Skrzynecki Belonging Related Texts

Belonging is notorious for its complex nature. One person’s perception of belonging can vastly differ from another’s. This is displayed clearly in Peter Skrzynecki’s poetry, in this essay however Feliks Skrzynecki and 10 Mary Street will be discussed in detail. To support the points raised and provide further examples of belongings complexities the texts Dumb by Nirvana and the film Avatar directed by James Cameron. Firstly, in the poem Feliks Skrzynecki the persona describes the father figure as self sufficient in the lines â€Å"My gentle father/kept pace only with the Joneses of his own minds making†.This is backed up later in the poem when we learn that Feliks has made no attempt to even learn English. This is the kind of complacency that the persona aspires towards. The hyperbole used in the words â€Å"swept its paths ten times around the world† shows us as readers the sheer determination Feliks possesses in his path to maintain his roots in h is new country. This is juxtaposed in the lyrics to the song Dumb by Nirvana in which Kurt Cobain professes â€Å"I’m not like them but I can pretend†. These lyrics are talking about conforming to belong.The persona described in this song is different to those around him and feels that he needs to conform and be â€Å"like them† just to belong. This is the exact opposite to the father in Feliks Skrzynecki who refuses to be just like everyone else, he holds onto his culture whilst simultaneously absorbing the culture around him. Secondly, Belonging changes from person to person. For example in Avatar James Cameron uses biodiversity to convey his message about belonging. In the film, Jake Sully is a paraplegic and does not feel as though he belongs.This is why he travels to Pandora, a distant planet, to take over his deceased brother’s duties as a scientist. Jake belongs to the Na’vi people of Pandora because he has nothing to lose. James Cameron por trays Jake as, at first, incompetent. As the film progresses Jake’s relationship with his foreign counterparts falls apart. His love interest Neytiri screams at him â€Å"you will never be one of the people†. This line is perhaps the most powerful line in relation to belonging throughout the entire film.This line portrays that sometimes no matter how hard one tries to belong through changing to better suit their surroundings it doesn’t work. Of course, Jake ends up belonging but at this stage in the film he does not belong at all. The humans shun him and so do the Na’vi. This directly correlates to 10 Mary Street because both texts show the differing nature of belonging from person to person. In 10 Mary Street the parents have a garden which is symbolic of their roots in their new country.The garden in religiously maintained and gives the parents a sense of belonging in Australia. In stark contrast to this is the persona, he says â€Å"my parents’ watered plants – grew potatoes and rows of sweet corn: tended roses and camellias like adopted children. Home from school earlier I’d ravage the back garden like a hungry bird†. These lines tell the reader that the boy takes the garden for granted and does not particularly care about his parents roots, presumably through lack of understanding.Lastly, belonging has a complex and at times unidentifiable nature. This is shown in all of the chosen texts. Skrzynecki’s deep detail in 10 Mary Street in reference to his visitors and their habits in the lines â€Å"Visitors that ate Kielbasa, salt herrings and rye bread†¦ a dozen puffing Billies† tells us as readers that Skrzynecki scrupulously watched everything his visitors did. This portrays a sense of the caution of change and the fear Skrzynecki may have felt when these foreign visitors acted so strangely around him.Similarly, in Feliks Skrzynecki the persona has a deep admiration for his father b ut also a great deal of distance, he does not ever describe any physical contact or conversation with Feliks which displays to the reader that Skrzynecki preferred to simply watch Feliks go about life rather than question him. The poet conveys a visual image of watching from afar in the lines â€Å"My father sits out the evening With his dog, smoking, Watching stars and street lights come on, Happy as I have never been† in these lines an image of Skrzynecki admiring his father perhaps from a bedroom window is instantly implanted in the readers mind.In addition, Nirvana’s song Dumb portrays the complex nature of belonging in the lines â€Å"I think I’m dumb, maybe just happy†. These lines tell the listener that the persona described has conformed and although they know it is wrong and they feel â€Å"dumb† about it they still try to convince themselves that it is making them happy. This is belonging in its most complex form, belonging to one’ s self.Finally, in James Cameron’s film text Avatar the protagonist does not belong on his home planet yet sees potential to belong on another. He is drawn into another culture and finds that he belongs better in an alien race than he does in his own world. This is in stark contrast to 10 Mary Street, in the poem the persona saw the Polish visitors as alien and he did not belong whereas Jake Sully does.In conclusion, belonging is portrayed in many forms, be it through an individual’s sense of inner belonging (Dumb), belonging to culture (10 Mary Street), belonging to a new country (Feliks Skrzynecki) or even belonging top a new race entirely (James Cameron’s Avatar). An individual may shape their own sense of belonging or they may take another’s ideology of belonging and use it to mould their own. Belonging can apply to a group or, more importantly, an individual. All four of the above texts deal with the dynamics of an individual’s belonging.

Arranged vs Love Marriages in India

Arrange Marriages vs. Love Marriages Survey by NDTV NDTV commissioned Ipsos, a leading market research agency, to conduct fieldwork for this opinion poll from a sample size of almost 30,000, covering as many as 125 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats in the 18 big states. The poll was carried out in 125 constituencies spread over 18 states (these account for over 20% of the 543 Lok Sabha seats). Each Lok Sabha constituency was selected using a statistical formula based on voting patterns of 2009 Lok Sabha Elections.In each Lok Sabha constituency, two to three assembly segments were selected at random where approximately 100 interviews were conducted in homes. For the voting intention question, the respondents were given a mock ballot paper on which the symbols of the parties were set out. They were asked to mark their preference on the ballot paper and then place the ballot paper in a mock ballot box. Source: http://www. ndtv. com/article/india/ndtv-mid-term-poll-does-india-still-want-arr anged-marriages-260295 Survey by Shaadi. com In May, 2011, India’s largest Matrimonial website, â€Å"Shaadi. om†, published the results of a huge marriage based survey that they conducted with research agency IMRB. The Indian marriage survey was based on the opinions of around 150,000 users of the site in 300 Indian cities and towns. Site users, especially NRIs, from UK, US, Australia and Canada were also surveyed. 62% of the respondents were male, of these, over 50% were in the 26-35 age group. In the words of the website, the objective of this large survey was to â€Å"try and understand the psyche of an average marriage hopeful and the way matchmaking trends are changing and evolving†.Listed below are some of the key findings of the Indian marriage survey (â€Å"Shaadi Aaj Kal†). Note that since this is a survey of internet users, the respondents tend to be more tech savvy, better educated, and more urban centric than the average Indian. 1. A large nu mber of women (54%) prefer to stay in a â€Å"joint family† after marriage as against only â€Å"21%† who prefer to stay in a nuclear family. A joint family provides a support system for the married couple. Surprisingly, in a similar survey in 2004, only 40% of the women wanted to stay in a â€Å"joint family†. 2.Almost 50% of the respondents said that they would marry their partner even if they did not get along with their future in-laws. 3. 85% of the male respondents wanted their future wives to work after marriage. Since the respondents are mainly urban centric, this is not surprising; although a high figure of 85% is refreshing. 4. 69% of the women want their partner to be better educated than them, whereas only 10% of the men wanted their potential wives to be better educated than them. This does not mean the Indian male is entirely chauvinistic; 62% of the men would prefer their future wives to be as educated as them. 3% of women and 40% of men would pref er their future partner to be a postgraduate. 5. 34% of the women respondent did not mind marrying a partner who made less than them. The percentage for men was 94%. 6. 72% men prefer to marry a girl who is younger than them. 89% of women prefer to marry a man who is older than her. 7. Men (62%) prefer larger families as compared to women (38%). 70% of the women felt that raising a child is time consuming and 58% also thought that raising a child is a serious commitment. 8. Which celebrity would make the ideal father?Surprisingly, almost 40% of the respondents felt that Salman Khan, the die-hard bachelor, would make the ideal father. At second place is the other bachelor icon, Rahul Gandhi. 9. 47% married couples in India discussed their past relationship before marriage. This trend was more prevalent in East India. Bulk of these couples (66%) wanted to reveal their past relationships because they did not want it to affect their future 10. 49% of the men wanted a â€Å"fair complex ioned† bride. This is up from 41% in the 2004 survey.Women, on the other hand, are more accepting of dark skinned men, with 65% saying that the color of their husband’s skin is not important. 11. For young urban Indians caste is not as important as it used to be. 54% men and 46% of the women said caste was not an important parameter in their selection criteria. for them, finding a compatible partner is more important than finding a partner from the same caste. 12. 69% of women would prefer it if their partner worked for a private sector organization. 13. A large majority of women (90%) were willing to relocate to another country if their husband’s job required them o relocate. 14. Couples are become pragmatic about marriage. 70% of the women and 62% of the men were comfortable with the idea of pre-nuptial agreements. Census data for Indian Marriages: http://censusindia. gov. in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Age_at_marriage. htm Survey by ZEE NEWS T he survey of women in the age group of 20-30 carried out in various cities, including the four metros, by leading matrimony portal Bharatmatrimony, also revealed that 59% of the respondents consider parent's decision the most important priority in finalising marriage.Only 20% of the respondents felt that profession was the most important aspect in finalising their life partner while ten% said caste was the most important priority and 11% said family nuclear or joint family – was the most preferred. About 49% preferred arranged marriage while 33 per cent ‘arranged love marriage' and a meagre 18% of the respondents favoured ‘love' marriage. The survey titled â€Å"Woman and Marriage† was conducted by ahead of the Women's Day and 1,058 respondents were covered in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Madurai, Mysore, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore and Jaipur, a release said here today.On the right age for a woman to get married, about 71 pe r cent said 21-24 was the ideal age for marriage. Interestingly, the survey said that about 93% of women were interested to study or work after marriage. The survey also said that about 55% women prefer to search life partners through contacts via friends and relatives. Source: http://mm. bharatmatrimony. com/featured-story/527-bharatmatrimony-exclusive-parents-day-survey Survey by Bharat Matrinomy Young Indians believe their parents wouldn’t mind taking a backseat when it comes to their marriage decisions! 66% of Indian parents believe that their children will not tie the knot with a partner not ‘blessed' by them.  ·83% believe that online matrimony gives them more choices and selection in partner search.  ·Amitabh Bachchan & Jaya Bachchan were the most famous Bollywood couple in India, followed by Kajol & Ajay Devgan. The winds of change are indeed sweeping the institution of matrimony in India. Parents as well as unmarried men and women are being influenced by th ese changes, a comprehensive Parents Day online survey involving more than 15400 members of BharatMatrimony has revealed.The findings of the survey conducted by BharatMatrimony to commemorate Parents Day on July 24th this year and released to the media today offered interesting insights, trends and rare nuggets of information about how the youth regard marriages and the role of parents with respect to important marital decisions. When asked whether the views of Indian parents are changing today, 67% of the unmarried respondents said yes and only 13% disagreed while the remaining said neither yes nor no. Yet another change in attitudes was the growing trust in online matrimony.Nearly 83% believed that online matrimony gave them more choices and selection when it came to partner search. Nearly 67% also believed that online matrimony empowered women to make their own choices in marriages. In fact, 47% also felt that marriages arranged through matrimony websites had the same success rat e as traditional arranged marriages. Mr Murugavel Janakiraman, Founder-CEO, BharatMatrimony, commented: â€Å"While the surveys have revealed useful nuggets of information and insights into marriages and its changing facets, people in India continue to see marriage as a sacred bonding where parents have a very special role to play.It is best performed with the blessings of parents, an overwhelming majority feel. However, the survey also proved that more and more unmarried people along with their parents believed in the convenience and wide selection of partners provided by Online matrimony. The new ways of thinking have not diluted the traditional respect and sanctity accorded to marriages in general. † Confirming the special bonding Indians have with their parents, an overwhelming 90% of the unmarried who took part in the survey believed in getting married with the blessings of their parents.About 57% also said that they would not go ahead and marry a person of their choice against the wishes of their parents. 20% however said that they would go ahead despite parental opposition. Nearly 35% said that their parents would be ok with any choice they made; 40% said that their parents would be ok if it was within their religion; only 17 % said that their parents would insist on finding a match for them. Interestingly, 59% thought that a marriage arranged by the parents was better because of their experience.Nearly 76% of the parents who took part in the survey believed that their children would get married only with their blessings. 66% of the parents felt that marriages arranged by them would prove more successful as they had more experience! Again, a similar percentage of parents believed that their children would not disregard their advice and tie the knot with someone they didn't approve of. About 16% of the parents believed that they wouldn't be able to influence marriage decisions! When asked, ‘what do you think are your views on marriage? 20% o f the parents said that they would be ok with any choice made by their children; 23 per cent were also ok with the idea if the partner belonged to the same religion. However 23% insisted that important decisions like this were better left to them. 33% preferred to play a supporting role only, whatever be the decision. At the same time, 76% of the parents who took part in the survey believed that in general the views of Indian parents on marriages of their children were changing. Source: http://mm. bharatmatrimony. com/featured-story/527-bharatmatrimony-exclusive-parents-day-survey

Islamic Business Ethics

Ethics has always been a part of business. The article of Islamic Business Ethics & Finance: An Exploratory Study of Islamic Banks in Malaysia written by Muhammad Adli Musa studied about how Islamic finance which claims to offer global financial stability and high ethical standards should reflect Islamic values in all facets of behaviour to bring about collective morality and spirituality, which when integrated with the production of goods and services advance the Islamic way of life.This paper also attempts to investigate the consistencies or, if any, inconsistencies and explore the relationship between the Islamic business ethical norms and the practices of Islamic banks in Malaysia. In doing so it tries to address the current imbalance of emphasis and the lack of a comprehensive discussion on business ethics from a wider cultural and religious perspective with reference to Islam, particularly focussing on selected Islamic banks in Malaysia. The main research question of this study is how do the current practices in Malaysian IFIs mirror the Islamic ethical norms in business?The findings in this paper would potentially assist in the improvement of practices among IFIs to conform to the ethical norms established by Islam, which are in fact the core of their existence. For Muslims, Islam is considered as a way of life and not merely a religion. Hence, business ethics cannot be separated from ethics in other aspects of a Muslim’s daily life. It is claimed that in the climate of Islamic philosophy, it is ethics that dominate economics and not vice versa, and that Islamic economics is characterized as being ethical besides being Godly, humane and balanced.The concept of Taw? id has been identified as the core of Islamic ethics, along with trusteeship or stewardship, justice or equilibrium, free will or freedom, responsibility and generosity. On a more practical level, the manner for proper Islamic ethical conduct in business is based on leniency, which enco mpasses good manners, forgiveness, removal of hardship and compensation; service motive, where businesses provide needed services to the community; and consciousness of Allah, which requires Muslim businessmen to be mindful of Allah in their conduct of business.In the financial services sector, ethics has become increasingly important on the basis that the purpose of business activities in general and financial services in particular is the creation of value for the consumer. The financial services environment should not be an environment where there is a dichotomy between the personal ethical attitudes and the attitudes governing one’s business life. Moreover, it is suggested that an ethical environment will coincidentally pave the way to improved performance as in the case of the British Cooperative Bank’s ethical policy, and provides essential support for maximizing long-term owner value.The recent global financial crisis might have been averted if ethics played a l arger role in the financial services sector. Islamic finance has been recognized as a rapidly increasing integrated compartment of global finance with assets worldwide estimated to be worth $700 billion as a result of growth at a rate of more than 10% annually during the past decade. With respect to ethics, IFIs are considered to be ethical since the foundation of their business philosophy is grounded in the shariah, often referred to as ethics in action, which is concerned with promoting justice and welfare n society and seeking God’s blessing.The difference between Islamic and conventional financial systems is that the former has to preserve certain social objectives and is based on equity rather than debt. Malaysia’s Financial Sector Master-Plan explicitly mentions that it would like to symbolize Malaysia as a regional Islamic financial centre. A distinguishing feature of the Malaysian economy is that Islamic finance has been fully integrated into its existing finan cial system, which demonstrates the sector’s inventiveness and capacity for innovation.It is also worth highlighting that the Malaysian Islamic finance market is considered to be well developed with a huge future potential. The first IFI established in Malaysia was the Malayan Muslims Pilgrims Savings Corporation which began operations in 1963. Twenty years later in 1983, the first Islamic bank, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, started operations after continuous pressure on the Malaysian government to assist in establishing an Islamic bank.The seriousness of the Malaysian government in furthering the cause of Islamic finance can be seen in the Financial Sector Master-Plan’s vision to see Islamic banking evolve in parallel with conventional banking to achieve 20% of the banking market share, represented by a number of strong and highly capitalized Islamic banking institutions, offering financial products and services which are underpinned by a comprehensive and conducive sh ariah and regulatory framework.To sum up, from the study presented, it can be fairly assumed that the practices of the Islamic banks in Malaysia under study do conform to the Islamic ethical norm in business based on the perception of executives working in the banks concerned. Individual positive and negative statements are areas where the Islamic banks concerned must strive to improve. Particularly, the perception of the management among employees of the banks must improve as it is the management who determines the issue of business conduct and principles in a business organisation.Issues surrounding the treatment of employees such as equality and fair wages must also be addressed in line with business ethical norms established by Islam. A preliminary look into the qualitative data of the Ph. D. research of the author, which is not presented in this paper, suggests that the senior management, Shariah heads and Shariah Supervisory Board members of the Islamic banks under study are a ware of the importance of incorporating Islamic ethics in the operations of their respective banks.However, the climate in which the banks operate does not necessarily support such notions. Furthermore, Islamic banks might not feel compelled to abide by Islamic ethical norms in business if the consumers of their products and services do not strongly demand so. The emphasis on shariah compliancy of products and services has arguably resulted in the ethical dimension of Islamic finance to be somehow sidelined.Shariah compliancy is indeed the essence of Islamic finance but beyond that, Islamic banks should be at the forefront of ethical banking, whereby they take into consideration the impact of their activities on the society at large. Islamic banks must also strive to adopt the recommendations by the IFSB and AAOIFI in their published Guiding Principles and Conduct of Business for Institutions offering Islamic Financial Services and the Code of Ethics for the Employees of IFIs respec tively as best practices in the industry.Research needs to be conducted using various techniques to answer the research question at hand. Realising that, the author in his Ph. D. study has interviewed the senior management, Shariah heads and Shariah Supervisory Board members of the banks concerned to obtain their views on Islamic business ethics in relation to Islamic banking practices in Malaysia. The author also included in his Ph. D. research the ethical identities of the banks concerned based on their annual reports and other materials accessible to the public such as the banks’ websites and other publications.

Choose a favorite piece of music Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Choose a favorite piece of music - Term Paper Example However, the harmony that generates from the two music forms is almost similar since they both have same chords those progresses at the same rate due to the nature of tone that comes from each of their rhythmic beats. Though the two types of music may show variation in their consonance and dissonance, their texture but may either be monophonic, polyphonic or homophonic. In this instance, blues and classic music present difference in their forms such as binary, ternary, and the strophic (Handy, W.C et al, 43) Nevertheless, rhythm in all these two music forms is just but their element of the item. For instance, in any case there is tapping of one’s foot to the music, there is the act of â€Å"keeping the beat’’ or following the structural rhythmic pulse of the music. Other aspects of rhythm are the duration that defines the tone when music plays. For instance, blues do take longer than classic music in most of the occasions. Tempo that is the beat rate of any particular music also falls into the rhythm. When compared, classic music does have a high tempo than blues since their beat rates are always faster (Handy, W.C et al, 52). On the other hand, meter defines the pattern of organization of beats recurring in music. Meters are either, duplex that occurs in two pulses per group, triples occurring in three pulses per group or quadruple that takes place in four pulses per group. In relation to blues and classic music, blues do have well-defined meters than classical types. The reason is that their beats are more organized in a systematic pattern of play that goes slowly and soothes the mind. The classic types look more disorganized in their beat rates and also are rough and noisy in their nature. The beat rates are so faster such that they don’t even facilitate the relaxation of an individual’s mind in most of the occasions (Handy, W.C et al, 66) Blues types of music trace their way back from the spirituals. Initially, spirituals formed the

Storage Area Networks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Storage Area Networks - Essay Example The end of this millennium saw the arrival of some of the most extensive network storage management technologies, NAS, SAN and others. A precursor of SAN, Network Attached Storage (NAS) is the term assigned to file servers, comprising one or more internal servers, preconfigured disk capacity with a specialized operating system for storage management. NAS servers become part of the network through traditional LAN configurations, allowing storage capabilities as file servers. In terms of applicability, NAS servers have been designed to fit the needs of hosting data for web applications (Troppens). Since this storage technology has been developed specifically to assist in the sharing of files over networks, NAS provides the following advantages of its predecessors: 1. NAS functions using tailor-made or stripped-down version of the operating system suited to fit the needs of managing storage over networks. ... As compared to storage technologies existent before NAS, it provides functions as snapshots, remote mirroring and backup over Fiber Channel SAN. 3. NAS servers allows for easy-to-use PnP (Troppens) file systems, allowing for greater optimization through removal of all functions not required in file serving, increasing storage capabilities in addition to low installation and maintenance costs. 4. NAS servers are easily scalable to suit the needs of an expanding organization A mere shortfall in NAS is its use of conventional network file systems such as NFS (Troppens) or CIFS in coordination with Internet protocols such as FTP or HTTP. This in turn limits the basic premise of file sharing paradigm, providing powerful performance against I/O intensive application requests. Successor to NAS - Storage Area Networks By definition, a SAN (or Storage Area Network) is "a specialized, high-speed network attaching servers and storage devices" (Tate). This new storage networking technology is so flexible that it eliminates the need for a dedicated connection between a server and a storage device, as well as the "concept that the server effectively owns and manages the storage devices". (Bird) SAN is preferred to a very large extent over other network storage capabilities due to a variety of factors; firstly, almost all traditional methods of handling high level of storage, accessibility and availability of sensitive and operational data have failed in wake of increasing requirements for fast and efficient transfers. Secondly, in comparison to a client / server model that supports server-centric data management operations, SAN facilitates the organization with a data-centric model making it possible to transfer large amounts of data without being dependent of the server. It

Diversity in Faith Based Hospitals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Diversity in Faith Based Hospitals - Essay Example The need for change is caused by diversity problems, lack of administrative support and strict policies adopted by faith based hospitals towards patients, medical services and medical staff. Workforce diversity is one of the main issues in faith-based hospitals. Since a large number of interpersonal and inter-group problems are related in some way to job maladjustments, culturally successful organizations provide an environment conducive to identifying and utilizing different ways of doing things. Fogel and Rivera (2004) admit that: 'the expansion in size and influence of religiously-controlled health systems is impeding patient access to comprehensive health services, including reproductive health services, patients' end of life decisions, and patients' access to research involving emerging medical technologies" (p. 725). The main problems identified by research literature are that faith-based hospitals fail to address diversity problems and manage cultural diversity. During the research, it was found that the large number of faith-based hospitals fails to employ diverse medical staff while some other hospitals fail to meet cultural differences and expectations of thei r patients (Leininger and McFarland 2002; Fogel and Rivera, 2004; Tangenberg, 2005; Tammeus 2006). In faith-based hospitals, the majority of medical staff does no... On the other hand, faith-based hospitals set strict policies for medical staff and medical care provided to patients. In faith-based hospitals, religious differences are of vital importance in the workplace. It is possible to say that religious diversity has the greatest impact on human relations than any other diversity issues. Fogel and Rivera (2004) underline that some hospitals set religious restrictions which become "a significant obstacle for patients and physicians because of the size of religiously-controlled health systems. Five of the ten largest health care systems in the United States are Catholic" (p. 275). Religion determines the way of thinking and value system, beliefs and traditions followed by faith-based hospitals. Lack of training and cultural knowledge creates communication difficulties and conflicts between medical staff and administration. The change is vital in this sphere because lack of communication and cultural misunderstanding worsen service quality and i mage of the hospital. It was found that: "some hospitals have outlived their mission and their usefulness in a particular community; others, through mismanagement, the departure of key personnel, or lack of resources have lost the ability to provide an adequate and competent level of service to their patients and the community" (Jennings et al 2002, p. 4). In faith-based hospitals, gender differences have a great influence on employee relations and interaction, behavior patterns and promotion. Despite many gains, women are still grossly underrepresented in professional and managerial jobs than male executives to be assistants to high paid professionals, and they are disproportionately overrepresented in

United States support for European Integration Term Paper

United States support for European Integration - Term Paper Example While the European integration unfolded during the Cold War, the United States expressed and entered its support for a more united Europe. Much issue was attributed to such support, primarily because of the fact that a united Europe might eventually create a potential diplomatic and strategic rival to the United States. However, others are quick to point out that such support was extended because the United States has always been supportive of European success. Various theories have been suggested explaining the US support for European integration. This paper shall discuss two of these theories, and it will establish how these theories would explain this series of choices, and how the two theories would tend to agree and disagree with one another on this question. This essay would also evaluate how, based on these explanations, and what would be expected for the future of US-EU relations. It shall also consider which explanation and which theory’s predictions would I find more compelling, and why. Body The United States supported the European integration because it believed that a united Europe would be within the purview of the United States and its national security (Ekovich, 2009). They believed that an integrated Europe would further support the region’s democratic goals. ... These two countries have had stormy relations with each other for a long while, further exacerbated during the Second World War. Americans saw European integration as a means of forging renewed relations between these two countries. The Americans also believed that the integration would provide a venue for more American businesses in Europe, thereby also helping to manage decision-making processes (Morgan, 2005). The integration has made negotiations easier, with one individual speaking for several countries in order to establish significant decisions. In effect, separate and multiple negotiations were negated in the long run. American also believed that a stronger European integration and economy was in the best interest of the US and Europe (Morgan, 2005). The integration simplifies business transactions, making Europe a more favorable recipient of American investments. Emotional affinity can be significant in managing views on political actors and objects, especially when other co gnitive standards of reference do not sufficiently apply (Chong, 2000). Possible aversion toward the European integration is not based on cost/benefit evaluations or cognitive mobilization; however it is based on the fear of other cultures (McLaren, 2002, p. 553). The foundation of such approach or decision is even more persuasive due to the fact that the European Union is not just an international regime which is meant to decrease barriers to trade, or decrease the costs of transaction in intergovernmental bargaining. In fact, the EU is shaping up as its own policy-maker, and seems to pose a threat to the national integrity and sovereignty of the region (McLaren, 2002). America does not support such possibility, however it does favor the

Homeland Security Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Homeland Security - Assignment Example Foreign Intelligence Security Act (FISA) The 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) allowed agents easy access to warrants if they could show that there was a substantial â€Å"foreign intelligence† angle to their work; the warrants would be granted by a special FISA court. FISA can now be used in cases that are entirely crimial in nature, agents can get automatic â€Å"admisitrative† FISA warrants as long as agents can assert that there is some foreign intelligence angle to the cases, they receive such warrants on demand (Darmer, 2004). Prior to 9/11, FISA was not considered a law enforcement tool; its function was solely preventative. FISA surveillance powers were available only when the primary purpose of an investigation was to obtain foreign intelligence, including counterespionage and counterterrorism information. FISA authorized surveillance under flexible conditions that are considered unacceptable when the government’s objective is to gather e vidence for criminal persecution (Howard, Forest and Moore, 2006). FISA surveilleance is permitted after showing diluted suspicion not equivalent to the traditonal criminal starndard of probable cause. Surveilllance and searches can continue over extensive peiods of time, with less jusicial supervision. The person targeted normallly is never notified that he was subjected to surveillance. If that peron is prosecuted, his attorney normally cannot review the surveillance documents for prurposes of his defense, as they could if surveillance had been conducted under conventional law enforcement standards (Darmer, 2004). If the judge finds that there is probable cause that the individual is indeed a terrorism funder, then he can use the provisions as set by FISA to determine whether this calim is true or not. FISA establishes leagl procedures for electronic surveillance, physical serches as well as the use of trap and trace devices and pen registers to gather jevidence. if this evidence is collected on the activities of the suspect, then it can be used agaist him in court. this law is applicable to anyone who is involved in any way in terrorism activities. this means that anyone found guilty of terririst activities can be tried using this law regardless of whether he is a citizen of the US or not. the Lone Wolf provision of FISA also allows for the prosecution of a suspected terrorist without having to confirm the people he/she is working with. inthis case, if there is enough physical evidence to show that the suspected financier of terrorism is guilty as charged, there is no need to find the people he is working with jfor him to be sentenced. The USA PATRIOT Act This is an Act of the US Congress which became law on 26 October 2001. The letters USA PATRIOT are acronyms for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Bazan, 2008). This is one important piece of legislation that every judg e dealing with a terrorism case should be conversant with. the issues that are likely to come up in regards to this law are discussed below. The Patriot Act has ten titles outlining new powers of government for counterterrorist activities, expands technical support for the FBI, expands electronic intelligence gathering research, and defines presidential authority in response to terrorism. The purpose of Title II is to improve the government’s ability to gather electronic evidence. Title II allows

Management-managing change in organisation Essay

Management-managing change in organisation - Essay Example The expectations and changes that are within the organization when expanding into the global market are affecting the way that the organization operates as well as the developments that are currently a part of the system. Defining how Gap has been able to associate with the organizational change management is then able to provide a stronger basis for the needs that are within the store. Gap Inc began in 1969 by Doris and Don Fischer in San Francisco, California. The main concept was to provide new trends in clothes with the first line of clothing being based on fashion jeans. The Gap store was built not only to provide specialty clothing from their own line of production, but also provided a consolidated area for other jeans and clothing items, such as Levis brands. The store was able to develop into providing a space that offered other lines of clothes as well as the Gap brand as well as other pop culture concepts that were popular during the time. Music, records, tapes and other smaller items were initially placed in the store to ensure that there was the ability to have different popular concepts and ideas as a part of the store (Gap, 2010). The main concept that is associated with Gap Inc comes from the vision slogan, â€Å"wearing your passion.† They have developed several outlets that provide insight into what customers need for popular wear and different cultural concepts. More importantly, there is a connection to providing quality clothing with creative results that are a part of the store. Gap also focuses on specific ethical considerations that are able to enhance the lines of clothing that are offered through the store. The priorities that are built from Gap include the ability to deliver results while keeping a sense of responsibility toward the consumers that are interested in the line and brand of clothing. To follow

Communication Theory- Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Communication Theory- Article Analysis - Essay Example Through a process of self-disclosure, communication gradually moves from shallow to intimate as a function of immediate and forecast outcomes as the interpersonal relationship develops. The movement from superficial to intimate levels follows the stages of; orientation, where superficial disclosure following social norms and appropriateness are made. The next stage- exploratory affective- entails moderate disclosure on general topics, followed by the affective stage where disclosure of private and personal matters takes place. The stable stage is a plateau level in which personal things are shared and emotions predicted, while the last stage- depenetration- entails a breakdown of the relationship following withdrawal of disclosure (Greene and Burleson 693; Gibbs, Ellison and Heino 152-177). This study analyzes Daniel Chornet-Roses’ â€Å"Using Students’ Prior Knowledge to Teach Social Penetration Theory† in terms of the main purpose, hypothesis, methodology and r esults before arriving at an appropriate conclusion on the implications of the Social Penetration Theory. Analysis â€Å"Using Students’ Prior Knowledge to Teach Social Penetration Theory† Chornet-Rose (150) acknowledges that appreciating student’s existing ideas and beliefs about a given subject enhances the experiences of learning. The scholar seeks to hone the student’s skills in analyzing information, inductive reasoning and self-reflection. To do this, the scholar plans to activate the prior knowledge of the students in relationship development through letting them watch the film Before Sunset. This will be followed by introducing the students to the intended new knowledge in Social Penetration Theory. Although not expressly stated, the hypothesis tested by the scholar is that acknowledging and incorporating the student’s prior knowledge into the classroom enhances student’s learning experience and outcomes. The researcher’s sele cted method comprises of four sections. First, the students were assigned to watch the film Before Sunset at home. The second activity is an in-class one, where the students were required to informally formulate a theory of relationship development through analyzing the film. The study provides a guide towards analysis and inductive creation of the relationship development theory through asking the students to pay close attention to; the type of information shared (superficial, important, intimate); the tone of conversation (serious, friendly, cheerful, angry); non-verbal communication (proxemics, eye behavior); and lastly, the accomplishments of their communicative interaction. The third activity entails a 75-minute in-class lesson introducing Social Penetration Theory, discussing the student’s relationship development theories with SPT and how SPT may be used to discuss relationship development in the theory. In the first 15-20 minutes, the instructor presents a lecture on Social Penetration Theory, highlighting its key concepts. In the next 10-15 minutes, the students discuss and contrast their informal theories with SPT while in small groups. The remainder of the lesson involves the instructor leading the class to discuss the students’ theories in relation to SPT and relationship development in the film. The final activity entails the students writing a paragraph on how their knowledge on relationship development has developed since learning SPT. The essay assignment is given as an end-of-class or

Demonstrative Communication Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Demonstrative Communication - Assignment Example It is purely relayed or conveyed through signs, gestures and conduct. It can be so complicated especially when the means applied need certain intellectual skills to decipher. Demonstrative communication can be very challenging since people can even communicate their feelings and intentions by use of color, dressing, walking style or even long-term behavior (Jones, Stanley & Curtis, 2002). Some demonstrative communications, therefore, need some levels of expertise, and can only be translated into an understandable means by professionals like a psychiatrist or psychologists. The circle of communication involves the purpose of the sender and the opinion of the receiver. There is a blurred line between these two aspects and are most times mistaken. Effective communication has always been accomplished by verbal communication, which is direct and easy to relay. The only demerit of verbal communication or the use of language to communicate is the case of language barrier, which refrains one from understanding the message. Non-verbal communication is not as effective as verbal communication (Jones, Stanley & Curtis, 2002). However, it is not entirely ineffective – both non-verbal and demonstrative communications have their merits and demerit the effectiveness of demonstrative communication comes in when the sender knows exactly when, where, how and to whom to relay it to. Demonstrative communication can be easily confused since it relies on the perception of the receiver. It can result to confusion especially when the receiver makes a wrong translation of the message conveyed. Besides, perceptions are dynamic and depend on mode, emotions, prejudice and place. This form of communication is also ineffective since the receiver can fail to notice anything at all. Mode of dressing can tell a lot about character, social status and class while the color of clothing can demonstrate

The Lost City of Nan Madol Essay Example for Free

The Lost City of Nan Madol Essay Legends of lost cities like Atlantis and El Dorado have always fascinated mankind throughout the centuries, because of their mystery. But off the coast of Micronesia lies a real mysterious city called Nan Madol. Nan Madol is a ruined city that lies off the eastern shore of the island of Pohnpei that was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty until about 1628. It is in the present day Madolenihmw district of Pohnpei state, in the Federated States of Micronesia, my home land, in the western Pacific Ocean. The city consists of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals. I did not know much about Nan Madol so I had to ask the one person I knew would really help me. That person was my grandfather, Bethwel Henry. I had to ask how the people back did then come up with the name Nan Madol. He said that Nan Madol means â€Å"spaces between† and is a reference of the canals that crisscross the ruins. It is often called The Venus of the Pacific†. â€Å"According to Pohnpeian legend† he said, â€Å"Nan Madol was constructed by twin sorcerers Olisihpa and Olosohpa†. The brothers arrived in a large canoe seeking a place to build an altar so that they could worship Nahnisohn Sahpw, the god of agriculture. After several false starts, the two brothers successfully built an altar at off Temwen Island, where they performed their rituals. In legend, these brothers levitated the huge stones with the aid of a flying dragon. When Olisihpa died of old age, Olosohpa became the first Saudeleur (ruler) of Nan Madol. Olosohpa married a local woman and sired twelve generations, producing sixteen other Saudeleur rulers. The founders of the dynasty ruled kindly, though their successors placed ever increasing demands on their subjects. Their reign ended with the invasion by Isokelekel, who also resided at Nan Madol, though his successors abandoned the site. On Nan Madol there is no fresh water or food; water must be collected and food grown inland. During Saudeleur rule, Pohnpeians brought essential food and water by boat. The Saudeleur received food at a particular islet. Around 1628, when Isokelekel overthrew the Saudeleurs and began the Nahnmwarki (King) Era, the Nahnmwarkis lived at Nan Madol, but had to gather their own water and grow their own food. This is thought to have caused them eventually to abandon Nan Madol and move back to their own districts. Before the outbreak of World War II, the Japanese administered the strange island. The Japanese investigated a Nan Madol legend that referred to corpse resting in the â€Å"House of Dead† , and allegedly their divers discovered an underwater structure containing elaborate watertight coffins made of pure platinum. Records indicating that how much of the platinum may have been removed by the Japanese, or if any platinum watertight coffins still exist, has been either hidden away or destroyed by the Japanese. Archeologists have uncovered human bones that belonged to people considerably larger than the Pohnpeians who lived today. Today Nan Madol forms an archaeological district covering more than 18 square kilometers and includes the stone architecture built up on a coral reef flat along the shore of Temwen Island, several other artificial islets, and the adjacent Pohnpei main island coastline. The site core with its stone walls encloses an area approximately 1. 5 km long by 0. 5 km wide and it contains nearly 100 artificial islets bordered by tidal canals. Carbon dating indicates that the construction of Nan Madol began around 1200 CE, while archaeological site show that the area may have been occupied as early as 200 BCE. Some probable diggings sites around the island have been identified, but the exact origin of the stones of Nan Madol is yet undetermined. None of the proposed diggings sites exist in Madolenihmw, meaning that the stones must have been transported to their current location. It has been suggested that they might have been floated through raft from the diggings, and a short dive between the island and the diggings shows a trail of dropped stones. However, no one has successfully demonstrated or explained the process. Some modern Pohnpeians believe the stones were flown to the island by use of black magic. In 1985 the ruins of Nan Madol were declared a National Historical Landmark. Currently, a greater effort is being made to preserve them. A lot of people from other countries travel to Micronesia to see the ruins and said that a trip to the ruins is an unforgettable thing you can do in Micronesia.

Turner Syndrome Hormone

Turner Syndrome Hormone TURNER SYNDROME Turner syndrome was discovered by Dr. Henry Turner, an endocrinologist in 1938, when he noticed a set of common physical features in some of his female patients. Turner was born on August 28, 1892 in Harrisburg, Illinois and died on August 4, 1970 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. An endocrinologist diagnoses diseases that affect your glands. Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone problems by helping to balance of hormones in your system. It wasnt until 1960 that a chromosomal abnormality was discovered. Turner syndrome is a rare genetic chromosomal disorder that affects approximately one out of 2,500 3,000 females in every birth. Females inherit one â€Å"X chromosome from their mother and one â€Å"X† chromosome from their father. If one â€Å"X† chromosome is missing from the cell, that is Turner syndrome. â€Å"Turner syndrome is present at conception or following the first cell division, and it remains throughout life.† Some scientists say it â€Å"may be a result from an error during the division (meiosis) of a parents sex cell. Turner syndrome can be diagnosed by a simple blood test called karyotype either during pregnancy or after birth. â€Å"A karyotype test that shows that you have Turner syndrome reveals 45 chromosomes (only one X chromosome), instead of the normal 44 autosomes and 2 X chromosomes (XX) that are found in females.† Here are a few if the physical features of Turner syndrome: Short stature; one of the missing genes in the â€Å"X† chromosome is the SHOX gene. This gene is responsible for the long bone growth development; â€Å"more than 95% of adult women with Turner syndrome exhibit short stature†. Without it, your bones dont grow the way they should; average adult height with Turner syndrome is 4 feet 7 inches. â€Å"Scoliosis affects the spine and occurs in 10% of young girls with Turner syndrome and may contribute to their short stature.† Scoliosis can be diagnosed by a Pediatrician. This also includes short fingers and short toes; wrist and elbow joints turn out away from the body. Hands and feet can look puffy or swollen at birth. The nails on the fingers are soft and turn upward at the ends when a girl with Turner syndrome gets older. Webbed neck; in some cases you will see extra skin on the side of the neck. It looks like â€Å"wings†. This is where the neck and the collar bone connect and can be corrected with surgery. Abnormal kidney, a normal kidney is shaped like a bean and someone who has Turner syndrome, their kidney is shaped like a horseshoe. Also, you should have two kidneys and someone with Turner syndrome, usually only has one kidney. Having only one kidney and the fact that it doesnt function the way it is suppose to, can also cause diabetes, which can be deadly if you dont treat it with medication, good eating habits and lots of exercise. Lack of sexual development at puberty; females with Turner syndrome have little to no sexual development; their ovaries, breasts, the uterus never fully develops and there is no menstruation cycle, which means that they cant reproduce. The most deadly of the physical features is the heart defects, because it is the most common cause of death in adults with Turner syndrome. The major heart vessels are much smaller than normal heart vessels. â€Å"The major blood vessels from the heart have two vessels rather than three vessels that regulate the blood flow.† This can be corrected with surgery. Other disorders include high blood pressure, obesity, cataracts, thyroid problems, and arthritis. Girls with Turner syndrome usually have normal intelligence, but some may have learning difficulties in math. Many also have a problem with requiring map reading or visual organization, but are able to write well and learn well. People with Turner syndrome go to regular schools and take regular classes. Hearing problems are also more common in girls with Turner syndrome. Red and green color blindness also occurs in girls with Turner syndrome. There is treatment for Turner syndrome. Some females have been treated with hormone replacement therapy that increases their height and helps the development of the breasts. Some females also take the male hormone so their hair and muscle growth can be almost normal. Not everyone who takes the growth hormone, androgen have much change in their growth. The female hormone is called estrogen, which also help their sexual development. Estrogen therapy is usually started at age 12 or 13 to help stimulate the growth of sexual development. Having Turner syndrome can also lower a young girls self-esteem. There are a lot of ways to help someone feel better about there self. For example to try on different clothing styles until she finds what makes her feel happy or fits her personality. This can help build a positive body image and self-esteem. Or maybe participate in activities where height doesnt matter, like skating, diving, horseback riding, babysitting, or volunteer work. They should stay active in sports and hobbies they enjoy. Turner syndrome can not be inherited from parent to child because most women with Turner syndrome are usually sterile. They dont have fully developed reproductive organs. There is no cure for Turner syndrome. People with Turner syndrome are all different. Some may have many physical differences and symptoms. Others may only have a few medical problems that are treatable. There is no known proof that this disorder affects more frequently in whites, blacks, Hispanics or any other ethnic group. Most people with Turner syndrome can live healthy and normal lives if they get good medical care. There is a foundation called The MAGIC Foundation for Childrens Growth. This is a group of parents with children who have a variety of growth disorders including Turner Syndrome. The foundation is here to help you understand and deal with the special issues all of the children face, whether it is a learning challenge due to Turner Syndrome or a physical challenge because they are short children. References: Clinical Features of Turner Syndrome http://turner.nichd.nih.gov Turner Syndrome Chart http://www.kidsgrowth.com Learn.Genetics Genetic Science Learning Center http://learngenetics.utah.edu Teens Health http://kidshealth.org/teen;diseases_conditions/genetic/turner.html â€Å"Family Medical Guide†, 4th Edition; American Medical Association, published by John Wiley Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Scopolamine (Burundanga) Properties and Uses

Scopolamine (Burundanga) Properties and Uses INTRODUCTION What if one day you wake up in a bathtub with your organs cut off, and you cannot remember anything. On the other hand, maybe you are on a street, showing a young woman the directions, and the next thing you know is you are in the middle of nowhere, without your belongings or money. You might find those stories are crazy and unbelievable, but in Colombia, these are daily experience. The drug named Scopolamine (Burundanga) is the real criminal hidden behind the scenes. With just a small dose of this extract, the victims will lose their free will and obey everything the criminal told them to do. â€Å"Every year in Colombia there are hundreds of reported cases of the criminal use of Burundanga (Nick, 2012)[i]. Not only in Colombia, but also recently in Asia, there are sights of Scopolamine in many crimes with a rising frequency. This research will show you the dark side of Scopolamine and solutions to help you protect yourself from this deadly weapon. More than that, it also evaluates the potential of these solutions. DEFINITION What is Scopolamine? Scopolamine is also known as Burundanga or Devil’s Breath (on the streets of Colombia). This chemical is purified from the wild plant called Borrachero, which can be found in Bogota, Colombia. Its name The Devil’s Breath originates from the fact that with just a single breath, it can cause you hallucinations, give you weird dreams. Scopolamine turns the victims into a zombie-like state, similar to a kind of hypnosis. Those suffering from Scopolamine hallucinations will do whatever the others tell them to do. Under its effect, â€Å"Scopolamine blocks neurotransmitters that carry information to the part of the brain that stores short-term memory† said Dr. Camilo Uribe, a leading expert on the drug at San Jose University Hospital (John, 2013)[ii]. In another word, the victims’ memory won’t be created, â€Å"it makes people quite passive and easier to intimidate and control† (Nick, 2012). Because of its feature, the drug is used to treat from mo tion sickness, anesthesia in operation, laboring to the tremors of Parkinson’s disease. But normally, Scopolamine is more famous on the street, along with its horror stories. SITUATION Scopolamine crime Scopolamine crimes are so famed that it has its own verb to define burundangear. This kind of crime has existed so long a time worldwide, especially in Colombia. â€Å"Last year, Colombian police reported nearly 1.200 cases of people victimized by criminals using scopolamine and other so-called zombie drugs† (John, 2013). The recent documentary of VICE has revealed stories about people being raped, robbed, and even stolen their organs. Demencia Black- a drug dealer claim that he can drug someone within a second by blowing the drug into someone face. Scopolamine is usually slipped into the targeted victim’s drinks or blown in the face of the passengers, because the drug is colorless, tasteless and odorless. Stories about Scopolamine are endless. Cases involve Scopolamine Carolina-a victim is still terrified about her experience with Scopolamine. There was a man approached her on the street and asked for directions, but since it was close by, she decided to walk him there. Later, they went out for a drink together. Afterward, she can only remember taking him to her apartment and helping him ransack the place. She said that it was painful to lose the money but she was quite lucky, because she could have been raped or worse (VICE, 2012)[iii]. In China, Scopolamine gives a big hand in human organ trading. Once I read about a girl who died because of a missing kidney. She went out for a drink in the middle of the night and she met some new friends. They partied all night and suddenly she felt dizzy and unconscious. In her blurry mind, she woke up, felt pain and found out she was in a bloody bathtub full of ice. There was a note said that she needed to call 911 immediately because her kidney had been cut off. She died on the way to the hospital. Fabian Yà ¡Ãƒ ±ez a journalist of Bogotà ¡s City TV claim that there are deaths, kidnappings†¦every night in Colombia and the Colombian are used to those crimes. â€Å"In this context, Scopolamine cases seem quite normal† (Nick, 2012) PROBLEM Circumstances cause up the problem Scopolamine itself is not devilish, but in human hands (especially in the villains) it becomes the Devil’s Breath. It is our rapacity, jealousy, enmity†¦ that turns Scopolamine into a deadly weapon. Look at Jessica Maria (a 21 years old prostitute) who has been using Scopolamine to rob her clients since she was 15. She had a rough child hood on the street so she has to fight every day to survive. Jessica said, â€Å"Everything about Scopolamine has to do about hurting people†, she hurts people because she has been hurt before and as her life was torn apart so she does not have to care anymore. (VICE, 2012) Effect on the society Every day, these kinds of crimes created a bunch of problems for the society. First of all, physical impact is concerned. Scopolamine is really poisoned because it has diversifying effects on human. With a small dose, Scopolamine can stop the brain from recording memory and if it is used consecutively, it can cause brain damage. Demencia Black said that 1 gram of Scopolamine is almost identical to 1 gram of cocaine, but with only 1 gram of Scopolamine, you can kill up to 10 people (VICE, 2012). If you have lager dose, it will make your heart beat faster; you will be more agitated and hostile. There are a lot of cases which the criminals were backfired and be attacked by their own victims. Over dose, it is fatal. Take an example as Luis Eduardo and his friend story. They were having party at a hotel and then the girls came. The next thing Luis could remember was waking up on a bench in a park so he went back to his hotel, but the employee claimed that Luis had took some people to his room and they had grabbed everything. About his friend, his body was found in another place; he died as a result of high tolerance. Secondly, when the victims are under the drug effect, they intend to follow every command, even to carry out crimes. â€Å"I can give you a gun and tell you to go kill someone and you will do it† (John, 2013). Thirdly, the victims cannot remember the process of a crime or face recognition when they arrive at the hospital or a report station; making it hard to track down the criminals. Fourthly, Colombia tourism is suffering a lot from this. VICE states that Colombia now is one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. On the streets, in bars, at home, in the midnight or daylight†¦ wherever you go, whenever you are, you can be burundangeared. â€Å"In Bogota and Cali, Burundanga is given to unsuspecting visitors in chewing gum, chocolate, drinks or dusted on pieces of paper† (Yukio, 2012)[iv]. Finally yet importantly, because of these kind of crimes people will soon doubt at each other. You cannot trust anyone and aound you is not safe anymore since everyone can drug you or may be kill you with this kind of stuff. As we can see, crimes caused by Scopolamine are dangerous and have strong consequences on the society from many aspects. Solutions to this problem are necessary and more urgent day by day. SOLUTION Difficulty in eradicating problem Even though Scopolamine crimes are serious and cause losses of human and material; however, it is hard to eradicate this complex. Originating from Colombia – kingdom of crimes and drugs – it is almost impossible to banned or wipe out Scopolamine because there will always be another undersurface lines provide it. More than that, Scopolamine is purified from a wild plant which grows everywhere in Colombia and some countries include Vietnam. That is the reason why Scopolamine is so pure and cheap, and can be easily found. More than that, Scopolamine is legal in most of the countries around the world because it plays an important part in medical purpose; therefore, it is hard to punish who stores or uses Scopolamine. Preventing tips Most of the solutions for Scopolamine crimes are showing people how to protect themselves from this deadly drug. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada warn the travelers to avoid going to the countryside of Colombia while The Government of Canada suggests the tourist going to bars with their companies and be careful of foods or drinks, always keep them under your observation. (Yukio, 2012) Adolf Thopil (2014)[v] wrote an article about Scopolamine on the Tecsys blog, he has shared some general safety tips for tourists who want to travel around Colombia. First, try not to be an eye-catching object by not showing expensive jewelry or fancy smartphone and only use electronic devices when you really need them. Second, when you need to use a cab, bring along your map and make sure the driver is taking you to the right place. However, if there is another one in the car, do not take it no matter what. Third, never go out alone, especially on an empty street or parks at night. The next thing you should always remind yourself is limit your contact, particularly with someone you do not know before. When strangers offer you something such as foods, drinks, even just a handshake, try your best to avoid those because some criminals may smear the drug on their skin or poison the food. The important part is when you are at the ATM, be careful if there is someone there before you, and not ever count the money outside the booth. These advices might sound easy and unnecessary but they sure will save you from getting into chaos. EVALUATE Solutions for Scopolamine are not much and most of them cannot solve the problem from its root. The Government of many nations, international websites, journals or even experts’ recommendation is only mention about warning, preparing for the people to protect them from dangers. The advantages are people will be aware of this kind of crimes and they can learn how to keep themselves out of troubles. For example, in Vietnam, people who have been through the situation choose to spread theirs words by mouth or on the internet to alert each other. This method turns out very helpful since people with real experience will have a full view and point out the necessary part. Nevertheless, the disadvantage is those solutions are only temporary, they are not the real way out. Keeping the people away from the crimes does not mean that the crimes are gone. Those crimes will be more delicate by time and eventually the preventing tips will not be useful anymore. But then again I have to agree with Adolf Thopil’s advices because even though you already have a lot of real solution to face or to solve Scopolamine problems, why not try to prevent them at the first place? If you are not an easy target, the criminal will not have a chance to drug you. CONCLUTION To sum up, this research paper shows you the real face of Scopolamine, how dangerous it is and giving you some safety tips so that you can protect yourself from this kind of crime. REFERENCES [i] Nick, O. (2012) Burundanga Republic [Online] Available from http://www.theglobalmail.org/feature/burundanga-republic/115/ [Accessed : 3rd December,2014] [ii] John, O. (2013) ‘Devil’s breath’ could be world’s scariest drug [Online] Available from http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/09/02/devils_breath_could_be_worlds_scariest_drug.html [Accessed : 2nd December 2014] [iii] VICE. (2012) Colombian Devil’s Breath [Online] Available from http://www.vice.com/video/colombian-devil-s-breath-1-of-2 [Accessed : 30th November 2014] [iv] Yukio, S. (2012) Is Scopolamine the world’s scariest drug? [Online] Available from : http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/324779 [Accessed : 10th December, 2014] v Adolf, T. (2014) The world’s most dangerous drug. [Online] Available from http://blog.tecsys.in/the-worlds-most-dangerous-drug.html [Accessed : 12th December 2014] Martin, D. (1998). HIV Drug Book. [Online] Second edition. USA: Pocket Books. Pp 235-237. Available from : http://books.google.com.vn/books?id=v8itp3BnM9gCpg=PA235lpg=PA235dq=scopolamine+booksource=blots=jSNfWSKKbKsig=6AzqkiRn4uIjSiISeBFFW1a4kZYhl=visa=Xei=CBV-VLroPJbc8AXkhoCwDAved=0CFkQ6AEwCA#v=onepageq=scopolamine%20bookf=false [Accessed 30th November 2014] [v]

Carvers Realism From Fires Essay examples -- essays research papers f

How does Carver create precision of reality with his characters, focusing on Fires? When looking at the works of Raymond Carver, one can feel a sense of autobiography, that the characters in his stories are struggling against the same circumstances that Carver himself once struggled through. How true this is, is marginal to say the least, for Carver tells us in Fires that anything from a phone call to living in a seedy apartment in Jerusalem for four months is cause to influence his writing. But taking this as subject of influence for his stories, one must then look at his characters, who at times more than closely resemble a certain element of Carver himself in a certain situation that Carver has since been in. The essence of the characters make Carvers stories all the more realistic, as you can sense the trials and tribulations that these people have gone through, and are being faced with as we read each page further. In looking at Carvers Fires, a collaborations of essays, poems, and stories, we can see the realism of each character, and in doing so, reflect them upon Carver for some likeness. But is this truly where the characters come from? Are they just a reflection of Carver and his life? In private desperation, Raymond Carvers characters struggle through their lives, knowing, with occasional clarity, that the “good life'; they had once hoped would be achieved through hard work, will not come about. In many ways, Carvers life was the model for all of his characters. Married to Maryann Burke at nineteen, and having two children in the space of seventeen months, the Carvers life was decided for years to come. Early on Carver felt, along with his wife, that hard work would take care of nearly everything. We had great dreams, my wife and I. We thought we could bow our necks, work very hard, and do all that we set our hearts to do. But we were mistaken. (Fires, p. 31) Somewhere in the middle of this life of dead end jobs and child raising, he realised, very much like one of his characters, that things would not change. He recounts one of the strongest of these moments in his essay on writing influences, Fires. He was at the laundromat washing clothes and, at this point in the essay, waiting for a dryer: When and if one of the dryers ever stopped, I planned to rush over to it with my shopping basket of damp clothes. Understand, IR... ...it feels like, by virtue of having lived it myself for so long,'; he said. “Half my family is still living like this. They still don’t know how they are going to make it through the next month or two';. (Gentry, p.138) The precision found in Carver’s writing comes from Carver himself, his experiences, his rises, and his downfalls. Carver’s stories changed with his life, and his characters reflect this. We can say a certain percentage of his stories dealt with the working poor, or alcoholics out of work, or adulterers. Or we can say that overall he dealt with people who had no hope, or little hope. He once said, “It’s strange. You never start out life with the intention of becoming a bankrupt or an alcoholic or a cheat and a thief. Or a liar.'; (Gentry, p.38) At one time Carver was all of these. And so were his characters. Bibliography Carver, R (1997) Fires: Essays, Poems, Stories The Harvill Press: London Gentry, M.B., Stull, W.L., eds.(1990) Conversations with Raymond Carver University Press of Mississippi: Jackson Nesset, K (1995) The Stories of Raymond Carver-A Critical Study Ohio University Press: Athens Pp.1-8

Masturbation: There is Nothing Wrong With A Little Self -Love Essay

Masturbation is defined as the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm/sexual climax (Knowles, 2002). It is a natural process and one of the most common sexual activities that humans take part in. The subject of masturbation has long been a taboo topic and seen is a sin in many Western religious cultures. Because of this, guilt and shame are associated with masturbation. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries many believed masturbation caused illnesses and it was seen as a disease. This has been proven to be untrue and in fact many medical professionals now believe masturbation to be good for a persons physical and sexual health. Masturbation is a natural healthy process and should not be viewed as something sinful and unnatural. Masturbation Masturbation is one of the first sexual experiences a person will have and it usually done by stimulating the penis or clitoris with a hand, fingers or â€Å"sex toys† (Knowles, 2002). Masturbation is way of discovering ones sexual â€Å"potential† and is done for various reasons. Some people may masturbate to relieve sexual tension, to help them fall asleep, or as a safe sex alternative just to name a few. It begins as early as infancy and can continue into adulthood with varying frequency, with or with out a partner but is not considered a substitute for sex, merely a variation. Masturbation â€Å"does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be performed in moderation throughout a person's lifetime as a part of normal sexual behavior† (Knowles, 2002). The Hate Masturbation has been viewed as a shameful act â€Å"having pathological origins and negative physical and mental health consequences†(Knowles, 2002). T... ...d Johnson on Sex and Human Loving. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company. Moglia, Ronald Filiberti, and Jon Knowles, eds. (1997). All About Sex: A Family Resource on Sex and Sexuality. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press. Mosher, Donald L., and Susan G. Vonderheide. (1985). " Contributions of Sex Guilt and Masturbation Guilt to Women's Contraceptive Attitudes and Use." The Journal of Sex Research, 21(1), 2439. National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB). Findings from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, Centre for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University. Journal of Sexual Medicine, Vol. 7, Supplement 5. Rowan, Edward L. (2000). The Joy of SelfPleasuring. New York, NY: Prometheus Books. Yarber, W. L., Sayad, B. J., & Strong, B. (2010). Human sexuality: diversity in contemporary America (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

English literature: History, Authors, Books, & Periods Essay

Dear Kipling, You are my favorite writer in the English Language who well versed in both. Prose and verse in the late- nineteenth and early- twentieth century ’s.Being interested in your creations I took more interest in knowing about yourself. You were born in Bombay, British India on 30 December 1865. In 1870 you were taken to England and stayed with a foster family and did your education there.Later you came to India in 1882 and worked as a journalist, writing poetry and fiction in your spare time. I had gone through your oeuvre and I really marveled which made me go into a deep thought of your perspective on imperialism. In 1888 you wrote ‘plain Tales from the Hills’ which won success in England. Again in 1889 you went to live in London. There you met your soul mate Caroline Balestier and married her in 1892.And then you moved to a place called Vermont in the United States where her family lived, your two daughters were born there.Then you wrote the most fantabulous work â €˜The Jungle Book’ in1894.I think you got the inspiration to write this from your environment. Because when you were writing this, your abode was in the forested area called Vermont. Alright!I have to stop here Because I want to talk more about this work. So now I am going to discuss the rest with you. In 1896, you moved with your family from Vermont to England because of some family affairs. I do not want to discuss that. Because that is not my area, isn’t it? Then your most beloved son John was born in 1897, to whom you later addressed the poem ‘If’ which very much exhibited the qualities of men during Victorian times and it is often discussed by the critics as a â€Å"stoic poem†. Then you wrote the series of works like ‘Stalky and Co’ in 1899, ‘Kim’ in 1901 and ‘Puck of Pook’s Hill’ in 1906. Your contribution of ‘Just So Stories’ in 1902 were originally written for your beloved daughter Josephine,   who died unfortunately at the age of six because of pneumonia. That’s why this work reflects the stories of children. When I was analyzing your work I came to know that it offers us a clear and sensitive picture of English people who lived in the late 19th century in India. And it is obviously seen that you are an â€Å"accurate reporter† and was capable of giving the faithful account of the commonplace and people of what you had seen. In this time, I want to take account of your uni que perspective.This is one of the things that I loved in you –that your works do not reflect anyone else’s ideologies.It always stands a remarkable thing. The preliminary study of your works had revealed an idea which is to be taken into consideration. It displays that your works of six essays, ten addresses, four volumes of letters, five full-length books, one hundred and eleven short stories, and one hundred and seventy-eight poems were in quite touching with the phenomenon called ‘culture shock’. Kipling, don’t consider me as an over-talkative person for I am going to explain what is a culture shock. Because you know what it means, but the readers of this letter have to know about it something. Culture shock is a synonym for homesickness, an experience normally associated with insecurities of childhood. This will occur when a person is suddenly removed from a familiar environment to an unusual one commonly exhibits confusion and hostility. You suffered from this effect for about eight such times at approximately five years intervals of your first forty years of your life. Even though this happens continuously, your works were highly outstanding. But some critics made this culture shock as wide as possible and criticized you every angle. I had no opinion on this matter. But I want to tell something, I think because of this culture shock only you could deliberately deliver your mind about the things that surround you, otherwise, I would miss this unique use, Kipling.Once again I repeat that it was my own opinion and it can be interpreted in some other way. Another criticism is about your famous phrase ‘White Man’s Burden’. Actually, it means â€Å"the alleged duty of the white peoples to bring their civilization to other peoples regarded as backward†. But the critics took this phrase and classified you as a ‘Racist’. Their perspective is that you are the one who differentiated as white man and backward, so they criticized in that way. But I want to look it from your view. I think you wrote it in the perspective of how I understood ie.,† Imperialism was not just a way for countries to grab power; it was also a form of humanitarianism, a way to help fewer fortune people by the governing people.† So only you mentioned that it was the responsibility of ‘White Man’s Burden’. Alright Kipling, now I come to the point which I mentioned earlier to discuss that is – The Jungle Book. Actually, it is a collection of seven different short stories. However, only three of them have Mowgli and the characters associated with him. While the rest four stories happened completely elsewhere and in different situations. When I came to analyze this piece of work I understood that its culture period is during British Raj – British ruling over India (1858-1947). So many critics call you as a racist, misogynist, and imperialist. And some argue that this piece was about the politics occurred at that time. All that shouldn’t matter anyway, because it’s a great story of imagination and above all, it opens up the relationship between you and the forest in India. And I also enjoyed the way Mowgli grows up and the way he and other animals interact with each other, it’s completely breathtaking. I believe that while you were undoubtedly a man of your time and country, your stories are less about politics and more about your own humanity. The story seems to be more similar to your life history. Though the scholars criticized this work in a di fferent way, I can’t deviate my views from the eyes of imagination and enjoyable experience which I had when I read it. Last but not the least adding to your accolades, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907 making you the youngest and first English language writer increased my zeal towards the language. With more Love, D. Joan Swarna. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Lohman, W.J. The Culture Shocks of Rudyard Kipling. P.Lang, 1990. 2. ebooks.adelaide.edu.au>kipling 3. www.study.com/academy/lesson/kipling_rudyard 4. www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/kipling_rudyard

Sexiest Language

Language is the basis to all cultures in the world, today. Whether it is in writing, sign language, or body language, it is a must in every civilization. Language is perceived differently through the male and female genders. Many forms of sexist language have been identified into three forms – language that ignores women, language the defines women narrowly, and language that depreciates women (Wetherall 276). Women have been discriminated for years. This all strings back to when the female was thought to be less of a person, since early civilization. It has been the use of masculine genetics that has concealed women. Since that time we have came a long way in equaling women’s rights. The problem now, is that language still portraits women as something less in society. The narrow definition of women in language relates to the observation that women are more often discussed in relationships, whereas men are more often discussed in what they do (Wetherall 276). A perfect example is when women are given their spouse’s last name after being married. This is a show of ownership of sorts. Women do not have accompany this tradition if they do not feel it is necessary. Language described women, in the past, in a negative manor and it is hard to break free from such stereotypes. In a study of female and male terms listed in the dictionary you will find many more unfavorable, sexual and trivializing to describe women that men (Wethrall 276). Women have taken a large leap towards equality but it will take some time before sexist language and discriminative language will cease. I did a survey where I asked twenty people, â€Å"If a girl fools around with five guys in a month and a guy fools around with five girls in a month what would you classify the man and woman? All twenty of the people I asked said the girl is a slut. Sixteen of the people said the man was a â€Å"pimp†(which is a good thing). The other four said he is a male slut. Why is this so? Just because the person is a female, she should be classified as a slut? This is how society thinks. Women should not be stereotyped this way. Men do the same things and they are thought of as the â€Å"Bomb†. I asked five men and five women how they would address a woman who was a chairperson. This is a direct statement of how or language is sexist towards women. Because of this sexist language, our society faces the consequences. Sexist view can influence people’s perception of women (Wetherall 277). Research theoretical developments on language, power and social relationships suggests more subtle and complex associations between language and social behavior than those initially used to describe the significance of sex bias in language (Wetherall 277). For example, discourse analysts explore how the production and organization of social categories in conversation are influenced by the context and function of the particular interaction (Wetherall 277). The use of sexist language makes the idea of inequality live on. When people constantly use this sexist language it becomes routine and people start to use this in their every day conversation or even just in their minds. The routinization of sex bias in language makes sexism more covert and hence a legitimate way of communicating racism (Wetherall 277). With this common and accepted racism being used in everyday life, it shows how men have maintained their monarchy in social groups. For example, when I was younger there was a girl on my baseball team who was very good, but everyone emphasized how good she was â€Å"for a girl†, not a person. Sexist language is a direct suppression of women and is so commonly used, it goes unnoticed. Though, steps are being taken to stop sexist language, for example it is not longer a policeman it is a police officer, still, there has to be more done to prevent in from existing. Our language reflects the fact that, historically women engaged in public activity that has been suspect (Jamieson 125). The whole idea is that when society speaks of a human being it is usually thought to be a male. For instance when a man is interviewed, he is judged as an individual while a woman is categorized as a â€Å"women† (Jamieson 127). Language is not only a way to communicate, but, also a way to judge the character of society. Starting at age two or three when boys and girls first learn to communicate they are placed in two separate categories. This separation continues through childhood and up to their teenage years when they become men and woman. Woman are brought up to be clean, proper, and always be on their best behavior. Men are brought up to play in the dirt, be messy, and act like tough guys. When men and woman become their own self and have their own traits they will then began to interact and communicate with each other. At this time different language will be shared with each other and many agreements as well as disagreements will occur. A man will usually overpower the woman with words, because a mans language is a lot stronger in content. As each generation goes by men have been more successful and always in a higher power position than woman have been in. In the mid 1970’s, a survey was taken, that is showing words that are used on men and their parallel meaning towards women.

The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion Chapter Three

Vickie's screams went out of control. Bonnie could feel panic rising in her chest. â€Å"Vickie, stop it! Come on; we've got to get out of here!† Meredith was shouting to be heard. â€Å"It's your house, Caroline. Everybody grab hands and you lead us to the front door.† â€Å"Okay,† Caroline said. She didn't sound as frightened as everybody else. That was the advantage to having no imagination, Bonnie thought. You couldn't picture the terrible things that were going to happen to you. She felt better with Meredith's narrow, cold hand grasping hers. She fumbled on the other side and caught Caroline's, feeling the hardness of long fingernails. She could see nothing. Her eyes should be adjusting to the dark by now, but she couldn't make out even a glimmer of light or shadow as Caroline started leading them. There was no light coming through the windows from the street; the power seemed to be out everywhere. Caroline cursed, running into some piece of furniture, and Bonnie stumbled against her. Vickie was whimpering softly from the back of the line. â€Å"Hang on,† whispered Sue. â€Å"Hang on, Vickie, we'll make it.† They made slow, shuffling progress in the dark. Then Bonnie felt tile under her feet. â€Å"This is the front hall,† Caroline said. â€Å"Stay here a minute while I find the door.† Her fingers slipped out of Bonnie's. â€Å"Caroline! Don't let go-where are you? Caroline, give me your hand!† Bonnie cried, groping frantically like a blind person. Out of the darkness something large and moist closed around her fingers. It was a hand. It wasn't Caroline's. Bonnie screamed. Vickie immediately picked it up, shrieking wildly. The hot, moist hand was dragging Bonnie forward. She kicked out, struggling, but it made no difference. Then she felt Meredith's arms around her waist, both arms, wrenching her back. Her hand came free of the big one. And then she was turning and running, just running, only dimly aware that Meredith was be-side her. She wasn't at all aware that she was still screaming until she slammed into a large armchair that stopped her progress, and she heard herself. â€Å"Hush! Bonnie, hush, stop!† Meredith was shaking her. They had slid down the back of the chair to the floor. â€Å"Something had me! Something grabbed me, Meredith!† â€Å"I know. Be quiet! It's still around,† Meredith said. Bonnie jammed her face into Meredith's shoulder to keep from screaming again. What if it was here in the room with them? Seconds crawled past, and the silence pooled around them. No matter how Bonnie strained her ears, she could hear no sound except their own breathing and the dull thudding of her heart. Bonnie started to nod miserably, then abruptly lifted her head. â€Å"Where's Vickie?† she whispered hoarsely. â€Å"I don't know. I had to let go of her hand to pull you away from that thing. Let's move.† Bonnie held her back. â€Å"But why isn't she screaming?† A shudder went through Meredith. â€Å"I don't know.† â€Å"Oh, God. Oh, God. We can't leave her, Meredith.† â€Å"We have to.† â€Å"We can't. Meredith, I made Caroline invite her. She wouldn't be here except for me. We have to get her out.† There was a pause, and then Meredith hissed, â€Å"All right! But you pick the strangest times to turn noble, Bonnie.† A door slammed, causing both of them to jump. Then there was a crashing, like feet on stairs, Bonnie thought. And briefly, a voice was raised. â€Å"Vickie, where are you? Don't-Vickie, no! No!† â€Å"That was Sue,† gasped Bonnie, jumping up. â€Å"From upstairs!† â€Å"Why don't we have a flashlight?† Meredith was raging. Bonnie knew what she meant. It was too dark to go running blindly around this house; it was too frightening. There was a primitive panic hammering in her brain. She needed light, any light. She couldn't go fumbling into that darkness again, exposed on all sides. She couldn't do it. Nevertheless, she took one shaky step away from the chair. â€Å"Come on,† she gasped, and Meredith came with her, step by step, into the blackness. Bonnie kept expecting that moist, hot hand to reach out and grab her again. Every inch of her skin tingled in anticipation of its touch, and especially her own hand, which she had outstretched to feel her way. Then she made the mistake of remembering the dream. Instantly, the sickly sweet smell of garbage overwhelmed her. She imagined things crawling out of the ground and then remembered Elena's face, gray and hairless, with lips shriveled back from grinning teeth. If that thing grabbed hold of her†¦ I can't go any farther; I can't, I can't, she thought. I'm sorry for Vickie, but I can't go on. Please, just let me stop here. It was a whole series of sounds, actually, but they all came so close together that they blended into one terrible swell of noise. First there was screaming, Sue's voice screaming, â€Å"Vickie! Vickie! No!† Then a resonant crash, the sound of glass shattering, as if a hundred windows were breaking at once. And over that a sustained scream, on a note of pure, exquisite terror. Then it all stopped. â€Å"What was it? What happened, Meredith?† â€Å"Something bad.† Meredith's voice was taut and choked. â€Å"Something very bad. Bonnie, let go. I'm going to see.† â€Å"Not alone, you're not,† Bonnie said fiercely. They found the staircase and made their way up it. When they reached the landing, Bonnie could hear a strange and oddly sickening sound, the tinkle of glass shards falling. And then the lights went on. It was too sudden; Bonnie screamed involuntarily. Turning to Meredith she almost screamed again. Meredith's dark hair was disheveled and her cheekbones looked too sharp; her face was pale and hollow with fear. Tinkle, tinkle. It was worse with the lights on. Meredith was walking toward the last door down the hall, where the noise was coming from. Bonnie followed, but she knew suddenly, with all her heart, that she didn't want to see inside that room. Meredith pulled the door open. She froze for a minute in the doorway and then lunged quickly inside. Bonnie started for the door. â€Å"Oh, my God, don't come any farther!† Bonnie didn't even pause. She plunged into the doorway and then pulled up short. At first glance it looked as if the whole side of the house was gone. The French windows that connected the master bedroom to the balcony seemed to have exploded outward, the wood splintered, the glass shattered. Little pieces of glass were hanging precariously here and there from the remnants of the wood frame. They tinkled as they fell. Diaphanous white curtains billowed in and out of the gaping hole in the house. In front of them, in silhouette, Bonnie could see Vickie. She was standing with her hands at her sides, as motionless as a block of stone. â€Å"Vickie, are you okay?† Bonnie was so relieved to see her alive that it was painful. â€Å"Vickie?† Vickie didn't turn, didn't answer. Bonnie maneuvered around her cautiously, looking into her face. Vickie was staring straight ahead, her pupils pinpoints. She was sucking in little whistling breaths, chest heaving. Shuddering, Bonnie reeled away. Meredith was on the balcony. She turned as Bonnie reached the curtains and tried to block the way. â€Å"Don't look. Don't look down there,† she said. Down where? Suddenly Bonnie understood. She shoved past Meredith, who caught her arm to stop her on the edge of a dizzying drop. The balcony railing had been blasted out like the French windows and Bonnie could see straight down to the lighted yard below. On the ground there was a twisted figure like a broken doll, limbs askew, neck bent at a grotesque angle, blond hair fanned on the dark soil of the garden. It was Sue Carson. And throughout all the confusion that raged afterward, two thoughts kept vying for dominance in Bonnie's mind. One was that Caroline would never have her foursome now. And the other was that it wasn't fair for this to happen on Meredith's birthday. It just wasn't fair. â€Å"I'm sorry, Meredith. I don't think she's up to it right now.† Bonnie heard her father's voice at the front door as she listlessly stirred sweetener into a cup of chamomile tea. She put the spoon down at once. What she wasn't up to was sitting in this kitchen one minute longer. She needed out. â€Å"I'll be right there, Dad.† Meredith looked almost as bad as she had last night, face peaked, eyes shadowed. Her mouth was set in a tight line. â€Å"We'll just go out driving for a little while,† Bonnie said to her father. â€Å"Maybe see some of the kids. After all, you're the one who said it isn't dangerous, right?† What could he say? Mr. McCullough looked down at his petite daughter, who stuck out the stubborn chin she'd inherited from him and met his gaze squarely. He lifted his hands. â€Å"It's almost four o'clock now. Be back before dark,† he said. â€Å"They want it both ways,† Bonnie said to Meredith on the way to Meredith's car. Once inside, both girls immediately locked their doors. As Meredith put the car in gear she gave Bonnie a glance of grim understanding. â€Å"Your parents didn't believe you, either.† â€Å"Oh, they believe everything I told them-except anything important. How can they be so stupid?† Meredith laughed shortly. â€Å"You've got to look at it from their point of view. They find one dead body without a mark on it except those caused by the fall. They find that the lights were off in the neighborhood because of a malfunction at Virginia Electric. They find us, hysterical, giving answers to their questions that must have seemed pretty weird. Who did it? Some monster with sweaty hands. How do we know? Our dead friend Elena told us through a Ouija board. Is it any wonder they have their doubts?† â€Å"They're forgetting already,† Meredith replied softly. â€Å"You predicted it yourself. Life has gone back to normal, and everybody in Fell's Church feels safer that way. They all feel like they've woken up from a bad dream, and the last thing they want is to get sucked in again.† Bonnie just shook her head. â€Å"And so it's easier to believe that a bunch of teenage girls got riled up playing with a Ouija board, and that when the lights went out they just freaked and ran. And one of them got so scared and confused she ran right out a window.† There was a silence and then Meredith added, â€Å"I wish Alaric were here.† Normally, Bonnie would have given her a dig in the ribs and answered, â€Å"So do I,† in a lecherous voice. Alaric was one of the handsomest guys she'd ever seen, even if he was a doddering twenty-two years old. Now, she just gave Meredith's arm a disconsolate squeeze. â€Å"Can't you call him somehow?† â€Å"In Russia? I don't even know where in Russia he is now.† Bonnie bit her lip. Then she sat up. Meredith was driving down Lee Street, and in the high school parking lot they could see a crowd. She and Meredith exchanged glances, and Meredith nodded. â€Å"We might as well,† she said. â€Å"Let's see if they're any smarter than their parents.† Bonnie could see startled faces turning as the car cruised slowly into the lot. When she and Meredith got out, people moved back, making a path for them to the center of the crowd. Caroline was there, clutching her elbows with her hands and shaking back her auburn hair distractedly. â€Å"We're not going to sleep in that house again until it's repaired,† she was saying, shivering in her white sweater. â€Å"Daddy says we'll take an apartment in Heron until it's over.† â€Å"What difference does that make? He can follow you to Heron, I'm sure,† said Meredith. Caroline turned, but her green cat's eyes wouldn't quite meet Meredith's. â€Å"Who?† she said vaguely. â€Å"Oh, Caroline, not you too!† Bonnie exploded. Her eyes came up and for an instant Bonnie saw how frightened she was. â€Å"I can't take any more.† As if she had to prove her words that minute, she pushed her way through the crowd. â€Å"Let her go, Bonnie,† Meredith said. â€Å"It's no use.† â€Å"She's no use,† said Bonnie furiously. If Caroline, who knew, was acting this way, what about the other kids? She saw the answer-in the faces around her. Everybody looked scared, as scared as if she and Meredith had brought some loathsome disease with them. As if she and Meredith were the problem. â€Å"I don't believe this,† Bonnie muttered. â€Å"I don't believe it either,† said Deanna Kennedy, a friend of Sue's. She was in the front of the crowd, and she didn't look as uneasy as the others. â€Å"I talked with Sue yesterday afternoon and she was so up, so happy. She can't be dead.† Deanna began to sob. Her boyfriend put an arm around her, and several other girls began to cry. The guys in the crowd shifted, their faces rigid. Bonnie felt a little surge of hope. â€Å"And she's not going to be the only one dead,† she added. â€Å"Elena told us that the whole town is in danger. Elena said†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Despite herself Bonnie heard her voice failing. She could see it in the way their eyes glazed up when she mentioned Elena's name. Meredith was right; they'd put everything that had happened last winter behind them. They didn't believe anymore. â€Å"What's wrong with you all?† she said helplessly, wanting to hit something. â€Å"You don't really think Sue threw herself off that balcony!† â€Å"People are saying-† Deanna's boyfriend started and then shrugged defensively. â€Å"Well-you told the police Vickie Bennett was in the room, right? And now she's off her head again. And just a little bit earlier you'd heard Sue shouting, ‘No, Vickie, no!'?† Bonnie felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. â€Å"You think that Vickie- oh, God, you're out of your mind! Listen to me. Something grabbed my hand in that house, and it wasn't Vickie. And Vickie had nothing to do with throwing Sue off that balcony.† â€Å"She's hardly strong enough, for one thing,† Meredith said pointedly. â€Å"She weighs about ninety-five pounds soaking wet.† Somebody from the back of the crowd muttered about insane people having superhuman strength. â€Å"Vickie has a psychiatric record-â€Å" â€Å"Elena told us it was a guy!† Bonnie almost shouted, losing her battle with self-control. The faces tilted toward her were shuttered, unyielding. Then she saw one that made her chest loosen. â€Å"Matt! Tell them you believe us.† Matt Honeycutt was standing on the fringe with his hands in his pockets and his blond head bowed. Now he looked up, and what Bonnie saw in his blue eyes made her draw in her breath. They weren't hard and shuttered like everyone else's, but they were full of a flat despair that was just as bad. He shrugged without taking his hands from his pockets. Bonnie, for one of the first times in her life, was speechless. Matt had been upset ever since Elena died, but this†¦ â€Å"He does believe it, though,† Meredith was saying quickly, capitalizing on the moment. â€Å"Now what have we got to do to convince the rest of you?† â€Å"Channel Elvis for us, maybe,† said a voice that immediately set Bonnie's blood boiling. Tyler. Tyler Smallwood. Grinning like an ape in his overexpensive Perry Ellis sweater, showing a mouthful of strong white teeth. â€Å"It's not as good as psychic e-mail from a dead Homecoming Queen, but it's a start,† Tyler added. Matt always said that grin was asking for a punch in the nose. But Matt, the only guy in the crowd with close to Tyler's physique, was staring dully at the ground. â€Å"Shut up, Tyler! You don't know what happened in that house,† Bonnie said. â€Å"Well, neither do you, apparently. Maybe if you hadn't been hiding in the living room, you'd have seen what happened. Then somebody might believe you.† Bonnie's retort died on her tongue. She stared at Tyler, opened her mouth, and then closed it. Tyler waited. When she didn't speak, he showed his teeth again. â€Å"For my money, Vickie did it,† he said, winking at Dick Carter, Vickie's ex-boyfriend. â€Å"She's a strong little babe, right, Dick? She could have done it.† He turned and added deliberately over his shoulder, â€Å"Or else that Salvatore guy is back in town.† â€Å"You creep!† shouted Bonnie. Even Meredith cried out in frustration. Because of course at the very mention of Stefan pandemonium ensued, as Tyler must have known it would. Everyone was turning to the person next to them and exclaiming in alarm, horror, excitement. It was primarily the girls who were excited. Effectively, it put an end to the gathering. People had been edging away surreptitiously before, and now they broke up into twos and threes, arguing and hastening off. Bonnie gazed after them angrily. â€Å"Supposing they did believe you. What did you want them to do, anyway?† Matt said. She hadn't noticed him beside her. â€Å"I don't know. Something besides just standing around waiting to be picked off.† She tried to look him in the face. â€Å"Matt, are you all right?† â€Å"I don't know. Are you?† Bonnie thought. â€Å"No. I mean, in one way I'm surprised I'm doing as well as I am, because when Elena died, I just couldn't deal. At all. But then I wasn't as close to Sue, and besides†¦ I don't know!† She wanted to hit something again. â€Å"It's just all too much!† Bonnie thought. â€Å"No. I mean, in one way I'm surprised I'm doing as well as I am, because when Elena died, I just couldn't deal. At all. But then I wasn't as close to Sue, and besides†¦ I don't know!† She wanted to hit something again. â€Å"It's just all too much!† â€Å"Yes, I'm mad.† Suddenly Bonnie understood the feelings she'd been having all day. â€Å"Killing Sue wasn't just wrong, it was evil. Truly evil. And whoever did it isn't going to get away with it. That would be-if the world is like that, a place where that can happen and go unpunished†¦ if that's the truth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She found she didn't have a way to finish. â€Å"Then what? You don't want to live here anymore? What if the world is like that?† His eyes were so lost, so bitter. Bonnie was shaken. But she said staunchly, â€Å"I won't let it be that way. And you won't either.† He simply looked at her as if she were a kid insisting there was so a Santa Claus. Meredith spoke up. â€Å"If we expect other people to take us seriously, we'd better take ourselves seriously. Elena did communicate with us. She wanted us to do something. Now if we really believe that, we'd better figure out what it is.† Matt's face had flexed at the mention of Elena. You poor guy, you're still as much in love with her as ever, thought Bonnie. I wonder if anything could make you forget her? She said, â€Å"Are you going to help us, Matt?† â€Å"I'll help,† Matt said quietly. â€Å"But I still don't know what it is you're doing.† â€Å"We're going to stop that murdering creep before he kills anybody else,† said Bonnie. It was the first time she'd fully realized herself that this was what she meant to do. â€Å"Alone? Because you are alone, you know.† â€Å"We are alone,† Meredith corrected. â€Å"But that's what Elena was trying to tell us. She said we had to do a summoning spell to call for help.† â€Å"An easy spell with only two ingredients,† Bonnie remembered from her dream. She was getting excited. â€Å"And she said she'd already told me the ingredients-but she hadn't.† â€Å"Last night she said there were corrupting influences distorting her communication,† Meredith said. â€Å"Now to me that sounds like what was happening in the dream. Do you think it really was Elena you were drinking tea with?† â€Å"Yes,† Bonnie said positively. â€Å"I mean, I know we weren't really having a mad tea party at Warm Springs, but I think Elena was sending that message into my brain. And then partway through something else took over and pushed her out. But she fought, and for a minute at the end she got back control.† â€Å"Okay. Then that means we have to concentrate on the beginning of the dream, when it was still Elena communicating with you. But if what she was saying was already being distorted by other influences, then maybe it came out weird. Maybe it wasn't something she actually said, maybe it was something she did†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What?† â€Å"Hair! I asked her who did hers, and we talked about it, and she said, ‘Hair is very important.' And Meredith-when she was trying to tell us the ingredients last night, the first letter of one of them was H!† â€Å"That's it!† Meredith's dark eyes were flashing. â€Å"Now we just have to think of the other one.† â€Å"But I know that too!† Bonnie's laughter bubbled up exuberantly. â€Å"She told me right after we talked about hair, and I thought she was just being strange. She said, ‘Blood is important too.' â€Å" Meredith shut her eyes in realization. â€Å"And last night, the Ouija board said ‘Bloodblood-blood.' I thought it was the other thing threatening us, but it wasn't,† she said. She opened her eyes. â€Å"Bonnie, do you think that's really it? Are those the ingredients, or do we have to start worrying about mud and sandwiches and mice and tea?† â€Å"Those are the ingredients,† Bonnie said firmly. â€Å"They're the kind of ingredients that make sense for a summoning spell. I'm sure I can find a ritual to do with them in one of my Celtic magic books. We just have to figure out the person we're supposed to summon†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Something struck her, and her voice trailed off in dismay. â€Å"I was wondering when you'd notice,† Matt said, speaking for the first time in a long while. â€Å"You don't know who it is, do you?†