Immigration Problem In The U.S. Essays - Demography, Population

Immigration Problem in the U.S. The first move stopping immigration decided by Congress was a law in 1862 restricting American vessels to transport Chinese immigrants to the U.S. The Alien Contract Labor Laws of 1885, 1887, 1888, and 1891 restricted the immigration to the U.S. of people entering the country to work under contracts made before their arrival. Alien skilled laborers, under these laws, were allowed to enter the U.S. to work in new industries. By this time anti-immigrant felling rose with the flood of immigrants and in this period the anti-Catholic, anti-foreign political party the Know-Nothings, was already born. After World War I a marked increase in racism and the growth of isolationist sentiment in the U.S. led to demands for further tight legislation. In 1921 a congressional act provided for a quota system for immigrants, which the number of aliens of any nationality admitted to the U.S. in a year could not exceed 3 percent of the number of foreign-born residents of that nationality living in the U.S. in 1910. This law applied to nations of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Asian Russia, and certain islands in the Atlantic and Pacific. In the 1980s concern about the surge of illegal aliens into the U.S. has led Congress to pass legislation aimed at cutting illegal immigration. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 allows most illegal aliens who have resided in the U.S. regularly since January 1, 1982, to apply for legal status. Also, the law prohibits employers from hiring illegal aliens and mandates penalties for violations. Debate over immigration and immigration policy is not new to the nation's history. From time to time, Congress jarred legislation to control the flow of immigration. As immigration rises and hatred grows more laws will be implemented trying to release some of the pressure. Illegal immigration has some pros and cons. I will discuss the pros first and explain them briefly in order for you to get a better underezding of the position. It offers cheaper labor to businesses. By not paying minimum wages to the workers who are willing to work for a lower price, this gives the business an edge over other competitors. Provides culture diversity in the united states. Bringing in immigrants gives more and different cultures to the U.S.. which can expand businesses to other fields of the world. Also giving people a more underezding of other cultures. Lowers the cost of products produced in the U.S. that we buy. If the businesses can produce products and services at a low price keeping there overhead low, then we as a consumer will also pay a lower price. Most illegals are skilled workers and helps run the economy. Other countries economy is also being helped. The workers bring money to their families out side of the U.S. which in most cases the U.S. dollar has a higher value than their own. Experts disagree saying the cons of this issue out way the pros. Next I will discuss some cons and explain them briefly. Illegal immigrants pay no tax. If they pay no taxes then how can we as a country pay for public services we as well as they do. Sending money out of our economy and sending it to their families abroad. If money is taken out of our economy it causes a monetary problem. this can cause an inaccurate account of money in circulation which might cause inflation. Lower wages. If an illegal is willing to work for under the minimum wage then the employer will not pay more for the job to any other employ. In fact might higher only illegals and take away jobs form legal residents who are willing to work. When illegals come to this country they do not get tested for diseases that might infect the population. Which can cause a health problem. Such as polio, tuberculosis and other forms of diseases. Illegals cost the states money, paying for education, health care, and other social services. In an already under funded programs they give these services a more heavy burden to deal with. Republicans have reached agreement among themselves on legislation designed to combat illegal immigration. But with their package facing delaying tactics from

Edison essays

Edison essays Thomas Alva Edison: The Greatest Industrialist Thomas Alva Edison could be argued as the industrial revolutions greatest innovator. Many of his inventions had a direct impact on the industrial revolution as well as implications on the modern world. Edison began to toil with electronics during his prime and continued to work right up until his death. He was renowned for his focus and determination throughout his career. During his career Edison had patented a total of 1093 inventions, including the electric light, the phonograph, and the motion-picture projector. These three inventions gave rise to new industries: electric utilities, phonograph and record companies, and the film industry. These industries became giants through the 20th century, accounting for an average of 7 percent of the gross national product during the 1920s. The period from 1879 to 1900 is known as the Age of Edison given that it was the period in which Edison had perfected his inventions. In the early 1870's the electric light and power were mere dreams. It was Edison's interest in technological systems that lead him to a general system of incandescent lighting in the fall of 1878. At this time, Edison had the idea for an underground allocation of electric light into private houses, which would replace the gas burner. It was through his imaginative thinking which brought these dreams to life. Thomas Edison used a systematic approach that dealt with every problem that surfaced. He knew that the cost of his new invention had to be economically competitive with gas. This is a key factor that leads him to make calculations on every part and cost during the development of the electric lighting system. When Edison was certain there would be economic gain, he then turned his attention towards the Pearl Street lighting system. In 1882 the Pearl Street lighting system became a success and provided light to the Wall Street district. With the success of the Pear...

The Starry Night by Anne Sexton and Vincent Van Gogh Essay

The Starry Night by Anne Sexton and Vincent Van Gogh - Essay Example Sexton’s intense tone mirrors the passion of van Gogh’s â€Å"Starry Night.† The painting depicts â€Å"the fire that smoldered within† van Gogh (Dietrich). The canvas is in turmoil. Sexton’s poem also throbs with deep agitation: The sky is hot, â€Å"The night boils,† (†¦4); the stars are alive and move; â€Å"†¦the moon bulges†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (8) and gives birth to life. The poem echoes the painting’s hallucinatory tone with its hot, dramatic, unstable voice. Sexton’s liberal use of verbs like â€Å"boil,† â€Å"bulges,† â€Å"push,† â€Å"swallows,†Ã¢â‚¬ split† and â€Å"sucked† demonstrate her inner turmoil. Except for the silence of the town, the poem depicts a world of turbulence. Sexton’s tone conveys the message that her starry night, like her inner life, is in a state of ferment. Sexton’s poem is a feast of imagery. She matches the rich graphics of van Gog h’s poem with the skilful use of figurative language. Sexton makes van Gogh’s vibrant night a ravenous beast: â€Å"†¦that great dragon†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (14) which is to devour her. The thick, serpentine swirl of his brush becomes the â€Å"†¦old unseen serpent†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (10) which swallows the stars. Her words, â€Å"†¦in its orange irons† (8), conjure an image of the moon as a captive who is forced to give birth to the stars. The most striking image is that of the lone, black tree silhouetted in the foreground of van Gogh’s painting, which Sexton metaphorically compares to a â€Å"†¦drowned woman†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (3). Just as van Gogh’s tree reaches out to the Heavens for help, Sexton depicts herself as a lost woman seeking solace in the skies.

Managing Work Activities Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing Work Activities - Assignment Example It also discusses the importance of planning in business, relationship between departments, and the exchange of information in an engineering company. The paper distinguishes between the single use plan designed to be used only once for a specific purpose, and the standing plans which are made to be used repetitively. The engineering departments are linked to one another by the roles they act, which enable all to contribute to the success of the business. Necessary information also flows across different departments coordinating their functions. Keyword: Engineering, Production, Departments, Planning, Quality Control, Functions, Processes, Customers, Suppliers, Engineering Business 1. Identify at least five functions of an engineering business (which could be the engineering business you established in assignment 1). Classify those functions according to their purpose. Show the relationship between these business functions using the organisational structure of the engineering busines s The role an engineering business plays ensures that an optimal path is developed so that the user of the product or service produced, through the operations that have been used in the business, can obtain the maximum benefit at a minimal cost. The functions of the engineering business are hence not confined within the business or company operations in engineering the product but include the commercial roles that affect the engineering aspect functions. According to Tooley and Dingle (2010), design, research and development, product development, manufacturing, quality and planning are the engineering functions, while sales, commissioning, marketing, distribution, finance and purchasing are the commercial functions. The engineering functions direct the technical expertise, the tools and processes used and the way they should be implemented so that the right technical judgment is made. Some of the functions can be managed when grouped together, which saves resources, but all have a u nique feature whose general aim is the production. In any organisation, production needs inputs to come up with outputs; hence the engineering business has the management, suppliers, employees and customers. The business uses the purchasing function to access the suppliers for the required materials for production, from which the management takes the lead to ensure production uses a plan and schedule set. Research and development (R&D) and product development are ever consistent functions that ensure the business remains competitive and brings to the consumers what they need, by involving the expertise in the marketing fields, designs and productions so that the invention or the customer’s needs are met. The processes in building the product involve following the designs or the manufacturing framework. From this stage, control is very critical for the management to produce within the budget, which liaises with the finance department to finance the immediate activities or thos e that would work in parallel. This helps to avoid delays in production and ensure the finances are used efficiently. When the products are out, they are delivered to the consumers through the marketing strategies. The business uses most of the commercial functions at this point to finish the stock. Sales should find and maintain customers in the future market. The business gets to distribute their products to the wholesale shops, sometimes the

Implementation of a Professional Development Plan to Address Assignment

Implementation of a Professional Development Plan to Address Differentiated Instruction - Assignment Example Differentiated instruction depicts a teaching theory reliant on the notion that instructional methods should differ and be assimilated with regards individual and variant students in classrooms. The approach of differentiated instruction demands the teachers to be variable with reference to their approaches to teaching and regulate the curriculum and giving the information to the students instead of anticipating the learners to adjust themselves for the course. Most of the teachers as well as their tutors have recently realized differentiated instruction as a criterion of assisting more learners in a varied classroom situation to attain success (Gregory 2013). This research evaluates the research the objectives, assessments, strategies, and the need for professional development for differentiated instruction at a school as a worksite. The differentiated instruction operates on the fact stipulating that the students can learn maximally when they are allowed to incorporate their own un derstanding in the curriculum and that the best learning can take place amongst the students when they are compelled to operate beyond the point of assistance (Levy 2008). This point varies amidst the students performing below the grade and those performing above the average limits. Differentiated instructions assist the teachers to attain the desired diversity instead of restricting their teachings to the middle levels that do not address either the higher or the lower extremities. This research intends to elucidate the fact that the students’ performance under differentiated instruction depends greatly on teachers’ operations on the learners. However, other parties such as parent groups, teacher leaders as well as the school staff are also crucial in the determination of learning outcomes (Lawrence-Brown 2010). Assessments Teachers have known their mandates and especially what to do to foster best teaching practices amongst the learners. Nonetheless, they have failed to incorporate some aspects regarding the differentiated instructions that would ensure outstanding learning outcomes amongst the students (Gregory 2013). Teachers avail numerous learning choices or variant directions to learning that enable the learners to assimilate the knowledge and make sense of ideas and techniques. However, they do not formulate a different lesson plan for the individual learners in the classroom. The teachers provide suitable assessments for all learners of all academic capabilities fairly. However, they do not moderate the syllabus to some learners. Strategies The differentiation of instructions can assume three different forms and areas such as the content of the instruction, processes employed in making sure that a particular topic becomes sensible and the products of students who manifest their learning (Gregory 2008). Based on content In this case the main focus is on the content delivered and that received. Use the pre tests in case the learners need t o begin to learn on a particular topic or unit. Promote thinking at different levels of the Bloom's taxonomy amongst the students to encourage openness of the mind (Gregory 2008). Use different instructional delivery techniques to elaborate on various styles of learning. In order to embrace content acquisition by the learners, there is need

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium Channel Blockers B. Trimble Calcium-channel blockers or calcium antagonist have several possible modes of action in hypertension. In general, these agents block the slow channel in the cell membrane and prevent calcium entry into the cell. This blocking action reduces the mechanical activity of vascular smooth muscle and leads to vasodilation. Another possible mode of action is that they block norepinephrine-mediated vasoconstriction. This may occur because alpha sympathetic vasoconstriction is produced by enhanced calcium influx into the cell. If calcium influx is decreased, then norepinephrine vasoconstriction is reduced. Another system regulated by intracellular calcium is the release of renin by the cells of the kidney. Because calcium-channel blockers inhibit renin release, the renin-angiotensin system may also be suppressed. Calcium-channel blockers prove to be useful in hypertensive patients who also have stable angina and spastic angina (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). The vasodilation properties of calcium-channel blockers lead to a reduction in after-load, and their regional smooth muscle relaxant properties are useful in relieving coronary spasms. Calcium-channel blockers are also useful in treating patients who cannot take beta-blocking agents (Katzung, Mastes, Trevor, 2012). African-American patients may benefit more from CCBs as a first line of hypertensive treatment than others. Grapefruit products should be avoided as they interfere with normal operation of the medication. CCBs can also cause low blood glucose particularly those whose dosage is more than 60 mg daily. CCBs are mainly intended to be used for isolated systolic hypertension, and may be used in combination with other antihypertensive medications such as diuretics and ACE Inhibitors (Frank, 2008). Verapamil hydrochloride (Calan, Isoptin) is given in doses of 240-640 mg daily to control essential hypertension. The oral dose is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and there is a large first-pass hepatic effect. Side effects include constipation, headache, flushing, peripheral edema, and AV nodal effects such as first- and second-degree heart blocks. Verapamil has significant negative inotropic effects and should not be used in patients with congestive heart failure. Verapamil applies antihypertensive results by decreasing systemic vascular resistance usually without orthostatic decreases in blood pressure or response tachycardia. Verapamil reduces arterial pressure at rest and at a given level of exercise by reducing the total peripheral resistance or afterload against which the heart works. The dosage should be titrated for the individual. The usual daily dose of sustained release verapamil, Verelan, is 240 mg daily, however, the initial dosage of 120 mg may be necessary for patients who may have an increased reaction (e.g. Elderly or small people). If adequate control is not obtained with 120 mg, the dose may be titrated in the following manner: 180-240-360-480 mg daily (Chen, et al., 2010). Nifedipine (Procardia) used for essential hypertension the dosage ranges between 10 and 20 mg given three times daily. Doses above 100 mg are not recommended (Chen, et al., 2010). The oral dose is rapidly and fully absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with the drug being metabolized in the liver, highly bound to plasma proteins with a half-life of approximately two hours. Nifedipine is more effective than verapamil in dilating peripheral blood vessels. Side effects include reflex tachycardias, stimulation of SA node, flushing, peripheral edema, and headache. CNS symptoms include tremors, nervousness, and mood changes (Wisloff, et al., 2012). Nifedipine and the other dihydropyridine agents (Norvasc, Caduet, Lotrel, Sular, Calan, Verelan, etc.) are more selective as vasodilators and have less cardiac depressant effect then verapamil and Diltiazem. It is recommended that short acting oral dihydropyridine not be used for hypertension due to the increased risk of myocardial infraction. Oral Nifedipine has been used in emergency treatment of severe hypertension (Chen, et al., 2010). Norvasc is a dihydropyridine; Norvasc usual dosage is 5 to 10 mg daily. Small, fragile, or elderly patients or patients with hepatic insufficiency may be started on 2.5 mg daily and titrated for response (Wisloff, et al., 2012). Diltiazem (Cardizem) dosage is between 30 and 90 mg three to four times daily. It is well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, with onset of action in less than 15 minutes, a peak effect in 30 minutes, and a half-life of approximately four hours. Vasodilation is limited almost exclusively to the coronary arteries. The most common side effects include AV block, dry mouth, headache, vertigo, rash, and edema (Chen, et al., 2010). Diltiazem SR is one of several preferred initial therapies for hypertensive patients with high risk of developing coronary artery disease including those with diabetes mellitus. It can be used as a monotherapy for initial management of uncomplicated hypertension with conventional tablets used three to four doses daily before meals and at bedtime. Again, elderly or smaller persons may require a lower dosage and titrate as needed for response (Frank, 2008). The algorithm for hypertension management according to The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is as follows: KEY: A= ACE Inhibitor or Angiotensin II (ARB); C= Calcium Channel blocker; D= thiazide-like diuretics Step 1. Under age 55 years Over age 55 or Black person of African or Caribbean family origin of any age (C) Step 2. - (55 yrs.) Step 3. (55yrs) -Step 4. Resistant hypertension (A+C+D+ consider further diuretics OR Alpha blockers or Beta blocker) (The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). References Brunton, L., Chabner, B., Knollman, B. (2011). Goodman Gilmans: The pharmacological basis of therapeutics (12 ed.). McGraw-Hill. Chen, N., Zhon, M., Yang, M., Guo, J., Zhu, C., Yang, J.,. .. He, L. (2010, August). Calcium channel blockers versus other classes of drugs for hypertension. doi:10.1002/1465/858.CD003654.pub4 Frank, J. (2008, May). Managing hypertension using combination therapy. American Family Physician, 77(9), 1279-1286. Retrieved from American Family Physician: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0501/p1279 Katzung, B., Mastes, S., Trevor, A. (2012). Basic clinical pharmacology (12 ed.). McGraw-Hill. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. (2011, May 2011). Quick reference guide. Retrieved from NICE Clinical Guidelines: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13561/56015/56015.pdf Wisloff, T., Selmer, R., Halvorsen, S., Fretheim, A., Novhein, O., Kristiansen, I. (2012, April 4). Choice of generic antihypertensive drugs for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseasea cost-effectiveness analysis. doi:10.1186/1471-2261-12-26

Eating Disorders and Image in Girl, Interrupted Essay -- Diseases, Dis

Fact and Fiction paper #2 Psychopathology Every single day women are faced with the questions of whether they are pretty enough, skinny enough, whether men are attracted to them, whether they can be loved or not, and whether people think they are beautiful. Images of â€Å"beautiful† females are plastered all over the media, commercials, Internet, movies, TV shows, ad campaigns, etc. In today’s society the â€Å"perfect female proportions† are nearly impossible for one to healthily obtain, but this does not stop women of all ages to going through impossible measures in order to be one step closer to what they consider â€Å"perfection.† For many girls all ages, shapes, sizes, around the world, eating disorders are becoming more prevalent for weight loss because of the fact that results occur much faster than a healthy weight loss regiment. Daisy Randone, a character in the movie Girl Interrupted played by Brittany Murphy, is no different. Daisy constantly compared her appearance and weight to those of TV actresses, women in the media and models, and found herself to be repulsive. Daisy constantly tried to hide her anorexia from friends, family, nurses and doctors. She soon saw herself developing a very severe case of major depression disorder because of the negative feelings she felt about herself, her life, and her relationships. Daisy’s eating disorder was much more apparent to others, that it masked her major depressive disorder that she was also currently struggling with. Throughout this paper I will discuss the following topics: 1. Daisy’s behavior and why I believe it reflects this particular disorder 2. The definition and explanation of what anorexia nervosa is. 3. The etiology of Daisy’s specific case of anorexia nervosa. 4. ... ...eatable, with the right time, effort, and tools one can overcome anorexia and learn to live a normal, healthy lifestyle, where they are happy and proud of their appearance and weight. Works Cited American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Levenkron, S. (1997). Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa. New York, NY: A Time Warner Company. Dryden-Edwards, R. (n.d.). Anorexia nervosa. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/anorexia_nervosa/article.htm dictionary.com. In (2009). HarperCollins Publishers. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stigma Hall, L. (1999). Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery. Carlsbad, CA: Gurze Books. Treasure, J. (1999). Anorexia Nervosa: A Survival’s Guide. East Sussex, UK: Psychology Press Ltd.

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 13

Jade sat in the wing chair, holding Tiggy upsidedown on her lap, petting his stomach. He was purring but mad. She stared down into indignant, glowing green eyes. â€Å"The other goat,† Kestrel announced from the doorway, saying the word as if it were something not mentioned in polite society, â€Å"is just fine. So you can let the cat out.† Jade didn't think so. There was somebody crazy inBriar Creek, and she planned to keep Tiggy safe where she could see him. â€Å"We're not going to have to feed on the goat, are we?† Kestrel asked Rowan dangerously. â€Å"Of course not. Aunt Opal did because she was tooold to hunt.† Rowan looked preoccupied as she answered. â€Å"I like hunting,† Jade said. â€Å"It's even better thanI thought it would be.† But Rowan wasn't listening she was biting her lip and staring into the distance. â€Å"Rowan, what?† â€Å"I was thinking about the situation we're in. You and Mark, for one thing. I think we need to talk about that.† Jade felt reflexive alarm. Rowan was in one of herorganizing moods-which meant you could blink and find that she'd rearranged all your bedroom furnitureor that you were moving to Oregon. â€Å"Talk about what?† she said warily. â€Å"About what you two are going todo. Is he going to stay human?† â€Å"It's illegal to change him,† Kestrel put in pointedly. â€Å"Everything we've done this week is illegal,†Rowan said. â€Å"And if they exchange blood again well, it's only going to take a couple of times. Do you want him a vampire?† she asked Jade. Jade hadn't thought about it. She thought Mark was nice the way he was. But maybehe would wantto be one. â€Å"What are you going to do with yours?† she asked Ash, who was coming slowly downstairs. â€Å"My what?† He looked sleepy and irritable. â€Å"Your soulmate. Is Mary-Lynnette going to stayhuman?† â€Å"That's the other thing I've been worrying about,† Rowan said. â€Å"Have you thought at all, Ash?† â€Å"I can't think at this hour in the morning. I don'thave a brain yet.† â€Å"It's almost noon,† Kestrel said scornfully. â€Å"I don't care when it is. I'm still asleep.† He wandered toward the kitchen. â€Å"And you don't need to worry,† he added, looking back and sounding more awake. â€Å"Because I'm not doinganythingwith the girl and Jade's not doing anything with the brother. Because we're goinghome.†He disappeared. Jade's heart was beating hard. Ash might act frivolous, but she saw the ruthlessness underneath. She looked at Rowan. â€Å"Is Mary-Lynnettereally his soulmate?† Rowan leaned back, her brown hair spreading likea waterfall on the green brocade of the couch. â€Å"I'm afraid so.† â€Å"But then how can he want to leave?† â€Å"Well †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Rowan hesitated. â€Å"Soulmates don't always stay together. Sometimes it's too much-the fire and lightning and all that. Some people just can'tstand it.† Maybe Mark and I aren't really soulmates, Jade thought. And maybe that's good. It sounds painful. â€Å"Poor Mary-Lynnette,† she said. A dear voice sounded in her mind:Whydoesn'tanybody say â€Å"Poor Ash†? â€Å"Poor Mary-Lynnette,† Jade said again. Ash reappeared. â€Å"Look,† he said and sat down onone of the carved mahogany chairs. â€Å"We need to get things straight. It's not just a matter ofme wanting you to come home. I'm not the only one who knows you're here.† Jade stiffened. Kestrelsaid, almost pleasantly,†Youtold somebody?† â€Å"I was staying with somebody when the family called to say you were missing. And he was there when I realized where you must have gone. He also happens to be an extremely powerful telepath. So just consider yourself lucky I convinced him to let me try to get you back.† Jade stared at him. She did consider herself lucky. She also considered it strange that Ash would go to such trouble for her and Rowan and Kestrel-for any bodybesides Ash. Maybe she didn't know her brother as well as she thought. Rowan said, very soberly, â€Å"Who was it?† â€Å"Oh, nobody.† Ash leaned back and looked moodily at the ceiling. â€Å"Just Quinn.† Jade flinched. Quinn †¦ that snake .He had a heart like a glacier and he despised humans. He was the sort to take Night World law into his own hands if he didn't think it was being enforced properly. â€Å"He's coming back on Monday to see if I've takencare of the situation,† Ash said. â€Å"And if I haven't,we're all dead-you, me, and your little human buddies.† Rowan said, â€Å"So we've got until Monday to figuresomething out.† Kestrel said, â€Å"If he tries anything on us, he's in fora fight.† Jade squeezed Tiggy to make him growl. Mary-Lynnette had been sleeping like a stone-buta stone with unusually vivid dreams. She dreamed about stars brighter than she'd ever seen and starclouds shimmering in colors like the northern lights. She dreamed about sending an astronomical telegram to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to register her claim for discovering a new supernova. About being the firstto see it with her wonderful new eyes, eyes thatshe saw in a mirror-were all pupil, like an owl's or a cat's†¦. Then the dream changed and she was an owl, swooping down in a dizzying rush from a hollow Douglas fir. She seized a squirrel in her talons andfelt a surge of simple joy. Killing felt so natural. All she had to do was be the best owl she could be, and grab food with her feet. But then a shadow fell over her from somewhereabove. And in the dream she felt a terrible sick real ization-that even hunters could be hunted. And that something was after her†¦. She woke up disoriented-not as towhere shewas, but as to who she was. Mary-Lynnette or a hunter being chased by something with white teeth in themoonlight? And even when she went downstairs, she couldn't shake off the sick feeling from her dream. â€Å"Hi,† Mark said. â€Å"Is that breakfast or lunch?† â€Å"Both,† Mary-Lynnette said, sitting down on the family room couch with her two granola bars. Mark was watching her. â€Å"So,† he said, â€Å"have you been thinking about it, too?† Mary-Lynnette tore the wrapper off a granola bar with her teeth. â€Å"About what?† † Youknow.† Mary-Lynnette did know. She glanced around to make sure Claudine wasn't in earshot.† Don't think about it.† â€Å"Why not?† When she didn't answer, he said,†Don't tell me you haven't been wondering what it would be like. To see better, hear better, be telepathic†¦and live forever. I mean, we could see the year three thousand. You know, the robot wars, colonizing other planets†¦. Come on, don't tell me you'renot even a little curious.† All Mary-Lynnette could think of was a line from a Robert Service Poem: Andthe skies of nightw re alive with light, with a throbbing, thrilling flame†¦ . â€Å"I'm curious,† she said. ‘But there's no point in wondering. They do things we couldn't do-they kill† She put down her glass of milk as if she'd lost herappetite. She hadn't, though-and wasn't that the problem? She ought to be sick to her stomach at just the thought of killing, of drinking blood from a warm body. Instead, she was scared. Of what was out there inthe world-and of herself. â€Å"It'sdangerous,†she said aloud to Mark. â€Å"Don'tyousee? We've gotten mixed up in this Night World-and it's a place where bad things can happen. Not just bad like flunking a class. Bad like †¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¦ white teeth in the moonlight †¦ â€Å"Like getting lolleddead,† Mary-Lynnette said. â€Å"And that's serious, Mark. It's not like the movies.† Mark was staring at her. â€Å"Yeah, but we knew that already.† His tone said â€Å"What's the big deal?† And Mary-Lynnette couldn't explain. She stood up abruptly. â€Å"If we're going over there, we'd better get moving,† she said. â€Å"It's almost one o'clock.† The sisters and Ash were waiting at Burdock Farm. â€Å"You and Mark can sit in the front with me,† MaryLynnette told Jade, not looking at Ash. â€Å"But I don't think you'd better bring the cat.† â€Å"The cat goes,† Jade said firmly, getting in. â€Å"OrI don't.† Mary-Lynnette put the car in gear and pulled out. As they came in sight of the small duster of buildings on Main Street, Mark said, â€Å"And there it is, downtown Briar Creek in all its glory. A typical Friday afternoon, with absolutely nobody on the streets.† He didn't say it with his usual bitterness. MaryLynnette glanced at him and saw that it was Jade he was talking to. And Jade was looking around with genuine interest, despite the cat's claws embedded in her neck. â€Å"Somebody'son the streets,† she said cheerfully. â€Å"It's that. boy Vic. And that other one, Todd. And grown-ups.† Mary-Lynnette slowed as she passed the sheriff'soffice but didn't stop until she reached the gas station at the opposite corner. Then she got out and looked casually across the street. Todd Akers was there with his father, the sheriff and Vic Kimble was there with his father. Mr. Kimble had a farm east of town. They were all getting into the sheriff's car, and they all seemed very excited. Bunny Marten was standing on the sidewalk watching as they left. Mary-Lynnette felt a twinge of fear. This is what it's like when you have a terrible secret, she thought. You worry about everything that happens, and wonder if it's got something to do with you, if it's going to get you caught. â€Å"Hey, Bunnyl† she called. â€Å"What's going on?† Bunny looked back. â€Å"Oh, hi, Mare.† She walkedunhurriedly-Bunny never hurried-,acrossthe street. â€Å"How're you doing? They're just going to check out that horse thing.† â€Å"What horse thing?† â€Å"Oh. . .didn't you hear?† Bunny was looking behind Mary-Lynnette now, at Mark and the four strangers who were getting out of the station wagon. Suddenly her blue eyes got rounder and she reached up to fluff her soft blond hair. Now, I wonder who she's just seen, Mary-Lynnettethought ironically. Who could it be? â€Å"Hi† Ash said. â€Å"We didn't hear about the horse thing,† MaryLynnette said, gently prompting. â€Å"Oh†¦ um, one of Mr. Kimble's horses cut his throat on barbed wire last night. That's what everybody was sayingthis morning. But just now Mr.Kimble came into town and said that he didn't think it was barbed wire after all. He thinks †¦ somebody did it on purpose. Slashed its throat and left it todie.† She hunched her shoulders in a tiny shiver.. Theatrically, Mary-Lynnette thought. â€Å"You see?† Jade said. â€Å"That's why I'm keeping my eye on Tiggy.† Mary-Lynnette noticed Bunny eyeing Jade. â€Å"Thanks,Bun.† â€Å"I've got to get back to the store,† Bunny said,but she didn't move. Now she was looking at Kestreland Rowan. â€Å"I'll walk you there,† Ash said gallantly. Withwhat, Mary-Lynnette thought, must be his usual putting-the-moves-on manner. â€Å"After all, we don't know what could be lurking around here.† â€Å"It's broad daylight,† Kestrel said disgustedly, but Ash was already walking Bunny away. MaryLynnette decided she was glad to get rid of him. â€Å"Who was that girl?† Rowan asked, and something in her voice was odd. Mary-Lynnette glanced at her in surprise. â€Å"Bunny Marten. I know her from school.What's wrong?† â€Å"She was staring at us,† Rowan said softly. â€Å"She was staring at Ash. Oh, and probably youthree, too. You're new and you're pretty, so she's probably wondering which boys you'll take fromher.† â€Å"I see.†But Rowan still looked preoccupied. â€Å"Rowan, what is it?† â€Å"It's nothing. I'm sure it's nothing. It's just thatshe's gota lamia name.† † Bunny?† † Well.† Rowan smiled. â€Å"Lamia are traditionallynamed after natural things–gems andanimalsand flowers and trees. So Bunny' would be a lamianame-and isn't a marten a kind of weasel?† Something was tugging at the edges of Mary-Lynnette's consciousness again. Something about Bunny †¦ about Bunny and †¦ wood †¦ It was gone. She couldn't remember. To Rowan she said,†But-can you sense something suspiciousabout her or anything? I mean, does she seemlike one of you? Because otherwise I just can't see Bunny as a vampire. I'm sorry; I just can't.† Rowan smiled. â€Å"No, I don't sense anything. And I'm sure you'reright-humans can have names likeours, too. Sometimes it gets confusing.† For some bizarre reason Mary-Lynnette's mind wasstill on wood. â€Å"You know, I don't see why you name yourselves after trees. I thought wood was dangerous for you.† â€Å"It is-,and that makes it powerful. Tree names are supposed to be some of the most powerful nameswe have.† Ash was coming out of the general store. Immediately Mary-Lynnette turned around and looked for Jeremy. She didn't see him in the empty gas station, butshe heard something-something she realized she'dbeen hearing for several minutes. Hammering. â€Å"Come on, let's go around back,† she said, alreadywalking, not waiting for Ash to reach them. Kestreland Rowan went with her. Jeremy was around back. He was hammering a long board across a broken window. There wereshards of thick, greenish-tinted glass all over the ground. Light brown hair wasfalling in his eyes ashe struggled to hold the board steady. † What happened?† Mary-Lynnettesaid. She moved automatically to hold the right end of the board in place for him. He glanced up at her, making a grimace of reliefas he let go of the board. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette-thanks. Hang on a sec.† He reached into his pocket for nails and began driving them in with quick, sure blows of the hammer. Then he said, â€Å"I don't know what happened.Somebody broke it last night. Made a real mess.† â€Å"Last night seems to have been a busy night,† Kestrel said dryly. Jeremy glanced back at the voice. And then †¦ his hands went still, poised with the hammer and nail. He was looking at Kestrel, and at Rowan beside her,looking a long time. At last he turned to MaryLynnette and said slowly, â€Å"You need more gas already?† â€Å"Oh-no. No.† I should have siphoned some out,Mary-Lynnette thought. Nancy Drew would defi nitely have thought of that. â€Å"I justit's been knocking a lotthe engine-and I thought you could lookat it-under the hood-since you didn't last time.† Incoherent and pathetic, she decided in the silencethat followed. And Jeremy's dear brown eyes were still searching her face. â€Å"Sure, Mary-Lynnette,† he said-not sarcastically, but gently. â€Å"As soon as I get finished.† Oh, hecan't be a vampire. And so what am I doing here, lying to him, suspecting him, when he's only ever been nice to me? He's the type to help old ladies, not kill them. Sssssss. She started as the feral hiss tore through the silence. It came from behind her, and for one horrible instant she thought it was Kestrel. Then she saw thatJade and Mark had rounded the comer, and that Tiggy was fighting like a baby leopard in Jade's arms. The kitten was spitting and clawing, black fur standing on end. Before Jade could get a better grip, he climbed up her shoulder and leaped, hitting the ground running. † Tiggy! â€Å"Jade shrieked. She took off after him, silvery blond hair flying, agile as a kitten herself. Markfollowed, ricocheting off Ash who was just comingaround the comer himself. Ash was knocked into thegas station wall. â€Å"Well, that was fun,† Kestrel said. But Mary-Lynnette wasn't really listening. Jeremywas staring at Ash-and his expression gave Mary Lynnette coldchills. And Ash was staring back with eyes as green as glacier ice. Their gazes were locked in something like instantaneous, instinctive hatred. Mary-Lynnette felt a quiver of fear for Jeremy-but Jeremy didn't seem afraid for himself. His muscles were tight and he looked ready to defend himself. Then, deliberately, he turned away. Turned hisback on Ash. He readjusted the board-and MaryLynnette did what she should have done in the beginning. She looked at his hand. The ring on his index finger glinted gold, and she could just make out the black design on the seal. A tall duster of bell-shaped flowers. Not an iris,not a dahlia, not a rose. No-there was only one flower Rowan had mentioned that this could possiblybe. It grew wild around here and it was deadly poison. Foxglove. So now she knew. Mary-Lynnette felt hot and sick. Her hand began to tremble on the board she was holding. She didn't want to move, but she couldn't stay here. â€Å"I'm sorry-1 have to get something-† The words came out in a painful gasp. She knew everyone wasstaring at her. She didn't care. She let go of the board and almost ran away. She kept going until she was behind the boardedup windows of the Gold Creek Hotel. Then she leaned against the wall and stared at the place where town ended and the wilderness began. Motes of dust danced in the sunlight, bright against a dark background of Douglas fir. I'm so stupid. All the signs were there, right in front of my face. Why didn't I seebefore? I guess because I didn't want to †¦. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette.† Mary-Lynnette turned toward the soft voice. She resisted the impulse to throw herself into Rowan's arms and bawl. â€Å"I'll be okay in just a few minutes. Really. It's just a shock.† â€Å"Mary-Lynnette †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It's just-it's just that I've known him so long.It's not easy to picture himyou know. But I guess it just goes to show you. People are never what they seem.† â€Å"Mary-Lynnette-† Rowan stopped and shook her head. â€Å"Just what are you talking about?† â€Å"Him.Jeremy. Of course.† Mary-Lynnette took abreath. The air felt hot and chokingly dusty. â€Å"He did it. He really did it.† â€Å"Why do you think so?† â€Å"Why?Because he's a werewolf. â€Å" There was a pause and Mary-Lynnette suddenly felt embarrassed. She looked around to make sure nobody was in earshot, and then said more quietly,†Isn't he?† Rowan was looking at her curiously. â€Å"How did you know?† â€Å"Well-you said black foxglove is for werewolves. And that's foxglove on his ring. How did you know?† â€Å"I just sensed it. Vampire powers are weaker insunlight, but Jeremy isn't trying to hide anything. He's right out there.† â€Å"He sure is,† Mary-Lynnette said bitterly. ‘ I should have sensed it. I mean †¦ he's the only person in town who was interested in the lunar eclipse. And the way he moves, and his eyes †¦ and he livesat Mad Dog Creek, for God's sake. I mean, that land's been in his family for generations.And' -Mary-Lynnette gave a sudden convulsive sniffle-â€Å"people say they've seen the Sasquatch around there. A big hairy monster, half person and half beast. Now, what does that sound like?† Rowan was standing quietly, her expression grave-but her lips were twitching. Mary-Lynnette's vision blurred and wetness spilled onto her cheeks. â€Å"I'm sorry.† Rowan put a hand on her arm. â€Å"I'mnot laughing.† â€Å"I thought he was a nice guy,† Mary-Lynnettesaid, turning away. â€Å"I still think he is,† Rowan said. â€Å"And actually, really, you know, it means he didn'tdo it.† â€Å"The fact that he's a nice guy?† â€Å"The fact that he's a werewolf.† Mary-Lynnette turned back.† What?† â€Å"You see,† Rowan said, â€Å"werewolves are different. They're not like vampires. They can't drink a little blood from people and then stop without doing anyreal harm. They kill every time they hunt-because they have to eat.†Mary-Lynnette gulped, but Rowanwent on serenely. â€Å"Sometimes they eat the whole animal,but they always eat the internal organs, theheart and liver. They have to do it, the same way that vampires need to drink blood.† â€Å"And that means †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He didn't kill Aunt Opal. Or the goat. They wereboth intact.† Rowan sighed. â€Å"Look. Werewolves and vampires traditionally hate each other. They've been . rivals forever, and lamia think of werewolves as sort of-lower class. But actually a lot of them are gentle.They only hunt to eat.† â€Å"Oh,† Mary-Lynnette said hollowly. Shouldn't shebe happier about this? â€Å"So the guy I thought was nice just has to eat the odd liver occasionally.† â€Å"Mary-Lynnette, you can't blame him. How can I explain? It's like this: Werewolves aren't people whosometimes turn into wolves. They're wolves who sometimes look like people.† â€Å"But they still kill,† Mary-Lynnette said flatly. â€Å"Yes, but onlyanimals.The law is very strict aboutthat. Otherwise humans catch on in no time. Vam pires can disguise their work by making it look like a cut throat, but werewolf kills are unmistakable.† â€Å"Okay. Great.† I should be more enthusiastic, Mary-Lynnette thought. But how could you ever re ally trust someone who was a wolf behind their eyes? You might admire them the way you admire a sleek and handsome predator, but trust them †¦no. â€Å"Before we go back-we may have a problem,†Rowan said. â€Å"If he realizes that you recognized his ring, he may know we've told you about you know.† She glanced around and lowered her voice. â€Å"The Night World.† Mary-Lynnette understood. â€Å"Oh, God.† â€Å"Yes. That means it's his duty to turn us all in. Or kill us himself.† â€Å"Oh, God† â€Å"The thing is, I don't think he will. He likes you, Mary-Lynnette. A lot. I don't think he could bring himself to turn you in.† Mary-Lynnette felt herself flushing. â€Å"But then, that would get him in trouble, too, wouldn't it?† â€Å"It could, if anybody ever finds out. We'd better go back and see what's going on. Maybe he doesn't realize you know. Maybe Kestrel and Ash have managed tobluff him.†

Punctuation Tips How to Use Commas - Proofread My Paper

Punctuation Tips How to Use Commas - Proofread My Paper Punctuation Tips: How to Use Commas For such a common punctuation mark, commas cause a lot of confusion. But there are some rules for how commas should be used. These rules aren’t rigid: It’s a matter of style to some degree, and the important thing is that your writing is clear and easy to read. However, if you use commas along the following lines, you’ll be on the right track! 1. Commas in Lists One important use of commas is to separate items in a list of three or more things. US English typically uses a serial comma before the final item: My favorite bands are Toto, ELO, and REO Speedwagon. In British English, however, the serial comma is often omitted. 2. After Introductory Words or Clauses A comma should be used to separate introductory words or phrases from the main clause in a sentence. These tend to be terms or phrases that modify or frame the sentence: As a solo artist, Kenny Loggins is best known for the song â€Å"Footloose.† Few things are more 80s than the Loggins.(Image: Surian Soosay/flickr) 3. After a Coordinating Conjunction When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (i.e., â€Å"and,† â€Å"but,† â€Å"for,† â€Å"nor,† â€Å"or,† â€Å"so,† or â€Å"yet†), they should be separated with a comma: I have every Boz Scaggs album, but I don’t have any albums by the Steve Miller Band. This only applies when linking clauses that could work as sentences by themselves, though, not whenever a coordinating conjunction is used. 4. Parenthetical Commas Parenthetical commas set apart non-essential information in a sentence. This often occurs mid-sentence: Daryl Hall, best known as one half of Hall Oates, has released several solo albums. But parenthetical information can also come at the end of a sentence: â€Å"Rickrolling† is named after Rick Astley, whose song â€Å"Never Gonna Give You Up† was a number one hit in 25 countries. 5. Setting Apart a Contrast When adding a contrast at the end of a sentence, set it apart with a comma: The Eagles played classic rock, not heavy metal. You cant play heavy metal sitting down.(Photo: Rachel Kramer/wikimedia) 6. Separating Coordinate Adjectives When using multiple adjectives to modify a single noun, you should separate coordinate adjectives with commas. Commas aren’t required when adjectives aren’t coordinate. Coordinate adjectives are equally-weighted in how they modify a noun. You can test whether adjectives are coordinate by either changing their order or adding â€Å"and† between them: Pat Benatar is a talented, successful musician. Pat Benatar is a successful, talented musician. Pat Benatar is a successful and talented musician. These all sound okay because â€Å"successful† and â€Å"talented† are coordinate adjectives. If we do the same thing with adjectives that aren’t coordinate (e.g., â€Å"successful† and â€Å"American†), the sentences sound wrong: Pat Benatar is a successful American musician. – Correct Pat Benatar is an American successful musician. – Incorrect Pat Benatar is a successful and American musician. – Incorrect This is because â€Å"American† is more important to the identity of the noun in this sentence. 7. Introducing a Quotation A comma is used to introduce a quotation when it follows from the rest of a sentence, particularly after terms like â€Å"said† or â€Å"wrote†: Jon Bon Jovi said, â€Å"Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.† However, no comma is needed when the quote follows the word â€Å"that†: Jon Bon Jovi said that â€Å"Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.† Here seen about to swallow a microphone.(Photo: Artur Bogdanski/wikimedia) 8. Direct Address Finally, when something is directly addressed to someone else, we separate the name of the addressee from the main statement with a comma: Before: Derek, are you listening to Def Leppard? After: Are you listening to Def Leppard, Derek? This particularly applies when writing dialogue, so it’s relevant when writing fiction.

Facts About the Bastille Day Holiday in France

Facts About the Bastille Day Holiday in France Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16ths Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the kings power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers. Etymology Bastille is an alternate spelling of bastide (fortification), from the Provenà §al word bastida (built). Theres also a verb: embastiller (to establish troops in a prison). Although the Bastille only held seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens; like the Tricolore flag, it symbolized the Republics three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all French citizens. It marked the end of absolute monarchy, the birth of the sovereign Nation, and, eventually, the creation of the (First) Republic, in 1792. Bastille Day was declared the French national holiday on July 6, 1880, on Benjamin Raspails recommendation, when the new Republic was firmly entrenched. Bastille Day has such a strong signification for the French because the holiday symbolizes the birth of the Republic. La Marseillaise La Marseillaise was written in 1792 and declared the French national anthem in 1795. Read and listen to the words. As in the US, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, in France the storming of the Bastille began the Great Revolution. In both countries, the national holiday thus symbolizes the beginning of a new form of government. On the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Bastille, delegates from every region of France proclaimed their allegiance to a single national community during the Fà ªte de la Fà ©dà ©ration in Paris- the first time in history that a people had claimed their right to self-determination. The French Revolution The French Revolution had numerous causes which are greatly simplified and summarized here: Parliament wanted the king to share his absolute powers with an oligarchic parliament.Priests and other low-level religious figures wanted more money.Nobles also wanted to share some of the kings power.The middle class wanted the right to own land and to vote.The lower class were quite hostile in general and farmers were angry about tithes and feudal rights.Some historians claim that the revolutionaries were opposed to Catholicism more than to the king or the upper classes.

Recent Trends Of Staycation In Europe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Recent Trends Of Staycation In Europe - Essay Example The understanding of vacation is to rest or have a break from our daily routines. It is usually that we opt for going to someplace which is relaxing, which makes us stress-free, which regenerates energy in us so that we can resume working enthusiastically with no obstacles after we are back. It actually means to rest, keeping aside all tensions. This is what we think when going for a vacation but in a staycation, we opt for staying back home and spend time at home. It means that we are trying to find out some ways to spend the vacation at home as we could do if we were to go out somewhere. Here it means people find out ways of relieving stress being at home and make different arrangements for spending their holidays (About.com). People here have rather found out many new, different, innovative ideas about spending their holidays and having good leisure time. Some put off their mobile phones, some keep their computers shut, some opt for gaming, some party around, and many more things. People arrange friendly meetings, plan for dinner every weekend and some relax by reading books or listening to music at home. People also do creative works like painting, crafting etc. People in the UK are more influenced with a staycation. Many cities here started realizing that there can be a number of things done to spend the holidays whilst staying back home. People came up with many ideas and literally enjoyed them. It was not only people but also different clubs and restaurants that came up with many ideas to relax and amuse people. So there was a study done which showed amazing results that people were responding well to these ideas (Carey 2008). One thing that is a plus point here, that staying back at home for holidays reduces one’s workload of planning which we would have done if we're to go out for holidays. This not only reduces tension but is also a good money-saving policy.

The evaluation of Coca Cola Company Corporate Sustainability Report Essay

The evaluation of Coca Cola Company Corporate Sustainability Report 2012-13 against the Global Reporting Initiative 3.1 Guidelines - Essay Example The consumers and employees are very much concerned about social and environmental issues. So the company gets involved in performing all these activities to satisfy its customers and employees. CSR plays an important role in the growth and success of the company. Strategies of corporate sustainability focus on green product and services. Coca Cola’s strategies of corporate sustainability have changed over time as per its business needs and requirements. The concept of corporate sustainability is based on two vital principles. One principle focuses on increasing the resource of the company by benefiting society or environment. Another principle of corporate sustainability focuses on reducing risk of the company by increasing its business opportunities. This essay focuses on value creation process of the company by performing various sustainable approaches. According to GRI guidelines CR reporting must serve the needs of company’s stakeholders. It helps them to gain credibility. In the present time the stakeholders are using multiple channels to reach maximum number of people. The companies merge information of CR in their annual report. GRI guideline is gaining its popularity in recent years. To increase CR reporting programs GRI is putting a huge effort to promote its guidelines throughout the world. For example US and China are presently focusing more on connecting traditional standard setter with GRI program like SEC, IIFAC etc. GRI is launching a new guideline to make improvement in its standards. CR reporting will be benefited by improving global standard and performance of CR activities. Presently 80% of G 250 companies and 69% of N100 companies are following GRI guidelines and standards in developing their CR Report. Earlier these percentages were very low. According to GRI guidelines CSR reporting is an