Obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Obesity - Essay Example cal and social economic aspects have been termed as contributing factors to obesity in adults, more so in developed countries such as the U.S and the U.K (Friedman 633). Several psychological factors lead to obesity. Among the factors, include the increased food variety. According to research carried out by the American Psychological Association (APA), when individuals get more assortment in their food selections, they have a tendency to eat more (Wyatt et al. 168). One probable reason could be that the first few food bites tend to be the sweetest, but as one get used to the taste, less pleasure is gotten out of it (Wyatt et al. 168). This prompts the individual to move to the next food choice. The other psychological aspect causing obesity is the increased marketing approaches from Big Food. Similar to the strategies utilized in advertising tobacco, food industries have become well versed in psychological research regarding how to influence the choice of individuals. Further, one’s attitude towards managing his own emotions is another aspect that has led to the increase in obesity among adults (Wyatt et al. 171). For instance, when individua ls feel a sense of stigmatization due to their weight, they are inclined to get involved in more unhealthy habits of eating. Additionally, food addiction is also a major psychological aspect causing obesity. It is possible for an individual to become addicted to food, as people get addicted to alcohol and drugs. While this remains controversial, more evidence in emerging to support it. Similar to the psychological impacts causing obesity, there are also numerous socioeconomic aspects, which have led to a drastic increment of obesity, in both the U.S and the U.K. Firstly, the socioeconomic status (SES) of an individual impact his or her eating habits (Ogden 11). On that note, people with a high socioeconomic status are less likely to be obese since tend to practice healthy eating, as well as regular exercise. However, those

Lewis Carroll's Photographs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Lewis Carroll's Photographs - Research Paper Example For most artists and writers in this era, the child was nothing more than a shadow of the adult. This ultimately meant that rather than being portrayed as they were, they were instead portrayed as adults wanted them to be portrayed.Carroll embraced this theme of the child as a shadow of humanity in his photographs in order to draw attention to how misconceived children were by adults, particularly using the real children that he met in his life. Lewis Carroll sought to show children as adult shadows, the children’s identity as being shadowed by the adults, as well as the shadows that the children cast. Therefore, this paper will seek to show how Lewis Carroll used children in his photographs to show their innocence and the misconceptions that adults oftentimes had about them. Lewis Carroll exemplified how misconceived children were by undressing them or dressing them through a creation of what he perceived to be his own shadow of being a child. Recognized as a leading amateur and child photographer during the Victorian era, Carroll used the photographs he took to displace reality. Because photography in this period was a relatively new phenomenon, Lewis Carroll took it as a means of writing by using light with his most preferred photographic subject being the child as shown in the photographs above. This was obviously something of a new and dynamic approach. At least sixty percent of all his known photographs were of children. At the time, photography was taken as the only art form that could accurately record true reality. Carrol then took this representation of â€Å"reality† and created a reverse text for the discussion of children. This reverse text helped to falsify how real a photograph could be. In various photographs, rather than giving the audience his own view of who a child should be, Carroll came up with the composition an adult would have a child.

Factors Contributing To The Development Of Depression Social Work Essay

Factors Contributing To The Development Of Depression Social Work Essay Current research by Social Care Institute for Excellence, (SCIE), suggests that one person in six will become depressed at some point in their lives, and, at any one time, one in twenty adults will be experiencing depression. I will discuss the definition of depression and its interpretation along with the biomedical model, interpersonal, psychological and institutional perspectives. Then discuss the social, economic, environmental and political factors that contribute to the developing of depression and their relation to sociological and psychological theory with particular relevance to black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. In England and Wales the Mental Health Act 1983 defines mental disorder as: mental illness, psychopathic disorder and any other disability of mind. There is a dual role of legislation: providing for care while at the same time controlling people who are deemed to be experiencing mental disorder to the extent that they are at a risk to the public or themselves. World Health Organization WHO (2001), marks depression as when Capacity for enjoyment, interest, and concentration is reduced, and marked tiredness after even minimum effort is common. Sleep is usually disturbed and appetite diminished. Self-esteem and self-confidence are almost always reduced and, even in the mild form, some ideas of guilt or worthlessness are often present. Mental health is a contested concept which can be viewed from different medical, psychological and social perspectives, which lead to diverse views on what mental health is. Depression is a mental illness and, can affect anyone at different points in their lives, from every background and occupation. Categorizing populations as experiencing depression, involves making judgments by the use of scales of mental health and these judgments determine cut-off points on a continuum of mental health or illness and are socially constructed. A rating scale commonly used to measure the mental health of populations is the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A study by Singleton et al., (2001) found that 76 per cent of the participants, who reported symptoms of mental distress, did not receive any treatment from a health professional for their problems. Sainsbury (2002) study refers to a culture of fear within the BME populace. Causation is affected by the practitioners who diagnose and treat depression and the public perception of depression however there are many perspectives. Biomedical model focus on biological aspects of depression and look for symptoms that relate to diagnostic categories of mental disorder with a view that a sick body can be restored to health. Interpersonal perspectives on depression focus on individual people, experiencing mental distress, together with family and friends, psychologists and counselors also taking account of the views and experiences of service users and survivors. One such perspective is to see madness as a difference rather than an illness, like the social model of disability Oliver (2002). Peoples actions can be open to different interpretations which are influenced by the perspectives of those making the interpretation. However there are commonsense perspectives of depression including personal experience with the people in closest contact, a relative or friend, may form opinions of the likely causes of the distress. Their opinions may include aspects of the persons personality and recognize the impact of externa l stressors such as bereavement, debt or work demands. Overall they are more likely to emphasize the impact of social, rather than biological or psychological, factors. Psychological perspectives on depression explores unconscious thinking, possible past traumas and focuses on helping service users to realize their potential and focus on social support and psychological interventions. This has created the development of psychotherapeutic treatments or talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) has become the psychological treatment of choice in many NHS-funded services. Advantages of CBT include having some support, someone to talk to and developing coping strategies. Disadvantages of CBT include The focus being on here and now, when the person might want to spend more time discussing past issues. CBT is a relatively effective way of helping someone deal with their distress that puts the client back in control of their life. Despite the evidence that has been collected to support the use of different psychological treatments, their effectiveness continues to be debated and funding is mainly offered in private practice or withi n institutions. (McLeod, 2000; Holmes, 2002) By contrast, the prescription route is a commonly referred to and accepted path with no self-criticism or self-awareness required. Institutional perspectives or psychiatric perspectives on depression hold biological and genetic theories of causation for depression, and prescribe biological and physical treatments. Psychiatric perspectives emphasize the diagnosis of symptoms of depression in order to place people into categories of illness. The influence of GPs and psychiatrists is powerful in determining what is and what is not considered to be a mental health problem. Psychiatrists have powers to detain patients for treatment against their will. Psychiatry, through its association with medicine, tends to take precedence over psychological and social perspectives. The bio-psychosocial model introduced by Engel (1980) acknowledges the interactions between the persons biology, their psychological makeup and their social situation as important in understanding their mental distress. It encourages a more holistic approach to treatment. However, it has not provided the hoped-for basis of an accepted multidisciplinary approach. The Social support perspectives believes social factors and the persons experiences cause depression and social support restores the mentally distressed person to wellbeing and social functioning. However it is also viewed as an addition to psychiatric treatment, where the service user is established on their medication, and social issues investigated. Puttnam cited in Gross (2005) refers to social capital as a supportive social atmosphere and discusses bridging and bonding ties and the absence of these can lead to social isolation. Cockerham (2007) makes the connection where depression and illness are most likely among those with little or no social capital. There is also a tendency for the individual to, once diagnosed, to play the sick role, Rosenhan (1975) refers to the stickiness of labels and Goffman (1961) refers to looping and deviancy amplification that is associated with stigmatization and labeling of individuals. However our social standing is not the only element that contributes to our sense of well being. The environment that we live and are brought up in greatly influence our health Ross (2000) cited in Cockerham (2007) compares advantaged and disadvantaged neighborhoods finding that higher levels of depression occur in the latter with individuals suffering psychologically because of their environment although there were links to their individualism female sex, younger age, ethnicity, low education, low income, unemployment, unmarried with the remainder from living in a poor neighbourhood. The daily stressors of living with crime, disorder and danger all link with symptoms of depression. Those living in clean and safe neighbourhoods showed low levels of depression. Distressing neighborhoods produce distress beyond that from individual disadvantage with poverty and single mother households the strongest predictor of depression. However the lack of choice and powerlessness of poverty make the emotional consequences of living in a bad neighbourhood worse. Poverty can lead to poorer mental health where access to employment and welfare benefits, can be seen as health-promoting activities. For most nations, spending on mental health promotion is low Appleby, (2004), and the resources put into mental health promotion are minuscule compared with those used for treating ill health. Schulz et al. (2000) cited in Cockerham (2007) found high psychological distress highest amongst blacks and whites living in high poverty areas, slum living conditions. Wilson and Pickett (2006) cited in Cockerham (2007) stated that stress , poor social networks , low self esteem , depression , anxiety, insecurity and loss of a sense of control are reduced and social cohesion in enhanced when income levels are more equal- however equalizing income is inherently political. Sir Donald Achesons Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health Report (1998) recommendations will require policy changes to occur with reference to changes in building design, planning and access to health care treatments, although most research data on interventions tend to be tested on white, middle aged well educated men and women therefore the efficacy with black or mixed ethnic BME is not proven. The report also links depression and anxiety with obesity and inactivity and encourages physical exercise as obesity and inactivity is increasing in lower socio economic classes. The media and the NIMBY phenomenon exemplifies the exclusion that often accompanies a diagnosis of depression. This raises issues of complex ethical and political issues along with human and civil rights. According to Blaxter (2004) health, disease and illness are social constructs; they are categories which have been named, and defined, by human beings. Bowers (1998) argues that diagnostic classification systems are culturally influenced, but involve: careful, detailed observation, publication and peer review. Psychiatric diagnoses are based on social judgments of behaviour and experiences. These judgments can be socially and culturally influenced. For example, you will automatically get well by travelling to a country where your beliefs are widely shared. This obviously does not happen with heart disease. Problems of subjectivity and unrecognized cultural assumptions may complicate the process of diagnosis. Neither minds nor bodies develop illnesses. Only people do (Kendall 2001). Recognition that both physical and mental factors are involved in mental distress could mean that a diagnosis of depression would be no more stigmatizing than having a heart condition. Foucault cited in Giddens (2006) was a post-structuralist theorist who believed that peoples views on depression are the results of discourse that exists to define and subjugate people in society. He also, through the process of social archaeology, examines how the issues of mental health existed in the past and how they are a modern conception of normal and deviant activity , defining them as a construct built on power in society and how that power operates , this therefore links in to social constructionist theory. Social constructionism is the belief that our understanding of depression as a reality, overlooks the processes through which the reality is constructed. Our current sociological thinking is one of a historic white male centred Eurocentric model with women historically viewed as hormonal creatures and this gender difference is still prevalent to day in the way we use language with gender differences in the way society defines these roles. Brown and Harris (1974) model of depression drew links with unhappy life events that can lead to depression when mixed with his four vulnerability factors which he identified as ; 3 or more children under 14, loss of mother before 11, lack of employment, lack of intimate confiding relationships. He established that these factors plus an unhappy life event led to 83% women became depressed with working class women more likely to become depressed. Kasen et al (2010) have conducted a study supporting the effects of enduring earlier stress both in childhood , poor health status and a more rapid deterioration in health and the effects this has on major depressive disorder on women in old age and the need to develop resources to counteract stress exposures in younger generations of women. These factors need to be considered in the understanding not only from a feminist perspective but also from a black perspective as black women are multiply disadvantaged, hooks cited in Giddens (2005). Immigration has played a major part in the creation of culturally diverse communities in UK society. The majority of the UK population in the National Census (2001) census was white (92 per cent). The remaining 7.9 per cent were from different minority ethnic groups. Karlsen et al. (2002) states that ethnic groups experience significant racism, unfair discrimination and social exclusion. This needs to be considered when understanding their mental health experiences. Social inequalities in education, employment and health disproportionately affect members of minority ethnic groups. This all leads to increased mental distress. Also black males lives are much harder as they have to live to a set of unconscious rules written in Westernised psychiatry which leads to their current diagnosis. People from minority ethnic groups find that mental health services are not sympathetic to their particular needs. A report from the Sainsbury Centre (2002) concluded, black people are disproportionate ly disadvantaged and their experiences of mental health services are characterised by fear and conflict. Delivering Race Equality was launched in January 2005 and requires health authorities, and NHS trusts to ensure equality of services. The Department of Health has set action goals for the mental health care of minority ethnic communities and service users; these include, reduction in fear and seclusion in mental health services. Race is a contested concept with the difference between race, having its origins in 18th and 19th century colonial assumptions about the differences between white and non-white people. The concept of race is socially constructed and is now embedded in how we identify, understand and think about people. Ethnicity is an alternative concept to race that is more acceptable to groups in society . Ethnicity refers to a sense of identity that is based on shared cultural, religious and traditional factors. Ethnic identities are always changing and evolving. Approaches to cross cultural psychiatry according to Pilgrim (2005) are either orthodox or skeptical. Orthodox definitions of depression state that culture shapes the expression and prevalence of mental disorder. Cultural sensitivity enables GPs to read symptoms and translate them into an orthodox, western diagnosis. A sceptical reading questions the validity of applying diagnostic labels from Western culture to other cultures. Cultural d ifferences lead to people explaining and experiencing depression in different ways. Imposing western diagnostic categories leads to misinterpreting the persons mental distress. It is important to be cautious in making cross-cultural comparisons in diagnosing with different illnesses being stigmatized in different cultures, and so expressed differently. Beck cited in Giddens (2005) felt that depressed peoples thinking is dominated by a triad of negative schema of, ineptness, self-blame and negative evaluation although this doesnt take into account any social factors that have impacted on the individual. Freud cited in Gross (2005) thought that people were victims of their feelings. That the psycho-analytical theory with fixation in psycho sexual stages and repressed desires feelings are what causes mental illness as the ego is unable to exert control over our feelings and this inability to express may cause anxiety and depression. He took this further with enforcing the belief of intra psychic loss, loss of sense of self, esteem, loss of job or the loss of a major sustaining relationship. Hayes (1998) links Bowlbys functionalist perspective in his attachment theory being the loss of significant carer and lack of maternal attachment had far reaching effects. Skinner cited in Gross (2005), believed in radical behaviourism and that lea rning is conditioned and emphasized the role of environmental factors. Seligman (1974) takes a humanistic approach purporting that learned helplessness is a cognitive psychological explanation of depression, where there is learned helplessness and passivity, people become dependant and unable to make decisions for themselves. Oakley (2005) remarks on the tendency for women to specialize in mental illness and that many more women in Westernized society are classified as having neurotic disorders and women dominate in psychosomatic disorders. A correlation exists in the study of mental illness being higher in men living alone and higher in married women however women are also suffers of post partum depression which is viewed by society through the biomedical viewpoint. Oakley (2005) places this within the self perception and ideals within a male patriarchal culture where women have been, historically, subject to social, economic and psychological discrimination, as have black people. However we are all damaged in some extent, this being a state of humanity; however, connectedness is not possible without the qualities of vulnerability, weakness, helplessness and dependency. A paradox exists in that all these qualities are seen as feminine, and are, not only negatively described, but are also associated with depression. This also links to learned helplessness as a psycho social explanation that women are gendered and stereotyped into this through socialization Weissman et al (1982). Calhoun et al (1974) established data that indicated a trend for females to hold themselves more responsible for unhappy moods than males. There are a myriad ways of thinking, behaving and experiencing the world through a combination of care and control using medical, psychological, and social support with interventions done to reduce negative factors such as poverty , unemployment racism etc, and promote social inclusion. Research will play a large part as new factors are established as demonstrated in the recently publicized link between teenagers sleep patterns and depression Gangwisch et al. (2008) Word Count 2747

Chromium :: essays research papers

Chromium Chromium is a very hard, brittle, gray metal, which is sometimes referred to as Siberian red lead. It does not rust easily and becomes shiny and bright when it is polished. The shiny trim on our automobile bumpers and door handles is usually electroplated chromium. Most chromium comes from something called chromite which is a mixture of chromium , iron, and oxygen. Chromite is a common rather ordinary black mineral that no one really noticed until more recent times. Nearly all the world's supply of chromite comes from Zimbabwe, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Cuba, and the Philippines. The United States imports almost all its chromite. Chromium is added to other metals to make them harder and more resistant to chemicals. Small quantities mixed with steel make the metal stainless. Stainless steel is used to make cutlery and kitchen equipment because it does not rust easily and takes a mirror-like polish. This steel contains about 13 percent chromium and 0.3 percent carbon. The hardness of steel can be increased by adding small quantities of chromium to it. Chromium steel alloys (mixtures containing one or more metals) are used to make armor plating for tanks and warships. They are also used for ball bearings and the hard cutting edges of high-speed machine tools. Nickel is highly resistant to electric current and is often added to chromium steels to make them easier to work. For example, stainless steel sinks can be pressed out from flat sheets of steel that can contain 18 percent chomium and 8 percent nickel. When nickel is mixed with chromium, the resulting metal can stand very high temperatures without corroding. For example, the heating elements of toasters can be made from an alloy that is 80 percent nickel and 20 percent chromium. This metal operates at a temperature of about 1380 degrees Fahrenheit (750 degrees Celsius). Chromium was discovered in 1798 by the French chemist Nicolas Vauquelin. He chose the name chromium from the Greek word chroma, which means color. Chromium was a good choice of name, many chromium compounds are brightly colored. Rubies are red and emeralds are green because they contain chromium compounds. Some of the brightest colors in the artist's palette contain chromium. Chrome yellow is made from a substance which contains chromium, lead, and oxygen. Zinc yellow contains zinc, chromium and oxygen. Chrome red is another chromium compound. Chrome green is used in paints and in printing cotton

Reflection on Judaism

Judaism is considered by religious Jews to be the expire soon of the covenant relationship that God established with the Children of Israel. Judaism includes a wide corpus of texts, practices, theological positions, and forms of organization. Within Judaism there are a variety of movements, most of which emerge d from Rabbinic Judaism, which holds that God revealed his laws and commandments to Mo season Mount Sinai In the form of both the Written and Oral Torah. 6] Historically, this assertion was challenged by various groups such as the Caduceus and Hellenic Judaism during t he Second Temple period; the Karate and Sebastian during the early and later media al period; [7] and among segments of the modern reform movements. Liberal movements in modern times such as Humanistic Judaism may be monotheistic. 8] Today, the largest Jewish religious movements are Orthodox Judaism (Harder Judaism and Modern Orthodox Juju Dadaism), Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. Major sources of diffe rence between these e groups are their approaches dishtowels law, the authority of the Rabbinic tradition, and the SSL influence of the State of Israel. [9] Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Torah and Jewish law are divine in origin, eternal and unalterable, and that they should be strictly followed.Conservative e and Reform Judaism are more liberal, with Conservative Judaism generally promoting a m ore â€Å"traditional† interpretation of Judaism requirements than Reform Judaism. A typical Reform position Is that Jewish law should be viewed as a set of general guidelines rather that n as a setoffs restrictions and obligations whose observance Is required of all Jews. [10][11] Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law; today, these courts still exist but the practice of Judaism I s mostly voluntary.

Marketing Management of Ocean Park Essay

Brief Description of Ocean Park Hong Kong Ocean Park Hong Kong is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. It was officially opened on January 10th 1977 by the governor of Hong Kong and was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club on July 1st 1987, with a Government-appointed Board. It constitutes of marine mammal, oceanarium, animal and amusement as a theme park, located in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Reason for Choosing Ocean Park Hong Kong Ocean Park Hong Kong ruled the local amusement park landscape alone. In 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland had arrived and busted out the Park from its near 30-year comfort zone. However, Ocean Park has secured the prestigious 2012 Applause Award, which was the first in Asia to be rewarded. The reason for choosing Ocean Park Hong Kong is thus to study how effectively the marketing strategies are used in the Park against its main competitor, Hong Kong Disneyland. SWOT Analysis A Strength of Ocean Park Hong Kong is the numerous attractions with different levels of amusements ranging from roller coasters to aquariums. Another one is the five major annual events throughout the year: a varying Animal in High Definition Month, the Ocean Park Summer Splash, the Halloween Bash, Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations. Yet, the most obvious weakness is the several incidents happened in the past five years. Panda attacking a feeder, dying of Chinese sturgeons and sudden pause of attractions – all these had surprised the public’s confidence to the park. In terms of opportunity, there is a proposed MTR station on the east of South Island Line for Ocean. Park Hong Kong. The station would help attract more customers for the Park because it will be easier and more convenient to visit. The major threat is from the future development plan of Hong Kong Disneyland, which is expected to build more themed areas, rides and hotels in the coming decade to match the increasing needs. There will be keen competition between Ocean Park Hong Kong and Disneyland after such an expansion. Marketing Objectives Since Ocean Park Hong Kong aims to become a leader among the theme park industry, its marketing objective is to strive for a place in the top ten of the total number of visitors of the Global Attractions Attendance report by AECOM within two years. Moreover, the Park hopes to increase its profit by at least 20% within two years due to the huge amount of visitors every year. Last, due to the accidents happened in recent years, customers’ satisfaction towards Ocean Park Hong Kong has been damaged. To increase customer retention and satisfaction, the Park should make an effort to ensure there will be no accident in the coming two years Reference list 1 / 2 Rubin, J. (2013). Global attendence attractions report. Retrieved from http://www. aecom. com/deploy edfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/ThemeMuseumIndex_2013. pdf (2014). Vision and Mission. Retrieved from http://www. oceanpark. com. hk/html/en/footer/corporate-information/vision. html (2014). Annual Report. Retrieved from http://www. oceanpark. com. hk/doc/common/footer/ar/ophk_ar12-13. pdf Ocean Park, Hong Kong. (n.d. ). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 7, 2014 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ocean_Park_Hong_Kong Pelle, J. (2012). Liseberg – The Applause Award. Retrieved October 5, 2014 from http://liseberg. com/en/home/Entertainment/Awards1/ Nip, A. (2014). â€Å"Annual tourists to Hong Kong could rise to 70 million in three years, commission says†,SCMP,17 January from http://www. scmp. com/news/hong-kong/article/1407779/visitor- numbers-can-rise-70m-three-years-commission-says? page=all POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).   

The differences between ADD and ADHD essays

The differences between ADD and ADHD essays In 1905, a German physician named Herinrich Hoffman, who wrote the tale Struwel Peter about a child with ADHD. Impulsivity and inattention are more likely to have serious problems at home and at school. (Baren, M. 1994) There are two types of Attention Disorders. The first type of disorder is Attention Deficit Disorder and the second type is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADD is a neurobiological disorder. Researchers believed that chemicals in the brain that may be not working properly cause the symptoms of ADD. The two most common characteristics in teenagers with ADD are inattentive and implusive at times. Although all children may be inattentive or implusive at times, those with add have them more frequently. In addition, to there impulsivity and inattention are more likely to have problems at home and school. Another characterics with this disorder is that the children will become underachievers in school. (Quinn, P. 1997) The second type of ADHD is also a Nero chemical disorder that is genetically transmitted. Poor parenting, lack of motivation, character weakness, stupidity, or even psychological problem, does not cause this disorder. This disorder generally affects three areas of people behaviors. Those three areas are attention, impulsivity, and even hyperactivity. Researchers studies show 30 to 70 percent of children have been diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have them well into their adult life. Sometimes this disorder is not discovered until the early teen years. This is often true to those individuals with attention decifit disorder who do exhibit overactivity or behavior problems. (Hallowell, E. 1994) The accurate diagnosis of ADHD obtained through evaluations and parent-child interviews. There are no laboratory measures to perform such as blood or urine screens. It is essential to measure ADHD correctly because of the other problems such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, or even dep...

Free Essays on Technonlgy Vs Evolution

, all of us have two agendas: one hidden in the recesses of our minds, and one that we sell to ourselves and others† (De Waal 662). What this is saying is that even if someone has no thought in their head that what they are about to do is unselfish; the... Free Essays on Technonlgy Vs Evolution Free Essays on Technonlgy Vs Evolution Technology Vs Evolution Until the recent discovery of cloning, no one thought that technology was in any way related to morality. In reality isn’t technology against the morals of the natural world to begin with? But is there even such a thing as a purely selfless act? Sure there are actions that seem selfless, but the reason for doing them is consciously or unconsciously selfish. Evolution is a natural occurrence that one would think is unselfish and completely moral, however in reality the process of evolution is very selfish. It is a species genes changing so that the species will ultimately survive, this is an act that only helps that species. Technology is created to conform to how far evolution has gone. Technology is the next step in the evolution process for humans, and it is making all humans a little more immoral. A tribal shaman â€Å"ensures that the relation between human society and the larger society of beings is balanced and reciprocal, and that the village never takes more form the living land than it returns to it – not just materially but with prayers, propitiations, and praise† (Abram 5). While this seems to be natural and morally thanking the earth for what is has given, the shaman are doing this because the â€Å"scale of a harvest or the size of a hunt are always negotiated between the tribal community and the natural world† (Abram 5). This seemingly selfless act is really only to help the amount of food they can grow or catch that season. This leads to the thought that there is no such thing as a purely moral person. â€Å"If people think they are at times unselfish, so the argument goes, they must be hiding the selfish motives from themselves. In other words, all of us have two agendas: one hidden in the recesses of our minds, and one that we sell to ourse lves and others† (De Waal 662). What this is saying is that even if someone has no thought in their head that what they are about to do is unselfish; the...

7th Grade Essay Prompts

7th Grade Essay Prompts By seventh grade, students should be refining the core writing skills of brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, and revising. In order to hone these skills, seventh-grade students need regular practice writing a variety of essay styles, including narrative, persuasive, expository, and creative essays. The following essay prompts offer age-appropriate starting points to help seventh graders flex their writing muscles. Narrative Essay Writing Prompts Narrative essays share a personal experience to tell a story,  usually  to make a point rather than  merely to  entertain. These narrative essay prompts encourage students to describe and reflect on a story thats meaningful to them. Embarrassing Pasts - As people get older, they are sometimes embarrassed by things they used to like, such as toys, television shows, or nicknames. Describe  something that you used to enjoy that you now find embarrassing. Why is it embarrassing now?Bonds of Hardship - Sometimes difficulties  draw families closer.  Describe something that your family endured together that strengthened your relationships.There’s No Place Like Home - What makes your hometown special?  Explain this special quality.New Kid  in Town  - Being  new  to a  town or school can be challenging because you don’t know anyone, or exciting because no one knows you and your past. Describe a time when you were the new kid.Finders Keepers  -  Write about a time when you lost (or found) something of value. How did that experience affect your opinion of the saying, â€Å"Finders keepers; losers weepers?Follow the Leader -  Describe a time when you were in a leadership role.  How d id it make you feel? What did you learn from the experience? April Fools -  Write about the best prank you’ve ever played on someone (or had played on you).  What made it so clever or funny?Bon Appetit - Special meals can be powerful memory-makers. Write about a specific meal that stands out in your memory. What made it so unforgettable?Bon Voyage - Family trips and vacations also create lasting memories. Write an essay  detailing  your favorite family vacation memory.Batter Up -  Write about a valuable lesson that you learned while playing your favorite sport.Best Friends Forever -  Describe your friendship with your BFF and what makes it so important to you.The Real Me -  What is one thing you wish your parents, teachers, or coaches really understood or knew about you?TV  -  Explain what makes your  favorite television show  so enjoyable or relatable to you. Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts Persuasive essays use facts and reasoning to convince the reader to embrace the writer’s opinion or take a course of action. These essay prompts empower seventh graders to write persuasively about an issue they genuinely care about.   Outdated Laws - What is one law or family or school rule that you think needs to be changed?  Convince lawmakers, your parents, or school leaders to make the change.Bad Ads - Advertising can have a powerful impact on consumers.  What is a  product that you’ve seen advertised that you don’t think should be? Explain why  the media should quit showing these ads.Puppy Love - You want a pet, but your parents don’t think you need one. What would you say to change their minds?Lights, Camera - What is your favorite book of all time? Write an essay  convincing  a producer to make a movie about it.Snooze Button - Studies have shown that tweens and teens need more sleep.  Write a proposal for a later school  start time.Body Shop - Magazines can negatively impact their readers’ body image by using edited images of models. Convince a teen magazine publisher that they should not use heavily-edited model images in their publication.It Can’t Be Over - The  network is canceling  your favorite television  show. Write a paper convincing the station that they’re making a mistake. Curfews -  Some malls have policies forbidding kids under 18 to be at the mall without adult supervision during certain times. Do you think this is fair or unfair? Defend your position.Team Spirit - Should homeschooled students be allowed to play sports on public or private school teams? Why or why not?Smartphones - All of your friends have the latest smartphone, but you only have a â€Å"dumb phone.† Should your parents  upgrade your phone, or are smartphones for middle school kids a bad idea?Bullies - Some dogs, such as pit bulls or  Dobermans, are labeled â€Å"bully breeds.†Ã‚  Is this label deserved or undeserved?Money Can’t Buy You Love - People say that money can’t buy  happiness, but some studies have shown that people with higher incomes may be happier. Do you think  this is true? Why or why not?Ratings -  There are age restrictions on movies and video games, ratings on  television shows, and  warning labels on music. Computers and smartphones offer parental controls. Do adults have too much control over what kids watch and listen to or do these restrictions serve a valuable purpose? Expository Essay Writing Prompts Expository essays describe a process or provide factual information. These prompts can serve as jumping-off points for the explanatory process.   School’s in Session - Would you rather attend public school, private school, or be homeschooled. Explain the benefits of your choice.Admiration  -  Who do you  admire from your life or history? Write an essay describing how their character or contributions to their community have earned your respect.Global Community -  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Write about your dream hometown and why you want to live there.Peer Problems - Peer pressure and bullying can make life as a middle school student difficult.  Describe a time you were pressured or bullied and how it affected you.Order Up -  A friend wants to learn how to make your favorite food.  Detail the process, step-by-step, so your friend can recreate the dish.Addictions - Many  people are impacted by drug or alcohol addictions. Share facts about how  the  use of these substances negatively affects families or communities.  Serve Others - Community service is a valuable ex perience. Describe a time you volunteered. What did you do and how did it make you feel? City or Country Mouse - Do you live in a big city or a small town? Explain why you do or don’t like living there.Aspirations - What  do you want to be when you’re an adult? Explain why you’d choose that  career  or what you’ll do to prepare for it.Point in Time - Sometimes people bury time capsules so  future generations can learn about the past. What would you  include to give an accurate snapshot of life in the current time?Hobbyist  -  You’re  friend  wants to take up your favorite hobby. Explain  it to him.SOS - A natural disaster has destroyed homes and businesses in a nearby city. Describe what you can do to help.Wonder Twin Power  - Some superheroes can fly or  become invisible. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Creative Essay Writing Prompts Creative essays are fictional stories.  They use  plot, character, and dialog to engage and entertain the reader. These prompts will get the creative juices flowing.   Fan Fic -  Write a story about your favorite characters from a book, film, or television show.Cats vs. Dogs - You have two pets of different species. Write a story from their point of view about a day  at home alone.Time Travel - You find a time machine in your backyard. What happens when you step inside?Dream State - Think about a time when you woke in the middle of a vivid dream. What would have happened if the dream  hadn’t been interrupted?New Door  -  You’ve just  discovered a door that you’ve never seen before. What happens when you walk through it?Secret Keeper - You find out your best friend has kept a secret from you. What is the secret and why didn’t your friend tell you?Fridge Fun - Write a story from the perspective of an item in your refrigerator.Desert Island - You’ve just discovered an uncharted island. What happens next?Fly on the Wall  - You  see two people talking excitedly, but you can’t hear what theyâ€⠄¢re saying.  Write a story about what they might be saying.Special Delivery - You receive a battered package in the mail. Write a story about its journey from the sender to you. A Mile in My Shoes - You find a pair of shoes in the thrift store and put them on. Suddenly you find yourself transported into someone else’s life. Describe what happens.Mission to Mars - Imagine that you’re a pioneer to start a colony on Mars. Write about a typical day on your new planet.Snow Days - You find yourself snowed in for a week with your family. There is no electricity or phone service.  What do you do for fun?

Business - Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business - Business Strategy - Essay Example The company is responsible for day to day oversight of ongoing project to track the work performance. It needs to effectively manage the vendors as well as the traders who are related to the project. General contractors provide wide range of services to the clients for a tendered fee and a possible duration of completion of the project under an authorised contract for proposed services. Contractor can charge the fees for its services by hour of work basis, by day or lump sum basis. They generally ask for payment from the clients after completion of each part of the whole project or they can charge in pre-mentioned work duration. General contractors take contracts of new project as well as renovation of an old or damaged project. For this type of services they do an effective site visit fpo0r proper understandings of the current situation of the project which is essential for the projection of required work on that project as well as to estimate the overall cost for the renovation. In the process of estimating the total cost of a project they consider the cost of required raw materials as well as the labour and other possible costs. All these are mentioned in detail in the budget. General contractors who work for government agencies are referred as prime contractor. For a business owner perspective, they hired contractor than a group of permanent employees to get the cost advantage. Contractors provide services in a competitive rate as there is also huge competition in contracting market. Apart from this, the client can release the contractor after one project and they do not need to provide training. Subcontractor Subcontractor works under main contractor and their task and obligations are assigned by the main contractor. In a complex project or a long term project, the main contractor generally hire subcontractor to complete different part of the project. Subcontractors are generally expertise of a particular type of work for project and this they are hired by the main contractor for effective completion of the total work. When a wide range of capabilities are required for a project then subcontracting become very useful. The subcontracting part of a project is generally not under the core competencies of the main contractor and for this reason it may assist to the main contractor in diversifying the overall risk and keeping costs under control. So the general contractor receives a better service from the subcontractor which it could not have provided by itself at a lower risk. Many subcontractor works for same companies which allow them to become specialised in a particular skill. In UK, there need to respond to the frequently changing environment and to service a diverse areas of the infrastructure. It has encouraged the subcontractor community for the flexible and diversified work and they have been providing specialised skills and expertise to many general contractor companies (Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, 2009). Financial Analysis for r ecommendation Table 1: Balance sheet of the company LIABILITIES Amount(?) ASSETS Amount(?) Issued(fully paid up) share Capital 200 Fixed Assets 100000 Revenue Reserves 60000 Depreciation 5000 Loans 200000 Â   95000 Overdraft 120000 Stock and work-in-progress 400000 Estimated Tax payable 20000 Debtors 100000 Trade Creditors 195000 Cash 200 Balance 595200 Â   595200 Table 2: Profit and loss statement of the company Particulars Amount(?) Amount(?) Sales

Franchise vs. Non-Franchise Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Franchise vs. Non-Franchise - Research Paper Example Licensing is when the licensor (corporation) makes certain resources available to the licensee, which is a company from another country. This enables the licensee to produce and sell a product which is similar to the one being sold by the parent company (Licensor). Franchising is a special form of licensing which occurs when a corporation sells a complete package to the franchisee which includes trademark, equipment, ingredients of the product and even advice related to managerial aspects. The franchisee takes the corporation`s name and standardized operating system (Management, Print). Some great examples of franchises include the fast food chains like McDonald`s, Subway, Burger King etc. on the other hand, a non-franchise business is one in which, although you have lesser support as compared to a franchise, you are free to make your own decisions and follow your own ideas. Unlike a franchise, owners of a non-franchise business do not have to face strict operational rules and other operational guidelines set by the franchisor (Non-franchised business opportunities, Web). One of the well-known franchises of the world is Subway which has been chosen as a franchise business for this assignment. The franchise concept of Subway involves a simple operation as the subs (sandwiches) do not have to be cooked. It also involves low investment and overheads for the franchisee. In order to start a franchise of subway, the franchisee first has to submit a complete application. It takes between 2 to 12 months to start the business at the proposed location. The franchisee is required not to have any association with other businesses during this term of franchise agreement with Subway. In order to purchase a franchise in the United States, the person should be a legal citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The franchisee is helped by the registered development agents of Subway who would help in the initial settlement period. The total investment by the franchisee can range from $115,700 to $260,350 for traditional locations and $85,200 to $202,150 for non-traditional locations. Subway helps the franchisee by providing training for two week which includes in class as well as training in stores. Unless this training is taken, the franchisee will not be allowed to open the shop or outlet. There is a certain criteria set by subway for location, store placement, store design etc. the basic menu of Subway offers breakfast, salads, flat breads and hot as well as cold submarine sandwiches. The franchisees have the option of adding four sandwiches to their menus, one to be selected by the store and two selected by the market. The franchisee has the ability to determine the pricing of store items although prices are also recommended by the company. The franchisee also has to follow a number of guidelines of ingredients and other items. The menu also includes freshly baked cookies and there also a number of requirements of salty snacks, bread etc. The company requires the franchisee to open the store for a minimum of 98 hours. The policy can be changed or eliminated at the franchisor`s discretion. The developing agent would give training of 70 hours during the first week of the store and will evaluate the store on a monthly basis. The company also provides daily back-up support by assigning a coordinator whom the store owner can call for

Two Visions in The Heart of Darkness by Edward Said Essay

Two Visions in The Heart of Darkness by Edward Said - Essay Example Therefore, in a reflective analysis of the impact of colonialism and imperialism on the colonized nations as well as the visions provided in the novel Heart of Darkness, it becomes lucid that the author makes an important point when he refers to a network of interdependent histories. As Edward Said maintains in his article â€Å"Two Visions in The Heart of Darkness†, the network of interdependent histories provide the best illustration of why the former colonies of the European countries undergo a fundamental crisis in the cotemporary. The situation in these countries is not the result of self-inflicted wounds or the total responsibility of the colonizers. According to the author, â€Å"blaming the Europeans sweepingly for the misfortunes of the present is not much of an alternative. What we need to do is to look at these matters as a network of interdependent histories that it would be inaccurate and senseless to repress, useful and interesting to understand.† (Said, 4 22) A reflective analysis of the famous novel by Conrad, which reflects the imperialist settings of Africa, confirms that there is a network of interdependent histories which resulted in the contemporary situation of the post colonial world. The role of patriotism, chauvinism, ethnic, religious, religious, and racial hatreds in worsening the current situation makes the argument clear. In short, the author makes an essential point when he suggests that a network of interdependent histories have contributed to the contemporary.

Port Maritime Legislation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Port Maritime Legislation - Assignment Example The main objective of the legislation is to tighten the security at ports in the US. A gambling provision was added to the legislation at the final moments before enactment. The provisions in this Act spring from some 20 bills that were introduced to the Congress following the controversy of the Dubai Ports World that aimed at blocking the acquisition of P&O Ports by Dubai World Ports and barring the US from exploitation by foreign owners (US Government Accountability Office, 2014). With the act, a range of programs were codified into law that have seen an improvement of security at the US ports namely The Small Vessel Security Strategy was devised to alleviate any risks of using small vessels to smuggle weapons of mass destruction or terrorists into the US. The strategy was also meant to alleviate threats of such vessels being used as standoff weapon platforms or a simple route to attacking the US directly with the waterborne improvised explosive device. This strategy also gives a clear definition of small vessel communities and then locates the areas where they prevail. The strategy outlines the best way forward in controlling and managing maritime risks, ensuring that the potential consequences of the attack through small vessels is eliminated in time (US Government Accountability Office, 2014). This approach requires the integration of various sectors and agencies. The salient goals of this vital security strategy include: d) To foster cooperation among all sectors, including local, tribal, state, federal, international, public and private sectors to adopt one approach towards maritime safety and security. In doing so, the Department of State alongside other federal agencies will be

Comparative critical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Comparative critical analysis - Essay Example An analysis of this fact explains that it is of the essence that the teaching and learning processed be set in a manner that will help unfold the mental abilities of the learners. Since learning results in different forms of change, it is fundamental that the learning process be created in a way that will help the children acquire a new skill. A developed learning process is also directly linked to cognitive, social as well as affective development (Daniels, 1996). In line with this argument, the teaching and the education processes need to be practical in such a way that will lead to deeper insights on the mind of the children. Through learning, the mind of the children is helped to develop. As seen in the research conducted by Donaldson (1978). Through the process of learning children adopt and learn new ways of mental functioning. In the course of learning for example, the child may learn aspects touching in culture and language and manipulate the same to developed new ways of thinking and self-regulation (Wood, 1998). Through the language structures and the pragmatic concept of the same, children in turn form new facets that shape their minds (Wood, 1998). From this perspective, it is evident that the mind of the child indeed determines the way in which they learn, think, and perceive things in their surroundings. For learning to take place in the case of the children, the entire learning and teaching process has to be active in approach. Vosniadou (2001) indicates that it is only in an active teaching and learning process that active learning takes place as well as the mutant development of children. Through an active learning process, it is indicated that the minds of the children are stimulated; thus, allows for a mastery of contents and a complete transformation of the general development of child since the building blocks of the mind have been

Business & Project Creation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business & Project Creation - Essay Example This before time analysis will make one more conscious of company's strengths and weaknesses and progress chances of gaining an aggressive benefit and increasing market share. The Market Analysis Team has foundation abilities in performing market assessments and public strategy impact assessments using an analysis model. Any cost-effective model - which reproduces a detailed nominal cash flow for fresh products - estimates earnings, cash flows, and debt payment to estimate a project's leveled cost-of-launch, nominal Internal Rate of Return, and annual Debt-Service-Coverage-Ratios. The Market Analysis Team encourages and facilitates greater acceptance of new technologies in the market by functioning with services and other stakeholders to recognize suitable technologies and to deal with system incorporation matters. The Market Analysis Team fosters improved understanding of the role of markets by identifying market barriers and opportunities, and promoting market-based solutions, when possible, to achieve greater development. The Market Analysis Team informs and guides the key conclusion makers in order to optimistically manipulate progress decisions. This contains developing the establishment of nationwide and regional electorates through work with a range of interest groups, and given that support to client and stakeholder groups to widen and execute market-based plans for its products. The Market Analysis Team gives modified help to state agencies and other stakeholders to assist meet their product investigation needs. The Market Analysis Team carries out assessments of the insinuations of industry reorganization for its new products technologies. One has to execute analyses of diverse suggestions for a normal, transmission pricing, and autonomous system operators; as well as analyses of retail access programs and system benefits arraigns when doing comprehensive market analysis for any product. Therefore, the Market Analysis Team executes analyses of markets to augment understanding of associated subjects. The Market Analysis Team as well does Policy Analysis of its manufactured goods and the marketplace of its product. The Market Analysis Team carries out analyses of federal and state policy alternatives to widen market prospects for its fresh products. Amongst the policies that marketers have examined are incorporated resource planning, competitors externalities, aggressive bidding, and market infiltration of its product. Market Analysis - Identifying Potential Opportunities While having the Market Analysi

Comparative critical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Comparative critical analysis - Essay Example An analysis of this fact explains that it is of the essence that the teaching and learning processed be set in a manner that will help unfold the mental abilities of the learners. Since learning results in different forms of change, it is fundamental that the learning process be created in a way that will help the children acquire a new skill. A developed learning process is also directly linked to cognitive, social as well as affective development (Daniels, 1996). In line with this argument, the teaching and the education processes need to be practical in such a way that will lead to deeper insights on the mind of the children. Through learning, the mind of the children is helped to develop. As seen in the research conducted by Donaldson (1978). Through the process of learning children adopt and learn new ways of mental functioning. In the course of learning for example, the child may learn aspects touching in culture and language and manipulate the same to developed new ways of thinking and self-regulation (Wood, 1998). Through the language structures and the pragmatic concept of the same, children in turn form new facets that shape their minds (Wood, 1998). From this perspective, it is evident that the mind of the child indeed determines the way in which they learn, think, and perceive things in their surroundings. For learning to take place in the case of the children, the entire learning and teaching process has to be active in approach. Vosniadou (2001) indicates that it is only in an active teaching and learning process that active learning takes place as well as the mutant development of children. Through an active learning process, it is indicated that the minds of the children are stimulated; thus, allows for a mastery of contents and a complete transformation of the general development of child since the building blocks of the mind have been

Pop Music Has It Gone Too Far Essay Example for Free

Pop Music Has It Gone Too Far Essay Has Pop music gone too far some might say yes some might say no but to some extent everyone would agree but how can you judge this by standard of the generation and how the artist changed it as well as how you would think the next generation would react. hen we began the course it started with rock and rollers wearing suits and dancing with a 1-2 step then coming to 2013 which Ithink the second teen idol era such as Justin Bieber or Katy Perry or even worse the Kardashians but even now compare them to the likes of Fabian teen idols of the late 50s-60s who are taking the rolls of Elvis and such should be noted than filming of Elvis from the waist down was prohibited at a time then to half naked women for the sake of getting a gold record and a couple of bucks but then there was jim morrison waving around his penis on stage but it can be said he was under influence of several things. But all in all I Say that yes it has gotten too far . Pop music can be said to be always changing because the change from RB to hip hop did not happen without a huge change like rock and roll and san francisco but when you say something is extreme the next generation will take it as the norm say when 80s rock and roll started making sex related music videos which was considered ridiculous today its everywhere my cousin who was listening to songs like stronger or E. however her mom had no problem . One of the biggest thing I Seen arise is that it injected itself into our culture just like a virus from well dressed clean cut to leather pants and jackets and crazy cuts but it began with the beatles who simply got long hair. Or when KIss stated wearing leather and make up the youth followed proving that it was no longer anti-culture it was culture and changing america for better or worse. Another thing that crossed my mind is that good is bad and bad is good when the rolling stones crossed this path they set a whole world of problems but how far can you go for record sales once it was love, peace and tolerance then it turned to sex drugs and rock and roll while the singers who were in tune were dismissed while screamers were considered the best. But some may not think this is a big deal, it is pop music but I Would think death would change one’s mind. Jimi Hendrix one of the best guitarists died due to â€Å"misadventure† aka he overdosed as well as jim morrison taking their own lives the best of the san francisco style dead, pop music took these â€Å"tortured† souls but it can be said that they had it coming to them how about the fans, ordinary people for example say Altamont Free Concert what could go wrong Free concert with world famous acts what could go wrong. Drugs and alcohol can. The rolling stones here tried to skip the police and decided that they can do whatever they wanted , they were a pop artist group of course, so they decided to hire the hells Angels and with the drugs and fight music a brawl broke out between a fan and to members which ended with the death of Meredith Hunter who was stabbed to death by the security personnel and it was caught on tape. Or when the prince of darkness decided to write a song about suicide (suicide solution) a teenaged John McCollum decided to kill himself . he lyrics went†Where to hide, suicide is the only way out Dont you know what its really about Wine is fine but whiskeys quicker Suicide is slow with liquor Take a bottle, drown your sorrows Then it floods away tomorrows† this song at the least suggests suicide if not promoting it . Being bad may bring in platinum records and #1 hits but when people start dying bad is not good any more it’s bad. Rock and roll was once full of well dressed mannered people the Beatles be a good example and early on their lyrics meant well elvis sang about love and moondogs then Jimi hendrixs start humping his guitar on fire then the who started breaking equipment , The rolling stones started shooting heroin on stage, ozzy osbourne bit the heads off a bat and Jim morrison exposed himself and I doubt all they sung about was love me do and twist and shout the lyrics esuculated from â€Å"in benefit of mr. ite† to Prince saying incest is ok or when twisted sister said to shoot them down with a _______ gun then Venom advising â€Å"Welcome to my sacrifice Plunge the dagger in her breast† then ice-t saying to kill police or when blackie lawless is acting out sex with a saw . The lyrics are what sells albums Eminem and 2pac both are one of the most successful rap artists ever and yet there lyrics call for killing cops homophobia and songs against women. In a song Eminem or marshall mathers once said that there would be the same amounts of drug addicts and murders without me something I Doubt. The more famous the artist the more influence they have charles manson said that the Beatles were prophets . Going back in time there was a time when music was a time where music was an extra part of life which was recreational and now we hang on every last word of our favorite artist say swag which was reintroduced by T.  I jay-y as well as justin bieber and it is still around and dont forget YOLO which was created by drake but it seems though as it is dying out but hats, shirts and bracelets were made and this is where it begins to push the limits when people live their live based upon these word which in a way is no different than Charles Manson. Or when Wiz Khalifa is so open about his weed addiction and so many of my former friends started because of him or even earlier when Dr. dre started and when people take pills because eminem did it or acid because the beatles were cool. hen people say pop music artist does this it becomes a religion like following like how a good christian would follow the teachings of jesus they are following the ideals of pop stars and became the center of everything as John Lennon once said†Were more popular than Jesus now† or when Kendrick Lamar Says†Depending on what you expecting, Im sure its bigger than your religion†After this course I’m wondering where is the responsibility of these Musicians who control the public when are they saying not to listen to them but they want to be heard so if you do go to F.  Y. E and pick up a Marshall mathers lp the responsibility is given to the parents as there is a little text box saying parental advisory for us to have to w orry about those things itself proves that Pop music has gone too far as you wouldnt let your child listen to Eminem or Ozzy And you would not let your parents hear you listening to them I think thats the limit when it starts to on Prentice Hall, 2006.

Hobbes and Plato

Hobbes and Plato Hobbes and Plato both constructed images of an ideal state, based on their accounts of human nature. Hobbes had a more negatively skewed view of human nature; a materialistic view, while Plato essentially believed that humans are inherently good. This essay will discuss how their differing views are conveyed in their imagined states, and subsequently will critically compare the two. Thomas Hobbes had a materialistic philosophy; he held a mechanistic view of the universe. In his opinion, human nature is the the combined result of mechanic desires and aversions, arbitrated by constant power struggles.He posited that there is no true right and wrong but that morality is subjectively relative, â€Å"He states that there is no good but the object of a mans desire, no evil but an object of aversion, and that there is no absolute right or wrong, but merely a relative morality that favors the reason of the user† ( Tyluski, associatedcontent.com). In Hobbes view, mans natural condition or state of nature is innately violent and aggressive, saturated with fear. He illustrates his belief with the hypothetical image of the natural state of mankind, prior to a government ruling society, as one of constant war, aggression, fear and death. He proposed that since resources are limited, as soon as two people want the same thing, a power struggle results and inevitably war erupts. If men were to live in this state of nature then all lives would be â€Å"solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short.( Hobbes, pg.186). Based on this diabolical image, Hobbes contends that the best solution to this state of nature is his Leviathan. He argues that in order for mankind to exist and live in peace and harmony, they must first submit to a sovereign power. Hobbes truly believed that control by an oppressive government was infinitely better than living under the threat of war. In order to alleviate the constant fear, mankind must enter into a social contract in a commonwealth ruled over by a sovereign head. Thus the Leviathan is formed in order to overcome the fear based lives of men in the state of nature. However, ironically the Leviathan is only possible if it uses fear itself as a weapon. Therefore fear is never completely dismissed. However fear under the Leviathan at least brings the promise of peace and protection of life, in contrast to fear in the state of nature. Following from this, the Leviathan seems immensely more desirable a condition to live in. It appears that it is only under a sovereign p ower that people have actual liberty. Certainly there are rules and regulations to live by, but as the subjects actually wrote the social contract they find themselves under, they are indeed authors of the sovereigns power. It seems that freedom can only really exist under a soverieign power permitted by its people, â€Å"establish a Leviathan whose power is assigned to it by its subjects† (Tyluski, associatedcontent.com). In Platos Republic, Glaucon and Adeimantus have entreated Socrates to explain that the best life a man can live is a just one, and that it will ultimately lead to happiness. Socrates must show that justice should be chosen for its own merit and not for the results that derive from it. Since a city is larger than a man, it is easier for Socrates to first look for justice at a political level within a state, and following from that to see whether the virtues found can be transferred to an individual. â€Å"Morality might exist on a larger scale in the larger entity and be easier to discernAnd then we can examine individuals too, to see if the larger entity is reflected in the features of the smaller entity† ( Plato, pg 58). Therefore the collective justice found within a state will be reflected in the justice of an individual. Plato saw justice not as a set of behaviours, but rather as a structural entity. The structure of a city holds political justice while in an individual ju stice can be found in the structure of the soul. Plato explains that in his ideal state there must exist the four virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation and justice. His imagined state will be divided into three classes of people; producers, auxilaries and guardians. The producers are the lowest class, such as farmers, artisans, and craftsmen. They must use the skills which nature honoured them with. Auxilaries are the warrior class who must defend the rulers beliefs and doctrines. The guardians are the highest class and they are the rulers of this imagined state. When the balance and relationship between these three classes is correct then this is a just society. Plato then takes his image of a perfect state and starts searching for each of the previously mentioned virtues. He begins by discovering that wisdom resides in the class of the guardians. They are the smallest class in the city. The guardians have had the best education, and have been finely honed for this role. They have a thorough knowledge of running a city. They are rational and desire what is in the best interest for the city as a whole. Therefore with the city in their hands, it is made wise, â€Å"the wisdom it has a whole is due to the smallest grouping and section within it and to the knowledge possessed by this group, which is the authoritative and ruling section of the community† ( Plato, pg. 135). The next virtue Plato comes across is courage and this is found in the auxilaries. The auxilaries must fight for the city and defend the wishes of the guardians. More specifically, the type of courage which is found in the auxilaries is civic courage. That is to say, it is a type of courage which is based on belief rather than knowledge. He defines courage in this instance as, â€Å"the ability to retain under all circumstances a true and lawful notion about what is and is not to be feared† (Plato, pg. 137). Plato places great importance on the significance of education and thorough training.He emphasises how imperative standing by the specific role of performing with courage as an auxilary is, regardless of the pressures which arise â€Å"keeping it intact and not losing it whether one is under the influence of pain or pleasue, diversion or aversion.† (Plato, pg. 136). Moderation is the thrid virtue, and is found throughout the state, â€Å" self-discipline(moderation) literally spans the whole octaval spread of the community, and makes the weakest, the strongest, and the ones in between all sing in unison†( Plato, pg. 139). While courage and wisdom are essential qualities which are found in only specific parts of the community, moderation is a virtue which reconciles and brings together all the parts of the city. Moderation comes about by the acceptance that all are in agreement concerning who should rule the city. It is found in all classes, and is attained by a common understanding of what is best for all people. With regard to justice in the state, again it is found throughout the state. Justice complements moderation in the city. Plato deems that â€Å"morality(justice) is doing ones own job and not intruding elsewhere† (Plato, pg. 140). Plato believes that justice best comes about when everyone attends to the role that they are most suited to. As a just society is made up of three classes, similarly a just soul parallels it and is tripartite in its structure; the rational, the spirited and the appetitive. A just soul constantly attempts to achieve and live completely in truth. Therefore the rational part of the soul rules, and the spirited part supports the rational, with the appetitive part submitting and following reason. That is to say the whole soul is geared towards satisfying the desires of the rational, just as in the imagined state everyone fulfills the rulers desires. Within the society, each class is dominated by the corresponding part of the soul. Producers are ruled by their appetites; their urges for money, material things and pleasure. Warriors are ruled by their spirits; they are brave and courageous. Rulers are influenced by their rationale. Therefore justice in a soul as in the state, relies on the the appropriate power relationship between each part, â€Å"Morality, then is an inner state.It is harmony b etween the parts of a persons mind under the leadership of his or her intellect† ( Plato, pg. 152). In this way Platos account of human nature directly informs his theory of an ideal state. Platos Republic and Hobbes Leviathan both share the common understanding that without a state or governing body in place, all mankind would disintegrate into a state of chaos; with desires, appetites and aversions being the dominant cause behind behaviour. They reflect each other in that both believe submission to and acceptance of a ruling body will result in harmony. However beyond this similarity, the views of these philosophers greatly differ. The Republic is based on a quest for justice in both the state and individual; in Platos view people are inherently good. Plato constructs his ideal state,and then searches for virtues within it, which will also be present in the tripartite soul of individuals. By this method, he shows that in a just state or soul, these virtues must be present and each class or reciprocal part of soul must have the correct balance of power. In this way harmony is attained. Although men may commit some terrible acts, this is due to their appetitive desires rather than an innate negative drive. Although Hobbes also believes that men are dominantly driven by their desires and aversions, he does not think that men are ultimately driven to do good but rather by what will give them power and will ultimately protect them. Hobbes builds his state on a foundation of fear of war and terror. He does not consider that what is correct and just is found naturally in humans, â€Å"The notions of right and wrong, justice and injustice have there no place† ( Hobbes, pg. 188). He does not look for virtues in men but instead only seeks , â€Å"those qualities of man-kind that concern their living together in Peace, and Unity.†( Hobbes, pg. 160). Hobbes does not believe there exists a state of happiness in the soul, that it is a state that is a constant, that can be held on to, â€Å"Felicity is a continuall progresse of the desire, from one object to another† (Hobbes,pg. 160). Plato builds his state on the principle of specialization, â€Å"At the center of his model is a principle of specialization: each person should perform just the task to which he is best suited.† (Brown, SEP). Every man has a place, and does the job for which he is deemed most fit for. In this way all jobs in the state are done to the highest standard, and the needs of the state are met adequately, resulting in a healthy state. This ensures each class remains in a fixed state of power and influence. In contrast, Hobbes does not see men as being any different from each other, rather he believes that we are all completely equal, â€Å"Nature hath make man so equal in the faculties of body and mind; as that though there be found one man sometimes manifestly stronger in body, or of quicker mind than another; yet when all is reckoned together, the difference between man and man is not so considerable† (Hobbes, pg. 183). Plato believes that there exists an elite few that poss ess a greater knowledge and absolute truth. It is these few who convey the moralistic way of life to the rest of society. Converesly, Hobbes does not think that there is any one who is in possession of truth, and does not see the state as responsible for moral reasoning within society. Rather the only role the government plays in his eyes is a lawful one, a peace keeping role to avoid the harm one man may cause another. While Platos state is often referred to as an unattainable Utopia, it is still a model which can be aspired to, as an existence with order, meaning and harmony, both within the individual and on a larger scale. Hobbes Leviathan contrarily, is built out of fear and chaos, rather than being something to aspire to, it seems to be more something that is settled for, when there is no other alternative. Bibliography: Brown, E., 2009, Platos Ethics and Politics in the Republic, , 03/04/10. Hobbes, T., 1968, Leviathan( Pelican Classics), London, Penguin. Plato, 1993, Republic: translated by Robin Waterfield, Oxford, Oxford University Press. Tyluski, M., 2009, Human Nature in Hobbes Leviathan, , 03/04/10.

Citizens from France and The Netherlands rejected the Constitutional Tr

There have always been controversies surrounding the treaties in the post-Maastricht era. Such practices did not pass by the Constitutional and Lisbon treaties. The rejection of these two treaties had a major political impact on Europe as a whole. 29th of May 2005, was a memorable day in the history of the European Union. That particular date is connected with the referendum in France, regarding the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty and most importantly with the ‘non’ votes that were louder than the ‘oui’ votes. The citizen’s voice clearly stated that further integration amongst member states shall not be perceived through the Constitutional Treaty. Furthermore, just two days later Dutch referendum also stated the same as French. These ‘non’(s) and ‘nee’(s) threw Europe into a constitutional crisis. Three years later, the Lisbon Treaty was about to change everything, a step closer to an ever-close union. The treaty wa s already ratified in number of countries. It was Ireland’s citizens turn to decide on that matter with a referendum. 12th of June 2008, was the very date that Irishmen said ‘no’ to the treaty. Both of those failures of the treaties sent shockwaves all over Europe. Number of articles and official barometer polls looked after the referendum to try to project the main reasons behind the rejections. Certain aspects of the implication that drove the French and Irish public to halt further integration between states, are more or the less the same. For example, aspects of lack of knowledge and understandment of the treaties due to their complexity, common nationalistic and political views, just to name a few, are fundamental ideas behind the ‘noes’. However, there are also significant differences in the implications... ...) of the voters highlighted the insufficient knowledge they had on the treaty. Furthermore, a survey carried out by Irish Times/TNS mrbi (cited in O’Brien & Oakley, 2008) showed that 30% of ‘no’ voters did not understand the treaty. Nationalist feelings were also amongst the most notable reasons for rejecting the treaty, 12% of the ‘against’ voters felt that this would keep the distinctiveness of Irish national identity (The Gallup Organization, 2008, p. 13). Irish rejection of the referendum also had its specific demographics, according to Smith(2008) the The Gallup Organization survey had shown that the urban working class, rural dwellers and the catholic right have formed an unusual alliance that led to the victory of the Euroskeptics. Year later in (DATE), 2009 after several amendments of the Lisbon treaty, on a second referendum, Ireland ratified the treaty. Citizens from France and The Netherlands rejected the Constitutional Tr There have always been controversies surrounding the treaties in the post-Maastricht era. Such practices did not pass by the Constitutional and Lisbon treaties. The rejection of these two treaties had a major political impact on Europe as a whole. 29th of May 2005, was a memorable day in the history of the European Union. That particular date is connected with the referendum in France, regarding the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty and most importantly with the ‘non’ votes that were louder than the ‘oui’ votes. The citizen’s voice clearly stated that further integration amongst member states shall not be perceived through the Constitutional Treaty. Furthermore, just two days later Dutch referendum also stated the same as French. These ‘non’(s) and ‘nee’(s) threw Europe into a constitutional crisis. Three years later, the Lisbon Treaty was about to change everything, a step closer to an ever-close union. The treaty wa s already ratified in number of countries. It was Ireland’s citizens turn to decide on that matter with a referendum. 12th of June 2008, was the very date that Irishmen said ‘no’ to the treaty. Both of those failures of the treaties sent shockwaves all over Europe. Number of articles and official barometer polls looked after the referendum to try to project the main reasons behind the rejections. Certain aspects of the implication that drove the French and Irish public to halt further integration between states, are more or the less the same. For example, aspects of lack of knowledge and understandment of the treaties due to their complexity, common nationalistic and political views, just to name a few, are fundamental ideas behind the ‘noes’. However, there are also significant differences in the implications... ...) of the voters highlighted the insufficient knowledge they had on the treaty. Furthermore, a survey carried out by Irish Times/TNS mrbi (cited in O’Brien & Oakley, 2008) showed that 30% of ‘no’ voters did not understand the treaty. Nationalist feelings were also amongst the most notable reasons for rejecting the treaty, 12% of the ‘against’ voters felt that this would keep the distinctiveness of Irish national identity (The Gallup Organization, 2008, p. 13). Irish rejection of the referendum also had its specific demographics, according to Smith(2008) the The Gallup Organization survey had shown that the urban working class, rural dwellers and the catholic right have formed an unusual alliance that led to the victory of the Euroskeptics. Year later in (DATE), 2009 after several amendments of the Lisbon treaty, on a second referendum, Ireland ratified the treaty. Citizens from France and The Netherlands rejected the Constitutional Tr There have always been controversies surrounding the treaties in the post-Maastricht era. Such practices did not pass by the Constitutional and Lisbon treaties. The rejection of these two treaties had a major political impact on Europe as a whole. 29th of May 2005, was a memorable day in the history of the European Union. That particular date is connected with the referendum in France, regarding the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty and most importantly with the ‘non’ votes that were louder than the ‘oui’ votes. The citizen’s voice clearly stated that further integration amongst member states shall not be perceived through the Constitutional Treaty. Furthermore, just two days later Dutch referendum also stated the same as French. These ‘non’(s) and ‘nee’(s) threw Europe into a constitutional crisis. Three years later, the Lisbon Treaty was about to change everything, a step closer to an ever-close union. The treaty wa s already ratified in number of countries. It was Ireland’s citizens turn to decide on that matter with a referendum. 12th of June 2008, was the very date that Irishmen said ‘no’ to the treaty. Both of those failures of the treaties sent shockwaves all over Europe. Number of articles and official barometer polls looked after the referendum to try to project the main reasons behind the rejections. Certain aspects of the implication that drove the French and Irish public to halt further integration between states, are more or the less the same. For example, aspects of lack of knowledge and understandment of the treaties due to their complexity, common nationalistic and political views, just to name a few, are fundamental ideas behind the ‘noes’. However, there are also significant differences in the implications... ...) of the voters highlighted the insufficient knowledge they had on the treaty. Furthermore, a survey carried out by Irish Times/TNS mrbi (cited in O’Brien & Oakley, 2008) showed that 30% of ‘no’ voters did not understand the treaty. Nationalist feelings were also amongst the most notable reasons for rejecting the treaty, 12% of the ‘against’ voters felt that this would keep the distinctiveness of Irish national identity (The Gallup Organization, 2008, p. 13). Irish rejection of the referendum also had its specific demographics, according to Smith(2008) the The Gallup Organization survey had shown that the urban working class, rural dwellers and the catholic right have formed an unusual alliance that led to the victory of the Euroskeptics. Year later in (DATE), 2009 after several amendments of the Lisbon treaty, on a second referendum, Ireland ratified the treaty.

Neural Networks in Investments Essay -- Computers Technology Investing

Neural Networks in Investments I. ABSTRACT Investment managers often find themselves overwhelmed with the large amount of data obtained from the financial markets. Most of the data available is numeric and noisy in nature, making the decision-making process harder. These decisions usually rely on the integration of statistical measures that attempt to compress much of the data and qualitative depictions such as graphs and bar charts with news events and other pertinent information. Investment decisions usually involve non-linear relationships among the various components of the data. Computers in general, are very adept at dealing with large amounts of numeric information. However, some algorithms are crucial in analyzing and combining disparate information that can impact security prices. Artificial Intelligence based methods uses clever algorithms and rules of thumb (heuristics) in the decision-making process. Neural Network and expert systems applications have been successfully deployed in the domain of Finance, and in the area of investment management. This paper discusses the basics and the theory behind neural networks and provides an introduction to an application area of neural networks in the domain of Finance. The application areas of Neural Networks discussed in the paper are corporate finance, financial institutions, and the professional investor. The purpose of the second paper will be to discuss the specifics of each of these applications. II. INTRODUCTION Neural network computing is an information processing method that was developed from research to make computers that could imitate the way people learned. The field initially grew from 1930s ideas about how biological systems like the human brain works... ...in of finance is essential for further development. V. REFERENCES 1. Deboeck Guido J., Trading on the Edge: Neural, Genetic, and Fuzzy Systems for Chaotic Financial Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1994. 2. Trippi Robert R., Lee Jae K., State-of-the-Art Portfolio Selection Using Knowledge Based Systems to Enhance Investment Performance, Probus Publishing Company, 1992. 3. Refenes Paul, Neural Networks in the Capital Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1995. 4. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street, April 19-22 1993, New York City. 5. Neural Network Resources on the World Wide Web, http://www.med-web.com/nnres/ 6. Neural Network Toolbox, http://www.mathworks.com/products/neuralnet/ 7. Neural Network WWW References, http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/neural/www/www-catalogue.html

Sir Elton John

Sir Elton John was a pop singer in the 19 and 20 century. Elton was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 1994. Elton was one of the biggest artist of that time. Elton has lots and lots of fans and makes over millions of dollars. This is Elton life from a child to an adult! Elton John had an ok childhood. Elton John was born on March 25 1947 in Pinner, United Kingdom. Elton John had 4 brothers named Geoff, Simon, Sam and Robert. Elton John's father, Stanley Dwight was in the royal air force. Elton did not have a good relationship with Stanley. Elton John not only loved music at a young age, he loved to play sports. One surprising fact about Elton John was that he taught himself how to play the piano at age 3! When Elton John was only 17 he dropped out of High School to start his dream of music. According to CNN, Elton John was married to Renate Blauel in 1984. But CNN states that Elton got into a divorce with Renate in 1988. Elton John went on Instagram and said that he was a bad husband to Renute and caused her into sadness, which made them have a divorce. Years later Elton ended up marrying David Furnish to be his long time partner. They have been married to David since 2014 to now. Elton John has too kids with David. Elton John has two kids named Zachary and Elijah! Zachary is Eltons older son that is about 8 years old as of 2018. Zachary was born in 2010 on christmas day! A surprising fact about Zachary is that his godmother is Lady Gaga! In a interview Elton said â€Å"He's gorgeous, he travels brilliantly, he so loves people, and it makes our lives – he's the icing on the cake†. Elton and David say they love the biological mother of Zachary like a sister. Elijah is Elton and David's youngest son. As of 2018 Elijah is about 5 years old. Elijah was born on January 11, 2013. At Elijah's birth he weighed 8lb 4oz. From interviews you can tell that Elton and David really loves there kids and would do anything for them. Elton John's has many songs that made him famous. Some of his songs that got him very famous are Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road! Those are just a few of Elton John's hits singles. Elton John is also famous for his debut album Yellow Brick Road of 1969-1973. This album has helped make Elton John very famous and put him where he is today. Elton John makes about 500 millions dollars! Listen to this song by Elton called Rocket Man. (played from the slides) Elton John's is getting into his oldern days now. Elton john is 71 years old and is retiring from music very soon. Elton John is going on his very last tour soon. He will be calling it the † Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour†. From the title of the tour he may be performing songs from his album Yellow Brick Road! Rumors say that Elton wants to take a break from music and move on to his other passion, sports! As you can see Elton John is a very successful man. He is very lucky to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even with an ok childhood, he is able to still have the passion for sports and music. Elton is a 71 year old man that is very successful that will go on the rest of his life not being worried about anything.

My first day at a new school Essay

The first day if a new school is very difficult because you don’t know any one and u feel all alone. Most kids do good because they are a people person which can help because they talk to people and know were or how to get around from talking to other kids. There are also kids that don’t talk as much to other people they don’t know either because there shy .So this I how I overcame the obstacles on my first day. The most memorable first day I had was when I went to Kenny Guinn middle school. I knew no one in my home room so I sat there for a moment and the teacher began to call roll call then after that passed the kids in the class began to talk and so nothing. the teachers got their attention and explained rules and regulations. shortly after that some kid s started getting kinda loud so the teacher got their attention he sent one of the three to another class and his friend threw a paper airplane instead of the teacher doing something to punish he made a funny remark about the kid. The bell sone rang and we all got up and head off to our next class remember the first class I had was science,at first I was about the tenth student in the classroom I noticed one of my friends walked in the classroom and sat next to me . I told him how frustrated I was and he told me to â€Å"just don’t worry about it and calm down†. so after he convinced me to calm down and I began to relax. The teacher then started her lesson plan, then she explained her classroom rules and regulations shortly after that she told us what we were going to do the rest of the school year. When she had finished, the class began to talk. that was when I realized my friend that was sitting next to me, as I mentioned earlier had the next class with me. dong dong dong the bell has just rang so we headed for our next class, that next class was math. and he began to do the same as the first teacher then that class ended so we my friend and I went to lunch. The most exciting part of the hole day was the lunch period .Were I got lucky enough to meet most of my friends there that day so that was a big relief. I ate some lunch that help because the hole day I was feeling kind of sick so that helped me replenish my self, then we all started talking to one another  after a short amount of time we all got confused so then we laughed at ore selves for being so stupid. then I diced to walk over to this girl I liked after being convinced that nothing terrible can happen and it won’t be the end of the world so I did it and I then had a date to the dance thing they were having, the school was throwing it for the new year. So the day has gone smoothly and not too difficult in anyway or manner. Soon after lunch ended we/all the kids went to class then I went to my next class the same routine was used for the lesion plane for the last four class and once that was over it was a little frustrating to find my buss but then I found it just in time and when I got home I said hi to my dad and then had something to eat. And I learned if I was to ask someone I don’t know can still help me and being shy has its down falls.

Succubus Heat CHAPTER 24

Once I'd assured Evan I wasn't calling him a son of a bitch, I got off the phone and turned to Roman. â€Å"The vessel's not anywhere around here. It's up in BC.† Roman's eyes had followed my finger to White Rock on the map. â€Å"Okay, you get points for the compelling name, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.† â€Å"Yes! It means everything. The Army's been a distraction from the beginning, when the seal was created, when Ephraim talked to Cedric†¦and when Jerome was summoned. They staged their event on the Space Needle- here , but they didn't actually do anything until Jerome was taken. As soon as he was, they acted out to draw Cedric's attention here, away from his own territory.† Realization lit Roman's features. Sociopath or not, he'd always been smart. â€Å"Because Grace then hid the vessel in Cedric's territory.† I nodded. â€Å"That's where it's at. She needed Cedric gone, in case he noticed its presence before it was hidden. I think he's down here for the thing with Ephraim, but if I call now and tell him-â€Å" â€Å"No,† said Roman quickly. â€Å"We can't tell anyone.† â€Å"What is up with you?† I exclaimed, standing up. â€Å"The clock's ticking. We may not have time for a leisurely drive before the stasis ends.† â€Å"Chance we've gotta take, love.† He rose as well. â€Å"Grab your keys. Let's go.† I started heading toward my bedroom, then hesitated. â€Å"Damn. I told Seth I'd consider taking him with me. Too late now.† Roman considered. â€Å"No, do it.† â€Å"Why?† I asked in surprise. â€Å"I'll go invisibly. I don't know if anyone'll notice you leaving, but if they're tracking you, better they think you're on a romantic getaway. Even masked, I don't want anyone in power seeing my face yet.† That put me in a weird situation. Roman's entire reasoning throughout all of this was increasingly bizarre. There was also the debate I'd had last night, about whether I should let the balcony date shine on us as my last beautiful moment with Seth or if I should eke out a few more seconds. Letting it end at last night would have been the poetic thing to do†¦but I was made of baser stuff. I called him as soon as I was on the road and picked him up shortly thereafter. He rode in the front with me while Roman lounged invisibly in the back, which was creepy, to say the least. Fortunately, none of my talk with Seth was sappy or romantic. He sensed the urgency crackling around me and asked questions about my reasoning for the trip. I answered as thoroughly as I could, all the while trying to drive the speed limit. I couldn't risk the delay of a ticket-or count on supernatural charms to get me off. It took a little less than two hours to get there. We'd accidentally left the atlas at home but had all but memorized the directions anyway, which were straightforward. When we'd almost reach the park where the aforementioned rock was, I had the sense to call Peter and tell him not to go outside. â€Å"You think I'm stupid?† he asked. â€Å"I know as well as you the stasis is about to end.† â€Å"Yeah,† I agreed. â€Å"But it might not end like you're thinking.† We disconnected. â€Å"This is it, isn't it?† asked Seth. A sign directed us to the beach's parking lot, and I turned toward it. â€Å"Yeah, I think so.† I could feel myself starting to panic. â€Å"God, I'm afraid†¦I don't know what'll happen†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Seth reached over and patted my shoulder. â€Å"Easy, Thetis. This'll end the way it's supposed to. Do what you have to do, and we'll manage the best we can.† I parked the car and looked over at him. So much burned between us, it was a wonder it didn't suffocate Roman. Seth was right. This was the end, and we would face it and do what needed to be done, no matter how hard. That was one of the wonderful things about Seth. He knew what the right thing was. We got out of the car. Seth and I headed off down the beach, hand in hand. It was low tide, and the receding waters had revealed a landscape that had almost as much gravel as sand. Once you moved farther inland, though, the terrain turned green and grassy-probably the result of park maintenance crews. Semiahmoo Bay itself stretched off into a dark, choppy vastness that would have probably been blue and beautiful on a nicer day. Heavy gray clouds obscured most of the land surrounding the far sides of the bay, and I thought I heard a rumble of thunder, something that wasn't so common in the mild Pacific Northwest. I hoped we'd find what we needed soon because it looked like a storm was about to break out. Ah, metaphor. Seth interrupted my ponderings. â€Å"That,† he said, â€Å"is a white rock.† I came to a halt, turning my attention from the larger panorama to the path in front of me. There, about eighty feed ahead of us, was a white rock-a huge, white rock. And from the looks of it, Evan hadn't been exaggerating when he'd said it was about five hundred tons. â€Å"I kind of feel stupid wasting my time with scraps of white gravel,† I mused, brushing hair out of my eyes. The wind promptly whipped it back. â€Å"It was so obvious†¦and yet not. Shall we?† I nodded, and we approached the rock, our steps filled with both eagerness and apprehension. After all this time and all the failed efforts, it didn't seem possible that we'd really done it. Something was going to happen. Something had to happen. â€Å"Whoa,† I breathed, staring up at the rock's top when we reached it. It was so massive that it covered us in shadows. â€Å"I can see why people thought this came from the gods.† Seth was looking down. â€Å"Unfortunately, we've got to direct our attention to less lofty places. How are we supposed to find this? Just dig at random?† If Seth and I were alone, that would have been the method. Now, I was hoping Roman would reveal some insight about where the vessel was-if it was even here. A small part of me panicked that us ending up here might have been the biggest misdirection of all. I scanned the ground around the rock, but there was nothing indicative of a recent digging. On a beach like this, all of the ground was uneven. â€Å"Something like that,† I said, needing Roman to pick up on his cue. Seth had let go of my hand when we reached the rock, but now he caught hold of it again and pulled me to him. â€Å"Georgina†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I dragged my eyes from the ground and met his. My adrenaline was up, ready for the conclusion to this adventure†¦and yet, my heart was heavy, knowing what the consequences of this would be. I squeezed Seth's hands and stepped closer, resting my head against his chest. His heart beat heavy within. No doubt his emotions were tangled up as well. â€Å"I know,† I said softly. â€Å"I feel the same way.† He held me tight and kissed my forehead. â€Å"When we find Jerome†¦when you free him†¦it'll go quickly, won't it?† â€Å"Yeah. I don't know how long it'll take, but†¦well, I think it'll be pretty fast. That's how it was when he was taken.† â€Å"And that's it.† â€Å"I guess.† We stood there, both of us hurting and confused. I didn't think anything could be worse than when Seth had forcibly ended things back in December. I understood now that he'd done it because he thought it would be for the greater good, but it still smarted. And this†¦this was a pain of a different type. When Seth and I first kissed back at my apartment, I thought this could all be a vacation for me, just as it was for the vampires. Seth would be my sunshine, something I could have a brief fling with before returning to my dreary immortality. I could take the memories with me, and that would be enough. Only now, standing with him, I realized it wouldn't be enough. It would only hurt more now, knowing exactly what I could never have again. I would never make love with Seth again, never have these intimate moments of comfort and rapport. He wasn't mine anymore. He never could be again. â€Å"I don't know what to do,† Seth said, kissing my forehead. â€Å"What do you mean? We don't have a choice.† â€Å"We always have a choice, Thetis. After this, even when you're a succubus again†¦I don't know. I wanted so badly to protect you from all the world's hurts. I still do. But after being with you this last week, I'm starting to wonder if-â€Å" â€Å"You have got to be fucking kidding me.† Seth and I looked up in surprise. I would have expected Roman to come bust up our romantic interlude or maybe even Grace, in defense of her prize. What I was not expecting, however, was Dante. I didn't know where he'd come from. He stepped around the side of the rock like he'd been lurking behind it, but I suspected he'd just walked up to us unnoticed in our moment of lovers' angst. Anger radiated off him, and his eyes were as dark and stormy as the sea beyond us. And as soon as I saw him, I needed no drawn-out questioning, no build-up to a revelation. I didn't need to ask what he was doing there because I suddenly knew. â€Å"You're the summoner,† I said. â€Å"Of course.† There was a dismissive tone to his voice as he said that, like it was an insult that anyone else could have played that role. â€Å"Who else? I wasn't kidding when I told you I was the best in the area. I can't honestly believe you never even considered me. No, scratch that. Of course I can believe that. No matter how jaded or sorrowful you get, there's still that Pollyanna piece of you that wants to believe the best in those you care about.† â€Å"You say that like it's a bad thing,† I said, feeling my own anger grow. Being played this whole time was bad enough. But being played by my own boyfriend? Unacceptable. And yet†¦he was right. It had been stupid of me not to consider him, yet I couldn't believe he would have subjected me to all this torment. â€Å"It is a bad thing. I was hoping I could break you of it, but I guess not.† His eyes flicked to Seth's face and then back to mine. â€Å"Of course, I can't really talk about naà ¯vet? ¦ since you were screwing me over this whole time. Or, well, screwing him.† There wasn't really anything I could respond with. I could hardly say, â€Å"It's not what you think,† because†¦well, it was exactly what he thought. Regardless of his role in Jerome's summoning, the fact remained that I had cheated on Dante, and I'd been caught. â€Å"I'm sorry,† I said lamely, my hand still clutching Seth's tightly. He'd taken a step forward. He wasn't blocking me from Dante, but there was definitely a protective stance going on. â€Å"Yes, yes, I know.† Dante gave an exasperated sigh. â€Å"Damn it, Georgina. What does it take with you? I never gave you shit about your job. I was trying to make a good life for us. And yet†¦you still went back to him . As soon as you could fuck him without hurting him, you jumped right on it.† â€Å"Trying to make a good life†¦is that why you did all this?† I remembered Greg's comments about how anyone assisting a demon in this affair would be getting paid in concubines and TVs. In Dante's case, it had been much more basic. He'd simply been paid in money, enough to buy me jewelry and flowers and start talking about sharing a home with me. â€Å"Succubus, what else was I supposed to do?† He was still speaking to me in a mocking tone, but I could see the raw anguish on his features. It tore at my heart. â€Å"You can enslave kings and rock stars. There was no way you were going to stick with me forever, not where I was going. The palms barely pay the bills, and the window for when my spells could really pay off has passed.† â€Å"None of that mattered,† I said resolutely. â€Å"I would have stayed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Yet, even as I spoke, I recognized the contradiction. So did Dante, as he gestured at a thus-far silent Seth. Seth seemed very intent on something. Dante rolled his eyes. â€Å"Yes. Clearly.† â€Å"I never wanted this†¦never wanted you to literally make deals with the devil.† â€Å"What did you expect from me? You know what I am. You got involved with me because you wanted to walk on the dark side. This deal was my biggest chance-the biggest payoff I was going to get for my power. She needed the best, and she could pay for my services.† â€Å"She†¦Grace.† Dante gave me a twisted smile. â€Å"I should have known you'd figured that part out too and had been sitting on it. Even when you trusted me†¦you still didn't really trust me. Maybe you aren't as oblivious as I thought. And when I got to your place and saw the atlas-well, that's when I knew I'd underestimated you. You're lucky Grace just sent me up here and didn't come herself. We might get you out of here alive after all.† Seth and I still stood close, close enough that when he spoke into my ear, he barely had to raise his voice at all. â€Å"The watch,† he breathed. â€Å"It's in the watch.† I had no time to process that further because suddenly, Seth broke from me and advanced on Dante. â€Å"Look, just leave her alone, okay? You caught her. She caught you. Call it even, and let us go.† I stared. It was uncharacteristically aggressive for him. â€Å"Even?† exclaimed Dante. â€Å"It is not even. I did what I did because I love her.† Seth's voice was level yet hard. â€Å"Love her? You got her caught up in that cult mess. You nearly got her killed by a demon.† Dante glowered and took a step toward Seth. â€Å"That wasn't supposed to happen. Jerome came up with the Canada thing on the fly. She wasn't supposed to be caught in the middle of this. The plan was for her to wait out the stasis like everyone else, and then return to normal once Grace was in power. Grace messed up when she told Nanette about her meddling, but then Grace made sure Nanette wouldn't fuck with her again. I worked to keep Georgina safe.† Cedric had told the truth. He really hadn't told Nanette about my theories; Grace had. â€Å"Yeah, you did a great job.† â€Å"It's not my fault!† yelled Dante. â€Å"Say what you want about me, my reasons were noble. Whereas hers†-he pointed at me-â€Å"were in keeping with the selfish little whore she's been her entire life.† And then†¦the unexpected truly happened. Seth sprang forward and punched Dante. I didn't know what was more surprising, that Seth would be so aggressive or that he could throw such a clean punch. He'd thrown himself at a mugger once, and while it had been wonderfully brave, it hadn't been nearly as precise or coordinated. I had no idea where he'd learned that. Dante appeared as startled as me. He staggered back from the blow and took a moment to recover. Then, with a snarl, he leapt toward Seth. Seth only partially dodged the blow-on purpose, it seemed-and fell back with the impact, causing both men to collapse to the ground. They grappled around a bit, trying to get leverage and blows in, and for a moment, I was too stunned by it all to react. Then, finally, Seth's words hit me. The watch . I hurried over to them, careful not to get hit by a flailing limb. Seth caught a glimpse of me and did his best to grab a hold of Dante's wrist and thrust it toward me. Dante kept squirming, however-I had a feeling he'd been in a few more fights in his life than Seth had-and increased his struggles once he realized what was happening. The watch. It made sense, really. Grace wore her part of the seal around her neck. Dante would want to keep his safe as well, and why not hidden in the only accessory that he-by his own admission-ever wore? At last, Seth managed to immobilize Dante's wrist just long enough for me to get my fingers under the watch's straps. I gave a hard jerk, using more strength than I thought possible, and the strap broke. The watch came away in my hand, and I scurried back as Dante yelled in rage. Seth eased up on restraining Dante, now that our goal was achieved. As soon as he was free, however, Dante came after me, and Seth shot up to catch a hold of him. I continued backing up, the watch clutched in my hand, until I hit something-or rather, someone. I turned and found myself staring into Grace's cold, hard eyes. Whereas Dante had seemed to appear out of nowhere, I knew Grace actually had. I froze, and behind me, the sounds of fighting stopped. I think the guys were just as surprised as me to see her-or maybe not. Dante had all but said he'd told Grace we were here. â€Å"Georgina,† she said. â€Å"You are such a good employee†¦and yet, you're also a bad one.† Her voice was as flat and emotionless as ever, except unlike in the past, I had a feeling she was actually planning to kill me now. â€Å"Why?† I asked, playing for time. â€Å"You had a good job under Jerome.† â€Å"Under being the operative word. I wasn't going to spend the rest of my existence as someone's second-in-command and certainly not their co-second-in-command.† â€Å"She has the seal,† I heard Dante say behind me. â€Å"I know she does,† Grace replied. â€Å"You gave it to her.† â€Å"Hey, I-â€Å" She raised her hand, and Dante screamed. Jerking my head around, I saw him writhing in pain, like he was suspended by strings that she controlled. After enduring Nanette's wrath, I knew how truly excruciating demonic torture was, and I couldn't stand to see anyone else go through that. Seth looked from me to Dante, clearly unsure what to do. Fistfights might be out of his comfort zone, though they were something he could do. But this? Totally different. â€Å"Let him go!† I said. As stupid as it was, I reached out and tried to shake her, but I would have had as much luck budging the huge glacial rock beside her. â€Å"I should never have relied on someone who was close to-â€Å" Her words were cut off when she suddenly went flying through the air, slamming into the rock. The impact seemed to surprise more than it hurt her, and mercifully, her torture of Dante stopped. She looked around, eyes wide and confused. â€Å"What the-â€Å" Roman materialized out of the air and strode toward her, fierce and frightening. Finally, I thought. Without my immortal senses, I couldn't feel his aura or signature, but something told me he was wielding a considerable chunk of his power as he advanced. Doing so was risky. It would make his identity known to any greater immortals nearby, though with all the drama in Seattle, there probably weren't any in the area to sense him. Cedric certainly wasn't around. Grace gave a sharp intake of breath. â€Å"You†¦I remember your signature.† That was all the warning she gave before fire streaked from her hands toward Roman. He didn't move or bat an eyelid, but the fire hit an invisible wall. It arced around him, leaving him unscathed. â€Å"Georgina,† he said, not taking his eyes off Grace. â€Å"The vessel's over by the north side of the stone's base.† I wasted no time in hurrying over to the spot he'd indicated. I heard Grace's outrage and caught her moving toward me in my periphery. But then, her anger turned to pain. Roman had blasted her with something, and her attention returned to him. My own attention was on the rocky ground as I began digging with my bare hands. In my zeal, I'd once again forgotten a spade. Seth was by my side in an instant, clawing at the sandy surface with me. Large, fat drops of rain began falling on us, but I didn't have time to care. â€Å"Who's stronger?† he asked as the sounds of fighting raged behind us. If Roman's appearance startled him, he was ignoring it for now. â€Å"I don't know,† I said. The ground was getting harder to dig in. It was damp and caked together from a recent rain, and I could feel it building up under my nails. â€Å"Roman can theoretically be as strong as Jerome, and I'm guessing she's less powerful than Jerome. I don't know for sure, and he might be holding back. The more power he uses, the more he alerts others that he's here.† My fingers hit something hard, and Seth and I both worked to pry it out. It was a wooden box, an old cigar case from the looks of it. I managed a good hold on it, and it began lifting out. â€Å"Here,† I said, pausing. I tossed him my purse and then immediately returned to my digging. â€Å"Get my phone. Look in the numbers, and you'll find Mei. Call her. Tell her where we're at.† The cigar box came up out of the earth. â€Å"You want me to call a demon?† he asked in shock. â€Å"We need her. Tell her where we're at. Then get away from here. Get in my car and go.† â€Å"Georgina-â€Å" â€Å"Go!† I shouted. Seth hesitated for the space of a heartbeat, then got up and ran with my purse, keeping well away from the combatants. I didn't know if Mei would react to a call from a mortal. I didn't even know if she'd answer, nor did I know if she could be trusted. I was relying on instinct-and that na;ve hope about everyone's good side-that she and Grace weren't collaborating. Roman's scream caused me to look up sharply. He was on his back, Grace advancing. What looked like lightning crackled toward him, though just with the fire, it split away. Only, it got a lot closer to him than before. He was weakening. Frantically, I scraped sand off the cigar box. It looked deceptively easy to open, but when I attempted to pry the lid up, nothing happened. It wouldn't budge, and I knew no efforts of mine would make it happen. Turning to the watch I'd taken from Dante, I peered at it. The face was a pale brown marbleized pattern-one that easily blended in with the seal. It was an ingenious hiding spot. I smashed the watch against the cigar case, and on the third try, the glass cracked. I plucked away the pieces and tried to pull up the face. It was embedded firmly. Taking a small shard of the watch's surface, I slipped it under the seal's edge, and after a few moment's pressure, everything fell apart, and†¦there was no seal. I stared. Gears, watch hands, pieces of glass, and the face†¦but no seal. Seth had been certain. I had been certain. Dante had no other place on him that he would keep it. Carter had said it was possible that the summoner might hide the seal elsewhere, and if Dante had done that, we were screwed. â€Å"Fuc-â€Å" I cut my own profanity off and stared at my wrist, at the glittering watch winking up at me. No. Surely it wasn't this obvious. Dante had given me the watch before Jerome had been summoned, and then I'd lost it right around the time of the summoning. I'd blamed it on myself, but was it possible that Dante had actually briefly taken it back†¦? Jerking the watch off my wrist, I didn't hesitate to give it the same treatment as Dante's watch. It killed me to shatter that beautiful gold-and-glass piece of work, but when the filigree face popped out, I found a piece of smoky quartz that complemented Grace's. Dante needed more credit. He'd kept the seal close to him and hidden it where no one who was looking for it-i.e., me-would ever think to search. The seal was useless, though, without the other half. Looking up, I saw that Grace had her hand around Roman's neck and was lifting him off the ground. He was completely limp. I didn't quite understand, but something told me he'd completely shut off all his power. Why? It was suicide. I wanted to scream, to run over and save him, but there was nothing I could do. Her back was to me, but I could imagine the gleam in her eyes. â€Å"When I kill you,† she hissed, â€Å"my position will be secured.† Suddenly, she jerked her head back toward me. For a moment, I thought I'd attracted her attention, but she wasn't looking at me. She was looking beside me, having sensed what I no longer could: the signature of another greater immortal. Mei stood there, hard and grim. I'd always considered her stone-faced, but the look she wore was truly terrifying, and I cringed. She and Grace locked gazes, and then a few seconds later, Grace flung Roman away. He landed with a hard thud and lay still for a moment. Then, he lifted his head and slowly began crawling across the sand toward me, every movement seeming to cause him agony. â€Å"You have seriously screwed things up,† said Mei. â€Å"I have improved my situation,† said Grace evenly. â€Å"And I can improve yours.† â€Å"I don't need your help-especially when I reveal that you were behind all this. The others will reward me. Jerome will reward me.† â€Å"You're an idiot! Do you want to spend the rest of eternity working for someone else?† â€Å"My time will come,† Mei returned smoothly. â€Å"And I'd rather work for him than you.† And without any more banter, they lunged at each other. It was a bizarre fight. Half of it seemed very human, complete with physical blows and grappling. At the same time, there was definitely a supernatural element to it, as they wielded the same kind of elements and invisible blows Grace and Roman had. The rain was pouring down, drenching both of them. With their abilities, they could have remained impervious, but they were too distracted by each other. Roman was still crawling toward me. Holding onto the seal and the box, I hesitantly moved to meet him half-way. â€Å"Can you open it?† I asked, handing him the box. His breathing was heavy and pained, but he gripped the box like I had and tried to pry the lid open. His fingers clenched the wood, and I saw exertion on his face, both of a physical and magical level. At last, he grimaced. â€Å"No. Not a greater immortal power I inherited.† I looked up at the demonesses. There was a slight shimmer around both of them. As the battle intensified, they were in danger of shifting to their true immortal forms, which would be bad for me to see. â€Å"Who's stronger?† I asked. â€Å"They're evenly matched,† said Roman, following my gaze. â€Å"Grace is a little worn down, though.† I hoped it would be enough. Hugging the box to my chest, I watched them fight, ready to look away if they totally shifted form. I'd always thought they had a hard sort of beauty, but now, it was all hardness and no beauty, and it wasn't difficult to see that under their human facades, they were truly demons of hell. I could also see what Roman meant about them being evenly matched. Each time one gained an advantage, the other took it back. Until, just when it seemed Grace might be getting the better of Mei, Mei suddenly came on full force with an attack of unseen blasts that caught Grace off-guard and made her stumble back. With inhuman speed, Mei reached forward and ripped the choker from Grace's neck. Equally fast, she threw it toward me and then turned back to block Grace, who seemed to realize the end was near. I grabbed hold of the necklace with trembling fingers and pulled off the crescent-shaped piece of the seal. I placed it next to Dante's half, unsure what to do, but as soon as they were close enough, they merged together into one whole disc. â€Å"Put it on the box,† said Roman. â€Å"Hurry.† I pressed the seal onto the box's top, and again, it seemed to know what to do, embedding itself in the wood's surface, almost like it melted. And with that, there seemed to be no other option. I opened the lid. The power that blasted out of it knocked both Roman and me backward, and at the same time, I felt a different sort of power snap into my body. The strings that bound my soul to Hell reattached. My immortal essence coursed through me, and with it, I felt all the other abilities Hell had granted me return. I felt strong. Charged. Invincible. My senses tuned back in to the unseen world, and the blast of powerful immortal auras filled the air. And there, in the rain, light and color slowly coalesced out of the box and into a man-shaped form. A few minutes later, it took on a completely human appearance. One that looked like John Cusack. Grace and Mei halted their attack, both staring. Carefully, hesitantly, Mei then took a few steps back. Jerome paid her no attention. He was focused on Grace. â€Å"Oh man,† I said softly. â€Å"You are so fucked.†