Nafta Essay Research Paper IntroductionSummaryIn January 1994 free essay sample

Nafta Essay, Research Paper Introduction Drumhead In January 1994, the United States, Mexico, and Canada implemented the North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA ) . The end of NAFTA is to make better trading conditions through duty decrease, remotion of investing barriers, and betterment of rational belongings protection. NAFTA continues to bit by bit cut down duties on set day of the months and aims to extinguish all duties by the twelvemonth 2004. Before NAFTA was established, puting in Mexico was a hard procedure. Investors needed the Mexican Government # 8217 ; s blessing and were besides required to run into specific investing guidelines. These demands necessitated investors to export a fit degree of goods and services, utilize domestic goods and services, and reassign engineering to rivals. Under NAFTA, investors no longer necessitate authorities blessing to put and are treated as domestic investors. NAFTA has besides increased rational belongings rights and allowed companies to obtain patents in Mexico and Canada. We will write a custom essay sample on Nafta Essay Research Paper IntroductionSummaryIn January 1994 or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In the past, companies were hesitating to export research and development intensive goods ; with increased rational belongings protection, nevertheless, exports of these goods has shown a definite addition. As a consequence of better trading conditions, exports and imports of most other goods have increased along with the research and development intensive goods. In Mexico, the riddance of investing barriers has allowed investing to spread out. Increased trading and investing has so created many occupations, raised the Gross Domestic Product, and lowered consumer monetary values. The macroeconomic rules defined in Economics 103 relate to NAFTA # 8217 ; s impact on aggregative supply and demand, employment, investing, and their effects on national income. The free trade established by MERCOSUR besides involves states within South America. MERCOSUR, the Southern Common Market ( Mercado Common del Sur ) was established in 1991 after a series of other free trade pacts failed to run into the criterions of the states involved. It is set up on the footing of free trade zones and finally to take to a common market. Before MERCOSUR there was ALALC, the Latin American Free Trade Association. It was formed in 1960 and set up free trade zones through the periodic dialogues between the members of the association. ALALC ended in the 1970 # 8217 ; s due to these dialogues because they were left to the discretion of the states involved and unjust patterns started to happen. After ALAC, came ALADI, the Latin American Integration Association. Founded in 1980, it established economic penchant zones alternatively of free trade. This bucked up economic growing and increased actions and understandings between states that antecedently had no connexions. I n 1986 Argentina and Brazil signed a Treaty for Integration, Cooperation, and Development which was originally set up to take duty barriers and bind together the macroeconomic policies of the two states. This Treaty is what led to MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR is a procedure of integrating to organize a common market on the foundations of unfastened regionalism. In March of 1991 Paraguay and Uruguay joined MERCOSUR and most late Chile became a portion of the market in 1996. The ends set by the understanding are to make free theodolite of production goods and lifting of non-tariff limitations on theodolite goods. It was set up to follow a common trade policy with states that are non a portion of the market and to put up a fixed common external duty for all to follow. There are rather a few other ends that was set by MERCOSUR including a clause that states that the states involved will be able to set their Torahs for the intent of beef uping the understanding. The chief point of MERCOSUR is to p ut up free trade among South American states and to promote new states to fall in ( americasnet.com ) . Another related trade understanding conveying the benefits of international trade is the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs ( GATT ) . A trade understanding that conveys the positive results of international trade is the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs ( GATT ) . It was created in 1947 and like NAFTA promotes international trade through the decrease of duties. Today, GATT encompasses over one 100 states and 90 % of the universe # 8217 ; s trade goods ( Sabir 1 ) . There have been eight different versions of GATT, each ensuing in a new trade understanding. The most recent is referred to as the Uruguay Round and is one of the largest and most comprehensive trade treaties in history ( Deng 1 ) . The Uruguay Round Agreement cuts duties by one-third, increases coverage for fabrics, vesture and agribusiness and creates a new World Trade Organization ( Congressional Digest 258 ) . The WTO settles difference colonies, regulates the policies agreed upon and reexamine states # 821 7 ; trade patterns and policies. In add-on, the Uruguay unit of ammunition proposes decreases in nontariff protective barriers to merchandise ( Gottheil 350 ) . The Uruguay Round and WTO make up an of import portion of GATT. GATT as a whole is based on rules that guarantee all take parting states receive benefits. These rules include nondiscrimination, protection of domestic industries and proviso of stable footing for trade ( Congressional Digest 258 ) . With such a solid foundation, the policies of GATT have taken force. Much like NAFTA, GATT proposes to increase trade through the decrease of duties. However, GATT is more inclusive of the international economic system. As NAFTA, MERCOSUR, and GATT set up free trade throughout the Americas and other parts of the universe, the European Free Trade Agreement ( EFTA ) represents states throughout Western Europe. It was ab initio formed in 1960 by Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. The overall aim of the EFTA and of these establishing provinces was to take trade barriers throughout Western Europe, such as import duties and quotas, and to continue unfastened patterns in universe trade ( EFTA Page ) . The model of the EFTA has changed significantly since its initial initiation as many member provinces have come and gone along the manner. In 1972, the bing EFTA states signed free trade understandings with the European Union, therefore extinguishing import duties on industrial merchandises. Since so the EFTA has worked to beef up its relationship with the European Community. The current components of the of all time altering EFTA include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and S witzerland ( EFTA Page ) . The free trade understandings established by the EFTA screen intra-EFTA trade, trade with the European Union, and free trade outside of the EFTA or EU. The EFTA is presently in the thick of securing free trade understandings with states in Central and Eastern Europe and even with other states around the universe ( EFTA Page ) . These free trade understandings serve to advance incorporate motion within the EFTA # 8217 ; s economic relationships and to beef up Europe # 8217 ; s international trade confederations. Harmonizing to EFTA web page, free trade established by the EFTA is an, # 8220 ; indispensable procedure in the uninterrupted edifice of economic, societal, and political ties between the states of Europe and therefore heightening our common aim of closer European integrating # 8221 ; ( EFTA Page ) . Agreements with the EFTA cut down duties between states, enhance and let for more stable foreign investing, and back up the remotion of trade barriers. In set uping all of the se rights, the EFTA hopes to make an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship, competition, and economic activity within its assorted market constructions ( EFTA Page ) . Analysis Free Trade understandings are prevailing throughout the universe, each stand foring trade within a peculiar part. The success of free trade is alone to each single trade organisation. NAFTA, MERCOSUR, GATT, and the EFTA, overall, have created founded many positive facets in international trade. The free trade that NAFTA has established among the United States, Mexico, and Canada has greatly benefited the U.S. economic system. During the old ages from 1994 to 1997, U.S. trade with Mexico and Canada rose 44 per centum. This extended growing is accredited chiefly to the decrease of duties. As duties were lowered, U.S. goods became cheaper and more competitory in Mexican and Canadian markets, and at this lower monetary value degree the measure demanded of U.S. goods increased. On the affiliated graph, as the monetary value degree beads from A to B, the measure demanded additions from C to D ; it becomes less expensive for U.S. houses to provide goods to Canada and Mexico as the supply cu rve displacements from Equally to AS # 8217 ; . In order to run into the new demand, the houses must engage new workers and increase investing. Between 1994 and 1997, 90 to 160 1000 occupations were created in the U.S. due to the addition of trade with Mexico, and 2.4 million occupations were dependent upon trade with Mexico and Canada. The addition in employment and investing so leads to increased national income. The work of NAFTA has besides served to profit Mexico # 8217 ; s economic system ; in conformity with the United States # 8217 ; economic system, Mexico # 8217 ; s exports have increased, more than duplicating since 1993. The riddance of investing barriers has caused a dramatic rise in foreign investing from four billion in 1993 to ten billion dollars in 1998. NAFTA has enabled Volkswagen, IBM, and the fabric industry to seek labour and stuffs in Mexico. In 1994, a Canada-based enterpriser invested four million dollars in a metal-stamping works. The works is now a major stuff suppler for Volkswagen although it was originally intended to use merely 130 people. The works presently employs 1,300 workers and generates 57 million dollars in gross revenues each twelvemonth. NAFTA has besides allowed IBM to make workss in Guadalajara that would otherwise hold been built in Asia. As a consequence, the exports of IBM de Mexico have increased from 350 million to 2 billion dollars in five ol d ages and the increased exports have created over 270 occupations. Mexico # 8217 ; s fabric industry, excessively, has grown as a consequence of NAFTA, in 1996 catching China to go the largest provider of fabrics to the United States. U.S. mills invest 100s of 1000000s of dollars to construct workss in Mexico as an consequence of the decreased duties and transportation clip. It takes merely 18 hours to transport goods to the Mexican boundary line, while it takes 21 hours to China. Increased investing and exports have created occupations and increased GDP. In 1998, Mexico # 8217 ; s economic system grew 4.5 per centum and economic experts predict that it will turn an extra 2.5 per centum in # 8216 ; 99. Free trade under NAFTA has besides encouraged international specialisation, the production of merely the goods that a peculiar economic system can bring forth most expeditiously. If the U.S. for illustration, is expeditiously fabricating autos and Mexico, bring forthing maize, so the U.S. should bring forth lone autos and Mexico, merely maize. They are more efficient if they each produce at their highest end product, and trade for other goods. International specialisation additions efficiency, take downing consumer monetary values ; consumers no longer hold to pay for inefficiently produced goods. The benefits of NAFTA are hence, increased employment, raised national income, and lower consumer monetary values. MERCOSUR, once more like NAFTA, has had an overall positive influence on free trade throughout the Americas. The economic end of MERCOSUR is to be able to organize the macroeconomic and sectional policies of the states involved in relation to foreign trade and several other common markets. It besides ensures free trade competition among the states with in the understanding. It was formed to better the economic systems by doing them more competitory and efficient ( Embassy of Uruguay ) . The clip line end of MERCOSUR was to get down with Argentina and Brazil in 1995 to cut down duties some and in 1996 to cut down duties by 25 per centum and increase each twelvemonth by another 25 per centum until in 1999 duties were 100 per centum gone. Because Paraguay and Uruguay joined the Treaty subsequently the day of the months for T he riddance of their duties are pushed back a whole twelvemonth so that by the twelvemonth 2000 they will hold 100 per centum eliminated duties. The ruin of this riddance of duties is that some concerns will hold to cut back and restructure so some people will free their occupations, but in the long run the economic system will turn stronger from it. However, the societal security system for the states will be transformed such that a worker can work in any of the member states and accumulate old ages until retirement and still have a pension ( americasnet.com ) . Each of the states is utilizing MERCOSUR in a different manner to increase their productiveness. In Brazil through denationalization they use MERCOSUR to pull outside investors for industries and services to better roads and railroads and other big industries like power. Argentina is besides utilizing denationalization to increase chances with their airdromes. Paraguay and Uruguay are taking more advantage of the integrating procedure. In Paraguay they are utilizing it to increase and better waterways and in Uruguay the are utilizing it to construct a span and distribute gas and electricity ( americasnet.com ) . All of the states have increased their GDP since the initiation of MERCOSUR and have become more economically independent. Argentina has gone from a recession in 1988 through an unbelievable recovery through to 1996. They have increased their exports by 13,000 signifier 1993 to 1997 and exports have increased by 15,000 in the same period of clip ( Argentina Brief ) . Other MERCOSUR states have experienced the same consequences and are continually turning. The one exclusion to the benefits of MERCSUR would be the economic system of Paraguay. Before they joined the market, they were the best performing state in the part, but now they have fallen behind all the other members in MERCOSUR as a consequence of the political instability and little domestic market ( Sabkar, Maysoon ) . The effectivity of GATT is that it applies to a bulk of the economic system. In the market of major industrial goods, duties have been eliminated and reduced in the developing markets of: building equipment, agricultural equipment, medical equipment, steel, beer, distilled liquors, pharmaceuticals, paper, playthings and furniture ( Congressional Digest ) . These are some of the most of import industries in the United States and are some of the most competitory in the universe. As stated by the US study on GATT, a cardinal proviso was that it # 8220 ; significantly lowered entree to markets that represent about 85 % of universe trade in footings of decreased duties on specific points of cardinal involvement to US exporters # 8221 ; . There have been tariff decreases runing from 50 to 100 % on of import electronics package ( US study on GATT 2 ) . The most of import sector to be included is agribusiness. For the first clip, all agricultural duties are bound and reduced. GATT strength ens long term regulations for agricultural trade, reduces agricultural export subsidies and opens new markets. Intellectual belongings such as patents, hallmarks and right of first publications for films, computing machine plans, books and music is besides protected. Many of the industries listed above trade with engineering and are important to mundane life. By advancing the decrease of duties in the sectors of the economic system of import to the United States, industries will be able to spread out and turn. The manner that industries will be able to turn is through the decrease of duties. While barriers to merchandise come in many signifiers, the duty has been used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The negative facet of duties is that they cut down the sum of goods produced for export. Graph 1 exhibits the effects of a duty on measure supplied by United States. Let # 8217 ; s say the duty is on imported Gallic vino. At normal equilibrium, measure demanded of vino peers measure supplied at one hundred billion and a monetary value of $ 2. That is the United States would provide 1 billion bottles of vino. However, a duty creates a state of affairs similar to a monetary value ceiling. The duty causes the monetary value to diminish to $ 1 and the measure supplied lessenings to.5 billion while measure demanded additions to 1.5 billion. The consequence of the duty is to diminish the measure supplied by the United States. To manufacturers in the United States that means a lessening in the production of goods and services. The contrary happens when the duty is reduced. Quantity supplied will increase, that is more goods will be produced for trade. This addition in exports has other deductions on the economic system. Since exports will be increasing at a higher rate than imports the net exports will be positive. Aggregate outgo peers disbursement by consumers, investors, authorities and net exports. An addition in the net exports will increase the aggregative outgo switching it to the right. This is seen in graph 2, where the aggregative outgo curve ( AE ) shifts to the right ( AE # 8217 ; ) . As shown by the graph, the degree of national income additions from 250 billion to 300 billion. Therefore, increasing net exports will increase the degree of national income. # 8220 ; By extinguishing import revenue enhancements, universe income will increase every bit much as $ 5 trillion in the following 10 old ages. Higher universe incomes mean more demand for our trade goods # 8221 ; ( Kleckner 1 ) . With an addition in national income, the criterion of life in the United States and other take parting economic systems should increa se. More occupations will be created for the unemployed, assisting the economic system reach the full employment degree. At this degree, all resources would be in usage. Similar to other free trade understandings, the intent of those formed through the EFTA is to beef up European every bit good as international economic systems. In set uping a strong foundation for free trade, it seems that the EFTA has done much good for economic systems within Europe. Harmonizing to the EFTA web page, # 8220 ; Ministers emphasize EFTA # 8217 ; s strong certificates as a free trade organisation and underscore that free trade and economic integrating play an progressively of import function in procuring work, public assistance, peace, and democracy in Europe # 8221 ; ( EFTA Page ) . Its seeable effects on international trade provide merely a nominal indicant of the many achievements of the EFTA ; its work can besides be observed in footings of its implicit in affect on the economic system. In set uping strong international relationships, it has expanded the degree of exporting and importing, increased employment, raised ingestion, and in consequence, besides enhan ced the mean GDP for states active in the EFTA ( Fortune ) . Each portion of this integrating serves a good intent, and positive facets of the EFTA # 8217 ; s work are apparent in economic systems throughout Europe. As the EFTA has worked to beef up relationships non merely within its member states, but all over Europe and the remainder of the universe, it has established many confederations, therefore making a solid base for foreign trade. The degree of exporting and importing, peculiarly among European states has shown a definite addition. The enlargement of foreign trade creates possible for more employment chances ; it can besides be straight related to its aggregative supply, and in consequence, its degree of GDP. The addition in exporting, being a important outgo included in the computation of GDP, is shown in its consequence on GDP growing. Within the free trade of the EFTA, the degree of employment in member states besides has been affected. As the grade of economic activity additions due to free trade confederations, many countries, including that of employment besides begin to alter way. The enlargement of exporting mentioned before dramas a function in the variable degree of employment. Increased employment will add to the degree of human capital as lifting imports and exports expand capital resources, therefore lending to an outward displacement in the aggregative supply curve. Any addition in resource handiness for land, labour, capital, or entrepreneurship will let for an outward displacement in the production possibilities curve, followed by a similar displacement in the aggregative supply curve, finally increasing existent GDP. Rising employment can besides efficaciously make a rise in ingestion and in mean national income, finally adding to existent GDP. Consumption can be affected non merely by a rise in the employment degree, but besides by the decrease in duties provided by the EFTA. When consumers have to pay less for their goods, their degree of existent wealth has the consequence of increasing. Lower monetary values enable them to purchase more goods with the same degree of income ; there is the semblance of greater income. This feeling of increased wealth, along with a rise in the existent degree of employment, contributes to increased ingestion. The increasing grade of ingestion will, once more, lead to greater national income, and to a higher degree of existent GDP. A rise in trade combined with increasing degrees of employment and ingestion allows for possible growing in the degree of GDP. Harmonizing to Fortune magazine, the mean GDP of those states belonging to the EFTA rose an norm of 2.1 % each twelvemonth ( Fortune 7 ) . As trade, employment, and ingestion addition together, GDP has a inclination to make so every bit good. EFTA states nearing a degree of full employment due to alterations in trade, duties, and ingestion will finally see its good consequence on the economic system. Decision In general, it seems that each of the researched trade understandings has been successful in advancing overall economic growing throughout the parts of the universe. North american free trade agreement MERCOSUR The positive effects of GATT are legion and widespread. GATT has proved to be extremely successful in taking barriers to merchandise in goods. In eight back-to-back unit of ammunitions, GATT has lowered duties on manufactured merchandises from more than 40 % to below 4 % among developed states. # 8220 ; In portion as a consequence, universe ware trade, measured in the 10s of one million millions of dollars at the origin of GATT, now stands at $ 5 trillion # 8221 ; ( Break down the barriers ) . This growing has brought prosperity to developed states every bit good as developing states. Some of these benefits are consequence of the larger range of universe trade regulations and the big proportion of the economic system that is covered under GATT. The EFTA has been reasonably effectual in following through with its one implicit in end, the remotion of trade barriers within and outside of the EFTA. It has besides been adept in cultivating its relationships with 3rd universe states. Its success in these countries has allowed for the growing of its member states in countries of trade, employment, ingestion, and finally besides national income and existent GDP. It seems, nevertheless, that it needs to make more in order to hold a more influential presence. Since its initial initiation, the figure of member-countries in the EFTA has dwindled from seven to merely four. The EFTA is clearly non the most outstanding free trade organisation in Europe ; it is evident that the European Union holds the place of laterality, as many EFTA states have defected to the EU over the old ages. The EFTA # 8217 ; s minority power in Europe and the simple world of its size may do many states to brush it aside. While it has united with the European to Union to carry through many things such as the European Economic Area, it might be more effectual if it could manage more important affairs on its ain. Bibliography EFTA Page. EFTA Secretariat EFTA Surveillance Authority EFTA Court. 23 March 1999 *http: //www.efta.int/structure/main/index.html* . # 8220 ; How They Add Up. # 8221 ; Fortune 126.13 ( 14 Dec. 1992 ) : 152 # 8211 ; 153. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.americasnet.com/mauritz/mercosur/english ; MERCOSUR Sabkar, Maysoon ; hypertext transfer protocol: //bmb.net/our_views/Reports/Country/paraguay_1.htm, 1998 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.embassy.org/uruguay/econ/mercosur/merc-002.htm ; Embassy of Uruguay, Washington D.C. 1996 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.heinlein.com.ar/eco.htm ; Argentina Brief

Jane Eyre, compare and contras essays

Jane Eyre, compare and contras essays In the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Jane encounters two men of considerable power that profoundly change her life. One man, Edmund Rochester, is the love of her life, however, he is in an unfortunate marriage with a savage woman. The second man, St. John Rivers, will not be able to fulfill Janes emotional needs and desires like Rochester can. Janes relationships with Rochester and St. John become evident by the settings in which they interact with each other. Through her comparisons and contrasts of characters and settings, Charlotte Bronte is able to guide the reader through the turbulent chapters of the novel that ultimately decide the fate of the title character, Jane Eyre. Charlotte Bronte uses settings to represent relationships and to interconnect events throughout the novel. Thornfield is the primary setting because it is in the middle of the plot and it attributes structural unity to the novel (Napierkowski 172). Thornfield is the ideal home for Jane in that every other place she has ever or will ever reside in is subject to comparison to the mansion. Moor House is Thornfields antithesis because Moor House is a place where Jane is cared for, whereas in Thornfield, she is one of the caretakers of Adele (Craik 10). The teachers cottage that the Oliver family provides for Jane is also much different from Thornfield in that it offers the bare necessities of life; physical, mental, and emotional (Craik 10-1). Jane lived alone, with the exception of an occasional visitor, and had the simplest furnishings possible. In Thornfield, Jane had all of lifes luxuries at her fingertips; fine furnishings, agreeably nice companions, entertainment, and the love of her life were contained within the walls of the mansion. Thornfield also differs from the Lowood Institution; in Thornfield, freedom and happiness are in its gardens and landscap...

Explain the structure and operation of TNCs in the Food Industry Essay

Explain the structure and operation of TNCs in the Food Industry - Essay Example The present study would analyse the structure and operations of the Transnational Corporations in the food industry. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Council a Transnational Corporation is defined as an â€Å"enterprises which control assets – factories, mines, sales offices and the like in two or more nations across the globe (Jenkins, p.1). The global food industry comprises farming, production, distribution and retail sectors. The industry is expected to grow at 3.5 percent growth on a compounded basis and is expected to be valued at approximately 7 Trillion US dollars by 2014. Traditionally, Europe has the largest share in this mammoth industry segment but presently Asian giants like India and China are also emerging as potential markets in the food industry (IMAP, 2010, p.4). The figure below represents the composition of the food industry and the percentage of individuals employed by each of the units. It is very clear from the figure that non-residential catering industry employs the highest number of individuals followed by retailing industry. There are two types of value chains that are prevalent in the industry, namely the producer driven value chain and the buyer driven value chain. Producer driven value chains are employed by large multinationals including transnational companies and the product manufacturers who assume leadership and play a major role in coordinating with other market players. On the contrary, buyer driven chains are characterised by the presence of large market players who play the most influential role in managing different decentralised units (United Nations Industrial Development Organization, 2009, p.3). Producers in the food industry constitute of farmers, fishermen etc who use natural resources. The product in this stage is said to be in the input stage where raw materials are used to make the finished product (Kannan, Sivakumar & Gilani, 2010). Transformers

Germany Travel and Commerce Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Germany Travel and Commerce - Case Study Example Eight years ago in the domestic German market, they currently account for a good share of the domestic market and growth was steady until the global recession of 2007/08; nevertheless, there was reasonable growth in 2009. Internationally, low-cost carriers’ growth was slow in early years of the last decade; however, in 2003 low-cost carriers services grew rapidly until 2008. Today’s airports have become more than just pure transportation hubs because they are both service and communication centers and places of urban experiences on the cities perimeter. German has various major urban centers that host main airports in the country and the urban centers include Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. The main business aviation airports include Schoenefeld Airport in Berlin, DÃ ¼sseldorf Airport in Dusseldorf, Stuttgart Airport in Stuttgart, Hamburg Airport in Hamburg, Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt and Munich Airport in Munich. DÃ ¼sseldorf Airpor t offers various major airlines to fly into it, which include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights, and Emirates flights. The biggest airlines that use Frankfurt airport include Condor, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa flights. In Munich, the largest airlines flying into the city’s airport include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights, and Qatar Airways flights. The various largest airlines flying to Berlin’s airports include KLM flights, British Airways and Turkish Airlines flights; however, other airlines like Brussels Airlines fly into Berlin. Largest airlines flying into Hamburg’s airport include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights, and British Airways. The largest airlines flying to Stuttgart’s airport include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights and British Airways (Skyscanner, 2012). British Airways is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG) and shareholders who have limited liability.

Renaissance and Baroque Eras: Art Comparison

Renaissance and Baroque Eras: Art Comparison Comparing the Eras of the Renaissance and Baroque Since the beginning of time Art has been used as a form of expression. With each historical art era came new advances and techniques. Each era was influenced by the unique characteristics, style and social conditions of its time. Although each era bought forth new forms and unique styles of art many historical art periods were influenced by an earlier period of history. The following essay will describe and explain the characteristics, style and influences of the Renaissance and Baroque eras as individual periods. It will also analyze painting from each period and explain the similarities and differences of both paintings; it will also discuss the relationship between the two eras. A look at the Renaissance The Renaissance era is known as the period of transition into modern day. The term Renaissance originated from the French language meaning rebirth, which precisely describes the period of the Renaissance. The Renaissance began in Italy and quickly spread across Europe between the 14th and 17th century. During this period Europe experienced large social, intellectual and economic changes. Europes ability to surface from the stagnated economy of the Middle Age had large effects on the period. Possibly the most significant and popular advancements made were in the cultural, social and political institutions. The progression into Individualism during the Renaissance made way for major advancements. This progression removed the traditional values of the Church and allowed individuals the freedom to explore the human mind, body and their surroundings. The issue of religion had a significant effect on the Renaissance era. With the Catholic Church tangled up in controversy over power, corrup tion, simony, nepotism and the Popes fathering of illegitimate children, many followers turned away from the Church and embraced a new reformed version of their beliefs causing a decrease power level for the Church. The increase of literacy also affected the Catholic Church, as believers learned more they realized that the Church was preaching only what they favored to the followers. Possibly the most significant religious event during the Renaissance history, was the Protestant Reformation, which was founded by Martin Luther in Germany. The new found views towards religion had major effects on society and their way of thought. Freedom from the Church allowed individuals to explore freely which resulted in a completely new way of life in all fields. (The Renaissance,n.d.) The Renaissance era allowed art to develop and mature far beyond the traditional and conventional religious subject matter to replicate human emotion and realism in art. While religion remained the main influence during the renaissance the origination and recognition of human form, expression and scientific study became very active influences in the arts. Painting and sculpting techniques developed greatly during the Renaissance. Artists began using new techniques such as linear perspective, laws of portion, balance and physical presence. The key distinctiveness that characterized Renaissance art includes an adoration and praise of the human figure and nature, realistic linear perspective and prominence on the association of light and shadow. Most of the best known artists and masterpieces were produced during the Renaissance period. During the Renaissance era famous artists such as Masaccio, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci created unique and untraditional techniques neve r used before. (The Renaissance,n.d.) A look at the Baroque period The term Baroque originates from the Portuguese language meaning irregular pearl. The era was dubbed the name to imply strangeness and irregularity. The baroque style began roughly at the end of the 16th century and lasted until the mid 17th century. The Baroque style first developed out of the Catholic spectacle and poise associated with the Counter-Reformation. Later, as the technique expanded north, it quickly became famous at royal courts, where it represented the rising rule of the new monarchies. The religious differences which begun during the Renaissance with the Reformation and Counter Reformation continue well into the 17th century. The religious conflict among the two groups influenced art greatly in this era. As a result of the Catholic Churchs Counter-Reformation, amazing churches were built, decorated and furnished to the extreme. Consequently, the demand for unique extraordinary religious themed artwork was great. As the economy flourished many European capitals began to raise, therefore the increase for architecture and decoration was high. (Guisepi, n.d.) Art during the Baroque period produced a sensation of progression, dynamic and apprehension. The technique of powerfully using distinction of light and shadow and a never-ending quantity of space is famous during this era. The presence of passionate spirituality and realism were also vastly utilized. Artists were famous for showing an individuals personalities, passion, emotions and thought merely through their facial expressions. Baroque art was a form of exaggerated Renaissance style art. Baroque painters utilized the fundaments of art distinctively from prior eras. In paintings lines were typically smooth and gentle; the color scheme consisted mainly of a single tone. The difference between shade and little was an essential technique. Time was particularly important to painters during the Baroque era. Artists viewed time as an assessable object. They believed time fades lies away leaving truth and justifies good over evil. The use of time would be a recurring theme throughout the Baroque era. Similar to the Renaissance, the Baroque artists ornamented the interior of grand buildings such as chapels and palaces. Along with art, the Baroque style surpassed the modern form of sculpture. Baroque sculptures were full of uniqueness, expression, and action. The sculptures of this period also expressed a passionate emotional bliss and creativity. (Guisepi, n.d.) Analysis Both the Renaissance and the Baroque eras created several of the most famous artistic works produced in the Western world. While the two eras illustrate distinctive distinction in work style and theme, nonetheless they reveal many characteristics in common. To better understand the similarities of the eras a comparison of two works of art from the two different periods is helpful. The two paintings that will be analyzed and compared are Leonard da Vincis Mona Lisa and Peter Paul Rubens The Straw Hat. Analysis of the Mona Lisa The woman portrayed in the Mona Lisa painting is known as La Gioconda or the Smiling One. The structure of the Mona Lisa forms a pyramid shape, her folded arms and hands serving as the bottom base, her shoulders and arms forming the sides and her head as the peak all connecting to form a pyramid. The support on which her left arm lays is hardly noticeable, extending to a vanishing armrest. Leonard da Vincis keen Renaissance period infatuation with features and detail is enthusiastically obvious in the painting. The smallest details such as the creases in her gown, the superior use of detail of the background, and the structure of her hair are accurately and thoroughly painted. The painting looks as though it was submersed in a smoky haze which was created by da Vincis expert ability to gradual blend one area of color into another without a sharp outline. This technique allows the viewer to recognize the shadows and light of both the image and background. The paintings lighting is sub missive, however extremely natural. The use of natural and realistic highlighting and shadowing characterize the shape, features and expression of Mona Lisa. Unlike her face, her dark tone clothing easily blends into the softly lit setting behind her, merging the work of art in the classical Renaissance manner. Regardless of the proficiently blended colors, the features of the scenery behind Mona Lisa are obviously noticeable, another distinctive technique of the Renaissance. The utilization of linear perspective is delicately understated due to the absents of individually positioned lines, but nonetheless are still present and noticeable, as the observer stares back into the scenery the vanishing point can easily be located behind the head of the figure. The stream flowing behind her, the distant mountains, the path and canal near the center of the painting are distinctive features of the painting regardless of the haze and create addition interest to the entire painting. ( da Vinc i, 1605) Analysis of The Straw Hat The subject of Peter Paul Rubens The Straw Hat is Susanna Fourment. In the painting Fourments stand is positioned to formed a pyramid structure. Resembling the structure of the Mona Lisa her folded arms also serve as a base, her shoulders and arms as the sides and her head as the peak all corresponding to form a pyramid like shape. The hat on her head is placed casually with a minor slant, which creates a line that cuts the peak of the pyramid. Her flared skirt which is slightly noticeably under her folded arms creates the sense of a second, shorter pyramid that is concealed under the first. In his painting, Rubens demonstrates the classic Baroque freestyle brushstrokes. This technique is noticeably observed in the features of Fouments dress and hat. Her laced cuff and the feathers in her hat are visibly identifiable; however their finer details are buried by the graceful flowing brushstrokes, which is a typical technique of the Baroque era. Rubens employed the classic Baroque method of strongly contrasting shadows and lights to highlight and focus on features in his painting. To create a naturalistic light in the painting the lighting was focus directly on Fourment. Rubens use of strong bold colors for Fourments clothes along with the contrast of color and texture among fabric and skin allow her to stand out and clearly portray her as the focal point of the painting. The backdrop of this painting is merely a mistily illustrated group of clouds with a hint of blue sky scarcely peeping through. As a result, the background of The Straw Hat painting is utterly inferior to the focal point of the piece. Without distinctive images in the backdrop to supply an allusion point, the use of linear perspective is unseen. ( Rubens, 1625) Similarities in both paintings Both artists treat the similar themed topic according to the technique of their particular periods. Both paintings illustrate a young lady in nearly identical poses, both bodies are positioned at a 75 degree angle with the head somewhat turned back in the direction of the observer. Both women have their hands carefully positioned under the bust in front of them. Both woman gaze towards the right of the viewer neither one stares directly towards the viewer. Both women display a slight content grin on their faces. Another similarity among the paintings is observed in the background of both painting. Both paintings create mysterious and foggy sceneries behind the woman. In addition Rubens composition resembles the Mona Lisa so much that many questioned if Ruben intentionally setup his painting that way. Differences of the paintings In the Mona Lisa painting da Vinci uses precise and magnificent technique in the details of the background; the eras passion for details is enthusiastically noticeable. On the other hand, the background of The Straw Hat demands no attention. During the Baroque era artist primarily focused on the main subject matter. Another difference in the paintings is the use of linear perspective, in the Mona Lisa da Vinici creates a clear vanishing point in the background of his painting, unlike Rubenss painting were he pays no attention to the background scenery and only focuses on the main subject. Another distinction in the paintings is the color scheme, in the Mona Lisa deep dark colors are blended smoothly with the background and the sfumato technique is used perfectly to bring focus to the details of both the image and background, in The Straw Hat bold daring color tones are used to make the image stand out, also instead of the sfumato technique Rubens uses the traditional Baroque techniqu e of combining strongly differing lights and shadows to focus on and emphasize the features in his painting. Relationship and connection of both historical eras Although both eras are unique in different respects, yet the eras share similarities and also continuing relationship. The Baroque era is said to have been generated at the end of the Renaissance era, which progressed to a dramatic, illuminate, energetic sophisticated form of art. The techniques of the Baroque art era united the sophisticated techniques and magnificent advances of the Renaissance along with the emotion, intensity and drama of the high Renaissance with the Baroque style of mixing the basic fundaments of the naturalist and classicist manners that are characterized by magnificence, energy and emotional enthusiasm. Many art scholars consider the Baroque style a representation and continuation of the Renaissance era. Similar characteristics of both eras include the use of light and color, focus on realism and idealism, strong perspective effects, religious themes and nude portraits. ( Myers, n.d.) To conclude the Renaissance and Baroque eras generated several of the most celebrated artist as well as masterpieces of all time. Although both eras share many similarities each era has its own unique characteristics and is unique in its own way.

Rich culture Essay

Japan is known for its rich culture. Among its many customs and traditions, music is considered to be one of the most essential parts of its culture. The Japanese’ passion for music, particularly traditional folk song music, continues to be a part of their daily lives. Despite the fact that their musical culture has gone through evolution as a result of change in lifestyles and mass media development, they still look at music as an important part of their heritage. For the Japanese, folk music is a medium through which they are able to express their inner feelings, ideas and thoughts. It is also through these songs that they are able to relate their experiences in life and the many ways that they deal with them. These songs depict their daily ways of living such as farming, fishing, mining, and even religious events, to mention a few. To date, traditional folk songs still exist in the different provinces in Japan. It is common among the older generations and sung mostly for recreational purposes. Harich-Schneider believes that because of the influences brought about by Western music and global modernization, Japan’s traditional folk songs are no longer as popular as it was in the ancient times. Over the years, fans and professional folk song singers have decreased. However, the tradition is sustained not only in art music but in the rich variety of folk traditions all over Japan (E. Harich-Schneider: 1973). Just like the Japanese, music plays a vital role in the American culture particularly in the lives of Native Americans. Their music also depicts their regional traditions and customs, history as well as the education of tribes in North America. Rooted in the folk music of many countries such as Ireland, England, Africa, and Scotland, their folk songs introduced the birth of American folk dances such as the buck dance and square dance. Although still dependent on each of North America region’s tradition, their folk songs have developed and taken numerous regional styles especially in the kind of instruments used. Each region still maintains some of the more popular folk songs despite the differences in repertoire and style. Contrary to the perception that traditional folk songs are now unpopular among the Americans, they are actually still alive and well in many parts of the country. Musicians and bands all over the nation are putting great efforts to continue the folk songs tradition. One of these includes the establishment of folk music schools that provide instruction in old-time music. In California, there are summer camps for children and adults as well as families that offer many different concepts of folk music instruction. These programs, which are also available in other US states, saw an increase in people wanting to learn folk music. It can be noted that the Americans are committed to keep this unique tradition alive. Despite the thousands of songs and tunes that have evolved over the years, American folk musicians still heavily rely on this tradition and learn new folk songs. As has been the tradition, folk song writers aim to engage the listeners and evoke their emotions just like how the older counterparts did many years ago. The American traditional folk songs will continue to evolve for as long as there is music. Because it is the sound of the people, it will go on telling tales of their daily lives, the challenges they faced as well as the history of their struggle and triumph in the country, albeit in a more modern fashion. Hence, it can be stated that while both Japan and America put value in their traditions, the latter seems to enjoy folk songs more as they have implemented ways to keep this custom alive not only for the benefit of today’s generation but for the future, as well. On the Taiko drummers, it is indeed an artistic demonstration of superb blending of stick work during performances. Exhilarating energy and amazing speed during Taiko drumming is required. Similarly, percussion instruments such as drums and flutes also occupy an important role in the music of Native Americans. Like the Taiko drums, Native American drums are also huge and played by a group of individuals. The action required when playing these drums is high and often requires great strength. References: E. Harich-Schneider, A History of Japanese Music (1973). http://www. ctmsfolkmusic. org/about/programs/MusicInSchools. asp Japan is known for its rich culture. Among its many customs and traditions, music is considered to be one of the most essential parts of its culture. The Japanese’ passion for music, particularly traditional folk song music, continues to be a part of their daily lives. Despite the fact that their musical culture has gone through evolution as a result of change in lifestyles and mass media development, they still look at music as an important part of their heritage. For the Japanese, folk music is a medium through which they are able to express their inner feelings, ideas and thoughts. It is also through these songs that they are able to relate their experiences in life and the many ways that they deal with them. These songs depict their daily ways of living such as farming, fishing, mining, and even religious events, to mention a few. To date, traditional folk songs still exist in the different provinces in Japan. It is common among the older generations and sung mostly for recreational purposes. Harich-Schneider believes that because of the influences brought about by Western music and global modernization, Japan’s traditional folk songs are no longer as popular as it was in the ancient times. Over the years, fans and professional folk song singers have decreased. However, the tradition is sustained not only in art music but in the rich variety of folk traditions all over Japan (E. Harich-Schneider: 1973). Just like the Japanese, music plays a vital role in the American culture particularly in the lives of Native Americans. Their music also depicts their regional traditions and customs, history as well as the education of tribes in North America. Rooted in the folk music of many countries such as Ireland, England, Africa, and Scotland, their folk songs introduced the birth of American folk dances such as the buck dance and square dance. Although still dependent on each of North America region’s tradition, their folk songs have developed and taken numerous regional styles especially in the kind of instruments used. Each region still maintains some of the more popular folk songs despite the differences in repertoire and style. Contrary to the perception that traditional folk songs are now unpopular among the Americans, they are actually still alive and well in many parts of the country. Musicians and bands all over the nation are putting great efforts to continue the folk songs tradition. One of these includes the establishment of folk music schools that provide instruction in old-time music. In California, there are summer camps for children and adults as well as families that offer many different concepts of folk music instruction. These programs, which are also available in other US states, saw an increase in people wanting to learn folk music. It can be noted that the Americans are committed to keep this unique tradition alive. Despite the thousands of songs and tunes that have evolved over the years, American folk musicians still heavily rely on this tradition and learn new folk songs. As has been the tradition, folk song writers aim to engage the listeners and evoke their emotions just like how the older counterparts did many years ago. The American traditional folk songs will continue to evolve for as long as there is music. Because it is the sound of the people, it will go on telling tales of their daily lives, the challenges they faced as well as the history of their struggle and triumph in the country, albeit in a more modern fashion. Hence, it can be stated that while both Japan and America put value in their traditions, the latter seems to enjoy folk songs more as they have implemented ways to keep this custom alive not only for the benefit of today’s generation but for the future, as well. On the Taiko drummers, it is indeed an artistic demonstration of superb blending of stick work during performances. Exhilarating energy and amazing speed during Taiko drumming is required. Similarly, percussion instruments such as drums and flutes also occupy an important role in the music of Native Americans. Like the Taiko drums, Native American drums are also huge and played by a group of individuals. The action required when playing these drums is high and often requires great strength. References: E. Harich-Schneider, A History of Japanese Music (1973). http://www. ctmsfolkmusic. org/about/programs/MusicInSchools. asp

Digital Fortress Chapter 76-80

Chapter 76 Outside the Seville airport terminal, a taxi sat idle, the meter running. The passenger in the wire-rim glasses gazed through the plate-glass windows of the well-lit terminal. He knew he'd arrived in time. He could see a blond girl. She was helping David Becker to a chair. Becker was apparently in pain. He does not yet know pain, the passenger thought. The girl pulled a small object from her pocket and held it out. Becker held it up and studied it in the light. Then he slipped it on his finger. He pulled a stack of bills from his pocket and paid the girl. They talked a few minutes longer, and then the girl hugged him. She waved, shouldered her duffel, and headed off across the concourse. At last, the man in the taxi thought. At last. Chapter 77 Strathmore stepped out of his office onto the landing with his gun leveled. Susan trailed close behind, wondering if Hale was still in Node 3. The light from Strathmore's monitor behind them threw eerie shadows of their bodies out across the grated platform. Susan inched closer to the commander. As they moved away from the door, the light faded, and they were plunged into darkness. The only light on the Crypto floor came from the stars above and the faint haze from behind the shattered Node 3 window. Strathmore inched forward, looking for the place where the narrow staircase began. Switching the Berretta to his left hand, he groped for the banister with his right. He figured he was probably just as bad a shot with his left, and he needed his right for support. Falling down this particular set of stairs could cripple someone for life, and Strathmore's dreams for his retirement did not involve a wheelchair. Susan, blinded by the blackness of the Crypto dome, descended with a hand on Strathmore's shoulder. Even at the distance of two feet, she could not see the commander's outline. As she stepped onto each metal tread, she shuffled her toes forward looking for the edge. Susan began having second thoughts about risking a visit to Node 3 to get Hale's pass-key. The commander insisted Hale wouldn't have the guts to touch them, but Susan wasn't so sure. Hale was desperate. He had two options: Escape Crypto or go to jail. A voice kept telling Susan they should wait for David's call and use his pass-key, but she knew there was no guarantee he would even find it. She wondered what was taking David so long. Susan swallowed her apprehension and kept going. Strathmore descended silently. There was no need to alert Hale they were coming. As they neared the bottom, Strathmore slowed, feeling for the final step. When he found it, the heel of his loafer clicked on hard black tile. Susan felt his shoulder tense. They'd entered the danger zone. Hale could be anywhere. In the distance, now hidden behind TRANSLTR, was their destination-Node 3. Susan prayed Hale was still there, lying on the floor, whimpering in pain like the dog he was. Strathmore let go of the railing and switched the gun back to his right hand. Without a word, he moved out into the darkness. Susan held tight to his shoulder. If she lost him, the only way she'd find him again was to speak. Hale might hear them. As they moved away from the safety of the stairs, Susan recalled late-night games of tag as a kid-she'd left home base, she was in the open. She was vulnerable. TRANSLTR was the only island in the vast black sea. Every few steps Strathmore stopped, gun poised, and listened. The only sound was the faint hum from below. Susan wanted to pull him back, back to safety, back to home base. There seemed to be faces in the dark all around her. Halfway to TRANSLTR, the silence of Crypto was broken. Somewhere in the darkness, seemingly right on top of them, a high-pitched beeping pierced the night. Strathmore spun, and Susan lost him. Fearful, Susan shot her arm out, groping for him. But the commander was gone. The space where his shoulder had been was now just empty air. She staggered forward into the emptiness. The beeping noise continued. It was nearby. Susan wheeled in the darkness. There was a rustle of clothing, and suddenly the beeping stopped. Susan froze. An instant later, as if from one of her worst childhood nightmares, a vision appeared. A face materialized directly in front of her. It was ghostly and green. It was the face of a demon, sharp shadows jutting upward across deformed features. She jumped back. She turned to run, but it grabbed her arm. â€Å"Don't move!† it commanded. For an instant, she thought she saw Hale in those two burning eyes. But the voice was not Hale's. And the touch was too soft. It was Strathmore. He was lit from beneath by a glowing object that he'd just pulled from his pocket. Her body sagged with relief. She felt herself start breathing again. The object in Strathmore's hand had some sort of electronic LED that was giving off a greenish glow. â€Å"Damn,† Strathmore cursed under his breath. â€Å"My new pager.† He stared in disgust at the SkyPager in his palm. He'd forgotten to engage the silent-ring feature. Ironically, he'd gone to a local electronics store to buy the device. He'd paid cash to keep it anonymous; nobody knew better than Strathmore how closely the NSA watched their own-and the digital messages sent and received from this pager were something Strathmore definitely needed to keep private. Susan looked around uneasily. If Hale hadn't known they were coming, he knew now. Strathmore pressed a few buttons and read the incoming message. He groaned quietly. It was more bad news from Spain-not from David Becker, but from the other party Strathmore had sent to Seville. Three thousand miles away, a mobile surveillance van sped along the darkened Seville streets. It had been commissioned by the NSA under â€Å"Umbra† secrecy from a military base in Rota. The two men inside were tense. It was not the first time they'd received emergency orders from Fort Meade, but the orders didn't usually come from so high up. The agent at the wheel called over his shoulder. â€Å"Any sign of our man?† The eyes of his partner never left the feed from the wide-angle video monitor on the roof. â€Å"No. Keep driving.† Chapter 78 Underneath the twisting mass of cables, Jabba was sweating. He was still on his back with a penlight clenched in his teeth. He'd gotten used to working late on weekends; the less hectic NSA hours were often the only times he could perform hardware maintenance. As he maneuvered the red-hot soldering iron through the maze of wires above him, he moved with exceptional care; singeing any of the dangling sheathes would be disaster. Just another few inches, he thought. The job was taking far longer than he'd imagined. Just as he brought the tip of the iron against the final thread of raw solder, his cellular phone rang sharply. Jabba startled, his arm twitched, and a large glob of sizzling, liquefied lead fell on his arm. â€Å"Shit!† He dropped the iron and practically swallowed his penlight. â€Å"Shit! Shit! Shit!† He scrubbed furiously at the drop of cooling solder. It rolled off, leaving an impressive welt. The chip he was trying to solder in place fell out and hit him in the head. â€Å"Goddamn it!† Jabba's phone summoned him again. He ignored it. â€Å"Midge,† he cursed under his breath. Damn you! Crypto's fine! The phone rang on. Jabba went back to work reseating the new chip. A minute later the chip was in place, but his phone was still ringing. For Christ's sake, Midge! Give it up! The phone rang another fifteen seconds and finally stopped. Jabba breathed a sigh of relief. Sixty seconds later the intercom overhead crackled. â€Å"Would the chief Sys-Sec please contact the main switchboard for a message.† Jabba rolled his eyes in disbelief. She just doesn't give up, does she? He ignored the page. Chapter 79 Strathmore replaced his Skypager in his pocket and peered through the darkness toward Node 3. He reached for Susan's hand. â€Å"Come on.† But their fingers never touched. There was a long guttural cry from out of the darkness. A thundering figure loomed-a Mack truck bearing down with no headlights. An instant later, there was a collision and Strathmore was skidding across the floor. It was Hale. The pager had given them away. Susan heard the Berretta fall. For a moment she was planted in place, unsure where to run, what to do. Her instincts told her to escape, but she didn't have the elevator code. Her heart told her to help Strathmore, but how? As she spun in desperation, she expected to hear the sounds of a life-and-death struggle on the floor, but there was nothing. Everything was suddenly silent-as if Hale had hit the commander and then disappeared back into the night. Susan waited, straining her eyes into the darkness, hoping Strathmore wasn't hurt. After what seemed like an eternity, she whispered, â€Å"Commander?† Even as she said it, she realized her mistake. An instant later Hale's odor welled up behind her. She turned too late. Without warning, she was twisting, gasping for air. She found herself crushed in a familiar headlock, her face against Hale's chest. â€Å"My balls are killing me.† Hale panted in her ear. Susan's knees buckled. The stars in the dome began to spin above her. Chapter 80 Hale clamped down on Susan's neck and yelled into the darkness. â€Å"Commander, I've got your sweetheart. I want out!† His demands were met with silence. Hale's grip tightened. â€Å"I'll break her neck!† A gun cocked directly behind them. Strathmore's voice was calm and even. â€Å"Let her go.† Susan winced in pain. â€Å"Commander!† Hale spun Susan's body toward the sound. â€Å"You shoot and you'll hit your precious Susan. You ready to take that chance?† Strathmore's voice moved closer. â€Å"Let her go.† â€Å"No way. You'll kill me.† â€Å"I'm not going to kill anyone.† â€Å"Oh, yeah? Tell that to Chartrukian!† Strathmore moved closer. â€Å"Chartrukian's dead.† â€Å"No shit. You killed him. I saw it!† â€Å"Give it up, Greg,† Strathmore said calmly. Hale clutched at Susan and whispered in her ear, â€Å"Strathmore pushed Chartrukian-I swear it!† â€Å"She's not going to fall for your divide-and-conquer technique,† Strathmore said, moving closer. â€Å"Let her go.† Hale hissed into the darkness, â€Å"Chartrukian was just a kid, for Christ's sake! Why'd you do it? To protect your little secret?† Strathmore stayed cool. â€Å"And what little secret is that?† â€Å"You know damn-fucking-well what secret that is! Digital Fortress!† â€Å"My, my,† Strathmore muttered condescendingly, his voice like an iceberg. â€Å"So you do know about Digital Fortress. I was starting to think you'd deny that too.† â€Å"Fuck you.† â€Å"A witty defense.† â€Å"You're a fool,† Hale spat. â€Å"For your information, TRANSLTR is overheating.† â€Å"Really?† Strathmore chuckled. â€Å"Let me guess-I should open the doors and call in the Sys-Secs?† â€Å"Exactly,† Hale fired back. â€Å"You'd be an idiot not to.† This time Strathmore laughed out loud. â€Å"That's your big play? TRANSLTR's overheating, so open the doors and let us out?† â€Å"It's true, dammit! I've been down to the sublevels! The aux power isn't pulling enough freon!† â€Å"Thanks for the tip,† Strathmore said. â€Å"But TRANSLTR's got automatic shutdown; if it's overheating, Digital Fortress will quit all by itself.† Hale sneered. â€Å"You're insane. What the fuck do I care if TRANSLTR blows? The damn machine should be outlawed anyway.† Strathmore sighed. â€Å"Child psychology only works on children, Greg. Let her go.† â€Å"So you can shoot me?† â€Å"I won't shoot you. I just want the pass-key.† â€Å"What pass-key?† Strathmore sighed again. â€Å"The one Tankado sent you.† â€Å"I have no idea what you're talking about.† â€Å"Liar!† Susan managed. â€Å"I saw Tankado's mail in your account!† Hale went rigid. He spun Susan around. â€Å"You went in my account?† â€Å"And you aborted my tracer,† she snapped. Hale felt his blood pressure skyrocket. He thought he'd covered his tracks; he had no idea Susan knew what he'd done. It was no wonder she wasn't buying a word he said. Hale felt the walls start to close in. He knew he could never talk his way out of that one-not in time. He whispered to her in desperation, â€Å"Susan†¦ Strathmore killed Chartrukian!† â€Å"Let her go,† the commander said evenly. â€Å"She doesn't believe you.† â€Å"Why should she?† Hale fired back. â€Å"You lying bastard! You've got her brainwashed! You only tell her what suits your needs! Does she know what you really plan to do with Digital Fortress?† â€Å"And what's that?† Strathmore taunted. Hale knew what he was about to say would either be his ticket to freedom or his death warrant. He took a deep breath and went for broke. â€Å"You plan to write a back door in Digital Fortress.† The words met with a bewildered silence from the darkness. Hale knew he had hit a bull's-eye. Apparently Strathmore's unflappable cool was being put to the test. â€Å"Who told you that?† he demanded, his voice rough around the edges. â€Å"I read it,† Hale said smugly, trying to capitalize on the change of momentum. â€Å"In one of your brainstorms.† â€Å"Impossible. I never print my brainstorms.† â€Å"I know. I read it directly off your account.† Strathmore seemed doubtful. â€Å"You got into my office?† â€Å"No. I snooped you from Node 3.† Hale forced a self-assured chuckle. He knew he'd need all the negotiating skills he'd learned in the marines to get out of Crypto alive. Strathmore edged closer, the Berretta leveled in the darkness. â€Å"How do you know about my back door?† â€Å"I told you, I snooped your account.† â€Å"Impossible.† Hale forced a cocky sneer. â€Å"One of the problems of hiring the best, Commander-sometimes they're better than you.† â€Å"Young man,† Strathmore seethed, â€Å"I don't know where you get your information, but you're in way over your head. You will let Ms. Fletcher go right now or I'll call in Security and have you thrown in jail for life.† â€Å"You won't do it,† Hale stated matter-of-factly. â€Å"Calling Security ruins your plans. I'll tell them everything.† Hale paused. â€Å"But let me out clean, and I'll never say a word about Digital Fortress.† â€Å"No deal,† Strathmore fired back. â€Å"I want the pass-key.† â€Å"I don't have any fucking pass-key!† â€Å"Enough lies!† Strathmore bellowed. â€Å"Where is it?† Hale clamped down on Susan's neck. â€Å"Let me out, or she dies!† Trevor Strathmore had done enough high-stakes bargaining in his life to know that Hale was in a very dangerous state of mind. The young cryptographer had painted himself into a corner, and a cornered opponent was always the most dangerous kind-desperate and unpredictable. Strathmore knew his next move was a critical one. Susan's life depended on it-and so did the future of Digital Fortress. Strathmore knew the first thing he had to do was release the tension of the situation. After a long moment, he sighed reluctantly. â€Å"Okay, Greg. You win. What do you want me to do?† Silence. Hale seemed momentarily unsure how to handle the commander's cooperative tone. He let up a bit on Susan's neck. â€Å"W-well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he stammered, his voice wavering suddenly. â€Å"First thing you do is give me your gun. You're both coming with me.† â€Å"Hostages?† Strathmore laughed coldly. â€Å"Greg, you'll have to do better than that. There are about a dozen armed guards between here and the parking lot.† â€Å"I'm not a fool,† Hale snapped. â€Å"I'm taking your elevator. Susan comes with me! You stay!† â€Å"I hate to tell you this,† Strathmore replied, â€Å"but there's no power to the elevator.† â€Å"Bullshit!† Hale snapped. â€Å"The lift runs on power from the main building! I've seen the schematics!† â€Å"We tried it already,† Susan choked, trying to help. â€Å"It's dead.† â€Å"You're both so full of shit, it's incredible.† Hale tightened his grip. â€Å"If the elevator's dead, I'll abort TRANSLTR and restore power.† â€Å"The elevator takes a password,† Susan managed feistily. â€Å"Big deal.† Hale laughed. â€Å"I'm sure the commander will share. Won't you, Commander?† â€Å"No chance,† Strathmore hissed. Hale boiled over. â€Å"Now you listen to me, old man-here's the deal! You let Susan and me out through your elevator, we drive a few hours, and then I let her go.† Strathmore felt the stakes rising. He'd gotten Susan into this, and he needed to get her out. His voice stayed steady as a rock. â€Å"What about my plans for Digital Fortress?† Hale laughed. â€Å"You can write your back door-I won't say a word.† Then his voice turned ominous. â€Å"But the day I think you're tracking me, I go to the press with the whole story. I tell them Digital Fortress is tainted, and I sink this whole fucking organization!† Strathmore considered Hale's offer. It was clean and simple. Susan lived, and Digital Fortress got its back door. As long as Strathmore didn't chase Hale, the back door stayed a secret. Strathmore knew Hale couldn't keep his mouth shut for long. But still†¦ the knowledge of Digital Fortress was Hale's only insurance-maybe he'd be smart. Whatever happened, Strathmore knew Hale could be removed later if necessary. â€Å"Make up your mind, old man!† Hale taunted. â€Å"Are we leaving or not?† Hale's arms tightened around Susan like a vice. Strathmore knew that if he picked up the phone right now and called Security, Susan would live. He'd bet his life on it. He could see the scenario clearly. The call would take Hale completely by surprise. He would panic, and in the end, faced with a small army, Hale would be unable to act. After a brief standoff, he would give in. But if I call Security, Strathmore thought, my plan is ruined. Hale clamped down again. Susan cried out in pain. â€Å"What's it gonna be?† Hale yelled. â€Å"Do I kill her?† Strathmore considered his options. If he let Hale take Susan out of Crypto, there were no guarantees. Hale might drive for a while, park in the woods. He'd have a gun†¦. Strathmore's stomach turned. There was no telling what would happen before Hale set Susan free†¦ if he set her free. I've got to call Security, Strathmore decided. What else can I do? He pictured Hale in court, spilling his guts about Digital Fortress. My plan will be ruined. There must be some other way. â€Å"Decide!† Hale yelled, dragging Susan toward the staircase. Strathmore wasn't listening. If saving Susan meant his plans were ruined, then so be it-nothing was worth losing her. Susan Fletcher was a price Trevor Strathmore refused to pay. Hale had Susan's arm twisted behind her back and her neck bent to one side. â€Å"This is your last chance, old man! Give me the gun!† Strathmore's mind continued to race, searching for another option. There are always other options! Finally he spoke-quietly, almost sadly. â€Å"No, Greg, I'm sorry. I just can't let you go.† Hale choked in apparent shock. â€Å"What!† â€Å"I'm calling Security.† Susan gasped. â€Å"Commander! No!† Hale tightened his grip. â€Å"You call Security, and she dies!† Strathmore pulled the cellular off his belt and flicked it on. â€Å"Greg, you're bluffing.† â€Å"You'll never do it!† Hale yelled. â€Å"I'll talk! I'll ruin your plan! You're only hours away from your dream! Controlling all the data in the world! No more TRANSLTR. No more limits-just free information. It's a chance of a lifetime! You won't let it slip by!† Strathmore voice was like steel. â€Å"Watch me.† â€Å"But-but what about Susan?† Hale stammered. â€Å"You make that call, and she dies!† Strathmore held firm. â€Å"That's a chance I'm ready to take.† â€Å"Bullshit! You've got a bigger hard-on for her than you do for Digital Fortress! I know you! You won't risk it!† Susan began to make an angry rebuttal, but Strathmore beat her to it. â€Å"Young man! You don't know me! I take risks for a living. If you're looking to play hardball, let's play!† He started punching keys on his phone. â€Å"You misjudged me, son! Nobody threatens the lives of my employees and walks out!† He raised the phone and barked into the receiver, â€Å"Switchboard! Get me Security!† Hale began to torque Susan's neck. â€Å"I-I'll kill her. I swear it!† â€Å"You'll do no such thing!† Strathmore proclaimed. â€Å"Killing Susan will just make things wor-† He broke off and rammed the phone against his mouth. â€Å"Security! This is Commander Trevor Strathmore. We've got a hostage situation in Crypto! Get some men in here! Yes, now, goddamn it! We also have a generator failure. I want power routed from all available external sources. I want all systems on-line in five minutes! Greg Hale killed one of my junior Sys-Secs. He's holding my senior cryptographer hostage. You're cleared to use tear gas on all of us if necessary! If Mr. Hale doesn't cooperate, have snipers shoot him dead. I'll take full responsibility. Do it now!† Hale stood motionless-apparently limp in disbelief. His grip on Susan eased. Strathmore snapped his phone shut and shoved it back onto his belt. â€Å"Your move, Greg.†