Ethical Dilemmas in the Nursing Field - 537 Words

There are several dilemmas in the nursing field though nurses reactions to ethical dilemmas are based on their individual values and beliefs as well as ethical principles, professional codes and the climate of the healthcare setting. Nurses encounter ethical dilemmas when conflicting values and judgments are present regarding what is the best course of patient care. Ethical dilemmas are faced by nurses on a daily bases. I am choosing two of these dilemmas to address. 1. Empirical Knowledge vs. Personal Beliefs: Empirical knowledge is the type of knowledge that includes empirical research, scientific enquiry, reductionism and positivism, it is often viewed as ‘true’ or ‘valid’ knowledge that can be theoretically explained by scientific traditional ideas like psychology, pharmacology, sociology and biology or by rigorous empirical testing which include knowledge from books, journals and conferences. Example: If a patient is diagnosed with cancer the nurse has a simple list of description like observations, tables of evidence, graphs, empirical hypothesis, empirical definitions, generalizations, and scientific laws with no personal knowledge to help the patient understand. Personal Knowledge: This concerns being self-aware, it does not emanate from books, journals, lectures or conferences it refers to the fact that â€Å"w e know more than we say† (Polyani 1966) or â€Å"understanding without rationale† (Benner and Tanner 1987). Itr can be as valid as scientific knowledge and nurses canShow MoreRelatedEthical Dilemmas Of The Nursing Field2773 Words   |  12 PagesEXPLAINING ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN THE NURSING FIELD Nurses face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis regardless of where they practice. No matter where nurses function in their varied roles, they are faced with ethical decisions that can impact them and their patients. There is no â€Å"right† solution to an ethical dilemma (Fant 2013). So what is an ethical dilemma? It is a problem without a satisfactory resolution. The significance of ethical decision-making lies in the fact that very different ethical choicesRead MoreThe Ethical Dilemmas Of The Pediatric Field Of Nursing1316 Words   |  6 PagesNurses working in the pediatric field of nursing are faced with a wide variety of ethical dilemmas. There are many ethical dilemmas that can arise in the work field. Many individuals are having a tough time deciding to vaccinate their children; this in turn can leave society with a huge dilemma ethically. I am choosing to write about not vaccinating your child and why I feel this can be an ethical dilemma. Society today is faced with so many preventable illnesses that can simply be resolved byRead MoreImportance of Ethical Theory in Nursing1322 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction The concept of ethical nursing and culturally competent care are becoming more and more important in the contemporary nursing practice (Smith Godfrey,2002).Despite their general appreciation in nursing practice, challenges and dilemma often clouds their application in a world which is continually being marked with a culturally diverse and demanding population. In this paper we present a critical review of ethics and cultural competence in professional nursing practice with a clear focusRead MorePersonal Ethics974 Words   |  4 Pagescontribute to your worldview and philosophy of nursing? How do these values shape or influence your nursing practice? Ethics and values form the basis of nursing. Nurses provide nursing care by preventing illness, reducing suffering and promoting restoration of health in individuals, families, societies and communities. Nursing involves technical skills and abilities, duty and service to others with compassion and efficient decision-making. Nursing care ensures in meeting the needs of patients andRead MoreHow Dnr Causes an Ethical Dilemma Essay1694 Words   |  7 PagesRunning Head: HOW DNR CAUSES AN ETHICAL DILEMMA How DNR Causes an Ethical Dilemma Deann Morgan HCA 322, Health Care Ethics and Medical Law Dr. David Cole January 22, 2010 Abstract This paper will present an argument of how the process of do not resuscitate (DNR) results in an ethical dilemma for workers in the healthcare field. In presenting the argument, thisRead MoreMy Professional Moral Compass730 Words   |  3 PagesRunning head: MY PROFESSIONAL MORAL COMPASS My Professional Moral Compass Pamela Chesnut Grand Canyon University Ethical Decision Making in Health Care NRS 437V July 26, 2012 My Professional Moral Compass A professional moral compass is something everyone has and lives by. It helps assist in making decisions and is based on morals or virtues. My personal moral compass is directed by various inspirations, passions, and values that I try to live by. Compassion, loyaltyRead MoreThe Codes Of Conduct Are Guidelines And Procedures1347 Words   |  6 Pagesimplemented, so that workers can adhere to the highest standards of care while utilizing ethical approaches and codes of conduct, amounts to the foundations of Long-term care facilities based on principles. It is the responsibility of such parties that include upper levels of management to the lowest levels to avoid such conduct that goes against the stated codes already establishes within the ethical areas. The healthcare field encompasses different areas and specialties, where it is deemed most common isRead MorePersonal Ethics889 Words   |  4 Pagesmaking the best ethical decision. A nurse uses their professional moral compass to make the best decisions for their patient. Spirituality and culture contribute to how a person views the world. Spirituality and culture helps a person develop how they live their life and how they view life, health and death (Burkhardt, 2001). Nurses or healers have held a special place in many cultures. Nursing practice has grown and matured through both spiritual and cultural beliefs. Nursing philosophy is oneRead MoreEthical Dilemma In Nursing1599 Words   |  7 Pageschoose between the two because both choices have their advantages and disadvantages. This is an ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma involves morals that clash between each other, and some involve the legal aspect of the choices (Grohar- Murray). Everyone faces some sort of ethical dilemma. There are some professions that have to battle ethical dilemmas every day. Amongst those professions the nursing occupation and other healthcare related titles have to keep in mind several different laws, rulesRead MoreNursing Profession: The patient-nurse Relationship8 79 Words   |  4 Pages The nursing profession is one that provides care, collaborates with others, and provides education in a variety of different settings. I choose to work in the field of nursing to advance my career from an operating room technician to a medical-surgical nurse. I enjoy the sensation of helping others and assisting with the surgical fixation of a medical complication. The American Nurses Association (ANA) created the nursing code of ethics to ensure proper moral care, goals, values, and professional

Basel Iii Free Essays

1: Relationship between the capital base of banks and the 2007-1010 financial crisis and great recession. Previous financial crisis have demonstrated that past efforts to prevent systematic crashes are insufficient, and are still working to implement The Basel III framework. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision tried to concentrate on solving some of the major systematic problems known during the financial crisis, however Basel III might fail to reduce the risks, some major countries could choose to reject the proposals or delay the implementation of this framework. We will write a custom essay sample on Basel Iii or any similar topic only for you Order Now One of the main problems is that Basel III is focusing mostly in Europe and the United States, ignoring the practices in emerging economies. This new regulation will only shift systematic risk from one place to another without really reducing the risk of global financial crises placing greater regulation on banks and allowing non bank institutions to operate without supervision, meaning that this will increase rather than decrease systematic risk. 2: What measures should limit counterparty credit risk? Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the opposing party in a financial transaction will fail to honor an agreement. Since Basel II did not required banks to hold enough money in order to honor the agreement, Basel II is imposing additional measures to calculate the amount of risk. Some of the measures to limit counterparty credit risk are to include a period of economic and market stress when making assumptions, this way banks will be required to hold more capital in order to honor the agreement. Also, it has been proposed that banks increase the correlation assumptions between financial firms assets, this will increase the risk adjusted weighting for banks funding from other financial institutions, and by doing this financial institutions will decrease the dependence on one another. 3: Discuss the use of liquidity ratios as a valid focus for international regulations. The liquidity framework aims to improve banks flexibility to liquidity problems in the market; however it will harm international practices. The liquidity framework will increase the cost and decrease the availability of credit, meaning that banks would not have sufficient funds to conform to the minimum regulatory NSFR. It could also create liquid asset shortages or a large concentration of risk since all banks will want to hold similar assets, so banks will not be able to rely on lines of credit, liquidity facilities or other type of funding. This could negatively affect the international bank lending market, which is a major source of funding for many banks. How to cite Basel Iii, Papers

Great ExpectationsJaggars Essay Example For Students

Great ExpectationsJaggars Essay The well-known novel Great Expectations was the last great work by Charles Dickens. It is about an orphan, Pip, who is brought up in the early nineteenth century. Pip meets a girl named Estella who is of the upper class, this encounter leads him into the dream of becoming a gentleman. He is introduced to a lawyer, Mr. Jaggers, who becomes his guardian while staying in London. When he reaches London and enters Mr. Jaggers office, his thoughts are revealed and the room is put into detailed description. The use of diction, narrative voice, and setting help the readers learn more about Jaggers, contributes in creating an interesting atmosphere, as well as foreshadowing future incidents. The passage (in chapter 20) where Pip reveals to us the inner qualities and setting of Mr. Jaggers room, the diction used is extremely significant. Throughout the majority of the passage, Pip uses negative wording in order to express Mr. Jaggers character. The features described in the room link directly to Mr. Jaggers personality. The room was lighted by a skylight only and was a most dismal place. The darkness expressed through these words relate to Mr. Jaggers occupation as a criminal defense lawyer. The dullness and guilt involved in doing his job is also shown here. The mention of casts and coffins sets a mood of death within the setting and scene. These words create a creepy atmosphere in which foreshadows that Mr. Jaggers newfound involvement in Pips life will not necessarily be all good. This is contradictory to how Pip feels pursuing his dream into becoming a gentleman. The distorted adjoining houses looking as if they had twisted themselves to peep down at me. Being that Mr . Jaggers is a criminal defense lawyer and deals with many underworld clients, its as if he is also playing the bad guy. These adjoining buildings act as if they are watching his every move. The place seems so dirty, with the blacks and flies everywhere and everything layered with dust and grit that lay thick. Pip, the narrator, repeatedly uses words such as twisted, distorted, dreadful, and twitchy while describing the office. All these words create an eerie atmosphere as well as a spooky image of Mr. Jaggers. Mr. Jaggers is a powerful character that is harsh, and everything about him seems frightening and fierce. The diction used in this passage just gives him an overall bad image. Pip, the orphan, acts as the narrator throughout the whole novel. His tone of voice is very important in contributing to the effect of the present scene. In this passage, Pip stares in awe around the room, he talks of the accessories in Mr. Jaggers room as if they are real. I really could not bear the two casts on the shelf above Mr. Jaggers chair, and got up and went out. Pips own action of having to leave the room at such an expense proves to the reader how awful the room is. As the room links to Mr. Jaggers character, this makes the reader in turn, become fearful of Mr. Jaggers. Pips narrative voice is also very confused. I wondered whether the two swollen faces where of Mr. Jaggers family. His confusion is able to strike the reader as very observant with all the questions that he has to ask. Pips very detailed description of Mr. Jaggers room indicates to us the exact first impression that Pip must have of the lawyer: Mr. Jaggers is shown to be a frightening fellow. The narrative voice of Pip is useful in helping the reader understand Mr. Jaggers character more clearly in this passage. .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec , .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .postImageUrl , .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec , .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:hover , .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:visited , .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:active { border:0!important; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:active , .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2818da5f482d4afbd4192804b9c9dcec:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: on Toni Morrison's Beloved - The Supernatura EssayThe setting of Mr. Jaggers room is essential in explaining to the reader, indirectly, what the mans personality is like. Mr. Jaggers own high- backed chair was of deadly black horsehair, with rows of brass nails round it, like a coffin. The high- backed chair acts as an instrument in expressing Mr. Jaggers powerful character. It is ironic how someone with so much power would use horsehair, killing an animal, to use as part of his furniture. And yet, this hair is nailed down onto the chair, as if the power would run away. An old rusty pistol, a sword in a scabbard, several strange- looking boxes and packages. The objects tha t are lying around his room dont seem like things that a real lawyer would have laying around in his office. There is not so many papers about which is also quite odd. Two dreadful casts on a shelf, of faces peculiarly swollen, and twitchy about the nose. These casts being twitching about the nose might act as the upper class why are once again watching Mr. Jaggers. Or maybe it is just a symbol of his connection to the upper class society. The setting of Mr. Jaggers office is greatly significant in illustrating to us his character. The passage where Mr. Jaggers room is keenly described by Pip is valuable in giving the reader a clearer perspective of the lawyer. Mr. Jaggers business- like mannerism and harsh qualities are shown through this passage. Pips narrative voice was important as well as the setting itself. The words that Pip used and his action of leaving the close room shows the frightening side of Mr. Jaggers personality. The literary devices such as diction, narrative voice, and setting are significant in developing Mr. Jaggers character. Bibliography:

Who really was Pocahontas Was she like the Indian Essay Example For Students

Who really was Pocahontas? Was she like the Indian Essay girl in the Disney movie, who saved her reservation? Yes and no. She was an Indian of the Algonquian Indians. Her father was Powhatan, the chief. Her original name, however was in fact, Matoaka. But Pocahontas mean playful, frolicsome little girl and so they nicknamed her that. The meeting and capturing of her acquaintance, and possible first love, John Smith, was in fact true. But, the saving of him may be as made up and make believe as the movie. Many people speculate the authenticity of the execution and salvation story, told by Smith. Supposedly, Smiths Englishmen team landed in Jamestown, 12 miles from the Indian reservation. John Smith was captured and forced to stretch on two flat stones, then out of nowhere, and little Indian girl cam up and put herself on his body as to say, Kill me instead. We will write a custom essay on Who really was Pocahontas? Was she like the Indian specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Weather this is true or not, it doesnt change the rest of her story. After the saved him, Smith and the Indians became friendly for the following year. Smith stayed in Jamestown, and Pocahontas visited him frequently. She carried messages from her father, and other Indians carried food, fur, and then traded hatchets and trinkets. After a while, Smiths relationship with the Powhatas worsened. Pocahontass visits started to lessen, and in 1806, Smith was injured, and had to go back to England. Pocahontas went on with her life though, she married an Indian Pryvate Captyne named Kocoum in 1610. Although in 1614, she fell in love with an Englishman, John Rolfe. They married and she got baptized. They went to London with a man named Sir Thomas Dale, and a dozen other Indians. She was presented to King James I, and all of the royal family. John Smith, the man who she had not seen in eight years, was also in London at the time. They met, and talked about the past, but at first she couldnt speak, she was overcome with emotion. This was their last meeting.After 6 months, Ralf and his family wanted to go back to Virginia, but unfortunately, Pocahontas didnt make it. She was ill from pneumonia. Pocahontas affected society, she was a compassionate girl, and saw to it that the colonists got food. She was also known to have saved lives of certain colonists. John Smith wrote that Pocohontas was the instrument to pursurve this colony from death, famine and utter confusion. I would consider her to be a hero to the lives she saved, and a role model for someone who helps out someone without asking for anything back. She doesnt really affect us today, unless you know about her, and when you do, your outlook and accomplishments with life seems so little compared to her great achievements. I have learned a lot from reading about her, and her life. I have learned that she was a REAL person, and not some little Indian girl in love with a strong, Englishman, like the movie. She is said to be an enthusiastic young girl, a lot like me, and she is respected for that. I respect her for her compassion and heart, and I think everyone should, because behind that love story, there is a honest, innocent, loving woman.

The Relationship Between Sport And Tourism Tourism Essay Essays

The Relationship Between Sport And Tourism Tourism Essay Essays The Relationship Between Sport And Tourism Tourism Essay Essay The Relationship Between Sport And Tourism Tourism Essay Essay But most of all travel programs are made to develop an country non sufficiently focused on the development of local human resources. That is progressively isolated from the human resources of touristry development is carried out due to their inability to execute. Tourism impact member or a important impact on society, peculiarly to local occupants, before keeping an event should take into history the effects of these events on economic and socio-cultural community. Among the benefits of hosting the event of certain persons. Example of hotel and resort operators, nutrient and drink concern and trade sellers. When the athleticss held their additions from the gross revenues will increase because many tourers would come to see store. In add-on they can advance interesting merchandises that have non been promoted by the trader another trader. This will give chances to people to happen out their gross revenues consequences and the stableness of the economic system rose due to foreign currency exchange rates and therefore can increase the balance of payments. With the returns from the authorities to bring forth economic net income from the reaching of a big population. The function of the touristry event of the obvious facets of the development of a touristry finish. Forming events for local causes many to take the enterprise to venture into concern little or open the endowment of the persons that had been extinguished in the ego. In add-on to advancing touristry events for local communities to prosecute in commercial concerns such as keepsake. Making a traditional nutrient that we can demo it to tourers tourers who are interested in seeking the nutrient. It is clearly apparent to the tourers who have non been seeking to eat that is non in their state. For them there is a pride in themselves and function as a memory. Organization of events events to promote international investors to put in a finish. Because investors are interested in spread outing income, because the finish has the possible to be developed or the capacity to be developed for the occupants of flax and high member to investors that they are so moneymaking for-profit concern in the hereafter. This was apparent in 1990 ; the touristry development plan is increasing consciousness of its importance to the state because the bing strategic touristry events planned for the Province of Novel Scotia ( Get, 1997 ) . Travel the international-class featuring event to profit many local communities due to widespread support from the international. To acquire a response from the tourers they must play a cardinal function in pulling tourers to an tourer potency of featuring events and athleticss equipment in order to finish attractive to tourers. With the attempts of the athletics can better the economic system. Because the demands and demands of tourers should be introduced for athletics activities or bundles that are appropriate to the mark market. Sports and touristry intertwined as an of import subject since 1998, so that in 1999.Infrastructure building and the reaching of more voluntaries to assist the economic system in the part and to cut down the cost of development. A sum of four 20 two per centum of the touristry events around the universe are athleticss Sports Tourism International Council on tahun1994. For a underdeveloped state hosting the event is an chance to assist advance economic growing and societal development and heighten the cooperation between many states. Sports touristry funded from the company the international corporations that maintain high criterions of corporate administration is good concern is really of import to assist beef up the trade name for the organisation or a brotherhood every bit good as to heighten a healthy civilization of corporate duty. Recommended the undermentioned steps to be implemented to construct the assurance of investors is bettering transparence and regulative environment, In add-on to assisting the industry to make regulations that increase the consistence of authorities policies to better the airing of economic information. In the disposal of athleticss touristry is good non merely a corporate organic structure of jurisprudence abiding, but happening the right ethical blessing. Therefore, companies need to do the coverage of a State capable of development as an attempt to better the administration of a good concern to heighten the economic system of the state. There are a few factors that lead to positions of local communities on touristry activities is of import is that local communities have a connexion and relationship of the foreign tourers. When travellers receive good intervention from the local, it will hold a positive impact on the satisfaction of tourers who visit. Local community is the beginning of the taxpayer and straight benefits the authorities. Because the income earned from the tourers to give a clear betterment or impact the economic system. In add-on, a State can cut down the load on any society when the economic system becomes more member benefits. In decision, athleticss touristry continues to be the focal point of foreign investors in the hereafter due to political stableness and execution of business-friendly environment of inspiration. In add-on to works theoretical account to pull investors because of differences are rare. This is decidedly athleticss touristry to give consequence to the good illustration of a good exchange of tourers to hike the economic system of the state and improved the degree of good and Development. Therefore the authorities should be is smart design of the first set before running the athletics is non valid for the jobs of the tourers. For their reaching to give a point of pride for them, peculiarly Olympic athletics. ( 991 Wordss )

Learn the Spanish Abbreviations You Should Know

Learn the Spanish Abbreviations You Should Know Spanish has dozens of abbreviations, and theyre common in both formal and informal writing. Differences Between Abbreviations in English and Spanish Unlike in English, where most abbreviations are capitalized, many Spanish abbreviations are not. Generally, abbreviations that are capitalized are personal titles (such as Sr. and Dr., even though the words themselves are not capitalized when spelled out) and those derived from proper nouns. But there are exceptions. Note also that, as in English, some abbreviations are used with or without periods varying with the style of writer or publication. The points of the compass usually arent abbreviated in running text. List of Spanish Abbreviations Here are the most common Spanish abbreviations. This list is far from complete, as Spanish has hundreds of abbreviations. Among those not listed here are those that are common in only one country, including acronyms for government agencies such as JUJEM for Junta de Jefes del Estado Mayor, the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff. This list shows the Spanish abbreviation in boldface, the Spanish meaning and the corresponding English abbreviation or translation. A/A - a la atencià ³n - to the attentiona.C., a. de C., a.J.C., a. de J.C. - antes de Cristo, antes de Jesucristo - B.C. (before Christ), BCE (before Common Era)a. m. - antes del mediodà ­a - a.m. (before noon)apdo. - apartado postal - P.O. Boxaprox. - aproximadamente - approximatelyAv., Avda. - avenida - Ave. (avenue, in addresses)Bs. As. - Buenos Aires - Buenos Airescap.o - capà ­tulo - chapterc.c. - centà ­metros cà ºbicos - c.c. (cubic centimeters)Cà ­a - compaà ±Ãƒ ­a - Co. (company)cm - centà ­metros - cm. (centimeters)c/u - cada uno - apieceD. - don - SirDa. - doà ±a - Madamd.C., d. de C., d.J.C., d. de J.C. - despuà ©s de Cristo, despuà ©s de Jesucristo - A.D. (anno domini), CE (Common Era)dna. - docena - dozenDr., Dra. - doctor, doctora - Dr.E - este (punto cardinal) - E (east)EE. UU. - Estados Unidos - U.S.esq. - esquina - street corneretc. - etcà ©tera - etc.f.c., F.C. - ferrocarril - R.R. (railroad)FF. AA. - fuerzas armadas - armed forcesGob. - gobierno - Gov.Gral. - general - Gen. (military title)h. - hora - hour Ing. - ingeniero - engineerkg - kilogramos - kg (kilograms)km/h - kilà ³metros por hora - kilometers per hourl - litros - litersLic. - licenciado - attorneym - metros - metersmm - milà ­metros - millimetersm.n. - moneda nacional - sometimes used to distinguish the national currency from others, especially in areas used by foreign touristsms. - manuscrito - manuscriptN - norte - N (north)no., nà ºm. - nà ºmero - No. (number)O - oeste - W (west)OEA - Organizacià ³n de Estados Americanos - OAS (Organization of American States)ONU - Organizacià ³n de Naciones Unidas - UN (United Nations)OTAN - La Organizacià ³n del Tratado Atlntico Norte - NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)pg. - pgina - pageP.D. - postdata - P.S.Pdte., Pdta. - presidente (masculine), presidenta (feminine) - presidentp.ej. - por ejemplo - e.g. (for example)p. m. - post meridien - p.m. (after noon)Prof, Profa. - profesor, profesora - Professorq.e.p.d. - que en paz de scanse - R.I.P. (rest in peace)S - sur - S (south)S.A. - Sociedad Anà ³nima - Inc. S.L. - Sociedad Limitada - Ltd.Sr. - seà ±or - Mr.Sra. - seà ±ora - Mrs., Ms.Srta. - seà ±orita - Miss, Ms.s.s.s. - su seguro servidor - your faithful servant (used as a closing in correspondence)tel. - telà ©fono - telephoneUd., Vd., Uds., Vds. - usted, ustedes - youv. - và ©ase - go seevol. - volumen - vol. (volume)W.C. - water closet - bathroom, toilet Abbreviations for Ordinal Numbers Just as in English we might use a spelling such as 5th for fifth, Spanish speakers often abbreviate ordinal  numbers using the numerals themselves. A big difference in Spanish is that the abbreviations vary with gender. For example, octavo (eighth) is written as 8o if its masculine and 8a if its feminine. Such forms arent common for numbers above 10. Note that in masculine forms a superscripted zero is used rather than a degree symbol.

Final quizzes Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Final quizzes - Coursework Example eacts to the presence of the bolus by initiating the process of swallowing by compressing the bolus and forces it down the esophagus, which is a 10 inches long muscular tube. Subsequently, this mass traverses behind the trachea, heart and passes through the diaphragm or muscular partition that separates the abdomen and the chest, and arrives in the stomach. The stomach is akin to a sack and it is situated in the upper abdomen, beneath the diaphragm. It has the capacity to expand sufficiently so that it can contain the food mass produced by chemical as well as mechanical processing. The small intestine is the site where the digested food is absorbed. It is a narrow twisted tube, with a 1 inch diameter and it occupies the major portion of the lower abdomen. It is 20 feet in length. It takes anywhere between three to six hours for the peristalsis process to move the food in the small intestine through the duodenum into the jejunum part of the small intestine and then into the ileum, which constitutes the final portion of the small intestine. During this process, bile is secreted, through the bile duct, into the small intestine. The aqueous unabsorbed undigested food is shifted by peristalsis and arrives in the large intestine, where it remains from 12 to 24 hours. This process of digestion is performed in a highly coordinated fashion, so that the body obtains nutrients and energy in the best possible manner (Digestive System). First, foods like meat, poultry and eggs should be cooked adequately. Special care should be taken to ensure that the internal portion of meat is thoroughly cooked, and it is recommended to use a thermometer for this purpose. Second, different foods should be stored separately, so as to prevent cross contamination. Utensils, cutting boards and hands should be thoroughly cleansed, if they have come into contact with poultry or raw meat. Other food items should on no account be touched if such cleansing has not been resorted to. Fourth,

Sisters in Law directed by Kim Longinotto and Florence Ayisi Movie Review

Sisters in Law directed by Kim Longinotto and Florence Ayisi - Movie Review Example The movie also uses characters to demonstrate social molestations that females undergo in the society. These include a girl child that has run away from physical molestation, a woman seeking a divorce from an abusive marriage and a teenage girl accusing a neighbor of rape. The two women championing for social justice within the community, also act as the sisters in law. One of them is a judge while the other is the uttermost Lady in the detective agency. They work together to inform, educate and advocate for the social good of the oppressed females. In the film, the end comes with justice served and the audience cheers and applauds happily. The main characters in the film include Vera Ngassa, the state prosecutor; Beatrice Ntuba, the court’s president; the physically abused six-year-old Manka; Amina, a married woman seeking divorce; and Sonita, a girl raped by her neighbor. In the contemporary world, social oppression is a major vice that limits freedom of expression and choice. The African culture still exhibits aspects of discrimination and a sense of subordination placed on female gender. The movie explores a real-life scenario of how action should be taken by the concerned authority to help in mitigating the extent of the vice. Its setting justifies the fact that women can rise beyond the societal odds to liberate their fellow female genders from the hands of the oppressive masculine. Particularly, the character of a child fleeing oppression from a senior relative attracts audience’s attention. It portrays a sense of helplessness and under-age abuse that goes to the extreme ends. From the character’s case, we notice that close family members and relatives are the immediate sources of societal child abuses in an African society.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children Essay Example for Free

The National Association for the Education of Young Children Essay The elementary school teacher decided to integrate reading and writing into geometry lessons to improve the scores of students. In particular, the students had to use the names of geometric objects as well as their other attributes to write the poems. The experiment has shown a significant improvement in geometry scores. Making children more involved with the task at hand and making tasks more interesting were the main reasons for improvement in scores. The author confirmed my personal belief that the children will only learn school subjects better if they are personally involved with them on some level. In this scenario, they liked writing poems because they thought the poems were fun. They gladly extended their knowledge of geometry to use it in their poems. However, geometry is a difficult subject to learn for many people, not just children. I suspect the main reason is because it seems to be boring. By making geometry fun, we can easily enhance our learning and make our learning sessions more productive. Having been a student myself for many years, I agree with the author that the first priority in learning should be placed on getting a person to be more involved with the task. The best way to do it is to make the task interesting. The author proves that even the most â€Å"boring† school subjects can become suddenly interesting if we will tie them to some interesting activity. This experiment sheds some light on how effective learning occurs. It seems as if the most effective learning takes place when we experiment with different ways of looking at things, and we try to extend our observations beyond what we normally see. This article plays a very important role in understanding the learning process in our brains.

The Debate Over the Origin of Modern Homo Sapiens Essay example -- Ant

The Debate Over the Origin of Modern Homo Sapiens There has been a great deal of heated debate for the last few decades about where modern Homo sapiens originated. From the battle grounds, two main theories emerged. One theory, labeled â€Å"Out-of-Africa† or â€Å"population replacement† explains that all modern Homo sapiens evolved from a common Homo erectus ancestor in Africa 100,000 years ago. The species began to spread and replace all other archaic human-like populations around 35,000 to 89,000 years ago. The rivaling opinion, entitled the â€Å"regional continuity† theory or â€Å"multiregional evolution† model refutes this theory and states modern humans evolved from various species of Homo erectus who interbred with others that lived in places such as Asia, Africa, and Europe. These scientists believe this theory would explain why there are differences among races around the world. As sound as the regional continuity theory appears, it seems to be slightly lacking in genetic support. It appears that most of the support of this theory depends on fossil record which is important information but not stable evidence. The Out-of-Africa theory relies on more than just fossil evidence but a combination of fossils and genetic studies. It is important to use this information as well as the fossil records because â€Å"various interpretations of the transition are possible if researchers concentrate on only fossil evidence, while the mtDNA studies more strongly support replacement†¦.the best approximation of the process still appears to be an African-based spread† (Nitecki and Nitecki, 1994). In a time where technology is becoming an integral part of society, it is easier to discover information that did not seem possible before. ... ...and Matthew Nitecki, eds. (1994). Origins of Anatomically Modern Humans. Plenum Press, New York. Noble, Ivan. (2001). Boost for ‘Out of Africa Theory [online]. BBC Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1323485.stm [Accessed 24 March 2001]. O’Hanlon, Larry. (2002). New Out-of-Africa Theory Unveiled [online]. News Brief Available from: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20020225/eve.html [Accessed 1 April 2004]. Reuters. (2001). Scientists Challenge Evolution Theory [online]. ABC News Available from: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/evolution_ outofafrica010109.html [Accessed 24 March 2004]. Roach, John. (2002). Skull Fossil Challenges Out-of-Africa [online]. National Geographic News Available from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/07/0703_020704_georgianskull.html [Accessed 24 March 2004].

Answering The Call: Inspiration For Teachers

Where does the inspiration to teach well come from? How and why do we teachers keep going at a time in Ontario when we are so often depicted as public enemy number one? What is the motivation when funding for kids is considered such low priority, and testing them such a high one? The answer is quite simple. We know we make a difference. We know we are called to make a difference. Sure, the academics are important, but in the years after the children leave our classrooms, they won t remember the Cs or the Bs. What they'll remember is whether they felt loved in our classroom, whether they felt safe, and whether they felt God.Teacher Cadet Essay And that can make all the difference in the world. In 1986, I was 22 years old, immortal, and out to discover the world. I had just completed the first year of a two-year volunteer contract to teach mathematics in Africa. I was posted to an impoverished boarding school in Malawi, a sliver of a country in central Africa, with another Canadian teacher for a roommate. Unlike my roommate Janet, I was a novice teacher, still feeling my way through lessons, spending long hot nights planning and grading, while I listened to distant drums and nearby crickets. My job was fulfilling despite the overcrowded classrooms and 1920s British textbooks and by the end of the first year I was beginning to realize that job satisfaction was dependant on a lot more than my student s academic successes. Besides the new experiences in my community, the opportunities to travel were fantastic. It was near the end of one particular trip that I learned how important one teacher s influence can be. On this occasion Janet and I had been visiting the fabled Victoria Falls that Livingstone had so loved. We had been lucky enough to hook up at the end of our trip with some young American missionaries who were driving their new pick-up truck back from South Africa to their Malawian mission. They were in a hurry to get back as one of their number had just come down with malaria, and they were eager to have as big a company as possible. I was worried about accepting a lift in a vehicle with South African license plates. This was, after all, still the apartheid years, and Zambia had been bombed by the South African air force less than six months before our trip. I was afraid that the soldiers that manned the many roadblocks on our route might not. give us the chance to explain that none of us were actually from South Africa before they reacted. But there were going to be risks whether we accepted the lift or rode along the twisting pot-holed road in one the Zambian buses whose undercarriage was held together by chicken wire. Janet and I had already decided that avoiding adventure was neither possible nor always desirable. Nevertheless I tensed every time we came to one of the many military roadblocks that lined our route. At first all went well at the various stops. In the heat of an African afternoon, the soldiers were happy to do no more than a quick check of our apers and vehicle before retiring to the shade. We were actually beginning to enjoy the breathtaking views of the distant mountains, and close to the road, the sight of brilliant scarlet-leaved trees announcing a rainy season soon to come. Janet and I sat in the back of the pick-up for the entire journey and the breeze kept us cool as we covered our heads in the local cloth, or chitenge to prevent sunstroke. It wasn†t until we approached the last roadblock that the aggression I feared began to seem a reality. Right away we could tell things would be different. Even before we had completely stopped at the gate, a row of soldiers had risen and were facing us, rifles very much in evidence. As soon as we had braked completely, an officer walked angrily to the driver s side and ordered the three Americans out. Other soldiers gathered around, rifles in hand. Janet and I were frozen in the back unsure of what we should do. The Americans tried to explain that one of their company was too sick to stand, but the soldiers had no time for what they took to be excuses. The missionaries were pulled stumbling from the cab. Sitting in the back I could feel the adrenaline rushing as I recalled every orror story I had heard about travelers in Africa. The seven Germans who had disappeared on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. The Canadian mother who had been strip-searched along with her two daughters by Zambian soldiers. I did not of course at this time remember that the anger Africans feel against foreigners is justified by decades of aggression and rule by outsiders. All I felt was panic as the yelling went on at the front, as one of the missionaries began to cry, as the soldiers voices became angrier, and as we waited, and waited, interminably in the back of that truck. One of the soldiers finally came around to Janet and me. We had taken out our passports and were nervously waiting. He demanded that we hand them over, then, as his gaze fell on their deep blue covers, his whole face changed. Canada? You re from Canada? he asked excitedly. We hardly knew what to answer. Do you know Father Leclerc? he went on. He taught me French in high school. He was such a good teacher. Is he a White Father? I asked tentatively, trying to control the shaking in my voice. Yes he is! answered our guard, delighted. Do you speak French? I told him I did, and, in what I was beginning to feel was some kind of wilight zone we exchanged a few words in French.. 3 Suddenly our attention was called back to the front of the truck. The sick missionary had begun to collapse and one of his friends put out a hand to steady him. We heard the slap of rifles going up and the yells of fear even before we turned and saw the panicked faces of the Americans. For a moment the tableau of m issionaries and soldiers stood frozen in the shimmering heat. I felt the ball of a scream stuck in my throat, but before I lost the struggle to control it, our new friend called out sharply to the other soldiers. I couldn t understand much of what he said but two words stood out again and again. Canada. And punzitzi, the word for teacher. After a moment the rifles slowly went down, and one of the soldiers gestured to the Americans to get back in the truck. They climbed slowly back into the cab as Janet and I held our breath. It didn t seem possible that we would get away so easily. But we did. When moments later we were headed on our way, and we had all finished a long shaky prayer of gratitude I remember wondering, as I still do today, if I could ever have the same effect on my students as that unknown teaching Father obviously had on his. That s what teaching is all about. Hoping that somewhere, somehow the children you have taught will grow up to make moral decisions in situations and places you can t even envision. We were lucky that that priest was Canadian like us. But even more, we were blessed that he was good at his vocation. Wherever he is, I thank him not just for that one brief moment in Zambia, but for the inspiration he has given me ever since.

Direct Marketing Essay

Direct marketing is a channel-agnostic form of advertising that allows businesses and nonprofits organizations to communicate straight to the customer, with advertising techniques that can include Cell Phone Text messaging, email, interactive consumer websites, online display ads, fliers, catalog distribution, promotional letters, and outdoor advertising. Direct marketing messages emphasize a focus on the customer, data, and accountability. Characteristics that distinguish direct marketing are: 1. Marketing messages are addressed directly to the customer and/or customers. Direct marketing relies on being able to address the members of a target market. Addressability comes in a variety of forms including email addresses, mobile phone numbers, Web browser cookies, fax numbers and postal addresses. 2. Direct marketing seeks to drive a specific â€Å"call to action.† For example, an advertisement may ask the prospect to call a freephone number or click on a link to a website. 3. Direct marketing emphasizes trackable, measurable responses from customers — regardless of medium. Direct marketing is practiced by businesses of all sizes — from the smallest start-up to the leaders on the Fortune 500. A well-executed direct advertising campaign can prove a positive return on investment by showing how many potential customers responded to a clear call-to-action. General advertising eschews calls-for-action in favor of messages that try to build prospects’ emotional awareness or engagement with a brand. Even well-designed general advertisements rarely can prove their impact on the organization’s bottom line. A recent study by the Direct Marketing Association reports that in 2010, marketers – commercial and nonprofit – spent $153.3 billion on direct marketing, which accounted for 54.2% of all ad expenditures in the United States. Measured against total US sales, these advertising expenditures generated approximately $1.798 trillion in incremental sales. In 2010, direct marketing accounted for 8.3% of total US gross domestic product. Also in 2010, there were 1.4 million direct marketing employees in the US. Their collective sales efforts directly supported 8.4 million other jobs, accounting for a total of 9.8 million US jobs. Direct marketing is attractive to many marketers because its positive results can be measured directly. For example, if a marketer sends out 1,000 solicitations by mail and 100 respond to the promotion, the marketer can say with confidence that campaign led directly to 10% direct responses. This metric is known as the ‘response rate,’ and it is one of many clearly quantifiable success metrics employed by direct marketers. In contrast, general advertising uses indirect measurements, such as awareness or engagement, since there is no direct response from a consumer. Measurement of results is a fundamental element in successful direct marketing. The Internet has made it easier for marketing managers to measure the results of a campaign. This is often achieved by using a specific website landing page directly relating to the promotional material. A call to action will ask the customer to visit the landing page, and the effectiveness of the campaign can be measured by taking the number of promotional messages distributed (e.g., 1,000) and dividing it by the number of responses (people visiting the unique website page). Another way to measure the results is to compare the projected sales or generated leads for a given term with the actual sales or leads after a direct advertising campaign. While many marketers recognize the financial benefits of increasing targeted awareness, some direct marketing efforts using particular media have been criticized for generating poor quality leads, either due to poor message strategy or because of poorly compiled demographic databases. This poses a problem for marketers and consumers alike, as advertisers do not wish to waste money on communicating with consumers not interested in their products. Some of these concerns have been addressed by direct marketers by the use of individual â€Å"opt-out† lists, variable printing, and better-targeted list practices. Additionally, in order to avoid unwanted mailings, members of the marketing industry have established preference services that give customers more control over the marketing communications they receive in the mail. The term â€Å"junk mail,† referring to unsolicited commercial ads delivered via post office or directly deposited in consumers’ mail boxes, can be traced back to 1954. The term â€Å"spam,† meaning â€Å"unsolicited commercial e-mail,† can be traced back to March 31, 1993, although in its first few months it merely referred to inadvertently posting a message so many times on UseNet that the repetitions effectively drowned out the normal flow of conversation. To address the concerns of unwanted emails or spam, in 2003, The US Congress enacted the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act to curb unwanted email messages. Can-Spam gives recipients the ability to stop unwanted emails, and set out tough penalties for violations. Additionally, ISPs and email service providers have developed increasingly effective Email Filtering programs. These filters can interfere with the delivery of email marketing campaigns, even if the person has subscribed to receive them, as legitimate email marketing can possess the same hallmarks as spam. There are a range of email service providers that provide services for legitimate opt-in emailers to avoid being classified as spam. Consumers have expressed concerns about the privacy and environmental implications of direct marketing. In response to consumer demand and increasing business pressure to increase the effectiveness of reaching the right customer with direct marketing, companies specialize in targeted direct advertising to great effect, reducing advertising budget waste and increasing the effectiveness of delivering a marketing message with better geo-demography information, delivering the advertising message to only the customers interested in the product, service, or event on offer. Additionally, members of the advertising industry have been working to adopt stricter codes regarding online targeted advertising. Any medium that can be used to deliver a communication to a customer can be employed in direct marketing, including: Email Marketing Sending marketing messages through email or Emailmarketing is one of the most widely used direct-marketing methods. One reason for email marketing’s popularity is that it is relatively inexpensive to design, test, and send an email message. It also allows marketers to deliver messages around the clock, and to accurately measure responses. Online Tools With the expansion of digital technology and tools, direct marketing is increasingly taking place through online channels. Most online advertising is delivered to a focused group of customers and has a trackable response. * Display Ads are interactive ads that appear on the Web next to content on Web pages or Web services. Formats include static banners, pop ups, videos, and floating units. Customers can click on the ad to respond directly to the message or to find more detailed information. According to research by eMarketer, expenditures on online display ads rose 24.5% between 2010 and 2011. * Search: 49% of US spending on Internet ads goes to search, in which advertisers pay for prominent placement among listings in search engines whenever a potential customer enters a relevant search term, allowing ads to be delivered to customers based upon their already-indicated search criteria.This paid placement industry generates more than $10 billion dollars for search companies. Marketers also use search engine optimization to drive traffic to their sites. * Social Media Sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, also provide opportunities for direct marketers to communicate directly with customers by creating content to which customers can respond. Mobile Through mobile marketing, marketers engage with prospective customers and donors in an interactive manner through a mobile device or network, such as a cellphone, smartphone, or tablet. Types of mobile marketing messages include: SMS: (short message service) — marketing communications are sent in the form of text messages, also known as texting. MMS: (multi-media message service) — These messages use elements such as images, video, and audio; Mobile Applications: Smartphone-based mobile apps contain several types of messages. Push Notifications are direct messages sent to a user either automatically or as part of a campaign. They include transactional, marketing, geo-based, and more. Rich Push Notifications are full HTML Push Notifications. Mobile apps also contain Interactive ads that appear inside the mobile application or app; Location-Based Marketing: marketing messages delivered directly to a mobile device based on the user’s location; QR Codes (quick-response barcodes): This is a type of 2D barcode with an encoded link that can be accessed from a smartphone. This technology is increasingly being used for everything from special offers to product information. Mobile Banner Ads: Like standard banner ads for desktop Web pages but smaller to fit on mobile screens and run on the mobile content network Direct Mail The term â€Å"direct mail† is used to refer to communications sent to potential customers or donors via the postal service and other delivery services. Direct mail is sent to customers based on criteria such as age, income, location, profession, buying pattern, etc. Direct mail includes advertising circulars, catalogs, free-trial CDs, pre-approved credit card applications, and other unsolicited merchandising invitations delivered by mail to homes and businesses. Bulk mailings are a particularly popular method of promotion for businesses operating in the financial services, home computer, and travel and tourism industries. In many developed countries, direct mail represents such a significant amount of the total volume of mail that special rate classes have been established. In the United States and United Kingdom, for example, there are bulk mail rates that enable marketers to send mail at rates that are substantially lower than regular first-class rates. In order to qualify for these rates, marketers must format and sort the mail in particular ways – which reduces the handling (and therefore costs) required by the postal service. In the US, marketers send over 90 billion pieces of direct mail per year. Advertisers often refine direct mail practices into targeted mailing, in which mail is sent out following database analysis to select recipients considered most likely to respond positively. For example, a person who has demonstrated an interest in golf may receive direct mail for golf-related products or perhaps for goods and services that are appropriate for golfers. This use of database analysis is a type of database marketing. The United States Postal Service calls this form of mail â€Å"advertising mail† (admail for short). Telemarketing Another common form of direct marketing is telemarketing, in which marketers contact customers by phone. The primary benefit to businesses is increased lead generation, which helps businesses increase sales volume and customer base. The most successful telemarketing service providers focus on generating more â€Å"qualified† leads that have a higher probability of getting converted into actual sales. The National Do Not Call Registry was created in 2003 to offer consumers a choice whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. The FTC created the National Do Not Call Registry after a comprehensive review of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). The do-not-call provisions of the TSR cover any plan, program, or campaign to sell goods or services through interstate phone calls. The provisions do not cover calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors, or companies with which a customer has an existing business relationship. Canada has its own National Do Not Call List (DNCL). In other countries it is voluntary, such as the New Zealand Name Removal Service. Voicemail Marketing Voicemail marketing emerged out of the market prevalence of personal voice mailboxes, and business voicemail systems. Voicemail marketing presented a cost effective means by which to reach people directly, by voice. Abuse of consumer marketing applications of voicemail marketing resulted in an abundance of â€Å"voice-spam,† and prompted many jurisdictions to pass laws regulating consumer voicemail marketing. More recently, businesses have utilized guided voicemail (an application where pre-recorded voicemails are guided by live callers) to accomplish personalized business-to-business marketing formerly reserved for telemarketing. Because guided voicemail is used to contact only businesses, it is exempt from Do Not Call regulations in place for other forms of voicemail marketing. Voicemail courier is a similar form of voicemail marketing with both business-to-business and business-to-consumer applications. Broadcast Faxing Broadcast faxing, in which faxes are sent to multiple recipients, is now less common than in the past. This is partly due to laws in the United States and elsewhere which regulate its use for consumer marketing. In 2005, President Bush signed into law S. 714, the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005 (JFPA), which allows marketers to send commercial faxes to those with whom they have an established business relationship (EBR), but imposes some new requirements. These requirements include providing an opt-out notice on the first page of faxes and establishing a system to accept opt-outs at any time of the day. Fax senders must begin complying with these new requirements, which are described in this fact sheet. Roughly 2% of direct marketers use fax, mostly for business-to-business marketing campaigns.[16] Also, due to the popularity of a variety of digital communication methods, the overall use of faxes is less than in the past. Couponing Couponing is used in print and digital media to elicit a response from the reader. An example is a coupon which the reader receives through the mail and takes to a store’s check-out counter to receive a discount. Digital Coupons: Manufacturers and retailers make coupons available online for electronic orders that can be downloaded and printed. Digital coupons are available on company websites, social media outlets, texts, and email alerts. There are an increasing number of mobile phone applications offering digital coupons for direct use. Daily Deal Sites offer local and online deals each day, and are becoming increasingly popular. Customers sign up to receive notice of discounts and offers, which are sent daily by email. Purchases are often made using a special coupon code or promotional code. The largest of these sites, Groupon, has over 83 million subscribers. Direct Response TV Direct marketing via television (commonly referred to as DRTV) has two basic forms: long form (usually half-hour or hour-long segments that explain a product in detail and are commonly referred to as infomercials) and short form, which refers to typical 30-second or 60-second commercials that ask viewers for an immediate response (typically to call a phone number on screen or go to a website). TV-response marketing — i.e. infomercials — can be considered a form of direct marketing, since responses are in the form of calls to telephone numbers given on-air. This allows marketers to reasonably conclude that the calls are due to a particular campaign, and enables them to obtain customers’ phone numbers as targets for telemarketing. One of the most famous DRTV commercials was for Ginsu Knives by Ginsu Products, Inc. of RI. Several aspects of ad, such as its use of adding items to the offer and the guarantee of satisfaction were much copied, and came to be considered part of the formula for success with short-form direct-response TV ads (DRTV) Direct Response Radio In direct response radio, ads contain a call to action with a specific tracking mechanism. Often, this tracking mechanism is a â€Å"call now† prompt with a toll-free phone number or a unique Web URL. Results of the ad can be tracked in terms of calls, orders, customers, leads, sales, revenue, and profits that result from the airing of those ads. Insert Media Another form of direct marketing, insert media are marketing materials that are inserted into other communications, such as a catalog, newspaper, magazine, package, or bill. Coop or shared mail, where marketing offers from several companies are delivered via a single envelope, is also considered insert media. Out-of-Home Out of home direct marketing refers to a wide array of media designed to reach the consumer outside the home, including transit, bus shelters, bus benches, aerials, airports, in-flight, in-store, movies, college campus/high schools, hotels, shopping malls, sport facilities, stadiums, taxis — that contain a call-to-action for the customer to respond. Direct Response Magazines and Newspapers Magazine and newspaper ads often include a direct response call-to-action, such as a toll-free number, a coupon redeemable at a brick-and-mortar store, or a QR code that can be scanned by a mobile device — these methods are all forms of direct marketing, because they elicit a direct and measurable action from the customer. Direct Selling Direct selling is the sale of products by face-to-face contact with the customer, either by having salespeople approach potential customers in person, or through indirect means such as Tupperware parties. Grassroots/Community Marketing The door-to-door distribution of flyers and leaflets within a local community is a business-to-consumer form of direct marketing used extensively by restaurants, fast food companies, and many other business focusing on a local catchment. Similar to direct mail marketing, this method is targeted purely by area and community, and costs a fraction of the amount of a mailshot, since it is not necessary to purchase stamps, envelopes, or address lists with the names of home occupants.

Biomechanics of sit to stand Essays

Biomechanics of sit to stand Essays Biomechanics of sit to stand Paper Biomechanics of sit to stand Paper The capability of moving from a sitting to a standing position is considered as an essential marker for functional independence (Gill et al., 1995) as well as a determinant for risk of falls (Campbell et al., 1989). Specific balance examinations have been designed to determine the agility of an individual in standing up from a sitting position.   The score system employed in these balance tests is based on the time it takes to achieve the sit-to-stand action and an individual receiving a low score translates to a difficulty in standing up from a sitting position. The action of standing up from a seated position is an intricate action that is associated with the shift from one stable position to another through the engagement of technically all the parts of the body except the feet.   Hence the simultaneous action of sitting and standing involves two major aspects in musculoskeletal control.   Firstly, voluntary movement of several parts of the body facilitate in the transformation of a posture from sitting to standing. Secondly, control of equilibrium is also involved in change in posture because there is a change in the body’s centre of gravity (Cacciatore et al., 2005).   Such displacement is associated with the center of gravity moving forward and backward alongside vertical motion.   Biomedical science has considered the entire mechanism of the coupled sitting and standing postures as a valuable standard in studying the principles behind the synchronization of posture and movement. Several reports have suggested the posture and movement are associated with elderly individuals hence investigators have studied anticipatory postural reactions during actions of the arms which are generally more slowly performed. The biomechanics of these postural reactions have also been investigated using a platform that was in constant motion and these studies shows variations in magnitude and timing of movement of body segments between healthy older individuals and young control subjects.   Research regarding the action of standing up among young subjects revealed the different stages of movement using kinetic and kinematic data.   Other research efforts described the influence of the trunk to the change in the center of gravity. It has been reported that the employment of a high seat and the facilitative use of hands for pushing results in a lowering of the torque in the hips and knee joints. The standing position involves balance control as well as variations in the speed in performing the act and termination restrictions with changes in the standing position.   It was observed that the center of gravity was controlled in a horizontal direction and this represents an essential factor in maintaining the dynamic balance while performing the movement.   Investigations regarding the succession of stages from the standing to the sitting position using force platform data revealed that the time involved in sitting down is longer than the time involved in standing up. Majority of research efforts on the biomechanics of sitting down and standing up aimed to analyze and evaluate the kinetics of the entire action in order to provide a better understanding of the phases of movement in relation to gravity.   It has been observed that each phase of the movement is distinct from each other.   Research studies were also designed to determine the effect of age of an individual on the movement kinetics. Such research efforts on age-related kinetics reported that critical role of foot position and the centre of velocity in regulating the stability once an individual gets off the seated position.   It has been suggested that the main kinetic mechanism involved in sitting and standing actions that differentiates young individuals from the elderly is the first step of standing up or the rising up from the seated position.   There are differences in the kinetics of standing up among elderly individuals.   The two stages of movement composed of standing up and sitting down have been well studied. Angular displacement of the trunk is an essential component of the actions of standing up and sitting down.   Also known as the to-and-fro action, the first position and mechanical settings of this action is influenced by the effect of gravity.   The trajectories of the acromion in the sagittal plane have provided the proof the similar forms are observed in both the seated and standing positions. The tranjectories of both positions actually do not change during the movement.   However, the trajectory of the trochanter varies with regards to the function of the movements, which in turn are influenced by gravity and the posture of the individual during each stage.   It has been observed that the angular displacement of the trunk during the seated and the standing positions remain the same, when analyzed with respect to the vertical axis.

Articulated Prepositions in Italian

Articulated Prepositions in Italian You’ve learned about prepositions like â€Å"a†, â€Å"di†, and â€Å"da†, but you’ve also been seeing ones that look like â€Å"al†, â€Å"del†, and â€Å"dal†. Are these the same prepositions, and if so, how do you know when to use them? These prepositions are called articulated prepositions, and they are formed when the simple preposition (like â€Å"su†) combines with a definite article (like â€Å"lo†), and form one word that looks like, â€Å"sullo†. Why Do Articulated Prepositions Exist? Despite the difficulty they add to all of the Italian grammar you have to learn, articulated prepositions are probably one of the reasons you like listening to Italian. They add a melodic flow to the language that makes Italian easier on the ears. What Do Articulated Prepositions Look Like? Below you’ll find a table with all of the articulated prepositions.   For example: Ho comprato delle uova. - I bought some eggs. Delle - di le Note: Pay particular attention to what happens when you combine the preposition â€Å"in† with a definite article as the form changes more dramatically than the others. Articulated Prepositions in Italian Definite Article A DI DA IN SU CON il al del dal nel sul col/con il lo allo dello dallo nello sullo con lo l all dell dall nell sull con l i ai dei dai nei sui coi/con i gli agli degli dagli negli sugli con gli la alla della dalla nella sulla con la l all dell dall nell sull con l le alle delle dalle nelle sulle con le Esempi: Vai al cinema? - You’re going to the movies?Vorrei tanto andare negli Stati Uniti! - I would really like to go to the United States!Ci sono tanti ristoranti sulla spiaggia. - There are a lot of restaurants on the beach.Uno dei miei amici mi ha consigliato di andare a Verona. Che ne pensi? - One of my friends advised that I go to Verona. What do you think?Mi piace leggere alla sera. - I like to read in the evening. Also, note that you only need to know how to change five of the seven prepositions into their articulated forms, with con typically only combining with il and i.   You never need to change â€Å"tra†, â€Å"fra† or â€Å"per†. When Do You Use Articulated Prepositions? When you do or do not use this form of prepositions can get tricky very quickly as there are often more exceptions than rules. However, there is one rule that tends to stay consistent. Typically, you would use articulated prepositions when the noun following whatever preposition you’re using requires an article, like â€Å"Che ore sono? - What time is it? → Sono le dieci. - It’s ten†. When you’re talking about time, the article is most likely needed. With that in mind, you would know to use an articulated preposition in this phrase: We’ll see each other at ten. → Ci vediamo alle dieci. Some expressions in Italian are also fixed and must include the articulated preposition, and you’ll often see this happen with locations. For example, â€Å"I’m going to to the dentist† would be, â€Å"Vado dal dentista†. It’s easier, however, to talk about when you should avoid using articulated prepositions. Here are the most common situations. DON’T use articulated prepositions before: A name, like â€Å"Luca†Names of cities, like â€Å"Boston†Fixed phrases, like â€Å"vacanza da sogno - dream vacation†

How to protect a home from burglars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How to protect a home from burglars - Essay Example Therefore, adoption of appropriate home management ideals and measures by homeowners is critical to ensure adequate protection of property. This paper gives in-depth analysis of home burglary, its causes, effects and prevention measures. Ideally, burglary practices have been in the increasing end with most authorities stating that its prevalence may be detrimental in the end if not addressed. Therefore, authorities have initiated deliberations towards providing sustainable solution to its effects which threaten to paralyze economic growth and prospects of various nations (Wynn 1). In US, crime prevention council has been put in place to develop sufficient modalities towards offering amicable solution to the problem. Similarly, they are charged with mandate to analyze its root causes and to make potential recommendations with security orientation. Evidently, burglary is a vice, which is caused by several factors requiring sufficient solution towards developing societies with sustainable growth prospects. The practice is economically instigated due to high poverty levels and increased desire to fulfill human obligations. According to Gorman unemployment and low income, capacities have immensely catalyzed burglary practices globally. He asserts that burglary cases have proportionately increased at similar margin compared to unemployment rate. This is equivocally attributable to low economic prospects, which cannot support creation of satisfactory jobs for all currently (Fennelly 13). Consequently, peer pressure also enhances individual’s ability to engage in burglary activities through compromised values. Evidently, most friends have influenced their peers into immoral activities, especially individuals of questionable character who always engage in unfair practices. Imperatively, it is important to note that individuals should adequately analyze and understand character traits

Topic Selection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Topic Selection - Essay Example visit to the branch and for this I need to create a list of employees that are working there and who would be in a position to give me information regarding the issues that they are facing. I can access the names of the people that I want to interview and I have to remember to tell them to keep the interview and the material that would be discussed in the interview confidential. As part of my interview process, I have to ensure that the company is meeting all its contractual obligations and that it is fulfilling the regulatory and compliance policies in this regard. This would include the questions about why the company is not paying employees for overtime and who is overseeing the employees at the branch office. These are the basic questions that I intend to seek answers for. Further, the question that why not all employees are complaining needs to be answered as well. As a HR manager, I have to find out if there are other reasons for employees quitting and since the process of attrition comes under the HR manager’s competency as well, I need to find out and take appropriate steps to stop the flow of employees leaving the organization. After I have framed the questions, I have to prepare a questionnaire of sorts and then take it to the employees of the branch office and get their answers to the same. Finally, as part of the researching assignment, I have to design surveys to be used by the employees. Now comes the part where I have to organize the material and this would require merging the answers from the employees by collating all the responses and then consolidating the information that is given in the surveys. I have to list down the problems that are being faced by the employees and then find the solutions for each. It would help if I can list down the problems in a bullet point format and create a matrix where the solutions are listed against the problems that have been described so far. After the surveys and the collection of data, I need to find

In which place have you felt most inspired and why Essay

In which place have you felt most inspired and why - Essay Example Lined up along side each another were tens of wooden bunk beds. Then he yelled again: "You!" pointing to one of my friends, "get inside that space" and he pointed towards the space between two bunk beds. Then he yelled again: "You—get in next to him!" And so he went on ordering six more of my friends into that space. When we thought it was too much, he just yelled: "Squeeze more!" Finally he stopped, and told my friends who were by now so cramped they couldnt breath, "Now turn to the other side." They were all squeezed in so tightly that turning was impossible. Finally he said: "I didnt turn for three years while I was here. It was cold, we were hungry, and even the most basic act such as turning in your sleep was impossible. It didnt matter if you were black or white, fat or skinny, slow or fast. We were all in the same bed, and NO one could turn." That was Auschwitz, and that was one of the most inspiring moments of my

Factors Affecting Ethnic Minority Progression to University

Factors Affecting Ethnic Minority Progression to University It has been established that there is a very close connection between education attainment and upward social mobility (Ball 2010), hence, it is not unusual for ethnic minority to desire an upward social mobility and avoid discrimination in the work place, through the mechanism of obtaining higher qualification. However, this can be elusive as there are challenges that are capable of limiting the process or perhaps terminate the hope of obtaining higher qualifications. This commentary aims to discuss some the factors that affects the progression of ethnic minority children to higher education, in doing so attempt will be made at explaining the concept of race and ethnicity. Race and ethnicity Although it seems convenient to describe a person race based on certain physical characteristic, such as, colour of skin. However, there is no scientific basis for this classification, because there is no specific gene that distinguish a person of colour to white, classification is the based on people desire. According to Sternberg, Grigorenko et.al, the concept of race is not scientific but rather a social construct, it does not have any place in the genetic sequence (Sternberg, Grigorenko et al. 2005).ÂÂ   Even though, the concept of race is unscientific it does have factual consequences according to (Walters. 2012), as people face what is called racial discrimination, segregation among other things. In order to define ethnicity, it is vital to describe the characteristics makers of ethnic group, as well as determining if these characteristics are permanent (Cartrite 2003). Defining ethnicity is a complicated issue, as there is no consensus among political scientist as to what the makeup of an ethnic group is (Cartrite 2003). Ethnic group refers to a social group that share common and distinctive culture, religion, language, ancestry or the like (Dictionary.com). Ethnic minority denotes a group of people distinguished from the social mainstream, those who hold the majority spots of social supremacy in a society, and possibly will be definite by law (Wikipedia). The classification is based on some of the characteristic described in the definition of Ethnic grouping.ÂÂ   Ethnic group in the UK according to 2001 are white, black, Asian, mixed, Chinese and other. The word race and ethnicity are commonly used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing, as said earlier race is an artificial concept with factual reality, while ethnic group might be a real concept. Race equality and education policy The government have put in place a number of policy to address the issues relating to race, equality and education as it relates to ethnic minority. However, the wording of some of the policy are problematic, for example 1976 Race Equality Act, because it sounds like it is promoting a concept that is designed to crate division. The 1976 Race equality act makes it unlawful for any school to discriminate against any pupil because of their ethnic background as well as Crate Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). This was in attempt to stop the exclusion ethnic minority from education. In 1985 the swan report make recommendation that the inclusion of multicultural perspective in the curriculum in all the schools (Swann 1985). 2004 Higher Education Act Introduces further changes that offer more support particularly to students from lower economic background, this is to allow those children from poor social economic background go into university (Barr 2004). Various policies brought in by t he government to limit discrimination and encourage Ethnic Minority participation in education are not sufficient and has not eliminated the fear of going into debt among ethnic minority. Afro- Caribbean (AC) education experiences It is worth noting that most journals and articles tend to concentrate on concentrate on AC as the ethnic minority, according to department of education black Caribbean are 3 to 4 times likely to be excluded from school. AC often have problematic connection with teachers in school, as they are seen as threatening. They tend to apply to higher education while in employment at an older age compared to their white counterparts (Stoll, Bolam et al. 2006). According to the system every Child is important, however, the failure and social exclusion of Black children is a norm which suggest that they matter, but not as much. It might be necessary to employ personalisation so as to enable Black pupils to fulfil their real potential, this will not be possible as long as teachers opinion is formed by hidden bias (Stoll, Bolam et al. 2006) Key factors affecting the progression of ethnic minority into higher education language barrier Favourable cultural capital can be traded for more prospects.The most valued cultural capital is usually linked to that which prevailed in society which is a source of social inequality (Szeman and Kaposy 2010). Some ethnic minority may not be opportune to possess the cultural capitals that are valued in society, most migrant parent ideally has foreign cultural capital and probably poor English, that may result in low expectation and wages. However, the real problem is that universities tend to not that into account other cultural capitals (Dickinson, Griffith et al. 2012). Aspiration This is the key to success as it determines engagement and efforts. Due to high aspiration ethnic minority children tend to remain in full time education beyond the age of 16 in compares to their white counter part (Owen, Green et al. 2000). According to Connor et al, ethnic minority children punch above their weight when their percentage representative in university is compared to that of the general population (Connor, Tyers et al. 2004), It can be said that high aspiration among ethnic minority is responsible for this, because according to a study by university of Bristol 90 % of ethnic minority children aspire to stay in education beyond the age of 16 compared to 80% of their white counterpart (Wilson, Burgess et al. 2006) Social economic factor Poverty does reduce the chances of doing well in school, hence, cost and fear being in debt can be a factors capable of limiting ethnic minority progression into higher education. ethnic minority child that comes from a poor social economic background does face an uphill battle of trying to avoid getting into debt as a result of going into university. Due to their social economic background it is quite possible for their parents to not to be educated themselves, hence, they may not understand the value of education. conclusion although there are numerous factors that have the potential of limiting ethnic minority children from progressing into higher education, but there is no sufficient evidence to suggest that any of the factors, is a deterrent individually, however their collective effect is yet to be determined, it is also worth mentioning that high aspiration tend to be a major factor that enhances their chance of progression. According to Gillborn (2008) underachievement among ethnic minority may be caused by inadequate cognizance of policy-makers concerning the outcome specific policies will have groups References Ball, S. J. (2010). New class inequalities in education: Why education policy may be looking in the wrong place! Education policy, civil society and social class. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 30(3/4): 155-166. Barr, N. (2004). Higher education funding. Oxford review of economic policy 20(2): 264-283. Cartrite, B. (2003). Reclaiming their shadow: Ethnopolitical mobilization in consolidated democracies. Connor, H., et al. (2004). Why the difference? A closer look at higher education minority ethnic students and graduates. Institute for Employment Studies research report(552). Dickinson, D. K., et al. (2012). How reading books fosters language development around the world. Child Development Research 2012. Owen, D., et al. (2000). Minority ethnic participation and achievements in education, training and the labour market, DfEE Publications. Sternberg, R. J., et al. (2005). Intelligence, race, and genetics. American Psychologist 60(1): 46. Stoll, L., et al. (2006). Professional learning communities: A review of the literature. Journal of educational change 7(4): 221-258. Swann, B. M. S. (1985). Education for all: The report of the committee of inquiry into the education of children from ethnic minority groups, HMSO. Szeman, I. and T. Kaposy (2010). Cultural theory: an anthology, John Wiley Sons. Wilson, D., et al. (2006). The dynamics of school attainment of Englands ethnic minorities.

Essay --

Daphne was Apollo's first love. It was not brought about by accident, but by the malice of Cupid. Apollo saw the boy playing with his bow and arrows; and being himself elated with his recent victory over Python, he said to him, "What have you to do with warlike weapons, saucy boy? Leave them for hands worthy of them, Behold the conquest I have won by means of them over the vast serpent who stretched his poisonous body over acres of the plain! Be content with your torch, child, and kindle up your flames, as you call them, where you will, but presume not to meddle with my weapons." Venus's boy heard these words, and rejoined, "Your arrows may strike all things else, Apollo, but mine shall strike you." So saying, he took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from his quiver two arrows of different workmanship, one to excite love, the other to repel it. The former was of gold and sharp pointed, the latter blunt and tipped with lead. With the leaden shaft he struck the nymph Daphne, the daughter of the river god Peneus, and with the golden one Apollo, through the heart. Forthwith the god was seized with love for the maiden, and she abhorred the thought of loving. Her delight was in woodland sports and in the spoils of the chase. lovers sought her, but she spurned them all, ranging the woods, and taking no thought of Cupid nor of Hymen. Her father often said to her, "Daughter, you owe me a son-in-law; you owe me grandchildren." She, hating the thought of marriage as a crime, with her beautiful face tinged all over with blushes, threw her arms around her father's neck, and said, "Dearest father, grant me this favour, that I may always remain unmarried, like Diana." He consented, but at the same time said, "Your own face will forbid ... ...ll her limbs; her bosom began to be enclosed in a tender bark; her hair became leaves; her arms became branches; her foot stuck fast in the ground, as a root; her face became a tree-top, retaining nothing of its former self but its beauty, Apollo stood amazed. He touched the stem, and felt the flesh tremble under the new bark. He embraced the branches, and lavished kisses on the wood. The branches shrank from his lips. "Since you cannot be my wife," said he, "you shall assuredly be my tree. I will wear you for my crown; I will decorate with you my harp and my quiver; and when the great Roman conquerors lead up the triumphal pomp to the Capitol, you shall be woven into wreaths for their brows. And, as eternal youth is mine, you also shall be always green, and your leaf know no decay." The nymph, now changed into a Laurel tree, bowed its head in grateful acknowledgment

We Are Becoming Increasingly Dependent on Computer Technology

As we move into the twenty-first century, it is clear to see that we have become more and more dependent on computers and information technology. This technology now reaches into almost every area of our lives and it is easy to predict that this phenomenon is only going to grow. My personal belief is that this presents a variety of dangers. It is highly likely that in the future there will be comparatively few aspects of our lives that will not be influenced by computer technology.The probability is that it will control more and more forms of communication, transforming fields such as education and business when video-conferencing platforms become more stable. It might even affect romance with more people forming relationships online. While there may be benefits to this technological revolution, there are also a number of potential dangers. Perhaps the most serious of these would be that if people rely on computers too much for communication, they could in fact begin to communicate l ess well.For example, if every member of a family had their own computer screen and smart phone, they might speak less and less often to one another and simply look at a screen. This would be serious because our ability to communicate is an essential part of our humanity. My conclusion is that the growth of computer technology is inevitable, but that this may not be entirely positive. Just one area in which it is possible to foresee dangers is communication, and if we are going to ensure that computers do not become a negative influence, we need to think carefully how we use them. (273 words)

Twilight 12. BALANCING

12. BALANCING â€Å"Billy!† Charlie called as soon as he got out of the car. I turned toward the house, beckoning to Jacob as I ducked under the porch. I heard Charlie greeting them loudly behind me. â€Å"I'm going to pretend I didn't see you behind the wheel, Jake,† he said disapprovingly. â€Å"We get permits early on the rez,† Jacob said while I unlocked the door and flicked on the porch light. â€Å"Sure you do,† Charlie laughed. â€Å"I have to get around somehow.† I recognized Billy's resonant voice easily, despite the years. The sound of it made me feel suddenly younger, a child. I went inside, leaving the door open behind me and turning on lights before I hung up my jacket. Then I stood in the door, watching anxiously as Charlie and Jacob helped Billy out of the car and into his wheelchair. I backed out of the way as the three of them hurried in, shaking off the rain. â€Å"This is a surprise,† Charlie was saying. â€Å"It's been too long,† Billy answered. â€Å"I hope it's not a bad time.† His dark eyes flashed up to me again, their expression unreadable. â€Å"No, it's great. I hope you can stay for the game.† Jacob grinned. â€Å"I think that's the plan – our TV broke last week.† Billy made a face at his son. â€Å"And, of course, Jacob was anxious to see Bella again,† he added. Jacob scowled and ducked his head while I fought back a surge of remorse. Maybe I'd been too convincing on the beach. â€Å"Are you hungry?† I asked, turning toward the kitchen. I was eager to escape Billy's searching gaze. â€Å"Naw, we ate just before we came,† Jacob answered. â€Å"How about you, Charlie?† I called over my shoulder as I fled around the corner. â€Å"Sure,† he replied, his voice moving in the direction of the front room and the TV. I could hear Billy's chair follow. The grilled cheese sandwiches were in the frying pan and I was slicing up a tomato when I sensed someone behind me. â€Å"So, how are things?† Jacob asked. â€Å"Pretty good.† I smiled. His enthusiasm was hard to resist. â€Å"How about you? Did you finish your car?† â€Å"No.† He frowned. â€Å"I still need parts. We borrowed that one.† He pointed with his thumb in the direction of the front yard. â€Å"Sorry. I haven't seen any†¦ what was it you were looking for?† â€Å"Master cylinder.† He grinned. â€Å"Is something wrong with the truck?† he added suddenly. â€Å"No.† â€Å"Oh. I just wondered because you weren't driving it.† I stared down at the pan, pulling up the edge of a sandwich to check the bottom side. â€Å"I got a ride with a friend.† â€Å"Nice ride.† Jacob's voice was admiring. â€Å"I didn't recognize the driver, though. I thought I knew most of the kids around here.† I nodded noncommittally, keeping my eyes down as I flipped sandwiches. â€Å"My dad seemed to know him from somewhere.† â€Å"Jacob, could you hand me some plates? They're in the cupboard over the sink.† â€Å"Sure.† He got the plates in silence. I hoped he would let it drop now. â€Å"So who was it?† he asked, setting two plates on the counter next to me. I sighed in defeat. â€Å"Edward Cullen.† To my surprise, he laughed. I glanced up at him. He looked a little embarrassed. â€Å"Guess that explains it, then,† he said. â€Å"I wondered why my dad was acting so strange.† â€Å"That's right.† I faked an innocent expression. â€Å"He doesn't like the Cullens.† â€Å"Superstitious old man,† Jacob muttered under his breath. â€Å"You don't think he'd say anything to Charlie?† I couldn't help asking, the words coming out in a low rush. Jacob stared at me for a moment, and I couldn't read the expression in his dark eyes. â€Å"I doubt it,† he finally answered. â€Å"I think Charlie chewed him out pretty good last time. They haven't spoken much since – tonight is sort of a reunion, I think. I don't think he'd bring it up again.† â€Å"Oh,† I said, trying to sound indifferent. I stayed in the front room after I carried the food out to Charlie, pretending to watch the game while Jacob chattered at me. I was really listening to the men's conversation, watching for any sign that Billy was about to rat me out, trying to think of ways to stop him if he began. It was a long night. I had a lot of homework that was going undone, but I was afraid to leave Billy alone with Charlie. Finally, the game ended. â€Å"Are you and your friends coming back to the beach soon?† Jacob asked as he pushed his father over the lip of the threshold. â€Å"I'm not sure,† I hedged. â€Å"That was fun, Charlie,† Billy said. â€Å"Come up for the next game,† Charlie encouraged. â€Å"Sure, sure,† Billy said. â€Å"We'll be here. Have a good night.† His eyes shifted to mine, and his smile disappeared. â€Å"You take care, Bella,† he added seriously. â€Å"Thanks,† I muttered, looking away. I headed for the stairs while Charlie waved from the doorway. â€Å"Wait, Bella,† he said. I cringed. Had Billy gotten something in before I'd joined them in the living room? But Charlie was relaxed, still grinning from the unexpected visit. â€Å"I didn't get a chance to talk to you tonight. How was your day?† â€Å"Good.† I hesitated with one foot on the first stair, searching for details I could safely share. â€Å"My badminton team won all four games.† â€Å"Wow, I didn't know you could play badminton.† â€Å"Well, actually I can't, but my partner is really good,† I admitted. â€Å"Who is it?† he asked with token interest. â€Å"Um†¦ Mike Newton,† I told him reluctantly. â€Å"Oh yeah – you said you were friends with the Newton kid.† He perked up. â€Å"Nice family.† He mused for a minute. â€Å"Why didn't you ask him to the dance this weekend?† â€Å"Dad!† I groaned. â€Å"He's kind of dating my friend Jessica. Besides, you know I can't dance.† â€Å"Oh yeah,† he muttered. Then he smiled at me apologetically. â€Å"So I guess it's good you'll be gone Saturday†¦ I've made plans to go fishing with the guys from the station. The weather's supposed to be real warm. But if you wanted to put your trip off till someone could go with you, I'd stay home. I know I leave you here alone too much.† â€Å"Dad, you're doing a great job.† I smiled, hoping my relief didn't show. â€Å"I've never minded being alone – I'm too much like you.† I winked at him, and he smiled his crinkly-eyed smile. I slept better that night, too tired to dream again. When I woke to the pearl gray morning, my mood was blissful. The tense evening with Billy and Jacob seemed harmless enough now; I decided to forget it completely. I caught myself whistling while I was pulling the front part of my hair back into a barrette, and later again as I skipped down the stairs. Charlie noticed. â€Å"You're cheerful this morning,† he commented over breakfast. I shrugged. â€Å"It's Friday.† I hurried so I would be ready to go the second Charlie left. I had my bag ready, shoes on, teeth brushed, but even though I rushed to the door as soon as I was sure Charlie would be out of sight, Edward was faster. He was waiting in his shiny car, windows down, engine off. I didn't hesitate this time, climbing in the passenger side quickly, the sooner to see his face. He grinned his crooked smile at me, stopping my breath and my heart. I couldn't imagine how an angel could be any more glorious. There was nothing about him that could be improved upon. â€Å"How did you sleep?† he asked. I wondered if he had any idea how appealing his voice was. â€Å"Fine. How was your night?† â€Å"Pleasant.† His smile was amused; I felt like I was missing an inside joke. â€Å"Can I ask what you did?† I asked. â€Å"No.† He grinned. â€Å"Today is still mine.† He wanted to know about people today: more about Ren? ¦e, her hobbies, what we'd done in our free time together. And then the one grandmother I'd known, my few school friends – embarrassing me when he asked about boys I'd dated. I was relieved that I'd never really dated anyone, so that particular conversation couldn't last long. He seemed as surprised as Jessica and Angela by my lack of romantic history. â€Å"So you never met anyone you wanted?† he asked in a serious tone that made me wonder what he was thinking about. I was grudgingly honest. â€Å"Not in Phoenix.† His lips pressed together into a hard line. We were in the cafeteria at this point. The day had sped by in the blur that was rapidly becoming routine. I took advantage of his brief pause to take a bite of my bagel. â€Å"I should have let you drive yourself today,† he announced, apropos of nothing, while I chewed. â€Å"Why?† I demanded. â€Å"I'm leaving with Alice after lunch.† â€Å"Oh.† I blinked, bewildered and disappointed. â€Å"That's okay, it's not that far of a walk.† He frowned at me impatiently. â€Å"I'm not going to make you walk home. We'll go get your truck and leave it here for you.† â€Å"I don't have my key with me,† I sighed. â€Å"I really don't mind walking.† What I minded was losing my time with him. He shook his head. â€Å"Your truck will be here, and the key will be in the ignition – unless you're afraid someone might steal it.† He laughed at the thought. â€Å"All right,† I agreed, pursing my lips. I was pretty sure my key was in the pocket of a pair of jeans I wore Wednesday, under a pile of clothes in the laundry room. Even if he broke into my house, or whatever he was planning, he'd never find it. He seemed to feel the challenge in my consent. He smirked, overconfident. â€Å"So where are you going?† I asked as casually as I could manage. â€Å"Hunting,† he answered grimly. â€Å"If I'm going to be alone with you tomorrow, I'm going to take whatever precautions I can.† His face grew morose†¦ and pleading. â€Å"You can always cancel, you know.† I looked down, afraid of the persuasive power of his eyes. I refused to be convinced to fear him, no matter how real the danger might be. It doesn't matter, I repeated in my head. â€Å"No,† I whispered, glancing back at his face. â€Å"I can't.† â€Å"Perhaps you're right,† he murmured bleakly. His eyes seemed to darken in color as I watched. I changed the subject. â€Å"What time will I see you tomorrow?† I asked, already depressed by the thought of him leaving now. â€Å"That depends†¦ it's a Saturday, don't you want to sleep in?† he offered. â€Å"No,† I answered too fast. He restrained a smile. â€Å"The same time as usual, then,† he decided. â€Å"Will Charlie be there?† â€Å"No, he's fishing tomorrow.† I beamed at the memory of how conveniently things had worked out. His voice turned sharp. â€Å"And if you don't come home, what will he think?† â€Å"I have no idea,† I answered coolly. â€Å"He knows I've been meaning to do the laundry. Maybe he'll think I fell in the washer.† He scowled at me and I scowled back. His anger was much more impressive than mine. â€Å"What are you hunting tonight?† I asked when I was sure I had lost the glowering contest. â€Å"Whatever we find in the park. We aren't going far.† He seemed bemused by my casual reference to his secret realities. â€Å"Why are you going with Alice?† I wondered. â€Å"Alice is the most†¦ supportive.† He frowned as he spoke. â€Å"And the others?† I asked timidly. â€Å"What are they?† His brow puckered for a brief moment. â€Å"Incredulous, for the most part.† I peeked quickly behind me at his family. They sat staring off in different directions, exactly the same as the first time I'd seen them. Only now they were four; their beautiful, bronze-haired brother sat across from me, his golden eyes troubled. â€Å"They don't like me,† I guessed. â€Å"That's not it,† he disagreed, but his eyes were too innocent. â€Å"They don't understand why I can't leave you alone.† I grimaced. â€Å"Neither do I, for that matter.† Edward shook his head slowly, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling before he met my gaze again. â€Å"I told you – you don't see yourself clearly at all. You're not like anyone I've ever known. You fascinate me.† I glared at him, sure he was teasing now. He smiled as he deciphered my expression. â€Å"Having the advantages I do,† he murmured, touching his forehead discreetly, â€Å"I have a better than average grasp of human nature. People are predictable. But you†¦ you never do what I expect. You always take me by surprise.† I looked away, my eyes wandering back to his family, embarrassed and dissatisfied. His words made me feel like a science experiment. I wanted to laugh at myself for expecting anything else. â€Å"That part is easy enough to explain,† he continued. I felt his eyes on my face but I couldn't look at him yet, afraid he might read the chagrin in my eyes. â€Å"But there's more†¦ and it's not so easy to put into words -â€Å" I was still staring at the Cullens while he spoke. Suddenly Rosalie, his blond and breathtaking sister, turned to look at me. No, not to look – to glare, with dark, cold eyes. I wanted to look away, but her gaze held me until Edward broke off mid-sentence and made an angry noise under his breath. It was almost a hiss. Rosalie turned her head, and I was relieved to be free. I looked back at Edward – and I knew he could see the confusion and fear that widened my eyes. His face was tight as he explained. â€Å"I'm sorry about that. She's just worried. You see†¦ it's dangerous for more than just me if, after spending so much time with you so publicly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He looked down. â€Å"If?† â€Å"If this ends†¦ badly.† He dropped his head into his hands, as he had that night in Port Angeles. His anguish was plain; I yearned to comfort him, but I was at a loss to know how. My hand reached toward him involuntarily; quickly, though, I dropped it to the table, fearing that my touch would only make things worse. I realized slowly that his words should frighten me. I waited for that fear to come, but all I could seem to feel was an ache for his pain. And frustration – frustration that Rosalie had interrupted whatever he was about to say. I didn't know how to bring it up again. He still had his head in his hands. I tried to speak in a normal voice. â€Å"And you have to leave now?† â€Å"Yes.† He raised his face; it was serious for a moment, and then his mood shifted and he smiled. â€Å"It's probably for the best. We still have fifteen minutes of that wretched movie left to endure in Biology – I don't think I could take any more.† I started. Alice – her short, inky hair in a halo of spiky disarray around her exquisite, elfin face – was suddenly standing behind his shoulder. Her slight frame was willowy, graceful even in absolute stillness. He greeted her without looking away from me. â€Å"Alice.† â€Å"Edward,† she answered, her high soprano voice almost as attractive as his. â€Å"Alice, Bella – Bella, Alice,† he introduced us, gesturing casually with his hand, a wry smile on his face. â€Å"Hello, Bella.† Her brilliant obsidian eyes were unreadable, but her smile was friendly. â€Å"It's nice to finally meet you.† Edward flashed a dark look at her. â€Å"Hi, Alice,† I murmured shyly. â€Å"Are you ready?† she asked him. His voice was aloof. â€Å"Nearly. I'll meet you at the car.† She left without another word; her walk was so fluid, so sinuous that I felt a sharp pang of jealousy. â€Å"Should I say ‘have fun,' or is that the wrong sentiment?† I asked, turning back to him. â€Å"No, ‘have fun' works as well as anything.† He grinned. â€Å"Have fun, then.† I worked to sound wholehearted. Of course I didn't fool him. â€Å"I'll try.† He still grinned. â€Å"And you try to be safe, please.† â€Å"Safe in Forks – what a challenge.† â€Å"For you it is a challenge.† His jaw hardened. â€Å"Promise.† â€Å"I promise to try to be safe,† I recited. â€Å"I'll do the laundry tonight – that ought to be fraught with peril.† â€Å"Don't fall in,† he mocked. â€Å"I'll do my best.† He stood then, and I rose, too. â€Å"I'll see you tomorrow,† I sighed. â€Å"It seems like a long time to you, doesn't it?† he mused. I nodded glumly. â€Å"I'll be there in the morning,† he promised, smiling his crooked smile. He reached across the table to touch my face, lightly brushing along my cheekbone again. Then he turned and walked away. I stared after him until he was gone. I was sorely tempted to ditch the rest of the day, at the very least Gym, but a warning instinct stopped me. I knew that if I disappeared now, Mike and others would assume I was with Edward. And Edward was worried about the time we'd spent together publicly†¦ if things went wrong. I refused to dwell on the last thought, concentrating instead on making things safer for him. I intuitively knew – and sensed he did, too – that tomorrow would be pivotal. Our relationship couldn't continue to balance, as it did, on the point of a knife. We would fall off one edge or the other, depending entirely upon his decision, or his instincts. My decision was made, made before I'd ever consciously chosen, and I was committed to seeing it through. Because there was nothing more terrifying to me, more excruciating, than the thought of turning away from him. It was an impossibility. I went to class, feeling dutiful. I couldn't honestly say what happened in Biology; my mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of tomorrow. In Gym, Mike was speaking to me again; he wished me a good time in Seattle. I carefully explained that I'd canceled my trip, worried about my truck. â€Å"Are you going to the dance with Cullen?† he asked, suddenly sulky. â€Å"No, I'm not going to the dance at all.† â€Å"What are you doing, then?† he asked, too interested. My natural urge was to tell him to butt out. Instead, I lied brightly. â€Å"Laundry, and then I have to study for the Trig test or I'm going to fail.† â€Å"Is Cullen helping you study?† â€Å"Edward,† I emphasized, â€Å"is not going to help me study. He's gone away somewhere for the weekend.† The lies came more naturally than usual, I noted with surprise. â€Å"Oh.† He perked up. â€Å"You know, you could come to the dance with our group anyway – that would be cool. We'd all dance with you,† he promised. The mental image of Jessica's face made my tone sharper than necessary. â€Å"I'm not going to the dance, Mike, okay?† â€Å"Fine.† He sulked again. â€Å"I was just offering.† When the school day had finally ended, I walked to the parking lot without enthusiasm. I did not especially want to walk home, but I couldn't see how he would have retrieved my truck. Then again, I was starting to believe that nothing was impossible for him. The latter instinct proved correct – my truck sat in the same space he'd parked his Volvo in this morning. I shook my head, incredulous, as I opened the unlocked door and saw the key in the ignition. There was a piece of white paper folded on my seat. I got in and closed the door before I unfolded it. Two words were written in his elegant script. Be safe. The sound of the truck roaring to life frightened me. I laughed at myself. When I got home, the handle of the door was locked, the dead bolt unlocked, just as I'd left it this morning. Inside, I went straight to the laundry room. It looked just the same as I'd left it, too. I dug for my jeans and, after finding them, checked the pockets. Empty. Maybe I'd hung my key up after all, I thought, shaking my head. Following the same instinct that had prompted me to lie to Mike, I called Jessica on the pretense of wishing her luck at the dance. When she offered the same wish for my day with Edward, I told her about the cancellation. She was more disappointed than really necessary for a third-party observer to be. I said goodbye quickly after that. Charlie was absentminded at dinner, worried over something at work, I guessed, or maybe a basketball game, or maybe he was just really enjoying the lasagna – it was hard to tell with Charlie. â€Å"You know, Dad†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I began, breaking into his reverie. â€Å"What's that, Bell?† â€Å"I think you're right about Seattle. I think I'll wait until Jessica or someone else can go with me.† â€Å"Oh,† he said, surprised. â€Å"Oh, okay. So, do you want me to stay home?† â€Å"No, Dad, don't change your plans. I've got a million things to do†¦ homework, laundry†¦ I need to go to the library and the grocery store. I'll be in and out all day†¦ you go and have fun.† â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"Absolutely, Dad. Besides, the freezer is getting dangerously low on fish – we're down to a two, maybe three years' supply.† â€Å"You're sure easy to live with, Bella.† He smiled. â€Å"I could say the same thing about you,† I said, laughing. The sound of my laughter was off, but he didn't seem to notice. I felt so guilty for deceiving him that I almost took Edward's advice and told him where I would be. Almost. After dinner, I folded clothes and moved another load through the dryer. Unfortunately it was the kind of job that only keeps hands busy. My mind definitely had too much free time, and it was getting out of control. I fluctuated between anticipation so intense that it was very nearly pain, and an insidious fear that picked at my resolve. I had to keep reminding myself that I'd made my choice, and I wasn't going back on it. I pulled his note out of my pocket much more often than necessary to absorb the two small words he'd written. He wants me to be safe, I told myself again and again. I would just hold on to the faith that, in the end, that desire would win out over the others. And what was my other choice – to cut him out of my life? Intolerable. Besides, since I'd come to Forks, it really seemed like my life was about him. But a tiny voice in the back of my mind worried, wondering if it would hurt very much†¦ if it ended badly. I was relieved when it was late enough to be acceptable for bedtime. I knew I was far too stressed to sleep, so I did something I'd never done before. I deliberately took unnecessary cold medicine – the kind that knocked me out for a good eight hours. I normally wouldn't condone that type of behavior in myself, but tomorrow would be complicated enough without me being loopy from sleep deprivation on top of everything else. While I waited for the drugs to kick in, I dried my clean hair till it was impeccably straight, and fussed over what I would wear tomorrow. With everything ready for the morning, I finally lay in my bed. I felt hyper; I couldn't stop twitching. I got up and rifled through my shoebox of CDs until I found a collection of Chopin's nocturnes. I put that on very quietly and then lay down again, concentrating on relaxing individual parts of my body. Somewhere in the middle of that exercise, the cold pills took effect, and I gladly sank into unconsciousness. I woke early, having slept soundly and dreamlessly thanks to my gratuitous drug use. Though I was well rested, I slipped right back into the same hectic frenzy from the night before. I dressed in a rush, smoothing my collar against my neck, fidgeting with the tan sweater till it hung right over my jeans. I sneaked a swift look out the window to see that Charlie was already gone. A thin, cottony layer of clouds veiled the sky. They didn't look very lasting. I ate breakfast without tasting the food, hurrying to clean up when I was done. I peeked out the window again, but nothing had changed. I had just finished brushing my teeth and was heading back downstairs when a quiet knock sent my heart thudding against my rib cage. I flew to the door; I had a little trouble with the simple dead bolt, but I yanked the door open at last, and there he was. All the agitation dissolved as soon as I looked at his face, calm taking its place. I breathed a sigh of relief – yesterday's fears seemed very foolish with him here. He wasn't smiling at first – his face was somber. But then his expression lightened as he looked me over, and he laughed. â€Å"Good morning,† he chuckled. â€Å"What's wrong?† I glanced down to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything important, like shoes, or pants. â€Å"We match.† He laughed again. I realized he had a long, light tan sweater on, with a white collar showing underneath, and blue jeans. I laughed with him, hiding a secret twinge of regret – why did he have to look like a runway model when I couldn't? I locked the door behind me while he walked to the truck. He waited by the passenger door with a martyred expression that was easy to understand. â€Å"We made a deal,† I reminded him smugly, climbing into the driver's seat, and reaching over to unlock his door. â€Å"Where to?† I asked. â€Å"Put your seat belt on – I'm nervous already.† I gave him a dirty look as I complied. â€Å"Where to?† I repeated with a sigh. â€Å"Take the one-oh-one north,† he ordered. It was surprisingly difficult to concentrate on the road while feeling his gaze on my face. I compensated by driving more carefully than usual through the still-sleeping town. â€Å"Were you planning to make it out of Forks before nightfall?† â€Å"This truck is old enough to be your car's grandfather – have some respect,† I retorted. We were soon out of the town limits, despite his negativity. Thick underbrush and green-swathed trunks replaced the lawns and houses. â€Å"Turn right on the one-ten,† he instructed just as I was about to ask. I obeyed silently. â€Å"Now we drive until the pavement ends.† I could hear a smile in his voice, but I was too afraid of driving off the road and proving him right to look over and be sure. â€Å"And what's there, at the pavement's end?† I wondered. â€Å"A trail.† â€Å"We're hiking?† Thank goodness I'd worn tennis shoes. â€Å"Is that a problem?† He sounded as if he'd expected as much. â€Å"No.† I tried to make the lie sound confident. But if he thought my truck was slow†¦ â€Å"Don't worry, it's only five miles or so, and we're in no hurry.† Five miles. I didn't answer, so that he wouldn't hear my voice crack in panic. Five miles of treacherous roots and loose stones, trying to twist my ankles or otherwise incapacitate me. This was going to be humiliating. We drove in silence for a while as I contemplated the coming horror. â€Å"What are you thinking?† he asked impatiently after a few moments. I lied again. â€Å"Just wondering where we're going.† â€Å"It's a place I like to go when the weather is nice.† We both glanced out the windows at the thinning clouds after he spoke. â€Å"Charlie said it would be warm today.† â€Å"And did you tell Charlie what you were up to?† he asked. â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"But Jessica thinks we're going to Seattle together?† He seemed cheered by the idea. â€Å"No, I told her you canceled on me – which is true.† â€Å"No one knows you're with me?† Angrily, now. â€Å"That depends†¦ I assume you told Alice?† â€Å"That's very helpful, Bella,† he snapped. I pretended I didn't hear that. â€Å"Are you so depressed by Forks that it's made you suicidal?† he demanded when I ignored him. â€Å"You said it might cause trouble for you†¦ us being together publicly,† I reminded him. â€Å"So you're worried about the trouble it might cause me- if you don't come home?† His voice was still angry, and bitingly sarcastic. I nodded, keeping my eyes on the road. He muttered something under his breath, speaking so quickly that I couldn't understand. We were silent for the rest of the drive. I could feel the waves of infuriated disapproval rolling off of him, and I could think of nothing to say. And then the road ended, constricting to a thin foot trail with a small wooden marker. I parked on the narrow shoulder and stepped out, afraid because he was angry with me and I didn't have driving as an excuse not to look at him. It was warm now, warmer than it had been in Forks since the day I'd arrived, almost muggy under the clouds. I pulled off my sweater and knotted it around my waist, glad that I'd worn the light, sleeveless shirt – especially if I had five miles of hiking ahead of me. I heard his door slam, and looked over to see that he'd removed his sweater, too. He was facing away from me, into the unbroken forest beside my truck. â€Å"This way,† he said, glancing over his shoulder at me, eyes still annoyed. He started into the dark forest. â€Å"The trail?† Panic was clear in my voice as I hurried around the truck to catch up to him. â€Å"I said there was a trail at the end of the road, not that we were taking it.† â€Å"No trail?† I asked desperately. â€Å"I won't let you get lost.† He turned then, with a mocking smile, and I stifled a gasp. His white shirt was sleeveless, and he wore it unbuttoned, so that the smooth white skin of his throat flowed uninterrupted over the marble contours of his chest, his perfect musculature no longer merely hinted at behind concealing clothes. He was too perfect, I realized with a piercing stab of despair. There was no way this godlike creature could be meant for me. He stared at me, bewildered by my tortured expression. â€Å"Do you want to go home?† he said quietly, a different pain than mine saturating his voice. â€Å"No.† I walked forward till I was close beside him, anxious not to waste one second of whatever time I might have with him. â€Å"What's wrong?† he asked, his voice gentle. â€Å"I'm not a good hiker,† I answered dully. â€Å"You'll have to be very patient.† â€Å"I can be patient – if I make a great effort.† He smiled, holding my glance, trying to lift me out of my sudden, unexplained dejection. I tried to smile back, but the smile was unconvincing. He scrutinized my face. â€Å"I'll take you home,† he promised. I couldn't tell if the promise was unconditional, or restricted to an immediate departure. I knew he thought it was fear that upset me, and I was grateful again that I was the one person whose mind he couldn't hear. â€Å"If you want me to hack five miles through the jungle before sundown, you'd better start leading the way,† I said acidly. He frowned at me, struggling to understand my tone and expression. He gave up after a moment and led the way into the forest. It wasn't as hard as I had feared. The way was mostly flat, and he held the damp ferns and webs of moss aside for me. When his straight path took us over fallen trees or boulders, he would help me, lifting me by the elbow, and then releasing me instantly when I was clear. His cold touch on my skin never failed to make my heart thud erratically. Twice, when that happened, I caught a look on his face that made me sure he could somehow hear it. I tried to keep my eyes away from his perfection as much as possible, but I slipped often. Each time, his beauty pierced me through with sadness. For the most part, we walked in silence. Occasionally he would ask a random question that he hadn't gotten to in the past two days of interrogation. He asked about my birthdays, my grade school teachers, my childhood pets – and I had to admit that after killing three fish in a row, I'd given up on the whole institution. He laughed at that, louder than I was used to – bell-like echoes bouncing back to us from the empty woods. The hike took me most of the morning, but he never showed any sign of impatience. The forest spread out around us in a boundless labyrinth of ancient trees, and I began to be nervous that we would never find our way out again. He was perfectly at ease, comfortable in the green maze, never seeming to feel any doubt about our direction. After several hours, the light that filtered through the canopy transformed, the murky olive tone shifting to a brighter jade. The day had turned sunny, just as he'd foretold. For the first time since we'd entered the woods, I felt a thrill of excitement – which quickly turned to impatience. â€Å"Are we there yet?† I teased, pretending to scowl. â€Å"Nearly.† He smiled at the change in my mood. â€Å"Do you see the brightness ahead?† I peered into the thick forest. â€Å"Um, should I?† He smirked. â€Å"Maybe it's a bit soon for your eyes.† â€Å"Time to visit the optometrist,† I muttered. His smirk grew more pronounced. But then, after another hundred yards, I could definitely see a lightening in the trees ahead, a glow that was yellow instead of green. I picked up the pace, my eagerness growing with every step. He let me lead now, following noiselessly. I reached the edge of the pool of light and stepped through the last fringe of ferns into the loveliest place I had ever seen. The meadow was small, perfectly round, and filled with wildflowers – violet, yellow, and soft white. Somewhere nearby, I could hear the bubbling music of a stream. The sun was directly overhead, filling the circle with a haze of buttery sunshine. I walked slowly, awestruck, through the soft grass, swaying flowers, and warm, gilded air. I halfway turned, wanting to share this with him, but he wasn't behind me where I thought he'd be. I spun around, searching for him with sudden alarm. Finally I spotted him, still under the dense shade of the canopy at the edge of the hollow, watching me with cautious eyes. Only then did I remember what the beauty of the meadow had driven from my mind – the enigma of Edward and the sun, which he'd promised to illustrate for me today. I took a step back toward him, my eyes alight with curiosity. His eyes were wary, reluctant. I smiled encouragingly and beckoned to him with my hand, taking another step back to him. He held up a hand in warning, and I hesitated, rocking back onto my heels. Edward seemed to take a deep breath, and then he stepped out into the bright glow of the midday sun.