Indus River Essay

World History India (Indus River) Source: Lake Mansarovar Length: 1,900 mi (3,060) km Coverage: Tibet, Ladakh, Zanskar Valley, and Pakistan Tributaries: Zanskar, Sutlej, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Chenab It is a river of south-central Asia rising in southwest Xizang (Tibet) and flowing 3,060 km northwest through northern India and southwest through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea. In Pakistan the Indus is considered the Chief River and in India known as King River. In its days the valley was the site of an advanced civilization that lasted from 2500 to 1500 b.c. In the western edge of the river near central Pakistan lies the twin peaks of Takht-I-Sulaiman (Persian, throne of Solomon). One of them is at 11,295 ft (3,443m) and the other 11,085 ft (3,379m) high, at the northern end are the highest points around. There is a Muslim shrine on the top of one of them. The upper Indus is fed by snow and glacial melt water from the Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and the Himalayan Mountains, flow through deep gorges and scenic valleys. It is not easy to navigate due to the bad turbulence inside. It receives the combined waters of the five rivers of the Punjab (Chenab, Hjelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), its chief affluent. From here the river then flows onto the dry Punjab plains of Pakistan and becomes a broad, slow moving, silt-laden stream. In ancient times people considered it (Sanskrit, syand to flow) and the Vedans called it â€Å"sindhu†. Sindhu is the oldest name in Indian history. Alexander the Great built a fleet and used the Indus River to get to an unknown route towards the Persian Gulf. Which lead him to another triumphant victory.

Formation and retention of nutrients Essay

The world is ridden with many resources that are often taken for granted. Some of these resources have to be dug up or mined, but many are spread out all over the land for the taking. One of these natural gifts that has found indispensable use in our society is peat. Peat is a combination of various things, mostly vegetable and plant matter that has decayed over millions of years. (Smith) The proper term for this process is carbonization, and while peat has yet to completely carbonize into coal, this can take thousands of years more. (Smith) Although peat is composed of many other vegetation decaying over the years, most of it is moss. (Smith) The decay of these materials occurs â€Å"mostly under anaerobic (oxygen-deficient) conditions†. (LMU) Peat in its raw form contains 96% water (LMU) and is harvested primarily for fuel and agricultural (fertilizer) purposes. (Smith) The process of peat decay causes the material to â€Å"store organic carbon which is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide or methane, greenhouse gasses that affect global climate. † (LMU) The gases released by peat as it decomposes are highly flammable. However, peat, in its natural form is totally harmless because it is â€Å"too wet to burn†. (LMU) In certain cases where the natural state of peat is disturbed it becomes vulnerable to fire, which is often the cause of forest fires or fires commonly occurring in wetlands. This can be very dangerous because burning peat can release smoke that contains aerosols and toxic gases, which can result to respiratory diseases and problems. (LMU) Peat is best harvested, obviously, after hundreds of thousands of years, or the time it takes for the materials to totally decompose. Peat bogs have a surface living layer that gets destroyed when mature peat, beneath the living layer is harvested. (LMU) Of the many uses of peat, fuel is the most common. In remote areas where there are no other resources, peat is used for energy production. (LMU) Peat is â€Å"shown to be an economical alternative to oil or coal-fired electric-power generating stations in some circumstances† (LMU) and it is also used to produce methanol. Peat can also be used as garden fertilizer as it is an efficient moisture retainer. Using it in gardens can promote the formation and retention of nutrients. Some companies also use peat as a raw material in producing biodegradable planters. (Smith) â€Å"Peat can also be used to make paper, pad livestock beds, or pack products for shipment. † (LMU) Peat is also a decorative implement in creating handicraft and artwork. Many handmade crafts and arts use peat as an aesthetically pleasing accent. Peat is an irreplaceable resource, if not for eternity, for this generation at least, because it will take hundreds of thousands of years in the future for other peat layers to form. However, peat is abundant nowadays in many countries all over the world, but the indiscriminate harvesting of this resource can lead to ecological imbalance and eventually, its irreversible depletion. Like any other natural resource, peat should be harvested reasonably to preserve existing peat bogs and ensure that plenty will be available for future generations to use. Like oil, which is a fossil fuel, peat has to be harvested with much discretion because once all of it is gone, we will all have to wait for hundreds of thousands of years to harvest it again – surely, none of us can live that long.

Holistic Family-oriented Treatment Research Proposal

Holistic Family-oriented Treatment - Research Proposal Example I thought that it is better to choose a topic that will have enough novelty, would be previously unexplored, has possibility of yielding useful results, and would tend to fill the gap of knowledge in an area of healthcare. It is evident that a topic related to holistic medicine would best serve the purpose. To this end given the growing problem of childhood obesity, it would be worthwhile to explore the means of intervention at behavioral levels, since the major problem of childhood obesity is behavioral in terms of control of diet and increase in physical exercise. Since these are matters of personal behaviors, which need to be implemented at the life-course level and given the fact that conventional biomedical models of interventions have failed to implement these interventions successfully, it is clear that there are needs to conduct research so the practice norms related to this area is delineated. The holistic medicine philosophies may have a clue to these, and thus this research could be useful in practice. Obviously, this may not be able to solve the problem of childhood obesity entirely, but it may suggest pathways for new research in order to reach a solution for this ongoing and increasing health problem. My personal belief is that the growing problem of ... These interventions should be evidence based while clinically applicable. Modern biomedical model of healthcare only promotes some concepts which while implemented fail due to incomplete understanding of the matter. Preliminary Review of Literature It was decided from the preliminary review of literature that this topic could be suitable, since there hardly are researches based on the concept and implementation points of views in the holistic health field. Parallel review in the biomedical research indicated failure of interventions to achieve adequate result. Moreover statistical and epidemiological studies indicated growing problem of childhood obesity across the affluent societies worldwide. Therefore, this identified gaps in current knowledge, lack of knowledge about the interactions of different obesogenic covariates, the mode of their interactions at holistic levels, and deficiency of guidelines for clinical practice. In my view, these establish the need for research in this area. Development of the Focus Question The research problem was thus broken into a series of concepts intended to better examine the problem. The basic questions were intended to justify the study in terms of real existence of the problem in childhood obesity, which are related to implementation of interventions. Literature Review Based on the concepts, the key words were decided, and based on these key words, the published literature in the area of childhood obesity, obesogenic factors, role of behavior and family in shaping the behavior, the results and pitfalls in existing interventions against childhood obesity will be reviewed very critically, so the gap in knowledge, fault in implementation, and consequences of lacks in interventions are delineated. In order to establish the

Judgement analysis paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Judgement analysis paper - Essay Example The key message of the book is that leaders are basically assessed by the quality of judgment they make throughout their occupation. It is always thought that judgment is something that cannot be learnt rather it is advocated to evolve over time. However, Tichy and Bennis have found method to assist leaders to improve their capability to make effective judgment. They also have articulated leadership judgment as a simple and understandable procedure. Leaders at every organizational level make judgment regarding employees, strategy and crisis situation. Tichy and Bennis demonstrated the type of knowledge required in order to make successful decision and how leaders can effectively use such knowledge in order to execute the judgments (Tichy and Bennis 1-285). In the first chapter, the authors proclaimed that effective leaders not only make better decisions but they are also capable of making the appropriate judgment. Effective leaders are those who are better at entire judgment procedure that starts from observing the requirement for an appeal of judgment, to framing the organizational issues, to figuring out the serious ones and to organizing as well as stimulating the teams towards accomplishing the organizational goal. Tichy and Bennis in their book have stated that there is a framework containing three crucial areas within which every judgment are made. Among various other judgments, the decision regarding people are most critical than decisions taken regarding strategy or on any crisis situation. The authors stated that effective judgment is a procedure rather than an event. Every judgment starts when a leader identify the requirement of taking decision and frame them accordingly. The procedures of making judgment continue through e xecution and alteration phases. The authors also stressed the significance of acquiring sufficient

How much of the United Kingdom's energy needs could be covered by Essay

How much of the United Kingdom's energy needs could be covered by renewable energy sources in 25 years - Essay Example Renewable energy is energy that relies on sources and natural energy flow from the environment, which never run out because of continuous replenishment. UK has the world’s largest resources for renewable energy such as wind, tides, waves, and therefore, it is in a good position when it comes to natural energy resources. Shifting to renewable energy is not only essential for stopping fossil energy imports, but it will also create an avenue for exporting natural based energy to other countries with limited supply of natural energy. In addition, increasing focus on environmentally friendly energy also prompts UK to switch to renewable energy sources. This aims at limiting the effects of climate change, and protecting environment from degradation, thus, preserving it for the generations to come. The success of venturing into renewable energy depends on environmental economic and political factors. Overview of Renewable Energy Sources in the United Kingdom Renewable energy currentl y supplies a significant of part of the UK’s energy demands. ... be because renewable energy sources are expensive, for example, the Energy Minister himself, George Eustice, recently made a comment saying solar and wind power subsidies are too high to benefit consumers (Mason, 2013). This among other challenges is preventing renewable energy sources become the primary source of energy production. Plans are underway to attain a 30 percent target of renewable energy by 2020 in the United Kingdom, which is quite achievable given the advancements in technology and rich sources of renewable energy. Below are the primary sources of renewable energy in the United Kingdom and there sources of application. Wind Power Wind power is energy generated using wind turbines fixed in the windy regions especially the countryside. The amount of wind power therefore depends on the availability of acceptable sites. Currently, winds turbines are set up in several places including Wales, Scotland, Yorkshire, and Cornwall. The primary application of wind power is the gen eration of wind related electricity, in which it currently provides for 20% of electricity requirements in the country. In 2010, there were a number of significant wind related projects in the UK with Sands, Gunfleet, Thanet and Robin Rigg, which are offshore wind farms. As a result, this saw a 1.1 GW power capacity from the new wind, which is a 3% increase compared to 2009 data (Gifford, 2012). Furthermore, offshore installations increased to 230% with 653 MW though with 503W it reduced by 38%. Similarly, 2013 has seen great improvements recording 10GW by mid-2013, and UK being the eighth largest producer of wind power in the world, there is great expectation of growth with respect to its wind power capacity (DUKES, 2013). Furthermore, current estimates stands at 2 GW increase in wind

Quality Management and Continuous Improvement DB Week One Essay

Quality Management and Continuous Improvement DB Week One - Essay Example agement in assessing and investigating performance in order to ensure their services are valuable and adhere to established standards (Warren et.al, 2011). For example, cost of auditing workers, software, customer satisfaction and speed of executing services. Prevention costs are the expenses incurred in an effort to minimize appraisal and failure cost (Warren et.al, 2011). For example, the cost of inspecting check-in and check-out processes, evaluating the employee’s performance, inspecting cleanness of the rooms and the process of changing over the rooms at the client’s request. Internal costs are the expenses the hotel will incur in establishing poor services or products such before they are actually offered to the clients (Warren et.al, 2011). For example, inappropriate rooms, delays in check-in, check-out and cost of rearranging the room, repair of the rooms, unoccupied capacity, cost of motivating workers, cost of redirecting clients to other hotels. External failure costs are the cost related to defect in products or services after it has been offered to the clients (Warren et.al, 2011). For example, the customer dissatisfaction with the quality of rooms may cause them fail to continue visiting the hotel in the future. Cost of appraisal and external cost are very essential because they assist the management to evaluate how customers view the services and suggest what the management may do in order to increase customer

Case Study on Boeing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Case Study on Boeing - Essay Example 1. Boeing Corporation's forwarding looking market strategy is based on assumptions about the air travel market and the equipment (aircraft) needed for continued growth. Boeing's projections assume that the current fleet of aircraft will need to be upgraded and retained or replaced. The current fleet consists of 17,330 aircraft. By 2025 the fleet will have an estimated 35,970 aircraft consisting of 27,210 new or replacement aircraft, and 8,760 retained aircraft. Future growth and the need for replacement aircraft will drive the aircraft industry's competitive market (Showronski, p1). Boeing will need to be able to provide new aircraft that are both efficient and economical. Boeing's new large aircraft segment is marketing both one and two aisle airplanes with the focus on the new 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter aircraft. This is in contrast with Boeings 'point to point' strategy that focuses on smaller aircraft that serve the purpose of moving people and cargo from one poin t to another rather than to a central location where cargo and passengers would deplane and board a smaller plane to reach their destination (hub and spoke strategy). Boeing's successful market entry of their 747-8 Freighter and 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft prove that Boeing can compete in the larger aircraft market. Boeing's first customer was Lufthansa who ordered 20 of Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinentals (Showronski, p1). Boeing's success, using the 'point to point' method of getting passengers to their destinations, is based upon the idea that passengers prefer the shorter travel times that 'point to point' service offers. Boeing offers the airline industry aircraft that are best suited to 'point to point' travel. These aircraft are typically larger than those used in the in the typical 'point to point' market. Boeing's current strategy includes gaining a large portion of the projected 2.6 trillion in airplane investment opportunities over the next twenty years (Showronski, p1). Boeing's leadership believes that by entering the large airplane sales and service market they are positioning themselves to be leaders in the industry by providing an aircraft that will best meet the needs of customers. Boeing's current strategy also includes continued sales and service of five other sizes of aircraft to serve the 'point to point' market. It is hoped that carriers will continue to choose Boeing aircraft as aircraft of choice for their business. Boeing's five sizes of aircraft are designed to meet all aspects of the 'point to point' market with carriers that have 200 seats up to carriers that seat 467 passengers. Currently Boeing is the only one in its industry with an airplane that can carry more than 450 passengers at a time (Point-to-Point, 2006). The 747-8 is used primarily by carriers that offe r long range high density routes (Point-to-Point, 2006). The 747-8 is designed to be a replacement for older 747's that will be phased out of service during the next twenty years (Point-to-Point, 2006). With Boeing's entry into the large carrier market came requests for an airplane that was environmentally friendlier than its previous airplanes. The 747-8 was created with environmentally friendly features. The 747-8 uses less fuel and "produces lower carbon dioxide emissions" (Point-to-Point, p2). Also, the 747-8 makes 30% less noise on take-offs (Point-to-Point). Because Boeing

Partial paralysis from the age of one Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Partial paralysis from the age of one - Essay Example As we proceed we will be seeing how the patient with the help of psychotherapy and the help of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will be trying to live her life, making it at least a little less hindrance to both herself and her family. I would first like to say that permission has been sought from the family and their attorney authorizes me to discuss this case. However the names and some of the details have been changed to maintain and preserve confidentiality in conformity with NMC Code of Conduct (2004). Meena was born as the first child to Mr. and Mrs. Pandey, who lived in a remote village in the State of Bihar in India. She was a hale and hearty child until one unfortunate day when the doctors confirmed that she had contracted meningitis. Meena was just a year old. Subsequently for treatment her Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) was removed by lumbar puncture and analysed. But it was too late. Soon it became evident that Meena had become paralysed. She could just about move her limbs. Movement was slightly better in the upper limbs. She was now in a near vegetative state. The child was just two years old then. Today Meena is a 35 year old woman. She is intelligent but cannot speak properly. Most of the time she behaves like a child. She is demanding, self-centred, and uncompromising. Yet at times, she seems to perceive the grief of the family, her own state and somewhat reluctantly tries to listen to what she is told. She tries to adjust and mend her ways. It is this childlike quality, this innocence which had prompted me to select Meena as the patient. Body- Observation and Diagnosis Meena has been cared for, for all these years by her mother. Her mother today is no more. It had been a moral and emotional issue for Meena's mother to take care of her. But today, she is in the care of her brother and sister-in-law. They want Meena to be able to accept her circumstances and live life to the best of her ability. Moreover, Meena has also set into a mental development and needs help to overcome that. RATIONALE FOR PATIENT CHOICE: Friendly and innocent Intelligent Helpless First to assess properly the Aspect of Care we must understand that the patient is not mature enough to understand that she is dependent on others for everything. She thinks it is normal to depend on her family members and demand their time. Emotionally she requires constant care and reminders that she is loved. Knowingly she

Information Security Physical Security models Essay

Information Security Physical Security models - Essay Example It achieves this by describing steps followed to achieve security goals of an institution. Security models are great tools in evaluating the security in place. Gregory (2010) outlines information various security models that have been developed such as the following: The Bell-LaPadula model is evidently a notable achievement in computer security. Several other models followed suit, with either improvements on their predecessors or variations. The Harrison-Ruzzo-Ullman (HRU) is an example of a general model in comparison to the Bell-LaPadula model which captured confidentiality aspects of access control. There emerged other models such as Chinese Wall model, the Biba and Clark-Wilson models that were more integrity based as well as the Information flow and non-interference models that centered on perfection. All these models were developed to safeguard information and information systems from leakages, unauthorized access and rights violation. However, the above models are more software based rather than physical. Threats to physical security involve disruption of services, theft, malicious physical damage, unlawful leakage and loss of system reliability. In any case, however, similar to general information security, physical security calls for a layered defense model. A layered security model will emanate from the perimeter and zero in on the asset; in this case, information. Layered security models will serve to achieve: deterrence, delaying, detection, assessment and response in a bid to fulfill the security objective. A physical security model must, therefore, be able to address the above threats efficiently and comprehensively. According to the US Army Field Manual 3-19.30 (2001, January 8) physical security is that part of physical measures designed to ensure the safety of personnel; to thwart unlawful access to equipment, the installations

Online Exam Essay Example for Free

Online Exam Essay Answers processed and marks awarded Instantly. * View Results immediately upon Submission. * Generation of General Mark Lists Summary (Total marks Obtained) as well as Detailed (Topic Wise marks Obtained) * Individual Answer Sheets Generation. * The computerized examination system has a facility to Add students details, View Student List as well as Edit student details. Password based access (Authentication Via Sessions, password is stored as a MD5 hash in the database) for Individual Answer Sheet, General Mark Lists and Trends Graphs. * Trends Graph showing the number of students which have passed individual subjects . Trends Graph showing the number of students which have passed topic wise of each subject. * Trends Graph showing the number of students which have passed topic wise in each subject at the midterm as well as final exams. * The Exam Software is well suited to conduct competitive exams like recruitment exams and Common Extrance Tests (CET). Can Be Customised for any Educational Institution or Training Academy depending on your requirement The above details are of an Online Examination System developed for a leading Maritime Academy located in Goa, India. What Features Should be Included in Online Examination System With the development of the Internet technology, online examination has become more and more poular since it helps people save much energy and time. As an efficient and effective way of teaching and learning, online examination can prevent from cheating and ensure the fairness of the examination results. A good examination system should be developed based on the needs of a real examination. Here are some features an examination system should provide: Examination Instructions The examination instructions will show the basis contents of the examination and something that should be paid attention to. Usually the following elements such as total questions, full score, passing rate, passing score, time limit, etc. are included in the instructions page. Accessibility of Examination Content Preset accounts and passwords can be set to protect the contents. And participants can register themselves online. Only authorized users can take the assessment contents. What’s more, domain hosting limitations can be set. Even if the participants have downloaded the flash assessment, it can not be played. Valid Time of Examination Content The participants can log in the examination system with their accounts and passwords to access the relevant page to complete the testing in the valid time. The examination will be unavailable when the valid time expires. Time Limit of the Examination Participants may log in the system to take the examination after the start time. When the testing time is used up, the examination results will be submitted by participants. Even if the examination is not completely finished at that moment, it will be submitted to the reporting system too. The start time and end time will be recorded precisely in seconds. Time Reminder for the Examination The time reminder will tell the participants how much time left during their examination. When it comes to the end of the testing, some alter audio will remind you of submiting your examination paper. Submission Ways Two ways to submit your answers to the reporting system: 1. Submit one question at a time. 2. Submit all at once. The former one means the participants can not review and modify their answers to their submitted questions. However, with the latter way of submiting, the participants can review and modify their answered questions before they submit the final answers. Result Release Immediate release or timed release can be set to the examination. For some examinations consisting of objective questions, the scores can be calculated automatically when the testing is over. The participants can view the results instantly. If you don’t want the results to be viewed so early or there are some subjective questions needs manual grading, you can finish the grading job first and then the participants can visit the system website to check their testing results. Chapter 1: Preliminary Investigation about Existing System 1. 1 INTRODUCTION Modern technology has added a new ingredient to this mix the Internet. The Internet can be regarded as a cheaper and improved version of the self-education resources. Some people like to take exam in a classroom is traditional manual examination because they are happy to sit there and have the teacher tell them what to learn, and when they get stuck, they are happy that there is someone there to help them, and they enjoy the social environment while taking exam. The traditional approach to measuring a persons level of knowledge in a topic has been the examination. These days there is often more emphasis on internal assessments, which may consist of assignments and projects given out and then marked or assessed. However examinations remain a popular component of many assessments. Source: Phillip Dorrell (2006) The author have noticed that most students wanting to acquire an admission into higher problems usually find it hard to achieve because those institutions make it a requirement to for the students to attain English certification which would verify that the students do speak and understand English. In order to help students acquire these scores, the author took it as a challenge to develop a test engine which would allow students to get the scores with ease. Examinations have the advantages of confidence that a large number of students are all being assessed equally and reduced opportunity for cheating. Users can use the system for writing the test and know about the system functionality. An individual can make use of the system by login in and taking a test. The main aim of carrying out a preliminary investigation is to attain much knowledge about understanding of problem, defining the project scope and constraints, identifying the benefits, estimating the time. Manual Exam Manual Exam is sort of an assessment that is intended to measure an individuals knowledge, skill and aptitude of a certain student or individual. This is also commonly known to test takers as â€Å"Written Tests† and is a manual exam developer’s choice of which style or format to use in creating and developing a written administered on a sheet of paper. A test taker who takes a written test could respond to such specific test items by writing it down manually within a given space of an examination paper or any separate sheet of documenttest is usually given that there is no such standard of testing. Be that as it may, certain exam style format have become widely used than others. Online Exam Online examination is an assesment that use network connection or internet in its process. Individuals and students must sign in on an assessment program or web link by entering their username and password. Then they choose the course that will be tested and the student start answering the questions that is shown on the screen. After they have finished the examination, the student taking the exam must click on a certain button that would require finishing the examination process. Even though this seems easy, online examination has its advantages and disadvantages as well. The students who agree that online examination is good has many advantages. Online examination can make the student’s life easier because they don’t need any paper and pen to do the examination. Furthermore, online examination can be effective and efficient. The students don’t waste much time to answer the questions because they only click on the best answer that is provided. One other advantage of online examination is that we can know our scores just after the exam. Sometimes, instructors can be very busy on a given day and do not have any time to check the exams. Online examination can solve this problem. The instructor does not need to check all of the exams. Online examination can do

Community Development for Race and Diversity

Community Development for Race and Diversity Design or evaluate any practice within the field of Community Development aimed at managing race and diversity. Introduction: According to the International Federation of Social workers, the definition of social work is given as follows: â€Å"The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work† (from IFSW General meeting, Canada, 2000 in ifsw.org). Social work can be theoretically represented as an interrelated system of values that uses a mix of theory and practice to address the communication and transaction of people with their society and environment. Social work and social policies aim to fulfill people’s goals and wishes by helping them to develop their full potential and to either overcome or prevent any kind of dysfunction. Ethics are important as social workers promote equality and work for the oppressed to facilitate their social inclusion (Mullender, 2003). Social work research and practice have provided knowledge and means of evaluation of social work practices, which are specific to situations. Individuals are affected by multiple bio-psycho-social factors in the society, family and environment (Donald et al, 1992). Theories of human development and behaviour help in the analysis of the influences of social and cultural changes on behavior highlighting the injustice and inequality in society. Social workers thus help in affecting changes in societies, families and in people’s lives. Social work and policy is based on the universal humanitarian and democratic ideals promoting Human rights and Social justice. Social workers also respond to crises and emergency situations and also provide counseling and advise to help people overcome their personal, social and long term problems. Thus a social worker is expected to be skilled and should focus on the holistic development of the individual or society. Social work and policies can affect individual psychological processes or can involve planning and development for society at large. Some of the common activities that social worker engage in are counseling, group social work, clinical work, family therapy and treatment, education and advise, and emergency relief work. Social workers are also involved in administration and policy making along with political involvement for economic and social development of the community. Although promo ting human rights, justice and equality are universal aims of all social policies, the way social workers engage in community development tend to vary from one place to another depending on cultural, historical and social factors (Arredondo, 1996). In this essay we will discuss community development considering the perspective of racial diversity and focus on the cooperation between mainstream groups and minority ethnic groups that should be necessary aspect of social work. We discuss inter-racial interaction and community participation as important in social development and promoting more interracial interaction seems to be a crucial practice in social work that can help change attitudes of people towards other ethnic groups. Race and Community Development White (2002) challenges the intentional ‘colour-blind’ attitude towards community development, which he says is impractical and masks and at the same time highlights the centrality of race in any community development agenda. White identifies three dimensions of development namely, the material outcomes, the techniques of transformation and the modes of knowing. He emphasizes on an analysis of racial diversity and fluidity between racial groups and citing Omi and Winant’s work suggests that development comprises of racial formation which is made up of a vast range of diverse and contradictory racial projects linking the meaning of ethnic, racial and national identities. Akdere (2005) suggests that the meaning of race, social class, culture and ethnicity have changed considerably in the last few years and continues to evolve considering the rapid changes in social structure. There has been tremendous growth of diverse populations in neighborhoods and administrative policy changes have forced community leaders to approach organizational engagement with great diversity. Akdere used appreciative inquiry method to achieve a satisfactory participation level among community people to encourage dialogue between participants and promote systematic thinking and practice. The paper supports the use of Appreciative Inquiry method as an appropriate method of systematic practice. Problems associated with the current empirical measurement of ethnic diversity within economic development have been examined by Okediji (2005). Ethnic diversity variables include race, religion, and the measures on these aspects are compared with other variables on ethnicity. The study cites related results to suggest that disparities and differences in ethnic diversity among countries are not as great as assumed generally. Okediji suggests that a comprehensive and accurate measure of ethnic diversity is not just related only to a linguistic measurement that defines ethnicity butt there are other factors as well. Diversity and race differences are closely related as a proper understanding of racial variations sometimes serve as the basis of both racial classifications and also ethnic diversity. Barbujani (2005) suggests that all humans belong to a few biological types or races and evolved in isolation although modern genetics have not been able to find any significant differences in the genetic structures of humans belonging to different racial types. Thus racial labels have not been associated with clear genetic structures. Most scientists however still insist that racial classifications have a genetic and scientific basis and this fact may be even indispensable in epidemiology. However all classifications of race based on the smallest genetic evidence have been useless or controversial and there is still no proper consensus on the number or definitions of different human races. The author highlights that there is a geographic structure in human genome diversity and it is also possible to in fer the continent of origin of a particular race from an individual’s genotype although any clear genetic boundaries necessary to recognize relatively isolated mating units or races have not yet been identified. Barbujani points out that allele frequencies and synthetic descriptors of genetic variation are distributed over different gradients across the planets suggesting a sort of gene flow rather than isolation of different mating groups. Interracial mixing seems to shape human genome diversity although the paper clearly states that a better understanding of the patterns of human diversity can be understood by examining the evolutionary processes that is absolutely important for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools of individual genotypes rather than race specific genotypes which is not yet clearly defined or identified. Shaw and Barrett-Power (2005) emphasize that diversity is a crucial factor in organizational life as all organizations, whether professional or social are becoming increasingly diversified in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, nationality, origin and personality patterns of members of the group. There have been very few studies giving the exact impact of diversity on group or organizational culture or on small group processes or performances. Some influences of diversity on organizational culture are definitely positive although effects may be negative while in certain situations, there may be no effects at all. The developments and influences of diversity in a group may be explained by using the group-development model that helps in examining the impact of diversity on group processes and performance. This model is based on concepts of Jackson et al (1995) and Milliken and Martin (1996) (in Shaw et al, 2005), and shows that diversity does have considerable influence on group dev elopment and performance. The aspects and concepts considered in the model are personal attributes of group members which are detectable and underlying as well as cognitive paradigm dissimilarities, costs and rewards, diversity management skills, cognitive performance resources and integration of group behaviour. The components of the model are discussed and the specific hypothesis is that social group performance may be positively or negatively affected by diversity. Several research studies have tried to understand the exact equation between racial characteristics, neighbourhood contexts and development. Marschall and Stolle (2004) argue that socioeconomic and racial characteristics of an individual’s environment not only influences group consciousness and solidarity but also views of the society towards minority and majority ethnic groups. The paper points out that context, social interaction and inter-racial experiences combine to shape general psychological orientations. The authors conduct a neighbourhood level analysis examining race, racial attitudes, social interactions and residential patterns to study the attitudes towards ethnicity and race issues. Marschall and Stolle emphasize that the neighbourhood context plays an important role in shaping civic orientations although diversity and interracial interaction and settings o promote such interaction seems to be crucial to develop a generalised inter-racial trust for the developmen t of the community. Increased sensitivity towards diversity and interracial interaction is important to promote social and community development. This is also true in college campuses and in a study by Chang et al (2004) national longitudinal data from a set of college students was used to examine the educational relevance of cross racial interaction and the way the campuses can best utilise such opportunities. The results of most similar studies suggest that cross racial interaction has positive effects on students intellectual, social psychological and civic development. Chang and colleagues suggested that a large proportion of students of colour should be enrolled in institutions and students should be offered more opportunities to live and work on campus. The paper suggests that white students definitely gain in psychological and social experiences when they interact with students from the ethnic minority although cross racial interaction may not be completely advantageous for students of colour. Ho wever, despite these differences, cross racial interaction remains an important component for development of attitudes of tolerance and this is an essential aspect of social development of the community in general. More on the relationship of adult learning, especially in universities with ethnic and cultural diversity has been studied by Osler and Starkey (2000). This study focused on distance learning students of French language and culture highlighting the political importance of language learning within the European context. All foreign language learning policies are meant to have an impact on the development of democratic participation and citizenship rights. Few students are asked to give opinions on questions of identity and treatment of racism or different races suggesting the links between racism and discourses on modernity and identity. Language learning has been considered as a reflexive process and through learning, students gain their own perspectives on their own culture as well as other foreign cultures. Students are encouraged to present their own views and actively participate in understanding foreign cultures to promote diversity in study situations. However the authors argue that ‘positive representations of multiculturalism within language learning courses are likely to prove inadequate in enabling students to identify the barriers to democratic participation’. The different themes that are considered here are immigration, integration and identity although the structural barriers of participation are also identified. The paper stressed on the need to encourage students to deepen their understanding of race, modernity and identities in their own society. In another relevant and similar study, Shields (2000) argue how curriculum development in school is closely related to the portrayal of the school as communities. Shields suggests that in the modern complex and heterogeneous public schools, where all types of students with different ethnic and racial backgrounds interact, the notion of schools as complete homogeneous communities with shared beliefs, norms and values seem inadequate. Ethnic and racial differences must be used as a resource, according to the author and ideas of feminism, multiculturalism and inclusive education have to be used to develop the concept of school communities. The advantages of multicultural and racial diversity are highlighted here and the major advantages are that increased interaction between racial groups whereas the disadvantage is that there are possibilities of increased fragmentation and polarisation as well. However on a positive note as pointed out in the paper the differences can be used as basis or foundation for community development so that marginalisation of others can lead to barriers. Shields points out that, ‘Explicitly embracing the need to identify and respect difference, being open to new ideas without taking an exclusionary position, and committing to ongoing participation in dialogical processes may help schools to develop as more authentic communities of difference’(Shields, 2000, p.275). Thus communities of difference can still be communities that can live and work together learning from and respecting each other and this co-existing culture should be promoted in climates of turbulent educational culture and new reforms based on tolerance and co-existence can help restructure schools to ensure that all students regardless of race have the same opportunities and quality of instruction. Some of the proposals of improving interaction in student community and improving the status of schools as communities involve modifying leadership in the community and government structures, as well as overcoming existing power bases, developing mechanisms of accountability, enhancing professionalism and coordinating for adequate distribution of community resources. Citing Barth 1990, Fuller 1993, Shields suggest that the focus on schools as organizations should change to recognize schools as communities by themselves, given the diversity of students enrolled. However as argued there is very little understanding of the concept of community and what it looks and how the concept of community can be implemented in a school setting and what has to be done about it. Theories of schools as communities have been drawn from Tonnies’ concept of gemeinschaft which however is based more on a romanticised view of the past than on improving education in modern dynamic, complex and heterog eneous schools which can be seen as communities (Shields cites Beck and Kratzer, 1994). Several other writers cited by Shields are Fine (1997) and Furman (1998) and they have also advanced notions of communities, of racial coexistence as well a cultures of differences of otherness among different ethnic groups. Many authors have suggested that rather than considering schools as communities because of its affiliation to established norms, values or traditions, schools should be considered as communities by virtue of its racial and ethnic diversity. A school community in which differences are highlighted can add to community development and mutual sharing of values and ideals only when there is a common core principle established to negotiate and iron out differences and disparities in beliefs and values as participants would learn to respect and listen to each other. Bonds and boundaries among school students of different racial backgrounds are constructed, not forcefully but via res pect and open communication. Shields, as other many researchers have worked with many schools to address the needs of diverse student bodies and have become increasingly aware of the limitations of the concept of community which is described with an emphasis on shared values, norms, beliefs and highlight a question by Barth (1990): ‘How can we make conscious, deliberate use of differences in social class, gender, age, ability, race, and interest as resources for learning?’ (p. 514). Shields points out that gender, race and ability are the three elements of differences that can define or help understand an educational community. As the author points out , both theory and practice should be used to suggest how the implications of reflections on theory and practice can help to reconceptualise and improve social policy making, community development and social work practice. Shields paper aims to give an analysis of schools as communities of difference as well as communities of diversity. Differences and diversity are both dealt with from the perspective of changes in society although there may be many problems inherent in such inter-racial coexistence. The use of diversity as a means of thinking about or defining community makes differences an essential part of an interactive society and social workers seem to have an important role in promoting unity and interaction in diversity and difference. Evidence of Racial Diversity Racial diversity and cultural differences are issues not just in schools and smaller communities but also in many workplaces, hospitals and clinical settings. Racial diversity is part of women’s social issues, in technical work groups, in developing leadership qualities and management programs. Several practices to manage racial diversity within the community aims at improving intercultural relations, along with promoting improved communication and interaction among different ethnic groups (Rutherford, 1990). This in turn improves leadership and management skills of people and serves the greater goal of community development. Feminist theories and perspectives are in focus when we discuss workplace differences and many scholars realize that to increase potentialities and opportunities for women in the workplace gender awareness has to be replaced by multicultural awareness. Betters-Reed and Moore (1995) emphasize the need to explain the current management development paradigm that does not recognize diversity among women. They suggest a new all-inclusive paradigm for establishing a successful multicultural organization where opinions of all women as well as members of ethnic communities could be brought to light. The initial stages of individual and organizational awareness of understanding yet reconciling with differences is followed by the recognition that women also need to be treated equally in the field of management. There is a growing need to shift new approaches, attitudes and paradigms that recognizes women’s roles to replace older values in existing management development practices. Case Study: For our case study we conducted interviews on 150 social members, all British citizens from the northern part of Yorkshire in the UK. Among the 150 community members 50, were from the Muslim faith of Arabic origin, 50 from Christian community within Europe, and the remaining 50 from Asian Hindu faith. The attitudes of all community towards members of other communities were studied using a questionnaire and a five-point scale. The questionnaire consisted of 100 questions and the answers ranged from strongly agree to agree, to neutral to disagree and strongly disagree. The questions were targeted to find out about the attitudes, whether positive or negative towards other different racial, ethnic or religious groups. All the responses were taken on a five-point scale and scores were then put through statistical analysis to get the results. Questions ranged from ‘you feel comfortable in the presence of members of other religious groups’ to ‘you are complete ly against inter-racial or inter-religious marriage or relationships of any kind’. Following statistical analysis of the results we aim to promote inter-racial interaction by designing community programs that would necessitate or encourage participation of all ethnic, racial and religious groups. Our inter-cultural and inter-racial interaction program is thus aimed at promoting social harmony and friendship and positive relations among different ethnic and religious groups within the particular region of northern Yorkshire in Britain. As we have seen from all the research evidence discussed, greater and more central role of women, developing leadership and management perspectives as well as an open racial policy in schools and hospitals can actually help in leading a community towards improved community development and evolved inter-racial relations. Our social work practice community program was based on the following features: Promoting inter-racial group activities Promoting and encouraging inter-racial and inter-cultural programs Encouraging women to take initiative in community development Developing active leadership programs Inter-racial culture and interactive associations to be promoted ion community centers, clubs, hospitals, libraries, workplaces, schools and religious institutions. Considering these features and results from our initial study which suggested that there are huge cultural differences in how other communities are perceived by ethnic or racial groups, we suggest that promotion of a ‘dialogue culture’ and greater interaction among community members in all walks of life is essential for promotion of diversity and cultural unity. Conclusion In this essay we highlighted several studies that have emphasized on the need for promoting an interracial culture to encourage diversity in all aspects of life. A case study discussed here shows the differences in opinions of different cultural and racial groups in their perception of other ethnic groups. Following the initial study, we mentioned the importance of women’s role, leadership, management goals, and focus on group discussion and interracial participation in cultural and social programs as important in promoting diversity and racial sensitivity. We stressed on the need for ‘interaction’ and suggested that a practice of group discussions, organized community work, and regular meetings of different community members promoted by social workers can go a long way in changing a society of differences and diversity, into a society of unity, sharing and intercultural dialogue. Bibliography AKDERE, MESUT, February 2005,  Appreciative Inquiry: A Field Study of Community Development  Systemic Practice and Action Research  Volume 18, Number 1, pp. 21-34(14) Kluwer Academic Publishers ARREDONDO, P. (1996) Successful Diversity Management Initiatives London, Sage Publications BARBUJANI, GUIDO June 2005, Human Races: Classifying People vs Understanding Diversity Current Genomics Volume 6, Number 4, pp. 215-226(12) Bentham Science Publishers Cross-Racial Interaction Among Undergraduates: Some Consequences, Causes, and Patterns Chang M.J.; Astin A.W.; Kim D. Research in Higher Education, Volume 45,Number 5, August 2004, pp. 529-553(25) Kluwer Academic Publishers DONALD, J. and RATTANSI, A. (eds) (1992) Race, Culture and Difference, London, Sage/Open University Press AUDREY MULLENDER (2003) Promoting Equality: Challenging Discrimination and Oppression, Palgrave Macmillan MELISSA J. MARSCHALL; DIETLIND STOLLE (June 2004) Race and the City: Neighborhood Context and the Development of Generalized Trust Political Behavior Volume 26, Number 2, pp. 125-153(29) Kluwer Academic Publishers KINGSLEY R., BROWNE (2002) Biology at Work: Rethinking Sexual Equality (Rutgers Series in Human Evolution) Rutgers University Press RAM M.; SMALLBONE D. December 2003 Supplier diversity initiatives and the diversification of ethnic minority businesses in the UK Policy Studies Volume 24, Number 4, pp. 187-204(18) Routledge, part of the Taylor Francis Group ONYEKWULUJE A.B. March 2000, Adult Role Models: Needed Voices for Adolescents, Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Race Relations The Urban Review Volume 32, Number 1, pp. 67-85(19) Kluwer Academic Publishers RUTHERFORD, J. (1990) Identity, Community, Culture, Difference, London, Lawrence Wishart SHIELDS C.M. July 2000 Learning from Difference: Considerations for Schools as Communities Curriculum Inquiry Volume 30, Number 3, pp. 275-294(20) Blackwell Publishing Okediji, Tadeo. The Dynamics of Ethnic Fragmentation: A Proposal for an Expanded Measurement Index The American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Volume 64,Number 2, April 2005, pp. 637-662(26) Blackwell Publishing OSLER A.; STARKEY H. (June 2000) Intercultural Education and Foreign Language Learning: issues of racism, identity and modernity Race, Ethnicity and Education Volume 3, Number 2, 1 pp. 207-221(15) Routledge, part of the Taylor Francis Group SHAW J.B.; BARRETT-POWER E. October 1998 The Effects of Diversity on Small Work Group Processes and Performance Human Relations Volume 51, Number 10, 1, pp. 1307-1325(19) Kluwer Academic Publishers HARGREAVES J. March 1997 Womens sport, development, and cultural diversity: the south african experience Womens Studies International Forum Volume 20, Number 2, pp. 191-209(19) Elsevier Science CORDERO R.; DITOMASO N.; FARRIS G.F. September 1996 Gender and race/ethnic composition of technical work groups: relationship to creative productivity and morale Journal of Engineering and Technology Management Volume 13, Number 3, pp. 205-221(17) Elsevier Science BETTERS-REED B.L.; MOORE L.L. (February 1995) Shifting the management development paradigm for women The Journal of Management Development Volume 14, Number 2, pp. 24-38(15) Emerald Group Publishing Limited COARD S.I.; HOLDEN E.W. (September 1998) The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Diversity on the Delivery of Mental Health Services in Pediatric Primary Care Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings Volume 05, Number 3, pp. 275-294(20) Kluwer Academic Publishers SCANDURA T.A.; LANKAU M.J. (Summer 1996) Developing diverse leaders: A leader-member exchange approach The Leadership Quarterly Volume 7, Number 2, pp. 243-263(21) Elsevier Science CRAIG, GARY 2004 Race, Politics and Community Development Funding: The Discolor of Money, Michael Bonds, Binghamton, NY, Haworth Press, pp. 125 Review in British Journal of Social Work Volume 35, Number 3, April 2005, pp. 413-415(3) Oxford University Press ELIZABETH BRONDOLO; et al. February 2005 The Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire: Development and Preliminary Validation of a Community Version Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume 35, Number 2, pp. 335-365(31) Bellwether Publishing KELLY J.G.; AZELTON L.S.; LARDON C.; MOCK L.O.; TANDON S.D.; THOMAS M. June 2004 On Community Leadership: Stories About Collaboration in Action Research American Journal of Community Psychology Volume 33, Numbers 3-4, pp. 205-216(12) Kluwer Academic Publishers MURRY V.M.; KOTCHICK B.A.; WALLACE S.; KETCHEN B.; EDDINGS K.; HELLER L.; COLLIER I. March 2004 Race, Culture, and Ethnicity: Implications for a Community Intervention: The Parents Matter! Program Journal of Child and Family Studies Volume 13, Number 1, pp. 81-99(19) Kluwer Academic Publishers White S. (June 2002) Thinking race, thinking development Third World Quarterly Journal of Emerging Areas, Volume 23,Number 3, 1 pp. 407-419(13) Routledge, part of the Taylor Francis Group International Federation of Social Workers: www.ifsw.org

Goya: Truth and War Essays -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   GOYA: Truth and War On May 2nd 1808 the people of Madrid revolted against the French troops occupying their city. The following day the French retaliated. In the remembrance of this event Francisco de Goya painted The Third of May. The horrific scene takes place at night on a deserted hillside. The feeling of horror is conveyed by the churoscuro use of lighting. Painted with intense emotional expression the Spaniards stand before there deaths. The soldiers before them lined up with guns in hand and ready to fire. The Spaniard facial expression and body language differ slightly which conveys the methodical process of execution that each victim faced before and after their death. It is uncertain weather or not Goya acctually witnessed these events. In any case his depiction of this event paints a horrific and dramatic picture, which evokes emotion that is quit undeniable. As in some of his other works Goya represents the brutal truth of warfare.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Goya’s earlier work consists of the irrational or macabre, exploring worlds of dark fantasy. Paintings such as St. Francis and Borgia Exorcising or The Bogeyman is Coming represent his preoccupation with the unknown or strange. Goya’s work focuses on both the potentials of human behaviour and the strang and unusual qualities of fantasy and reality. Observing an earlier painting such as The Bogeyman is Coming in comparison to the Third of May, Goya makes a shift in subject matter from an imagined fantasy to a real life event. Although this change has occurred his element of the macabre are still present. The immediate impression of The Third of May is of terror and immoralized human behavior. The central figure holds out his arms like a man crucified with the body language of defiance. Bright whites and yellows are used in contrast to his surroundings contributing to the dramatic image. The Spaniard’s faces are drawn in detail giving each figure an identity. Their facial expressions show fear and despair. No longer is Goya using elements of horror and drama to represent an imagined event. This is a picture of reality, an event that occurred with every amount of terror and emotion that ... ...pics were somewhat alike but their approach and effect were quit different.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Likely to be influenced by Jacques Callot’s earlier works such as Les Caprices, Les Bohemiens, and Les Grandes Miseres de la Guerre, Goya completed The Disasters of War. These were the accounts of violence that Goya recorded during France’s presence in Spain. It consisted of eighty etchings and wasn’t published until 1863. In these etchings Goya illustrates the horrible war-like violence that took place in Spain. These images are done with the same pitiless honesty that Goya used in the Third of May. Obscure, curious and irrational elements were still apparent in his art.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In his eighty-two year life span Goya painted images that were sinister, dark, dramatic and tragic but at the same time intriguing and truthful. Goya’s depictions of war were honest delving into human behavior and wars brutal immoralizing of human action. Goya found violence and degradation in life and humanity. His portrayal of these elements in his paintings communicated to his viewers the undeniable truths of humanity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Vietnam and its Effects :: essays research papers

When many people think about the 1960s, Vietnam and President John F. Kennedy (JFK) come to mind, and for a good reason for that period in history changed millions of lives. Faced with the possible spread of communism through Asia, JFK stayed with his word to fight communism, thus the Vietnam conflict as we know today was started. In the early 1900s, France conquered Vietnam and made it a protectorate, which is a relationship of protection and partial control assumed by a superior power over a dependent country or region For about forty years Vietnam had not experienced settled peace, as a result, The League for the Independence of Vietnam (Viet Minh) was formed in 1941, which sought independence from the French. On September 2,1945, Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam independent from France. The French government wanted to reestablish their rule in Vietnam but were beaten at the battle of Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954. The French Expeditionary Force wanted to prevent the Viet Minh from entering Laos, they made their attack at Dien Bien Phu. Poor planning on the French's part led to their airway support at Hanoi to be cut-off by the Viet Minh. After fifty-five grueling days of battle, the French surrendered. Ho Chi Minh led the war against France and was victorious.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After the war, at the Geneva Conference of 1954, Vietnam was divided into two parts along the seventeenth parallel. North Vietnam was mostly Communist and supported Ho Chi Minh, while South Vietnam was anti-communist and supported by the United States and France. There were still some Communist rebels remaining within South Vietnam, they were known as the Viet Cong. The ruler at the time of South Vietnam was Ngo Dinh Diem who was anti-Communist. Also at the Geneva Conference of 1954, Laos and Cambodia became independent states. North Vietnam disliked the division of Vietnam, and wished to unify North and South Vietnam. Since the United States feared the spread of communism in Asia, John F. Kennedy provided military support and economic relief to South Vietnam to prevent a takeover by North Vietnam. At this point in time, Vietnam is in the midst of a civil war, so the United States was not officially involved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The North Vietnamese opposed the support that the United States was providing to the South Vietnamese, so in retaliation three torpedo boats targeted and fired upon the United States destroyer Maddox on August 2, 1964.

Analysis Of Characters And Plot: Backroads By Tawni ODell :: essays research papers fc

Danielle Barnes Backroads SUMMARY OF MAJOR EVENTS Backroads begins with Harley being questioned by the police for a crime that the reader knows not of. He delves into the story that has brought him up to this point, beginning from a year after his mother shot his father. The events in the course of this are breath taking. Harley is nineteen and the legal guardian of his three younger sisters: Amber (sixteen), Misty (twelve), and Jody (six). His conflicts range from having to raise these three girls while working two jobs, trying to be like â€Å"other guys,† mentally sorting out all the complications that come with having a mother who murdered an abusive father, and coming to grips with his tortured and confusing past. As Harley continues to roughly go through his therapy sessions, the deeper truths about his abusive upbringing reveal themselves, including the reasons for Amber’s strange behavior about Harley secretly dating Callie Mercer (explanation will come later), and her promiscuous sex life. I think the major conflict would have to be Harley facing who he is and what his family is. Throughout the entire story up until the near end, Harley is led to believe that his mother is the one who killed their father. Actually, all of the children and the media and everyone else who knows about the murder accuse their mother of the crime because she turns herself in for it. Harley is torn between feeling like his father deserved it and feeling as though his mother had just given up. As the plot progresses, however, it is more apparent that something is missing. Their mother was planning on leaving their father; she had money stashed away to do so, but when Misty found out, she stole the money so that their mother couldn’t leave. There are hints of a strange relationship between Misty and their father. When Harley finally gets up the strength to ask his mother about the suspicions he has, she tells him that Misty was the one who killed their father, but it was a missed shot. She had been aiming for their mother instead, trying to get rid of her as if she was the oth er woman. Harley internally realizes though that Misty was simply revenging her anger for never taking care of any of the children, for never leaving when she should have, for not loving them enough. The ultimate climax, however, is at the end.

Betty Ford Case Study

In the study of abnormal behavior it is found to be behavior observed through others individuals, this failed to be observed within self. The capability of recognizing the living aspects, emotional, cognitive and the behavioral part of behavior needed initially in the steps to recognize the purpose associated in behavior. In this case study of Betty Ford, she was an individual that struggled with a form of abnormal behavior along with the ability to recognize it with the assistance of other individuals to be able to notice she made a difference in her life.In this case study, it will explain the aspects of her life and overview of how she was able to work with assistance in understand the addictive behavior she developed over time and beat the odds of becoming sober. Biological Components Unfortunately, Betty grew up as the daughter of alcoholics this was the platform that lead to her alcoholism predisposition that was biological. Unaware she was going to grow up and have an addictio n of any sort and her father’s hidden alcoholism.His employment kept him away from home a lot oftentimes alcoholics and addicts find it easy to hide their stigmas that are stemmed from a genetic predisposition (Pinel, 2009). Betty was not the only family member that suffered from alcoholism, she later found her brother was afflicted also suffered from the factor that would support this reasoning (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Pertaining to genetic predispositions, an individual do not need to be raised in the same environment of an alcoholic to become afflicted, individuals only have to have the inherited genetic predisposition (Pinel, 2009).Having a genetic predisposition regarding the addiction to alcoholism help set the platform to Betty’s components to alcoholism, along with many other components that allowed the genetic predisposition the ability to work together in Betty’s situation to be considered. Emotional Components The absence of Betty’s fat her doing her childhood affected her emotionally. His absence in her upbringing caused Betty to become deeply attached to her mother, whom as any other mother needing to play both roles of the parents in her home (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009).Mrs. Ford, Betty’s mother was known as a perfectionist who demanded the same of everyone around her a trait Betty admired so of her mother. When her father died Betty was only 16 years of age, she was able to lean on the strength of her mother to get her through the traumatic ordeal. Following the case study of Betty, the qualities she observed through her mother, she was plagued with the notion of never living up to her, this was the factor that lead to the development of the baseline her addictions.As a young girl growing up Betty never had a drink, but later around the age of eighteen she developed a taste of alcohol as a social drinker. At this time in her life, she explored the modeling and dance industry in New York, the stress o f the life style had an effect on which caused a shift in her self-esteem and emotional status (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). This form of exposure was a major gateway into Betty’s path of dependency to alcohol. Betty was thrown into the world of partying at all hours of the night and found her peers at the given time seem to place pressure on drinking more than usual.Once her mother the path of destruction she was falling into her urged Betty to return to Michigan (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver). After returning home six months later, Betty married a gentleman she knew from her childhood (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver). As many marriages, today, it did not take long before it was the end of her marriage. Betty found that her husband was not over the night life and party life style his actions affected her greatly because she was sure she was ready to settle down into a life of marriage and children. It did not take long before Betty met and later married a handsome fellow named, Geral d Ford.Gerald was from a very decent family he was known as one of the most eligible bachelors at the time in Grand Rapids (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Yes, Betty truly was in love, but living the life of politic as the future first lady to the President of the United States was more than she bargained. Feeling lonely and placed aside of all, Betty was emotionally drained (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver). The situation she found herself in had a downward spiral that pushed her over the edge along with the aspect of having the biological trait that lead to her painful addictions.Cognitive and Behavioral Components On the political trail, Betty gave birth four beautiful children, alone and keeping her home intact she found strength from the influence she saw in her mother throughout her childhood. It did not take long for Betty to be overcome with stress of the mental and physical aspect of a politician’s wife and a mother raising four children mostly alone, not to mention she dev eloped a painful situation of a compressed nerve in her (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009).Due to the compressed nerve condition in her neck Betty was treated with pain medications prescribed to ease her discomfort, unfortunately, this cause another form of addition along with the drinking. Betty was encouraged by her physician to continue her pain medication, unaware of her biological and emotional situation she was already plagued with. No one seem to notice the despair she was in which led to her cognitive and a behavioral substance-related turmoil she began living. Betty began experiencing a sense of emptiness and no self-worth that increased her emotional pain and dependency.Finding herself in a state of denial Betty needed to admit to herself that she had a problem with alcohol and prescription medication. In time, she had to come to grasp with the fact there was something wrong, and she needed to get some assistance before it was (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Taking in consid eration the biological and alcoholism predisposition Betty had to face her substance abuse problems was fore seen an instance that many might say was inevitable without some form of help early on her youth.Sadly with the state of be alone and suffering from the complication in her neck Betty suffered from depression and anxiety (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Through observation and case studies individuals who seem to have situations dealing with the issue of alcoholism are diagnosed with forms of depression and various other disorders associated with the mental status. With all the complications, Betty find herself in she is in harm’s way due to the continued use of alcohol and the prescribed medications (Comer, 2005). ConclusionAs this case study looked at the unfolding of Betty Ford’s life, the understand of what lead to the unfolding of a beautiful woman into a woman riddled with depression, anxiety, alcoholism and a dependency to prescribed medication we needed to begin with the understanding of how it began. The aspect of individual’s genetic predisposition and a childhood flawed in perception her cognitive and a look at her behavioral fundamental conditioning actions associated with her relationship with her mother and peers. In the end, the intervention of her supportive family resulted in a lifesaving gesture that saved her and gave a new outlook in her life. Betty Ford Case Study In the study of abnormal behavior it is found to be behavior observed through others individuals, this failed to be observed within self. The capability of recognizing the living aspects, emotional, cognitive and the behavioral part of behavior needed initially in the steps to recognize the purpose associated in behavior. In this case study of Betty Ford, she was an individual that struggled with a form of abnormal behavior along with the ability to recognize it with the assistance of other individuals to be able to notice she made a difference in her life. In this case study, it will explain the aspects of her life and overview of how she was able to work with assistance in understand the addictive behavior she developed over time and beat the odds of becoming sober.Biological ComponentsUnfortunately, Betty grew up as the daughter of alcoholics this was the platform that lead to her alcoholism predisposition that was biological. Unaware she was going to grow up and have an addiction of any sort and her father’s hidden alcoholism. His employment kept him away from home a lot oftentimes alcoholics and addicts find it easy to hide their stigmas that are stemmed from a genetic predisposition (Pinel, 2009). Betty was not the only family member that suffered from alcoholism, she later found her brother was afflicted also suffered from the factor that would support this reasoning (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009).Pertaining to genetic predispositions, an individual do not need to be raised in the same environment of an alcoholic to become afflicted, individuals only have to have the inherited genetic predisposition (Pinel, 2009). Having a genetic predisposition regarding the addiction to alcoholism help set the platform to Betty’s components to alcoholism, along with many other components that allowed the genetic predisposition the ability to work together in Betty’s  situation to be considered.Emotional ComponentsThe absence of Betty’s fa ther doing her childhood affected her emotionally. His absence in her upbringing caused Betty to become deeply attached to her mother, whom as any other mother needing to play both roles of the parents in her home (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Mrs. Ford, Betty’s mother was known as a perfectionist who demanded the same of everyone around her a trait Betty admired so of her mother. When her father died Betty was only 16 years of age, she was able to lean on the strength of her mother to get her through the traumatic ordeal. Following the case study of Betty, the qualities she observed through her mother, she was plagued with the notion of never living up to her, this was the factor that lead to the development of the baseline her addictions.As a young girl growing up Betty never had a drink, but later around the age of eighteen she developed a taste of alcohol as a social drinker. At this time in her life, she explored the modeling and dance industry in New York, the stress of the life style had an effect on which caused a shift in her self-esteem and emotional status (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). This form of exposure was a major gateway into Betty’s path of dependency to alcohol. Betty was thrown into the world of partying at all hours of the night and found her peers at the given time seem to place pressure on drinking more than usual.Once her mother the path of destruction she was falling into her urged Betty to return to Michigan (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver). After returning home six months later, Betty married a gentleman she knew from her childhood (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver). As many marriages, today, it did not take long before it was the end of her marriage. Betty found that her husband was not over the night life and party life style his actions affected her greatly because she was sure she was ready to settle down into a life of marriage and children. It did not take long before Betty met and later married a handsome fellow named, Ger ald Ford. Gerald was from a very decent family he was known as one of the most eligible bachelors at the time in Grand Rapids (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009).Yes, Betty truly was in love, but living the life of politic as the future first lady to the President of the United States was more than she bargained. Feeling lonely and placed aside of all, Betty was emotionally drained (Meyer, Chapman &  Weaver). The situation she found herself in had a downward spiral that pushed her over the edge along with the aspect of having the biological trait that lead to her painful addictions. Cognitive and Behavioral ComponentsOn the political trail, Betty gave birth four beautiful children, alone and keeping her home intact she found strength from the influence she saw in her mother throughout her childhood. It did not take long for Betty to be overcome with stress of the mental and physical aspect of a politician’s wife and a mother raising four children mostly alone, not to mention sh e developed a painful situation of a compressed nerve in her (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Due to the compressed nerve condition in her neck Betty was treated with pain medications prescribed to ease her discomfort, unfortunately, this cause another form of addition along with the drinking.Betty was encouraged by her physician to continue her pain medication, unaware of her biological and emotional situation she was already plagued with. No one seem to notice the despair she was in which led to her cognitive and a behavioral substance-related turmoil she began living. Betty began experiencing a sense of emptiness and no self-worth that increased her emotional pain and dependency. Finding herself in a state of denial Betty needed to admit to herself that she had a problem with alcohol and prescription medication. In time, she had to come to grasp with the fact there was something wrong, and she needed to get some assistance before it was (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009).Taking in c onsideration the biological and alcoholism predisposition Betty had to face her substance abuse problems was fore seen an instance that many might say was inevitable without some form of help early on her youth. Sadly with the state of be alone and suffering from the complication in her neck Betty suffered from depression and anxiety (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Through observation and case studies individuals who seem to have situations dealing with the issue of alcoholism are diagnosed with forms of depression and various other disorders associated with the mental status. With all the complications, Betty find herself in she is in harm’s way due to the continued use of alcohol and the prescribed medications (Comer, 2005).ConclusionAs this case study looked at the unfolding of Betty Ford’s life, the understand of what lead to the unfolding of a beautiful woman into a woman riddled with depression, anxiety, alcoholism and a dependency to prescribed medication we ne eded to begin with the understanding of how it began. The aspect of individual’s genetic predisposition and a childhood flawed in perception her cognitive and a look at her behavioral fundamental conditioning actions associated with her relationship with her mother and peers. In the end, the intervention of her supportive family resulted in a lifesaving gesture that saved her and gave a new outlook in her life.

Mistakes and Misunderstandings

‘Mistakes and misunderstandings are painful when they occur. † nevertheless as life goes on, these occurrences turn into experience that add value to relationships and life. When asked to define what a mistake really is, one would say it is an act of misdoing or perhaps even an error of judgement. However, as the word itself suggests, such misdoings are unintentional and the doer cannot be fully blamed for his/ her inaccurate action. on the other hand, a misunderstanding maybe elucidated as an unfortunate situation where someone or something is failed to be understood correctly. Whatever said and done, it is evident that mistakes if not neutralised and misunderstandings, if not sorted out may lead to serious repercussions. A small blunder or minute misunderstanding stands a great chance of leading to immediate heartbreaks and absolute breakdown of other relationships. In the worst- case scenario, it could lead to someone's incarceration or demise. However, if neutralised or sorted out, mistakes and misunderstandings can give rise to many advantageous effects. A sorted out misunderstanding increases the bond between two people, further securing the relationship and thus adding value to it. Mistakes committed are an added experience in one's life. They further help show the right pathway to success which in the end is what really matters. Even though mistakes and misunderstandings can backfire drastically causing crucial consequences, in my opinion, they are important happenings as in the end they make a huge difference in one's life once neutralised or sorted out.

Demontration Speech

Demonstration Speech Outline Title: Best Mexican Guacamole Dip Specific purpose: To present you all to one of the best Guacamole recipes to of enter your life. Thesis: Guacamole is simple to make and most of all healthy. I. Introduction A. Attention materials: Did you know that Guacamole dates back to the Aztecs. They were particularly fond of it because of its high fat content. But don’t be alarmed! The avocado contains good fat you want incorporated into your body. B. Tie to the audience: Oh and the best part are its nutritional facts.For all you ladies who enjoy counting your calories. I bet it will put a smile on your face to know that this only contains around 190 calories. C. Credibility material: This Guacamole is so good, that’s every time there is a family event or party, I am expected to bring the Guacamole. I don’t even get asked anymore. I guess I just have that touch. D. Preview: There are only three very simple steps in the making of this tasty snac k. Which involve the following, 1. Mashing the Avocado. 2. Mixing the ingredients. 3. Serving itII. Body A. The first step is to gather your ingredients. You will need, 1. 2 large Avocados 2. 2 tbsps of Onions 3. 2 tbsps of Tomatoes 4. 2 tbsps of Jalapenos 5. 2 tbsps of Cilantro 6. Salt 7. Lime 8. Tortilla chips B. Your second step is to gently mash the Avocados with a fork until chunky smooth in a bowl. C. The third step involves mixing all of your ingredients in the bowl. 1. Pour 1 tablespoon of Onions into the bowl containing the mashed Avocados, and mix. 2. Pour 1 tablespoon of Tomatoes into the bowl, and mix. 3.Pour 1 tablespoon of Jalapenos into the bowl, and mix. 4. Pour 1 tablespoon of Cilantro into the bowl, and mix. 5. Sprinkle some salt into the bowl, adjust seasoning to taste. 6. Squirt ? of a lime, to prevent Avocado from turning brown. D. Serve the Guacamole with Mexican style tortilla chips, and enjoy! III. Conclusion A. Final Review: Today you learned how to make a d elicious Mexican style Guacamole following three easy steps. 1. Mash the Avocados until chunky smooth. 2. Mixing all of you ingredients into a bowl. 3. Serve it with Mexican Style Tortilla Chips. B.Tie back to the audience: Now that summer is coming, everyone is trying to get rid of those extra pounds they gained during the holidays and watch what they eat. Well, most of the ingredients in this Guacamole are vegetables. Which make us that much less guilty to enjoy it. C. Concluding remarks: So next time you have a craving for something yummy and healthy, make yourself a Mexican Style Guacamole dip. It never fails to satisfy. Work Cited: http://www. food. com/recipe/guacamole-real-authentic-mexican-guac-135048 http://guacamole-recipe. net/simple-and-quick-guacamole-recipe-with-pictures/

The Golden Lily Chapter 22

SHOTS RANG OUT across the arena, taking down several more armed Warriors. I realized that Dimitri and Eddie weren't alone – because neither was holding a gun. The shots were coming from the roofs of the compound buildings that surrounded the arena. Chaos broke out as the gathered spectators jumped to their feet to join in the fray. My breath caught as I realized that many of them had their own weapons too. I was shocked to notice that the fallen Warrior on the ground next to me wasn't bleeding. A small dart hung from his shoulder. The sharpshooters' â€Å"bullets† must have been tranquilizers. Who were they? I looked back toward the entrance and saw that a few others with the look of guardians had entered the arena and were fighting with some of the Warriors, including Chris. This provided cover for Dimitri and Eddie to free Sonya. A flash of strawberry blonde hair caught my eye near them, and I recognized Angeline's lithe figure. Dimitri efficiently cut Sonya's straps then helped lift her toward Eddie. A zealous Warrior came at them, and Angeline quickly knocked him out – as though he were a motivational speaker. Beside me, one of the masters shouted, â€Å"Get the Alchemist girl! Hold her hostage! They'll negotiate for her!† The Alchemist girl. Right. That would be me. In the roar of fighting, hardly anyone heard him – save one. The bleach blonde girl had managed to evade being tranquilized. She leapt toward me. My adrenaline kicked in, and I was suddenly no longer afraid. With reflexes I didn't know I had, I reached into my purse and pulled out the so-called â€Å"potpourri.† I ripped it open and flung it out around me, shouting a Latin incantation that translated roughly to â€Å"see no more.† Compared to the scrying spell, this one was astonishingly easy. It required will on my part, certainly, but most of the magic was tied into the physical components and didn't need the hours of concentration that the other one had. The power surged through me almost instantly, filling me with a thrill I hadn't expected. The girl screamed and dropped her gun, clawing at her eyes. Cries of dismay from the masters sitting by me showed they too had been affected. I'd cast a blindness spell, one that would affect those near me for about thirty seconds. Some part of me knew that wielding magic was wrong, but the rest of me felt triumphant at stopping some of these trigger-happy fanatics, if only temporarily. I didn't waste any of that precious time. I jumped up from where I was sitting and ran across the arena, away from the fighting near the entrance. â€Å"Sydney!† I don't know how I managed to hear my name above all that noise. Glancing behind me, I saw Eddie and Angeline carrying Sonya out through the door. They paused, and a pained look crossed Eddie's face as he glanced around, assessing the situation. I could guess his thoughts. He wanted me to come with them. Most of the gathered Warriors had raced to the center of the arena, trying to stop Sonya's rescue. They outmatched me by a long shot, creating a wall between my friends and me. Even if I didn't have to actually fight anyone, it seemed impossible I'd slip by unnoticed – especially since several people were still shouting about â€Å"that Alchemist girl.† Shaking my head adamantly, I motioned for Eddie to go on without me. Indecision warred on his face, and I hoped he wouldn't attempt to break through the throng to get to me. I pointed at the door, again urging him to go. Sonya was the incapacitated one. I would find my own way out. Not waiting to see what he'd do, I turned and continued the way I'd been going. There was a lot of open space for me to cover, but fewer Warriors to stop me. Several buildings ringed the arena, some with doors and windows. I moved toward them, though I had nothing to break the glass. Two of the doors had padlocks. That left two without. The first one I tried turned out to have some unseen lock and wouldn't open. Frantic, I ran to the second and heard a shout behind me. The bleach blonde girl had regained her sight and was coming after me. Desperately, I turned the doorknob. Nothing happened. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out what the Warriors had mistaken for hand sanitizer. I dumped it out, spilling acid over the metal knob. It melted before my eyes. I hoped that would kill the lock. I threw my shoulder into the door, and it gave. Then I dared a peek behind me. My pursuer was lying on the ground, another victim of the tranquilizers. I breathed a sigh of relief and pushed through the door. I'd expected to enter another garage like the one I'd first been taken to, but instead I found myself in some sort of residential building. The empty hallways turned this way and that, and I felt disoriented. Everyone was at the free-for-all in the arena. I passed makeshift bedrooms, filled with cots and partially unpacked suitcases and backpacks. When I noticed what looked like an office, I hesitated in the doorway. Papers covered large foldout tables inside, and I wondered if any contained useful information about the Warriors. I wanted so badly to go in and investigate. These Warriors were a mystery to the Alchemists. Who knew what intel these papers contained? What if there was information that could protect the Moroi? I hesitated for the space of a few heartbeats then reluctantly kept going. The guardians were using tranquilizers, but the Warriors had real guns – guns they wouldn't be afraid to use on me. Better to get out of here with the information I already had than not get out alive. I reached the far side of the building at last and peered out a bedroom window. It was so dark outside now that I could hardly see anything. I didn't have the benefit of torches anymore. The only thing I could tell for sure was that I was no longer adjacent to the arena. That was good enough for me, though it would've been better if there was a door leading outside. I'd have to make my own. Grabbing a chair, I swung it into the window and was completely astonished when the glass broke easily. A few shards hit me, but nothing large enough to cause injury. Standing on the chair, I managed to climb out the window without injuring my hands. I was met by a warm, dark night. No electric lights were visible ahead, just open black land. I took this to mean I was on the opposite side of the compound where Trey had brought me. There were no roads, no sound from the highway we had traveled. There was also no sign of life anywhere, which I took as a good sign. Hopefully all the Warrior guards who normally paroled the grounds were off fighting guardians. If Sonya was out now, my hope was that the guardians would begin retreating – and grab me along the way. Even if they didn't, I wasn't above walking back to I-10 and hitchhiking. The compound was sprawling and confusing, and as I walked around it and still saw no sign of the highway, I began to grow uneasy. How turned around had I gotten? I only had a limited amount of time to get off Warrior property. They could be hunting me right now. There was also the disconcerting problem that once I made it to the periphery, I'd have to deal with the electric fence. Still, it might be best to forget looking for the freeway and simply make for the edge of the Warriors' camp so that I could – A hand grabbed my shoulder, and I screamed. â€Å"Easy there, Sage. I'm no gun-toting crazy guy. Crazy, yes. But not the rest.† I stared in disbelief, not that I could really make out much of the tall, dark figure standing over me. â€Å"Adrian?† The height was right, as was the build. As I stared, I became more and more certain. His hands steadied my shaking. I was so glad to see a friendly face – to see him – that I nearly sank into his arms in relief. â€Å"It is you. How'd you find me?† â€Å"You're the only human out here with a yellow and purple aura,† he said. â€Å"Makes you easy to spot.† â€Å"No, I mean, how'd you find me here? At the compound?† â€Å"I followed the others. They told me not to, but†¦ well.† In the faint moonlight I could barely see his shrug. â€Å"I don't follow directions well. When Castile came out with Sonya and started babbling about how you'd gone out some random door, I thought I'd take a quick walk around. I don't think I was supposed to do that either, but the guardians were kind of busy.† â€Å"You are crazy,† I snapped, despite how happy I was to know I hadn't been abandoned in this miserable place. â€Å"The Warriors are so mad that they'd probably kill a Moroi on sight if they saw you.† He tugged my hand forward. Even through his banter, there'd been a hard tone to his words. He was fully aware of the danger we faced. â€Å"Then we'd better get out of here.† Adrian led me back in the direction I'd come, then went around the opposite side of the building. I didn't see the freeway lights yet, but he soon turned and began running toward the property's far edge, away from the building. I ran alongside him, still holding his hand. â€Å"Where are we going?† I asked. â€Å"The guardians assembled near the back side of the compound, so they wouldn't be spotted. That part of the fence has been deactivated – if you can climb it.† â€Å"Of course I can climb it. I'm practically a prodigy in PE,† I pointed out. â€Å"The question is, can you, Mr. Smoker?† The fence began to come into focus as we approached, mostly because its shape blocked some of the stars. â€Å"That's the section. Behind the scraggly bush,† Adrian said. I couldn't see any bush but trusted in his eyes. â€Å"Go a little ways past that, and there's this country highway that the guardians used as a staging point. I'm parked there.† We came to a halt in front of the fence, both of us a little breathless. I peered upward. â€Å"You're sure it's still off?† â€Å"It was when we came in,† said Adrian, but I could hear a little uncertainty in his voice. â€Å"You think those guys would have gotten their act together enough to fix it already?† â€Å"No,† I admitted. â€Å"But I'd still like to know for sure. I mean, most commercial electric fences won't significantly hurt someone, but we should know.† He glanced around. â€Å"Can we throw a stick at it?† â€Å"Wood doesn't conduct.† I rifled through my purse and found what I wanted: a metal pen with a foam grip. â€Å"Hopefully, the foam on this will block the worst of it if the fence really is hot.† Trying not to grimace, I reached out and touched the pen's barrel to the fence, half-expecting some intense charge to send me flying backward. Nothing happened. I slowly ran the pen along the fence, since most electric ones had an intermittent pulse. Sustained contact would be needed. â€Å"Looks clean,† I said, exhaling in relief and turning to Adrian. â€Å"I guess we're good to – ahh!† A bright light shone in my eyes, blinding me and killing whatever night vision I'd gained out here. I heard Adrian cry out in surprise as well. â€Å"It's the girl!† a male voice exclaimed. â€Å"And†¦ and one of them!† The flashlight was moved out of my face, and although spots still danced in my vision, I could make out two hulking figures rapidly approaching. Were they armed? My mind raced. Whether they were or not, they were still an obvious threat since Warriors apparently liked to practice bashing each other in their free time, and Adrian and I didn't. â€Å"Don't move,† said one of them. A blade shone in the gleam of the lowered flashlight. Not as bad as a gun, but not great either. â€Å"You're both coming with us, back inside.† â€Å"Slowly,† added the other. â€Å"Don't try any tricks.† Unfortunately for them, I still had a few up my sleeve. Quickly I put the pen back in my purse and grabbed another souvenir from Ms. Terwilliger's homework: a thin, round wooden bracelet. Before either Warrior could do anything, I snapped the wooden circle into four pieces and tossed them on the ground, calling out another Latin incantation. Again, I felt the rush of power and its exultation. The men cried out – I'd cast a disorientation spell, one that messed with equilibrium and made vision blurry and surreal. It worked a lot like the blindness spell, affecting those around me. I lunged forward and pushed one of our assailants down. He fell easily, too incapacitated by the spell to resist. The other guy was so distraught that he'd dropped the flashlight and was practically on the ground already as his attempts at balance failed. Nonetheless, I gave him a good kick to the chest to make sure he stayed down and grabbed his flashlight in the process. I didn't necessarily need it with Adrian's night vision, but these two would now be helpless in the dark when the spell wore off. â€Å"Sage! What the hell did you do to me?† Turning, I saw Adrian clinging to the fence, using it to hold himself up. In my eagerness to stop the Warriors, I'd forgotten the spell affected everyone near me. â€Å"Oh,† I said. â€Å"Sorry.† â€Å"Sorry? My legs don't work!† â€Å"It's your inner ear, actually. Come on. Grab the fence and climb. One hand in front of the other.† I caught hold as well and urged him up. It wasn't the most difficult fence to climb – it wasn't electrified or barbed – and having it for support negated some of Adrian's disorientation. Nonetheless, it was still slow going as we made it toward the top. This spell lasted a little longer than the blindness one, but I was painfully aware that as soon as Adrian was free from it, the Warriors would be too. Against all odds, we made it to the top of the fence. Getting over to the other side was much more difficult, and I had to do a fair amount of acrobatics to help Adrian make the transition while keeping myself steady. Finally, I wrangled him into the correct position to climb down. â€Å"Good,† I said. â€Å"Now just reverse what you did before, one hand down in front of the – † Something slipped, either his hand or foot, and Adrian plummeted to the ground. It wasn't that long of a drop, and his height helped a little – not that he was in any shape to actually use his legs and land on his feet. I winced. â€Å"Or you can just take the short way down,† I said. I quickly scaled down after him and helped him stand. Aside from the spell's debilitation, he didn't seem to have suffered any damage. Slipping an arm around him and letting him lean his weight on me, I attempted to run toward the road he'd mentioned, which was now slightly visible. â€Å"Running† was difficult, however. It was hard work keeping Adrian up and I kept stumbling. Still, we made our way slowly from the compound, which was about as much as we could hope for. Adrian's state made him clumsy and heavy, and his height was a real inconvenience. Then, without warning, the spell wore off, and Adrian instantly recovered. His legs strengthened and his unwieldy gait straightened out. Suddenly, it was as though he were carrying me, and we practically tripped over each other trying to adjust. â€Å"You okay?† I asked, letting go. â€Å"I am now. What the hell was that?† â€Å"It's not important. What is important is that those guys have recovered too. Maybe I knocked them down hard enough to slow them down.† That seemed kind of unlikely. â€Å"But run anyway.† We ran, and even if he undoubtedly had the respiratory system of a chain smoker, his long legs made up for it. He could easily outdistance me but slowed so that we stayed together. Whenever he started to get ahead, he'd grab my hand again. Shouts sounded behind us, and I turned off the flashlight to make us harder to spot. â€Å"There,† said Adrian. â€Å"See the cars?† Slowly, out of the darkness, two SUVs materialized, along with a much more conspicuous yellow Mustang. â€Å"Very covert,† I muttered. â€Å"Most of the guardians have gotten away,† said Adrian. â€Å"But not everyone.† Before I could respond, someone grabbed me from behind. In a maneuver that would have made Wolfe proud, I managed the backward kick that he'd tried so hard to teach us. It caught my attacker by surprise, and he released me, only for his companion to shove me to the ground. Three figures ran toward us from the cars and hurled themselves at our attackers. Thanks to his signature duster, I knew Dimitri led the group. â€Å"Get out of here,† he called to Adrian and me. â€Å"You know where to meet. We'll cover you. Drive fast – they'll probably be on the road soon.† Adrian helped me up, and once again we ran together. I'd hurt my ankle in the fall, so I moved slowly, but Adrian helped me along and let me lean on him. All the while, my heart was threatening to pound out of my chest, even when we reached the safety of the Mustang. He guided me to the passenger side. â€Å"Can you get in okay?† â€Å"I'm fine,† I said, sliding in and unwilling to admit the pain was growing. I prayed I hadn't slowed us too much. I couldn't stand the thought of being the one responsible for Adrian's capture. Satisfied, Adrian raced over to the driver's side and started the car. The engine roared to life, and he followed Dimitri's orders to the letter, peeling out at a speed I was envious of. Out on this country highway, however, it seemed unlikely there were any cops. I glanced behind us a few times, but by the time we made it to I-10, it was obvious no one had followed us. I sighed gratefully and leaned my head against the seat, though I was still a long way from being calm. I couldn't assume we were safe yet. â€Å"Okay,† I said. â€Å"How on earth did you guys find me?† Adrian didn't answer right away. When he did, I could tell it was with great reluctance. â€Å"Eddie put a tracking device in your purse, back at my place.† â€Å"What? He couldn't have! They searched me.† â€Å"Well, I'm sure it didn't look like one. I don't know what he ended up getting. He got it from your people, actually. As soon as Trey confirmed the meeting tonight, Belikov was on the phone with every guardian in a two-hour radius, trying to recruit backup. He called the Alchemists too and convinced them to share some tech.† There were so many crazy things about what he'd just said, I didn't know where to begin parsing it. All sorts of wheeling and dealing had gone on without me realizing it. And even when it had been settled, no one had told me about it. Plus, the Alchemists had been involved? Helping the guardians to track me? â€Å"The earrings,† I said. â€Å"That's where they came from. The tracker must be in one of them. I never would have guessed.† â€Å"I'm not surprised, knowing the way you guys work.† The rest of tonight's reality began to sink in. The last of my fear subsided – only to be replaced by anger. â€Å"You lied to me! All of you! You should have told me what you were doing – that you were tracking me and planning a raid! How could you keep that from me?† He sighed. â€Å"I didn't want to, believe me. I told them over and over they needed to get you in the loop. But everyone was afraid you'd refuse to take the device if you knew about it. Or that you'd somehow slip up and give away the plan to those nuts. I didn't believe that, though.† â€Å"And yet, you didn't bother telling me yourself,† I snapped, still outraged. â€Å"I couldn't! They made me promise not to.† Somehow, his betrayal hurt worse than all the others. I had come to trust him implicitly. How could he do this to me? â€Å"No one believed I'd be able to talk the Warriors down, so everyone just made contingency plans without me.† Never mind that I hadn't been able to talk them down. â€Å"Someone should have told me. You should have told me.† There was legitimate pain and regret in his voice. â€Å"I'm telling you, I wanted to. But I was trapped. You of all people should know what it's like being caught between groups, Sage. Besides, don't you remember what I said just before you got in the car with Trey?† I did, actually. Almost word for word. No matter what happens, I want you to know that I never doubted what you're going to do. It's smart, and it's brave. I slouched further into my seat and felt like I was on the verge of tears. Adrian was right. I did know what it was like to have your loyalty stretched between different groups. I understood the position he'd been in. It was just, some selfish part of me wished that I'd been the one his loyalty had been strongest to. He tried, an inner voice said. He tried to tell you. The meeting spot that Dimitri had told Adrian to go to turned out to be Clarence's house. The place was crawling with guardians, some of whom were patching up each other's injuries. No one had been killed on either side, something the guardians had been very cautious about. The Warriors of Light already thought vampires were twisted and corrupt. They didn't need more fuel added to the fire. Not that tonight's raid was probably going to help matters. I had no clue how the Warriors would react or if there might be some lethal retaliation in store. I supposed the guardians and Alchemists had taken that into consideration. I wondered bitterly if any of them would share their opinions on it with me. â€Å"I know better than to offer to heal you,† Adrian told me, as we squeezed past a group of guardians. â€Å"Grab a seat in the living room, and I'll get you some ice.† I started to say I could get my own, but my ankle was growing increasingly painful. With a nod, I left him and made my way to the living room. A couple of unknown guardians were there, along with a beaming Clarence. To my surprise, Eddie and Angeline were also in there, sitting side by side – and holding hands? â€Å"Sydney!† he exclaimed. He immediately released Angeline's hand and hurried over to me, astonishing me with a hug. â€Å"Thank God you're okay. I hated having to leave you there. That wasn't part of the plan. I was supposed to have gotten you out with Sonya.† â€Å"Yeah, well, maybe next time, someone can fill me in on the plan,† I said pointedly. Eddie grimaced. â€Å"I'm sorry about that. I really am. We just†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I know, I know. Didn't think I'd go along with it, were afraid something would go wrong, etc., etc.† â€Å"I'm sorry.† I didn't entirely forgive him, but I was too tired to push the matter much further. â€Å"Just tell me this,† I said, lowering my voice. â€Å"Were you just holding hands with Angeline?† He blushed, which seemed ludicrous after the fierceness I'd seen him pull off back at the compound. â€Å"Er, yeah. We were just†¦ talking. I mean, that is†¦ I think we might go out sometime. Not at school, of course, since everyone thinks we're related. And probably not anything serious. I mean, she's still a little out there, but she's not as bad as I used to think. And she was really great in that battle. I feel like maybe I should get my head out of the fantasy with Jill and try some normal dating. If you'll let me borrow your car.† I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. â€Å"Sure,† I said. â€Å"Far be it for me to stop a budding romance.† Should I tell him Jill might not be such a fantasy after all? I didn't want to meddle. Eddie deserved to be happy, but I couldn't help but feel a little bad that I'd told Jill he might be interested. I hope I hadn't made things more complicated. Adrian returned with a bag of ice. I sat down in an armchair, and he helped position the ice on my ankle after I propped it up on a footstool. I relaxed as the ice began numbing the pain and hoped I hadn't broken anything. â€Å"Isn't this exciting?† Clarence asked me. â€Å"Finally, you were able to see the vampire hunters for yourselves!† I wasn't sure I'd describe the night with that much enthusiasm, but I did have to concede a point to him. â€Å"You were right,† I said. â€Å"I'm sorry for not believing you sooner.† He gave me a kind smile. â€Å"It's all right, my dear. I probably wouldn't have believed a crazy old man either.† I smiled in return and then thought of something from earlier. â€Å"Mr. Donahue†¦ you said when you encountered the hunters before that a human named Marcus Finch intervened on your behalf.† Clarence nodded eagerly. â€Å"Yes, yes. Nice young man, that Marcus. Certainly hope I run into him again someday.† â€Å"Was he an Alchemist?† I asked. Seeing Clarence's puzzled look, I tapped my cheek. â€Å"Did he have a tattoo like mine?† â€Å"Like yours? No, no. It was different. Hard to explain.† I leaned forward. â€Å"But he did have a tattoo on his cheek?† â€Å"Yes. Didn't you see in the picture?† â€Å"What picture?† Clarence's gaze turned inward. â€Å"I could've sworn I showed you some of my old pictures, back when Lee and Tamara were young†¦ ah, such good days those were.† I worked hard to stay patient. Clarence's moments of coherence were sometimes hard to get a hold of. â€Å"And Marcus? You have a picture of him too?† â€Å"Of course. A lovely one of the two of us. I'll find it one day and show you.† I wanted to ask him if he'd show it to me now, but with his place so crowded, it didn't seem like the right time. Dimitri arrived shortly thereafter, along with the last of the guardians who'd been at the compound. Dimitri immediately asked about Sonya, who I'd learned was resting in her bedroom. Adrian had offered to heal her, but Sonya had had enough clarity of mind to refuse him, saying she simply wanted blood and rest and a chance for the drugs to wear off naturally. Once Dimitri got this report and could rest easy about Sonya, he came straight to me, looking down from his lofty height at where I sat with my ice. â€Å"I'm sorry,† he said. â€Å"I know you must have heard by now what happened.† â€Å"That I was sent into a dangerous situation with only half the information I needed?† I asked. â€Å"Yeah, I heard all about that.† â€Å"I'm not a fan of lies and half truths,† he said. â€Å"I wished there'd been another way. We had so little time, and this just seemed like the best option. No one doubted your ability to reason and make a compelling case. It was the Warriors' ability to listen and see reason that we didn't believe in.† â€Å"I can see why you guys didn't trust me with the plan.† Near me, I saw Adrian flinch at the way I said â€Å"you guys.† I hadn't intentionally meant anything by it but realized now that it sounded very condescending and Alchemist – so Us versus Them. â€Å"But I still can't believe the Alchemists went along with that – that they condoned keeping me out of the loop.† There were no free chairs left, so Dimitri simply sat down cross-legged. â€Å"There's not much I can tell you about that. Like I said, it was all short notice, and when I spoke with Donna Stanton, she felt it would be safer all around if you didn't know what was coming. If it makes you feel better, she was very adamant about us keeping you safe once we were there.† â€Å"Maybe,† I said. â€Å"It'd be better still if she'd thought about how I might feel when I found out I wasn't trusted with vital information.† â€Å"She did think about it,† said Dimitri, looking slightly uncomfortable. â€Å"She said you wouldn't mind because you understand the importance of not questioning your superiors' decisions and that you know what they do is for the best. She said you're an exemplary Alchemist.† Don't question. They know what's best. We can't take any chances. â€Å"Of course she did,† I said. I never question anything.