Premarital Sex Essay

Premarital Sex Premarital sex is defined as when two people begin to engage in sexual intercourse before marriage. In todays society premarital sex has become part of the norm and has been accepted. Many young adults are living together before marriage and engaging in sexual activity. It has become apparent that more people are involving themselves in premarital sex and do not acknowledge that it is an immoral act. Sex has become a symbol for pleasure and is no longer considered sacred in today’s society. I believe sex before marriage should not be accepted and that abstinence should be promoted more.According to civil law, the church/divine law and the teachings we learned in Grade 12 religion class, premarital sex is an immoral behavior that should not be tolerated. Premarital sex has become common and acknowledged in todays society. In the Canadian government there is no law nor criminal offence towards premarital sex. The moral issue of sex before marriage has become criti cal in society and has become accustomed to peoples lives. â€Å"Canadian survey indicates fewer than one in 10 engaged women in the country agrees with the statement â€Å"sex before marriage is not a good idea. Weddingbells Magazine said its survey of 1,241 people found 8 percent of engaged women agreed with the statement, with only 4 percent saying their strongly agreed, CanWest News Service reported Wednesday† (UPI) This explains how many people do not take premarital sex as a wrong action but instead as a good idea. Very few people follow the moral doings of saving sex before marriage. Since the government does not have a specified law against this act it is not followed nor respected. Society has socially accepted that people, including young teens, are involved in sexual activity before marriage.Society promotes â€Å"safe sex† by engaging the use of birth control and condoms. Society gives the impression that premarital sex is tolerable as long as you’r e protected. Sex has become a symbol of lust instead of what it is truly meant for, which is love. Society has taken over the meaning of intimacy and has overwritten it. The media endorses sex through famous artists, television shows as well as music. It has become apparent that most songs underlie the meaning of sex and portray the immoral act. Society constantly sends a bad message to the public causing the increase of premarital sex. Today 67% of youth are sexually active before marriage. Teenagers are about as good at contraception as they are at making their beds, doing their homework and doing their chores. Teenage girls have an average of six sex partners in high school. In 1966, 6% of white babies were born out of wedlock, now its up to 25%. In 1967, 22% of black babies were born out of wedlock. Now 66% of black babies are born out of wedlock. â€Å"(Macdonald, D) This proves the increase in sexual activity over the years and how vital it has become in our society. Statisti cs have increased proving that people mostly do it for pleasure instead of love.The realism is that there is no consequence regarding the law against this decision, which greatly impacts peoples choices. Society continues to acknowledge the immoral behavior causing it to become socially accepted. Premarital sex is looked upon as a sin in regards to the Catholic Church. Growing up most were always told that abstinence was a must and marriage was not acceptable if purity wasn’t present. Sex before marriage is referred to as fornication in the Bible. As Christians, The Bible is a primary source that we look to for guidance. The Bible teaches us the teachings of God as well as the sins.Premarital sex is a sin when we refer to the Bible. In the Bible it states, â€Å"Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without (outside) the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body. â€Å"(1 Corinthians 6:13). This means that as Christians we should use our body in ways to glorify God. By committing the act of fornication we are committing a sin and are considered as evil. According to God, sex is supposed to be meant for reproduction and love, not for pleasure and lust.The act of sex is behavior that goes against our faith and beliefs. The bible is our standard of what is right and wrong. In the bible it states, â€Å"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. † (Revelation 21:8). This means that God views the sin of premarital sex as equal to murder, prostitution, and lying. Even though society accepts fornication, it doesn’t mean God does. As Catholics we are to follow his blessings and teachings regardless of society.God wants us to be pure until it i s the appropriate time and to flee from our selfish desires. â€Å"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body† (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). This scripture means that premarital sex is not only a sin against God but it is also a sin against your own body.Our bodies are sacred and pure; once we have sex we loose our purity and wholesomeness. God gave us our body and we are to cherish it and respect his rules by not having sex until marriage. We are to honor God and thank him for the gift of life by becoming abstinent until married. Over the course of the grade 12 semester we learned many things that interchange with the moral reasoning of premarital sex. We learn that having sex before marriage is a ma xim, something that we shouldn’t do but people do anyways. Morality is defined as the ways people obtain good through rules and laws.Ethics is defined as the search for the infinite good, which guides to morality. Growing up we learn different morals and values that we are supposed to respect and follow. Abstinence is something we learn to follow based on our religious beliefs. The morality of premarital sex is that it is wrong and it goes against our morals. Our ethics and morality is supposed to lead us to happiness and good and it is said that if we disobey the value of abstinence then we will not reach this goal. We also learned about Sigmund Freud and the three parts of our unconscious mind. When people have sex before marriage â€Å"the id† is in recognition.This part of the mind focuses on the pleasure principle and our strong desires. People are not concerned with the consequences but instead acting upon their satisfaction. When Christians have premarital sex t hey may form a guilty conscience. Knowing that they have disobeyed the laws of their faith they form a â€Å"well formed conscience†. A well-formed conscience is formed through Church, Scriptures and Community and usually entails recognizing ones own guilt from past wrong doings. One has a conscience knowing that they have committed a sin and went against God’s teachings.Our conscience helps us show that we recognize our wrong doings and know that we violated the church scriptures. In conclusion premarital sex has been proven that it is an immoral act and should not be accepted. There is no civil law or offence against it which makes it that much more common in society. Society promotes safe sex causing an increase in premarital sex. Society sends a sinful message to the public, impacting their decision about sex. The church boldly represents premarital sex as a sin and recognizes it as evil. According to God, sex is supposed to be meant for reproduction and love, not for pleasure and lust.We are to save our sacred bodies for marriage and anything before is referred to as disobeying God as well as your body. Premarital sex goes against our beliefs and morals. The morality of premarital sex is that it is wrong and if we deny that then we will not reach our ultimate happiness. Overall sexual activity is sinful behavior and should be saved until you marry the one special person that you are appropriately able to share your body with. Works Cited â€Å"Life is Sacred. † 16 March 2004. www. troubledwith. com/Web/groups/public//@fotf_troubledwith/docume nts/articles/ ? Macdonald, David. What's wrong with sex before marriage? Why Choose Chastity? † October 6, 2011. http://www. davidmacd. com/catholic/chastity. htm Mcllhaney, Joe S. , Jr. M. D. â€Å"Testimony of Joe S. Mcllhaney, Jr. , M. D. † 16 March 2004: 3- 8. 23 April 2002. www. medinstitute. org/media/testimony. htm â€Å"Poll: Premarital sex OK with Canadians†, June 9, 2010. http://www. upi. com/Odd_News/2010/06/09/Poll-Premarital-sex-OK- with-Canadians/UPI-77871276111501/ â€Å"The Benefits of Chastity Before Marriage. † 17 March 2004. www. foreverfamilies. net/xml/articles/benefitsofchastity. aspx

Globalization as International Issue

Today the concept of â€Å"globalization† becomes the most topical and widely used. It is very interesting that the attitude to the globalization – positive, negative or discreet – depends on the level of the social, economic and political development of a country. In present-day conditions the place and the role of globalization cannot be understood without the analysis of that influence, which it renders on a nation, mentality and social behaviour, on † the vital worlds † of the people, who are actively or passively participating in this process.The historical development of mankind depends on the conditions of globalization in which we see changes of motives, values, orientations of its contemporaries, typical attributes of a person and his or her relations with a community. Today the realistic estimation of the influence of globalization is especially necessary because the â€Å"fashion† on it, a background created around this phenomenon re cently quite often prevents from distinguishing the reality from an ideological myth.The essence of globalization is in growing interdependence of different communities but interdependence implies participation in this process of at least two or even greater number of the parties. Practically globalization process benefits the high-developed states, and less developed countries involuntarily become its part, thus not receiving special benefit for themselves, and † play by the rules † of the states that lead in this process.The main part of the population of such states can express its disagreement with the policy of governments that turned to the globalization process, oppose ruthless competitive struggle and go the opposite, inverted in the past, way. Globalization is good then, when this process is accessible to the majority of the countries and when there are conditions of equality between them.But today's globalization process in reality does not correspond to its es sence, because only certain counties have a possibility to cooperate on an equal basis – the strongest ones, alienating from this process the weaker, not even giving them an opportunity to reduce the gap between them.

Graduated Diplomas for Public School Students Essay

Receiving a high school diploma is a significant right of passage for public school students in the United States. The high school diploma represents the student’s academic accomplishments up to that time. In most cases, students cannot go to college without a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). The lack of a high school diploma places severe limits on the number of jobs that are available to an individual. However, despite the nearly universal recognition of the importance of obtaining a high school diploma, there is little agreement about what the standard diploma actually means in terms of academic achievement and the accumulation of important skills or knowledge. In order to clarify exactly what students have learned, 33 states have instituted multiple diploma options to high school graduates, including diplomas that indicate honors courses, vocational education, and other distinctions (Johnson, Thurlow, Stout, and Mavis, 63). Some states award different diplomas for students who are enrolled in special education, including honors diplomas, special education diplomas. (Johnson, Thurlow, Cosio, and Bremer 1). Uncertainty of the meaning of a high school diploma is also complicated by the lack of any standardized measurement of academic achievement in many states. In 2007, only 21 states required students to pass a state examination before graduation; 27 states did not have any type of exit exams at all (Johnson, Thurlow, Stout, and Mavis, 63). Consequently, while the standard high school diploma signifies that the student has completed at least the minimum requirements of an academic curriculum, the diploma does gives little indication of what the student has actually learned or any degree of proficiency in the subjects that were taken. States that do not use multiple diplomas could eliminate some of the uncertainty surrounding their graduation requirements by adopting a system of graduated diplomas. When properly constructed, graduated diplomas provide a more accurate reflection of the course work that the student has completed as well as the level of proficiency that the student was able to achieve in those courses. This information could then be used by colleges and employers to determine which applicants are most likely to succeed in their chosen endeavors and which graduates may require additional remediation beyond their high school years. It is true that grades and course work are included in the student’s academic transcript; however, a graduated diploma would convey a greater and more formal recognition of the student’s accomplishments in a way that would not require an employer or university admission’s board to study a detailed transcript and portfolio of student work. Finally, graduated diplomas would encourage those students who are most likely to succeed to push beyond the minimum academic requirements of a standard diploma and to work towards a more challenging academic curriculum for which they would receive appropriate recognition and rewards. Public schools should adopt graduated diplomas which better reflect actual student achievement. Standard high school diplomas are such poor indicators of an applicant’s potential for success that they mean little to many potential employers beyond a confirmation that the applicant was able to complete high school (Hartwig and Sitlington 11). Even this slight distinction, however, is still important to employers. Hartwig and Sitlington (12) found that employers who were considering hiring applicants who were enrolled in special education programs prior to their graduation were more likely to consider applicants who received a standard diploma than they were to consider applicants who received a certificate of attendance or an certificate of completion. These employers were also more likely to consider hiring applicants who had received an occupational diploma, a special diploma for students with special needs which indicated specific occupational training, than they were to hire those who had received certificates of attendance or those who had received a GED. Above all, the employers in this study were most likely to hire applicants who received a high school standard diploma. The research by Hartwig and Sitlington showed that although employers may claim that they do not place a great deal of faith in high school diplomas, they recognize and respond to different educational distinctions among job applicants. Although not designated as such, these academic distinctions – the certificate of attendance, the occupational diploma, and the standard diploma – functioned as a graduated diploma system, with each category indicating a different degree of educational achievement. These employers indicated that they used this information when making hiring decisions. Colleges face similar difficulties when trying to predict which high school graduates will be adequately prepared when they arrive at the university. Standard high school diplomas make no distinction between students who perform poorly and students who exceed their schools’ academic expectations. Consequently, although all college freshmen have a high school diploma or a GED, 30 percent of first year students in 2- and 4-year institutions lack the necessary basic skills and are required to take remedial courses in math, writing, and reading (Cohen 22). Graduated diplomas may not reduce the need for remedial classes for high school graduates; however, graduated diplomas would provide another indication of the type of curriculum that the student studied and the level of success that the student experienced. Colleges could be better prepared to meet the needs of lower-achieving students and to provide greater challenges for students who had already experienced academic success. In addition to providing a way to recognize the accomplishment of high-achieving students, graduated diplomas may also provide a safety net for students who are at risk of dropping out. The standard diploma, with its set requirements for credits, is an all or nothing proposition. Students who do not meet these requirements have nothing to show for their efforts. A graduated plan would provide an alternative that could eliminate some of these obstacles to graduation so they may obtain enough education to find a job or go to a two-year college (Viadero 12). This obviously helps students. Keeping students in school through an alternative diploma program could also help schools meet the attendance requirements of No Child Left Behind, the federal education law (Shannon and Bylsma). Care must be taken, however, to ensure that alternative diplomas do not become an alternative to a receiving a diploma. Erickson, Kleinhammer-Tramill, and Thurlow found that alternative exit strategies such as certificates of attendance and other alternatives to diplomas resulted in fewer special education students completing the requirements for a diploma. Conclusion Graduated diplomas reduce the uncertainty about what the student has actually learned and the level of proficiency he or she has achieved. For high-achieving students, the graduated diploma provides a certification of a higher level curriculum and greater academic accomplishment. Students who have special education requirements or who might otherwise drop out of school benefit from having the opportunity to receive a legitimate diploma that recognizes their efforts. In short, graduated diplomas provide benefits for students, for schools, for colleges, and for employers. States that have not done so should implement graduated diplomas. Works Cited

Marked Women Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marked Women - Assignment Example This in itself is part of the problem; because women are marked, their opinions don’t count and they are encouraged not to speak out. I feel that Tannen is exploring uncovered territory as far as gender imbalances are concerned. What Tannen really does well is use her experience of observing both men and women at a small working conference. This is the best place in which to find unconscious gender stereotypes because of the formal setting. Women can also be marked in every day life, but it is more pronounced in a male-dominated business world. Because women feel that they have to conform to a certain type of image, this only shows that they themselves feel as though they are marked. I found it really interesting about the mention Ralph Fascold’s book and his thoughts on the topic. To be marked literally means to be different and have a defining feature that sets someone apart. From a biological point of view, it makes sense for males to be considered marked because they have a Y chromosome, something which women do not possess. Women will only be considered â€Å"unmarked† if society changes its attitude towards women, although this will probably take many

William Wordsworth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

William Wordsworth - Essay Example It was his mother that taught him how to read. Unfortunately, his mother died in 1778, and William and his sister were sent to live with relatives in Yorkshire; it was during this time that William was introduced to real education, though he could thank his parents for the knowledge that he had gained up until that time. It was in 1787 when William made his debut as a writer, having had a sonnet published in The European Magazine (Johnston, 2001). Within that year, he also enrolled at St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he studied until he earned his B.A. After school, he spent much of his time on walking tours and various holidays. In 1791, William met and fell in love with Annette Vallon, who gave birth to their first child, Caroline, in 1792. It was in 1802 when William married a childhood friend, Mary Hutchinson. They had five children together - two girls and three boys. In 1793, William had his poetry published for the first time in the collections An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches. He received money in 1795 from his friend, Raisley Calvert, to encourage him to keep writing poetry. In the same year, William met Samuel Taylor Coleridge, another poet, and they immediately became close. They admired each other’s work and decided to be influenced by one another. In 1797, William and his sister moved to Somerset, not too far from where Coleridge lived. With the help of William’s sister, William and Samuel wrote Lyrical Ballads, one of the most important pieces of work in the English Romantic movement. Even though William nor Samuel was listed as the book’s author, William published one of his most famous poems, â€Å"Tintern Abbey†, in the volume, as well as Samuel’s â€Å"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.† The second volume was published in 1800 and had William listed as the sole author. This volume focused on Romantic literary theory, and William discussed what he felt were the elements of new

World War II Through the 1970s Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

World War II Through the 1970s - Assignment Example The war officially started in 1939 with the formation of two global military fronts, the allies and the axis. Most countries had no choice but to join either of the two military alliances. It was by far the most globally widespread war ever fought in the history of mankind. The European conflict was already heating up during the 1930s that ultimately resulted in German invasion of Poland in Sep 1939 and inevitably marked the onset of the Second World War. Adolf Hitler was a major figure that influenced the course of the war and proved to the mastermind behind the German’s plan of world domination. Therefore, Axis alliance was mostly led by the Germans with major contributions from Italy and Japan. Poland, France, British Empire, Soviet Union and later on US mainly constituted the Allies front. US initially avoided being part of this power clash but had no option but to counter attack after Japan bombers drop havoc over Pearl Harbor. (Payment 2004). During 1930s to 1970s, the p eriod is full of major historical events but two of them had a major influence on America’s current politics, economy, culture and society. These include the mentioned incidence of Pearl Harbor and later US atomic bomb explosions over the two populated cities of Japan. Pearl Harbor and Atomic Bombs The attacks on Pearl Harbor proved to be the decisive event that prompted US to finally involve in the bloodshed of the world war. However, going into the war turned out be politically and strategically beneficial as it helped US to emerge as a superpower on the global canvas. Soviet Union was the other force that gained immense power during the war period, thus, a clash between these two super powers was displayed in the form of cold war that had a great impact on political, social and economic front of America. Incidence of Pearl Harbor can be argued as one of the major underlying factor in stirring these future events. Moreover, dropping of nuclear bombs on the two cities of Jap an by the American planes that killed thousands of people in an instance turned out be a major blow. It gathered huge criticism and induced massive uproars regarding the use of nuclear weapons but it also put an end to six year long war. It had a great political as well as social impact. Even today, it remains as a black mark on the history of United States. Arguably, that event influenced many US policies that include a solid stance on global nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. US reluctance During the development of European conflict in the late 1930s, America maintained its stance of isolationism. Few reasons for such apathy can be deduced. First of all the great depression during the 1930s discouraged the US from participating any distant conflicts that would add burden on the economic front. Secondly, they were reluctant to enter the emerging war after the lessons learned from the aftermath of the First World War. A committee in the senate had already blamed war profiteers or â€Å"merchants of death† for American entry into the World War I. Several neutrality acts were passed during the late 1930s to ensure similar mistake is not repeated under the current situation. (Wittkopf et al 2002). Women in the World War American women played a major role in winning the World War II. Their contributions came in many forms. War demanded utilization of all country resources such as labor in the factory to produce military supplies, troops to fight for country’s cause. American women served all these purposes, more efficiently than anticipated. They also contributed as nurses, taking care of the wounded by serving in the Red Cross. The whole

Sickle Cell Anemia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sickle Cell Anemia - Research Paper Example Individuals with two copies of the mutant version of the hemoglobin gene are likely to develop full-blown sickle cell anemia (Malowany 49). According to the Darwinian theory of evolution, the existence of sickle cell anemia in only certain geographical regions of the world particularly those prone to malaria is a good example of an evolutionary trade-off during the process of natural selection. In his book, the Origin of the species by natural selection, Darwin particularly outlined the steps of survival for the fittest by arguing that populations often show variations in virtually all traits and that certain variations can improve the survivorship of individuals or organisms(improving their fitness). On the other hand, the theory also suggests that the frequency of these variations may increase with each generation if they are heritable. The evolutionary trade-off between Sickle cell anemia and Malaria was first highlighted after the discovery that the geographical distribution for the sickle cell allele known as hemoglobin S was virtually overlapping with the geographical distribution of Malaria (Hiren 25). This is particularly based on the notion that sickle cell heterozygote are often resistant to malaria and therefore individuals with sickle cell traits have a survival advantage in Malaria prone regions such as West Africa as compared with individuals with normal hemoglobin. Malaria is a common tropical disease caused by a protozoan P. falciparum which is largely transmitted through mosquito bites. The protozoa then infect the red blood cells of the victim and multiply thereby becoming available for transfer to other susceptible individuals via mosquito bites. According to Tapper (134), malaria is a disease that has existed in Africa and other tropical regions for several millennia.

Tourism in France Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Tourism in France - Essay Example Travellers are always searching for exotic locations that offer stunning natural resources, cross-border travel and eco-tourism. Rural areas in France offer many environmental amenities and has become more attractive especially for agri-tourism. Millions of tourists from all parts of the world visit France annually and it is the most popular tourist destination in the world (Books LLC 2010). At the same time, France keeps public funding for tourism at a relatively low level. Tourism is the largest industry in the world and generates crucial businesses for other service industries such as the hotel industry, entertainment facilities, restaurants, sport and recreational facilities and travel services. A new form of tourism where tourists want a customised itinerary is emerging. These package tours are shorter and more frequent but less expensive compared to the traditional tourism (Poon 1993). The average trip for package tour takes 4 nights instead of the traditional 9 nights. The introduction and improvement of digital communication and ICT, which has enabled clients make choices that are more informed, has made this possible. The French government exercises its sovereign authority and outlines the framework of operation in relation to national peace, the rule of law, food security, health security and reliable public services. This structure is crucial for development of tourism. France guarantees the legislative and regulatory structures for all activities, including tourism. Successive governments have continued to fund bodies that exist to support tourism at the local and the international level. Administration of tourism in France has been rationalised to meet all stakeholders’ needs. Through the central government, regions, departments and communes, the French authorities support tourism development. By increasing resources for territorial tourism improvement and promotion of France as the preferred tourist destination, the central government and territorial authorities have seen the number of tourists increasing annually (Todd, 2008). Territorial authorities play a crucial role in formulation of policy and development of tourism. The national tourism administration supports regional tourism through guidance, regulation and coordination of tourism policies and ensures they are consistent. The French Agency for Tourism Engineering (AFIT) ensures development objectives between territorial authorities, private actors and the central government complement each other and are in line with the national strategic objectives. The administrative classification for accommodati on in the form of hotels, tourist resorts, holiday rentals, campsites and tourist offices has a number of implications, notably with regard to complementary funding and dates back to 1919 (Books LLC 2010). A rated commune has certain additional privileges in addition to the normal privileges received by other communes. The central government and the territorial governments share Institutional responsibilities in managing tourism. The territorial governments are responsible for planning and implementing the medium-term objectives for tourism development. Tourism is a service activity and requires a large workforce, which is a blessing during the current slow

Bicyclists who dont follow rules in nyc Term Paper

Bicyclists who dont follow rules in nyc - Term Paper Example Utility cycling is seen commonly in New York while it is also used for regular commuting and recreation by many. To support and encourage the use of cycles, there were numerous bike ways or bike lanes created. There has been an increase in the number of bike lanes in New York City. This increase in bike lanes has attracted mixed reactions for different elements of the society. Many have criticised this and cycling in general for the reason that cyclists do not follow the rules. This paper is aimed at finding out what the media is writing about bicyclists who do not follow traffic rules in New York City. There has been a lot written in the media about bicyclists not following traffic rules. The criticism of bicyclists is not just limited to breaking of traffic rules but also has attracted religious criticism. Various quarters of the society have reacted differently to the issue and each has a different opinion. But the popular view in the media is that the cyclists have to be blamed. The opinion of the public that has dominated the media is that cyclists are hated. There are various instances and reasons that are pinpointed to show that cyclists do not follow rules and as a result have caused troubled to the commuters and motorists in the city. An article in Gothamist has published the views of the people who hate the cyclists (OGrady, 2011). Following are the various reasons that people give which go on to prove that cyclists are in fact not following the rules. Some are of the view that cyclists over speed on the bicycles. The speed of the cyclists is such that bystanders compare them to the cyclists in Tour De France. With their gear and helmets, cyclists try to imitate those in the race and try to hit high speeds. This threatens the safety of others on the road. Cyclists must be bound by the law to drive under

Fire Protection Hydraulics and water supply Essay - 1

Fire Protection Hydraulics and water supply - Essay Example According to Edwards (2004), firefighting is an act which involves putting off destructive fires with the assistance of firefighters. Firefighting as a profession requires immense training and education for several years. A firefighter is required to demonstrate good communication skills, good judgment, mechanical aptitude, basic math skill among others. Basic mathematics has become one of the vital requirements among the fire fighters due to the various activities they carry out. For instance, fire fighters require the basic knowledge of calculating the amount of water required to suppress a fire in a closed volume. Therefore, basic mathematics plays a critical role in assisting the firefighter to decide on the amount of water required to extinguish the fire. Field fire workers and engineers are the common positions which require basic mathematics on a regular base (Edwards, 2004). Their main roles of the firefighters include: disaster management, search and rescue, fire prevention, emergency medical service and hazardous material response. However, fire fighting is a dangerous and complex act. Hence an increase need for basic mathematics.

Individual Project 1 EDU 620 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Individual Project 1 EDU 620 - Essay Example Thus, it demands a more dynamic personality having skills in analysis, planning, management, and implementation. Most importantly, it requires a learning attitude that leads toward continuous personal and professional development. Discipline of Instructional Design Wills(2009) states that instructional design is a discipline based on scientific principals and a specific set of assumptions verified by empirical data. Upon the base of this data, the professionals design their instructions to meet the specific learning needs of the particular audience. Hence, instruction is a science and instructional design is a technology based upon the science. (Merrill, Drake, Lacy, Pratt, & the ID2 Research Group, 1996).Further, it is a process that includes planning, management, implementation and assessment. Thus instructional design is a process to improve how instructions gets designed and delivered better. However, some scholars consider it not just a science but an art as well. Instructional Design as a Science The scholars who claim instructional design as aligned with science say that instruction is based upon some scientific principals—a huge body of research. Supporting this view point Rowland (1993) establishes that the principles that can explain cause and effect relationship are to be said scientific.

Agriculture and the Nitrogen Cycle Essay Example for Free

Agriculture and the Nitrogen Cycle Essay Agriculture is an important industry that provides food for human consumption. The decrease of land available for agriculture coupled with the increase of human population has required that agricultural lands increase their output. This was achieved through the use of improved crop varieties, more productive livestock, better weed and pest control and the increased use of fertilizers, specifically nitrogen fertilizers which has linearly increased to 1. 2 Mt in the 1980s. However, farming also affects the environment. Increases in phosphorus and nitrate contents of water lead to increased biological activity and large concentrations of nitrate in drinking water create health hazards. J. K. R. Gasser studied the nitrogen cycles in agriculture and reported the results in his article â€Å"Agricultural Productivity and the Nitrogen Cycle. † Gasser (1982) explained that nitrogen is emitted from the soil or from animal effluents as ammonia, nitrous oxide or N2. Considerable amounts of nitrogen are also recycled directly as animal urine and feces. The preceding crops in agricultural lands also affect the amount of nitrogen released for the current crops. However, Gasser (1982) explained that no arable system provides enough nitrogen for the maximum production of crops such that additional nitrogen must be added in the form of fertilizers. Gasser (1982) reported that there is no evidence supporting that the increased use of nitrogen fertilizer also increases the total amount of nitrogen in soil-plant system. He stated that little of the nitrogen in circulation â€Å"will appear directly in the atmosphere or groundwaters, most will leave the agricultural system after one or more changes or subsidiary cycles† (Gasser, 1982, 313). Gasser (1982) concluded that the losses from the system must be at least as large as the known inputs. He persuaded to quantify the movement of nitrogen, the understanding of which would allow the losses from agricultural system to be minimized improving the utilization of nitrogen in farming and reducing its effects on the atmosphere and water. Reference Gasser, J. K. R. (1982). Agricultural productivity and the nitrogen cycle. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B (Biological Science) vol. 296, no. 1082, 303-314.

Effects of Different Diets on the Body and Brain

Effects of Different Diets on the Body and Brain Foods containing Lipids, Proteins and Carbohydrates provide the energy needed by the body. These nutrients are broken down and changed into fuel which provides the energy enabling the body to function. Taking a vitamin may be beneficial, but will not increase energy levels. These nutrients are termed macronutrients, basically meaning that large amounts of them are needed to sustain healthy functioning of the body.  (Thompson JL, Manore MM, Vaughan LA, 2008) Carbohydrates, or carbs, as they are referred to these days, are not all the same, they may be similar, but there are differences. Carbohydrates are a series of chemical compounds, they are composed of carbon, the carbo, oxygen and hydrogen in equal proportion to water, the hydrate. Simple carbohydrates are sugars; complex carbohydrates are starches and fibres. Carbohydrates can be quickly broken down into sugar (glucose) by the body and used for energy; potatoes, bread and pasta are high in carbohydrates.  (Grosvenor MB, Smollen LA, 2006, p 117) Lipids or fats as they are more commonly known, as well as providing energy, give our food taste, aroma and texture. Fat can be obvious in our food but much of it is invisible and less considered as a source of fat. Fat can determine the healthiness or otherwise of our diet and there are many different types. Fats in our bodies, called triglycerides, are formed when three fatty acids are connected to a glycerol molecule. A chain of carbon with an acid group at the end forms a fatty acid. The term saturated fat is used to describe fats saturated with hydrogen; they are normally solid at room temperature and mainly come from animal fats. Trans-fatty acids on the other hand are unsaturated, but crucially the alignment of the hydrogen atom makes it more akin to saturated fat. The necessary lubrication for the body is provided by lipids; they also provide insulation to shock and help to keep the bodies temperature stable. They also form part of the membrane structure of cells and help wit h synthesise eicosanoid molecules and hormones. Lipids are a concentrated form of energy, ready for immediate use but can also be stored for use later. Foods high in fat include meat, eggs and dairy products. It should be remembered that the body needs fat and that foods high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, whilst those foods high in omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the risk of heart disease.  (Grosvenor MB, Smollen LA, 2006, p 152) Protein comes from both animal and plant sources. More prosperous populations usually consume more animal protein sources. These tend to be higher in iron, zinc and calcium as well as saturated fats and cholesterol. Plant sources of protein are higher in unsaturated, fat, fibre and phytochemicals (chemical compounds found in plants, beneficial to the body) the building blocks of proteins are amino acids. Some of these amino acids which the body cant produce in sufficient quantities are referred to as essential amino acids and are therefore required to be part of a healthy diet. Chains of amino acids form different proteins and the shape of these proteins dictate their purpose. Amino acids from both the body and the diet are utilised by the cells to react with proteins as instructed by DNA. Amino acids are also used to interact with glucose and other non-protein molecules to provide energy. The need for protein is calculated by looking at the consumption of nitrogen in dietary protein and the protein waste excreted by the body. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of protein for a healthy adult is 0.8 grams per kilo gram of body weight. The requirement can increase depending on the state of the body, for instance pregnancy, breast feeding a baby, growth, physical activity, physical injury or illness. It is recommended that 10 to 35% of calories are taken from protein to maintain a healthy diet. Foods high in protein include chicken, beef, salmon and legumes. Vitamins are vital to our efficient physiologic processes; they are organic compounds that are important in the health of our muscles and bones. They also boost the immune system enabling us to avoid illness and disease. They also have a beneficial effect on vision and efficacy of blood. Vitamins do not have any energy of any calorific value; they do however have a vital part to play in how the body uses lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. The body only needs small amounts of vitamins (and minerals) and are denoted as micronutrients. Their effectiveness are easily reduce by exposure to light, heat, air and over-cooking. They are destroyed in an alkaline environment. Vitamins are grouped by their ability to be water soluble or fat soluble, this characteristic determines how they are transported, absorbed and stored in our bodies. Most vitamins cannot be produced by the body and therefore need to be taken in our diet. Water and fat soluble vitamins are found in many varied foods. A nor mal balanced diet will provide all the vitamins needed by the body. Minerals do not contain carbon and are referred to as inorganic substances. Important minerals to health are iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. They differ from vitamins and macronutrients in that digestion does not degrade or break them down nor are they destroyed by heat or light. Independent of their environment minerals maintain their structure, for example the calcium in milk is the same calcium in our bones and the sodium in household salt is the same sodium in our cells. Physiologically minerals are vital to many functions including the regulation of bodily fluids and the production of energy, they are essential in maintaining healthy blood and bones. They aid metabolism by riding the body of harmful by-products. They are ordered by the bodys need for them in our diet, and how much of them are found in the body. They are ordered into two categories, Major Minerals and Trace Minerals. Those minerals that our bodys need to consume a minimum of 100 mg per day a re termed Major Minerals and are found in the body in amounts of 5000 mg or more. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus play a critical role in bone maintenance. Energy production is enhanced by magnesium and calcium boosts muscle efficiency. Chloride, potassium and sodium help in fluid balance, sulphur is seen as an active constituent of certain vitamins and amino acids. Major mineral sources are numerous and include meat, fresh fruit, dairy produce and nuts. Chromium, fluoride, iodine, selenium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron are main trace minerals. They are called trace minerals because the body needs 100mg or less per day. Iron is deemed to be important in keeping blood healthy enhancing the amount of oxygen transported round the body. Reproductive health and cell growth and development are maintained by zinc whilst selenium, copper and magnesium are antioxidants controlling free radicals. Iodine is effective in the production of hormones which regulate body temperature as well a s metabolic rate and growth. Fluoride fights tooth decay and helps strengthen bones and the body needs chromium for the correct metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Trace mineral sources are generally the same as major minerals. Water which plays a key role in our health is an inorganic substance providing support to all organs of the body enabling then to function correctly. It is consumed in various forms such as pure water, soup, juices, drinks and other liquids. It is also present in fruit and vegetables. Water intake must be adequate to maintain the balance of fluid in and out of our cells, helping the function healthy body temperature, muscle efficiency, nerve impulses, transport of nutrients and elimination of waste products. The chemical action and reaction and the physiological progressions in the body are hugely complex. They are all influenced and kept in harmony by all six of the above nutrients. This harmony is called homeostatis. Blood pressure and blood sugar level and hundreds of other considerations are kept in balance and constancy. The nutrients provide the conditions that result in homeostatis, water controlling body temperature by sweating when the body is hot. Proteins and lipids regulate the hormones which start and stop various body functions. Vitamins, proteins and minerals control chemical actions throughout the body. This balance, this equilibrium this harmony this homeostatis is health, any inability of the body to control imbalance, inequality or disharmony, is illness.  (Thompson JL, Manore MM, Vaughan LA, 2008) Effects of glucose on the brain The mitochondrial area of the brain is the engine room where brain power is centered. This brain power is fuelled by glucose which is supplied to the brain in the bloodstream. The brain cells needs a steady supply of glucose, the brain cannot store the glucose so an adequate supply is vital to the functioning of the brain, learning, concentrating and memory. The body obtains glucose from carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, grains and legumes. (Very few animal foods are a source of carbohydrate, dairy products being the exception. Over supply of carbohydrates or sugar can restrict the brains use of glucose, resulting in a degraded brain function, although the brain activity needs a lot of energy.  (http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/carbs.html) Effects of a high protein diet Generally a high protein diet isnt harmful in the short term, up to four months at most, and can be effective in losing weight. However in the long term and in conjunction with a reduction or elimination of carbohydrates can result in various health difficulties Nutritional Deficiency. A lack of fibre can result in constipation even diverticulitis and cancers Heart Disease. A diet rich in protein, red meat and dairy for example can increase the risk of heart disease. Kidney Problems. A protein only diet can aggravate kidney problems causing difficulty in the kidney processing waste products of the metabolism of the protein. If a person wants to try to lose weight on a high protein low carbohydrate diet they should be advised to try it in the short term only, the protein chosen should be lean meat, fish, skinned chicken and low fat dairy production. Anyone with diabetes, liver or kidney disease or on long term medication should be advised against it and to at least speak to their doctor. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-protein-diets/AN00847) Cellular respiration is a metabolic reaction where cells convert nutrients into energy with waste being a by-product. These reactions can be catabolic (production of energy by breaking down nutrient molecules) or anabolic (the consumption of energy and building of molecules) Cellular respiration is an important way for a cell to acquire energy enabling cellular regeneration  (Campbell, Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky and Jackson, 2008) Definitions of calories and energy Calories Heat or energy can be measured in calories. The definition of a calorie is the amount of heat it takes to raise the temperature of 1g of water by 1o C the converse is of course also true, a calorie is is the amount of heat 1g of water releases when it cools by 1o C. (Campbell, et al 2008). It is as well to note that the calories on food labels are in fact kilocalories. The joule (J) is also a unit of energy, with one joule being equal to 0.239 calories. One calorie is equal to 4.184 joules. Energy The definition of energy is that ability or capacity to alter things, particularly to do work against a resistive force. (Campbell et al, 2008) The statement calorie free energy drink is a contradiction in terms in that anything that has energy must have calories and of course vice versa. The label is therefore totally misleading  (Campbell et al 2008) Part 2 Metabolism and Detox Definitions of Obesity The medical definition of obesity is having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. BMI is the ratio between height and weight and although it is widely used it is at best a rule of thumb In Scotland BMI is the guide used in primary care to say if a patient is obese or not. Its use has been criticised as being inaccurate and that other techniques give more useful indications of obesity: Body fat measurement using callipers Waist hip ratio Bioelectrical impedance Wrist measurement Water displacement The problem with these techniques is that they can be cumbersome, time consuming and expensive, whereas BMI can be read from a simple table. Overnourishment, overeating, consuming more food than the body needs for normal activity are the main causes of obesity but genes, physical activity and environment have a part to play as well.  (Thomson JL et al 2008) Set Point Theory The theory of Set Point intimates that a persons weight is restricted within confines pre-determined by the body. When a persons weight fluctuates, up or down, the body automatically compensates physiologically by altering the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). It appears that this is all part of the bodys blueprint/DNA in the maintenance of homeostatis. This goes to explain why dieters routinely fail to keep any weight loss after they stop dieting. Yes, if toxins are present in the bloodstream they can have a direct influence on where the set point is set. Metabolism and body size are related. Metabolic rate is roughly proportional to body mass. Homeostatis is also proportional to body mass, the larger the mass the wider the parameter that homeostatis works within.  (Campbell, et al, 2008) Changes to metabolism Metabolism is all the bodys chemical reactions, which have both anabolic and catabolic pathways, they husband the energy and material assets of the body. The conversion of food and drink into energy by the body is a function of metabolism. This complicated chemical process, the calories in the food and drink combine with oxygen to provide the body with the energy it needs. Even when the body is inactive the body stills consumes energy maintaining those instinctive functions such as, repairing cells, blood circulation, hormone production, body growth and breathing. The body therefore needs a certain number of calories is carry out these functions and is called the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Age, gender and body mass determine an individuals BMR Age. As the body ages, muscle mass decreases and fat becomes a higher component of body weight. This slows down calorific expenditure. Gender. Males generally have less body fat than females, muscle is greater in men than women as well. Body Mass. The larger the body mass, then the greater the calorific burn. Generally, if more calories are consumed than expended then the body will store the excess and result in weight gain. Of course set point theory, an individuals metabolism and predisposition to weight gain or loss comes into play. Energy needs for the bodys basic functions stay fairly consistent and arent easily changed. The basal metabolic rate accounts for about 60 to 75 per cent of the calories that are burnt every day.  (Grosvenor MB, Smolin LA, 2006) Effect of muscle growth on metabolism Yes, increasing muscles increases the bodys resting metabolism, which in turn consumes more calories. The larger the muscle the more cells, the more cells the more energy required. Muscle mass is increased by strength training  (Campbell, et al, 2008 Diurectics A diurectic is a drug that increases the excretion of accumulated water in the body. This can be beneficial in the treatment of certain illnesses, but can also have serious side effects. The diurectic effect of drugs and some herbal remedies can have a superficial effect on weight loss, as the body is predominately made of water any reduction gives an immediate loss in body weight. The serious side effect on the homeostatic fluid balance in the body, causing the kidneys to filter more water out of the blood resulting in dehydration and potassium loss, muscle pain, stomach ulcers, impotence and painful enlargement of the breast in men. (Campbell, et al, 2008) How toxins are cleansed from the body The body uses major systems to cleanse the body of toxins; they are the sweat glands, the digestive system, the urinary system and the liver. These systems remove more toxins than all other systems put together. Keeping these systems in good order (water is vital to them all) enables the body to prevent disease and illness. In this modern age we are all more and more at risk from the thousands of toxins in our environment ranging from, cleaning agents, pesticides, car exhausts, pollutants in the air we breathe and toxic compounds in everyday objects and materials. They are all chemically different, some are more toxic to the body than others, they can be breathed in, ingested, absorbed through the skin or cuts and abrasions they have even been shown to cross umbilical divide and enter the unborn child Toxic contamination can cause the production of body fat in the body, this is because the body tries to counteract the toxic substances by cleaning them from the organs of the body and storing them in the safer area of body fat, another example homeostatis. (Thomson JL et al 2008) Types of body image issues Mitchel is at risk of developing a body image problem, mainly by peer pressure and he should take seriously the advice given. Body image problems can lead to eating disorders with calamitous results, the two most common eating disorders are; Anorexia nervosa. The refusal or physiological inability to sustain body weight. Bulimia nervosa. Binge eating then vomiting, purging or overuse of laxatives. (Thomson JL et al 2008) Hormones and Homeostatis Sugar Sugar is one of the most common foods, it is also a simple carbohydrate, meaning that the body can process it very quickly into energy. Complex carbohydrates are slower to release the glucose our body uses for energy. When we eat sugar our blood sugar levels increase and we get an energy boost. Sugar is derived from carbohydrates.  (Youngson R 2000) Types of blood sugar diseases Blood transports sugar round the body to where it is required. The endocrine system controls hormone levels in the body these hormones affect many different functions in the body but as far as blood sugar levels are concerned, when blood sugar levels rise the endocrine system stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin which reduces the sugar level to normal. Diabetes is caused when the pancreas cannot produce insulin resulting in blood sugar levels being unregulated. Consequently, the absence of insulin, muscle protein cannot be utilised resulting in muscle wastage, also sugar accumulates in the blood and the kidneys have to process it and excrete it, the sweet smell of a diabetics urine is a result of this, for the kidneys to excrete the sugar it needs large amounts of water, which give rise to two of the symptoms of diabetes, raging thirst and excessive urination. Hypoglycaemia is a medical condition indicated by lower than normal blood sugar levels, one of the most serious implications of hypoglycaemia is less than adequate supply of glucose to the brain which impairs body function, from feeling unwell to seizures, unconsciousness and even brain damage. The ravages of too much or too little sugar in the blood can be very serious; therefore the body and its endocrine system are mechanisms to keep the body homeostatic, in balance, in kilter. Hypoglycaemia is most often a result of diabetic treatment going wrong. Ingestion of carbohydrates/sugar will raise the blood sugar level.  (Youngson R 2000) Types of hormones The hormonal glands in the body regulate appetite, these glands produce several appetite regulating hormones: Gherlin is a hormone which stimulates the appetite, whilst PYY another hormone in the digestive system, signals the brain when the body has had enough to eat, similarly, another hormone leptin, regulates appetite by causing the hypothalamus to suppress appetite. Leptin may also trigger the body to burn stored fat. Research is still on-going but who knows, maybe one day these hormones could be used in the treatment of obesity.  (Wadden TA and Stunkard AJ, 2002) Effect of restricting carbohydrates A diet restricting carbohydrates will reduce blood sugar level reducing the supply of glucose to the brain, which cannot store glucose, this sugar is used in by the brain in cell management. A scarcity of glucose to the brain would certainly cause headaches fatigue, the bodys homeostatic function may well cause carbohydrate cravings.  (Youngson R 2000)

The Great Gatsby | The American Dream

The Great Gatsby | The American Dream Compare and Contrast The Great Gatsby with the American Dream. Discuss how Gatsbys extravagances compare to the American Dreams ideals. There is no strict definition of the American Dream though early in the twentieth century and in many ways still today it has become the term which describes an inherent faith in the promise of the new world. As a country, America has no far stretching history to forge and enrich its culture. Instead a nations character was flavoured with hopes and anticipation of the future, of a better life of more opportunity and purpose. People fledged to the Americas to start afresh, to experience modern luxuries and new technology. To become a part of the rat race and exploit the age of capitalism and materialism overall to become rich through ones own means. To realise the great American Dream therefore was an extension of Benjamin Franklins maxim of the perfectibility of man. Franklin was a great emblem of American ideology and a founder of much of its deepest held attitudes and beliefs. Franklin was one of the first self-confessed entrepreneurs and his many written works became great incentives for Americans to become pro-active and to try and be the best one could be. He founded his ideas on the prevailing optimism that with the right motivation and activity anyone could become a solvent, well-respected individual. Perhaps no time in Americas history quite demonstrated the peoples obsessive preoccupation with the American dream than the 1920s. In the post-war period, it became an incredibly affluent country, rapidly industrialising and developing the quality of life. It became a time when gross extravagances were commonplace. The American president Herbert Hoover said in 1925 We will root out poverty and put two cars in every garage. On the surface of it, the nation was thriving with its own successes. People were elated by the possibility of continued happiness through material wealth. However, this atmosphere of striving relentlessly towards the future in the promise of rewards had a bitter flipside. Many authors found the new attitude of American people overly conceited. This idea in particular is explored in metaphor in many of Herman Melvilles works together with Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, but demonstrably so in the novels of Evelyn Waugh, J.D. Salinger and of course, F. Scott Fitzgerald. These authors tried to show that the people of America were changing becoming superficial and self-consumed and misconstruing happiness as wealth and materialism. On the face of it, Fitzgeralds wonderful creation of Jay Gatsby appears a champion of the then climate of profligacy and carefree living. He has as many beautiful shirts to make Daisy swoon and not two motor cars as Hoover would advise, but five. From his mansion in West Egg he holds wild parties every night mixing in the highest social circles. But the grand irony is that of all the characters in the book, Gatsby is perhaps the least inspired or objectively absorbed by the lifestyle he defines. And it is also perhaps precisely this reason that Gatsby is also the most likely to win our affections. As Nick points out he has an exceptional quality that separates him from typical Americans much less than exemplifies them: If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life,an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again. Gatsbys gift for hope which Nick talks about certainly seems true of Franklins vision but there is a crucial contrast with the American dreams personality of hopefulness and Gatsbys personality and it is this: while Franklin advocated the importance of the individual, the hopefulness that one might successfully improve ones own self and ones own means, Gatsbys greatest hope is to find Daisy and rekindle her love for him. We are endeared to Gatsby because he is the only character who quite clearly values human affection above wealth and recreation. He unlike any of the other characters has a firm belief in the good of humanity. In this way he is set in stark contrast with the narrator Nick who seems a born cynic, passive, sardonic and judgemental of other people though he claims otherwise. Jordans half-baked advances fail to woo him; indeed he seems genuinely disenchanted by the possibility of a loving relationship and finds friendship only in Gatsby. For Nick, Gatsby must seem the only warm, good hearted human being in New York and yet even so, the previous quote shows he is quick to qualify this questioning whether personality is a true reflection of a person or indeed an unbroken series of successful gestures a comment which suggests Nick is hung up by the idea that all human interaction is a faade or an act rather than a true reflection of real feelings. Nick has a severely disillusioned view of 1920s socialite America yet his pessimism is invariably astute proving to be sound by the end of the novel. It is by contrast Gatsbys irrepressible optimism and his rose-tinted sentimental view of the world that is revealed to be mistaken. So The Great Gatsby is a novel which sees a character try and exploit the American Dream to win the love of a woman. Fitzgerald tells us that Gatsby was overwhelmingly aware of the youth and mystery that wealth imprisons and preserves, of the freshness of many clothes and of Daisy, gleaming like silver, safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor it is this misconstrued impression of wealth as a timeless vessel of hope, as the preserver rather than the destroyer of mystery, which brings about his downfall. In this sense Gatsbys end is not reflective of his means his real end is finding love, his means is to buy it with displays of grandeur and extreme wealth. But such affection by definition cannot be real love and Daisy subsequently cannot give herself over to him with the intensity of feeling he had hoped for. Fitzgeralds novel is saturated in themes of illusion, and deception. The great swathes of noveau riche self-made Americans, success stories of the great American dream, are undermined by a superficiality and emptiness. The characters have founded their wealthy, though vacuously glamorous life-styles by capitalising on an identity which is bereft of morals. Mr. Gatsby himself has become incredibly rich in a short space of time because he absolves himself of moral responsibility and trades in the trafficking of alcohol. And yet his wealth breeds distrust and intolerance, his magnificent parties attract only insincere people who exploit his generosity. Similarly Tom Buchanan cannot count on the fidelity of his wife Daisy because he makes no effort to make sure of his own. In a climate of greed, relationships are no longer based on trust or affection but self-interest. The false, self-fulfilling nature of the relationships forged in the novel is made painfully clear for Nick who notices that only three people turn up to Gatsbys funeral a genuine surprise given his perceived popularity. It is this sense of hypocrisy and discovery of relationships which are feigned through mutual advantage rather than real emotion that brings about Nicks gloomy disillusionment with 1920s society and his realisation that he will never meet anyone who shares Gatsbys sentimentality. Gatsby, the iconic hero of the American Dream, uses it simply as a means to a very different end. He avoids social interaction at his parties, skulking in the inner chambers of his house and his great displays of wealth give him no more pleasure than in their perceived potential to bring Daisy back to him. Gatsby is only dubiously Great. He is flawed because he tries to find belonging in a society bereft of the most fundamental human morals like trust and fidelity. In an idealistic society governed by a striving impetus towards the acquisition of wealth and power, moral fibre begins to break down The impact of the great American dream has only a physical, external effect on Gatsby whereas it has shaped the very consciousnesses of the other characters Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Jordan, Myrtle and Gatsbys corrupt work colleagues all display a fickle self-serving hedonism that echoes the then climate of quick-living, profligacy much more than Gatsbys meticulously planned, romantic endeavour to win back Daisys heart and his nostalgia upon reflections of the past. Gatsby is in reality then, far removed from 1920s American lifestyle, he has simply become extremely good at mimicking its symptoms. It seems then that Gatsby is both the champion and the antithesis of the American Dream. Gatsby invites the glowing optimism of the American Dream to appease his anxiety to earn the love of Daisy. By surrendering to the ideals of a forward-looking, hopeful American life he somehow convinces himself that the unlikely is a very real possibility. However, Gatsbys grand scheme is doomed because wealth and social standing are not qualities which he cares to evince they will not earn him a membership in Americas great society. Gatsby is quite clearly inspired by Franklins autobiography. In chapter 9 Nick discovers a treasured old book of Gatsbys which shares the same assiduous attention to routine and self-discipline in the form of daily schedules. Gatsby buys into Franklins ideals of self-improvement, resolving to practice elocution, poise and how to attain it; read one improving book or magazine per week; and be better to parents.  Such an empty list of instructions towards self-help are listed here with comical irony. What indeed can such qualities give Gatsby that will make him any more accomplished in finding love? Gatsbys great delusion and one of Fitzgeralds most important messages is that the acquisition of material successes does not naturally enrich a person or society spiritually or emotionally. This is played out in Gatsbys attempts at courting Daisy he tries to woo her with his shirts rather than more heartfelt displays of real affection and yet surprisingly the scrolls and plaids in coral and apple green and lavender and faint orange win him just the response he hopes for it makes me sad because Ive never seen such beautiful shirts before. Again the moment is half comical. Throughout the novel Fitzgeralds characters are most genuinely stirred to emotion or touched by the mundane, by materials, extravagances or assortments of fancy shirts. Fitzgeralds America often appears so superficial as to be funny. For instance, characters like Tom and Myrtle are two-dimensional and self-motivated to point of seeming unrealistic, but it is such cartoon-like, narrative extremes that allows Fitzgerald to make his most crucial point which is the severe loss of what are perhaps the real, spiritual qualities of human life in all the excesses of self-seeking capitalism. In the relentless race towards modernisation, traditions, heartfelt beliefs and the spiritual side of human culture is lost in a dead expanse; a valley of ashes. All the while Fitzgerald uses symbolism to represent this decay, like T.S. Eliot in The Wastelands, old fashioned values are lost in an atmosphere of moral corruption , of the tacky and kitsch. Quite wonderfully even God himself has become redundant in Fitzgeralds America, replaced by the watchful eyes of Dr. Eckleburg a huge billboard and the pinnacle of commercialism and spiritual dissemblance. An even more prevalent symbolic theme in the novel is the intensity of heat. Fitzgeralds emphasis on the sun and dazzling brightness is exceptional. It makes up a huge contingent of the narration setting scenes and on many occasions dictating the flow of events. Heat is used much as Camus uses glaring light to imply the burden of truth in Letranger or Shakespeare uses a storm to echo the madness and moral corruption of Lears world. In The Great Gatsby it intensifies the growing discomfort of the characters landscapes. The falseness of the world they inhabit becomes a harsh and oppressive glasshouse, melting well-meaning facades. Heat and sunlight become more and more an aspect of the storyline in the novel climaxing on the day of Gatsbys denouement; the next day was broiling, almost the last, certainly the warmest day of the summer. At the characters final group meeting in the restaurant, the sweltering heat amplifies the feelings of resent and bitterness behind their interactions. Sunlight might then be seen as Fitzgeralds way of projecting natures grip on a humans actions and the impossibility of defying the spirit of the world around you. Perhaps the most crucial distinction between Gatsby and the ideal of the American dream is a temporal one. The American Dream is built upon the anticipation of a more modern, more advanced future. Gatsby does await the future with baited breath but only in the futile expectation that it will one day recreate his memory of the past. Indeed Gatsby lives entirely in the past clinging to the nostalgia of his youth. That he might relive an exquisite moment of love which he still cherishes between himself and Daisy becomes his one motivating objective. But as Nick astutely points out, human elation is invariably short-lived and cannot be recaptured and critically Gatsby misconceives what is possible in Franklins vision of the present. Franklin did not embrace the wonder of the past, or treasure the history of human emotion life was rather a progression continually in flux. It is no surprise that Gatsby is piqued by Nicks refutation of his dream Cant repeat the past? he cried incredulously. Why of course you can! Gatsby clings to the traditions of history. It is implied by his position in West Egg as opposed to East as indeed the Eastern fringe of America was then considered to be the seat of its prosperity and the Western frontier the links to its older heritage. Real evidence of Gatsbys devotion to a dissolving past is his well stocked library, filled with books, which surprise his guests at being Absolutely real have real pages and everything and not made from nice durable cardboard. Books have become empty non-durable objects to the guests at Gatsbys parties, just like themselves who are soulless, lacking content of character, or the oranges and lemons which leave Gatsbys parties via the backdoor in a pyramid of pulpless halves. But Gatsbys reminiscent, uniquely mysterious disposition is best expressed in Nicks fleeting impressions of him: Through all he said, even through his appalling sentimentality, I was reminded of something an elusive rhythm, a fragment of lost words, that I had heard somewhere a long time ago. Nicks language is characteristically vague and whimsically unsure of itself an elusive rhythm, a fragment of lost words, what part of Gatsbys appalling sentimentality he is referring to is an intangible and incomprehensible thing. And that is the point, Gatsbys sentimentality has no solid meaning in the mundane rational of the present he is mysterious and abstract memory of something that is no more. The story of Gatsby is ultimately a tragic one because he cannot bend the careless frivolity of the society around him to the romantic solemnity of his intentions. Affection is an impotent virtue in a fickle misunderstanding world. And the past cannot be brought home to the characters of a social climate which cares only for the future: Oh, you want too much! she cried to Gatsby, I love you nowisnt that enough? I cant help whats past. I did love him oncebut I loved you too. Daisy cannot reconcile Gatsbys need to recapture what is gone. The love Daisys confesses she bears for Gatsby is different forged in the present in her awe of his wealth. Unlike Gatsby, she severs the experiences of the past as moments which are lost forever and have no tangible bearing on the future. Daisy and Toms dilution of guilt, and thoughtless fleeing at the end of the novel is the true psyche of the American dream the self-centred belief that one lives in the present and what has happened in the past is irrelevant They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made. Gatsby is great because he is unlike the dirty pretty things of modern America. He is simply doomed in the world he finds himself upon because his great longing for real human feeling cannot be reconciled with the real social longing for wealth and status. The Great Gatsby does explore the effect of the American dream upon a national consciousness but with the implication that it is rather a pipe-dream or an empty sentiment. Gatsbys obsession with the green lantern glowing promisingly at the bottom of Daisys garden inspires him with hopes of acquiring her love. But the green light plainly represents the great torch of the Statue of Liberty that greets voyagers off the ships In Manhattans harbour filled with hope and inspired by the promises of America. And the Stature of Liberty in turn is an emblem of freedom and truth the once treasured principles of an American identity. Fitzgeralds novel discounts these principles with this rather touching metaphor: Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but thats no matter tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms further And one fine morning And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. The language is fragmentary because new optimism inspires another thought before the futility of the present becomes a reality. And this language, jumping interminably ahead of itself is indeed Fitzgeralds view of the American character: in the rush to produce a rich and extensive character and history for itself, America lost a lot of the clarity which comes from a slower progression. It became in many respects a nation based entirely on ideologies of hope and optimism and the promise of self-development. But while a nation was wrapped up in these exciting prospects writers such as Fitzgerald pealed back the veil and revealed the inconsistencies in an outlook of liberty tainted by the constraints of greed, capitalism and materialism. Bibliography Fitzgerald, F, Scott, The Great Gatsby, 1989, Penguin, London.

The Controversy at No Gun Ri :: Korean War No Gun Ri Essays

The sensitive subject of whether the 7th Calvary killed innocent men, women, and children at No Gun Ri arose years after the end of the Korean War. Some sources argue that the killings were unprovoked, while others claim that the Communist enemy was mixed within the refugee lines. One source claims the killings numbered over 350 innocent people and others claim it was a mere 35. Although there is a major discrepancy in the number of civilians killed, the fact that innocent men, women, and children were murdered does not disappear. Therefore, whether the casualties were 35 or 350, the United States army engaged in a massacre of innocent Korean refugees. Therefore, the killings at No Gun Ri can not be denied, whether they casualty count is high or low. Some people can not fathom how the United States military could engage in such an action. However â€Å"Experts cite an absence of discipline and experience among the Americans, who had been badly shocked by the North Korean assault,† (Thompson, par. 7) as an explanation of why this could happen. This is not an uncommon theme when speaking of the soldier of the Korean War. Rudy Tomedi cites several examples of people who were never in the infantry being forced to become an infantryman. He uses the example of Bob Roy who states â€Å"Nine months before I’d been in the Military Police. M Company was originally an MP unit. Then one day they came around and said, ‘All right, you’re all in the infantry’† (Tomedi, 3). If this type of assignment was not uncommon during the Korean War, it is highly possible that those at No Gun Ri were just as unprepared to fight as Bob Roy was. If they were unprepared it is also quite possible that the soldiers panicked. General Ridgeway, who rose to be in command of the entire UN forces, claims that the United States’ forces were outnumbered, with low morale, and spread extremely thin. He claims â€Å"Every command post I visited game me the same sense of lost confidence and lack of spirit†¦It was not their doing that had brought them far understrength to this unfortunate country with major shortages in weaponry and insufficient clothing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Ridgeway, 87). With a military force in such bad shape the possibilities of it acting irrationally is very high.

Comparison of Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God and Walkers Color

A Comparison of Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Color Purple    Of Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Alice Walker says "it speaks to me as no novel, past or present, has ever done."   Though 45 years separate Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Color Purple, the two novels embody many similar concerns and methods. Hurston and Walker write of the experience of uneducated rural southern black women. They find a wisdom that can transform our communal relations and our spiritual lives. As Celie in The Color Purple says, referring to God: "If he ever listened to poor colored women the world would be a different place, I can tell you." Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God depicts the process of a woman's coming to consciousness, finding her voice and developing the power to tell her story. This fresh and much-needed perspective was met with incomprehension by the male literary establishment. In his review in New Masses, Richard Wright said the novel lacked "a basic idea or theme that lends itself to significant interpretation." Hurston's dialogue, he said, "manages to catch the psychological movements of the Negro folk mind in their pure simplicity, but that's as far as it goes. . . . . The sensory sweep of her novel carries no theme, no message, no thought." Many male reviewers and critics have reacted with similar hostility and incomprehension to The Color Purple. But to be blind to the definitions these and other women writers give to women's experience is to deny the validity of that experience. For Hurston's heroine, Janie, self-discovery and self-definition consist of learning to recognize and trust her inner voice, while rejecting the formulations others try to impose upon her. Increasin... ...: 181-202. Tate, Linda. "No Place Like Home": Learning to Read Two Writers' Maps // A Southern Weave of Women. Fiction of the Contemporary South. The University of Georgia Press, Athens, Georgia & London, 1994 Wade-Gayler, Gloria. Black, Southern, Womanist: The Genius of Alice Walker // Southern Women Writers. The New Generation. Ed. By Tonette Bond Inge. The University of Alabama Press, Touscaloosa & London, 1990 Critical Essays on Alice Walker. Ed. By Ikenna Dieke. Greenwood Press, Westpoint, Connecticut, London, 1999 Modern Critical Views. Alice Walker. Ed. by Harold Bloom. Chelsea House Publishers. New York & Philadelphia, 1989 Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Harcourt Bruce Jovanovich, Publishers. New York, San Diego, London, 1992 --. "Finding Celie's Voice," Ms., December 1985, 72 --. Meridian. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1976.

Article

You stated that on Saturday September 3. 2011 at exactly 0644 you received a call from Supervisor Everett Knight advising you that Kerry Petit, Field Office Manager canceling you from working the weekend due to weather.. Is that correct? 2. You further stated that you were scheduled to work at Zen-Non Sunday September 4, 2011 and you should have been called back to work when Zen-Non was allowed to work on that date. Is that correct? 3. At what number were you contacted for the cancellation on September 3, 2011? Is the number used to contact you the same number listed in the employee contact list at the field location which you were called from? How do you know? 5. How many field locations are there? 6. Did you have the opportunity to review your personnel contact number on the employee contact list at other field locations after September 4, 2011 ? Were they correct? 7. In what form is the employee contact information listed? Can you give a brief description? 8. How long have you had your current contact phone number? 9. Mr..Shepherd stated that he tried to reach you at (225) 622-3090 do you recognize this number? Do you know how old it may be? Is it current? Where do you think this number came from? 10. Who is responsible for the establishment of employee contact lists? Have you seen an old or multiple lists at any field locations? 11 . Were you ever instructed on who you should contact in the event your contact information changes? 12. Did you receive calls prior to September 4, 2011 to your contact number from the New Orleans Field Office? From who? Article You stated that on Saturday September 3. 2011 at exactly 0644 you received a call from Supervisor Everett Knight advising you that Kerry Petit, Field Office Manager canceling you from working the weekend due to weather.. Is that correct? 2. You further stated that you were scheduled to work at Zen-Non Sunday September 4, 2011 and you should have been called back to work when Zen-Non was allowed to work on that date. Is that correct? 3. At what number were you contacted for the cancellation on September 3, 2011? Is the number used to contact you the same number listed in the employee contact list at the field location which you were called from? How do you know? 5. How many field locations are there? 6. Did you have the opportunity to review your personnel contact number on the employee contact list at other field locations after September 4, 2011 ? Were they correct? 7. In what form is the employee contact information listed? Can you give a brief description? 8. How long have you had your current contact phone number? 9. Mr..Shepherd stated that he tried to reach you at (225) 622-3090 do you recognize this number? Do you know how old it may be? Is it current? Where do you think this number came from? 10. Who is responsible for the establishment of employee contact lists? Have you seen an old or multiple lists at any field locations? 11 . Were you ever instructed on who you should contact in the event your contact information changes? 12. Did you receive calls prior to September 4, 2011 to your contact number from the New Orleans Field Office? From who?

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 17. ALLIANCE

BELLA?Edwards soft express came from behind me. I turned to believe him spring softly up the porch steps, his hair windblown from running. He pulled me into his progresss at once, merely akin he had in the parking lot, and courted me again.This kiss f correctened me. Thither was both in all every last(predicate) overly a good deal tension, overly strong an border to the air his lips crushed mine equal he was afraid we unless had so more than time left to us.I couldnt each(prenominal)ow myself think more or less that. zero(prenominal) if I was going to discombobulate to act gentleman for the next s incessantlyal hours. I pulled by from him.Lets bring down this stupid party everywhither with, I mumbled, not meeting his eyes.He put up his flips on all attitude of my canvass care, delay until I anticipateed up.I wont let some(prenominal)thing happen to you.I stirred his lips with the fingers of my good debate. Im not worried ab extinct myself so much.Why am I not surprised by that? he muttered to himself. He withalk a wooden-headed breath, and wherefore he smiled reasonably. Ready to celebrate? he asked.I groaned.He held the door for me, keeping his strengthen hard near my waist. I stood quick-frozen there for a minute, therefore I slowly shook my head.Unbelievable.Edward shrugged. Alice result be Alice.The interior of the Cullens home had been change into a nightclub the kind that didnt ofttimes exist in real life, totally on TV.Edward Alice called from be slope a gigantic speaker. I destiny your advice. She gestured toward a towering hatful of CDs. Should we give them familiar and comforting? Or she gestured to a contrary pile enlighten their taste in unison? throttle it comforting, Edward recommended. You can only lead the cavalry to water.Alice nodded seriously, and started throwing the educational CDs into a box. I observe that she had changed into a sequined tank buy the furthestm and red leather pants. Her bare spit go away reacted oddly to the pulsing red and violet lights.I think Im on a light floordressed.Youre stark(a), Edward disagreed.Youll do, Alice amended. convey. I sighed. Do you in reality think tribe leave behind come? Any unmatchable could hear the hope in my voice. Alice do a present at me.Everyone give come, Edward answered. Theyre all dying to receive the inside of the reclusive Cullens mystery house.Fabulous, I moaned.There wasnt anything I could do to help. I doubted that even after I didnt motive sleep and moved at a much faster speed I would ever be able to arrive things done the counseling Alice did.Edward refused to let me go for a second, dragging me along with him as he hunted up Jasper and therefore Carlisle to rank them of my epiphany. I listened with quiet iniquity as they discussed their attack on the ground forces in Seattle. I could tell that Jasper was not pleased with the way the meter stood, only theyd been unable to contact anyone besides Tanyas loth family. Jasper didnt try to hide his desperation the way Edward would assimilate. It was simplified to see that he didnt like gambling with stakes this high.I couldnt bond behind, waiting and hoping for them to come home. I wouldnt. I would go mad.The chime rang. each at once, everything was sur right(a)fully normal. A perfect smile, genuine and w limb, re issued the direction on Carlisles eccentric. Alice turned the volume of the music up, and then danced to cross the door.It was a Suburban-load of my friends, both too nervous or too intimidated to arrive on their own. Jessica was the stolon one in the door, with microphone dear behind her. Tyler, Conner, Austin, Lee, Samantha . . . even Lauren trailing in last, her critical eyes alight with curiosity. They all were curious, and then overwhelmed as they took in the ample dwell decked step forward like a chic rave. The board wasnt blank all the Cullens had taken their pla ces, engagey to put on their usual perfect human charade. tonight I felt like I was acting every snowflake as much as they were.I went to recognise Jess and Mike, hoping the edge inmy voice failed like the goodly kind of excitement. Before I could draw in to anyone else, the bell rang again. I let Angela and Ben in, passing the door wide, because Eric and Katie were on the only whenton sink ining the steps.I didnt get an different chance to panic. I had to converse to everyone, concentrate on universe upbeat, a hostess. Though the party had been bill as a joint subject for Alice, Edward, and me, there was no denying that I was the virtually popular target for congratulations and thanks. by chance because the Cullens count oned only slightly wrong chthonic Alices party lights. Maybe because those lights left the style dim and mysterious. Not an atmosphere to chance upon your average human feel relaxed when rest next to person like Emmett. I saw Emmett grin a t Mike over the food table, the red lights f square toes off his teeth, and watched Mike take an self-locking step impale.Probably Alice had done this on purpose, to force me into the center of attention a place she thought I should enthral more. She was forever essay to make me be human the way she thought world should be.The party was a clear success, notwithstanding the instinctive edginess cause by the Cullens presence or maybe that simply added a thrill to the atmosphere. The music was infectious, the lights most hypnotic. From the way the food disappeared, that must bedevil been good, too. The room was soon crewed, though never claustrophobic. The entire senior class seemed to be there, along with most of the juniors. Bodies swayed to the beat that rumbled under the soles of their feet, the party constantly on the edge of breaking into a dance.It wasnt as large(p) as Id thought it would be. I make uped Alices lead, alter and chatting for a minute with everyone. They seemed easy becoming to please. I was sure this party was far cooler than anything the town of Forks had experienced in the first place. Alice was closely purring no one here would impart this night.Id circled the room once, and was dressing to Jessica. She babbled excitedly, and it was not infallible to pay strict attention, because the odds were she wouldnt need a response from me anytime soon. Edward was at my side still refusing to let go of me. He kept one bargain securely at my waist, pulling me closer at boon and then in response to thoughts I probably didnt need to hear.So I was immediately suspicious when he dropped his limb and edged away from me.Stay here, he murmured in my ear. Ill be right backrest.He passed gracefully by the crowd with come forward likely to touch any of the close- compressed bodies, at peace(p) too quickly for me to ask why he was leaving. I stared after him with narrow eyes while Jessica shouted over the music eagerly, hanging on to my elbow, incognizant to my distraction.I watched him as he reached the unlit shadow beside the kitchen doorway, where the lights only shone intermittently. He was disposition over someone, nevertheless I couldnt see past all the heads between us.I stretched up on my toes, craning my neck. Right then, a red light flashed crossways his back and glinted off the red sequins of Alices shirt. The light only touched her spunk for half(a) a second, plainly it was bounteous.Excuse me for a minute, Jess, I mumbled, pulling my arm away. I didnt reveal for her reaction, even to see if Id hurt her feelings with my abruptness.I ducked my way through the bodies, getting shoved vertical near a bit. A few people were dancing presently. I hurried to the kitchen door.Edward was gone, but Alice was still there in the dark, her face blank the kind of expressionless go to you see on the face of someone who has unsloped witnessed a horrible accident. unmatched of her hand gripped the door frame, like she require the support.What, Alice, what? What did you see? My hands were clutched in wait of me begging.She didnt look at me, she was staring away. I followed her compliments and watched as she caught Edwards eye across the room. His face was empty as a stone. He turned and disappeared into the shadows under the stair.The doorbell rang just then, hours after the last time, and Alice looked up with a puzzled expression that quickly turned into one of disgust.Who invited the were wildcat? she griped at me.I scowled. Guilty.Id thought Id rescinded that invitation not that Id ever dreamed Jacob would come here, regardless.Well, you go take care of it, then. I have to take to task to Carlisle.No, Alice, wait I tried to reach for her arm, but she was gone and my hand clutched the empty air.Damn it I grumbled.I knew this was it. Alice had seen what shed been waiting for, and I aboveboard didnt feel I could stand the suspense long profuse to answer the door . The doorbell peeled again, too long, someone holding down the button. I turned my back toward the door resolutely, and scanned the darken room for Alice.I couldnt see anything. I started pushing for the stairs.Hey, BellaJacobs deep voice caught a lull in the music, and I looked up in spite of myself at the sound of my name.I made a face.It wasnt just one werewolf, it was iii. Jacob had let himself in, flanked on both side by Quil and Embry. The two of them looked repulsively tense, their eyes flickering around the room like theyd just walked into a follow crypt. Embrys trembling hand still held the door, his soundbox half-turned to run for it.Jacob was waving at me, calmer than the others, though his nose was wrinkled in disgust. I waved back waved goodbye and turned to look for Alice. I squeezed through a outer space between Conners and Laurens backs.He came out of nowhere, his hand on my shoulder pulling me back toward the shadow by the kitchen. I ducked under his grip, b ut he grabbed my good wrist and yanked me from the crowd.Friendly reception, he noted.I pulled my hand free and scowled at him. What are you doing here?You invited me, hark back?In case my right hook was too subtle for you, let me translate that was me uninvitingyou.Dont be a poor people sport. I brought you a graduation present and everything.I folded my arms across my chest. I didnt want to promotewith Jacob right now. I treasured to manage what Alice had seen and what Edward and Carlisle were saying about it. I craned my head around Jacob, searching for them. maintain it back to the store, Jake. Ive got to do something. . . .He stepped into my crimp of sight, demanding my attention.I cant take it back. I didnt get it from the store I made it myself. Took a really long time, too.I leaned around him again, but I couldnt see any of the Cullens. Where had they gone? My eyes scanned the darkened room.Oh, cmon, Bell. Dont pee-pee like Im not hereIm not. I couldnt see them anywh ere. Look, Jake, Ive got a lot on my mind right now.He put his hand under my chin and pulled my face up. Could I please have just a few seconds of your undivided attention, overtop Swan?I jerked away from his touch. suffer your hands to yourself, Jacob, I hissed.Sorry he utter at once, holding his hands up in surrender. I really am sorry. About the other day, I mean, too. I shouldnt have kissed you like that. It was wrong. I guess . . . well, I guess I deluded myself into thinking you wanted me to.Deluded what a perfect descriptionBe nice. You could accept my apology, you get it on.Fine. alibi accepted. Now, if youll just excuse me for a snatch . . .Okay, he mumbled, and his voice was so different from before that I nailpd searching for Alice and scrutinized his face. He was staring at the floor, hiding his eyes. His lower lip jutted out just a little bit.I guess youd earlier be with your real friends, he say in the same defeated tone. I get it.I groaned. Aw, Jake, you kno w thats not fair.Do I?You should. I leaned forward, peering up, trying to look into his eyes. He looked up then, over my head, avoiding my gaze.Jake?He refused to look at me.Hey, you said you made me something, right? I asked. Was that just talk? Wheres my present? My attempt to belie enthusiasm was pretty sad, but it worked. He rolled his eyes and then grimaced at me.I kept up the lame pretense, holding my hand surface in apparent motion of me. Im waiting.Right, he grumbled sarcastically. But he also reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small bag of a loose-woven, multi-colored fabric. It was tied shut with leather drawstrings. He set it on my palm.Hey, thats pretty, Jake. ThanksHe sighed. The present is inside, Bella.Oh.I had some difficulty with the strings. He sighed again and took it from me, sliding the ties open with one easy tug of the right cord. I held my hand out for it, but he turned the bag summit down and shook something silver into my hand. metallic element links clinked quietly against each other.I didnt make the bauble, he admitted. adept the charm. fasten to one of the links of the silver bracelet was a tiny wooden carving. I held it between my fingers to look at it closer. It was awed the amount of detail involved in the little figurine the miniature wolf was utterly realistic. It was even carved out of some red-brown wood that matched the color of his struggle.Its beautiful, I whispered. You made this? How?He shrugged. Its something Billy taught me. Hes best(p) at it than I am.Thats hard to believe, I murmured, turning the tiny wolf around and around in my fingers.Do you really like it?Yes Its unbelievable, Jake.He smiled, happily at first, but then the expression soured. Well, I figured that maybe it would make you remember me once in a while. You know how it is, out of sight, out of mind.I do by the attitude. Here, help me put it on.I held out my left wrist, since the right was stuck in the brace. He fast ened the centering easily, though it looked too delicate for his big fingers to manage.Youll wear it? he asked. Of course I will.He grinned at me it was the happy smile that I love to see him wear.I returned it for a moment, but then my eyes shot reflexively around the room again, anxiously scanning the crowd for some sign of Edward or Alice.Whyre you so distracted? Jacob wondered.Its nothing, I lied, trying to concentrate. Thanks for the present, really. I love it.Bella? His brows pulled together, throwing his eyes deep into their shadow. Somethings going on, isnt it?Jake, I . . . no, theres nothing.Dont lie to me, you sidle up at lying. You should tell me whats going on. We want to know these things,he said, slipping into the plural form at the end.He was probably right the wolves would certainly be interested in what was happening. Only I wasnt sure what that was yet. I wouldnt know for sure until I arrange Alice.Jacob, I will tell you. Just let me figure out whats happening , O.K.? I need to talk to Alice. understand lit his expression. The psychical saw something.Yes, just when you showed up.Is this about the bloodsucker in your room? he murmured, pitching his voice to a lower place the thrum of the music.Its related, I admitted.He impact that for a minute, atilt his head to one side while he read my face. You know something youre not telling me . . . something big.What was the pinnacle in lying again? He knew me too well. Yes.Jacob stared at me for one short(p) moment, and then turned to catch his pack brothers eyes where they stood in the entry, awkward and uncomfortable. When they took in his expression, they started moving, weaving their way agilely through the partiers, almost like they were dancing, too. In half a minute, they stood on either side of Jacob, towering over me.Now. Explain, Jacob demanded.Embry and Quil looked back and forth between our faces, confused and wary.Jacob, I dont know everything. I kept searching the room, now for a rescue. They had me backed into a break in every sense.What you do know, then.They all folded their arms across their chests at scarcely the same moment. It was a little bit funny, but mostly menacing.And then I caught sight of Alice descending the stairs, her white skin glowing in the purple light.Alice I squeaked in relief.She looked right at me as soon as I called her name, contempt the thudding bass that should have drowned my voice. I waved eagerly, and watched her face as she took in the collar werewolves leaning over me. Her eyes narrowed.But, before that reaction, her face was full of stress and fear. I bit my lip as she skipped to my side. Jacob, Quil, and Embry all leaned away from her with uneasy expressions. She put her arm around my waist.I need to talk to you, she murmured into my ear.Er, Jake, Ill see you later . . . , I mumbled as we eased around them.Jacob threw his long arm out to block our way, bracing his hand against the wall. Hey, not so fast.Alice stare d up at him, eyes wide and incredulous. Excuse me? herald us whats going on, he demanded in a growl.Jasper appeared quite literally out of nowhere. One second it was just Alice and me against the wall, Jacob occlude our exit, and then Jasper was standing on the other side of Jakes arm, his expression terrifying.Jacob slowly pulled his arm back. It seemed like the best move, going with the given that he wanted to keep that arm.We have a right to know, Jacob muttered, still blinding at Alice.Jasper stepped in between them, and the three werewolves braced themselves.Hey, hey, I said, adding a slightly hysterical chuckle. This is a party, remember? nonexistence paid any attention to me. Jacob glared at Alice while Jasper glowered at Jacob. Alices face was unawares thoughtful.Its okay, Jasper. He actually has a point.Jasper did not relax his position.I was sure the suspense was going to make my head instigate in about one second. What did you see, Alice?She stared at Jacob for one s econd, and then turned to me, manifestly having chosen to let them hear.The decisions been made.Youre going to Seattle?No.I felt the color debilitate out of my face. My stomach lurched. Theyre coming here, I choked out.The Quileute boys watched silently, reading every unconscious(p) play of emotion on our faces. They were root in place, and yet not completely still. All three pairs of hands were trembling.Yes.To Forks, I whispered.Yes.For?She nodded, understanding my question. One carried your red shirt.I tried to swallow.Jaspers expression was disapproving. I could tell he didnt like discussing this in front of the werewolves, but he had something he needed to say. We cant let them come that far. There arent replete of us to protect the town.I know, Alice said, her face suddenly desolate. But it doesnt matter where we stop them. There still wont be enough of us, and some of them will come here to search.No I whispered.The noise of the party overwhelmed the sound of my denial. A ll around us, my friends and neighbors and picayune enemies ate and laughed and swayed to the music, oblivious to the fact that they were about to face horror, danger, maybe death. Because of me.Alice, I mouthed her name. I have to go, I have to get away from here.That wont help. Its not like were dealing with a tracker. Theyll still come aspect here first.Then I have to go to meet them If my voice hadnt been so hoarse and strained, it might have been a shriek. If they find what theyre looking for, maybe theyll go away and not hurt anyone elseBella Alice protested. take a leak it, Jacob ordered in a low, impellent voice. What is coming?Alice turned her icy gaze on him. Our kind. Lots of them.Why?For Bella. Thats all we know.There are too many another(prenominal) for you? he asked.Jasper bridled. We have a few advantages, dog. It will be an even fight.No, Jacob said, and a strange, fierce half-smile spread across his face. It wont be even.Excellent Alice hissed.I stared, still f rozen in horror, at Alices new expression. Her face was alive with exultation, all the despair wiped pretty from her perfect features.She grinned at Jacob, and he grinned back.Everything just disappeared, of course, she told him in a smug voice. Thats inconvenient, but, all things considered, Ill take it.Well have to coordinate, Jacob said. It wont be easy for us. Still, this is our job more than yours.I wouldnt go that far, but we need the help. We arent going to be picky.Wait, wait, wait, wait, I interrupted them.Alice was on her toes, Jacob leaning down toward her, both of their faces lit up with excitement, both of their noses wrinkled against the smell. They looked at me impatiently. get up? I repeated through my teeth.You didnt honestly think you were going to keep us out of this? Jacob asked.You are staying out of thisYour psychic doesnt think so.Alice tell them no I insisted. Theyll get killedJacob, Quil, and Embry all laughed out loud.Bella, Alice said, her voice soothing , placating, separately we all could get killed. in concert -Itll be no problem, Jacob finished her sentence. Quil laughed again.How many? Quil asked eagerly.No I shouted.Alice didnt even look at me. It changes twenty-one today, but the numbers are going down.Why? Jacob asked, curious. abundant story, Alice said, suddenly looking around the room. And this isnt the place for it.Later tonight? Jacob pushed.Yes, Jasper answered him. We were already supplying a . . . strategic meeting. If youre going to fight with us, youll need some instruction.The wolves all made a disgruntled face at the last part.No I moaned.This will be odd, Jasper said thoughtfully. I never considered working together. This has to be a first.No doubt about that, Jacob agreed. He was in a hurry now. Weve got to get back to Sam. What time?Whats too late for you?All three rolled their eyes. What time? Jacob repeated. tercet oclock?Where?About ten miles due trades union of the Hoh Forest ranger station. Come at it from the west and youll be able to follow our scent in.Well be there.They turned to leave.Wait, Jake I called after him. Please Dont do thisHe paused, turning back to grin at me, while Quil and Embry headed impatiently for the door. Dont be ridiculous, Bells. Youre gravid me a much better adorn than the one I gave you.No I shouted again. The sound of an electric guitar drowned my cry.He didnt respond he hurried to catch up with his friends, who were already gone. I watched unable to help as Jacob disappeared.