The Theory Of Criminal Behavior Essay - 2360 Words

Throughout history a lot of experts have tried to understand why some people feel the need to commit crimes, even though there have been harsh laws enforced for those who commit crimes. These people have come up with theories as to why people commit crimes to understand these theories, we must understand what a crime is and understand the definition of theories. Crime is a human conduct that violates the laws of a state or the federal government. There are different ways people view criminal behaviors either through the view of the social problem perspective which blames the society and the social responsibility which blames the person who committed the crime. Through these two perspectives we get the idea of theories. A theory is a comprehensive explanation about certain experiences which are based on facts that have been gathered overtime. These theories explain the mental reason people are more pushed to commit crimes. Theories like Robert Agnews’ General Strain Theory has given us an explanation as to phenomena criminal behavior. In 1992 strain theory was reformulated by Robert Agnew and called the general strain theory. Agnew felt as though that strain theory was not fully explaining the main reason people are pushed to commit crimes, so he came up with a theory he felt was a better explanation and a reason as to why crimes were committed. The concept of general strain theory comes from the idea that people commit crimes to use it as a means of copping with theShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Criminal Behavior955 Words   |  4 PagesThe theory I believe that explains criminal behavior and delinquency the best would be the Differential Reinforcement Theory, reviewed by Robert Burgess and Ronald Akers after it was criticized by C.R. Jeffery. Burgess and Akers argued against Sutherland’s work by using what he had used already and adding operant conditioning and modeling/condition in order to explain criminal behavior more clearly. They offered seven propositions to summarize the Differential Reinforcement Theory, which was a justificationRead MoreThe Theories Of Criminal Behavior893 Words   |  4 PagesCriminal behavior can be defined as any type of disruptive behavior or antisocial behavior that violates a law and is punishable by society. The three main causes of criminal behavior are psychological impacts, soc iological influences, and biological factors. Although there are many more factors that can trigger criminal behaviors, they can all be summed up into the never-ending question, nature versus nature? The psychological approach to criminal behavior is categorized into the nurture sideRead MoreTheory of Criminal Behavior2402 Words   |  10 PagesRunning head: Theories of Criminal Behavior Theories of Criminal Behavior Theories of Criminal Behavior The beginning of civilization dawned a new era in which man came together to live amongst one another in relative peace and prosperity. The advent of civilization however also brought about people who choose to live a life outside of societal norms and law, norms and thus was the creation of the criminal. All civilizations tried to suppress and discourage crime by using aRead MoreThe Theory Of Criminal Behavior1333 Words   |  6 PagesCriminal behavior has been a difficult term to define over the years due to the many variables that must be taken into account in order to present an accurate definition. However, the definition provided by Bartol is as follows, â€Å"Behavior in violation of the criminal code that is intentional and without justification or excuse† (Bartol, 2014). A vital variable that is represented in criminal behavior is crime. The fundamental purpose of theory is to explain things that can be observed. When discussingRead MoreThe Theory Of Criminal Beha vior1412 Words   |  6 Pagesof social process theories that are rooted in their notion that criminal behavior is learned by a social context. There has been a learning perspective that assumed that there are law- breaking values, norms, and etc. The section goes on to explain the theories envision that a criminal’s behavior is a product of the same learning process of noncriminal behavior. Crime is known for being constructed as a normal behavior rather than pathological. The task of this learning theory is to detail theRead MoreThe Theory Of Criminal Behavior1608 Words   |  7 Pagescauses of his criminal behaviour through the three different criminological schools of thought: classical, positivist, and sociological. There are a number of concepts of crime including human nature, the society, social contract, the law, and punishment. The central concepts of the classical school of thought is that people are egotistical, rational, motivated by pain and pleasure, people choose their behaviour, and behaviour can be modified by fear of punishment. The classical theory focuses onRead MoreThe Theory Of Criminal Behavior1191 Words   |  5 Pagesreason being is criminal behaviour sometimes can t be defined. Law in our society is defined by social and legal intuitions, not in biology. What is criminal in one country may not be in another so how can one gene deformation cause one to become a criminal ? So, as these studies have found, there appears to be some genetic traits that can influence criminal behaviour such as a person’s gender or mental illness. But this doesn t mean there is an evil gene which all criminals inherit, socialRead MoreBiological Theories Of Criminal Behavior844 Words à ‚  |  4 PagesBiological Theories are vastly growing with fascinating research. The main stump is concretely linking it to criminal behavior, because some theories are more relatable than others. Theories involving temperament and hormones give real life biological explanations, while others like extrovert and introvert behaviors, and neuroticism explain a weaker link to crime. However, all theories are valuable in exploring the root of crime. Temperament can be described as the natural mood disposition determinedRead MoreThe Psychological Theories Of Criminal Behavior883 Words   |  4 PagesPsychological Theories The psychological theories of criminal behavior focus on the lack of socialization, incomplete cognitive development, and bad childhood experiences. Those who study psychological theories believe that failures in cognitive development can be a major factor in malfunctioning behavior. These criminals have difficulty controlling anger and containing violence, which causes them to lash out. The results of these episodes are murder, rape, robbery, assault, and battery. Many moreRead MoreEssay on Theory of Criminal Behavior1000 Words   |  4 Pages1.0 Introduction Crime depicts any act or omission that is prohibited by the public law. On the same note, behavior is a function which has measurable differences in psychological characteristics among individuals (Brennan-Galvin, 2002). Such characteristics may be influenced by constitutional, personality attributes, and neurophysiologic or genetics factors. Likewise, criminal behavior is the commission of acts which in their situational and social settings are considered crimes due to the fact

Body Image in Children and Adolescents Essay - 3358 Words

Body Image in Children and Adolescents What is body image? A two-dimensional model of body image incorporates both perceptual and emotional components. It focuses on both how we feel about the size and shape of our bodies and how accurately we perceive our body size as well. A more recent cognitive approach suggests that body image is a complex set of cognitive schema. A schema is a grouped body of knowledge. Groups of schema are readily available for important tasks such as guiding behavior, circumstantial scripts (or dialogue), and evoking the appropriate emotional, somatic, visual, and auditory responses in certain situations. The cognitive schema for body image is an organized domain of knowledge about oneself and others.†¦show more content†¦Unfortunately, studies show that many young children have already internalized negative body images of themselves. Body image is studied widely in the fields of psychology and psychiatry because of the correlation between body image distortions and eating disorders or se lf-esteem issues. My literature review paper includes several very recent studies that address the cognitive and behavioral components of body image and dieting in young children and adolescents. I discuss what is known and what is still not understood about body image in children around the world today. I give examples of holistic programs developed for school and community involvement in body image awareness. I attempt to show the complexities of the issues about body image and conclude with (what I feel might be) the most effective method (to date) for incorporating healthy body image awareness into the community and instilling realistic goals within each individual child. The Research Research with preadolescent children reports mixed findings about at what age body image becomes a real issue for them. Body-image dissatisfaction was believed to be associated with the onset of puberty. Current literature suggests that the development of body image dissatisfaction occurs as much as 3 to 4 years prior to the onset of puberty. A study by Rolland, Farnhill, and Griffiths (1997) showed that children as young as 8 years of age report high levels of body dissatisfaction and negativeShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Obesity On Adolescents : Childhood Obesity1068 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Obesity on Adolescents Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health problems in the 21st century. According to PMC, the US Library of National Health and Medicine and National Institutes of Health, over 42 million children under the age of five are obese worldwide in 2010, and that number continues to ascend at an alarming rate. Obesity occurs when the body stores an excess amount of fat that is not necessary for the person’s survival. Some scientists have argued thatRead MoreMapping the Issue: Eating Disorders Essay1225 Words   |  5 Pageswith their weight. In the past fifty years the number of adolescent girls developing eating disorders increased just as television, advertisements, and magazines were becoming a social norm that was easily and often available. Today, more than ever, adolescents are worrying about weight, shape, size and body image and. It does not help that these children are growing up in a world filled with media material emphasizing dangerously skinny bodies as beautiful and perfect. Anne Morris and Debra KatzmanRead MoreSelf Esteem And Body Image1263 Words   |  6 Pages Self-Esteem Body Image â€Å"When you accept yourself the whole world accepts you.†Self-esteem is used to describe a person s sense of self-worth. Self-esteem can involve different of beliefs about themselves, such as belittling their own beliefs, appearance and behaviors. Body image is your own attitude towards your body. It’s how you see yourself, how you think and feel about the way you look. Self-esteem and body image can also be influenced by age, your own beliefsRead MoreLong Term Effects of Sexualizing Adolescents in Beauty Pageant777 Words   |  4 Pagesbeauty pageants may seem like harmless fun, but the actual effects it has on adolescents is not worth the public adoration. Some people believe that pageants do not have long lasting effects on them, and that, for children, pageants just give them the opportunity to play dress up. Even though children may not be affected immediately, the values that pageants instill are buried in their subconscious. By judging children at such youn g ages based solely off outward appearance, they grow up with a distortedRead MoreStudies of Social Media and its Effects on Adolescent’s Body Image 1166 Words   |  5 PagesIn the mindset of adolescents, these medias help to create unrealistic ideas of who they are and who they should be. As if going through puberty isn’t difficult enough, teenagers are raised to face these phony thoughts everyday. One of the top problems that boys and girls experience is the way they view their body; commonly referred to as â€Å"body image.† Our media-saturated world provides many teens with low self-esteem, eating disorders, and overall dissatisfaction with one’s body. With the help ofRead More The Media Causes Eating Disorders Essay1334 Words   |  6 Pagesinfluence on what a woman’s body should look like. Every print and television advertisement suggests that the ideal body is extremely thin. However, most women cannot achieve having a super-thin body tha t the media favors. The resulting failure leads to negative feelings about one’s self and can begin a downward spiral toward an eating disorder (National Eating Disorders Association). A particularly disturbing fact is that research has demonstrated that children as young as five years ofRead MoreChildhood Obesity : One Of The Most Serious Public Health Problem981 Words   |  4 PagesLibrary of National Health and Medicine and National Institutes of Health, over 42 million children under the age of five are obese worldwide in 2010, and that number continues to ascend at an alarming rate. Obesity occurs the body stores an excess amount of fat, and is more than what the person needs to survive. Some scientists have argued that males are considered obese when they are 25 percent over their ideal body weight, meanwhile, females are thirty percent. Regardless of these scientific calculationsRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Social Media Essay1714 Words   |  7 Pagesdisadvantages, particularly for the youth. While most adults are not able to let social media consume a large portion of their time, adolescents frequently become consumed in social me dia. That being said, almost every adolescent uses some form of social media or social networking including Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facetime, texting, etc. While some adolescents are encouraged to join social sites by family and peers to make new friends or form new connections, this encouragement may eventuallyRead MoreAdolescent Self Esteem Essay1098 Words   |  5 PagesThe study by Steese et al. (2006) included 63 adolescent girls with a mean age of 13. The program met for ten weeks. Each session featured a different topic, such as relationships and friendship. Results of the study indicate that self-esteem measures between testing were not significant, but several related concepts proved to be. Self-efficacy attitudes did significantly improve after treatment and can be linked to positive self-esteem. An explanation for their results is the possibility that theRead MoreMedia Impact On Body Image1254 Words   |  6 Pagesmodels on children’s and adolescentsâ€℠¢ body image? Over recent times, the media has become a prominent part in the upbringing of young people. In particular the manner by which the media portrays body image has changed in numerous ways. Body image is defined as â€Å"a person’s perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about his or her body† by Grogan (as cited in Zaccagni, Masotti, Donati Gualdi-Russo, 2014). There is a stronger focus of what is considered to be the perfect body type and many argue that

Love Song Of J Alfred Prufrock Essay free essay sample

, Research Paper Love, Lust or Lackluster Lifestyle? The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock demonstrates the effects of societal and economicpressure in the life of a Victorian adult male. T.S. Eliot shows us, in an dry soliloquy, how thereality of age and societal place paralyzes his character with fright. The verse form opens with six linesfrom Dante s Infernio. This peculiar stanza explains that the talker is in snake pit and the messagecan merely be told to person else in snake pit. The talker tells us that it is All right for the hearer to hearthe message, since in order to hear you must already be in snake pit and no one of all time returns from there.So the message will neer go forth. I believe Eliot utilizations this message to deduce that merely a reader whounderstands the solitariness and despair of Prufrock can truly understand the verse form. However, in my research, I have found as many different readings of the verse form as I have foundreaders. Most agree ; nevertheless, that Prufrock is talking to the reader when he says you andI ( Line 1 ) . Many readers besides agree that Prufrock is a alone adult male, but what type of company hedesires seems to change greatly. Interpretations include sex, societal company, long term love, andeven decease. I believe Prufrock yearns for the sense of belonging, both with a female and with hissociety. He struggles with issues of sex, age and societal alteration. The get downing lines of the verse form ( 1-25 ) pigment for a really descriptive image of the streetwhere Prufrock is walking. It besides alerts the reader of Prufrock s antipathy for this country and thissociety. He describes it as rich person deserted, mumbling. one-night inexpensive hotels and sawdustrestaurants. ( 5-7 ) He contrasts that with his finish of a room where adult females come andgo/Talking of Michelangelo ( 1 3 A ; 14 ) . Prufrock doesn t give the reader much penetration into histhoughts until line 26. From this line frontward, we get a glance of what it must be like to bePrufrock. He tells us There will be clip, there will be time/ To fix a face to run into the facesthat you meet ( 27-28 ) , bespeaking repression. He must fix himself mentally to be able toput on the right societal image before he makes his visit ( 12 ) . The remainder of the verse form simplyreinforces his battle between the manner he would wish to be and the world of his life. He begins toponder the overpowering inquiry ( 11 ) of whether or non he could hold a romantic interludewith one of the ladies he is gong to see, but the socially acceptable and somewhat neurotic side ofhim emerges and he rapidly switches his ideas to his thinning hair. I believe he is seeking togather the bravery to near one of these ladies ( 42-43 amp ; 45-46 ) but looses the bravery asquickly as it came to him. He so laments about his indecis iveness and deficiency of bravery, in a minutethere is time/ For determination and alterations with a minute will change by reversal. The subject of Prufrock sfickle ideas run throughout the verse form, as illustrated in his assurance about his outfit and gustatory sensation, so merely the following line he his dorsum to the insecurity about his age But how his weaponries and legs arethin. ( 45 ) Prufrock goes on to state the reader of his experience I have known them all # 8211 ; /Haveknown the eventides, forenoons, afternoons, ( 50 ) depicting the phases of his life from his youththrough his immature maturity to his present province, as a in-between aged adult male. He feels the age andeventual decease of non merely himself but of the society he is a portion of. He hears voicesdying # 8230 ; ..Beneath the music from a farther room ( 52-53 ) , and realizes that he is at the terminal of histime. I think he realizes that he is non a member of the modern society, nor am I sure he wa nts tobe. But he does experience that he is watched like a specimen formulated, sprawling on a pin ( 57 ) . Butunlike a bug in a bug aggregation, he is still alive and anguished wriggling on the wall ( 58 ) . He realizes that his imposts are a portion of the past, but he is unable to see the way to move on. Hethinks perhaps he should spit out the butt-ends of my days and ways (60) but realizes hewouldn t know how to resume life in the new world And how should I presume? (61). 2. Prufrock goes back to his own way of thought and begins to remember the women in theparlor and his mind begins to wonder to more physical elements of their company and he soonbegins to muster up courage again. His confidence becomes evident And how should I begin?/Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets/ And watched the smoke that rises fromthe pipes/ Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows/†¦ (69-72). This stanza hasalmost a superior ring to it. As though Prufrock realizes he is socially superior to the men in thewindows. He is careful to point out that they are smoking but not wearing their jackets. They arespending their evening leaning out of windows (72) overlooking narrow streets (70). A man ofPrufrock s stature would not do such distasteful things and would therefore be worthy of thesewomen s company. He carefully contrasts the women in the parlor whose arms braceleted, whiteand bare (63) lie along a table, or wrap a shawl (67) with the informal and guttural image ofthese men in town. J. Alfred takes seven lines to carefully draw us a picture of a formal evening inthis parlor, and only three to describe that which is distasteful to him. But knowing he will not beact on his feelings he decides he would be better off as a pair of ragged claws/ Scuttling acrossthe floors of silent seas. (71-72) Lines 75-86 tell of the sleep that both he and his culture are in. The cultures ignorance ofit s own impending death and his inaction regarding his desire for passion. He says he has seenthe moment of my greatness flicker (84) which his own admission of his mortality. And as helooks back he realizes that he is lonely. Prufrock says it would have been worth it, after all (88)worth the formality of his life he could simply have the company of one of these women. Perhaps,even worth the gossip that would have occurred(89) if he could simply feel the passion of a youngman again. He hopes passion will bring him back to life(94-95). I believe his desire is much morethan sexual. Prufrock wants one of these women of intellect who will challenge him. He wants toescape his own thoughts and have stimulating conversation. He wants a woman who will say thatis not what I meant at all. (110) 3. Then back to the stately old Prufrock, who submits he will not even be able to be like Hamlet , instead he will only be a pathetic advisor. He tells us he is so indecisive and so unableto make a commitment to action that he cannot even rise to the occasion of the person mostknown for his inaction. He basically tells us he is lower than low. He is intelligent, well spoken,and educated(116-117) but so much a coward that he is almost ridiculous–/ Almost, at times,the Fool. (118-119) Although many of the comments and interpretatio ns of The Love Song of J. AlfredPrufrock that I have read seem to believe that the last 4 stanzas are a sign that he may break outof his shell. I believe it is the surrender of all hope and the recognition of the inconceivability ofhis desires. I think lines 120-130 are Prufrock s way of telling us of the dream of youth that hewill leave behind. He will not wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled (121) nor wear flanneltrousers, and walk upon the beach. These are the customs and actions of young passionate men.Men whose physical appearance and less stuffy lifestyle will attract the mermaids (124). Heconcedes I do not think that they will sing to me. (125) Prufrock leaves us with the thought ofhow life and society can force us from our dreams and sink us with reality. We have lingered inthe chambers of the sea/ By sea-girls wreathed with seeweed red and brown/ Till human voiceswake us, and we drown. (129-131)

Marketing Simulation free essay sample

The rest of the sales force time would be equally divided between the segments B, C and D. Change in Strategy: During simulation, we studied the effects of percentage increase of sales force time for each market segment individually along with decrease in list price. As we proceeded with the simulation, we found that * A decrease in list price and an increase in percentage sales force time for segment D would be more fruitful in the short run as it will increase the overall sales volume and overall profit much more than in the case where sales force concentrates more on segment A. This is because the overall market share of highly price sensitive customers in segment D and â€Å"small volume customers† is almost three times of segment A’s market share. * So, even though the profit margin in segment D and â€Å"small volume customers† is lesser than that for segment A, the overall profit was greater because of the scope of much higher sales volume. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Simulation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page * Hence, we decided to increase the sales force percentage time for segment D to 40% and for segment A to 30%. We decreased the sales force time percentage for segments B and C to 15% each. Also, we reduced the list price from $142 to $136. Challenges during simulation: During simulation, the primary challenge we faced was to decide on the key parameters that should be changed and the level of change in each of these parameters to get optimum profit and higher market share. Key decisions: Since our initial strategy was to increase the sales volume of segment A, we decided to concentrate on sales force time percentage parameter for each segment and the list price of the motors. We studied the effects of percentage increase of sales force time for each market segment individually along with decrease in list price on the overall profit of the company. Solution Analysis Decrease in list price from $142 to $136 and increase in sales force time percentage to 40% for segment D and to 30% for segment A. As we proceeded with the simulation, we found that * A decrease in list price and an increase in percentage sales force time for segment D would be more fruitful in the short run as it will increase the overall sales volume and overall profit much more than in the case where sales force concentrates more on segment A. This is because the overall market share of highly price sensitive customers in segment D and â€Å"small volume customers† is almost three times of segment A’s market share. * So, even though the profit margin in segment D and â€Å"small volume customers† is lesser than that for segment A, the overall profit was greater because of the scope of much higher sales volume. * Segments B and C sales force time was reduced because of the high competition that MM faces in these categories on the basis of the rmal resistance parameter. Hence, in the long run, MM can target for higher profit margins than for higher sales volume if it concentrates the sales and market research resources to segments A, B and C. The main challenge with this approach is that it would difficult to attract customers from these segments who are already loyal to competitors and would require much more effort from the sales team and the product development team to come up with a product that caters the needs of these segments especially segments B and C where MM has yet to prove its overall competitiveness. Learning and experience This simulation exercise helped us to validate whether our suggested solution was an optimal one and also helped us to arrive at new solutions through experimentation which finally led to change in our overall decisions and strategy. It also showed us how varying a single parameter can change the overall market share and overall profits of the company. Finally, it reinforced the theory behind segmentation of customers according to their buying behavior to achieve optimal marketing strategies.

Free Essays on Broadband Technologies

What is Broadband? Broadband is the latest in high speed Internet access technology, delivering access at speeds hundreds of times faster than a dial-up modem can provide. Broadband is an always-open gateway to a huge world of Internet based services delivered at high speeds to households and business. Relying on digital and fiber-optic technologies, broadband eliminates the term â€Å"world wide wait† that haunts those who use slower Internet service through standard 56K dial up modems. Broadband connection to the Internet can be as much as 100 times faster than a standard dial-up service. There are a few different types of Broadband technologies, such as ISDN, DSL, cable. ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It’s a system of digital phone connections, which has been available for over a decade. It allows data to be sent simultaneously across the world using end-to-end digital connectivity. There are two types of ISDN, Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). BRI consists of two 64kb/s B channels and one 16kb/s D channel for a total of 144kb/s. This service should meet most individual needs. PRI is intended for greater capacity requirements. It has 23 B channels and one 64kb/s D channel for a total of 1536kb/s. In order to use the ISDN service you need to have an ISDN modem installed in your computer and an ISDN phone line installed from your local phone company. A single ISDN line can cost you about $250 per year. If you would like dual ISDN, you can expect to play somewhere around $400 per year. In the recent days, ISDN has been replaced with services such as xDSL and Cable modem service. These particular services are faster, cheaper, and easier to set up and maintain. Even though that is the case, ISDN can still be used for the ones who are unable to get the higher speed Internet, or even as a backup. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and is a service that offers a f... Free Essays on Broadband Technologies Free Essays on Broadband Technologies What is Broadband? Broadband is the latest in high speed Internet access technology, delivering access at speeds hundreds of times faster than a dial-up modem can provide. Broadband is an always-open gateway to a huge world of Internet based services delivered at high speeds to households and business. Relying on digital and fiber-optic technologies, broadband eliminates the term â€Å"world wide wait† that haunts those who use slower Internet service through standard 56K dial up modems. Broadband connection to the Internet can be as much as 100 times faster than a standard dial-up service. There are a few different types of Broadband technologies, such as ISDN, DSL, cable. ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It’s a system of digital phone connections, which has been available for over a decade. It allows data to be sent simultaneously across the world using end-to-end digital connectivity. There are two types of ISDN, Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). BRI consists of two 64kb/s B channels and one 16kb/s D channel for a total of 144kb/s. This service should meet most individual needs. PRI is intended for greater capacity requirements. It has 23 B channels and one 64kb/s D channel for a total of 1536kb/s. In order to use the ISDN service you need to have an ISDN modem installed in your computer and an ISDN phone line installed from your local phone company. A single ISDN line can cost you about $250 per year. If you would like dual ISDN, you can expect to play somewhere around $400 per year. In the recent days, ISDN has been replaced with services such as xDSL and Cable modem service. These particular services are faster, cheaper, and easier to set up and maintain. Even though that is the case, ISDN can still be used for the ones who are unable to get the higher speed Internet, or even as a backup. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and is a service that offers a f...

Are You a Genuine Author

Are You a Genuine Author Sure you are. Writing is in your blood. You adore telling stories, and if you could, youd do nothing but write for a living . . . forever and ever. But do your readers know that? The majority of writers struggle to make that connection between themselves and readers. They assume their book speaks for them. But there are a gadzillion books out there, and until a reader loves the book and decides to know more about the author, that connection isnt made. Let me say it another way . . . do readers like you? Do they feel they are getting to know you? Are you reachable? Are you personable? How do readers know? They dont have to be groupie-in-love with you, but are they curious? Do they like what you represent? Sometimes its simply do they like your smile? Your love of cars, your love of travel. The fact you bake quiche, paint chicken pictures, or garden spaghetti squash. How can they relate to you? After all, you wouldnt put yourself out there if you didnt want to be friends, right? Your job as an author is not only to write a good book and market it well, but you have to make readers enjoy the fact you are there for them. And to do that is to act like you appreciate them. You dont have time for all of that? Then how do you expect readers to have time to read your work? The connection is more about relationships than  you may think. Some ideas to show your care: 1) Make every single blurb you sign in your book different, and relatable. 2) Answer all emails from readers timely. 3) Wish people happy birthday on Facebook . . . and say more than just Happy Birthday. 4) Give advice when asked. You dont have to write a thousand words. Just the fact you gave back matters. 5) Give back. Review other books often. Not only will the author appreciate it, but others who read the reviews will recognize your name, your sincerity, and your respect for reviews. 6) Appear at someone elses reading, speaking engagement, class, presentation. 7) Recommend others. 8) Congratulate others. 9) Welcome others. 10) Thank others. It isnt about your book. It isnt just about you. Its about making readers and other authors (who are your readers, too) feel good that they are in your world. It isnt hard once you think about it.

Between Cinders and Thistles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Between Cinders and Thistles - Essay Example y. Exactly how similar they are brings me back to their structural simplicity. Western versions of Cinderella has been structured simply however complexity in the tales would prove more effective in relating to the reader the morals being implied in the stories. In Campbell Grant's Cinderella, the protagonist is being identified as an underdog who never questioned the injustices done to her. In this question on her innocence or guilt concerning the treatment she receives as the hand of her stepmother, Cinderella poses a pathetic figure, especially when all she could do is sit "weeping in the garden" (Grant) after all her sacrifices. She appears to accept cruelty as if she were born to suffer. And the sad thing about it she never seems to question or discover if there can be some way she could transcend her situation. In contrast, John Gardner immortalizes a stronger heroine in Gudgekin who, given the opportunity by the fairy queen, took her shot as this transcendence, motivated by her pity for others. Meanwhile it appears that Grant's Cinderella felt her persecution more intensely because of her apparent self-pity. Self-pity established this early appears to not have the same effect at wisdom compared to its later attainment in Gardner's ve rsion. Though Gudgekin concedes to her persecution, Gardner narrates the thread of her emotions and reasons for accepting her fate. As he writes, It was a bitter life, but she always made the best of it and never felt the least bit sorry for herself, only for the miseries of others. Cinders 3 the reader reflects on the particular complexity of Gudgekin. "At the stroke of midnight, the spell will be broken. And everything will be as it was before" (Grant), the rule that Cinderella must return from the ball by midnight implies that the fairy godmother has given the protagonist only a one-time magic offer with conditions and no promises. Moreover, it was not explained to the reader what exactly provoked the fairy godmother to help Cinderella other than her tears. The fairy never questioned why Cinderella wanted to go to the social event. It was only by the assumption perhaps that a girl is likely to want to go because all the others were also going or have already gone. With Gudgekin, it was clearly defined why they went to the royal ball, for the reason the fairy queen wanted to change Gudgekin's naive perspective as a means of self-awareness, "it's time you saw the world." (Gardner) And compared to Grant's Cinderella, the fairy queen worked her magic about three times without conditions, except to bring her home to her stepmother in time for her curfew. In Cinderella, the violence is being established collectively while in Gudgekin, the violence escalates gradually, with the stepmother increasing her demands of thistles so as never to be outdone at the market and figuring a way of ridding herself of her Cinders 4 ward. In the first version, the

Capacitors Using Charge Sensors Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Capacitors Using Charge Sensors - Lab Report Example The application of various capacitors with different capacitance also makes it important to determine unknown capacitance besides voltage calculation by using the equation (Q=CV) Six different capacitors were obtained from the lab and their capacitance measured. A parallel circuit was created composing of 1.0ÃŽ ¼F capacitor and 0.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor (making 1.1ÃŽ ¼F. A second capacitor of 1.0ÃŽ ¼F was charged into 5V. The charged capacitor was then touched to the 1.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor (uncharged) in the circuit. The 1.1ÃŽ ¼F was again discharged. The aforementioned steps were then repeated with a 0.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor used in place of 1.0ÃŽ ¼F as the charge transfer capacitor. Then, instead of discharging the 1.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor the 0.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor was recharged to 5.0V followed by reconnecting it. The 1.1ÃŽ ¼F capacitor was then charged to 5.0V followed by sharing its charge with uncharged capacitor that has unknown capacitance. The final reading was made from the voltmeter and then used t o arrive at the unknown capacitance by use of the equation Q=CV. The unknown capacitance was then directly measured from the digital voltmeter. A parallel-plate capacitor was constructed through inserting a waxed paper in between aluminium plates. The construct was then pressed together by placing on top a 1.0kg weight. A charge sensor was then mounted with a 0.01ÃŽ ¼F capacitor. The combined capacitance of 0.01ÃŽ ¼F capacitor, together with the charge sensor, was then measured by using the digital voltmeter’s capacitance capability.

Rizal and Dumas Essay Example for Free

Rizal and Dumas Essay Since early childhood, Jose Rizal already loved books. His mother, Doà ±a Teodora Alonzo taught him how to read a material in Spanish language and developed his mind and artistic talents by telling him wonderful and colourful stories and poems. Furthermore, his Tio Gregorio, a book lover, intensified his reading of good books. The favourite pastime of Rizal during his stay in Madrid was reading. Instead of gambling and flirting with women as many young Filipinos did in the Spanish metropolis, he stayed home and read voraciously until midnight. I can relate Rizal’s love on books to my passion. Since my high school days, I was drawn to insightful books and magazines. Unfortunately, this passion of mine was not developed early enough because our school’s library back then is poorly-equipped. There are only few books and most of them are outdated but I managed to gain insights from them. By the time I went to the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in Cebu City to pursue my college studies, I was very much excited when I found out that the institution has a very fascinating library. The size of our library in high school is only one percent of the library of this University. I was amazed by the myriad of new and insightful books displayed in the book shelves. Furthermore, the facility has a huge space so that it can accommodate lots of students. It is during my stay in this University did enhance my reading skills and develop my personal character through reading good and informative books. Through reading lots of books and magazines as well as surfing in the internet, I was able to widen my knowledge and nurtured my soul. I gained lots of information and wisdom from these reading materials. Moreover, my vocabulary and grammar had also improved through knowing the meaning of new words I read from the books. Indeed, reading will truly bring you liberty freedom in your mind and soul. One of the most favourite novels of Rizal was the Count of Monte Cristo which was authored by Alexander Dumas. This novel—which portrays the story of Edmond Dantes instilled his romantic cravings. Accordingly, the life of Edmond Dantes was a story of hope, vengeance, forgiveness, and mercy. This novel was an excellent example of pure wisdom and love. The theme of its story struck Rizal’s genius mind and unique character. The novel be came a favourite reading material of the hero during his teenage years. On the other hand, I can say that this story of Edmond Dantes was truly one of a kind during the times of Alexander Dumas. The story would show us the evil side of human person selfishness and pride. In fact, the events in the story still exist during these times. One good example is the corruption and injustices happening in our country. To name a few: the case of Ampatuan Massacre which until now is still not resolved and the families of the unfortunate victims still not able to taste justice of the crime; and the unending corruption in the Philippines. Furthermore, we can also relate the theme of the story to each of us. The novel was an epic adventure of a human being’s nature and emotions. I can say that it is natural for us to feel angry to those who had wronged us. When we hold grudge to someone, we are compelled to take revenge in order to satisfy our feelings of anger. In fact, this kind of emotional adventure has already happened to me once then and I learned so much out from that experience. Surely, it had also happened to someone else on this planet and many lives are torn apart just because of the selfishness and pride of some people. However, when we surrender everything we feel to God and feeling all those emotions of anger without trying to change anything that has happened to us we will soon be enlightened and forgiveness will step our way. When everything is already enough and we feel that many people have been affected just because of that feeling of anger and revenge, we start to forgive those who had wronged us. Accordingly, this is one of the best feelings we experience as humans because in forgiveness you see peace and love. When you forgive a person, it means that you are letting go of that grudge and finds your way to peace and happiness. Indeed, the Lord Jesus taught us to forgive those who had wronged us. Even He Himself died in the cross in order for us to be redeemed from our sins and to experience new life. That’s how huge God’s love for us. Thus, it is fine when we have to undergo feelings of anger towards a person. It is good to feel it rather than rejecting it because when we start running from the truth that we are angry at the person and all we just feel is revenge we start to hurt ourselves and others. Our health will be destroyed so much that our relationships will be in much chaos. Perhaps, this novel nurtured the spirit of Rizal to fight Spanish tyranny. He was consciously aware of the atrocities and maltreatment that some Spanish officials and friars did to his fellowmen. Corruption and injustice were everywhere but most of the Filipinos were not aware of it. The powerful Spanish Friars just used the Catholic Religion in order to cover their corrupt actions. But Rizal knew that there was something wrong and he must act to fight it. Furthermore, another two books that deeply affected Rizal were Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Eugene Sue’s The Wandering Jew. These two books aroused his sympathy for the oppressed and unfortunate Filipino people. He further developed and liberated his mind by reading various books and studying the different lives and cultures of the European countries. He was desperate to free his suffering countrymen from slavery and torture. As much as Rizal did free his mind to venture into the unknowns and to find out that everything that the tyrants did were wrong through fervent studying, he also liberated the minds of his countrymen through writing his first novel â€Å"Noli Me Tangere†. Indeed, Noli was a very excellent novel that showed the truth that the tyrants are torturing the Filipino people. Because of this novel, the Spanish friars were enraged and they tried to protect themselves by attacking the novel. However, truth will always prevail and the good will always win. I can say that Rizal was designated by God to be the saviour of the Filipino people against Spanish tyranny and we can see this through his unique genius and patriotism. He loved his countrymen and he found wisdom in every wrong thing happening in his country. He tried to find a way in order to correct this wrongdoing and he prepared himself to free his countrymen. Indeed, Rizal was a true liberator. And one of the factors that encouraged him to liberate his mind and his people was reading good books. Thus, I can say that reading can free your mind from negative â€Å"stinking† beliefs that blinded you from seeing the right and positive way of living. In fact, I could say that some of our beliefs that we developed and inherited based from our past experiences and influences are all lies. They need to be removed in order for us to see the truth, the right direction and the most eternal way. And we can do this through reading and acquiring wisdom and knowledge. Our lives are driven by our own beliefs and those beliefs brought us to where we are right now whether those beliefs are right or wrong. As much as Rizal freed his countrymen from Spanish tyranny through using his exemplary character and outstanding genius, we can also free our minds against the negative thoughts that are barring our minds to see the right way towards living the most out of life through continued developing of our character and perseverance and passion to learn new things even to the things that we do not know. That’s a true heroism!

The Relationship between Snowball and Napoleon in Animal Farm :: Animal Farm Essays

The relationship surrounding Snowball and Napoleon in George Orwell's Animal Farm tends to be on rocky grounds. Snowball, a clever pig, tends to be loyal, brave, and outgoing. These are just a few excellent qualities of a leader. Napoleon, a boar, on the other hand, is quite frankly rude, wretched, and full of greed. Both have had their share of leadership on the farm, yet both have had their share of conflict as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Snowball, Animal Farm's first and foremost leader, is and always should be well respected. He bravely fought at the battle of Cowshed, the first conflict between man and animal. He took wounds, he took control, and he spoke for the well being of the Animals. He conceived the great windmill that would supply the Animal Farm with electric power. All this for the prosperity of his fellow animal… until Napoleon stepped in.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Napoleon was a leader who led with an iron fist. A fist he used to secretly abuse his fellow animal. He began by raising several ferocious dogs to aid him in enforcing his rules, laws, and expectations. Using them, he abruptly ended Snowballs reign by using the dogs to exile him from the farm. Shortly after, he halted the construction of the windmill. More often than not he would cleverly work his way around the seven commandments by altering them to his pleasure. For example, 'Now animal shall drink alcohol to excess.'; Or 'No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.'; Napoleon grounded the rations of each and every animal. The farm slowly fell into a dark abyss with every wretched move Napoleon made.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What's worse, Napoleon came to constantly use Snowball to shift the blame on every small mishap on the farm. For example, when the windmill was first destroyed by the tornado, Napoleon blamed it on Snowball. Also, Snowball was blame for destroying farm property, mixing foods with weeds, and secretly conspiring with human, which was strictly prohibited by animal law. However, the accusations were never proven true, as Snowball was never heard from again since his expulsion.

Understand the Importance of Promoting Equality

2.1 Describe ways in which children and young people can experience prejudice and discriminationGender Race Background Religion Disabilities Living in care Unemployment Low income background Gangs Area they live in Language2.2 Describe the impact of prejudice and discrimination on children and young peopleLow self esteem Lack of confidence and motivation Make them feel excluded They feel stereotyped They could become withdrawn and angry2.3 Assess how own attitudes, values and behaviour could impact on work with children and young peopleBy assessing my own behaviour I have a legal duty to protect the rights of children and young people. Its important that I examine my own attitudes and values critically and consider how these may impact on the way I work with children.Children are impressionable and they soak up all information given to them and the atmosphere surrounding them. I should promote that the children are surrounded with positive messages from all the adults around them.Ste reotypical assumptions can be overcome by finding out more about cultural diversity and disability. By finding out about the children in the classroom, their background, interest and abilities a more effective method of support can be achieved.It is essential to raise the next generation with a strong sense of their self-worth. Therefore it is very important to encourage respect and mutual understanding between the children. All children are individuals and have individual rights.2.4 Describe the importance of promoting anti-discriminatory practice in work with children and young peopleIt is important for people not discriminate other people because all cultures and races have got their own set of values, opinion and religion. Discrimination is illegal and it could lead to a prosecution Work ethic these days means that we will work with people/children from different cultures, races and backgrounds It will help to reduce bullying2.5 Describe how to challenge discriminationPlease see table overleafUNITT 204 Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young peopleOutcome 1 Understand the importance of promoting equality and diversity in work with children and young people1.2 Why is it important to promote the rights to participation and equality of access? Â  All pupils have the right to participate in all activities. It is important to show this which helps promote equality showing them that everybody has an equal right no matter what cultural background they come from, race, gender, additional need or disability. This must also be supported by high-quality teaching and learning experiences.Inclusion and equality of opportunity can only be successful if they help to raise achievement and to promote self-identity and good relationships through the participation of all children and young people.Culture can cut across nationality and religions. It is what gives groups of people in our society their identity. It also refers to the way groups live, for example, shared customs, thoughts, arts, language and social activity. Recognising and promoting the cultural diversity of individuals and groups within the school will enrich learning and promote the knowledge and understanding of all pupils.

Ansoff’s Matrix Explanation Essay

Using the same product in the same market, however altering the looks or the style of the product to make is look new to encourage higher sales. E.g. Coca-Cola using different styles of coke and using different advertising campaigns to sell the same coke product. Product development When a new product is used in the same market. For example if coke sold juice, it would still be in the same drinks market however it would be a different product. New market Market development Selling the same product to a new market. It has a higher risk because it is a different set of customers. An example of this is Tesco’s expansion into petrol sales. Diversification A new product to be sold in a completely new market. This has a higher risk because it is a completely new idea and may not catch-up quickly which may lead to the company making a loss. A good example of the unrelated diversification is Richard Branson. He took advantage of the virgin brand and diversified into various fields such as entertainment, air and rail travel foods etc. Ansoff’s Matrix Main Definition: â€Å"The Ansoff Matrix is a strategic planning tool that provides a framework to help executives, senior managers and marketers devise strategies for future growth. It was created by Russian American, applied mathematician and business manager, Igor Ansoff† The Ansoff Growth matrix is a marketing planning tool that helps a business determine its product and market growth strategy

Complacent vs. Complaisant

Complacent vs. Complaisant Complacent vs. Complaisant Complacent vs. Complaisant By Maeve Maddox Both complacent and complaisant descend from Latin complacere, â€Å"to please, to be pleasant,† but they have acquired different meanings in English. complacent (adjective): feeling or showing pleasure or satisfaction, especially in one’s own conditions; self-satisfied. complacence/complacency (noun): the state of being pleased. The nouns complacence and complacency convey the idea of self-satisfaction accompanied by a lack of awareness of a potential danger. Here are some examples of current usage: The danger is that being too complacent can derail your career. 10 Signs Your Employees Are Growing Complacent In Their  Careers Complacent investors have a way of pushing markets steadily higher despite the swirl of bad news around them. The U.S. can’t afford to get complacent about obesity Complacency toward Ukraine crisis could cost Conservatives at the  polls complaisant (adjective): the action or habit of making oneself agreeable. complaisance (noun): courtesy, politeness. The noun complaisance entered the language by way of French about two hundred years after complacence. It retains its French spelling and the meaning of being pleasant to others. A complaisant person is eager to please. I think of complaisant as an old-fashioned Jane Austen word, but it is still to be found in current usage: He [Donald Sterling] will find a complaisant television talk show host to give him a platform for a heartfelt public apology. By closing down one plant and punishing its workers, workers in other plants would be forced into more complaisant behavior. As inevitably happens with such similar word pairs, complacent and complaisant are often misused. The following examples use complaisant in the sense of complacent: â€Å"The law doesnt affect me, so why should/would I care?†That is a very  complaisant attitude.   I think Don has been somewhat complaisant. Hes keeping tabs on the agency but he has made no effort to try and get back in to work. People who vote for the incumbent are probably pretty complaisant about what their Senator actually does and stands for on the world stage. We are very complaisant in this country because we have enjoyed so many years of having relatively peaceful lives. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:The Royal Order of Adjectives Comma Before ButWriting a Thank You Note

Learn About the 3 Main Stages of Cellular Respiration

Learn About the 3 Main Stages of Cellular Respiration We all need energy to function, and we get that energy from the foods we eat. Extracting those nutrients necessary to keep us going and then converting them into useable energy is the job of our cells. This complex yet efficient metabolic process, called cellular respiration, converts the energy derived from sugars, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, a high-energy molecule that drives processes like muscle contraction and nerve impulses. Cellular respiration occurs in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells,  with most reactions taking place in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes and in the mitochondria of eukaryotes.   There are three main stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and electron transport/oxidative phosphorylation. Sugar Rush Glycolysis literally means splitting sugars, and it is the 10-step process by which sugars are released for energy. Glycolysis  occurs when glucose and oxygen are supplied to the cells by the bloodstream, and it takes place in the cells cytoplasm. Glycolysis can also occur without oxygen, a process called anaerobic respiration, or fermentation. When glycolysis occurs without oxygen, cells make small amounts of ATP. Fermentation also produces lactic acid, which can build up in muscle tissue, causing soreness and a burning sensation. Carbs, Proteins, and Fats The Citric Acid Cycle,  also known as the tricarboxylic acid cycle or the  Krebs Cycle,  begins after the two molecules of the three carbon sugar produced in glycolysis are converted to a slightly different compound (acetyl CoA). It is the process that allows us to use the energy found in carbohydrates,  proteins, and  fats. Although the citric acid cycle does not use oxygen directly, it works only when oxygen is present. This cycle takes place in the matrix of cell  mitochondria. Through a series of intermediate steps, several compounds capable of storing high energy electrons are produced along with two ATP molecules. These compounds, known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), are reduced in the process. The reduced forms (NADH and FADH2) carry the high energy electrons to the next stage. Aboard the Electron Transport Train Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation is the third and final step in aerobic cellular respiration. The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes and electron carrier molecules found within the mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic cells. Through a series of reactions, the high energy electrons generated in the citric acid cycle are passed to oxygen. In the process, a chemical and electrical gradient is formed across the inner mitochondrial membrane as hydrogen ions are pumped out of the mitochondrial matrix and into the inner membrane space. ATP is ultimately produced by oxidative phosphorylation- the process by which enzymes in the cell oxidize nutrients. The protein  ATP synthase uses the energy produced by the electron transport chain for  the phosphorylation (adding a phosphate group to a molecule) of ADP to ATP. Most ATP generation occurs during the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation stage of cellular respiration.

Japanese cultural analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Japanese cultural analysis - Research Paper Example Undertaking cultural and economic analysis is extremely beneficial for decision making be it at company level or at national levels. Without a vivid cultural and economic analysis in place, it becomes very difficult to know more about a particular place in question. To this effect, this write-up was undertaken to bring to light, the cultural analysis of Japan. Areas that have been looked at include geographical setting, social institutions and education. In terms of culture, Japan has a long adhered system of practices, which are important for every investor who wishes to enter Japan to know and learn to adhere to. This way, can be a future of promising prosperity for the investor. II. Introduction Cultural analysis is explained to be the use of qualitative research methods to identify â€Å"the applied analysis of cultural phenomenon, often including advertising and media products, in order to provide context for a client's business or insight into a market† (Association for Qualitative Research, 2010). By the use of the term qualitative research method, this that cultural analysis is conducted based on certain defined principles of publicly available data. Not withstanding this, a researcher may also conduct cultural analysis by the use of field related research methods such as interview (Association for Qualitative Research, 2010). In this context, much of the analysis was based on publicly available data and the most vital cultural analysis information on Japan comes to rest on three major areas. III. Country’s History (Brief) The first area of cultural analysis concern for Japan has to do with what the Gerson Lehrman Group, Inc (2011) puts it as the Confucian dynamism. â€Å"In practical terms Confucianism refers to a long-term versus a short-term orientation in life† (Hofstede, pg. 164). The Gerson Lehrman Group, Inc argues that Japan upholds the long-term orientation as against short-term orientation. Clark (2005) explains that count ries that have the long-term orientation revolve on the axis of â€Å"persistence (perseverance), ordering relationships by status, thrift and having a sense of shame.† Generally, policy makers of such countries focus on future generations rather than the present generation though it does not neglect the present generation altogether. To this end, Japan as a long-term oriented country invests so much in education since education has a long-term positive effect on the fortunes of the country. Against this backdrop, it can be said that kikki.k has a great advantage venturing into Japan. With reference to the products of kikki.k, it is clear the products have greater relation with education. This means that with a well marketing strategy, the company can dominate the stationery industry in the Japan. IV. Geographical Setting A. Location Viewed from the geographic coordinate system, Japan can be said to be 36 ° north of the equator and 138 ° east of the Prime Meridian. Japan is made up of thousands of islands, among which Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are the four largest. Japan shares border and are the closest neighbors are Russia, China and Korea. B. Climate Due to the presence of the three thousand islands in Japan, Japan’s climate is not the same everywhere. However on the average, there are four seasons which are summer, winter, spring and autumn. C. Topography According to the Encyclopedia of the World (2011), there islands which stretches from Southeast Asia to the Aleutian Islands. 75% of land in Japan is covered with mountain. Landforms are steep and rugged. The is the presence of two principal mountain ranges, which are the Hida (or Japan Alps) and the Akaishi mountains. Among the many mountains, twenty-five have peaks of over 3,000 m (9,800 ft), among which the highest is Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san), which stands at 3,776 m (12,388 ft). There are 265 volcanoes in Japan among which 20 remain active. An average of 1,5000 minor shocks of earthquake occurs yearly. There are few and small plains which only about 29% of the

Fareed Zakaria article The Rise of the Illiberal Democracy, Civil Research Paper

Fareed Zakaria article The Rise of the Illiberal Democracy, Civil Rights, and Women Suffrage Movements - Research Paper Example Democracy is something much broader and holistic in its scope. It is a model of governance in which no individual, group or institution is endowed with absolute power so that it may ignore the aspirations expressed as seemingly disparate and conflicting opinions. Democracy is about liberty, separation of powers and assimilation and recognition of diverse opinions. Liberalism according to Zakaria is primarily an antithesis of absolutism in the political, civil and legal sphere (Zakaria 24: Online). Liberalism is a political doctrine that not only tolerates dissent and political, religious and ethnic pluralism, but goes a step ahead to recognize the opinion of the minorities and conflicting opinions, and extends them a fair opportunity and environment to have a say in the socio-political life of a nation. It is a political doctrine that gives every individual and group the access to some inalienable rights like the right to expression, assembly, religion and property. Illiberalism, sim ply speaking, is a way of politics, which curtails on the essential and fundamental rights of some or all segments of a society that includes the quintessential liberties like the freedom of speech, property, religion and assembly. (Zakaria 27: Online) Liberalism is the actual rule of the people, without any exception, not an arrangement in which an individual or a party rules by proxy and justifies the annihilation of civil liberties in the name of popular support and validation. For instance, Singapore is a liberal democracy in the sense that tough it offers limited political choices to its citizens; it does recognize and support their essentially human aspirations and rights, irrespective of their ethnic background or religion (Zakaria 25: Online). Modern Russia is actually an illiberal democracy in which the ruling party has usurped and appropriated political authority both horizontally and vertically, and has severely curtailed the civil and political rights such as the right t o speech, expression, assembly, and dissent (Zakaria 28: Online). In the context of the American constitution, liberalism certainly came first, followed by democracy (Zakaria 29: Online). Fear of absolute power and authority was the guiding spirit behind the architecture of the American constitution. That is why the American constitution provided for a clear cut division of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It was unlike the British polity where the ministers are also a member of the House of Commons and the powers of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary tends to overlap or diffuse. In America the secretaries of state and the other government officials are not the members of the Congress. This arrangement negated the concentration of power in any one pillar of the American democracy. Civil Rights Movement The American civil rights movement that unfolded in the period 1955-1968 and aimed at the abolition of racial discrimination in the Ameri can socio-political setup and restoring the voting rights for the African Americans in the Southern States is an apt example of the liberal strains woven in the American democracy (Dierenfield 17). The very Declaration of Independence that can be considered the bedrock of the American constitution states that human beings have â€Å"certain inalienable rights†

Develop a methodology or conceptual approach to support research into Essay

Develop a methodology or conceptual approach to support research into a chosen new media user experience - Essay Example However within the twinkle of an eye, her train speedily arrives, gushing through the platform; bringing her viewing to an abrupt end. As she stepped onto the train, she could not stop thinking about the advert, wishing she could have seen the end. She manages to get a seat; pulls out her Vogue magazine, she looks up and notices the static adverts above her head. Suddenly, as if she had never been on the tube before, she actually realises that all the adverts are static. Then she asks herself â€Å"how come tube adverts are static?† Why has no one developed digital displays on the tube?† The recognition that there should be digital displays on the tube is an important consideration in the field of new media advertising. In establishing the methodological approach to this consideration one recognizes that there are first a number of overarching concerns that must be addressed. Perhaps the most pressing concern is the simple question of why such new media approaches to advertising have yet to occur. Such infrastructure considerations no doubt exist on a series of lines. From a purely infrastructure standpoint one recognizes that modern railway system emerged from earlier trains and much of the qualitative approach to infrastructure, in this instance print advertising appears to have been carried over from an earlier era and not enough consideration given to the increasing technological mediation of the modern world. In this regards the study design is aimed not only at determining the general effectiveness and best possible course of action of digital advertising disp lays, but also that it would financially benefit the rail system to implement these digital displays. With these considerations in mind the methodology advanced is firmly rooted in a logistical series of methods. This approach is akin to a mixed methods approach in that it involves both quantitative and qualitative assessment mechanisms. In terms of

The consequences of government imposing a price above or below the free market equilibrium Essay Example for Free

The consequences of government imposing a price above or below the free market equilibrium Essay 1. Use a diagram to show the consequences of government imposing a price above or below the free market equilibrium. (10) When government imposes the free market and prohibits a price from going above a certain level, we call it price ceiling. If the price ceiling is below the equilibrium price, then shortages are created. The intention of price ceiling is to protect consumers from rapid price increases. However, this intention comes with consequences that are unintended. An example of price ceiling is the gasoline shortages in the 1970s. The diagram below will show the consequences of price ceiling: In the first stage (before government imposing), the equilibrium price of oil per gallons is $1.20. This is where the number of demand equals to the quantity of product sold. The graph of demand and supply when government imposes the price below the free market equilibrium is shown below: We can see form the graph that the supply contracts from point A, the equilibrium, to point B, which represents the quantity of gallons if the price of oil was to be changed to $1. When supply contracts, it means that the quantity of oil that is supplied becomes less. Because of the shortage of oil, the demand will extend. The lack of supply of oil and the excess demand, scarcity will occur. Even though scarcity of oil existed before, shortages did not happen before the government imposed. Another outcome of price ceiling is the illegal economic activities that may occur. Because the maximum price that the government pointed is less than the equilibrium price, producers would feel that they could earn more money. With the shortage and the excess demand of oil, producers would then sell the products at a higher price illegally, and they would succeed in doing so because consumers would still need the oil that is so scarce in the market. Because illegal economic activities would occur, the government would then need to hire inspectors. These inspectors would have to supervise the oil market. Hiring inspectors would cost the government more money; therefore the government spending will increase. However, the producers of oil that are investigated would still find a way around the rules and regulations from the inspectors. For example, the producers would lie about their income as they have sold their product in the black market to make more money. This would lead to tax evasion as well, because they would understate their own income. 2. Evaluate the impact of either rent controls or a minimum wage. (15) Rent control is an example of price ceiling. This is a law that prohibits landlords to raise the price of rent to go above the price that they have determined. This law is determined by state or country legislatures. In Mumbai, the rent control act started in 1947, with the intentions of making houses affordable to more people. In rent control, the government imposes the price below the free market equilibrium, making the price lower than what it is supposed to be. Although the government intended well, the act proved that instead of benefitting the whole country, it mostly only benefit some of the poor and the people who already rented a place before the rent control. In the short run, rent control helped many people in obtaining places to live. This mostly helped the poor people who could not afford rents before. However, the effects of rent control have not fully happened in the short run. The number of people who look for housing may not be as high as it takes time to arrange housing. As market conditions change, it also takes a long time until the landlords could adjust the number of apartments they rent. As a result, rent control in the short run had quite a positive impact. However, as time passes, the disadvantages of rent control outweighed the advantages. Even though the intentions of rent control were to protect the rights of the poor, rent control did the exact opposite. As rent control continues in Mumbai, the landlords started to discontinue their rent because they are getting less money for their rents than the years before. Because the price of rents was below equilibrium price, landlords felt that they could earn much more with their rents. With the decreasing supply of rents in Mumbai, the number of demand increases. However, these demands could not be fulfilled with contracting supplies. As supply contracts and demand extends, the rent control act creates a shortage of rents. This would lead to homelessness, as people cannot find homes to live in. Although the rent control act denied access to the migrants, it protected the people that are already housed in Mumbai. Because of their safety in the rent, the people that are housed would refuse to leave, and it would cause immobility, meaning that companies outside would not be able to hire someone from Mumbai, even though they are very capable for the job. There are also cases in which people give their houses to their children, their children give it to their children, and so on. This again, decreases the supply of rents. As time passes and the landlord wants to renew the houses, those people who have stayed in the houses would be paid to leave, thus becoming millionaires when they only had to pay $20 each month. The lack of supply of rents is also seen as the biggest reason for slums in Mumbai. As the number of rents occupied increase and the number of the rents available decrease, more people would not have a place to live, resulting to the slums in Mumbai. Not only does rent control affect the tenants, it also effects what the landlords do. Because the price of rents fall, the landlords would not earn as much money as they did before, when it has potential to earn much more money. As a result, the landlords would decrease the quality of the houses. They could also charge the tenants for things that are supposed to be included in the rent expense, such as TV. In conclusion, rent control acts, particularly in Mumbai had more disadvantages than advantages. Even though it protects the rights of the poor by decreasing the price below the equilibrium, rent control only lead to a shortage of rent. The shortages would then cause slums to increase, as the demand extends but could not be fulfilled. ________________ References: Houterman, Robin. The Global Urbanist. Indias New Model Residential Tenancy Act: A one-size Solution That Hardly fits All N.p., 05 June 2012. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://globalurbanist.com/2012/06/05/india-model-residential-tenancy-act. Lessons From Elsewhere: Mumbai Rent Control. Cairobserver.com. N.p., 09 July 2012. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://cairobserver.com/post/26830679617/lessons-from-elsewhere-mumbai-rent-control. Lewis, Clara. Proposed Rental Law Gets Brickbats. The Times Of India. N.p., 1 June 2011. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/mumbai/29608341_1_landlords-maharashtra-rent-control-act-tenant-associations. Mahajan, Sulakshana. The Rent Control Act. Http://sdmahajan.tripod.com/. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://sdmahajan.tripod.com/slumming_mumbai.pdf. Principles of Economics. Google Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=nZE_wPg4Wi0C. Thakur, Pooja. Mumbais Boom Turns Renters Into Millionaires.Www.businessweek.com. N.p., 05 July 2012. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-05/mumbais-boom-turns-renters-into-millionaires. Tree of Knowledge. The Madness of Mumbai. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. http://tokblog.org/?p=309.

The Influence on the Beatles on American Culture Essay -- The British

The Beatles were more than their music. They influenced the lives of millions of people unlike any musicians before them. They were the first and most popular band in one of the most important music movements in American history, the British Invasion. The year 1964 was the year both the British Invasion and â€Å"Beatlemania† came to America and forever changed the landscape of music in the United States by introducing the genre of pop, as it is today. The Beatles changed the rules of music. Many things that are considered normal now were pioneered by the Beatles such as: creating compilation albums, expressing their views on world happenings through the media, musicians in movies, and even mass media advertising. The beatles influenced American culture more than any other musical artist in history (Holmes, 2012). Prior to the Beatles’ arrival to the United States in 1964, American society was in a valley of negativity. The following were some of the big headlines the American people had to endure: President John F. Kennedy, one of the most popular presidents ever, was assassinated in November of 1963. President Lyndon B. Johnson was increasing U.S. involvement in Vietnam, which was also creating tax increases, all despite the protests of millions of Americans. Policemen on national television were beating Martin Luther King Jr.’s followers. All of this negative publicity surrounding the American public had the people, especially the youth, needing something to take their mind off of the depression going on all around them. â€Å"The Beatles – with their cheeky wit and catchy, upbeat pop songs – proved to be the perfect anecdote for America’s collective depression† (Harry, 2004). Luckily for the American public and... .... "The Beatles." City Portal Liverpool. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2015. . A Brief History "The Beatles: It Was 40 Years Ago That They Began to Play." News Center. Richard Aquila, n.d. Web. 17 May 2015. . "The Beatles: Most Influential Band of All Time." Hub Pages. N.p., 4 May 2012. Web. 15 May 2015. "The British Invasion." Survey of American Popular Music. Mus273, n.d. Web. 17 May 2015. . "History of The Beatles." Beatle Tribute Bands. @lphaENTERTAINMENT, 2007. Web. 17 May 2015. .

Bloodlines Chapter Seven

â€Å"ADRIAN?† I SAID IN SURPRISE. â€Å"What's he have to do with any of this?† Jill simply shook her head and looked at me beseechingly. â€Å"Please. Just take me to him.† â€Å"But we'll be back there in a couple days for your feeding.† â€Å"I know,† said Jill. â€Å"But I need to see him now. He's the only one who will understand.† I found that hard to believe. â€Å"You're saying I wouldn't? Or that even Eddie wouldn't?† She groaned. â€Å"No. You can't tell Eddie. He'll flip out.† I tried not to frown as I mulled everything over. Why would Jill need to see Adrian after this mishap at school? Adrian couldn't do anything to help that I couldn't. As an Alchemist, I was in the best position to file a complaint. Did Jill just want moral support? I remembered how Jill had hugged Adrian goodbye and suddenly wondered if she had a crush on him. Because surely, if Jill needed to feel protected by someone, Eddie would be a better source to turn to. Or would he? Eddie was likely to go throwing office desks around in his outrage. Keeping this from him might not be a bad idea. â€Å"Okay,† I said at last. â€Å"Let's go.† I signed us out for off-campus travel, which took a little finagling. Mrs. Weathers was quick to point out that Jill had been banished to her dorm for the rest of the school day. I was equally quick to point out that classes were almost done, technically meaning the school day was almost finished. Mrs. Weathers couldn't fault the logic but still made us wait the full ten minutes until the last bell rang. Jill sat there, tapping her foot anxiously against the chair. We drove the half hour to Clarence's estate in the hills, saying little. I didn't really know what kind of small talk to make. â€Å"How was your first day of school?† was hardly an appropriate topic. And anyway, each time I thought about it, I just grew angrier. I couldn't believe any teacher would have the audacity to accuse Jill of drinking and having a hangover. There was really no way to prove something like that, and besides, you could tell after spending five minutes with her that it was impossible. A middle-aged human woman greeted us at the door. Her name was Dorothy, and she was Clarence's housekeeper and feeder. Dorothy was pleasant enough, if a little distracted, and wore a stiff gray dress with a high collar to hide the bite marks on her neck. I smiled back at her and maintained my professional mode but couldn't help a shudder when I thought about what she was. How could anyone do that? How could anyone offer their blood up willingly like that? My stomach lurched, and I found myself keeping my distance from her. I didn't even want to accidentally brush her arm when I walked past. Dorothy escorted us back to the room we'd all been sitting in the day before. There was no sign of Clarence, but Adrian was lying on a plush green couch, watching a TV that had been cleverly concealed inside an ornate wooden cabinet last time. When he saw us, he turned the TV off with a remote control and sat up. Dorothy excused herself and shut the French doors behind her. â€Å"Well, this is a nice surprise,† he said. He looked us over. Jill had changed into her normal clothes during her isolation today, but I still had on the Amberwood blouse and skirt. â€Å"Sage, aren't you guys supposed to have uniforms? This looks like what you usually wear.† â€Å"Cute,† I said, suppressing an eye roll. Adrian gave me a mock bow. â€Å"Careful. You almost smiled.† He reached for a bottle of brandy sitting on a nearby table. Small glasses were arranged around it, and he poured himself a generous amount. â€Å"You guys want one?† â€Å"It's the middle of the afternoon,† I said incredulously. Not that it'd really matter for me what time of day it was. â€Å"I've got a wicked hangover,† he declared, giving us a mock toast. â€Å"This is just the thing to cure it.† â€Å"Adrian, I need to talk to you,† said Jill earnestly. He looked over at her, the smirk fading from his face. â€Å"What's up, Jailbait?† Jill glanced uneasily at me. â€Å"Would you mind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I took the hint and tried not to let on how irritated I was by all the secrets. â€Å"Sure. I'll just†¦ I'll just go outside again.† I didn't like the idea of being exiled, but no way was I going to wander the halls of the old house. I'd face the heat. I hadn't gotten very far down the hall when someone stepped out in front of me. I let out a small scream and nearly jumped three feet in the air. A heartbeat later, I realized it was Lee – not that it reassured me much. No matter how ostensibly friendly I was with this group, old defenses inside me kicked up at being alone with a new vampire. Running into him didn't help matters either because my brain processed it as an attack! Lee just stood there, staring at me. From the expression on his face, he was just as startled to find me in his house – though perhaps not quite as alarmed about it as I was. â€Å"Sydney?† asked Lee. â€Å"What are you doing here?† Within moments, my fear became embarrassment, like I'd been caught prowling. â€Å"Oh†¦ I'm here with Jill. She had kind of a rough day and needed to talk to Adrian. I wanted to give them some privacy and was going to just†¦ uh, go outside.† Lee's confusion transformed into a smile. â€Å"You don't have to do that. No need for exile. Come on, I was going to get a snack in the kitchen.† My face must have shown abject horror because he laughed. â€Å"Not the human kind.† I blushed and followed along with him. â€Å"Sorry,† I said. â€Å"It's instinct.† â€Å"No problem. You Alchemists are kind of jumpy, you know.† â€Å"Yeah.† I laughed uncomfortably. â€Å"I know.† â€Å"I've always wanted to meet one of you, but you guys certainly aren't what I expected.† He opened the door to a spacious kitchen. The rest of the house might be antique and gloomy, but inside here, everything was bright and modern. â€Å"If it makes you feel any better, you're not as bad as Keith. He was here earlier today and was so nervous, he literally kept looking over his shoulder.† Lee paused thoughtfully. â€Å"I think it might have been because Adrian kept laughing like a mad scientist at those old black-and-white movies he was watching.† I came to an abrupt stop. â€Å"Keith was here – today? What for?† â€Å"You'd have to ask Dad. That's who he talked to the most.† Lee opened the refrigerator and produced a can of Coke. â€Å"Want one?† â€Å"I – uh, no. Too much sugar.† He grabbed another can. â€Å"Diet?† I hesitated only a moment before taking it. â€Å"Sure. Thanks.† I hadn't intended to eat or drink anything in this house, but the can seemed safe enough. It was sealed and looked like it had come straight from a human grocery store, not some vampiric cauldron. I opened it and took a sip as my mind spun. â€Å"You have no idea at all what it was about?† â€Å"Huh?† Lee had added an apple to his menu and hoisted himself up so he sat on the counter. â€Å"Oh, Keith? No. But if I had to guess, it was about me. Like he was trying to figure out if I'm staying here or not.† He took a giant bite into the apple, and I wondered if having fangs made that harder at all. â€Å"He just likes his facts straight,† I said neutrally. As much as I disliked Keith, I still wanted a unified human front. I wasn't entirely inaccurate, though. I was pretty sure Keith felt undermined at learning there was one extra Moroi in â€Å"his territory† and was now making sure he was in on everything. Part of it was good Alchemist business, sure, but most was probably Keith's wounded pride. Lee didn't seem to think much of it and kept chewing his apple, though I could feel his eyes studying me. â€Å"You said Jill had a bad day? Is everything okay?† â€Å"Yeah, I think so. I mean, I don't know. I'm not even sure how things got messed up. She wanted to see Adrian for some reason. Maybe he can help.† â€Å"He's Moroi,† said Lee pragmatically. â€Å"Maybe it's just something only he could understand – something you and Eddie couldn't. No offense.† â€Å"None taken,† I said. It was only natural that Jill and I would have distinct differences – I was a human, and she was a vampire, after all. We couldn't be more different if we tried, and in fact, I kind of preferred it that way. â€Å"You go to college†¦ in Los Angeles? A human school?† It wasn't that weird a behavior for Moroi. Sometimes they stuck together in their own communities; sometimes they tried to blend into large human cities. Lee nodded. â€Å"Yup. And it was hard for me at first too. I mean, even without others obviously knowing you're a vampire†¦ well, there's just a sense of otherness you're always aware of. I eventually adjusted†¦ but I know what she's going through.† â€Å"Poor Jill,† I said, suddenly realizing I'd come at this situation all wrong. Most of my energy had been fixed on the school believing Jill's illness was a hangover. I should've focused on why she was sick in the first place. Anxiety over this new life change had to be taking its toll. I'd battled my own uneasiness, trying to figure out friendships and social cues – but at least I was still dealing with my own race. â€Å"I didn't really think about what she's going through.† â€Å"Do you want me to talk to her?† asked Lee. He set the apple core aside. â€Å"Not that I'm sure I have that much wisdom to share.† â€Å"Anything might help,† I said honestly. A silence fell between us, and I began to feel uneasy. Lee seemed very friendly, but my old fears were too ingrained. Part of me felt like he didn't so much want to get to know me as study me. Alchemists were clearly a novelty to him. â€Å"Do you mind me asking†¦ the tattoo. It gives you special powers, right?† It was nearly a repeat of the conversation at school, except Lee actually knew the truth behind it. I absentmindedly touched my cheek. â€Å"Not powers, exactly. There's compulsion in it to keep us from talking about what we do. And I get a good immune system out of it. But the rest? I'm nothing special.† â€Å"Fascinating,† he murmured. I looked away uneasily and tried to casually brush my hair back into my face. Adrian stuck his head in just then. All his earlier humor was gone. â€Å"Ah, there you are. Can I talk to you in private for a sec?† The question was directed to me, and Lee jumped off the counter. â€Å"I'll take the cue. Is Jill still in the den?† Adrian nodded, and Lee glanced at me questioningly. â€Å"Do you want me to†¦ ?† I nodded. â€Å"That'd be great. Thank you.† Lee left, and Adrian glanced back at me curiously. â€Å"What was that about?† â€Å"Oh, we thought Lee might be able to help Jill with her problems,† I explained. â€Å"Since he can relate.† â€Å"Problems?† â€Å"Yeah, you know. Adjusting to living with humans.† â€Å"Oh,† said Adrian. He produced a pack of cigarettes and, to my complete astonishment, lit up right in front of me. â€Å"That. Yeah, I guess that's good. But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. I need you to get me out of this place.† I was startled. This wasn't about Jill? â€Å"Out of Palm Springs?† I asked. â€Å"No! Out of this place.† He gestured around him. â€Å"It's like living in a retirement home! Clarence is taking a nap right now, and he eats at five. It's so boring.† â€Å"You've only been here for two days.† â€Å"And that's more than enough. The only thing keeping me alive is that he keeps a hefty supply of liquor on hand. But at the rate I'm going, that'll be gone by the weekend. Jesus Christ, I'm climbing the walls.† His eyes fell on the cross at my neck. â€Å"Oh. Sorry. No offense to Jesus.† I was still too baffled by the unexpected topic to feel much offense. â€Å"What about Lee? He's here, right?† â€Å"Yes,† agreed Adrian. â€Å"Sometimes. But he's busy with†¦ hell, I don't know. School stuff. He's going back to Los Angeles tomorrow, and that'll be another boring night for me. Besides†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He looked around conspiratorially. â€Å"Lee's nice enough, but he's not†¦ well, he's not really into having fun. Not the way I am.† â€Å"That might be a good thing,† I pointed out. â€Å"No morality lectures, Sage. And hey, like I said, I like him okay, but he's not here enough. When he is, he keeps to himself. He's always checking himself out in the mirror, even more than I do. I heard him worrying about gray hair the other day.† I didn't care about Lee's eccentricities. â€Å"Where would you even want to go? You don't want†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A very unpleasant thought came to me. â€Å"You don't want to enroll at Amberwood, do you?† â€Å"What, and play 21 Jump Street with the rest of you? No, thank you.† â€Å"Twenty-one what?† â€Å"Never mind. Look.† He put out the cigarette – on the counter – which I thought was kind of ridiculous since he'd hardly smoked any of it. Why bother with such a filthy habit if you weren't going to use it all? â€Å"I need my own place, okay? You guys make things happen. Can't you get me some swank bachelor's pad like Keith has downtown so I can party with all the rich vacationers? Drinking alone is sad and pathetic. I need people. Even human people.† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"I'm not authorized to do that. You aren't†¦ well, you aren't really my responsibility. We're just taking care of Jill – and Eddie, since he's her bodyguard.† Adrian scowled. â€Å"What about a car? Can you do that?† I shook my head. â€Å"What about your car? What if I drop you guys back off at the school and then borrow it for a while?† â€Å"No,† I said swiftly. That was probably the craziest suggestion he could've made. Latte was my baby. I certainly wasn't about to lend it out to a heavy drinker – especially to one who also happened to be a vampire. If there was ever a vampire who seemed particularly irresponsible, it was Adrian Ivashkov. â€Å"You're killing me here, Sage!† â€Å"I'm not doing anything.† â€Å"Exactly my point.† â€Å"Look,† I said, growing irritated. â€Å"I told you. You're not my responsibility. Talk to Abe if you want things changed. Isn't he the reason you're here?† Adrian's annoyance and self-pity shifted to wariness. â€Å"What do you know about that?† Right. He didn't know I'd overheard their conversation. â€Å"I mean, he's the one who brought you guys here and made the arrangements with Clarence, right?† I hoped that would be convincing enough – and maybe yield me a little information on what Abe's master plan was. â€Å"Yes,† Adrian said, after several seconds of intense scrutiny. â€Å"But Abe wants me to stay in this tomb. If I got my own place, we'd have to keep it secret from him.† I scoffed. â€Å"Then I'm definitely not helping, even if I could. You couldn't pay me to cross Abe.† I could see Adrian bracing for another argument and decided to make my exit. Turning my back on him and any further protests, I headed out of the kitchen and back to the living room. There, I found Jill and Lee talking, and she wore the first genuine smile I'd seen in a while. She laughed at some comment he made and then looked up at my entrance. â€Å"Hey, Sydney,† she said. â€Å"Hey,† I said. â€Å"Are you about ready to go?† â€Å"Is it time?† she asked. Both she and Lee looked disappointed, but then she answered her own question. â€Å"I guess it is. You probably have homework, and Eddie's probably worried already.† Adrian entered the room behind me, looking pouty. Jill glanced at him, and for a moment, her gaze turned inward, like her mind had gone somewhere else. Then she turned back to me. â€Å"Yeah,† she said. â€Å"We should go. I hope we can talk later, Lee.† â€Å"Me too,† he said, standing up. â€Å"I'll be around here, off and on.† Jill hugged Adrian goodbye, clearly reluctant to be leaving him too. With Lee, she'd looked mostly like she was sad to leave something that had just gotten interesting. With Adrian, there was more of a sense like she wasn't sure how she was going to get by. Her next scheduled feeding was in two days, and Adrian was encouraging, telling her she was strong enough to get through the next school day. Despite how much he kept annoying me, I was moved by his compassion for the younger girl. Anyone who was that nice to Jill couldn't be that bad. He was starting to surprise me. â€Å"You look better,† I told her as we drove toward Vista Azul. â€Å"Talking to Adrian†¦ to both of them†¦ it was helpful.† â€Å"Do you think you'll be okay tomorrow?† â€Å"Yeah.† Jill sighed and leaned back against the seat. â€Å"It was just nerves. That, and I didn't eat much breakfast.† â€Å"Jill†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I bit my lip, hesitant to plunge forward. Confrontation wasn't my strong suit, particularly with awkward personal topics. â€Å"You and Adrian†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Jill gave me a wary look. â€Å"What about us?† â€Å"Is there anything†¦ I mean, are you guys†¦ ?† â€Å"No!† Out of the corner of her eye, I saw Jill turn bright pink. It was the most color I had ever seen in a vampire's face. â€Å"Why would you say that?† â€Å"Well. You were sick this morning. And then really adamant about seeing Adrian. You're always sad to leave him too†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Jill gaped. â€Å"Do you think I'm pregnant?† â€Å"Not exactly,† I said, realizing it was kind of a nonsensical answer. â€Å"I mean, maybe. I don't know. I'm just considering all the possibilities†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well, don't consider that one! There's nothing going on between us. Nothing. We're friends. He'd never be interested in me.† She said it with a dismal certainty – and maybe even a little wistfully. â€Å"That's not true,† I said, fumbling to undo the damage. â€Å"I mean, you're younger, yeah, but you're cute†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Yes, this was a terrible conversation. I was just babbling now. â€Å"Don't,† said Jill. â€Å"Don't tell me I'm nice and pretty and have a lot to offer. Or whatever. None of that matters. Not when he's still hung up on her.† â€Å"Her? Oh. Rose.† I'd nearly forgotten. The trip to Court had been the first time I'd seen Adrian in person, but I'd actually seen him once before on security camera footage when he'd been at a casino with Rose. The two of them had dated, though I wasn't entirely sure how serious the relationship had been. When I'd helped Rose and Dimitri escape, the chemistry between those two had been off the charts, even if they'd both been in denial of it. Even I'd been able to spot it a mile away, and I knew next to nothing about romance. Seeing as Rose and Dimitri were officially a couple now, I had to assume things with Adrian hadn't ended well. â€Å"Yeah. Rose.† Jill sighed and stared vacantly ahead. â€Å"She's all he sees when he closes his eyes. Flashing dark eyes and a body full of fire and energy. No matter how much he tries to forget her, no matter how much he drinks†¦ she's always there. He can't escape her.† Jill's voice dripped with astonishing bitterness. I might have written it off as jealousy, except that she talked as though she'd been personally been wronged by Rose too. â€Å"Jill? Are you okay?† â€Å"Huh? Oh.† Jill shook her head, like she was shaking off the cobwebs of a dream. â€Å"Yeah, fine. Sorry. It's been a weird day. I'm a little out of it. Didn't you say we could pick up some things?† A sign for the next exit advertised a shopping center. I rolled with the change in subject, glad to be away from personal matters, though I was still pretty confused. â€Å"Uh, yeah. We need sunscreen. And maybe we can get a little TV for the room.† â€Å"That'd be great,† said Jill. I left it at that and took the next exit. Neither of us spoke about Adrian for the rest of the night.