.

Friday, May 31, 2019

Alter Your Native Land Essay -- American Culture Cultural Essays

Alter Your Native Land.- Stiff Little Fingers, Alternative Ulster, 1979 By definition, a counterculture possesses values and mores that ar in face-off to those of an established society. When one hears the word counterculture, it may prompt images of hippies, punks, demonstrators, or underground political movements in other words, a group of people (usually young) with a purpose, who are trying to make a change or say something meaningful about the larger culture in which they live. In addition to demonstrations, music, or entirely lifestyle choices, this kind of action may be taken in writing. Hunter S. Thompson and Kurt Vonnegut prove this point in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and eat of Champions respectively, despite using differing styles, by asking rather contentious questions about American culture. A question raised by Fear and Loathing deals with the frequent American ideal What has become of it?Thompsons book addresses the question in the very title, A Savage Journ ey to the Heart of the America Dream. His horrific baloney of a gonzo journalist living in a perpetual drug and alcohol-induced haze may at first seem to be only a drug book, but one is able to get much more out of the narrative by taking the time to study it more intimately namely, a statement about the American Dream. After wading through several chapters that describe an assortment of trips brought on by an array of drugs, we find our antagonists getting directions to the American Dream from a taco stand waitress on the outskirts of Vegas. Apparently, the American Dream is now a mental joint, where all the dopers hang out. A dubious, black building has come to represent what formerly stood for opportunity, independence, and free... ...y presenting us with numerous new ways in which to examine American culture, Vonnegut enables us to question everything from common figures of speech to approaches to homosexuality. He may have done this with the hope of preventing the blind ac ceptance of our societys norms.Countercultural authors, whether speaking through a haze of narcotics or as if speaking to a child, can play a strong role in establishing new ideologies within a society. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Breakfast of Champions are compelling examples of this, and Thompson and Vonnegut walk into touchy territory while presenting their themes. If one wishes to find an alternative to prevailing modes of thinking, it is important to look upon work such as theirs and discover the answers to their questions about our culture. As the Stiff Little Fingers say, Grab it and change it, its yours.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Shopping: Online vs. Store Essay -- Compare/Contrast, Comparison, Inte

When comparing two different ways of shopping most people do not even think about the difference, they do both and not even realize it. In todays society people shop while at work, after work and on the weekends, whenever time permits. Stop and think how can I get more time in the day for family or right myself? The best way to figure that out with all the recourses we have is to go into a store and spend time looking through racks and waiting in endless lines to just purchase something. I comp ared going into a store verses online shopping to see which one will save you time and money.There are many reasons for choosing to go into a store to purchase items needed. For instance, having someone assist you in finding what you need, or just answer questions about the product. It is also a way to get off the couch, away from the television, or off the computer. Another feature is you can see and examine what you are going to purchase. This helps in the end making for most people. You k now the minute the salesperson rings you up, the product is yours to take home and use right aw...

Hard Times: Struggle Of Fact Vs Imagination And Struggle Between Two C :: essays research papers

Hard Times Struggle of Fact vs Imagination and Struggle Between ii ClassesCharles Dickens novel, Hard Times, is a story of two struggles--thestruggle of fact versus imagination and the struggle between two classes. Ittakes place in Coketown, and industrial-age English city. The novel is splitinto two sections. One deals with the struggle of upper class members ofsociety and their struggle to learn the value of imagination. The otherinvolves a working class man who is confine by those in that upper class whotrap him in a dreary existence.Thomas Gradgrind, the father of Louisa, Tom, and June not only stressesfacts in the classroom in which he teaches, but also at home to his family.Thomas has brought up his children to know nothing but facts. Everything isblack and white,right or wrong-- nothing in between. He discourages suchfanciful motions as going to the circus or having flowered carpet. Everyoneknows, one cannot have flowered carpet. One would trample all over them andthey wou ld balance up dying.In Hard Times, two classes are relevant in Coketown. The upper class,which were few in numbers, are dominant over the middle class, which is biggerin numbers. Stephen Blackpool represents the working class. He is a warm-hearted man trapped in thes run down society. He feels he deserves thismediocre lifestyle. Blackpool was originally employed to a lower place Bounderby, but isfired for standing up for his beliefs. This type of behavior was totallyunacceptable during the period of time as it involved imagination andindependance. Bounderby portrayed himself as a self-made man,when in fact, hehad eveything handed to him with a silver spoon. His mother gave him the verybest of everything, including a wonderful education. This demonstrates that theupper and middle classes were not just two different classes, but two different

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Low Participation Rates amongst Latino Parents in Education and Metho

One of the most crucial topics in education is the involvement of parents in their kidskins school as well as their education. For the past few decades research has been conducted about the involvement of parents in their community schools as well as the influence that is has. However, it has been noted that it is within nonage communities and families where there is the least amount of involvement in their childs school and education, more so in Latino communities. Although the amount of involvement does not necessarily reflect the parents concern of the childs academic performance, educators have proclaimed that parental involvement does in fact help the student perform academically better Various studies indicate that parental involvement is salient in determining how well children do in school at both the elementary and secondary school levels (Christian et. al., 1998). Yet, it has come to many educational leaders attention that there has been a plastered decline in parental i nvolvement across the country and Latino and other minority communities debatem to have the lowest number of participation in their school. Many researchers have investigated and still do to find the cause of why there is a lack of parents involved in school within these minority communities. Parental involvement has become of the centerpieces of educational dialogue among educators, parents, and political leaders. The presence of more parents in the workforce, the fast pace of modern society as a charm and the declining role of the family have all been reasons that some social-scientist have pointed to explain an apparent decline in parental involvement in education(Coleman & Hoffer, 1987). This is matchless of the growing believed reasons in why there ... ...viting parents no matter the gender, class, or race to become involved in their school. Martinez-Cosios case in her obligate is a perfect example of what occurs daily to parents whom try to get involved, more so Latinos. However, this is not always the case. Researchers are digging deeper into the more emotional looking of why Latino parents tend to lack in parental involvement in the schools. The women felt that the school was an extension of their home, and that the teachers served as surrogate mothers (Ramirez, 2003). Latino women see school as another home for their child as well as see the teachers as another mother to their child therefore, it is easy to solve that mothers do not participate in their childs school because they believe that the surrogate mothers take care of everything involved within the school while they take care of home issues.

Supply and Demand Essay -- Economy Economics Supply Demand Essays

Supply and Demand Every organisation which provides heavys orservices to fee paying customers must, by its verynature, charge price for that good or service, topay for its costs, have retained profits forinvestments and to keep its sh areholders happy. In opening, the market price of either good or service isdetermined by the interaction of forces of demandand supply. There is an old saying, that ?if you idlerteach a parrot to say ?demand? and ?supply? youhave created a trained economist.?1 There is sometruth to this saying as most problems in theeconomics jackpot be examined by applying the rulesof demand and supply. Therefore, the concepts ofdemand and supply can be claimed to be amongthe most important in economics. In order tounderstand either of them it is necessary toexamine the factors that determine them. Although,a good?s price relative to other goods is probablythe most important factor influencing demand formost goods most of the time, there are otherfactors as well. These are disposable income, theprice of complimentary goods and substitutes,tastes and preferences, expectations, size ofpopulation, advertising. Suppliers on the otherhand are interested in making profits, and thusanything that affects profitability affects the supply.These include the price of other products, costs,technology and goals of firms. a) The price of anyproduct is determined by the interaction of theforces of demand and supply. The market price isset at the point, where demand equals supply,equilibrium. This can be seen from figure 1. Forthe purpose of this essay we entrust look at the pricesof beer. We can see that, the price is set at 1.65,where D intersects S. Fig. 1 The Penguinmental lexicon of economics defines demand as ?thedesire for a particular good or service supportedby the possession of the necessary means of change over to effect ownership?, while supply isdefined as? the quantity of a good or serviceavailable for sale at any given price?2. When aneconomi st refers to the demand for a product hemeans effective demand, which may be defined as?the quantity of the commodity, which will bedemanded at any given price over some givenperiod of time.?3 However, the price of the goodor service varies consort to the changes in eitherdemand or supply. In order to show that it isnecessary to... ...ng under?, if their shareholders are not satisfiedthey will sell shares and the caller-out will bevulnerable to take-over bids. In conclusion, it canbe seen that the principles of demand and supplyhave a theoretical influence on price determination.The theory provides a useful and simple tool indetermining the price of a product by the means ofdemand and supply, an equilibrium price.However, the theoretic approach, uses umpteenassumptions, which limit the application of theoryto the real seam environment. It is useful foracademic purposes, while it is difficult to imaginethat actual businesses will follow it in the businessplanning process. It is also difficult to use it as thetheory assumes the perfect market, which doesnot exist, with few exceptions, newsagents beingone of these. In other forms of competition firmswould build determine decisions on expecteddecisions of their rivals (oligopoly), or woulddecide by themselves taking into account only theirneeds (monopoly). Thus, it can be concluded thatcompanies would adopt their pricing policy on theenvironment they operate in, probably withouteven using the theory of demand and supply.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Achieving True Happiness :: Happiness Essays

Happiness is an encouraging feeling, which is influenced by many factors. When Layard states from outside he way social identities, roles, cultures and companys people belong to. When Layard states from within he is referring to a persons thinking and feelings. Richard Layard (2005) in an attempt to find out what made people happy identified a list of factors that contributed towards happiness, this included family, oddment relationships, satisfying work, good health and personal freedom. There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so (Shakespe ar, Hamlet). This quote suggests that its the modality people think that makes a situation seem good or bad. For example people who have a glass half full or a glass half empty. They may well both be in the same situation, but the way they think about the circumstances means that one of them will have a positive/ optimistic outlook while the other will have a negative/ pessimistic outlook. Optimists are healthier than pessim ists, as they generally worry less, recover quicker and are likely to live longer. This is highlighted by a study carried out by Toshihiko Maruta and colleagues (2002) in which they selected 839 patients who forty years previously had referred themselves for medical care. They submitted themselves for tests which included measuring their optimistic thinking. By the year 2000, 200 of these patients had a 19% greater life cut through than the pessimists. There are many reasons why people develop a pessimistic or optimistic outlook on life one of the most(prenominal) apparent reasons being past experiences teaching people to expect very little or a lot from life. Martin Seligman (2005) is known as the psychologist who initiated positive psychology. He got a group of 577 people to write about a time when they were at their best and then told them to reflect on the personal strengths they displayed at the time. The group then had to review this once every day for a week, reflecting on their strengths. He found that the happiness levels of the group increased significantly and stayed increased regular(a) after six months. Thus he shows making an attempt to look at the good things in life have a major dissemble on a persons happiness. In todays society the increased level of choice is surprisingly also a origin of stress and unhappiness. For example people think they must always make the best decision every time they have a choice to make.

Achieving True Happiness :: Happiness Essays

Happiness is an encouraging feeling, which is influenced by many factors. When Layard states from outside he means social identities, roles, cultures and groups people locomote to. When Layard states from within he is referring to a persons envisageing and feelings. Richard Layard (2005) in an attempt to find out what made people happy identified a list of factors that contributed towards happiness, this included family, close relationships, satisfying work, good health and personal freedom. There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so (Shakespeare, Hamlet). This quote suggests that its the way people think that makes a situation seem good or bad. For example people who submit a crosspatch half full or a glass half empty. They may well both be in the same situation, but the way they think about the circumstances means that one of them will impart a positive/ optimistic outlook while the other will have a negative/ pessimistic outlook. Optimists are healthier tha n pessimists, as they generally worry less, recover quicker and are likely to live longer. This is highlighted by a survey carried out by Toshihiko Maruta and colleagues (2002) in which they selected 839 patients who forty years previously had referred themselves for medical care. They submitted themselves for tests which included measuring their optimistic thinking. By the year 2000, 200 of these patients had a 19% greater life span than the pessimists. There are many reasons why people develop a pessimistic or optimistic outlook on life one of the most apparent reasons being past experiences teaching people to expect very little or a lot from life. Martin Seligman (2005) is cognise as the psychologist who initiated positive psychology. He got a group of 577 people to write about a time when they were at their best and then told them to reflect on the personal strengths they displayed at the time. The group then had to review this once every day for a week, reflecting on their st rengths. He found that the happiness levels of the group increase significantly and stayed increased even after six months. Thus he shows making an attempt to look at the good things in life have a major impact on a persons happiness. In todays society the increased level of choice is astonishingly also a source of stress and unhappiness. For example people think they must always make the best decision every time they have a choice to make.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Culture Change in Korean Women Essay

Sweeping heathen falsify rargonly comes rapidly. Even in places where the constitution of the country would guarantee compare of citizens, achieving true equality can be an agonizingly late process. In the United States, for example, a fledgling womens suffrage movement was present as early as the middle 1700s. The right to vote, however, would not be realized until 1920, over a hundred and fifty years later. Korea is a divided nation even more steeped in cultural tradition. Although there are some subtle differences, depending on region and class, Koreans still live in a regimented, elderly society.Globalization can result in a more equal society. The world is more economically interrelated than ever. The power of tradition is strong, however. Economic change has moved much more rapidly than social change in spite of appearance Korea. Generally speaking, cultural change within large, modern cities is occurring at a depleted pace. In most rural areas, there has been little, if whatever, change in recent centuries. Surprisingly, emigration to the United States has not rapidly increased social change among the Korean community, evidencing the strength of cultural ties.Social change in Korea will continue to make uneven progress in the future because access to education varies wide among regions and classes. In the late 20th century there has been a dramatic shift in the center of womens rights activity. Areas of the country that throw greater interrelatedness have made greater strides toward the full liberation of women. Early in the 20th century, northern Korean cities saw the number 1 cautious steps toward the dominance of women. The communist regime has stalled cultural progress, not only for women only when for everyone. Today, the center of cultural change is located in the southbound.Regardless of the location, the nature of the Korean point of reference indicates that cultural change, especially for women, will always move slower than econo mic change. The Patriarchal Society The centuries old influence of Confucianism in Korea has resulted in a class-conscious, hoary society. The influence of Japanese invaders in the mid-20th century only served to reinforce that reality. The Confucianism practiced in Korea mandated strict roles for men and women. Women were relegated to house work and discouraged from seeking any marketable education.Besides the influence of tradition, critics of increased liberty and opportunity have used a similar tactic to those who resisted this process in other countries. They phone call that liberation from traditional roles for women will destroy the family structure. Similar arguments were made in relation to womens suffrage in the United States. It is an argument that carries weight, particularly in a nation with such a deep paternalistic. background as Korea. Even in modern South Korea, the influence is still apparent. Women still bank that they should be good housewives and mothers.Th ere is some change hardly it is very, very slow (Palley, 1990). Geographical and Class Differences The most obvious regional differences in glossiness come between the economically advanced state of South Korea and the economically stagnant, communist North Korea. The advanced industrial cities in the south, such as Seoul, have seen a liberalization of society, even if it lags behind the pace of economic change. The industrialization and modernization of South Korea has also resulted in the rise of a womens movement, particularly in the larger cities.Early in the 20th century, the education of women was much more prevalent in the northern area of Korea, particularly Pyongyang. There were two factors present there which correlated closely with the education of women. The elect classes were concentrated in northern areas at that time, and there was also a strong front end of western missionaries there. Education for women was typically restricted to the upper classes. Consequentl y, professions in which women could participate were bleakly limited. In the 1930s, only three out of 100,000 college-age Korean women took part in higher educationBeing born into a higher class, however, did not necessarily increase freedom. While women from the elite class have always been more likely to receive education, that education did not necessarily flow into a career. In fact, as Jihang Park reports, the higher the womans status, the more severe her seclusion (1990). Jihang Park writes that, In Korea, education was the primary focus of the womens movement and remained so until 1945 (1990). A college for women has been in operation since the early 20th century, but the subjects available for study were limited in the early decades to preparing women for kinsfolkmaking.The first generation of college educated women in Korea were not effective advocates for increased cultural change. Because they were primarily from the elite classes, they were not especially career-driven . For many, education was mainly a misbegots for attracting a better husband. Even where some progress toward equality is being made, the process is slow and incomplete. Opportunities for professional mobility are very limited, and on average in 1988 women earned approximately 45% that of men (Palley, 1990). A number of womens rights organizations have emerged in the south, but their effect on issues such as these have been minimal.Korean Immigrants A superficial cultural analysis of United States immigrants might conclude that film to economic and social liberty would substantially change the culture of immigrants and their descendants. Korean immigrants are somewhat unique, however, Whereas other immigrant groups are highly diverse in verbiage and cultural practices, Korean immigrants tend to form a more homogenous group. Within that group, exposure to the outside culture remains somewhat limited and the cultural traditions brought from Korea remain strong.Many Koreans work in businesses tailored mainly to serve their own community. Many Korean immigrants, male and female, have little opportunity to win American customs, including a more egalitarian gender role orientation (Pyong Gap Min, 2001). Economic realities have dictated some changes. An increasing number of Korean women are finding it necessary to work outside the home. Many wives work along side their husbands. The participation of married Korean women in the American tire out force has increased from about 17% in 1980 to 25% in 1990 (Min, 2001).As it did with American women in the mid 20th century, working outside the home is empowering women to command a more active role in determining their own lives. Korean men grudgingly accept that women are entering the workforce, but still feel driven to maintain traditions at home. The result is a many marriages of Korean-Americans are experiencing strain. At the same time, cultural tradition stresses the importance of marriage. During the first half of the 20th century, more than 99% of Korean women were married by the age of forty-five (Jihang Park, 1990).Analysis and Conclusion There are some forces within Korea which are advocating social changes on behalf of women. Eventually, a more equal Korea will emerge. The question is whether it will take tens of years or hundreds of years. Those forces within Korea must engagement against hundreds of years of deeply ingrained cultural tradition. Societal change at a significant level is often initiated by the middle class. The gradually developing workforce of Korean women will need to develop effective leaders in future years to move the process toward equality forward (Palley, 1990).In the past, the most influential forces for womens rights have been external. Missionaries, in particular have been relatively effective in advocating education and basic human rights for women. It will take a larger force, though, to foster fundamental and lasting change for the lives of women in Ko rea. Fundamental social change is often economically-driven. Globalization is a seemingly supine economic force in the 21st century. Its focus on technology, education and interrelation with the world will force countries to either recognize the economic latent of women or risk being left behind.The pace of cultural change varies, and will continue to vary, depending on a number of factors. Some types of change are more easily accepted than others. For example, Korean-American men have accepted the necessity of their wives working but many do not accept that this can mean an alteration of marriage roles. Korean women in North Korea, South Korea and America are working in greater numbers than ever before. In a few cases, this has given them greater access to education and the political system. In most cases, however, it has not. Sources Min, Pyong Gap. (2001).Changes in Korean Immigrants Gender Role and Social Status, and Their Marital Conflicts. sociological Forum. Vol. 16, No. 2 (Jun. ), pp. 301-320. Min, Pyong Gap. (2003). Korean Comfort Women The Intersection of Colonial Power, Gender and Class. Gender and Society. Vol. 17, No. 6 (Dec. ), pp. 938-957. Palley, Marian Lief. (1990). Womens Status in South Korea Tradition and Change. Asian Survey. Vol. 30, No. 12 (Dec. ), pp. 1136-1153. Park, Jihang. (1990). Trailblazers in a Traditional World Koreas First Women College Graduates, 1910-45. Social Science History. Vol. 14, No. 4 (Winter), pp. 533-558.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Larson in Nigeria Essay

The legislation and the regulations by Nigerian officias has become one of the major problems of Larson. The value of the company by the Securities and Exchange Committee has been extremely low and the sales collection and payment to suppler are delayed in Nigeria. All these factors affect the liquidity and cash flow and raise the total monetary value of the company. Maintaining the process was also complicated by problems in staffing. Expatiate staff is very(prenominal) costly. Additionally, entry visas for those expatriate are very complicated.The recruitment of qualified trained experts is difficult and they are not staying long in the country. Because Larson had a promise to increase the share of local anaesthetic ownership, the local partners participation seems very important. If the local legality participation keeps very low like current situation, the profit of both companies will become little or even mazed capital. Recommendation The vice-president of international operations should decide to continue the companys joint chance in Nigeria.However, the company needs to address the problems of coping with local indigenization and hire a impertinent joint venture general manager. Discussions Although the expatriate general manager of the Nigerian operation has delivered a very negative report, the operation should still continue. There are great amount of demands for products in Nigeria and competitions seem not very high. Since different country have different business cultural, to successfully operate the company in Nigeria, we have to cope with their way of doing business.After the share of local ownership increase, they cultural of the business might change to the local way. And the company will have more access to negotiate with the government. As a result, after increase the local equity percentage, in order to keep open the business in Nigeria, Larsons first step is to deal with the Nigerian business cultural. This will help the company solve the problems of cooperate their joint venture partner with divergent views.In order to increase the cooperation, senior management might have to give early retirement to Ridley and hire a new joint venture general manager who has more adaptability. The new manager will help Larson to negotiate and keep good relation with the local equity side. Moreover, the new manager should have an excellent human recourses skill and understand the labour market. This will help the company with the staffing problem which they can hire or train the local experts.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

The Media in Britain current debates and developments

Communication is a vital element in well-nigh anything that society does. Through talk, ideas and feelings ar expressed, actions are taken. The role of communication is natural in everyday living. As different communication models suggests like theorists Berlo, Kincaid, Laswell, Schramm and several others, the process is diverse and involves such elements such as the communicator, the message, the channel, and the receiver. In other communication models, several other elements and factors are include.Communication utilizes different channels and mediums for its finding in guideing and carrying messages. Related to this is the use of media. Whether it may be print, radio, or television broadcasting, communication as a process went through these channels. Communication stomach be seen as an aid to social change. Communication used purposively and effectively can bring about many benefits for the society. Communication, as a distinct means in bringing non only information, alik e can change beliefs and attitudes. This essay aims to take the role of ordinary religious service broadcasting in the country today.To begin, the channel used in this term is implied as broadcasting mediums. Radio and television can be considered as subjects to this statement. Information technology and the development of technology through the years had great contributions in the society. Probably one of the most important contributions in which broadcasting media became an effective channel is its ways to instigate information dissemination. With the emergence and development of broadcasting mediums, society has immediate although ephemeral admission charge to information from almost each(prenominal) vital aspects in the society.The society has gained much from the information overlap in this manner as more(prenominal) and more information are shared to the the great unwashed. This had brought new knowledge and understanding of how society works, how it is and the importan t matters in which people need to know what is happening around them. With the development of technology comes the greater access to broadcast media. Broadcasting media had influenced the society, even the world for many years now. The emergence of the use of information technology and effective communication through this media has influenced almost all celestial spheres in the society.From politics, business, agriculture, religion and other sectors, the broadcast media has impact in bringing the sectors to the peoples understanding. The paper evaluates the role of public service broadcasting in London. If the role pull round or not, the paper will lay its perspective on how public service broadcasting molded the European societies. normal broadcasting is also referred to as public service broadcasting. The intention of this medium is to serve and direct the diverse needs and desires of the public which is very much well informed.Public service broadcasting had incur one of the leading broadcasting type and medium all over the world. This can be attributed to the human interest of the mediums used in communication. People are interested with other people. Public service broadcasting answers this event with a response to what people needs. To define public service broadcasting, we situate the media employed in Europe nations in which public service broadcasting had became a great influence in its society. Public service broadcasting is a outline in which radio, television and other electronic media channels to receive and disseminate information to the public.The funding of this system is from the public. Whether through donations, license fees, state subsidies are generally included as taxes paid by the society to the state. To further gather funds for the systems advantage and use, the public broadcasters solicits help from private corporations and firms to gather more funding fro their projects and administration of works in the system. As employed in a ny broadcasting system is placing advertisements of the private corporations and firms in the broadcasting program.This method creates advancement for those firms. The Broadcasting Research Unit listed several major goals or characteristics of a public broadcaster. Public broadcasting creates geographic universality as different displace broadcast and is available worldwide. Several station in the UK failed in this category because as this criterion can be satisfied with either having broadcasting affiliations worldwide. The BBC or the British Broadcasting Channel caters for all interest and taste and this led to its affectivity in broadcasting worldwide.Public broadcasting caters to minorities and has an essential concern for national identity and community. Public service broadcasting also aims to detach itself from any vested interest of prominent individual and situations, even the government. This follows the rule in media being unbiased and impartiality. The broadcasting sys tem and stations should not subject itself from any control of private corporate firms that they advertise, politicians and other influential nature that can cause one-sidedness in their reports. Public service broadcasting is directly funded by the body of users.Another important goal public service broadcasting stations must aim is achieving a healthy disceptation through quality programming and true service to others, rather than relying on numbers and ratings. Lastly, guidelines must be implemented to liberate programs of public service broadcasting. These guidelines should not restrict them. As make in the United Kingdom, guidelines serve as the basis of the programs but they are not seen as laws. In European nations, public service broadcasting is funded through a mix of taxes, state license fees and advertising contributions.As UNESCO states it, the fundamental principle of public service broadcasting is the realization that their purpose is for the people and their needs a nd benefits. These needs are addressed with the combination of the systems diversity, skills and resources. The broadcasting media should be noted answerable by the mandate of the people and service to them. As dependent as they may be from private organizations and marketing frims resources, they must remain committed to their services for the people.This can be done by eliminating necessary influence brought about by the politicians, the government and the firms that gives them their funding. This will yield and must result to the independency the broadcasting media must own. As freedom of the broadcasting media is theoretically and somehow evidently applied, the broadcasting sectors must take on the public service role. This role includes the neutral nature of the broadcasting sector and its role as watchdogs of the people in the government. In the United Kingdom, the freedom of expression brought in the media is recognized.Along with several states like Canada and South Africa, media organization in these countries make up a say on their managerial decision-making processes, the content and context of their programs, without interference or limited censorship from the state. But independence practiced by these countries also entails their responsibility on the news and reports they broadcast. They serve these obligations with the publics interest. These measures are done with a number of mechanisms employed by the broadcasting companies REFERENCE 1. ) Briggs, A. & Cobley, P. eds. (2002) The Media an gate (2nd edn.) Harlow Longman 2. ) Burton, G. (2005) Media and inn- Critical Perspectives Open University Press 3. ) Curran, J. ed. (2000) Media Organizations in Society London Arnold 4. ) Curran, J. and Gurevitch, M. (eds. ) (1996) Mass Media and Society London Arnold 5. ) Scannell, P. (1989) Public Service Broadcasting and Modem Public Life Media, Culture and Society 11135-166 6. ) Stokes, J. & Reading A. eds. (1999) The Media in Britain current debates and developments LondonPalgrave 7. ) Watson, J. (2003) Media Communication an Introduction to theory and practice London Palgrave

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Genetically Modified Food and Monsanto Essay

Monsanto is a multinational world leader in the cropion of the herbicide glyphosate and in the manipulation of genetically modified (GM) seeds. They were a chemical lodge, which shifted into the novel life science argona developing numerous secures related to genetic techniques and GM seeds variety. The company entered in the agrobiochemical diligence, which is in its growth life cycle based on continuous product improvements and replacement by superior traits. The industry is focused on chemical products used in agriculture and genetically modified crops.There ar rivals in the agrobiochemical industry and during the early 2000s government regulation, public and medical meet about the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods affected its sales and profits. Analysis of the external environment Economic segment The lack of food go through by countries and the consequent increase of their costs given the prospect to private and public companies to invest in appropriate researc hes in biotechnology to mitigate food shelter problems and improve food quality.Mergers and acquisitions among agrobiochemical multinationals have been essential in company to improve technologies and promote researches. Global segment The globalization of market provided opportunities for private industry to lead their sales in other countries. The major market for agrobiochemical products is USA and Europe. Developing countries such as Brazil, and India have started to increase their production acreage and to invest in biotechnological products. Political/legal segment Intellectual properties and pa camps laws are important issues in the agrobiochemical industry they consent to control all products and process.Many of the agrochemical products and genetically modified foods are influenced by policy environment and government regulations, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU). These limitations could provide a market opportunity for more than ad vanced or risqueer value replacement products. Socio-cultural segment firm negative perception of consumer about safety of GM foods threatens the tender technologies applied in agrochemical industries oddly in Europe and USA. However in that location is a lack of appropriate research and tests on it.Demographic segment High technically specialised farmers and farming communities producing cotton, soybean and rouseola. Technological segment Private companies more than public companies developed new complex technologies in the area of genetic. These affected highly the traditional methods of farmers work. For firms with good innovation capabilities this represents an opportunity to target different niche market. purpose New developing countries such as Brazil and India offer big opportunity for the industry.The research and development of new biotechnologies applied to the agriculture created many new lucrative possibilities to enterprises however, a negative consumer perception on GM foods, started to threat the industry profits. Analysis of Industry Environment In the agrobiochemical industry, research and development are the main capabilities that produce a competitive advantage. This advantage is difficult to understand and to imitate. apparent(a) laws and intellectual airplane propeller enable too firms to maintain and extend their leadership.Barriers to first appearance for new competitors New entrants that want to compete on the fertilizers and GM crops market essential have rigid financial resources to invest in order to face companies such as Monsanto. New competitors require intellectual property right and patent licenses to market their product. They can choose to obtain them through leader companies, although these are very selective and often base their decisions on economies of scale. Biotechnological products also need political approval to enter the market.Generally in the agrobiochemical industry there are low change by reversal co sts among products however leaders such as Monsanto tent to lock in their customers with licensing fees and agreements. There are high entry barriers and this effects a low threat for the existing companies in the industry Bargaining power of suppliers In the industry the suppliers goods are critical to buyer marketplace success. There are few major suppliers. Some of them, including Monsanto, have vertically structured companies for the production of seed and for supply raw materials. It increase their power market.The fact that there are few major suppliers permits them to have a high dicker power. It constitute a high threat Bargaining power of buyers Highly specialized farmers are the predominant buyers in this industry. They have a greater touchstone of education about the manufacturers products and costs through the Internet. They have a high bargaining power especially in the pesticide sector where switching costs are low. They constitute a high threat. One-reason farmers decrease their power, though, is often the agreements signed with the companies that supplies their products.Threat of substitute products Due the high costs of technology, patents and government regulations there are no competitive substitute in the market. The only substitutes are the traditional pesticides and crops, which are still on the market with a percentage of 53%. They could constitute a high threat if patent and intellectual properties are banned. Rivalry among existing competitors Government regulation and patents laws have a major office staff in this market. The high cost involved with research and development increased the rivalry among competitors for market dower.High exit barriers also increase rivalry. An exiting barrier experienced by the firms is the high fixed cost of technology agreements. The degree of vertical integration in which the firm is involved consists a barrier as well. Conclusion In the agrobiochemical industry buyers and suppliers have high ba rgaining power and there are no good products substitutes. The industry is unattractive particularly because patents laws and government requirements increased the monopolies of few companies and the rivalry for market share. The industry also requires high financial resources.Competitor analysis The main competitors in the industry are Monsanto, DuPont, Novartis and American planetary house Products. Monsanto is the leader in biotechnology on the marketplace. Due their intellectual properties and R&D capabilities Monsanto had the opportunity to gain market share and power. The benefit of being a first mover permitted them to gain the loyalty of the customer. Monsantos strategic live up to often undertaken to maintain competitive advantage is decrease costs of the products due their high margin profits. DuPont is a large company that produces a Monsantos product imitation.They however depends on Monsantos licenses to access traits. Novartis is pointed out as one of the potential rival of Monsanto and DuPont. It is a company with still has the highest capital-spending budget for research in biotechnology. Due their financial resources Novartis are more likely to launch competitive action when Monsantos license will expire. AHP introduced an alternative to Monsanto main product. Strongly focused on market research they posed a significant threat to Monsanto. They invested in marketing survey and developed a quality product that better satisfy the needs of the consumers.Conclusion In the agrochemical industry the competitive rivalry among the firms is well-knit due the high cost involved in R&D and the slow growth of the market caused by licenses and intellectual properties. Monsanto supports its first mover arrange in the marked licensing patents to others firms. However companies such as AHP started to threaten them through competitive actions. Internal analysis of Monsanto Resources Tangible Intangible Financial resources Monsanto has the mightiness to fall internal funds They generate high profits especially from Roundups sales and GM crops.Investment and acquisitions Compliance activities Human Resources Managerial capacity especially in developing consolidation strategiesLong term visionCommunication skill across all level of the organisation in order to wait talent and maximize human synergies. Physical resources Monsanto create extensive backward integration to access easily to raw materials Plant and equipments for bioengineering researchesInnovation ResourcesHigh scientific capabilities Ability to innovate Technological resources They signed license patent agreements with competitors and customers.Patents and trademarksTraining system Reputational ResourcesGood national and internationalist reputation with customersBrand name connect to R&DMarketing Long-term relation with suppliers. Good relation with governmental entities such as FDAGoodwill Organisational resources dispersion lineages To create a sustainable competi tive advantage Monsanto must focus on their capability and explore those which are rare, valuable, costly to imitate and non substitutable.Valuable capabilitiesCapability to strengthen long-term relation with suppliers and customersCapability to develop new technologies in bio-engineering and plant genetic Ability to protect their intellectual propertyDistribution channel and service activities sublime to imitateCapacity to create human synergies especially after acquisition and merger strategiesCapability to develop new technologiesAbility to protect their intellectual property Costly to imitate Capability to strengthen long-term relation with suppliers and customersCapability to develop new technologiesAbility to protect their intellectual propertyDistribution channel and service activities No substitutableCapability to strengthen long-term relation with suppliers and customersCapability to develop new technologiesAbility to protect their intellectual propertyDistribution channe l and service activities Conclusion The ability of Monsanto to innovate due their strong research and development program and the ability to protect their intellectual property gave them a competitive advantage on the market. Research and Development (R&D) and intellectual properties are core competencies that are impossible to imitate in short and medium term. They are rare, because Monsanto possess them, and valuable. base on an analysis of the value chain however it is possible to underline that Monsanto has effective marketing and service activities, which permit to maintain a strong connection with the customers.These capabilities, if better explored could become a core competence in the future. SWOT Analysis StrengthWeakness Capability to produce high competitive productsStrong Research and Development base and quality Human ResourcesGood customer servicesAgreements Economies of scale due to acquisitions Intellectual ProprietiesPatentsStrong presence in international market a nd recognition as market leaderGood network with universities and laboratoriesAlliance and join venturesMissing links between communication and research insufficiency of market researchLack of flexibility due at vertical integration Dependence on government regulation and patents laws Opportunity ThreatExpanding to new geographic areas such as India and BrazilVertical integrationsMerge or Acquisition of rivalsOpening to explore new technologies due on their well developed R&D Patents expirationNew products on the markets Adverse public opinion on GM foodsShifts in buyer needs for products Costly new governmental regulationsDifficulty in achieving synergies Strategies Business Level strategy present and future In order to gain competitive advantage and above second-rate return Monsanto focused on differentiation strategy targeting a group of highly skilled and technologically well-developed farmers. Monsanto offers to their customers, quality, training and a trusted system of distr ibution.This strong marketing ability, the service and the high quality of the product are the key for differentiation. However, Monsantos focus on R&D caused them to miss out on market research narrowing the customer perception of products value. It created an opportunity for competitors. They should reorganize their firm infrastructure activities and create value developing an information system to better understand customers purchasing preferences. They could outsource agencies to implement marketing surveys and focus more closely on customers needs. In the future Monsanto could apply their research to breed animals and explore new industry segments.Corporate level strategy present and future In order to gain market power and develop economies of scope, Monsanto, used a related constrained diversification strategy. They create value and synergies through operational relatedness, sharing both(prenominal) primary and support activities of the value chain. It is underlined by backw ards and forwards vertical integration that they use. Due patent expiration, vertical integration, however in the future, can constitute a threat because decrease their flexibility especially in reducing prices. In the future in order to support the expensive costs of R&D and explore new industry segments, Monsanto could merge with Novartis.They could create value through corporate relatedness using a related linked diversification strategy. It can produce private synergies by sharing resources and capabilities. Based on high financial resources of Novartis and Monsanto R&D they could bring improved products to market faster. New researches on GM food could be developed also to improve the negative perception of the customers. International strategy and Cooperative strategy present and future Based on their strong basis in biotechnologies Monsanto strengthen relations with governments of new developing countries such as Brazil and India, where there are basic resources but lack biot echnological research.Monsantos scope is to extent their leadership and the product life cycle in order to recoup heavy investments in R&D. Monsanto also to consolidate costs and rationalize industry capacity engaged in mergers and acquisition with other companies such as Cargill Seeds Business, which reduced their costs and their time to entry in international market.Based on the slow cycle of the market, due the high costs involved, Monsanto could engage in strategic alliance or franchises in new developing countries markets in order to hold down labor costs and compete more effectively in the global market. It permit them to share costs, resources, and risk and overcome problem of integration. ConclusionThe biotechnological products developed by Monsanto have future until they can produce an above-average return and gain economies of scale. Based on their ability to innovate Monsanto have the capacity to explore new markets and new geographical areas however, high R&D costs, nega tive consumer perception and patents expiration are utter to threaten their leadership position on the market.To recover investments, they should focus more on consumer products demand and engage in strategic alliance that permits to increase the product life cycle and absorb the high costs of R&D. References Hanson D. , Dowling P. J. , Hitt M. A. , Ireland R. D and Hoskisson R. E (2008). Strategic Management. Competitiveness & Globalization. South-Western College

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

How Does Caffeine Affect the Heart Rate of the Daphnia

My results and the graph indicate that as you add the caffeine to the daphnia, the eart rate of the daphnia increases for example the daphnias heartbeat is cxx without caffeine, however when caffeine is added it is increased to 168. My graph shows a positive correlation and the error bars ar also very small which shows that the results have a small range which suggests that my results are accurate and reliable. I think that the experiment was conducted well however there may be some ethical issues surround the fact that daphnias are also living species.Therefore, by using daphnias in these experiments may cause a risk for them as there would be niggling quantities of the species left. This would also affect other living organisms that feed on daphnias for their dietary needs therefore in the experiment we diluted the caffeine solution with distilled water to prevent the daphnia from dying and afterwards, we could put them back in their natural habitats. On the other hand, by doin g this experiments it could potentially help us in the future.Also, some other problem is that I may have miscounted the daphnias heartbeat due to gracious errors. However, as I repeated the experiment 3 times, it ensures me that the data is quite accurate. However, if I was to do the experiment again I would do more repeats to make sure the results are reliable and there would be less chance of human error. Also, I would use different concentrations of caffeine to get more accurate comparisons and to see how different concentrations may affect the daphnias heartbeat also. Overall, I think that my results are precise and distinct.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

CRM lessons from Ikea

We restricted ourselves to two potential furniture suppliers a UK-based company,habitat, with what appears to be a fairly conventional line of descent model, which provides fairly stylish, relatively expensive furniture, and kea, a Swedish furniture retailer with a less conventional product line model, with much less expensive furniture, perhaps less stylish. I thought that we would probably end up buying nearly all our furniture from Habitat, whereas in reality Kea was our main supplier.Whilst buying this furniture, a number of interesting points about Kikes business model became apparent o Most of Kikes products are delivered as flat-pack self-assembly kits. Habitat also supply goods in that format, primarily it seems, to ease shipment (and reduce associated costs). However, Kikes products had been designed not only to reduce shipment costs, but also to slander production assembly costs. Clever design had been used to produce goods which can be assembled by the purchaser with minimal skill (use of a screwdriver and spanner only), from separate manufactured by machine with little human effort in the production plant.The design also ensured a robust, stylish piece of furniture condescension the limited skills of the assembler. Much of the work involved in manufacturing the piece of furniture had been moved from the factory, to the client. The reduction in cost had also been passed onto the customer. For at least this customer, there was also a significant feeling of achievement in assembling the table or chair. The result a high quality piece of furniture at low-cost, but with a lot more work for the customer, but tit a resulting sense of achievement. There are differences in the retail press release model as well. Habitat provides a conventional Main Street retail outlet, with room to display the goods, and attentive sales staff to discuss the furniture. Kikes out-of- town, large outlet had the space to attempt something different. The products were displayed in a number of room mock-ups so that pieces could be seen in relation to other products, with design stations to help the customer to build their own design. Kea staff were on hand, but not as sales assistants, more to advise on sign, check whether stock was available, etc.This preliminary helps with the interior design aspects of selecting furniture, again for this customer at least, a difficult aspect of buying furniture. O Distribution It is here that the most obvious differences with a conventional retail store occur You stir to pick the goods from the warehouse yourself deliver (though there is a 3rd-party delivery service at a cost). all told this may appear to be poor customer service, but again, it takes out a lot of cost from the distribution process, and this is passed on to the customer. Customer Direct transactions If you think about it for a minute, because Kea wont take orders, it is key that customers can find out if Kea has a particular item in stock. (You dont want to go to an out-of-town store, to be told that what youve come for isnt in stock and the store doesnt take orders. ) Kea have confessd this and so provide an automatize phone service to allow you to check whether the item you want is in stock. That item is number 1 in the automated service menu startle plus mark.There are a large number of stores I use which I wish provided a similar service. Next, Id like you to think what ATA youd ask a customer for if you were designing a check-in-stock transaction. Well, its obvious isnt it you ask for the stock code. Well Kea dont think its obvious to a customer and when you use their service you recognize that theyre right. Instead, they ask you for a inventory page number, and then the price of the item youre interested in. They then tell you the items on that page at that price and you keep up which one you want.A pretty weird transaction by IT standards, but customer-friendly. If youre a customer interested in stock le vels, youre very likely to have the catalogue open. The page number is meaningful to you, is short and diffused to enter on a phone keypad (all digits). The price is also meaningful, again short and easy to enter (all numeric). No company Ive ever worked for has simple stock-codes. Someone has designed this transaction with the end-user (the customer) in mind. What, if anything has this to do with CRMIn my view, a lot o Kea have chosen to change from a conventional business model to reduce prices significantly, by placing a lot of burden onto the customer. CRM is not necessarily about purify customer service, but about giving the customer a better value reposition, or increased value for money. O Their change in business model leads to a need for a new transaction for the customer. That transaction is designed to be simple and fast for the customer to use. In Kens words (nearly) in this week newsletter theyve listened to their customers.

Blake writes about his thoughts and feelings concerning the society around him Essay

In his poetry Blake writes astir(predicate) his thoughts and feelings concerning the auberge around him. Comment on Blakes attitudes in several poems of your choice and explain how sound the poems argon in presenting his assures.William Blake, who lived in the latter half of the ordinal century and the early part of the nineteenth, was a profound poet who was, in large part, responsible for bringing about the Ro macrocosmtic Movement in poetry. Blake was an extremely eccentric man, who was viewed by most of the people of the time as mad, except for a small group of loyal followers who saw him as a genius.Blake was an private to say the least, who had his bear views on e verything, He didnt automatically agree with set views that were seen to be proper, sort of he acted alike his own man and made decisions for himself. His views at the time would gather in seemed rebellious and very unorthodox, which is probably the reason that his work only became famous long after his dea th. Yet seeing his paintings, and information his poems and engravings in the modern world, where allone has freedom of speech, the somewhat outrageous aspect that they used to have has diminished.To help me neces gravelate his views on the society that he lived in I have selected third poems. All of my chosen poems atomic number 18 taken from the Songs of Experience, which shows the world as he saw it, where iron laws devised by Blakes sepulchral god, crush the soul of sweet delight. In this book he uses words, which can be undersas welld on different levels. Therefore to understand the poems fully you need to look below the surface baseings.The poems that I have selected beThe drill male childThe Chimney SweeperLondonThe School Boy is a poem in which Blakes views on the schooling system of his time be unafraidly portrayed. It explains that the children thwart taught unimportant things, and even if they were taught something important they wouldnt be able to take it i n properly because they be miserable. It says how school wears away their childhood, and by taking away their joy and happiness they are not be prepared for later life, instead their individual qualities are beingness stripped.In The Chimney Sweeper Blake tries to distil his views on the chimney sweep trade. He explains that it is as bad as death, and the parents can go tally to church building (to follow Christianity, where you should treat others like you would like to be treated yourself) leaving their child in slavery. And because the child doesnt voice their objection the parents think that it is all right.In London Blake criticises the assert of the city and shows his pity and sympathy for the suffering people that live there people that are repressed, exploited, wretched and miserable.The Chimney Sweeper (experience)A undersize black thing among the snow,Crying weep weep in notes of woe.Where are thy father and mother, say?They are both gone up to the church to pray. The poem starts tally by playing on the innocence of the chimney sweeper by exploitation the word little to make the sweep seem innocent and defenceless. The next rip again plays on this by u blither the word weep which makes the child seem to a greater extent defenceless and to a degree pathetic, it is also identical to the chimney sweeper cry of sweep sweep. The next pull in is trying to blame the parents by state where are the parents when the child is suffering. The next line says that the parents are praying in church. As before this is a roll aimed at the parents, it is saying that the parents are praying to idol possibly to stop suffering in the world when their own child is suffering and they arent doing any thing about it.Because I was adroit upon the heath,And smiled among the winter snow,They enwrapped me in the uniform of death,And taught me to sing the notes of woe.In the second stanza the child in a way blames his dilemma on his own happiness. The child say s that because I was happy and smiled, the parents thought it was all right to make him a chimney sweep. The stanza hangs on the word because, this make it sound like it is his fault when it isnt. Then next line has two slightly different meanings. The first is that because the child seemed happy they dressed him as a chimney sweep, which to the child was as bad as being dead. The other is that the dirty grey smelly clothes reminded him of death. The poem next says that the parents taught the child to sing the notes of woe. This is saying that after being dressed as a chimney sweep, the parents taught him to how to sweep the chimney. The song being the actual sweeping and the notes of woe (sadness) being the grim task.And because I am happy, and dance and sing,They think they have done me no injury,And are gone to praise God and His Priest and King,Who make up a Heaven of our calamity.This stanza starts much like the proceed one it says that because I am happy, they think they hav e done me no misery. It means that just because I am happy doesnt mean that what you did was all right. The injury that they have caused was the enslavement into sweeping. Yet because the child seems happy and endures the intervention the parents cant see that it isnt a good thing to do. The next line refers patronize to the first stanza in which the parents went to pray here they have gone to pray leaving the child behind, where they are blindly making out the misery that the child is enduring to be something happy and bright like heaven. He is also criticising the church by implying that the church seem to support the parents decision to enslave the child.The School BoyI love to rise in a spend mornWhen the birds sing on every tree,The distant huntsman winds his horn,And the skylarks sing with me.Oh what sweet companyThe poem starts off nice and cheerfully, Blake uses strong happy words like love to emphasise the joy of the write. The happiness is again emphasised by using hap py count ons like singing birds. This is made more powerful by saying that birds were singing on every tree. Although the fig of a huntsman isnt exactly a happy, joyful go for it helps to display the free atmosphere that he is trying to create. On the next line when he says the skylarks sing with me he is again highlighting that every thing is happy, and that he is in harmony with nature. The last line in the stanza summarises the whole verse, and ends it with a very cheerful line.But to got to school in a spend Morn,Oh it drives all joy away.Under a cruel eye outwornThe little ones spend the dayIn sighing and dismayThe first two lines show what he thinks of school. That on a summer morning when you should be happy and joyful, having to go to school makes you miserable. Then on the third line he portrays an evil image (cruel eye) in attempt to get the readers to agree with his views. He also tries to do this in the last two lines of the verse, he refers to the children as littl e ones, this makes them seem pathetic and innocent. He follows that up by portraying the image of the innocent defenceless children sighing.Ah then at times I drooping sitAnd spend many an anxious hour,Nor in my book can I take delight,Nor sit in learnings bower,Worn thro with the dreary shower.He starts the third stanza with a sigh (Ah) to emphasise the misery that the children are feeling, he then portrays another strong image of children drooping over their desks. The next three lines depicts the way that he thinks that school isnt the best place for children to learn. He is saying that the children are too worried to learn. And because they are so anxious they cant enjoy books, nor can they learn properly. The last line shows that he is worn out with his life.How can a bird that is born for joy nonplus in a cage and sing?How can a child, when fears annoy,But droop his tender wing,And blank out his youthful spring?The first two lines are analogies, which mean that how can a chil d, have fun, if it is cooped up in school where they are miserable. The idea of the bird in a cage is a very effective image because it clearly portrays the enslavement. The next three lines suggest that the schooling system is wearable away the childs precious childhood.Oh Father and mother, if buds are nipped,And blossoms blown awayAnd if the tender plants are strippedOf their joy in the springing dayBy sorrow and cares dismayThe verse opens with another exclamation, this is used to emphasise the feelings towards the life of the schoolboy. The end of the first line and the second are analogies that mean that the childs personality is curved and it cant develop fully, the next line reinforces this view by saying that these qualities will be lost. The next lines mean if that if the child isnt allowed to play and have fun on a spring day then the child will be damaged.How shall the summer arise in joy,Or the summer fruits appear?Or how shall we gather what griefs destroy,Or bless th e soften year,When blasts of winter appear?This verse like many of the previous ones is in anomaly. In this verse Blake is asking the readers how can the child do well in later life as an adult, if they was restricted as a child. It is suggesting that if a childs joy and happiness is taken away then they are not being properly prepared for later life.LondonI wander thro each chartered street,Near where the chartered Thames does flow,And mark in every face I meetMarks of weakness marks of woe.The whole of this poem has a very rhythmic feel to it the last words on alternate lines also rhyme. The first verse is very negative and depressing. In the first two lines he describes each streets (which suggests that there are lots) and the Thames to be owned by something. That nothing is left to be and everything has a price. It the next two lines he goes on to say how there are signs of weakness and woe in peoples faces. This is very negative and suggests that they are fed up and worn ou t.In every cry of every manIn every infants cry of fear,In every voice, in every ban,The mind-forged manacles I hear.In the first three lines of this stanza he repeats the use of the word every to emphasise his point. This is effective because he compared both men and children. By saying every ban it makes it sound as though every thing is forbidden. He then says how mans mind has devised laws to imprison himself in. The strong image of chains is use here to great effect.How the chimney-sweepers cryEvery blackening church appalsAnd the ridiculous soldiers sighRuns in blood down palace walls.He again dwells on the misery by stating the crying chimney sweeps. The next line has a double meaning, it refers to the pollution of the time but more significantly the fact that the church is black because it condors dark deeds such as chimney sweeping. The ill-fated soldiers sigh because they are sent of to war by those in power. The blood running down the palaces walls is that of the soldier s and is meant to intimate that the soldiers deaths were the responsibility of the palace/rulers.But most thro midnight streets I hear.How the youthful harlots curseBlasts the new-born infants tear,And blights with plagues the marriage ceremony hearse.This verse is about the collapse of marriages and as a result, childrens lives. He is saying that men act to prostitutes help to destroy marriage, and the babies, whether born to harlots of married women stand little chance in life. He uses very strong imagery to convey his views, like blights with plagues the marriage hearse. Normally marriage is associated with joy and happiness, the beginning of a new life, not with death and misery.After analysing the three poems it is very clear to see what his views are regarding the society of the time. The Chimney Sweeper clearly portrays his views on both the trade and of the Church. He comments and describes the trade as being like death, and the church seaming to agree with the awful trad e seams like a hypocrisy. In The School Boy he clearly shows how he sees the schools.He describes them as places of misery, places where children are too scared to learn. He shows how he thinks the school does more harm than good in preparing the child for later life. In London his views ensure both the people and the land. He discusses how the land is all owned, and nothing is free. He talks about the rules and regulations that man has set upon himself and how the downfall of marriages leads to the child having little chance in life. He also refers back to his views of the church and chimney sweeping.

Monday, May 20, 2019

The gendercide against Jewish men

He gendercidal dimension of the holocaust against the Jews was evident during particular phases of the stir of extermination. It nonetheless has its harbinger in the mass detentions of males during the earlier (1933-41) period of Nazi rule. As a hightail it of full-blown mass execution, the gendercide against Jewish males marked an important, if temporary, onset phase of the holocaust in the occupied eastern territories (including, after August 1941 , the Balkans).Gendercidal strategies against women were evident at later stages, both in mass executions and gassings, women- nly death camps, and the constrained marches that killed tens of greens in the closing stages of the war. Again, it must be stressed that in both their male and womanly manifestations, the Jewish gendercides were subsidiary features and strategies of a campaign of root-and-branch extermination, in which gender was far from a dominant considerateness overall.Daniel Goldhagen points out in Hitlers Willing Ex ecutioners (pp. 149-50) how theup-close, intimate killing of manifestly defenceless, screaming civilians on the eastern front killings which spattered blood and brain matter around the killing fields and over the killers was at low ncrementally managed according to gender The Einsatzgruppen death-squad officers could habituate their men into their new vocation as genocidal executioners through a bit-by-bit escalation of the killing.First, by shooting primarily teenage and adult Jewish males, they would be able to acclimate themselves to mass executions without the shock of killing women, young children, and the infirm. According to Alfred Filbert, the commander of Einsatzkommando 9, the execution order from Reinhard Heydrich quite clearly included in like manner women and children. Yet, in the first instance, without a doubt, the executions were limited generally to Jewish males. By generally keeping units sign massacres to smallish numbers (by German standards) of a few hundr ed or even a thousand or so, instead of many thousands, the perpetrators would be less likely to become overwhelmed by the enormity of the large bloodbaths that were to follow. They also could believe that they were selectively killing the most dangerous Jews, which was a measure that they could conceive to be reasonable for this apocalyptic war. Once the men became used to slaughtering Jews on this sex-selective and smaller scale, the officers could ore easily expand the sphere and size of the killing operations.Jewish men rounded up for mass execution at Zhytomyr, Ukraine, August 7, 1942. In the early weeks of these murder campaigns, the Einsatzkommandos, according to Goldhagen, were the equivalent of genocidal scouting parties, developing the methods of The images of mountains of corpses left behind by the Nazi mass murderers shocked the world, and helped contribute to the founding of the state of Israel. As the Soviet and Allied forces rolled hindquarters across Nazi-occupied Europe,

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Difference Between Religion and Spirituality

This paper draws from six published works that deal with psychological and profound research on spectral belief and spiritualism. The works vary in their renderings and use of the concepts and terminology of theology and spiritualism. kindling et al. (2009) suggest that that social scientists puzzle traditionally been able to make a distinction betwixt pietism and church property in their research. However, other psychologists contend that the definitions oerlap. Therefore, the conceptual and operational definitions have been unevenly used. This paper examines punk et al. 2009) research in relationship to other works to suggest that a definitive definition of god edgess and spirituality should be genuine and agreed upon to advance the science of morality. Keywords devotion, spirituality In order to look the differences between trust and spirituality one must attempt to influence these terms. However, holiness and spirituality ar complex concepts not easily or definitively definable at least not universally. Their meanings have changed over the course of time. At times they have been used synonymously. Yet, at other times religion and spirituality atomic number 18 considered distinct concepts having no overlap.A Study on organized religion and the Role of It on People and Media.Furthermore, religion and spirituality are sometimes viewed as if one encompasses the other. It seems to simply be a matter of reliance who is defining religion, when and for what purpose. To compound this quandary, social Science research suggests that lay people, religious and psychological educators and researchers define religion and spirituality inconsistently. This makes it particularly difficult for the scientific world to even compare research findings on religion and or spirituality. Religion and spirituality are complex and diverse cultural phenomenon. spunk, Hill, and Spilka (2009), stated what one soul is sure to call religious may be far removed from another mortals understanding, especially when we begin to analyze religion across traditions and cultures (p. 7). Western societies (especially in the United States) in the not too distant past, typically define religion as an institutionalized set of beliefs and rituals more or less graven image that is hold outd and or practiced collectively. Conversely, other regions of the world (including eastern Asia) may define religion as encompassing multiple Gods or even no Gods (e. . ungodly supernatural entities) (Hood, et al. , 2009). Hood et al. , (2009) contend that Ameri gages direct use the term spirituality in place of religion. Nelson (2009), agrees with Hood et al. , that spirituality has become a synonym for religion. According to Nelson (2009), religion traditionally referred to all aspects of a humans search for and relationship to a divine or transcendent (something greater than ourselves). Using the terminology of religion and spirituality interchangeably may be common practice but it doesnt mean that they mean the same things.Like religion, spirituality has been defined in a myriad of ways. In ancient times spirituality was associated with the Hebrew Christian traditions (Ottaway, 2003). Through the 19th century spirituality was often considered to be synonymous with spiritualism. Spiritualism referred to contact with spirits, the supernatural, and psychic phenomena (Nelson, 2009). Hence, spirituality was considered negatively up until the 21st century. According to Nelson (2009), presently the term is often used to denominate the experiential and personal side of our relationship to the transcendent or sacred (p. ). Nelson suggests that the people who use this definition tend to view religion as a distinct narrow concept. They typically define religion as the organizational structures, practices, and beliefs of a religious group, (Nelson, 2009, p. 8). The rise in popularity of spirituality in the ratiocination ii decades has exaggerat ed the distinction and or lack of distinction between religion and spirituality. Whereas, some moderne Americans use the terms interchangeably, others (especially those who abhor mainstream religions and all they are associated with) do not.The latter group might select to enunciate that they are spiritual but not religious, (Zinnbauer, et al. , 1997). Conversely, people who unknowingly embrace Epsteins (1993, 1994) Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory (CEST) may view spirituality and religion as distinct concepts that are nonetheless related (Hill, 1999). I believe that religion and spirituality can be two distinct concepts but that currently the line between the two is too blurry to be able to distinguish one from the other. One could experience religion without experiencing spirituality (e. g. teenager forced to attend church but merely going by means of the motions). On the other hand, one could also experience spirituality (e. g. a sense impression of awe in the presence of n ature or enlightenment during meditation) in the absence of religion. Additionally, one could experience both spirituality and religion in the context of the other. For example, one could devise communally with others in an institutional setting (typical of a religious experience) and experience spirituality. some other example is that one could attend church (typical of a religious experience) and meditate individually during the church service.At this point in time, religion and spirituality overlap in a plethora of ways. Each can have a reverence to a God, Gods, or a high supernatural power or powers. Likewise, religion and spirituality can each have clannish, public, personal, communal, conscious, unconscious, tangible, intangible, subjective and target components to them. One difference between spirituality and religion is that spirituality does not require an institutional manakin, (Hood, et al, 2009, p. 11). Another difference is that religion does not require communal practices (e. g. an elderly invalid can religiously pray at home).My views on religion and spirituality are that of a layperson and an aspiring psychologist and are indubitably confusing. However, my view doesnt seem to differ substantially from others (laypersons, religious professionals and scholars, and social science professionals and researchers), as a finite definition for religion or spirituality is nonexistent (Zinnbauer et al. , 2010 Hood et al. , 2009, Nelson, 2009). According to Hood et al. (2009), a traditional distinction exists between religion and spirituality in the research literature, therefore the two terms are not used synonymously.Hood et al. (2009) explains that spirituality is viewed as personal and psychological, while religion is viewed as institutional and sociological. Basically, Hood et al. (2009), contends that religion is steeped in tradition and institution, whereas, spirituality has to do with a persons personal beliefs, values and behaviors. This def inition seems to be consistent with how religion and spirituality were defined between the 19th and 21st centuries. However, it should be noted, that Hood et al. 2009) also, later state that in fact it is safe to say that even we terce authors of this text do not fully agree with each other near the meaning of these terms (p. 11). To compound matters, other psychologists suggest that religion and spirituality are used inconsistently in the research literature. Zinnbauer et al, (1997) argue that although social scientists have attempted to define, area, and theorize about religion and spirituality, they have done so inconsistently. Still, the ways in which the words are conceptualized an used are often inconsistent in the research literature (p. 549).According to Bender (2007) religion has been associated with a formal or institutional system and expression of belief and practices that is corporate, public, and conscious in scholarly studies. Conversely, spirituality has been defi ned as individual, private and unconscious, (Bender, 2007). Due to the inconsistencies in the definitions and use of religion and spirituality a pilot study was conducted to ascertain how religious professionals defined and evaluated religion and spirituality. The 2006 study conducted by Corine Hyman and Paul Handal at Saint Louis University in Missouri include Imans, Ministers, Priests, and Rabbis.These religious experts were asked to conceptually define religion and spirituality and to identify if there were any overlaps between the two. The study findings indicate that there were overlaps between the two concepts. However, religion was defined in a traditional sense of objective, institutional and ritualistic and spirituality was defined as subjective, internal and divine or transcendent (Hyman & Handal , 2006). Another study, this time conducted at the Maryland University, attempted to discern how lay people define religion and spirituality and how they make distinctions between the two.The participants in this study consisted of sixty-seven adults aged 61 to 93 who lived in three different retirement communities (Schlehofer, Omoto, A. M. , Adelman, 2008). The research findings indicate that the participants were better able to define religion concretely, than they were able to define spirituality. In fact, some participants were not able to define spirituality at all, (Schlehofer et al. , 2008). The afore mentioned studies illustrate that defining religion and spirituality is an ongoing task and not easily surmountable.This of course, makes the task of operationally defining religion and spirituality even harder. According to Bender (2007), spirituality is typically measured by asking questions about psychological well-being, experience, and self-identification while religion is measured by questions about activities and doctrine. Although, many operational definitions have been developed and used to measure religion and spirituality, how does one actuall y know what one is measuring rod if the thing(s) that one is measuring is not clearly defined?CONCLUSIONS and Future Study Ergo, in order to try to understand how religion and or spirituality affect all aspects of a persons life, it is prudent for the scientific community to agree on what it is that they are actually researching. Once, the terms are defined and agreed upon, then they can operationally define each term. Only then, can psychologists more confidently conduct research and analysis to understand the true effects of religion and spirituality and make comparisons about those findings.ReferencesBender, C. (2007). Religion and Spirituality History, Discourse, Measurement. Retrieved from http//religion.ssrc.org/reforum/Bender.pdf Hill, P. C. (1999). tolerant religion away What the study of religion offers psychology. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 94(4), 229-249. Hood, R. W., Hill, P. C., Spilka, B. (2009). The Psychology of Religion, 2, 7-11. H yman, C., & Handal, P. J. (2006). Definitions and evaluation of religion and spirituality items by religious professionals A pilot study. Journal of Religion and Health, 45(2), 264-282. doihttp//dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10943-006-9015-zNelson, J. M. (2009). Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. Introduction to Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. Retrieved from http//ucelinks.cdlib.org8888/sfx_local/img/sfxmenu/dl_logo_1024.png Schlehofer, M. M., Omoto, A. M. and Adelman, J. R. (2008). How do religion and spirituality differ? Lay Defintions among Older Adults. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 47 411-425.Zinnbauer, B. J., Pargament, K. I., Cole, B., Rye, M.S., Butter, E. M., Belavich, T.G., Hipp, K. M., Scott, A. B., Kadar, J. L. (1997). Religion and Spirituality Unfuzzing the Fuzzy. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 36 (4). Retrieved from http//www.jstor.org/stable/1387689

Saturday, May 18, 2019

The Twilight Saga 5: Midnight Sun 19. Baseball

As I pounced on Bella I brought her into my arms and held her in that location securely sequence flying by the counseling at a ferocious velocity. When we collided with the couch it went flying crosswise the room until it settled once morest the wall with a large crashing blast. She was ventilating system in large heavy gasps of circularise and her effect was drumming excitedly. She assay to move prohibited of my all overprotective arms and I refused.I go her adjacent into my embrace letting her warm my soundbox. She eyed me suspiciously and a gipful smiling spread across my appear with discover my permission. It was entirely round subject I did naturally when I was near her.You were saying? I pret give noticeed to growl.That you be a rattling, very terrifying monster, her spokesperson was sagging with sarcasm under her heavy panting.Much better, I agreed.She intuitive feelinged up at me, suave a lower-ranking jarred by my sudden movement, Um she paused and keep to struggle, Can I arouse up right outdoor(a)? she asked.What the hell was that pertur at-bation? Jasper asked Alice.Ha-ha. Edward is wrestling with Bella. Alice answered cheerily.Oh my, Jasper began deliberateing, nevertheless(prenominal) his suasions turned frenzied.I began muzzleing at Bella and Jaspers now sick purposes.Can we shape up in? Alice asked from the hall.Bella continued to struggle in my arms except I refused to let her go. I repositi sensationd her so she was on my lap. I could feel the warmth of Bellas blood as it raced up her cheeks when she realized that Alice and Jasper were in the inlet charge.Go ahead, I barked a laugh.How poop he get at that close to her? It seriously blows my chief, Jasper was panicking mentally.Jasper had a potent belief that being this close to a human was impossible without feeding. His belief was now being thrown out the twineow.Alices persuasions were righteous a humming of approval. She was radiating wit h glee as she locomote fluidly into the room, dropping to the aim and crossing her legs with a gleaming smiling across her search.Jasper continued to stay in the door focal point. His thoughts were serene fanati confabulatey stunned.It sounded comparable you were having Bella for lunch, and we came to see if you would sh are, Alice say trance she failed extravagantly at trying to suppress laughter.Bella stiffened bid a board in my arms but met her gaze unflinchingly and I couldnt help but grin at both of them. When Bella aphorism my face she relaxed. I looked at Alice and answered patronize playfully, Sorry, I dont believe I nurture enough to spare.I tightened my arms around her. Her heart was quiet mastered humming obligation past and her boot was nonefferve olfactory property pronounced on her cheeks. Jasper at last got his thoughts out of a tangle as the mood of the room finally hit him.Wow, Ive never felt Edward feel sohappyandin love. A smile spread across Jaspers face automatically at the cheerfulness in the room. Actually, Alice says theres freeing to be a real storm tonight, and Emmett wants to play nut case. Are you enlivened? he asked magic spell go into the room.Playing chunk did sound diversion. I knew Emmett would be thoroughly pissed if I didnt show up this time. I remembered the vampires that are visiting in the area and without idea about it I looked at Bella and realized I would never leave her for a moment with those creatures at large. in front I could respond Alice chimed in, Of course you should go Bella.What? Jasper looked mildly surprised and s break Alice a quick look but turned covert so pronto I wasnt sure if Bella caught it. Once again I had to remind myself that it was always her choice, Do you want to go? I asked as excitement dissever through me.She looked at me and without hesitating she said, Sure. Um, where are we passage?This is freeing to be so a lot fun Alices thoughts flitted through my mind.I cant believe this. Oh well this should beinteresting. Jasper thought while curiosity was willing inside him.We tolerate to wait for hollering to play crank ?C youll see why, I smiled at her.A sign of nervousness was evident on her face when she microchip her lower lip. She didnt realize she was doing it when she looked at me and asked anxious(predicate)ly, Will Ineed an umbrella?We all started laughing but I was amend because I was finally aware of what her sudden apprehension was.Will she? Jasper asked with a most peculiar expression. zero(prenominal) The storm will hit over town. It should be dry enough in the clearing. Alice said while the vision of the clearing ran through her head.Jasper was so full of happiness and joyfulness from the situation happening in the room that he couldnt contain his smile, Good, accordingly, he exclaimed.Being around Alice was always a teensy fantastical because I was constantly seeing the future. This time it was just the approac h infinitesimals handout through her mind. I saw her going to Carlisle and asking about playing ball. permits go see if Carlisle will play along, Alice jumped score the background knowledge and headed toward the door with a wink in Jaspers direction.Like you dont know, Jasper teased.Jasper closed the door behind him, Have fun bro.Bella turned in my lap, her heart fluttering at our closeness, What will we be playing? she wondered.I laughed at the thought of letting her hold a bat, or worse, letting her try to hit a ball with a bat.You will be watching, I clarified, We will be playing giveball, I explained.She rolled her eyeball at me, Vampires equal bastardlyball? she asked in disbelief.Its the American pastime, I said in mock seriousness. more or less(prenominal) very annoying sound was in my ear. I was driving drink cut out Bellas s directt when little droplets of fall began splattering onto the windshield. That was non what was bothering me. nightstick Black was wai ting for Charlie in his depend uponway so he could cajole tale same(p) a little kid on Bellas new tack relationship with me. blame Quileute legends, I muttered so low that Bella couldnt hear me.Jacob and his father were taking shelter on Bellas front porch and I was instantly tense.Cant she tell there is some intimacy falsely with that kid? His cold white skin, his aversion to the sunI will settle this though. Charlie will listen to me and forcefulness her to stop seeing the Cullen kid. billy goat Black thought with a sneer and a curse in separately thought with my name.Charlie isnt even here, why are we waiting here in the rain analogous idiots? Jacob thought until he saw Bella, Oh, well maybe this wasnt a wasted trip after all.I had heard enough. The thoughts radiating off of them were about to drive me to let the monster free. I couldnt let that happen when Bella was around.This is crossing the line, I said vehemently.Bellas look found mine and they were worried. He cam e to warn Charlie? she asked horrified.I gave her a grave look and nodded. I turned toward baton and then and I was seeing red. My look were narrowed into tiny slits. I can just get out of the car and scare them off. Or maybe I couldLet me deal with this, Bella interrupted my inbred rage.I didnt want to let her leave my side. To think of the things she was going to hear from Billys mouth. His thoughts continued to get snippier and nastier severally time he glared in my direction. I knew if I left the vehicle now and released my anger that I would lose Bella, so I quickly agreed, Thats probably best. Be careful, though. The child has no idea.Jacob is not that practically younger than I am, she reminded me crisply.I turned my gaze on her because she pulled me from my anger. She always knew exactly what to say to quiesce my nerves and bring me back to earth. I grinned at her, Oh, I know, I assured her.She looked exasperated. She reached for the door clench and sighed. I needed to leave here originally my temper came back.What the hell are they doing? What is taking so long? Billy thought angrily.Get them inside so I can leave. Ill be back around dusk, I commanded.Her eyes met mine again, Do you want my truck? she asked.Hasnt she learned better by now? I rolled my eyes, I could walk inhabitation faster than this truck moves.A tragic look entered her eyes, You dont have to leave, she said longingly.She had no idea how difficult it was for me to leave while there were vampires lurking in the vicinity and the Blacks were here to cause trouble. I looked at her expression realizing she didnt want me to leave just as much as I didnt want to leave her. Actually, I do. After you get rid of them, I glared in the Blacks direction, you let off have to prepare Charlie to meet your new boyfriend, a smile spread across my face.She groaned loudly, Thanks a lot.Her face was so adorable when she was apprehensive or angry. I couldnt help but smile at her. Ill be back s oon, I promised.If she doesnt exit that truck in one fleck I am going to go over there and make sure she is okay, Billy grown ominously.I turned my glare back in the direction of the porch at the last thought. I valued to taunt Billy just a little bit and Jacob overly. I leaned down and lento brought my lips to Bellas jaw. I kissed featherbrainedly and her heart jumped up in her federal agency. Her blood was pulsing quickly and the scent make me go wild. The kiss was all flames and electricity down my throat. When I moved away from her, she looked towards the porch and could see the same thing I could. Billy had a death grip on his motorbike ch demeanor and his thoughts were in frantic disarray.Oh, how oh, goodness. I Welldisgusting Billys thoughts were choked.Bella realized how panicked Billy was now and she was suddenly in a rush, Soon, she ordered while opening the door to the truck and stepping out into the rain.When the rain droplets ran down her face I could see them evaporate while the wind blew her rainy scent in my direction. I gripped her steering wheel so tightly I near broke it off. She shut the door quickly and ran to the porch for protection from the rain.I decided to keep my attention on the Blacks and not on the way Bellas scent was covered in a delicious sweetness.Hey, Billy. Hi, Jacob, Bella greeted them in a incredibly false pleased voice, Charlies gone for the day ?C I hope you havent been waiting long.Right, right, I dont believe she is worried about our wait at all. Billy thought with disappointment etched in every sagging line of his face. Not long, Billy replied speechlessy, I just wanted to bring this up, he pointed to a brown paper sack in his lap.I wonder when Charlie will be home. I still cant believe what I saw in her truck. Billy thoughts continued to curse me.Thanks, Bella responded in a confused voice, Why dont you come in for a minute and dry off? she offered.She doesnt seem scared or nervousnot at all give care sh e was just with a vampire. Billy was alight with a feverous fanatical burn.Bella opened the door and showed them in. Before the door was shut I was out of the truck and pelting through the woods.Each step dragged as I was contemplating going back and scoping up Bella and outpouring for it. The thus far reason I didnt was because Billy was right about everything. She shouldnt be with me. She should realize the appalling creature that I am and run away screaming. exclusively she didnt she continued to pull herself ever closer to me and I allowed it. I embraced her and wanted her in my arms. The love I was feeling for her was overwhelming. If anything were to happen to her I stopped hurry in the forest to gull several unneeded deep breaths. When the fear and anxiety finally dulled I swiftly make my way back home.For the low time in ages Alice wasnt waiting for me at the porch steps Emmett was.Hey I heard that you and Bella are coming out to play ball tonight Emmett laughed loudl y while his face twisted with glee.No, Bella will not be playing, I said with a grim smile.Oh, damn it. I was hoping to see Bella with a bat in her hand, Emmett smiled sinisterly.Please, like I would place a bat in her handsYeah, yeah I get it. You just dont understand how funny it is when she does something human, Emmett chortled a wild little laugh as he walked into the house.Alice walked over the threshold then, You know this is going to be a good game. on that point will be a tie breaker. Do you remember what happened last time between Jasper and Emmett? Esme is going to have to come up with a better idea for tie breaking.I smiled at her, So are you tar?Of course, you cant let Carlisle do it hes just not that good at pitching. Alice thought.We were both silent for a few mins and I could tell what topic of conversation Alice sincerely yours wanted to cover, Go ahead, ask me, I suggested.When can I take Bella shopping? Please let me take her soon Have you seen the dreadful o verclothe she was wearing? Just wait until you see what she is wearing tonight. Ugh Alice pouted.Well see, I replied.Fine, okay Want to throw the ball around? Alice asked, bored.Sure.Alice flew through the house, grabbed a baseball and flew to the backyard. I was already waiting for her. We threw the ball back and out for several minutes until Jasper and Emmett came outside to join us. Emmett and Jasper decided that throwing the ball back and onward was boring and needed some spice.They began throwing the ball as far as they could to see who would be the first to not catch it. This went on for several long minutes. I sat on the grass watching the sun slowly go behind the trees. I got up in a hurry to pick Bella up.Take Emmetts Jeep. Trust me. Alice sent a vision of us running through the forest, She would appreciate it if part of the way there wasnt on your back, she giggled.Hey, Emmett, Im taking your jeep, I in create him.Okay, bring it back in one piece, oh, and you better hel p Bella get into the Jeep. I wouldnt want to see her get hurt trying to get in it, Emmetts bellowing laugh echoed and reverberated off of the trees.Funny, I muttered.I could hear Charlie and Bellas conversation from a mile down the road. I caught the very end of it. Bella had informed Charlie that we were going on a date and Charlie was having a hard time comprehending the match. Where is he taking you? he asked protectively.I could hear Bella groan loudly, I hope youre getting the Spanish inquisition out of your system now. Were going to play baseball with his family, she explained.Baseball? Hum, maybe I had things all misuse with this Edward kid, Charlie mumbled in his thoughts, scarcely, Bella, playing ball? A loud chuckle erupted from him. Youre playing baseball? he asked in disbelief.I was extremely pleased that she finally told Charlie the truth about our plans.Well, Ill probably watch most of the time, she responded. each(prenominal) of the time, I amended in my mind.You m ust very like this guy, Charlie observed suspiciously.I heard Bella sigh as I parked in the driveway. I heard the water going in the kitchen. word of farewell the dishes, I can do them tonight. You baby me overly much, said Charlie.I promptly made my way to the front door and lightly pressed the door bell. Bells began ringing throughout the house. I heard Charlies footsteps followed by Bellas coming towards the door. He opened the door swiftly direct their scent flying out into the rain. all particle of course around me began soaking up Bellas scent instantly. Charlies scent could have been non-existent compared to hers. I could almost catch her taste on the saturated air.Come on in, Edward, Charlie greeted me.Bella exhaled a large gust of air sending another tantalizing scent ripping down my throat and sending my run into knots at the fragrance.Thanks, Chief Swan, I replied respectfully.Go ahead and call me Charlie. Here, Ill take your jacket, he reached for it.I pulled it o ff quickly and replied, Thanks, sir, before handing it over.Have a seat there, Edward, he ordered while pointing to the seat.I saw Bellas face in my peripheral vision and she looked like she was going to be sick with anxiety. I sat down in the exclusively c blur. Bella and Charlie sat on the sofa. Bella glared at me with her arms folded around her stomach. Her kittenish out-rage was comical at best and so I winked when Charlies back was turned. Her cheeks turned bright pink in horror or embarrassment I wasnt sure.So I hear youre getting my girl to watch baseball, Charlie mused.Yes, sir, thats the plan, I answered courteously.Well, much power to you, I guess, he said incredulously and we both broke into hooting laughs.Blood had boiled to the step ahead of Bellas face and rage flowed out of her mouth. She stood up, Okay. Enough humor at my expense. Lets go, she ordered.I waited for Charlie to stand up and then followed him. We met Bella in the hall while she angrily pulled her ja cket over her tweed shirt. I dont care what Alice said, the flannel looks pleasant on her. When she flipped her copper it sent a wave of her bouquet my direction and I inhaled deeply at the pleasurable pain that was echoing in my throat.Not too late, Bell, Charlie instructed.Dont worry, Charlie, Ill have her home early, I promised.What he didnt know was that I would be staying the night in his daughters roomagain. Holding her tightly against my consistence and tracing every line of her face, arms, and shoulders. I imagined her trembling under my touch when Charlie finally distracted me.You take care of my girl, all right? Charlie ordered and I could hear the mental humming of his love for his only daughter spilling from his mind in large waves crashing into me all at at once. I wondered briefly if this is what Jasper felt like when he absorbed someones mood.Bella groaned again but we both ignored her.Shell be safe with me, I promise, sir.There was no doubt that she would always b e safe with me, that I would never let any malign come to her. Charlies thoughts became muffled like they did at times but I could still tell that he believed me. I grabbed my jacket and watched Bella walk angrily down the hall. Bella, still in her kittenish rage, turned to look at me and then marched out of the house. Charlie and I both laughed and I followed her. When she reached the porch her jaw almost dropped to the ground when she caught fortune of the Jeep. Charlie came into view of the Jeep too and whistled.Wear your seat belts, he stammered.Bella finally got her act together after taking in the undivided jeep. Her eyes had roamed from the monster tires to the metal guards over the headlights and the crash bar. She stalked forward and I followed her, opening the passenger side door. I saw her look at the ground and then at the seat while her eyes slightly popped. She crouched like she was about to spring up into the seat. I sighed remembering Emmetts taunts and I carefull y grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the Jeep with one hand. It was pouring down rain and her scent was teasing me by swirling around my nose and deep in my lungs as I inhaled.I walked around to the front of the Jeep while watching Bella struggle with the seat belt. I moderate a chuckle. I opened the drivers side door and she looked at me confused, Whats all this? she asked pointing to the buckles.Its an off-roading harness.Oh-oh, she looked nervous.I watched her struggle some more, delighting in the blood flushing her face at her frustration. She wasnt going to give up the contract and I finally sighed, reaching over her to help. I brought the seat belt over her neck caressing her lightly and brought my flip tips across her collarbone. Her hands went limp in her lap and her heart was like a humming birds wings. She began existing heavy. The scent of her breath hit me like a ton of bricks, sweet and delicious. I pulled away once she was buckled. I did enjoy dazzel ing her.I turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared the life. Bella was looking alternatively nervous. This is aumbig Jeep you have.Its Emmetts, I informed her, I didnt think youd want to run the whole way.She was still breathless, Where do you keep this thing?We remodeled one of the outbuildings into a garage, I explained.She looked at me with one hilltop raised, Arent you going to put on your seat belt?I threw her a disbelieving look. She was being ridiculous. She continued to stare at me and her look suddenly became horror struck, Run the whole way? As in, were still going to run part of the way? her voice rose a few intervals.I attempt to prevent a grin from spreading across my face but it was a hopeless attempt. My lips turned up at the commands no matter how hard I tried to suppress it, Youre not going to run.Im going to be sick, she pulled her lips together tightly like she was preventing herself from getting sick right then.Again, I tried to prevent a smile fr om appearing and yet there it was.Keep your eyes closed, youll be fine.With her normal nervous gesture she began biting at her lower lip. When she did this it always made me a little anxious that she might hurt herself, but she never did. I watched her carefully as the panic was racing through her veins. Her pulse was hammering and her breath was heavy on the air. Her hair was slightly wet from the rain and I couldnt help it I brought my nose to her head and kissed her hair. A groan came out of my throat without my permission. I pulled away and she gave me a questioning look.You smell so good in the rain, I explained.I took more air into my lungs, a whirl wind of her warm scent swirled into them. I held it there for a second before exhaling and doing it all over again reveling in her aroma.In a good way or a bad way? she gave me a furtive look.I sighed, Both, always both.Once our journey took us off the paved road and into the forest conversation became impossible for Bella becaus e she was bouncing up and down. I swear I could see her eyes rattling around. I couldnt help but smile at her look. It was hilarious and no matter how hard I tried to hide my smile, it was brilliant and brightly plastered across my face. The end of the path loomed into view and we could no longer drive any farther. I stopped the Jeep turning the key as the engine became silent.Sorry, Bella, we have to go on foot from here, I explained.You know what? Ill just wait here, she answered sarcastically.What happened to all your courage? I asked with a smile, You were extraordinary this morning.Her face started draining of all color, I havent forgotten last time yet.I wrenched the door open and hopped out of the Jeep and in less than a second I was on her side of the Jeep unbuckling her seat belt. She stared at me indignantly.Ill get those, you go on ahead, she protested.I finally unbuckled all of the straps and decided teasing was the best way to go, Hmmm, I mused, It seems Im going to ha ve to tamper with your memory.I pulled her into my arms and sat her gently on the ground.Tamper with my memory? she asked anxiously.Something like that, I teased.It was no longer raining and the mist was falling into her hair sending the sweet corrupting scent evaporating into every particle of air around us. I took in a generous tote up of the air in between us. I decided a distraction was needed so I could get her into the clearing.She was leaning against the Jeep and I took two hasty steps until I trapped her there by placing both of my hands on either side of her. I brought my body ever closer to hers. She backed away slightly but didnt seem to mind my closeness. Her warm body enveloped me as I brought my face ever closer to hers. I wanted to place my lips to hers. I was nervous to see what her chemical reaction would be this time.Now, I breathed, what exactly are you worrying about?Well, um, hitting a tree - she gulped, ?C and dying. And then getting sick.I remembered both t imes when she got sick at school and after running with me. I couldnt help but smile at the memories but quickly smoothed my face. I moved the few extra inches until her warm breath was now in my mouth. I brought my lips to the hollow at the base of her throat. I kissed lightly moving my nose under her jaw lightly.Are you still worried now? I breathed on her skin fashioning her tremble in pleasure.Yes. her voice quivered in bliss, around hitting trees and getting sick.Apparently I wasnt distracting her enough though I was thoroughly distracted. I was euphoric. I trailed the tip of my nose up her throat and down her jaw line to the tip of her chin.And now? I whispered while breathing in her every breath.Trees, she inhaled, Motion sickness.I brought my lips to her eyes and kissed her eye lids, Bella, you dont really think I would hit a tree, do you?No, but I might, her confidence failing extravagantly.I began my journey to her mouth. I kissed slowly down her cheek letting her skin w arm them. I brought my lips to the corner of her mouth. Gently, I let my bottom lip softly brush against hers.Would I let a tree hurt you?My lips were barely touching her. A curious sensation crawled up my throat. With every touch of our lips electricity shot through my body sending a joyous feeling through my veins. Her bottom lip was trembling in absolute pleasure. I took in several generous gulps of her breath.No, she breathed against my lips.You see, I said my lips touching hers as I spoke, Theres nothing to be afraid of, is there?No, she sighed and she became limp against the Jeep, giving up.I pulled her face into my hands a little rougher than usual and brought my lips to hers fiercely. Our lips were moving together and we were both panting heavily at the sensations shooting through our bodies. She brought her arms around my neck bringing me closer to her. We embraced frantically while our bodies were welded together. My hands moved eagerly to her back bringing her closer to m y chest while bowing her body against mine. She was quivering with delight as her lips parted slightly and she sighed heavily bringing her breath deep in my lungs. Excitement exploded in the pit of my stomach.I let go and staggered back several steps, flustered, realizing this was the only sensible course of action. I couldnt believe I let myself get so out of control. boo it, Bella I was gasping, Youll be the death of me, I swear you will.I watched as she leaned forward placing her hands on her knees and panting.Youre indestructible, she mumbled while continuing to breathe heavily.I was so angry at myself for letting it get that far. I monster inside me wanted me to lose control and I couldnt let that happen.I might have believed that before I met you. Now lets get out of here before I do something really stupid, I growled.I pulled Bella onto my back while trying to be as gentle as possible. She secured herself to me by wrapping her legs around my waist and pulling her arms around my neck. The warmth frilly down my body.Dont bar to close your eyes, I reminded her.She lodged her face into my shoulder and it sent a jolt of electricity through me. I could feel her warm breath. I broke into a run and her pulse picked up, her heart beating out large palpitations.It only took a matter of minutes before we arrived just outside the clearing where my family was already preparing to play ball. Bella did not move as I stood there waiting for her to let go. I was affright that she had opened her eyes and fallen sick like before. I reached behind me and ran my fingers through her silky hair gently.Its over, Bella, I said softly.She sighed in relief and she was suddenly no longer wrapped around me. I heard a pulpous noise that was followed by, OhI turned around swiftly worried she had hurt herself. I did the smallest of double takes before I saw her expression and the tension finally broke between us. Her face was screwed up in embarrassment. I was trying my hardest to hold in laughter but I was unable(p) to. I barked out a laugh. Her expression had twisted into indignation and chagrin. She pushed herself off the ground while brush dirt and bracken off of her backside. She turned, muttering silently, and marched off in the wrong direction.A smile was still on my face as I wrapped my arm around her waist. Where are you going, Bella?To watch a baseball game. You dont seem to be interested in playing anymore, but Im sure the others will have fun without you, she said bitterly.Youre going the wrong way, I said coolly.She turned on her heal with a firm and purposeful tread in the opposite direction. I shook my head back and forwards at her and grabbed her around the waist a second time.Dont be mad, I couldnt help myself. You should have seen your face, I tried to explain but a chuckle broke through my composure.She looked at me haughtily. Oh, youre the only one whos allowed to get mad? she asked while raising her eyebrows.I paused for a moment and s tudied her face. I wasnt mad at you.Bella, youll be the death of me? she quoted crisply.That was simply a statement of fact, I said while still trying to hold in my amusement.She gave me a look of pure abhorrence and turned to stride away again. In a quick motion I pulled her to my chest. I couldnt take it if she left me now.You were mad, she persisted, her face stricken.Yes.But you just said ?C she began.That I wasnt mad at you. Cant you see that, Bella? I asked patiently. Dont you understand?I felt completely exasperated. She was so sweet, lovingfragile there was nothing she could do to make me upset at her.She pursed her lips. See what? she insisted with a confused expression.Im never angry with you ?C how could I be? Brave, bankwarm as you are, I explained.Then why? she asked softly.I analyzed her face, trying to read her mind once again. I reached the barrier I always did while trying to probe her mind, the silence persisted. She looked just as confused as ever. I sighed and p ulled her delicate face in my cold plows. Her cheeks instantly change my whole body. I looked her straight in the eyes. I infuriate myself, I said quietly. The way I cant seem to keep from putting you in danger. My very existence puts you at risk. Sometimes I truly hate myself. I should be stronger I should be able to ?CShe placed her warm palm over my mouth touching my lips softly. Dont.She stared into my eyes, the depth of her eyes were communicating with mine. I put my hand over hers and moved it to my cheek. The warmth radiated off of her skin and deep into my body. I felt the sudden urge to bring our lips together and tell her how much I loved her. The words were exiting my mouth before I made the decision to do so. I love you, I stated. Its a poor excuse for what Im doing, but its still true.Her face softened at my words. Now, please try to behave yourself, I pleaded as I slowly bent down and brushed my lips lightly across hers.She didnt move but her heart raced and she part ed her lips with a sigh. I inhaled copious amounts of her breath into my lungs letting it send flames down my throat.You promised Chief Swan that you would have me home early, remember, she whispered against my lips. Wed better get going.My insides were twisting in pleasure at our touch but I finally got my act together.Yes maam, I replied while continuing to smile.I released all of her but her hand. I showed her the way through the forest. It was only a few feet until we reached the clearing. I was feeling radiant with glee. Esme, Rosalie and Emmett were sitting on a large rock. When they caught sight of us they all three rose. Alice and Jasper were in the distance throwing the ball back and forth and Carlisle was marking bases.Right on time Alice thought.Ill just hold my breath if she gets too close, Jasper contemplated.I thought I heard them, Esme thought while walking in our direction.Rosalie strode off in the other direction without a single glance behind her. Oh greatthe human s here, Rosalie sneered, alight with malice.Come on Jeez, not this again Emmett stared at the back of Rosalie as she marched away from us. Whatever, Im not missing this. Emmett followed behind Esme.Was that you we heard, Edward? Esme asked as she approached us.Yeah, that weird gurgling noise. It sounded like a bear choking. Emmett chortled.A small timid smile was on Bellas face. That was him.Oh, I see how it is, I thought internally. Bella was being unintentionally funny, I explained with a wide grin.Alice came running towards us. Five seconds, she thought as she stopped in front of us.Its time, she announced.Lightning flashed through the dark cloudy sky while thunder rippled overhead shaking the ground around us. Bellas eyes grew wide in wonder.Her face is hilarious, Emmett thought. Eerie, isnt it? he winked at Bella hoping for her to make another human face.Lets go. Alice grabbed Emmetts hand and they speed swiftly away toward the field.Ill take care of her. Go play now, Esme vest ed.Excitement was flowing in my veins. It had been a long time since I had felt so light and buoyant. Are you ready for some ball? I asked eagerly.Her face showed a mix of awe, bewilderment, and perplexity at the game. She seemed extremely intimidated. Go police squad she said enthusiastically. A chuckle came through my lips as I fluffed her hair up in a frenzy and bounded after Alice and Emmett.Another crash of lightning sent a rumble of thunder through the earth at our feet. All the amazing feelings shooting through my body were making me exceedingly intoxicated with bliss. In this moment I felt like I had everything I could ever want. I flew past Alice and Emmett.Show off, Emmett thought.I just chuckled at his expression as I turned to run backwards, stopping in the outfield next to Carlisle. I peered over Emmetts shoulder to see Esme and Bella walking toward the field.Same teams? Carlisle asked.Everyone nodded in agreement. My team members, Carlisle and Alice, left to go to the ir positions. Carlisle went to stand between first and second base while Alice went to the pitchers mound. I darted toward the outfield.Edward, you are such a gentleman, Esme commended.I hadnt been paying attention to their conversation and listened to the end of it as they finally reached the outside of the playing field.You dont mind, then? That Imall wrong for him? Bella asked Esme incredulously.Shes not all wrong for me, Im all wrong for her. I amended internally.No. Esme began. Id never want to take Bella away from Edward, I just couldnt imagine Youre what he wants. It will work out, somehow. He needs to change her but I know if he never will, Esme was thinking wistfully.The ground shook below us as thunder rumbled overhead.Get ready, Edward Emmett chortled internally. He was swinging the bat back and forth.Hell miss the first one, Alice snickered.All right, Esme called out. Batter up.Emmett raised his bat, ready to strike. Alice continued to snicker internally as she pictured Emmett missing the first pitch. She brought the ball to her waist. In a swift stealthy move she brought the ball into flight. It flew past Emmett at amazing speeds as Jasper caught it.Hes going to hit the next one, Edward. Be prepared, though, there is a ninety-seven percent chance youll catch it. Alice mused in her mind.Jasper threw the ball back at Alice and she showed her gleaming teeth at him.Damn she is so attractive when she pitches, Jasper thought.I began ignoring Jaspers thoughts quickly after that. I didnt need to be distracted from the game. Alice brought the ball back to her waist. She threw it with great force again and I was prepared. Emmett hit the ball with such strength that the aluminum smashed into the ball making a sound so fierce that it reverberated off the trees. It sounded just like the thunder. I caught a coup doeil of Bella before I took off running. Her face looked stunned.The ball suddenly flew toward me at a ferocious velocity. It went whizzing by me at lethal speeds and I was afraid I wouldnt be able to catch it. Bella had distracted me with yet another one of her expressions. I hurtled through the woods, jumping over downed trees, hopping over rocks until I caught up with the ball. I put all my strength into my leap as I jumped and caught the ball while grabbing onto a counterbalance and swinging down to the ground.With immense speed I ran back to the clearing, ball raised high and a smile prominent on my face.Out Esme yelled to Emmetts disappointment.Dont worry, Ill get you back he threatened.Bella had a confound expression. I heard Esme explaining what happened. Emmett hits the hardest, but Edward runs the fastest.Jasper was next to bat. He already knew that throwing one towards me would be a mistaking and was going for a ground ball. He hit the ball and it bounced off the ground. Carlisle caught it and started running to beat Jasper to first base. They collided and sent another thunderous noise through the nights air.Bella was sitting on the grass and jumped up with a look of concern on her face. I laughed harder than ever at her expression.Safe. Esme called out.We continued to play until the other team had three outs. We switched positions and I was at Bellas side in a quick motion that she almost didnt see.What do you think? I asked in excitement.One things for sure, Ill never be able to sit through dull old Major League Baseball again, she smiled widely.And it sounds like you did so much of that before, I laughed.The thrill of the game and the desire I felt when I was around Bella had me feeling high.I am a little disappointed, she said teasingly.Why? I asked, perplexed.Well, she grinned, it would be nice if I could find just one thing you didnt do better than everyone else on the planet.She thought I was better than everyone else on the planet. I was soaring. I didnt think anything could remove the smile that seemed to be permanently plastered on my face.Im going to have to have a talk with her ab out filling your head with non-sense, Emmett guffawed stupidly.Youre oozing love over here. Youre up lover boy, Jasper joked.Im up I told Bella while heading to the plate.We continued to play for several innings when several things happened simultaneously. I had bent down to get into the catching position, Carlisle had walked up to bat and Alice gasped in horror while she shrieked in misgiving in her mind. I brought my eyes to hers as I saw what she was seeing. Terror rose inside me as a large dead weight fell through my chest and into my stomach.Three vampires were running in our direction, curious about playing ball. The next series of visions had me scrambling to Bellas side in terror.Edward, no Alice thought while her vision continued as one tall vampire caught Bellas scent on the wind and attacked. In her vision Bella didnt die because we prevented him from sucking her dry but she had been bitten. Only a part of a second had passed and I was at Bellas side.Get her out of here now Alice bellowed from her mind. My brain was in limbo because I saw the other outcomes too.Everyone was saying Alices name alarmingly in their heads but Esme was the first to break the silence. Alice? she asked, her voice strained.I didnt see ?C I couldnt tell, she mouthed almost soundlessly.I felt Bella tense up as everyone flew rapidly to her side in protection. Bella knew she had to know. She was always so observant. Everyones thoughts were jumbled in confusion and alarm. Panic burst inside me like poisonous gas.What is it, Alice? Carlisle asked in a business like tone.Its too late, Edward. Im sorry. They were traveling much quicker than I thought. I can see I had the perspective wrong before, Alices eyes were coffer yet horror struck.Theyll have to go through me before they get to Alice, Jasper thought protectively. He moved closer to her. What changed?She looked up at him in absolute horror. I could see how split second decisions were altering her visions. None of them loo ked promising. They heard us playing, and it changed their path, she explained with pure agony in her voice.Its my fault, she thought feebly.We all looked at Bella and saw that her face was shocked. Her heart drummed madly as she comprehended our words. I saw through seven pairs of eyes Bellas expressions from every angle. Each of their thoughts were ricocheting in my head. Was this the punishment I would suffer for being selfish? Losing her? I cried internally. My heart was screaming in protest.How soon? Carlisle asked me.Alice was in a stunned stupor. I read through each line of her thoughts as they flitted across her mind. Less than five minutes. Theyre running ?C they want to play. I frowned at him.Take Bella and run Can you make it? Carlisle asked me nervously.I brought her scent into my lungs. It was just another reminder of how weakened and fragile she was.No, not carrying ?C I cut short. Besides, the last thing we need is for them to catch the scent and start hunting.It was one of the many visions that had gone through Alices mind Bella being hunted. Each decision we made turned the outcome into something different. Some were more devastating than others. As soon as I decided it I saw the reaction of the vampires. They would hunt ?C we would lose. I couldnt run with her.This isnt good, Carlisle thought.All right, a fight Emmett exclaimed in his head, completely unperturbed. I glowered at him. He shrugged, Im sorry. I dont want them to hurt Bella any more than you do.How many? Emmett asked Alice.Three, she clipped in a muffled wail.Three That will be too easy. Let them come. Emmett scoffed and began flexing his muscles.Everyones thoughts were in such a frantic state of mind I couldnt listen anymore. They were coming at me from all angles. Bellas name was coming up in every single thought. I began dissolving in misery. It was entirely fault.Lets just continue the game, Carlisle finally decided. Alice said they were simply curious.This is ludicrous I can t believe this get toall for a human girl. Rosalie muttered reproachfully.Now that the decision is made what is the outcome? Carlisle asked me.I shrugged because there were too many situations where decisions have yet to be made. I knew my face was screwed up in concentration and I knew that worry lines were etched into every crease of my face. I could see myself perfectly in Carlisles mind as he stared at me.Everyone began walking out onto the field to continue the game. Their minds were somewhere else though.Forest is clear here, Emmett thought.I nodded in his direction. Esme grabbed my arms and pulled me just a few feet away from Bella. The short distance felt like miles. I was so horrified that I had brought her to danger. Anguish was ripping through my body. A knot formed in the pit of my stomach.Are they thirsty? Esme whispered.I shook my head.Thats good to hear. Esme was relieved.I headed back to Bella quickly. You catch, Esme. Ill call it now.I stood in front of Bella prote ctively. I would die to save her if I had to. She didnt deserve any batch but life. My insides were plummeting sickeningly with each aching second before the crimson eyed creatures were to come into view.I wont let anything happen to her, I swear. Alice tried to assure me.She had refused to go back onto the field, staying at Bellas side in a protective stance. I knew that in this moment Alice showed her loyalty to me. The space between her and Jasper made him relatively nervous and he, too, was staying closer to Alice because of the situation. Emmett and Rosalie were staying in the infield. Chaos was filling everyones minds around me.The wind blew across Bellas neck sending her sultry scent down my lungs. Take your hair down, I commanded.Her face looked positively terrified as she obediently slid her rubber band out of her hair and shook it out. She could tell that eminent danger was around the corner. The smell assaulted my lungs again.The others are coming now, she stated.I knew she could understand. Her knowing mind always amazed me. For a transitory second I thought about what it would do to me if she were no longer around. Pain ripped through my chest leaving large angry scratches.Yes, stay very still, keep quiet, and dont move from my side, please, I pleaded.The billowing wind blew her scent towards me again. Each time it was a reminder of how easily this could go wrong. The knot in my stomach tightened. I pulled her hair forward and tried to wrap it as closely to her neck as possible.EdwardEdward. Edward Alice was shouting my name from her head but I was too preoccupied to notice. That wont help, she whispered, I could smell her from across the field.I know, I said, frustrated.Bella was like a gazelle in a sea of lions.I didnt want to scare her but you wouldnt respond. Alice sighed in her thoughts.The rest of my family began playing baseball again. This time they were lightly bunting the ball and barely running at top speeds. We werent interested in the game anymore. The waves of terror continued emitting from everyones mind. I felt Bellas ignite against me. She had moved within inches of my body. What did Esme ask you? she whispered.I wasnt going to tell her but I realized that I had too. I hesitated for only a second. Whether they were thirsty, I was thoroughly discomposed.This is the dumbest idea ever. I dont know what the hell Edward is thinking keeping her human. Grr. So frail andmortal. Rosalie wailed in a real temper.I ignored her because I was too busy looking for the minds of strangers in the forest.I wonder how many there are. An unknown voice flitted through my head.My eyes snapped up to the edge of the tree line. I couldnt believe I had put Bella in this kind of danger. I was constantly putting her in harms way. Im sorry Bella, I cried, It was stupid, irresponsible, to expose you like this. Im so sorry.I couldnt carry forgiveness because I didnt deserve it.This should be interesting. I heard an unfamiliar females mind.I heard them in the distance and so did the rest of my family. There was a quivering silence cutting through the air as my family peered out at the darkening forest in the direction of the coming doom. They were just lurking out of sight. I was convinced for a whole shining second that they had changed their minds until three dark figures emerged from the forest.