Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Patriotic Sentiment in the Interwar Essay
The creation of the British Empire and its ââ¬Å"contributionsâ⬠to the welfare of its colonies was used by many English historians as a source of justification for its existence and future. Needless to say, many English historians would naturally put the British Empire as the ââ¬Å"empireâ⬠that aspired for assimilation and multiculturalism, which had been absent in previous empires (although this is debatable) (Aldrich 1988:24). Added to that, because of the perceived inferiority of the colonized peoples, many of these historians usually attached to the ââ¬Å"white manâ⬠the significant role of guardian (Aldrich 1988:25). In recent years however, this notion of racial superiority was replaced by the principles of equality and self-determinations. This was in lieu of the increasing surge of patriotic sentiments of the colonized peoples and a general compromise of the colonial powers over the future of the former colonies, as mandated by the United Nations. Modern English historians, while continuing to justify the existence and foundation of the British Empire, admitted some of the mistakes and grave errors usually attributed to the British Empire. Nonetheless, they argued that these mistakes were committed out of necessity. Other colonial powers were greedily aspiring to replace Britain in its role as a superpower. Germany for instance, before the onset of the First World War, was building a powerful navy to replace Britain as a sea power. France was busy eyeing British colonies in Central Africa for its own exploitation. In short, the errors committed by Great Britain to its colonies were a result of self-defense. Added to that, in order for the colonies to benefit from British colonial rule, the colonized peoples would have to sacrifice some of their outdated or ââ¬Å"primitiveâ⬠institutions and adopt institutions that are characterized by efficiency and commitment to public service. These justifications made by English historians on the role and future of the British Empire were imbued in the study of history. History as a Tool for Application of Theoretical Knowledge The use of history to justify the existence and foundation of the British Empire was not born out of prejudice or unsubstantiated truths. In fact, early English historians noted that history should be as scientific as possible in order to represent the true nature of world events. Added to that, these English historians viewed history as an application tool for upgrading the political, social, and economic systems of the world today. Specifically, knowledge of the end of the British Empire would naturally pave to greater solidarity and understanding between former colonies and the mother country (the colonizer); that they have a common history, and to some extent similar social, economic, and political structures. Although for the common viewer this might seem a little idealistic and devoid of historical verification, this was the practical side of the scientific discipline of history, if we accord them to these English historians. Thus, the extensive use of history as a tool for the political understanding of countries with a ââ¬Å"commonâ⬠history was the result of theoretical justification of English historians on the existence and rule of the British Empire to about a large portion of the Earthââ¬â¢s population. This was though a problem for many local historians in the former colonies. They extensively used history as a tool for demonizing their colonial oppressors: the justification of independence movements and revolutions. This dialectic aspect of history, depending on the one who views it, disoriented historical data, making the discipline of history itself the vantage point of uncertainty (Aldrich, 2000). Herein, we shall examine the various practices that were incorporated in a large, common society. Nonetheless, we shall also examine power relations between the mother country and its colonies as well as the issue of tolerance and cultural differences. Cultural Toleration in the British Empire When England finally defeated France and Spain in a series of colonial wars, it was able to establish colonies in North America and Asia (Africa was not the target of colonization since it was viewed as an inhabitable and inhospitable continent ââ¬â although commercial bases were established to streamline trade and commerce with other European powers) (Baldwin, 2007). England was able to acquire Malacca from the Portuguese in the latter half of the 16th century. India and Canada fell into the hands of the British after Franceââ¬â¢s defeat in the Seven Years War (called French and Indian Wars in North America). The eastern coast of the present United States was colonized by England (the Thirteen Colonies) to foster greater trade between North America and England (it was known as New England). Australia and New Zealand were colonized to provide the British Empire penal colonies for the rouge elements of British society. Rebels and political prisoners were deported to these penal colonies. In the latter half of the 19th century, Britain was able to take possession of several Chinese ports after a series of wars with China, then under the rule of the Manchus (known as Opium Wars). In South America and the Caribbean, some islands were colonized by the British to offset Spanish and French power in the area (although in the early part of the 19th century, Spain controlled at least 2/3 of the land area of North, Central, and South America). In the European partition of Africa, Britain controlled a large portion of North, Central, and Southern Africa. These colonized areas minus the 13 colonies were known as the British Empire. The British fostered a policy of cultural toleration to discourage the native population from revolting. Moslems, Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, and other Oriental religions existed side by side with Christianity in matters like trade and commerce. Temples of different religions were treated with respect and dignity by British authorities. Nonetheless, British rulers especially Queen Victoria even traveled to the colonies to inspect and inspire the native populations to support Great Britain in its economic undertakings, for the benefit of the mother country and the colonies, and its colonial wars with other European powers (especially France and Germany). Religious festivals were declared as holidays, with some exceptions, to foster greater solidarity with the native population. English was not an enforced language. This was done to preserve and enrich the culture of the native populations. The ââ¬Å"Britishâ⬠educational system was introduced to stimulate greater economic efficiency in the colonies. The British parliament, in its sessions, declared that education was the only plausible and least risky way of opening the colonies to true development. The British parliament and to some extent the British rulers knew that there were form of British economic exploitation in the colonies, thus the only way for them to recreate the image of the ââ¬Å"British Empireâ⬠was to encourage education. English was taught in the universities (other European powers loathed this type of strategy) established outside Britain. Economic and maritime schools were also established to stimulate the natives to increase their productivity yield and to participate in naval undertakings. Nonetheless, the British army was remodeled in order to include natives in the soldier payroll. At a specified rank, a native could rise to a prominent rank in the military. Needless to say, to fit in the global economy, Britain also created institutions that would politically and socially integrate the mother country and the colonies. The old models of exploitation and oppression were replaced by systems of mutual cooperation and commitment to a common economic goal. Thus, these contributions of the Britain to its colonies became the framework of early English historians for justifying the existence of the British Empire. Patriotism and Nationalism: The Beginning of Decline Nationalistic sentiment in the colonies grew in the latter beginning of the 20th century. Because of the relative prosperity of the colonies, some of its natives were able to study in European universities and able to acquire the increasing surge of ultra-nationalism (nationalism in Europe differs from the nationalism of the colonies on one count: nationalism in European countries focused on the acquisition of colonies to bring glory to the country, whereas in the colonies on independence) in Europe. When they returned to their homeland, they established organizations which aimed of attaining independence or self-governance status of their homelands. The British authorities naturally would quell these ââ¬Å"uprisingsâ⬠since this put into question the status quo, and generally the legitimacy of the British Empire. Power Relations But because of the involvement of Great Britain in the two World Wars, it was forced to grant self-governance status to many of its colonies in exchange for economic and military support (in India, Gandhi urged the Indians to fight on the side of the British). However, because of the changing political atmosphere in Britain at that time, the British authorities once more crushed these independence movements. Many were forced to go underground. Some seek political asylum in America or The Netherlands. Added to that, political theory and political education were deleted in the course curriculum of many universities for fear that the British might close the institutions. The purpose of the British authorities was always to preserve the rule of the British Crown on the colonies. All means were therefore necessary in order to dissipate these independence movements. Thus, while the British were open to cultural toleration, they loathed political development in the colonies. Political development is the measure of citizen participation in the affairs of the government. Political development is largely a relationship between the citizenry and the country to which they owe their citizenship. The British authorities were enforcing a policy of ââ¬Å"mother dependencyâ⬠, that is, the political, social, and economic future of the colonies should depend on the mother country. Later Vladimir Lenin expanded this concept and renamed it as the ââ¬Å"dependency relations. â⬠The mother country, according to Lenin, when its reaches the height of economic development experiences shortfalls and recessions due to overproduction. The surplus produce of the mother country is ââ¬Å"dumpedâ⬠to the colonies since colonies are potential markets. In this way, economic recessions in the mother country are kept in check, and the laboring class enjoys relative prosperity, at the expense of the colonies. This is a uni-directional type of development unlike the so-called ââ¬Å"mutual developmentâ⬠that Britain was preaching (as exemplified in Africa, in Ramsay, 2000/1784). Practices and Institutions that Became Part of the Coloniesââ¬â¢ Society: The Tragedy British colonies can be classified into two categories: 1) those that fully accepted British practices and institutions, 2) those who only accepted British political and educational institutions. India, Pakistan, former British African colonies, and former British Asian colonies adopted the political and educational institutions of Great Britain because of its efficiency and relative good organization. The parliamentary system became the standard system of government of most of the former colonies of Great Britain. It was noted that this type of government adheres to the principles of public accountability and stability. Most of the former colonies of Great Britain using this type of government experience relative stability and effective governance (Toynbee, 1987:401). The tragedy lies on the second type of former colonies. These colonies fully adopted British practices and institutions at the expense of native practices and customs. In Australia and New Zealand for example, most of the population is classified as of British or European descent. When the British came to New Zealand, they dispossessed the Maori through fraudulent land contracts and generally through war (that severely reduced the Maori population by 1/8. The British authorities encouraged immigration to these places (Australia and New Zealand) to reinvigorate economic activities to these places. The result was that New Zealand and Australia became an extension of British society: mirror images of England. The Maori who were the true owners of the country was exploited and dispossessed by the British. In the case of Canada, because of strong French influence (former French colony), the British authorities had the difficulty of making Canada a cultural sphere of influence of Britain. In fact, cultural differences in Canada serve as the marking definition of power relations in Canada. Conclusion While many English historians talk endlessly of a Commonwealth under the banner of Great Britain, they were not able to pinpoint the opportunity costs of the colonization on the part of the colonies. There is no such thing as a common society, for the British Empire created two types of societies in its sphere of geopolitics. The only intersection of these societies is the institutions bequeathed to them by the British Empire. Socially, these societies differ significantly because the British Empire was not able to fully integrate its customs and practices to most of its colonies due to the onset of nationalism and patriotic sentiments of the native populations (in Australia and New Zealand, there was no such thing as a ââ¬Å"politicalâ⬠native population since they were able to reduce their populations through wars and enforced immigration policies). References Aldrich, Richard. 1988. Imperialism in the study and teaching of history. In Benefits Bestowed? Education and British Imperialism. Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press, pp. 23-38.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Education and Humanity Promotion Essay
I have been thinking of the ideas which I would choose to make the world a better place to live. One would be to get rid of racism; without racism, the world would certainly be the better place. Donation basic essentials, volunteering time to share concerns and encouraging embrace toward people with disadvantage backgrounds are other ways to build a better world. The last but not least is ending wars. Besides wasting money and human power wars destroyed cultural and moral values in the most drastic ways. Being treated fairly and respectfully no matter of race, age, religion and disabilities is one of the most ideal wish for every one of us. These are always the ideal wishes from of all of us, that we carry deep in our hearts, and have been wishing them to become true since the beginning of time. In fact, those ideas seem to be part of human nature, but wars, on the other hand also seem to be part of human nature. Many solutions were suggested, but it seemed very little of them would be applied in the reality. Perhaps the idea called ââ¬Å"Humanity Educationâ⬠could get to the root of the problems; and that would be One Thing I Would Strongly Wish to Implement to Make the World a Better Place. Recently, I listened to a speaker at an event sponsored by the National Society of Leadership and Success program. The presenter was Blake Mycoskie, who established the TOMS shoes brand. He shared with the audience about how his current business was started and how it is doing. At first no one could imagine how simple his goals were. Back in 2006, he and his commission group visited Argentina trying to help poor people, especially kids to go to school. The image of kids going to school with bare feet or with worn out shoes immediately changed his views about the real lives out there. Then, to accomplish his mission to help people, he went back to America and started his non-profit business that is TOMS (Tomorrow) now, Shoes for Tomorrow. The goal of TOMS over time is still ââ¬Å"You buy a pair today, we give a pair away tomorrow,â⬠and his speech that night blew the audienceââ¬â¢s minds with his way of making a better world. How a much better this world could be if we had mo re TOMS!
Monday, July 29, 2019
Bloodlines Chapter Twelve
We tried to tell him that Tamara was killed by Strigoi, but he wonââ¬â¢t believe it. He doesnââ¬â¢t want to. He canââ¬â¢t take revenge on a Strigoi. Theyââ¬â¢re immortal. Invincible. But some human vampire hunter? Somehow, in his head, thatââ¬â¢s something he can go after. And if he canââ¬â¢t, then he can focus his energy on how the guardians wonââ¬â¢t go after these nonexistent vampire hunters.â⬠I just barely heard Eddie mutter, ââ¬Å"Strigoi arenââ¬â¢t that invincible.â⬠In the rearview mirror, I saw Jillââ¬â¢s face filled with compassion. She was seated between Lee and Eddie. ââ¬Å"Even if itââ¬â¢s a fantasy, maybe itââ¬â¢s better this way,â⬠she suggested. ââ¬Å"It gives him comfort. I mean, kind of. Having something tangible to hate is what gets him through. Otherwise heââ¬â¢d just give in to despair. Heââ¬â¢s not hurting anyone with his theories. I think heââ¬â¢s sweet.â⬠She caught her breath in that way she did when sheââ¬â¢d said a whole lot all at once. My eyes were back on the road, but I could swear Lee was smiling. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s nice of you,â⬠he told her. ââ¬Å"I know he likes having you around. Turn right up here.â⬠That was to me. Lee had been giving me directions ever since we left Clarenceââ¬â¢s. We were just outside of Palm Springs proper, nearing the very impressive-looking Desert Gods Golf Course and Resort. Further guidance from him led us to the Mega-Fun Mini-Golf Center, which was adjacent to the resort. I searched for a parking spot and heard Jill gasp when she caught sight of the golf courseââ¬â¢s crowning glory. There, in the center of a cluster of gaudily decorated putting greens, was a huge fake mountain with an artificial waterfall spouting from its top. ââ¬Å"A waterfall!â⬠she exclaimed. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s amazing.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠said Lee, ââ¬Å"I wouldnââ¬â¢t go that far. Itââ¬â¢s made of water thatââ¬â¢s been pumped over and over and has God only knows what in it. I mean, I wouldnââ¬â¢t try to drink or swim in it.â⬠Before I even had the car to a stop, Adrian was out the door, lighting a cigarette. Weââ¬â¢d gotten in an argument on the way over, despite me telling him three times that Latte was a strictly no-smoking car. The rest of us soon got out as well, and I wondered what Iââ¬â¢d signed up for here as we strolled toward the entrance. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve actually never been mini-golfing,â⬠I remarked. Lee came to a halt and stared. ââ¬Å"Never?â⬠ââ¬Å"Never.â⬠ââ¬Å"How does that happen?â⬠asked Adrian. ââ¬Å"How is it possible that youââ¬â¢ve never played mini-golf?â⬠ââ¬Å"I had kind of an unusual childhood,â⬠I said at last. Even Eddie looked incredulous. ââ¬Å"You? I was practically raised at an isolated school in the middle of nowhere Montana, and even Iââ¬â¢ve played mini-golf.â⬠Saying I was homeschooled was no excuse this time, so I just let it go. Really, it just came down to having a childhood more focused on chemical equations than on fun and recreation. Once we started playing, I soon got the hang of it. My first few attempts were pretty bad, but I soon understood the weight of the club and how the angles on each course could be maneuvered. From there, it was pretty simple to calculate distance and force to make accurate shots. ââ¬Å"Unbelievable. If youââ¬â¢d been playing since you were a child, youââ¬â¢d be a pro by now,â⬠Eddie told me as I knocked my ball into a gaping dragonââ¬â¢s mouth. The ball rolled out the back, down a tube, bounced off a wall, and into the hole. ââ¬Å"Howââ¬â¢d you do that?â⬠I shrugged. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s simple geometry. Youââ¬â¢re not that bad either,â⬠I pointed out, watching him make his shot. ââ¬Å"How do you do it?â⬠ââ¬Å"I just line it up and putt.â⬠ââ¬Å"Very scientific.â⬠ââ¬Å"I just rely on natural talent,â⬠said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragonââ¬â¢s Lair. ââ¬Å"When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.â⬠ââ¬Å"That makes no sense whatsoever,â⬠said Eddie. Adrianââ¬â¢s response was to pause and take out a silver flask from his inner coat pocket. He unscrewed it and took a quick drink before leaning in to line up his shot. ââ¬Å"What was that?â⬠I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t have alcohol out here.â⬠ââ¬Å"You heard Jailbait earlier,â⬠he countered. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s the weekend.â⬠He lined up his ball and shot. The ball went directly for the dragonââ¬â¢s eye, bounced off it, and shot back toward Adrian. It rolled and came to a stop at his feet, nearly where it had started. ââ¬Å"Natural talent, huh?â⬠asked Eddie. I leaned forward. ââ¬Å"I think you broke the dragonââ¬â¢s eye.â⬠ââ¬Å"Just like Keith,â⬠said Adrian. ââ¬Å"I figured youââ¬â¢d appreciate that, Sage.â⬠I gave him a sharp look, wondering if there was any hidden meaning behind that. Mostly, Adrian seemed amused by his own wit. Eddie mistook my expression. ââ¬Å"That was inappropriate,â⬠he told Adrian. ââ¬Å"Sorry, Dad.â⬠Adrian shot again and managed not to maim any statues this time. A couple more shots, and he sank the ball. ââ¬Å"There we go. Three.â⬠ââ¬Å"Four,â⬠said Eddie and I in unison. Adrian looked at us incredulously. ââ¬Å"It was three.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re forgetting about your first one,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"The one where you blinded the dragon.â⬠ââ¬Å"That was just the warm-up,â⬠Adrian argued. He put on a smile I think he hoped would charm me. ââ¬Å"Come on, Sage. You understand how my mind works. You said I was brilliant, remember?â⬠Eddie glanced at me in surprise. ââ¬Å"You did?â⬠ââ¬Å"No! I never said that.â⬠Adrianââ¬â¢s smile was infuriating. ââ¬Å"Stop telling people that.â⬠Since I was in charge of the scorecard, his play was logged as four, despite his many further protests. I started to move forward, but Eddie held out a hand to stop me, his hazel eyes gazing over my shoulder. ââ¬Å"Hold up,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"We need to wait for Jill and Lee.â⬠I followed his gaze. The two of them had been in deep conversation since we arrived, so much so that theyââ¬â¢d slowed and lagged behind the rest of us. Even during his bantering with Adrian and me, Eddie had continually checked on her ââ¬â and our surroundings. It was kind of amazing the way he could multitask. Thus far, Jill and Lee had only been one hole behind us. Now it was nearly two, and that was too far for Eddie to keep her in his sight. So, we waited while the oblivious couple meandered their way toward the Dragonââ¬â¢s Lair. Adrian took another drink from his flask and shook his head in awe. ââ¬Å"You had nothing to worry about, Sage. She went right for him.â⬠ââ¬Å"No thanks to you,â⬠I snapped. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t believe you told her every detail of my visit that night. She was so mad at me for interfering behind her back with you, Lee, and Micah.â⬠ââ¬Å"I hardly told her anything,â⬠argued Adrian. ââ¬Å"I just told her to stay away from that human guy.â⬠Eddie glanced between our faces. ââ¬Å"Micah?â⬠I shifted uncomfortably. Eddie didnââ¬â¢t know about how Iââ¬â¢d gone proactive. ââ¬Å"Remember when I wanted you to say something to him? And you wouldnââ¬â¢t?â⬠I proceeded to tell him how Iââ¬â¢d then sought out Adrianââ¬â¢s help and found out about Leeââ¬â¢s interest in Jill. Eddie was aghast. ââ¬Å"How could you not tell me any of this?â⬠he demanded. ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠I said, wondering if everything I did was going to result in the wrath of a Moroi or dhampir, ââ¬Å"it didnââ¬â¢t involve you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jillââ¬â¢s safety does! If some guy likes her, I need to know.â⬠Adrian chuckled. ââ¬Å"Should Sage have passed you a note in class?â⬠ââ¬Å"Leeââ¬â¢s fine,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"He obviously adores her, and itââ¬â¢s not like sheââ¬â¢ll ever be alone with him.â⬠ââ¬Å"We donââ¬â¢t know for sure that heââ¬â¢s fine,â⬠said Eddie. ââ¬Å"Whereas Micahââ¬â¢s a hundred percent okay? Did you do a background check or something?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠said Eddie, looking embarrassed. ââ¬Å"I just know. Itââ¬â¢s a feeling I get about him. Thereââ¬â¢s no problem with him spending time with Jill.â⬠ââ¬Å"Except that heââ¬â¢s human.â⬠ââ¬Å"They wouldnââ¬â¢t have gotten serious.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t know that.â⬠ââ¬Å"Enough, you two,â⬠interrupted Adrian. Jill and Lee had finally reached the start of the Dragonââ¬â¢s Lair, meaning we could move on. Adrian lowered his voice. ââ¬Å"Your argumentââ¬â¢s useless. I mean, look at them. That human boy doesnââ¬â¢t enter into it.â⬠I looked. Adrian was right. Jill and Lee were clearly enthralled with each other. Some guilty part of me wondered if I should be a doing a better job of looking out for Jill. I was so relieved that she was interested in a Moroi that I hadnââ¬â¢t stopped to wonder if she should even be dating anyone. Was fifteen old enough? I hadnââ¬â¢t dated at fifteen. Iââ¬â¢d actually, well, never dated. ââ¬Å"There is an age difference between them,â⬠I admitted, more to myself. Adrian scoffed. ââ¬Å"Believe me, Iââ¬â¢ve seen age differences. Theirs is nothing.â⬠He walked off, and a few moments later, Eddie and I went to join him. Eddie maintained his simultaneous vigil of Jill, but this time, I got the impression the danger he was watching out for was right beside her. Adrianââ¬â¢s laughter rang out ahead of us. ââ¬Å"Sage!â⬠he called. ââ¬Å"You have got to see this.â⬠Eddie and I reached the next green and stared in astonishment. Then I burst out laughing. We had reached Draculaââ¬â¢s Castle. A huge, multi-towered black castle guarded the hole some distance away. A tunnel was cut out through the center of it with a narrow bridge meant for the ball to go over. If the ball fell off the sides before getting through the castle, it was returned back to the starting point. An animatronic Count Dracula stood off to the castleââ¬â¢s side. He was pure white, with red eyes, pointed ears, and slicked-back hair. He jerkily kept raising his arms to show off a batlike cape. Nearby, a speaker blasted eerie organ music. I couldnââ¬â¢t stop laughing. Adrian and Eddie looked at me as though theyââ¬â¢d never seen me before. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think Iââ¬â¢ve ever heard her laugh,â⬠Eddie told him. ââ¬Å"Certainly not the reaction I was expecting,â⬠mused Adrian. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢d been counting on abject terror, judging from past Alchemist behavior. I didnââ¬â¢t think you liked vampires.â⬠Still grinning, I watched Dracula raise his cape up and down. ââ¬Å"This isnââ¬â¢t a vampire. Not a real one. And thatââ¬â¢s what makes it so funny. Itââ¬â¢s pure Hollywood camp. Real vampires are terrifying and unnatural. This? This is hilarious.â⬠It was clear from their expressions that neither really understood why this would appeal to my sense of humor so much. Adrian did, however, offer to take a picture with my cell phone when I asked him. I posed by Dracula and put on a big smile. Adrian managed to snap the shot just as Dracula was raising his cape. When I viewed the picture, I was pleased to see it had come out perfectly. Even my hair looked good. Adrian gave the picture a nod of approval before handing me the phone. ââ¬Å"Okay, even I can admit thatââ¬â¢s pretty cute.â⬠I found myself overanalyzing the comment. What had he meant in saying even he could admit it? That I was cute for a human? Or that I had just met some kind of Adrian hot-girl criteria? Moments later, I had to forcibly stop thinking about it. Let it go, Sydney. Itââ¬â¢s a compliment. Accept it. We played through the rest of the course, finally finishing off with the waterfall itself. That was a particularly challenging hole, and I took my time lining up the shot ââ¬â not that I needed to. I was beating everyone pretty handily. Eddie was the only one who came close. It was clear Jill and Lee didnââ¬â¢t even have their attention on the game, and as for Adrian and his natural talentâ⬠¦ well, they were very solidly in last place. Eddie, Adrian, and I were still ahead of the other two, so we waited for them by the waterfall. Jill practically ran to it when she had the chance, gazing up at it with enchanted eyes. ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠she breathed. ââ¬Å"This is wonderful. I havenââ¬â¢t seen this much water in days.â⬠ââ¬Å"Remember what I said about the toxicity,â⬠teased Lee. But it was clear he found her reaction endearing. As I glanced at the other two guys, I saw that they shared the same feelings. Well, not exactly the same. Adrianââ¬â¢s affection was clearly brotherly. Eddieââ¬â¢s? It was hard to read, kind of a mix of the other two. Maybe it was a kind of guardian fondness. Jill made a gesture to the waterfall, and suddenly, part of it broke off from the tumbling cascade. The chunk of water shaped itself into a braid, then twisted high into the air, making spirals before shattering into a million drops that misted over us all. I had been staring wide-eyed and frozen, but those drops hitting me shocked me awake. ââ¬Å"Jill,â⬠I said in a voice I barely recognized as my own. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t do that again.â⬠Jill, eyes bright, barely spared me a glance as she made another piece of water dance in the air. ââ¬Å"No oneââ¬â¢s around to see, Sydney.â⬠That wasnââ¬â¢t what had me so upset. That wasnââ¬â¢t what filled me with so much panic that I could barely breathe. The world was doing that thing where it started to spin, and I worried I was going to faint. Stark, cold fear ran through me, fear at the unknown. The unnatural. The laws of my world had just been broken. This was vampire magic, something foreign and inaccessible to humans ââ¬â inaccessible because it was forbidden, something no mortal was meant to delve into. I had only once seen magic used, when two spirit users had turned on each other, and I never wanted to see it again. One had forced the plants of the earth to do her bidding while the other telekinetically hurled objects meant to kill. It had been terrifying, and even though I hadnââ¬â¢t been the target, Iââ¬â¢d felt trapped and overwhelmed in the f ace of such otherworldly power. It was a reminder that these werenââ¬â¢t fun, easy people to hang out with. These were creatures wholly different from me. ââ¬Å"Stop it,â⬠I said, feeling the panic rise. I was afraid of the magic, afraid it would touch me, afraid of what it might do to me. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t do it anymore!â⬠Jill didnââ¬â¢t even hear me. She grinned at Lee. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re air, right? Can you create fog over the water?â⬠Lee stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked away. ââ¬Å"Ah, well, itââ¬â¢s probably not a good idea. I mean, weââ¬â¢re in publicâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Come on,â⬠she pleaded. ââ¬Å"It wonââ¬â¢t take any effort for you at all.â⬠He actually appeared nervous. ââ¬Å"Nah, not right now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not you too.â⬠She laughed. Above her and in front of her, that demon water was still spinning, spinning, spinningâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"Jill,â⬠said Adrian, a harsher note in his voice than Iââ¬â¢d ever heard before. In fact, I couldnââ¬â¢t recall him ever addressing her by her actual name. ââ¬Å"Stop.â⬠It was all he said, but it was like a wave of something went through Jill. She flinched, and the water spirals disappeared, falling away in droplets. ââ¬Å"Fine,â⬠she said, looking confused. There was a moment of awkwardness, and then Eddie said, ââ¬Å"We should hurry. Weââ¬â¢re going to be pushing curfew.â⬠Lee and Jill set out to make their shots and soon were laughing and flirting again. Eddie continued watching them in his concerned way. Only Adrian paid any attention to me. He was the only one who really understood what had happened, I realized. His green eyes studied me, with no trace of their usual bitter humor. I wasnââ¬â¢t fooled, though. I knew there had to be some witty quip coming, mocking my reaction. ââ¬Å"Are you okay?â⬠he asked quietly. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m fine,â⬠I said, turning from him. I didnââ¬â¢t want him to see my face. Heââ¬â¢d already seen too much, seen my fear. I didnââ¬â¢t want any of them to know how afraid of them I was. I heard him take a few steps toward me. ââ¬Å"Sage ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Leave me alone,â⬠I snapped back. I hurried off toward the courseââ¬â¢s exit, certain he wouldnââ¬â¢t follow me. I was right. I waited for them to finish the game, using the alone time to calm myself down. By the time they caught up to me, I was fairly certain I had wiped most of the emotions from my face. Adrian still watched me with concern, which I didnââ¬â¢t like, but at least he didnââ¬â¢t say anything else about my breakdown. Surprising to no one, the final score showed that I had won and Adrian had lost. Lee had come in third, which seemed to trouble him. ââ¬Å"I used to be a lot better,â⬠he muttered, frowning. ââ¬Å"I used to be perfect at this game.â⬠Considering heââ¬â¢d spent most of the time paying attention to Jill, I thought third was a pretty respectable performance. I dropped him and Adrian off first and then just barely got Eddie, Jill, and me back to Amberwood on time. I was more or less back to normal by then, not that anyone wouldââ¬â¢ve noticed. Jill was floating on a cloud as we went into our dorm room, talking nonstop about Lee. ââ¬Å"I had no idea heââ¬â¢d traveled so much! Heââ¬â¢s maybe been more places than you, Sydney. He keeps telling me that heââ¬â¢ll take me to all of them, that weââ¬â¢ll spend the rest of our lives traveling and doing whatever we want. And heââ¬â¢s taking all sorts of classes in college because heââ¬â¢s not sure what he wants to major in. Well, not all sorts this semester. Heââ¬â¢s got a light schedule so that he can spend more time with his father. And thatââ¬â¢s good for me. For us, I mean.â⬠I stifled a yawn and nodded wearily. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s great.â⬠She paused from where sheââ¬â¢d been searching her dresser for pajamas. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry, by the way.â⬠I froze. I didnââ¬â¢t want an apology for the magic. I didnââ¬â¢t even want to remember it had happened. ââ¬Å"For yelling at you the other night,â⬠she continued. ââ¬Å"You didnââ¬â¢t set me up with Lee. I should never have accused you of interfering. He really has liked me all along, and, wellâ⬠¦ heââ¬â¢s really great.â⬠I let out the breath Iââ¬â¢d been holding and attempted a weak smile. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m glad youââ¬â¢re happy.â⬠She returned cheerfully to her tasks and to talking about Lee until I left to go down to the bathroom. Before brushing my teeth, I stood in front of the sink and washed my hands and arms over and over, scrubbing as hard as I could to wash away the magical drops of water I swore I could still feel on my skin. Bloodlines Chapter Twelve We tried to tell him that Tamara was killed by Strigoi, but he wonââ¬â¢t believe it. He doesnââ¬â¢t want to. He canââ¬â¢t take revenge on a Strigoi. Theyââ¬â¢re immortal. Invincible. But some human vampire hunter? Somehow, in his head, thatââ¬â¢s something he can go after. And if he canââ¬â¢t, then he can focus his energy on how the guardians wonââ¬â¢t go after these nonexistent vampire hunters.â⬠I just barely heard Eddie mutter, ââ¬Å"Strigoi arenââ¬â¢t that invincible.â⬠In the rearview mirror, I saw Jillââ¬â¢s face filled with compassion. She was seated between Lee and Eddie. ââ¬Å"Even if itââ¬â¢s a fantasy, maybe itââ¬â¢s better this way,â⬠she suggested. ââ¬Å"It gives him comfort. I mean, kind of. Having something tangible to hate is what gets him through. Otherwise heââ¬â¢d just give in to despair. Heââ¬â¢s not hurting anyone with his theories. I think heââ¬â¢s sweet.â⬠She caught her breath in that way she did when sheââ¬â¢d said a whole lot all at once. My eyes were back on the road, but I could swear Lee was smiling. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s nice of you,â⬠he told her. ââ¬Å"I know he likes having you around. Turn right up here.â⬠That was to me. Lee had been giving me directions ever since we left Clarenceââ¬â¢s. We were just outside of Palm Springs proper, nearing the very impressive-looking Desert Gods Golf Course and Resort. Further guidance from him led us to the Mega-Fun Mini-Golf Center, which was adjacent to the resort. I searched for a parking spot and heard Jill gasp when she caught sight of the golf courseââ¬â¢s crowning glory. There, in the center of a cluster of gaudily decorated putting greens, was a huge fake mountain with an artificial waterfall spouting from its top. ââ¬Å"A waterfall!â⬠she exclaimed. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s amazing.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠said Lee, ââ¬Å"I wouldnââ¬â¢t go that far. Itââ¬â¢s made of water thatââ¬â¢s been pumped over and over and has God only knows what in it. I mean, I wouldnââ¬â¢t try to drink or swim in it.â⬠Before I even had the car to a stop, Adrian was out the door, lighting a cigarette. Weââ¬â¢d gotten in an argument on the way over, despite me telling him three times that Latte was a strictly no-smoking car. The rest of us soon got out as well, and I wondered what Iââ¬â¢d signed up for here as we strolled toward the entrance. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve actually never been mini-golfing,â⬠I remarked. Lee came to a halt and stared. ââ¬Å"Never?â⬠ââ¬Å"Never.â⬠ââ¬Å"How does that happen?â⬠asked Adrian. ââ¬Å"How is it possible that youââ¬â¢ve never played mini-golf?â⬠ââ¬Å"I had kind of an unusual childhood,â⬠I said at last. Even Eddie looked incredulous. ââ¬Å"You? I was practically raised at an isolated school in the middle of nowhere Montana, and even Iââ¬â¢ve played mini-golf.â⬠Saying I was homeschooled was no excuse this time, so I just let it go. Really, it just came down to having a childhood more focused on chemical equations than on fun and recreation. Once we started playing, I soon got the hang of it. My first few attempts were pretty bad, but I soon understood the weight of the club and how the angles on each course could be maneuvered. From there, it was pretty simple to calculate distance and force to make accurate shots. ââ¬Å"Unbelievable. If youââ¬â¢d been playing since you were a child, youââ¬â¢d be a pro by now,â⬠Eddie told me as I knocked my ball into a gaping dragonââ¬â¢s mouth. The ball rolled out the back, down a tube, bounced off a wall, and into the hole. ââ¬Å"Howââ¬â¢d you do that?â⬠I shrugged. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s simple geometry. Youââ¬â¢re not that bad either,â⬠I pointed out, watching him make his shot. ââ¬Å"How do you do it?â⬠ââ¬Å"I just line it up and putt.â⬠ââ¬Å"Very scientific.â⬠ââ¬Å"I just rely on natural talent,â⬠said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragonââ¬â¢s Lair. ââ¬Å"When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.â⬠ââ¬Å"That makes no sense whatsoever,â⬠said Eddie. Adrianââ¬â¢s response was to pause and take out a silver flask from his inner coat pocket. He unscrewed it and took a quick drink before leaning in to line up his shot. ââ¬Å"What was that?â⬠I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t have alcohol out here.â⬠ââ¬Å"You heard Jailbait earlier,â⬠he countered. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s the weekend.â⬠He lined up his ball and shot. The ball went directly for the dragonââ¬â¢s eye, bounced off it, and shot back toward Adrian. It rolled and came to a stop at his feet, nearly where it had started. ââ¬Å"Natural talent, huh?â⬠asked Eddie. I leaned forward. ââ¬Å"I think you broke the dragonââ¬â¢s eye.â⬠ââ¬Å"Just like Keith,â⬠said Adrian. ââ¬Å"I figured youââ¬â¢d appreciate that, Sage.â⬠I gave him a sharp look, wondering if there was any hidden meaning behind that. Mostly, Adrian seemed amused by his own wit. Eddie mistook my expression. ââ¬Å"That was inappropriate,â⬠he told Adrian. ââ¬Å"Sorry, Dad.â⬠Adrian shot again and managed not to maim any statues this time. A couple more shots, and he sank the ball. ââ¬Å"There we go. Three.â⬠ââ¬Å"Four,â⬠said Eddie and I in unison. Adrian looked at us incredulously. ââ¬Å"It was three.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re forgetting about your first one,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"The one where you blinded the dragon.â⬠ââ¬Å"That was just the warm-up,â⬠Adrian argued. He put on a smile I think he hoped would charm me. ââ¬Å"Come on, Sage. You understand how my mind works. You said I was brilliant, remember?â⬠Eddie glanced at me in surprise. ââ¬Å"You did?â⬠ââ¬Å"No! I never said that.â⬠Adrianââ¬â¢s smile was infuriating. ââ¬Å"Stop telling people that.â⬠Since I was in charge of the scorecard, his play was logged as four, despite his many further protests. I started to move forward, but Eddie held out a hand to stop me, his hazel eyes gazing over my shoulder. ââ¬Å"Hold up,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"We need to wait for Jill and Lee.â⬠I followed his gaze. The two of them had been in deep conversation since we arrived, so much so that theyââ¬â¢d slowed and lagged behind the rest of us. Even during his bantering with Adrian and me, Eddie had continually checked on her ââ¬â and our surroundings. It was kind of amazing the way he could multitask. Thus far, Jill and Lee had only been one hole behind us. Now it was nearly two, and that was too far for Eddie to keep her in his sight. So, we waited while the oblivious couple meandered their way toward the Dragonââ¬â¢s Lair. Adrian took another drink from his flask and shook his head in awe. ââ¬Å"You had nothing to worry about, Sage. She went right for him.â⬠ââ¬Å"No thanks to you,â⬠I snapped. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t believe you told her every detail of my visit that night. She was so mad at me for interfering behind her back with you, Lee, and Micah.â⬠ââ¬Å"I hardly told her anything,â⬠argued Adrian. ââ¬Å"I just told her to stay away from that human guy.â⬠Eddie glanced between our faces. ââ¬Å"Micah?â⬠I shifted uncomfortably. Eddie didnââ¬â¢t know about how Iââ¬â¢d gone proactive. ââ¬Å"Remember when I wanted you to say something to him? And you wouldnââ¬â¢t?â⬠I proceeded to tell him how Iââ¬â¢d then sought out Adrianââ¬â¢s help and found out about Leeââ¬â¢s interest in Jill. Eddie was aghast. ââ¬Å"How could you not tell me any of this?â⬠he demanded. ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠I said, wondering if everything I did was going to result in the wrath of a Moroi or dhampir, ââ¬Å"it didnââ¬â¢t involve you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jillââ¬â¢s safety does! If some guy likes her, I need to know.â⬠Adrian chuckled. ââ¬Å"Should Sage have passed you a note in class?â⬠ââ¬Å"Leeââ¬â¢s fine,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"He obviously adores her, and itââ¬â¢s not like sheââ¬â¢ll ever be alone with him.â⬠ââ¬Å"We donââ¬â¢t know for sure that heââ¬â¢s fine,â⬠said Eddie. ââ¬Å"Whereas Micahââ¬â¢s a hundred percent okay? Did you do a background check or something?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠said Eddie, looking embarrassed. ââ¬Å"I just know. Itââ¬â¢s a feeling I get about him. Thereââ¬â¢s no problem with him spending time with Jill.â⬠ââ¬Å"Except that heââ¬â¢s human.â⬠ââ¬Å"They wouldnââ¬â¢t have gotten serious.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t know that.â⬠ââ¬Å"Enough, you two,â⬠interrupted Adrian. Jill and Lee had finally reached the start of the Dragonââ¬â¢s Lair, meaning we could move on. Adrian lowered his voice. ââ¬Å"Your argumentââ¬â¢s useless. I mean, look at them. That human boy doesnââ¬â¢t enter into it.â⬠I looked. Adrian was right. Jill and Lee were clearly enthralled with each other. Some guilty part of me wondered if I should be a doing a better job of looking out for Jill. I was so relieved that she was interested in a Moroi that I hadnââ¬â¢t stopped to wonder if she should even be dating anyone. Was fifteen old enough? I hadnââ¬â¢t dated at fifteen. Iââ¬â¢d actually, well, never dated. ââ¬Å"There is an age difference between them,â⬠I admitted, more to myself. Adrian scoffed. ââ¬Å"Believe me, Iââ¬â¢ve seen age differences. Theirs is nothing.â⬠He walked off, and a few moments later, Eddie and I went to join him. Eddie maintained his simultaneous vigil of Jill, but this time, I got the impression the danger he was watching out for was right beside her. Adrianââ¬â¢s laughter rang out ahead of us. ââ¬Å"Sage!â⬠he called. ââ¬Å"You have got to see this.â⬠Eddie and I reached the next green and stared in astonishment. Then I burst out laughing. We had reached Draculaââ¬â¢s Castle. A huge, multi-towered black castle guarded the hole some distance away. A tunnel was cut out through the center of it with a narrow bridge meant for the ball to go over. If the ball fell off the sides before getting through the castle, it was returned back to the starting point. An animatronic Count Dracula stood off to the castleââ¬â¢s side. He was pure white, with red eyes, pointed ears, and slicked-back hair. He jerkily kept raising his arms to show off a batlike cape. Nearby, a speaker blasted eerie organ music. I couldnââ¬â¢t stop laughing. Adrian and Eddie looked at me as though theyââ¬â¢d never seen me before. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think Iââ¬â¢ve ever heard her laugh,â⬠Eddie told him. ââ¬Å"Certainly not the reaction I was expecting,â⬠mused Adrian. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢d been counting on abject terror, judging from past Alchemist behavior. I didnââ¬â¢t think you liked vampires.â⬠Still grinning, I watched Dracula raise his cape up and down. ââ¬Å"This isnââ¬â¢t a vampire. Not a real one. And thatââ¬â¢s what makes it so funny. Itââ¬â¢s pure Hollywood camp. Real vampires are terrifying and unnatural. This? This is hilarious.â⬠It was clear from their expressions that neither really understood why this would appeal to my sense of humor so much. Adrian did, however, offer to take a picture with my cell phone when I asked him. I posed by Dracula and put on a big smile. Adrian managed to snap the shot just as Dracula was raising his cape. When I viewed the picture, I was pleased to see it had come out perfectly. Even my hair looked good. Adrian gave the picture a nod of approval before handing me the phone. ââ¬Å"Okay, even I can admit thatââ¬â¢s pretty cute.â⬠I found myself overanalyzing the comment. What had he meant in saying even he could admit it? That I was cute for a human? Or that I had just met some kind of Adrian hot-girl criteria? Moments later, I had to forcibly stop thinking about it. Let it go, Sydney. Itââ¬â¢s a compliment. Accept it. We played through the rest of the course, finally finishing off with the waterfall itself. That was a particularly challenging hole, and I took my time lining up the shot ââ¬â not that I needed to. I was beating everyone pretty handily. Eddie was the only one who came close. It was clear Jill and Lee didnââ¬â¢t even have their attention on the game, and as for Adrian and his natural talentâ⬠¦ well, they were very solidly in last place. Eddie, Adrian, and I were still ahead of the other two, so we waited for them by the waterfall. Jill practically ran to it when she had the chance, gazing up at it with enchanted eyes. ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠she breathed. ââ¬Å"This is wonderful. I havenââ¬â¢t seen this much water in days.â⬠ââ¬Å"Remember what I said about the toxicity,â⬠teased Lee. But it was clear he found her reaction endearing. As I glanced at the other two guys, I saw that they shared the same feelings. Well, not exactly the same. Adrianââ¬â¢s affection was clearly brotherly. Eddieââ¬â¢s? It was hard to read, kind of a mix of the other two. Maybe it was a kind of guardian fondness. Jill made a gesture to the waterfall, and suddenly, part of it broke off from the tumbling cascade. The chunk of water shaped itself into a braid, then twisted high into the air, making spirals before shattering into a million drops that misted over us all. I had been staring wide-eyed and frozen, but those drops hitting me shocked me awake. ââ¬Å"Jill,â⬠I said in a voice I barely recognized as my own. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t do that again.â⬠Jill, eyes bright, barely spared me a glance as she made another piece of water dance in the air. ââ¬Å"No oneââ¬â¢s around to see, Sydney.â⬠That wasnââ¬â¢t what had me so upset. That wasnââ¬â¢t what filled me with so much panic that I could barely breathe. The world was doing that thing where it started to spin, and I worried I was going to faint. Stark, cold fear ran through me, fear at the unknown. The unnatural. The laws of my world had just been broken. This was vampire magic, something foreign and inaccessible to humans ââ¬â inaccessible because it was forbidden, something no mortal was meant to delve into. I had only once seen magic used, when two spirit users had turned on each other, and I never wanted to see it again. One had forced the plants of the earth to do her bidding while the other telekinetically hurled objects meant to kill. It had been terrifying, and even though I hadnââ¬â¢t been the target, Iââ¬â¢d felt trapped and overwhelmed in the f ace of such otherworldly power. It was a reminder that these werenââ¬â¢t fun, easy people to hang out with. These were creatures wholly different from me. ââ¬Å"Stop it,â⬠I said, feeling the panic rise. I was afraid of the magic, afraid it would touch me, afraid of what it might do to me. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t do it anymore!â⬠Jill didnââ¬â¢t even hear me. She grinned at Lee. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re air, right? Can you create fog over the water?â⬠Lee stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked away. ââ¬Å"Ah, well, itââ¬â¢s probably not a good idea. I mean, weââ¬â¢re in publicâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Come on,â⬠she pleaded. ââ¬Å"It wonââ¬â¢t take any effort for you at all.â⬠He actually appeared nervous. ââ¬Å"Nah, not right now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not you too.â⬠She laughed. Above her and in front of her, that demon water was still spinning, spinning, spinningâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"Jill,â⬠said Adrian, a harsher note in his voice than Iââ¬â¢d ever heard before. In fact, I couldnââ¬â¢t recall him ever addressing her by her actual name. ââ¬Å"Stop.â⬠It was all he said, but it was like a wave of something went through Jill. She flinched, and the water spirals disappeared, falling away in droplets. ââ¬Å"Fine,â⬠she said, looking confused. There was a moment of awkwardness, and then Eddie said, ââ¬Å"We should hurry. Weââ¬â¢re going to be pushing curfew.â⬠Lee and Jill set out to make their shots and soon were laughing and flirting again. Eddie continued watching them in his concerned way. Only Adrian paid any attention to me. He was the only one who really understood what had happened, I realized. His green eyes studied me, with no trace of their usual bitter humor. I wasnââ¬â¢t fooled, though. I knew there had to be some witty quip coming, mocking my reaction. ââ¬Å"Are you okay?â⬠he asked quietly. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m fine,â⬠I said, turning from him. I didnââ¬â¢t want him to see my face. Heââ¬â¢d already seen too much, seen my fear. I didnââ¬â¢t want any of them to know how afraid of them I was. I heard him take a few steps toward me. ââ¬Å"Sage ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Leave me alone,â⬠I snapped back. I hurried off toward the courseââ¬â¢s exit, certain he wouldnââ¬â¢t follow me. I was right. I waited for them to finish the game, using the alone time to calm myself down. By the time they caught up to me, I was fairly certain I had wiped most of the emotions from my face. Adrian still watched me with concern, which I didnââ¬â¢t like, but at least he didnââ¬â¢t say anything else about my breakdown. Surprising to no one, the final score showed that I had won and Adrian had lost. Lee had come in third, which seemed to trouble him. ââ¬Å"I used to be a lot better,â⬠he muttered, frowning. ââ¬Å"I used to be perfect at this game.â⬠Considering heââ¬â¢d spent most of the time paying attention to Jill, I thought third was a pretty respectable performance. I dropped him and Adrian off first and then just barely got Eddie, Jill, and me back to Amberwood on time. I was more or less back to normal by then, not that anyone wouldââ¬â¢ve noticed. Jill was floating on a cloud as we went into our dorm room, talking nonstop about Lee. ââ¬Å"I had no idea heââ¬â¢d traveled so much! Heââ¬â¢s maybe been more places than you, Sydney. He keeps telling me that heââ¬â¢ll take me to all of them, that weââ¬â¢ll spend the rest of our lives traveling and doing whatever we want. And heââ¬â¢s taking all sorts of classes in college because heââ¬â¢s not sure what he wants to major in. Well, not all sorts this semester. Heââ¬â¢s got a light schedule so that he can spend more time with his father. And thatââ¬â¢s good for me. For us, I mean.â⬠I stifled a yawn and nodded wearily. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s great.â⬠She paused from where sheââ¬â¢d been searching her dresser for pajamas. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry, by the way.â⬠I froze. I didnââ¬â¢t want an apology for the magic. I didnââ¬â¢t even want to remember it had happened. ââ¬Å"For yelling at you the other night,â⬠she continued. ââ¬Å"You didnââ¬â¢t set me up with Lee. I should never have accused you of interfering. He really has liked me all along, and, wellâ⬠¦ heââ¬â¢s really great.â⬠I let out the breath Iââ¬â¢d been holding and attempted a weak smile. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m glad youââ¬â¢re happy.â⬠She returned cheerfully to her tasks and to talking about Lee until I left to go down to the bathroom. Before brushing my teeth, I stood in front of the sink and washed my hands and arms over and over, scrubbing as hard as I could to wash away the magical drops of water I swore I could still feel on my skin.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Ethic report for wind and solar and hydropower Essay
Ethic report for wind and solar and hydropower - Essay Example an be produced in different scales namely large hydro (more than 10megawatts), small hydro (upto10 megawatts), micro hydro (up to 100kw), and pico hydro (up to 5kw). One major advantage of hydroelectric power is that the operational cost of a hydroelectric plant is almost immune to the increase in the cost of fossils fuel and, more so, absolutely no imports are required for the same. Hydropower is a clean source of energy with absolutely no emissions of Carbon Dioxide, and, therefore, no pollution to the environment. Global warming is also minimized. The hydropower dams can be used as a habitat for some fish and wildlife. More so, the water can be used for irrigation purposes, and they make the surrounding area around fertile (Ryan, 2009). Additionally, electricity can be produced at a constant rate and electricity generation can be stopped when it is not needed by closing sluice gates. Therefore, water can be stored for some time when there is less demand for electricity. Since dams can stay for a longer period it can be used to, store water there is no high demand of power. It is vital to note that many nations recommend hydropower because it does not emit any harmful chemicals and gases such as carbon dioxide and it is not a major contributor to global warming via carbon dioxide. Hydropower is a renewable source of energy or power because rivers and streams are naturally available. Further, hydropower is not expensive as compared to energy produced from nuclear energy or fossil fuels. The advantage of hydroelectric reservoirs is that they are able to tackle daily, seasonal, and peak loads. For instance, when the demand of electric falls, the reservoirs or dams store water while some installed electricity generators are used to store excess energy (Ryan, 2009). The cost of generating hydropower is low making it the most preferable source of the worldââ¬â¢s renewable energy. Further, hydroelectric plants are said to have long economic lives with some plants
How does the imagination of disaster (Susan Sontag) function in Essay - 1
How does the imagination of disaster (Susan Sontag) function in depictions of urban catastrophe in film I Am Legent' (2007) - Essay Example Susan argues that the film thrives on the sensuous connection with the audience through the arresting images and the immediacy of the experience as observed on the screen. The author traces the main stages of development of the sci-fi film in terms of the emergence of a situation that disturbs harmony, to the stages of disbelief, tragedy, threat, destruction, feelings of vulnerability, and the heroic antics of a lone actor who eventually designs some kind of remedy that prevails against the formidable foe. The main features in Sontagââ¬â¢s analysis are manifest in the post-apocalyptic film I am Legend, which was directed by Francis Lawrence with Will Smith featuring as the military virologist Robert Neville, the main protagonist (Lawrence, 2007). In the film, Neville finds himself facing the odds of a horrific destruction wrought by a scientific experiment gone awry leading to a virulent strain of a virus that has depopulated nearly 95 percent of the world population. Neville has to put aside his own pain of losing his wife and child and struggle to save his own life and the lives of the few surviving humans by developing an antidote that would rescue the infected and the few survivors. The task is daunting and the odds are nearly insurmountable for the lone hero but he has to endeavor to contain the horror. The film represents the good and bad of science in the sense that it captures both its threat to humanity and its near limitless potential to provide solutions to the same thre ats. Sontag argues that scientific films are mainly dominated by the theme of massive destruction (Sontag, 1966). The focus, she argues is the scale of destruction, which is usually captured on an enormous and shocking scale. Destruction is captured in grim details that involve the potency of powerful machinery, a determined destructive force, and great humanitarian suffering. Most of these films anticipate calamities and apocalyptic
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Risk Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1
Risk Analysis - Essay Example Additionally, risk can be defined as the probability(No author, 2000) of an event multiplied by the cost of the event. The following paragraphs explain the nuances of the different risk management techniques. There are many Risk management techniques. Avoidance is one type of risk management technique. Also, modification is another type of risk management technique(No author, 2000). Further, Retention is a very viable risk management technique. Lastly, Sharing is another popular risk management technique. To complete, risk reduction is very good alternative. Avoidance - Whenever an organization cannot offer a service while ensuring a high degree of safety, it should choose avoidance as a risk management technique(Drucker, 1980). Do not offer programs that pose too great a risk. In some cases avoidance is the most appropriate technique because a nonprofit simply doesn't have the financial resources required to fund adequate training, supervision, equipment, or other safety measures. Avoidance even includes not performing an activity that could produce risk. For example, A person would be discouraged to buying a property or business in order to avoid taking on the liability that comes with it. Another example is that a project manager would be not flying in order to avoid taking the risk that the airplane would be hijacked. Avoidance may seem the answer to all risks, However, avoiding risks also means losing out on the possible gain that accepting (retaining) the risk may have allowed. An organization that does not enter a business to avo id the risk(Strickland, 1999) of loss also avoids the possibility of earning profits. Avoidance is a good risk management technique. Modification - Modification(Wheelen, 1996) is be clearly defined as changing an activity to make it safer for all involved. Many policies and procedures can be made as examples of risk modification. For example, an organization that is very concerned about the risk of using unsafe drivers may include an additional DMV record check to its current screening process. Also, an annual road test for all drivers can now be implemented compulsorily. For clarity, an organization that is also concerned about the lack of male and female chaperones for an overnight camping trip could modify its policies and procedures by modifying the night camp activities into hosting a day-long mountain hike and picnic instead. The night male only shift guards in the company project(Papows, 2002) could be modified to an male and female shift status because there are female night shift employees working the graveyard hours. Modification is good if it improves project performance.Retention - Retention could be done on two areas. The first area is by retention of project design(Campbell, 1998). For example, a project manager may decide that the implementation of a new project process with the new techniques aren't as suitable as the original project process design because the new process will cause
Friday, July 26, 2019
Tokyo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Tokyo - Essay Example It described the future of Tokyo by predicting that Tokyo will make further strides as a big city with a population of over 12 million, a lively city characterized by mutual contacts and support for transcending generations, a comfortable city with a combination of abundant greenery and charming waterfront, and a city which will maintain a balance between residence and work place while functioning both as a domestic and international information junction and as a major base for the international economy. This is the very image of Tokyo as an attractive international city-that is, a world city-which will lead the world both in name and reality (TMG, 1987, p. 50). When examining the nature of urban policy and planning, it is impossible to ignore the context of global economic change. Many of these policies are formulated as a response to global economic pressures. The priority of urban policy in many cities is to attract inward investment and increase economic competitiveness in relation to other world cities, or similar cities in their region (Short and Kim, 214-235)-although the manner in which this is pursued can vary according to local circumstances (Hall and Hubbard, 85-99). Often these entrepreneurial approaches are adopted to stimulate revitalization after the loss of earlier economic vitality. Thus, as a hypothesis, it is reasonable to ask whether such an entrepreneurial policy emphasis has developed in Tokyo in the context of the Japanese economic crisis. Although Tokyo is nearly always bracketed with London and New York as the top three world cities, there is considerable debate over the degree of similarity between them. One criticism of the global city debate is its Anglo-American ethnocentrism and its tendency to "exaggerate... Although Tokyo is widely regarded as one of the top three ââ¬Ëworld citiesââ¬â¢, the argument is supported that it retained many national characteristics, partly based on its location in a ââ¬Ëdevelopmental stateââ¬â¢. As national fortunes have changed, so has Tokyoââ¬â¢s relationship with its global environment. Twenty years ago Japan was experiencing economic boom and this was reflected in dramatic development projects in Tokyo. The concept of ââ¬Ëworld cityââ¬â¢ was used at this time to legitimize such development. The 1990s were viewed in Japan as ââ¬Ëthe lost decadeââ¬â¢ with great uncertainty over policy direction as the boom collapsed and urban policy in Tokyo entered a phase of inertia. It is argued that the city is now entering a third phase in which a new competitive attitude is emerging regarding the role of Tokyo and this is leading to changes in strategic urban policy. However, this new approach is still embedded in old structures and conceptio ns and hence there are tensions in developing future policy. Attitudes to the role of Tokyo have been changing in national government. After a period in which the concept of world city was unfashionable, the national administration of Hashimoto announced the Japanese version of the Big Bang policy in 2003. This proposed that Tokyo should be revived as one of the worldââ¬â¢s economic centers and be made into a free, fair and global financial market. This was the context for the election for Governor of Tokyo in 1999, which was won by Ishihara. His election manifesto was based on the idea that national recovery should start in Tokyo. He presented himself as a strong political leader who could stop the decline of both Tokyo and Japan. His dynamic approach, in which he proposed to revitalize Tokyo again as Japanââ¬â¢s leading city and an important world player, contrasted with the sluggish approach under Hiroshima.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Does increasing nurse-patient ratio increase in hospital patient Research Paper
Does increasing nurse-patient ratio increase in hospital patient mortality - Research Paper Example The issue of high nurse-patient rations will continue to affect the delivery of healthcare services across the U.S (Institute of Medicine, 2004). Additionally, the nursing shortage in the USA is expected to grow to 260,000 registered nursing staff by the year 2025. A shortage of this degree will be double that experienced in the past, in the US since the 1960s. Relating the case of nurse shortage in the U.S, one of the developed nations of the world, the case has not been any different for less developed nations like Taiwan. In Taiwan, a high number of hospitals are facing the problem of low nurse-staffing. The case has been very acute in recent years, leading to the closure of a number of wards at given hospitals, according to the statistics drawn from a study by the National union of Nursesââ¬â¢ association (Central News Agency, 2011). Research studies on hospitals and healthcare centers show that institutions with inadequate nursing personnel show poorer patient outcomes, which compromises the care administered to patients. Decreased nurse staffing was linked to patient safety concerns and the increased incidence of adverse situations like the development of pneumonia, pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Lichtig, Knauf & Milholland, 1999), patient mortality (Aiken et al., 2002), medication errors (McGills-Hall, Doran & Pink, 2004), unplanned extubation cases (Marcin et al., 2005) and longer length of stay on average (Pronovost et al., 1999). Blegen and Vaughn (1998) discussed that, with a higher proportion of the service hours offered by registered nurses (RNs), there was a resultant decrease in the average length of stay (ALOS), cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, UTIs, medication errors and patient complaints, pressure ulcers, and pneumonia and cardiac arrests or shock with failure to rescue. Towards addressing the nurse shortage, the government has adopted a potential payment model to address the increasing medical expenditures. This has been affected through the imposition of measures like, the restructure of the operations of the hospitals facing financial pressure. This encompasses the adoption of strategies like the hiring of unlicensed assistant nurses or casual nurses, who are paid lower amounts as compared to the RNs, and can fill the service gaps (Sun et al., 2005). Nevertheless, it is challenging to improve nursing staff levels, even after the replacement of registered nurses with the less costly personnel. The factors leading to the unsolvable nature of the situation include the gap between the numbers of available vacancies and the number of qualified registered nurses, willing to fill these vacancies, the working conditions, the nurse burnout resulting from the shortage and low job satisfaction levels (Yin & Yang, 2002). Another issue heightening the nursin g shortage is the abandonment of the nursing profession due to increased involvement in extra-patient care services like nursing informatics and utilization management. This is evident from a recent study, which showed an average vacancy level of 28% in Taiwan (Sun et al., 2005). In Taiwan, there is also legislation requiring a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:8 at hospitals. However, this minimum ratio was
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Film philosophy about the Butler Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Film philosophy about the Butler - Assignment Example ttingly and subtly nudged the course of American history through the tumultuous years of reform, contributing an equal importance to the Black American cause. The main point of the film is the Black Africansââ¬â¢ struggle for equality in America. It is not unlike the classic story of the American Dream as told in countless materials such as Forrest Gump. This particular American Dream was told from the Black Americanââ¬â¢s perspective and the experiences in Civil Rights Movement. This inevitably included that tragedy and sorrow of being Black man in modern America particularly before the Civil Rights movement with the segregation of the colored and the whites and immediately after as America was confronted by racial and relevant issues both at home and abroad. This key point is palpable across the entire film. As Gainesââ¬â¢s life progressed, so did the lives of African American. These transpired in a succession of flashbacks in the protagonistââ¬â¢s mind as he was waiting to meet the newly elected Black President. For this reason, the film was heavily structured in order to seamlessly integrate the phases of the Gainesââ¬â ¢ life with the chronology of the American Civil Rights movement and the American contemporary political developments. The challenge of achieving this feat without digressing from the protagonistââ¬â¢s narrative was achieved through stylistic interplay of shots. In some parts of the film, bracketing was also used to carry on the narrative of Cecil Gaines and his familys life as the director integrated civil rights stories such as boycotts. These shots made use of a play of lighting, close-ups (like they were actually before the audience), the use of elements such as mirror and the flicker of television display as reflected on the face of the actors, among others. This approach was important especially in narrating the chronology of the Civil Rights movement without veering away from the logical sequence of Cecil Gainesââ¬â¢ narrative. There was also the
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Eleven Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Eleven - Essay Example In a time of emotional support, my family comes first in consoling and helping me. At least, family can remain genuine to you all the time. Long when I was little, I used to depend so much on my family for every decision-making support. However, this has changed greatly as I make more friends who can help me sort out some of my needs that my family cannot. Friends can even help me keep a secret that I do not wish my family to know. The communication pattern with my family is satisfactory, and it makes me achieve most of my needs. However, there are certain needs that the communication pattern in my family will not help me achieve. Such needs are easily achieved through the help of friends. Friends normally consider one someone mature at some point when your family still consider you a child. Therefore, in order to change the pattern, I would like my parents to consider me as someone who can sometimes make right decisions on their own. Therefore, I can sometimes be allowed of exercising independent-minded decisions. In my family, use mostly use communication as a way of reaching out to my parents whenever there is a need I want them to know about. Most of the time, everyone is busy in the family attending to different issues separately. Therefore, you only take a short time to pass a message to whoever is concerned when it is required to. My family is majoring on weekends and holidays to be family days. During such days, we go out as a family to relax together, and on vacation during long holidays. This creates a forum for us to be together as a family and be close to each other. However, I would wish that parents create more time for their children to attend to all their needs as they want them to. To other families, it is very important to watch your children grow and give them the best directions in
Achilles - Greek Mythology Essay Example for Free
Achilles Greek Mythology Essay Ancient Greeks lived a very unique lifestyle in their times. They knew no one of Greece. This helped them to live by their own ways and not follow anything that happened outside of Greece because they simply could not. In parts of Greek mythology gods could not interfere with fate and gods intervened directly in mortals lives. There were many examples of these things happening. One aspect learned in the Voyage of Odysseus was gods could not interfere with fate. There were many encounters where fate overpowered gods in Greek mythology. For example, what happened with Polyphemus and Odysseus. Odysseus hurt Polyphemus by tricking him into drinking too much which left him unconscious and defenseless. Odysseus took advantage of this and stabbed him in the eye. He then left and went on his journey home. In the story Polyphemus says, I call upon Poseidon, the god of the sea, whose son am I, to avenge upon you, upon Poseidon to grant that you, Odysseus may never come to your home,or if the gods have ordained your return that you come to it after much toil and suffering, in an evil plight and in a strangers ship, to find sorrow in your home (Colum, 199-200) This proves that gods cannot interfere with fate because Polyphemus called upon Poseidon to interfere with Odysseusââ¬â¢ fate but Poseidon could not, Odysseus got home safely and untouched by Poseidon. He enjoyed a safe journey home. This shows how in the end, Odysseusââ¬â¢ fate overcame Poseidon as a god and what he wished or intended for in the story the Voyage of Odysseus. This is one of the examples of how gods cannot interfere with fate of others. Another aspect was gods intervened directly in mortals lives. This happened more than once, but one of the times was when Achilles hurt his knee during the battle between him and Hector. Achilles states in the story, ââ¬Å"Die, hound. My fate I meet when Zeus and the other gods decree.â⬠(Church 131) Achilles hurt his knee during the battle, and gods cured it so he couldà keep running. This is one thing that happened in the Trojan War that explains how gods intervened directly in mortals live. Therefore if Achilles was not cured by the gods he would not able to keep running and would likely not be able to win the battle. Overall, during Greek mythology there were many encounters with goals but we have realized gods could not interfere with fate. Although gods could not interfere with fate they did intervene with mortals lives. After reading Greek mythology what can truly be said about it is it is a very interesting topic to learn about and great for all ages.
Monday, July 22, 2019
That Time Of The Year Essay Example for Free
That Time Of The Year Essay The Turning point: the poem is addressed to Mr. W. H. and it isà a Shakespereanà sonnet. A sonnet is a lyric poem of 14 lines with aà formal rhyme scheme, expressing different aspects of a simple thought, mood or feeling, resolved or summed up in the last lines of the poem. The English sonnet is divided into three quartrain, each rhymed differently with a final independently rhymed couplet that makes an effective unifying climax to the wholea b a b, c d c d, e f e f, gg . à True to the Shakesperean tradition this sonnet too has three quartrains . The first one portraysà late autumn or early winter. It portrays aà dull, cheerless and gloomy landscape- leafless and bare trees, withered and yellowed leaves, branches of trees deprived ofà all the usual music since the chorus of birds hasà flown away. The poet compares himself with this cheerless landscape and seems to lament the departed glory and happiness of hisà life. Similarly, in the second stanza the poet equates himself to a twilight which in its wake will bring about a dark, silent and long night full of deathlike chill. The third quartrain portrays another gloomy sceneââ¬âafire getting choked to death under the wait of its own ashes Three quartrains and each one of them, sad gloomy and pessimistic. In which we discover the poet wallowing in self ââ¬âpity, indulging in vain regrets..:- But the last couplet of the poem ushers in cheer, mirth, joy and happiness. into the scene.and that is the change our discussion is all about.The poetââ¬â¢s mood is totally transformed. Despair and despondency give way to a vibrant otimism. He feels convinced that his failing health and decadent body could not remain unnoticed by his loved one. When he comes to know that the moment of final goodbye was fast approaching, he would keep everything and everybody aside and cocentrate on him and him only. It would be a blessing in disguise and make the ties of his love even stronger.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
A Teachers View On Teaching Kindergarten English Language Essay
A Teachers View On Teaching Kindergarten English Language Essay Kindergarten teachers establish the foundation of all education. These extraordinary educators help their students learn the alphabet, how to count, and how to write; all the qualities needed to be successful in school. In addition to academics, kindergarten teachers are instrumental in setting standards for good behavior in school. Without their guidance the children would not have the proper foundations for their future learning. Kindergarten classrooms and teachers are very important to little children who are just beginning their formal learning process at a new school. Kindergarten teachers are the most important in a childs education. Kindergarten is the second stage in school following pre-kindergarten. In pre-kindergarten you learn how to get along with and play with other students. Kindergarten is the establishment of young childrens existence in the educational system. What does the word kindergarten stand for? It means a school or class for children usually from four to six year olds à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦ that serve as an introduction to school. (Merriam-Webster) Some teachers said it is not an easy job teaching kindergarten students. Two teachers interviewed say teaching kindergarten is a difficult job. Mrs. Van Dyke stated, Yes, yes, yes!! I really enjoy teaching them, but every day presents its own trials. It also has many rewards, (Mrs. Van Dyke). Mrs. Byrd stated, The good thing about kindergarten is the children are enthusiastic to learn and strive to please their teachers. I like being able to be the one that teaches the establishment of letters, phonics, numbers, and reading comprehension, (Mrs. Byrd). Mrs. Van Dyke and Mrs. Byrd where asked what inspired them to become a teacher? Mrs. Van Dyke said, I have always loved children. I began working as a dance teacher and enjoyed it so much I decided to go into it as a career, (Mrs. Van Dyke). Mrs. Byrd stated, I started working in the school system so that I could spend more time with my two sons. I worked three years in second grade. My Assistant principle moved me to kindergarten becau se she said my gift was really with the little ones, (Mrs. Byrd). Without the teachers the kindergarten class would not happen. The teachers will help the students to get all of the foundation needed to go on to the first grade. In essence, kindergarten teachers are very important to a little childs educational career. In an interview, Mrs. Van Dyke and Mrs. Byrd were asked how long it took them to complete their degrees to become a teacher and teacher assistant. What degree(s) did they get from college, and what college(s) did they attend? Mrs. Van Dyke stated, It took me four years. I took classes during the summer and graduated in four years. I attended Harding University and Slippery Rock College, receiving a degree in early childhood education, (Mrs. Van Dyke). Mrs. Byrd said, I have an associates degree in computer science from Gaston College. I worked full time in a textile mill so it took me between three to four years to complete it, (Mrs. Byrd). A classroom is a place for learning experiences. Most kindergarten classrooms have a kitchen play house set. Also the classroom contains water paint, a computer, a sand table, blocks, puzzles, and a writing center. These activities allow students to interact with each other students in the class. In a kindergarten classroom you have cubbies to store students supplies (book bag, clothes and other stuff). Also you will find a smiley chart which is used to display students behavior for the day. It is called a behavior chart; this chart is a scale showing a range of behaviors from high spirits to low or disappointing behavior from a teachers point of view. Lesson plans are a teaching tool to show how a teacher gets ready for his or her class every day. Lesson plans show what teachers do to help each and every student. Carpet time in kindergarten classes is a learning period. During carpet time the kindergarten students learn the days of the week. That is very important for little children to know the days of the week. Also during carpet time the children sing the good morning song. Here are the words to the song; Good morning to you! Good morning to you! Were all in our places with bright shining faces. Oh, this is the way to start a great day! Good morning to you! Good morning to you! Were all in our places with food on our faces. Oh, this is the way to have a great day! Good evening to you! Stars and the moon in their places they go through their paces. Oh, this is the way to end a good day! (Variety of Kindergarten Choices Increases). Also while the children are at the carpet the sing songs and move around the carpet or rug in the r oom. It is very significant that the children know the days of the week, how to count, and read previous to first grade. Every now and then when the students are misbehaving they do not get to go outside and play with other children. That is called a time out. Some children do not like that at all. Also when some of the students misbehave they have to pull a clip. That is one way to tell when a student is being terrible. All of the children love to be interactive. [The little students will be devoted to this lesson because they are interactive in on the increase their class tree and then take an interactive piece in putting their letter on the tree when it is their turn to put their letter on the tree.] That is very full of life measurement in that days lesson plans. All most all of the kindergarteners are not able to sit in their sits all day long, they need to get up and be in motion around sometimes. If you have something in your lesson this is a good song to use. This is how the song goes like this. [Inside, outside up and down long and short smile and frown hot and cold fast and slow how many opposites do you know Were alert when its morning and sleep when it is night. We keep close to home will not go far out of sight. The children try to be good and not to be bad. Were a good quantity are often in high spirits, but sometime our toys are profound but some are light too. Our toy box is sometimes unfilled when were having an enjoyable time playing with toys. But its full again when we shipshape up at the end of every day.] That is one way to get their small bodies moving, and the kindergarteners will not be so wiggly when youre ready to be knowledgeable. In kindergarten the students may also have some home work to do. The students may have home work is really not difficult. At the start of the school year, the teachers will help the students learn how to say and write their alphabet. Some say that is too much on a little kindergartener. But it is really not. Students have to know the alphabet so when they get to first grade. They are the building blocks needed throughput their educational career. In addition to songs, nursery rhymes are another way to get the students active. Here are two examples of nursery rhymes, twinkle, and twinkle, and little star, and Hickory, dickory, dock. Hickory, dickory, docks; the mouse ram up the clock. The clock struck one, and the mouse ran down the clock, Hickory, dickory, dock (Mrs. Byrd). Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are! When the blazing sun is gone, when nothing shines upon, than you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are! Then the traveler in the dark thanks you for your tiny sparks; he could not see which way to go, it you did not twinkle so. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are! In the dark blue sky you keep, and often through my curtains peep, for you never shut your eye till the sun is in the sky. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are! As youre bright and tiny spark lights the traveler in the dark, through I know not what you are, twinkle, twinkle, and little star. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are! (Mrs. Van Dyke). Those are really good nursery rhymes, and the children will love to say them and read them all the time. The alphabet comforter is a good thing to use because it refreshes their memory allowing them to remember their sounds and how to pronounce them; some teachers say this lesson is great for little ones. To help the students count, the teachers can use some number word rhymes to help them remember how to count. The teachers also can help them to remember their colors by doing color rhymes or songs that tells them how to spell the colors of the rainbow. Here is one of the color rhymes for the color black. B-l-a-c-k spells b-l-a-c-k. B-l-a-c-k spells b-l-a-c-k. Scary cats are b-l-a-c-k. Flying bats are b-l-a-c-k. Santas boots are b-l-a-c-k. I like b-l-a-c-k. B-l-a-c-k spells b-l-a-c-k. B-l-a-c-k spells b-l-a-c-k. Sunday shoes are b-l-a-c-k. Jelly beans are b-l-a-c-k. B-l-a-c-k spells b-l-a-c-k (Mrs. Van Dyke). B-r-o-w-n, b-r-o-w-n thats how you spell b-r-o-w-n, b-r-o-w-n. Big trees outside are b-r-o-w-n. B-r-o-w-n Hersheys- kisses are b-r-o-w-n. (Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Van Dyke). Another method of learning is where the teacher begins by trying to activate prior comprehension is. The teachers questions will help them to understand what they will be learning. The teacher will encourage students to start developing skills in listening to others, sharing thoughts or a dream, thinking about what they know, thinking about what they would like to know, and following directions. The teachers will also assist students in developing a positive reception for other ideas. A positive reception for the topic they will be studying. A feeling of accomplishment. Core curriculum content standards; all students will get your hands on historical understanding of societal thoughts and forces throughout the history of New Jersey, the United States, and world. Introduction; review; the teacher will ask the students what they are on familiar terms with about communication. Enthusiasm the teacher will have books, fiction and nonfiction, displayed on the topic. Predicament what so we already know about communication and what do we want to know? Development; the teacher will tell the class that they will be studying about communication. Ask the class what they think communication is. The teacher will ask the class what types of things they would like to be familiar terms with about communication. The teacher will go over the responses he or she has written on the paper and put it into simple words. The teacher will explain the different things they will be learning with reference to ways communication happen, inventions, a nimal communication by Aliki, graphic representation document. (Mrs. Van Dyke). All classrooms and teachers can be very different than others in the same school. Also all most all of the teachers have a different way they teach their class. Some students may or may not like the way the teacher teaches, that is very okay. This is why kindergarten teachers and classroom in a childs educational career. Life as a kindergarten teacher can be very hard in a way. The teachers have a very big job on their hands because teaching kindergarten is hard knowing what that child goes through at home. Some parents just do not care about their childs school work. So with that being said it is very hard sometimes to be a teacher. The teachers will never know how a child is treated at home unless they tell you. So kindergarten teachers are so very important in a childs educational career. It is exceptionally okay that a child goes to pre kindergarten taking place before he or she goes off into kindergarten to establish on his or her educational career. The teachers will be the only way a child will get through school. That is why kindergarten teachers and classrooms are so important in a childs educational career. Byrd, Lisa. Personal interview. 20 march 2009. Kindergarten. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2010. Merriam-Webster Online. 5 January 2010 Vandyke, Suzanne. Personal interview. 11 Mar 2009. Variety of Kindergarten Choices Increases. 24 Jan 2009:
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Four Procedures Commonly Used in Refractive Eye Surgery Essay examples
Four Procedures Commonly Used in Refractive Eye Surgery One of the first things put on in the morning and one of the last things taken off in the evening, glasses and contacts play a large part in the everyday lives of those who depend upon them to see clearly. These two types of corrective lenses allow for clearer vision, but glasses and contacts are also inconvenient. Sports, especially contact sports, are more difficult to play when glasses get in the way or break. For those who can wear them, contacts are an improvement over glasses; wearing contacts for 18 hours a day, however, is not healthy for the contacts or the eyes. Therefore, other methods are desired to correct vision. Ophthalmologists have long dreamed of equipment and techniques to permanently correct refractive problems. For more than 100 years, doctors have been exploring the use of surgery to reduce or eliminate patient's dependence on glasses and contacts ["Refractive," 1997]. This dream came true with the introduction of refractive surgical techniques for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. In refractive surgery, various micro-surgical procedures are used to re-shape the front surface of the cornea. Four main refractive eye procedures are clinically being studied: radial keratectomy (RK), automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). These four common procedures in refractive eye surgery will be compared and contrasted while taking into account the limitations of comparison such as the patient and the extent of the correction needed. Function of the Eye The human eye is a complex organ with a primary function of focusing light on the retina to provide the sense of sight f... ...ctive and Corneal Surgery (Boston: Little Brown and Company, 1996), pp. 10-120. "Laser Eye Center," http://www.lasereyecenter.com/ (Madison: University of Wisconsin, November 1997). McFadden, Murray, Dr. "Laser Eye Surgery, PRK, LASIK," http://www.prk.com/ (Madison: University of Wisconsin, November 1997). Raeburn, Paul, "Keep Your Eye on the Laser," Business Week (30 September 1996), p. 40. "Refractive Surgery Frequently Asked Questions," http://www.isrs.org/library/faq (Madison: University of Wisconsin, November 1997). Sanders, Donald, Radial Keratotomy (Thorofare: SLACK Incorporated, 1984), pp. 1-16. Sulting, Dr., "Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)," http://www.emory.org/vision_correction/ (Madison: University of Wisconsin, November 1997). "Understanding Laser Vision Correction," pamphlet (USA: The Laser Center Inc., 1997), pp. 7-43.
Essay --
Prison Term Policy Recommendation-Proposal John Brown CJA/314 February 9, 2014 Instructor: Dave Hart Prison Term Policy Recommendation-Proposal The adherents of the state legislature have employed me, a criminologist consultant to work for the state fulfilling a new bill on doubling up maximum prison term for everybody found guilty of armed burglary. As a criminologist consultant, I have been selected to offer the state legislature with a penitentiary term strategy on armed burglary. Soon, the state legislature will be polling on the new bill. The new bill is to decide if the new penitentiary term policy ought to affect everybody acquitted of an armed burglary crime to be given a double maximum prison term. As a criminologist consultant, I will study and give good feedback if I have confidence that the new bill in place will do any good. The bill for the maximum penitentiary prison term is common amongst the individuals on the state legislature board. Though, the bill is common amongst the board members, the manager employs you to study the circumstances for the reason that he wonders if the new bill will be to the benefit o f rehabilitation to the violator and to civilization. Included will be a reference and the motives as to why the good words were chosen. Contained within in my paper, I will define the following word, penitentiary term policy, burglary, and armed burglary so clearing up can be achieved. The penitentiary term policy will decide if a policy would continue to be the same or if alterations ought to be applied in some kind of way. The course of action will have one to two recommendations, along with declaring why the prior obsolete strategy wasnââ¬â¢t keeping individuals from committing the same wrongdoing ag... ...ined much more severely than the times beforehand. According to the criminologist, the penalty which a violator committed ought to be bigger than the wrongdoing which was committed. The following recommendation for the penitentiary term policy for an individual who has committed armed burglary is as follow: Every individual is a recurrence violator of an armed burglary will do a full prison term of 10 to 20 years. Along, with the 10 to 20 years, an additional 10 to 15 years of probation will be added. The violator will be accountable for paying a re-establishment fee, doubling up the harshness of the harm done plus the violator will have to take a monthly drug test to ensure they are clean. References http://criminal.laws.com/robbery/armed-robbery/armed-robbery-sentencing-and-punishment http://www.wklaw.com/areas-robbery-sentencing-punishment.html
Friday, July 19, 2019
Affirmative Action :: essays research papers
Affirmative Action Affirmative action is a plan made to end discrimination by guaranteeing minorities will be hired. The United States uses this practice to hire, but the qualifications of such people are occasionally overlooked. Many people believe that affirmative action is a very effective plan. The other people who oppose such action include people of various minorities, as well as many others who have been wronged by the plan. We live in a small town where there are very few minorities but in the big cities, itââ¬â¢s a very big deal. In several cases, this plan causes minorities to be thought of as being under qualified when hired and it also causes a new minority, the white male. Our government needs to acknowledge the fact that affirmative action is not putting an end to discrimination. This plan has succeeded in creating new minorities and more reasons for discrimination. Affirmative action frequently causes qualified employees to be looked down upon because some believe them to be "affirmative action hires." My boss at work is a woman and as a result I have encountered many discriminatory comments pertaining to her position. The first remark I usually receive suggestions that she was hired for her position solely based on gender. You might have also encountered a negative remark about a woman in your family such as: "Well, being a woman probably didn't hurt her resume." My boss is very good at her manager job yet most males look down upon her as being hired because of affirmative action. This type of criticism is received by many minorities holding good jobs, whether they are qualified or not. William Reynolds, assistant attorney general in the civil rights division states, ââ¬Å"In many cases, affirmative action takes away from legitimate minority success. People look at the black banker downtown who has made it on his own and s ay, ââ¬ËHe got his job because of affirmative action.ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ People of any race or gender should be able to hold a job where their colleagues respect them as their peers, not as "affirmative-action hires". It seems that minorities are accepted to a certain extent, until they become someone's boss or superior. Affirmative action insists that the employer must avoid the kind of unnecessary escalation of criteria for selection and promotion which has sometimes been used to keep certain classes of people from entering the mainstream of our economic life. Affirmative Action :: essays research papers Affirmative Action Affirmative action is a plan made to end discrimination by guaranteeing minorities will be hired. The United States uses this practice to hire, but the qualifications of such people are occasionally overlooked. Many people believe that affirmative action is a very effective plan. The other people who oppose such action include people of various minorities, as well as many others who have been wronged by the plan. We live in a small town where there are very few minorities but in the big cities, itââ¬â¢s a very big deal. In several cases, this plan causes minorities to be thought of as being under qualified when hired and it also causes a new minority, the white male. Our government needs to acknowledge the fact that affirmative action is not putting an end to discrimination. This plan has succeeded in creating new minorities and more reasons for discrimination. Affirmative action frequently causes qualified employees to be looked down upon because some believe them to be "affirmative action hires." My boss at work is a woman and as a result I have encountered many discriminatory comments pertaining to her position. The first remark I usually receive suggestions that she was hired for her position solely based on gender. You might have also encountered a negative remark about a woman in your family such as: "Well, being a woman probably didn't hurt her resume." My boss is very good at her manager job yet most males look down upon her as being hired because of affirmative action. This type of criticism is received by many minorities holding good jobs, whether they are qualified or not. William Reynolds, assistant attorney general in the civil rights division states, ââ¬Å"In many cases, affirmative action takes away from legitimate minority success. People look at the black banker downtown who has made it on his own and s ay, ââ¬ËHe got his job because of affirmative action.ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ People of any race or gender should be able to hold a job where their colleagues respect them as their peers, not as "affirmative-action hires". It seems that minorities are accepted to a certain extent, until they become someone's boss or superior. Affirmative action insists that the employer must avoid the kind of unnecessary escalation of criteria for selection and promotion which has sometimes been used to keep certain classes of people from entering the mainstream of our economic life.
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