Thursday, October 31, 2019

Criminal justice process for a felony criminal charge filed in a state Research Paper

Criminal justice process for a felony criminal charge filed in a state court - Research Paper Example The Consensus model assumes that when individuals gather to form a society, they naturally come to a basic agreement with regard to shared norms and values. Those individuals whose actions deviate from the established norms and values are considered to pose a threat to the well-being of society, and hence, the society passes laws to control and prevent deviant behavior, thereby setting clear-cut boundaries and agreement on what activities to outlaw and punish as crime. According to the Conflict model, there exists different segments within the society separated by social class, wages, age, race, and there is constant struggle with each other for control of society. The resulting effect is that, the victorious groups exercise their power by codifying their value systems into criminal laws, this being determined by the group that happens to be holding power over the others. There are various types of crimes within the society, and their classification depends on the magnitude of the se riousness, ranging from jaywalking to first-degree murder. Criminal behavior can be put into six categories, namely; violent crime (murder, sexual assault), property crime (burglary, larceny, theft, shoplifting and vandalism), public order crime (prostitution, pornography, alcohol, driving under substance influence), white collar crime (business scams, workplace ethics, fraud), organized crime (terrorism), and high tech crime based on computer technology (cyber crime, hacking). Felony describes several serious crimes such as murder, rape, or burglary punishable by a more stringent sentence than that given for a misdemeanor. The crime is punishable in federal law by death or imprisonment for more than one year (Gaines, Miller, 2008). Criminal justice system This contemporary system is the society’s instrument of social control (the ability of society and its institutions to control, manage, restrain, or direct human behavior). The system seeks to prevent or deter outlawed beha vior by apprehending, adjudicating, and sanctioning the lawbreakers. The criminal justice system has three components; law enforcement agencies, which investigate crimes and apprehend the suspects; the court system, which charges, indicts, tries, and sentences the offenders; and the correctional system, which incapacitates convicted offenders and attempts to aid in their treatment and rehabilitation. The criminal justice agencies are political entities whose structure and functions are lodged within the three arms of any government, that is, the legislative (defines the law and establishes criminal penalties), judicial (interprets existing law and determines constitutionality), and executive (oversees justice agencies operations through budgeting, provision of required directives) (Siegel, 2009). The overall goals of the criminal justice system are to protect the society, maintain order and stability, control crime, investigate crimes and arrest offenders, provide for judicial deter mination of guilt or innocence, set an appropriate sentence for the guilty, and protect the constitutional rights of defendants throughout the criminal justice process (Purpura, 1997). Felony This is a type of sufficiently serious crime that is subjectively punishable by death or a term

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

To regulate or not to regulate the Internet Research Paper

To regulate or not to regulate the Internet - Research Paper Example Many politicians and businesses have also embraced the internet in order to sell a better image of themselves to the public. Politicians use the internet for their campaigns because it has many users and these will be able to access the message easily, which the politicians are trying to pass across. Businesses on the other hand are using the internet not only for advertising their products but also for transactions between them and their customers. However, despite the good that the internet has brought, there are also some very malicious activities that go on within it, which have raised a great debate concerning internet regulation in many countries (Yang 359). In this paper therefore, we shall look at some of the reasons why the internet should be regulated and why it should not be regulated on the political and business arena. It is our belief that the internet should indeed be regulated in the political and business arena, especially in the latter. In the business arena, the in ternet should be regulated because there are so many businesses, which conduct their activities through the internet, and many do this without any form of government oversight. This means that some businesses might give false information about their products online and after the customer pays for them, he finds that he receives a product of lesser quality from what he paid for. Furthermore, it is easy for false business websites to be set up online with the intention of defrauding those people who fall into their clutches of their money. Online payment methods have made it easier for people to lose their money to false business schemes and to prevent such things from happening; governments all over the world should take steps to regulate the business activities that take place on the internet to protect their citizens. There should also be internet regulations on the political arena because even though the freedom of expression is a fundamental right to all, some politicians tend to propagate agendas which may be harmful to other people either within their own countries or without. For example, when some politicians propagate racist views online claiming that their own race or ethnic group is far more superior to all the others. If a politician in a multiethnic and multicultural society does this, then there is a possibility that his statements will most likely cause friction between the ethnic groups in this society. To prevent this, the government of such a society should put very strict regulations especially on websites, which encourage disunity within the society, and those who run such sites should be prosecuted and given stiff sentences to discourage others from doing the same (Wu 24 – 43). Governments should therefore take steps to ensure that content from the political arena is regulated over the internet because political news tends to spread very fast online and it is never known who will be able to access it and what its precise consequences will be. The capability of internet service providers to self-regulate is very much open to question because the internet is so wide and encompasses the entire world and it would be very difficult for a single internet service provider to be able to regulate it. There is however, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, where internet service

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Comparison between a developing and developed country

Comparison between a developing and developed country The countries I choose to discuss are China representing the developing country and USA symbolizing the developed country. economic system concerns with the production structure of a country. It also includes how to allocate the economic inputs, how to distribute the outputs between the citizens and how to consume goods and services in an economy.(NA 2007) According to Gregory et al (2003), the economic system has four dimensions: decision-making structure, coordination mechanism, productive property rights and incentive system. Decision making concerned with by whom the decisions are carried out, industrial councils, the government, or private owners. In US, excluding only a few national industries, many decisions are decided by the private owners, however, in China, there are a lot of state-owned enterprises which make decisions under the influence of the government. Coordination mechanism is the way of obtaining information and how to use it to coordinate economic activity. The main forms of coordination contain planning and the market. In US, its coordination form is the market: the market is clear, and the exchange of information is highly efficient. While, China has been through a long time of planning coordination, its form, although its government claims the market, is in an interim. Productive property rights is about who takes control of the output. In US, the ownership is protected by the constitution while in China, they are owned by the public or by all the members in the society. Incentive system refers to the reward. There are two major base: material (compensation) and moral (social prestige). In both countries, they have both incentive systems simultaneously since either one is enough. 1.2 financial system 1.2.1 financial system in US In the US, its unit of money is dollar. Its central bank is Federal Reserve who is responsible for making decision concerning to the finance such as financial policy and the base interest rate. since Fed is independent of the government and its chairman has a term of 18 years, it may put focus in the long term. In US, there are many financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and so on. The varied institutions designed many sorts of financial instruments circulating in the financial market in the US which make the US the most efficient financial market in the world. 1.2.2 financial system in China In China, its unit of money is yuan. Its central bank is Peoples bank of China(PBC). Compared to Fed, they have a same job including issuing currency, making financial policy and so on. However, since PBC is also a part of the government, its independence is in doubt in some degree. In other words, PBC may adopt the government leaders opinions when they make their final decision. Chinese financial system is immature and still in the progress of developing. In this way, the kinds of financial institutions in China are limited. There are no private-owned financial institutions in China and theres legal protection that financial institutions can only be emerged but no bankruptcy. The financial instruments are also limited. Time deposit, demand deposit, and treasury bills are individual investors primary choice. Until now, more and more people are taking part in the stock market or buying some fund. 1.3 the unique feature-means used by the central to regulate the economy In China, when PBC wants to express its monetary policy, its main tool is to change the benchmark of deposit and lending rates. If PBC wants to adopt tightening monetary policy, it will increase the benchmark rate, on the other hand, it will drop the rate when adopting expansionary monetary policy. However, the method has its own disadvantage: its effect is so strong that it may hurt the development of the economy. In the US, when Fed wants to regulate the economy, its first option is open market operation. If they want to adopt an expansionary monetary policy, it will buy the treasury bills from the financial market and release more money in the circulation. While, when they want to tighten the market, it will sell its bills and get money in the circulation back to the Fed. By regulation this way, the Fed is able to regulate the economy more proficiently and accurately, and this method has the smallest negative effects to the economy. The main reason why China doesnt use open market operation very much is that its financial instruments are limited and its financial market is not mature enough to do it. The other reason is that Chinese government interferes with the central bank more compared to the US government to the Fed. Q2 2.1 A brief introduction to IMF IMF, short for International Monetary Fund, is the international organization aimed for supervising the global system, especially financial system. Its main targets are keeping an eye on exchange rates and balance of payments as well as aiding the developing countries financially and technically. (Wikipedia) This organization was conceived back to July 1944 when 45 governments held a meeting in the Mount Washington Hotel located in Bretton Woods: in this way, this financial system later was called Bretton Woods system. It was formally founded on December 27,1945. 2.2 Members of IMF At the beginning of its foundation, it had only 29 members and its influence on the global financial system was rather limited. However, as time goes by, its affect on the global finance even economy is increasing gradually: the members it accumulated is more and more. It is not that easily be accepted as a member of IMF. The country or state has to take several strict steps before it is able to sign the IMFs Articles of Agreement. However, that effort is worth endeavoring: every member has its own quota in it. The quota represents the status of the member in the organization since several crucial characteristics including the voting weight and allocation of SDRs are determined by the quota. The member who has the most quota in IMF has the greatest power in IMF. United States enjoys 15.82% while other members only get around 6%, or even less. In this way, the US has always been the country which is able to block a supermajority on its own. This is also the point raised by many critics that how can IMF keep its equity among so many members. 2.3 the objectives of IMF The fundamental task for the IMF stays the same as it was founded: to supply financial aid to the countries in need. 2.4 challenges faced by IMF The financial crisis beginning in 2008 is so devastating that nearly every part of the world is strictly affected by it. IMF is also no exception. This crisis is also showing the world that globalization, if not controlled properly, may turn to be a disaster throughout the world and some international financial organizations, such as IMF, has to face some new challenges. According to the statement of an official in IMF, although the global economy would hit the second bottom since 2008, the whole world still has to face four crucial challenges: the financial sustainability, employment crisis, repair of the financial organizations and global cooperation. 2.4.1 financial sustainability Financial sustainability can be represented as a mutual trust between the government and its citizens on the policy. In this way, it is very critical when government is making policies in the recovery. To explicate it, lets make an example. When suffered from the crisis just now, the countrys economy was destroyed nearly completely. In order to recover quickly, the government chooses the expansionary fiscal policy by increasing the government spending or decreasing the inflation rate. By doing this, the government wants to show the confidence that they want to encourage more investment to the citizens. The citizens, responding to the government, begin to invest more than before, since they have a faith in government. However, with the increase of investment, the government realizes that another problem is showing up: the inflation rate is rising. In order to overcome inflation, the government has to increase the interest rate, which is a signal of scotch the investment. The citizens may feel confused by the governments changing policy, and may lose faith in it. If the trust between a government and its citizens is destroyed, the recovery is totally hopeless. However, usually the government is shortsighted and its lack of financial sustainability cannot help the recovery and even lose the best opportunity, it is the IMFs responsibility to help guiding the government and make sure that they make the right decision. 2.4.2 employment crisis Since the financial crisis in 2008, many developed countries including USA and some major European countries are suffering from the extraordinarily high unemployment rate. Mr. Obama, the president of United States, had promised that the unemployment rate of US would drop. However, until right now, the unemployment rate of US is still above 8%, and there is more rumor that this number will fly to 10% or higher. This phenomenal is very common among the other developed countries around the world. High employment is fatal to a countrys stability. Without a domestic stable economy, how can people around the world make sure of the stability of the economy? While creating a stable environment for the global economy is one of the objects of IMF, how to lower the unemployment and create more job opportunities become their challenges. 2.4.3 repair of the financial organizations As it is well known around the world, five major investment banks disappeared in USA during the financial crisis. Affected by this, many other financial and nonfinancial organizations within and outside US were in danger of bankruptcy. Since financial organizations are the primary elements in the financial system, helping them repair from the crisis is necessary. However, despite the organizations, even some countries are facing bankruptcy themselves. Depending on the government may not be a very good choice. In this time, the job rests on the shoulder of IMF, an international financial organization, who is able to help national ones when they need it. 2.4.4 global cooperation With the pace of globalization, the cooperation within different countries is becoming more and more indispensible to ones own economy. The deadly financial crisis happened in 2008 was first ignited in the US, while, after a short time, this crisis was spreading around the whole world like a cancer. Until now, many parts of world are still suffering from it. From this crisis, it is widely realized that even it is caused by only one section of a country, the influence may be spreading far far way, just like the butterfly effect. Thus, in order to cope with it efficiently, every country should enhance their cooperation with each. To cooperate finely, there has to be an organization to regulate their behaviors and that organization is IMF. Now, how to help each member cooperation with others effectively and safely is the final but not the easiest challenge faced by IMF. 2.5 my suggestions When facing these new challenges, I have several suggestions for the IMF. First of all, I suggest that IMF should guide those countries who have the most serious debt problems, even by exempting from a certain amount of heavy debt. Only by doing this can help them stabilize the domestic environment within the countries. Another suggestion from me is that IMF should appeal that every member enhances its cooperation when making policies. We must abandon the way of recovery based on hurting the other members economy such as the protection to local product by putting more duty on the imports. NA (2007). economic systems, The New Encyclopedia Britannica, V. 4, p. 357. Gregory et al(2003). Comparing Economic Systems in the Twenty-First Century.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Juvenile Crimes Essays -- Crime essays research papers

A juvenile is defined as not yet adult; young, childish, immature. In the United States, definitions and age limits of juveniles vary. The 16-20 year old age group has one of the highest incidences of serious crime (ojjdp.org). In 1994, juveniles accounted for 19% of all violent crime arrests in The United States. Although juvenile arrests for violent crimes declined 3% from 1994-1995 (the first decrease in almost ten years), the number of juvenile violent crime arrests in 1995 was 67% above the 1986 level. Among juvenile offenders, males make up 85% of the total arrests for violent crime index offenses (Colorado.edu). Females make up 34%. Boys ages 12-17 are one and a half more likely to be victims of violent crimes than girls. Minorities play a key role in juvenile crimes. African American juveniles were six times more likely than Caucasian juveniles to be victims of homicide in 2002. Between 1996 and 2000, the number of female juvenile arrested for violent crimes such as murder, robbery and aggravated assault increased 25% with no increasing arrests of male juveniles for the same offense. Female juvenile arrests for property crimes such as burglary, motor vehicle theft and arson have increased 21% while male arrests decreased 4% (Hoffman, 2001). Female involvement in crimes has evolved into a significant trend. However, young females are far less likely than males to violate the law. Some of the contributions to the increase in female delinquency are that female delinquent behavior is related to weak bonds with parents and school. Most female violent behavior is learned behavior and so unfortunately violence is the only or the most effective way to achieve status, respect and other social and personal needs. The initial causes of violence are found in the early learning experiences in the family which includes weak family bonding and ineffective monitoring and su pervision. Involvement with delinquent friends is the strongest and most immediate cause of serious violent behavior for females. It is within this group that violence is encouraged. The problems encountered by an adolescent female at school causes stress and conflict. If supervision and monitoring are not available to help the female, the likelihood of violence will occur (Barbour, 1999). When a juvenile commits a crime, the court where the juvenile will be in becomes a factor. Some juveniles... ...re a teenager should know right from wrong. Ethics is something that starts at home when growing up. Some may argue what if a person doesn’t have a stable upbringing? There are other alternatives such as school clubs, community organizations, church and other positive things. Many may argue that 28 years is â€Å"too long† for a 14 year old to serve. So then, what is â€Å"too short?† If Brazill was maybe 24 or 40 then maybe this wouldn’t be an issue. Some would feel that he has lived most of his life and so spending the rest of his life in prison would be okay. To send a 14 year old to prison until the age of 42 is unjust to some. They feel he would miss growing up, high school, interacting with others his age, etc. I think maybe he should’ve been interacting with others his age before deciding to even take a gun to school. He is old enough to know that a gun is trouble. He had to know that what he did called for punishment. I agree with POA th at if he does go to juvenile court and serve maybe 7 years for killing a teacher than that is suppose to be okay? If Brazill was old enough to shoot and kill someone than he is old enough to be punished in an adult prison just like any other minor.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Sadomasochism in Female Addicted Trauma Survivors

Reference: Southern, S. (2002). The tie that binds: Sadomasochism in female addicted trauma survivors. Publisher: Brunner Routledge, 9(4), 209. Retrieved from http://www. mendeley. com/research/tie-binds-sadomasochism-female-addicted-trauma-survivors/ Introduction: The general area being investigated is women and addictive disorders that stem from past life trauma. The purpose of the study is to investigate case studies of women with traumatic pasts and to see if the theme of sadomasochistic behavior is prevalent in all studies.The independent variables would be the case studies themselves and the dependent variable would be the recurring themes in each study. Methods: Participants: The researchers found participants who had all suffered from past trauma in their childhoods and were exhibiting addictive behaviors in their current lives. Measures: The researchers used a table that represented the four parts of the personality, which were: sadist, masochist, dependent, addict. These fo ur parts of personality manifest themselves in self vs. other relationships and love vs. ate relationships the trauma survivor is involved in. They also breakdown the process of brainwashing vs. psychotherapy and explain how one is used to reinforce negative ideals and the other is meant to help the patient recover and work their past issues. The functions of sadomasochism in the women’s lives was also explained. Procedure: Case studies were gathered and then analyzed for recurring themes of sadomasochistic behavior. Results and discussion: The authors found a common theme of sadomasochistic behavior in all the case studies of the women with the life trauma syndrome.The study portrays sadomasochistic behavior as a harmful lifestyle choice and also gives detailed reasons as to why the women made the choice to live such a lifestyle. Conclusions: The study told me that sadomasochistic behavior in female addicts who experienced the life trauma syndrome was detrimental to their re covery because it renacted past abuse then reinforced the negative feelings associated with the abuse. The study explained some reasoning behind sadomasochistic behavior in women with past abuses.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Reactivity of Metals with Water and Acid Essay

Introduction This report discusses an experiment to study the relationship of the physical and chemical properties of elements in groups and periods to the atomic structure of the elements. The objective of the experiment is to observe what happens when seven metals (magnesium, calcium, iron, lead, copper, aluminum, and zinc) are placed in water and/or hydrochloric acid. The hypothesis is that not all metals will react with the water and/or hydrochloric acid. This report presents the experiment’s procedures, results, analysis and questions. Purpose To observe relationships between the reactivity of elements and their location on the periodic table. Materials Part A: Reactivity of Metals in Water 1. 2. chemical safety goggles 3. 250 mL beaker 4. test tube (18 mm x 150 mm) 5. test-tube rack 6. scoopula 7. spark lighter 8. Bunsen burner clamped to a retort stand 9. test-tube clamp 10. pH paper 11. paper towel 12. small samples of 1. calcium, Ca(s) 2. magnesium, Mg(s) 3. copper, Cu(s) 1. wooden splint Part B: Reactivity of Metals in Hydrochloric Acid 1. 2. chemical safety goggles 3. 20 mL graduated cylinder 4. 4 test tubes (18 mm x 150 mm) 5. test-tube rack 6. scoopula 7. small samples of 1. magnesium, Mg(s) 2. iron, Fe(s) 3. zinc, Zn(s) 4. aluminum, AI(s) 1. dilute hydrochloric acid (0.5 mol/L) 2. spark lighter 3. Bunsen burner clamped to a retort stand 4. paper towel 5. wooden splint 6. masking tape or test-tube stopper Procedure Part A: Reactivity of Metals in Water The materials were selected and brought to the station. Safety protocol was followed and safety glasses were worn throughout the experiment. The appropriate data tables were drawn in which to record the data observations. The beaker was filled with approximately 250 mL of tap water. The water was tested with pH paper and the results were recorded. On a folded piece of paper towel, the professor placed a small piece of calcium (Ca). Observations of physical properties were recorded. A test tube filled with tap water was placed, mouth down, into the beaker (figure 1) and the calcium was placed in the beaker(amendment: the original procedure asked to select a metal that produced a gas to collect the gas after first attempting the procedure. To avoid wasting time, the gas [if there was] was collected on the first and only attempt). The reaction was observed and recorded. After the reaction was complete, the water was tested with pH paper. This procedure was repeated using samples of magnesium and copper. All results were recorded. The test tube was extracted from the beaker and without flipping it, was placed mouth down in the test tube rack. Using a spark lighter, the Bunsen burner was lit and a wooden splint was lit from the flame. The burner was turned off. Using a test tube clamp, the test tube was lifted and with it’s opening at the bottom; the burning splint was inserted into the mouth. Observations were recorded. The splint was extinguished with water from the tap and all waste was disposed of. Part B: Reactivity of Metals in Hydrochloric Acid The materials were selected and brought to the station. Safety protocol was followed and safety glasses were worn throughout the experiment. The appropriate data tables were drawn in which to record the data observations. A graduated cylinder was filled with approximately 20.0 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid. 5.0 mL were poured into four clean test tubes, which were then placed on the test tube rack. On a folded piece of paper towel, the professor placed small quantities of magnesium, iron, zinc, and aluminum. The physical properties of each of the metals were recorded. One at a time, each of the metals was carefully dropped into a different test tube of hydrochloric acid. Reactions were observed for a 20 minute period (amendment: because of the lack of time, reactions were only observed for five minutes) and observations were recorded. Masking tape was used to lightly cover the test tube in order to collect gas from the elements that bubbled in the acid. After the reactions were complete, a wooden splint was lit using a Bunsen burner and the masking tape was removed. The glowing splint was held just inside the mouth of the test tube. Observations were recorded and the waste was disposed of. Observations Part A: Reactivity of Metals in Water Element Calcium Magnesium Copper Physical properties Solid, silver, metallic, soft Long, thin, solid, smooth, malleable, silver, shiny Thin, solid, malleable, bronze in colour, shiny Reaction Upon putting the calcium in water, it bubbled and released gas. The water in the test tube was displaced when it was held above the calcium while it was reacting pH before reaction: 7 pH after reaction: 8/9 There was no reaction when the magnesium was placed in the water, therefore no gas. There was no reaction when the copper was placed in the water, therefore no gas. Part B: Reactivity of Metals in Hydrochloric Acid Element Zinc Iron Aluminum Magnesium Physical properties Solid, shiny, silver in colour Rusty, small individual solid flakes, dull Powder, grey/silver Long, thin, solid, smooth, malleable, silver, shiny Reaction Slow reaction, but it eventually started to bubble. Very slow reaction. Few bubbles were produced. Though there was no observed reaction from the aluminum and the hydrochloric acid, further research shows that it does react. It releases heat and the water evaporates. Upon putting the magnesium in the hydrochloric acid, it quickly started to bubble and fizz. Throughout the observation, it also releasedlots of heat. Analysis The objective of the experiment was to observe what happens when seven metals are placed in water and/or hydrochloric acid. Calcium, magnesium, and copper were all placed in water and of the three, only the calcium reacted. Zinc, iron, aluminum, and magnesium were placed in the hydrochloric acid. There was a reaction in every test tube, but the magnesium showed the greatest reaction with iron being the least reactive to the acid. Even though the metals may be in the same period, how it reacts to the water or hydrochloric acid depends on the type of metal. Error(s) When the lit splint was held just above the mouth of the test tube with the magnesium, there was no reaction, unlike the high-pitched popping sounds emitted by other groups’ experiments. Perhaps this is because the masking tape was removed from the mouth of the test tube minutes before the wooden splint was lit, giving the collected gas enough time to diffuse. A reason for the zinc and aluminum not reacting with the hydrochloric acid could have involved dirty glassware or the lack of time allowed for observation. Conclusion The purpose of this lab was to explore the patterns in reactivity in the periodic table. Through careful observation and planning during this experiment, the hypothesiswas deemed successful. Not all metals react with water and hydrochloric acid. Questions 1. Rank the elements tested in Part A from least reactive to most reactive. 1. From the elements tested in Part A, calcium reacted the most with water (it produced hydrogen), while both copper and magnesium did not have a reaction. 1. Sort the elements that you tested into groups. State the apparent order of reactivity as one proceeds down a group. Does reactivity increase or decrease? 1. Group 2 (alkaline earth metal): magnesium, calcium Group 8: iron Group 11 (coinage metal?): copper Group 12: zinc Group 13: aluminum For the metals, the reactivity increases as one proceeds down the group. This is because it is easier for electrons to be given farther down the periodic table. 1. Sort the elements that you tested into periods. State the apparent order of reactivity as one proceeds across a period. Does reactivity increase or decrease? 1. Period 3: magnesium, aluminum Period 4: calcium, iron, copper, zinc For the metals, the reactivity decreased as one moves from left to right across periods, because it is easier for electrons to be taken away farther to the left of the periodic table. 1. Is the solution that is produced when a metal reacts with water acidic or basic? 1. The solution that is produced when a metal reacts with water is basic, because the pH increased. 1. Based on your gas test observation in Step 16, what gas is produced? 1. Based on the gas test observation in Step 16, hydrogen gas is produced. This can be determined by the ‘squeaky pop’ sound that is heard when the lit wooden splint is placed at the mouth of the test tube. 1. Rank the elements tested in Part B from least reactive to most reactive. 1. In part B, copper would be the least reactive, because there was little-to-no reaction with it and the hydrochloric acid. Iron is the second least reactive, as its reaction was slow but there were a few observed bubbles. Zinc would be the second most reactive and magnesium the most reactive, with a quick reaction and the plenty of heat that was released. 1. Does the reactivity increase or decrease as one moves across a period of elements? 1. As one moves across the periodic table from left to right, for the metals, the reactivity decreases, this is because the farther to the left, the easier it is for electrons to be given or taken away. But for the non-metals, the reactivity increases(excluding the nobles gases), because the farther right, the higher the electronegativity, resulting in a greater exchange of electron. 1. Based on your gas test results, what is the gas produced in these reactions (Steps 16 and 25)? 1. Based on the gas test results and the similar ‘squeaky pop’ sound the elements emitted, the gas produced from the magnesium and hydrochloric acid reaction and also the calcium and water reaction is hydrogen gas. 1. Does the reactivity increase or decrease as one moves down a group of elements? 1. As one moves down a group of elements on the periodic table, for the metals, the reactivity increases, this is because the farther down, the easier it is for electrons to be given or taken away. But for the non-metals the reactivity decreases as one goes down because the farther up, the higher the electronegativity, resulting in a greater exchange of electron. 1. Evaluate this investigation. Did the design enable you to collect enough evidence to answer the questions? How could it have been improved? Would your suggested improvements raise any safety concerns? 1. The design was decent, but it did provide all the evidence needed to answer all the questions; a few of the questions required further research. I think the investigation could have been improved by writing clearer instructions and being more descriptive to avoid confusion. Also, students should be able to experiment with different metals to help them expand their understanding of the reactivity of metals in water and hydrochloric acid (this may raise a few safety concerns). 1. Predict what might happen if you were to drop a piece of potassium (or lithium) into a beaker of water. 1. Because potassium is an alkaline metal (lithium as well), it is extremely reactive. I predict that dropping it in water would cause it to react quickly and intensely, and produce hydrogen gas. 1. Connect the trends observed in Parts A and B to atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity. Write a paragraph to explain the trends. 1. The elements moving from left to right across a period, the atomic radius decreases, as does the ionization energy(the nucleus of the atom gains protons).The atomic radius increases moving down a group, but the ionization energy decreases moving down a group (gains protons and new energy shells of electrons).And opposite to the ionization energy, electron affinities increase from left to right across a period. Electron affinities change little moving down a group, becoming slightly more positive.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Double Edge Sword essays

Double Edge Sword essays After the civil war, we had thousands upon thousands of people looking for the "American Dream", and Horace Greeley, who stated the famous words "Go west young man", helped to start the great migration westward. There was plenty of cheap land west of the Mississippi, and gold was foud in the West, just waiting for those who could get there. The migration ultimately interfered with the Native Americans, which changed their way of life forever. Many poor souls tried to make it in the west at raising cattle, farming, and mining, but failed. Ther was also those who made it big with new inventions, hard work and lots of luck. The Native Americans were living on a valuable asset called land, and the government was looking to expand their territoty to the west. However, the U.S. had to do something with the Native Americans, so they strated to create reservation in hope to avoid land wars between the Native Americans and the new settlers. Tribes were congregated on small reservations; each tribes had their own culture and this caused friction among each other. Not to mention, there was already conflicts going on with their government caregivers. Futhermore, there were church-run boarding schools, which took the children away from theirr parents, so they could learnn the White man's way of life and that only added to their stress. Ultimately, many of the Native Americans died due to battles, disease, and the mistreatment on the reservations. For example, the Sand Creek massacre where 450 peaceful Indains were slaughtered. For those who survived, their lives changed forever. In the name of progress, we took their land and shattered their culture by trying to bring them into American's way of life. The farmers, who migrated westward, found themsevles in a strange land it was nothing that they were used to. The land was flat, dry praisie grass, and for the most part treeless. They had to learn how to biuld sod homes, and use buf...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer A king's esquire normally married one of the inmates of the Queen. Geoffrey Chaucer married Philippa Roet, a lady-in-waiting in the Queen’s household. Philippa left her work and both of them resided in London. Geoffrey Chaucer became a father in 1367 with his first son being born. He chose the name of Thomas. Later he had another son, whom he named Lewis. He was very ambitious and enjoyed traveling and was away quite often on diplomatic missions. This I believe would leave him very little time to spend with his children. He was made the Comptroller of Customs at Aldgate. He and Philippa settled in their Aldgate house. He did not look at this house as a place to play with his children, but a place to read his many books. As soon as he finished his daily work, he would rush home, not to rest and spend time with his kids, but to read another book. Their mother Phillipa died in 1386, leaving him to raise his two boys. This did not bring him any closer to his sons. The first love of his life was not his children or wife, it was his books. One of the closest things he did for his son Lewis was to write a book for him called The Treatise of the Astrolabe. Insofar as his influence on his writings, I believe that his traveling had the most influence on his style. He began by following the French trends in writing. After being influenced by different Italian authors, mainly Boccaccio he changed to the Italian style of writing. His visit to Florence introduced him to a totally new style of literature, which is considered to have influenced his writing to quite an extent. Geoffrey Chaucer may have been a success in his writings, but his quality of life did not seem to me to be such a big success. As he lay dying on his death bed, his only thoughts were not of his family, but of a feeling of sin against his moral ethics that he felt because of his poetry dealing with the love of man and woman.... Free Essays on Geoffrey Chaucer Free Essays on Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer, the author of the â€Å"The Canterbury Tales,† shows his views of medieval society through various characters in â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† Chaucer’s expresses his views of society through characters in â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† Chaucer’s views of medieval society are based on his opinions on certain people. Throughout â€Å"The Canterbury Tales† Chaucer tends to criticize or praise certain types of people over others. Generally, Chaucer highly criticizes Ecclesiastical people. For example Chaucer greatly criticizes the Pardoner by pointed out that he is a fraud. (Starting line 702 â€Å"He said he had a gobbet of the sail†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) The monk is also criticized because he is part of the church but does not follow the rules of the church. On the other hand, Chaucer praises many characters in â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† Chaucer generally praises people that are honest and don’t cheat or rip-off anyone. The parson and the Plowman are probably the two most highly praised characters in â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† These two brothers are praised by Chaucer beca use they are honest down to earth good people. For example, (lines 475-480 â€Å"A holy-minded man†¦.teach it† and lines 528-536 â€Å"He was an honest worker†¦.the poor†). Some of the main reason that Chaucer criticizes or praises certain people over others is the effect of their actions. He feels it is worst for an ecclesiastical person to mess with ones soul and salvation than steel a good, such as grain. In â€Å"The Canterbury Tales,† Chaucer greatly shows his respect and ideas of certain types of individuals. Chaucer used a few different types of techniques and styles in his writing of â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† In order to individualize each character in such great detail Chaucer describes their physical appearance so than a reader can visualize each character to better understand them. Chaucer’s frame choice, a springtime journey to the Canter... Free Essays on Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer A king's esquire normally married one of the inmates of the Queen. Geoffrey Chaucer married Philippa Roet, a lady-in-waiting in the Queen’s household. Philippa left her work and both of them resided in London. Geoffrey Chaucer became a father in 1367 with his first son being born. He chose the name of Thomas. Later he had another son, whom he named Lewis. He was very ambitious and enjoyed traveling and was away quite often on diplomatic missions. This I believe would leave him very little time to spend with his children. He was made the Comptroller of Customs at Aldgate. He and Philippa settled in their Aldgate house. He did not look at this house as a place to play with his children, but a place to read his many books. As soon as he finished his daily work, he would rush home, not to rest and spend time with his kids, but to read another book. Their mother Phillipa died in 1386, leaving him to raise his two boys. This did not bring him any closer to his sons. The first love of his life was not his children or wife, it was his books. One of the closest things he did for his son Lewis was to write a book for him called The Treatise of the Astrolabe. Insofar as his influence on his writings, I believe that his traveling had the most influence on his style. He began by following the French trends in writing. After being influenced by different Italian authors, mainly Boccaccio he changed to the Italian style of writing. His visit to Florence introduced him to a totally new style of literature, which is considered to have influenced his writing to quite an extent. Geoffrey Chaucer may have been a success in his writings, but his quality of life did not seem to me to be such a big success. As he lay dying on his death bed, his only thoughts were not of his family, but of a feeling of sin against his moral ethics that he felt because of his poetry dealing with the love of man and woman.... Free Essays on Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer was born between the years 1340 and 1345 to John Chaucer and Agnes de Copton. He was born in London in the Chaucer’s house in Upper Thames Street (Catholic). John Chaucer had connections with the courts and helped educate Geoffrey. As Chaucer grew up, he served as a page in the house of Countess of Ulster. Afterward, he took his place in the army under the command of Prince Lionel, third son of King Edward III. While fighting the French, Chaucer was captured in Rethel and ransomed for 16 pounds. After the war ended in 1360 with the Treaty of Bretigny, Chaucer returned to England where he became the page for King Edward III. Chaucer married Philippa Roet, daughter of Sir Paon de Roet, in 1366 (www.librarius.com). Chaucer and Philippa’s first born son was Thomas, born in 1367. Thomas later became the speaker of the House of Commons. His older sister, Elizabeth, enter the Barking Abbey as a novice, with Philippa’s brother-in-law, the Duke of Gaunt, providing 50 pounds as her religious dowry. The youngest, Lewis, died while very young. Chaucer served as a valettus and later as a squire in the court of Edward III. He was â€Å"hired† on June 20, 1367 and was granted a payment of 20 marks per annum for life. During these times, he was also employed on many diplomatic missions. In 1368, he was sent to France on a diplomatic mission for the King (www.britianexpress.com). Less than a year later, he was back in France. This time he was fighting in John of Gaunt’s army. In 1372, Chaucer was sent on another diplomatic mission. This time, he was sent to Italy. His orders were to go to Genoa to establish an English port for Genoese trade and to Florence to negotiate a loan for the King. Later, he was appointed Controller of the Customs for hides, skins, and wools in the port of London. For his services, the King rewards him by granting him a pitcher of wine per day for life. Also, he is granted an a... Free Essays on Geoffrey Chaucer THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER Geoffrey Chaucer is considered the greatest literary figure of medieval England and an outstanding writer of world literature. He made a huge contribution to all of English Literature by using English in a time when most poetry was written in Anglo-Norman or Latin. He is best known for his collection of stories written in the Canterbury Tales. Chaucer’s birth date is unsure but scholars assume he was born during the 14th century in London around 1340. No information on Chaucer’s birth can be found, most likely because of his lower social class level. Geoffrey was the son of John Chaucer, a wealthy wine merchant and his wife Agnes. The name Chaucer came from a French origin that meant â€Å"Shoemaker.† Little is known about his early years and education but his works show he could read French, Latin, and Italian. In 1356 when Chaucer came to be seventeen he became a page in the household of Prince Lionel, the third son of Kind Edward III. Then in 1359 Chaucer set off on his first military expedition to France during the Hundred Years’ War. He later got captured in war but King Edward paid his ransom. The next six or seven years is a big gap in Chaucer’s life because there are no records to be found of his activities. Scholars think that he may have worked for the king or may have spent time studying law at the Inns of Court and then married Phillippa de Roet in 1366. They had two sons together named â€Å"Little Lewis† and Thomas. Phillippa later died in 1387. Between 1367 and 1378 Chaucer went on several trips mainly to France and Italy. Some trips for diplomatic missions for the king and the others commercial missions. In 1374 he became a government official, serving as comptroller of customs for wool and leather at the port of London. He held this job for the next twelve years. He received most of his income by royal annuities and gifts given to him ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Anti Federalists vs. Federalists

Anti Federalists vs. Federalists Anti-Federalist and Federalist Political Science American Government and Politics Professor Mike Connolly Anti Federalist vs. Federalists started after the Revolutionary war and the Americans had to figure out a way to get themselves out of economic depression because the war was costly and left many colonies in debt. Anti-federalists were those who opposed the development of a strong federal government and the Constitution in 1788, instead for power to remain in the hands of state and local governments. Federalists wanted a stronger national government and the ratification of the Constitution to help properly manage the debt and tensions following the American Revolution. People who supported the Anti-Federalist were people who lived in rural areas and had local power. People who supported the Federalist were rich people who lived in large rural areas. Basically middle class people supported the Anti-Federalist and rich people with businesses favored the Federalist. That is kind of similar to our current fight between power of government, for example Democrats vs. Republicans, Democrats favored people who are in the middle class and lower and Republicans favored people who are in the high class who are wealthy. The Anti-Federalist wanted to be like free agents they wanted to spend and manage their own money as they saw fit. They believed that no one should control the way they spend and control their money the Federalist were people who wanted the opposite. The debt and tension in Massachusetts known as the Shay’s Rebellion was a perfect example of why the U.S had the desire to concentrate on federal power. Before the constitution there were the Articles of Confederation, a 13 article agreement between 13 founding states that covered issues of the state sovereignty. The Articles of Confederation were mainly about the equal treatment of citizens, congressional development and delegation, international diplomacy, armed forces, fund raising, lawmaking, the relationship between the US and Canada and war debt. The problem with The Articles of Confederation was it was a very weak agreement on which to base a nation that the document never once referred to the United States of America. With The Articles of Confederation, congress became a form of Federal government, but it was weak by the fact that it could not fund any of the resolutions it passed. For example while people can print money, there was no solid regulation of the money, which led to a fast and deep depreciation. Though congress asked for millions of dollars in the 1780’s, they received less than 1.5 million over the course of three years, from 1781 to 1784. This inefficient and ineffective governance led to economic woes and eventual, if small scale, rebellion. As George Washingtons chief of staff, Alexander Hamilton saw firsthand that the problems caused by a weak federal government particularly those which stemmed from a lack of centralized fiscal and monetary policies. With Washingtons approval, Hamilton assembled a group of nationalists at the 1786 Annapolis Convention also known as the Meeting of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government. Here, delegates from several states wrote a report on the conditions of the federal government and how it needed to be expanded if it was to survive its domestic turmoil and international threats as a sovereign nation. After the Articles of Confederation cam the Constitution in 1788 where the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, greatly expands the powers of the federal government. With their only being 27 Amendments, the US Constitution remains a supreme law of the United States allowing it to define, protect, and tax its citizens. Federalist who were the main support ers of the Constitution; they were aided by federalist sentiment that had gained traction across many factions, uniting political figures. The Anti-Federalist, who was leaded by Thomas Jefferson, fought against the Constitutions ratification, mainly the amendments which gave the federal government fiscal and monetary powers. The fight between the two groups the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist resulted in the upcoming of the Federalist papers and the Anti-Federalist papers, it was a series of handwritten essays from various figures for against the ratification of the Constitution and the protection of the Constitution. Among the Anti-Federalist were Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Jefferson was the leader among the Anti-Federalist and other prominent Anti-Federalist included Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry and Richard Henry Lee. For the Federalist side they had Alexander Hamilton a former chief of staff to George Washington, he was a proponent of a strong federal government and fou nded the Federalist Party. He helped oversee the development of a national bank and a taxation system. Other famous Federalist was John Adams and John Jay. There were also three kinds of Anti-Federalist, the first kind represented by politicians such as Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth of Connecticut. The second kind of Anti-Federalist were the people who were not privy (a person having a part or interest in any action, matter, or thing) to the debate in Philadelphia, and has some concerns about the potentiality (the ability to develop or come into existence) of the Constitution to lead to the concentration of power in the new government. Third and final groups of Anti- Federalist were those who want as little deviation from the articles of confederation as possible and saw that partly national and partly federal compromise as totally unsustainable. Basically Anti-Federalist wanted a weak federal government that would not threaten state rights and wanted the Bill of Rights to declare and protect the rights of the people. During the Ratification the Federalists promise an addition of a Bill of Rights. The ratification succeeded and the new government was formed in 1789. James Madison was a Federalist or Democratic Republic who drafted the 10 amendments to the Constitution and these become the U.S Bill of Rights. Once again the Federalists believed that establishing a large national government was not only possible, but necessary to create a more perfect union by improving the relationship among the states. The Federalist also wanted to preserve the sovereignty and structure of the states, but to do so they advocated f or a federal government with delegated powers. Anything not delegated to the Federal government would be reserved to the people and the states. Their goal was to preserve the principle of government by consent, by building a government upon foundation of popular sovereignty, without sacrificing the sovereignty of the states. Present day it appears that the government established by the Constitution is an improvement from that which was established by the Articles of Confederation. Reading and writing about the confrontation between Federalist and Anti-Federalist I would have chosen the side of Federalist and I will explain why. Me Anti-Federalist were people who were scared of a strong government because they did not want the government to control their lives and wanted a little bit more freedom. Yes, people need their freedom but what they need more is to be secured and free from debt. The problem there was a economic struggle and people were in debt because of the war with Federalist we can have people manage the finances and economy. The Anti-Federalist sounded spoiled because they felt that the states were free agents that should manage their own revenue and spend their money as they saw fit. Many people back then probably were not well informed about their finances and might have spent money that they could not afford to get back. To be on the safer side a professional should be the one to see what a person is allowed to spend without getting themselves into debt. At the same time Anti-Federalist have a point because they should not have too much power to the point where they can deny a person from purchasing a item. Anti-Federalist sounds like it is the freedom fighter group for the people and they are a group who opposes to strong of a government but people should know to much freedom can cause many problems. The positive side of Federalism is the protection against tyranny, is dividing the power between the national government and state governments and spreading the national government’s power among three branches that serve as a check and balance on each other. The protections we have in our system against a tyrannical, runaway government are one of the most important points to why the system was designed the way it was. Increasing citizen participation is by not centralizing all power into the hands of a national government, but sharing that power with state governments, which are closer to the level of the common citizen; our founders actually increased a citizen’s ability to effect their government. Finally one more positive point is conflict management, by allowing different communities and states to create their own practices, they allow for people with differences or very strong disagreements, to live in separate areas, and create their own solutions, or policies, that would be totally disagreeable to the other people in other states or regions of the country. Citations: 1. Anti-Federalist vs Federalist. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2017, from https://www.diffen.com/difference/Anti-Federalist_vs_Federalist 2. Federalists Vs. Anti-Federalists. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2017, from https://apgovernmentchs.wikispaces.com/Federalists Vs. Anti-Federalists 3. Bardes, B. A., Shelley, M. C., Schmidt, S. W. (2018). American government and politics today: the essentials. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Poem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Poem - Essay Example This essay will explore some of these elements and see how they add to the poem. In stanza one, the speaker tells that even though those who discriminate against her, have written damning things in history; it matters not, because she knows the truth about herself and her ancestors. Therefore, she will continue to move forward and rise above the false allegations. In line two, assonance is used â€Å"bitter twisted† to describe the lies that have been written about the African-Americans. The harsh sounding â€Å"i’s† in the two words demonstrate how cruel these false stories were. So, when the speaker says â€Å"I’ll rise† at the end of the stanza, the liberating feeling is enhanced by the previous harsh sounding â€Å"bitter twisted†. The most common form of figurative language found in the poem is the simile. For instance, in stanza three the speaker likens herself to the moon and the sun â€Å"Just like moons and like suns†. This si mile reveals to us that the speaker constantly rises, again and again, no matter how she is oppressed and put down by others; for, the sun and moon rise each day and night, and so shall she. Just like nothing can prevent the sun and moon from rising, so nothing can prevent her from rising above her circumstances, causing her to provide the light of hope for others through her actions and words.

Fireworks and Explosives Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fireworks and Explosives - Research Proposal Example As per the advanced analysis in of fireworks, it reveals that â€Å"potassium nitrate†, primarily the main chemical ingredient in gunpowder, is still an imperative element utilized in quite a lot of current explosives. (Michael S. Russell) An â€Å"explosion† is a chain of chemical reactions induced by fumed energetically unstable explosive materials that generate a rapid and aggressive oxidation reaction resulted in the production of the huge mass of hot gases and heat. Due to the mass force of gas and heat, it expands rapidly and forms a blast, further forming shock wave giving the blast its destructive power. (Gail Kay Haines) The â€Å"explosive train,† also termed as an initiation sequence or â€Å"firing train† is the series of charges that progress from moderately small levels of energy to instigate the absolute volatile material/main charge. There are two types of explosive trains Explosive materials comprise of any one of a chemically unadulterated compound like â€Å"nitroglycerin† or a mixture of an oxidizer and a fuel such as â€Å"black powder, flash powder, Sprengel explosives, ANFO, Panclastites† etc. For the understanding of explosive materials based on mixtures of fuel and oxidizers following equation can be useful: Diverse explosives utilize, unlike chemical reactions. The most primitive known explosive was gunpowder. Gunpowder or black powder is considered a grand historical significance in chemistry. The principal application of gunpowder is as a â€Å"propellant.† Gunpowder was invented by Chinese alchemists during the 9th century. (Appleton) The gunpowder was prepared by assimilating rudimentary sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. The â€Å"Potassium nitrate, sulfur in addition to carbon† retort collectively to produce nitrogen & carbon dioxide gases along with potassium sulfide.  Ã‚  

HOW TO ATTRACT MORE BUSINESS MAJORTO QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITYCOLLEGE Essay

HOW TO ATTRACT MORE BUSINESS MAJORTO QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITYCOLLEGE - Essay Example And this college holds a good reputation which is because of the good quality education provided by the highly qualified faculty in here and also the environment provided by the administration. They provide well-planned curriculum that helps students in learning. It also provides job training program and short courses for businessmen and professionals so that they can excel in information technology. The college offers nine associate degree courses in liberal arts and sciences and fifteen in career development area and ten specialized certificate programs. Transfer program is for the students who are planning to continue their studies after completing this course. After completing two years program from this college they will be transferred to the senior college. Career program is for those students who wish to go for their careers and jobs right after completing their degrees. The most enrolled programs include liberal arts and sciences, business administration and nursing pre clinical. The Business department of Queens Borough College is one of the best in its respect. It has produced many students which are serving in different organization right now. It offers a good combination of courses in Business administration program that covers accounting, marketing, management and information technology etc. One course that is missing in the list is the Human Resource Management. Mostly business students like to opt Human Resource Management (HRM), as it is very popular and they can go in good career after completing their degree in HRM. So I suggest that HRM should be included in the list of the subjects. The Public Relations department should be improved, the first impression that the students get is about the college is from the attitude they receive from Information Desk or Office. So the people employed in Information Desk should be well-mannered and co-operative. The students who want to study Business as their major, wants to persuade their career in this field, so the college must recognize those students and should support them fully in achieving their target. Their target could be achieved by having quality education and the second thing that counts is that how much you are interacting with the real business environment in the city. They must be given assignments and projects that could be done by going to different organizations, like this they would be given a chance to be in contact with business people and the personnel that are sitting in actual market where they will go tomorrow for job hunting. Secondly, the faculty members should also get themselves in contact with the businessmen in the city so that when the students go to any organization, they should be fully recognized and be given proper attention at that place. The method of teaching and the environment in classroom and college must be unbiased towards minorities, like foreigners, African-Americans and women. If it is not, then it's a reason of creating discrimination and also this discrimination is a major reason of repulsion from any place or any environment. If they felt like this, they would never like to come to this place and would never like to study here. Delegations should be sent in high schools and there should be some training sessions for the students also. As they are the ones who will be getting admission in college and will be the one choosing

Thursday, October 17, 2019

History of Industrial Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

History of Industrial Design - Essay Example As a result of these negative impacts, major players such as Germany made great improvements to secure the future of plastics. Some of these changes were around things such as an assumption that the consumers would willingly and eagerly purchase the new and advanced plastic (Venturi & Rauch, 1978). Secondly, there was also the aspect of an emerging mass-culture. Mass media completely changed the culture of the plastic consumers. Also intensified new communication forms that never existed before made a cultural climate change inevitable. This plastic influence on culture emanating from the earlier motives of innovation and substitution drastically conditions the people’s perception on plastics and lifestyles. As a result of these changes, plastics continue to exist in the present world. High tech plastics are been applied in a world of places. The absolute dominance of plastics has to the world that it is not a bad thing as it was once thought. The American architect wrote his Complexity and contradiction in architecture to verify a fact in the theory of architecture and practice. Venturi tries to reinforce the principles of architecture back a mainstream that is always established under the popular culture. In his work, Venturi privileged some issues in an attempt to underscore his objective. Venturi privileged the non-straightforward Architecture. He clearly puts it clear the he appreciate and likes elements that are hybrid as opposed to pure, He also puts it openly that he likes elements that are distorted as opposed to straight forward ones (Venturi & Rauch, 1978). Secondly, on contradiction and simplification, he puts out clearly that the modern architects have opted for the primitive methods of solving problems while ignoring the most diverse and sophisticated ones. Venturi believes that for perfect work then the architects must establish a balance between these two sides of the coin. And lastly, venture also touches on the ambiguity.

What Specific Problems Could Be Created By the Permanent Assignment of Essay

What Specific Problems Could Be Created By the Permanent Assignment of a Judge to the Juvenile Division - Essay Example The researcher states that now the court administration is contemplating on whether or not it will be a wise decision to permanently assign a judge to the juvenile division. For a while, this idea might appear to be a sensible solution to the problem of increasing workload. By assigning a judge permanently to the juvenile division, the current hybrid approach of the court can be controlled considerably. Hence, the risk of increased ambiguity on the part of the court staffs will be lessened. Moreover, the efficiency of the different categories of the justice system can be increased if specialist judges are given permanent assignments to their respective area of specialization. However, every legal expect would not agree with the idea of permanent assignment. The permanent assignment may be theoretically a rewarding idea. Nevertheless, a judge who has to handle a permanent assignment is repeatedly exposed to the same type of cases. According to Baum, short term and long term specializa tions are the two most prominent categories of specialization in law. Hence, specialist judges are better trained in handling special courts and cases. Nevertheless, when some judges are given â€Å"permanent assignments to particular types of cases, including, by definition, judges who serve on specialized courts†, they face high psychological stress. This psychological stress results from repeated hearing of the same sort of cases. And if the court administrator starts to give a selected judge (particularly one who has been serving in a hybrid court system) similar cases constantly, he/she may be overwhelmed. Of course, the judge has to see the same sort of crimes, face the same sort of questions, and deal with the same branch of law (here, it is the juvenile code) all the time. In fact, when a judge is aware that he/she will have to hear the same kind of cases for a long period of time, this very reality may affect the way he/she thinks.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Sainsbury (in branch level) Organisational diagonis and problem Essay - 1

Sainsbury (in branch level) Organisational diagonis and problem analysis - Essay Example The changes suggested in regard to the firm’s leadership should be more effectively promoted trying to avoid delays in the restructuring of the organization aiming to minimize the risk of potential damages. It seems that through an effective plan of action the firm will be able to stabilize its performance in the British market and seek for further growth. Under the influence of globalisation, firms in all industries have to continuously update their practices in order to secure their position either locally or internationally. In certain sectors, competition is extremely high, especially when firms of similar characteristics are involved. The UK supermarket industry is an indicative example. When trying to develop their organizational plans, the firms that operate in the particular industry have to face a series of challenges and barriers. Current paper focuses on the review of Sainsbury’s organizational structure and practices. Efforts are made so that the firm’s organizational problems are diagnosed; among them, one is chosen and is further analysed and evaluated. Also, recommendations are made so that the specific problem to be eliminated or, if the above target is not feasible, just to be effectively controlled. In this context, a series of change intervention methods are presented and appropriately justified, aimin g to support the improvement of the organizational performance, as expected to result from the limitation or the elimination of the firm’s key organizational problem. The research over the organizational structure and performance of Sainsbury’s is based on appropriate documentary evidence, which includes material of the following kind: books published in the academic literature, articles published by organizations focusing on financial evaluation (e.g. Bloomberg), articles of newspapers and non-governmental

What Specific Problems Could Be Created By the Permanent Assignment of Essay

What Specific Problems Could Be Created By the Permanent Assignment of a Judge to the Juvenile Division - Essay Example The researcher states that now the court administration is contemplating on whether or not it will be a wise decision to permanently assign a judge to the juvenile division. For a while, this idea might appear to be a sensible solution to the problem of increasing workload. By assigning a judge permanently to the juvenile division, the current hybrid approach of the court can be controlled considerably. Hence, the risk of increased ambiguity on the part of the court staffs will be lessened. Moreover, the efficiency of the different categories of the justice system can be increased if specialist judges are given permanent assignments to their respective area of specialization. However, every legal expect would not agree with the idea of permanent assignment. The permanent assignment may be theoretically a rewarding idea. Nevertheless, a judge who has to handle a permanent assignment is repeatedly exposed to the same type of cases. According to Baum, short term and long term specializa tions are the two most prominent categories of specialization in law. Hence, specialist judges are better trained in handling special courts and cases. Nevertheless, when some judges are given â€Å"permanent assignments to particular types of cases, including, by definition, judges who serve on specialized courts†, they face high psychological stress. This psychological stress results from repeated hearing of the same sort of cases. And if the court administrator starts to give a selected judge (particularly one who has been serving in a hybrid court system) similar cases constantly, he/she may be overwhelmed. Of course, the judge has to see the same sort of crimes, face the same sort of questions, and deal with the same branch of law (here, it is the juvenile code) all the time. In fact, when a judge is aware that he/she will have to hear the same kind of cases for a long period of time, this very reality may affect the way he/she thinks.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The High Blood Pressure Essay Example for Free

The High Blood Pressure Essay The double whammy for people with hypertension is that the extra adrenalin required by being overweight or obese: constricts our arteries and blood vessels to raise our blood pressure and give us an energy boost ready to defend ourselves or to escape a dangerous situation; and it could also lead to type 2 diabetes! The good news is that losing weight need not be difficult or involve unappetizing diets. Losing weight is a natural way to reduce our high blood pressure. Here are my tips on how to lose weight healthily: # 1. Exercise: Take regular moderate cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking. Just 30 minutes brisk walking each day will improve our general health. Our heart and lungs will be strengthened; and, we will lose weight if we are burning more calories than we consume. We will also lower our high blood pressure. # 2. Diet: Adopt a healthy, calorie controlled diet that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, and is low in fat and salt. Avoid adding salt to your food at the table. Try to eat five different fruits and vegetables each day, of which at least one should be a green vegetable. Choose lean cuts of meat and try to have two portions of oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel, each a week. Some of the most successful weight loss diet plans advocate having six small healthy meals a day in stead of the usual two or three large meals. Try out the principles of food combining which lends itself to having several small meals a day. # 3. Drink plenty of water: Try to drink at least two litres of water a day; not all at once, of course, but aim to have eight glasses of water spread out through the day. Doing this will help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the temptation for us to cheat on our healthy calorie controlled diet. Our bodies will also be properly hydrated. Dehydration can cause high blood pressure.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Types of Cells in the Human Body

Types of Cells in the Human Body In this essay I will be looking at the human body and how it is organised, from the simple cell to how the body systems co-operate with each other and that everything functions properly. Firstly I will be looking at some simple cells that will group together to make up a tissue. The first cells I will be looking at will be the erythrocytes, the ova cells in women, the spermatozoon cell in men and the epithelial ciliated cells in the throat. The erythrocytes are made in the red bone marrow of short bones in the body such as the hip bone, breast bone, ribs etc . Red bone marrow can produce new erythrocytes at the rate of about 1 and half million per second to replace those destroyed . When first formed the erythrocyte has a nucleus, which when the cell matures the nucleus is squeezed out to make way for more haemoglobin to be stored inside the erythrocyte. The erythrocyte is very unique in size and structure; it has the look of a biconcave disk shape. These have inner components that allow the transport of oxygen and help the elimination of carbon dioxide. There are approximately 5 million erythrocytes per mmÂÂ ³ of blood. The redness of the red blood cell comes from the pigment it contains; it contains Haemoglobin which combines with oxygen easily to become oxyhaemoglobin there are 180 million haemoglobin molecules in one erythrocyte. Erythrocytes are about 7.8 micrometres in diameter. Erythrocytes can live up to 12 0 days inside the body, before they are broken down in the liver and the spleen by a macrophage. The function of the red blood cell is to primarily transport oxygen from the lungs around the body which can be used for many things, such as making amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates, Their second function is to get rid of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs to be excreted out by the lungs. Oxygen carried by the red blood cells can bind with iron atoms in the blood meaning that haemoglobin can carry 4 oxygen atoms at its maximum capacity. The ability of oxygen to bind with haemoglobin depends on a few factors such as the acidity of the blood and also the temperature. Erythrocytes make up 45% of blood inside the body; the other 55% is plasma. THE OVA CELLS The ova cells are produced in the ovaries of women. This is the by-product of the ovaries which is the tissue that makes the ova. The ovum is a smaller version of an ovary which is small enough to pass down the fallopian tube. This cell is visible and does not need a microscope to see it. It measures in diameter 120um. Its almost a perfect circular cell which has tough follicle cells surrounding the egg to protect it. These cells are normally called ova and they ovulate once every 28 days. The function of ova cells is so that it gives the spermatozoon a chance to fertilise the egg and it has to contain nutrients and metabolites to help sustain itself in early development to hopefully create a human life, as you may well know it is a cycle where once a month a egg develops in the ovaries and is passed down the fallopian tube where it can be fertilised, if fertilisation happens the inside the ova cell, cell division occurs until it reaches the uterus, if unfertilised it will pass out of the body, but if it is fertilised the weight of the ova will imbed itself into the uterus cell wall where it will grow and develop, a successful fertilisation normally is when the woman uterus cell wall is at its highest which is normally the 14th day since the last ovulation. Its structure is perfect for its function, if it was any other shape it could get stuck in the fallopian tube. THE SPERMATOZOON Otherwise known as the sperm cell, this cell is made in the seminiferous tubules in the testes which are lined by germinal epithelial cells which divide repeatedly, forming cells called spermatogonia. The spermatozoon have many structural sections which make it agile and fast. This cell is very specialised and it has some of what most cells have like a head consisting of a nucleus, which contains DNA conjugated with protein in a highly condensed form, mitochondria, microtubules and an acrosome. The nucleus contains the highly condensed set of chromosomes. The condensed state of genetic material reduces the amount of energy needed to transport the sperm. The microtubules produce the whip like movement of a mature sperm, which helps its suspension helping towards the swim to the egg. The mitochondria give the sperm cell the energy it needs to swim, and the acrosome is the storage site of enzymes which help the sperm digest the layers surrounding the egg thus being able to penetrate it. Its primary function is to fertilise an ovum cell, its structure helps it achieve its goal. THE EPITHELIAL CELLS Epithelial cells are produced pretty much anywhere needed in the body where something needs to be protected as we have different types of epithelial cells, take for instance we have squamous epithelium which is also known as pavement epithelium which is found in the walls of blood capillaries and alveoli in the lungs, we also have cuboidal epithelium which is found in some kidney tubules, columnar epithelium which is found in the lining of the small intestine, we also have glandular epithelium which is found in the lining of the rectum, we also have ciliated epithelium, this is formed in the windpipe and Its structure is takes is more of a columnar shape, it has ciliated hairs which beat away from the lungs to move mucus or any other micro-organisms and dust away from the lungs. Smokers are known to have damaged the ciliated hairs by the tar in the cigarettes making the hairs sticky and rigid or they have burnt them. It also has a cytoskeleton called the axoneme, the hairs itself is made of microtubules allowing the hairs to move with more flexibility Its function is just to keep out any foreign tissue, keep micro-organisms out and keep the lungs dust free, its structure helps it as the cilia hairs are facing away from the lungs meaning it will try and keep it by forcing it upwards. TISSUES The epithelial cells will group together to make epithelial tissue which is found in all areas and surfaces of the body, it is specialised to form a covering and or lining of all internal and external surfaces of the body. Epithelial tissue regardless of what type it is, it is separated from a thin-underlying tissue by a thin sheet of connective tissue, the basement membrane, which provides structural support for the epithelium and binds to other neighbouring structures. The ciliated cells in the throat group together to make ciliated epithelial tissue which is formed in a lining normally of the windpipe to help clear mucus, micro-organisms and any foreign tissue a lot more faster and easier than one cell alone. This helps to form one part of the respiratory system. Connective tissue is used to support the body and can bind or connect all tissues together. I will talk about one type of connective tissue which is going to be the bones in our body can also be about the bones in our body. The bones primarily give us the support we need and also give us locomotion to move, it protects delicate organs such as the brain from damage, and is also the site for where erythrocytes are made. It also plays a part in homeostasis which controls the amount of calcium in the blood. Under a microscope the bone is arranged in concentrated layers (lamellae) around the small canals called a haversian canal which interconnects to a volkmanns canal which contains a blood vessel, a lymph and nerve cell. Muscle tissue allows us to be able to relax or contrast our muscles to for us to exercise movement or do some work which requires us to use our muscles, its structure depends on the muscles that come from different areas of the body. We have smooth muscle tissue, skeletal muscle tissue and cardiac muscle tissue. I will now relate to one example which I will look at the structure and function of the smooth muscle tissue. The structure of smooth muscle tissue is made up of thin elongated muscle cells or fibres, these cells are long and pointed to the end and each cell has a large oval nucleus. The smooth muscle tissue is involuntary and we no control over it, some places you will find this tissue are the walls of the bladder, the uterus and the walls of blood vessels, its function is to control, slow involuntary movements such as the contraction of muscle tissue in the walls of the intestines and stomach. Nervous tissue is made up of nerve cells, also known as motor neuron which makes up one part of the nervous system. The structure of a motor neurone is pretty complex, these are lay up and down the body almost touching one another, via the dendrites through the axon, to the synapse, to be dissolved in neurotransmitters to another dendrite, and the central nervous system has three components for it to efficiently work, the motor neurone, the spinal cord and the brain. All motor neurones are connected to the spinal cord and the brain is connected to the spinal cord. A motor neurones function is to detect stimuli and respond to it adequately, it does this by sending electrical messages via the motor neurones to the spinal cord, to the brain and from the brain back to the motor neurones to the connected muscle to react to the stimuli. Its structure means the surface area of motor neurone is big enough to send high powered electrical messages at very high speeds. ORGAN SYSTEMS Up to now we have named a few cells which have developed into tissues, I will now look at the organs from the tissues that come together. The red blood cells have grouped up with plasma to make the blood, the squamous epithelial cells have grouped together to make capillaries, capillaries have grouped and made veins and arteries. All this is has made the circulatory system. The heart is the main organ in this system which too was made of a muscle cell which then grouped to make muscle tissue, making it what it is, the heart is specialised as a muscle as it needs pressure to pump the blood around the body, also it is hallow on the inside which allows the blood to fill the heart and then pump it around the body again. It is made of four chambers, which fill with blood, but they work separately because blood pumped into the heart is deoxygenated and pumped out oxygenated. Together they operate to form the circulatory system. BODY SYSTEMS The systems eventually start working together as one, like the respiratory system works with the circulatory system, the endocrine system works with the whole body giving it hormones, the nervous system works with the brain and spinal cord using nerve cells. The digestive system works alongside the reproductive system. With this in mind we will look at how the body systems work as one entire unit. To ensure we have life, we must to be able to breathe and for that to happen we need our heart beating with blood. The oxygen we breathe in is absorbed into the bloodstream which circulates around our body, picking up glucose and urea from the liver and arriving back at the lungs, and the waste products, like carbon dioxide is excreted. Blood contains waste products such as urea which is given to the liver and bile is added to this ready for digestion in the form of urine but that is after it has passed the kidneys. This links, the circulatory system, the respiratory system and digestive sy stem together. The endocrine system also helps the digestion system by regulating the water balance and blood pressure with the use of very important hormones, such as thyroxin which controls the bodys metabolism. The endocrine system also works with nervous system as it regulates internal functions and maintaining homeostasis. The reproductive system is linked to the digestive system as waste water is excreted through the sexual organs. So the body is linked in many ways to help it function as one whole unit.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Kants Formalism Theory Essay -- essays research papers fc

Kant's Formalism Theory The theories of Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, have had an impact on the formulation and shaping of ethics today. Immanuel Kant graced this earth from 1724 to 1804. During his eighty year life time, he formulated many interesting ideas regarding ethical conduct and motivation. Kant is strictly a non-consequentialist philosopher, which means that he believes that a person's choices should have nothing to do with the desired outcome, but instead mankind simply goes about doing good because it is morally correct. Kant theorizes that moral reasoning is not based on factual knowledge and that reason by itself can reveal the basic principles of morality. Ideas contemplated and developed and theorized by Kant include the concepts of good will, the categorical imperative, universal acceptability, and humanity as an end rather than a means. These non-consequential concepts have made a remarkable impression on current ethical views. According to Kant, the only good thing in the world is "good will." Other things might be desirable, but their ethical merit is only measured by an individual's good will. (Shaw, 65) As used by Kant, the term "will" is referred to as in individual's ability to act from principle. For example, if an individual performs a good deed motivated by anything other than the simple goodness of the deed, the individual is not ... Kants Formalism Theory Essay -- essays research papers fc Kant's Formalism Theory The theories of Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, have had an impact on the formulation and shaping of ethics today. Immanuel Kant graced this earth from 1724 to 1804. During his eighty year life time, he formulated many interesting ideas regarding ethical conduct and motivation. Kant is strictly a non-consequentialist philosopher, which means that he believes that a person's choices should have nothing to do with the desired outcome, but instead mankind simply goes about doing good because it is morally correct. Kant theorizes that moral reasoning is not based on factual knowledge and that reason by itself can reveal the basic principles of morality. Ideas contemplated and developed and theorized by Kant include the concepts of good will, the categorical imperative, universal acceptability, and humanity as an end rather than a means. These non-consequential concepts have made a remarkable impression on current ethical views. According to Kant, the only good thing in the world is "good will." Other things might be desirable, but their ethical merit is only measured by an individual's good will. (Shaw, 65) As used by Kant, the term "will" is referred to as in individual's ability to act from principle. For example, if an individual performs a good deed motivated by anything other than the simple goodness of the deed, the individual is not ...

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Influence of Emerson’s Self-Reliance on Gilman’s Yellow Wall-Paper

Influence of Emerson’s Self-Reliance on Gilman’s Yellow Wall-Paper      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The great writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string" (p. 1033). How surprised he would be to find out that a half century later this type of idea would culminate in a growing restlessness among American women unsatisfied with their lives and with their roles in society - a society dominated by men with little or no place for women outside the home. One of these female writers who helped lead the battle for domestic and social reform was Charlotte Perkins Gilman. One of her more particularly forceful works is "The Yellow Wall-Paper," meant to highlight the submissive and highly undervalued role women play in marriages at the time. Through this work, Gilman expressed her inner frustrations with the servitude women had to endure in their marriages during that time period, and she advocated her own brand of Emersonian non-conformity for women. By taking such a profoundly dismal outlook on married life, Gilman hoped to inspire other women to seek new roles not only in the domestic, but also public, arena. "The Yellow Wall-Paper" represents to a large degree what the feminist movement of the late 19th century was about, and by analyzing both the story and context of its creation, it becomes apparent the type of interpretation Gilman made of Emerson's work "Self-Reliance."    Although "The Yellow Wall-Paper" focuses on a wife's sudden decline into madness, the story brings forth a very important issue - that of women's roles not only in domestic life, but in society as well. It becomes abundantly apparent even from the first few lines of the story that the wife's views concern her place in the marr... ..." written nearly half a century earlier, but wished to apply it to women in order to achieve a similar greatness through liberation. Evidently, both authors have achieved their goals and have become literary founders of a new American image created during the 19th century, but transcending the boundaries of time even today. Works Cited and Consulted Boller, Paul. American Transcendentalism. New York: Capricorn Books, 1974. Emerson, Ralph. Self-Reliance. Ed. George McMichael. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1985. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. New York: Feminist Press, 1973. ------. The Living of Charlotte Perkins Gilman: An Autobiography. New York: D. Appleton-Century, 1935. Kasmer, Lisa. "Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper': A Symptomatic Reading." Literature and Psychology. 36, (1990): 1-15.      

Friday, October 11, 2019

The Twilight Saga 5: Midnight Sun 12. Complications

â€Å"Complications,† Jacob read. â€Å"I don't like the sound of that.† â€Å"I'm sure it's not as bad as it sounds,† Bella shrugged. Bella and I walked silently to biology. I was trying to focus myself on the moment, on the girl beside me, on what was real and solid, on anything that would keep Alice's deceitful, meaningless visions out of my head. â€Å"It's not meaningless,† Jacob muttered, â€Å"don't underestimate it.† We passed Angela Weber, lingering on the sidewalk, discussing an assignment with a boy from her Trigonometry class. I scanned her thoughts perfunctorily, expecting more disappointment, only to be surprised by their wistful tenor. Ah, so there was something Angela wanted. Unfortunately, it wasn't something that could be easily gift-wrapped. â€Å"She must like the guy,† Bella said. â€Å"This should be interesting,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"It will only work if the guy likes her back though,† Bella said. â€Å"But Angela is cool†¦ who wouldn't like her,† Jacob said. I felt strangely comforted for a moment, hearing Angela's hopeless yearning. A sense of kinship that Angela would never know about passed through me, and I was, in that second, at one with the kind human girl. â€Å"What does he mean by that†¦ your yearning isn't hopeless, Edward!† Bella huffed. It was oddly consoling to know that I wasn't the only one living out a tragic love story. Heartbreak was everywhere. â€Å"Argh,† Bella groaned. â€Å"Only if you keep thinking that way.† In the next second, I was abruptly and thoroughly irritated. Because Angela's story didn't have to be tragic. She was human and he was human and the difference that seemed so insurmountable in her head was ridiculous, truly ridiculous compared to my own situation. There was no point in her broken heart. What a wasteful sadness, when there was no valid reason for her not to be with the one she wanted. â€Å"Yeah, wasteful,† Bella muttered, thinking that Edward's was wasteful too, though he did have more of a reason to be so cautious. Why shouldn't she have what she wanted? Why shouldn't this one story have a happy ending? I wanted to give her a gift Well, I would give her what she wanted. Knowing what I did of human nature, it probably wouldn't even be very difficult. I sifted through the consciousness of the boy beside her, the object of her affections, and he did not seem unwilling, he was just stymied by the same difficulty she was. Hopeless and resigned, the way she was. â€Å"Come on, people, have faith in yourselves,† Jacob said. Bella, however, was thoughtful. She wondered if this was a mirror of how she and Edward felt†¦ both of them not fully realizing what they other felt. She was sure that her book self couldn't have known how much he loved her†¦ there was no possible way for her to know that. And she could see clearly that Edward didn't understand how much she lo†¦ er†¦ however she felt about him. She stopped that train of thought as something else seemed to go through her. She was wondering how strongly did she feel about this guy that she had yet to meet†¦ and she longed for that meeting to happen already. Jacob started reading then, drawing her concentration back to the book. All I would have to do was plant the suggestion The plan formed easily, the script wrote itself without effort on my part. I would need Emmett's helpgetting him to go along with this was the only real difficulty. Human nature was so much easier to manipulate than vampire nature. â€Å"You've got to watch out for this guy, Bells, he's definitely a speciesist,† Jacob said. â€Å"Whatever,† Bella rolled her eyes. I was pleased with my solution, with my gift for Angela. It was a nice diversion from my own problems. Would that mine were as easily fixed. My mood was slightly improved as Bella and I took our seats. Maybe I should be more positive. Maybe there was some solution out there for us that was escaping me, the way Angela's obvious solution was so invisible to her. Not likely But why waste time with hopelessness? I didn't have time to waste when it came to Bella. Each second mattered. Mr. Banner entered pulling an ancient TV and VCR. He was skipping through a section he wasn't particularly interested ingenetic disordersby showing a movie for the next three days. Lorenzo's Oil was not a very cheerful piece, but that didn't stop the excitement in the room. No notes, no test-able material. Three free days. The humans exulted. â€Å"It sounds kind of boring to me,† Bella mumbled and Jacob looked at her oddly. It didn't matter to me, either way. I hadn't been planning on paying any attention to anything but Bella. I did not pull my chair away from hers today, to give myself space to breathe. Instead, I sat close beside her like any normal human would. Closer than we sat inside my car, close enough that the left side of my body felt submerged in the heat from her skin. â€Å"I get it! She's hot!† Jacob said and laughed when Bella blushed and glared at him. It was a strange experience, both enjoyable and nerve-racking, but I preferred this to sitting across the table from her. It was more than I was used to, and yet I quickly realized that it was not enough. I was not satisfied. Being this close to her only made me want to be closer still. The pull was stronger the closer I got. I had accused her of being a magnet for danger. Right now, it felt like that was the literal truth. Bella rolled her eyes but chuckled at this. I was danger, and, with every inch I allowed myself nearer to her, her attraction grew in force. And then Mr. Banner turned the lights out. It was odd how much of a difference this made, considering that the lack of light meant little to my eyes. I could still see just as perfectly as before. Every detail of the room was clear. â€Å"That's cool,† Jacob said. â€Å"I wish I could see in the dark like that.† So why the sudden shock of electricity in the air, in this dark that was not dark to me? â€Å"Shock of electricity?† Bella raised an eyebrow. What was he talking about and why did that make her think of the first time he touched her in the second chapter (the first time he talked to her in the books)? Was it because I knew that I was the only one who could see clearly? That both Bella and I were invisible to the others? Like we were alone, just the two of us, hidden in the dark room, sitting so close beside one another My hand moved toward her without my permission. Just to touch her hand, to hold it in the darkness. Would that be such a horrific mistake? If my skin bothered her, she only had to pull away I yanked my hand back, folded my arms tightly across my chest and clenched my hands closed. No mistakes. I'd promised myself that I would make no mistakes, no matter how minimal they seemed. If I held her hand, I would only want moreanother insignificant touch, another move closer to her. I could feel that. A new kind of desire was growing in me, working to override my self-control. Jacob and Bella were thinking the complete opposite thing here. No mistakes. Bella folded her arms securely across her own chest, and her hands balled up into fists, just like mine. â€Å"You feeling this too, aren't you?† Jacob questioned, â€Å"and I know it didn't happen†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yeah, I think I am feeling this,† Bella answer before he could say any more. â€Å"I wonder what it means.† â€Å"It seems like you're calling to each other somehow,† Jacob said, and then he bit his lip. It seemed like some kind of instinctual reaction that went way beyond human†¦ whatever that means. What are you thinking? I was dying to whisper the words to her, but the room was too quiet to get away with even a whispered conversation. The movie began, lightening the darkness just a bit. Bella glanced up at me. She noted the rigid way I held my bodyjust like hersand smiled. Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes seemed full of warm invitations. Or perhaps I was seeing what I wanted to see. I smiled back; her breathing caught with a low gasp and she looked quickly away. That made it worse. I didn't know her thoughts, but I was suddenly positive that I had been right before, and that she wanted me to touch her. She felt this dangerous desire just as I did. Between her body and mine, the electricity hummed. Bella blushed, still not sure what this all meant, but had a good idea. She was also wondering what would happen if he did touch her. She didn't move all through the hour, holding her stiff, controlled pose as I held mine. Occasionally she would peek at me again, and the humming current would jolt through me with a sudden shock. â€Å"Um†¦ stop looking at him,† Jacob said. â€Å"I doubt I can help it,† Bella said. â€Å"Besides, he's looking at me nonstop†¦ I should be allowed to look too.† The hour passedslowly, and yet not slowly enough. This was so new, I could have sat like this with her for days, just to experience the feeling fully. â€Å"So the electricity was pleasant,† Jacob said. â€Å"Apparently,† Bella said evenly, but she was still blushing. I had a dozen different arguments with myself while the minutes passed, rationality struggling with desire as I tried to justify touching her. Finally, Mr. Banner turned the lights on again. In the bright fluorescent light, the atmosphere of the room returned to normal. Bella sighed and stretched, flexing her fingers in front of her. It must have been uncomfortable for her to hold that position for so long. It was easier for mestillness came naturally. â€Å"So now you're trying to mimic the vampires,† Jacob said shaking his head, trying to laugh. â€Å"Well, they are the coolest thing around,† Bella smiled when he made a face at that. I chuckled at the relieved expression on her face. â€Å"Well, that was interesting.† â€Å"Umm,† she murmured, clearly understanding what I referred to, but making no comment. What I wouldn't give to hear what she was thinking right now. â€Å"I would like to know that too,† Bella said. â€Å"I wouldn't have guessed that by your smug expression,† Jacob chuckled. I sighed. No amount of wishing was going to help with that. Both Bella and Jacob were chuckling at that. â€Å"Shall we?† I asked, standing. She made a face and got unsteadily to her feet, her hands splayed out as if she were afraid she was going to fall. I could offer her my hand. Or I could place that hand underneath her elbowjust lightlyand steady her. Surely that wouldn't be such a horrible infraction No mistakes. â€Å"How would that be a mistake?† Bella questioned. â€Å"Even with hearing his thoughts, I can't really understand most of his thinking,† Jacob shrugged. â€Å"Though it's clear that he's afraid of touching you.† She was very quiet as we walked toward the gym. The crease was in evidence between her eyes, a sign that she was deep in thought. I, too, was thinking deeply. One touch of her skin wouldn't hurt her, my selfish side contended. I could easily moderate the pressure of my hand. It wasn't exactly difficult, as long as I was firmly in control of myself. My tactile sense was better developed than a human's; I could juggle a dozen crystal goblets without breaking any of them; I could stroke a soap bubble without popping it. As long as I was firmly in control â€Å"And you're always in control, so it will be fine,† Bella said. â€Å"He's not always in control†¦ we've seen him out of control,† Jacob said anxiously. Bella just frowned at that and Jacob read on. Bella was like a soap bubblefragile and ephemeral. Temporary. How long would I be able to justify my presence in her life? How much time did I have? Would I have another chance like this chance, like this moment, like this second? She would not always be within my arm's reach Bella turned to face me at the gym's door, and her eyes widened at the expression on my face. She didn't speak. I looked at myself in the reflection of her eyes and saw the conflict raging in my own. I watched my face change as my better side lost the argument. â€Å"Who's to say what the better said is, Edward?† Bella mumbled to herself but Jacob heard. My hand lifted without a conscious command for it to do so. As gently as if she were made of the thinnest glass, as if she were fragile as a bubble, my fingers stroked the warm skin that covered her cheekbone. It heated under my touch, and I could feel the pulse of blood speed beneath her transparent skin. Enough, I ordered, though my hand was aching to shape itself to the side of her face. Enough. â€Å"He doesn't sound too controlled now,† Jacob muttered. â€Å"He's touch is gentle†¦ it's not hurting me,† Bella said. â€Å"But his mind doesn't seem to have control over his actions,† Jacob countered. â€Å"His instincts do.† â€Å"And what instinct is he following now?† Bella raised her eyebrows. â€Å"It's not to hurt me.† â€Å"Right,† Jacob mumbled, â€Å"but there still is an instinct in him that wants to hurt you†¦ don't forget that.† â€Å"I won't,† Bella sighed. â€Å"But that isn't the only instinct he has towards me now.† It was difficult to pull my hand back, to stop myself from moving closer to her than I already was. A thousand different possibilities ran through my mind in an instanta thousand different ways to touch her. The tip of my finger tracing the shape of her lips. My palm cupping under her chin. Pulling the clip from her hair and letting it spill out across my hand. My arms winding around her waist, holding her against the length of my body. Enough. I forced myself to turn, to move away from her. My body moved stiffly unwilling. I let my mind linger behind to watch her as I walked swiftly away, almost running from the temptation. I caught Mike Newton's thoughtsthey were the loudestwhile he watched Bella walk past him in oblivion, her eyes unfocused and her cheeks red. He glowered and suddenly my name was mingled with curses in his head; I couldn't help grinning slightly in response. â€Å"Too bad Mikey,† Jacob said, trying to chuckle again. My hand was tingling. I flexed it and then curled it into a fist, but it continued to sting painlessly. No, I hadn't hurt herbut touching her had still been a mistake. It felt like firelike the thirsting burn of my throat had spread throughout my entire body. The next time I was close to her, would I be able to stop myself from touching her again? And if I touched her once, would I be able to stop at that? â€Å"Yes,† Bella answered, there was no doubt in her, though Jacob wasn't totally convinced. No more mistakes. That was it. Savor the memory, Edward, I told myself grimly, and keep your hands to yourself. That, or I would have to force myself to leavesomehow. Because I couldn't allow myself near her if I insisted on making errors. I took a deep breath and tried to steady my thoughts. Emmett caught up to me outside the English building. â€Å"Hey, Edward.† He's looking better. Weird, but better. Happy. â€Å"Ah†¦ and him being happy is weird,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"Hey, Em.† Did I look happy? I supposed, despite the chaos in my head, I felt that way. Way to keep your mouth shut, kid. Rosalie wants to rip your tongue out. â€Å"I like to see her try†¦ and then get beaten down,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"That's not very nice,† Bella glared at him and he shrugged. I sighed. â€Å"Sorry I left you to deal with that. Are you angry with me?† â€Å"Naw. Rose'll get over it. It was bound to happen anyway.† With what Alice sees coming â€Å"Don't mention that,† Jacob flinched. Alice's visions were not what I wanted to think about right now. I stared forward, my teeth locking together. As I searched for a distraction, I caught sight of Ben Cheney entering the Spanish room ahead of us. Ahhere was my chance to give Angela Weber her gift. â€Å"Ben Cheney,† Bella mumbled and got out her year book to look at him. He was cute enough, though not her type at all. Still she studied the picture, if Angela and Ben liked each other she wanted them to be together in this reality, too. She thought that things might be different now that she knew what Edward was thinking about her, so she might have to be the one to help Ben and Angela out†¦ argh†¦ that wasn't really her strong point. Oh well, it will have to happen someway. I stopped walking and caught Emmett's arm. â€Å"Hold on a second.† What's up? â€Å"I know I don't deserve it, but would you do me a favor anyway?† â€Å"What is it?† he asked, curious. Under my breathand at a speed that would have made the words incomprehensible to a human no matter how loud they'd been spokenI explained to him what I wanted. He stared at me blankly when I was done, his thoughts as blank as his face. â€Å"That sound interesting,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"So?† I prompted. â€Å"Will you help me do it?† It took him a minute to respond. â€Å"But, why?† â€Å"C'mon, Emmett. Why not?† Who are you and what have you done with my brother? Bella and Jacob both chuckled at this. â€Å"Aren't you the one who complains that school is always the same? This is something a little different, isn't it? Consider it an experimentan experiment in human nature.† He stared at me for another moment before he caved. â€Å"Well, it is different, I'll give you that Okay, fine.† Emmett snorted and then shrugged. â€Å"I'll help you.† I grinned at him, feeling more enthusiastic about my plan now that he was on board. Rosalie was a pain, but I would always owe her one for choosing Emmett; no one had a better brother than mine. â€Å"Aw,† Jacob said in teasing voice but Bella smiled at what Edward had just said. Emmett didn't need to practice. I whispered his lines to him once under my breath as we walked into the classroom. Ben was already in his seat behind mine, assembling his homework to hand in. Emmett and I both sat and did the same thing. The classroom was not quiet yet; the murmur of subdued conversation would continue until Mrs. Goff called for attention. She was in no hurry, appraising the quizzes from the last class. â€Å"So,† Emmett said, his voice louder than necessaryif he were really speaking only to me. â€Å"Did you ask Angela Weber out yet?† â€Å"Oh†¦ I get it,† Jacob said laughing. â€Å"This should work.† The sound of papers rustling behind me came to an abrupt stop as Ben froze, his attention suddenly riveted on our conversation. Angela? They're talking about Angela? â€Å"Hm†¦ it definitely makes it easy that Edward knows what he's thinking,† Bella muttered. Good. I had his interest. â€Å"No,† I said, shaking my head slowly to appear regretful. â€Å"Why not?† Emmett improvised. â€Å"Are you chicken?† I grimaced at him. â€Å"No. I heard that she was interested in someone else.† Edward Cullen was going to ask Angela out? But No. I don't like that. I don't want him near her. He'snot right for her. Notsafe. â€Å"You got that right,† Jacob chuckled and Bella glared at him. â€Å"What? You want him to go out with Angela?† â€Å"Don't be ridiculous,† Bella rolled her eyes and Jacob laughed louder. I hadn't anticipated the chivalry, the protective instinct. I'd been working for jealousy. But whatever worked. â€Å"You're going to let that stop you?† Emmett asked scornfully, improvising again. Jacob laughed even more at that. â€Å"Not up for the competition?† I glared at him, but made use of what he gave me. â€Å"Look, I guess she really likes this Ben person. I'm not going to try to convince her otherwise. There are other girls.† The reaction in the chair behind me was electric. â€Å"Who?† Emmett asked, back to the script. â€Å"My lab partner said it was some kid named Cheney. I'm not sure I know who he is.† â€Å"That's rude†¦ the guy's right behind you,† Jacob muttered. â€Å"Um†¦ Jake, that's the point,† Bella said. â€Å"I know,† Jacob rolled his eyes. â€Å"I'm just saying it makes him sound like a stuck up†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Whatever,† Bella rolled her eyes. I bit back my smile. Only the haughty Cullens could get away with pretending not to know every student at this tiny school. Ben's head was whirling with shock. Me? Over Edward Cullen? But why would she like me? â€Å"Edward,† Emmett muttered in a lower tone, rolling his eyes toward the boy. â€Å"He's right behind you,† he mouthed, so obviously that the human could easily read the words. â€Å"Oh,† I muttered back. Jacob and Bella were laughing at this again. I turned in my seat and glanced once at the boy behind me. For a second, the black eyes behind the glasses were frightened, but then he stiffened and squared his narrow shoulders, affronted by my clearly disparaging evaluation. His chin shot out and an angry flush darkened his golden-brown skin. â€Å"Huh,† I said arrogantly as I turned back to Emmett. He thinks he's better than me. But Angela doesn't. I'll show him â€Å"Well, there's that problem solved,† Jacob chuckled. Perfect. â€Å"Didn't you say she was taking Yorkie to the dance, though?† Emmett asked, snorting as he said the name of the boy that many scorned for his awkwardness. â€Å"That was a group decision apparently.† I wanted to be sure that Ben was clear on this. â€Å"Angela's shy. If Bwell, if a guy doesn't have the nerve to ask her out, she'd never ask him.† â€Å"You like shy girls,† Emmett said, back to improvisation. Quiet girls. Girls likehmm, I don't know. Maybe Bella Swan? Jacob laughed at this line of teasing as Bella blushed. I grinned at him. â€Å"Exactly.† Then I returned to the performance. â€Å"Maybe Angela will get tired of waiting. Maybe I'll ask her to the prom.† No, you won't, Ben thought, straightening up in his chair. So what if she's so much taller than me? â€Å"Oh†¦ it's because he's short†¦ poor guy,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"I suppose that's not a problem you have to deal with,† Bella said, Jacob seemed pretty tall for his age. â€Å"Not at all,† Jacob said. â€Å"I think I might even have grown an inch since yesterday.† â€Å"Sure you did, Jake,† Bella rolled her eyes. If she doesn't care, then neither do I. She's the nicest, smartest, prettiest girl in this school and she wants me. I liked this Ben. He seemed bright and well-meaning. Maybe even worthy of a girl like Angela. â€Å"Well, it looks like there're three humans that he might think highly of,† Jacob chuckled. I gave Emmett a thumbs up under the desk as Mrs. Goff stood and greeted the class. Okay, I'll admit itthat was sort of fun, Emmett thought. I smiled to myself, pleased that I'd been able to shape one love story's happy ending. I was positive that Ben would follow through, and Angela would receive my anonymous gift. My debt was repaid. How silly humans were, to let a six inch height differential confound their happiness. â€Å"That is a pretty big difference,† Jacob said. â€Å"That guy must be a midget.† â€Å"Jake!† Bella reprimanded him. â€Å"Sorry,† Jacob sighed. My success put me in a good mood. I smiled again as I settled into my chair and prepared to be entertained. After all, as Bella had pointed out at lunch, I'd never seen her in action in her gym class before. â€Å"No,† Bella groaned and Jacob laughed in anticipation. Mike's thoughts were the easiest to pinpoint in the babble of voices that swarmed through the gym. His mind had gotten far too familiar over the last few weeks. With a sigh, I resigned myself to listening through him. At least I could be sure that he would be paying attention to Bella. I was just in time to hear him offer to be her badminton partner; as he made the suggestion, other partnerings ran through his mind. My smile faded, my teeth clenched together, and I had to remind myself that murdering Mike Newton was not a permissible option. â€Å"Hm†¦ I'm not so sure about that,† Jacob laughed. â€Å"It's not,† Bella said firmly. â€Å"Thanks, Mikeyou don't have to do this, you know.† â€Å"Don't worry, I'll keep out of your way.† They grinned at each other, and flashes of numerous accidentsalways in some way connected to Bellaflashed through Mike's head. Jacob started chuckling and Bella groaned. Mike played alone at first, while Bella hesitated on the back half of the court, holding her racket gingerly, as if it was some kind of weapon. Then Coach Clapp ambled by and ordered Mike to let Bella play. â€Å"Why?† Bella moaned, didn't the coach understand yet? Uh oh, Mike thought as Bella moved forward with a sigh, holding her racquet at an awkward angle. Jennifer Ford served the birdie directly toward Bella with a smug twist to her thoughts. Mike saw Bella lurch toward it, swinging the racket yards wide of her target, and he rushed in to try to save the volley. I watched the trajectory of Bella's racquet with alarm. Sure enough, it hit the taut net and sprung back at her, clipping her forehead before it spun out to strike Mike's arm with a resounding thwack. Jacob was howling with laughed and Bella turned bright red and held her head in her hands. That was a new all time low for her. â€Å"You really are awful,† Jacob choked out some time later. â€Å"Yeah, yeah, now can you continue reading,† Bella tried to sound as if this wasn't bothering her, but she was still red and her voice was too weak to pull that off. Ow. Ow. Ungh. That's going to leave a bruise. â€Å"Good,† Jacob said, his dying laughter starting again. Bella was kneading her forehead. It was hard to stay in my seat where I belonged, knowing she was hurt. But what could I do, if I were there? And it didn't seem to be serious I hesitated, watching. If she intended to continue to try to play, I was going to have to manufacture an excuse to pull her out of class. â€Å"Overreaction,† Bella rolled her eyes. The coach laughed. â€Å"Sorry, Newton.† That girl's the worst jinx I've ever seen. Shouldn't inflict her on the others More laughter for Jacob, but Bella was pleased that the coach seemed to get it better now. He turned his back deliberately and moved to watch another game so that Bella could return to her former spectator's role. Ow, Mike thought again, massaging his arm. He turned to Bella. â€Å"Are you okay?† â€Å"Yeah, are you?† she asked sheepishly, blushing. â€Å"I think I'll make it.† Don't want to sound like a crybaby. But, man, that hurts! â€Å"Crybaby,† Jacob laughed. Mike swung his arm in a circle, wincing. â€Å"I'll just stay back here,† Bella said, embarrassment and chagrin on her face rather than pain. Maybe Mike had got the worst of it. I certainly hoped that was the case. At least she wasn't playing anymore. She held her racquet so carefully behind her back, her eyes wide with remorse I had to disguise my laugh as coughing. What's funny? Emmett wanted to know. â€Å"You know†¦ if you were in Emmett's Gym class, I bet he would have liked you from the first day,† Jacob teased. â€Å"Shut up,† Bella hissed at him. â€Å"Tell you later,† I muttered. Bella didn't venture into the game again. The coach ignored her and let Mike play alone. I breezed through the quiz at the end of the hour, and Mrs. Goff let me go early. I was listening intently to Mike as I walked across the campus. He'd decided to confront Bella about me. Jessica swears they're dating. Why? Why did he have to pick her? He didn't recognize the real phenomenonthat she'd picked me. â€Å"Don't go overboard with that,† Bella rolled her eyes, it was more of a phenomenon that he had picked her after a hundred years after all. â€Å"So.† â€Å"So what?† she wondered. â€Å"You and Cullen, huh?† You and the freak. I guess, if a rich guy is that important to you†¦ Bella was glaring at the book, she didn't like this assumption at all, but what was really getting to her was how very wrong Mike was†¦ Edward was so much more than just a rich guy. I gritted my teeth at his degrading assumption. â€Å"That's none of your business, Mike.† Defensive. So it's true. Crap. â€Å"I don't like it.† â€Å"You don't have to,† she snapped. Why can't she see what a circus sideshow he is? Like they all are. Bella was glaring more at the book than before, not liking his way of thinking at all. The way he stares at her. It gives me chills to watch. â€Å"He looks at you likelike you're something to eat.† Bella and Jacob both tensed a little at that†¦ it wasn't good that Mike was able to notice that. I cringed, waiting for her response. Her face turned bright red, and her lips pressed together like she was holding her breath. Then, suddenly, a giggle burst through her lips. â€Å"You laughed?† Jacob looked at her incredulously. â€Å"Um†¦ the irony of that must have gotten to me,† Bella said. â€Å"I'm sure it was a nervous laugh if that makes you feel any better.† â€Å"It doesn't,† Jacob said and then started reading again. Now she's laughing at me. Great. Mike turned, thoughts sullen, and wandered off to change. I leaned against the gym wall and tried to compose myself. How could she have laughed at Mike's accusationso entirely on target that I began to worry that Forks was becoming too aware Why would she laugh at the suggestion that I could kill her, when she knew that it was entirely true? Where was the humor in that? What was wrong with her? â€Å"Nothing's wrong with me,† Bella huffed. â€Å"I beg to differ,† Jacob chuckled, though he was giving her an odd look, too. Did she have morbid sense of humor? That didn't fit with my idea of her character, but how could I be sure? Or maybe my daydream of the giddy angel was true in the one respect, in that she had no sense of fear at all. Bravethat was one word for it. â€Å"I'm not brave,† Bella mumbled. Others might say stupid, â€Å"So I guess you're stupid then,† Jacob chuckled and Bella glared at him. but I knew how bright she was. No matter what the reason, though, this lack of fear or twisted sense of humor wasn't good for her. Was it this strange lack that put her in danger so constantly? Maybe she would always need me here Just like that, my mood was soaring. If I could just discipline myself, make myself safe, then perhaps it would be right for me to stay with her. When she walked through the gym doors, her shoulders were stiff and her lower lip was between her teeth againa sign of anxiety. But as soon as her eyes met mine, her rigid shoulders relaxed and a wide smile spread across her face. It was an oddly peaceful expression. She walked right to my side without hesitation, only stopping when she was so close that her body heat crashed over me like a tidal wave. â€Å"Hi,† she whispered. The happiness I felt in this moment was, again, without precedent. â€Å"Hello,† I said, and thenbecause with my mood suddenly so light I couldn't resist teasing herI added, â€Å"How was gym?† â€Å"Argh†¦ did he have to mention that?† Bella groaned. â€Å"Yep,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"Besides, isn't it better that you know he's watching you†¦ not as creepy that way at least.† â€Å"Whatever,† Bella shrugged. Her smile wavered. â€Å"Fine.† She was a poor liar. â€Å"True,† Jacob and Bella both said. â€Å"Really?† I asked, about to press the issueI was still concerned about her head; was she in painbut then Mike Newton's thoughts we so loud they broke my concentration. I hate him. I wish he would die. I hope he drives that shiny car right off a cliff. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Stick to his own kindto the freaks. â€Å"What does he mean, his own kind?† Jacob asked. â€Å"He doesn't know that Edward is a vampire.† â€Å"I suppose he means rich?† Bella said slowly, not sure of the answer herself. â€Å"That or he instinctively knows that Edward is different.† â€Å"What?† Bella demanded. My eyes refocused on her face. She looked at Mike's retreating back, and then at me again. â€Å"Newton's getting on my nerves,† I admitted. Her mouth fell open, and her smile disappeared. She must have forgotten that I'd had the power to watch through her calamitous last hour, or hoped that I hadn't utilized it. â€Å"More likely the latter,† Bella said, after all he had demonstrated that gift quite well during their last few encounters. â€Å"You weren't listening again?† â€Å"How's your head?† â€Å"You're unbelievable!† she said through her teeth, and then she turned away from me and stalked furiously toward the parking lot. Her skin flushed dark redshe was embarrassed. â€Å"You got that right,† Jacob said. â€Å"Well, no one asked him to watch me in Gym,† Bella grumbled, her clumsiness was always a sore spot for her. I kept pace with her, hoping that her anger would pass soon. She was usually quick to forgive me. â€Å"You were the one who mentioned how I'd never seen you in Gym,† I explained. â€Å"It made me curious.† She didn't answer; her eyebrows pulled together. She came to a sudden halt in the parking lot when she realized that the way to my car was blocked by a crowd of male students. I wonder how fast they've gone in this thing Look at the SMG shift paddles. I've never seen those outside of a magazine Nice side grills Sure wish I had sixty thousand dollars laying around â€Å"Um†¦ Jacob do you want me to leave,† Bella chuckled as Jacob was practically drooling at the description of the car. â€Å"No, but I want you to get me into the Cullen garage sometime in the future,† Jacob said. â€Å"You do realize that's Rosalie's car†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bella said smirking. â€Å"Argh,† Jacob groaned. â€Å"Why did you have to remind me of that?† This was exactly why it was better for Rosalie to only use her car out of town. I wound through the throng of lustful boys to my car; after a second of hesitation, Bella followed suit. â€Å"Ostentatious,† I muttered as she climbed in. â€Å"What kind of car is that?† she wondered. â€Å"An M3.† She frowned. â€Å"I don't speak Car and Driver.† â€Å"Come on, Bella!† Jacob groaned. â€Å"You should know that at least.† â€Å"Sorry,† Bella shrugged, chuckling at his behavior. â€Å"It's a BMW.† I rolled my eyes and then focused on backing out without running anyone down. I had to lock eyes with a few boys that didn't seem willing to move out of my way. A half-second meeting my gaze seemed to be enough to convince them. â€Å"Is that car really that special?† Bella rolled her eyes. Jacob just stared at her incredulously. â€Å"I guess it is,† Bella mumbled. â€Å"Are you still angry?† I asked her. Her frown had relaxed. â€Å"Definitely,† she answered curtly. I sighed. Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up. Oh well. I could try to make amends, I supposed. â€Å"Will you forgive me if I apologize?† She thought about that for a moment. â€Å"Maybeif you mean it,† she decided. â€Å"And if you promise not to do it again.† â€Å"Don't hold your breath,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"I know†¦ that's never going to happen,† Bella chuckled too. I wasn't going to lie to her, and there was no way I was agreeing to that. Perhaps if I offered her a different exchange. â€Å"How about if I mean it, and I agree to let you drive this Saturday?† I cringed internally at the thought. â€Å"Oh†¦ that works,† Bella said. The furrow popped into existence between her eyes as she considered the new bargain. â€Å"Deal,† she said after a moment of thought. Now for my apology I'd never tried to dazzle Bella on purpose before, but now seemed like a good time. â€Å"Oh great,† Bella mumbled, blushing already. The thought of him actually trying to dazzle her was too much for her. I stared deep into her eyes as I drove away from the school, wondering if I was doing it right. I used my most persuasive tone. â€Å"Then I'm very sorry I upset you.† Her heartbeat thudded louder than before, and the rhythm was abruptly staccato. Her eyes widened, looking a little stunned. I half-smiled. It seemed like I'd gotten it right. Of course, I was having a bit of difficulty looking away from her eyes, too. Equally dazzled. It was a good thing I had this road memorized. â€Å"What?† Bella said, snapping out of her daze†¦ she liked thinking of them both being dazzled by each other†¦ but still, â€Å"He's not even looking at the road!† â€Å"But he has it memorized†¦ that's just as good,† Jacob laughed at her expression. â€Å"That is not good at all!† Bella snapped, note to self, no dazzling in the car†¦ um†¦ while it's moving at least. â€Å"And I'll be on your doorstep bright and early Saturday morning,† I added, finishing the agreement. She blinked swiftly, shaking her head as if to clear it. â€Å"Um,† she said, â€Å"it doesn't help with the Charlie situation if an unexplained Volvo is left in the driveway.† â€Å"He's not going to take his car,† Bella said, how little she understood him in this book. Ah, how little she still knew me. â€Å"I wasn't intending to bring a car.† Bella blinked at that and then smiled, it was nice knowing they could think alike. â€Å"How† she started to ask. I interrupted her. The answer would be hard to explain without a demonstration, and now was hardly the time. â€Å"Don't worry about it. I'll be there, no car.† She put her head on one side, and looked for a second like she was going to press for more, but then she seemed to change her mind. â€Å"Is it later yet?† she asked, reminding me of our unfinished conversation in the cafeteria today; she'd let go of one difficult question just to return another that was more unappealing. â€Å"Yeah, isn't that nice of her,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"I suppose it is later,† I agreed unwillingly. I parked in front of her house, tensing as I tried to think of how to explainwithout making my monstrous nature too evident, without frightening her again. Or was that wrong? To minimalize my darkness? She waited with the same politely interested mask she'd worn at lunch. If I'd been less anxious, her preposterous calm would have made me laugh. â€Å"And you still want to know why you can't see me hunt?† I asked. â€Å"Well, mostly I was wondering about your reaction,† she said. â€Å"Did I frighten you?† I asked, positive that she would deny it. â€Å"No.† I tried not to smile, and failed. â€Å"I apologize for scaring you.† And then my smile vanished with the momentary humor. â€Å"It was just the very thought of you being therewhile we hunted.† Jacob shivered at that. â€Å"That would be bad?† The mental picture was too muchBella, so vulnerable in the empty darkness; myself, out of control I tried to banish it from my head. â€Å"Well, you don't have to send it our way,† Jacob snapped. â€Å"Extremely.† â€Å"Because† I took a deep breath, concentrating for one moment on the burning thirst. Feeling it, managing it, proving my dominion over it. It would never control me againI willed that to be true. I would be safe for her. I stared at the welcome clouds without seeing them, wishing I could believe that my determination would make any difference if I were hunting when I crossed her scent. â€Å"When we huntwe give ourselves over to our senses,† I told her, thinking through each word before I spoke it. â€Å"Govern less with our minds. Especially our sense of smell. If you were anywhere near me when I lost control that way† Jacob and Bella both shivered at that. No, she could definitely never see him hunt. I shook my head in agony at the thought of what wouldnot what could, but what wouldsurely happen then. I listened to the spike in her heartbeat, and then turned, restless, to read her eyes. Bella's face was composed, her eyes grave. Her mouth was pursed just slightly in what I guessed was concern. But concern for what? Her own safety? Or my anguish? I continued to stare at her, trying to translate her ambiguous expression into sure fact. â€Å"Your anguish, I'm sure,† Jacob mumbled. â€Å"She puts others before herself.† â€Å"You don't have to make it sound like a bad thing,† Bella sighed. She gazed back. Her eyes grew wider after a moment, and her pupils dilated, though the light had not changed. My breathing accelerated, and suddenly the quiet in the car seemed to be humming, just like in the darkened biology room this afternoon. The pulsing current raced between us again, and my desire to touch her was, briefly, stronger even than the demands of my thirst. â€Å"Um†¦ this really is pretty freaky,† Jacob muttered and Bella rolled her eyes, curious to know what this really meant. The throbbing electricity made it feel like I had a pulse again. My body sang with it. Like I was human. More than anything in the world, I wanted to feel the heat of her lips against mine. For one second, I struggled desperately to find the strength, the control, to able to put my mouth so close to her skin Bella froze in place†¦ waiting in anticipation†¦ heart hammering. Jacob shifted uncomfortably and was wary about how dangerous that would be. She sucked in a ragged breath, and only then did I realize that when I had started breathing faster, she had stopped breathing altogether. I closed my eyes, trying to break the connection between us. No more mistakes. Bella sighed sadly. Bella's existence was tied to a thousand delicately balanced chemical processes, all so easily disrupted. The rhythmic expansion of her lungs, the flow of oxygen, was life or death to her. The fluttering cadence of her fragile heart could be stopped by so many stupid accidents or illnesses orby me. I did not believe that any member of my family would hesitate if he or she were offered a chance backif he or she could trade immortality for mortality again. Any one of us would stand in fire for it. Burn for as many days or centuries as were necessary. â€Å"But you can't go back,† Bella said sadly, which meant that if they were ever going to be equal she would have to change†¦ Most of our kind prized immortality above anything else. There were even humans who craved this, who searched in dark places for those who could give them the blackest of gifts Not us. Not my family. We would trade anything to be human. â€Å"Right,† Jacob said, and he believed what Edward was saying, it really did explain why they did what they did. But none of us had ever been as desperate for a way back as I was now. I stared at the microscopic pits and flaws in the windshield, like there was some solution hidden in the glass. The electricity had not faded, and I had to concentrate to keep my hands on the wheel. My right hand began to sting without pain again, from when I'd touched her before. â€Å"Bella, I think you should go inside now.† She obeyed at once, without comment, getting out of the car and shutting the door behind herself. Did she feel the potential for disaster as clearly as I did? â€Å"Um†¦ I'm sure I felt the electricity†¦ and noticed that you don't want to touch me,† Bella sighed, â€Å"I'm probably just following your lead.† Did it hurt her to leave, as it hurt me to let her go? The only solace was that I would see her soon. Sooner than she would see me. I smiled at that, then rolled the window down and leaned across to speak to her one more timeit was safer now, with the heat of her body outside the car. She turned to see what I wanted, curious. Still curious, though she'd asked me so many questions today. â€Å"Oh there're so many more questions I have for you,† Bella said. My own curiosity was entirely unsatisfied; answering her questions today had only revealed my secrets â€Å"It looks like he's thinking the same thing,† Jacob chuckled. I'd gotten little from her but my own conjectures. That wasn't fair. â€Å"Oh, Bella?† â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Tomorrow it's my turn.† Her forehead puckered. â€Å"Your turn to what?† â€Å"Ask the questions.† Tomorrow, when we were in a safer place, surrounded by witnesses, I would get my own answers. I grinned at the thought, and then I turned away because she made no move to leave. Even with her outside of the car, the echo of the electricity zinged in the air. I wanted to get out, too, to walk her to her door as an excuse to stay beside her No more mistakes. I hit the gas, and then sighed as she disappeared behind me. It seemed like I was always running toward Bella or running away from her, never staying in place. I would have to find some way to hold my ground if we were ever going to have any peace. â€Å"Well, that's most definitely true,† Bella said. â€Å"I wonder what he's going to ask me.† â€Å"Well, it looks like you're going to have to wait a long time to figure out,† Jacob said putting the book down. â€Å"Why?† Bella said looking at the clock, it was nine. â€Å"We still have some time.† â€Å"That's not why,† Jacob chuckled. â€Å"It's because that was the end of the book.† â€Å"What?† Bella said. â€Å"That can't be the end†¦ there so much more†¦ I don't know what happens!† â€Å"Sorry, Bells, that's it,† Jacob shrugged. â€Å"Is there at note or anything like that?† Bella asked, picking up the book and noticing a small note and read: I'm sorry that this was all that I could give you, but this was all I could write before you got to school. But there is no need to worry; your story goes on for a long time after this. Bella frowned as she read this, how could this person end the book here but promise that there is a lot more for her to find out? â€Å"Who is this SM person?† â€Å"Um†¦ I'm not sure, but it's the person that left me the note in the first place,† Jacob said. â€Å"Yeah, I figured,† Bella rolled her eyes. â€Å"So†¦ um†¦ what do we do now?† Jacob asked. â€Å"I'm not sure,† Bella said. â€Å"But you're planning on meeting this Edward guy for real, aren't you,† Jacob said. â€Å"Of course,† Bella looked at him suspiciously. He had promised at one time that he wouldn't let that happen. She hoped he had changed his mind because there was no way she would allow that. â€Å"And how do you plan on meeting him at first?† Jacob questioned. â€Å"Um†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bella said, she didn't think of that but he was right†¦ the first meeting really was something that she had to think about†¦ Edward was, after all going to be deathly attracted to her. â€Å"I suppose we'll just have to think of something.†