Architectural Humanities Questions

Architectural Humanistic disciplines Question 1:Compare the zikkurat of Ur from Mesopotamia civilisation and pyramids of Teotihuacan from Mesoamerica civilisation in footings of stuffs, and seek to explicate how the natural environments could act upon the dominant architectural development. The Ziggurat of Ur is the most constituted staying spiritual constructions from the Sumerian Era. Located in contemporary Iraq, it is an huge stepped pyramid, nevertheless merely the first grade remains. The zikkurat was a spiritual construction incorporating a temple composite every bit good as other unidentified possible comfortss that served the ancient metropolis of Ur. In the second century BC a new unidentified civilisation ascended edifice several immense stepped pyramids, now known as the pyramids of Teotihuacan located in contemporary Mexico. The Pyramid of the Sun was built around 200 A.D, one of the largest edifice in Mesoamerica. Construction of the smaller pyramid of the Moon, was non completed until 450 A.D. The building of The Ziggurat of Ur consisted of assorted natural stuffs found locally, these were sourced from The Mouth of Euphrates. Similar the belongingss of the stuffs used at Teotihuacan are shared as the environing environment consist of a boggy basin. The nucleus of the zikkurat is dumbly filled with extended clay bricks, walls were thick to counterbalance for the infirmity of clay, most likely the bricks contained a clay compound with the proviso of straw/reeds to beef up. Much like this the Pyramids of Teotihuacan aren’t built of solid rock, alternatively they consist of clay and rock debris infill and utilize the manner of talud-tablero ( holding both inclining and unsloped panel subdivisions ) for structural strength, nevertheless both enhance the stableness to counter excess weight, by profiting from the inclining planes. The Pyramids addition great advantage being covered with beds of cut rock able to drive practically any signifier of wet, this being sourced fro m the nearby cragged part accessed through the canoe channel web. On the other manus, the zikkurat adopted a technique of utilizing beds of brick to be separated by reeds leting drainage throughout and go forthing through weep holes ; whilst the side and patios of the construction consist of Sun baked clay bricks to add a constituent of waterproofing. Furthermore, clay from the river bed was used as a signifier of howitzer to counterbalance for the comparative strength of clay and protection from air current and rain. Much like this the Pyramids adopted their chief building stuff as a mixture of dirt and H2O, similar to clay, as it was readily available in this country and hold a unafraid constituent. In my sentiment both constructions showed solidness through the creative activity of inward inclining walls, making the feeling of looking ageless. The chief maps were simply to back up a comparatively little topographic point of worship nevertheless the sheer tallness provided an feeling, sacredly, culturally and commercially through religious nutriment ; hence both constructions portion similar orientations to the Sun. Question 2:Describe how Chinese Scholar Garden ( Wangshi Garden ) and Nipponese Moss Garden ( Saiho Jemaah Islamiyah ) usage different workss as important stuffs of design, and explicate their background societal contexts ( doctrines ) severally. The Chinese Scholar have created a scenic garden manner designed in order to show the harmoniousness bing between adult male and nature, a illumination compacted environment built for pleasance and to affect ; a so called Miniature Universe. A typical layout entails an enclosed walled country dwelling of pools, stone formations/variations, and a diverse scope of workss ; making carefully composed scenery. Nipponese Moss Gardens, are premeditated designs for a balance of diversion, aesthetic pleasance, contemplation and speculation. These illumination designs frequently were in a extremely abstract and conventional mode, composed around an entwined way fluxing through the garden, leting observation of cardinal elements. Nipponese Moss Gardens were, at first, developed under the influences of the Chinese Scholar Gardens. Finally development came through the grasp and coaction of their ain aesthetics, in the signifier of Nipponese stuffs and civilization. ‘The Four Nobles’ refer to four workss: the plum, the orchid, the bamboo, and the chrysanthemum[ 1 ], which withhold many symbolic significances. The plum tree is non deemed peculiarly dramatic nor that of its flower, nevertheless its ability to exudate this ambitious status, devises this blunt contrast and serves as a metaphor for interior beauty and a low presence. The Orchid represents and exemplifies simple elegance, a delicate signifier with no inclination towards force, with its visual aspect in spring this is deemed to mean humbleness and aristocracy. The shaft of bamboo is hollow, with it huge capableness to defy immense weights and force per unit areas through strength and flexibleness, this yielded the baronial qualities of the Chinese Scholar, low, lissome and yet surprisingly strong ; this besides came to resemble incarnation and resiliency. Finally the chrysanthemum signifies calm and virtuousness as it defies the fall hoar and most workss wither and die ; i t enables a religious Utopia for one to link with nature through bravery. Nothing in a Nipponese garden is left to opportunity, each component is chosen consequently for its symbolic significance ; mosses strongly show the landform and impression of an island. These are collaborated with the apprehension of their aesthetic and symbolic significance to either fell unwanted sights, or to resemble an acquired constituent. Moss is frequently utilized to organize a dynamic composing because of its adaptability and bendability ; with the purpose to invent a carefully controlled world, an idealized version of the natural universe, stripped to its indispensable. Moss creates the kernel of implicit in breakability and mutableness, developing an feeling to promote contemplation and response. The Nipponese believe it to be a symbol of infinity, versatility and resiliency resembled by the coexistence of ocular strength and physical breakability, able to last and stay resilienteven in rough conditions, including terrible cold and drouth. [ 1 ]Hong Jiang ( 2011 )The Plum Blossom: A Symbol of Strength,Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.theepochtimes.com/n2/china-news/the-plum-blossom-a-symbol-of-strength-57557.html( Accessed: 19 January 2014 ) . Question 3:Compare and contrast two domed spiritual edifices, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Selimiye Mosque in Edirne in footings of overall signifier, layout, construction, and map. Hagia Sophia was established in 537 AD. It is considered be one of the historical greats for its beauty and domineer with many symbolic mentions to it impressiveness and spiritualty ; It marks the startup of Byzantine architecture. The construction was the most praised and celebrated church in all Christendom for many old ages. After the corruptness of Constantinople, it was adapted to a mosque with few minor add-ons, of all time since it has been an inspiration and an model design for many of the Islamic mosques. Likewise, Edirne is known for its beautiful mosques, but none rather every bit much as the Selimiye Mosque. Considered as one of the highest achievements of Islamic Architecture, the mosques was constructed in 1575 and at present dominates the skyline of Edirne. The Mosque is non a comprehensive composite, nevertheless facilitates many comfortss, created through a more modest attack. The Hagia Sofia contains a huge inside embedded in a complex construction, all assembled from brick and howitzer. It contains two floors centered on a elephantine nave all located beneath a vaulted basilica ; with the full construction oriented on the northwest-southeast axis. The dome sits between two semi-domes at the Centre of the church, partly supported by a gallery of 40 arched Windowss. The weight of the dome is carried on four concave pendentives enabling its dealing onto equal arches, finally administering through four significant wharfs. To guarantee the burden can be suspended the wharfs were reinforced with buttresses. This design allows the aisles to be significantly taller than the galleries therefore its consequence from below is that of a weightless dome that seems inherit the symbolism of the sky and celestial spheres. The elegance and rudimental elements of Hagia Sophia inspired the architecture of Selimiye Mosque, nevertheless can non be to the full isolated to the footings of Byzantine architecture ; the construction held a much greater cultural embroidery. Much like Hagia Sophia the construction contains ; suspended arches, semi-domes, buttresses and a immense encompassing dome with an array of uninterrupted Windowss. However, in topographic point there is an octangular support created through eight pillars, the weight of the dome bears on these carried through the arches to the buttresses alternatively of straight to the walls, enabling the dome to be stabilised. The domes of Selimiye are more elevated, doing it to look much more dominant than Hagia Sophia of which has a much flatter contour, although the dome height itself is greater. The effects of the supporting elements are non seeable in the inside of Selimiye, this is composed to enrich characteristics of architectural mass and infinite. The construction is chiefly constructed of cut rock making a pure position through clean lines.

Crime News for the Week Essay

The local paper that I decided to peruse was The New York Sun (online version). There were a total of seven articles, in relation to crime, which were dated from June 2 to June 9 of this year. The following describes each of these articles: The first article was dated June 2, 2008 and was entitled ‘Operation set to combat youth violence’. It talks about the event wherein state officials of New York City, including Governor Paterson and some police officials, discussed the rising gun violence in the state for the past weeks, concerning teenagers who were as young as thirteen years of age. They plan to implement SNUG that should start by putting additional funds for exercises and programs. The second article was dated June 3, 2008, written by Josh Gerstein, and entitled ‘Lawyer Weiss gets 30-month sentence for kickbacks’. It talks about the 30-month sentencing of New York’s plaintiffs’ bar Melvyn Weiss for his involvement in paying â€Å"secret kickbacks to investors who helped his firm file class-action securities lawsuits† (Gerstein, 2008). Judge John Walter called it a ‘breathtaking’ conspiracy. The third article was dated June 4, 2008, and was entitled ‘Group files suit to stop Paterson’s gay marriage directive’. It talks about the Alliance Defense Fund filing a lawsuit against the New York state government for not recognizing same-sex marriages that have been allowed by other states like Massachusetts. However, Governor Paterson mentioned that, for those who are interested in gay marriages, they would only have to go to places like Canada and Massachusetts to avail a legal marriage contract. The fourth article was dated June 5, 2008, written by Kate Taylor, and entitled ‘Embattled assassination exhibit may be hoax’. It talks of the art exhibition of Yazmany Arboleda at 264 West 40th Street in New York, where the following phrases were imprinted in the sign: ‘The Assassination of Hillary Clinton’ and ‘The Assassination of Barack Obama’. Arboleda was released without charges when he mentioned that they were merely part of art. The fifth article was dated June 6, 2008, written by Hope Hodge, and entitled ‘Report: school custodial workers stole $60,000’. This article relates to the stealing done by former custodial workers of the Department of Education from Grover Cleveland High School situated in Queens. This was in the form of forged checks and unauthorized wage increases through an increase of pay rate without legal authorization. The sixth article was also dated June 6, 2008, also written by Hope Hodge, and entitled ‘Report: majority of sellers in city are overcharging for milk’. The article tells us that â€Å"[m]ore than 85% of milk sellers in the city are charging illegally high prices† (Hodge, 2008). The overcharge was an average of $0. 40 and, thus, needed an enforcement of the law. Lastly, the seventh article was dated on June 9, 2008, written by Anna Phillips, and entitled ‘Police department changes sought in wake of Sean Bell shooting’. It talks of the need to implement changes in the police department after the Sean Bell shooting event in 2006. Officials say that laws in the criminal justice system should be enforced all the more, and that there should be implementation of tests (i. e. , drug) on those who shoot their guns. To sum it all up, the seven articles that were retrieved this past week from The New York Sun talked of the following crimes: (1) youth and gun violence; (2) illegal kickbacks to investors; (3) legal adaptation of same-sex marriages; (4) character assassinations; (5) stealing; (6) illegal product price overcharging; and (7) wild shooting episodes. Conversely, these crimes can be grouped into the following major sets: (1) crimes against public safety; (2) crimes against effective business environments; (3) crimes against the practice of liberty and human rights; and (4) crimes against legal properties. It appears that the types of crime nowadays consist of those that are in connection to safety and welfare, human rights, and the economy. Despite what people say that the world is becoming more liberated and open-minded, the opposite appears to be the true trend. References Gerstein, J. (2008, June 3). Lawyer Weiss gets 30-month sentence for kickbacks. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/business/judge-sentences-mel-weiss-to-30-months/79104/. Group files suit to stop Paterson’s gay marriage directive. (2008, June 4). Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/new-york/group-files-suit-to-stop-patersons-gay-marriage/79210/. Hodge, H. (2008, June 6). Report: majority of sellers in city are overcharging for milk. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/new-york/report-majority-of-sellers-in-city-are/79468/. Hodge, H. (2008, June 6). Report: school custodial workers stole $60,000. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/new-york/report-school-custodial-workers-stole-60000/79458/. Operation set to combat youth violence. (2008, June 2). Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/new-york/operation-set-to-combat-youth-violence/79062/. Phillips, A. (2008, June 9). Police department changes sought in wake of Sean Bell shooting. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/new-york/police-department-changes-sought-in-wake-of-sean/79525/. Taylor, K. (2008, June 5). Embattled assassination exhibit may be hoax. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from The New York Sun database: http://www. nysun. com/new-york/embattled-exhibition-may-be-hoax/79370/.

Case Study Of A Leadership Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Of A Leadership - Case Study Example Various leaders often possess different traits thereby imposing their rulings as well as operations differently. While others are born leaders, some leaders tend to use coercion as a strategy for leadership making them an enemy of the people who are left to their mercies but have to follow by default. Leaders rule based on their leadership styles that vary depending on each leader. Basing on their leadership styles, some leaders are a friend of the people and a real idol to their followers who see them as role models such as re-known African leader Nelson Mandela. On the hand, some leaders are a pain to the people as they abuse power by forcefully dictating rules making people loathe their leadership style. A perfect example of this is world’s famous African leader Idi Amini popularly referred to as Dictator Idi Amini. Leaders all over the world are governed by specific traits that determine their leadership skills and style of leadership. Bearing in mind the fact that a leader is a force behind many decisions guiding a bigger fraction of people, a good leader has to be emotionally upright so as to be in a perfect position to make wise decisions as well as straight rulings. Having been down the responsibility of ruling many people all of whom share different thoughts, perceptions, and ideologies, a good leader has to be able to put up with all their people, welcome views, suggestions, as well as ideas from all irrespective of their status in the society. A leader’s personal judgments should, therefore, be concealed and not be a reflection of their thoughts in the public domain. Leadership comes with feelings of mixed reactions and is bound to face criticism as well as opposition from various quarters hence a leader should be able to welcome critics and positively dissolve views from those i n opposition.

Advanced Construction Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

Advanced Construction Law - Essay Example A designer can be held liable for professional negligence in his duty if the design is considered to be poor quality, if he failed to manage the project properly, certifying for defective or unsuitable materials, indulging in the mismanagement of both contractors and the project costs, indulging in health and safety infringement, non-adherence of building regulations, and failing to get the appropriate permission for the project . One another law which deals with health & safety is the Control, of â€Å"Asbestos at Work (CAW) Regulations (2002)†. Some other regulation which is related to Health & Safety are as follows; a) â€Å"noise (Noise at Work Regulations 1989) , eyes (Protection of Eyes Regulation 1974), the use of asbestos (Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987) , the use of Lead (Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1987) , the control of substances hazardous to health ( Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988) , the control of industrial majo r hazards (the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1984) â€Å" .A designer of  Ã‚   a construction project will have multifarious responsibilities and roles. He has the duty follow the Code of Professional Conduct as prescribed by ARB and RIBA. He has the duty to offer the client with concise and clear advice about the design potential, estimated building cost, the necessity to get various statutory consents, likely time scale of project, project programming, and the necessity to appoint the services of the other professional specialists and consultants .Though a professional contractual commitment to his client only applicable to carry out his services with reasonable care and skill.

History of the Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

History of the Internet - Essay Example The history of the internet appears to have begun in In 1858, where Frank Leslies Illustrated Newspaper covered the story concerning the laying of the transatlantic cable. Once the laying of this cable was complete, it was easy to say that the Atlantic Ocean had been more or less erased as a communication barrier between the old world and the new. Of course, the cable did not bring Europe closer to America in physical terms but just as the internet allows the transfer of large amounts of information from one point to another, the transatlantic cable did the same for its time. That was perhaps the first example of modern technology being said used to negate such large geographical distances. Certainly the telegraph existed long before that since the telegraph had been invented by Joseph Henry in 1830. While the language of the internet today may be HTML, Samuel Morse first used his Morse code to send meaningful words through electronic means. In fact, only in 1843, the first American telegraph long distance line was ordered to be put between the cities of Washington and Baltimore to cover a distance of 40 miles once this line became operational the first message to be sent electronically from one city to another was a quote from the bible that said, â€Å"What hath God Wrought?† (Bellis, 2005). This rudimentary internet by today’s standard was the height of technology at the time and in the next few years; lines were laid down from Philadelphia to New York. In 1861, Western Union completed the line called the transcontinental telegraph line since that ran along the transcontinental railway to provide coast to coast communications (Bellis, 2005). Certainly not the internet but as the internet today is more of a business tool than anything else, companies were quick to realize the potential of rapid communications. Business could use this

New Labour and Globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

New Labour and Globalisation - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that New Labour’s economic policies are focused on sustained economic growth for the country, emphasis on cutting down inflation and unemployment rates and use of measures to cope with globalization for the best economic interests of UK. New Labour has also focused on globalization as the best political strategy for promoting British economic growth. Whether this has been done to exploit or cope with the social and political consequences of a global economy remain a controversial issue. Barry and Patterson discuss globalization policies within the context of ecological modernization and environmental reforms suggesting that globalization has to be understood in terms of political, social and environmental issues. Barry and Patterson analyze New Labour’s approach to globalization as aimed to create opportunities for ecological modernization and in some policy areas and hinder in some others. Thus Labour’s focus on global ization has its own advantages and disadvantages as far as environmental policy measures are concerned. Some of the prime areas of development are renewable energy strategy, transport policy, and genetically modified food. The issues of environmental degradation and environmental policy measures have direct implications for globalization and thus it is important to consider environmental aspects of globalization within Labour policy measures.... and equity, Hopkin and Wincott suggest that the European states are less flexible and may have to become more open to changes for successful social and economic reforms. Considering this, the economic reforms and approach to globalisation as taken by New Labour may be considered as comparatively rigid and a more flexible policy could be recommended. Cerny and Evans (2004) argue that the state policies are always aimed at restructuring the state to stabilise national polity and promote domestic economic growth. Some state political approaches are focused on reform of political institutions, functions and processes in keeping with the needs of globalisation. Apart from adapting to internal social and political problems, national political leaders take on processes of political and social coalitions to overcome structural and even functional constraints in the form of state intervention. All of state's policies are focused on promoting, sustaining and expanding an open and liberal global economy to take full advantage of the benefits of such systems. However Cerny and Evans claim that too much emphasis on the role of individual political leaders can undermine the generic functions of the state in terms of public interest and social justice and can also lead to social conflicts. Considering the case of New Labour's policy agenda, in UK, Cerny and Evans note that the British state has been undergoing a continual transformation to adapt to global realities through state action. The fact that Blair's government is focused on adapting to the changing needs of globalisation only highlights policy issues that are established by New Labour to promote economic and social growth. The question of whether New Labour is exploiting, coping with or actively supporting globalisation

Scientific study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scientific study - Essay Example This is one of the major reasons for which the ratio of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere does not match with high or overestimation growth of atmospheric CO2 predicted by Earth System models. This paper will help in better understanding and modeling of carbon climate feedbacks [1]. 1. The author use different models to illustrate the carbon-climate response. They used Community Land Model 4.5 (CLM4.5), LeafWeb and FvCB model for the evaluation of this scientific study or to answer the question [1]. One of the evidence that has been put forward by the author claims that empirical global gm model for C3 plant species are developed. These are completely based on a synthesis of data in the literature. It should be noted that the author has presented all the data concerning the subject of matter with careful placement of statistics and formulas. Also, the implementation of the C3 plant species is allowed contrasting simulations that either consider or omit the mesophyll diffusion limitation. Herein, it is important to note that there are two types of simulations (gm-including and gm-lacking simulations). The author has clearly present the following inclination in the research method section , â€Å"A parameter conversion function that was developed from leaf gas e xchange dataset collected by LeafWeb to enable a correct comparison between the gm-including and gm-lacking simulations and it was based on CLM4.5 formulation of FvBC model† [1]. Furthermore, strict actions were undertaken in order to promulgate any difference in the trend of GPP between simulations can be attributed unambiguously to the mesophyll diffusion treatments [1]. 4. Finally, the readers can make use of the article for reference as it is conclusive of the fact that total ΔCFE between the gm-including and gm lacking simulations for global GPP increased. The increase was marked from the year 1901 to 2010. Slight pre-1950 increase in ΔCFE is followed after 1950 and this pattern shows that

342 paper 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

342 paper 1 - Essay Example At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.’ The given exigencies captured in the speech accurately give an impression of a refined invention of President Obamas speech thereby making it effective .The first exigency expressed by President Obama talks about war which has caused the country both hatred and violence. (Poggi pg23)War is a menace that the country has faced with other countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. (Mingolelli pg45) The president acknowledges the fact that war in America with other countries must come to a halt. The audience feels represented. The second exigency talks about a weakened economy that has resulted because of war. The president recognizes that economic growth plays a pivotal role in the development of a country. The American people agree with the presidency that economic growth would empower living standards in the country. (Nuhringpg67) This aspect arouses the audience. The third exigency talks about preparing the nation for a new age which would encompass all the individuals in America. In a nutshell President Obama states to the country that his leadership would be inclusive, participatory and consultative. The challenge lies in both the president and the people of America. President Obama was making references to segregation and slavery that Americans felt attached to emotionally .Such statements easily reach every American thereby building

Harry Potter and Culture Industry Essay Example for Free

Harry Potter and Culture Industry Essay Harry Potter – this name is familiar with all the age groups in the world today and the reason behind it is well known to all of us. The Harry Potter book series written by a single mother J. K. Rowling, who wouldn’t have imagined in her wildest dreams that a story she thought of while travelling in a train, would gain so much popularity. So much so that her character and her name would become a household name across the globe! J. K. Rowling Harry Potter books came into the market in 1998. The first part called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone gained a lot of popularity with the kids and slowly with the adults too. Due to its huge success it was converted into a motion picture as well and so the first movie when on to release in the year 2001. Subsequently the other parts (books) were out in the market and the movies started releasing as well. Of course it was after the stupendous success of the initial books that J. K. Rowling was encouraged to write on the further parts. So what is it in Harry Potter that attracts so much attention? Or what is it that makes people want to read a 600-700 pages long book again and again. This isn’t just a single book we are talking about, but every book in the series is read all over again by people repeatedly. These books tell us the story of an orphan, Harry who lives with his aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon, and not to forget his huge sized cousin Dudely with a nut sized brain. He leads a miserable life until the he turns 11, when he realizes that he is actually a wizard. He is admitted to the Horgwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So follows his journey of magical experiences. Very unique but impressionable characters are introduced in the book in Rowling’s own style. The books detailing his experiences at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have bred passion, obsession, creativity, and a new or renewed interest in reading throughout the world. JK Rowling has created an elaborate cast of characters and an environment for them to inhabit that appeals to adults and children alike. The fantasy aspect of the wizarding world expands the imagination, and transports the mind to new and exciting places; introducing magic opens new realms of possibilities within the plots. Anything could happen. Her intricate stories contain strands of the believable and unbelievable, altering the predictability that readers commonly encounter and endure in fiction. Harry Potter Movie Poster These factors contributed to the â€Å"Harry Potter Phenomena† which actually swept across the world as soon as the movie series became huge hits! Young children started identifying with Harry’s shy but brave character. The terrifying Lord Voldemort and how he is after Harry’s life, after having murdered his parents when Harry was a baby. The innocence of school life along with the mixture of magic, hit children’s minds like the Magic Bullet Theory, wherein, the information seen by audiences hits their minds like bullets and penetrates within. At the same time, the themes driving the stories resonate with classic literature, offering mature readers tales that wear like a comfortable pair of shoes, while introducing younger readers to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives. The main theme of the series is the subject of many theories, including, but not limited to: good versus evil, prejudice, love, death, sacrifice, friendship and loyalty. In actuality, all of these elements contribute to the timeless nature of the stories. As and when the books started getting really famous with a specific target audience, the first big leap that was taken to expand the entire Harry Potter concept were the movies. When the movies were made they went on to click with the younger as well as the older audiences. One part after the other, the movies became darker slowly loosing the initial happy and bright appearance. They now started seeming more â€Å"real† and â€Å"practical†. There was a feel of â€Å"there is more to Harry Potter† than what you expect. The covers of all books started having two versions, one which was bright and the other dark and mysterious so that the books would appeal to adults as well. Slowly there was Harry Potter everywhere! There was Culture Industry starting to take place because of the entire Harry Potter concept. By Culture Industry we mean that suddenly a particular thing which is extremely popular is produced in front of us in many different ways. It is â€Å"claimed† by the respective producers that their product is unique and adds more to a particular franchise. This concept focuses on media and marketing. Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno define the Culture Industry through its focus on the media and mass marketing. This industry is unique in that it does not reflect economic processes and essentially becomes homogenous; thus, variation is meaningless. The Culture Industry is characterized by three specific ideas: Monopoly, Mass Production, and Technology. So there is lesser control over production of certain products and lesser control in the market. Hence when a certain product is newly launched in the market, people rush to purchase it and explore that particular product. So what happens when the novelty of that product wears off? Simple, another product is launched in the market and promoted on its â€Å"unique† properties. But the actual catch here is that every product is almost similar to one another, but it is sold as being different from the previous one. Hence people are urged to buy them. This also gives them another product in place of the previous one. This is termed as â€Å"Pseudo Singularity† rightly meaning false singularity. This is how the culture industry also called as Mass Industry works. When Culture Industry meets something like Harry Potter, what is created is a huge successful mass industry which becomes immensely lucrative and popular. Also when the subject is like Harry, who mainly appeals to people due to his emotional appeal, his belief in friendship, love and braveness. These are the factors on which various products apart from movies like merchandise are publicized to people. There are Harry Potter theme based amusement parks, the costumes, competitions to test your HP knowledge, digital games and websites like Pottermore where you actually live Harry’s life. You are sorted into different houses just like in the book and you face different adventures like Harry. There are things taken from the book which will entertain and amuse people. Like the broom used to play the game Quidditch again an imaginary concept of a game like football but you are actually flying on broomsticks. Harry Potter wands, cards, hats, glasses and the famous scar which Harry have all became commodities and we are expected to purchase them. The main objective here is to make people feel like Harry himself. Examples of various Harry Potter Merchandise So even if J. K. Rowling has completed her set of books, producers still want to reap the profits from this subject. Hence, even after she officially completed her books, due to tremendous response and popular demand she wrote another book where people know what happens after Harry defeats Lord Voldemort and finishes his studies from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So much is the popularity of Harry Potter. Not only Harry, but other main characters like Hermoine and Ron (Harry’s best friends), Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, Sirius Black etc have gained a connect with the audiences. There is a feeling generated that â€Å"my best friend to needs to be like Ron† or â€Å"I wish I could study magic†. This feeling of longingness is usurped but the producers to contribute more to the culture industry! These feelings are then used by the people to generate more and more profits, hence trips to the castle where Harry Potter was shot are arranged. Though a particular location is not used continuously in the movies, they keep changing, but so much is the craze that people travel all the way to Scotland just to see where their Hero spent this school days. All in all a different culture itself is created and we don’t realize it. Such is the nature culture industry and it prevails n today’s world to a much greater extent. The main feeling of Love always triumphs over the evil makes Harry Potter what it is. I would like to end my putting in a famous citation in the book- It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore This is one of the most famous quotes from the series and rightly, it is our choices that make us who we are. People chose to love Harry Potter even though the entire concept being imaginary because it has appealed to their hearts. It is this emotional factor which makes us give in to the ‘market and producers’ but in the end, they are our choices, aren’t they?

The Significance of the Role of Malcolm X on African American Activists Essay Example for Free

The Significance of the Role of Malcolm X on African American Activists Essay A. Plan of the Investigation To what extent was the role of Malcolm X significant in the rise of radical African American activism (1965-1968)? This investigation will assess the significance of Malcolm X’s significance in giving rise to African American activism. Malcolm X’s motives, involvement in the civil rights movement and his leadership will all be discussed in order to understand the extent of his significance. To add further understanding and provide justification a summarization of evidence will be included. Also, an evaluation of sources will allow for details which provide justification in saying that Malcolm X’s role was significant; both sources being evaluated in their origin, purpose, value and limitations. B. Summary of Evidence Malcolm X, initially born under the last name Malcolm Little in 1925. Later on life he adopted X, which became a symbol to represent his lost past, particularly the rejection of his â€Å"slave† name. Malcolm X was an activist and an outspoken public voice for the Black Muslim Faith who challenged the civil Rights movement and the non-violent pursuit of integration that was led by Martin Luther King Jr. Malcolm X was an activist who believed that non-violent acts would achieve nothing in receiving racial equality, he believed that people had to take action. He once said â€Å"it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of racial attacks.† Malcolm X was so significant to the rise of radical African American activism because he is one of the two most important and influential black leaders during the late 20th century. Malcolm X rearticulated and gave African Americans clarity as to who they are, what their problems were and how to s olve them. He did this by speaking about the black radical tradition which consisted of ideology, class and culture. And he made many African Americans energized to take action. Also, Malcolm X was an advocator of black pride which led more people to follow him and his ideas. Malcolm was such a powerful leader and activist that he gave way to some black art activists, which is interesting because art was not his main focus. Malcolm wanted blacks to learn about their roots and gain and understanding of their heritage, therefore he made it a central part of the Organization of Afro-American Unity which in turn furthered radical black art activists. Malcolm X gained this desire when he partook on a journey through North Africa and the Middle East. Malcolm’s desire for wanting blacks to understand their heritage also promoted the rise of cultural nationalism within the Black Panther Party. C. Evaluation of Sources Malcolm X and the Black Arts Movement by James Smethurst was published by Cambridge University Press in the year of 2010. The purpose of this source is to demonstrate how Malcolm X was deemed such a commanding figure and brought rise to Black activists, even in the arts, a subject that Malcolm X rarely spoke about. The value of this source lies within the author’s description of how Malcolm X was a leader and how he inspired many people to rise and take a stand, especially in the arts. For example: X did not touch on the subject of arts as often as his did race in his speeches. However, some Black art activist came to see him as a commanding figure. This source is limited due to its lack of detail. This source mainly gives brief description on how Malcolm X laid the foundation for different types of Black activists but does not go in depth about what he did to influence these activists. Malcolm X: A powerful black leader who fought for human rights by Sharrod Patterson was published by the student newspaper of Winston-Salem University in the year of 2007. The purpose of this source is to identify Malcolm X’s rise to becoming a world renowned activist. The value of this source lies in the discussion of where Malcolm X started to where he ended. He started as a young boy who began to head down the wrong path, getting into drugs and involved with the wrong people but overcame that and ended up being a prominent civil rights activist. However, this source is limited due to the lack of discussion about his impact on many people and how he laid the foundation for many activist groups and organizations. D. Analysis When making the final evaluation of Malcolm X’s role of significance in bringing rise to African American activism, tow aspects of his role must be evaluated. One includes his motivation and the other is what he wanted to accomplish. Malcolm X’s motivation was his oppressed youth. When Malcolm was younger he and his family were harassed by the Ku Klux Klan which caused them to move to another part of Michigan. Sadly enough, after they moved, the racism became worse. A racist mob set his family’s home on fire and all of the white emergency responders and firefighters watched their house burn down. Shortly after this, Malcolm X’s father died and this sent his mother into a deep depression of shock and grief which eventually caused her to be submitted into a mental institution. Malcolm left home and after leaving, he became involved in drugs and crime. This became his motivation. He wanted to fight back and provide young black youth with better and more positive opportunities. However, it was not just young black youth he was advocating for, but it was all African Americans. As an outspoken civil rights leader in the 1960s, Malcolm X wanted to encourage black power. He advocated Black Nationalism and separation form the white society.17 He argued that integration of blacks and white represented the succumbing of African Americans to white culture and values. African Americans needed to embrace their own culture and communities and be independent of the white world. Many people embraced the ideas of Malcolm X. Many people began to see what he was advocating as true. This served as a contributing factor to the rise of African American activism. Through his radical tactics and his self- defiant demeanor, he open many gates for African Americans and led them along the path of fighting back or taking a stand. Malcolm X wanted to better the lives of blacks and open their eyes to who they are and what being an African American stood for, pride and promise. The more people who started to realize this, the more people who took action. Needless to say, Malcolm X’s role as a leader and a civil right activist, played a significant role in causing rise in African American activism. E. Conclusion Malcolm X played a significant role in bringing rise to African American activism. Malcolm X shed light upon the many dreadful conditions faced by the people of African descent. However, while it may be impossible to measure his impact in its entirety, it is just to say that Malcolm X helped to expose unfair practices towards African Americans which ultimately led to significant changes, changes that the legal system deemed unlawful. This drive to better African Americans made Malcolm X an extraordinary leader and gave African American new incentive. This led African Americans to begin to take further action which gave rise to activists groups such as the Black Panther Party. It is evident that Malcolm X played a significant role in giving rise to African American activism. His role is equally as significant to that of Martin Luther King Jr. or even that of Rosa Parks. And while some may call him violent or racist, others consider Malcolm X to be one of the most influential and great est African Americans in history. Works Cited Eric Foner and John A. Garraty, eds., The Reader’s Companion to American History (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 1991) http://www.history.com/topics/malcolm-x (accessed November 29, 2012) William W. Sales, Jr., â€Å"The Legacy of Malcolm X,† Online Publication. http://www.socialistalternative.org/literature/malcolmx.html (accessed November 29, 2012) James Smethurst, â€Å"Malcolm X and the Black Arts Movement,† Cambridge Collection Online. http://cco.cambridge.org/extract?id=ccol9780521515900_CCOL9780521515900A007 (accessed November 29, 2012) Sharrod Patterson, â€Å"Malcolm X: A Powerful Black Leader Who Fought for Human Rights,† Student Newspaper of Winston-Salem University, February 19, 2007. Bio. True Story, â€Å"Malcolm X Biography,† The Biography Channel Website. http://www.biography.com/people/malcolm-x-9396195 (accessed November 29, 2012) Teachers Domain. Malcolm X: Black Nationalism.† 18 Jun. 2004. Web. http://www.tea chersdomain.org/resource/iml04.soc.ush.civil.malc1/ (accessed December 5, 2012)

Stereotypies: Antecedents and Consequences in Domestic Dog

Stereotypies: Antecedents and Consequences in Domestic Dog Stereotypies their antecedents and consequences in the domestic dog (Canis Familiaris) 1 Chapter 1: Introduction (2000 words) 1424 1.1 Repetitive Behaviours 2 The simplest behaviours are repetitive including normal play but this usually has a challenge, an example is avoiding cracks in the pavement (Williams and Hill, 2012). There are many kinds of repetitive behaviour, when learning a trick the behaviour is practiced until the whole trick is flawless. Many believe that the young play as a way of practicing the skills needed when adults; however research by Fagen (1981) and Smith (1982) found that â€Å"play is not practice†. 1.1.1 Normal behaviours Normal behaviour is essential to promote an animal’s psychological and physical homeostasis so the animal can interact with and modify its environment. One of the five freedoms used to assess animal welfare is the ability to express normal behaviours (FAWC, 2009). However, the definition of normal behaviours in human terms is relative to a person’s culture and age and may be related to an animal’s culture. Kilgour (2012) asserts the definition of normal behaviour is not straightforward; however, an ethogram of domestic animals nearest wild relatives gives some idea of an animal’s different behaviours and time budgets. Lindsay (2001:pp.40-42) provides a dog ethogram of ‘normal behaviours’. Daily activity for dogs and their owners tends to vary day to day but over the seven days affords a more constant estimate of activity (Dow et al., 2009) this indicates that many companion dogs’ activities tend to be routine. Stressed dogs frequently find grooming calming, if the stress is long term this can lead to over grooming causing hair loss and damage to the skin. 1.1.2 Abnormal behaviours Abnormal behaviours are those that are atypical of animal’s in the wild (Birkett and Newton-Fisher, 2011). Abnormal repetitive behaviours are unvarying and apparently functionless that can be readily interrupted, whereas for stereotypy the behaviour must be difficult to interrupt (Mason and Latham, 2004; Haverbeke et al., 2008) these can be either impulsive/compulsive or stereotypies (Garner, 2006). 1.1.3 Stereotypic behaviours Stereotypic behaviours are all repetitive unexplained behaviours but are not necessarily predictable (Bergeron et al., 2006). Repetitive stereotypic behaviours may be symptomatic of stress but may not necessarily be a problem (Rooney et al., 2009), in the dog this could be grooming to relieve stress and only becomes a problem if it results in hair loss or damage to the skin. 1.1.4 Stereotypies Many people understand the term stereotypy to indicate that an individual exhibits a problem behaviour. 1.1.5 The Evolutionary view of Stereotypy Japyassà º and Malange (2014) write that from the evolutionary view the term abnormal behaviour should be avoided, because phenotypic diversity in genes, morphology and behaviour are major forces driving evolution. Phenotypic diversity is important as enables an organism to adapt to new environments; those behaviours that seem abnormal now could become the new normal depending upon evolutionary selection. The apparent lack of function in behaviour is questionable as eventually some function may be determined, or help in coping with stress or a means of communication. The function of stereotypes may also be revealed in unexpectedly perhaps related to communication (Japyassà º and Malange, 2014). 1.1.6 The Ethological and Animal Welfare view of Stereotypy The animal welfare view is that stereotypies are abnormal, functionless repetitive behaviours (Japyassà º and Malange, 2014). look for another ref. The ethological view is that stereotypies are repetitive behaviours that are unchanging irrespective of the context (Japyassà º and Malange, 2014). These views are drawn together by Mason (1991) defining stereotypy as repetitive, unvarying, uninterruptable behaviours with no apparent proximate or ultimate function. However, Rapp and Vollmer (2005) write that frequently stereotypic behaviours provides their own reinforcement and not social consequences. 1.1.7 What are Impulsive/Compulsive Behaviours Impulsive/compulsive repetitive behaviours are variable and have a goal directed; but the behaviour persists even after the achieving the goal or the goal becomes inappropriate (Garner, 2006). 1.1.8 Impulsive repetitive behaviours Impulsive repetitive behaviours are identified in humans with Tourette’s syndrome manifesting as complex tics, or as trichotillomania, hair plucking. 1.1.9 Difference between Impulsive/Compulsive Behaviours Clinically the distinction between impulsive and compulsive repetitive behaviours is important, however differentiating them is more complex in animals than in humans (Garner, 2006). 1.1.10 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Mills and Luescher (2006) state that stereotypy and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are hard to differentiate Eilam et al. (2012) add that OCD is a disabling condition affecting the sufferer’s quality of life. Ethology is the study of animal behaviour aiming to understand proximate and the ultimate causes of behaviours; the concept of the ethogram methodology is extended to the study of OCD behaviour (Eilam et al., 2012). Observations by Eilam et al. (2006) showed animals performing rigid behaviour sequences in specific locations, according to Kalueff et al. (2007) these are the spatiotemporal and locomotor characteristics of OCD. 1.1.11 What is the difference between OCB and stereotypy Chok and Koesler (2014) used functional analysis to assess the differences between stereotypy and obsessive compulsive behaviours (OCB) by identifying physiological states internal (heart rate) and external (defined by facial expression or vocalisations). Signs of pleasure were regarded as a measure positive reinforcement, hence stereotypy and of displeasure regarded as signs of OCB. 1.1.12 Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviours (OCB) Humans exhibiting obsessive-compulsive behaviours (OCB) are aware that these behaviours are irrational but are unable to resist their compulsion to continue to perform the behaviour. 1.2 Stereotypies and the environment 1.2.1 Maternal Deprivation Captive animals particularly in commercial environments but including companion animals are frequently removed from their mothers earlier than would occur in the wild (Latham and Mason, 2008). Maternal deprivation leads to an increase in the frequency and severity stereotypes these can be short term as with belly-nosing in piglets or can cause neural changes inducing later persistent stereotypes (Latham and Mason, 2008). The relationship between the animal’s stereotypic behaviour and the environmental deficit is not always clear. Wiedenmayer (1997) found that providing a substrate suitable for digging did not reduce stereotypies in gerbils but providing a tunnel system did. Digging was not the controlling motivation just means to achieve a burrow. 1.2.2 Stereotypy: Interdisciplinary Communication The term stereotypy has different uses in different research areas ethological, medical and animal welfare; there is not even an agreement about including lack of function or abnormality in the definition (Japyassà º and Malange, 2014). Edwards et al. (2012) asserts the lack of a consistent definition for stereotypies is insufficient for both academic and medical diagnostic purposes. 1.3 Stereotypies Behaviours 1.3.1 Ungulate stereotypies Ungulates are the most common mammal exhibiting stereotypy; many ungulate stereotypies tend to resemble species typical feeding and foraging behaviours (Bergeron et al., 2006). Examples of typical stereotypies for ungulates are given in Table 1. Cattle at pasture spend between 7 to 9 hours grazing and similar time ruminating; possibly herbivores have evolved to require a minimum feeding period each day (Redbo and Nordblad,1997). This could explain the number of oral stereotypies reported for animals fed on a concentrate food with restricted roughage as their time budget eating and ruminating is less that at pasture. Table 1: Examples of ungulate stereotypy 1.3.2 Carnivore stereotypies Some species of carnivores do well in captivity do not exhibit abnormal behaviours and breed successfully. While carnivores that have high activity levels and patrol large ranges have high levels of stereotypy. Vickery and Mason (2005) found carnivore stereotypies are mostly locomotory pacing and weaving, other reported stereotypies was some oral and head swaying. Clubb and Mason (2007) found the carnivore stereotypy levels are significantly predicted by their typical travel distances and natural home-range size. Perhaps some species are unsuitable for zoos and should be conserved in large areas that enable their natural behaviours. 1.4 Overall Research Aims 1.4.1 Relationship between breed type and stereotypy To try to measure the spread of different stereotypies across breed groups. It has been found that some breeds have their own particular set of stereotypes for example flack sucking in Doberman Pinchers (Houpt, 1992). 1.5 Outline Research Methods and Timescales 1.5.1 Research method A questionnaire will be used to measure the relationship between breed type and the stereotypy emitted. The survey was initially created using several survey software programs available online; many were restricted either the number of questions asked or the variety of question types was limited, or the resultant output file was not in a format readily converted for SPSS. Eventually Google Docs was selected and the survey created and was piloted on social media the resulting file of about 20 responses was downloaded in text format that could be readily input into a spreadsheet which then needs to be reformatted for input into SPSS for processing. The questionnaire included some questions that had open questions in the form of the ‘other’ option a free text input area. This was to allow flexibility and for respondents to feel empowered and encourage more accurate replies. This means these responses need interpreting and the formation of new categories or allocated to avai lable options for processing (Questionnaire, 2015). These questions are qualitative but once the responses have been interpreted in allocated to categories, the subsequent treatment of the data will be quantitative and analysed using quantitative statistical methods. The social environment shared by the domestic dog and their human companions unique and investigating the environment care must be taken not introduce bias by the questions asked. 1.5.2 Comparability of Responses 1.5.2.1 Outline Research Method 1 Timescales During May 2015 the survey was deployed in several different social media and forums across a number of interest groups including relating to dogs: trainers, problems, breed categories and general chat forums. The number of respondents stalled by June and further locations sort.

How does Shelley prepare us for the horror of Frankenstein’s creature? :: English Literature

How does Shelley prepare us for the horror of Frankenstein’s creature? Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818. Shelley (the wife of poet Percy Shelley) first got inspiration for her book in Geneva. There she stayed with her husband, Lord Byron and a few others. They were all challenged to write a ghost story during a hellish storm. Though she did write a story it was a forgettable on. The real inspiration came on June 22nd, the night before Shelley’s departure. The group discussed a subject from de Stael’s ‘De L’Allemagne’ where they considered whether the principle of life could be discovered and whether scientists could be discovered and whether scientists could galvanize a corpse of manufactured humanoid. This was the true inspiration for Shelley and the next morning she had found her story and began writing the lines that opened Chapter 5 ‘It was a dreary night in November’ The alternative name for this novel is ‘ the modern day Prometheus’ The original myth written by Aeschylus, was about a man named Prometheus that tried to create life by manipulating a human out of clay. The two variations to myth merged together and fire became the compound used to animate the objects/images. This myth can be compared with Frankenstein because the elements, fire and electricity used to animate were said to me discovered by man. And in both the creators were punished, although god punished Prometheus. This is relevant because the myth points us in the direction the novel Frankenstein will go and Shelley uses this as analogy for her story. Eventually the overreaches trying to defy nature will be punished. Shelley also alludes to Milton’s paradise lost where if Frankenstein is compared to Adam in paradise lost then the reader finds they are quite similar. Both characters have a thirst for knowledge, which end in their downfall. Frankenstein is also like Satan in that both characters wanted to surpass God; Frankenstein may have wanted to become a greater scientist but he wants more power for selfish ambition just like Satan. Frankenstein wants to be the only person that is able to create a human life and he wants to greater than his nature, however Satan is punished in Paradise lost and this hints at Frankenstein’s fate and the direction of the novel. Mary Shelly signed the novel anonymously signifying that in society at that time women weren’t very respected, in fact they were ostracized. Shelley’s novel was shunned, a critic said ‘ the book had no principle or morals and should be dismissed with no further comment’. In science reason and rationality were the biggest genres for the 18th century

Seperation Of Church From State Essay example -- essays research paper

Separation Of Church And State The separation of the state from the church has been present in the constitution ever since it was written. The first amendment relates to a citizens freedom. This freedom does not only allow this practice speech but on thought as well. It states â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.† (Barton, America: To†¦ p.15). When the constitution was formed society in general belonged to Orthodox Christian. John Quincy Adams, in a speech on July 4,1837 asked the crowd, â€Å"Why is it, that next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and venerated festival returns on this day?† He goes on to explain the important ties between the birthday of the nation and the birthday of Jesus Christ. He says that the Declaration of Independence was first organized on the foundation of Jesus' mission on Earth, and that the Declaration â€Å"laid the cornerstone of human government upon the fir st precepts of Christianity. Adams stressed that the major impact of the Revolution was that Christian principles and civil government were connected in an â€Å"indissoluble† bond. (Barton, America's p.17) Other Founding Fathers were very outspoken about Christian beliefs. John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and one of the men most responsible for the Constitution declared, â€Å"Providence(heaven) has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christian rulers.† (Barton, America's p.8) The law always stated the seperation of the two, the actual limitation was in its implementation in the cases of Everson v. Board of Education and Engel v. Vitale, the Supreme Court uses Jefferson and Madison's Virginia Statute, a bill that both men pushed in Virginia legislature, as a basis for the intent of the 1st Amendment. Jefferson and Madison pushed for the Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty, also called the Virginia Statute. In 1978 a few lawyers got together and considered a constitutional law. The original law said that public school teachers in grades 1-6 "shall announce that a period of silence, not to exceed one minute, shall be observed for meditation." This law did not work for long, because it still allowed oral prayer in public high schools. Later in 198... ...ft and Right Relentlessly Censor Each Other. New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 1992. 345 Wyatt, Robert O. Free Expression and the American Public: A Survey Commemorating The 200th Anniversary of the First Amendment. Murfreesboro: Middle Tennessee State University, 1990. 87. Free Expression and the American Public: A Survey Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the First Amendment. Murfreesboro: Middle Tennessee State University, 1990. 87. United States. Natl. Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America: Amendment I. Trans. Lowi, Theodore J. American Government: Incomplete Conquest. Illinois: Dryden press, 1976. A24 "School Board Bans Open Forums to Prohibit a Student Group Prayer."\Christ Today\(February 1, 1985) 48-49. Bosmajian, Haig. "To Pray or Not to Pray"\The Humanist Magazine,\(January/February, 198 5) 13-17. Gest, Ted. "What High Court Heard About School Prayer."\U.S. News,\(December 17, 1984) 71. Lewis, C. Anne. "Creeping Religiosity and Federal Education Policy."\PHI Delta Kappan,\(November, 1984) 163-164. Roberts, Fransis. "The Uproar Over Sch ool Prayer."\Parents,\(January 18,1985) 55-57. Seperation Of Church From State Essay example -- essays research paper Separation Of Church And State The separation of the state from the church has been present in the constitution ever since it was written. The first amendment relates to a citizens freedom. This freedom does not only allow this practice speech but on thought as well. It states â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.† (Barton, America: To†¦ p.15). When the constitution was formed society in general belonged to Orthodox Christian. John Quincy Adams, in a speech on July 4,1837 asked the crowd, â€Å"Why is it, that next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and venerated festival returns on this day?† He goes on to explain the important ties between the birthday of the nation and the birthday of Jesus Christ. He says that the Declaration of Independence was first organized on the foundation of Jesus' mission on Earth, and that the Declaration â€Å"laid the cornerstone of human government upon the fir st precepts of Christianity. Adams stressed that the major impact of the Revolution was that Christian principles and civil government were connected in an â€Å"indissoluble† bond. (Barton, America's p.17) Other Founding Fathers were very outspoken about Christian beliefs. John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and one of the men most responsible for the Constitution declared, â€Å"Providence(heaven) has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christian rulers.† (Barton, America's p.8) The law always stated the seperation of the two, the actual limitation was in its implementation in the cases of Everson v. Board of Education and Engel v. Vitale, the Supreme Court uses Jefferson and Madison's Virginia Statute, a bill that both men pushed in Virginia legislature, as a basis for the intent of the 1st Amendment. Jefferson and Madison pushed for the Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty, also called the Virginia Statute. In 1978 a few lawyers got together and considered a constitutional law. The original law said that public school teachers in grades 1-6 "shall announce that a period of silence, not to exceed one minute, shall be observed for meditation." This law did not work for long, because it still allowed oral prayer in public high schools. Later in 198... ...ft and Right Relentlessly Censor Each Other. New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 1992. 345 Wyatt, Robert O. Free Expression and the American Public: A Survey Commemorating The 200th Anniversary of the First Amendment. Murfreesboro: Middle Tennessee State University, 1990. 87. Free Expression and the American Public: A Survey Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the First Amendment. Murfreesboro: Middle Tennessee State University, 1990. 87. United States. Natl. Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America: Amendment I. Trans. Lowi, Theodore J. American Government: Incomplete Conquest. Illinois: Dryden press, 1976. A24 "School Board Bans Open Forums to Prohibit a Student Group Prayer."\Christ Today\(February 1, 1985) 48-49. Bosmajian, Haig. "To Pray or Not to Pray"\The Humanist Magazine,\(January/February, 198 5) 13-17. Gest, Ted. "What High Court Heard About School Prayer."\U.S. News,\(December 17, 1984) 71. Lewis, C. Anne. "Creeping Religiosity and Federal Education Policy."\PHI Delta Kappan,\(November, 1984) 163-164. Roberts, Fransis. "The Uproar Over Sch ool Prayer."\Parents,\(January 18,1985) 55-57.

Cultural antropology Essay

Judith M. Fitzpatrick has worked in the Pacific for the last 25 years investigating health and environment issues from a cultural perspective. Her book â€Å"Endangered Peoples of Oceania: Struggles to Survive and Thrive† presents a unique opportunity to discover how the peoples of Oceania are struggling to be economically independent and autonomous while maintaining their distinctive cultural traditions. This book introduces a wide range of Pacific Islanders and indigenous and migrant cultures in Australia and New Zealand and the challenges they face today. This volume focuses on 16 endangered peoples, from Micronesians and Melanesians to Samoans in New Zealand. One can find out about the contemporary impacts and responses to such factors as nuclear testing, migration for jobs and uncontrolled development. The chapters are written by different anthropologists based on their recent fieldwork. This is a well-researched book is packed with information that is unavailable elsewhere. It is an invaluable source that moves beyond its useful overview to provide the details of individual cultural struggles. This book is a good introduction to the Pacific and Australia. It gives wide, comprehensive view of the many challenges faced by contemporary Pacific and Australian Koori peoples. It provides thought provoking issues that engages and encourages one to think about communities outside of his locality. Each chapter is written by a different scholar, introducing the cultural area, the people and their interaction with foreign forces. It frames up the most obstinate issues and the people’s reactions and solutions to the foreign influences. Each chapter provides a series of questions to provoke reflective thought, a list of websites and related videos. It is a very useful and informative resource. The peoples of Oceania are struggling to be economically independent and autonomous while maintaining their distinctive cultural traditions. Each chapter in Endangered Peoples of Oceania: Struggles to Survive and Thrive is devoted to a specific people, including a cultural overview of their history, subsistence strategies, social and political organization, and religion and world view; threats to their survival; and their response to these threats. A section entitled â€Å"Food for Thought† poses questions that encourage a personal engagement with the experience of these peoples. For example, the adverse environmental impact of mining in Papua New Guinea has generated major social disruption in several areas of Papua New Guinea where mining has taken place. On Bougainville, the site of the CRA/RTZ Panguna Copper mine, battles over benefits, compensation and environmental degradation eventually led to the abandonment of the mine by the company, claims for secession by some Bougainvilleans and a decade-long civil war. It has also occasioned litigation by, or on behalf of, affected communities that has been very expensive for the companies concerned. In 1996 BHP was forced to pay K150 million as compensation to communities of the Ok Tedi and Fly Rivers (Politicized Ecology: Local Responses to Mining in Papua New Guinea, Macintyre M. , Oceania, 2004). Another problem to raise is the problem resulting from the ongoing effects of global warming. The low-lying atoll nations of Tuvalu and Kiribati have lost already a number of their beautiful islets and the infringement of rising water levels are becoming apparent on many of the main islands and atolls. Indeed, this is a widespread problem throughout Oceania with other atoll nations such as the Marshall Islands and Tokelau Islands also in imminent danger from rising water levels. It is indeed rather disappointing that the world’s major industrial countries have taken no action on the serious problem of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. In this respect, one can only assume that these nations are not prepared to impose a financial cost on their industries to clean up – rather they are prepared to sacrifice the people of the world’s low-lying atoll nations. The options available to both these countries are quite limited. In Tuvalu, all the islands are low-lying coral atolls and one can only assume that all these islands may well be lost over the next 40-50 years. In saying this, it is recognized that an island becomes â€Å"lost† long before the water level covers the island but rather at the point where the rising water level gets into the food chain rendering the traditional crops such as babai or taro, breadfruit, bananas, etc. inedible. Tuvalu would appear to have repatriation as its primary option although some form of retaining walls around the capital, Funafuti, had been mooted. In this respect, one has to consider the possibility that New Zealand who has, to her credit, accepted many island people will, in due course, not be able to accept further migration from island countries. It can only be assumed that there is a possibility that the Tuvaluan people will have to look at further destinations rather than New Zealand. References: 1. Fitzpatrick, Judith M. , Edi. , 2001, Endangered Peoples of Oceania: Struggles to Survive and Thrive, West port, CT: Greenwood Press.

Family and Death Essay

Loss can be described as many things; the misplacement of tangible items, the ending of a close relationship with a friend, a goal not achieved or the death of a loved one. Through the readings, posts and responses of this course we have seen that individuals each respond to their loss in ways that are unique to them, yet there is a common thread amid it all – everyone grieves and mourns their losses and their lives are forever changed. While reviewing the losses that I have experience, I at first attempted to define which would be the most significant and there for most deserving of further thought and ultimately inclusion in this lossography. What I realized was that significant does not always mean huge or all encompassing, that some losses are smaller and maybe only seen as a loss to the person directly experiencing them. Focusing on death, the first recollection I have is that of a beloved pet, Henrietta an orange and black guinea pig. I am not exactly sure how long we had her or how old I was when she died (although from the room in my memory I would have to guess 9 or 10) I just remember thinking of her as a great pet, she never bit, she did not try to run away, and always seemed to be listening when I talked to her. I remember going into my bedroom and realizing she had not issued her usual welcoming whistle, I walked up to her cage – a large square made of welded together refrigerator shelves with a solid metal bottom that the sides could be lifted out of – and seeing her lying on her side, not moving. I think I knew immediately that she had died, because I uncharacteristically stepped inside the cage and bent down to pick her up, she was large and I always used to hands, this time she was limp and cold. I do not really remember what I did after that, I am sure I told my mom and we buried her, I also do not remember how my younger siblings reacted, but I do know that in that memory I was not crying. Having grown up spending a great deal of time on my grandparents farm the death of animals was not a new concept, but I think Henrietta’s death stands out to me because it was the first time my pet had died, the first I found dead. I am sure I missed having her, but we always had so many pets that perhaps the void was filled right away. Oddly the next childhood death that stands out is again of a pet and I think it stands out because at the time I felt relief and then guilt. It was my brother’s white rat. I hated that thing – he should have named it Houdini because it did not matter what kind of cage or how well the lid/doors were secured that nasty little thing could get out and inevitably would find its way to my room and climb up on my bed! I was not afraid of it – we had had plenty of mice and hamsters and guinea pigs – I just hated the way it would climb up everything and the way it’s scaly tail would scrape across your skin if you gave it a chance. Anyway, I remember Malcolm being very upset and crying when he found it dead, as soon as I knew what was going on I felt relieved I would not have to deal with its escapes anymore, but I still hugged my little brother and tried to make him feel better. I did feel bad for him and knew he felt like he was losing a friend and as much as I felt bad for him and would have done anything to take away his pain, I just could not feel bad that rat was dead which made me feel a guilty. I knew of course it was not my fault the rat was dead, but I did think my being glad it was dead made me a bad sister. I know now that my feelings were perfectly normal and not those of a bad sister, just those of a thirteen year old who loved her brother but hated his choice of pets. I know there have been other deaths that have touched my life; pets, a great aunt I barely knew whose funeral was the first open casket I had attended (I do not remember seeing her up close – I think my mother kept us back), a good friend who died in accident at the end of our freshman year in high school, one of my favorite uncles and my grandparents, the loss of a baby 16 weeks into the pregnancy, but the death that has colored my world the most was one that I did not experience, it occurred eight days before I was born when my father was killed in a car crash. I do not mean to diminish the impact the other losses had, certainly seeing the affect my grandfathers death had on my grandmother shaped some of my ideas not only of grief, she was never the same, she did not laugh as much and the light in her eyes was not as bright, but it also shaped some of my ideals about romantic love. To the day she died – 28 years after my grandfather – my grandmother kept all of her checks and official documents titled â€Å"Mrs. Willis Goodrich†, and she never removed her wedding ring. The death of my Uncle Forest was the first time I associated anger with death, my Aunt seemed so numb at first and then for months she was so angry at him for not taking better care of himself, for continuing to smoke when she asked him repeatedly to try to stop and for not asking for help moving the ice house he was pushing when he had a massive heart attack and died. She told me later that it was not until she not only recognized but believed that he had not been trying to die, that he had not wanted to leave her any more than she wanted him to leave, that she was finally able to forgive him for dying and move on with her life. My grandmothers death was different from my grandfathers not only because it was not entirely unexpected, she was almost 90 and had advanced Parkinson’s disease, but more in how I reacted to it. As a teenager when my grand father died it almost felt like being an observer, I was to young to be included in any of the decisions, I obviously felt horrible and could see the pain and sadness in my grandma, aunts and uncles but I do not think I really understood how affected they were by everyones pain. Even knowing my grandmother was no longer in pain and believing she was where she had wanted to be for the last 28 years – back in my grandfathers arms – her dying made me then and still at times makes sad that I can not have tea with her or bake cookies with her or just talk to her. Her passing was also different for me in that this time I was one of the adults and as such as I could see, feel and worry about the pain of my mom, aunts, uncles and cousins but also that of all of the great grandchildren. I know that I said the death of my father had the biggest impact on my life but that is only because it is something that has always been part of my life, something I have always known, but it is a different kind of loss than that of someone I actually knew or in the case of the baby I lost, of someone I wanted to know, someone that was to be part of my future. Losing that baby was more painful than anything I have experienced. He was to be our second child, I say he only because that is what I had already pictured in my mind, a blue eyed, dimpled smile, curly haired boy. But a few days before what would have been our 16 week check up I began spotting. I was at work, as a bank teller, and immediately called my doctor who told me to come to her office right away. At that time we lived in a fairly small town in Montana so I was ushered right into an exam room when I arrived, which really only served to make my feelings of dread worse. I knew it was bad when my doctor looked grim as she searched all over my abdomen for any trace of a heartbeat. I remember feeling like everything was turning gray. I remember the doctor trying to sound hopeful when she said that not finding a heartbeat yet could be from multiple causes and that we should get an ultrasound. But as she called the hospital next door to the clinic, the look in her eyes did not match her voice. Again being in a small town made things quicker, I had a very short wait, during which I called work to tell my supervisor, who happened to be my best friend, that I would not be back as soon as I thought. She sounded so concerned I could not help but blurt out â€Å"they can’t find a heartbeat†, her voice sounded like it was a thousand miles away down a dark tunnel when she answered â€Å"I’ll be right there†. She knew my husband was due to be out of town for several more hours. Somehow I managed to remain calm as the ultrasound started, but the minute Staci walked into the room I started to cry. The poor ultrasound operator got kinda flustered and started searching for tissues. After several minutes of his moving the wand across my stomach, not speaking and with their eyes glued to the screen, he finally said what I already knew, the baby had died. In the span of an hour, I’d gone from happily planning for a new person to enter my life, to having that life ripped away from me, to having to figure out how I was going to tell my husband and our four year old daughter. I felt like a gaping hole had just ripped open in my chest and all of the air had been sucked from the room. The cramping started the next day, it was seriously more painful than labor, I felt like my body had betrayed me and that I had failed myself and my husband. I realize now of course that some of that pain was psychological and I do know that nothing I did caused it nor could have prevented it, but during the months between the miscarriage and when I was pregnant again, my heart just ached when I saw a baby. I know that I hugged my daughter a lot more and was reminded just what a gift she really is, when our second daughter was born nearly a year later, I know I hardly put that baby down. I would not trade her for the world, and it does not escape me that if I had not lost the one I did, I would not have her, but I still think about him and wonder what he would have been like, I believe I will see him again someday, but in the mean time I know that the three children I have with me (our youngest is a boy – no curls no dimples but amazing in his own right) are truly gifts and I cherish my time with them. I also believe my loss has made me better equipped to help and more compassionate towards patients that are in the process of losing a baby. While I could describe each of the losses I have have written about here in much more detail and with enough emotion and reflection to fill many more pages, it is very hard to describe how I feel about the loss of my father. I think the only people who can truly understand are those that have a similar experience and then it is an understanding that does not require words. As I said previously, his death is something that I have always known, something that has been a part of me. I do not remember a specific time that my mother told me about him being dead, I do vaguely remember her explaining to my younger sister (well technically my half sister) that I had a different daddy who had died. I know that he died in a car crash in which, fortunately, my mother was not involved. I know that they had been married barely a year and that he was very excited that I was on the way. She remarried when I was about three so I had a step father that filled his role early on, but when their bad marriage ended I think it made me that much more aware of what it really meant that my father was gone. As I got older I tried to believe that I could not miss what I never had, but when I would see friends with their dads I knew that I was missing out. I had a multiple imaginary reunions with him he had not really died, he had been in a coma, he was in witness protection, he was forced into the french foreign legion (I read a lot as a child), in my mind he was always so sorry he had been away, he missed me terribly and would promised to never leave again. I did not ask my mom questions about my father very often, I could see it made er sad. His being gone was just something I accepted; I had a dad and he had died. He loved to play the guitar, had a great voice and loved singing in little bars and worked during the day as a mechanic. He had a glass eye from a boyhood accident and drove like a â€Å"wild man†. I was fortunate to have a great mother who tried her best to fill his shoes, but I missed him or more accurately the idea of him the most at things like graduation, my wedding, the birth of my children. Sometimes I still see people with their fathers (sometimes even TV commercials) and I feel that little pang of loss and even some jealousy. I think its the not having the chance to know him that is what I mourn. After he died my mother lost contact with his family, so I have never really known them either. It is like a whole part of myself is a blank space, so much unknown. I know that this loss of him, of family, of a part of myself, is what makes me so determined to make sure my children are very involved with both my and my husbands families. They have been â€Å"dragged† to numerous family events, less so since we have moved to Minnesota and they have gotten older, but even at my grandmother funeral two years ago I knew they would never have that blank space when I heard them â€Å"reminiscing† and laughing with cousins they had not physically seen in a couple years and how they talked with their aunts and uncles like it had only been a day or two since they had been together last. I may not have had a father, but I do have a great extended family. If I have learned anything from the loss in my life, it is that loss is survivable, it can make you stronger, it can make you more understanding and compassionate and it can make you appreciate what you have not lost.

Succubus Shadows Chapter 24

â€Å"This†¦isn't possible,† I said. â€Å"I don't know,† said Roman dryly. â€Å"Looks pretty possible to me.† â€Å"But Seth's an author. These kinds of magazines don't care about people like him.† â€Å"He's so commonplace for you that you don't realize how famous he is. And, hey, if it's a slow week, they probably take what they can get. Sex sells – and that's pretty sexy.† I looked down at it again. It was pretty sexy. They'd taken it when I'd been lying on top of Seth, and the sarong had slipped enough that I was showing an awful lot of skin. Nausea rolled through me. â€Å"Maybe no one will see this.† Yet, even as the words left my lips, I knew that was wishful thinking on my part. As I'd noted before, this magazine was a favorite at the store, largely because of its outrageously ridiculous articles. Someone, somewhere was going to see this picture. And while the articles might be fabrications, a photo like this – which clearly showed our faces – could hardly lie. I let the magazine fall to the floor. â€Å"I can't†¦I can't deal with this. Not after everything else.† Roman frowned, legitimate concern filling his features. I don't think he was happy about either the picture or Seth's new resolve, but it had to be obvious that more than these bits of news were plaguing me. â€Å"Georgina, what else is – â€Å" I held a hand up. â€Å"Not now. Tomorrow. We'll talk tomorrow. Too much†¦too much has happened tonight.† Erik's lifeless eyes flashed in my mind. â€Å"It makes this seem like nothing.† He hesitated, then nodded. â€Å"Okay. You want to set aside some time for tomorrow night? I don't mean a date. Just, I don't know. Get dinner, talk about all this so it doesn't eat you up. I really am worried about you.† I started to say he shouldn't worry, that I'd be okay, but I backed off. I really didn't know if I was. â€Å"I'd like that,† I said honestly. â€Å"If my damage control doesn't conflict, then sure. I'll tell you all about it.† I stood up wearily. â€Å"But now – bed.† He let me retreat to my bedroom, his heart in his eyes. It made me feel worse, largely because of what a low priority his feelings were for me right now. Obviously, they were important to him, and I appreciated his ardor. And his feelings did mean something to me. There was something very sweet and comforting in his offer to breathe and just talk. But in light of everything else going on? I couldn't allow myself to process anything too deep with our relationship right now. Particularly when I had to face the gauntlet at the bookstore the next day. I'd had a number of past times entering Emerald City where I'd been met with curious and covert looks. More often than not, it had been over something ridiculous, and I'd had no clue until later. Today, I knew exactly what was going on. There was no question that the damned magazine had gotten around. And the looks this time weren't inquisitive or smug. They were accusatory. Disdainful. I couldn't face them. Not yet. I hurried through the store as quickly as I could, seeking my office – which I vowed not to leave for the rest of my shift. It was pretty hypocritical, considering my judgment on Seth avoiding his problems. Only, I didn't have as much luck getting away from mine. Maddie was sitting at my desk. I hadn't seen her in a week, not since she'd come to my condo. I'd told her then she could have indefinite leave from work and hadn't expected to see her back anytime soon. Now she stopped me dead in my tracks. Her face was much calmer than I would have expected. No, it was more than calm. It was still. Perfectly, eerily still. Like a sculpture. And when she looked up at me, it was like looking into the eyes of the dead. Cold. Emotionless. Nonetheless, I shut the door, fearing what was to come. â€Å"I had a million theories, you know.† Her voice was as flat as her expression. â€Å"Never, ever did I consider this one. I mean, I wondered if there could have been another woman. But I never thought it'd be you.† It took an impossibly long time for my lips to move. â€Å"No†¦it wasn't that. It wasn't like that at all. That's not why he did it†¦.† I couldn't finish and suddenly questioned my words. Wasn't that – by which I meant, me – exactly the reason he'd left her? Maybe our beach interlude hadn't been the direct cause, but I had certainly been the catalyst. The magazine lay on my desk, open to the guilty page. She picked it up, studying it with a calculating look. â€Å"So what then? You were just comforting him after the fact?† â€Å"Actually†¦well, actually, yeah. That shot was taken afterward.† It still sounded lame, and we both knew it. She threw the magazine down, and finally, the emotion came to her face. â€Å"What, and that makes it okay?† she cried. â€Å"You – one of my best friends – running off with my fianc? ¦ the day after he dumps me?† â€Å"It wasn't like that,† I repeated. â€Å"I went to find him†¦to see if he was okay.† â€Å"And then you made sure he was okay?† she demanded. Her words were sarcastic, but tears glittered in her eyes. â€Å"No†¦I didn't expect anything like that to happen. And really, nothing much did happen. The thing is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I took a deep breath. â€Å"We used to date. Before you guys were together. We never told anyone. Things ended†¦well, pretty much just before you started going out.† Like, almost the day before. That caught her off guard. Her eyes went wide. â€Å"What? You had a past†¦you went out with my boyfriend and never told me? He never told me?† â€Å"We thought it'd be easier.† â€Å"Easier? Easier?† She pointed at the magazine again. â€Å"You think seeing you guys back together in full color was easier?† â€Å"We aren't back together,† I said quickly. â€Å"He didn't end things because he was cheating – † Again, I had to admit the truth to myself. He hadn't been cheating on her when he broke the engagement, but we'd slept together earlier in the relationship. â€Å"I was as surprised as you were. And I was worried. I told you, I went to find him, but we didn't sleep together. Then I left. That's it.† The tears were on her cheeks now. â€Å"It wouldn't have mattered if you had slept together. You guys keeping that past from me – you guys lying is worse. I trusted you! I trusted both of you! How could you do this? What kind of person does this to their friend?† A damned soul, I thought. But I didn't say that. I didn't say anything. Maddie shot up from the desk, futilely trying to wipe away the tears that were still coming. â€Å"Doug warned me once, you know. He said there was this way you guys always looked at each other that made him wonder. I told him he was crazy. I told him he was imagining it – that it was impossible. That you guys would never do that to me.† â€Å"Maddie, I'm sorry – â€Å" She hurried to the door, pushing past me. â€Å"Not as sorry as I am for putting my trust in you. For putting my trust in both of you. I'm quitting. Right now. Don't expect to see me again.† She jerked the door open. â€Å"I don't know how you can live with yourself. You two deserve each other!† The door slammed loudly, rattling my ears. I stayed where I was, staring blankly at the desk, unable to move. Unable to think or react or do anything useful. I don't know how you can live with yourself. Me either. â€Å"Boy, things are pretty screwed up for you.† Carter materialized beside me, his angelic signature filling the room. Dressed as ratty as always – except for his hat – he strolled casually to the desk and picked up the magazine. â€Å"That's a good shot of you, though.† â€Å"Shut up,† I said. The agony I'd tried to keep locked up with Maddie began to burst out. â€Å"Just shut up! I can't handle your commentary right now, okay? Not with everything else. Certainly not with this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I sank to the floor, leaning against the door and raking my hands through my hair. When I looked up at Carter, I expected one of his laconic smiles, but his face was all seriousness. â€Å"I wasn't being sarcastic,† he said. â€Å"Things are screwed up.† I suddenly wished I had a cigarette. â€Å"Yes. They certainly are. Erik's dead, you know.† â€Å"I know.† I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to feel the full grief over that. With so much going on, it didn't seem like I'd really allowed any of these problems to have the full mourning they deserved. Someone, I realized, would have to do the proper things for Erik now. Did he have family somewhere? Dante of all people might know. Otherwise, I was willing to take on any funeral arrangements – no matter the cost or work. I owed Erik that much. I owed him so much more. â€Å"It wasn't a coincidence,† I said softly. â€Å"It couldn't have been. Jerome says it was some revenge from the Oneroi's master†¦but I don't believe that. Erik had been trying to figure out my contract. Before he died†¦before he†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My voice caught as I recalled how I had been the one to take that last breath. â€Å"He told me there were two contracts. That it wasn't mine that was the problem. I don't know what that means.† Carter still said nothing, but his eyes were fixed so intently on me that they might as well have been pinning me to the wall. â€Å"But you know, don't you?† I asked him. â€Å"You've always known. And Simone†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I frowned. â€Å"Before Jerome sent her away, he mentioned something about her knowing Niphon and ‘fucking up things even more.' That's a piece of all this too, isn't it?† Carter still remained silent. I gave a harsh laugh. â€Å"But, of course, you can't say anything. You can't do anything. Hell's always got its hands in mortal affairs – or even lesser immortal affairs – but you guys? Nothing. How can you be a force for good in this world? You don't help bring it about! You just wait and hope it happens on its own.† â€Å"Most of the good in this world happens without any of our help,† he said evasively. â€Å"Oh good God. What a lovely answer from you. And you know what? I don't believe there is any good in this world. All this time†¦ever since I sold my soul, I've been clinging to this idea that there is something pure and decent out there. That there was something to give me hope that even if I was a lost cause, at least there was something bright and good in the world. But there isn't. If there was, Seth wouldn't have fallen. Erik wouldn't have died. Andrea Mortensen wouldn't be dying.† â€Å"Good can still exist when bad things happen, just as evil persists when good things happen.† â€Å"What good comes from Andrea dying? What good comes from leaving five little girls alone and motherless in the world?† I was choking on my own sobs. â€Å"If you – if any of you – could really affect the world, you wouldn't let that happen.† â€Å"I can't change fate. I'm not God.† He was still so fucking calm that I wanted to punch him. Yet, what could I expect? Jerome had no attachment to humans, and at the end of the day, angels and demons weren't so different. I buried my face in my hands. â€Å"You can't change anything. None of us can change anything. We're resigned to our fates, just like Nyx showed.† â€Å"Humans change their fates all the time. Even lesser immortals do. It starts small, but it happens.† I was suddenly tired. So, so tired. I shouldn't have come here today. I should never have left my bed. I no longer had the energy to argue with him or berate his frustratingly useless attitude. â€Å"Can Seth change?† I asked at last. â€Å"Are good intentions enough to redeem a soul?† â€Å"All things are possible. And I don't mean that as a clich? ¦,† he added, no doubt seeing the scowl on my face. â€Å"It's true. Mortals and mortals-turned-immortals don't always believe that – which is why Hell has such a foothold in the world. And I'm not saying that if you believe it, it will happen. Things don't always turn out for the best, but miracles are real, Georgina. You've just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You've got to take the chance.† Yes, I was definitely getting a cigarette after this. Carter probably had one on him. I gave him as much of a smile as I could muster. â€Å"Easy for you to say. Can you make miracles?† â€Å"I try,† he said. â€Å"I try. Will you?† And with that, he vanished before I could bum a cigarette. Fucking angels. But his words stayed with me when I went home that night, maybe because even as depressing as they seemed, they were still more cheerful than enduring that shift. My managerial mandates were still obeyed, but otherwise, I could see the seething disapproval and condemnation in the eyes of my colleagues. It was a startling reminder of my village's reaction when everyone had found out I'd cheated on Kyriakos. Only this time, I had no way to blot it from these people's minds. I had nothing more to bargain with Hell. At the condo, I found a note from Roman, saying he'd be staying at the school for a while that evening to finish up some setup. If I wanted, though, he'd be happy to take me out for dinner as he'd promised. That gave me time to stretch out on the couch, seeing as I was still exhausted from the emotional miasma I'd been wading through this last week. No sleep came, just a kind of bleak malaise as I stared at the ceiling. Probably just as well. God only knew what I'd dream. Dream. I sighed. The man in the dream. It had been bugging me over and over in my subconscious, and without even mentioning it, Carter had somehow brought it back to the fore-front of my mind. The Oneroi had claimed Seth was the man in the dream. I told myself for the hundredth time that it was a ridiculous fantasy. I couldn't have any real relationship with a mortal. Seth had fallen from grace, and I'd refused him. It was all impossible now. All things are possible. Erik and Mei had said it was impossible for Seth to find my soul across the vastness of the dream world – yet he had. Kristin had told me my contract was airtight – yet Erik had sworn there was a flaw somewhere. He'd died for that knowledge, I was certain. Seth had claimed nothing could bring him back to Seattle – yet I had. Everyone who worked for Hell had told me darkened souls almost never redeemed themselves – yet Seth was striving to regain my good opinion. He was also sacrificing what he loved – his writing – to help the family he loved more. Would that be enough? Could he be saved? All things are possible. I sat up from the couch, my gaze falling on the spot where Aubrey and Godiva slept next to each other. Godiva had come to me after I'd dreamed her. The dream I still maintained was impossible. Miracles are real, Georgina. You've just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You've got to take the chance. Could I? Would I? Was there a miracle somewhere in the muck of this despair, heartache, death, and betrayal? I couldn't see through it. I didn't know where to start. Carter had said change happened through small acts. All I had to do was pick something. Anything. Take the chance. Again, I focused on Godiva. The man in the dream. Maybe it was Seth. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe I could make it him. His love had been great enough to rescue me and then try to rescue himself. I realized now what had been bothering me. He was doing all of this – how could I do any less? All my life, I'd hidden from hard choices. I'd always found some compromise to avoid bad things, the results of which never really turned out that great. If anything, they'd become worse. My love for Seth was no less than his for me, but I hadn't been willing to do the things that might hurt. He'd told me there was no way the universe would let us stay apart. He was right – and this time, I would be the one who made sure we came together again. I wouldn't abandon him. I was moving toward the door, my coat and purse in hand, when Roman came home, carrying flowers. He took one look at me and offered a small bitter laugh that carried all the woe and resignation in the world. The bouquet sagged in his hands. â€Å"You're going to Seth.† â€Å"How did you know?† â€Å"Because†¦because you're shining. Because you look like you've found all the answers in the universe.† â€Å"I don't know about that,† I said. â€Å"But I've found some kind of answer. He's risked so much for me†¦. We found each other across all the other souls in the world†¦.† I trailed off, feeling horrible. My decision about Seth burned brightly in me, but Roman's face†¦there seemed to be nothing in this world that didn't end up causing someone pain. â€Å"I was wrong to abandon him. Especially now.† â€Å"Sounds like you better go to him,† said Roman at last. â€Å"Roman – â€Å" He shook his head. â€Å"Go.† I went. I hadn't been to Seth's condo in so long, not in the flesh. Walking up to the door, a barrage of memories flooded me, particularly that first night I'd stayed over when he had taken care of me†¦. It wasn't that late, but when he opened the door, there was a scattered, mussed look to him that made me think he'd been sleeping. Or maybe he'd just been too consumed by writing to properly groom. It happened sometimes when he got caught up with the worlds in his mind. From the look on his face, it was clear he was in this world now. I don't think he'd believed he'd see me for a very long time. I wondered if I was still shining the way Roman had claimed I was because Seth's eyes regarded me with more than just surprise. There was wonder and awe there. I'd only driven across town, made one impulse decision to come here, but we might as well have been meeting across time and space again. â€Å"Georgina,† he breathed. â€Å"What are you – â€Å" I didn't let him finish. I threw myself into his arms and kissed him. And this time, I didn't pull back.