Something that would make me look beautiful and grown up. Something that said special occasion. I was coming up empty. It was almost time to go, and I was still wearing my favorite old sweats. Unless I could find something better here – and the odds weren't looking good at this point – I was going to graduate in them. I scowled at the pile of clothes on my bed. The kicker was that I knew exactly what I would have worn if it were still available – my kidnapped red blouse. I punched the wall with my good hand. â€Å"Stupid, thieving, annoying vampire!† I growled. â€Å"What did I do?† Alice demanded. She was leaning casually beside the open window as if she'd been there the whole time. â€Å"Knock, knock,† she added with a grin. â€Å"Is it really so hard to wait for me to get the door?† She threw a flat, white box onto my bed. â€Å"I'm just passing through. I thought you might need something to wear.† I looked at the big package lying on top of my unsatisfying wardrobe and grimaced. â€Å"Admit it,† Alice said. â€Å"I'm a lifesaver.† â€Å"You're a lifesaver,† I muttered. â€Å"Thanks.† â€Å"Well, it's nice to get something right for a change. You don't know how irritating it is – missing things the way I have been. I feel so useless. So . . . normal.† She cringed in horror of the word. â€Å"I can't imagine how awful that must feel. Being normal? Ugh.† She laughed. â€Å"Well, at least this makes up for missing your annoying thief – now I just have to figure out what I'm not seeing in Seattle.† When she said the words that way – putting the two situations together in one sentence – right then it clicked. The elusive something that had been bothering me for days, the important connection that I couldn't quite put together, suddenly became clear. I stared at her, my face frozen with whatever expression was already in place. â€Å"Aren't you going to open it?† she asked. She sighed when I didn't move immediately, and tugged the top of the box off herself. She pulled something out and held it up, but I couldn't concentrate on what it was. â€Å"Pretty, don't you think? I picked blue, because I know it's Edward's favorite on you.† I wasn't listening. â€Å"It's the same,† I whispered. â€Å"What is?† she demanded. â€Å"You don't have anything like this. For crying out loud, you only own one skirt!† â€Å"No, Alice! Forget the clothes, listen!† â€Å"You don't like it?† Alice's face clouded with disappointment. â€Å"Listen, Alice, don't you see? It's the same! The one who broke in and stole my things, and the new vampires in Seattle. They're together!† The clothes slipped from her fingers and fell back into the box. Alice focused now, her voice suddenly sharp. â€Å"Why do you think that?† â€Å"Remember what Edward said? About someone using the holes in your vision to keep you from seeing the newborns? And then what you said before, about the timing being too perfect – how careful my thief was to make no contact, as if he knew you would see that. I think you were right, Alice, I think he did know. I think he was using those holes, too. And what are the odds that two different people not only know enough about you to do that, but also decided to do it at exactly the same time? No way. It's one person. The same one. The one who is making the army is the one who stole my scent.† Alice wasn't accustomed to being taking by surprise. She froze, and was still for so long that I started counting in my head as I waited. She didn't move for two minutes straight. Then her eyes refocused on me. â€Å"You're right,† she said in a hollow tone. â€Å"Of course you're right. And when you put it that way. . . .† â€Å"Edward had it wrong,† I whispered. â€Å"It was a test . . . to see if it would work. If he could get in and out safely as long as he didn't do anything you would be watching out for. Like trying to kill me. . . . And he didn't take my things to prove he'd found me. He stole my scent . . . so that others could find me.† Her eyes were wide with shock. I was right, and I could see that she knew it, too. â€Å"Oh, no,† she mouthed. I was through expecting my emotions to make sense anymore. As I processed the fact that someone had created an army of vampires – the army that had gruesomely murdered dozens of people in Seattle – for the express purpose of destroying me, I felt a spasm of relief. Part of it was finally solving that irritating feeling that I was missing something vital. But the larger part was something else entirely. â€Å"Well,† I whispered, â€Å"everyone can relax. Nobody's trying to exterminate the Cullens after all.† â€Å"If you think that one thing has changed, you're absolutely wrong,† Alice said through her teeth. â€Å"If someone wants one of us, they're going to have to go through the rest of us to get to her.† â€Å"Thanks, Alice. But at least we know what they're really after. That has to help.† â€Å"Maybe,† she muttered. She started pacing back and forth across my room. Thud, thud – a fist hammered against my door. I jumped. Alice didn't seem to notice. â€Å"Aren't you ready yet? We're gonna be late!† Charlie complained, sounding edgy. Charlie hated occasions about as much as I did. In his case, a lot of the problem was having to dress up. â€Å"Almost. Give me a minute,† I said hoarsely. He was quiet for half a second. â€Å"Are you crying?† â€Å"No. I'm nervous. Go away.† I heard him clump down the stairs. â€Å"I have to go,† Alice whispered. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Edward is coming. If he hears this . . .† â€Å"Go, go!† I urged immediately. Edward would go berserk when he knew. I couldn't keep it from him for long, but maybe the graduation ceremony wasn't the best time for his reaction. â€Å"Put it on,† Alice commanded as she flitted out the window. I did what she said, dressing in a daze. I'd been planning to do something more sophisticated with my hair, but time was up, so it hung straight and boring as on any other day. It didn't matter. I didn't bother to look in the mirror, so I had no idea how Alice's sweater and skirt ensemble worked. That didn't matter, either. I threw the ugly yellow polyester graduation robe over my arm and hurried down the stairs. â€Å"You look nice,† Charlie said, already gruff with suppressed emotion. â€Å"Is that new?† â€Å"Yeah,† I mumbled, trying to concentrate. â€Å"Alice gave it to me. Thanks.† Edward arrived just a few minutes after his sister left. It wasn't enough time for me to pull together a calm faade. But, since we were riding in the cruiser with Charlie, he never had a chance to ask me what was wrong. Charlie had gotten stubborn last week when he'd learned that I was intending to ride with Edward to the graduation ceremony. And I could see his point – parents should have some rights come graduation day. I'd conceded with good grace, and Edward had cheerfully suggested that we all go together. Since Carlisle and Esme had no problem with this, Charlie couldn't come up with a compelling objection; he'd agreed with poor grace. And now Edward rode in the backseat of my father's police car, behind the fiberglass divider, with an amused expression – probably due to my father's amused expression, and the grin that widened every time Charlie stole a glance at Edward in his rearview mirror. Which almost certainly meant that Charlie was imagining things that would get him in trouble with me if he said them out loud. â€Å"Are you all right?† Edward whispered when he helped me from the front seat in the school parking lot. â€Å"Nervous,† I answered, and it wasn't even a lie. â€Å"You are so beautiful,† he said. He looked like he wanted to say more, but Charlie, in an obvious maneuver that he meant to be subtle, shrugged in between us and put his arm around my shoulders. â€Å"Are you excited?† he asked me. â€Å"Not really,† I admitted. â€Å"Bella, this is a big deal. You're graduating from high school. It's the real world for you now. College. Living on your own. . . . You're not my little girl anymore.† Charlie choked up a bit at the end. â€Å"Dad,† I moaned. â€Å"Please don't get all weepy on me.† â€Å"Who's weepy?† he growled. â€Å"Now, why aren't you excited?† â€Å"I don't know, Dad. I guess it hasn't hit yet or something.† â€Å"It's good that Alice is throwing this party. You need something to perk you up.† â€Å"Sure. A party's exactly what I need.† Charlie laughed at my tone and squeezed my shoulders. Edward looked at the clouds, his face thoughtful. My father had to leave us at the back door of the gym and go around to the main entrance with the rest of the parents. It was pandemonium as Ms. Cope from the front office and Mr. Varner the math teacher tried to line everyone up alphabetically. â€Å"Up front, Mr. Cullen,† Mr. Varner barked at Edward. â€Å"Hey, Bella!† I looked up to see Jessica Stanley waving at me from the back of the line with a smile on her face. Edward kissed me quickly, sighed, and went to go stand with the C's. Alice wasn't there. What was she going to do? Skip graduation? What poor timing on my part. I should have waited to figure things out until after this was over with. â€Å"Down here, Bella!† Jessica called again. I walked down the line to take my place behind Jessica, mildly curious as to why she was suddenly so friendly. As I got closer, I saw Angela five people back, watching Jessica with the same curiosity. Jess was babbling before I was in earshot. â€Å". . . so amazing. I mean, it seems like we just met, and now we're graduating together,† she gushed. â€Å"Can you believe it's over? I feel like screaming!† â€Å"So do I,† I muttered. â€Å"This is all just so incredible. Do you remember your first day here? We were friends, like, right away. From the first time we saw each other. Amazing. And now I'm off to California and you'll be in Alaska and I'm going to miss you so much! You have to promise that we'll get together sometimes! I'm so glad you're having a party. That's perfect. Because we really haven't spent much time together in a while and now we're all leaving. . . .† She droned on and on, and I was sure the sudden return of our friendship was due to graduation nostalgia and gratitude for the party invite, not that I'd had anything to do with that. I paid attention as well as I could while I shrugged into my robe. And I found that I was glad that things could end on a good note with Jessica. Because it was an ending, no matter what Eric, the valedictorian, had to say about commencement meaning â€Å"beginning† and all the rest of the trite nonsense. Maybe more for me than for the rest, but we were all leaving something behind us today. It went so quickly. I felt like I'd hit the fast forward button. Were we supposed to march quite that fast? And then Eric was speed talking in his nervousness, the words and phrases running together so they didn't make sense anymore. Principal Greene started calling names, one after the other without a long enough pause between; the front row in the gymnasium was rushing to catch up. Poor Ms. Cope was all thumbs as she tried to give the principal the right diploma to hand to the right student. I watched as Alice, suddenly appearing, danced across the stage to take hers, a look of deep concentration on her face. Edward followed behind, his expression confused, but not upset. Only the two of them could carry off the hideous yellow and still look the way they did. They stood out from the rest of the crowd, their beauty and grace otherworldly. I wondered how I'd ever fallen for their human farce. A couple of angels, standing there with wings intact, would be less conspicuous. I heard Mr. Greene call my name and I rose from my chair, waiting for the line in front of me to move. I was conscious of cheering in the back of the gym, and I looked around to see Jacob pulling Charlie to his feet, both of them hooting in encouragement. I could just make out the top of Billy's head beside Jake's elbow. I managed to throw them an approximation of a smile. Mr. Greene finished with the list of names, and then continued to hand out diplomas with a sheepish grin as we filed past. â€Å"Congratulations, Miss Stanley,† he mumbled as Jess took hers. â€Å"Congratulations, Miss Swan,† he mumbled to me, pressing the diploma into my good hand. â€Å"Thanks,† I murmured. And that was it. I went to stand next to Jessica with the assembled graduates. Jess was all red around the eyes, and she kept blotting her face with the sleeve of her robe. It took me a second to understand that she was crying. Mr. Greene said something I didn't hear, and everyone around me shouted and screamed. Yellow hats rained down. I pulled mine off, too late, and just let it fall to the ground. â€Å"Oh, Bella!† Jess blubbered over the sudden roar of conversation. â€Å"I can't believe we're done.† â€Å"I can't believe it's all over,† I mumbled. She threw her arms around my neck. â€Å"You have to promise we won't lose touch.† I hugged her back, feeling a little awkward as I dodged her request. â€Å"I'm so glad I know you, Jessica. It was a good two years.† â€Å"It was,† she sighed, and sniffed. Then she dropped her arms. â€Å"Lauren!† she squealed, waving over her head and pushing through the massed yellow gowns. Families were beginning to converge, pressing us tighter together. I caught sight of Angela and Ben, but they were surrounded by their families. I would congratulate them later. I craned my head, looking for Alice. â€Å"Congratulations,† Edward whispered in my ear, his arms winding around my waist. His voice was subdued; he'd been in no hurry for me to reach this particular milestone. â€Å"Um, thanks.† â€Å"You don't look like you're over the nerves yet,† he noted. â€Å"Not quite yet.† â€Å"What's left to worry about? The party? It won't be that horrible.† â€Å"You're probably right.† â€Å"Who are you looking for?† My searching wasn't quite as subtle as I'd thought. â€Å"Alice – where is she?† â€Å"She ran out as soon as she had her diploma.† His voice took on a new tone. I looked up to see his confused expression as he stared toward the back door of the gym, and I made an impulse decision – the kind I really should think twice about, but rarely did. â€Å"Worrying about Alice?† I asked. â€Å"Er . . .† He didn't want to answer that. â€Å"What was she thinking about, anyway? To keep you out, I mean.† His eyes flashed down to my face, and narrowed in suspicion. â€Å"She was translating the Battle Hymn of the Republic into Arabic, actually. When she finished that, she moved on to Korean sign language.† I laughed nervously. â€Å"I suppose that would keep her head busy enough.† â€Å"You know what she's hiding from me,† he accused. â€Å"Sure.† I smiled a weak smile. â€Å"I'm the one who came up with it.† He waited, confused. I looked around. Charlie would be on his way through the crowd now. â€Å"Knowing Alice,† I whispered in a rush, â€Å"she'll probably try to keep this from you until after the party. But since I'm all for the party being canceled – well, don't go berserk, regardless, okay? It's always better to know as much as possible. It has to help somehow.† â€Å"What are you talking about?† I saw Charlie's head bob up over the other heads as he searched for me. He spotted me and waved. â€Å"Just stay calm, okay?† He nodded once, his mouth a grim line. In hurried whispers I explained my reasoning to him. â€Å"I think you're wrong about things coming at us from all sides. I think it's mostly coming at us from one side . . . and I think it's coming at me, really. It's all connected, it has to be. It's just one person who's messing with Alice's visions. The stranger in my room was a test, to see if someone could get around her. It's got to be the same one who keeps changing his mind, and the newborns, and stealing my clothes – all of it goes together. My scent is for them.† His face had turned so white that I had a hard time finishing. â€Å"But no one's coming for you, don't you see? This is good – Esme and Alice and Carlisle, no one wants to hurt them!† His eyes were huge, wide with panic, dazed and horrified. He could see that I was right, just as Alice had. I put my hand on his cheek. â€Å"Calm,† I pleaded. â€Å"Bella!† Charlie crowed, pushing his way past the close-packed families around us. â€Å"Congratulations, baby!† He was stillyelling, even though he was right at my ear now. He wrapped his arms around me, ever so slyly shuffling Edward off to the side as he did so. â€Å"Thanks,† I muttered, preoccupied by the expression on Edward's face. He still hadn't gained control. His hands were halfway extended toward me, like he was about to grab me and make a run for it. Only slightly more in control of myself than he was, running didn't seem like such a terrible idea to me. â€Å"Jacob and Billy had to take off – did you see that they were here?† Charlie asked, taking a step back, but keeping his hands on my shoulders. He had his back to Edward – probably an effort to exclude him, but that was fine at the moment. Edward's mouth was hanging open, his eyes still wide with dread. â€Å"Yeah,† I assured my father, trying to pay enough attention. â€Å"Heard them, too.† â€Å"It was nice of them to show up,† Charlie said. â€Å"Mm-hmm.† Okay, so telling Edward had been a really bad idea. Alice was right to keep her thoughts clouded. I should have waited till we were alone somewhere, maybe with the rest of his family. And nothing breakable close by – like windows . . . cars . . . school buildings. His face brought back all my fear and then some. Though his expression was past the fear now – it was pure fury that was suddenly plain on his features. â€Å"So where do you want to go out for dinner?† Charlie asked. â€Å"The sky's the limit.† â€Å"I can cook.† â€Å"Don't be silly. Do you want to go to the Lodge?† he asked with an eager smile. I did not particularly enjoy Charlie's favorite restaurant, but, at this point, what was the difference? I wasn't going to be able to eat anyway. â€Å"Sure, the Lodge, cool,† I said. Charlie smiled wider, and then sighed. He turned his head halfway toward Edward, without really looking at him. â€Å"You coming, too, Edward?† I stared at him, my eyes beseeching. Edward pulled his expression together just before Charlie turned to see why he hadn't gotten an answer. â€Å"No, thank you,† Edward said stiffly, his face hard and cold. â€Å"Do you have plans with your parents?† Charlie asked, a frown in his voice. Edward was always more polite than Charlie deserved; the sudden hostility surprised him. â€Å"Yes. If you'll excuse me. . . .† Edward turned abruptly and stalked away through the dwindling crowd. He moved just a little bit too fast, too upset to keep up his usually perfect charade. â€Å"What did I say?† Charlie asked with a guilty expression. â€Å"Don't worry about it, Dad,† I reassured him. â€Å"I don't think it's you.† â€Å"Are you two fighting again?† â€Å"Nobody's fighting. Mind your own business.† â€Å"You are my business.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"Let's go eat.† The Lodge was crowded. The place was, in my opinion, overpriced and tacky, but it was the only thing close to a formal restaurant in town, so it was always popular for events. I stared morosely at a depressed- looking stuffed elk head while Charlie ate prime rib and talked over the back of the seat to Tyler Crowley's parents. It was noisy – everyone there had just come from graduation, and most were chatting across the aisles and over the booth-tops like Charlie. I had my back to the front windows, and I resisted the urge to turn around and search for the eyes I could feel on me now. I knew I wouldn't be able to see anything. Just as I knew there was no chance that he would leave me unguarded, even for a second. Not after this. Dinner dragged. Charlie, busy socializing, ate too slowly. I picked at my burger, stuffing pieces of it into my napkin when I was sure his attention was somewhere else. It all seemed to take a very long time, but when I looked at the clock – which I did more often than necessary – the hands hadn't moved much. Finally Charlie got his change back and put a tip on the table. I stood up. â€Å"In a hurry?† he asked me. â€Å"I want to help Alice set things up,† I claimed. â€Å"Okay.† He turned away from me to say goodnight to everyone. I went out to wait by the cruiser. I leaned against the passenger door, waiting for Charlie to drag himself away from the impromptu party. It was almost dark in the parking lot, the clouds so thick that there was no telling if the sun had set or not. The air felt heavy, like it was about to rain. Something moved in the shadows. My gasp turned into a sigh of relief as Edward appeared out of the gloom. Without a word, he pulled me tightly against his chest. One cool hand found my chin, and pulled my face up so that he could press his hard lips to mine. I could feel the tension in his jaw. â€Å"How are you?† I asked as soon as he let me breathe. â€Å"Not so great,† he murmured. â€Å"But I've got a handle on myself. I'm sorry that I lost it back there.† â€Å"My fault. I should have waited to tell you.† â€Å"No,† he disagreed. â€Å"This is something I needed to know. I can't believe I didn't see it!† â€Å"You've got a lot on your mind.† â€Å"And you don't?† He suddenly kissed me again, not letting me answer. He pulled away after just a second. â€Å"Charlie's on his way.† â€Å"I'll have him drop me at your house.† â€Å"I'll follow you there.† â€Å"That's not really necessary,† I tried to say, but he was already gone. â€Å"Bella?† Charlie called from the doorway of the restaurant, squinting into the darkness. â€Å"I'm out here.† Charlie sauntered out to the car, muttering about impatience. â€Å"So, how do you feel?† he asked me as we drove north along the highway. â€Å"It's been a big day.† â€Å"I feel fine,† I lied. He laughed, seeing through me easily. â€Å"Worried about the party?† he guessed. â€Å"Yeah,† I lied again. This time he didn't notice. â€Å"You were never one for the parties.† â€Å"Wonder where I got that from,† I murmured. Charlie chuckled. â€Å"Well, you look really nice. I wish I'd thought to get you something. Sorry.† â€Å"Don't be silly, Dad.† â€Å"It's not silly. I feel like I don't always do everything for you that I should.† â€Å"That's ridiculous. You do a fantastic job. World's best dad. And . . .† It wasn't easy to talk about feelings with Charlie, but I persevered after clearing my throat. â€Å"And I'm really glad I came to live with you, Dad. It was the best idea I ever had. So don't worry – you're just experiencing post-graduation pessimism.† He snorted. â€Å"Maybe. But I'm sure I slipped up in a few places. I mean, look at your hand!† I stared down blankly at my hands. My left hand rested lightly on the dark brace I rarely thought about. My broken knuckle didn't hurt much anymore. â€Å"I never thought I needed to teach you how to throw a punch. Guess I was wrong about that.† â€Å"I thought you were on Jacob's side?† â€Å"No matter what side I'm on, if someone kisses you without your permission, you should be able to make your feelings clear without hurting yourself. You didn't keep your thumb inside your fist, did you?† â€Å"No, Dad. That's kind of sweet in a weird way, but I don't think lessons would have helped. Jacob's head is really hard.† Charlie laughed. â€Å"Hit him in the gut next time.† â€Å"Next time?† I asked incredulously. â€Å"Aw, don't be too hard on the kid. He's young.† â€Å"He's obnoxious.† â€Å"He's still your friend.† â€Å"I know.† I sighed. â€Å"I don't really know what the right thing to do here is, Dad.† Charlie nodded slowly. â€Å"Yeah. The right thing isn't always real obvious. Sometimes the right thing for one person is the wrong thing for someone else. So . . . good luck figuring that out.† â€Å"Thanks,† I muttered dryly. Charlie laughed again, and then frowned. â€Å"If this party gets too wild . . . ,† he began. â€Å"Don't worry about it, Dad. Carlisle and Esme are going to be there. I'm sure you can come, too, if you want.† Charlie grimaced as he squinted through the windshield into the night. Charlie enjoyed a good party just about as much as I did. â€Å"Where's the turnoff, again?† he asked. â€Å"They ought to clear out their drive – it's impossible to find in the dark.† â€Å"Just around the next bend, I think.† I pursed my lips. â€Å"You know, you're right – it is impossible to find. Alice said she put a map in the invitation, but even so, maybe everyone will get lost.† I cheered up slightly at the idea. â€Å"Maybe,† Charlie said as the road curved to the east. â€Å"Or maybe not.† The black velvet darkness was interrupted ahead, just where the Cullens' drive should be. Someone had wrapped the trees on either side in thousands of twinkle lights, impossible to miss. â€Å"Alice,† I said sourly. â€Å"Wow,† Charlie said as we turned onto the drive. The two trees at the entry weren't the only ones lit. Every twenty feet or so, another shining beacon guided us toward the big white house. All the way – all three miles of the way. â€Å"She doesn't do things halfway, does she?† Charlie mumbled in awe. â€Å"Sure you don't want to come in?† â€Å"Extremely sure. Have fun, kid.† â€Å"Thanks so much, Dad.† He was laughing to himself as I got out and shut the door. I watched him drive away, still grinning. With a sigh, I marched up the stairs to endure my party.

Divorce Essay Essay

The Beginning of the End Growing up I always believed divorce was the worst mistake a couple could make. Now that I am older I now have a different view on divorce. My parents divorced when I was seventeen years old, and since going through this experience I view divorce differently. Although most people think of divorce as a negative thing, I think sometimes it turns out to be the best decision for everyone involved. When I was a little girl all I would hear from people is how divorce was wrong and couples should always work out their differences. My parents would always assure me that â€Å"no matter how much we fight, we will never get a divorce†. As the years went on things started changing in my parent’s relationship and we saw their marriage starting to dissolve. My sister and I could see that they were no longer the happily married couple they had been for the past 25 years. Eventually my father’s personality started to change, and he no longer was interested in family activities or spending quality time with my sister and I. He was not the dad we had known our whole lives. After realizing his behavioral changes he finally went to go see a professional. After a few sessions with the doctor and many counseling sessions with my mom, my dad was diagnosed with depression. We had already seen first hand what depression could do to a marriage, as his parents had gotten divorced after my dad’s mother was diagnosed with depression. As time went by I saw my father’s depression taking a toll on my mother’s happiness and her daily attitude. I wanted both of my parents to be happy, but was that too much to ask of them to stay together? I knew my father had changed and was not the same man my mom had fallen in love with 25 years earlier. My dad was no longer the fun, ambitious, adventurous guy my mom had met back in college. Instead my dad was bitter, had frequent outburst, and a constant negative outlook on life. When my parents finally reached the decision to divorce my family knew it was going to be a tough road ahead. Although my sister and I were upset we knew it was for the best, it was just going to take some adjusting. Luckily the divorce was very civil and my parents are still able to maintain a peaceful relationship for the sake of my sister and I. We both know my parents love us and that the divorce had nothing to do with anything we had done. My dad has since gotten help and my sister and I visit him often. He is getting back to the fun, loving, kind man we all knew him to be. Unfortunately, my dad waited to late to make changes in his life to save his marriage. Today, my parents are both in healthy relationships with other people. My sister and I enjoy spending time with both families and feel blessed these new people are in our lives. I had a very negative view on marriage when my parents told me they were divorcing, but since that time I feel not everyone gets divorced and marriage takes a lot of work. Although the divorce was hard to swallow, it is good to see both of my parents happy again. Now that my parent’s divorce is final everyone seems to be more peaceful and happy with their lives. I am not saying divorce is the right decision for everyone, but I am saying depending on the situation sometimes it is the best choice. I have learned through my experience not to judge others that are divorced because everyone’s situation is different. I feel my parents made the right decision for our family and I am a stronger, and happier person as a result.