Vermeer’s Hat Review Essay

In Vermeer’s Hat: The seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World, Timothy Brook uses Vermeer’s paintings to show the effects of trade on the world and the overall globalization occurring. Brook argues that this globalization had begun in the seventeenth century. He takes a look at Vermeer’s paintings, and uses them as windows into seventeenth century history to discuss further topics of interest. Through every painting, it leads to a door that causes a discussion point of the history of the world. Brook starts the story setting out in the city of Delft in the Netherlands.This author does not simply restate history facts we all know, he goes much deeper than that, getting to the heart of each painting and the history shown throughout each one, proving his arguments to be true. Through every painting, it led to a door that caused a discussion point of the history of the world. In Brook's third chapter, he goes on to discuss the painting Young Woman Readin g a Letter at an Open Window. The title itself is very self-explanatory. The painting has a young woman who is looking toward a window while reading a letter.Also in this painting is a table draped with a tablecloth and a spilt bowl of fruit lying on top of it. The bowl of fruit is what Brook uses as a window into the seventeenth century, specifically the Chinese porcelain, and how it began to become a part of Dutch life. Brook argues that the VOC (Dutch East India Company) had begun their interest and trade for porcelain shortly after 1600. He backs up his argument stating that among the most successful potters were those from Delft, who were descendants from the sixteenth century. Brook says,â€Å"They brought their knowledge of ceramics production with them and were able to set up kilns in Delft's renowned breweries, many of which had been forced to close down as working-class taste shifted from beer to gin. In these newly converted potteries, they began to experiment with imita tions of the new ceramic aesthetic coming from China, and buyers liked what they produced†. (78) This shows you that this new change of potteries, and porcelain originated in the seventeenth century, and Brook has a good understanding of the globalization that is occurring.Through the make and trade of porcelain, Dutch people were becoming more global, and opening their trade to other countries such as China, Europe, and Spain. It also proves that his arguments are completely valid. He has his facts straight and does not only tell you, but shows you through the paintings the history involved to back him up. In chapter five, School for Smoking, it does not directly deal with one of Vermeer’s paintings;, however,; it takes a look at the Delft manufactured Chinese plate, which leads to a discussion about tobacco.He Brook states that tobacco started in Europe due to Portuguese sailors, and from there it spread, and soon became was in high demand. Through this sudden outburs t of a need for tobacco, it made way for a growth in the global community, eventually being a contribution to the opium phenomenon. Brook states, â€Å"From this new labor arrangement, a new system of trade emerged. Tobacco (along with sugar) was a crop that could be used to make the Americas profitable, while Africa supplied the labor to make plantation production in the Americas feasible and South American silver paid for goods shipped from Europe and the Americas to Asia.Together the three prime commodities of the age—silver, tobacco, and slaves to mine the first and harvest the second—set the foundations on which the long-term colonization of the Americas rested. † (132) Brook connects tobacco to the reason more plantations were built, and why slaves were needed more than before and how it helped the colonization of the American world. He states that tobacco started in Europe due to Portuguese sailors, and from there it spread and soon became was in high dem and.Chinese people thought that tobacco had medicinal purposes, while Native Americans thought that tobacco connected you to a supernatural world. If we skip back a little, in the first chapter of Vermeer’s Hat: The seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World, Brook discusses Vermeer's first painting, View of Delft. This painting is one of the only outdoor scenes Vermeer had painted that is still in existence. The first window Brook opens for his readers in this painting is a view of the city of Delft.This painting shows the river harbor in Delft. Brook first uses the herring buses in this painting to open a window into the seventeenth century. Herring buses Timothy Brook states herring buses in Vermeer's Hat, are, â€Å"three-masted vessels built to fish for herring in the North Sea† (12). The herring buses give Timothy Brook a window to talk about the climate change and sickness in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In these two centuries, the temperat ures were falling all over the world, creating increased sickness and shorter crop seasons.In Vermeer's Hat, Brook says that the two herring boats in the painting are evidence of climate change. Brook also uses Vermeer to talk about the exchanges in the seventeenth century. He states that one of the benefits of the climate changing was the southward movement of fish stocks in the North Sea. This gave the fisherman more success. Another window Brook uses to open up the seventeenth century areis the roofs of the buildings in this painting. In particular, he uses a warehouse, known as the Dutch East India Company, or as they call it the VOC.The VOC was as Brook states in Vermeer's Hat, â€Å"tThe world's first large joint stock company, the VOC was formed in 1602 when the Dutch Republic obliged the many trading companies popping up to take advantage of the Asian trade boom to merge into a single commercial organization† (15). This company gave huge advantages for the Dutch for m aritime trade in Asia. It became one of the most powerful companies for business enterprises in the seventeenth century. Brook talks about how the VOC even affected a painter such as Vermeer's life.The VOC for many Dutch meant a better life. Due to this maritime trade, advances in technology were made. A couple discoveries were the magnetic compass, which allowed sailors to lose sight of the land and still know approximately where they were, paper, whichthat helped merchants to keep track of records, and gunpowder, which helped them make military advances. All of these windows Brook opens show the interchanging ideas, products, and climate. Brook I think Brook did well backing up his arguments about globalization.He uses evidence, and facts, and history, to prove everything. It is all quite logical as well, explaining how things have begun to change into a more modern world with exchanges of ideas and such. Brook shows us that all of these globalizations we think of such as fast com munications, and high tech objects all started from the beginning globalization of the seventeenth century. And none of this occurred due to big companies and millions of people, it started by a few men who opened up routes and communications for us.As a college undergraduate student myself, depending upon your area of interest, I would recommend this book to others. I have never been interested in history, but it is quite interesting the way Brook uses random objects and buildings in Vermeer's paintings to show the globalization occurring. So I would say if you love history or art definitely read this book. Even if you do not love either one of those, read it. You will definitely appreciate it, and have a much better understanding of seventeenth century history after reading it.This book is an easy read, with not a lot of hard vocabulary to have to understand as well. Reading this book makes you realize where all the trade and new ideas came from. Holly, You make some good points. I made some suggestions and corrections. Your paper should have no extra spacing between each paragraph (it should be 0pt between each one). Also, you jump around a little in the body section. You may want to just move your discussion of the earlier chapters to the beginning of the body section, so that the body then flows from the earlier to the later chapters. Good job though. – Ms. Perry

Analyzation of a quote from Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Essay

In Things Fall Apart, Achebe focuses on differences in culture and society. In the quote, â€Å"The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.† Uchendu is discussing with Okonkwo and Obierka the massacre in Abame. I agree with the quotation. Many people have their own ways of doing things and then their actions are criticized by others. A prime example of this is religious groups in the world and all are criticized by one another at some point. A good example of that fueding is the on-going criticisms between Protestants and Catholics. Being Catholic myself, I can relate to this first-hand. Our beliefs to other religious groups are wrong, an abomination of what is â€Å"supposed to be done.† We also sometimes criticize our brethren in other faiths. The world is always in a constant fight. There is a deeper meaning in this quote and that meaning is that internally, the world will never end its constant criticism and bludgeoning of itself. It keeps going around in circles, and until one group decides to understand the other, the cycle will continue. Basically, the beliefs misunderstood by stubborn people who do not want to understand are picked on. The people whose beliefs are in question get angry and these differences are set in motion. And truly, until we all understand each other, universally, this cycle of craziness will certainly never end, making Uchendu’s statement correct.

Autobiography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Autobiography - Essay Example It was an event that shifted my life forever because I learned to be more responsible. From the start, I had made it clear I wanted to join Shanghai politics. When I announced to my parents that I had joined the army, they were puzzled, especially my mother. My mother told me I risked my life, and I may not live to my dream of being Shanghai’s mayor. Seeing no alternatives, I retired from the army and continued with my quest to join the Shanghai politics. I worked for the community, for instance, one day I mobilized the local people to collect garbage. Towards the end of 2013, I became a member of the university’s students’ governing body. I was elected the special needs secretary. Involvement with the students’ governing body opened my eyes more, and it was a huge turning point for me. Since joining the students’ governing body, I have worked and occupied various senior positions in an acting capacity. In January this year, I was the acting president for the governing body, since the incumbent president was impeached on allegations of nepotism. Since I was a political student in the university, I applied for an internship in the office of the prime minister. As the head of communications in the Prime Minister’s office pointed out to me during the interview, I was chosen because he felt I would do my duties diligently. It proved to be a wise idea, because three weeks into the internship, the Prime Minister fired me for being a whistle blower in a corruption case in the court. I filed a grievance in the Supreme Court, but I saw it as time wastage. My involvement in the university’s politics has helped me gain fame in China. I took advantage of this situation to help the local communities in advocating their rights. Recently, my father and I participated on a demonstration to advocate the removal of the Prime Minister from office. As I write all political activities I have been

System Overview of Banks Global Market Business Term Paper

System Overview of Banks Global Market Business - Term Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that in the present scenario, the banking industry has changed in an immense manner owing to different factors that include technological innovation and international market competitions. Additionally, there are other factors that include increased disintermediation, corporate behavioral changes, and deregulation in relation to financial services. The banking crisis is also accountable for changes in banking operations as well as structures. The changes are adopted by global banks with the intention of ensuring that business operations are conducted in a stabilized manner. Subsequently, global banks are identified to develop alliances with domestic as well as foreign-owned banks in order to minimize risk exposure. Presently, global banks in response to the changing business scenario have adopted different measures which include enhanced quantity along with a quality of capital and risk coverage with the aim of ascertaining that the banking operations are conducted successfully. Moreover, global banks are identified to develop strict regime based on risk management and enhanced regulatory framework in order to manage bossiness operations for better sustainable growth. The global banking sector is developing in a rapid way. The banking sector is also identified to face critical challenges that include customer demand and increased operational costs among others. In this changing competitive business scenario, global banks are required to conduct their operations abiding by adequate financial regulations with the aim of performing business operations systematically. Correspondingly, the global market business of banks comprises different systems which include booking system, valuation system, sub-ledger system and general ledger system.

The itc echoupal intiative harvard case study Essay

The itc echoupal intiative harvard case study - Essay Example To tap this opportunity, ITC-IBD has created an IT-enabled rural ‘channel’ called eChoupal to procure and process the soybeans in a productive way. So, using eChoupal, ITC-IBD wanted to streamline the input and output sides of the soybean supply chain, throughout its distribution network particularly in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Through this process, they set an objective of giving the farmers access to quality inputs such as accurate weather report, correct information about sowing seeds, herbicides etc. Then in the output side, ITC’s objective through e-Choupal is to remove the dominance and clogging of the middlemen, by using Information Technology. The main problem this initiative of ITC faced is to do with the rules of the State Government. That is, the state government had stipulated that all purchases or procurement of the soybeans from farmers should be done in Mandi, to protect the farmers from unscrupulous buyers. So, the ITC had to convince the Government about the potential of procurement outside the Mandi for the farmers as well as the rural economy. Also, the need to provide the infrastructure to start eChoupal initiative is one of the problems faced by ITC. That is, with computer, telecommunication and Internet being in the infancy in India, with minimum spread, ITC had to built the whole structure independently with little backing from the Government. All these problems were overridden and the implementation was successful because of the full co-operation of the farmers, who were happy with this productive arrangement. Apart from the valuable information, they received for the effective cultivation, they also got profitable price for their soybeans. The role played by the liaison person named Sanchalak contributed to eChoupal success as well. The transparency of the process also made it into a successful venture. Supply Chain Management is the lifeline of any business.

Reasons for the Increasing Divorce Rates in America Essay

Reasons for the Increasing Divorce Rates in America - Essay Example This paper briefly analyses various reasons for the increased divorce rates in America.    Money is believed to be one of the major reasons for causing divorce. Couples may have different views, opinions, and perceptions about the spending of money. Suppose Mr. X has lavish spending habits. He may not worry much about saving money for the future needs of the family. He may spend whatever he earns and may not bother much about saving something for future expenses like the education of his children. On the other hand, Mrs. X could be more interested in saving money for the future by reducing the unnecessary expenditure since she was more aware of future needs. It is quite possible that conflicts develop in such families and these contrasting views about money spending may finally lead them towards a divorce. Alcohol addiction or drug addiction is another major reason for divorce. As stated in the earlier example, suppose Mr. X is addicted to alcohol or drugs. It is difficult for Mrs. X to adjust with such habits of her husband, even if she is more liberal and modern in her thoughts. Addiction can lead Mr. X towards a crazy life and sometimes he may abuse his wife or children. It is difficult for a modern woman to sacrifice her entire life for an addicted husband. Mrs. X may wait for some time, in anticipation that her husband may rectify his mistake sooner than later; however, if Mr. X has no plans to get rid of his bad habits, Mrs. X may file the divorce petition. The third possible reasons for divorce could be sexual problems. Either the husband or the wife may have more interests in sexual activities. Sex is a divine activity which should be performed on mutual consent. Sometimes the husband or the wife may have over interests in sexual activities and he/she may force his/her partner for sexual activities without considering the interests of the partner. In some cases, either of them may force the partner to engage in unnatural sexual activities which may develop displeasure and thoughts about divorce. Extramarital affairs could be another possible reason for divorce. The strength of family life lies in mutual love and trust.  

The Major Issue In The Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Major Issue In The Economy - Essay Example The protests of the Occupy Wall Street state its objectives: â€Å"to end corruption in Wall Street and the political process.† This straightforward statement and the protest that expresses it appeared to be a very rational extension of opinionated dialogue. This has been a voiced proclamation by the presidential candidates, as well as activists for a very long time. On the other hand, under entrepreneurship, there is just no way to get rid of the greed and the sleaze from Wall Street, or to â€Å"get cash out of politics.† Known that takings are already entrenched in the ‘goods’ exchanged on Wall Street, ‘voracity’ is utterly, totally, and necessarily inherent from the very outset. Capitalism has been found to be the systemization of gluttony and that Wall Street is its figural and fiduciary quintessence. Trying to get rid of greed in Wall Street is like trying to get blood out of the body and commanding it to walk around. Gluttony is the bloo d of free enterprise and Wall Street is the heart. To do away with the supremacy of systemic greed, we cannot remove greediness from Wall Street; we must get rid of Wall Street from the world itself (Van 112). Supplementary, the free enterprise is in a condition of systemic crisis. This makes its paroxysms felt across the globe and in every locality thereof. The era of ‘progressive’ reformism had ended, and it is not going to come back. This is lucid if one takes a view at Europe, where old-age reforms are being undone, country after country.

Drug profiling assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Drug profiling assignment - Essay Example Forensic scientists employ several tests and techniques to provide evidence needed for the case. Analysis of samples is necessary to identify, quantify and drug profiling. The materials previously collected, 100 grams of white powder, the trace samples from the clothing of the suspects, the cling film and the mirror will all be subjected to analysis. Prior to the presumptive tests, physical description and sampling will be done. The physical characteristics such as texture, powder particle size, color, odor, taste and weight will be physically defined before a sample for analysis will be secured. It will be weighed and thoroughly homogenised, before a sample was taken. Presumptive analysis will provide the identification of the white powder collected from the table. Trace samples from the suspects’ clothing can directly be analyzed using confirmatory tests. Colour test will bring initial data for the powder’s identity. Specific color changes give the positive result for the powder’s identity. An intense blue-violet color when the powder is made to react with 1% cobalt acetate, and 5% isopropylamine in methanol of Dillie-Koppanyi test will identify it as a barbiturate. Marquis test using dilute solution of methanal in sulphuric acid can give two types of results; if the colour changed to purple, the powder is heroin-based, if the test however yields an orange-brown colour, the powder is an amphetamine. Treating it with a Duquenois-Levine test reagent and a purple colour resulted, the powder is positive as marijuana. In Scott test, in which a solution of cobalt chloride is added in a 50:50 mixture of water and glycerol, a blue c olour positively identifies cocaine. This positive result can be confirmed by adding concentrated hydrochloric acid, liquid goes pink and then adding chloroform the blue reappears in the chloroform layer. Blue-purple in reaction with

Donald Trump Good Manager or Bad Manager Essay Example for Free

Donald Trump Good Manager or Bad Manager Essay 1. Work Hard every speaker at every event like this, but the Don gives this more than the usual lip service. He basically said that everyone he knew that made a lot of money and was successful, worked 7 days a week. He suggested to the audience that if they wanted to succeed, they should be prepared for 80 hour weeks for a long time. 2. Love What You Do Another platitude, but he spoke about this in a passionate way. He discouraged the audience from joining or switching to a hot industry or from going into consulting in favor of getting involved with an industry you love (antiques, baseball, marketing), even if that industry is not currently doing well as a whole. His message was that you will perform so well in your imperfect industry that you will rise above the rest and end up being a star in the top 1% of that industries, but if you joined an industry you werent passionate about, youd end up in the 50th percentile of earners in that industry. He thought the pay in the top 1% of a crappy industry (in a job you love) would top the 50th percentile in a hot industry 3. Know What You Do, Whatever industry you are in and whatever role you play in that industry, work hard to become a world class expert in it. For example, if you are a macro manager in a security software company, he suggested that you should not just focus on getting good at email marketing campaigns, but that you should become an expert in that security industry yourself, so that you can communicate with all levels of people about the technology simply , so that you can have detailed conversations with analysts, so that you can write credible blog articles, so that you can explain the future competitive dynamics to potential investors, etc. 4. Luck According to Don, The harder I work, the luckier I get. 5. Education A huge advantage that is expensive in the short run, but cheap in the long run. Dons perspective when asked about the rising cost of education, If you think getting an education is expensive, try ignorance. 6. Management Donald fought the platitude pattern and said You want to be smarter than your people. He thought the notion that you should hire people smarter than you was a poor one. 7. Persistence He talked a lot about riding the ups and downs of the real estate market, losing everything, and c oming back. He credited his success and the demise of many of his competitors to being patient and persistent over long periods of time to wait out market fluctuations. This one might be more relevant to Donalds business than most, but still interesting. 8. Negotiation Always do it face-to-face. In this era of telephones, teleconference, and video conference, Donald suggests that if its an important negotiation, you should do it face to face, so you can read the other persons body language. 9. Middle men Donald is not a fan of middle men who do not add value and who extract outsized returns. He tells the story of how he goes around a broker on a billion dollar (thats the number of zeros the Don deals in these days) deal where he was losing a negotiation and flew to Dubai to deal directly with the principal and struck a great deal. I must say, I liked this piece of advice. There are so many industries that have middle men filled with old boys clubs that take money out of your pocket. If you want a good example, try leasing some office space or dealing with a technology analyst. 10. Marriage Marry someone who understands number 1 above and make sure to get a prenuptial agreement. Donald Trump may not be a jerk as the world makes him out to be. Although it may come as a surprise to most of America, Donald Trump’s long time employees describe him as a strong yet merciful leader. Trump is a far more righteous leader than he is given credit. â€Å"Not only is he fair, when he’s forced to make a decision he thinks about it carefully, and just as he does on the show, Mr. Trump will contact the appropriate people whenever there’s an unproductive or anti-productive issue to be resolved. If he weren’t a successful real estate developer. According to actual Donald Trump employees, he’s very much like the man you see on the show, but he’s also a man filled with genuine compassion beyond anything the cameras could ever show yet the media never picks up on the good press they always take the bad against him. Trumps employees say he works hard to keep his kindness out of the spotlight, but in truth he is far more generous than his reputation would lead anyone to believe. On the season premiere of â€Å"The Apprentice,† a member of the winning team asked Donald about the story of a middle aged couple who stopped to help when Donald’s trusty limo broke down on a deserted highway outside New York City. Trump showed genuine signs of humility as the contestant asked if he had really paid off the mortgage on that helpful couple’s home after they rescued him. Almost embarrassed, Trump admitted to the kind act, but most people refuse to believe this stern business tycoon could ever show compassion beyond that of his immediate family and inner circle. So while this man would seem to be lost in most marketers, Donald has turned it into a lot of money and respect. Donald Trump’s leadership style has turned â€Å"The Apprentice† into a powerful magnet for thousands of young entrepreneurs, many of whom credit Trump with teaching them important lessons for business success.

Title of Paper Essay Example for Free

Title of Paper Essay Introduction The increase in our prison population has had a major impact on our families, communities, state and federal budgets. In 2000, 92% of federal prisoner released were non-violent offenses and one-third were imprisoned for sell drugs or for possession of illegal drugs. A common misperception is that all these prisoners are dangerous and imposes a threat to others in the community. United States should re-evaluate the great needs of families, children and the re-entry of prisoners in communities. I would like to share some concerns, viewpoints, future needs, and ways to apply what I have learned through the presentation. Concerns Some concerning issues of prisoners and their families and children have been that they are not an important part of the social policy. They are not included in the strategic plans of social services agencies or corrections departments. Our correctional population is numbering over two million and steady growing. Other concerns are the increase in women prisoners, the imprisonment of African American males, high recidivism rates, high cost of maintaining children in foster care placements, welfare assistance of women and children, and the reentry of prisoners back in the communities. Advocates for Social Justice In advocating for social justice for families studies are using theoretical perspectives which focus on the positive roles and functions that families serve as opposed to the problems that they experience indicate that families  are important to prisoners and to the achievement of major social goals, including the prevention of recidivism and delinquency. Hairston’s (1988; 1991a) review of research on prisoners’ family relationship shows two consistent findings; â€Å"male prisoners who maintain strong family ties during imprisonment have higher rates of post release success than those who do not and men who assume responsible husband and parenting roles upon release have higher rates of success that those who do not. I feel that if there have been many positive researches why not follow up them to improve the impact of being imprisoned. Advocating for more parenting programs in prison and involve the incarcerated parents to be a more productive parent to help eliminate and prevent intergenerational crimes. Advocacy should built relationship with children parent and their children by helping child and parent understand their situations better and to mend some of the hurt, distance and humiliation that goes with being separated. About 40% of incarcerated mother in a national survey has relinquished responsibility for the physical care of their children to others. Realizing that not all incarcerated mothers nor fathers wants the connection or re-connection with their children and that’s understandable. But both still need that emotional and mental hurting. . The Role of the Human Service Worker Replace the level three heading with the words for your heading. The heading must be in bold font. How I Will Apply This Course Conclusion References This is a hanging indent. To keep the hanging indent format, simply delete this line of text using the backspace key, and replace the information with your reference entry.

The Importance Of Rivers Environmental Sciences Essay

The Importance Of Rivers Environmental Sciences Essay Rivers have been extremely helpful to men in all parts of the earth from the very early times. They provide water to slake the thirst of men, to fertilize their lands, to provide a means of communication for the goods that transport from place to place, provides food, energy, recreation,  and of course water for irrigation and for drinking. it is an essential element and the single most important commodity in our lives. Without river, life wouldnt be possible (www.language123.blogspot.com).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Globally, according to a new study from the American Meteorological Societys Journal of Climate, due to global climate change, Many rivers around the world are losing water Large populations depend on some of the rivers for everything from agriculture to clean drinking resources, including the Yellow River, the Ganges, the Niger, and the Colorado, which have all shown significant declines (Hans,HYPERLINK http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0422-hance_rivers.html 2009). Water, the lifeblood of nations is being squandered. In California, citizens go on with their lives and life styles and waste precious water on precious projects which support industry, their recreational and domestic needs. Even water to the bread basket of the nation, the vast Imperial Valley area where vegetables and fruits are grown for the nation, water is being rationed so that ten million toilets can be flushed daily, more lawns watered, a million cars cleaned in car washes. We are massive consumers of earths resources and waste water outrageously. But it takes an outrageous amount of water to keep an economy vibrant, to restart the economic engine so that we move out of a recession (Bergsma, 2009). In the Philippines, particularly in Pasig River is considered as one of the Worldss contaminated rivers now. The United Nations Development Programme article entitled Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and global water crisis; said that the pollution load in Pasig river today accounts for seventy percent of human waste. But that was already old information. The department of Environment and natural resources 2003 pollution report said that the Pasig River was already dead, in nature. Sad to say, the DENR said that the conjugal waste and industrial waste in the river were still being deserted everyday. The Pasig river, before the years of large scale growth was compared some time ago to the Grand Canal of Venice. According to the United Nations Development Programme report, Problem is the mud management and discarding facilities are unusual which and might show the way into the river to the haphazard waste dumping, having an unwell effects on health (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2006). In Davao City, Rosendo Almonte, manager of the Environment and Watershed Protection Division of the Davao City Water District, said that the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers in the plantation had affected the watershed areas in the northern part of the city that slowly contaminated our water resources. 20 years from now, our watershed and rivers will be polluted. In Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City, the Riverside are of many garbage waste. You can see human waste floating on the river children swimming in the river as well. Thus, this made the researchers study the said River. Literature Review This segment discusses the related literatures which encompass in this study which include the views the different authors consequently. The subsequent are literatures gathered from books, journals, internet, and other studies on the subject of this problem. Likewise, this section will flash to present approaches of the research process. These coupled with the authors experiences and other tribulations specific to this applied issue. These are the follows: Quality of Water. Water is vital for life. We may go for days or even weeks with no food, however death will happened following a few days with no water. It acts as a solvent medium for nutrients, toxins, and waste products, and works to transport nutrients to and from the cells via blood stream. It is a solution part in knowing the quality of our lives. Nowadays, citizens are concerned with the quality of the water they drink. Before it reaches the consumers tap, it comes into contact with many different substances, including organic and inorganic matter, chemicals, and other contaminants. Water is important to the technicalities of the human body. Without it, the human body cannot work. In fact, all the cell and organ functions made up in our entire anatomy and physiology depend on water for their functioning. Water also helps in preventing some diseases (Margaret, 2009). Physico-chemical Properties. According to Helen Anderson and David Cummings, Melbourne, TDS is recorded in milligrams of dissolved solid in one liter of water (mg/L). Parts per million (ppm) is equivalent to mg/L but it is not a favored unit. EC measures the charge carrying ability of liquid in a measuring cell of specific dimensions. It is necessary to clearly define the units of both conductance and length when talking ECs. To say water sample is 2000 EC, is like saying a table is 2000 long, without specifying millimeters, centimeters or meters. The standard EC unit used by the Victorian Salinity Program and the Murray Darling Basin Commission is micro Siemens per centimeter ( µS/cm) at 25oC. You will however see other units and need to be aware of the relationships between them.  µS/cm relates to other units as 1000  µS/cm = 1 deciSiemen/metre (dS/m); 1000  µS/cm = 1; milliSiemen/centimetre (mS/cm) and 10  µS/cm = 1 milliSiemen/metre (mS/m), (Department of Primary Indust ry March, 2010). According to Sherlie Sharp, there is no normal pH that applies to all fish. Because fish originate in ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans that have different pH levels, their needs are different. Saltwater fish prefer an alkaline pH of 8.0 or above. Freshwater fish thrive in a range lower than that, somewhere between 5.5 and 7.5, depending on the specific species. Changes in the pH, especially sudden changes, can prove harmful or even fatal to fish . As the pH rises it increases the toxicity of chemicals such as ammonia. It is an important factor to monitor during the break-in of a new tank. pH changes are particularly hard on young and sick fish. In a number of species of fish, breeding occurs only within a specific pH range (Sharp, 2006). Dissolved oxygen analysis measures the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) dissolved in an aqueous solution. Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important parameters in aquatic systems. This gas is an absolute requirement for the metabolism of aerobic organisms and also influences inorganic chemical reactions. Therefore, knowledge of the solubility and dynamics of oxygen distribution is essential to interpreting both biological and chemical processes within water bodies. Oxygen gets into water by diffusion from the surrounding air, by aeration (rapid movement) and as a waste product of photosynthesis. The amount of dissolved oxygen gas is highly dependent on temperature. Atmospheric pressure also has an effect on dissolved oxygen. The amount of oxygen (or any gas) that can dissolve in pure water (saturation point) is inversely proportional to the temperature of water. The warmer the water, the less dissolved oxygen (www.kywater.org). Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygens presence in water is a positive sign, but low levels are a sign of severe pollution. Water with consistently high levels of dissolved oxygen is considered healthy and capable of supporting many different kinds of aquatic organisms. In order for a water body to sustain warm water fish like bluegill, bass, and pike, the dissolved oxygen level must be at least 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Dissolved Oxygen in water generally comes from one of two sources. Most Dissolved Oxygen comes from the atmosphere as waves and tumbling water mix atmospheric oxygen. Another source of Dissolved Oxygen comes from plants as they go through photosynthesis. Less than 4 mg/L is bad; 4 10 mg/L is good, and more than 10 mg/L means Excellent, (www.sciotoswcd.org). Health Risks. According to DOH, River and lake water may contain microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make a person sick if they enter the body. Since most swimmers are exposed to these organisms by swallowing the water, people are less lik ely to get sick if they wade or swim without putting their head under water or avoid swallowing river water (DOH, June 2009). The Centers for Disease Control estimates that in the United States 900,000 people becomes ill each year from waterborne infections. Globally, it is estimated that waterborne diseases are responsible for over 2 million deaths each year, mostly among children under the age of 5. This is the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing every day and represents about 15% of all child death in this age group. Examples of such disease are Typhoid fever and cholera, caused by bacteria that are shed only in human feces. About 100 years ago, the journal of the America medical association reported that the Typhoid fever mortality rate in Chicago had declined from 159.7 per 100,000 people in 1891 to 31.4 per 100,000 in 1894. More than one billion people worldwide do not have access to clean freshwater. More than two billion do not have adequate sanitation services and the annual death toll from water-borne diseases is estimated at more than five million (Manila Bulletin, 2006). The cure for all ill just might have been here all along. Plain old water has proven such an effective solution to various health concerns (The Philippine Star, 2005). A polluted body of water such as polluted lake or river presents a totally different picture. Water may be the vehicle for transfer of a broad variety of microbial diseases, including bacterial diseases such, cholera and shigellosis. Waterborne epidemics of these diseases, however, are rare due to continual surveillance. Many waterborne illnesses are due to less familiar bacteria such as species of Yersinia and Campylobacter, and toxins-producing strains of Escherichia Coli. An emerging pathogen associated with contaminated water is Vibrio vulnificus, a gram negative bacterium that can cause serious illness in persons with pre-existing liver disease or compromised immune systems. Viral diseases transmitted by water include hepatitis A, gastroenteritis due to Coxsackie or Norwalk virus, and in rare instances, polio. The se diseases are generally related to fecal contamination of water. Many protozoa form cysts that survive for long periods in water. Human Activities. Pollution caused by household garbage, the diminishing margin of safety between septic tanks and deep wells and pipes for potable water cause contamination to groundwater and exposed everyone to water-borne diseases. There are three main sources of water pollution here in the Philippines domestic/residential (48 percent), agricultural (37 percent) and industrial (15 percent) (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2007). Nearly everybody in the world lives in a river basin and everybody have contribution to make to prevent further damage to the environment. The threats facing river basins are varied and interlinked and require holistic policies rather than efforts that target just one aspect but can end up being counter productive. He said if government become concerned about climate change and reducing water run-off, they will possibly build more dams to store more water which may result in more waters being extracted from the rivers and will build up ecological problems (French, 2007) At the local front, countrys scarcity of water resource is mainly brought about by deteriorating quality of water resulting from indiscriminate economic activities in the water shed results to sedimentation and siltation of the water resources. Another thing is the disposal of solid and liquid wastes in to our rivers, lakes, canals, streams, marshes and swamps eventually contaminate ground water aquifers and coastal wastes (Manila Bulletin, 2009). Citizen monitors are the first and sometimes the only line of defense for our water ways. Theres often nobody else there looking (Sunstar Davao, 2007).   In the Philippines, more and more people are dumping their garbage into the seas and rivers; thus, poisoning our marine life. Some species are over fished and are therefore forced to the brink of extinction. Today, man is the greatest threat to marine biodiversity. Until a few hundred years ago, humans had a relatively small effect on the environment that damaged, however, with the rapid increase in population, as well as the onset of the technological revolution (Manila Bulletin, 2007). This is now a warning, that our surface waters are already highly contaminated and there is a high possibility that some of there waters may have already percolated and contaminated our waters (Today, 2008). Human activities commonly affect the distribution, quantity, and chemical quality of water resources. The range in human activities that affect the interaction of ground water and surface water is broad (Publishing Service Center, 2008). According to Erinn Soule, pollution in the ocean is a major problem that is affecting the ocean and the rest of the Earth, too. Pollution in the ocean directly affects ocean organisms and indirectly affects human health and resources. Oil spills, toxic wastes, and dumping of other harmful materials are all major sources of pollution in the ocean. People should learn more about these because if people know more about pollution in the ocean, then they will know more about how to stop pollution,(www.helium.com). Garbage dumping is the dumping of harmful materials into the ocean like human waste, ground-up garbage, water from bathing, and plastics. Most of the waste that has been dumped into the ocean in the early 1990s is still there today. One main cause of garbage dumping occurs when sewage pipes share their space with storm water drains. Rainfall causes the sewage pipes to overflow and the sewage waste mixes with the storm water drain, which flows into another water source such as a lake or river. After that, the garbage pollutes the ocean, kills plants and animals in the water (for example, the plastic rings that are around pop cans can get around an animals neck, causing it to suffocate), and makes the water dirty(library.thinkquest.org). Whenever someone takes their boat onto the water for a ride, it is creating pollution that can be very harmful to the sea life. Boating pollution is the pollution that comes from the boats engine when it is running, and it pollutes the water, killing animals with the chemicals in the exhaust from the engine. The engine gives off excess gasoline, which pollutes the waters and ends up killing the animals,(library.thinkquest.org). Theoretical Framework This study is anchored on Nightingales theory which gives importance on environments reflected predominant concern when a human activity was a chief health problem. Nightingale supposed that disease was a reparative course and that the exploitation of the patients surroundingsventilation, warmth, light, diet, cleanliness and noise would put in to the reparative process and the health of the patient. She did not subscribe to the germ theory, however, asserting that dirt, sewer gases, and other environmental contagion produced illness (Tomey, 2002). Nightingale consistently stressed health promotion and disease prevention. The foundations for good health were; housing, clean water and air, good nutrition and good child care. Nightingale described that putting individual in the best condition for nature to act upon them, emphasizing touch and kindness along with the healing properties of the physical environment. It was Nightingale that made the theory explaining the relationship of the health condition with the environment, stating that poor environment conditions are bad for health and good environmental condition reduces disease, (Allender, 2001). And for Neumans Health Care System Model, people are seen as an open system that constantly and reciprocally interact with the environment and that stressors can originate from internal or external environment. Dorothea Orems Self-care Deficit Theory focused on the concepts of self care that are learned, and are goal-oriented actions to preserve and promote life, health, and well-bei ng. She described that the people needing nursing care are those who lacks ability to self-care. Health Belief model by Becker and Rosenstack assumes that beliefs are important contributors to health-seeking behaviors. These include four beliefs that should combine to predict health-related behaviors. The beliefs mentioned were the perceived susceptibility of the disease or disability, perceived severity of the disease, perceived benefits of health-enhancing behaviors and perceived barriers to health enhancing behaviors, including financial costs. The nurse has a big role in helping the client interact with the environment in the growth and development stage. Being healthy is a lived, constantly changing experience. The clients health evolves during interaction with the environment, which may put them at risk or lead to good health. Another is Dorothy Johnsons theory (2001) that states that The goal of Nursing is reduce stress so that the client can move more easily through recovery processes. According to Johnson, the nurse assesses the clients needs in categories of behavior, called behavioral subsystems. Under normal conditions the client functions effectively in the environment. When stress disrupts normal adaptation, however, behavior becomes erratic and less purposeful. The nurse identifies this inability to adapt and provides nursing care to resolve problems in meeting the clients needs (Potter Perry, 2001). This means that there are indications from the client that will demonstrate reactions to the disruptions of their behavior and that the nurse can identify these oddities or changes, providing nursing care and helping the client overcome these changes. If residents near the river show changes such as diseases or their activities in daily living are disrupted, then it is an indication that nursing processes be used to help the residents. Conceptual framework This diagram shows that human activities is independent in heath in terms of gastrointestinal and skin diseases and is independent in the physico-chemical properties of the river such as salinity, water ph, oxygen content which means that daily activities of every individual especially those live along the riverside will greatly affect the health status of individual and the physico-chemical properties of the river. River is important to those people especially who get their foods from the river in order to survive. It serves as a livelihood especially to those individual who lived near the river. But due to the activities of human such as waste waste and garbage disposa, swimming and fishing, properties of river such as salinity, water ph, oxygen content will be affected which may alter the health of each individual as well. Conceptual Model Independent Variables Dependent Variables Physico-chemical Properties of Freshwater Salinity Water pH Dissolved Oxygen Profile of Respondents Number of Family members Moderator Variables Statement of the Problem 1. What is the profile of the respondents along Gravahan River Matina, Davao City, in terms of number of family members? 2.) What is the physico-chemical properties of water along Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City in terms of: 2.1 Salinity; 2.2 Water pH; and 2.3 Oxygen content? 3.) What is the extent of Incidence of water-related diseases (An associated health risk) of respondents Along Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City, in terms of: 3.1 Gastrointestinal; and b 3.2 Skin? 4. What is the extent of perceived health risks of human activities of the respondents along Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City, in terms of human activities ? 5.) Is there a significant difference in the perceived health risks of human activities and physico-chemical properties on profile of family members along Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City when analyzed in terms of the number of family members? Ho1 There is no significant difference in the perceived health risks of human activities along Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City when analyzed in terms of the number of family members. Definition of terms Gastrointestinal disease Refers to ulcerative disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Stomach acids and some enzymes can damage the lining of the G.I. tract if natural protective factors are not functioning normally. Skin disease A disease which involves the skin. Salinity: The saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water. pH: Indicates the samples acidity, but is actually a measurement of the potential activity of hydrogen ions (H+) in the sample. Oxygen saturation or dissolved oxygen (DO) A relative measure of the amount oxygen that is dissolved or carried in a given medium. CHAPTER II METHODS This chapter presents a thorough discussion of the research methods and procedures used. It also includes the respondents, research instruments, data gathering procedures,and data analysis. Research Design This study utilized the descriptive design method and experimental methods which described the nature and characteristics of a certain phenomenon under investigation (Asperos, 2005). Furthermore, it was designed to provide information on households, through relative randomly selected samples that ensured proper representation of the different areas throughout the perimeter of the area under study and be conducted as well in order to determine the physico-chemical content of the river along Barangay Gravahan, Matina, Davao City. In this study, the sampling and analysis methods of data gathering were utilized as well and measured distances along the river bank. First, this study used experimental method. An experimental design is a blueprint of the procedure that enabled the researchers to test the hypothesis by reaching valid conclusions about relationships between independent and dependent variables. It referred to the conceptual framework within which the experiment was conducted. Next was the descriptive design method. Descriptive research design was a valid method for researching specific subjects and as a precursor to more quantitative studies. Scope and Limitations This study was concerned on the health risks of human activities as well as assessing the human activities practiced by the household of Barangay Gravahan, Matina Davao City through a primary source of information. We conduct this study, the experimentation method last February 01,2010. Purposely, we have chosen the head of the family of the households as the respondents in this study. It also aimed to identify management practiced by these households in preventing such diseases that individuals might get into the river. It dealt with the water sampling data and analyses regarding the physico-chemical properties of the river. It served also as a focal point of reference in the future when other tests will be done. The area where the samples were taken is located where there is a high concentration of human residents, engaged in different kinds of livelihood or activities that the researchers also documented. The prohibitive cost of water analysis limited the num ber of water samples tested. They planned to take samples in three (3) connected 15-meter long segments. The quality of water was also limited since the plan to take the water samples was only in the morning. But the researchers hoped to get a birds eye view on of the overall physico-chemical properties data results when the river content was really reflective of the wastes from both man and factories that use the river as a means of sewage, livelihood and source. A round the clock sampling at regular intervals would be more accurate. Participants There were only forty (40) residents in Gravahan, Matina, Davao City who stood as respondents of this research. The heads of the families of the households were chosen as the respondents in this study. They live in the immediate area and are the ones greatly affected by whatever is in the river, whether bacteria or chemicals. The river serves as an alternate route for the residents to reach other places. They were randomly selected to represent a certain area where differences of the variables on study were observable. Instrumentation The data gathered through a primary source. Primary source is a term used in a number of disciplines to describe source material that is closest to the person, information, period, or idea being studied. The data regarding the human activities were taken from the profile data at the health desk of Barangay Gravahan, Matina, Davao City. The questionnaire was utilized to gather the data on of human activities practiced by the households. This questionnaire had two parts. The first part included the informed consent and the respondents profile such as the name, age and household size; it included the activities they practiced as well. Second part included a questionnaire that was for the health risks they had experienced. The respondents completed the instrument themselves in a paper and pencil/ball pen format. The purpose of using questionnaire with such degree of structure was to ensure comparability of response to facilitate analysis. The items were enumerated and the respondents ticked and checked the corresponding item that is true to them. The criteria that were used in the checklist were the following: Numerical Desciption Interpretation 5 Always Indicates that the activity is observed or experienced at all times 4 Often Indicates that the activity is observed or experienced in a frequent manner 3 Sometimes Indicates that the activity is observed or experienced now and then with short interval of time. 2 Seldom Indicates that the activity is observed or experienced once in a while with long interval of time. 1 Never Indicates that the activity is never observed or never experienced. In physico-chemical properties test, water sampling from the area does not need very sophisticated materials or instruments. A stick or pole will be staked into the ground along the riverbank and will serve as a focal point where distances will be measured along the banks and into the river. At measured distances to the river (5-10 meters), water will be taken from the river, either from the river surface or at certain depths. The containers will then be covered or capped, masking taped, and labeled to identify. At measured distances along the river bank from the point of origin, water will be taken again from the river, capped, taped, and labeled. After the required number of samples has been taken, these will be forwarded to the selected facility where the analysis will be done, as soon as possible. Construction, validation, and distribution of the questionnaires. The questionnaires were personally distributed to the respondents. Prior to the distribution, the respondents were given proper orientation of the objectives of the study. The respondents were given enough time to answer the questionnaire and to raise clarification at the same time. Then, the questionnaire is retrieved. Seeking permission to conduct a study. The researchers wrote a letter to the Dean of the College of Nursing, asking permission to conduct a study protective purpose. Upon approval of the request, another letter was addressed to the Barangay Captain of Barangay Gravahan, Matina, for the acquisition of data regarding the human activities practiced in the community and for the distribution of the questionnaires to the residents. Data Gathering Procedures The data were necessary for accomplishing the studys objectives and were collected by means of primary source of data. In this study, the researchers distributed first the questionnaires to the respondents personally. Then after, the researchers proceeded to the subject river for the water sampling. The researchers also documented the properties of water along the river with the use of imaging devices such as camera or cell phones. CHAPTER III RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS This chapter presents the answers of the different sub-problems raised in this study. They are as follows: (1) The profile of the respondents along Gravahan river Matina, Davao City in terms of number of family members. (2) The physico-chemical properties of water along Gravahan river Matina, Davao City in terms of Salinity, Water pH, and Oxygen Content. (3) The extent of Incidences of Water Related Diseases (An associated health risk) of respondents Along Gravahan river, Matina, Davao City in terms of gastrointestinala and skin. (4) the extent of perceived health risks of human activity of the respondents along Gravahan River Matina, Davao City in terms of Human Activities. (5) the significant difference in the perceived health risks of human activities along Gravahan River, Matina, Davao City analyzed in terms of their number of family members. The profile of the respondents along Gravahan River Matina, Davao City in terms of number of family members The profile of the respondents along Gravahan river, Matina, Davao City in terms of number of family members on page thirty five (36) shows that the family member of three, four and six is 18% which has a frequency of 9. The number of family members of five on the said area is 12%, having a frequency of six. Another 10%, frequency of 5, has family members of seven. The family members of eight and nine has 2%, having a frequency of 2. Number of persons living together in one house and it is a variable of great interest to those who study children. Family size is an important determinant of whether a family or individual is poor because the official poverty measure incorporates family size. The size of the family depends on; family income cost of children, wages, government transfers, and preferences. Large family size will consequently result in families inability to function well in terms of childcare and ability to adequately educate children in the family. According to Debbie Madden-Derdich, Empirical studies consistently have found a negative association between family size and childrens mental ability, intelligence, and educational attainment. Although larger families include positive characteristics such as increased family socialization and father involvement, increased family size also is associated with more authoritarian parenting, which, in turn, can negatively impact a childs self-esteem, self- differentiation, and ego identity (Derdich, 2008). Large family size can be an important contributor to household poverty and are at significantly risk in living at poverty than are children in small family (Orbeta, 2005). Based on the result we gathered, majority has a short number of family members and might not affect the status of the river in terms of physico chemical properties

Friendship Expectations of Early Adolescents in Cuba and Canada :: essays research papers

Friendship Expectations of Early Adolescents in Cuba and Canada Gonzales, Y.S., & Moreno, D.S., & Schneider, B.H. (2004). Friendship expectations of early adolescents in Cuba and Canada. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 35, 436-445. The article entitled â€Å"Friendship Expectations of Early Adolescents in Cuba and Canada† is a study done to see whether the emphasis of character education, as in Cuba, or moral education, as in Canada, create different types of friendships in developing adolescents. He purpose of this study is to see how much the Cuban culture, which is interdependent, is reproduced in the children’s idea of friendship. The Canadians were used to compare the results from Cuba to. The author’s hypothesis is that the idea of friendship in Cuba would be more advanced than the Canadian idea, because of the emphasis of interdependence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this study there are three hundred Cuban and two hundred and ninety-four Canadian students in grades seven, eight, and nine. The seventh graders are the youngest chosen because that is the first year that the students start a new school in both countries. Both groups off students were taken from large cities in their respective countries. The researchers asked the students to write an essay about what a best friend, of the same-sex, should be willing to do for them, and what makes a best friend different from any other friend. These essays were then â€Å"graded† by two raters using a category of numbers, from 1 (not mentioned at all), to 4 (especially important).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The results of this study were varied between the two countries answers. The responses from the subjects could be described as character admiration, and were much more likely to be used by the Canadian adolescents. An example of this was that the Canadian students said that their friends should be easygoing, and does not make them be someone they are not. In contrast many Cubans responded that they like their best friends because of their willingness to help others, and do things for the good of the group. Some of the ideas that were seen as important to one culture were not as important to the other. For example the theme of help given to a friend was present in 82% of Cuban essays, but only present in 22% of Canadian essays. Also, the theme of similar personalities was included in 97% of Cuban essays, and only included in 38% of Canadian essays.

Smoking Risks Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most popular habits in today’s society is smoking. Yet each year, cigarette smoking kills more Americans than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, homicides, suicides, illegal drugs and fires combined. Smoking is an extremely bad pastime, practiced for centuries, for an individual’s health and those surrounding him/her. People start for many different reasons and get addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes. Smoking cause many fatal diseases, but help is available to those who seek it. Cigarette smoking is a disgusting and unhealthy habit. History of Smoking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Smoking is defined as the action of inhaling tobacco from a pipe, cigar or cigarette. It has been practiced for 100’s of years, including by early North-American natives. Europeans had introduced it into the Old World by the early 16th century (Petrakis). It was continually practiced since then throughout the world, with tobacco companies arising and packaged cigarettes soon available. Smokers would praise it for medicinal reasons and also claimed smoking to be pleasurable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Smokers had no knowledge of cigarette smoke’s harm to their health until 1964, when the surgeon general of the U.S Public Health Service concluded that smoking was hazardous to an individual’s health, and soon after it was discovered that second-hand smoke was also hazardous to the health of surrounding non-smokers inhaling it. Reasons Why People Smoke   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many reasons why people begin smoking. One of which is insecurity. In an uncertain situation in which a person is not comfortable with their individuality and not confident with themselves, if there are smokers around then that person may be tempted to take up smoking. It might be because they would like to â€Å"fit in† with an unknown group of people, or someone may take it up based on a new friend’s or girl/boyfriend’s influences. Another reason why people take up smoking is because of peer pressure leading to a quick physical addiction. One ingredient in cigarettes is nicotine, and it is extremely addictive. And yet nicotine is not the only physical reason people smoke, they are also get hooked on the taste, smell and the feel of cigarettes. Health Risks of Smoking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to the American Heart Association there are an est... ... would distract someone from smoking.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The government also encourages people to quit smoking. Cigarette smokers are warned each time they smoke a cigarette of the deadly diseases that could effect their health. By law a warning label must appear on each pack and carton of cigarettes warning buyers of the hazards. There is also a ban on television and radio ads for cigarettes in the United States, and in Canada there is a ban on all advertisements for tobacco companies. It is also illegal to smoke in most public places now, including some restaurants, elevators, the workplace, schools, airlines, public transportation machines and most stores. Also, the Canadian and American governments prohibit the selling of cigarettes to anyone younger than 19 years of age.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although there are still many individuals who smoke worldwide, one can hope that sometime in the future there will only be non-smokers. Smoking only proves to lead to an early grave for smokers and non-smokers alike. With medicines, support groups and will power, the world could easily become a cleaner, non-smoking place, because a smoker’s death is an unneeded death.

Chapter 4 The Leaky Cauldron

It took Harry several days to get used to his strange new freedom. Never before had he been able to get up whenever he wanted or eat whatever he fancied. He could even go wherever he pleased, as long as it was in Diagon Alley, and as this long cobbled street was packed with the most fascinating wizarding shops in the world, Harry felt no desire to break his word to Fudge and stray back into the Muggle world. Harry ate breakfast each morning in the Leaky Cauldron, where he liked watching the other guests: funny little witches from the country, up for a day's shopping; venerable-looking wizards arguing over the latest article in Transfiguration Today; wild-looking warlocks; raucous dwarfs; and once, what looked suspiciously like a hag, who ordered a plate of raw liver from behind a thick woolen balaclava. After breakfast Harry would go out into the backyard, take out his wand, tap the third brick from the left above the trash bin, and stand back as the archway into Diagon Alley opened in the wall. Harry spent the long sunny days exploring the shops and eating under the brightly colored umbrellas outside cafes, where his fellow diners were showing one another their purchases (â€Å"It's a lunascope, old boy — no more messing around with moon charts, see?†) or else discussing the case of Sirius Black (â€Å"Personally, I won't let any of the children out alone until he's back in Azkaban†). Harry didn't have to do his homework under the blankets by flashlight anymore; now he could sit in the bright sunshine outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, finishing all his essays with occasional help from Florean Fortescue himself, who, apart from knowing a great deal about medieval witch burnings, gave Harry free sundaes every half an hour. Once Harry had refilled his money bag with gold Galleons, silver Sickles, and bronze Knuts from his vault at Gringotts, he had to exercise a lot of self-control not to spend the whole lot at once. He had to keep reminding himself that he had five years to go at Hogwarts, and how it would feel to ask the Dursleys for money for spellbooks, to stop himself from buying a handsome set of solid gold Gobstones (a wizarding game rather like marbles, in which the stones squirt a nasty-smelling liquid into the other player's face when they lose a point). He was sorely tempted, too, by the perfect, moving model of the galaxy in a large glass ball, which would have meant he never had to take another Astronomy lesson. But the thing that tested Harry's resolution most appeared in his favorite shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, a week after he'd arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. Curious to know what the crowd in the shop was staring at, Harry edged his way inside and squeezed in among the excited witches and wizards until he glimpsed a newly erected podium, on which was mounted the most magnificent broom he had ever seen in his life. â€Å"Just come out — prototype –† a square-jawed wizard was telling his companion. â€Å"It's the fastest broom in the world, isn't it, Dad?† squeaked a boy younger than Harry, who was swinging off his father's arm. â€Å"Irish International Side's just put in an order for seven of these beauties!† the proprietor of the shop told the crowd. â€Å"And they're favorites for the World Cup!† A large witch in front of Harry moved, and he was able to read the sign next to the broom: ** THE FIREBOLT ** THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART RACING BROOM SPORTS A STREAM-LINED, SUPERFINE HANDLE OF ASH, TREATED WITH A DIAMOND-HARD POLISH AND HAND-NUMBERED WITH ITS OWN REGISTRATION NUMBER. EACH INDIVIDUALLY SELECTED BIRCH TWIG IN THE BROOMTAIL HAS BEEN HONED TO AERODYNAMIC PERFECTION, GIVING THE FIREBOLT UNSURPASSABLE BALANCE AND PINPOINT PRECISION. THE FIREBOLT HAS AN ACCELERATION OF 150 MILES AN HOUR IN TEN SECONDS AND INCORPORATES AN UNBREAKABLE BRAKING CHARM. PRICE ON REQUEST. Price on request†¦Harry didn't like to think how much gold the Firebolt would cost. He had never wanted anything as much in his whole life — but he had never lost a Quidditch match on his Nimbus Two Thousand, and what was the point in emptying his Gringotts vault for the Firebolt, when he had a very good broom already? Harry didn't ask for the price, but he returned, almost every day after that, just to look at the Firebolt. There were, however, things that Harry needed to buy. He went to the Apothecary to replenish his store of potions ingredients, and as his school robes were now several inches too short in the arm and leg, he visited Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and bought new ones. Most important of all, he had to buy his new schoolbooks, which would include those for his two new subjects, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. Harry got a surprise as he looked in at the bookshop window. Instead of the usual display of gold-embossed spellbooks the size of paving slabs, there was a large iron cage behind the glass that held about a hundred copies of The Monster Book of Monsters. Torn pages were flying everywhere as the books grappled with each other, locked together in furious wrestling matches and snapping aggressively. Harry pulled his booklist out of his pocket and consulted it for the first time. The Monster Book of Monsters was listed as the required book for Care of Magical Creatures. Now Harry understood why Hagrid had said it would come in useful. He felt relieved; he had been wondering whether Hagrid wanted help with some terrifying new pet. As Harry entered Flourish and Blotts, the manager came hurrying toward him. â€Å"Hogwarts?† he said abruptly. â€Å"Come to get your new books?† â€Å"Yes,† said Harry, â€Å"I need –â€Å" â€Å"Get out of the way,† said the manager impatiently, brushing Harry aside. He drew on a pair of very thick gloves, picked up a large, knobbly walking stick, and proceeded toward the door of the Monster Books' cage. â€Å"Hang on,† said Harry quickly, â€Å"I've already got one of those.† â€Å"Have you?† A look of enormous relief spread over the manager's face. â€Å"Thank heavens for that. I've been bitten five times already this morning –â€Å" A loud ripping noise rent the air; two of the Monster Books had seized a third and were pulling it apart. â€Å"Stop it! Stop it!† cried the manager, poking the walking stick through the bars and knocking the books apart. â€Å"I'm never stocking them again, never! It's been bedlam! I thought we'd seen the worst when we bought two hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility — cost a fortune, and we never found them†¦Well†¦is there anything else I can help you with?† â€Å"Yes,† said Harry, looking down his booklist, â€Å"I need Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky.† â€Å"Ah, starting Divination, are you?† said the manager, stripping off his gloves and leading Harry into the back of the shop, where there was a corner devoted to fortune-telling. A small table was stacked with volumes such as Predicting the Unpredictable: Insulate Yourself Against Shocks and Broken Balls: When Fortunes Turn Foul. â€Å"Here you are,† said the manager, who had climbed a set of steps to take down a thick, black-bound book. â€Å"Unfogging the Future. Very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods — palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails.† But Harry wasn't listening. His eyes had fallen on another book, which was among a display on a small table: Death Omens — What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming. â€Å"Oh, I wouldn't read that if I were you,† said the manager lightly, looking to see what Harry was staring at. â€Å"You'll start seeing death omens everywhere. It's enough to frighten anyone to death.† But Harry continued to stare at the front cover of the book; it showed a black dog large as a bear, with gleaming eyes. It looked oddly familiar†¦ The manager pressed Unfogging the Future into Harry's hands. â€Å"Anything else?† he said. â€Å"Yes,† said Harry, tearing his eyes away from the dog's and dazedly consulting his booklist. â€Å"Er — I need Intermediate Transfiguration and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three.† Harry emerged from Flourish and Blotts ten minutes later with his new books under his arms and made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron, hardly noticing where he was going and bumping into several people. He tramped up the stairs to his room, went inside, and tipped his books onto his bed. Somebody had been in to tidy; the windows were open and sun was pouring inside. Harry could hear the buses rolling by in the unseen Muggle street behind him and the sound of the invisible crowd below in Diagon Alley. He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin. â€Å"It can't have been a death omen,† he told his reflection defiantly. â€Å"I was panicking when I saw that thing in Magnolia Crescent†¦It was probably just a stray dog†¦.† He raised his hand automatically and tried to make his hair lie flat â€Å"You're fighting a losing battle there, dear,† said his mirror in a wheezy voice. As the days slipped by, Harry started looking wherever he went for a sign of Ron or Hermione. Plenty of Hogwarts students were arriving in Diagon Alley now, with the start of term so near. Harry met Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, his fellow Gryffindors, in Quality Quidditch Supplies, where they too were ogling the Firebolt; he also ran into the real Neville Longbottom, a round-faced, forgetful boy, outside Flourish and Blotts. Harry didn't stop to chat; Neville appeared to have mislaid his booklist and was being told off by his very formidable-looking grandmother. Harry hoped she never found out that he'd pretended to be Neville while on the run from the Ministry of Magic. Harry woke on the last day of the holidays, thinking that he would at least meet Ron and Hermione tomorrow, on the Hogwarts Express. He got up, dressed, went for a last look at the Firebolt, and was just wondering where he'd have lunch, when someone yelled his name and he turned. â€Å"Harry! HARRY!† They were there, both of them, sitting outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor — Ron looking incredibly freckly, Hermione very brown, both waving frantically at him. â€Å"Finally!† said Ron, grinning at Harry as he sat down. â€Å"We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you'd left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkin's, and –â€Å" â€Å"I got all my school stuff last week,† Harry explained. â€Å"And how come you knew I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron?† â€Å"Dad,† said Ron simply. Mr. Weasley, who worked at the Ministry of Magic, would of course have heard the whole story of what had happened to Aunt Marge. â€Å"Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry?† said Hermione in a very serious voice. â€Å"I didn't mean to,† said Harry, while Ron roared with laughter. â€Å"I just — lost control.† â€Å"It's not funny, Ron,† said Hermione sharply. â€Å"Honestly, I'm amazed Harry wasn't expelled.† â€Å"So am I,† admitted Harry. â€Å"Forget expelled, I thought I was going to be arrested.† He looked at Ron. â€Å"Your dad doesn't know why Fudge let me off, does he?† â€Å"Probably 'cause it's you, isn't it?† shrugged Ron, still chuckling. â€Å"Famous Harry Potter and all that. I'd hate to see what the Ministry'd do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, they'd have to dig me up first, because Mum would've killed me. Anyway, you can ask Dad yourself this evening. We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too! So you can come to King's Cross with us tomorrow! Hermione's there as well!† Hermione nodded, beaming. â€Å"Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things.† â€Å"Excellent!† said Harry happily. â€Å"So, have you got all your new books and stuff?† â€Å"Look at this,† said Ron, pulling a long thin box out of a bag and opening it. â€Å"Brand-new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail-hair. And we've got all our books –† He pointed at a large bag under his chair. â€Å"What about those Monster Books, eh? The assistant nearly cried when we said we wanted two.† â€Å"What's all that, Hermione?† Harry asked, pointing at not one but three bulging bags in the chair next to her. â€Å"Well, I'm taking more new subjects than you, aren't I,† said Hermione. â€Å"Those are my books for Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, the Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies –â€Å" â€Å"What are you doing Muggle Studies for?† said Ron, rolling his eyes at Harry. â€Å"You're Muggle-born! Your mum and dad are Muggles! You already know all about Muggles!† â€Å"But it'll be fascinating to study them from the wizarding point of view,† said Hermione earnestly. â€Å"Are you planning to eat or sleep at all this year, Hermione?† asked Harry, while Ron sniggered. Hermione ignored them. â€Å"I've still got ten Galleons,† she said, checking her purse. â€Å"It's my birthday in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present.† â€Å"How about a nice book? said Ron innocently. â€Å"No, I don't think so,† said Hermione composedly. â€Å"I really want an owl. I mean, Harry's got Hedwig and you've got Errol –â€Å" â€Å"I haven't,† said Ron. â€Å"Errol's a family owl. All I've got is Scabbers.† He pulled his pet rat out of his pocket. â€Å"And I want to get him checked over,† he added, placing Scabbers on the table in front of them. â€Å"I don't think Egypt agreed with him.† Scabbers was looking thinner than usual, and there was a definite droop to his whiskers. â€Å"There's a magical creature shop just over there,† said Harry, who knew Diagon Alley very well by now. â€Å"You could see if they've got anything for Scabbers, and Hermione can get her owl.† So they paid for their ice cream and crossed the street to the Magical Menagerie. There wasn't much room inside. Every inch of wall was hidden by cages. It was smelly and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering, or hissing. The witch behind the counter was already advising a wizard on the care of double-ended newts, so Harry, Ron, and Hermione waited, examining the cages. A pair of enormous purple toads sat gulping wetly and feasting on dead blowflies. A gigantic tortoise with a jewel-encrusted shell was glittering near the window. Poisonous orange snails were oozing slowly up the side of their glass tank, and a fat white rabbit kept changing into a silk top hat and back again with a loud popping noise. Then there were cats of every color, a noisy cage of ravens, a basket of funny custard-colored furballs that were humming loudly, and on the counter, a vast cage of sleek black rats that were playing some sort of skipping game using their long, bald tails. The double-ended newt wizard left, and Ron approached the counter. â€Å"It's my rat,† he told the witch. â€Å"He's been a bit off-color ever since I brought him back from Egypt.† â€Å"Bang him on the counter,† said the witch, pulling a pair of heavy black spectacles out of her pocket. Ron lifted Scabbers out of his inside pocket and placed him next to the cage of his fellow rats, who stopped their skipping tricks and scuffled to the wire for a better took. Like nearly everything Ron owned, Scabbers the rat was secondhand (he had once belonged to Ron's brother Percy) and a bit battered. Next to the glossy rats in the cage, he looked especially woebegone. â€Å"Hm,† said the witch, picking up Scabbers. â€Å"How old is this rat?† â€Å"Dunno,† said Ron. â€Å"Quite old. He used to belong to my brother.† â€Å"What powers does he have?† said the witch, examining Scabbers closely. â€Å"Er –† The truth was that Scabbers had never shown the faintest trace of interesting powers. The witch's eyes moved from Scabbers's tattered left ear to his front paw, which had a toe missing, and tutted loudly. â€Å"He's been through the mill, this one,† she said. â€Å"He was like that when Percy gave him to me,† said Ron defensively. â€Å"An ordinary common or garden rat like this can't be expected to live longer than three years or so,† said the witch. â€Å"Now, if you were looking for something a bit more hard-wearing, you might like one of these –â€Å" She indicated the black rats, who promptly started skipping again. Ron muttered, â€Å"Show-offs.† â€Å"Well, if you don't want a replacement, you can try this rat tonic,† said the witch, reaching under the counter and bringing out a small red bottle. â€Å"Okay,† said Ron. â€Å"How much — OUCH!† Ron buckled as something huge and orange came soaring from the top of the highest cage, landed on his head, and then propelled itself, spitting madly, at Scabbers. â€Å"NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO!† cried the witch, but Scabbers shot from between her hands like a bar of soap, landed splay-legged on the floor, and then scampered for the door. â€Å"Scabbers!† Ron shouted, racing out of the shop after him; Harry followed. It took them nearly ten minutes to catch Scabbers, who had taken refuge under a wastepaper bin outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ron stuffed the trembling rat back into his pocket and straightened up, massaging his head. â€Å"What was that?† â€Å"It was either a very big cat or quite a small tiger,† said Harry. â€Å"Where's Hermione?† â€Å"Probably getting her owl.† They made their way back up the crowded street to the Magical Menagerie. As they reached it, Hermione came out, but she wasn't carrying an owl. Her arms were clamped tightly around the enormous ginger cat. â€Å"You bought that monster?† said Ron, his mouth hanging open. â€Å"He's gorgeous, isn't he?† said Hermione, glowing. That was a matter of opinion, thought Harry. The cat's ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but it was definitely a bit bowlegged and its face looked grumpy and oddly squashed, as though it had run headlong into a brick wall. Now that Scabbers was out of sight, however, the cat was purring contentedly in Hermione's arms. â€Å"Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!† said Ron. â€Å"He didn't mean to, did you, Crookshanks?† said Hermione. â€Å"And what about Scabbers?† said Ron, pointing at the lump in his chest pocket. â€Å"He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?† â€Å"That reminds me, you forgot your rat tonic,† said Hermione, slapping the small red bottle into Ron's hand. â€Å"And stop worrying, Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours, what's the problem? Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he'd been in there for ages; no one wanted him.† â€Å"Wonder why,† said Ron sarcastically as they set off toward the Leaky Cauldron. They found Mr. Weasley sitting in the bar, reading the Daily Prophet. â€Å"Harry!† he said, smiling as he looked up. â€Å"How are you?† â€Å"Fine, thanks,† said Harry as he, Ron, and Hermione joined Mr. Weasley with their shopping. Mr. Weasley put down his paper, and Harry saw the now familiar picture of Sirius Black staring up at him. â€Å"They still haven't caught him, then?† he asked. â€Å"No,† said Mr. Weasley, looking extremely grave. â€Å"They've pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far.† â€Å"Would we get a reward if we caught him?† asked Ron. â€Å"It'd be good to get some more money –â€Å" â€Å"Don't be ridiculous, Ron,† said Mr. Weasley, who on closer inspection looked very strained. â€Å"Black's not going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard. It's the Azkaban guards who'll get him back, You mark my words.† At that moment Mrs. Weasley entered the bar, laden with shopping bags and followed by the twins, Fred and George, who were about to start their fifth year at Hogwarts; the newly elected Head Boy, Percy; and the Weasleys† youngest child and only girl, Ginny. Ginny, who had always been very taken with Harry, seemed even more heartily embarrassed than usual when she saw him, perhaps because he had saved her life during their previous year at Hogwarts. She went very red and muttered â€Å"hello† without looking at him. Percy, however, held out his hand solemnly as though he and Harry had never met and said, â€Å"Harry. How nice to see you.† â€Å"Hello, Percy,† said Harry, trying not to laugh. â€Å"I hope you're well?† said Percy pompously, shaking hands. It was rather like being introduced to the mayor. â€Å"Very well, thanks –â€Å" â€Å"Harry!† said Fred, elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply. â€Å"Simply splendid to see you, old boy –â€Å" â€Å"Marvelous,† said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Harry's hand in turn. â€Å"Absolutely spiffing.† Percy scowled. â€Å"That's enough, now,† said Mrs. Weasley. â€Å"Mum!† said Fred, as though he'd only just spotted her and seizing her hand, too. â€Å"How really corking to see you –â€Å" â€Å"I said, that's enough,† said Mrs. Weasley, depositing her shopping in an empty chair. â€Å"Hello, Harry, dear. I suppose you've heard our exciting news?† She pointed to the brand-new silver badge on Percy's chest. â€Å"Second Head Boy in the family!† she said, swelling with pride. â€Å"And last,† Fred muttered under his breath. I don't doubt that,† said Mrs. Weasley, frowning suddenly. â€Å"I notice they haven't made you two prefects.† â€Å"What do we want to be prefects for?† said George, looking revolted at the very idea. â€Å"It'd take all the fun out of life.† Ginny giggled. â€Å"You want to set a better example for your sister!† snapped Mrs. Weasley. â€Å"Gunny's got other brothers to set her an example, Mother,† said Percy loftily. â€Å"I'm going up to change for dinner†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He disappeared and George heaved a sigh. â€Å"We tried to shut him in a pyramid,† he told Harry. â€Å"But Mum spotted us.† ****** Dinner that night was a very enjoyable affair. Tom the innkeeper put three tables together in the parlor, and the seven Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione ate their way through five delicious courses. â€Å"How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?† asked Fred as they dug into a sumptuous chocolate pudding. â€Å"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars,† said Mr. Weasley. Everyone looked up at him. â€Å"Why?† said Percy curiously. â€Å"It's because of you, Perce,† said George seriously. â€Å"And there'll be little flags on the hoods, with HB on them–â€Å" â€Å"– for Humongous Bighead,† said Fred. Everyone except Percy and Mrs. Weasley snorted into their pudding. â€Å"Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father?† Percy asked again, in a dignified voice. â€Å"Well, as we haven't got one anymore,† said Mr. Weasley, â€Å"and as I work there, they're doing me a favor†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His voice was casual, but Harry couldn't help noticing that Mr. Wesley's ears had gone red, just like Ron's did when he was under pressure. â€Å"Good thing, too,† said Mrs. Weasley briskly. â€Å"Do you realize how much luggage you've all got between you? A nice sight you'd be on the Muggle Underground†¦You are all packed, aren't you?† â€Å"Ron hasn't put all his new things in his trunk yet,† said Percy, in a long-suffering voice. â€Å"He's dumped them on my bed.† â€Å"You'd better go and pack properly, Ron, because we won't have much time in the morning,† Mrs. Weasley called down the table. Ron scowled at Percy. After dinner everyone felt very full and sleepy. One by one they made their way upstairs to their rooms to check their things for the next day. Ron and Percy were next door to Harry. He had just closed and locked his own trunk when he heard angry voices through the wall, and went to see what was going on. The door of number twelve was ajar and Percy was shouting. â€Å"It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing –â€Å" â€Å"I haven't touched it, all right?† Ron roared back. â€Å"What's up?† said Harry. â€Å"My Head Boy badge is gone,† said Percy, rounding on Harry. â€Å"So's Scabbers's Rat Tonic,† said Ron, throwing things out of his trunk to look. â€Å"I think I might've left it in the bar –â€Å" â€Å"You're not going anywhere till you've found my badge!† yelled Percy. â€Å"I'll get Scabbers's stuff, I'm packed,† Harry said to Ron, and he went downstairs. Harry was halfway along the passage to the bar, which was now very dark, when he heard another pair of angry voices coming from the parlor. A second later, he recognized them as Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys†. He hesitated, not wanting them to know he'd heard them arguing, when the sound of his own name made him stop, then move closer to the parlor door. â€Å"†¦makes no sense not to tell him,† Mr. Weasley was saying heatedly. â€Å"Harry's got a right to know. I've tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating Harry like a child. He's thirteen years old and –â€Å" â€Å"Arthur, the truth would terrify him!† said Mrs. Weasley shrilly. â€Å"Do you really want to send Harry back to school with that hanging over him? For heaven's sake, he's happy not knowing!† â€Å"I don't want to make him miserable, I want to put him on his guard!† retorted Mr. Weasley. â€Å"You know what Harry and Ron are like, wandering off by themselves — they've ended up in the Forbidden Forest twice! But Harry mustn't do that this year! When I think what could have happened to him that night he ran away from home! If the Knight Bus hadn't picked him up, I'm prepared to bet he would have been dead before the Ministry found him.† â€Å"But he's not dead, he's fine, so what's the point –â€Å" â€Å"Molly, they say Sirius Black's mad, and maybe he is, but he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible. It's been three weeks, and no one's seen hide nor hair of him, and I don't care what Fudge keeps telling the Daily Prophet, we're no nearer catching Black than inventing self-spelling wands. The only thing we know for sure is what Black's after –â€Å" â€Å"But Harry will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts.† â€Å"We thought Azkaban was perfectly safe. If Black can break out of Azkaban, he can break into Hogwarts.† â€Å"But no one's really sure that Black's after Harry –â€Å" There was a thud on wood, and Harry was sure Mr. Weasley had banged his fist on the table. â€Å"Molly, how many times do I have to tell you? They didn't report it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night Black escaped. The guards told Fudge that Blacks been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the same words: â€Å"He's at Hogwarts†¦he's at Hogwarts.† Black is deranged, Molly, and he wants Harry dead. If you ask me, he thinks murdering Harry will bring You-Know-Who back to power. Black lost everything the night Harry stopped You-Know-Who, and he's had twelve years alone in Azkaban to brood on that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  There was a silence. Harry leaned still closer to the door, desperate to hear more. â€Å"Well, Arthur, you must do what you think is right. But you're forgetting Albus Dumbledore. I don't think anything could hurt Harry at Hogwarts while Dumbledore's Headmaster. I suppose he knows about all this?† â€Å"Of course he knows. We had to ask him if he minds the Azkaban guards stationing themselves around the entrances to the school grounds. He wasn't happy about it, but he agreed.† â€Å"Not happy? Why shouldn't he be happy, if they're there to catch Black?† â€Å"Dumbledore isn't fond of the Azkaban guards,† said Mr. Weasley heavily. â€Å"Nor am I, if it comes to that†¦but when you're dealing with a wizard like Black, you sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid.† â€Å"If they save Harry –â€Å" â€Å"?C then I will never say another word against them, said Mr. Weasley wearily. â€Å"It's late, Molly, we'd better go up†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Harry heard chairs move. As quietly as he could, he hurried down the passage to the bar and out of sight. The parlor door opened, and a few seconds later footsteps told him that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were climbing the stairs. The bottle of rat tonic was lying under the table they had sat at earlier. Harry waited until he heard Mr. and Mrs. Wesley's bedroom door close, then headed back upstairs with the bottle. Fred and George were crouching in the shadows on the landing, heaving with laughter as they listened to Percy dismantling his and Ron's room in search of his badge. â€Å"We've got it,† Fred whispered to Harry. â€Å"We've been improving it.† The badge now read Bighead Boy. Harry forced a laugh, went to give Ron the rat tonic, then shut himself in his room and lay down on his bed. So Sirius Black was after him. This explained everything. Fudge had been lenient with him because he was so relieved to find him alive. He'd made Harry promise to stay in Diagon Alley where there were plenty of wizards to keep an eye on him. And he was sending two Ministry cars to take them all to the station tomorrow, so that the Weasleys could look after Harry until he was on the train. Harry lay listening to the muffled shouting next door and wondered why he didn't feel more scared. Sirius Black had murdered thirteen people with one curse; Mr. and Mrs., Weasley obviously thought Harry would be panic-stricken if he knew the truth. But Harry happened to agree wholeheartedly with Mrs. Weasley that the safest place on earth was wherever Albus Dumbledore happened to be. Didn't people always say that Dumbledore was the only person Lord Voldemort had ever been afraid of? Surely Black, as Voldemort's right-hand man, would be just as frightened of him? And then there were these Azkaban guards everyone kept talking about. They seemed to scare most people senseless, and if they were stationed all around the school, Black's chances of getting inside seemed very remote. No, all in all, the thing that bothered Harry most was the fact that his chances of visiting Hogsmeade now looked like zero. Nobody would want Harry to leave the safety of the castle until Black was caught; in fact, Harry suspected his every move would be carefully watched until the danger had passed. He scowled at the dark ceiling. Did they think he couldn't look after himself? He'd escaped Lord Voldemort three times; he wasn't completely useless†¦. Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed his mind. What to do when you know the worst is coming†¦ â€Å"I'm not going to be murdered,† Harry said out loud. â€Å"That's the spirit, dear,† said his mirror sleepily.