Recorded Music a Paradigm in Transition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Recorded Music a Paradigm in Transition - Essay Example Music has been a part of human civilization since the earliest times of human existence. The evolution of music over the centuries has made it an almost integral part of human life to the extent that music stars become heroes of a country and are immortalized in memory, stamps, or statues and by their very own work. From the classical producers of music like Beethoven and Bach, the rock stars of the 60s to the boy band fever of the 90s, music has been an essential aspect of art and culture for our society. However, while music is treated as art and entertainment by the majority of the public, it is also a very serious business with costs of production, marketing, distribution and development running into the billions of dollars. At the same time, there are huge profits to be made if a music venture is successful and things like concerts, videos, CDs, mp3s and several other means of accessing music mean that artists and record labels have many different avenues of making money (Daley, 1999). Undoubtedly, while other industries like the automobile manufacturing sector has been affected by technology, the music industry has possibly got the worst shock and the rude awakening of the digital age has forced the music makers to rush into a transition (Bruno, 2006).

Overview On Schizophrenia: Disorder Of The Mind

Overview On Schizophrenia: Disorder Of The Mind Schizophrenia has plagued humankind since the early centuries. The bible mentions of paranoia and manic rage in several books, but personally, my favorite is found in the book of Psalms. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by dayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Ps. 91: 1-16, ESV). The importance of treatment options and research are unparallel to this disorder. One may ask, If this disorder carries a long history, then how common is the disorder in todays populations? The commonality of schizophrenia boggles the healthcare and research community. Diagnosis and the mandated criteria in which the disorder is understood is puzzling. The disorder itself is complex but common, even in the elder community. The rates of schizophrenia continue to climb and now even crossing over to late adult hood. Matter of fact, it is estimated that one in twenty-five people are diagnosed with some form of mental disorder in their lifetime. With odds such as this, it is vital for our medical, psychological, and spiritual community to be sensitive and consistent in teaching the world what a mental illness is and does to those that suffer. Within the medical and psychological community, it is common to see both words, mental illness, and disorder to mean the same thing. Matsumoto Juang (2008) describe a mental illness as a form of abnormality (p. 283). The best way to understand schizophrenia is through the knowledge from the medical community about the physical make up and definition of the illness. Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, disabling brain disease (Mental Health America, 2009). Schizophrenia is characterized and known to cause à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦gross distortions of reality; withdrawal from social interaction; and disorganization of perception and thought (Carson, Butcher Colman, 1988, p. 322). The disease does not know just one race, one cultureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦actually schizophrenia is world wide, across all continents. A prime example of the cross culture studies performed on schizophrenia patients comes from The World Health Organization (WHO; 1973, 1981). The organization sponsored the International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia (IPSS) to compare the risk and symptoms of the illness on a worldwide level.  The disease has distinct, unbiased symptoms (WHO, 1979). Therefore, the idea that there is a specific demographic to this disorder is incorrect. The diagnostic features of the disorder are wide and tend to give therapists and doctor a pathway to diagnosis. Some of the  direct symptoms, which we will discuss later in the essay, but a snapshot of them include  hallucinations, instability, hearing of voices and most common disorganized speech. Each symptom, studied throughout many different cultures and race have commonality. To determine if a person has schizophrenia, several industry standard evaluations and processes exist. Most people today recognize schizophrenia as a mentalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦disorder (Yarhouse et al., 2005, p. 252). The testing process of schizophrenia, much like other mental disorders of psychosis, remains somewhat the same. The first and foremost step in diagnose of schizophrenia is an exhausted assessment. Treatment plans included are individual therapy, behavior and cognitive therapy, and lastly pharmapsychology (the admistration of medication by a psychiatrist). Schizophrenia has the label cognitive disorder; however, it affects other things such as emotions, daily life, and speech. Being that patients with the disorder have disorganized speech and instability in their lives, the psychology community performs worldwide studies on different aspects of the disorder. An academically claimed study is the 2009 study of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients performed from Hanuskiewicz, Chechnicki, et al. Within Hanuskiewiczs assessment he performed a study of normal speech rates and understanding, referred in the study as verbal fluency (Hanuszkiewicz, Cechnicki, et al., pp. 27-34) effects those with  schizophrenia, and drops dramatically with the age of the disorder. The fluency tests of Hanuszkieicz and party ranged from (sd=4.87)  for leisure fluency and  (sd=5.99) for living situation fluency in speech. The levels were significant in establishing a just cause that verbal skills and/or speech are a major cognitive concern with the schizophrenia patients from all parts of the world. Schizophrenia is often a debate on diagnosis due to the lack of understanding in the creativity that some with this disorder are blessed. Batey and Furnham (2009) discuss the relationship between what they refer to as Schizotypy (2009), creativity vs. intelligence. Schizotypy refers to an individuals proneness to psychosis and in particular, to schizophrenia (Batey, and Furman, 2009, p. 273). The measures of this study consist of fluency and divergent thinking, and the outcome was one that might set a standard for the need too not solely rely on psychology testing for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. The study proved that creativity in people with schizophrenia scores higher then intelligence. This means even if someone is not intelligent, they may still be creative enough to alter testing with tests such as fluency, as seen in this article. Psychopathology stresses that psychosis (a basis for schizophrenia) as a persons loss of reality. Psychopathology sides with the diathesis-stress model. According to Yarhouse et al., this model states, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦environment and stress endured changes bring on schizophrenia type symptoms (2005, p. 395). Currently 2.5 million American struggles with schizophrenia! This devastating disorder remains a top priority of the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2000). The APA claims à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦schizophrenia to be the ultimate form of psychological breakdown (2000). According to research (Butcher, Mineka and Hookey, 2004) approximants, that 1 percent of the entire adult population in every culture and every type of community is affected with schizophrenia. However, other research (Comer, 2003) observes the acuteness to be larger and more significant in poverty-stricken cultures. Either way, schizophrenia is here and very pronounced in our communities and populations throughout the world. Gender to the contrary is about equal. Men however, tend to have more severe symptoms than women do. In addition, men show signs of schizophrenia breakdown much sooner. Women on the other hand show what is known in the psychology understanding as, late on-set (Yarhouse, et al., 2005, p. 391). This is the age after the age of forty-four and normally before the age of sixty-seven. Although both men and women show forms of late on-set, due to the fact of women showing later signs they are the most popular population for this form. Going back to the diagnostic features of schizophrenia, there are important criteria necessary for accurate diagnoses. Thought and expression (both verbal and non-verbal) usually lack. The person also lacks the basic logical skills and beliefs, and is most often delusional and/or experiencing hallucinations. Hallucinations are the primary disturbance for schizophrenia. Along with the lack of motor skills and interest in every day life, these are schizophrenia basics. That is one reason that most people with schizophrenia have comorbidity (a cross between being able to have a diagnosis of multiple disorders). Depression and personality disorders tie close with schizophrenia. Depression and schizophrenia are both psychological disorders, and often a person will face both disorders simultaneously. The depression would of course require a long-term (over one year) stretch to be considered as more than just the blues. To help with comorbidital understanding, Schizophrenia symptoms are grouped into three main categories, Positive, negative, and psychomotor (Yarhouse et al., 2005, p. 257). Positive shows gradual decline of speech and an increase of hallucinations and delusion. This is the first sign of something wrong psychotically. Negative includes lack of personality and temperament. Where as the psychomotor symptoms deal with the decrease of physical activity and is normally a later concern or symptom. The progression is normally the same for everyone stricken with schizophrenia. Treatment of schizophrenia is highly unlikely due to a few reasons. The first and most widely misdirected is the cost of healthcare, especially mental health care. With a deficit in our country and many third world countries lacking funds, this is a major problem. This is followed by the lack of highly skilled-trained psychologist and therapy personnel. Mental health facilities do not always hire the best options for their patients, and most times rely on aids vs. the educated staff necessary for proper treatment of their patients. Although this is better than the treatment provided in the early 50s and 60s, which was lockdown in local and state mental hospitals, it is still not up to par. Furthermore should a person get past their local doctor, and into a therapist/psychiatrist then there would be a hope. There are wonderful options of treatment, but the plans are somewhat disorganized and not patient directed. Budget tends to take front row seat, and this is very unfortunate to all involved. One current option of treatment for schizophrenia that is often easier to access for all is individual or group counseling. This referral can come from a general doctor, and does not require any major loopholes. Although this treatment option is less proven, it remains. The main moved of treatment for schizophrenia remains to be pharmapsychology. A recent form of medication labeled as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦atypical antipsychotic medication (Yarhouse, et al., 2005, p. 264), is widely accepted. These medications produce fewer side affects compared to past pharmapsychology options. Even so, pharmapsychology alone is not as accurate as the blend of both therapy and medication. Medication is considered necessary, but should not be a sole option for those that suffer. A favorite treatment plan personally involves a low dose (to experiences less or no side affects) and integration community and government programs. Along with pastoral programs, since schizophrenia patients are often diagnosed later in life, their denial and offense run high and require a spiritual or structured caring attitude. Community and pastoral programs are crucial. Agreeable, this type of honor and understanding, along with medication might prove to be the best option yet, and remains my personal choice. Another important treatment option or need is prevention and education. Some research has changed the over all view and medical needs and understandings of schizophrenia, but the treatments that are most widely accepted remain the same. It is through twin-to-twin studies and violence studies schizophrenia specific needs become known. In the case of certain twins, if one develops the illness, there is a 50% chance that the other twin will develop schizophrenia. The amazing fact is that the average public has only a small chance of having this illness. Research, even though lacking, remains pronounced. There are major research firms for the disease, one of them being the NARSAD, The Brain and Behavior Research Fund. This foundation continues to fight for an understanding of schizophrenia and actively performs case studies on twin-to-twin and single patients. They are also proud sponsors of the book called  Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and Their Journey Through Schizophrenia (Spiro, 2005). Twin studies have a major influence on schizophrenia and the research that surrounds the illness, and continue to prove that genetics is just as powerful in the understanding of the illness. Future studies of schizophrenia hope too also pinpoint physical causes to the environment. Another research area of schizophrenia is violence. As mentioned earlier, sometimes violence shows, and then diagnosis, and then lastly and often late, treatment. The general public and stereotypical populations put a cast on the illness to cause violent behavior. Studies have concluded that violence is a symptom of someone with schizophrenia. Ten epidemiological studies that specifically examine this relationship found a four-to six-fold increased risk of violent behavior in schizophrenia patients (Langstrong, Hjern et al, 2009).   Langstrong among other studies prove that there is a relationship of violence and schizophrenia, however there needs to be more research to confirm. Because this illness is forever changing, future study is needed. The treatment conditions of schizophrenia include psychotic drugs, group and individual counseling, and behavior therapy. Research of schizophrenia is cumbersome. The unknown, yet very pronounced disorder spreads through the clinical and academic areas of psychology as the worse of the worse in psychological breakdown. The possibility to discuss even a small amount of research proves positive for my point of view. Therefore, a few options and current, as well as past, research notations remain throughout the conclusion of this essay. The forever-growing importance of schizophrenia research gives an understanding of not only the illness but also the physical consequences on the person that has the illness. For example, Leucht, Burkard, Henderson agree, It is now well documented by research that people with severe mental disorders have a higher prevalence of several physical diseases and a higher mortality from natural causes than the general population (p. 1, 2007). It is the desire of todays researchers and psychologist to find the root cause wither it is from genes or environment, so that patients and their support can become aware of all options. The mystery of this illness continues to keep research at its peak; however, the causes are beginning to be truly recognized.    Doctors study the physical aspects of schizophrenia, and they study the neurological. The fact is that the brain is the central area that links  emotions and speech. Therefore, if something is off balance in a  brain then behavior begins to alter. Many medical articles argue that cognitive function is lower in someone with a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, than the average healthy person is, because verbal and cognition support each other. This goes back to the verbal concerns that Hanuszkiewicz, Cechnicki, et al found when studying the speech and activity of someone with schizophrenia. To be exact, brain  imaging shows that in the prodormal phase the patient loses gray matter (neurons and other brain cells) when compared with controls-indication that some underlying brain damage (Seidman, 2009).  Prodromal shows a correlation between loss of brain matter and later signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. Seidman along with the University of Harvard lead progressive therapies in the understanding of schizophrenia.  Ã‚  Seidmans 2009 article says, The North American Prodromal Longitudinal Study (NAPLS), followed 291 clearly prodromal subjects for two and a half years and found that 35 percent of them went on to develop schizophrenia (Harvard News, Seidman). This study along shows how the prodromal stage plays into future diagnosis of schizophrenia Another area of research that is useful is the rate of mortality to those that suffer with schizophrenia. Seeman believes that the good news of schizophrenia treatments  is short lived, because the mortality rate remains excessive. She refers to the improvement of schizophrenia treatment in the last thirty years insufficient (2002). Seemans studies prove that schizophrenia patients of today are more vulnerable to negative choices such as Homeless, serious infection, poor diet, smoking, and overuse of abusive substances (Seeman, 2002, p. 162). This means the world is against the one with the illness. Nevertheless, many therapists believe spirituality is exactly what the patient and their love ones may need to conquer such a mental illness as schizophrenia.   It is through in-depth understanding of schizophrenia that  we can learn and accept the illness with a spiritual heart. Eric Johnson (1987) states that there are two aspects of why we all carry a fallen nature and he says the main reasons are that God holds us responsible and that for which [God] does not (Journal of Psychology and Theology). Education and the willingness to understand any mental illness without fright and ridicule can do wonders in the treatment of the patient, and the therapy of their love ones. The forefront of schizophrenia remains hopeful. There have been many small changes and some very significant improvements: attitudes towards families of patients have altered patient autonomy has increased; early intervention, assertive community treatment teams, psycho education, and cognitive behavioral therapy have all been introduced in the last thirty years (Seeman, 1979-2002, p. 162). Within the spiritual understanding of schizophrenia lies the understanding from a healing perspective. Just as Matsumoto Juang believe, Many cross-culture psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors are sensitive to the issue of somatization (2009, p. 290). They both understand that everyone is different. They promote the very idea of spiritual healing. They both introduce the need for Indigenous Healing, [which] is rooted in religion and spirituality, not biomedical science (Matsumoto Juang, 2009, p. 323). Spirituality not only gives a safe place for the patient, but it provides an understanding to the patients love ones. The difficulties of schizophrenia are not small by any mean. Nevertheless, the people with the illness are trying to improve their lives, and we as the medical, social, and spiritual community must come together as one. The talents from the medical and psychological community are bar-none fantastic. Where the skills and understanding of the therapist may experience challenge, the outcome can be positive. Also, just for the person that struggles with schizophrenia to belong to something other than their disorder does a wonder for the progress in their life. With the compassion from the spiritual side, the knowledge from the medical side, and the understanding from the family side, and the urge from those that dedicate their life to the study of schizophrenia such as Seeman and Seidman remain hopeful. After all, hope is a universal language. If there is illness, there is a need for the research, love, understanding, and healing to continue to be a priority for all involved. References (2009). Schizophrenia. NARSAD InfoLine.  Mental Health Research Foundation.  Retrieved December 1, 2009 from,  http://www.narsad.org/?q=node/9/disorder. (2005). Abundant Life Bible: English Standard Version Holy Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House. American Psychatric Association. 92000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Batey, M., and Furnham, A. (2009). The Relationship Between Creativity, Schizotypy and Intelligence. Individual Difference Research Association, Inc. 7(4), pp 272-28. Retrieved October 12, 2010 from, Idr-Journal.com. Butcher, J., Mineka, S., and Hooley, J. (2004). Abnormal Psychology (12th ed.). New York: Guildford. Carson, R. C., Butcher, J. N., Coleman, J. C. (1988). Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life (8th edition). Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman. Comer, R. (2003). Abnormal Psychology (5th ed.). New York: Worth. Johnson, E. L. (1987). Sin, weakness and psychopathololgy. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 15(3), 218. Hanuszkiewicz, I., Andrzej, C.,   Kalisz, A. (2009). The Relationship between Cognitive Deficits and the Course of Schizophrenia: Preliminary Research on Participants of Rehabilitation Programme. Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Archives.(3) pp. 27-34. References Langsstrom, N., Hjern, A. et al.  (2009). Citations and Editors Notes: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders.  Schizophrenia, substance abuse, and violent crime.  University of Oxford,  UK:  Remedica Medical Education Publishing.  JAMA 2009; 301:2016-23. Leucht, S., Burkard, T., Henderson, J. H., Maj, M. Sartorius, N. (2007).  Physical Illness and Schizophrenia: A Review of the Evidence.  New York,  NY:  Cambridge  University  Press. Masamoto, D. Juang, L. (2008). Culture Psychology (4th edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Seeman, Mary, V. (1979, 2009). Clinical Schizophrenia Related Psychoses. Toronto, Canada: Walsh Medical Media. Vol. 3(3). doi. 10.3371/CSRP.3.3.5. pp. 161-167. Seidman, L. (2009). Pathology: Pattern of Brain Activity Signals Danger in Schizophrenia. Therapeutic Focus Shifting to Earliest Statges of Disease. Harvard Medical School Article, Focus Online News. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from, http://focus.hms.harvard.edu/2009/022009/pathology.shtml.   Spiro, Carolyn Pamela. (2005). Divided Mind: Twin Sisters and Their Journey Through Schizophrenia. New York, NY: Saint Martins Press. World Health Organization. (1973). Report of the International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia (Vol. 1). Geneva: Author. World Health Organization. (1979). Schizophrenia: An international follow-up study. New York, NY: Wiley.

Essay --

When Scott Sullivan found out that Cooper was asking questions, Sullivan was â€Å"furious† with her and told her not to concern herself with financial audits (Anderson 51). Cooper and her team then made the decision to â€Å"quietly† investigate company accounting entries. The audit team made their first discoveries of fraudulent entries in May, 2002. They were able to trace fraudulent entries back to 2000. Less than a week after the Fort Worth Weekly article was printed, WorldCom accounting employee Mark Abide read the article. Having serious concerns about its revelations, Abide forwarded a copy to Glyn Smith who was on WorldCom’s internal audit staff. On May 29, 2002, WorldCom’s internal audit team, who was led by Cynthia Cooper, met to discuss an audit report as well as the Fort Worth Weekly article on Kim Emigh. During this meeting the audit team discussed â€Å"$1.4 billion that had been added to the company’s capital expenses† (Krim 5). It should also be noted that during this time, WorldCom’s external auditor, Arthur Anderson had just been indicted in the Enron scandal. Additionally, WorldCom’s CEO, Bernie Ebbers, had just resigned as large loans he received form the company had come to light sparking an investigation by the SEC. An accounting department employee, Sanjeev Sethi, at the internal audit meeting revealed that his department did not generate the $1.4 billion adjustments. The adjustments came from higher up in the organization. Cynthia Cooper and the audit team began to investigate the adjustments. Just days later, David Myers wrote multiple notes to Cooper attempting to keep Sethi from looking into capital expense reports. Cynthia Cooper confronted Betty Vinson who had processed the fraudulent entries. Vinson ackn... ...there . . . (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27) The second piece of evidence is a memorandum the Ebbers sent on July 10, 2001, to a senior WorldCom officer requesting information concerning â€Å"those one time events that had to happen in order for us to have a chance to make out numbers† (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27). Being that Sullivan was comfortable enough leaving Ebbers a voicemail using terms such as â€Å"one time stuff† and â€Å"junk. . . in the numbers† along with Ebbers’ own memo is enough evidence, in and of itself, to suggest Ebbers wasn’t innocent in perpetuating the fraud. Fraud Victims The fraud perpetuated by WorldCom executives casts a big shadow with wide ranging effects. The fraud has claimed numerous victims. Not only did thousands of employees lose their jobs, they lost their means to support their family. Essay -- When Scott Sullivan found out that Cooper was asking questions, Sullivan was â€Å"furious† with her and told her not to concern herself with financial audits (Anderson 51). Cooper and her team then made the decision to â€Å"quietly† investigate company accounting entries. The audit team made their first discoveries of fraudulent entries in May, 2002. They were able to trace fraudulent entries back to 2000. Less than a week after the Fort Worth Weekly article was printed, WorldCom accounting employee Mark Abide read the article. Having serious concerns about its revelations, Abide forwarded a copy to Glyn Smith who was on WorldCom’s internal audit staff. On May 29, 2002, WorldCom’s internal audit team, who was led by Cynthia Cooper, met to discuss an audit report as well as the Fort Worth Weekly article on Kim Emigh. During this meeting the audit team discussed â€Å"$1.4 billion that had been added to the company’s capital expenses† (Krim 5). It should also be noted that during this time, WorldCom’s external auditor, Arthur Anderson had just been indicted in the Enron scandal. Additionally, WorldCom’s CEO, Bernie Ebbers, had just resigned as large loans he received form the company had come to light sparking an investigation by the SEC. An accounting department employee, Sanjeev Sethi, at the internal audit meeting revealed that his department did not generate the $1.4 billion adjustments. The adjustments came from higher up in the organization. Cynthia Cooper and the audit team began to investigate the adjustments. Just days later, David Myers wrote multiple notes to Cooper attempting to keep Sethi from looking into capital expense reports. Cynthia Cooper confronted Betty Vinson who had processed the fraudulent entries. Vinson ackn... ...there . . . (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27) The second piece of evidence is a memorandum the Ebbers sent on July 10, 2001, to a senior WorldCom officer requesting information concerning â€Å"those one time events that had to happen in order for us to have a chance to make out numbers† (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27). Being that Sullivan was comfortable enough leaving Ebbers a voicemail using terms such as â€Å"one time stuff† and â€Å"junk. . . in the numbers† along with Ebbers’ own memo is enough evidence, in and of itself, to suggest Ebbers wasn’t innocent in perpetuating the fraud. Fraud Victims The fraud perpetuated by WorldCom executives casts a big shadow with wide ranging effects. The fraud has claimed numerous victims. Not only did thousands of employees lose their jobs, they lost their means to support their family.

Ethical Dilemmas Essay

There are three situations presented in the simulation which poses different ethical dilemmas on the part of the decision-maker. The symptoms of the respective dilemmas and their root causes shall be discussed individually because â€Å"analysis would be proper if they are able to locate the root cause of the conflict† (Lee). The Indiscreet Relationship The first situation presented was an indiscreet relationship between a boss and his secretary. The boss took the secretary along with him during business trips at the expense of the company. He even promoted the secretary to junior account executive. This problem created a stir within the company and corridor talks went around saying that the way to make it through the ladder of success in the company was through less than ethical means. This has caused an unrest among the employees of the organization that an ethical stand should be taken. However, the decision-maker had an ethical dilemma in making his decision. The boss, Patrick, is his former friend and colleague who was the one instrumental in landing him his job. Patrick also helped him during his early days with the company in getting hold of the ropes of the business of the company. On the other hand, company morale is going down because the employees think he is an unethical leader for allowing Patrick have his way in maintaining an indiscreet relations with his subordinate and in spending company resources in the process. This is what defines the ethical dilemma here. Sniffdog The second situation presented by the simulation which involved an ethical dilemma is the decision to represent SilverPill and their Sniffdog account. Sniffdog is a computer program which could sneak into the user’s hardware and retrieve many confidential data without the user’s knowledge. The ethical dilemma comes in when taking the account means allowance of the intrusion of privacy while not taking the account will make the company lose a lot of money by losing the account. The fact that compounds these all is that SilverPill informed the company that they will give all their accounts to McKinley should they choose to endorse Sniffdog. The ethics rulebook of McKinley states that the employees will maintain impeachable integrity in all its business dealings. Allowing Sniffdog to push through will not reflect well of this ethical rule. On its face, the business being dealt with here is plainly business and nothing will be objectionable about it. McKinley will just seek to endorse the Sniffdog program. However, when the program has capabilities of sneaking into private information, an ethical issue arises for McKinley will be signing itself to be part of such intrusion. Although SilverPill promised not to use any information that may be gathered for any illegal or extralegal use nor to sell it to a third party, the fact alone that there will be intrusion into the private lives of the users of the program will already present a grave ethical issue. Thus, the root cause of the problem here is whether or not to be a part of a project which can intrude into the private lives of clients by collecting confidential information from them without their knowledge. Think Eddie  And the third situation with an ethical dilemma presented by the simulation is whether or not to reveal certain information about the program Sniffdog to Think Eddie which is a competitor of SilverPill. At this point, SilverPill is no longer associated with McKinley and has moved on to another PR company. Think Eddie has entered the picture and wants McKinley to represent them for a computer program which has the same features as that of SilverPill’s Sniffdog. Think Eddie is a big client. And now it wants information about the Sniffdog program without, however, threats of any sanctions given to McKinley in case of non-compliance. The ethical dilemma here is whether to reveal the requested information to Think Eddie or not. Though Think Eddie did not give any threats for non-disclosure, surely there was an unwritten statement accompanying the request that non-disclosure might strain the relationship between the two companies. On the other hand, the ethics rule book of McKinley prescribes them not to hold conflicting interests. SilverPill, though a former client, still has the right that every information given by it to McKinley be kept confidential by the latter. Because of the mentioned rule, McKinley is duty-bound not to divulge confidential client information, especially in this case where the revelation will be made to a competitor. The root cause of the problem, therefore, is whether or not to reveal information obtained from a former engagement in order to establish a better business relationship with a new engagement even though the two have conflicting interests and the former engagement has already been severed. In all, the ethical dilemmas arise not because of the ethics rule books established by company but mostly because of moral grounds. â€Å"If doing what is right produces something bad, or if doing what is wrong produces something good, the force of moral obligation may seem balanced by the reality of the good end. We can have the satisfaction of being right, regardless of the damage done; or we can aim for what seems to be the best outcome, regardless of what wrongs must be committed† (Ross, 2007). Thus, the root of these dilemmas is simply because there are moral standards to which, companies as well as persons, must adhere.

Shadow Kiss Chapter 13

Thirteen WHEN WE GOT BACK to our rooms, I made up an excuse to Lissa about how I needed to go take care of some guardian stuff. She was eager to patch up the earlier conflict with Christian – probably in the form of clothing removal – and didn't ask any questions. There was a phone in my room, and after calling an operator, I was able to find out which room was Dimitri's. He was surprised to see me at his door – and a little wary. The last time this had happened, I'd been under the influence of Victor's lust charm and had behaved †¦ aggressively. â€Å"I have to talk to you,† I said. He let me come in, and I immediately handed over the note. â€Å"V. D – â€Å" â€Å"Yeah, I know,† said Dimitri. He handed the note back. â€Å"Victor Dashkov.† â€Å"What are we going to do? I mean, we talked about this, but now he really is saying he's going to sell us out.† Dimitri didn't answer, and I could tell he was assessing every angle of this, just like he would a fight. Finally, he pulled out his cell phone, which was a lot cooler than having to rely on the room's phone. â€Å"Give me a moment.† I started to sit on his bed, decided that was dangerous, and instead sat on the couch. I didn't know who he was calling, but the conversation took place in Russian. â€Å"What's going on?† I asked when he finished. â€Å"I'll let you know soon. For now, we have to wait.† â€Å"Great. My favorite thing to do.† He dragged an armchair up and sat opposite me. It seemed too small for someone as tall as him, but, as always, he managed to make it work and appear graceful in the process. Beside me was one of the Western novels he always carried around. I picked it up, again thinking about how alone he was. Even now, at the Court, he'd chosen to stay in his room. â€Å"Why do you read these?† â€Å"Some people read books for fun,† he observed. â€Å"Hey, watch the dig. And I do read books. I read them to solve mysteries that threaten my best friend's life and sanity. I don't think reading this cowboy stuff is really saving the world like I do.† He took it from me and flipped it over, face thoughtful and not as intense as usual. â€Å"Like any book, it's an escape. And there's something †¦ mmm. I don't know. Something appealing about the Old West. No rules. Everyone just lives by their own code. You don't have to be tied down by others' ideas of right and wrong in order to bring justice.† â€Å"Wait,† I laughed. â€Å"I thought I was the one who wanted to break rules.† â€Å"I didn't say I wanted to. Just that I can see the appeal.† â€Å"You can't fool me, comrade. You want to put on a cowboy hat and keep lawless bank robbers in line.† â€Å"No time. I have enough trouble keeping you in line.† I grinned, and suddenly, it was a lot like when we cleaned the church – before the fight, at least. Easy. Comfortable. In fact, it was a lot like the old days when we'd first begun training together, way back before everything had gotten so complicated. Well, okay†¦things had always been complicated, but for a while, they'd been less complicated. It made me sad. I wished we could relive those early days. There'd been no Victor Dashkov, no blood on my hands. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Dimitri said all of a sudden. â€Å"For what? Reading cheesy novels?† â€Å"For not being able to get you here. I feel like I let you down.† I glimpsed a shadow of worry on his face, like he was concerned he might have caused some irreparable damage. The apology totally caught me off guard. For a moment, I wondered if he was jealous of Adrian's influence in the same way Christian had been. Then I realized it was completely different. I'd been giving Dimitri a hard time because I'd been convinced he could do anything. Somewhere – deep inside – he felt the same, at least where I was concerned. He didn't want to deny me anything. My earlier bad mood had long since vanished, and I suddenly just felt drained. And stupid. â€Å"You didn't,† I told him. â€Å"I acted like a total brat. You've never let me down before. You didn't let me down with this.† The grateful look he gave me made me feel as if I had wings. If another moment had passed, I suspected he would have said something so sweet that I would have flown away. Instead, his phone rang. Another conversation in Russian took place, and then he stood up. â€Å"All right, let's go.† â€Å"Where?† â€Å"To see Victor Dashkov.† It turned out that Dimitri had a friend who had a friend, and somehow, despite the best security in the Moroi world, we managed to get into the Court's prison facilities. â€Å"Why are we doing this?† I whispered as we walked down the hall toward Victor's cell. I'd really, really hoped for stone walls and torches, but the place looked very modern and efficient, with marble floors and stark white walls. At least there were no windows. â€Å"You think we can talk him out of it?† Dimitri shook his head. â€Å"If Victor wanted to take revenge on us, he'd just do it without any warning. He doesn't do things without a reason. The fact that he told you first means he wants something, and now we're going to find out what it is.† We reached Victor's cell. He was the only prisoner currently being held. Like the rest of the facility, his room reminded me of something you'd find at a hospital. Everything was clean, bright, and sterile – and very bare. It was a place without any sort of stimulus or distraction whatsoever, which would have driven me crazy in one hour. The cell had silvery bars that looked very hard to break, which was the most important part. Victor sat in a chair, idly examining his nails. It had been three months since our last meeting, and seeing him again made my skin crawl. Feelings I hadn't known were buried in me suddenly burst to the surface. One of the hardest things of all was seeing him look so healthy and young. He'd bought that health by torturing Lissa, and I hated him for it. If his disease had run its normal course, he might be dead by now. He had receding black hair, with only the slightest touch of silver. He was in his forties and had a regal, almost handsome cut to his face. He glanced up at our approach. Eyes the same pale jade as Lissa's met mine. The Dragomir and Dashkov families had a lot of intertwined history, and it was creepy seeing that eye color in someone else. A smile lit his face. â€Å"Oh my. This is a treat. Lovely Rosemarie, practically an adult now.† His eyes flicked toward Dimitri. â€Å"Of course, some have been treating you that way for quite a while.† I pressed my face to the bars. â€Å"Stop screwing with us, you son of a bitch. What do you want?† Dimitri put a gentle hand on my shoulder and pulled me back. â€Å"Easy, Rose.† I took a deep breath and then slowly stepped backward. Victor straightened up in his chair and laughed. â€Å"After all this time, your cub still hasn't learned any control. But then, maybe you never really wanted her to.† â€Å"We aren't here to banter,† said Dimitri calmly. â€Å"You wanted to lure Rose over, and now we need to know why.† â€Å"Does there have to be some sinister reason? I just wanted to know how she was doing, and something tells me we aren't going to have a chance for any friendly chats tomorrow.† That annoying smirk stayed on his face, and I decided then that he was lucky to be behind bars and out of my reach. â€Å"We're not going to have a friendly chat now,† I growled. â€Å"You think I'm joking, but I'm not. I really do want to know how you're doing. You've always been a fascinating subject to me, Rosemarie. The only shadow-kissed person we know of. I told you before, that isn't the kind of thing you walk away from unscathed. There's no way you can quietly sink into the regimented routine of academic life. People like you aren't meant to blend in.† â€Å"I'm not some kind of science experiment.† He acted like I hadn't said anything. â€Å"What's it been like? What have you noticed?† â€Å"There's no time for this. If you don't get to the point,† warned Dimitri, â€Å"we're going to leave.† I didn't understand how Dimitri could sound so calm. I leaned forward and gave Victor my coldest smile. â€Å"There's no way they'll let you off tomorrow. I hope you enjoy prison. I bet it'll be great once you get sick again – and you will, you know.† Victor regarded me levelly, still with that amused look that made me want to choke him. â€Å"All things die, Rose. Well, except for you, I suppose. Or maybe you are dead. I don't know. Those who visit the world of the dead can probably never fully shake their connection to it.† There was a snarky retort on my lips, but something held me back. Those who visit the world of the dead. What if my Mason sightings weren't because I was crazy or because he was seeking revenge? What if there was something about me – something that had happened when I'd died and come back – that was now connecting me to Mason? It was Victor who had first explained what it meant to be shadow-kissed. I wondered now if he had any of the answers I'd been looking for. My face must have given away something, because Victor gave me a speculative look. â€Å"Yes? There's something you'd like to say?† I hated to ask him for anything. It made my stomach turn. Swallowing my pride, I asked, â€Å"What is the world of the dead? Is it heaven or hell?† â€Å"Neither,† he said. â€Å"What lives there?† I exclaimed. â€Å"Ghosts? Will I go back? Do things come out of it?† Victor was taking great pleasure in me having to come to him for information, just as I'd feared he would. I saw that smirk intensify. â€Å"Well, clearly some things come out of it, because here you stand before us.† â€Å"He's baiting you,† said Dimitri. â€Å"Let it go.† Victor gave Dimitri a brief glare. â€Å"I'm helping her.† He turned back to me. â€Å"Honestly? I don't know that much about it. You're the one who has been there, Rose. Not me. Not yet. Someday, you'll probably be the one educating me. I'm sure the more you deal death out, the closer you'll become to it.† â€Å"Enough,† said Dimitri, voice harsh. â€Å"We're going.† â€Å"Wait, wait,† said Victor, voice congenial. â€Å"You haven't told me about Vasilisa yet.† I moved forward again. â€Å"Stay away from her. She doesn't have anything to do with this.† Victor gave me a dry look. â€Å"Seeing as I'm locked away here, I have no choice but to stay away from her, my dear. And you're wrong – Vasilisa has everything to do with everything.† â€Å"That's it,† I said, suddenly getting it. â€Å"That's why you sent the note. You wanted me here because you wanted to know about her, and you knew there was no way she'd come talk to you herself. You had nothing to blackmail her with.† â€Å"Blackmail's an ugly word.† â€Å"There's no way you're going to see her – at least outside of the courtroom. She's never going to heal you. I told you: You're going to get sick again, and you're going to die. You're going to be the one sending me postcards from the other side.† â€Å"You think that's what this is about? You think my needs are that petty?† The mockery was gone, replaced by a feverish and almost fanatical look in his green eyes. The tight set of his mouth stretched the skin of his face a little, and I noticed he'd lost weight since our last encounter. Maybe prison had been harder on him than I'd thought. â€Å"You've forgotten everything, why I did what I did. You've been so caught up in your own shortsightedness that you missed the big picture I was looking at.† I racked my brain, thinking back to that time last fall. He was right. My focus had been on the wrongs he'd committed against Lissa and me personally. I'd forgotten other conversations, his insane explanations of his grand scheme. â€Å"You wanted to stage a revolution – still want to. That's crazy. It's not going to happen,† I said. â€Å"It's already happening. Do you think I don't know what's going on out in the world? I still have contacts. People can be bought off – how do you think I was able to send you that message? I know about the unrest – I know about Natasha Ozera's movement to get Moroi to fight with guardians. You stand by her and vilify me, Rosemarie, but I pushed for the very same thing last fall. Yet, somehow, you don't seem to regard her in the same way.† â€Å"Tasha Ozera is working on her cause a bit differently than you did,† noted Dimitri. â€Å"And that's why she's getting nowhere,† Victor retorted. â€Å"Tatiana and her council are being held back by centuries of archaic traditions. So long as that sort of power rules us, nothing will change. We will never learn to fight. Non-royal Moroi will never have a voice. Dhampirs like you will continually be sent out to battle.† â€Å"It's what we dedicate our lives to,† said Dimitri. I could sense the tension building in him. He might show better self-control than me, but I knew he was getting just as frustrated here. â€Å"And it's what you lose your lives for. You're all but enslaved and don't even realize it. And for what? Why do you protect us?† â€Å"Because †¦ we need you,† I faltered. â€Å"For our race to survive.† â€Å"You don't need to throw yourselves into battle for that. Making children isn't really that difficult.† I ignored his quip. â€Å"And because the Moroi†¦ the Moroi and their magic are important. They can do amazing things.† Victor threw his hands up in exasperation. â€Å"We used to do amazing things. Humans used to revere us as gods, but over time, we grew lazy. The advent of technology made our magic more and more obsolete. Now, all we do is parlor tricks.† â€Å"If you have so many ideas,† said Dimitri, with a dangerous glint in his dark eyes, â€Å"then do something useful in prison and write a manifesto.† â€Å"And what's this have to do with Lissa anyway?† I asked. â€Å"Because Vasilisa is a vehicle for change.† I stared incredulously. â€Å"You think she's going to lead your revolution?† â€Å"Well, I'd prefer that I lead it – someday. But, regardless, I think that she's going to be part of it. I've heard about her too. She's a rising star – still young, certainly, but people are taking notice. All royals aren't created equal, you know. The Dragomir symbol is a dragon, the king of the beasts. Likewise, the Dragomir blood has always been powerful – that's why the Strigoi have targeted them so consistently. A Dragomir returning to power is no small thing – particularly one such as her. My impression from the reports is that she must have mastered her magic. If that's so – with her gifts – there's no telling what she could do. People are drawn to her with almost no effort on her part. And when she actually tries to influence them†¦well, they'll do anything she wants.† His eyes were wide as he spoke, wonder and happiness on his face as he imagined Lissa living out his dreams. â€Å"Unbelievable,† I said. â€Å"First you wanted to hide her away to keep you alive. Now you actually want her out in the world to use her compulsion for your own psycho plans.† â€Å"I told you, she's a force for change. And like you being shadow-kissed, she's the only one of her kind that we know about. That makes her dangerous – and very valuable.† Well, that was something. Victor wasn't all-knowing after all. He didn't know about Adrian's spirit use. â€Å"Lissa will never do it,† I said. â€Å"She's not going to abuse her powers.† â€Å"And Victor's not going to say anything about us,† said Dimitri, tugging my arm. â€Å"He's achieved his goal. He brought you here because he wanted to know about Lissa.† â€Å"He didn't find out much,† I said. â€Å"You'd be surprised,† said Victor. He grinned at Dimitri. â€Å"And what makes you so certain I won't enlighten the world about your romantic indiscretions?† â€Å"Because it won't save you from prison. And if you ruin Rose, you'll destroy whatever weak chance you had of Lissa helping you with your warped fantasy.† Victor flinched just a little; Dimitri was right. Dimitri stepped forward, pressing close to the bars as I had earlier. I'd thought I had a scary voice, but when he spoke his next words, I realized I wasn't even close. â€Å"And it'll all be pointless anyway, because you won't stay alive long enough in prison to stage your grand plans. You aren't the only one with connections.† My breath caught a little. Dimitri brought so many things to my life: love, comfort, and instruction. I got so used to him sometimes that I forgot just how dangerous he could be. As he stood there, tall and threatening while he glared down at Victor, I felt a chill run down my spine. I remembered how when I had first come to the Academy, people had said Dimitri was a god. In this moment, he looked it. If Victor was frightened by Dimitri's threat, he didn't show it. His jade green eyes glanced between the two of us. â€Å"You two are a match made in heaven. Or somewhere.† â€Å"See you in court,† I said. Dimitri and I left. On our way out, he said a few words in Russian to the guardian on duty. From their manners, my guess was Dimitri was offering thanks. We ventured outdoors, walking across a wide, beautiful parklike space to get back to our rooms. The sleet had stopped, and it had left everything – buildings and trees alike – coated in ice. It was like the world was made of glass. Glancing at Dimitri, I saw him staring straight ahead. It was hard to tell while walking, but I could have sworn he was shaking. â€Å"Are you okay?† I asked. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"You sure?† â€Å"As okay as I can be.† â€Å"Do you think he'll tell everyone about us?† â€Å"No.† We walked in silence for a bit. I finally asked the question I'd been dying to know. â€Å"Did you mean it†¦ that if Victor did tell†¦that you'd†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I couldn't finish. I couldn't bring myself to say the words have him killed. â€Å"I don't have much influence in the upper levels of Moroi royalty, but I have plenty among the guardians who handle the dirty work in our world.† â€Å"You didn't answer the question. If you'd really do it.† â€Å"I'd do a lot of things to protect you, Roza.† My heart pounded. He only used â€Å"Roza† when he was feeling particularly affectionate toward me. â€Å"It wouldn't exactly be protecting me. It'd be after the fact – cold-blooded. You don't do that kind of thing,† I told him. â€Å"Revenge is more my thing. I'll have to kill him.† I meant it as a joke, but he didn't think it was funny. â€Å"Don't talk like that. And anyway, it doesn't matter. Victor's not going to say anything.† He left me to go to his own room when we got inside. As I was opening the door to mine, Lissa rounded the hall corner. â€Å"There you are. What happened? You missed dinner.† I'd completely forgotten. â€Å"Sorry †¦ got carried away with some guardian stuff. It's a long story.† She'd changed for dinner. Her hair was still pulled up, and she now wore a form-fitting dress made out of silver raw silk. She looked beautiful. She looked royal. I thought about Victor's words and wondered if she really could be the power for change he swore she was. Looking like she did now, so glamorous and self-composed, I could imagine people following her anywhere. I certainly would, but then, I was biased. â€Å"Why are you looking at me like that?† she asked with a small smile. I couldn't tell her that I'd just seen the man who frightened her the most. I couldn't tell her that while she'd been out living it up, I'd been off watching her back in the shadows, like I would always do. Instead, I returned her smile. â€Å"I like the dress.†

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