P. S. I Love You Analysis

The movie I chose was P. S. I Love You. To begin with, I chose this movie because I have not seen it yet, but I have heard from my friends that it was a movie that I cannot miss out on. Reading the captions of the movies, it seemed very interesting and as soon as I was done with the movie, I gladly found it interesting. P. S. I love you had a unique plot compared to other love movies, after reading the synopsis I could automatically relate this movie with Chapter one on â€Å"Myth of the right one†. P. S. I Love You introduce its self with the daily lives of Holly Kennedy (the main character) and her husband Gerry Kennedy, a happily married couple going through their up and down stages of their marriage. Until Gerry dies of a brain Tumor, it takes Holly about a year to get over, but the movie narrates her life throughout the year. Holly and Gerry were married for 10 years and she got married at the age of 19, so we can say she married an age where she believed that Gerry was the right one and there would be no other like him. After the death of Gerry, Gerry understood that it would be hard for Holly to get over him so on his last few days before his death he writes several letters instructing her what to do as a last request. Holly received her first letter shortly after Gerry’s funeral on her 30th birthday. Gerry along with Holly’s friends are determined to to make Holly move on from the widow stage and be herself. Throughout the letters (which he had arranged for after his death) Gerry ends them by saying P. S. I Love you. The letter are supposed to encouraged Holly to move on by going out more and spending more time with her friends (Denise and Sharon), but her friends are afraid that the letters are keeping Holly tied up. In one of the final letters, Gerry arranged Holly, Denise, and Sharon, to his home town in Ireland. Once in Ireland, the girls are having fun at a local pub Gerry had recommended them to. At the pub, Holly meets a singer who strongly reminds her of her dead husband Gerry and ends up liking him, but by coincidence he happened to be one of Gerry’s best friends. Throughout the Ireland trip Holly finds out that Denise was having a baby and Sharon is getting married, so it caused Holly to emotionally relapse into herself and get depressed once again. Weeks later in New York Holly believing she was done with her letters until she received her final one from her mom when she was crying to her about how hard it was to go on without the love of her life. But in the last letter Gerry says his final good bye and tells Holly to move on and be herself and to think about what she was before she met Gerry (an Art Major). Eventually Holly finds out she has the talent to design women shoes. As Holly starts her own line of shoes we see that she gained a new confidence and it allows her to finally accept herself for what she has and for her friends to finally experience happiness. So the movie ends by Holly taking her mother to Ireland and as the film ends it shows the audience with a scene where she finally abandoned the fear of falling in love again and has opened up her life to the journey that awaits her. The Character I’m choosing in the movie to explain the problem that the character is facing is Holly. At the beginning of the Movie before Gerry died, Holly believed that he was â€Å"the one†, but then after his death, she goes on a journey that Gerry had left planned for her. Throughout the Journey Holly meets other men and fights her fear of falling in love again, believing that only Gerry was â€Å"the one†. At the end of the movie Holly learns how to accept Gerry’s death and meets a new man. If I were to choose a chapter from the book â€Å"A Daring Promise†, it would have to be the first chapter. As I was explaining throughout the whole essay, Holly is in the category of â€Å"Myth of the Right One†. She believes that there’s only one Gerry out there even after his death, until finally after a year of going through Gerry’s planned letters and other events, she finds a new man, that changed her image of â€Å"the right one†. So is there really only one right one for us? The book tells us that there isn’t such thing as one love, it’s just a myth. Based on the text, I can state that â€Å"One Love† is really a myth. There is more than just â€Å"One Love†. To obtain â€Å"One Love† both partners must always be communicating and come to agreements. In my opinion many people at first believe in only â€Å"One Love† at first because they have not had many relationships. We must come to our senses that nobody is perfect and we have to accept both the good and bad of a person. If you and your partner are willing to make sacrifices, then together you guys can make changes and have the same love for each other and being more united. If there is something I have learned from this assignment, it would be about marriage. I have never experienced a dead wife but I would assume that anyone who loves their partner would go have to go through what Holly did. Throughout the movie I also learned that getting married and losing a husband or getting divorced can affect everything around your life. When Holly was with Gerry they would always argue about when to have kids and when to move out of the apartment, but when Holly was single she lost her main balance of her life and things were pretty hectic in the beginning, until she finally had the support of her family and friends. Marriage is a great responsibility. I have also learned in class that you cannot change a person unless that person is willing to change.

Ballet and Giselle

Giselle is considered one of the great Romantic ballets. Romantic era was late 18th and early 19th centuries. The period mainly does not follow rational movements but rather Romantic ideas in art influence the ballets. Ballets in Romantic period focus on the conflict between man and nature where as others try to bring difference to ballets from other nations. Ballerinas stand in the forefront compared to male dancers. Giselle is one of the most popular ballerinas of the period and separate identity of the scenarist from the choreographers is distinguishing feature of Giselle as being a Romantic ballet. Both the classical version of Giselle and contemporary has the same story but different interpretations, as I will analyze them in this paper. Giselle is a peasant girl who is betrayed by love. At the beginning nobleman Albrecht introduces himself as a farmer to Giselle and she falls in love with him. However she is unaware that Albrecht is the Duke. They flirt and she completely falls in love. Another guy Hilarion who is also in love with her warns her but she cant realize anything because of her love. They dance a duet and her feelings become more powerful. Also her mother warns her that she is sensitive. After realizing Duke has a fiance she goes mad with a broken heart. Giselle takes Albrecht's sword and her death is a result of her weak heart. She becomes a ghost and the second act is called ‘white act,’ which takes place in the mental institution. The ballet deals with the powerful sources of nature. There are full of emotions and at the end love wins betrayal and death. There are similar and distinguishing features between contemporary Giselle by Matz Ele and classic Giselle. Classical ballet is combination of all ballet dances. Ballet has slow and fluid motion. There are unique motions, precise and graceful movements. Their dance style is long reminding jazz music. However, contemporary ballet is more modern. The movements are rapid, energetic and dynamic. There are sharp and expressive gestures. Giselle shows her feelings very clearly and doesn’t hide them. Her body movements reflect her happiness, anger and love obviously. For instance, in the classical one Giselle is not dancing as close as in the contemporary one. They are more formal and their dance is more elegant. In the contemporary one Giselle and Albrecht dance very close and they touch each other. In one part even Giselle hugs her love as a woman. These clear expressions are not shown in the classical Giselle. Giselle is more like an adult. She doesn’t bend down when she is sad or she doesn’t jump on Albrecht like a child. She reflects the classical period’s formal characteristics. There aren’t close relationships like touching her love and jumping on him. The music is discriminative between two versions of Giselle. Compared to classical one in contemporary ballet music is very modern. Ballerinas dance figures are compatible with the music as well. Classical dancer Giselle dances at more extreme tempos and perform more technical feats. However, in contemporary Giselle doesn’t wear ballerina shoes and she dances barefoot. Her feats move more naturally. Also her hand gestures alter. She doesn’t bow her elbows and hands in classical dance. She dances in an order without extreme gestures. In the contemporary one she does man gestures, which is different than her friends as well. Her personality differs since she behaves like a boy and a child. Also the horns are altering in both versions. The applause is not with full energy in the contemporary one. So even though they are the same plotted ballets they represent a different period’s characteristics with the music and ballets expressions. Is Giselle an ideal beauty or is she more realistic? This dilemma is more obvious in the contemporary one because there isn’t beauty, especially in the second act. Giselle is devastated after learning Albrecht has a fiance. They wear all white and there isn’t excellence. She looses her consciousness. There comes the same music with the first act where she was dancing with joy. She is completely defeated to her destiny. Her happiness falls with the disappointment, which can be seen, from the change in music, costumes and dance in both classical and contemporary one. The coerdeau ballets have geometrical shapes in both but their movements differ. In classical one there is more elegance compared to the compared to the contemporary one. In addition Giselle as being a romantic ballet do not follow rationality. Both versions have altering points when the music, movements, costumes and relationship between man and woman are compared however; they have the same plot with different interpretation.

How Successful Can The Management Of Fragile Environments Be?

How successful can the management of fragile environments be, given the constant and increasing demand for their exploitation? A fragile environment is an area where the flora and fauna have adapted to a specific climate and evolved to occupy many different niches due to extremely high competition for resources. Furthermore due to the constant abiotic conditions, specialisation and symbiotic relationships have occurred to such a degree that even the slightest ecological or environmental disruption cannot be accommodated, meaning individual habitats and ecosystems can be easily destroyed.This combination of specialisation and interdependence increases the overall fragility and vulnerability of this biome Fragile environments can be exploited in different ways, and for different reasons. For example the Amazon Rainforest, an equatorial tropical rainforest biome, has been significantly exploited for its agricultural potential and natural resources; cattle ranching, soya bean and palm oi l plantations, mining and timber. The most significant consequence of these forms of exploitation is deforestation.There are many management strategies to combat deforestation, popular choices are; legislation, ecotourism, selective logging and various tree regeneration schemes. In this essay I will assess the extent to which these management schemes are successful in terms of sustainability and environmental effectiveness, in light of inevitable increasing anthropogenic pressures on tropical biomes around the world. Firstly it is important to identify how fragile environments are exploited and for what gain. If we look at the Amazon Rainforest, one of the major forms of exploitation is land for cattle ranching.Vast expanses of the rainforest are deforested to make way for grassland to rear cattle. This form of exploitation was responsible for 80% of all Amazonian deforestation in 2009, due to the ever increasing global demand for beef as a new wave of middle classes emerge from dev eloping nations with a first world diet. Large soya bean plantations run by major agricultural TNC’s like Cargill in the Amazon increase its land for plantations at rates of 1. 3 million hectares every year. Brazil is one of the world’s top producers of soya bean.The expansion of this market is driven by low transportation costs from improved infrastructure (both in and out of the Amazon) and increasing international demands for livestock feed where China is one of the main consumers, due to rapid economic growth (9% annually) and high demand from its emerging middle classes. The creation of huge mechanised soy monocultures has already been the sole cause of 21 million hectares of deforested rainforest in Brazil and 80 million hectares from the Amazon as a whole, since the early 1970’s.While these industries stated above as well as mining and logging have contributed to 240,000km2 of deforestation in the Amazon, the hunting for bush meat by native Amazonian trib es has put considerable pressure on rainforest fauna. Since the late 1990’s Brazilian Amazon local people consume between 2. 2 to 5. 4 million primates each year. This process is unsustainable as the primates reproduce at a much slower rate than they are consumed. Moreover some of these primates are endangered, meaning reproduction is inherently slower.There is often a conflict of interests between the exploitation and conservation of fragile environments. Thus in order for a fragile environment to be managed successfully a balance must be established. However, in reality this can be difficult to achieve. It is often the case that many countries depend on natural resources from fragile environments for income and trade on the global markets thus making fragile environments an integral part of their economy. This is the case with many LEDC’s, who are reluctant to stop exploiting their activities for fear it will result in economic decline and slower development.In Brazi l for example, much of the mining industry that takes place in the Amazon brought in $9 billion to the country in 2006. Moreover it can be a misunderstanding that most people, who exploit fragile environments like through mining in the Amazon, are doing so out of choice. As most locals have no other viable alternative to generate income for their families. Furthermore indigenous peoples often receive little education regarding global affairs and may not recognise the need for conservation. In addition it is rare that a single fragile environment is endemic to one country, as they often span over several territories.A good example is the Amazon rainforest which lies within Brazil, holding 60% of the forest, Peru 13%, Columbia 10% and with Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana also holding small amounts. This makes it difficult to establish a uniform strategy across the whole are, and made harder still by low funds available for conservation in many of these countries. One of the more popular forms of conservation management is conservation reserves that protect biodiversity and ensure its population lives  sustainably with their environment.One example of such a scheme is the Central Amazon Conservation complex in the Brazilian Amazon. Established in 2003, it brings together four reserves in the Amazon; Jau National Park, Anavilhanas Ecological Station, Mamiraua Reserve and Amana reserve, a total area of 49,000 km2. Sustainable development reserves have protected areas from developments that could have seriously damaged the CACC. Dams, pipelines, mines and commercial logging projects have all been prevented from entering the area.These reserves have improved biodiversity and caused a 100% increase in the black caiman population, and a 300% increase in the pirarucu fish. Economic Alternatives Programs promote sustainable activities whereby local people who make goods from the forest’s natural resources can sell directly to buye rs without going through ‘middle men’ who charge a commission. Thus ensuring a decent income, preventing any local farmers giving up land to major commercial agricultural firms, where the land is likely to be deforested and indigenous communities displaced.Overall the economics alternative program has reduced poverty, increasing household incomes by 50-99%. However this protecting such a large area can be difficult. The vastness of the area means it is majorly understaffed, thus making the control and regulation of illegal activities difficult. Only 100 volunteer guards and 150 employed members of staff are present in the Amana and Mariraua reserves – combined area of 2,490,000 hectares of land. The size of the protected areas and the number of staff available makes it is very difficult to prevent access into the reserves.In Jau National park, an area of 2,272,000 hectares, there’re only 4 permanent members of staff. Thus fish and turtle poaching remains a n unresolved problem. As populations increase around peripheral settlements, more stress is put on it to satisfy the demands of the populations, for example many towns in the heart of the rainforest suffer from intensive poaching of primates and manatees. Overall it may seem that despite efforts, and indeed success, of implementing such conservation schemes, may decrease in effectiveness following growing demand for the Amazons resources from increasing population pressure.Ecotourism is also a popular way of generating income for the local people as well as promoting conservation. It is a popular method of generating income in developing countries without billion dollar investments. Local people can act as guides or be providers of transport and accommodation – creating a source of income. The environmental low impact theme and conservation awareness can potentially bring in public and private investment. In addition it is a more environmentally friendly form of employment co mpared to other occupations such as logging and commercial agriculture.Plus if the country makes the economic transition from a manufacture to service sector economy, the government will have an indirect economic incentive to conserve the environment through promoting ecotourism. Ecotourism has already proved to be an economic, environmental and social success. For example, Costa Rica has been pumping in US$1. 6 million annually since 2000 from ecotourism, resulting in jobs for local people and 25% of its land under government protection. GNP per capita rose from $1500-$2000 between 1978 and 1992.The village of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, a satellite settlement to the Talamancan national park took a survey which indicated that 88% were highly satisfied with the multiplier effects from ecotourism in the park; such as local employment empowerment and government funding into building eco lodges on old farmland in the village; attracting tourists to spend in their local economy. However, th ere are cases where ecotourism has not benefitted the local community or the country as a whole.It is often the case that an ecotourism service is provided by an international agent, whereby revenue is repatriated overseas, away from the local community. Moreover even if the service is provided by host nation companies, the jobs can be seasonal, menial and in most cases, low paid. The influx of wealth and foreign exchange can shift political and economic conditions to make the country or area dependant on tourism as opposed to domestic economic practises. This induces a degree of instability to the industry, making it vulnerable to sudden economic change, such as the global financial crisis in 2008.This can create a lack of demand and subsequent economic decline in the area and ultimately forcing the local population into occupations that unsustainably exploit natural resources. In conclusion, it is can be said with a degree of confidence that most schemes are beneficial to an exten t. Land which is protected, conserved and managed sustainably outweighs the possible environmental damage that can occur due to poor management and lack of funding towards the scheme. Moreover it is the schemes which involve the local community that have the biggest potential to be successful.Managing the environment whereby its inhabitants are able to reap the full economic benefits of its natural resources allows; growth, development and investment into the local economy – Thus resulting in a self-sustaining operation. However, as world population is not yet set to peak until 2050, the pressure on the environment and demand for resources is only set to increase. It is also worth noting that in the light of possible changes to our global climate system in the coming decades there will be an even greater threat to the Earth’s fragile environments.With the effects of anthropogenic induced climate change causing more extreme weather, the constant abiotic factors that hav e shaped our fragile environments across the globe face a deadly, permanent change. If we are to preserve any type of fragile environment at all, it could be argued that a universal effort to reduce our carbon footprint would be the most successful long term scheme to ensure the survival of the Earth’s biodiversity.

Apple iphone 5 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Apple iphone 5 - Research Paper Example In its early days of introduction unto the world market, the Apple iPhone 5 received so much patronage because of some feature qualities that the product had over other competitive products and other iPhones that had been introduced unto the market by the same company. But as it is now, there is decline in supply to meet increasing demand. Causes of the shift Basically, there is one running cause of the shift in supply of Apple iPhone 5 and this is directly linked with rate of production. Sources close to the company actually indicate that the Apple iPhone 5 is one of the most labor and skill intensive products that the company ever produces (Birks and Sinclair, 2010). To this end, it actually requires the company so much time, cost, skill and resources to produce a single brand of the Apple iPhone 5. But as a company that wants to hold up to its reputation of quality and standard production of phones, the company is not in any way ready to compromise on the quality of products in th e name of meeting its demand to produce as many pieces of the iPhone as the market pressure demands for. There are other causes that has to do with the presence of competition, that makes the company highly reserved on the need to keeping so much inventory when it cannot be perfectly guaranteed of the willingness of the market to opt for their product. Effects of this change on Apple iphone 5 According to the law of demand and supply, decrease in supply subsequently leads to an increase or a rise in prices. This principle is likely to be the effect of the Apple iPhone 5 especially from the perspective of retailers from who consumers make direct purchases. For example once retailers have access to limited products and they are aware that consumers would compete for these few products they will increase prices so that those with the highest bid of purchase can own the product. There could also be the negative effect whereby the increases in prices will make consumers opt for other com petitor products; especially if they can be guaranteed to have similar features from those products. In the worse case scenario, the Apple iPhone 5 will loss its popularity and market share because consumers who may be frustrated with its absence on the market will loss interest in it. Effects within the market Operational Operational marketing is basically centered on the consumer whereby the consumer is expected to receive maximum customer satisfaction by meeting their needs and demands within the shortest time frame (De Cenzo and Robbins, 2011). In a situation whereby there continue to be decline in supply for the Apple iPhone 5, it is very clear that the customer is not going to receive the needed satisfaction with prompt customer service. Subsequently, market operational is going to be affected negatively in the sense that there are going to be high levels of market dissatisfaction expressed among cunstomers. As it has been stressed already, this is likely to bring about the wo rse case scenario whereby the company may loss out on a number of customers. Financial Effects The financial effects of the prevailing situation whereby there is shortage in the supply of Apple iPhone 5 could be viewed from two major perspectives, which also answers the question of whether the effects are long term or transitory. Indeed, on the short term basis where the demand for the product continues to be

Mrs. Fields Write Up... ISMG 3000 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mrs. Fields Write Up... ISMG 3000 - Case Study Example This was followed by the creation of Combination Stores that were not merely Cookie Selling Stores but also offered a wide range of other bakery products like Croissants, Bread, Hot Soups and sandwiches etc that were all being sold initially under the brand name of La Petite Boulangerie separately that had now been purchased by the Fields’. Moreover, these were not only store outlets but were sit-down cafes as well. The Field’s took these actions because they wanted to expand on their existing business. They were afraid that their name was well established in the present times but this may not be persistent and the monotony in their products and sales outlets may lead to the drifting away of their trusted customers as well. Since they were earning stable benefits and all their business processes were running smoothly Mr. Field thought that the merging of one or more companies into their existing setup would bring the well hailed boost to their product line. Mr. Field was primarily eyeing the revenue that he expected would be generated when the merger of the purchased companies would eventually be complete. Mr. Field was foreseeing the purchasing over even more new stores as a result of the revenue he expected to earn after this practical merger. His main motive was that he will have enough profits to make future payments by them. The demographical strength of the fields’ store, he thought would not effect any slight fluctuations in the economy that might take place during the transitional process of incorporating new companies and earning profits for the further new companies that were expected to be added to the combinational Stores’ Chain. Being an LPB store manager I wouldn’t be the happiest person on Earth. The company thatwas managed by me was being sold to another owner and rather than being downsized. Thus the

Personal Musical Soundscape and Its Role in my Life Essay

Personal Musical Soundscape and Its Role in my Life - Essay Example It is said that music is sometimes food for the soul. It soothes the heart and gives the mind a line for meditation. This is because it sometimes triggers a string of thoughts and reflections about different aspects of an individual’s life. This is no exception for me when I listen to shidaiqu music. I was born and raised in China, therefore I am Chinese. I was born in Daqing, which is located in the North Eastern part of China. Known for its large petroleum deposits and high production of petroleum, Daqing is highly cosmopolitan and hosts very many tourists during peak tourism seasons of the year. This is because of some its tourist attractions such as Lianhuanhu area and Linhua Lake. This has caused some of the tourists to settle in the area and thus make it cosmopolitan and brought significant western influences. I attended school in Daqing area and went to Daqing Tieren High School. The system of education here allowed students to study art subjects and thus I decided to s tudy music. Here, I was exposed to different other types of music and was able to understand the history and development of my favorite music.

Worldview as it Relates to Philosophy Research Paper

Worldview as it Relates to Philosophy - Research Paper Example Through experience and education individuals develop these perspectives and implement them as a means of living their daily existence. When considering myself I recognize that my worldview has changed drastically over the course of my life and has been greatly influenced by experience and philosophy. This essay considers my current worldview and the way my past worldview has been influenced and changed through philosophy. Before taking this course my worldview was strongly rooted in religious doctrines. Throughout the formative periods of my life I grew up in an environment that was strictly Christian. Within this environment my parents and most of my peers believed in the major tenants of the Christian religion. Growing up in this environment I learned to adopt most of the religious principles that are espoused by the Christian religion. In terms of the creation of the world I believed that Earth and the universe had been created by God. I believed in morals as they related to the c oncept of good and evil as established by the Bible. In these regards, morality was presented as an easily understandable concept – if an individual adhered to the law and the tenants of the Bible then they were a moral and good person. I also embraced a concept of the afterlife. If individuals adhered to the Biblical principles and allowed God into their life then I believed they would go to heaven. Conversely, if they disregarded these aspects, they would go to Hell. My relation to science and logic were complex. While I embraced the principle of science in an overarching sense, I came to believe that oftentimes science could be wrong or mistaken. Specifically, in terms of evolution and cosmology I believed that while scientists had approached the concepts of existence and biology with their greatest ability, they were ultimately flawed in their findings. I understood that that ultimately their current scientific investigations would be proven wrong and they would ultimatel y discover that God and Biblical principles were the true reality of existence. When I look back on my worldview during this period of my life I recognize that I was greatly influenced by my personal surroundings and parents’ influence. As I gradually became more exposed to new ideas and new people my worldview drastically changed. In large part, the philosophical ideas I was exposed to in this course shaped and sharpened my worldview in a variety of ways. One of the major notions that I came to recognize through my research in philosophy emerged in terms of Christian morality. While Christianity noted that there were easily understood concepts of good and evil, my exposure to philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche in Beyond Good and Evil led me to understand that moral actions couldn’t easily be broken down into concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ but often involve a complex number of philosophical implications (Nietzsche 1993). Another profound such changes that I experienced occurred in my understanding and eventual embracement of scientific principles. As I previously indicated that I had believed science did not properly understand Christian understandings of the world, as I became exposed to more scientific thought I came to understand that in large part the principles behind such concepts as evolution are supported by substantial scientific research. In these regards, I learned to increasingly embrace the notion that many of the claims made in the Bible may be wrong. As I became exposed to earlier notions of mythology, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, which contains a flood story, I further came to recognize

Critical Chain Project Management Based Heuristics Algorithm Essay

Critical Chain Project Management Based Heuristics Algorithm - Essay Example Dr. Goldratt utilized TOC in project management in 1997. The project schedule was organized and managed by few resources and tackled the unattractive behavior. The project’s execution was supervised by the centralized management of the project buffer extent. Critical chain technology considers both the issues of cognitive and psychological resources-restrained, and the effect in the duties of the next and the former firm relation restriction (Hong and Ji-hai 331). The steps include work breakdown structure establishment; activity definition; network chart drawing; constraints-critical chain identification; the employment of restraint, which include the project time estimate activities, feeding buffer and project buffer, and resource buffer; minor non-critical path chain identification; plot the project schedule plan of critical chain (Hong and Ji-hai 331). Currently, the buffer size is regularly calculated using three forms of method. One, Goldratt method where input buffer and project buffer match half of the magnitude of the critical chain to attain 50% probability the task duration and approximated. Two, Cut-and-paste method where buffer size matches half of the difference between 90% of the probability of completion of the task duration approximated and 50% of the probability of completion task duration approximated. Third is the standard deviation method which is formed on the independent assumption of the task of the project. Nonetheless, these methods did not take into consideration the different task chain distribution duration, different uncertainty levels in different positions, and different preference risks of stakeholders (Hong and Ji-hai 331). The buffer management mechanism is perceived to be the critical chain’s tool for controlling projects. Project buffer attempts to lessen the project buffer duration and incorporates it into the critical chain. Feeding buffer asserts that the inserting task be finished in time. Finally,

Exam Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Exam Questions - Essay Example The free market system has been widely accepted both in national and global economies because countries and peoples the world over desire a better standard of living which is only gained through developing their local, regional and national economy. This can occur only by opening up trade markets to wider or global markets. The success of the free market system is evident when one examines the distinction between Europe and North America and Africa, for example. Developing countries are looking to free market societies as a guide to their economic future. Asia is a recent case in point as a group of economies which could not have grown without benefit of liberlised trade practices. Â  The policies of a free market system is envied, emulated and remains the ‘gold standard’ of national economic policy accepted by economists, businessmen, politicians and academics worldwide (Brace, 2001). Overwhelming evidence has demonstrated that free trade economic policies open markets to foreign investment and trade which is necessary to initiate and/or sustain economic development. No national economy has realized increased economic growth in the last half century without having an open market strategy or has any country gained considerable growth in the standard of living among its population. The reduction of trade restrictions along with the opening of monetary incentives to foreign investments over the last two decades has combined to stimulate economic development in eastern Asian countries. The average import levied in these countries of East Asia has dropped to 10 percent from 30 percent in this time period which proves a direct connection between open economies and prosperity.

Identity and Conflict in Bosnia and Macedonia Essay

Identity and Conflict in Bosnia and Macedonia - Essay Example The 2007 book Waiting for Macedonia: Identity in a Changing World and the documentary film We Are All Neighbours consider such matters. Thiessen writes of an â€Å"Us and Them† paradigm in Macedonia, an â€Å"Otherness† that Macedonians have adapted to meet their own perspective on the world and to gauge their place in that world (2007, p. 40). Identity in Macedonia is a fluid concept, with the country’s Slavic population reaching into the country’s ancient past in the effort to construct a national identity (Ibid). Macedonians have had only to consider the existence of a strong European identity in Germany, no stranger to fragmentation, to recognize the benefits of identification with the nation states that comprise the European Union. In Bosnia, identity was compromised in the wake of the Tito regime’s demise. Socialism in Yugoslavia, though coercive, fostered a form of national unity, which, when independence came to the former Yugoslav states, resulted in a gradual social incoherence. The ethnic violence that ensued was, perhaps, unsurprising given the conditions in the 1990s. But the suddenness with which it occurred, and its effects on a multi-ethnic Bosnian village, is the subject of We Are All Neighbours. The lingering effects of socialism and of life under a totalitarian regime have been blamed for the cataclysm of the 1990s. In Macedonia, Thiessen contends that it was not the absence of socialism but an absence of a national context that stirred up ethnic unrest (Thiessen, 2007, p. 25). Identity lay at the heart of the matter. Whereas the existence of Yugoslavia allowed Macedonians to think of themselves in terms of Europe, the post-socialist reality produced nostalgia for Yugoslavia that was tantamount to the desire for a future as part of the European community (Ibid).

Financial Aid Appeal Essay Example for Free

Financial Aid Appeal Essay Dear Office of Financial Aid, My name is and I am writing to appeal my suspension from financial aid. I hope that you will reconsider your decision and grant my financial aid. I would like to begin thanking you in advance for taking the time to read this letter and consider my request to reinstate my financial aid at Metropolitan State University at Denver. I admit, I took so many credit hours in college, but I would like to explain the reason. As Spanish person, and because I speak English as a second language, I had to take ESL(English as a Second Language) classes for my first two years (four semesters) at CCD (Community College of Denver). The ESL program was not something that I had chosen, but something that I had to get done in order to follow my general education. I did not mean to spent so much time in college and take so many credit hours, but I did not have other options. Now that I have completed the ESL program, I feel so excited and motivated about taking regular classes. I love being student at Metropolitan State University at Denver and it would mean so much to me if I was able to finish my degree and graduate at this school. I already had completed most of general course, I’m done with my Math and some major course. I am currently registered for next spring 2013 classes and a few classes for the upcoming to get done with my degree. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I assure you that my education is, and will continue to be, my main priority. I just hope you’d help me achieve my goals quicker by reinstating my Financial Aid. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Lady Macbeth Essay Example for Free

Lady Macbeth Essay Explore how the narrator in ‘The Laborarory’, ‘Porhyria’s lover’ and Lady Macbeth and ‘Macbeth’ express their desire for power and control? Both Shakespeare and Browning are renowned writers from the world of English literature. The audience were forced to explore the choices made by the characters in both Macbeth and a selection of Browning’s poems to find out the different strategies they use to express their power and control. In Act one scene five, Lady Macbeth’s powerful character, having control over her husband is clearly expressed through her decisive language. ‘Thou must do, if thou have it.’ Lady Macbeth uses a forceful tone to convey her view on Macbeth murdering Duncan in order for him to achieve his ultimate goal of taking Duncan’s place. It’s clear on the control and power Lady Macbeth establishes on her husband and is a great contrast to how in the Elizabethan times women were worthless and didn’t have any say. Here, Lady Macbeth has reversed her gender role from being a kind loving hostess into a more affirmative, strong minded commander. This will be a rebellious character in the eyes of the society. Moreover Lady Macbeth begins to sharpen her plans but isn’t too sure as she thinks her feminity would become a weakness. She proclaims towards supernatural substances (spirits), which were seemed to be believed in the Victorian era. ‘Unsex me here’. This was a vivid way asking spirits to strip her of feminity weakness. She imagines herself as a vessel which h maybe emitted out and refilled with evilness. Also by risking her chance of having a baby for power shows her urgency toward power and control. This is odd as in the Elizabethan times it was the women’s duty to have children and look after them. Lady Macbeth wanted to get rid of her feminity for power which is quite odd and different to others like the speaker in the Laboratory, where feminity is threatened. Mo reover when she says ‘and take my milk for gall’, its suggesting that she no longer wants to be a female. ‘Gall’ comes from an excess of yellow bile. An imbalance of yellow bile can make one ruthless and insolent. If Lady Macbeth is internally poisoned, it would gain her control over the King. Moreover, Lady Macbeth is portrayed as a very strong character, compared to Shakespeare’s other female protagonists where they are timid and weak. She uses this strength to fulfil her dream of Macbeth becoming the future monarch. This is further demonstrated through the use of alliteration of the letter ‘T’ at the beginning of each sentence in Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy  presenting the fact that Lady Macbeth is organised in a sense that she has planned every detail precisely. Similarly ‘In The Laboratory’, the female speaker uses language which comes across as forceful. ‘Grind away, moisten and mash up thy paste.’ Here we are seeing a female person giving out demands to a professional poison maker. This behaviour can be seen as unconventional, meaning that in the Victorian era women were not supposed to be demanding or forceful towards other individuals especially men. This decision the speaker had made is showing the audience that the speaker is strong-minded yet not too insane over her decisions. The speaker in ‘The Laboratory’ is being enthusiastic and decisive about creating an evil plan which in the audiences mind will come across as intriguing. Normally women of the Victorian era would most likely to be enthusiastic about hosting a dinner party and not preparing to kill a human. Both Lady Macbeth and the speaker in the laboratory wanted to kill but Lady Macbeth doesn’t actually want to fulfil the deed herself. Moreover the speaker in The Laboratory is very unsympathetic towards her victims, as she is very eager to get revenge. ‘the exquisite blue’. This indicates that she wants the potion to be strong so it should be a bright blue so that the revenge will be successful whereas if it is a grim colour then the potion won’t be strong and will look weak and old when it should be powerful. Her keenness for this to be successful is further demonstrated through the use of rhyme scheme, AABB, quickening the pace of the poem. It also indicat es that she is almost cursing the mistress and most of the lines are similar in length showing that she knows exactly what she is doing to acquire power. Also within the poem there are twelve stanzas with the rhyme scheme. This also reinforces the fact of the poem being quickened. Iambic pentameter is also being used due to her passion within her planning for the disgrace. ‘Brand, burn up, bite into its grace.’ This is an example of alliteration in the ‘B’ sound which is very harsh. This language shows her desire to inflict pain on her victims, cause their sufferings and disturb their beauty. On the other hand Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy is written in a logical order showing that she wants to get rid of her feminity slowly and slowly. The speaker in the laboratory similar to Lady Macbeth makes significant references to her religion. ‘empty church, to pray God in, for them! – I am here.’ This gives us an impression that for the speaker, it is more essential to create a potion to kill rather  than pray to God in a holy Church. This phrase can indicate that the speaker has chosen to take a negative route within her life therefore disobeying her religion. ‘for them’. This illustrates that she is referring to both her lover and his mistress; as if she is doing them a favour by praying to God. Her decision to make poison in the laboratory shows her as immoral and rebellious. From this it’s clear that the speaker gives no value to the views of her society as she is seen very disrespectful towards her society’s views on being religious. Similarly Lady Macbeth is shown to be making numerous references to religion which have great influences on her decision makings. â€Å"And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell† This emphasises on how she wants to hide her evil deeds from heaven and from herself. The actions and words portrayed through both these characters show great personality of the two women. These two dominant females are seen opposing their religion, reversing their role s in the society as well as becoming involved in sinful behaviour to gain either pleasure or status. However Lady Macbeth wanted to kill for her own gain to receive royalty, whereas the speaker in the Lab wanted to kill for revenge. Moreover the laboratory has been written in the style of a dramatic monologue. This form can reveal a lot about the speakers inner thoughts and can create a strong relationship with the audience as well. ‘and Pauline should have just thirty minutes to live.’ This portrays the power and control the speaker has over Pauline’s life and also emphasises on the fact that she now has the choice of killing whoever she likes. As she is the only speaker the audience can only look through her viewpoint. This perhaps can make the audience feel quite uneasy to trust a person who is making a potion as there are no other characters involved within the evil plot. On the contrary, Macbeth, is seen to have less courage and power while standing up against Lady Macbeth, who according to that society should be lower in hierarchy than Macbeth in terms of power and control. Macbeth wants peace of mind and wants the process to end once and for all ‘the be all and the end all.â€⠄¢ Macbeth speaks of an action not a personal thing; he wonders if the action will be all that is required and end all of all that he must go through to be the king. Macbeth would like his deed to be limited. As Macbeth is about to kill Duncan he says ‘it is the bloody business which informs. Thus to mine eyes’. This illustrates that Lady Macbeth has been able to gain full control of her timid husband as  he is been forced to kill. His words show that he is afraid to kill the highly respected king who is believed to be selected by God. Macbeth’s use of alliteration in Act 2 Scene 1 ‘bloody business’ presents the fact that Macbeth knows of this kind of business and hates it but yet is forced in to it. This is very ironic that Macbeth is scared to kill as he has just fought a war which involves mass killing. During Macbeth’s time killing a king was a great sin against God as kings were appointed by God. Also during that era men controlled the women whereas in Macbeth’s situation his wife controlled him. However on the other hand, in Porphyria’s lover the speaker sets positivity about his lover. This can show him as a higher classed person and he has gained a female follower. This makes himself immortal and feels like he is p laying the role of God. Thus going on to killing Porphyria and witnessing ‘God’s silence’. Unlike Macbeth, Porphyria’s lover felt no guilt after he slaughtered his lover as he felt ’no pain felt she’. He may even believe that she enjoyed the pain because he, her lover inflicted it. This implies that he’s an unsympathetic speaker. The language of the speaker in Porphyria’s lover shows how the narrator is ignorant to God ‘And yet God has not spoken.’ This implies the speaker is acting humorous in saying God didn’t speak and thinks it is acceptable to murder a female. ‘has not’ portrays the speakers choice of murder. He is seen as criticising his own faith of not directing him in the correct pathway of not committing evil. In the Victorian era men showed more sexuality towards women and most of the people believed in god. ‘and yet god hasn’t said a word’ this shows although they believed in faith they still sinned. ‘no pain felt she; im quiet sure she felt no pain’ the speaker comforts himself that porphyria felt no pain when he killed her. This may not be true. He does not feel sympathy for the fact that he killed her and in this statement he is justifying his actions. Lady Macbeth and porphyria aren’t similar to the average women in their times -they urge for power; porphyria’s lover is being controlled by porphyria. ‘she put my arm around her waist’ this implies porphyria is commanding and gives her lover no choice about what he wants to do. Similarly Macbeth is in control by a female, and this female being his wife, Lady Macbeth. ‘thou Marshall’st’ me the way that I was going.’ Lady Macbeth and porphyria are both in control. Porphyria’s lover has a simple structure; ABABB. This structure shows the madness in the eyes of porphyria’s lover. It  is laid out in one long stanza as Browning wants to preserve the moment. The structure of Macbeth and Porphyria’s lover are different. Porphyria’s lover’s structure was in one long stanza because he wanted to stop time, whereas Macbeth wanted to commit the scene as soon as possible.

Impact of 16 and Pregnant on Teen Pregnancy Rates

Impact of 16 and Pregnant on Teen Pregnancy Rates Teen pregnancy rates drop because of tv shows like MTVs 16 and Pregnant When tv shows such as MTVs 16 and Pregnant first began airing on tv most people believed that the show would encourage teenage pregnancy, but they were mistaken. The show actually made teen pregnancy rates drop instead. Shows such as this one has proven itself to actually proven to prevent teen pregnancy instead of encouraging it. Studies have shown that teen pregnancy rates have began to drop since the show has first begun airing on tv ,as well as more searches on how to receive birth control, and have also encouraged teenagers to start practicing safer sex. The show just might be the reason why teen pregnancy rates had dropped so dramatically ,coincidentally it occurred after the show actually began airing. To find out for sure scientists began a study to figure out what had been going on and they found that, the show and its spinoffs actually had an educational effect, cutting the teen birth rate by six per cent, or more than 20,000 births, in 2010 (Remote (birth) control). This proves 16 and Pregnant actually made a difference in peoples lives and let alone their futures. The teenagers who watched the show lives were changed, Neither the boys nor girls who watched the episodes wanted to imitate the teens in the episodes they watched. In fact, nearly all teens (93%) who watched the show agreed (53% strongly agreed) with the statement: I learned that teen parenthood is harder than I imagined from these episodes(Suellentrop et al) , also an interview was conducted from a few people on the show and they asked, are teens influenced by what they see on TV , and one of the interviewes replied with,what teenagers are watching can make a really big difference in what they think and, ultimately, how they behave and really important life decisions (Is 16 and Pregnant An Effective Form Of Birth Control?). The young women and men that watched the show and who were interviewed could have been just like the other teenagers on 16 and Pregnant but the shows presented them a better outlook on life and a safer one at that.This show alone has changed some peoples future and even dropped the teen pregnancy percentages. They helped the troubled young community make a difference in society and for the next generation to come. The show has also been proven to teach teenagers that safer sex such as using contraception like birth control or condoms may be necessary to prevent themselves from becoming teen moms or fathers besides abstinence altogether. By using these helpful devices they are automatically less likely to get pregnant or get another person pregnant by high percentages. Researchers found that, The show may actually encourage him or her to practice safer sex, according to a new study(Jacque Wilson). Practicing safer sex not only helps to prevent teen pregnancies, but also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that could lead to tissue scarring and permanent damage. The shows continue to teach the teenagers important lessons and help to, create an opportunity to talk to teens about the risks of sex(Suellentrop et al). This evidence is continuing to prove the effectiveness and the extra chances that this show provides for young boys and girls that couldve possibly gone through a tou gher time.This helps teens and their parents to also help in the prevention in the pregnancy problem. As parents usually wanted to be involved especially when it has to do with their kids futures as well as someone elses. 16 and Pregnant also started conversations about the show and teen pregnancy , and all over made teen pregnancy a less commonplace as well as made more teenagers change their point of views on the topic from a typical okay ordeal to one frowned upon and a less likely matter.They even began to talk themselves out of the idea of being a pregnant teenager was easy, the difficulty level changed their mind.Things continued to change because, The more teens talked about the show, the less likely they were to think that teen pregnancy and teen parenthood are commonplace(Suellentrop et al).The quote proves the changes that are happening and contributing to the dramatic pregnancy rates dropping.The scientists even showed that the teenagers perceptions were changing and they learned , more about how watching and discussing episodes of the popular MTV documentary-style reality show 16 and Pregnant influences teens perceptions of getting pregnant and becoming a parent at a young age(Suellentrop et al). The scientists referred to how the teens changed their ideas about pregnancy because of the show .The show starts conversations that help to prevent and protect the mother of the teenagers getting pregnant at such a young age. Including maybe losing them altogether. When teenagers decide to turn on tv shows like 16 and Pregnant they decide to use safer sex, they also change their minds about teen pregnancy and its difficulty level, as well as contributing in other ways to help drop pregancy rates. The teenagers are now going to have a better life as well as lining up their futures kids to have better lives just by not getting pregnant as a teenager. Therefore concluding the research is proof that 16 and Pregnant does not glamorize pregnancy it shows real life situations that other teenagers can relate and connect to helping them protect themselves from mistakes, diseases, and other bad decisions that could have made along the way but now because of the show they are less likely to have to experience all those issues . References Is 16 and Pregnant An Effective Form Of Birth Control? All Things Considered, 13 Jan. 2014. Student Resources in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A356696128/SUIC?u=j020902xid=f7739508. Accessed 6 Feb. 2017. Remote (birth) control. Macleans, 27 Jan. 2014, p. 8. Student Resources in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A356454110/SUIC?u=j020902xid=ab051b7b. Accessed 6 Feb. 2017. Suellentrop, Katherine, et al. Reality Television Shows Reveal the Risks of Teen Pregnancy. Teen Dating, edited by Louise I. Gerdes, Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010862223/OVIC?u=j020902xid=ffc0af4b. Accessed 3 Feb. 2017. Originally published as Evaluating the Impact of MTVs 16 and Pregnant on Teen Viewers Attitudes About Teen Pregnancy, Science Says, Oct. 2010. Wilson, Jacque. Study: MTVs 16 and Pregnant Led to Fewer Teen Births. Health and Wellness Resource Center. CNN Newsource Sales, Inc., 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 9 Feb. 2017.

Essay --

Kosovo: How the Kosovar territory can get developing economically and culturally through its identity balanced between the ethnic strife and conflicts of interest between the Serbs, Albanians and the international community? Richmond University - London Romuald Maronese Dissertation Literature review A such unexpected and international violent struggle burst out between Serbs and Albanians in the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia over the southern Serbian province of Kosovo1. This terrible issue led to a 1999 meeting between Serbian and Albanian officials in order to make a peace resolution and arrangements. This formal and official diplomatic meeting was organized by the international community under the control of the French and the Italians so as to discuss eventual peace. The Serbs were looking for protecting the cradle of their culture, the Serbian civilization and its identity against the Albanians’ battle for an independent territory of Kosovo. When the peace agreement could not be reached, the NATO2 countries, in order to protect Albanians from a massive  « ethnic cleansing,  » launched a missile bombing campaign over former Yugoslavia on the 24 March of 1999. The bombings lasted for 78 days. And NATO’s intervention in what came to be known as â€Å"the Kosovo conflict† injured and murdered thousands of civilians. It destroyed the local factories, workplaces, schools, and hospitals. Furthermore this tense conflict has damaged the country’s energy, transport, and communications systems. It also has triggered a economic, social, and ecological disaster; and made becoming thousands homeless. It traumatized numerous families on all sides of the war, including the people in the diaspora who had fled Yugoslavia’s civil war in the e... ...ermore, the conflict provoked a high risk of be prolonged psychologically in a serious brain disturbance. It has ruined their any chances of getting rid of this trauma by compromising any of them academic future. The many children facing this â€Å"massive war traumas show evidence of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder† (PTSD). In this present massive study on the mental disorders of the children during the war, it would be relevant to wander how could we treat the youth’s distress and unstable mental health. Are the relatives, the local doctors and professionals able to educate theses children properly in order to make them recovering theses atrocities. Another study gathering what the new Kosovo State 6 Romuald Maronese Dissertation Literature review could learn from the aftermath of the war would be a better contributor to the potential development of the Kosovar society.

John Stienbeck - Of Mice And Men :: essays research papers fc

In my essay I will discuss the theme of loneliness in the novel â€Å"Of Mice And Men.† The essay will consist of information based on the novel towards minor characters such as Curley’s Wife, Candy and Crooks. This essay will state information about Curley’s Wife, Candy and Crooks’ loneliness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Curley’s Wife was probably one of the loneliest characters of all. She never talked to anyone and she never really liked Curley all too much. â€Å"Why can’t I talk to you? I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely.† (p.86) Curley’s Wife seems to get a lot of the other guys in trouble. Curley always suspects that she’s fooling around with the other men, â€Å"Any you guys seen my wife?† (p.53) Curley’s Wife always gives an excuse to confront the guys saying, â€Å"Any you guys seen Curley?† Then she tries to hang around and make conversation. The guy’s see her as a tramp and a troublemaker but all she wants is someone to talk too.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Crooks who is another lonely man was very sad as well. Because he was black he wasn’t allowed into the other guys bunkhouse with them because they thought he stunk. â€Å"Why ain’t you wanted?† Lennie asked. â€Å"’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They think I stink. Well I tell you, you all stink to me.† (p.68) Crooks is always by himself and working hard even with a broken back. Crooks sits in his room all the time by himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Candy is the other character that is lonely. Not because of the the men not talking to him of anything like that. Because, when Carlson shot his old dog, Candy felt alone. Candy had that pup since he was a kid.

Julius Caesar :: essays research papers

William Shakespeare is one of the greatest play writers ever born, And this is shown by how popular his plays are still today even after thousands of years. One of his famous plays still in use today is Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar is one of the greatest plays ever written and has been read or seen by many generations. There are many topics that can be chosen to talk about in Julius Caesar and one of those topics is the presents of the supernatural Caesar or Caesar’s ghost and what affect he has on the living.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For my first main idea I chose the impact of Julius Caesar when he was alive and the impact of his ghost. Caesar had a big impact when he was alive and when he was dead with return of his ghost. This shows that Caesar had allot of impact on other peoples lives and even after death has an impact on people close to him and those who deceived him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second main idea was the affect on Brutus and how he experienced Caesars return a few years after Caesars death. Also how Caesars ghost was not mad at Brutus and Brutus acted like nothing had happen and he had not killed him but now worshipped him. This shows that Brutus had killed Caesar for the good of Rome in his mind and still had the up most respect for him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Third idea was what he had done for Rome and how he gave all his money to the people of Rome and also how he had a perception that if it was his time to die then he would die. This shows that Caesar believes in what is meant to happen should happen and that you can’t change was is meant to happen. But also Caesar could have prevented his death and could have more time to contribute to the history of Rome.

Explore the Subject of ‘Self Disclosure’ by Counsellors

Explore the subject of ‘self disclosure' by councellors Disclosure in the dictionary is ‘the act of revealing and exposing to view' My understanding of self disclosure in this context is to mean revealing the counsellors personal information and emotions. In this unique relationship this is to be expected when the client is communicating, in fact it is actively encouraged, because that is their roll in the therapeutic relationship. However my exploration will concern when is it acceptable for the counsellor to talk about themselves or their own feelings? Counsellors must speak since this is a talking therapy and surely every word and response is a form of self disclosure, yet what is said can have serious consequences. I will demonstrate how and when this can hurt or assist the client. When I began having personal counselling myself, I expected a relationship like a close friendship, I found the fact that this ‘expert' had the answers, but didn't offer them to me, which was at times very frustrating. My counsellor was psychodynamic and I am now aware that different styles of counselling accept a more open, less restricted, approach to self disclosure. Since this is however a psychodynamic course, I will endeavour to, within length limitations, give an outline of the important issues using this approach to the subject, illustrated with bibliography, class learning and personal experience of being a client. Our professional roll as counsellors incorporates enforcing certain boundaries, even on our ability to speak candidly about what we feel and think. The client is encouraged to talk openly and freely, to help them to learn from the exploration of their problems. However when using the psychodynamic approach we withhold our own knowledge and experiences, although sometimes it may appear to be appropriate and useful to the client. It can often be quite difficult to do this, especially when clients are asking us questions, but once we have started revealing personal details, it may be difficult to stop. We should be aware that a client could also be trying to get the counsellor to verbalise as a form of resistance or defence, to avoid talking about and facing their own problems. I agree with Freud's view; â€Å"It might be expected that it would be quite allowable and indeed useful, with a view to overcoming the patient's existing resistances, for the doctor to afford him a glimpse of his own mental defects and conflicts, and, by giving him information about his own life enable him to put himself on an equal footing†¦.. I have no hesitation in condemning the technique as incorrect. † (quoted by M. Jacobs 1992; 84) Non verbal communication is very important, as we as counsellors can learn from client's body language, we must take care that the client does not read ours. Freud preferred the client to recline on a couch for just such a reason, he said â€Å"I do not wish my expressions of face to give the patient material for interpretation, or to influence him in what he tells me. † (quoted by M. Jacobs 1992; 84) The counsellor today however, must learn to control their immediate reactions, particularly the negative ones of shock or disapproval, verbal or otherwise. During my personal experience of being a client, I noticed that my counsellor came to grimace at the mention of the name of one of my close supportive friends, and I later realised, through things she said, that she felt some rivalry towards this person. This self disclosure of her counter-transference feelings was very damaging to our relationship. We have to be very aware of our clients reactions to what we say and do, in this way, even if we have made a mistake, our positive responses to the error can be useful instead of damaging to the client. Self disclosure may be invited by the client's inappropriate feelings towards us as counsellors. These transference reactions, may be worded and feel like, a personal attack or question, worthy of a personal reply. However it is important to realise that the client is saying something significant, but it is not about us, so self disclosure is not necessary. It is important that we remain neutral to encourage this transference to occur. M. Jacobs gives this reason: â€Å"The psychodynamic counsellor, like the analyst, wishes to encourage the client to speak of the ideas and images that come from within himself, rather than those which are suggested directly by the counsellor, or by signs which the counsellor gives. † (1994 27) So when we are surprised by a personal enquiry of this type, it is better to look through the distortion and use an appropriate response such as â€Å"I wonder why that is important to you? or even â€Å"It seems as if I was reminding you of someone else? † Not looking at their motivation is a missed opportunity for the client to gain a deeper understanding of their present reactions towards other people. If we take a neutral roles the client is the only one introducing their beliefs, expectations or thoughts into the room. In the early days of being a client myself, I had an experience of this linking not being done. My counsellor revealed that she had taken my questioning of her ability personally. She said my doubts had hurt her feelings, this disclosure was particularly damaging as I felt angry at that time, but had no wish to hurt her again, so could not express my negative feelings. The counsellors counter-transference feelings can lead to either positive or negative disclosure, we must learn to discriminate between the two kinds. Brown and Pedder use this clear definition; â€Å"Winnicott often distinguishes between ‘objective' and appropriate counter-transference and ‘subjective' aspects which stem more from our own situational or unresolved personal issues. (1991; 62) The former is helpful, identifying with the client's situation through empathy allows us to tune in to and reflect back their unconscious thoughts and feelings. These can be hidden behind dreams, stories and defences. When we as counsellors use a response such as â€Å"I wonder if under this there's some anger? † or â€Å"I feel as though I would have been upset about that, but you don' t seem concerned†¦ † it allows our diclosure of our own responses to challenge the client's view of the world, which can be a beneficial breakthrough for them. Alternately expressing feelings that come from our own past and counter-transference can have devastating results. I can remember an occasion in class, during a roll play, when someone playing the counsellor had so much in common with his ‘client's' experiences, that his counter-transference nearly tempted him to say; â€Å"That's what happened to me†¦ don't make the same mistakes I did, this is what I learnt from the experience†. He resisted the temptation†¦ and when reviewing the session in the class he asked the ‘client' what his response would have been if he had revealed this about himself†¦ he client replied â€Å"how can you know what I am feeling? your circumstances are not the same as mine, I don't want to hear about you! † The kind of unsolicited self disclosure he was considering may have caused a huge amount of potentially damaging, anger and resentment towards the counsellor. So in conclusion, when is self disclosure helpful or ha rmful to the client? This is a professional relationship and not a social one, so different rules of disclosure do apply, hopefully theory may be enhanced by expertise and we may learn to modify these rules slightly for different clients. I think that this is an unusual and special alliance and it is vital for the client to learn to see a counsellor as ‘real', a human being, personally involved in and interested by their problems, someone they can identify with and learn to trust. Some self disclosure is helpful, if not essential, for building this part of the therapeutic relationship. Sometimes it is impossible not to reveal personal details, such as your holiday arrangements, health or appearance, the client may also ask questions for information or through their transference. The fact that the counsellor does not have to reveal personal details can increase personal security and enhance their involvement. Gently exploring with the client why they feel they need to know, is the most helpful kind of response. Self disclosure is damaging when the information is unsolicited, or when the counsellor gives answers which evoke an emotional response in the client. As a client myself, I found that my counsellor's revelations had damaging effects on me, maybe because the feelings they aroused in me were never resolved satisfactorily, even by lengthy discussion. This eventually led to my change of counsellor, which was a depressing and painful, experience and shows how destructive self disclosure can be to the therapeutic relationship. It even caused me to question the process itself, not for the reason I expected, because I didn't get my questions answered, but because I did! Although it may be difficult for the new client or inexperienced counsellor to adjust to, it is a time for the client to explore their feelings, make their choices and find their own answers. Maybe with experience and true self awareness we can learn to keep the focus naturally on the client, finding the balance of openness and rofessionalism that is needed to help them most of all. Brown & Peddar Introduction to Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition, Tavistock Publications, 1991 Jacobs, M Freud, Sage Publications Ltd. Jacobs, M Psychodynamic Counselling In Action, Sage Publications Ltd. 1994 Jacobs, M Still Small Voice, S. P. C. K. 1993 Kennedy & Charles On Becoming a Counsello r 1973 Oldfield S The Counselling Relationship Routeledge Press Psychodynamic Counselling vol. 1 No. 1

“Give me a stand point and I will move the earth” Archimedes Essay

Feminists are of the opinion that women in this world have been neglected by history and men through out the ages and liberating them would be synonymous with giving them a stand point to move the world. Klues looks to the pioneers of female research in antiquity whose glimpsing women history through a record from which the female sex has been excised for millennial by patriarchal bias, must have been like constructing a house out of the space between the slats of a fence. Further Klues considers that assiduous and objective scholarship produced an unassailable picture of the role of women in classical Athens, a picture now almost universally accepted, in which domination of male over female is there seen as complete and crushing. Only one wave of classical scholarship, obviously by anthropology, looks to male-female relationship as a significant determinant in Athenian society, as in any other: an ingredient of total culture no less fundamental than its economy or its religion or its political structure. More authors have argued that women did not have a place in history. However, Hasel making reference to Pauline Schmitt –Pantel makes a note worthy reminder of Greek philosophers works such as Aristotle and Plato that made relation to different sexes. A similar reference is made about the Greek cosmologies meaning that women have always had such a place. Hasel has therefore put forth a vivid conclusion. â€Å"The image of the Topos then might not hold much because it is based on seclusion of women in antiquity which may not be the case. † The portraits of Lipia as discussed in Bartman had an effect in creating a stronger imperial Rome. Though there are undertones of their use in propaganda and other political machinations and maneuvers, Bartman note that they were sculpted in the spirit of compromise which he refers as ‘give and take’ between the sculptor and the sponsor. Scott say that there was a moment not all that ago, when feminists thought gender to be an invincible barrier against biology. The sex/ gender distinction would analytically separate the physical body from the social body; it would then no longer be conceivable that anatomy was destiny. Though women might be viewed as ‘non- actors’ thus acting in the realms of those who built and wielded political power to which they were subject to had a private life which of course influences public life. In the words of Scott, those absent from official account none the less partook in the making of history; those who are silent speak eloquently about meaning of power. This reawakening Scott notes has brought about congruence in thought between political historians and writers penning ‘her story’. It has also brought about to the way changes occurred in law, politics and symbolic presentations. A further implication Scott explains is that there are social explanations rather than biological and characterological to the different behavior of men and women and their unequal positions. The feminists are thus challenged in this argument for neglecting female agency by diminishing the historical importance of personal life encapsulated in its three elements- family, sexuality and sociability. Thus irrespective of what feminists think women have always had the stand point and have moved the world as much. Reference Bartman ‘Portraits Of Livia Joan W. Scott, (1988) Gender and the Politics of History (New York 1988) 15-50. Joan W. Scott, `Millenial Fantasies`. The Future of Gender in the 21st Century`, in: Claudia Honegger – Caroline Arni (eds. ), Gender. Die Tucken einer Kategorie (Zurich 2001) 19-37 Wagner Hasel (1989)Women’s life in oriental seclusion? On history and and use of Topos. Pauline Schmitt –Pantel (1992) â€Å"Greek thought on the position of women resolved†. Pg 79.

Relevance Of Kant’s Ideas In Today’s Modern World

In his Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant formulated his theory of the Universal Law, which states that a person must act according to the maxim that he or she can will to become a universal law. Simply put, that maxim behind one’s behavior must be a principle that any other individual can apply, something that one â€Å"can rationally will that everyone adopt† (Van der Linden). Under this Kantian law, the very notion of harming one’s future self becomes a preposterous, if not criminal, idea because one cannot obviously will everybody to follow suit. The believe that in a government working its way towards the equality of its citizens. Freedom, for Kant, is obtained through a universal theory of right. Morality is at the center of Kant’s freedom and this is crucial in forming a government. John got his freedom, through murdering the tyrant. And in this case, the freedom and the rights of the rich man, tyrant as he is, was stepped upon proving the unrighteousness of the action. Kant values the sense of freedom in relation to reason. If man is fated or causally determined, then it is pointless for freedom to exist as man has already a determined course of actions. John earned the trust of the people by recognizing the general will of the community, or what is known as the people’s will. Acknowledging the general will creates the laws of the society. These laws, however, should be grounded by the good of the people. Only with the consent of the people will the laws and, ultimately, the government will turn to be legitimate. Kant defines the ideal government in such a way that morality is at the center of it. And with this notion, the actions of John were not justifiable. John’s government started out with a wrong foot, his concealment of the murder of the tyrant. Although this brought about the freedom of the people, the method of doing so was immoral in Kant’s views. This is the kind of society that is ideally set up. The theme of Kant’s moral philosophy is on how people deserve to be happy and not happiness in itself. This is prevalent in the teachings of John gave away the tyrant’s wealth to the people because they deserve to be happy. The morality of man’s actions does not depend on the outcome of the actions. However, we can control the reason behind the action. The morality then rests upon the motivation behind the action. But a motivation of a positive goal, such as making people happy or benefiting the people the same way as John did, is not the right motive, according to Kant. â€Å"No outcome, should we achieve it, can be unconditionally good. Fortune can be misused, by what we thought would induce benefit that might actually bring harm, and happiness might be undeserved. [†¦] It is the possession of a rationally guided will that adds a moral dimension to one’s acts. So it is the recognition and appreciation of duty itself that must drive our actions† (McCormick 2001). Morality of one’s actions is defined by pursuing a goal with no conditions. The reason is not the means for the ends. â€Å"All means to an end have a merely conditional worth because they are valuable only for achieving something else† (McCormick 2001). Thus, John’s actions were not morally right. He used immoral ways in achieving his goal. And this could also be used in performing other actions leading to harm of other people. Kant stresses that the moral worth of an action is not based on its effects, or on anything else publicly visible about it, but rather on why the agent performed it. Kant believes that the highest good requires both our moral perfection and our well being proportionate to our moral perfection, but we are not capable of bringing about either of those. It is in God that ultimate happiness commensurable to goodness can be experienced. Goodness and happiness can only be reached through actions towards morality, a maxim of duty that disregards the conditions.

The Golden Lily Chapter 13

THE DAY OF THE DANCE, I seriously considered going back to the costume store and buying the flammable white costume. Lia's dress was†¦ a bit more than I had expected. She had done a fair job copying the chiton style worn in ancient Greece, I'd give her that. The dress was sleeveless, pinned at my shoulders to drape into a neckline lower than I was comfortable with. The dress was floor length, and she'd somehow nailed my height perfectly without measuring me. That was where the historical resemblance ended. The material was some sort of silky, flowing fabric that draped around me and showed my figure better than you'd expect a dress like that to manage. Whatever the material was, it was nothing the Greeks could have produced, and it was†¦ red. I couldn't remember the last time I'd worn red. Maybe when I was a child. Sure, the Amberwood uniform variations sometimes had burgundy in them, but it was a subdued shade. This was a brilliant, flaming scarlet. I never wore colors that intense. I didn't like the attention they attracted. Amplifying it was the amount of gold she'd worked into the dress. Gold thread danced along the edge of the red fabric, glittering in the light. The belt was golden too – and not the cheap plastic of the costume's. The pins holding the dress were gold (or at least some high quality metal that appeared gold), as were the accessories she'd provided: a necklace and earrings made of little coins. She'd even given me a gold comb with little red crystals on it. I tried it on in my dorm room and stared at the glittering, red display I made. â€Å"No,† I said aloud. Someone knocked at my door, and I grimaced. It would take forever to change out of the elaborate dress, so I had no choice but to answer in costume. Fortunately, it was Jill. Her mouth opened to speak and then just hung there in silence when she saw me. â€Å"I know,† I said. â€Å"It's ridiculous.† She recovered herself a few seconds later. â€Å"No†¦ no! It's amazing. Oh my God.† I hurried her into the room before our classmates could see me. She was also dressed for the dance, in a fairy confection of pale blue gauzy material that looked perfect on her willowy Moroi frame. â€Å"It's red,† I told her. In case it wasn't obvious, I added: â€Å"I never wear red.† â€Å"I know,† she said, wide-eyed. â€Å"But you should. It looks amazing on you. You should burn all your gray and brown clothes.† I shook my head. â€Å"I can't wear this. If we leave now, there's still time to go by the costume store and get something else.† Jill shook off her awed state and took on an adamant, fierce look that seemed kind of extreme for the situation. â€Å"No. Absolutely not. You are wearing that. It's going to blow your boyfriend away. And you should put on a little more makeup – I know, I know. You don't like anything crazy, but just darken the eyeliner and put on some lipstick. Just a little. You've got to match the dress's intensity.† â€Å"You see? Already this color is causing problems.† She wouldn't back down. â€Å"It'll take like a minute. And that's all we've got. If we don't leave soon, we're going to be late. Your boyfriend's always early, right?† I didn't answer right away. She had me there. Brayden was always early, and as much as the costume pained me, I couldn't stand the thought of making him wait – especially since he wouldn't be able to get into the dance without an Amberwood student. â€Å"Fine,† I said, with a sigh. â€Å"Let's go.† Jill grinned triumphantly. â€Å"But first – the makeup.† I conceded to the makeup and then, at the last minute, added my cross necklace. It didn't go with the theme and was instantly swallowed by the more flamboyant gold jewelry, but it made me feel better. It was a piece of normality. When we finally left, we found Eddie waiting for us in the lobby. He was dressed in normal clothes, his only nod to Halloween being a plain white half-mask that reminded me of the Phantom of the Opera. I was half-tempted to ask if he had a second one so that I could do a quick wardrobe change and just go masked. He jumped up from his chair, his face going dreamy when he saw Jill in her blue, ethereal glory. Honestly, how could no one else see how crazy he was about her? It was so painfully obvious. He drank her in with his eyes, looking as though he might swoon then and there. Then, he flicked his gaze over to me and did a double-take. His expression wasn't lovestruck so much as dumbfounded. â€Å"I know, I know.† I could already see tonight's pattern forming. â€Å"It's red. I never wear red.† â€Å"You should,† he said, echoing Jill. He glanced between her and me then shook his head. â€Å"Too bad we're ‘related.' I'd ask you guys to dance. Seeing as my cousin already wants to go out with me, though, I suppose we shouldn't start any more rumors.† â€Å"Poor Angeline,† said Jill, as we walked out to my car. â€Å"She really wanted to go.† â€Å"Seeing as there'll be speakers there, it's probably best she doesn't,† I said. Eddie paused when we reached Latte. â€Å"Can I drive? I feel like I should be a chauffeur tonight. You guys look like royalty.† He grinned at Jill. â€Å"Well, you're always royalty.† He opened one of the back doors and actually swept her a bow. â€Å"After you, milady. I'm here to serve.† Practical, stoic Eddie was rarely given to such dramatic shows, and I could tell it caught Jill off guard. â€Å"Th-thank you,† she said, getting into the backseat. He helped her tuck her skirt inside, and she regarded him wonderingly, like she'd never noticed him before. After that, I could hardly deny his request and gave him the keys. The Halloween dance was being held at a very pretty hall adjacent to some botanical gardens. Eddie and I had checked it out this week so that he could determine its safety. Micah was meeting Jill there, though for different reasons than Brayden meeting me. Supervised buses were shuttling most students from the school to the dance. Upperclassmen like Eddie and me were allowed to take our own transportation, along with family like Jill. No one would technically know if Micah dropped her off later, but for now, she could only leave campus in the family carpool. â€Å"I hope I'm ready for this,† I muttered, as we pulled into the parking lot. The dress had distracted me so much that I hadn't had time to ruminate over my other concern: going to a dance. All my old social anxieties returned. What did I do? What was normal here? I hadn't had the nerve to ask any of my friends. â€Å"You'll be fine,† said Eddie. â€Å"Your boyfriend and Micah will both be speechless.† I unfastened my seatbelt. â€Å"That's the third time I've heard ‘your boyfriend.' What's going on with that? Why won't anyone say Brayden's name?† Neither of them answered right away. Finally, Jill said sheepishly, â€Å"Because none of us can remember it.† â€Å"Oh, come on! I'd expect that from Adrian but not you guys. It's not that weird of a name.† â€Å"No,† admitted Eddie. â€Å"But there's just something so†¦ I don't know. Unmemorable about him. I'm glad he makes you happy, but I just start to tune out whenever he talks.† â€Å"I can't believe this,† I said. Brayden was waiting out front for us, no doubt having been there for at least ten minutes. My stomach fluttered as he looked me over from head to toe. He didn't comment, though his eyes widened a bit. Was that good or bad? I flashed my student ID to get him in the door, and Jill almost immediately joined Micah. Eddie's brief romantic flare was gone as he shifted into business mode. A brief look of pain crossed his face, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. I touched his arm. â€Å"You going to be okay?† I asked softly. He smiled back. â€Å"I'll be fine. Just have fun.† He walked away, soon melting into the crowd of students. That left me alone with Brayden. Silence fell between us, which wasn't uncommon. It sometimes took us a few minutes to warm up and get the conversation going. â€Å"So,† he said, as we walked further inside. â€Å"You have a DJ. I wondered if it'd be that or a live band.† â€Å"Our school just had a bad experience with a live band,† I said, thinking of Angeline. Brayden didn't press for details and instead gazed around at the decor. Fake cobwebs and twinkling lights were strewn near the ceiling. Paper skeletons and witches hung on the walls. Over on a far table, students were scooping punch out of a giant plastic cauldron. â€Å"Amazing, isn't it?† said Brayden. â€Å"How a pagan Celtic holiday has become such a commercial event.† I nodded. â€Å"And a very secular one. Well, aside from attempts to merge it into All Saints Day.† He smiled at me. I smiled back. We were safely in familiar academic territory. â€Å"You want to check out the punch?† I asked. Some fast, bass-heavy song was on, drawing lots of people to the dance floor. Fast dancing wasn't really my style. I didn't know Brayden's take and was afraid he might want to join in. â€Å"Sure,† he said, looking relieved to have a purpose. Something told me he'd been to as many dances as I had: none. The punch provided us with a reason to discuss sugar vs. artificial sweeteners, but my heart wasn't into it. I was too concerned about something else. Brayden hadn't said one word about my dress, and it was filling me with anxiety. Was he as shocked by it as I had been? Was he politely holding back his true thoughts? I could hardly expect compliments if I wasn't giving them, so I decided to take the plunge. â€Å"Your costume's great,† I said. â€Å"That's from the theatrical company, right?† â€Å"Yes.† He glanced down and smoothed out the folds of his tunic. â€Å"Not entirely accurate, of course, but it'll do.† The tunic was knee-length, pinned on one shoulder, and made of very light, off-white wool. He had a woolen cape over it dyed in a dark brown that was accurate to the time period. Even with the cape, a fair amount of his arms and chest were exposed, showing a runner's body with a lightly muscled build. I'd always thought he was cute, but it wasn't until this moment I realized he might actually be hot. I expected that to trigger a stronger feeling in me, but it didn't. He was waiting for me to say something. â€Å"Mine's not entirely, um, accurate either.† Brayden studied the red dress in a very clinical way. â€Å"No,† he agreed. â€Å"Not at all. Well, the cut's not that far off, I suppose.† He thought for several moments more. â€Å"But I still think it's very pretty on you.† I relaxed a little. Coming from him, â€Å"very pretty† was high praise. While he often had a lot to say about every other topic, he was thrifty with words when it came to emotions. I shouldn't have expected anything more than a simple statement of facts, so this was a big deal. â€Å"Whoa, Melbourne. Where have you been hiding?† Trey strolled over to us and began liberally filling a cup with the fluorescent green punch. â€Å"You look badass. And hot.† He shot Brayden an apologetic look. â€Å"Don't take that the wrong way. Just telling it like it is.† â€Å"Understood,† said Brayden. I couldn't help a smile. Trey had been behaving weirdly around me for the last day or so, and it was nice to see him back to usual form. Trey gave me another admiring look and then turned back to Brayden. â€Å"Hey, check it out. We both went for togas. Romans rule!† He held up a hand to high-five Brayden but didn't receive it. â€Å"This is a Greek chiton,† Brayden explained patiently. He studied Trey's homemade toga, which looked suspiciously like it had been made from a bed sheet. â€Å"That's, um, not.† â€Å"Greek, Roman.† Trey shrugged. â€Å"What's the difference?† Brayden opened his mouth, and I knew he was about to explain exactly what the difference was. I quickly rushed in. â€Å"Yours looks good on you,† I told Trey. â€Å"Looks like all those hours of weight training paid off – and I finally get to see the tattoo.† Like Brayden's, Trey's tunic was draped over one shoulder, giving a glimpse of his lower back. Trey, like half the school, had a tattoo. But unlike the rest, his hadn't been part of the high-inducing, sinister vampire blood ones that had swept the student body. Trey's was a sun with highly stylized rays. It had been done in normal, dark blue tattoo ink. Eddie had told me about it, but I'd never gotten a look at it before, seeing as Trey didn't really go shirtless around me. Some of Trey's enthusiasm dimmed, and he turned slightly, keeping his back away from us. â€Å"Well, it's pretty softcore compared to yours. Nice to see it out again, by the way.† I absentmindedly touched my cheek. I usually covered the golden lily with makeup at school, but I figured here at the dance, I could claim it as part of the costume if any teachers grilled me about the dress code. Another fast song came on, and Trey brightened again. â€Å"Time to show off my moves. You guys coming? Or are you going to supervise the punch all night?† â€Å"I don't really do fast dancing,† said Brayden. I nearly sagged in relief. â€Å"Me either,† I said. Trey gave us a rueful smile before heading out. â€Å"Color me surprised.† Brayden and I spent a good deal of that evening by the punch, actually, continuing our discussion of Halloween's origins and the larger subjugation of pagan holidays. Friends of mine came by occasionally, and Kristin and Julia in particular couldn't stop gushing about my dress. Every so often, I'd also catch a glimpse of Eddie patrolling the crowds, silently and covertly. Maybe he should've been a ghost. He was almost always within sight of Jill and Micah but focusing on guardian mode seemed to have saved him from pining over her too much. Both Brayden and I stopped talking when a slow song finally came on. We tensed and then exchanged glances, knowing what was coming. â€Å"Okay,† he said. â€Å"We can only avoid this for so long.† I nearly burst out laughing, and he answered with a small smile. He too was fully aware of our social ineptitude. Somehow, that was comforting. â€Å"Now or never,† I agreed. We walked over to the dance floor, joining other couples locked in embraces. Calling what most of them were doing â€Å"dancing† was kind of a stretch. Most were just kind of stiffly rocking and rotating around. A few were simply using the opportunity to plaster themselves all over each other and make out. They were quickly pulled apart by chaperones. I took hold of one of Brayden's hands, and he rested his other on my hip. Aside from the kiss, this was probably the most intimate contact we'd had so far. There were still a few inches between us, but I couldn't help but be overwhelmed at the change to my normal personal space boundaries. I reminded myself that I liked and trusted Brayden and that there was nothing weird about this. As usual, I didn't feel surrounded in hearts or rainbows, but I didn't feel threatened either. Attempting to shift my thoughts from our closeness, I listened to the song and immediately got a feel for its count. About a minute into the song, Brayden realized what I was doing. â€Å"You†¦ you can dance,† he said in amazement. I looked up at him in surprise. â€Å"Of course.† I was hardly sweeping across the floor in some grand ballroom waltz, but all of my movements were timed to the song's beats. I couldn't really imagine how else you would dance. Brayden, meanwhile, was only one step removed from the rigid movements of most of the other couples. â€Å"It's not hard,† I added. â€Å"It's just kind of mathematical.† Once I put it into those terms, Brayden got on board. He was a quick study and counted off the beats with me. Before long, we looked as though we'd been taking dance lessons forever. Even more surprising, I glanced up at him once, expecting to see him concentrating and counting. Instead, he was regarding me with a soft expression†¦ an affectionate one, even. Flushing, I looked away. Amazingly, the smell of coffee still clung to him, even though he hadn't worked today. Maybe no amount of showering could get rid of that scent. Yet, as much as I loved eau de coffee, I found myself thinking of the way Adrian's cologne had smelled at Wolfe's. When the next fast song came on, Brayden and I took a break, and he excused himself to go talk to the DJ. When he returned, he refused to explain his mysterious errand, but he seemed supremely pleased with himself. Another slow song soon followed, and we headed back to the dance floor. And for once, conversation between us stilled. It was enough to just dance for a while. This is what it's like to lead a simple life, I thought. This is what people my age do. No grand machinations or fights between good and – â€Å"Sydney?† Jill was standing beside us – a worried expression on her face. My inner alarms immediately went off, wondering what had caused such a sudden change from her happy, carefree attitude earlier. â€Å"What's wrong?† I asked. My first fear was for Adrian, that she'd sensed something through the bond. I shook the thought. I needed to be worrying about Moroi assassins, not his well-being. Jill said nothing but simply nodded toward the punch table, almost exactly where Brayden and I had been earlier. Trey was back, talking animatedly to a girl in a Venetian mask. The mask was beautiful – an icy blue, decorated with silver leaves and flowers. The mask was also familiar. Jill had worn it in Lia's runway show and had been allowed to keep it. Equally familiar was this masked girl's outfit, a threadbare shirt and ragged jean shorts – â€Å"No,† I said, recognizing the long, strawberry blonde hair. â€Å"Angeline. How did she get here? Never mind.† There were any number of people she could have sneaked here with. The chaperones probably wouldn't have noticed her on a shuttle bus. â€Å"We have to get her out of here. If she's caught, she'll be expelled for sure.† â€Å"The mask does hide her features,† Jill pointed out. â€Å"Maybe no one will notice.† â€Å"Mrs. Weathers will,† I said, sighing. â€Å"That woman's got a sixth sense for – oh. Too late.† Mrs. Weathers was chaperoning on the other side of the room, but her eagle eyes missed nothing. Peering over the crowded dance floor, I saw her begin making her way toward the punch. I didn't think she'd made a positive ID on Angeline yet, but her suspicions were definitely raised. â€Å"What's wrong?† asked Brayden, glancing between Jill and me. No doubt we wore mirrored expressions of dismay. â€Å"Our cousin's about to get in some serious trouble,† I said. â€Å"We have to do something.† Jill's eyes were wide and anxious. â€Å"We have to get her out of here.† â€Å"How?† I exclaimed. Mrs. Weathers had reached the refreshments table, just as Trey and Angeline began walking toward the dance floor. I saw her start to go after them, but Mrs. Weathers didn't get very far – because the punch bowl suddenly exploded. Well, not the bowl itself. The punch inside exploded, spraying out in a spectacular shower of bright green liquid. There were shrieks as several nearby people got splashed, but it was Mrs. Weathers who took the brunt of it. I heard a sharp intake of breath from Brayden. â€Å"How in the world did that happen? That must have – Sydney? I'd cried out and jerked a few feet away, knowing exactly what had caused that bowl to explode. Brayden assumed my reaction was fear of injury. â€Å"It's okay,† he said. â€Å"We're too far away for any glass to be over here.† Immediately, I looked at Jill. She gave me a small, helpless shrug that said, Well, what else was I supposed to do? My usual reaction to Moroi magic was disgust and fear. Tonight, shock and dismay were there too. We didn't need attention drawn to us. True, no one knew or would even guess that Jill had used vampire water magic to create the punch distraction, but it didn't matter. I didn't want any word of weird, unexplainable phenomena leaking out of Amberwood. We needed to stay under the radar. â€Å"Are you okay?† Eddie had suddenly appeared by our side – or rather, Jill's side. â€Å"What happened?† He wasn't even looking at the punch. His focus was all on Jill, and just like earlier, she actually seemed to notice it. Brayden was the one who answered, his eyes alight with intellectual curiosity as he watched teachers scurry and try to clean up the mess. â€Å"Some sort of chemical reaction, if I had to guess. Could be as simple as using baking soda. Or maybe some kind of mechanical device?† I gave Eddie a pointed look. â€Å"It was a prank,† I said. â€Å"Anyone could've done it.† Eddie looked at me, then looked back at Jill. He gave a slow nod. â€Å"I see. We should get you out of here,† he told her. â€Å"You never know what – â€Å" â€Å"No, no,† I said. â€Å"Get Angeline out of here.† â€Å"Angeline?† Eddie's face registered disbelief. â€Å"But how†¦?† I directed him toward where she stood with Trey on the dance floor. They, like many others, were staring at the aftermath of the punch explosion with wonder. â€Å"I don't know how she got here,† I said. â€Å"It's irrelevant. She needs to leave. Mrs. Weathers nearly caught her.† A knowing glint flashed in Eddie's eyes. â€Å"But the punch distracted her?† â€Å"Yes.† His attention fell back on Jill, and he smiled. â€Å"Convenient timing.† She smiled back. â€Å"I guess we got lucky this time.† Their gazes locked, and it was almost a shame to interrupt. â€Å"Go,† I told Eddie. â€Å"Get Angeline.† He cast one last look at Jill and then jumped into action. I couldn't hear the conversation as he spoke with Angeline and Trey, but the look on his face would accept no arguments. I could see Trey yielding to family authority, and after a few more arguments, Angeline gave in as well. Eddie quickly escorted her out, and to my relief, neither Mrs. Weathers nor anyone else seemed to notice. â€Å"Jill,† I said. â€Å"It might be best if you and Micah leave early. You don't have to go right this second†¦ but soon.† Jill nodded, face sad. â€Å"I understand.† Even if no one would connect her to this, it was best if she wasn't around. Already, I could see people gathering at the table and, like Brayden, trying to figure out what could have caused such a phenomenon. She vanished into the crowd. Brayden finally looked away from the spectacle. He started to say something to me and then suddenly jerked his head toward the DJ. â€Å"Oh no,† he said, face crestfallen. â€Å"What?† I asked, half-expecting the DJ's table to collapse or a speaker to catch on fire. â€Å"This song. I requested it for you†¦ but it's almost over.† I tilted my head to listen. I didn't know the song, but it was slow and romantic and made me feel†¦ well, kind of guilty. Here it was, a sentimental gesture from Brayden, ruined by my â€Å"family's† wacky hijinks. I caught hold of his hand. â€Å"Well, it's not over yet. Come on.† We were able to dance to the last minute of it, but it was clear that Brayden was disappointed. I wanted to make it up to him somehow and, in spite of everything that had happened, still have the normal high school dance experience I'd wanted. â€Å"The night's young,† I teased. â€Å"I'll go request one for you, and then you can try to guess when it comes on.† Considering I didn't listen to the radio, it probably wouldn't be that hard to guess. I made the request and then joined Brayden for another slow song. I was still a little anxious about what had happened earlier but told myself all was well now. Jill had left. Eddie had taken care of Angeline. All I had to do was relax and – A vibration startled me as I danced. I was wearing a tiny, red dress purse over my shoulder. It was lost in the folds of my gown, but the buzz of my cell phone was unmistakable. Apologizing to Brayden, I stopped dancing to check the message. It was from Adrian: We need 2 talk. Great, I thought as my heart sank. Could this night be any more of a disaster? I texted back: I'm busy. His response: I'll be fast. I'm close by. A feeling of dread crept over me: How close? The response was about as bad as I could expect: The parking lot.