Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 4~7 Free Essays

4 Pinnacle of the Pink Pyramid A low buzz of anticipation ran through the halls of the hospital. Reporters checked the batteries in their microrecorders and cell phones. Orderlies and nurses lingered in the hallways in hope of getting a glimpse of the celebrity. We will write a custom essay sample on Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 4~7 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The FAA men straightened their ties and shot their cuffs. One receptionist in administration, who was only two distributorships away from earning her own pink Oldsmobile, ducked into an examining room and sucked lungfuls of oxygen to chase the dizziness that comes from meeting one’s Messiah. Mary Jean was coming. Mary Jean Dobbins did not travel with an entourage, bodyguards, or any other of the decorative leeches commonly attached to the power-wielding rich. â€Å"God is my bodyguard,† Mary Jean would say. She carried a .38-caliber gold-plated Lady Smith automatic in her bag: the Clara Barton Commemorative Model, presented to her by the Daughters of the Confederacy at their annual â€Å"Let’s Lynch Leroy† pecan pie bake-off, held every Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (She didn’t agree with their politics, but the belles could sure sell some makeup. If the South did not rise again, it wouldn’t be for lack of foundation.) Today, as Mary Jean came through the doors of the main lobby, she was flanked by a tall predatory woman in a black business suit – a severe con-trast to Mary Jean’s soft pastel blue ensemble with matching bag and pumps. â€Å"Strength and femininity are not exclusive, ladies.† She was sixty-five; matronly but elegant. Her makeup was perfect, but not overdone. She wore a sapphire-and-diamond pin whose value approximated the gross national product of Zaire. She greeted every orderly and nurse with a smile, asked after their families, thanked them for their compassionate work, flirted when appropriate, and tossed compliments over her shoulder as she passed, without ever missing a step. She left a wake of acutely charmed fans, even among the cynical and stubborn. Outside Tucker’s room the predatory woman – a lawyer – broke formation and confronted the maggotry of reporters, allowing Mary Jean to slip past. She poked her head inside. â€Å"You awake, slugger?† Tuck was startled by her voice, yanked out of his redundant reverie of unemployment, imprisonment, and impotence. He wanted to pull the sheets over his head and quietly die. â€Å"Mary Jean.† The makeup magnate moved to his bedside and took his hand, all compassion and caring. â€Å"How are you feeling?† Tucker looked away from her. â€Å"I’m okay.† â€Å"Do you need anything? I’ll have it here in a Texas jiffy.† â€Å"I’m fine,† Tucker said. She always made him feel like he’d just struck out in his first Little League game and she was consoling him with milk and cookies. The fact that he’d once tried to seduce her doubled the humi-liation. â€Å"Jake told me that you’re having me moved to Houston. Thank you.† â€Å"I have to keep an eye on you, don’t I?† She patted his hand. â€Å"You sure you’re feeling well enough for a talk?† Tucker nodded. He wasn’t buying the outpouring of warm fuzzies she was selling. He’d seen her doing business on the plane. â€Å"That’s good, honey,† Mary Jean said, rising and looking around the room for the first time. â€Å"I’ll have some flowers sent up. A touch of color will brighten things up, won’t it? Something fragrant too. The constant smell of disinfectant must be disturbing.† â€Å"A little,† Tuck said. She wheeled on her heel and looked at him. Her smile went hard. Tuck saw wrinkles around her mouth for the first time. â€Å"Probably reminds you of what a total fuckup you are, doesn’t it?† Tucker gulped. She’d faked him out of his shoes. â€Å"I’m sorry, Mary Jean. I’m†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She raised a hand and he shut up. â€Å"You know I don’t like to use profanity or firearms, so please don’t push me, Tucker. A lady controls her anger.† â€Å"Firearms?† Mary Jean pulled the Lady Smith automatic out of her purse and leveled it at Tucker’s bandaged crotch. Strangely, he noticed that Mary Jean had chipped a nail drawing the gun and for that, he realized, she really might kill him. â€Å"You didn’t listen to me when I told you to stop drinking. You didn’t listen when I told you to stay away from my representatives. You didn’t listen when I told you that if you were going to amount to anything, you had to give your life to God. You’d better damn well listen now.† She racked the slide on the automatic. â€Å"Are you listening?† Tuck nodded. He didn’t breathe, but he nodded. â€Å"Good. I have run this company for forty years without a hint of scandal until now. I woke up yesterday to see my face next to yours on all the morning news shows. Today it’s on the cover of every newspaper and tabloid in the country. A bad picture, Tucker. My suit was out of season. And every article uses the words ‘penis’ and ‘prostitute’ over and over. I can’t have that. I’ve worked too hard for that.† She reached out and tugged on his catheter. Pain shot though his body and he reached for the ringer for the nurse. â€Å"Don’t even think about it, pretty boy. I just wanted to make sure I had your attention.† â€Å"The gun pretty much did it, Mary Jean,† Tucker groaned. Fuck it, he was a dead man anyway. â€Å"Don’t you speak to me. Just listen. This is going to disappear. You are going to disappear. You’re getting out of here tomorrow and then you’re going to a cabin I have up in the Rockies. You won’t go home, you won’t speak to any reporters, you won’t say doodly squat. My lawyers will handle the legal aspects and keep you out of jail, but you will never surface again. When this blows over, you can go on with your pathetic life. But with a new name. And if you ever set foot in the state of Texas or come within a hundred yards of anyone involved in my company, I will personally shoot you dead. Do you understand?† â€Å"Can I still fly?† Mary Jean laughed and lowered the gun. â€Å"Sweetie, to a Texas way a thinkin’ the only way you coulda screwed up worse is if you’d throwed a kid down a well after fessing up to being on the grassy knoll stompin’ yellow roses in between shootin’ the President. You ain’t gonna fly, drive, walk, crawl, or spit if I have anything to say about it.† She put the gun in her purse and went into the tiny bathroom to check her makeup. A quick primping and she headed for the door. â€Å"I’ll send up some flowers. Y’all heal up now, honey.† She wasn’t going to kill him after all. Maybe he could win her back. â€Å"Mary Jean, I think I had a spiritual experience.† â€Å"I don’t want to hear about any of your degenerate activities.† â€Å"No, a real spiritual experience. Like a – what do you call it? – an epiphany?† â€Å"Son, you don’t know it, but you’re as close to seeing the Lord as you’ve ever been in your life. Now you hush before I send you to perdition.† She put on her best beatific smile and left the room radiating the power of positive thinking. Tucker pulled the covers over his head and reached for the flask Jake had left. Perdition, huh? She made it sound bad. Must be in Oklahoma. 5 Our Lady of the Fishnet Stockings The High Priestess of the Shark People ate Chee-tos and watched afternoon talk shows over the satellite feed. She sat in a wicker emperor’s chair. A red patent leather pump dangled from one toe. Red lipstick, red nails, a big red bow in her hair. But for a pair of silk seamed stockings, she was naked. On the screen: Meadow Malackovitch, in a neck brace, sobbed on her lawyer’s shoulder – a snapshot of the pilot who had traumatized her was inset in the upper-right-hand corner. The host, a failed weatherman who now made seven figures mining trailer parks for atrocities, was reading the dubious rsum of Tucker Case. Shots of the pink jet, before and after. Stock footage of Mary Jean on an airfield tarmac, followed by Case in a leather jacket. The High Priestess touched herself lightly, leaving a faint orange stripe of Chee-to spoor on her pubes (she was a natural blonde), then keyed the intercom that connected her to the Sorcerer. â€Å"What?† came the man’s voice, weary but awake. It was 2:00 A.M. The Sorcerer had been working all night. â€Å"I think we’ve found our pilot,† she said. 6 Who’s Flying This Life? At the last minute Mary Jean changed her mind about sending Tucker Case to her cabin in the mountains. â€Å"Put him in a motel room outside of town and don’t let him out until I say so.† In two weeks Tucker had seen only the nurse who came in to change his bandages and the guard. Actually, the guard was a tackle, second-string defense from SMU, six-foot-six, two hundred and seventy pounds of earnest Christian na;vet named Dusty Lemon. Tucker was lying on the bed watching television. Dusty sat hunched over the wood-grain Formica table reading Scripture. Tucker said, â€Å"Dusty, why don’t you go get us a six-pack and a pizza?† Dusty didn’t look up. Tuck could see the shine of his scalp through his crew cut. A thick Texas drawl: â€Å"No, sir. I don’t drink and Mrs. Jean said that you wasn’t to have no alcohol.† â€Å"It’s not Mrs. Jean, you doofus. It’s Mrs. Dobbins.† After two weeks, Dusty was beginning to get on Tuck’s nerves. â€Å"Just the same,† Dusty said. â€Å"I can call for a pizza for you, but no beer.† Tuck detected a blush though the crew cut. â€Å"Dusty?† â€Å"Yes sir.† The tackle looked up from his Bible, waited. â€Å"Get a real name.† â€Å"Yes, sir,† Dusty said, a giant grin bisecting his moon face, â€Å"Tuck.† Tucker wanted to leap off the bed and cuff Dusty with his Bible, but he was a long way from being able to leap anywhere. Instead, he looked at the ceiling for a second (it was highway safety orange, like the walls, the doors, the tile in the bathroom), then propped himself up on one elbow and considered Dusty’s Bible. â€Å"The red type. That the hot parts?† â€Å"The words of Jesus,† Dusty said, not looking up. â€Å"Really?† Dusty nodded, looked up. â€Å"Would you like me to read to you? When my grandma was in the hospital, she liked me to read Scriptures to her.† Tucker fell back with an exasperated sigh. He didn’t understand religion. It was like heroin or golf: He knew a lot of people did it, but he didn’t un-derstand why. His father watched sports every Sunday, and his mother had worked in real estate. He grew up thinking that church was something that simply interfered with games and weekend open houses. His first ex-posure to religion, other than the skin mag layouts of the women who had brought down television evangelists, had been his job with Mary Jean. For her it just seemed like good business. Sometimes he would stand in the back of the auditorium and listen to her talk to a thousand women about having God on their sales team, and they would cheer and â€Å"Hallelujah!† and he would feel as if he’d been left out of something – something beyond the apparent goofiness of it all. Maybe Dusty had something on him besides a hundred pounds. â€Å"Dusty, why don’t you go out tonight? You haven’t been out in two weeks. I have to be here, but you – you must have a whole line of babes crying to get you back, huh? Big football player like you, huh?† Dusty blushed again, going deep red from the collar of his practice jersey to the top of his head. He folded his hands and looked at them in his lap. â€Å"Well, I’m sorta waitin’ for the right girl to come along. A lot of the girls that go after us football players, you know, they’re kinda loose.† Tuck raised an eyebrow. â€Å"And?† Dusty squirmed, his chair creaked under the strain. â€Å"Well, you know, it’s kinda†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And suddenly, amid the stammering, Tucker got it. The kid was a virgin. He raised his hand to quiet the boy. â€Å"Never mind, Dusty.† The big tackle slumped in his chair, exhausted and embarrassed. Tuck considered it. He, who understood so much the importance of a healthy sex life, who knew what women needed and how to give it to them, might never be able to do it again, and Dusty Lemon, who probably could produce a woody that women could chin themselves on, wasn’t using it at all. He pondered it. He worked it over from several angles and came very close to having a religious experience, for who but a vicious and vengeful God would allow such injustice in the world? He thought about it. Poor Tucker. Poor Dusty. Poor, poor Tucker. He felt a lump forming in his throat. He wanted to say something that would make the kid feel better. â€Å"How old are you, Dusty?† â€Å"I’ll be twenty-two next March, sir?† â€Å"Well, that’s not so bad. I mean, you might be a late bloomer, you know. Or gay maybe,† Tuck said cheerfully. Dusty started to contract into the fetal position. â€Å"Sir, I’d rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind,† he whimpered. There was a knock on the door and he uncurled, alert and ready to move. He looked to Tucker for instructions. â€Å"Well, answer it.† Dusty lumbered to the door and pulled it open a crack. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"I’m here to see Tucker Case. It’s okay, I work for Mary Jean.† Tuck recognized Jake Skye’s voice. â€Å"Just a second.† Dusty turned and looked to Tucker, confused. â€Å"Who knows we’re here, Dusty?† â€Å"Just us and Mrs. Jean.† â€Å"Then why don’t you let him in?† â€Å"Yes, sir.† He opened the door and Jake Skye strode through carrying a grocery bag and a pizza box. â€Å"Greetings.† He threw the pizza on the bed. â€Å"Pepperoni and mushroom.† He glanced at Dusty and paused, taking a moment to look the tackle up and down. â€Å"How’d you get this job? Eat your family?† â€Å"No, sir,† Dusty said. Jake patted the tackle’s mammoth shoulder. â€Å"Good to be careful, I guess. Momma always said, ‘Beware of geeks bearing gifts.’ Who are you?† â€Å"Jake Skye,† Tuck said, â€Å"meet Dusty Lemon. Dusty, Jake Skye, Mary Jean’s jet mechanic. Be nice to Dusty, Jake, He’s a virgin.† Dusty shot a vicious glare at Tuck and extended a boxing glove size mitt. Jake shook his hand. â€Å"Virgin, huh?† Jake dropped his hand. â€Å"Not including farm animals, though, right?† Dusty winced and moved to close the door. â€Å"You-all can’t stay long. Mr. Case isn’t supposed to see no one.† Jake put the grocery bag down on the table, pulled out a fourinch-thick bundle of mail, and tossed it on the bed next to Tucker. â€Å"Your fan mail.† Tucker picked it up. â€Å"It’s all been opened.† â€Å"I was bored,† Jake said, opening the pizza box and extracting a slice. â€Å"A lot of death threats, a few marriage proposals, a couple really interesting ones had both. Oh, and an airline ticket to someplace I’ve never heard of with a check for expenses.† â€Å"From Mary Jean?† â€Å"Nope. Some missionary doctor in the Pacific. He wants you to fly for him. Medical supplies or something. Came FedEx yesterday. Almost took the job myself, seeing as I still have my pilot’s license and you don’t, but then, I can get a job here.† Tucker shuffled through the stack of mail until he found the check and the airline ticket. He unfolded the attached letter. Jake held the pizza box out to the bodyguard. â€Å"Dopey, you want some pizza?† â€Å"Dusty,† Dusty corrected. â€Å"Whatever.† To Tuck: â€Å"He wants you to leave ASAP.† â€Å"He can’t go anywhere,† said Dusty. Jake retracted the box. â€Å"I can see that, Dingy. He’s still wired for sound.† Jake gestured toward the catheter that snaked out of Tucker’s pajama bottoms. â€Å"How long before you can travel?† Tucker was studying the letter. It certainly seemed legitimate. The doctor was on a remote island north of New Guinea, and he needed someone to fly jet loads of medical supplies to the natives. He specifically mentioned that â€Å"he was not concerned† about Tucker’s lack of a pilot’s license. The â€Å"need was dire† and the need was for an experienced jet pilot who could fly a Lear 45. â€Å"Well,† Jake said, â€Å"when can you roll?† â€Å"Doctor says not for a week or so,† Tucker said. â€Å"I don’t get it. This guy is offering more money than I make for Mary Jean. Why me?† Jake pulled a Lone Star from the grocery bag and twisted off the cap. Tuck zeroed in on the beer. Dusty snatched it out of Jake’s hand. â€Å"The question is,† Jake said, glaring at Dusty, â€Å"what the fuck is a missionary doctor in Bongo Bongo land doing with a Lear 45?† â€Å"God’s work?† Dusty said innocently. Jake snatched back his beer. â€Å"Oh blow me, Huey.† â€Å"Dusty,† Dusty corrected. Tucker said, â€Å"I’m not sure this is a good idea. Maybe I should stay here and see how things pan out with the FAA. This guy wants me right away. I need more time.† â€Å"Like more time will make a difference. Damn, Tucker, you don’t have to sink eyeball deep in shit to know it’s a good idea to pull yourself out. Sometimes you have to make a decision.† Tucker looked at the letter again. â€Å"But I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Before Tucker could finish his protest, Jake brought the Lone Star in a screaming arc across Dusty Lemon’s temple. The bodyguard fell like a dead tree and did a dead-cat bounce on the orange carpet. â€Å"Jesus!† Tucker said. â€Å"What the fuck was that?† â€Å"A decision,† Jake said. He looked up from the fallen tackle and took a pull on the foaming Lone Star. â€Å"Sometimes this high-tech world calls for low-tech solutions. Let’s go.† 7 Travel Tips â€Å"I can’t believe you hit him,† Tucker said. He was in the passenger seat of Jake Skye’s camouflaged Land Rover. It was much more car than was re-quired for the Houston expressway, but Jake was into equipment overkill. Everything he owned was Kevlar, GorTex, Polarfleece, titanium alloy, graphite-polymer composite, or of â€Å"expedition quality.† He liked machines, understood how they worked, and could fix them if they didn’t. Sometimes he spoke in an incomprehensible alphabet soup of SRAM, DRAM, FOR-TRAN, LORAN, SIMMS, SAMS, and ROM. Tuck, on the other hand, knew most of the words to â€Å"Mommas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys† and could restore burned toast to new by scraping off the black stuff. Of the two, Jake was the cool one. Tucker had always found being cool a little elusive. As Jake put it, â€Å"You’ve got the look, but you can’t walk the walk or talk the talk. Tucker, you are a hopeless geek trapped in a cool guy’s body, but out of the goodness of my heart, I will take you on as my student.† They’d been friends for four years. Jake had taught Tuck to fly. â€Å"He’ll be fine. He’s a jock,† Jake shouted over the buffeting wind. He hadn’t bought a top for the Land Rover, opting instead for the Outback package with the â€Å"patented rhinoceros poking platform.† â€Å"He was just a kid. He was reading the Bible.† â€Å"He would have ripped my arms off if I’d let him.† Tuck nodded. That was probably true. â€Å"Where are we going?† â€Å"The airport. Everything you need is in that pack in the back.† Tucker looked into the back of the Rover. There was a large backpack. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Because if I don’t get you out of the country right now, you’re going to jail.† â€Å"Mary Jean said she had that handled. Said her lawyers were on it.† â€Å"Right, and I go around smacking kids with beer bottles for recreation. The hooker filed a civil suit this morning. Twenty million. Mary Jean has to throw you to the wolves to save her own ass. She has to let the court prove that you fucked up all on your own. I grabbed your passport and some clothes when I got your mail.† â€Å"Jake, I can’t just take off like this. I’m supposed to see a doctor tomorrow.† â€Å"For what?† Tuck pointed to the lump of bandages in his lap. â€Å"What do you think? He’s supposed to take this damn tube out of me.† â€Å"We’ll do it in the bathroom at the airport. There’s some antibiotics in the first-aid kit in the pack. I confirmed you for a flight to Honolulu that leaves in an hour. From there you go to Guam, then to someplace called Truk. That’s where this doctor is supposed to meet you. I’ve got it all written down. There was an e-mail address at the bottom of the letter. I sent him a message to expect you tomorrow.† â€Å"But my car, my apartment, my stuff.† â€Å"Your apartment is a pit and I put your stuff worth keeping in a ministorage. I’ve got the pink slip for your Camaro. Sign it over to me. I’ll sell it and send you the money.† â€Å"You were pretty fucking sure I’d want to do this.† â€Å"What choice do you have?† Jake parked the Land Rover in short-term parking, shouldered the pack, and led Tucker into the international terminal. They checked the pack and found a rest room near Tucker’s departure gate. â€Å"I can do this myself,† Tucker said. Jake Skye was peering over the door into the stall where Tucker was preparing to remove his bandages and, finally, the catheter. A line of businessmen washed their hands at a line of lavatories while trying not to notice what was going on behind them in the stall. â€Å"Just yank it,† Jake Skye said. â€Å"Give me a minute. I think they tied a knot inside it.† â€Å"Don’t be a wuss, Tucker. Yank it.† The businessmen at the sinks exchanged raised eyebrows and one by one broke for the rest room door. Jake said, â€Å"I’m going to give you to five, then I’m coming over the stall and yanking it for you. One, two†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A rodeo cowboy at the urinals hitched up his Wranglers, pulled his hat down, and made a bowlegged beeline for the door to get on a plane to someplace where this sort of thing didn’t happen. â€Å"Five!† Security guards rushed through the terminal toward the screaming. Someone was being murdered in the men’s room and they were responsible. They burst into the rest room with guns drawn. Jake Skye was coiling up some tubing by the sinks. There was whimpering coming from one of the stalls. â€Å"Everything’s fine, officers,† Jake said. â€Å"My friend’s a little upset. He just found out that his mother died.† â€Å"My mother’s not dead!† Tucker said from the stall. â€Å"He’s in denial,† Jake whispered to the guards. â€Å"Here, you better takes this.† He handed the tubing to one of the guards. â€Å"We don’t want him hanging himself in grief.† Ten minutes later, after condolences from the security staff, they sat in the departure lounge drinking gin and tonics, waiting for Tuck’s boarding call. Around them, a score of men and women in suits fired out phone calls on cell phones while twenty more performed an impromptu dog pile at the bar, trying to occupy the minuscule smoking area. Jake Skye was cataloging the contents of the pack he’d given to Tuck. Tucker wasn’t listening. He was overwhelmed with the speed with which his life had gone to shit, and he was desperately trying to sort it out. Jake’s voice was lost like kazoo sounds in a wind tunnel. Jake droned, â€Å"The stove will run on anything: diesel, jet fuel, gasoline, even vodka. There’s a mask, fins, and snorkel, and a couple of waterproof flashlights.† The job with Mary Jean had been perfect. A different city every few days, nice hotels, an expense account, and literally thousands of earnest Mary Jean ladies to indulge him. And they did, one or two at each convention. Inspired by Mary Jean’s speeches on self-determination, motivation, and how they too could be a winner, they sought Tucker out to have their one adventurous affair with a jet pilot. And because no matter how many times it happened, he was always somewhat surprised by their advances, Tucker played a part. He behaved like a man torn from the cover of some steamy romance novel: the charming rogue, the passionate pirate who would, come morning, take his ship to sea for God, Queen, and Country. Of course, usually, sometime before morning, the women would realize that under the smooth, gin-painted exterior was a guy who sniffed his shorts to check their wearability. But for a moment, for them and for him, he had been cool. Sleazy, but cool. When the sleaze got to him, he needed only to suck a few hits of oxygen from the cabin cylinder to chase the hangover, then pull the pink jet into the sky to convince himself he was a professional, competent and in control. At altitude he turned it all over to the autopilot. But now he couldn’t seduce anyone or allow himself to be seduced, and he wasn’t sure he could fly. The crash had juiced him of his confidence. It wasn’t the impact or even the injuries. It was that last moment, when the guy, or the angel, or whatever it was appeared in the copilot’s seat. â€Å"You ever think about God?† Tucker asked Jake. Jake Skye’s face went dead with incomprehension. â€Å"You’re going to need to know about this stuff if you get into trouble. Kinda like checking the fuel gauges – if you know what I mean.† Tucker winced. â€Å"Look, I heard every word you said. This seemed important all of a sudden, you know?† â€Å"Well, in that case, Tuck, yes, I do think about God sometimes. When I’m with a really hot babe, and we’re going at it like sweaty monkeys, I think about it then. I think about a big old pissed-off Sistine Chapel finger-pointin’ motherfucker. And you know what? It works. You don’t come when you’re thinking about shit like that. You should try it sometime. Oh, sorry.† â€Å"Never mind,† Tucker said. â€Å"You can’t let that kid with the Bible get to you. He’s too young to have given up on religion†¦doesn’t have enough sin under his belt. Guys like us, best bet is that it’s all bullshit and we go directly to worm food. Try not to think about it.† â€Å"Right,† Tucker said, totally unsatisfied. If you had a question about any piece of gadgetry on the planet, Jake Skye was your man. But spiritually, he was a hamster. Which, actually, was one of the things Tucker used to like about him. He tried not to think about it and changed the subject. â€Å"So what do I need to know about flying a Lear 45?† Jake seemed relieved to be back into the realm of technology. â€Å"I haven’t seen one yet, but they say it flies just like Mary Jean’s old Lear 25, only faster and a longer range. Better avionics. Read the manuals when you get there.† â€Å"What about navigation equipment?† Tucker’s navigation was weak. Since he’d gotten his jet license, he’d depended completely on automatic systems.† â€Å"You’ll be fine. You don’t buy a four-million-dollar plane and cheap out on the navigation and radios. This doctor’s got an e-mail address, which means he’s got a computer. You’ll be able to access charts and weather, and file flight plans with that. Check the facilities at your destinations, so you’ll know what to expect. Some of these Third World airstrips just have a native with a candle for night landings. And check your fuel availability. They’ll sell you sewer water instead of jet fuel if you don’t check. You ever deal with Third World airport cops?† Tucker shrugged. Jake knew damn well he hadn’t. He’d gotten his hours flying copilot in the Mary Jean jet, and they’d never taken that outside of the continental United States except for one trip to Hawaii. â€Å"Well,† Jake continued, â€Å"the catchword is ‘bribe, bribe, and bribe.’ Offer the highest amount you can at the lowest level of authority. Always have a thick roll of American dollars with you, and don’t bring it to the table if you’re not willing to lose it. Keep something stashed in your shoe if they tap you out.† â€Å"You think this doctor is going to have me hauling drugs?† â€Å"Good chance of it, don’t you think? Besides, it doesn’t matter. These people are brutal. Half the time the government guys have the same last name, so if you move up the ladder, you’re just talking to the uncle of the last one that hit you. He has to charge you more out of pride.† Tucker cradled his head in his hands and stared into his gin and tonic. â€Å"I’m fucked.† Jake patted him on the arm, then drew back at the intimacy of the act. â€Å"They’re calling your flight. You’ll be fine.† They rose and Jake threw some cash on the table. At the gate Tucker turned to his friend. â€Å"Man, I don’t know what to say.† Jake extended his hand. â€Å"No sweat, man. You’d have done it for me.† â€Å"I really hate flying in the back. Check on that kid from the motel, okay.† â€Å"I’m on it. Look, everything you need is in the pack. Don’t leave it behind.† â€Å"Right,† Tucker said. â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He turned and walked down the ramp to the plane. Jake Skye watched him go, then turned, walked to a pay phone, dialed some numbers, and waited. â€Å"Yeah, it’s Jake. He’s on his way. Yeah, gone for good. When can I pick up my check?† How to cite Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 4~7, Essay examples

Cryptography in Network Security-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Role of Cryptography in Network Security Principles and Practice. Answer: Overview of the interested area The area that has been chosen for literature search and review is Cryptography. It has been chosen as the area of research as in this modern world of electronic communication, the security of data is a major concern. Hence, Cryptography plays an important role in ensuring that data is protected and unauthorized access is restricted. This area is rising to be the emerging trend in network security as it will allow the people to be confident upon the electronic world. The interest in this area of research is growing rapidly as Cryptography is related to security of networks and data. Importance of chosen research papers The six papers that have been chosen for this literature research are being presented in the below section along with details of the work reflected in each paper. The papers been chosen for this study are of utmost importance as those illustrates on the concept of cryptography and the role being played by it for the security of data as well as networks. The discussions based on various cryptographic techniques have also been reflected in the research papers to demonstrate the suitable techniques that can be or are being used in real world applications. Hence, the six papers that have been chosen are critical for this literature research on cryptography. Brief overview of work presented in each paper Paper 1 Kumar, S.N., 2015. Review on Network Security and Cryptography. International Transaction of Electrical and Computer Engineers System, 3(1), pp.1-11. In this paper, the author has made an attempt to review the concept of cryptography and network security. There is large amount of data being produced daily in organizations with the increasing usage of Internet, e-commerce applications as well as social networks. The most critical issue that is rising in context to data is security to ensure that information is transmitted safely. The issues of network security is also arising as one of the important aspect in this age of digital information. Hence, in this paper Kumar (2015), has discussed about the various cryptographic algorithms being used in network applications. Paper 2 Joshi, M.R. and Karkade, R.A., 2015. Network security with cryptography. International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing IJCSMCVol, 4, pp.201-204. In this paper, the authors Joshi and Karkade (2015), have presented network security and cryptography as the concept of protecting the network along with transmission of data being carried out over wireless networks. In an unreliable network, the major concern while data transmission is security of the data or information. The security of a network comprises of authorization so that data can be accessed in a network which is under the control of network administrator. The work that has been presented in this paper comprises of the importance of cryptography, principles of cryptography and the various types of cryptographic systems. Paper 3 Babita, E. and Kaur, E.G., 2017. A Review: Network Security Based On Cryptography Steganography Techniques.International Journal,8(4). In this modern age of technology, digital communication is emerging as important medium for ensuring security of information being transmitted in between the sender and receiver. Hence, security is an essential aspect while exchanging of information to ensure that the information is secure from intruders or attackers. In this paper, the authors Babita and Kaur (2017), have illustrated on the hierarchy of techniques being used for network security. Further, the authors have discussed on Cryptography and Steganography as security mechanisms being used popularly. Cryptography is used for encryptions and decryption of data for secure transmission while Steganography is used to hide data within other cover media. Paper 4 Acharya, K., Sajwan, M. and Bhargava, S., 2014. Analysis of Cryptographic Algorithms for Network Security.International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research,3(2), pp.130-135. The major role being played by cryptography is securing of data while transmission of data or information over network. The function of this technique is to ensure that contents of a message or information are being transmitted confidentially and are not altered. Cryptography is also an essential aspect in context to challenges associated with IT security as it comprises of privacy, confidentiality as well as identity which in turn offers platform for trusted e-commerce along with secure communication. In this paper, the authors Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava (2014), have analyzed some well-known algorithms related to cryptography and demonstrated the differences between existing techniques for encryption. Paper 5 Kapoor, V. and Yadav, R., 2016. A Hybrid Cryptography Technique for Improving Network Security.International Journal of Computer Applications (09758887) Volume. The primary concern of network providers along with service providers is data and security of the network. Hence, cryptographic techniques are being used for ensuring security of data at the time of data transmission for various communication purposes. The traditional cryptographic techniques are unable to provide the required level of security as the attackers now a days are aware of the techniques and knows about the solution. Therefore, there is a need for new type of cryptographic technique so as to improve the security as well as complexity of data cipher. In this paper, Kapoor and Yadav (2016), have presented a hybrid cryptographic technique to improve security of data while transmitting over network. The cryptographic technique that has been proposed in this paper, promises to offer highly secure technique for cipher generation with the help of RSA, DES as well as SHA1 technique. Paper 6 Anandakumar, S., 2015. Image Cryptography Using RSA Algorithm in Network Security.International Journal of Computer Science Engineering Technology,5(9). In this modern world of digital communication, it is crucial that there is application of proper encryption and decryption while data is being transmitted from one place to other through Internet for preventing unauthorized access. In this paper, Anandakumar (2015), have illustrated on Image Cryptography which is considered as a special type of technique for encryption so that data can be hidden in an image to encrypt or decrypt original message on the basis of some key value. In this type of cryptography, RSA algorithm is being used for encrypting image files so that security is enhanced in the area of communication for transmitting data. Significant Paper Critique Introduction The significant paper that has been chosen from the six research papers for this study is Analysis of Cryptographic Algorithms for Network Security, as this paper significantly discusses on the role being played by Cryptography and the various algorithms that are used for network security. The function of Cryptography is to ensure that contents of a message or information are being transmitted confidentially and are not altered. In this paper, the authors Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava (2014), have analyzed some well-known algorithms related to cryptography and demonstrated the differences between existing techniques for encryption. The paper have been chosen to critically evaluate the significance of the work being presented by the authors along with how it contributes to knowledge in the particular area. Further, discussions are carried out on the practical application of work being presented along with evaluating presentation of the paper and providing recommendations for making imp rovements in the work. Significance of the research This research shows that the major role being played by cryptography is securing of data while transmission of data or information over network. The authors of this paper have illustrated that the mechanism based on cryptography are the building blocks for computer security. Cryptography can be associated wherever in the TCP/IP stack, be that as it may not be typical at physical layer. Cryptography is in like manner used as a piece of tangled traditions that help to fulfill unmistakable security organizations, in this way called security traditions. The standard feature of implementing the program for encryption and decryption is generation of encryption key. Presently every day, cryptography has numerous business applications. In the event that classified data has been secured then cryptography gives abnormal state of isolation for individuals and gatherings. In any case, the key reason for the cryptography can be utilized not simply to offer classification, but rather additionally to offer responses for various issues like learning quality, approval and non-renouncement. Cryptography is the strategies that enable data to be sent in a shielded from such that the main genuine radio ready to get to that data. The specialists Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava (2014), have effectively demonstrated that Cryptography not simply shields learning from burglary or change, but rather may likewise be utilized for buyer validation. It is required to utilize powerful techniques for encryption and unscrambling to help learning security. Cryptography gives a few wellbeing destinations to guarantee the isolation of learning, non-modification of information a nd so forth. System security includes the approval of utilization of information in a framework, which can be overseen by the framework overseer. The underlying secured learning is known as plain content. It is secured in to figure content, that will therefore be unscrambled in to workable plain content. Cryptographic estimations are arranged on the establishment of the measure of essential which can be utilized for encryption and decoding. Contribution to knowledge The paper has contributed significantly towards gaining the knowledge and Cryptography and its importance in network security. The authors of the paper have clearly mentioned the various roles being played by cryptography along with different existing cryptographic algorithms. The authors have stated that encryption is not just a gadget for spies and developers, it can be a noteworthy asset in the business world. The authors have also presented a suitable example that whenever valuable information related to business processes or transactions is transmitted through mail or other medium with the help of Internet, then there is a need to use encryption. They also illustrated that there are various other critical applications for encryption that are more unremarkable than trade insider certainties, as budgetary data, helpful or true blue information and so on. From this research paper, knowledge has also been gained that the simple component of encryption is utilizing a scientific capac ity to the plaintext and changing it to an ensured figure. The harder part is to ensure that the people who are probably going to decipher that idea may accomplish this easily, however simply those approved can translate it. The authenticity of the scientific capacity persuading utilized should be built up to ensure that it is adequately muddled and scientifically solid to give a high measure of security. The journalists clarified that cryptographic equations are classified on the premise of the amount of keys which are utilized for encryption as well as decryption. From the review on this paper, it has been determined that before implementation of an encryption algorithm, there is a need to comprehend the hypothesis behind the security i.e. to secured data displayed inside a data or document and to guarantee that the data is incoherent to others. The fundamental sort of the security frame could be the symmetric basic encryption. More, the specialists have demonstrated that in the symmetric basic security both for the security and decoding technique precisely the same is utilized. In this manner the mystery of the key is saved and it is kept private. It works with substantial speed. The symmetric basic security requires place in two approaches both since the block ciphers or supply ciphers. Among the key advantages of utilizing the symmetric fundamental security is that the computational energy to this security strategy is little. The keys for this are unmistakable or there exists a simple change between the two keys. The specialists have likewise fixated on unequal fundamental security which truly is where in reality the keys are distinctive for the strategy for security and the decryption. They are otherwise called individuals fundamental encryption. Open fundamental techniques are vital since they can be used for transmitting security keys or other data solidly quite the both the general population do not have any opportunity to concur with a mystery enter in private. Improper calculations are for the most part steady and it is unrealistic to use them to scramble a lot of information. The keys utilized as a part of open key security calculations are for the most part significantly longer that expands the security of the data being transmitted. Practical application of the work The authors Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava (2014), has discussed about Quantum cryptography in one of the sections of this paper, which is an innovation by which two gatherings can secured framework correspondences by applying the wonders of quantum material science. Thus, that report has a functional program in the realm of electronic correspondence while the security of transmissions depends on the sacredness of the directions of quantum mechanics. By the by, the writers likewise expressed that Quantum cryptography is just used to create and spread an indispensable, not to transmit any importance information but rather that cryptography is not quite the same as regular cryptographic frameworks. It depends more on science, instead of number juggling, as a basic part of their wellbeing model. Quantum cryptography utilizes late learning of science to build up a cryptosystem that cannot be vanquished. This implies it is completely ensured against being traded off without information of t he sender or the recipient of the messages. The master of quantum cryptography is that it disposes of the issue of key dispersion. An individual can propose a vital by sending a few photons with subjective polarizations. That routine would then be able to be appropriately used to deliver a progression of numbers (Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava 2014). The technique is known as quantum key appropriation. In the event that the fundamental component is blocked by a spy, this truly is regularly found and it is of no result, since it is just an arrangement of discretionary segments and could be disposed. The sender would then be able to transmit still another key. After an indispensable has been firmly received, it works to a great degree well to scramble a note that could be conveyed by outdated medium like telephone, email, or common postal mail. The authors of this paper have also illustrated on the various aspects that have to be taken into consideration for selecting appropriate cryptographic scheme. Hence, this paper has a real world application in the field of data and network security for network administrators and service providers. The constraints for selection of appropriate cryptographic algorithm are illustrated as below: Time This factor comprises of determining time that is required to encrypt as well as decrypt data along with the time that is required for fulfilling the requirements before beginning an encryption. Memory This constraint relates to the memory that is required especially for small and smart gadgets such as PDA, smart card as well as RFID tags. Security This factor relates to the certain aspects like confidentially, integrity and availability is being maintained by the encryption scheme that has been selected. Nature of Data This means importance of the data or information that is being transmitted over a network. It is not that much important if it is small in size, then any encryption scheme can be chosen and applied. If the data being transmitted is of utmost importance or it is highly confidential then hybrid scheme that is symmetric + asymmetric have to be selected as the suitable cryptographic scheme. Moreover, Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava (2014), have also presented the various essential aspects upon which the performance of cryptographic algorithms are dependent as below: Tunability It may be truly wanted to figure out how to powerfully decide the secured part and the encryption parameters with respect to different applications and necessities. Settled importance of secured part and secured parameters limits the ease of use of the framework to a restricted gathering of uses. Computational Speed In a few ongoing applications, it is fundamental that the encryption and unscrambling equations are rapidly enough to meet continuous necessities. Basic Period Value In the encryption systems the critical thing organization is the vital perspective that uncovers how the information is scrambled. The photo lessening the encryption extent is dependent on this vital length (Acharya, Sajwan and Bhargava 2014). The symmetric calculation utilizes a variable urgent period which is of the more extended. Consequently, the essential thing organization is a significant perspective in encryption preparing. Encryption Percentage The encryption extent is the measure of the measure of information that will be encoded. Encryption extent should be diminished to decrease the trouble on calculation. Security Issues Cryptographic wellbeing recognizes whether encryption framework is ensured against savage power and different plaintext-figure content assault. For vital media program, it is truly critical that the encryption framework must meet cryptographic security which is surveyed in three levels as negligible, medium and high. Hence, from the above discussions it can be said that the work being presented by the authors has significant importance in the practical world with the emerging trends in digital communication. Presentation of the paper The overall presentation of the paper is good and well-written article with an important message for network administrators and organizations. Overall this article is very straightforward and easily understandable by the readers as it is well structured. This paper has been properly divided into different sections with appropriate headings and subheadings so that the readers can easily determine and get an overview of contents being presented in each section. Recommendations for improvement In order to have more people be engaged and read the whole article it needs a new, more concise introduction. Once the reader gets to the really good examples that are relevant to the everyday importance of Cryptography for ensuring data and network security, a major portion of the article is already gone. Hence, it is recommended that the beginning sections should not only include overview or description of the area but discussions have to be carried out with different examples so that the readers find it easy to understand purpose of the research. Further, an experimental investigation can be carried to provide accurate results on the value of various cryptographic algorithms that have been presented in the paper. The analysis of data is also an important aspect of any research paper which has not been included in this paper, so the inclusion of data analysis will help to achieve proper evaluation of the different cryptographic algorithms. Conclusion From the above discussion being carried out the search paper that has been chosen for this study, it can be concluded that overall presentation of the paper is good and well structured. The language being used while writing this paper is very simple to understand. So that even the readers without practical knowledge of computer security can be well aware of the role being played by cryptography to ensure security of data during transmission over network. The authors have presented in this paper that in this modern world of communication, cryptography is emerging as an important technology for security of networks. The critical review have been presented on the known cryptographic algorithms in a well-structured format to illustrate on the differences among the existing techniques for encryption. The authors have also stated that a good cryptography is that which stays for longer time year after year and a good cryptographic system is that which maintains balance in between the possib le and acceptable. Hence, it has been determined from the review on this particular chosen paper that there is a requirement for more considerable effort on this type of research to ensure secured communication References Acharya, K., Sajwan, M. and Bhargava, S., 2014. Analysis of Cryptographic Algorithms for Network Security.International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research,3(2), pp.130-135. Anandakumar, S., 2015. Image Cryptography Using RSA Algorithm in Network Security.International Journal of Computer Science Engineering Technology,5(9). Azad, S. and Pathan, A.S.K. eds., 2014.Practical Cryptography: Algorithms and Implementations Using C++. CRC Press. Babita, E. and Kaur, E.G., 2017. A Review: Network Security Based On Cryptography Steganography Techniques.International Journal,8(4). Bhatia, P. and Sumbaly, R., 2014. Framework for wireless network security using quantum cryptography.arXiv preprint arXiv:1412.2495. Choi, Y., Lee, D., Kim, J., Jung, J., Nam, J. and Won, D., 2014. Security enhanced user authentication protocol for wireless sensor networks using elliptic curves cryptography.Sensors,14(6), pp.10081-10106. Devi, A., Sharma, A. and Rangra, A., 2015. A Review on DES, AES and Blowfish for Image Encryption Decryption.IJCSIT) International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technologies,6(3), pp.3034-3036. Devi, T.R., 2013, April. Importance of Cryptography in Network Security. InCommunication Systems and Network Technologies (CSNT), 2013 International Conference on(pp. 462-467). IEEE. Ganeshkumar, K., Arivazhagan, D. and Sundaram, S., 2014. Advance cryptography algorithm for symmetric image encryption and decryption scheme for improving data security.Journal of Academia and Industrial Research,10(2), pp.563-6. Joshi, M.R. and Karkade, R.A., 2015. Network security with cryptography. International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing IJCSMCVol, 4, pp.201-204. Kapoor, V. and Yadav, R., 2016. A Hybrid Cryptography Technique for Improving Network Security.International Journal of Computer Applications (09758887) Volume. Katz, J. and Lindell, Y., 2014.Introduction to modern cryptography. CRC press. Kumar, S.N., 2015. Review on Network Security and Cryptography. International Transaction of Electrical and Computer Engineers System, 3(1), pp.1-11. Mainanwal, V., Gupta, M. and Upadhayay, S.K., 2015, March. A survey on wireless body area network: Security technology and its design methodology issue. InInnovations in Information, Embedded and Communication Systems (ICIIECS), 2015 International Conference on(pp. 1-5). IEEE. Mitali, V.K. and Sharma, A., 2014. A survey on various cryptography techniques.International Journal of Emerging Trends and Technology in Computer Science,3(4), p.6. Pachghare, V.K., 2015.Cryptography and information security. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.. Sagar, V. and Kumar, K., 2015, March. A symmetric key cryptography using genetic algorithm and error back propagation neural network. InComputing for Sustainable Global Development (INDIACom), 2015 2nd International Conference on(pp. 1386-1391). IEEE. Sasi, S.B. and Sivanandam, N., 2015. A survey on cryptography using optimization algorithms in WSNs.Indian Journal of Science and Technology,8(3), pp.216-221. Sklavos, N., 2014. Book Review: Stallings, W. Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice: Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2013, 752p., $142.40. ISBN: 13: 978-0133354690. Wasnik, T.P., Patil, V.S., Patinge, S.A., Dave, S.R. and Sayasikamal, G.J., 2013. Cryptography as an instrument to network security?.International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering Management (IJAIEM),2(3), pp.72-80.

Industrial Relations Thilfushi Corporation Limited

Question: Discuss about theIndustrial Relationsfor Thilfushi Corporation Limited. Answer: Introduction to the Organization The employees are an important asset to the organization. They are critical in the organization growth and assist it in achieving the organizations goals. Therefore, the business organizations implement different strategies to keep its workforce engaged and motivated. The employer-employee relations are dependent upon the strategies implemented by the business organization in favor of the employees. Moreover, the employees also try to connect themselves with the employee unions and other agencies to protect their rights (Colling and Terry, 2010). In this regard, in this report, the industrial relations of Thilafushi Corporation Limited (TCL) have been explored. The report has also evaluated other source of power which can influence the relation between the employees and the employer in the same organization. Subsequently, several recommendations are made so that Thilfushi Corporation Limited (TCL) can enhance its industrial relations (Thilafushi Corporation Limmited, 2017). Thilafushi Corporation Limited (TCL) was founded in 2009 as a government entity with the major focus on industrializing Thilafushi Island and the surrounding areas. Thilafushi is an artificial island which was developed in an attempt to solve the increasing the waste disposal problem of Maldives. It is strategically located near Male and previously managed by the Waste Management Section of Males Municipality. After 1990s, the growing demand for land for the industrial purposes resulted in development of the Thilafushi Corporation Limited with the sole purpose of developing the island for the industrial purposes. There are a number of operational needs for the organization and currently, the company has 121 job positions within the company (Thilafushi Corporation, 2017). The major departments of the organization are operations, human resource and administration, project management, finance and legal or corporate affairs department. As Thilafushi Corporation is a government organizati on focused on developing the industries in Thilafushi Island, it can be categorized as a tertiary industry. The tertiary industries comprises of the companies and business organization focused on services. Description on the Sources of Power The relation between the employee and the employer is termed is significant aspect in the success and the overall regularity in the operations of the organization and is commonly referred to as industrial relations. The industrial relations has three main components, namely, relationship between employer and the workers, labor law and the disciplinary procedure and employment contract. The said relationship between the employer and the employee is derived from the employment contract, in which the duties of the employer towards the employees and the duty of employees towards the employer are mentioned (Tolliday and Zeitlin, 2005). There are significant factors which impacts the industrial relations between the employer and the employee. In Malaysia, the tripartite system of industrial relations is followed, in which the government, employees and the employers have the power in the development of the industrial relations. Thilfushi Corporation Limited (TCL) is a government agency focu sed on the industrial development of the island and has a limited number of employees in the organization at different positions. Therefore, at present, there is no trade union in the organization. Specific to the company, power of the industrial relations is dependent upon the Management, HR manager, employees and the government. Management of the Organization: The management of the organization holds a significant power in the industrial relations as they provide jobs to the organization. The primary aim of the management is to secure the interest of the organization, align the business operations of an organization with the goals of the company. The management of the organization is focused on maximizing the productivity of the organization at the least expenditure for the organization. The management seeks the best practices for achieving the targets, increasing the profitability and efficiency of the organization. The profit-driven business owners hold the power and the authority of the business. The management also holds the responsibility to fire an employee and has the last mandate in deciding the employee pay. The management also has the power to control the benefit packages, total compensation packages and the working conditions of the employees. In regard to the present company, the management of the organization comprises of the board of director, managing director, deputy managing director, chief operating officer and the chief financial officer. The company follows the government legislations in the management and the operations of the company. Meanwhile, it is a development authority and the primary aim of the organization is to develop the industries in the island rather than increasing the profitability (Palacios-Valladares, 2010). Employees of the Organization: The employees are significant to the organization success and day to day operations. The employees have the power to halt the day-to-day operations of the company. Collectively, the employees have a significant power in the industrial relations of the organization. Therefore, the employees form trade unions and groups to resist the domination of the employers and represent the interest of the workers in the industrial relationship (Stephens and Scheb, 2011). The labor unions are formed for collective bargaining to protect the rights of the employees. They set the conditions and the terms of the employment and negotiate with the employers to deal with their rights. The labor unions represent themselves by conducting strikes, boycotts and sit-ins to coerce the employers to consider their employment proposals (Palacios-Valladares, 2010). In the context of the current organization, it could be evaluated that the employees have not formed any trade union. It is a small organization with a relatively low number of employees working at different positions. Therefore, no specific trade union is formed in Thilafushi Corporation Limited. However, the employees can show their grievances or complain to the HR manager if they are having issues with their employment in the organization. Government: The government plays a critical role in the development of labor and the employment laws. The government remains dedicated to protect the rights of the workers with these laws. Moreover, in the recent years, the government has also passed several regulations to increase the transparency of organization. The government legislations also include acts regarding social security, medical leaves and insurance for the employees (Tolliday and Zeitlin, 2005). Precisely, the government plays three important roles in the industrial relations, namely, legislator, administrator and the participator. As a legislator, the government passes legislations regarding the employee welfare, as an administrator, the government enforces the law through the Human Resources Ministry and as a participant, it is the biggest employer of the public sector. Human Resource (HR) Manager: The Human Resource (HR) manager of the organization is maintains all the activities related to career development, training, compensation and employment relations and the grievance issues. The HR manager is also responsible for implementing laws and legislations related to compliance, disciplinary issues and the employment laws. In the present organization, the HR manager plays a significant role in the implementation of the organization policies. The HR manager also works as a mediator between the employees and the management. They deal with all the grievance related issues of the organization. Therefore, the HR manager of the organization has significant power in the industrial relations of the organization (Ghiglani, 2010). The Influence of the Sources of Power on the Industrial Relationship In the above section, the four sources of power have been identified in the industrial relations. These sources of power are the employees, employer, government and the Human Resource manager. These sources of power can influence the employer-employee relationship in an organization. The management of the organization is responsible for providing jobs and recruiting people. The management also has a critical role in implementing the laws and organization policies within the workplace. The management of the organization influences the industrial relations at various instances. For instance, offering performance based incentives, implementing minimum wages policy and dispute prevention policies can establish positive relationship between the organization and the employees. It will also enhance the productivity of the employees (Peetz, 2012). Although the government policies are formulated to control or encourage trade unions or to control the extent and the impact of collective bargain ing; they have little impact on the economic performance or the productivity of the organization. However, they are significant in controlling the exploitation of the employers and the employees. For instance, the employees can complain in the employee tribunal, if the government policies are not followed in the organization (Romaniuk, 2008). The employees are the integral part of the industrial relations. Inadequate wage or compensation structure will result in poor industrial relations. If the companies do not consider the interest of the workers, it will result in strikes and serious unrest in the organization. The companies should device the best practices to enhance the interest of the employees. The employees hold the power as they can complain the practices of the company to the employment tribunals. Moreover, if the employees are not satisfied, it will compromise the productivity and efficiency of the organization. The employees show their power by collective bargaining in which the company can suffer a huge loss, if the operations of the company are halted (Bercaw, 2016). The employees can also fight for other conditions such as sudden heavy workloads and inadequate welfare facilities and retrenchment or sudden dismissals. Thilafushi Corporation Limited is a government development agency in which there is absence of trade unions. However, the productivity and the efficiency of the workers will decline if the workplace culture or environment is inadequate. Although there is no trade union, they can complain to the HR manager or in the extreme cases, outside the organization. The HR managers of a business organization play a critical role in the recruitment, retention, appraisal and the retirement of the employees. They also work as a mediator in the employer-employee disputes and play a critical role in the implementation of the human resource management policies. The employee knows about the employment conditions, his duties and the rights through HR manager only (Hernandez, 2009). Therefore, the HR manager plays a critical role in the industrial relations of the organization. They have several power such as power to address the employee-employer disputes, negotiate the terms with both employer and the employee so that they both can arrive at a common platform. Suggestion to Improve Relationship Between Employer and Employees in the Selected Organization It is established from the above discussion that the industrial relations are significant for the success of the organization. Therefore, the business companies implement different strategies to establish sound relations with the labor at the enterprise (Manzoor, 2012). Thilafushi Corporation Limited is a government development agency and is a part of the tertiary industry. Therefore, the human resources are a significant asset to the organization. The organization should implement strategies to enhance their relation with the employees to increase the productivity of the organizations. In this regard, a few recommendations are made in this section to increase the efficiency of the organization. Employee Participation and Involvement: The importance of communication and transparency in an organization is an undisputed fact. In the present information age, information sharing and consultation are considered critical for the organization success and business productivity, performance and the employee motivation. Therefore, it is a suitable approach for Thilafushi Corporation Limited to establish strong relations with the employees and encourage employee motivation. Establishing transparency and strong communication system in the organization is also essential in the development of effective corporate strategies. The companies can use the valuable suggestions of the frontline workers to further advance the business of the organization. An organization n should voluntarily develop an organization culture in which consultation and communication mechanisms are included rather than imposed (Griego, Geroy and Wright, 2000). The information should naturally flow within the organization and contribute to the efficiency and productivity of the organization. Proper communication and consultation with the employees would establish stronger relationships with the employees. The mode of communication should fit the purpose and the culture requirements of organization. The communication between the management can be introduced through formal structured meetings or parallel unstructured communication according to the needs and the requirements of the organization (Martin Whiting, 2013). Programs to improve the workers quality of Life: The employees satisfied with their work life are expected to perform better in their job duties. These programs should be focused on addressing the employment dissatisfaction in the organization. They should encourage the workers involvement and engagement with the organization. In order to establish stronger relationships with the workers, these programs should try to increase the flexibility and the employee comfort in the organization. It can positively correlate to the employee productivity by reducing absenteeism, grievances and employee turnover (Brun Dugas, 2008). Training: Employee training and development is a significant method in improving the employer-employee relationship in an organization by providing employees adequate skills to remain competitive and grow within the organization (Cuevas-Rodrguez, Gomez-Mejia Wiseman, 2012). A large number of employee-employer disputes occur due to negligence on the part of employer and the lack of awareness of the employees regarding the operations of the organization. Therefore, the employee training is essential in establish robust relations with the employees in the organization. When the employees are provided training to advance their career in the organization; they are less likely to seek outside opportunities for themselves and looks for the growth within the organization. The business organization also gets benefited by developing employees with the proper skill set and in-depth knowledge of the organization culture and working. Conclusion It can be concluded that the industrial relation is significant for the organization to achieve its organizations aims and objectives. The industrial relation can be defined as the relationship between the employer and the employees. Thilafishi Corporation Limited (TCL) is a government development agency situated in the Thilafishi Island, Maldives. It is due to the strategic position of the island that the government wants to industrialize it. The company comes under the tertiary industry as it provides service for the development of the island. Therefore, the human resource is an important asset to the organization. Currently, there is no specific trade union of the company; however, it is important for the organization to address the employee grievances to establish strong work culture in the organization. The power in the industrial relation belongs to the government, employers, employees and the human resource manager of the organization. The organization can establish strong rel ation with the employees by establishing communication and transparency culture, providing employee training and introducing programs to improve workers quality of life. References Bercaw, R. (2016). Lean Leadership for Healthcare: Approaches to Lean Transformation. Oxfordshire: CRC Press. Brun, J., Dugas, N. (2008). An analysis of employee recognition: Perspectives on human resources practices. The International Journal of Human Resource Management 19(4), 716-730. Colling, T. and Terry, M. (2010). Industrial Relations: Theory and Practice. John Wiley Sons. Cuevas-Rodrguez, G., Gomez-Mejia, L.R., Wiseman, R.M. (2012). Has Agency Theory Run its Course?:Making the Theory more Flexible to Inform the Management of Reward Systems. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 20(6), 526546. Ghiglani, P. (2010). The Politics of Privatisation and Trade Union Mobilisation: The Electricity Industry in the UK and Argentina. Lang. Griego, O.V., Geroy, G.D., and Wright, P.C. (2000). Predictors of Learning Organizations: A Human Resource Development Practitioners Perspective. The Learning Organization: An International Journal, 7(1), 512. Hernandez, S.R. (2009). Strategic Human Resources Management in Health Services Organizations. New York: Cengage Learning. Manzoor, Q. A. (2012). Impact of employees motivation on organizational effectiveness. Business management and strategy,3(1), 1. Martin, M. Whiting, F. (2013). Human Resource Practice. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Palacios-Valladares, I. (2010). Industrial Relations After Pinochet: Firm Level Unionism and Collective Bargaining Outcomes in Chile. Peter Lang. Peetz, D. (2012). Does Industrial Relations Policy Affect Productivity? ABL 38(4), pp. 268-292. Romaniuk, B. (2008). Job Hunter's Sourcebook: Where to Find Employment Leads and Other Job Search Resources. London: Cengage Learning. Stephens, O.H. and Scheb, J.M. (2011). American Constitutional Law: Sources of Power and Restraint. Boston: Cengage Learning. Thilafushi Corporation. (2017). About Us. Retrieved 14 February 2017 from https://www.tcl.com.mv/v2/ Thilafushi Corporation. (2017). Strategic Action Plan. Thilafushi Corporation. Tolliday, S. and Zeitlin, J. (2005). The Power to Manage? Employers and Industrial Relations in Comparative Historical Perspective. Routledge.

Air Force Aid Society essays

Air Force Aid Society essays 1. Imagine that the only vehicle in your family breaks down and you lack the means for repairs, what would you do? Did you know that there are services provided by the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) that can help members with this kind of problem? If not, then you will be provided information on two ways that financial assistance is available in a situation of need. In the case of an emergency, you need to be aware of how and under what circumstance you can request and receive financial help. Also covered, will be an overview about the specifics on policies, grants, and loans to provide a clear understanding of how the program benefits members. We can now begin to take a closer view on policies associated with this system. 2. Policies provide information about the financial assistance program and also state eligibility requirements. First of all, you must be on active duty, retired, dependent, dependent of deceased Air Force personnel, or Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel on extended duty (over thirty days), to be eligible for assistance. According to the AFAS assistance guide, financial assistance is given when a qualifying individual cannot otherwise pay for specific basic needs essential to continued personal effectiveness as an Air Force member. (2: - 7) This policy defines need and circumstance, which is on a case by case basis determined by a representative of the program. Polices also state that information concerning a member who has applied for help remains private unless a commander requests information in special conditions such as investigations or outstanding financial irresponsibility. Now that the basic policies have been explained, lets find out about grants. 3. A grant is money given without an obligation to pay it back as determined by an AFAS representative. Situations that qualify for grants are case by case. For limited fun ...

Scottish Surnames Meanings and Origins

Scottish Surnames Meanings and Origins Scottish surnames as we know them today - family names passed down intact from father to son to grandson - were first introduced into Scotland by the Normans about the year 1100. Such hereditary names were not universally prevalent and settled, however. The use of fixed Scottish surnames (last names that didnt change with each generation) wasnt really in prevalent use until the 16th century, and it was well into the late 18th century before surnames were common in the Highlands and northern isles. Origins of Scottish Surnames Surnames in Scotland generally developed from four major sources: Geographical or Local Surnames - These are names derived from the location of the homestead from which the first bearer and his family lived, and are generally the most common origin of Scottish surnames. Most of the earliest people in Scotland to adopt fixed surnames were the nobles and great landowners, who were often called by the land they possessed (e.g. William de Buchan from Buchan, Scotland). Eventually, even those who did not own significant land started to use place names to identify themselves from others of the same name, adopting the name of the village or even the street where the family originated. Tenants often took their name from the estate where they lived. Thus, most of the earliest surnames in Scotland were derived from place names. Topographic surnames derived from vague geographical locations rather than specific places, also fall into this category. These names may refer to physical features such as streams (Burns), moors (Muir) or forests (Wood) or to man-mad e structures, such as a castle or a mill (Milne). Occupational Surnames -   Many Scottish surnames developed from a persons job or trade. Three common Scottish surnames -   Smith (blacksmith), Stewart (steward) and Taylor (tailor) - are excellent examples of this. Offices associated with the kings lands and/or hunting are another common source of Scottish occupational names - names such as Woodward, Hunter,  and Forest.Descriptive Surnames -   Based on a unique quality or physical feature of the individual, these surnames often developed from nicknames or pet names. Most refer to an individuals appearance - color, complexion, or physical shape  - such as Campbell (from  caimbeul, meaning crooked mouth), Duff (Gaelic for dark) and Fairbain (beautiful child). A descriptive surname may also refer to an individuals personality or moral characteristics, such as Godard (good natured) and Hardie (bold or daring).Patronymic and Matronymic Surnames -   These are surnames derived from baptismal or Christian names to indicate family relationship or descent. Some baptismal or given names have become surnames without any change in form. Others added a prefix or an ending. The use of Mac and Mc was prevalent throughout Scotland, but especially in the Highlands, to indicate son of (e.g. Mackenzie, son of Coinneach/Kenneth). In lowland Scotland, the suffix ​-   son was more commonly added to the fathers given name to form a patronymic surname. These true patronymic surnames changed with each successive generation. Thus, Roberts son, John, might become known as John Robertson. Johns son, Mangus, would then be called Mangus Johnson, and so on. This true patronymic naming practice continued in most families until at least the fifteenth or sixteenth century before a family name was eventually adopted that passed down unchanged from father to son. Scottish Clan Names Scottish clans, from the Gaelic clann, meaning family, provided a formal structure for extended families of shared descent. Clans each identified with a geographical area, usually an ancestral castle, and were originally controlled by a Clan Chief, officially registered with the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which controls heraldry and Coat of Arms registration in Scotland. Historically, a clan was made up of everyone who lived on the chiefs territory, people for which he was responsible and who, in turn, owed allegiance to the chief. Thus, not everyone in a clan was genetically related to one another, nor did all members of a clan bear a single surname. Scottish Surnames - Meanings Origins Anderson, Campbell, MacDonald, Scott, Smith, Stewart... Are you one of the millions of people sporting one of these top 100 common Scottish last names? If so, then youll want to check out our list of the most commonly occurring surnames in Scotland, including details on each names origin, meaning, and alternate spellings.   TOP 100 COMMON SCOTTISH SURNAMES THEIR MEANINGS 1. SMITH 51. RUSSELL 2. BROWN 52. MURPHY 3. WILSON 53. HUGHES 4. CAMPBELL 54. WRIGHT 5. STEWART 55. SUTHERLAND 6. ROBERTSON 56. GIBSON 7. THOMPSON 57. GORDON 8. ANDERSON 58. WOOD 9. REID 59. BURNS 10. MACDONALD 60. CRAIG 11. SCOTT 61. CUNNINGHAM 12. MURRAY 62. WILLIAMS 13. TAYLOR 63. MILNE 14. CLARK 64. JOHNSTONE 15. WALKER 65. STEVENSON 16. MITCHELL 66. MUIR 17. YOUNG 67. WILLIAMSON 18. ROSS 68. MUNRO 19. WATSON 69. MCKAY 20. GRAHAM 70. BRUCE 21. MCDONALD 71. MCKENZIE 22. HENDERSON 72. WHITE 23. PATERSON 73. MILLAR 24. MORRISON 74. DOUGLAS 25. MILLER 75. SINCLAIR 26. DAVIDSON 76. RITCHIE 27. GRAY 77. DOCHERTY 28. FRASER 78. FLEMING 29. MARTIN 79. MCMILLAN 30. KERR 80. WATT 31. HAMILTON 81. BOYLE 32. CAMERON 82. CRAWFORD 33. KELLY 83. MCGREGOR 34. JOHNSTON 84. JACKSON 35. DUNCAN 85. HILL 36. FERGUSON 86. SHAW 37. HUNTER 87. CHRISTIE 38. SIMPSON 88. KING 39. ALLAN 89. MOORE 40. BELL 90. MACLEAN 41. GRANT 91. AITKEN 42. MACKENZIE 92. LINDSAY 43. MCLEAN 93. CURRIE 44. MACLEOD 94. DICKSON 45. MACKAY 95. GREEN 46. JONES 96. MCLAUGHLIN 47. WALLACE 97. JAMIESON 48. BLACK 98. WHYTE 49. MARSHALL 99. MCINTOSH 50. KENNEDY 100. WARD Source: National Records of Scotland - Most Common Surnames, 2014

Creation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Essay

Creation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence - Essay Example In the 20th century intelligence agencies of United States of America were named among the best in the business. The performance of United States secret agencies was commendable throughout the Cold War era. After the fall of Soviet Union the world became Uni-polar and there was no significant threat that the country faced, at least from another country. But this illusion of total control and dominance over the world was shattered with the attacks of 9/11. It was something no one in the world was expecting and it forced United States to rethink its overall intelligence capability. The 9/11 attacks were a blow to the confidence of United States and it led to major restructuring of intelligence agencies. After 9/11 United States decided to make a new intelligence institution called the Office of Director of National Intelligence. In this essay the details of this agency will be discussed alongside with the details of its creation. A general overview of the intelligence agencies of the c ountry will also be given. The need for this separate institution will be discussed and future threats this office may be able to counter will be explained. History and General Overview of Intelligence Agencies of USA Intelligence agencies of United States of America have a long history. Since the creation of United States of America secretive agencies have a large role in the government operations. Founding fathers of America knew the importance of a secret agency that will protect the country from foreign and domestic threats. George Washington in his first Presidential State of the Union address requested Congress to establish a secret service fund for different secret activities (Central Intelligence Agency 2007). Since then secret agencies have conducted activities in foreign countries for the short and long term interest of United States. For a major part of 19th century Britain was a great danger for United States therefore most activities of secret agencies of United States were targeted against Britain. Agents were also sent in different colonial regions in order to extend the influence of United States and protect the interest of the country. In the early and middle of 19th century the aim of United States was to protect itself and gain power. The Civil War was the first big hurdle United States had to face after the war of 1812. The war endangered the sovereignty of the country. Secret spies also played a great role in the civil war on both sides (Central Intelligence Agency 2007). Propaganda schemes were followed by both the side and secret agents were used. After the Civil War United States of America realized that the country needed a formal intelligence organization that could protect the interest of the state domestically and internationally. Before this informal intelligence missions were carried out but as the country developed there was a need of a formal intelligence structure. In 1880s the first two formal intelligence agencies were made. The first was the Military Intelligence Division and the second was Office of Naval Intelligence (Central Intelligence Agency 2007). Over the period of time intelligence agencies became more organized and acquired superior skills. More divisions were made and covert operations continued in the first half of 20th century. In the First World War the efforts of US intelligence agencies were not very successful mainly due to the lack of funding. But before the Second World War, United States had developed a great system of intelligence gathering and many agencies were working in order to collect intelligence. The intelligence failure of Pearl Harbor was the greatest intelligence fail

Role of Mentor in Evaluating Student Learning Essay

Role of Mentor in Evaluating Student Learning - Essay Example NMC (2008) emphasizes that qualified mentors are equipped with certain qualities which helps them to facilitate learning and assess students in practice settings. Some of these qualities as defined by Kerry and Mayes (1995) are: role modelling; nurturing attribute; capable of enhancing professional competencies of mentee; and building constructive relationship not only as teacher, friend or counsellor but as one of carer that is sustained over a period of time. The mentors exert extensive influence on the learners and often act as role models for them. Consequently, the moral responsibilities of mentor are significantly more pronounced. Most importantly, in the era of fast globalization, ethical considerations and moral obligations become critical factors in healthcare industry and effective mentoring helps to inculcate and promote ethics within their profession. As per NMC (2008), mentoring involves eight major roles as: preceptor; assessor; clinical educator; clinical supervision; clinical supervisor; Practice teacher; registrant, supervisor. Preceptor primarily has basic minimum qualification of atleast twelve months’ experience in the desired area.UK government provides the facility of preceptors to all new nurses to help them to become dedicated registrants. While assessor is equipped with necessary skills to assess students’ competencies, Clinical educators, clinical supervision and clinical supervisor help the nursing students to enhance their skills in clinical setting through effective feedback. Waskett (2010) believes that it helps the students to become confident and acquire skills that improve their performance. The rest of the roles of mentor differ with different areas in healthcare and medical environment. Hawkins and Shohet (2006) assert that supervisors as mentors are important as they help