Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children Research Paper

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children - Research Paper Example Atopic eczema is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease in children. The prevalence of this disease in Western countries, in children of six years old, reaches 20% (Department of Health, 2010). ADHD is significantly associated with dermatitis. Allergic comorbidities (asthma, allergic rhinitis) are not significantly associated with ADHD (Rubin, Fein & Vandenberg, 1983). The clinical relevance of this association is small, as it does not establish a causal relationship between them and the direction of the association. From time to time, most of the people have trouble concentrating or paying attention in class. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help transmit messages between nerve cells in the brain (Department of Health, 2010). Besides in the form of tablets, methylphenidate is also available as a patch, called Daytrana, which can be placed directly on the skin to allow the drug to be absorbed. There are various disorders that prevail amongst the children and female in the current era. One such disorder is the attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder. This paper will elaborate upon the background, features, symptoms, and causes of the disorder existing amongst children. It will also discuss the relationship of ADHD to Eczema and explanation regarding the safety of the ADHD medications on children. This topic has been chosen o be studied due to the reason that the prevalence of ADHD has become widespread amongst women and children these days. The symptoms of the disorder are now commonly occurring amongst the people of young ages. Therefore, it is necessary that the topic is studied in terms of its relevance, significance, and background.

Adorno notes Essay Example for Free

Adorno notes Essay Theory Adorno argues that Capitalism provides society with the products of a culture industry in order to keep them passive to their positions and prevent them from questioning it. Capitalism uses culture as a way of securing the status quo by providing society with the norms and values of the dominant class. Popular culture is the reason for society being passive towards their positions and uninterested in overthrowing the capitalist system through reminding them that this is the way it hould be. Cultural industries produce unsophisticated, repetitive products rather than something which may lead society to question life. They produce programmes with hidden messages which are absorbed by the viewer, enforcing the norms and values of the capitalists. False needs are created by the capitalist system in order to keep society in a placid state, wanting something that they have been told they should want but that they do not need. This is created and satisfied by the capitalist ystem while also working in their interest. In television, the difference between high and low culture barely exists as it is so easily accessed by everyone and so class distinctions fade unlike the opera where it is only accessible to a few and so is still seen as high culture. Adorno uses the example of an underpaid schoolteacher who is living in poverty but is clever and so the underlying message is that she will be okay because she is intelligent. He argues how dangerous the use of stereotypes are ithin television, he uses the example of a young, pretty girl who the viewer should instantly like because she is pretty, a pretty girl can do no wrong and so even when she does do wrong, she gets off very lightly with it. Lecture notes Critical theory not keen on television not for effect of violence/propaganda Mass audience same thing sold at the same time, different to live/art TV entertainment, not art = big audience = big profit repetitive, series, seasons, run on investment hrough advertising Compound industrial form, tv is accumulation of radio/film/plays/ music/novels Dumbling down? tv is art, freedom of the art to express anything, mass culture, makes money, profits, advertising Critique of ideology obscures real conditions of existence, smooths over issues/contradictions, system of ideas for everyone, relies on compliance of workers with system Critical theory commercial/ capital interests dominate Critique/opposition/reason suppressed TV more complex more layers, can be critical

The Pathological Protagonist of Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground

The Pathological Protagonist of Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground Dostoevsky’s vision of the world is violent and his characters tortured; it is no wonder that many have viewed his work as prophetic of the 20th century. However, though Dostoevsky, in his unflinching portrayal of depravity, gives the Devil some of his best arguments, the Gospel often triumphs. Ivan Karamazov is at least offered the possibility of repentance when kissed by his saintly brother Alyosha. Raskolnikov, the nihilistic antihero of Crime and Punishment, is eventually redeemed through the love of the pure prostitute Sonja. Notes from the Underground, however, breaks this pattern. The protagonist of this novel, who, uncharacteristically for Dostoevsky, is also the narrator, is not redeemed by his encounter with a prostitute, but rather degrades both her and himself by his actions. While Notes from the Underground has often been analyzed from a philosophical perspective, as Dostoevsky’s defense of free will against the mechanistic determinism and utilitarian moral theories popular in his day, it is more properly viewed as a character study. This view is necessitated, Ralph Matlaw writes, by the unreliability of the underground man as a guide to his own character and motivations (102). One who consistently proves to be a liar in matters of fact is not likely to be an honest theoretician either. The underground man himself, nearing the conclusion of his philosophical reflections, writes, â€Å"I swear to you, gentlemen, there is not one thing, not one word of what I have written that I really belie ve. That is, I believe it, perhaps, but at the same time I feel and suspect that I am lying like a cobbler† (Dostoevsky 212). Regarding the novel as prima... ...y, NY: Anchor Books, 1960. Lethcoe, James. â€Å"Self-Deception in Dostoevskij's Notes from the Underground.† The Slavic and East European Journal 10.1 (Spring, 1966): 9-21. Matlaw, Ralph. â€Å"Structure and Integration in Notes from the Underground.† PMLA 73.1 (March 1958): 101-109. Meerson, Olga. â€Å"Old Testament Lamentation in the Underground Man’s Monologue: A Refutation of the Existentialist Reading of Notes from the Underground.† The Slavic and East European Journal, 36.3 (Autumn 1992): 317-322. Morson, Gary Saul. â€Å"Paradoxical Dostoevsky.† The Slavic and East European Journal 43.3 (Autumn 1999): 471-494. Paris, Bernard. â€Å"Notes from Underground: A Horneyan Analysis.† PMLA 88.3 (May 1973): 511-522. Rosenshield, Gary. â€Å"The Fate of Dostoevskij's Underground Man: The Case for an Open Ending.† The Slavic and East European Journal 28.3 (Autumn, 1984): 324-339. The Pathological Protagonist of Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground The Pathological Protagonist of Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground Dostoevsky’s vision of the world is violent and his characters tortured; it is no wonder that many have viewed his work as prophetic of the 20th century. However, though Dostoevsky, in his unflinching portrayal of depravity, gives the Devil some of his best arguments, the Gospel often triumphs. Ivan Karamazov is at least offered the possibility of repentance when kissed by his saintly brother Alyosha. Raskolnikov, the nihilistic antihero of Crime and Punishment, is eventually redeemed through the love of the pure prostitute Sonja. Notes from the Underground, however, breaks this pattern. The protagonist of this novel, who, uncharacteristically for Dostoevsky, is also the narrator, is not redeemed by his encounter with a prostitute, but rather degrades both her and himself by his actions. While Notes from the Underground has often been analyzed from a philosophical perspective, as Dostoevsky’s defense of free will against the mechanistic determinism and utilitarian moral theories popular in his day, it is more properly viewed as a character study. This view is necessitated, Ralph Matlaw writes, by the unreliability of the underground man as a guide to his own character and motivations (102). One who consistently proves to be a liar in matters of fact is not likely to be an honest theoretician either. The underground man himself, nearing the conclusion of his philosophical reflections, writes, â€Å"I swear to you, gentlemen, there is not one thing, not one word of what I have written that I really belie ve. That is, I believe it, perhaps, but at the same time I feel and suspect that I am lying like a cobbler† (Dostoevsky 212). Regarding the novel as prima... ...y, NY: Anchor Books, 1960. Lethcoe, James. â€Å"Self-Deception in Dostoevskij's Notes from the Underground.† The Slavic and East European Journal 10.1 (Spring, 1966): 9-21. Matlaw, Ralph. â€Å"Structure and Integration in Notes from the Underground.† PMLA 73.1 (March 1958): 101-109. Meerson, Olga. â€Å"Old Testament Lamentation in the Underground Man’s Monologue: A Refutation of the Existentialist Reading of Notes from the Underground.† The Slavic and East European Journal, 36.3 (Autumn 1992): 317-322. Morson, Gary Saul. â€Å"Paradoxical Dostoevsky.† The Slavic and East European Journal 43.3 (Autumn 1999): 471-494. Paris, Bernard. â€Å"Notes from Underground: A Horneyan Analysis.† PMLA 88.3 (May 1973): 511-522. Rosenshield, Gary. â€Å"The Fate of Dostoevskij's Underground Man: The Case for an Open Ending.† The Slavic and East European Journal 28.3 (Autumn, 1984): 324-339.

Himalayan Herders Reaction Essay

The film â€Å"Himalayan Herders† portrayed mountain pastoralists from Himalaya. This movie covered many points on the lifestyle of these indigenous people. This documentary styled film covers many aspects of ethnography. This ranges from religion, to death ceremonies. This video did a very good job of portraying these people and it was very ethnographic about it. As far as ethnography is concerned, this film is full of it. This group of people is considered pastoralists. This means that they like to remain in one area. Also, they are farmers and herders. An example of this is how potatoes are the staple of their diet. An example of how they are herders includes how they raise Zomo, which are cows in combination with yaks. This is because theses pastoralists use the milk of a cow for many things but live at higher altitudes, which yaks can handle. There is definitely a division of labor among the genders. The women are responsible for tending to the Zomo, milking them and making butter from the milk. The women also have help from the children. While the children are helping, they are also learning how to tend the Zomo for future responsibilities. Essentially the only responsibility the men have in regards to the Zomo is taking them out to feed, while the women have to take the time to milk them, churn butter, and make cheese. Something else that men are responsible for however includes creating objects and art out of color dyed butter for a ceremony called the Nara. Men also have the responsibility of performing the rituals at the Nara. Another aspect of pastoralist culture covered here was their economic system. For a while, the mountain pastoralists of the Himalayas didn’t use a coin or paper form of currency. More often than not, grain was considered currency. Grain could be traded for tools and useful things for the group. More recently however, coin currency has been used. Coin currency can be traded for sheep and vica-versa. Sheep are another important part of their lives. Sheep were of course used for their wool and the women had the responsibility to turn the wool into textiles to be worn or for other uses. The wool was turned into a yarn like string by hand, by tightening it up. After that, the women used a series of sticks and intricately created fabric which was its useable form. The point of view of this film is in the form of a narrator. A narrator educates the viewers on the day to day lives of these people with the occasional interview-style scene which would include an individual from this particular society speaking about an aspect of it. With this style, we get to hear about what the people within the group think and how they feel about certain topics. I don’t believe the narrator is biased because it seems to me that they have done a lot of studying this society and instead of giving opinions, is giving generalizations and genuine facts. I believe that the people that where studied would generally give us the same information the narrator provided. This is because, as stated above, the narrator is essentially just sticking to the facts and presenting to us in the same way the individuals in the group would. If anything, this film shows empathy. The narrator shows no sign of feeling sorry for this group when he talks and is just presenting the information for us to perceive. The narrator seems to have an understanding of the culture and does not show resentment in the least bit. After watching the film, I don’t dislike the group either; however, I also wouldn’t say I admire them. I feel indifferent towards them. They are going about their lives, surviving the way they know how to and the way that was taught to them which is respectful. It would be very easy for them to just stop and let technology do everything for them like we do here but they carry on living simple lives. In all honesty, I suppose I feel respect for them. I believe it would be fantastic to live a simple life and really only have to worry about what daily tasks lie ahead of you. Although it would be nice, it would also be nearly impossible for someone in our culture such as me to just drop everything and go move into a mountain. This culture is honestly not a lot like my own. In my society we shop in grocery stores whereas in this culture they basically make everything they use from scratch. It’s hard to find a similarity except a little bit in the death ceremony. In the death ceremony, the dead is put into a wooden box where no spirits can enter. When someone in America is buried, this is also done in a wooden box but a much more intricate one. The school system is also much different. There is barely a school system there. If I’m not mistaken, a school system is a very new concept for them where here, school is life. In conclusion, this film did a great job of describing the mountain pastoralists of the Himalayas. It was very ethnographic and covered many aspects of their culture. The narrator also did not appear to have any biases. That is a huge part of learning about a society. It is always best to have a narrator that just relays information to you and then cut to a scene of an individual within the group talking about it. That way, we could get a better scope of their lives. All in all, this film did a great job educating everyone who has viewed it about the life and culture of these specific pastoralists.

Queen Elizabeth Ra Speech

Queen Elizabeth Rhetorical Analysis Essay Queen Elizabeth’s purpose with her speech is to help boost morale and show her support for the troops. She achieves this by speaking with such tenacity and by appealing to her soldier’s sense of nationalism. Elizabeth says she’s willing to lay down her life for the country she loves, as the men in front of her are about to do. Through this statement she is able to establish a connection with the troops, an example of Pathos, as she appeals to their love for England.The reason for this is to show the troops that she respects each one of them for the price they may have to pay for such a noble sacrifice. At the end of the speech she calls her enemies the enemies of God, England, and her people, and uses the word my in front of all three examples. The use of â€Å"my† shows that she takes ownership of these things and, as all good owners should do, shows that she plans to protect these things. Another way Elizabeth co nnects to her troops is by offering them monetary rewards for their actions.She also says that they are guaranteed by the word of prince, because in this time period, men were superior to women. Although she is Queen and it matters little that she’s a woman, the use of â€Å"prince† is highly significant because she basically refers to herself as equal to a man. This makes her men see her equal and respect her even more. Queen Elizabeth uses these ways to connect to her troops in order for them to be able to fight well in the upcoming battle.

In Support of Human Cloning essays

In Support of Human Cloning essays Human cloning is inevitable. As part of the progress of science, human cloning will take place regardless of who opposes it. In this paper I will explain what human cloning is, some of the ethical and moral objections to it, some medical benefits it could serve, what many different religions think of cloning humans, and ultimately why I feel that this would be beneficial to our society. In order to understand the objections and the potential of human cloning, one must know exactly it is and how it is done. In order to clone a living being (animal or human), scientists begin with an egg (ovum) of an adult female. Women generally produce only one each month but can be chemically stimulated to produce more. Researchers remove the DNA-containing nucleus from the egg. Cells from the subject to be cloned are obtained by various methods including a scraping the inside of the cheek, and the DNA-containing nucleus is removed from one of these. Next the adult-cell nucleus is inserted into the egg with a sophisticated nuclear transfer, and the egg is stimulated (electrically or chemically) to trick it into dividing just like an embryo. When the embryo reaches the appropriate stage, you implant it into the uterus of the woman who will give birth to it. After gestation, the clone is born in the normal way (Eibert, par. 2-5). The child that is born as a result of cloning would be nearly genetically identical (the egg holds some mitochondrial DNA that may potentially alter the new DNA slightly) to the subject cloned. The clone should look similar to the adult it was cloned from, but thats where the similarities would end. The clone would have a completely different set of life experiences. It would be raised by different parents, grow up in a different era and different location, and have different circumstances happen to it along the way. It wouldnt be the same person it was cloned from; it would be its own unique individua...

Free Essays on School Diversity

Advantages of Diversity in the Classroom Until recent years, diversity wasn’t fully recognized as a necessary component of education. In years past, the United States has been thought of as a country whose people were mainly of two races, black and white. The truth is, America is a nation whose citizens come from every nation of the world, and practice every known religion. It’s important to have diversity in the classroom because our society has become so diverse itself. While many people consider diversity to be a combination of different races, there are actually many different classifications of diversity, all having significance in a classroom. Some types of diversity include national origin, ethnicity, different languages spoken, religion, and even gender. It’s important as an educator not only to teach some of the cultural differences of diversity, but also to show the similarities of all people from different backgrounds, and how we all fit into society as people. Classrooms are becoming increasingly filled with students who were born in a foreign country. These students bring such a great advantage to students born in the United States. These foreign-born students have not only a perspective as an American, but also one from their home country in their own experiences and through their parents, who likely lived a good part of their life there. It’s one thing to teach foreign culture from a text, but it’s quite another to be able to have someone with firsthand knowledge. Saying this, it’s important not only to bring the child’s experience into the classroom, but also to make the child feel comfortable in his/her surroundings. Although younger children typically don’t display intolerance, it’s important to teach in an inclusive manner and make the other students aware that no matter of national origin, we’re all people and we all have to live together. Having students of different ethnicities ... Free Essays on School Diversity Free Essays on School Diversity Advantages of Diversity in the Classroom Until recent years, diversity wasn’t fully recognized as a necessary component of education. In years past, the United States has been thought of as a country whose people were mainly of two races, black and white. The truth is, America is a nation whose citizens come from every nation of the world, and practice every known religion. It’s important to have diversity in the classroom because our society has become so diverse itself. While many people consider diversity to be a combination of different races, there are actually many different classifications of diversity, all having significance in a classroom. Some types of diversity include national origin, ethnicity, different languages spoken, religion, and even gender. It’s important as an educator not only to teach some of the cultural differences of diversity, but also to show the similarities of all people from different backgrounds, and how we all fit into society as people. Classrooms are becoming increasingly filled with students who were born in a foreign country. These students bring such a great advantage to students born in the United States. These foreign-born students have not only a perspective as an American, but also one from their home country in their own experiences and through their parents, who likely lived a good part of their life there. It’s one thing to teach foreign culture from a text, but it’s quite another to be able to have someone with firsthand knowledge. Saying this, it’s important not only to bring the child’s experience into the classroom, but also to make the child feel comfortable in his/her surroundings. Although younger children typically don’t display intolerance, it’s important to teach in an inclusive manner and make the other students aware that no matter of national origin, we’re all people and we all have to live together. Having students of different ethnicities ...

Best Things to Do and Places to Stay in Savannah, Georgia

Best Things to Do and Places to Stay in Savannah, Georgia SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips â€Å"Savannah... looked inward, sealed off from the noises and distractions of the world at large...The ordinary became extraordinary. Eccentrics thrived. Every nuance and quirk of personality achieved greater brilliance in that lush enclosure than would have been possible anywhere else in the world.† John Berendt wrote these words about Savannah and its people in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, his bestselling book that put Savannah on the map. Largely due to Berendt’s colorful love letter to the city, over 13.5 million travelers head to the riverside capital of Georgia every year. I’ve driven down the east coast to Savannah several times, lured by the city’s fading antebellum mansions, the graceful Spanish moss that hangs in curtains from huge oak trees, and the artistic influence of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Savannah’s historic district is uniquely arranged around 22 squares in an arrangement that forces you to take your time, relish your surroundings, and consider the idea that the best way to travel between two points doesn’t necessarily involve a straight line. This travel guide will share the top 10 things to do in Savannah, GA, along with some recommendations for inns and hotels. Read on to learn more about this evocative Southern city perched beside the languid Savannah River. Fun Things to Do in Savannah, GA: Table of Contents Here’s the full list of the best things to do in Savannah, GA. Click on each attraction to learn more about it, or continue to scroll down to learn about what to do in Savannah, GA. Explore the Squares of Savannah Wander through Forsyth Park Cross the Cobblestones of River Street Visit the Historic Telfair Museums Look for Apparitions on a Haunted Savannah Tour Support Savannah Artists at shopSCAD Eat Southern Barbecue, or Try Exotic Meats Drink Mint Juleps and Artillery Punch Tour Oak-Shaded Plantations Hit the Beach on Tybee Island After you finish reading about the top Savannah attractions, continue on for some recommendations for the best hotels in Savannah, GA across a range of budgets. For now, let's start with Savannah's famous squares. #1: Explore the Squares of Savannah Miguel Vieira/Flickr It’s easy to see what makes Savannah so unique and atmospheric. The city is organized around 22 squares, the first of which was laid by the city’s founder, James Oglethorpe, in 1733. Most of these squares are filled with lush gardens and lined by oak trees and dogwoods. Many have statues and monuments that honor soldiers from the American Revolution and Civil War. The picturesque squares are popular spots for visitors, walkers, joggers, picnics, and couples doing photo shoots for their weddings. The following five squares stand out as the most beautiful and historically noteworthy: Johnson Square - This square dates back to 1773 and was laid out by Savannah’s founder, James Oglethorpe. The square features an obelisk dedicated to the Revolutionary war hero, Nathaniel Greene. If you visit in the summer, you might stumble upon a jazz, Dixieland, or big band concert. Monterey Square - This picturesque square features a 55-foot Italian marble monument dedicated to General Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who was killed in battle in Savannah in 1779. Wright Square - This much-visited square contains the burial site of Tomochichi, a leader of the Creek nation who forged an alliance with Oglethorpe. Franklin Square- Named after Benjamin Franklin, this square has a monument for Haitian soldiers who fought at the Siege of Savannah in the American Revolution. On the edge of the square sits the First African Baptist Church, the oldest black church in North America. The church was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Madison Square- This square is often filled with students thanks to its location beside SCAD, the Savannah School of Art and Design. It also honors the American Revolution with a large statue of noted American soldier, William Jasper. Because of its squares, Savannah’s uniquely designed historic district is supremely walkable. Whether you find yourself in a residential or commercial area, you’ll be strolling through a pedestrian-friendly downtown draped in lush greenery and flowers. #2: Wander Through Forsyth Park Savannah’s lovely Forsyth Park stretches across 30 acres of the city. Built in 1858, the park hosts concerts, sports games, and fairs, along with a crowd of sunbathers. Every Saturday, there's a farmer’s market in the park that sells fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers. Vendors roam about selling flowers and baskets weaved together from dried palm fronds. The park also has a charming cafe where you can stop for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or a glass of wine. Forsyth Park’s most notable stop is the white iron fountain in the north end of the park. Prominently featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this two-tiered fountain has been the subject of many a photograph. Like Savannah’s historic squares, Forsyth Park has several large monuments and statues. The largest ones commemorate Southern soldiers who fought in the Spanish American War and the Civil War. Forsyth Park is especially beautiful in the evenings, when street lamps cast golden light across the winding paths, flowering trees, and old oak trees draped with Spanish moss. #3: Cross the Cobblestones of River Street W/Flickr One of the oldest streets in Savannah, River Street still sports its original, 200-year-old cobblestones. This one-way street spreads alongside the Savannah River as 19th century steamboats drift past. To get to River Street, you walk down stone stairs or ramps from the adjacent, elevated streets. One of River Street’s top draws is the River Street Marketplace, an open-air market where local artists and craftspeople sell their creations. Beyond local talent, the market also attracts vendors from all over the world who sell global crafts from Ireland, Costa Rica, Australia, Nepal, Peru, Japan, Vietnam, and China. You can also go shopping in small artisan and souvenir shops, some of which sit inside restored 19th-century cotton warehouses. There are a bunch of restaurants, as well as lively bars featuring live music after the sun goes down. As for historical sights, look for the Waving Girl statue and the Olympic Cauldron monument. The Waving Girl statue honors Florence Martus, a woman who was said to wave at ships leaving and entering Savannah port everyday for 44 years. According to legend, she waved her white handkerchief hoping to reunite with a sailor she had fallen in love with. The more recent Olympic Cauldron monument was lit as part of the Olympic torch relay when Savannah hosted the Olympic yachting events in 1996. River Street is a popular stop for anyone visiting Savannah. It’s definitely worth a visit for the open-air market, views over the Savannah River, and historic charm of the cobblestoned street and passageways through 19th-century warehouses. #4: Visit the Historic Telfair Museums JRP/Flickr Savannah puts great efforts into preserving its history and celebrating art and artists, a commitment that you can see in the city’s many historic monuments and the influence of SCAD. These two commitments unite in the Telfair Museums, elegant landmarks with exceptional collections of historic and contemporary art. Two of the three buildings that make up the Telfair Museums are housed in elegant mansions that are now historic landmarks. One is the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, a grand 19th century residence and the oldest public art museum in the southern U.S. The second is the Owens-Thomas House, an English Regency-style mansion built in 1816. The third Telfair Museum is located in the recently constructed Jepson Center for the Arts, an impressive example of contemporary architecture. The Jepson Center holds permanent collections of modern art, the Owens-Thomas House mainly has decorative arts, and the Telfair Academy features 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures. Visit the Telfair Museums to view Southern art, stroll through sculpture gardens, and browse the museum stores. The Jepson Center also has a 3,500 square foot interactive space for kids to explore art. One unique feature is the magnet wall where anyone can assemble sculptures from various common items. The museums are open from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 12 PM to 5 PM on Sunday and Monday. Tickets cost $20 and grant you access to all three museums. #5: Look for Apparitions on a Haunted Savannah Tour As anyone devoted ghost-hunter will tell you, Savannah is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the world. Much of Savannah was built atop the burial grounds of Native Americans, slaves, and colonists. The embattled city has seen war, disease, fires, gruesome murders, violent pirates, and destruction from hurricanes. Today, one of the top things to do in Savannah, GA is to take a ghost tour. You can find a variety of ghost tours to take you around Savannah’s old cemeteries, voodoo ritual sites, and haunted hotels and bars to hear the legends and history of the darker side of Savannah’s past. One of the main attractions is Bonaventure Cemetery, a Southern Gothic cemetery that sprawls over 100 acres. As you walk past elaborate burial vaults and moss-covered angel statues, you’ll start to see why Savannah is considered a center of paranormal activity. Another featured spot on Savannah ghost tours is the Mercer House, the site of the alleged murder investigated in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The nearby Marshall House is another common stop, a hotel that was used as a hospital during the Civil War and outbreaks of yellow fever. Finally, most ghost tours take you to the Moon River Brewing Company, where people swear that ghosts have flung silverware at them. Some of the best ghost tours in Savannah are Legends of Savannah Ghost Tour, Grave Tales Ghost Tour, Beyond Good and Evil Tour, and the Dead of Night Ghost Tour. For a tour with less gravity and more craft beer, sign up for Savannah’s Ghost Pub Crawl. These spooky tours range between $10 and $14. The pub crawl costs $25. #6: Support Savannah Artists at shopSCAD Savannah is a city filled with artists and students thanks to the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). You can browse students’ creations at shopSCAD, a gallery retail space that curates the best creations from SCAD students out of thousands of submissions each year. The teeming shop displays new items on a daily basis. You can find eclectic, one of a kind items, including original paintings, photography, sculptures, clothing, jewelry, and handbags. Anything you purchase goes toward supporting artists and the shop. ShopSCAD is located at 340 Bull Street beside Madison Square. #7: Eat Southern Barbecue or Try Exotic Meats Savannah has a lively food scene with some of the best barbecue and weirdest meats in the country. Wiley’s Championship BBQ, with its menu of barbecued and smoked meats, fried pickles, okra, cornbread, and cole slaw, has won several national awards. You can find it at 4700 Highway 80. Some other great spots for barbecue are Angel’s BBQ, Babe’s BBW, Wall’s BBW, and Johnny Harris BBQ. If you’re looking for culinary adventure, check out Alligator Soul. The ever-changing menu has featured a variety of unusual meats, including alligator, bison, elk, antelope, kangaroo, ostrich, game birds, rattlesnake, and wild boar. If you’d rather go traditional, you can find some more common meat and vegetarian options on the menu, too. This locally sourced, farm to table restaurant can be found at 4 Barnard Street in downtown Savannah. #8: Drink Chatham Artillery Punch and Other Southern Cocktails Savannah’s contribution to the world of cocktails was the Chatham Artillery Punch, a mix first concocted in the 1800s for a visiting military unit. This super-strong drink consisted of cognac, bourbon, Jamaican rum, lemon, sugar, and champagne. The punch has weakened some since the 1800s, as David Wondrich quotes from a 1907 recipe in his book, Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl, â€Å"Its vigor in those days was much greater than at present, experience having taught the rising generation to modify the receipt of their forefathers to conform to the weaker constitutions of their progeny.† If you're one with a "weaker constitution," you can skip the Chatham Artillery Punch completely and enjoy another Southern cocktail, like the mint julep, sazerac, Ramos gin fizz, or brandy milk punch. These are some of the best bars for tasty cocktails in Savannah. Sparetime- Come to Sparetime for the chic interiors with floor to ceiling windows and the rotating seasonal drink menu. Sparetime takes a modern and fresh approach to traditional cocktails, Address: 36 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Jen’s Friends- This popular spot offers over 100 specialty martinis, including blood orange, birthday cake, white chocolate, Swedish fish, and lemon drop, Address: 34 Bull Street. Lulu’s Chocolate Bar- Anyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy Lulu’s decadent dessert martinis, with flavors that include salted caramel, pineapple upside down, raspberry truffle, and peanut butter cup. If you want to skip the alcohol, you can choose from a selection of cakes and cheesecakes. Address: 42 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Rocks on the Roof- This sophisticated rooftop bar sits atop the Bohemian Hotel. Sip fresh cocktails here while enjoying views over the Savannah River. Address: 102 West Bay Street. Pinkie Master’s Lounge- If you want more of a dive bar atmosphere, head to Pinkie Master’s Lounge. You can drink inexpensive drinks with a mix of locals and SCAD students. Address: 306 West Upper Factors Walk. Savannah also has a smattering of microbreweries, like Moon River Brewing Company or Southbound Brewing Company. You’ll also find over 500 brews at the World of Beer, or you can head to The Distillery for a large selection of craft beers. #9: Tour Historic Mansions and Oak-Shaded Plantations Outside of Savannah's city center sit restored historic homes and former plantations. You can take a day trip to walk the grounds, explore the stately mansions, and get a sense of 18th and 19th century life. Wormsloe House is a mid-18th century mansion that belonged to one of the first Georgia settlers. The site, which is partly in ruins, is open to self-guided tours. One of the most impressive features of the estate is the long oak-lined drive and old stone gate at its entrance. To tour a restored mansion with furnished period rooms, head to Rose Hill Mansion. Built in 1860, this house is an impressive example of Gothic Revival style. Outside of the home, you can explore Rose Hill’s pretty grounds, which feature expansive lawns, hundred-year old trees, and a lagoon. If you don’t mind traveling a little further afield, head north to Magnolia Plantation, which sits just outside Charleston, South Carolina. This famous estate, founded in 1676, has beautiful gardens, a petting zoo, and delicate red bridges that evoke a Monet painting. Its exhibit, From Slavery to Freedom: the Magnolia Cabin Project Tour, shows visitors the cabins once occupied by slaves. #10: Hit the Beach on Tybee Island Tybee Island has over three miles of public beach, along with salt marshes full of birds and other wildlife. You can easily access Tybee by bridge from Savannah. The island is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and dining on fresh seafood. You can rent a deep sea charter, explore the marine science center, and enjoy a tour of the picturesque Tybee Island lighthouse at sunset. In addition to beach-goers, Tybee Island also attracts sea turtles every year. They return annually between May and October to nest on the beaches. The Tybee Sea Turtle project protects the turtles from human interference and habitat destruction. If you’re visiting Savannah during the summer, Tybee Island can be a welcome relief from the heat and humidity. Stroll along the shoreline, shop in the glass studios and art galleries, and enjoy some crawfish or scallops at a seaside restaurant. As the â€Å"Hostess City of the South,† Savannah has lots of things to do and places to stay. Where should you call home base as you explore this atmospheric city? Read on for a few suggestions for the best hotels in Savannah, GA across all budget levels. Ken Lund/Flickr Where to Stay: Guide to Savannah Hotels Where are the best places to stay in Savannah? Below are recommendations for the top Savannah, GA hotels that span a range of price points, from budget to mid-range to upscale to luxury. Let’s start with the least expensive hotels in Savannah, GA. Budget Hotels in Savannah Thunderbird Inn- This revamped motor lodge is decked out in a 1960s theme, with retro furniture (think white leather armchairs) and Moon Pies on your pillow when you arrive. You’ll get modern amenities at low rates. The Thunderbird Inn perches right on the edge of the historic district, so you have easy access to this quarter. You can also bring pets for an additional $50. Eliza Thompson House- This 1847 mansion is filled with antiques and gilt mirrors. You can stay in the main house or find more reasonably priced rooms in the adjacent carriage house. Just be warned that the Eliza Thompson House is rumored to be haunted (but this isn’t so uncommon in Savannah). Mid-Range Hotels in Savannah Catherine Ward House Inn- This cozy bed and breakfast is located in an 1886 home close to Forsyth Park. The antiques and gilt mirrors give the inn a historic, luxurious feel. The inn also have a relaxing garden with a fountain and koi pond. Kehoe House- This 1890s mansion will impress you with its 14-foot ceilings and elegant fireplaces. The Kehoe House has a Victorian feel with its antiques and other ornate furnishings. The inn features a courtyard garden and a music room with a grand piano. Mansion on Forsyth Park- This red brick mansion is filled with eccentricities, from its room bursting with antique hats to its floor-to-ceiling â€Å"water wall.† The Mansion has a full-service spa, large marble pillars, and a large collection of art on the walls. You can enjoy fine dining at its in-house restaurant, 700 Drayton, and then go next-door for live jazz at Casimir’s Lounge. Upscale Hotels in Savannah Ballastone Inn- The Ballastone Inn dates back to 1838. Its sumptuous furnishings recall the Victorian era, and most rooms have working gas fireplaces and exposed brick and beamed ceilings. Azalea Inn and Gardens- This 1889 mansion exudes Southern charm with its slowly rotating ceiling fans and wicker furniture on outdoor verandas. You can relax by the pool in the inn’s tropical gardens and easily access the nearby Forsyth Park. Hamilton Turner Inn- This 1873 mansion overlooks the pretty Lafayette Square. Guests enjoy an afternoon reception with fine wine and hors d’oeuvres. You can also get exceptional scones in the morning from the inn’s in-house bakery. Luxury Hotels in Savannah The Bohemian- Voted one of the top 30 hotels in the South by Conde Nast Traveler, The Bohemian offers modern luxury with 18th century style. This luxurious hotel sits beside the Savannah River. The Gastonian- This historic inn dates back to 1868. The spacious rooms are furnished with antiques and fresh flowers, and all of them have working fireplaces. Guests enjoy complimentary wine and cheese and an afternoon tea, as well as room service. Andaz Inn- This new, trendy hotel overlooks Ellis Square a couple blocks from the Savannah River. Expect exposed brick walls, a pool on the outdoor terrace, and farm to table dining in the Andaz Inn restaurant. Savannah is a popular destination for both US and international travelers, so Airbnb is another increasingly popular option. You can rent a single room or entire apartment for a couple of days or weeks at a time. Whichever type of accommodation you choose, you should make your reservation well in advance. Get ready for a romantic Southern city with history and art around every corner- and perhaps a few ghosts, as well! Traveling to Savannah: Final Thoughts Savannah is a city that exudes American history and Southern charm. Its urban layout is unlike that of any other city, with 22 oak-shaded squares throughout the historic center. Savannah's well-preserved mansions and evocative streets and greenery date back to the city’s beginnings. In fact, some say that Savannah surrendered immediately to General Sherman during his destructive Civil War march to the sea to protect Savannah’s architecture. Because of its efforts at preservation and restoration, Savannah is a beautiful city and one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. When you visit, you’ll enjoy Savannah's evocative atmosphere, thriving food scene, and commitment to art, creativity, and design.

Assess the importance of International arbitration in international Essay

Assess the importance of International arbitration in international business - Essay Example The decisions of these arbitration tribunals are always binding and final, and it is important to note that in international arbitration of disputes, the parties are allowed to modify the terms of the dispute resolution in line with their needs. The question that then rises is how international arbitration works in international businesses. In most international business agreements, there are dispute resolution clauses that state how all disputes within the agreement can be referred to for arbitration and includes such modalities such as the language of the arbitration and the governing law of contract. Other agreements pertaining to international arbitration may also have a mandatory requirement foe a pre-arbitration mediation and whether the international arbitration will be ad hoc or institutional, the mode of selection of the arbitrators, limitations and whether there is the right of appeal from the arbitration award. International arbitration as used in the solution of internati onal commercial disputes is often a viable method but has a few disadvantages in challenging and enforcement of the award owing to the great influence of local courts in the states. The conventions that govern international arbitrations such as the New York Convention amongst others do not help the situation, as they are mostly silent on challenging and enforcement of awards (Kronke 2010, p.255). This causes hurdles in enforcement of awards that parties may refuse due to arguments based on sovereignty and public policy. International Arbitration in International Businesses It is important to note that arbitration is always adjudicative, binding and consensual in nature (Mann and Roberts 2013, p.60). Adjudicative nature of arbitration infers that the arbitrator must not have a conflict of interest in the matter at hand and must not communicate to any party in the dispute independently. The arbitrator must also treat all the parties to the dispute fairly and equally as well as permit the parties to respond to each other’s case judicially and adhere to the agreement between the parties and the scope of their mandate. The arbitration must be binding in the sense that the courts are able to transform an arbitrator’s award into a valid judgment that is executionable unless an adjudicative principle has been breached, there is a public policy ground not to do so or there is a pending appeal. It should also be consensual in that only parties who have agreed to participate in the arbitration are bound by the arbitrator’s award and third parties cannot be affected, while the agreement to arbitrate must show the location, language and the governing law as well as the rules of arbitration. The arbitration agreement can be in a series of clauses in the commercial agreement between the parties concerned even before a dispute arises, or an agreement as to the scope, rules and other matters such as the presentation of documentary or oral evidence. Interna tional arbitration in international businesses is important as they help in the resolution of businesses across borders or businesses situated in multiple jurisdictions. The degree of risk that is posed on businesses operating internationally require that businesses adopt

Casualties of War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Casualties of War - Essay Example It is the hope of this author that not only the film, but the Vietnam War as well as pervasive American interpretations of the value of native and indigenous people will help to be affected. Ultimately, the movie can be summarized, as with many Vietnam War movies, as concentric upon an analysis of a small squad of American soldiers. This is one of the most popular approaches that filmmakers take due to the fact that it allows the viewer the, acquainted with and personally knowledgeable regarding each of the characters; rather than integrating with an entire company, the viewer is able to simplify human emotions, personalities, and likely reactions based upon the means by which these characters are expected to behave. As with many other Vietnam War movies, â€Å"Casualties of War† represents a mixture of different individuals within the squad from various geographic regions as well as various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Firstly, the viewer is integrated with an understandi ng of the sheer misery, abstraction, and violence that the Vietnam conflict engendered. As a function of understanding this level of inhumanity, exhibited on both sides of the conflict, it unfortunately comes as little surprise that the soldiers themselves begin behaving as little more than animals. The line of no return is of course cross when one of the soldiers takes a young Vietnam means girl and suggests that the squad user as a sex toy. Even though this is initially resisted, the threat of violence subdues these objections long enough for the girl to be raped. Once she is raped, it becomes infinitely easier for the other members of the squad, with the exception of Erikkson, to engage in a similar behavior. At each and every juncture, Erikkson opposes the actions that the squad leader perpetrates upon the young girl. Ultimately, Erikkson risks his own life in an attempt to save the girl from being murdered by the squad members. Once she is murdered, Erikkson set out on a person al crusade to expose the crime to the superiors within the military. As one might expect, speaking truth to power was neither popular nor safe. After many months and years of trying, Erikkson was able to bring the issue to the military’s attention and seek a nominal degree of punishment for the individuals involved. With regards to understanding the underlying tensions that existed between Meserve and Erikkson, the viewer can and should integrate with the basic understanding of unrestrained selfishness and complete lack of respect for human life that Meserve exhibited as compared to Erikkson’s more traditional view. Rather than exhibiting all Vietnam veterans as baby killers and murderers, this film helps to differentiate the difference between those sociopaths in society that were drafted into the military and sought to further their own selfish ends as compared to individuals that retain a level of humanity and restraint regardless of the pressures and difficulties t hat combat placed upon them. A further dynamic is equally evidenced within the film is the level and extent to which the

Haagen-Dazs's E-Business Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Haagen-Dazs's E-Business Analysis - Essay Example HÃ ¤agen-Dazs is a very old brand of ice cream that was first introduced in 1961 by the Polish immigrants Rose Mattus and Reuben. In the beginning, the business had only offered three flavors of ice cream. These flavors included chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. Additionally, the first business shop was established in the Brooklyn, New York in 1976. After that, this business evolved to a huge extent and became a huge corporation. Presently this United States based business is having its franchises all through the United States and over 54 nations all through the world. Moreover, HÃ ¤agen-Dazs also manufacture ice cream, cakes, bars, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. This business was launched by Reuben Mattus who was a young industrialist and having a fervor for excellence and a dream for offering the best ice-cream ever at that time. The establishment of business was aimed to offer quality ice cream to the community. Additionally, the business was initiated as a small business setup and then it turned into a huge business setup. In addition, the ice cream products of the HÃ ¤agen-Dazs brand rapidly developed a loyal customer market. HÃ ¤agen-Dazs initial achievements were attained through idle talk as well as great honor. Moreover, without taking the advantage of any advertisement technique the business of HÃ ¤agen-Dazs grown rapidly. Initially, the ice cream was simply available at gourmet shops located in New York afterward its delivery extended all through the United States. ... Initially, the ice cream was simply available at gourmet shops located in New York afterward its delivery extended all through the United States (HDIP, Inc., 2011). Presently this business is one of the main and biggest ice cream businesses in US and this business is offering a variety of ice cream products. This aspect enabled the business to attain higher customer satisfaction, confidence along with market share. Figure 1Main page of Haagen-dazs, Source: http://www.haagen-dazs.com/ 3- Branding This section discusses some of the main aspects about products branding available at Haagen-Dazs business. In this scenario I will outline different approaches and policies to assess the overall branding tactic and policy of the business: 3.1- Branding Basic Theme Haagen-Dazs has established the business brand on the basis of its high quality ice cream flavors. In this scenario this business offers a variety of quality based and luxury ice cream brands for mature people. In the start Haagen-D azs introduced the ice cream product which was approximately for all time inexpensively available ice cream at the marketplace. Initially the business has tried to pay great attention towards the household, men, women and children marketplace. However in current years Haagen-Dazs has proficiently introduced a latest idea of ice cream product that ice cream could be of high-status, special, tasteful and good looking. Through this type of business and product marketing the Haagen-Dazsturn became one of the bestselling brands among the fantastic-quality brands of this category (Adbrands.net., 2011) and (ICMR, 2011). 3.2- High Quality Haagen-Dazs has established the basic theme ‘no compromise on ice cream quality’ for its business. Haagen-Dazs recognized that

Concept of coping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Concept of coping - Essay Example This paper aims at providing an exploration of the concept of coping and the way it impacts the lives of persons with chronic illness. The attributes of this concept and nursing intervention are discussed with relevance to the book, At the Will of the Body written by Arthur Frank (2002). Furthermore, the paper discusses how the connotations in the book influence nursing practices, in particular to the concept of coping. Frank (2002) details the health challenges he faced, reflecting on his journey of pain, endurance and illness experiences that transformed him to cope with the traumatic situation. One of the concepts of coping strategies that he stresses is the process of coping with grief as it is essential for patients with chronic illness to move to the stage of renewal and recovery from their emotional burdens. Frank clearly expresses how patients are disturbed and affected, when their mourning is limited, and what this restriction does to their emotions when disregarded by the external factors. His distinction between disease and illness sheds light on the fact that treatment of the disease of the body is not the same as the care for the illness experience of the patients living in the collapsed state. â€Å"Illness is the experience of living through the disease† (Frank, 2002, p. 13). Frank’s illness expresses the importance of sharing and emotional support, and what happens whe n it is delivered efficiently for the patients by their caregivers and medical professionals. Coping can be defined as the â€Å"constantly changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage specific external and internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person† (Contrada & Baum, 2010, p. 197). Coping is a holistic phenomenon which involves physical, psychological, emotional and social perspectives that possibly impacts individual behaviors. Moreover, coping

Develop a tourism planning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Develop a tourism planning - Assignment Example If it is found not to benefit in any way then another option is picked. In the tourism planning several issues are regarded which encompasses the environment in which the actual planning is taking place. The socio-economic is one important factor, physical and political factors are considered when deciding on the planning. These are either interrelated or interdependent components of the system (Marcouiller, 1995). Just like any other planning, it is also in tourism that the planning aim is to achieve certain goals and objectives. This is the benchmark for any planning activity. The achievement of the goals and objective is done after a careful evaluation of the available resources and the needs of the peoples. This allows one to make efforts of marching the two given the available resources. The planning is a multi disciplinary activity in which a comprehensive and systematic approach is used to reach a comprehensive approach. It involves several steps, which are subject of revision as the process goes on (Reid, 2004). Tourism planning then has the following steps; defining of goals and the objectives, Identification of the system of tourism to adopt, Available resources, organization, Market availability, alternatives, evaluation of the alternatives, selection, and finally monitoring and evaluation. Goals and Objectives Setting the goals and objective in any organization will always allow the management to work in relation to a target. The goals in this case will be set after doing the SWOT analysis (Reid, 2004). This is very important, as it will enable as to appreciate the resources and challenges that we have so that we can define an appropriate goals and objectives to pursue. Before deciding on the goals, we will have to evaluate our past performance and current performance vis a vis the resources we have and the expectations of our customers. In setting the goals and objectives, we have to consider the strategies that are used by the competitors in the m arket. This will enable us to be at par with them or surpass them in the provision of services (Riley, Ladkin, & Szivas, 2010). Following the above set criterion, we will have to set our goals and objectives as follows; I. To launch an extensive advertisement of our tourist site all over the world and demonstrate that we are the site of choice given the diverse natural flora and fauna in our site. II. Modernize our system to meet the international standards. That is, including indoor pools in to provide services during winter periods. We also intend to improve maintain he infrastructural activities within our site. III. To collaborate with other stakeholders in an effort to create a brand name for our site and at the same time get involved in the corporate social responsibility to increase domestic tourism in to the site. IV. To increase the total revenue collection of the site by expanding both the local and the international market to maintain all round visitation into the site. T ourism System to Adopt In the planning, we are going to couple both domestic and international tourism. This is aimed at widening the market level of the customers. In the resent past, both international and rural tourism has shown remarkable increase and there is need to develop a system that will trap the looming potential of visitors in the site. We therefore want to modernize the rural tourism to attract the international

Concept of coping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Concept of coping - Essay Example This paper aims at providing an exploration of the concept of coping and the way it impacts the lives of persons with chronic illness. The attributes of this concept and nursing intervention are discussed with relevance to the book, At the Will of the Body written by Arthur Frank (2002). Furthermore, the paper discusses how the connotations in the book influence nursing practices, in particular to the concept of coping. Frank (2002) details the health challenges he faced, reflecting on his journey of pain, endurance and illness experiences that transformed him to cope with the traumatic situation. One of the concepts of coping strategies that he stresses is the process of coping with grief as it is essential for patients with chronic illness to move to the stage of renewal and recovery from their emotional burdens. Frank clearly expresses how patients are disturbed and affected, when their mourning is limited, and what this restriction does to their emotions when disregarded by the external factors. His distinction between disease and illness sheds light on the fact that treatment of the disease of the body is not the same as the care for the illness experience of the patients living in the collapsed state. â€Å"Illness is the experience of living through the disease† (Frank, 2002, p. 13). Frank’s illness expresses the importance of sharing and emotional support, and what happens whe n it is delivered efficiently for the patients by their caregivers and medical professionals. Coping can be defined as the â€Å"constantly changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage specific external and internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person† (Contrada & Baum, 2010, p. 197). Coping is a holistic phenomenon which involves physical, psychological, emotional and social perspectives that possibly impacts individual behaviors. Moreover, coping

Entrepenurship-6.What factors affect the development and Essay

Entrepenurship-6.What factors affect the development and implementation of effective strategies in small businesses(SME) - Essay Example The survival of SMEs within the modern market is a challenging task: the increase of competition globally has led SMEs to change their strategies in order to meet the demands of the market. Despite the fact that SMEs operate locally (i.e. only within a specific country, with exception in case of online activity) they should continuously review their strategic choices in order to ensure the effectiveness of their plans in terms of the market’s demands and the customer preferences. Current paper refers to the factors that can affect the development and the implementation of effective strategies in SMEs. There is no reference to specific country; rather a series of data and findings related with SMEs that operate around the world will be employed in this study. Potential suggestions will be also made under the terms that the strategic restructuring of a small firm is feasible under the conditions of its market and its financial strength to respond to the demands of the relevant e ffort. As already noticed above small businesses have a limited number of employees – that could be depended on the relevant governmental regulations (in the example mentioned above, the New Zealand, the number of employees of SMEs cannot be higher than 5). In this context, entrepreneurship in SMEs has to be appropriately customized in order to meet the demands of the market but also to respond to the needs of the firm. In SMEs their owner is usually actively involved in all operational activities; he’s not just a supervisor of the employees (although this option would be also available). In accordance with the above, entrepreneurship in SMEs should focus on the design and the development of the appropriate strategies that would support the increase of the firm’s productivity towards the stabilization of the firm’s position in the market. If the above target is achieved, the

J.B Priestley and his audience Essay Example for Free

J.B Priestley and his audience Essay J.B Priestley is someone who has seen enough of the world to make his own judgments. Therefore he has written this play An Inspector Calls to get these views of his across to the rest of the audience. He believes in socialism and doesnt support the view of capitalism. He tries to promote socialism and show capitalism as an act of egotism. The two main views of society he has portrayed and contrasted capitalists and socialist. We know this through characters of the book to begin with I will look at Mr. Birling as a capitalist. This character was shown to be a very arrogant and proud man. He believed he had more authority and rights than/over everyone else. He is Self made man. His objectives of life are to make money, and profit for himself, Its my duty to keep labour costs down. Money for him isnt an issue. Its an important part of his life. Even in situations like the sort he finds his image essential. Look, inspector Id give thousands Mr. Birling can seem to be hollow at times in the sense that he doesnt always perform in the way he portrays himself to his surroundings. He finds a reason to believe that the inspectors onset maybe a hoax, He than begins to proceed as though the inspectors arrival had no effect on him. But as soon as the phone rings he begins to panic. Mr. Birling doesnt like to argue. He is optimistic about the future yet we know what he predicts will not come true. The worlds developing so fast itll make war impossible. And The Titanic. unsinkable absolutely  unsinkable. The inspectors comment to Mrs. Birling about young people Theyre more Impressionable (pg 30) adds weight to our feelings that the older generation is Fixed in its attitudes and that if society is to become more caring it will have to be through the efforts of the younger generation. The inspector is just someone who is making the characters in the play realise what they are doing wrong in life, not to cause havoc. This is shown when Sheila ( Mr Birlings daughter) takes the blame of Eva Smiths death [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA9lpcBIiL8] all on to her own accord, the inspector assures her and asks her to stay and listen to Geralds (Sheilas fiancà ©) part of the story, so she doesnt feel herself entirely to blame. Sheila is an example of a capitalist who has realised her mistakes, owned up to them and is prepared to adjust her life after the events taken place in the dining hall that afternoon. She is very intelligent but spoilt. She is naà ¯ve and is very distressed by the news of Evas death caused by stress which drove her to committing suicide. She thinks that her fathers behaviour was unacceptable. She readily agrees that she behaved very badly and insists that she never meant the girl any harm. Ill never ever do it to anybody again Sheila had gotten used to the fact of going into a shop and behaving in such a cruel manner, and get somebody (Eva Smith) permanently excluded from their job just because of jealousy, how self-centered of her. Now after somebody  had made her see her mistakes she decided her actions were not acceptable, and this sort of approach to life is intolerable. J.B Priestley wanted to show that there are people out there who havent recognised their errors in life and that maybe this play will help them to do just that. Priestley shows just how wrong capitalism is that it can even lead to death of innocent citizens. So this means there is chance of another war, if capitalism isnt erased from this world. He shows that people are out there who predict the future like Mr Birling and say things like the Titanic is unsinkable and the worlds developing so fast itll make war impossible, we know that these predictions made were wrong. But who are we to say that there wont be another war. It makes you think what might happen In the future if entrepreneurship isnt stopped, doesnt it? This is what Priestley wanted, his capitalist audience to feel guilty, and wanting to change themselves for the better. Mr Birling represents Priestleys hatred of businessmen who are only interested in making money. He (Birling) will never alter his ways and it is left to the younger generation to learn from their mistakes. Mr Birlings family may seem cheerful, but if you inspect them internally youll notice how ruined their family really is. Mr Birling has feelings of guilt but doesnt show them because of his bold image he has to keep up with, We hard headed businessmen He is hurt by the fact that when his son Eric (an alcoholic), was in trouble (with Eva and the money problem he had) he didnt approach his father with this problem and ask for help, like any other son would have done. This makes Mr Birling upset and angry. You damned fool why didnt you come to me when you found yourself in this mess? Eric is bad-mannered and coarse towards his father and makes him feel as though they never had a father and son relationship. Because youre not the kind of chap a man Could turn to when hes in trouble. Priestley also shows that money cant buy happiness. Mr Birling has all the money but does he enjoy time with his family? Is his family falling apart?And is it his entire fault? Capitalism also has this effect on people, that it can tear families apart just as its done to The Birlings. Inspector Gooles final speech is J.B Priestleys personal opinion which is that he is concerned that there are many people like Eva Smith who are poor and their lives depend on the way we deal with daily life. One Eva Smith has gone-but there are millions and  millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still  left with us . The reason for capitalism is people like Mr Birling who have no sympathy for others and dont care about the rest of the world or poverty; they only care about money and image this is why capitalism and wars are still going on today. If there was more socialism there would be peace. This is J.B Priestleys major motive of writing this play An Inspector Calls is to promote socialism. (Which I hope he has)

Can Men and Women Be Friends?

Can Men and Women Be Friends? In the society that we know today, just the same as in the society that was known 100 years ago, the idea that men and women can just be friends has been discussed. Discussed during common conversation, explored in books, poetry, movies, and any other genre of communication that can be thought of. There is a host of ideas, definitions, opinions and facts that must be considered to answer this question. There are many challenges as to why men and women can be friends and just as many as to why they cannot be just friends. My own life experiences have made me genuinely interested in this very question. Can I be just a friend to a woman and likewise, can a woman just be a friend to me? There have been many times in my life when a current relationship has depended on this question; a future relationship has depended on this question, and a past relationship that has depended on this question. There is a possibility that men and women can be friends. Certain words and ideas must be define d, circumstances must be addressed as to why friendships can work between opposite sexes, and those friendships that do not work, must be dissected to propose why it did not work. Answering this question and the ongoing research that is being done is vital to every generation. An honest answer could prohibit hurt or provide a new pool of friends that could be made, provide a different structure of friendship and number of other things. It will be beneficial to both sexes. Friendship is defined as one attached to another by respect or affection (Websters Dictionary, 1994). With this simple definition, there should be no reason at all that men and women cannot be friends. As long as you respect the man or woman and feel affection for them, that should be the end of the story. Then why does it not always work out? Could it possibly be that men and women view the term friend differently? Do they have different reasons for friendship? Research suggests that friends must enjoy each others company, they must be useful to one another, and they must share a common commitment to the good (Bell, 1991). Women typically describe their friendship in terms of closeness and emotional attachment. The characteristics the relationships between women is the willingness to share their feelings, thoughts, feelings and support. Mens relationships tend to focus around certain activities and are more segmented (Bell, 1991). It is a relationship between men that serve as a buf fer to stress and reduce depression (Bell, 1991). It is more difficult to find a true friend that encompasses character traits that prove beneficial to both parties intents and purposes. Studies do suggest the friendships between men and women versus same sex friendships are much less common (Newton, 2008). These same studies also indicate that this is because issues of possessiveness and jealousy come into play just as they would in a relationship that is sexual in nature (Newton, 2008). According to Dr. Jane Greer, often, when men and women are friends, theyve already had a relationship and diffuse the sexual energy they used to generate it (2009). There are certain circumstances that would allow for men and women to just be friends. The main issue as to why being friends just does not work is the topic of sexual tension. In the movie When Harry Met Sally, Harry informs Sally during their first meeting that it is a fact the men and women cannot be friends. This is because one will always want to sleep with the other. There is simply no way of getting around that. Perhaps a man or woman is friends with someone of the opposite sex but it could be that one of them is keeping the option open for a sexual connection. Perhaps not right now, but maybe in the future (Greer, 2009). The only answer seems to be to diffuse whatever sexual tension exists. The circumstances of the friendship between a man and woman has a lot to do with the success of a platonic relationship. Those friendships that succeed can because the people involved are in different stages of their lives, proximity to each other or they may be married. These are practicalities that may make having a romantic involvement impossible (Greer, 2009). There of course are cases of friends who have different sexual orientations and therefore the main problem of having sexual tension, simply does not exist. Because all friendships are built upon a mutual attraction and on compatibility, the potential for romance between a man and a woman being friends is definitely present. In order to diffuse that issue, it must be addressed in order for some sort of resolution to take place and from there, move on (Greer, 2009). According to Michael Ferrel, there are four key obstacles to the success of male-female friendships. The inability to define the relationship (Ferrell,). Men and women have to be honest about the relationship, whatever the reason. There must be honesty as to what the attraction is whether it was sexual, having common interests, etc. A fear of confronting feelings of sexual attraction (Farrell 1) is another obstacle that is stated. Whether or not the feeling are there, which there usually is, being able to talk to your friend about them is vital to the success of the friendship. A third obstacle is the inability of both partners to see each other as equals and the fourth is societys response to a non-romantic relationship (Farrell, 2008). These are serious impediments for a cross-gender friendship to work but not so serious that it is impossible. When Harry Met Sally (1989) is a classic movie that explores the four key obstacles to the success of a cross-gender relationship. Harry and Sally were both very honest throughout their friendship and that is the only reason why such a relationship could work. It was definitely not love at first sight. It was a friendship of support through the entire story. According to research, men and women in platonic friendships enjoy many benefits from their relationships. Men seem to get more out of the cross-sex friendship. In a study by a psychologist in New York State, men rated cross-sex friendships higher in overall quality than their same-sex friendships (Farrell, 2008). This can be for reasons of perhaps being able to more easily express their feelings and get a female perspective on things. The old adage that men are from Mars and women are from Venus eludes to how very different our two sexes are. Why not find out what the other team is thinking? These friendships can provide support , love and an opportunity to understand life through someone elses eyes. In watching When Harry Met Sally (1989), it is evident that are many different types of friendships at play through the entire movie. Although Harry and Sally did end up being romantically involved, that is not to say that that is how it had to happen. If Harry could not have married Sally or been romantically involved with her, he would take her as a friend and vice-a-versa. Each had their own friends that were of the same gender but as Harry said, there are things that I can talk to her about that I cant talk to you about, when speaking with his male friend. There are benefits as well as costs to every relationship but they discovered a true friendship that ended with them falling in love and being married. Perhaps if more people in our society focused on friendship, there would be more success in the married lives of people today. Men and women can most certainly be just friends. There will be obstacles but through honesty, those obstacles can be overcome. I have a very good friend that happens to be the opposite sex. I have known her for over ten years and friendship is as far as it has ever gone. She offers support, enjoys activities that I do, compliments my personality, but I view her as a type of family member with no real sexual attraction. An obstacle that was addressed by Harry was that if you do get involved with someone romantically, they may have a problem with that person. Whats missing from our relationship (When Harry Met Sally, 1989)? That has been issue but only because to find a platonic relationship between a man and woman is so rare to find in a pure form. I would rather keep my friend than to be with someone who does not understand a real friendship. Through me saying that, that shows that a true friendship can exist without false pretenses. There have also been times when I thought I was f riends with a person only to soon realize that that is not what is really going to happen. Either I become attracted to her or she becomes attracted to me. In order to stay friends with that person, the sexual tension has been addressed and either we can remain friends or not. But that is not to say that it is impossible. When Harry Met Sally (1989) sends the message that two people can be just friends. Research has more often than not indicated that it is possible for these mixed-gender friendships to work. I was surprised to learn that this fact is supported. It is in every movie, television show and real life experiences that men and women cannot be friends, and yet, we now find out that they can. This research was purely based from research that was conducted in the United States. It would be incredibly interesting to have a cross-cultural perspective on this topic as relationships between men and women differ across our world. In no way should men not be friends with women or women not be friends with men simply because they do not think that it could be done or they are asking for something more than just the friendship. We can see through this research that while there are times that these friendships lead to more, those that succeed can find a true friend and have a lasting friendship that will provide other elements that they may not be able to receive from a same-sex friendship.

American Film and Movies from the 1950’s to Present Essay -- Movie Fil

American Film and Movies from the 1950’s to Present Today, American film is among the most internationally supported commodities. Financially, its contributions are enormous: the industry is responsible for the circulation of billions of dollars each year. Since its explosion into the new media markets during the mid-twentieth century, film has produced consistently growing numbers of viewers and critics alike. Sparking debate over the nature of its viewing, film is now being questioned in social, political, and moral arenas for its potential impact on an audience. Critics claim that watching films is a passive activity in which the viewer becomes subconsciously absorbed, and creates a reliance or "addiction" to the medium, and thus can be influenced by any perpetual concepts or images. Advocates, however, argue that viewing such programs is an active process in which audience members are able to choose to what they are exposed, and interpret messages based on their individual needs and background. Perhaps both views are too extreme. Film from the 1950s to present, as will be explored in this essay, is an extremely useful medium, often underestimated within the label of "entertainment"; unfortunately, it may be partially responsible for current socio-cultural problems, too. The critical question, then, is whether film has fostered the progress of a more open-minded America, or rather hindered its development through the perpetuation of antiquated concepts of stereotypes, densensitized violence and breeding of normalcy. Whether or not a naà ¯ve approach to film as an inclusive medium holds true to fact, however, is questionable. Since its popular arrival in American culture during the 1930s, film has sparked controversy over ... ...es, Francis, ed. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996. Jowett, Garth. "A Significant Medium", in Movie Censorship and American Culture. Couvares, Francis, ed. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996. Lyons, Charles, "The Paradox of Protest", in Movie Censorship and American Culture. Couvares, Francis, ed. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996. Ross, Steven T., ed. Movies and American Society. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2002. Wasser, Frederick. "Is Hollywood America?", in Movies and American Society. Ross, Steven T., ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2002. Slocum, J. David, ed. Violence and American Cinema. New York: Routledge, 2001. Rotham, William. "Violence and Film", in Violence and American Cinema. Slocum, J. David, ed. Routledge, 2001. Turner, Graeme. Film As Social Practice. New York: Routledge, 1999.

Night World : Huntress Chapter 14

Did you have trouble getting away?† Hugh said It was the next morning, a very different sort of day from yesterday. The sky was overcast and the air was heavy. Everyone Jez had passed at the Concord BART station looked a little depressed. â€Å"Eh, a little,† she said, and sat down by Hugh on the platform. They were at the far end of the station, beyond the covered area with benches, beside a little concrete security house. It was a safe and private meeting place since the station was almost deserted after the morning commute. â€Å"They chained up my bike with this huge chain. Claire drove me to school-she's been watching me like a werewolf guarding dinner. And Aunt Nan called the office to make sure I didn't cut† Hugh shifted in concern. There was a tiny breath of warm wind, and it stirred his fair hair. â€Å"So what did you do?† Jez grinned. â€Å"I cut.† She shrugged and added, â€Å"I got a guy from my auto shop class to drive me here. It wasn't hard.† He smiled at her sadly, his gray eyes distant. â€Å"But they're going to find out. Jez, I'm really sorry for completely messing up your life.† She shrugged again. â€Å"Yeah, but if I don't do it, everybody's life is going to be even more completely messed up. Every human's.† â€Å"I know.† He shivered slightly. Then he drew up his legs, clasping his arms around them. He looked at her with his chin on his knees. â€Å"So what did you find out?† â€Å"That the girl Morgead thought was the Wild Power isn't.† He looks so cute that way, Jez thought helplessly. So-compact. Morgead would never sit like that. Hugh winced. â€Å"Great. You're sure?† â€Å"Yeah. It was a little kid, eight years old, and she was something special-but not that. She was†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Jez tried to think of a way to describe it. Hugh watched her with eyes that were clear and fathomless, sad and wry and gentle all at once. And suddenly Jez got it. She gasped. â€Å"Goddess-I know! She was like you. That kid was an Old Soul.† Hugh's eyebrows went up. â€Å"You think?† â€Å"I'm sure of it. She had that same way of looking at you as if she's seen all of history and she knows that you're just a little part. That†¦ trig picture' look. As if she were beyond stupid human things.† â€Å"But not a Wild Power,† Hugh said softly. He looked half discouraged and half relieved. â€Å"So then the Morgead connection is useless.† â€Å"Actually, no. Because he's got evidence for the Wild Power on videotape.† Jez explained about the movie and the fire and the blue flash. â€Å"So somebody around that kid is probably it. I know that area and so does Morgead. We may be able to find out who.† Hugh chewed his lip. Then he looked directly at her. â€Å"It sounds dangerous. Just how is Morgead taking tins-you coming back and all?† Jez stared out across the BART tracks. They looked like regular train tracks, except for the big one labeled danger electric third rah.. There was a sound like faraway thunder, and then a train came whizzing up like a sleek futuristic white dragon. It stopped and a few people got on and off in the distance. She waited until it left again to answer. â€Å"He†¦ wasn't very happy at first. But then he kind of got used to it. I don't think he's going to make any trouble-unless he finds out, you know.† She wasn't sure what else to say. She didn't want to talk to Hugh about Morgead-and she certainly didn't want to explain what had happened. Especially not when she was so confused about it all herself. â€Å"You still think he'd hate you if he found out you were half human?† Hugh's voice was quiet. Jez laughed shortly. â€Å"Believe it. He would.† There was a silence, while Hugh looked at her. Suddenly Jez found her mind posing an odd question. If it were Hugh or Morgead, which would she take? Of course, it was a completely ridiculous question. She couldn't have either of them. Hugh was an Old Soul, and beyond her reach. Not to mention that he only thought of her as a friend. And Morgead might be her soulmate, but he would murder her if he ever discovered the truth. But still, if she did have a choice†¦ Hugh or Morgead? A day ago she'd have said Hugh without question. How strange that now it came up the other way. Because, impossible as it was, deadly as she knew it to be, it was Morgead she was in love with. And she had only just understood that this moment. What a pity that there was no hope in the world for them. Jez found herself giving another short laugh- and then she realized that Hugh was still looking at her. She could feel color rise to her cheeks. â€Å"You were miles away again.† Tm just foggy. Not enough sleep, I guess.† Plus all that fun yesterday. She was still sore from the stick fight and the fall with Iona. But that wasn't Hugh's problem. She took a breath, groping for another subject. â€Å"You know, there was something I wanted to ask you. Morgead said the Council had dug up another prophecy-about where each of the Wild Powers is from. Have you heard it?† When he shook his head, she quoted: â€Å"One from the land of kings long forgotten; One from the hearth which still holds the spark; One from the Day World where two eyes are watching; One from the twilight to be one with the dark.† â€Å"Interesting.† Hugh's gray eyes had lit up. † ‘One from the hearth'†¦ that's got to be the Harman witches. Their last name was originally ‘Hearth-Woman.' â€Å" â€Å"Yeah. But the line about the one from the Day World-that one's a human, right?† â€Å"It sounds like it.† â€Å"That's what Morgead thought-that's why he thought the little girl might be a Wild Power even though she was human. But what I can't figure out is what it means by ‘where two eyes are watching.'† â€Å"Mmm†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Hugh gazed into the distance, as if he liked the challenge. â€Å"The only thing I can think of that combines the idea of ‘Day* and ‘eyes' is a poem. It goes something like ‘The Night has a thousand eyes, and the Day only one.' The one eye being the sun, you know, and the thousand eyes the stars at night.† â€Å"Hmpf. What about the moon?† Hugh grinned. ‘I don't know. Maybe the author wasn't good at astronomy.† â€Å"Well-that doesn't help much. I thought it might be a clue. But the truth is that we don't even know if it's the human Wild Power we're after.† Hugh put his chin on his knees again. â€Å"True. But I'll let Circle Daybreak know about that prophecy. It might help eventually.† He was silent a moment, then added, â€Å"You know, they dug up something interesting, too. Apparently the Hopi Tribe predicted the end of the world pretty accurately.† â€Å"The Hopi?† â€Å"I should say, the ends of the worlds. They knew that it had happened before their time, and that it would happen again. Their legend says that the first world was destroyed by fire. The second world was destroyed by ice. The third world ended in water- a universal flood. And the fourth world-well, that's ours. It's supposed to end in blood and darkness- and end soon.† Jez murmured, â€Å"The first world-?† â€Å"Don't remember your Night World history?† He tched at her, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. â€Å"The first civilization was the shapeshifters'. Back when humans were scared to go out of their caves, the shapeshifters ruled and the humans thought of them as gods. Animal spirits, totems. It was Shapeshifter World. That lasted for about ten thousand years, until a bunch of volcanoes suddenly became active-â€Å" â€Å"Fire.† â€Å"Yeah. The weather changed, people migrated, and the shapeshifters lost control. After that it was really Witch World. The witches did better than everybody else for ten thousand years, but then there was an Ice Age-â€Å" â€Å"And the Night Wars,† Jez said, remembering. â€Å"When the vampires fought the witches.† â€Å"Right. And after all that, the vampires were in control; it was Vampire World. Which lasted about another ten thousand years, until the flood. And after the flood, human civilization really started. It was Human World, and it has been for a long time. The Night People have just been hanging on around the edges, hiding. But. . .† He paused and straightened. â€Å"That started about eight thousand B.C.† â€Å"Oh.† â€Å"Yeah. The millennium marks the end of our ten thousand years.† He gave his gentle, half-mocking smile. â€Å"We humans are about to lose our lease. Something's going to happen to bring blood and darkness and then there'll be a whole new world.† â€Å"Only if we don't stop it,† Jez said. â€Å"And we will- because we have to.† Hugh's smiled changed, softening. â€Å"I think we're lucky to have people like you trying.† Then he lost the smile completely. He looked uncertain. â€Å"Jez- you know, Old Souls aren't really beyond ‘stupid human things.' We're as human as anybody. And we †¦ I mean, and I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Jez's heart was beating uncomfortably fast. The way he was looking at her-she'd never seen Hugh look like that at anything or anyone. Another rumble in the distance, and then a train came rushing in. Hugh blinked, glanced up at the digital clock display above the platform, then checked his watch. He cursed. Tm supposed to be somewhere. I'm late.† Jez's heart gave a strange thump. But not of disappointment. Weirdly, it was more like relief. â€Å"Me, too,† she said. â€Å"I'm supposed to meet Morgead before everybody else gets out of school. I ought to take the next train to San Francisco.† He still hesitated. â€Å"Jez-â€Å" â€Å"Go on,† she said, standing up. â€Å"Ill call you if I turn up anything. Wish me luck.† â€Å"Be careful,† he said instead, and then he was hurrying away. Jez watched him go. She couldn't help wondering what he had been about to say. Then she turned to walk back to the central part of the station. She was partway around the concrete guardhouse when she heard a noise on the other side. A stealthy, sneaking noise. Not the kind a security guard would make. Jez didn't hesitate. Smoothly, completely soundless herself, she changed course, turning back and going around the structure the other way to get behind the sneaker. The instant she had a clear view of the intruder's back, she jumped. She landed on top of her quarry, with a control hold on the person's wrist. But she already knew that this wasn't going to be a fight to the death. â€Å"Jez-ow-it's me!† Claire spluttered. â€Å"I know it's you, Claire.† â€Å"Let go of my arm!† â€Å"I don't think so, Claire. You having an interesting morning? Hear any good jokes?† â€Å"Jez!† Claire struggled, hurting herself, then got mad and hurt herself more trying to hit Jez. Jez allowed her to sit up, still keeping hold of her. Claire's face was flushed and wrathful, her dark hair sticking in strands to her cheeks. Her eyes were shooting sparks. â€Å"Okay, so I'm sorry for eavesdropping. I followed you when Greg Ludlum drove you here. I wanted to know what you were doing. I didn't know that you were completely freaking insane!† â€Å"Well, it's too bad you didn't figure it out earlier. Because unfortunately I have to kill you now to keep you from talking.† Claire's eyes widened and she choked. Jez suddenly realized that underneath all the sparks and the yelling her cousin was terrified. She let go of Claire's arm and Claire slumped away from her, rubbing it. â€Å"You-you are insane, aren't you?† Claire looked at her sideways, through clinging strands of hair. â€Å"I mean, all that stuff about the world ending-it's some kind of bizarre game you're playing with your weird friends, isn't it? Some kind of Dungeons and Dragons stuff†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What do you think, Claire?† Jez stood up and offered Claire a hand, worried that someone might notice them. She kept that hand on Claire as she herded Claire back behind the guard house. The truth was that this situation wasn't funny. Claire really was in trouble-because Jez was in trouble. Her entire cover was blown. Everything she'd worked for in the past year-Claire could destroy it all. Claire knew way too much, and Claire hated her enough to use it. â€Å"I think †¦ I don't know what to think.† Claire swallowed. â€Å"Who was that guy?† â€Å"One of my weird friends. Right?† â€Å"He didn't seem so weird. When he said things- I don't know. They sounded†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Claire's voice trailed off. Finally it came back, almost inaudibly. â€Å"Real.† â€Å"Great.† I am going to have to kill her. What else can I do? â€Å"It's not a game, is it?† Claire said, looking at her. All the anger was gone from the dark eyes now. They were simply bewildered and frightened. Then Claire shook her head. â€Å"But, I mean, it's impossible. Vampires and shapeshifters and witches-it's all just†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her voice trailed off again. Jez was simply looking at her, with eyes that might be less silvery than a year ago, but that she knew were still pretty strange. And after a few moments Claire's gaze lost its focus and her whole body seemed to fall in on itself, as if it had lost something vital. Innocence maybe, Jez thought grimly. â€Å"Oh, God, it is true,† Claire whispered. ‘I mean, it's really true. That's why you're gone all the time, isn't it? You're off-doing something.† Jez said, â€Å"Yeah.† Claire sagged against the guardhouse. â€Å"Oh, God. I †¦ God. I feel so strange. It's like-nothing is what I thought.† Yeah, I know the feeling, Jez thought. When the whole world turns around and you have to adjust in two seconds flat. It happened to me, too, a year ago. But none of that was going to help Claire. All she could say was â€Å"I'm sorry.† Claire didn't seem to hear her. She was speaking in a voice that was just a breath. â€Å"That's why†¦ that's why all that weird stuff with your father. Nobody knowing anything about his family and all. I knew from the beginning that there was something about you; I just couldn't tell what it was.† Oh, great, Jez thought. Here it comes. She tried to keep her face impassive as Claire faced her squarely, raising her eyes with a look somewhere between wonder and dread. â€Å"That guy-he said you were only half human. Which means you're half†¦ something else?† â€Å"I'm half human and half vampire,† Jez said quietly. The interesting thing was that it was so easy to get out. She'd only ever spoken the words aloud to one person before: Hugh. Now she looked to see if Claire would actually faint or just fall down. Claire did neither. She just shut her eyes. â€Å"You know the really insane thing? I believe that.† She opened her eyes again. â€Å"But-I didn't know you could be. Half and half.† â€Å"Neither did anybody else, till I was born. I'm the only one.† Jez examined her cousin, realized that she really wasn't going to faint. When she spoke again, her voice came out more challenging than she meant it to. â€Å"So now that you know, Claire, what are you going to do about it?† â€Å"What do you mean, what am I going to do?† Claire glanced around, then her voice dropped as her eyes glinted with interest. â€Å"Look-do you, like, have to drink blood and everything?† â€Å"Not anymore,† Jez said shortly. What was this? Who would have thought that studious, straitlaced Claire would have such an interest in vampires? â€Å"But you mean you used to?† â€Å"Before I came to live with you guys. I thought I was a full vampire then. But I found out that I could live without it, as long as I didn't use my powers.† â€Å"You've got powers? Really? What kind?† â€Å"No kind. Look, enough with the questions. I told you, I'm not a vampire anymore.† â€Å"And you're not evil.† Claire said it flatly. Jez looked at her, startled. â€Å"What makes you say that?† â€Å"I heard what you were talking about, saving the world and all. I didn't understand it, but it sounded like you were on the right side. And-† Claire hesitated, then shrugged. â€Å"And I know you, okay? I mean, you're arrogant and stubborn and you never explain anything, but you're not evil. You just aren't-inside. I can tell.† Jez laughed. A real laugh. She couldn't help it. Of all people, Claire. She'd misjudged this girl who was her own age but had nothing else in common with her. Her cousin had unexpected depths. â€Å"Well, thanks,† she said. â€Å"I try not to be too evil- these days.† Then she sobered. â€Å"Look, Claire, if you really think that, and if you really believe that the stuff you heard was true-â€Å" â€Å"About the end of the world? I don't believe it. I mean, I heard it, and I believe you believe it-and when I first heard it I kind of believed it, but-â€Å" â€Å"Just-skip the rest and plain believe it, Claire. It happens to be the truth. And I'm trying to do something about it.† â€Å"Something about a Wild Power, right?† Claire wasn't sagging anymore. She looked almost excited. â€Å"But what's a-â€Å" â€Å"You don't need to know. The point is that if you want to, you can help me.† â€Å"I can? Really?† â€Å"You can help me by going back to school and forgetting that this ever happened. You can help me by keeping my secret and not ever saying a word about this to anybody. And, incidentally, you'll be keeping your family safe at the same time.† Claire looked away, worked her jaw. â€Å"This stuff you're doing is pretty dangerous.† It wasn't a question. â€Å"Very dangerous.† Jez stepped back. â€Å"And I'm late for it right now. So do we have a deal? Will you help me or not? Can I trust you?† â€Å"Or otherwise you're gonna kill me, right?† Claire looked at her sarcastically. Jez rolled her eyes. â€Å"Don't tempt me. Seriously, are you going to help?† â€Å"No.† Jez froze, looking down at the shorter girl. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Jez-don't get mad, but I don't think I can. Not that way.† Claire was looking back up steadily, her small face serious and surprisingly determined. ‘I mean how can I possibly just walk away, after hearing all that? If everything you said is true, how can I forget?† â€Å"You can because you have to. We all do what we have to do.† Jez looked around the station. Another train should be coming any minute. She simply didn't have time to spend convincing a human to stay out of business that would kill her. To properly explain it to Claire would take days. All she could do was ask for something she never would have imagined Claire could give her. â€Å"Claire†¦ there's no way I can convince you or make you do what I want. But I'm asking you-† She let out her breath and went on: â€Å"I'm asking you to trust me. I'm asking you to walk away and at least try to forget this. And to believe that I'm trying the best I can to do the right thing.† Claire kept looking at her steadily for a moment. Then, all at once, the dark eyes filled. They turned away, and Claire's throat moved once as she swallowed. Then, slowly, she nodded. â€Å"Okay,† she whispered. â€Å"I mean-it's okay for now. I mean, I guess I can talk to you later about it.† Jez let out her breath. â€Å"That's right.† Claire stood there for another second, then straightened her shoulders and turned away. But just as suddenly she turned back, looking tense and almost explosive. â€Å"There's something I have to say to you.† Jez glanced down the tracks. No train. â€Å"Okay.† â€Å"It's-it's†¦ that I'm sorry. I'm sorry I bugged you and tried to get Mom mad at you and everything. I was just-I was jealous because they let you get away with anything, and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She shook her head fiercely and then went on, shrugging grimly as if she hated to admit it. â€Å"And, yeah, because you're so gorgeous and confident and everything. It made me feel bad and I wanted to hurt you. So. Anyway. There. I'm sorry.† She started to walk away, wobbling a little. â€Å"Claire.† Claire paused, then turned around. Jez spoke a little hesitantly around the obstruction in her throat. â€Å"It's okay. And thank you.† â€Å"Yeah.† Claire grinned and gave a little shrug. â€Å"See ya later.† She turned around and started walking again. See ya, Jez thought. She felt suddenly tired and strangely emotional. There was too much inside hen sadness and relief and worry and a new feeling for Claire. She crossed her arms and looked around the station, trying to relax, taking deep, even breaths. And saw two werewolves coming straight for Claire.