Systematic Research

Systematic Research Introduction This report is to critical review a journal article, titled as ‘The role of management characteristics in the internationalisation of SMEs by Karise Hutchinson and Barry Quinn, School of Business, Retail and Financial Services, (university of Ulster, Colearine. UK) and Nicholas Alexander, Centre for research in Marketting, School of management and Business, (University of Whales, Aberystwyth, UK). The research was published in International Journal of Small Business and Enterprises Development, Vol. 13, No. 4, 2006. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2003), the research is defined as â€Å"something people undertake in order to find out things in the systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge†, Ghauri Gronhaug (2002) in addition to it ‘Systematic Research it is based on logics and not relied on just beliefs (quoted in Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2003). For any type of research appropriate initial planning should be done for reaching expectation of the research objective. (Hague Jackson, 1996). So according to this research journal will be analyse in the report in orders to review that authors have conducted the research systematically by focusing on below key components: 1) Project Rationale 2) Literature Review 3) Research Paradigm Design 4) Research Methods 5) Research Results Presentation Project Rationale Research Rationale According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2003), while choosing any research topic or idea should be connected with ‘rational thinking and ‘creative thinking. In the given article the authors Hutchinson et. al (2006) have focus on internationalisation of SMEs in U.K retail sector. In this article author main focus on the evidence gathered from 9 establish international retail SMEs originating from the UK retail sector by Hutchinson et al. (2005). In this research the author have mentioned reviews of different author from different literature in relating to the internationalisation of SMEs. In supporting their literature review, author has taken the evidence of 9 established international retail SMEs companies case study within UK retail sector. In this article manager is presented as their main role because of the direct responsibility in decision making for SMEs, Also he is directly responsible for every decision. This article is highlighted the enlarging form of theor etical framework of Hutchinson et al. (2005). In the given article retailing is important for every country in between their production and consumption. If we go up in the past report from the last several years UK retail sector is keep growing and every year there is an increment of 15% from the next five years till 2011. (www.prospects.ac.uk). In the article the author states that international expansion is very important for every firm who deals in limited geographic area with their small financial base. Further study has also been recommended by many authors in internationalisation of SMEs like Iben (2003), Moini (1995). Moreover, this study is also highlighted the characteristics of founder and export relating decision in small firms Hutchinson et. al (2006). In this study multiple case approaches in argument to s single case used in their result, also the use of in-depth study can be seen in this article . For gathering the data author have used qualitative techniques in his research where the author has used face- to -face semi -structured interviews with open- ended questions from the relevant person, company reports, and archival information. For secondary data author have used important evidence, which were analysed on the basis of the study. Hutchinson et. al (2006). Research Aims and Objectives Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2003) for every research researcher aim and objective should be clear at the same time it should provide purpose and direction of the research without setting aim and objective will divert the researcher from their study. The authors however showed the research aims and objectives in the research journal that can be summarised by the following: Aim: The aim of this study is to specifically explore the role of management characteristics in the internationalisation of SMEs Hutchinson et. al (2006). In order to reach his aim author have set the following objective: To investigate the importance and impact of objective and subjective factor in decision making in the internationalisation of SMEs. To explore the business skill, positive attitude to risk and the vision of the entrepreneur, ability to network can be useful valid indicators for the internationalisation of SMEs or not. To explain how the importance of decision maker in internationalisation of SMEs. . LITERATURE REVIEW : In this article author have conducted the literature review mostly from â€Å"secondary literature sources† i.e books, journals, article also ‘primary literature source from face-to-face interviews with relevant person, open-ended semi-structured approach, analysing their company report. Author has used all the relevant data, which is derived from the evidence of case study in UK retail sector. Author has done beautifully research, which is directly link up with their key words. This article clearly present the different reviews of many writers for internationalisation of SMEs. Also author has taken the help of previous research by Hutchinson et al(2005) and present their result in finding the role of objective and subjective factors in the internationalisation of SMEs. This article has presented some example [(such as The Body Shop (Anita Roddick), Virgin (Richard Branson), Laure Ashley (Laura and Bernard Ashley)] of people who have positive risk taking attitude which is important factor in globalisation of SMEs Hutchinson et. al (2006). Critical Literature Review Literature Review is important because it helps the researcher itself to make his research more clear and understandable in better way. For this purpose the researcher first needs to justify to himself that the study is worth conducting. Review of existing body of literature does precisely that. In addition to it, the researchers should have a clear cut idea what he wants to do achieve in his research (Remenyi, Williams, Money Swartz, 1998). By the term ‘critically analyse the literature review, Dee (2000) suggests that researcher should refer to work by 1) accepted experts or literature in that field, 2) select both supportive and unsupportive literature in a logical manner to the research area, 3) judge the importance of the literature by differentiating clearly between fact and opinion (quoted in Saunders, Lewis Thornhill, 2003). Strong Points By Critical Literature Review: By using different literature from different variety of sources, which make this research more understandable and clear towards the aim of the study. By indication of the key word in introduction parts is fruitful and helpful in exploring the same topic also at the same time study make it clear that the author has doing his research with in their related topic. By using the strong points of case study that the importance of manager in decision making in the internationalisation of SMEs Hutchinson et. al (2006). Weak points: In the given article literature used by the author is not up-to date most of the time article referred for the research are old. In the given article author for his research has used previous research of the different authors, old journals, articles are very limited source in supporting their research. He could have come up with more authors views for attaining their objective or make this study more effective. The author have selected for his research 17 different international retail SMEs out of which he has taken only the evidence of 9 international SMEs in his research Hutchinson et. al (2006). Research Paradigm Design Research Paradigm According to Remenyi, Williams, Money Swartz (1998) Research Paradigm it is of 4 types categories. First is Epistemology which focuses on the relationship between enquirer and known, second is Ontology which focuses on humanity and social reality. Third is Human Nature which focuses on human nature and environmental and last is Methodology which focuses on approaches to evidence collection. According to the article author have used Epistemology as research paradigm for his research. The reason behind is author has put focus on how does the decision of manager important in globalisation of SMEs. Moreover, to this by conduction face-to-face interviews, open-ended questions with relevant person is fully link in between the enquirer and known from this points research is interpretive (Eisenhardt, 1989; Yin, 1989). Research Design A research design is a framework for conducting a research project as it contains the step-by-step procedure for obtaining important information to structure research problem. (Malhotra and brisks, 2007). Research design it contained many components like case study, experiments, survey, cross sectional studies, longitudinal studies, explanatory studies, descriptive studies, action research, ethnography, and grounded theory (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2003). In the referred article author collected the data mainly from secondary source of strong points of evidence of case study, also from books, journals and expertise in order to find out the importance of 5 factors in the success and development of internationalisation of SMEs. Moreover, to reaching his aims he applied ‘Exploratory, Descriptive and Explanatory Studies in research design. According to SaundersLewis and Thornhill (2003) ‘Exploratory Studies is useful for clarifying and exploring the perception in that research from the way of different literature, by taking advices and help form experts. For attaining the aim of this research author identifies the role of manager in decision-making in development also refer different books of many authors. ‘Explanatory Studies means a situation to indentify the relationship between their variables. In this regard author has mentioned a meaning full title to their work, which shows that research in done in international S MEs in retail sector Hutchinson et. al (2006). Research Approach Deductive and Inductive are two types of approaches. According to Carson et al. (2005) deductive approach is based on the theoretical structure development for testing with statistical methods. This approach allows to the researcher to test the theory by observation or survey. While inductive approach focus on the shift of theory to data observation which sufficient sample size and validity of data. (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2003). In this study author has used deductive approach because researchers has beautifully research with in their keyword also on the basis of evidence case study, by using exploratory study to connect with literature review in searching the data whether the business skills, positive risk attitude, ability to network, vision of the entrepreneur are factors in globalisations of SMEs. In addition to it author has clearly present different views of many authors thats makes this research more sensible Hutchinson et. al (2006). Research Methodology Research Strategy According to Creswell (2003) research strategy is of three types; Qualitative Approach, Quantitative Approach and Mixed Methods Approach, as all these approaches are different from each other for collecting data, for getting results and data analysis. In this article the researcher for reaching their objectives employed Mixed Methods Approach as research strategy as the researcher collected both quantitative and qualitative data. For Qualitative approach author have used several authors opinions, previous research report, face-to face interviews, open-ended semi-structured questionnaire in drawing their conclusion. For Quantitative approach researcher has taken 9 establish international SMEs case study Hutchinson et. al (2006). Data Collection Methods: According to the McDaniel and Gate (2001) there are two ways of collecting the data; 1) Primary Data: In this data is collected for the first time for the research such as observations, experimentation and survey research. 2) Secondary Data: It is the previously researched data collected from different types of sources such as, journals, internet database, company report or website or any researcher report etc. In this author has mainly use secondary data for gathering information from books, journals, previously and report on the same topic. Author also used evidence of establish international SMEs case study. Strength Weakness of Research Methodology: In the article the researcher for doing the research used Deductive approach as the research approach, for research design used Exploratory, Descriptive and Explanatory Studies, Qualitative research as research strategy and for collection of the data used secondary data for conducting the research. There are some strength and weakness in the research, which are as follows: Strong points: By using in-depth case study, multiple case approach make more understandable in achieving their aim and objectives of this research. Moreover, this study is in the context of small and medium size firm SMEs, which focus on aim of the study. Beautifully present the domestic and international activities of all 9 companies by dividing into 4 different retail sectors also put emphasis on formal contact because to avoid small size firm with in strange market. In the given article author have clearly mentioned the expand work of Hutichinson et al. (2005). In addition to it author has beautifully identify the gap in the study. Given study clears that both formal and informal contact is necessary for internationalisation of SMEs by using this contact he could have done it better or very easy in setting up firm branch overseas Hutchinson et. al (2006). Weak points: By using less quantitative and objective technique can be seen in this article. So we can say that there is lack of real information. In secondary research he could have done something more to add the data in his research to make his research relevant in terms of if someone read this article then he can easily understand the result derive from secondary data is relevant by using proper data. From the sample of 17 companies choosing only 9 established international retail SMEs whose sale turnover is less then 25 millions that make this research more difficult in drawing their result or not realistic. By using uneven samples categories in conducting their research such as small, medium and large, if he want to do research in my viewpoint he could have to choose one categories with one sector thats makes easy or clearer in understanding. None of the sample is similar to anyone, so on this basis it clears that the result arrive from research is not so relevant. If the make the sample of 17 internationalised companies then study prove to be more relevant. Also in primary research author he could have come up with more face-to face interviews, with more questioners so that the conclusion can draw easily Hutchinson et. al (2006). RESULT AND PRESENTATION Relative Value and Context result In this article authors research result has appropriate link to the key words of the topic that has been mentioned in the literature review by researcher. In the result author has successfully proposed their study in different section from their domestic turnover wise which provides total description for both domestic and international activities of all 9 companies and it is fully interpretive in nature. In addition to it author has clearly relate to objective managerial characteristics to decision maker ability, global experience and business skills, also choices of choosing foreign market defers from case to case in the expansion of internationalisation of SMEs. This study proves that the pivotal role of manager in the internationalisation of SMEs in UK retail sector. In this study author has also clear the importance role of both formal and informal contact are important factors in the early expansion and development of business overseas. Also author has taken uneven sample of com panies that some company has only two branches in overseas and some having more then 30 branch worldwide. All the 9 companies taken by author are in the favour of positive decision in the overall business performance. This research successfully proves the close relationship between characteristics of decision maker and inclination to initiate and develop international activity Moreover, after reaching the result author has also given implication for manger for both public and private support organisation. By giving importance to customer service which proves the importance of business skill in retailing and branding this asserts the importance of management knowledge of the international retail business environment Hutchinson et. al (2006). Presentation Structures In the referred article author presented very beautifully structure to his article so that it is easy to clear the main aim and objective of this research and after that he presented step-by-step link up with research topic and his key words that already clearly mentioned by researcher in the abstract part. In presenting all reviews of different authors turn his study in more realistic way then moved to explaining the objective and subjective factors in decision making in internationalisation of SMEs then gave their conclusion. For making his research more effective and authentic author has taken the help of good examples and with good arguments. In the given article researcher has used the strong points of evidence of case study that makes study more effective and easy to understand Hutchinson et. al (2006). CONCLUSION After completed critically analysis in this research, in my viewpoint this research gave us a lot of knowledge about the importance of decision maters in internationalisation of SMEs. Moreover, author has also given the implication for manager in both public and private support companies. He has also mentioned at what certain both formal and informal contact matters when company initially opening their firm in overseas. Moreover, to this results are very general. By making his research more effective he could have compare more then one sector but still this study is interesting and need a lot to do in further research. Author has beautifully identified the gap of the study. By adding regression analysis, graphs or charts or some other useful tool attached to he appendix in finding the result to get the idea easily and clearly Hutchinson et. al (2006). Bibliography Carson, D et.al (2005) Qualitative Marketing Research. London, SAGE Publications Ltd. Creswell, J., W. (2003), ‘Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 2nd ed., California: SAGE Publications Ltd. Malhotra, N. and Birks, D. (2007), ‘Marketing Research: An applied approach. 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, Financial times. McDaniel, C. Gate, R. (2001), ‘Marketing Research Essentials, 3rd ed., Ohio: South-Western College Publishing. Remenyi, D., Williams, B., Money, A. Swartz, E. (1998), ‘Doing Research in Business and Management: An Introduction to Process and Method, London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. Thornhill, A. (2003), ‘Research Methods for Business Students, 3rd ed., Essex: Pearson Education Limited. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_job_sectors/Retail/overview/p!egiLLL http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6TUuXQifwxoCpg=PA280lpg=PA280dq=any+books+on+internationalisation+of+sMEssource=blots=brYSpAWGAJsig=kh5oVONN4DAFAKze7rSioizjbnchl=enei=zj5wSuTZOMKZjAeLx7GSBQsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=9 Quinn, B., Hutchinson, K. and Alexander, N. (1998), ‘The role of management characteristics in the internationalisation of SMEs :Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development Vol. 13 No. 4

Atherosclerosis: The Silent Killer Essay examples -- essays research p

Atherosclerosis: The Silent Killer Atherosclerosis is one of a group of health problems that define coronary artery disease, oftentimes referred to as heart disease. Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart disease in the United States. The following is the definition provided by the American Heart Association: Atherosclerosis (ath"er-o-skleh-RO'sis) comes from the Greek words athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (hardness). It's the name of the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque. It usually affects large and medium-sized arteries. Some hardening of arteries often occurs when people grow older (AHA, 2005). Atherosclerosis is different from Arteriosclerosis, though the two are oftentimes concurrently present as a result of heart disease and are likewise confused. Arteriosclerosis is defined by the Well-Net group as: ...during which the arteries of the cardiovascular system develop areas which become hard and brittle. Vessels become thickened. There is a loss of elasticity. It can involve the arteries of the cardiovascular system, the brain, kidneys, upper and lower extremities. This occurs because of the deposition of calcium in their walls. Atherosclerosis often leads to coronary heart disease, strokes, and other disorders because of the occurrence of blood clots which form in the narrowed arteries; hardening of the arteries, on the other hand occur only in advanced stages (Lawrence, 1997). There are factors that can be controlled to aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis. The following research will address seven major â€Å"controllable† factors with special focus on how a person’s diet can help minimize the risk of developing this debilitating disease, or preventing a heart attack if the disease is already present. According to The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, â€Å"Coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease, or simply, heart disease, is the No. 1 killer in America, affecting more than 12 million Americans (Webmd.com, 2005).† Atherosclerosis occurs when the arteries that feed blood to the heart become narrowed due to the build up of plaque. This plaque is m... ...;June 5, 2005, from http://imaginis.com/heart-disease/cad_risk.asp Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (JHBMC 2005). Exercise and heart disease. Retrieved July 13, 2005 from http://www.jhbmc.jhu.edu/cardiology/rehab/exercise.chd.html Lawrence, A., M.D, (1997), Arteriosclerosis. Retrieved July 12, 2005 from http://www.well-net.com/cardiov/arterios.html Maltin, L.J., M.D. (2002), Fish oil fights heart disease. WebMD Feature, Retreived July 12, 2005 from http://my.webmd.com/content/article/17/1671_53159.htm?printing=true Mayo Clinic / CNN.com (2005). Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Retrieved July 13, 2005 from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DA/00052.html National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI) (1999). Statement from the national high blood pressure program. Retrieved July 13, 2005 from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/hbp/salt_up2.htm NHLBI.com (2003, August). Coronary artery disease. Retrieved June 4, 2005, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Cad/CAD_WhatIs.html

The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 5 CHEATER

â€Å"BELLA, WHY DON'T YOU TAKE OFF,† MIKE SUGGESTED, his eyes focused off to the side, not really looking at me. I wondered how long that had been going on without me noticing. It was a slow afternoon at Newton's. At the moment there were only two patrons in the store, dedicated backpackers from the sound of their conversation. Mike had spent the last hour going through the pros and cons of two brands of lightweight packs with them. But they'd taken a break from serious pricing to indulge in trying to one-up each other with their latest tales from the trail. Their distraction had given Mike a chance to escape. â€Å"I don't mind staying,† I said. I still hadn't been able to sink back into my protective shell of numbness, and everything seemed oddly close and loud today, like I'd taken cotton out of my ears. I tried to tune out the laughing hikers without success. â€Å"I'm telling you,† said the thickset man with the orange beard that didn't match his dark brown hair. â€Å"I've seen grizzlies pretty close up in Yellowstone, but they had nothing on this brute.† His hair was matted, and his clothes looked like they'd been on his back for more than a few days. Fresh from the mountains. â€Å"Not a chance. Black bears don't get that big. The grizzlies you saw were probably cubs.† The second man was tall and lean, his face tanned and wind-whipped into an impressive leathery crust. â€Å"Seriously, Bella, as soon as these two give up, I'm closing the place down,† Mike murmured. â€Å"If you want me to go† I shrugged. â€Å"On all fours it was taller than you,† the bearded man insisted while I gathered my things together. â€Å"Big as a house and pitch-black. I'm going to report it to the ranger here. People ought to be warnedthis wasn't up on the mountain, mind youthis was only a few miles from the trailhead.† Leather-face laughed and rolled his eyes. â€Å"Let me guessyou were on your way in? Hadn't eaten real food or slept off the ground in a week, right?† â€Å"Hey, uh, Mike, right?† the bearded man called, looking toward us. â€Å"See you Monday,† I mumbled. â€Å"Yes, sir,† Mike replied, turning away. â€Å"Say, have there been any warnings around here recentlyabout black bears?† â€Å"No, sir. But it's always good to keep your distance and store your food correctly. Have you seen the new bear-safe canisters? They only weigh two pounds† The doors slid open to let me out into the rain. I hunched over inside my jacket as I dashed for my truck. The rain hammering against my hood sounded unusually loud, too, but soon the roar of the engine drowned out everything else. I didn't want to go back to Charlie's empty house. Last night had been particularly brutal, and I had no desire to revisit the scene of the suffering. Even after the pain had subsided enough for me to sleep, it wasn't over. Like I'd told Jessica after the movie, there was never any doubt that I would have nightmares. I always had nightmares now, every night. Not nightmares really, not in the plural, because it was always the same nightmare. You'd think I'd get bored after so many months, grow immune to it. But the dream never failed to horrify me, and only ended when I woke myself with screaming. Charlie didn't come in to see what was wrong anymore, to make sure there was no intruder strangling me or something like thathe was used to it now. My nightmare probably wouldn't even frighten someone else. Nothing jumped out and screamed, â€Å"Boo!† There were no zombies, no ghosts, no psychopaths. There was nothing, really. Only nothing. Just the endless maze of moss-covered trees, so quiet that the silence was an uncomfortable pressure against my eardrums. It was dark, like dusk on a cloudy day, with only enough light to see that there was nothing to see. I hurried through the gloom without a path, always searching, searching, searching, getting more frantic as the time stretched on, trying to move faster, though the speed made me clumsy Then there would come the point in my dreamand I could feel it coming now, but could never seem to wake myself up before it hitwhen I couldn't remember what it was that I was searching for. When I realized that there was nothing to search for, and nothing to find. That there never had been anything more than just this empty, dreary wood, and there never would be anything more for me n othing but nothing That was usually about when the screaming started. I wasn't paying attention to where I was drivingjust wandering through empty, wet side roads as I avoided the ways that would take me homebecause I didn't have anywhere to go. I wished I could feel numb again, but I couldn't remember how I'd managed it before. The nightmare was nagging at my mind and making me think about things that would cause me pain. I didn't want to remember the forest. Even as I shuddered away from the images, I felt my eyes fill with tears and the aching begin around the edges of the hole in my chest. I took one hand from the steering wheel and wrapped it around my torso to hold it in one piece. It will be as if I'd never existed. The words ran through my head, lacking the perfect clarity of my hallucination last night. They were just words, soundless, like print on a page. Just words, but they ripped the hole wide open, and I stomped on the brake, knowing I should not drive while this incapacitated. I curled over, pressing my face against the steering wheel and trying to breathe without lungs. I wondered how long this could last. Maybe someday, years from nowif the pain would just decrease to the point where I could bear itI would be able to look back on those few short months that would always be the best of my life. And, if it were possible that the pain would ever soften enough to allow me to do that, I was sure that I would feel grateful for as much time as he'd given me. More than I'd asked for, more than I'd deserved. Maybe someday I'd be able to see it that way. But what if this hole never got any better? If the raw edges never healed? If the damage was permanent and irreversible? I held myself tightly together. As if he'd never existed, I thought in despair. What a stupid and impossible promise to make! He could steal my pictures and reclaim his gifts, but that didn't put things back the way they'd been before I'd met him. The physical evidence was the most insignificant part of the equation. I was changed, my insides altered almost past the point of recognition. Even my outsides looked differentmy face sallow, white except for the purple circles the nightmares had left under my eyes. My eyes were dark enough against my pallid skin thatif I were beautiful, and seen from a distanceI might even pass for a vampire now. But I was not beautiful, and I probably looked closer to a zombie. As if he'd never existed? That was insanity. It was a promise that he could never keep, a promise that was broken as soon as he'd made it. I thumped my head against the steering wheel, trying to distract myself from the sharper pain. It made me feel silly for ever worrying about keeping my promise. Where was the logic in sticking to an agreement that had already been violated by the other party? Who cared if I was reckless and stupid? There was no reason to avoid recklessness, no reason why I shouldn't get to be stupid. I laughed humorlessly to myself, still gasping for air. Reckless in Forksnow there was a hopeless proposition. The dark humor distracted me, and the distraction eased the pain. My breath came easier, and I was able to lean back against the seat. Though it was cold today, my forehead was damp with sweat. I concentrated on my hopeless proposition to keep from sliding back into the excruciating memories. To be reckless in Forks would take a lot of creativitymaybe more than I had. But I wished I could find some way I might feel better if I weren't holding fast, all alone, to a broken pact. If I were an oath-breaker, too. But how could I cheat on my side of the deal, here in this harmless little town? Of course, Forks hadn't always been so harmless, but now it was exactly what it had always appeared to be. It was dull, it was safe. I stared out the windshield for a long moment, my thoughts moving sluggishlyI couldn't seem to make those thoughts go anywhere. I cut the engine, which was groaning in a pitiful way after idling for so long, and stepped out into the drizzle. The cold rain dripped through my hair and then trickled across my cheeks like freshwater tears. It helped to clear my head. I blinked the water from my eyes, staring blankly across the road. After a minute of staring, I recognized where I was. I'd parked in the middle of the north lane of Russell Avenue. I was standing in front of the Cheneys' housemy truck was blocking their drivewayand across the road lived the Markses. I knew I needed to move my truck, and that I ought to go home. It was wrong to wander the way I had, distracted and impaired, a menace on the roads of Forks. Besides, someone would notice me soon enough, and report me to Charlie. As I took a deep breath in preparation to move, a sign in the Markses' yard caught my eyeit was just a big piece of cardboard leaning against their mailbox post, with black letters scrawled in caps across it. Sometimes, kismet happens. Coincidence? Or was it meant to be? I didn't know, but it seemed kind of silly to think that it was somehow fated, that the dilapidated motorcycles rusting in the Markses' front yard beside the hand-printed FOR SALE, AS IS sign were serving some higher purpose by existing there, right where I needed them to be. So maybe it wasn't kismet. Maybe there were just all kinds of ways to be reckless, and I only now had my eyes open to them. Reckless and stupid. Those were Charlie's two very favorite words to apply to motorcycles. Charlie's job didn't get a lot of action compared to cops in bigger towns, but he did get called in on traffic accidents. With the long, wet stretches of freeway twisting and turning through the forest, blind corner after blind corner, there was no shortage of that kind of action. But even with all the huge log-haulers barreling around the turns, mostly people walked away. The exceptions to that rule were often on motorcycles, and Charlie had seen one too many victims, almost always kids, smeared on the highway. He'd made me promise before I was ten that I would never accept a ride on a motorcycle. Even at that age, I didn't have to think twice before promising. Who would want to ride a motorcycle here? It would be like taking a sixty-mile-per-hour bath. So many promises I kept It clicked together for me then. I wanted to be stupid and reckless, and I wanted to break promises. Why stop at one? That's as far as I thought it through. I sloshed through the rain to the Markses' front door and rang the bell. One of the Marks boys opened the door, the younger one, the freshman. I couldn't remember his name. His sandy hair only came up to my shoulder. He had no trouble remembering my name. â€Å"Bella Swan?† he asked in surprise. â€Å"How much do you want for the bike?† I panted, jerking my thumb over my shoulder toward the sales display. â€Å"Are you serious?† he demanded. â€Å"Of course I am.† â€Å"They don't work.† I sighed impatientlythis was something I'd already inferred from the sign. â€Å"How much?† â€Å"If you really want one, just take it. My mom made my dad move them down to the road so they'd get picked up with the garbage.† I glanced at the bikes again and saw that they were resting on a pile of yard clippings and dead branches. â€Å"Are you positive about that?† â€Å"Sure, you want to ask her?† It was probably better not to involve adults who might mention this to Charlie. â€Å"No, I believe you.† â€Å"You want me to help you?† he offered. â€Å"They're not light.† â€Å"Okay, thanks. I only need one, though.† â€Å"Might as well take both,† the boy said. â€Å"Maybe you could scavenge some parts.† He followed me out into the downpour and helped me load both of the heavy bikes into the back of my truck. He seemed eager to be rid of them, so I didn't argue. â€Å"What are you going to do with them, anyway?† he asked. â€Å"They haven't worked in years.† â€Å"I kind of guessed that,† I said, shrugging. My spur-of-the-moment whim hadn't come with a plan intact. â€Å"Maybe I'll take them to Dowling's.† He snorted. â€Å"Dowling would charge more to fix them than they'd be worth running.† I couldn't argue with that. John Dowling had earned a reputation for his pricing; no one went to him except in an emergency. Most people preferred to make the drive up to Port Angeles, if their car was able. I'd been very lucky on that frontI'd been worried, when Charlie first gifted me my ancient truck, that I wouldn't be able to afford to keep it running. But I'd never had a single problem with it, other than the screaming-loud engine and the fifty-five-mile-per-hour maximum speed limit. Jacob Black had kept it in great shape when it had belonged to his father, Billy Inspiration hit like a bolt of lightningnot unreasonable, considering the storm. â€Å"You know what? That's okay. I know someone who builds cars.† â€Å"Oh. That's good.† He smiled in relief. He waved as I pulled away, still smiling. Friendly kid. I drove quickly and purposefully now, in a hurry to get home before there was the slightest chance of Charlie appearing, even in the highly unlikely event that he might knock off early. I dashed through the house to the phone, keys still in hand. â€Å"Chief Swan, please,† I said when the deputy answered. â€Å"It's Bella.† â€Å"Oh, hey, Bella,† Deputy Steve said affably. â€Å"I'll go get him.† I waited. â€Å"What's wrong, Bella?† Charlie demanded as soon as he picked up the phone. â€Å"Can't I call you at work without there being an emergency?† He was quiet for a minute. â€Å"You never have before. Is there an emergency?† â€Å"No. I just wanted directions to the Blacks' placeI'm not sure I can remember the way. I want to visit Jacob. I haven't seen him in months.† When Charlie spoke again, his voice was much happier. â€Å"That's a great idea, Bells. Do you have a pen?† The directions he gave me were very simple. I assured him that I would be back for dinner, though he tried to tell me not to hurry. He wanted to join me in La Push, and I wasn't having that. So it was with a deadline that I drove too quickly through the storm-darkened streets out of town. I hoped I could get Jacob alone. Billy would probably tell on me if he knew what I was up to. While I drove, I worried a little bit about Billy's reaction to seeing me. He would be too pleased. In Billy's mind, no doubt, this had all worked out better than he had dared to hope. His pleasure and relief would only remind me of the one I couldn't bear to be reminded of. Not again today, I pleaded silently. I was spent. The Blacks' house was vaguely familiar, a small wooden place with narrow windows, the dull red paint making it resemble a tiny barn. Jacob's head peered out of the window before I could even get out of the truck. No doubt the familiar roar of the engine had tipped him off to my approach. Jacob had been very grateful when Charlie bought Billy's truck for me, saving Jacob from having to drive it when he came of age. I liked my truck very much, but Jacob seemed to consider the speed restrictions a shortcoming. He met me halfway to the house. â€Å"Bella!† His excited grin stretched wide across his face, the bright teeth standing in vivid contrast to the deep russet color of his skin. I'd never seen his hair out of its usual ponytail before. It fell like black satin curtains on either side of his broad face. Jacob had grown into some of his potential in the last eight months. He'd passed that point where the soft muscles of childhood hardened into the solid, lanky build of a teenager; the tendons and veins had become prominent under the red-brown skin of his arms, his hands. His face was still sweet like I remembered it, though it had hardened, toothe planes of his cheekbones sharper, his jaw squared off, all childish roundness gone. â€Å"Hey, Jacob!† I felt an unfamiliar surge of enthusiasm at his smile. I realized that I was pleased to see him. This knowledge surprised me. I smiled back, and something clicked silently into place, like two corresponding puzzle pieces. I'd forgotten how much I really liked Jacob Black. He stopped a few feet away from me, and I stared up at him in surprise, leaning my head back though the rain pelted my face. â€Å"You grew again!† I accused in amazement. He laughed, his smile widening impossibly. â€Å"Six five,† he announced with self-satisfaction. His voice was deeper, but it had the husky tone I remembered. â€Å"Is it ever going to stop?† I shook my head in disbelief. â€Å"You're huge.† â€Å"Still a beanpole, though.† He grimaced. â€Å"Come inside! You're getting all wet.† He led the way, twisting his hair in his big hands as he walked. He pulled a rubber band from his hip pocket and wound it around the bundle. â€Å"Hey, Dad,† he called as he ducked to get through the front door. â€Å"Look who stopped by.† Billy was in the tiny square living room, a book in his hands. He set the book in his lap and wheeled himself forward when he saw me. â€Å"Well, what do you know! It's good to see you, Bella.† We shook hands. Mine was lost in his wide grasp. â€Å"What brings you out here? Everything okay with Charlie?† â€Å"Yes, absolutely. I just wanted to see JacobI haven't seen him in forever.† Jacob's eyes brightened at my words. He was smiling so big it looked like it would hurt his cheeks. â€Å"Can you stay for dinner?† Billy was eager, too. â€Å"No, I've got to feed Charlie, you know.† â€Å"I'll call him now,† Billy suggested. â€Å"He's always invited.† I laughed to hide my discomfort. â€Å"It's not like you'll never see me again. I promise I'll be back again soonso much you'll get sick of me.† After all, if Jacob could fix the bike, someone had to teach me how to ride it. Billy chuckled in response. â€Å"Okay, maybe next time.† â€Å"So, Bella, what do you want to do?† Jacob asked. â€Å"Whatever. What were you doing before I interrupted?† I was strangely comfortable here. It was familiar, but only distantly. There were no painful reminders of the recent past. Jacob hesitated. â€Å"I was just heading out to work on my car, but we can do something else† â€Å"No, that's perfect!† I interrupted. â€Å"I'd love to see your car.† â€Å"Okay,† he said, not convinced. â€Å"It's out back, in the garage.† Even better, I thought to myself. I waved at Billy. â€Å"See you later.† A thick stand of trees and shrubbery concealed his garage from the house. The garage was no more than a couple of big preformed sheds that had been bolted together with their interior walls knocked out. Under this shelter, raised on cinder blocks, was what looked to me like a completed automobile. I recognized the symbol on the grille, at least. â€Å"What kind of Volkswagen is that?† I asked. â€Å"It's an old Rabbit1986, a classic.† â€Å"How's it going?† â€Å"Almost finished,† he said cheerfully. And then his voice dropped into a lower key. â€Å"My dad made good on his promise last spring.† â€Å"Ah,† I said. He seemed to understand my reluctance to open the subject. I tried not to remember last May at the prom. Jacob had been bribed by his father with money and car parts to deliver a message there. Billy wanted me to stay a safe distance from the most important person in my life. It turned out that his concern was, in the end, unnecessary. I was all too safe now. But I was going to see what I could do to change that. â€Å"Jacob, what do you know about motorcycles?† I asked. He shrugged. â€Å"Some. My friend Embry has a dirt bike. We work on it together sometimes. Why?† â€Å"Well† I pursed my lips as I considered. I wasn't sure if he could keep his mouth shut, but I didn't have many other options. â€Å"I recently acquired a couple of bikes, and they're not in the greatest condition. I wonder if you could get them running?† â€Å"Cool.† He seemed truly pleased by the challenge. His face glowed. â€Å"I'll give it a try.† I held up one finger in warning. â€Å"The thing is,† I explained, â€Å"Charlie doesn't approve of motorcycles. Honestly, he'd probably bust a vein in his forehead if he knew about this. So you can't tell Billy.† â€Å"Sure, sure.† Jacob smiled. â€Å"I understand.† â€Å"I'll pay you,† I continued. This offended him. â€Å"No. I want to help. You can't pay me.† â€Å"Well how about a trade, then?† I was making this up as I went, but it seemed reasonable enough. â€Å"I only need one bikeand I'll need lessons, too. So how about this? I'll give you the other bike, and then you can teach me.† â€Å"Swee-eet.† He made the word into two syllables. â€Å"Wait a secare you legal yet? When's your birthday?† â€Å"You missed it,† he teased, narrowing his eyes in mock resentment. â€Å"I'm sixteen.† â€Å"Not that your age ever stopped you before,† I muttered. â€Å"Sorry about your birthday.† â€Å"Don't worry about it. I missed yours. What are you, forty?† I sniffed. â€Å"Close.† â€Å"We'll have a joint party to make up for it.† â€Å"Sounds like a date.† His eyes sparkled at the word. I needed to reign in the enthusiasm before I gave him the wrong ideait was just that it had been a long time since I'd felt so light and buoyant. The rarity of the feeling made it more difficult to manage. â€Å"Maybe when the bikes are finishedour present to ourselves,† I added. â€Å"Deal. When will you bring them down?† I bit my lip, embarrassed. â€Å"They're in my truck now,† I admitted. â€Å"Great.† He seemed to mean it. â€Å"Will Billy see if we bring them around?† He winked at me. â€Å"We'll be sneaky.† We eased around from the east, sticking to the trees when we were in view of the windows, affecting a casual-looking stroll, just in case. Jacob unloaded the bikes swiftly from the truck bed, wheeling them one by one into the shrubbery where I hid. It looked too easy for himI'd remembered the bikes being much, much heavier than that. â€Å"These aren't half bad,† Jacob appraised as we pushed them through the cover of the trees. â€Å"This one here will actually be worth something when I'm doneit's an old Harley Sprint.† â€Å"That one's yours, then.† â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"Absolutely.† â€Å"These are going to take some cash, though,† he said, frowning down at the blackened metal. â€Å"We'll have to save up for parts first.† â€Å"We nothing,† I disagreed. â€Å"If you're doing this for free, I'll pay for the parts.† â€Å"I don't know† he muttered. â€Å"I've got some money saved. College fund, you know.† College, schmollege, I thought to myself. It wasn't like I'd saved up enough to go anywhere specialand besides, I had no desire to leave Forks anyway. What difference would it make if I skimmed a little bit off the top? Jacob just nodded. This all made perfect sense to him. As we skulked back to the makeshift garage, I contemplated my luck. Only a teenage boy would agree to this: deceiving both our parents while repairing dangerous vehicles using money meant for my college education. He didn't see anything wrong with that picture. Jacob was a gift from the gods.

Stereotypes Of Luke Cage - 1412 Words

Luke Cage is a Marvel-Netflix series based on the comic book hero Luke Cage. The series is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is set in Harlem, New York. The show is about an ex-convict and fugitive named Carl Lucas, who uses the pseudonym Luke Cage after escaping prison because of an experiment gone wrong that left him with super-strength and bulletproof skin. Luke Cage is a racially and politically conscious series that challenges stereotypes and social norms in a very appropriate way. The series has a strong emphasis on several of the terms discussed in class so far, however, there is a special connection to brute, â€Å"American Dream,† explicit bias, and framing. The character Carl Lucas is an obvious representation of the†¦show more content†¦Moreover, as Carl’s character evolves into Luke Cage, he proves that he is not a brute, but merely portrayed as one. This character development is the core of the story, but also as objection to this ste reotype of a black man as being a brute. This is only one of the many racial stereotypes challenged by Luke Cage. Another example of a racial stereotype that Luke Cage challenges is the way a black man takes advantage of the â€Å"American Dream.† The first, and more stereotypical, approach to taking advantage of the â€Å"American Dream† would be the route taken by the antagonists, Cottonmouth and Black Mariah. These two are cousins and descendants of a Harlem crime boss, Mama Mable. Cottonmouth took the stereotypical gangster route to his â€Å"American Dream.† Cottonmouth is the owner of â€Å"Harlem’s Paradise,† a club he owns and runs as a front to his gun smuggling business. It is made clear through the story that at one point Cottonmouth has seven million dollars in cash reserves, most of which is from ill-gotten gains. Cottonmouth’s cousin, Black Mariah, is also a part of this illicit business. Mariah is a local politician with a cor rupt undertone. She aids Cottonmouth financially and helps him build his fortune. However, the opposite is the case for Luke Cage and Pops. The shows protagonists, Luke Cage and Pops, have a different approach to theShow MoreRelatedThe Best And Worst Parts Of Society1367 Words   |  6 Pagesof present black people only in stereotypes, T’Challa is the exception where as Luke Cage is the rule. Luke is shown as a large black man with huge muscles and a baldhead who worked as a bodyguard, mercenary and bar tender. The stereotype he adheres to is a thug, he’s meant to be perceived as intimidating and dangerous because that’s how society saw and sees black men. 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Alexander31987 Words   |  128 Pagesbeen banned on television. The conscience of the nation is appeased, while the population continues to puff its way to smoky, cancerous death. You don t have to look very far to find out why the official reactions to medical findings have been so luke-warm. The answer is simply money. Tobacco is a wonderful commodity to tax. It s almost like a tax on our daily bread. In tax revenue alone, the government of Britain collectsenough from smokers to pay for its entire educational facilities. So whileRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesside, Weber was fatalistic about the development of economic materialism – the search for economic and financial reward – of which bureaucracy is a key component. He referred to the life of machine production and materialism as an imprisoning ‘iron cage’ (Weber, 1904, p. 1264). He suggests that the ‘objective indispensability’ of bureaucracy ‘means that the mechanism . . . is easily made to work for everybody who knows how to gain control over it’ (Weber, 1922, p. 229). This means that if people whose