Are Lord And Lady Capulet Good Parents? Essay

The Victorian era was a tremendously exciting period when many artistic styles, political and religious movements flourished. It was the era of invention and progress and it would prove to progress a lot leaving Victorian life at the end of Queen Victoria’s reign unrecognizable. Life in Victorian times was very much based on and steeped in tradition, religion and reason. This is why they were hugely fascinated by things outside the box like ghosts, the supernatural, magic, foreign travel and Arabian nights. Foreign travel was only available to the extremely rich, the army and health services, and Arabian nights was like a fantasy land to them. Reading about things like this was like naughty literature to them, a secret thrill that they shouldn’t be reading as it’s against there religion. Victorians were starting to think it was possible that other things could be out there, expanding there minds to different possibilities, taking in more ideas and enjoying it. The Monkeys Paw (W.W Jacobs) and The Red Room (H.G Wells) are both Victorian short stories pushing against reason and religion and filling the Victorians minds with endless possibilities. Where The Red Room is more a traditional Victorian gothic ghost story The Monkeys Paw is more to do with foreign travel, different lands and magic. The Monkeys Paw is W.W. Jacobs’ most famous story and is considered to be a classic of horror fiction. A tale about morality, the right thing to do, the dangers of the tempting fate and messing around with things you don’t understand. It sends out a message†¦ ‘Be careful for what you wish for’. The opening of the story is a metaphor of society, the Victorians were very cozy in there lifestyle. Huddling together to keep England, keep ideas, keep reason, keep religion and stick to what they know but new things are trying to get in. When Jacobs wrote The Monkeys Paw the Victorians were curious about exotic far off lands and travelling, a popular saying at the time was â€Å"the sun never sets on the British empire † By the early 1900s, England had conquered and colonized countries all over the world. The saying meant that somewhere in the world it was always daylight, and there a British colony could be found. Jacobs uses foreshadowing, imagery and symbolism in this story to explore the consequences of tempting fate. His careful, economical creation of setting and atmosphere add suspense and tension to the tale, two of the main story themes along with fate and chance. As the story unfolds, author Jacobs provides many hints that, indeed, the monkey’s paw does possess strange powers, and that tempting fate by making the three wishes is a grave mistake†¦ The story begins with a contrast between a close cozy Victorian family in Lakesnam Villa that are huddled together by the warm fire, father and son playing chess whilst mother knits against the terrible cold damp remoteness of the outside world hidden behind the closed blinds. The name of the villa of which they live is named ‘Laburnum’ which is also the name of a deadly poisonous plant, making the characters home the name of a deadly plant could be informing the reader something bad could happen later on within the story so this makes the reader wonder more creating tension within the reader as they are apprehensive as to what will happen next. Down the page a bit when Mr. White puts his king into â€Å"sharp and unnecessary perils† and soon sees â€Å"a fatal mistake after it was too late† it’s a kind of mini-drama, one that tells us what is about to happen in the story. Its using foreshadowing to depict and event early on in the story that is real ly a big part of the plot that is soon to unfold, it’s a clever and sneaky parallel to the ending which becomes only clear on your second read. We get our first look in at tension and suspense when the cozy atmosphere is suddenly disturbed by sudden noises such as a banging gate and heavy footsteps, it’s the best example of suspense and tension as the reader feels that there must be a reason behind a visit to such an isolated place, it also makes the reader more curious. The banging of the gate heralds the arrival of their guest, Sergeant-Major Morris, ‘a tall, burley man, beady of eye and rubicund of visage’ his descriptive description of appearance makes impact on sight as he’s so big in the room, towering above the White family. His appearance and experience is broader and he is the catalyst for the story as he brings the monkey’s paw to the Whites’ home which will change there lives forever. Morris is both familiar and exotic. Morris and Mr. White began their lives in approximately the same way; Mr. White remembers his friend as â€Å"a slip of a youth in the warehouse,† But in his twenty-one years of travel and soldiering, Morris has seen the world and has brought back tales of ‘wild scenes and doughty deeds; of wars and plagues and strange peoples.’ He’s been a lot of places and seen a lot of things yet the White family cant possibly imagine going to another country, living there life in a routine and never stepping out of it but Mr. White hints that he does want to travel stating â€Å"I’d like to go to India myself,†. Morris advises against it though saying â€Å"better where you are,† travelling isn’t all that good, better to stick to what you now instead of pushing boundaries. They’ve shared a few drinks and Morris’ eyes are brighter with his third glass of whisky at the Whites’ hearth so Mr. White now decides to bring up a previous conversation that was maybe let slip at a pub when Morris was again slightly over the limit, dropping into conversation â€Å"you started telling me the other day about a monkeys paw or something, Morris† but Morris is not keen on picking up the story that he hoped would not be brought up and discards it, stating it as â€Å"not worth hearing† and being offhanded hoping to push it aside and forget it. He’s now got all three peoples attention as the ‘three listeners leaned forward eagerly’ but he doesn’t really want it. When he finally does tell them about the monkeys paw his ‘blotchy face whitened’ and his ‘glass tapped against his strong teeth’ he shows a lot of nervous body language clearly wanting to avoid the subject completely. He tells them of a spell put on the paw by an old fakir that â€Å"wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their own sorrow† which is also the moral of the story and their â€Å"light laughter jarred somewhat† using alliteration to give a light feel as they laughed uncomfortably at what he said. He says the paw gives three wishes to three different men and that he and a man before him have both had three wishes each. Mr. White deliberately doesn’t ask what Morris’ three wishes were but it appears clear they didn’t go well and Morris doesn’t offer to tell them either seeming anxious as well as nervous at this point. Circumstances soon become s ad as he explains the first mans third wish â€Å"was for death† exampling the extreme power the paw has as ‘hush fell upon the group’. Morris thinks â€Å"it has caused enough mischief already† not wanting the responsibility of passing it on to any one else and the whole way through the story he’s talking with caution of not wanting them to touch it, he’s trying to warn them. â€Å"Better let it burn† he says, he’d like to see it destroyed to put and end to it but Mr. White has other ideas â€Å"if you don’t want it ,Morris give it to me† he says back. Showing true friendship Morris wont, not wanting any blame and trying to protect his friends by keeping them out of harms way but Mr. White cant resist temptation and the excitement of playing with danger, its naughty and he knows it could have consequences but he’s on the spot, its a heat of the moment decision let it burn or try it out making the readers are curious to know more about the monkeys paw and what all can it actually do. Since there is a bad impression of the paw so far in the story the readers will also want to know what is going to happen later on and how deadly the paw can be, this sense of mystery builds suspense and tension, he has no time to think about it and just goes for it. Trying to lift the mood and break the atmosphere Mrs. White to laugh it off â€Å"sounds like Arabian nights, don’t you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me?† she says beginning to set the supper but Morris isn’t impressed with her humor, he doesn’t feel the subject should be joked or laughed about as its not a laughing matter and doesn’t appreciate her messing around with it. â€Å"if you wish, wish for something sensible† he says. There son Herbert on the other hand doesn’t believe in it anymore then he believes in Morris’ travels saying â€Å"if the tale about the monkeys paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us†. Mr. White took the monkeys paw and gave Morris money for it although he â€Å"didn’t want it† and he ‘pressed Mr. White again to make him throw it away’ so even after being paid he wanted them to get rid of it proving he didn’t just want money for it. The White family are at first unsure what to wish for, Mr. White says â€Å"I’ve got all I want† not being a materialistic man and being very family driven/orientated he believes that having a family, home and being comfy and safe is everything which is a very Victorian ethic but eventually they ‘wish for two hundred pounds’ to cover the mortgage and make the home there own. Tension builds up in a mock dramatic moment as Mr. White breathes the words â€Å"I wish for two hundred pounds† as if in a tense film Herbert crashes the piano like a drum roll for dad, Jacob uses the sound effect to build tension and suspense builds up after he speaks the wish as its all silent and the reader is at edge expecting something to happen. After he wishes he drops the paw ‘with a glance of disgust’ convinced it had moved in his hand he says it â€Å"twisted like a snake† using a simile to create a strange imagery of evil things associated with bad things and bad deeds. Herbert dismisses the whole thing saying â€Å"I don’t see the money, and I bet I never shall† which is an ironic parallel to the end as he doesn’t see the money, but not because it doesn’t exist. Outside the wind becomes ‘higher then ever’ and Mr. White ‘started nervously at the sound of a door banging’ disturbing the ‘unusual and depressing silence’ tension builds here as the cozy atmosphere changes dramatically and Mr. White is left feeling extremely unsettled about the whole thing and the fact the atmosphere has changed so much from the outside influences trying to break in. Suspense is built again when Mr. White looks into the fire and sees faces that are ‘so simian that he gazed at it in amazement’ simian meaning ape like it will shock the readers and Mr. White and we see him get fearful for the first time in the story. The next morning is a completely different atmosphere, it changes from a scene from a traditional horror story of a noisy and scary outside and a silent dark solemn depressing inside to the scene of brightness and happiness at a typical Victorian family breakfast table as a ‘wintery sun streamed over the breakfast table’ The new atmosphere leaves the family thinking about the way they got caught up in the story the night before and allowing it to scare them silly. Mrs. White especially thinks that the fear of the night before was ridiculous saying even if the wish was granted â€Å"how could money hurt you† little does she know, it can and it’s using dramatic irony. Not believing in it didn’t prevent her from ‘scurrying to the door at the postman’s knock’ with a hint that she’s hopeful something exciting will still happen, and the money will still come. Later on in the day she watches ‘mysterious movements of a man outside’ using a soft alliteration sound the sentence also builds suspense of who this unexpected visitor could be and what he could want. More suspense is created as he hesitates at the gate ‘trying to make up his mind to enter’. The man appears to be wealthy looking which immediately makes Mrs. White assume he is here to give them the money as she can think of no other reason that a wealthy, well dressed man would come to her house. When he finally comes to the house she ‘apologizes for the appearance of the room and her husbands coat’ embarrassed and tense about the state of her house but he’s taking no notice creating more suspense as he looks for a displacement activity when announcing he comes from ‘Maw and Meggins’ were there son works. The wealthy man delivers the news of their son’s death in a perverted and strange way, dragging it out to build tension. He says he’s â€Å"badly hurt but not feeling any pain† building suspension and leaving the readers on the edge of there seats wanting to know what’s happened and if he’s alright, but sadly he’s not. In the consideration of there sons services they receive a ‘certain sum’ adding the most tension/suspense of all in the story leaving readers shocked as they know what’s coming, Mr. Whites lips are dry with the fear building up inside him as he asks the question he doesn’t even need to ask, â€Å"how much† The manner of speech in the story also creates a lot of tension, fear and suspense for the reader. For example there are parts in the story where there are quick, short dialogues between the characters. This helps to create a lot of tension as not only is the scene tense but also the quick dialogues helps to build up tension of that particular scene. These short quick dialogues help the text to keep flowing making the scene more chaotic and tense. Also during such conversations Jacob has intelligently used simple English, so the reader can digest the text and keep up with the fast pace of the conversation. The best example of such a scene is the conversation between Mr. White and Mrs. White after their son is dead and she wants him to use the paw to bring their son back to life. â€Å"The paw!† â€Å"The Monkey’s paw† â€Å"Where? Where is it? What’s the matter?† â€Å"I want it†

How to Pronounce the French Words Au and Eau

How to Pronounce the French Words Au and Eau Many languages, including French, have words that are spelled differently yet pronounced the same way. Two of the most common of these words in French are  eau  and  au. Eau  is a noun meaning water in English, and  au  is the definite article the. These letters also function as a common vowel combination, producing the same phonetic sound. Pronunciation Guide The French vowel combinations in eau (singular) and eaux (plural) are pronounced like the closed  O sound, similar to the English pronunciation of eau in eau de cologne but more elongated. The French letter combinations ​au  (singular) and aux (plural)  are pronounced exactly the same way. Its important to master this sound because it appears in so many French words. When pronouncing the sound, the lips are pursed to actually form the shape of an o. This physical component is key to correct French pronunciation. Remember, to speak in French, you have to open your mouth- much more than we do in English. So allez-y. (Go ahead.) Click on the links below to hear the words pronounced in French:   Ã‚  Ã‚  eau  Ã‚   (water)  Ã‚  Ã‚  beau  Ã‚   (handsome, beautiful)  Ã‚  Ã‚  cadeau  Ã‚   (gift)  Ã‚  Ã‚  agneau  Ã‚   (lamb) Listen closely: The g is not pronounced, so you must say ah-nyo.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  beaucoup  Ã‚   (a lot)  Ã‚  Ã‚  bureau  Ã‚   (office, desk)  Ã‚  Ã‚  chapeau  Ã‚     (hat) Expand Your Vocabulary The vowel combinations eau, eaux, au, and aux in the words below  are pronounced exactly the same as in the words above. Click on any of the links above to remind yourself exactly how these letter combinations are pronounced. As  you recall, they are all pronounced exactly the same. gà ¢teau (cake)bateau (boat)chà ¢teaux (castles)auto (car)mauvais (bad)chaud (hot)cauchemar (nightmare)restaurant (restaurant)chevaux (horses)journaux (newspapers) Examples: Je vais  au  restaurant.   Im going to the restaurant.Je mets mon beau chapeau sur le bateau qui flotte sur leau et qui part au Portugal oà ¹ il fait chaud. I put my beautiful hat on the boat which floats on the water and which is leaving for Portugal where it is hot.

15 Great Part-Time Jobs for Night Owls

15 Great Part-Time Jobs for Night Owls Moonlighting. Side hustle. A night job can have a lot of different names. But whatever you call it, it can be the perfect option if you’re a night owl looking for flexible hours, looking for a second job outside of the 9-to-5, or a vampire (we don’t judge). Let’s look at 15 part-time options available in the evening and through the night. Security GuardSecurity guards hold down the fort when everyone else has gone home, making sure all is well. It may not be the most exciting job around for most companies, but it’s a necessary one. For this job, it’s a delicate balance between the level-headed thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to handle breaches when they do happen, and the ability to keep alert and busy when things are quiet. If you’re an introvert, it could be an ideal night job.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus on-the-job training. You may also need to be trained in handling weapons, depending o n the company and the job description.Customer Service RepresentativeWhen someone needs help with a product or service at 2 a.m., someone else needs to be on call to assist. And when you add that many companies have customer support for all time zones, that means having to staff call centers around the clock.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus on-the-job training. Strong customer service skills are a must.Hotel Desk ClerkOn a recent trip, I had a late flight that got in around 1 a.m., local time. I arrived at the hotel thinking that the lobby would be a ghost town at that hour, but on the contrary there was a line of people keeping three hotel check-in clerks hopping. With travelers coming and going at virtually all hours, especially in major cities, hotels need to have someone manning the front desk for late arrivals or guests who have requests or need service. Like with security guards, it can be a job where most of your time is spent reading or kill ing time, but it also requires being on call when the need arises.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus on-the-job training. Strong customer service skills and a friendly demeanor are extremely helpful as well.Night School/Online School TeacherJust like many people with day jobs or daytime obligations are seeking night jobs, many others are also seeking to work on their education at night. If you have a particular area of expertise, or teaching experience, this can be a flexible nighttime option for you. Community colleges or community centers often have night classes, and teaching online courses gives you the flexibility of teaching from anywhere.What you’ll need: Either a degree in your field or extensive experience working in it. You should also have good communication and people skills.Retail Stock/Inventory ClerkIn a busy store, the end of the business day can mean depleted shelves, displays in disarray, and merchandise moved all over the pla ce. By opening the next day, these same shelves are restocked, orderly, and ready to go. Elves, perhaps? Not so much. More like hard-working retail professionals who work on this transformation overnight. Many stores employ night crews who come in during overnight hours and work on restocking, taking inventory, and ensuring that merchandise is accounted for. Many stores bulk up on their overnight staff during busy or holiday times of the year, so it can be a great seasonal option as well.What you’ll need: There is typically no formal education needed to be a retail clerk, but attention to detail and customer service are both great asset skills to have in your pocket.Warehouse WorkerIf you’ve ever wondered how certain companies can ship products to you so quickly, one of the main pieces of that puzzle is â€Å"warehouse workers.† Warehouses often employ people at all hours to keep freight and merchandise coming and going to meet aggressive shipping schedules.What you’ll need: There is typically no formal education to work in a warehouse, but physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects are often key components of the work.BakerBecause so many of us enjoy a fresh donut or croissant for breakfast, bakers are often up at the crack of dawn (or well before), prepping and baking for the coming day. And baked goods typically have a very short shelf life, so stores, local bakeries, and commercial bakeries are often cranking through the night, churning out baked goods to be shipped out in the morning and ready for customers.What you’ll need: There is typically no formal education to work in a warehouse, but there may be lengthy on-the-job training. You may also need to be certified to handle food, depending on your state’s regulations.Freelance Writer/EditorFreelance writers and editors set their own hours, so even if those hours happen to be at night, flexibility is a major perk of the job. These writers and editors w ork with clients to on specific reading and writing projects, like technical writing, educational content, books, articles, etc.What you’ll need: At least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most likely a degree in English, writing, communications, or a related field.Casino DealerIt’s a well-known fact that casinos like to discourage customers from remembering that time exists outside of the building (all the better to keep them inside, spending money). That means keeping things lively and moving around the clock. Casinos have continuous shifts available, so if you live near a casino, it can be a great night job option.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent. Strong math skills and attention to detail are also a must for most casino games, as you’ll be keeping track of money going in and out, as well as number games that range from simple to complex.JanitorThis is another job that is hardly glamorous, but is very necessary- and perennia lly in demand. Nighttime janitors and cleaners are essential to virtually every business and store.What you’ll need: There is typically no formal education to work as a janitor, but you should probably have a high tolerance for the â€Å"ick† factor. General maintenance skills and problem solving skills are also very helpful.Food ServerMany restaurants (or bars that also serve food) are open very late, or even all night. They need servers to work these shifts, outside of the regular rush times of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.What you’ll need: There is typically no formal education to work as a food server, but stellar customer service skills will help boost your tips even when things aren’t so busy. You’ll also need physical stamina and the ability to work on your feed for extended periods of time.BartenderIf you strike up a conversation with your friendly local bartender, you’ll likely find that he or she has a whole other career outside th e bar. Bartending is kind of the classic night job, given that most bars don’t even start getting lively until the evening happy hour. Bartending has great potential for tips, especially in higher-end bars and clubs.What you’ll need: There is typically no formal education to work as a bartender, but you will need to be over 21. If you don’t know a Manhattan from a Miller High Life, you may want to take a bartending course- especially if you want to take advantage of the current cocktail trend (organic blackberry sage mojito, anyone?).Rideshare DriverNight owl drivers are in high demand, picking people up from restaurants, bars, clubs, night jobs, etc. and making sure they get home safely. Drivers for ridesharing services (like Uber and Lyft) can earn up to $30 an hour, plus tips.What you’ll need: A driver’s license and a car that’s clean, presentable, and in good working order. Drivers may also be required to pass a background check.Pizza/Fo od Delivery DriverLate night snacks are a fact of life, especially on weekends. Especially now, with delivery apps like Seamless, GrubHub, and UberEats, late-night ordering is easier and more popular than ever. Apps can’t deliver food, though, so until drone delivery becomes more than a pipe dream, food delivery drivers will always be in demand.What you’ll need: A valid driver’s license and a working vehicle.Web DesignerLike freelance writing and editing, web designing is a gig you can likely do on your own time, from anywhere. If that means coding at 3 a.m., that’s up to you. Web designers create and maintain websites for clients on a project basis.What you’ll need: At least an associate’s degree in graphic design or computer programming. A strong background in coding is extremely helpful as well. And because you’d be freelancing, you’ll also need the skills to pursue and maintain new client relationships.

Social Welfare and Policy II Final Assignment Essay

Social Welfare and Policy II Final Assignment - Essay Example (Blau & Abramovitz, 2007) According to me this assertion is rational because whenever a social worker attempts to help his clients in any of their problems, in addition to the particular issue he has to confront with many other social welfare policies of government. Each and every function of government is being regulated and implemented by certain policies of its own. Though policies are the guidelines for a social worker, on certain occasions they might hamper or prevent his free involvement in social issues. Blau and Abramowitz states that social policies pervade every aspect of social work practice. However much we as individuals try to help a client, our capacity to do so ultimately depends on the design of the programs, benefit or service (Blau & Abramovitz, p.4). The opinion of the writers is authentic and every service or action that comes under the concern of individuals or society embodies a social policy. For instance, we realize and experience the rights and responsibilities of citizenship such a s right to vote, the right to have access to resources, the right to participate in civic structures and the equality before the law all through various social policies of government (Carson, Dunbar & Chenhall D. 2007, p.232). The thoughts projected in the book ‘Dynamics of Social Welfare Policy’, have imbued me with new conception to pursue my career as a social worker. The primary notion I gathered from this learning is that professionalism rests on a systematic body of theory that convince a social worker about causes, effect and opinion for work with individuals, groups, families and communities (Blau & Abramovitz,p.179). Secondly, the real and practical social worker relies not only on social welfare policies but also heavily on the psychological theories of personality and human behavior. Learning such a book would definitely help a

Dominant Points Of The Eliminative Materialism Essay

Dominant Points Of The Eliminative Materialism - Essay Example One of the most imperative claims made by eliminative materialism is this that the humans are unable to comprehend with the realities existing all around them just by depending upon common sense humans have universally been gifted with. In simple terms, the existence of the objects could not be viewed as they appear before the eyes (Ramsey, 2013). Consequently, what humans perceive and subsequently conclude on the foundation of their apparent observation and visualizing could be contrary to the real characteristics attributed to the same thing, object or phenomenon in general. Hence, developing an idea, and reaching out the conclusion on the basis of the visible image(s) of the objects could not be supported by the eliminative materialism to be the true picture of divergent scenarios altogether. On the contrary, reductive materialism submits to state that the psychological states of affairs associated with the mind could be estimated by deducing the same from mental to physical (Murr affa, 2011). Theory of mind, as per elucidated in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), also supports the states of mind, indirectly ratifying the validity of reductive materialism (Apperly et al., 2006). Somehow, it's being the product of the cognitive development theory, eliminative perspective declares it to be a bad theory, which actually serves as the reflection of the desires one contains on the one side, and the influence of the prevailing norms, values, and traditions regulated by the folklore on the other (Theory of Mind, 150). In addition to this, eliminative materialism criticizes and refutes the claim made by reductive materialism that the situation of mind could be explained in the same lines as it is conducted while assessing and evaluating the material things. Rather, there only exist, according to eliminative perspective, the physical states, which reflect their existence in one way or the other in various objects.

Week 9 Question 1 Working Capital Management Assignment

Week 9 Question 1 Working Capital Management - Assignment Example Other technologies for planning and scheduling that are offered by companies like JDA, Logility, and Manhattan Associates offer good solutions. These are especially in the computation of safety stocks. Survey respondent tools from Akzo Nobel helps in identifying obsolete inventory. Looking at cash management, businesses find themselves handling a number of huge cash transactions. These transactions include collection of receivables and making payments. Managing these processes ensure that the business grows and succeeds in the industry. This is because cash management technologies reduce errors that result from manually managing cash. Tellermate electronic cash counters are examples of such technology. This technology is especially useful for businesses that handle a lot of cash. This is because they reduce the time that it takes to count cash and also reduces errors (Tellermate, 1996). There are other technologies that would enhance working capital management. However, it is critical to ensure that the technology that the business plans to use enhances the working capital. This is mainly by looking at inventory optimization where the technology should help the business is optimizing inventory. The technology should also be able to measure the business working capital and be able borrow ideas from companies that do well in managing working capital. This is so as to be able to improve the working capital in the business (Preve, 2010). Partridge, A. R. (2007, 08). Complex Technology Optimizes Basic Concepts. Retrieved 03 06, 2013, from Inbound Logistics:

Research Essay Ballast Water Environmental Sciences Essay

Research Essay Ballast Water Environmental Sciences Essay INTRODUCTION The proper control and management of ballast water from ships is now a major environmental challenge not only to the International Maritime Organization but also for the shipping industry worldwide. This problematic issue has led some countries to consider actions at the national level to establish regulations and criteria for the discharge of ballast water in areas under its jurisdiction. In this way, the IMO adopted in 2004 the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship ´s Ballast Water and Sediments and several guidelines and resolutions. As the Convention previously mentioned has not yet entered into force, several states have taken unilateral action to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risks of the introduction to the marine environment of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from ballast water. Consequently, in 1998 the Argentine maritime authority approved Order No. 7-98 entitled Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate, which requires ships from overseas bound for Argentine ports in the estuary to discharge, change or treat their ballast water before entering a zone in which polluting activities are prohibited, which is located at the exterior limit of the River Plate. Even though Argentina is an IMO member state, for political reasons it has not signed the IMO Convention for Ballast Water. However, Argentina follows the IMO recommendations to create its own regulations in a standardized way, in order to avoid the negative impacts that ballast water discharge involves. This paper will analyze Argentina ´s national regulations and procedures for dealing with ballast water and determine the similarities and differences with the IMO recommendations. In addition, before analyzing this specific aspect, it is necessary to introduce the ballast water issue. First, the ballast water definition and its brief history. Second, this paper will describe the problems that ballast water implies. Third, the IMO responses in concordance with the international cooperation, regarding ballast water management and the assistance to developing countries, like Argentina, to reduce the entry of invasive species. Finally, this research will compare the Argentine legal framework with the international one; to be concluded with some suggestions and recommendations to improve this significant environmental problem. BALLAST WATER BACKGROUND What is Ballast Water? To understand the problems that ballast water imply, it is necessary to know the meaning of ballast water. According to the IMO Convention, ballast water means water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to control trim, list, draught, stability or stresses of the ship. Ships are designed and constructed to sail carrying cargo such as oil, minerals, containers and so on. Consequently, if the ship travels without charge from one port and goes to the next port, the ballast must be on board to allow the vessel to operate efficiently and with safety. This includes keeping the ship at a depth sufficient to guarantee efficient operation of the propeller and rudder, and to avoid stress and strain on the hull, mainly in heavy seas, that could cause it to break or to sink the ship. Thousands of years ago, when ships began to be built, they carried solid ballast, such as rocks, sand or metal. However, since 1880, ships have used water as ballast, mainly because it is more affordable, it is much easier to load and unload and is, therefore, more effective and economical than the ballast solid (Ballast Water Defined, n.d.). As the figure 1 shows, when a ship is freed from its cargo, it is filled with water ballast. The water is distributed into the ballast tanks in the vessel. These tanks are strategically located depend on the vessel structure. They are usually located along the side and bottom of the hull. Ballast water is extracted through sea water intakes located in the side or vessel bottom, with the aid of feeding pumps for ballast or gravity. The seawater intakes are covered with grills or filters that prevent large foreign objects from entering the ships ballast tanks. However, many species are able to pass through the ship ´s water intake and pumps (The Issue, n.d.). Figure 1 Cross section of ships showing ballast tanks and ballast water cycle Note: Globallast Partnerships Retrieved from: http://globallast.imo.org/index.asp?page=problem.htmmenu=true C:Usersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESBW.png The ballast water sediments are closely associated with ballast water. When ships charge ballast water, they also receive the solid material contained in the water. When this material enters into the ballast water tank, it sits in the bottom of the tank as sediment and the problem is that it can carry a variety of invasive species. Consequently, approximately 7,000 diverse invasive species could be transported into the ballast water tanks around the world. Many of these species may not survive during the ships ´ voyage. In the same way, other species are able to survive but when they are discharged in a place with different environmental conditions, they may die. However, several of the invasive species not only are able to survive but also find favourable conditions in the new environment to reproduce and to be a competitor or depredator of native species (The Issue, n.d.). BALLAST WATER PROBLEMS Invasive Species There are many problems in the ballast water discharge due to invasive species that are introduced in a new environment. These invasive species could be defined as species that have been introduced, intentionally or accidentally in a place, area or region where not found naturally. Other synonyms that are used to refer to invasive species are non-native species, non-indigenous species or invasive alien species (IAS) (Invasive species, n.d.). Furthermore, according to the IMO BW Convention, the invasive species are defined as: Aquatic organisms or pathogens which, if introduced into the sea including estuaries, or into fresh water courses, may create hazards to the environment, human health, property or resources, impair biological diversity or interfere with other legitimate uses of such areas. The problem involving invasive species is that after they have been introduced into a new geographic area, they are established and spread, which causes or may cause, damage to the environment, economies or the health of human beings (Invasive species, n.d.). Invasion Process The invasive process has three main steps: Introduction, establishment and propagation. 1 Introduction of the species: The species is introduced successfully in a new geographical area, intentionally or accidentally. This means that the species survives the voyage and is able to live in that area because the environmental conditions such as light, temperature, salinity, nutrients, among others, are adequate. 2 Establishment and reproduction of introduced species: Survivors persist and reproduce successfully, establishing a self-sustaining foundational population. 3 Propagation: The established population begins to spread, sometimes after a stationary period (or stationary stage) that could be for years and even decades. Then an explosive growth stage begins, this moment is when the new species becomes invasive (Invasive species, n.d.). Negative impacts The introduction of invasive species and their spread is recognized as a devastating issue in the affected environment because the damage that species cause to the local biodiversity could be irremediable. In this way, these complications in the environment imply also a negative impact in the economy of the affected area and to human health that is impaired by the invasive species ´ effects. In addition, all these negative impacts that invasive species produce in the environment, the economy and the human health are interrelated and influence each other (Ballast Water Management, n.d.). Ecological/ Environmental Negative ecological impacts happen when invasive species alter the local biodiversity of the area and/or ecological processes. While the initial impact may be insignificant and therefore, not detected; over time, as the population increases, also the severity of the effects increases. The most significant ecological impacts that invasive species cause in the environment are (The Ballast, 2002, p.8): Competing with native species for space and food. Preying upon native species. Altering habitat. Altering environmental conditions. Altering the food web and the overall ecosystem. Displacing native species, reducing native biodiversity and even causing local extinctions. Economic Invasive species can produce huge economic losses to society, whether in the form of direct economic impacts, such as loss of marine food production, or secondary economic impacts associated with the health of humans or ecological impact. For example, it is estimated that in the U.S., the cost associated with the control of invasive species is enormous. To clear Zebra Mussels were cost between US$750 and US$1 billion between 1989 and 2000. In general, the economic impacts include (The Ballast, 2002, p.10): Reductions in fisheries production (including collapse of the fishery) due to competition, predation or displacement of the fishery species by the invading species or through environmental changes caused by the invading species. Impacts on aquaculture (including closure of fish-farms), especially from introduced harmful algae blooms. Physical impacts on coastal infrastructure, facilities and industry, especially by fouling species. Reduction in the economy and efficiency of shipping due to fouling species. Impacts and even closure of recreational and tourism beaches and other coastal amenity sites due to invasive species (e.g. physical fouling of beaches and severe odors from harmful algae blooms). Secondary economic impacts from human health impacts of introduced pathogens and toxic species, including increased monitoring, testing, diagnostic and treatment costs, and loss of social productivity due to illness and even death in affected persons. Secondary economic impacts from ecological impacts and bio-diversity loss. The costs of responding to the problem, including research and development, monitoring, education, communication, regulation, compliance, management, mitigation and control costs. Human health Because of the continued transfers of ballast water, chances are high that ships carry microorganisms on a large scale. For instance, there is evidence that cholera epidemics can be directly related to the discharge of ballast water. While Vibrio cholera and other pathogens are normal elements of coastal waters, they are not usually present in concentrations high enough to cause health problems for humans. However, with the increase in global trade and vessels transiting between international ports, the transfer of microbes could well be the worst threat related to the discharge of ballast water. A clear example is the cholera epidemic that happened in Peru in 1991 because of ballast water discharge, affecting more than a million people and killing more than ten thousand. Another problem in the human health that ballast water implies is that ships could carry in the ballast tanks not only bacteria and viruses, but also a range of species of microalgae, including toxic species that may form harmful algae blooms or red tides' (The Ballast, 2002, p.13). This kind of algae causes shellfish poisoning, which can produce sever illness and death in humans. ARGENTINE CASE STUDY The invasive species introduced by ballast water have affected Argentine waters causing many negative impacts. For instance, since 1991, the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) entered to Argentina through the River Plate into the ballast water tanks of Asian ships (Crosier, Molloy, n.d.). One of the complications that golden mussel causes is the damage in water intakes and water treatment plants, in which it is adhered. Consequently, the pipes are clogged, the water flow moves slowly and filters are clogged (macro-fouling) (Figure 2 and 3). Other disorders associated with the presence of this invasive bivalve are the rapidly changing in communities of organisms living on the bottom of water bodies (called benthic) and the displacement of indigenous species of mollusks. Figure 1 and 2 Golden Mussel Note: Para Nauticos Retrieved from: http://www.paranauticos.com/Notas/Tecnicas/Oceanografia/mejillon-dorado.htm C:Usersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESGolden_Mussel.pngC:Usersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESGolden_Mussel_002.png Furthermore, the Golden Mussel produces changes in the food chains of the environment, such as change of diet of vogue in the River Plate. In this case, this fish chooses the golden mussel as their main food, altering the normal ecosystem characteristics. On the other hand, the arrival of the invasive bivalve has economic negative effects that can be quantified by the value of the damage it causes, plus the costs of prevention and control tasks (Mirasso, n.d.). As a result of the Golden Mussel invasion in the River Plate, there are several negative impacts, such as in the human health, taking into account that the water consumed by people is that one that be affected by the Golden Mussel in the treatment plant. Moreover, other negative effects are ecological (because the environmental changes) and economics (due to the procedures used it to solve the problems that the bivalve produces). INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION RESPONSES Since late 1980, the IMO has been actively engaged in trying to find a solution to the problem of ballast water. Initially, the IMO developed and published a set of guidelines in 1991, which were replaced in 1997 with Resolution A.868 (20) called Guidelines for the control and management of ship ´s ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. Subsequently, IMO began working on an international legal instrument that resulted in the adoption by consensus of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediments in the Diplomatic Conference that was held at the IMO headquarters in London on February 13, 2004. This Convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 States, representing 35 per cent of world merchant shipping tonnage. The last IMO report of  August 31, 2011 shows that 35 States have ratified the Convention, representing 27.95% of world merchant shipping tonnage (Ballast Water Man agement, n.d.; Status of Conventions, 2012). Basically, the BWM Convention will require all ships to implement a Ballast Water and Sediments Management Plan; all ships will have to carry a Ballast Water Record Book and will be required to carry out standard ballast water management procedures. In addition, Parties to the Convention are given the option to take additional measures which are subject to criteria set out in the Convention and to IMO guidelines. These guidelines were created by the IMO Member States between 2005 and 2008 to facilitate the uniform implementation of the ballast water process. The mentioned guidelines are the following (BWM Guidelines, n.d.): Guidelines for sediment reception facilities (G1) (resolution MEPC.152(55)) Guidelines for ballast water sampling (G2) (resolution MEPC.173(58)) Guidelines for ballast water management equivalent compliance (G3) (resolution MEPC.123(53)) Guidelines for ballast water management and development of ballast water management plans (G4) (resolution MEPC.127(53)) Guidelines for ballast water reception facilities (G5) (resolution MEPC.153(55)) Guidelines for ballast water exchange (G6) (resolution MEPC.124(53)) Guidelines for risk assessment under regulation A-4 of the BWM Convention (G7) (resolution MEPC.162(56)) Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) (resolution MEPC.174(58)) Procedure for approval of ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances (G9) (resolution MEPC.169(57)) Guidelines for approval and oversight of prototype ballast water treatment technology programmes (G10) (resolution MEPC.140(54)) Guidelines for ballast water exchange design and construction standards (G11) (resolution MEPC.149(55)) Guidelines on design and construction to facilitate sediment control on ships (G12) (resolution MEPC.150(55)) Guidelines for additional measures regarding ballast water management including emergency situations (G13) (resolution MEPC.161(56)) Guidelines on designation of areas for ballast water exchange (G14) (resolution MEPC.151(55)) Guidelines for ballast water exchange in the Antarctic treaty area (resolution MEPC.163(56)) However, the most relevant IMO recommendation regarding ballast water is the before mentioned Resolution A.868 (20) Guidelines for the control and management of ship ´s ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. This Resolution was adopted on 27 November 1997 not as a solution to the ballast water issue but as a tool to minimize the risks caused by invasive species. Also, it asked countries to cooperate with this issue, applying the resolution itself and any other necessary measures. First, the Resolution A.868 (20) establishes several indications both to port States and ships. Beginning with the port States, they should inform the IMO of specific requirements that they have such as regulations, specific zones, standards and exemptions, in order that IMO can distribute this information and in this way, the ships could obtain each country ´s requirements prior to their arrival at port. Other information that the port States should pass on to IMO is the results of inspections and analyses of samples of ballast water tanks. In addition, the port States should have adequate reception and treatment facilities in their ports for safe disposal of ballast tank sediments. Second, according to the Resolution, the ships should have a specific ballast water management plan including safe and effective procedures during the charge and discharge of ballast water. All ships should record each discharge, mention at least dates; geographical location; ship ´s tanks and cargo holds; ballast water temperature and salinity; amount of ballast water loaded or discharged. Additionally, the ships should follow precautionary practices such as avoiding taking ballast water in darkness, shallow water or where propellers may stir up sediments. Also, they should avoid unnecessary discharge of ballast water. The ballast water exchange process could be done in deep water, in open ocean, as far as possible from shore or where the port State authorizes. In case of using pumping systems, the water should be pumped through the tank at least three times. Third, the Resolution takes into account future considerations in relation to ballast water exchange. This means that the measures could be revised and adjusted according to new technologies or developments. In addition, this document has two appendices. Appendix 1 is the Ballast Water Reporting Form to be provided by ships to port State Authority upon request. Appendix 2 is the Guidance of safety aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at sea. This appendix mentions the safety measures (stability, weather conditions, and stress on the hull, among others) and two recognized methods: Sequential method, in which ballast tanks are pumped out and refilled with clean water; and Flow-through method, in which ballast tanks are simultaneously filled and discharged by pumping in clean water. Finally, the Resolution establishes the necessity of crew training and familiarization regarding the ballast water management plan, ballast water methods, pumping system and recording the information required concerning ballast water loading and discharge. This point is very important because conscience and compromise about the ballast water risk, not only from the crew members but also from the port States, are the first steps to minimize the introduction of invasive species. The IMO not only carries its own efforts to solve the ballast water problem, but also it has been supporting the international cooperation among countries in order to achieve a common solution, and to help developed countries to implement the necessary measures to avoid invasive species and to implement the Ballast Water Convention. In this way, one of the most important programs under the IMO auspices is the GloBallast Patnership that it will be developed in more detail in the next section. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION International cooperation is essential to prevent the transferences of invasive species. This means that it is necessary joint cooperation among states, the maritime community, shipping companies and non-governmental organizations, in order to prevent, reduce and control human caused pollution of the marine environment, including the intentional or accidental introduction of harmful or alien species to a particular part of the marine environment. (Ballast Water Management, n.d.). In this way, since 2000 the IMO has been working with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to deal with the introduction of invasive species from ships ´ ballast water in new environments. In order to confront this issue with an international effort, these organizations initiated the Global Programme of Ballast Water Management to avoid obstacles to the effective implementation of control measures and ballast water management in developing countries (GloBallast Partnership). This is a comprehensive technical cooperation program for help developing countries to (GloBallast, n.d.): à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduce the transfer of harmful organisms from ballast water of ships. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement the IMO guidelines on ballast water. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Prepare for the implementation of the Ballast Water Convention of IMO (which was still in negotiations at that time). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop mechanisms for sustainability and reforms at national level. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Promote regional coordination and cooperation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop new technologies and exchange of information among governments measures. The GloBallast Partnership is divided into phases. The first phase was initiated in 2000 and finished in 2004. The second phase was initiated in 2007 and continuous running during this year. This second phase aims to build on the progress achieved in the original project. It will focus on national policy, legal and institutional reforms in developing countries with particular emphasis on integrated management. The approach includes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Build on the achievements and use the skills and knowledge acquired in the first phase; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Repeat best practices and technical activities to promote national policy reforms. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Support countries particularly vulnerable and high environmental sensitivity in their efforts to adopt legal reforms and to implement the Convention on Ballast Water Management. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Promote collaboration with industry to facilitate the successful transfer of new technologies from developed to developing countries (GloBallast Partnerships, n.d.). Consequently, Argentina participated in the GloBallast Partnership Program and this year the Argentine Coast Guard was designated as the focal point to represent Argentina to International Organizations in this Program. In order to assist with other nations in the world particularly vulnerable countries regarding the introduction of invasive species and pathogens through ballast water of ships, to fortify political and legal aspects (Environmental Protection, 2012). ARGENTINE LEGAL FRAMEWORK The BWM Convention was opened to signature from 01 June 2004 to 31 May 2005. Eight countries including Argentina signed the instrument subject to ratification. Until now Argentina has not ratified the Convention because it still remains in the Congress to analyze. However, this situation does not mean that Argentina does not support the fight against invasive species incoming from the ships ´ ballast water. On the contrary, Argentina was a pioneer in this issue. In 1998 the Argentine maritime authority approved Ordinance No. 7-98 entitled Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate, which obliges ships from overseas bound for Argentine ports in the estuary to discharge, change or treat their ballast water before entering a zone in which polluting activities are prohibited, which is located at the outer limit of the River Plate. On December 1999, this national regulation was submitted to the I MO through MEPC 44/4/2, in order to be distributed among the states. In the same way, Ordinance No. 12-98 entitled Special Protection Areas on the Argentine Coast was submitted to the IMO. This Ordinance established twelve special protection areas, where among other prohibitions, it is forbidden to discharge ballast water, even if treated in some way, unless it has been exchanged for water taken within 150 miles from the outer limit of the area concerned. Both regulations were made by the Environmental Protection Department of the Argentine Coast Guard (Prefectura Naval Argentina). This Department is in charge of all the issues related to environmental protection. Within this Department is found the Scientific Research Division that works with specialists such as biologists, and this group is continuously conducting research about ballast water and the impact in the environment. In this way, they confirmed with several studies that three species of freshwater bivalves that have been found in the River Plate (Corbicula fluminea, Corbicula largillierti, and Linmoperna fortune, known as Golden Mussel) originating from the estuaries of south-east Asia, and that they had entered via the discharge from ships from that region, to which bulk cereals had been exported from Argentina. Considering that the River Plate is the gateway of the export/import activity of Argentina, it was necessary that this national regulation be applicable and mandatory both for national ships and foreign flagged ships. This last consideration was possible because Argentina submitted the Ordinance to IMO and then it was distributed among the states. Several of the Ordinance requirements are similar to the IMO Resolution A. 868 (20), because it was made based on this last one. For instance, as the Resolution, the Ordinance has a final annex including Guidance on Safety Aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at Sea and Crew Training and Familiarization. Other similarity appears in the ship-shore communication and the methods admitted by both regulations. However, some requirements are specific to the Ordinance, such as sealing ballast tanks or pumping control valves and the exigency of salinity levels. Furthermore, the Ordinance does not have many requirements included in the Resolution, such as the port states procedures or the Ballast Water Reporting Form. The Ordinance No. 7-98 Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate establishes that all ships that navigate along the River Plate shall exchange ballast water avoiding the prohibited zone of polluting actions located in front of the external limit of the River Plate. Another requirement is the radio electric communication that ships must make with the Vessel Traffic Services of the River Plate (CONRASE) informing them of the ballast water exchange or ballast retention on board. In case of exchange, they must indicate position, amount of water discharged, exchanged or retained on board and method applied for the ballast water exchange. According to this Ordinance, the methods admitted by Argentine Coast Guard are: Total deballasting and reballasting (like the Sequential Method indicated in the Resolution A. 868 (20)), Flow-through (the same as in the IMO Resolution) and Overflow (it is similar to the flow-through method, but pumping water for a time and making it overflow from the top of tank). In case of considering new methods, these should be approved by the IMO. Some methods admitted as a complement are: Filtering systems, oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides, thermal techniques, electric pulses and plasma pulses, ultraviolet treatment, acoustic systems, magnetic field, deoxidation, biological techniques and anti-adherent coatings. Furthermore, the Ordinance allows Coast Guard members to seal ballast tanks and pumps to control valves of ships, to be sure that they would not discharge the water on the way to Argentine Ports. Also the officers may take samples of the contents of ballast tanks, pipes and pumps to control the presence of invasive species and water salinity. In case that the water salinity is below 30mg/cm3, the ship would be not be allowed to enter into the River Plate because this water quality means that the ship exchanged ballast water very near the River Plate without taking into account the requirements of the Ordinance. Finally, Argentina tries to arrive at a ballast water solution with its own national regulations. However, this is not enough because, since the adoption of the Ordinance No.7-98, many cases of new invasive species have happened, not only in the River Plate but also in the Argentine south where it does not exists any particular regulation, referent to ballast water. For example, the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) that entered through the River Plate, affecting this complete zone until Brazil or the Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) that invaded Puerto Madryn (a southern Argentine province) causing economic losses because this place is a touristic beach where people make activities like scuba diving but since this seaweed has invaded this place it is impossible to practice this activity. This is a shortcoming in the Argentine regulation because the Ordinance No.7-98 only contemplates the River Plate but not the others ports of entry at the country, mainly in southern Argentina . On the other hand, the Argentine regulation does not contain any reference to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships ´ Ballast Water and Sediments because both instruments are not contemporary; the Ordinance was made six years previously. CONCLUSION The introduction of invasive species is a ballast water problem that involves the majority of the countries in which the trade is made by ships. Nowadays, most of the ships in the world fleet effectively carry ballast water and, therefore, would need to manage ballast water as part of their operations. The ecological, economic and human health impacts of invasive species are significantly severe for each country or region affected. Ballast water transfers and aquatic invasive species are perhaps the biggest environmental challenge facing the global shipping industry this century. For this reason, the problem of ballast water and invasive species must be addressed on an international basis involving cooperation between all countries and the shipping and port industries because the ships are involved in the international trade around the world; the port states are linked to receive and to c