Essay --

Hello Mr. Schneider and classmates. Are you aware that more than 443,000 race fleet annually in the United States from cigarettes including deaths from second hand smoke, so why is smoking still legal? Although there are specific restrictions such as where smoking is permitted and not permitted in certain states of the U.S. it should be banned completely throughout the United States of America.By banning cigarettes it would help hatful who smoke and people who dont smoke. As I said before more than 443,000 people die from cigarettes unless, 50,000 of those people do not even smoke. Most of the people who do not smoke die from second hand smoke beca substance abuse of lung or heart disease. Nearly 20 percent of women and men smoke in the United States. Their is another variation of the cigarette called smokeless tobacco, that is thought to be better than smoking regular cigarettes In June 2010 smokeless tobacco companies had to put these warnings on their products Warning This pro duct can cause Mouth cancer, Warning This product can cause gum disease and tooth loss, Warning This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, and Warning Smokeless tobacco is addictive.These warning signs would surely bring attention to my eyes if I were using the product nevertheless place the product into my mouth.There are many advertisements that have smoking in them either promoting them or going against them. TobaccofreeCA is a company that is highly against tobacco in the state of California. You probably have seen some of their advertisements on television. They have a new couple of commercials when they show old family footage where the people are happy, but in those commercials the people are coughing and after it says Lost Moments. This... ...ers started because of their friends smoking and peer pressure. I believe smoking should be banned in the U.S. not plainly do the harmful fumes hurt you, they affect others. Why keep a harmful product that kills not only the people that smoke but ,also anyone around them. Many cigarette smokers claim its their body their harming butit affects everyone. Imagine how many people would still be living if they never started smoking. Many children pull through with parents who smoke, and imagine how many times they are made fun of because the way they smell. Cigarette smoke cant just disappear, or be covered up with products that use smelly fumes such as Lysol. Many people who try to stop give up because they think they cant give smoking up but, it is accomplishable to stop. So do yourself a favor anddont give your hard earned money and your life to those nasty cigarette companies.

A Tan to Die For by Claire Oliver :: Letter to Editor Melanoma Tanning Solarium

A tan to die for written by Claire Oliver is a garner to the editor that shows that the use of solariums can greatly increase the potential for life-threatening melanoma. Claire Olivers tone shows a composed, collected and complacent frame of mind at her imminent death, stating that she is at peace. Her composed tone when discussing the certainty of her impending death appeals to a sense of rationality, and writes optimistically about the remainder of her life. This optimism, and personal responsibility, comes from her longing of helping those who do not know of the health risks involved in the beauty young teens crave to acquire.Ms Oliver states factually how little life she has remaining. If I really fight it out, I may even have six weeks left. She puts her life in perspective, and follows by showcasing her emotions more obviously. Its scary, because I feel myself acquiring more tired and it worries me that I might not wake up. This fear evokes the sympathies of the reader. The writer then transfers her focus from her story to the risks involved with solariums and how she appeals to the government to educate the ecumenical public especially to the younger generation. She also demands some answers from the government and wants some honesty from them on how the dangers on solarium can kill you. Through her letter to the editor she implies that the solariums should be banned but for the first time she gives her opinion saying Obviously, I think they should be banned. She also implies the government is more bear on about business profits rather then the general publics health. Ms Oliver tries to not focus her attentions on the government but to tog up awareness and the sense of responsibility.The writer shifts her focus to her life background and how she was like any other normally 25 year old. She implies how normal she is because she wants to everybody to know that she was solely as normal as everyone else. This disease can happen to anyone at any age.

Adopted Heritage in Alice Walkers Everyday Use Essays -- Everyday Use

Each of us is raised within a culture, a set of traditions handed down by those before us. As individuals, we view and experience common heritage in subtly differing ways. Within smaller communities and families, deeply felt traditions serve to enrich this common heritage. Alice Walkers Everyday put on explores how, in her eagerness to claim an ancient heritage, a woman may deny herself the substantive personal experience of familial traditions. Narrated by the mother of devil daughters, the story opens with an examination of one daughters favoring of appearances over substance, and the effect this has on her relatives. The mother and her younger daughter, Maggie, live in an impoverished rural area. They anticipate the arrival of the elder daughter, Dee, who left home for college and is bringing her new husband with her for a visit. The mother recalls how, as a child, Dee hated the house in which she was raised. It was destroyed in a fire, and as it was burning, Dee (stood) of f under the sweet gum tree... a look of concentration on her face, tempting her mother to ask, why dont you do a trip the light fantastic around the ashes? (Walker 91) She expects Dee will hate their current house, also. The small, three-room house sits in a pasture, with no real windows, just roughly holes cut in the sides (Walker 92), and although, as Dee asserts, they rent to live in such a place, Dee keeps her promise to visit them (Walker 92). Her distaste for her origins is felt by her mother and Maggie, who, in anticipation of Dees arrival, internalize her attitudes. They feel to some extent their own unworthiness. The mother envisions a reunion in which her educated, urbane daughter would be proud of her. In reality, she describes her... ...aking something for herself consists of putting on the garments of her heritage without rattling living in them. As Dee says goodbye, Maggie smiles a real smile, not scared (Walker 97). She sits with her mother as they share a pinch of snuff just enjoying. (Walker 97) Dee leaves devil commonwealth who have in significant ways come to terms with her judgment of them and the way they live. Our heritage threads through history past the people who contributed to it, to affect us on a personal level. To be fully appreciated and claimed, it must reside in the heart. Dee understands the heritage of people she doesnt know. In this way, her espouse heritage can be understood intellectually, but it is not felt, not personal, and not truly her own. Work Cited Walker, Alice. Everyday Use Ed. Barbara T. Christian. New Jersey Rutgers University Press, 1994.

Evolutionary Basis for Ethics and Morals :: Science

Evolutionary Basis for Ethics and MoralsWith the advent of Darwins theories of organic evolution and the rising popularity of biological science as the explanation of sympathetic origins, it is perhaps no surprise that philosophers began to tackle the notion of ethics and morals from an evolutionary perspective, eschewing reliance on religious texts and yet seeking to find in science the basis for such characteristics that have long been under the purview of religion and used to separate humanity from its fellow animals. While sociobiologists studied the evolution of interrelations between organisms in pairs, groups, herds, colonies, and nations, both Thomas Hobbes and Friedrich Nietzsche attempted to derive the origins of such groups and nations and the foundation of their morality by using an biological evolutionary model (Dennett 483).Hobbes and Nietzsche break stories of their own making to explain how such moral civilizations were brought into being. In the Hobbesian version, humans once existed in an amoral state in which there was no concept of respectablely and evil simply good and bad, with all ethics removed. For example, although they distinguished a good spear from a bad spear...they had no concept of a good or bad person, a moral person, or a good act, a moral act or their contraries, villains and vices ( Dennett 454). Mankind persisted in this state of nature...nasty, brute(prenominal) and short, Hobbes believed, until several enterprising members of the population arrived at the notion of a social contract. Instead of remaining in constant competition with each other, humans began to rotary together outside of simple insular family groups for the protection and sustenance of all the state, in its nascent form.Dennett draws attention to Lynn Margulis stratum of the eukaryotic revolution, which does provide a profitable basis for comparison between the evolution of human civilization and the evolution of species (Dennet 454). Throughout the Precambrian period, Ernst Mayr writes in What Evolution Is, the rich diversity of protists gave rise to multicellular descendant, any(prenominal) of which then led to plants, fungi, and animals, and indeed the change from simple prokaryotes to the more complex eukaryotes, and from single-celled eukaryotes to multicellular eukaryotes, seems to mirror human development into ethical beings assuming that Hobbes story is true (Mayr 60). The multicellular organisms, which, thanks to a division of labor among a gang of specialist cells, could now pursue a more complex and

The KKK :: essays research papers fc

I have learned that the Ku Klux Klan was in response to the Southern bitterness towards blacks having won freedom from slavery in the aftermath of the civil war. Congress had passed the Reconstruction Acts which divided the South into 5 military districts, each under a general. naked as a jaybird elections were to be held in each state with freed, black, male slaves being allowed to vote this infuriated Southerners. The first branch of the Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, around 1865, the name Ku Klux comes from the Greek word, Kuklose, implication circle. The Klan was a secret organization founded by 6 ex-confederate veterans, they considered the Klan to be a secret social club, not knowing what a violent organization it would hug drug into. They decided to rile their Klan costumes as odd as possible. Klan members would be dressed in white sheets and their faces would be covered with white masks. These ex-soldiers would ride through the town, make jokes and act s illy, this made former black slaves to believe that the ghosts of the Confederate dead had risen to reclaim their land. Many Southerners began to join the Klan and harm former black slaves. presently these night rides turned into violent night rides and lynchings. Once the Klan began to make a name for itself, General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the famous cavalry leader, became the leader of this invisible empire. The Klan was in force(p) in keeping blacks away from the voting polls. The Klan was coming under increased attack by Congress and the Reconstruction state governments. The leaders of the Klan realized that the Klans end was near as an organized force.

The KKK :: essays research papers fc

I have learned that the Ku Klux Klan was in response to the Southern bitterness towards blacks having won exemption from slavery in the aftermath of the civil war. Congress had passed the Reconstruction Acts which divided the South into 5 military districts, each under a general. New elections were to be held in each state with freed, black, male slaves being allowed to vote this infuriated Southerners. The first branch of the Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, around 1865, the name Ku Klux comes from the Greek word, Kuklose, meaning circle. The Klan was a secret organization founded by 6 ex-confederate veterans, they considered the Klan to be a secret social club, not knowing what a violent organization it would turn into. They mulish to make their Klan costumes as odd as possible. Klan members would be dressed in white sheets and their faces would be covered with white masks. These ex-soldiers would ride through the town, make jokes and figure silly, this made forme r black slaves to believe that the ghosts of the Confederate dead had risen to reclaim their land. Many Southerners began to join the Klan and harm former black slaves. Soon these night rides turned into violent night rides and lynchings. Once the Klan began to make a name for itself, General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the famous cavalry leader, became the leader of this invisible empire. The Klan was effective in keeping blacks away from the voting polls. The Klan was coming under increased attack by Congress and the Reconstruction state governments. The leaders of the Klan realized that the Klans force out was near as an organized force.

Razzle Dazzle

Competition destroys the fun and enjoyment of activities like dance. Drawing on events in the film, write an essay arguing for or against this statement. Competitive dancing is a popular activity that involves competitors performing dance routines in various styles before a panel of Judges. Dancing in a competitive program bed enhance natural ability, self-esteem and confidence.However, the film Raze Dazzle shows that there are the downsides of competitive dancing which stick out include extracting yourself from everyday activities and a kindly life, feeling strained, reassured and nervous which can cause a build-up of anxiety that could potentially affect a performance as well as impose on _or_ oppress friendships and/or relationships. Competitiveness can change the nature off persons personality.In the film Raze Dazzle, Tinsels mother Justine is an overly competitive stage mother who pushes her daughter arduous in order to make her famous by assisting her performance related needs and requirement as well as obnoxiously demanding special preaching for her daughter and placing unnecessary and inappropriate pressure on her. The use of Tinsels archival footage shows the audience a perspective of a past and makes it Lear that Justine is eager for her daughter to be a star.When the new student, Grace, comes with the possibility of stealing some of Tinsels spotlight, Justine breaks down from the pressure and has to be consoled by Tensile. Tensile eventually has enough of Justices pressure and collapses from exhaustion. Placing too more pressure on a child can make them dislike the activity. Miss Elizabeth is a perfectionist and strict dance teacher who is brutally critical on her students errors and flaws, removing those whom she labels as fat, lazy and un natural endowmented. We learn hat her mother was also a dance teacher who later on got married and the businesss name was later on changed to Mrs..Elizabeth and went somewhat downhill. As Miss Elizabeth i s committed to her career, she literally has no life and refuses to get married like her mother. During a scene where she is discussing her success, the symbolic placement of her trophies in the foreground represents her love for her Job as a dance teacher she claims she is married to it. A announcement is a type of film in which outstanding techniques are combined with documentary elements to present fictional events in a documentary style. Satire is used in the film to represent and mock the indoors world of competitive dancing.Mr.. Jonathans choreography comes off us Weird to others and they contain political messages, but his Gazetteers eventually get first prize. Barbara didnt need to capture a son from the orphanage and Justices pressure on Tensile was unnecessary. The satirical nature of the film is trying to show us that we need to value our creativity and be sure to ourselves. In conclusion, competition destroys the fun and enjoyment of activities like dance as the press ure and competitive attitudes has a negative outcome.A competitive attitude can befriend you feel good and ready to be able to take on challenging tasks and ready to achieve many things in life. However, competitive behavior can change the nature of a person. Rather than being there to have a good time as well as showcase their talent and creativity, competitiveness can change their focus to only being there to defeat others and associating people around them. Unsuccessful and falling short of winning, dancers can be left feeling like their efforts and skills arent good enough therefore feeling even more pressured to be the best.

Fahrenheit 451 Socratic Seminar

Keeping people out of the subvert can be a onerous task that requires a plentiful measuring of strategy and intelligence. The cave may be defined as a somber place where the ignorance of those who inhabit it manifests and thrives, and this cave is an internal part of ones mind, body, and soul. In order to grip people out of the cave, one must make certain that the confined argon enlightened, the false interpretations of the real world be analyzed, the chains of limitations are released, and the truth must always be spoken.In schools, countries, and everywhere around the world, it is crucial that all inhabitants are enlightened and given the opportunity to learn, interpret, and bewilder the meaning of life. It is up to everyone to assist each other and speak the truth. It is up to everyone to construct the world and society in which it is healthy and safe to live. It is up to everyone to keep each other out of the cave. By characterizing Mildred as shallow, apathetic, and not pa rticularly intelligent, Bradbury uses her as a specimen to make up the personalities and characteristics of the people life-time in the city at this time.She is portrayed as a shell of a human being without any spirituality or emotion which also illuminates the mindsets and values of the recumb of the people in the city. The avoidance of confrontation of oneself is extremely substantial when taking into consideration the fact that the people living in the city were in the cave, a gloomy and dismal part of ones mind, body, and soul. Mildreds insipid lifestyle and characterization indicate the built in bed in which she lives and that she is vacant of any thoughts or feelings. Bradbury uses Mildred as a representation of the characteristics of everyone living in the city.Fahrenheit 451 Socratic SeminarKeeping people out of the cave can be a burdensome task that requires a plentiful amount of strategy and intelligence. The cave may be defined as a somber place where the ignorance o f those who inhabit it manifests and thrives, and this cave is an internal part of ones mind, body, and soul. In order to keep people out of the cave, one must make certain that the confined are enlightened, the false interpretations of the real world are analyzed, the chains of limitations are released, and the truth must always be spoken.In schools, countries, and everywhere around the world, it is crucial that all inhabitants are enlightened and given the opportunity to learn, interpret, and experience the meaning of life. It is up to everyone to assist each other and speak the truth. It is up to everyone to construct the world and society in which it is healthy and safe to live. It is up to everyone to keep each other out of the cave. By characterizing Mildred as shallow, apathetic, and not particularly intelligent, Bradbury uses her as a specimen to exemplify the personalities and characteristics of the people living in the city at this time.She is portrayed as a shell of a hu man being without any spirituality or emotion which also illuminates the mindsets and values of the rest of the people in the city. The avoidance of confrontation of oneself is extremely substantial when taking into consideration the fact that the people living in the city were in the cave, a gloomy and dismal part of ones mind, body, and soul. Mildreds insipid lifestyle and characterization indicate the meaninglessness in which she lives and that she is vacant of any thoughts or feelings. Bradbury uses Mildred as a representation of the characteristics of everyone living in the city.

College Essay Essay

The last ii years I have been on the high school gymnastics team. beforehand that I was in club gymnastics, yet somehow both are very different from each other. When I started high school gymnastics I didnt know what to expect. Everyone was very friendly and excited to start the season, scarce like I was. In club gymnastics, it seemed more like an individual sport. last school gymnastics has been such a good and different experience. It may seem like gymnastics would be the same no matter where you went, with routines and operative out the same. But in high school, you see your friends in the gym and during school too. I have make so many friends and new relationships with heap with different interests and personalities, that I didnt think I would ever know to know. I have intimate from these relationships how to respect citizenry more and treat people how you would want to be treated.It has helped me to understand people better and how to respond to people in different situa tions. Now it may seem like I solitary(prenominal) did gymnastics for friends, save thats not true. I have been in gymnastics since I was 3 years old. It has taught me so much more than just friendship. It has taught me self- discipline, courage, strength (physically, and mentally), and now that Im older, leadership.In life I consider those very important traits to have. I can take what Ive learned in gymnastics and apply it to everyday life. We would have to set goals for gymnastics on certain skills we wanted to get by a certain time. I have used that to set goals for the future and where I want to be in 5 10 years. Not only did I set those goals, but I know what I have to do to achieve those goals. And having self discipline helps me keep myself on track to tally sure I get things done, not just with goals in life, but also with everyday things. For example, juggling school work and gymnastics.I have to keep myself on track to make sure I understand the material to keep my gr ades up. So gymnastics has really taught me a lot, not only throughout my life, but these last two years especially. It has helped me over come things I didnt think I could handle by myself. I can honestly say gymnastics has made me the person I am today, and cant wait to see the things colleges brings my way in the future.

Introductions to Interviews and Interrogations: False Confessions

In 1988, Ted White was clubbed in the head and face at his mattress business between 1245 and 155 p. m. White died of his injuries threesome days later and was never able to tell the natural law officers of the incident. There were no witnesses found and the police never discovered any fingerprints or desoxyribonucleic acid to help identify the actual perpetrator. Regardless, police originally suspected Matt mason of the murder but were unable to bring a case against him. Mason and Tinney were acquaintances. Glenn Tinney original pled guilty to the murder of ted duster in 1992.There was evidence that was presented at court that got Tinney sentence exonerated. The evidence they had to get his sentence exonerated was the item that none of the confessions jibed the facts of the crime and an Ohio judge reversed Tinneys conviction. The prosecutor investigator was told Glenn Tinney may know something about Masons participation in ted whites murder, Tinney said that him and mason kill ed Ted white together but then a couple of days later he said he did the crimes alone. The police also uncovered that Glenn Tinney gave other statements that was not consistent with each other or with the facts of the crime.The court concluded that upon close comparison of Tinneys confessions, he confessed to cleanup spot a man he could not identify, for conflicting motives which dont match the facts, at the wrong time of day, with a weapon that does not match the victims injuries, by striking him in the wrong part of the head, and stealing items the victim either still possessed after the attach or probably never possessed. Because of these reasons, the court said it would be manifestly unjust to deny withdraw of the guilty plea because the confessions did not provide any validate for the murder conviction (McGinn, 2013 ).ReferencesMcGinn, A. (2013 , Feb 6). Ohio IP Exonerates Glenn Tinney in False Confession Case. Retrieved from californiainnocenceproject.org http//californiain nocenceproject.org/blog/2013/02/06/ohio-ip-exonerates-glenn-tinney-in-false-confession-case/

Paul Cezanne, Pines And Rocks Essay

Paul Cezanne, Pines and Rocks, 1896-99 Oil on Canvas Museum of Modern Art This simple painting of a small, intimate embellish is a good example of Paul Cezannes mastery of the impressionist style. The scene is of a rocky path, possibly a hiking trail on the side of a mountain, and a few trees that veil the sky in patches of leaves. Cezannes method of painting is rather interesting, in that he paints each stroke standardised a plate of color, creating an overlapping mosaic. The palette he chose is also remarkable with lucent, almost cartoonish shades of pigment that give an underlying smell out of realism to the painting. aspect at Cezannes work often makes one wonder if impressionism is a study of gentle cosmos cast on objects or of life being cast out from the object.The overall feel of a painting is often determined by the way each brushstroke is applied to the canvas. Cezannes work resembles a mosaic piece, except his blocks of color are intermixed and overlap eachother. E ach brushstroke rests on its own plane in the painted space, giving the painting a sense of depth unique to the three-dimensional information of the trees off in the distance and the boulders on the ground. The thick, dark outline of the trees and rocks also add depth to the piece, separating the shaded trail from the bright midday sky. Using a little imagination, one can almost pick off individual leaves from the green and brown patches of paint used to nominate them.Cezannes choice of color is exceptional in expressing the particular mood in a scene, as shown in this painting. A rich blend of purples, reds, and browns in the rocks and tree trunks nicely compliments the bright blue sky and green foliage. The dull, muted tones of the rocks give weight and gravity to the scene while the light and dark greens seem to dance in the winds of the sky blue background. Lighting and shadows are also well done to add the final oppose of depth to the piece.

Sibling Incest

J Fam Viol (2009) 24531537 DOI 10. 1007/s10896-009-9251-6 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sibling Incest A Model for mathematical free radical Practice with liberal Female Victims of Brformer(a)Sister Incest Kacie M. Thompson Published online 5 June 2009 Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2009 Abstract Working with concourses of people who engage been knowledgeablely disgustd introduces unwashed experiential themes into the process that trick be beneficial and meaningful. This paper discoursees brother sis incestuous cozy abuse with implications for group acidulate.Literature and research is reviewed concerning informal abuse, incest, family relationships, and theories that aid in explaining incest. Themes covered include personal effects of incest, head methods, blaming, and family of the dupe. Common themes argon explored and implications for group work atomic number 18 suggested on the basis of length, detail, structure, content, and pre-group contact. Keywords Sibling inces t . group practice . Group therapy Sibling incest is widely believed by researchers and clinicians to the most habitual type of incest (Carlson et al. 006). Historically, the issue of fatherdaughter incest has been most often referred to when speaking of incest as a form of familiar abuse and the concept of sibling incest has been ignored. Despite the high occurrence of sibling incest and its electronegative effects, attending to this issue by the family, researchers, and professionals has been wanting ( mystifying et al. 2006). In fact, violence in the midst of siblings is much more prevalent than child abuse by recruits (Kiselica and MorrillRichards 2007).The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the experience of victims of sibling incest by shedding light on their feelings, thoughts, and mental and emotional issues that are a result of incestuous abuse. Based on the infering of the sibling relationship and aspects of sibling incest, a good example for group ther apy is introduced K. M. Thompson (*) University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA e-mail emailprotected com for adult egg-producing(prenominal) victims of brothersister incest. Aspects, such(prenominal) as sibling elationships, effects of brother sister incest, the family, blaming, coping, and theoretical frameworks, are discussed to inform group work with victims. The Sibling Relationship & Incest Siblings share a unique relationship bound by genetics, accessible class, history, and family connections. The sibling relationship often outlasts many other relationships (Bass et al. 2006). The sibling relationship is unique in longevity and flush toilet be mavin of the most influential relationships in ones life sentence. Be driving force of this, the impact siblings wipe out on one a nonher should not be underestimated (Kiselica and Morrill-Richards 2007).This unique relationship that siblings share is fewtimes the reason why incidences of sibling incest are regarded as sexual curi osity. This view of sexual curiosity is often accepted by family members and the details of that curiosity are not fully understood (McVeigh 2003). Sibling incest is defined as sexual demeanour between siblings that is not age appropriate, not transitory, and not motivated by growthally appropriate curiosity. Sexual abuse between siblings is not control to intercourse.It has been shown that unwanted sexual advances, sexual leers, and forcing a sibling to view pornographic material privy have as much of a psychological impact on the victim as actual intercourse (Kiselica and Morrill-Richards 2007). There are many forms of sexual abuse, unless(prenominal) the negative effect incest poses on the victim and the family cigaretnot be ignored. The sibling relationship and the causes of sibling incest have been intercommunicate in several ways. Some springs such as McVeigh (2003), note the brilliance of the proponent dynamic between the brother and sister, as that dynamic is ca u tilize by age difference and gender expectations.Haskins (2003) 532 J Fam Viol (2009) 24531537 states that incest with a younger sibling by an older sibling is motivated largely by urges to satisfy underlying emotional needs for nurture and value rather than a need for sexual gratification. The offenders behavior has sometimes become an outlet to express his unconscious needs. To fully understand the victim and offenders relationship, family contexts should be examined. Perhaps the victim feels and behaves in similar ways due to the dysfunction in the family environment and the possible need for alleviate and acceptance, which forget be discussed in relation to family details.Common Experiences The Effects of Sibling Incest Reactions to incestuous sexual abuse vary from person to person, depending on the severity, duration, and family reaction to the abuse. Victims of sexual abuse experience long- precondition difficulties including psychological, sexual, and relationship problem s (Brand and Alexander 2003). Victims of incest have many feelings, emotions, and issues to deal with in order to cope with the abuse they experienced. Victims of sibling incest exhibit a wide variety of psychological problems.Sexual sibling abuse creates fear, anger, shame, humiliation, and guilt (Kiselica and MorrillRichards 2007). Along with those feelings, victims can in any case have severe depression and feelings of helplessness (Martens 2007). sometimes these feelings can lead to suicidal thoughts, and sexual promiscuity deuce aspects that are very common in sexually abused women (Rudd and Herzberger 1999). In order to understand the many effects of abuse and the long-term consequences, aspects, such as blaming, coping, and forgiveness, allow be addressed under the framework of issues to be addressed during group work with victims of sibling incest.Family of the Victim Family systems theory has been utilized by clinicians to aid in the understanding of sibling abuse. Famil y systems theory supports the understanding of the sibling relationship inside the familial realm by viewing the sibling relationship as just one piece in the family puzzle. The family environment is an interactive, interdependent network in which the behavior of each individual or subsystem modifies the behavior of other individuals or subsystems. This environment is quite intimate, and if the network begins to break down, it often fosters violence. by this, the family systems outlook shows that sibling abuse and incest cannot be considered an isolated problem but should be seen as a manifestation of family dysfunction (Haskins 2003). The importance of the family should always be examined in cases of sibling incest. Bass et al. (2006) note that each member of the family will fancy a unique perspective and position on the issue of incest and sexual abuse which in fling models how the woman involved in that abuse will react or respond to the abuse and the treatment that whitethorn follow. Sibling incest occurs in families with some common characteristics (Phillips-Green 2002).Abusive and incestuous families have high levels of personal, social, and economic stress substance abuse and exaggeration of patriarchal norms and parenting skills are consumed with high levels of frustration, with punitive or savage childrearing styles (Haskins 2003). Systems theory aids in the understanding that what one person does effects another, which effects another. The family dynamics that housed the sibling abuse can have negative effects on the victim in how she views herself and how she will parent her children based on how she was raised.Whatever the case, sibling incest is painful and damaging, whether the families are relationally connected or distant (Bass et al. 2006). non only does the family play an important role in examining the bigger find of the victims life, but it also pictures insight into the individual and her treatment process. With brothersister incest, the victim and the perpetrator are both in the family unit, and that unit can be strongly effected by disclosure of abuse. Disclosure can create emotional distress which whitethorn lead to the breakdown of the family, disclosure can also cause blaming to occur.It has been shown that blaming is often a large factor in the disclosure process. The parents and teachers often blame the victim for the abuse instead of providing support (McVeigh 2003). The victim has already endured the abuse, the shroud of secrecy, and in the moment she thinks she will begin to spank this abuse she is often ridiculed and blamed for causing the abuse that was inflicted upon her. Cyr et al. (2002) hypothesize through their research that when blaming from the parents occurs, the mother is manoeuvred in a loyalty bind, having to choose between her daughter and her son.Depending on the type of relationship the mother has with each child, the blaming could be greatly influenced. The issue of blaming can be reciprocal, as the victim may wherefore blame herself and her mother. Blaming Just as the victim is often blamed for the abuse she endured, blaming can occur by the use of self-blame or by motherblaming. Blaming the self for events that happened are not only damaging but are often associated with feelings of guilt relative to the abuse (Morrow and Sorell 1989).Women that have experienced brothersister incest may also feel unsafe, and when she believes that she is the one J Fam Viol (2009) 24531537 533 to be held amenable for the wronginsideng, she will turn any feelings of rage and hostility away from the perpetrator or her family and place them on herself (Schlesinger 2006). Self-blame and mother-blaming are common ways to deal with feelings of guilt and anger. Mother blaming is supported by the notion that the mother is in some way responsible for the acts of the victims brother.Victims of incest often internalize anger, directing hatred and aggression against themselves. When these feelings become too intense, the victim copes with this by focusing her anger on her mother, which allows the victim to externalize her feelings (Jacobs 1990). Looking at family dynamics as considerably as the specific relationship the victim has with her mother can be useful in understanding coping methods through blaming. processing for the resolution of the scathe, as well as annex the likelihood for poor day to day adult surgical operation (Brand and Alexander 2003).With a deeper understanding of coping methods, in that location may be an enhanced opportunity for educating the individual who exhibits those behaviors, as well as other group members. Group Therapy The use of group therapy can be very powerful with a variety of populations, especially those that have experienced incest. Group therapy can provide a unique opportunity for self and interpersonal learning because it allows for members to address effects of interpersonal victimization by identifying with oth er members who have had similar experiences (Wanlass et al. 2006).Although half-size is known regarding best practice measures to treat victims of sibling incest, options for treatment have been discussed based on the fact that each victim of sexual abuse will be different in the treatment process (Martens 2007). There are several characteristics of sexual abuse that can affect not only the victim, but the treatment process as well. Aspects such as duration of the abuse and the use of force should be examined. As mentioned earlier, the family dynamic should be looked at as well though the lens of how the victims disclosure of abuse was received.The victim will be coping with not only the abuse, but the impacts disclosure may have had on the family and the victim as well. Rudd and Herzberger (1999) note four common characteristics among victims coming to receive treatment enforced secrecy, interpersonal power differentials, influences on sexual development, and individual aftereffec ts. These researchers state that abused women often felt that by tolerating the abuse and keeping it a secret was a way to hold the family together. This aspect of secrecy in the incestuous relationship is also connected to power dynamics within the relationship.These characteristics as well as sexual development and individual aftereffects can be examined including other issues discussed earlier. Focusing on building strength and resilience in group therapy has been noted by Wanlass et al. (2006) and Anderson (2006). Both authors involve that working through the abuse during the group process can be seen as surviving the abuse, which is an example of resiliency. The group therapy process can be organize and focused to maximize skills associated with resiliency, leading to improved treatment outcomes (Wanlass et al. 2006).Anderson (2006) discusses a change in perspective of how the victim views herself from the victim to the survivor which can aid in the process of forgiveness. Th e topic of forgiveness may be valuable to group members, depending on where each member is in her process of Coping When considering group therapy with women who have experienced sibling sexual abuse, coping mechanisms should be examined to understand what issues and problems the individuals may have due to their coping skills. The way each individual copes with the abuse can be connected to any diagnosis that they may have been given as a result of the abuse.For example, many victims of trauma, especially sexual link trauma display characteristics of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (Banyard and Williams 1996). In these situations, group members may need to be taught coping strategies to manage traumarelated anxiety (Foa et al. 1999). Paying close attention to the possibility of or presence of a disorder will be very helpful in group work. Coping has been examined in many ways to aid in the process of understanding how individuals respond to trauma and stress. Brand and Alexander (2 003) state there are two types of coping strategies emotionfocused coping, and problem-focused active coping. befitting more aware of both of these style of coping will greatly influence effectiveness of group work. Emotion focused coping is rooted in the individual trying to regulate their emotions in dealing with the abuse, and problem-focused active coping is when individuals engage in behaviors in an attempt to manage the problem situation. An example of problem-focused coping is when an individual tries to manage her stress from the abuse through an eating disorder behavior. While the group facilitator learns more about the group members, behavior such as these may arise in discussion.Other coping methods that have been identified include the coping strategy of avoidance. Previous studies have stated that avoidance may be an initial way to cope with the stress of sexual abuse, but in the long term sense the avoidance strategy may accession future symptoms and cognitive 534 J F am Viol (2009) 24531537 understanding the abuse she experienced. Working on forgiveness with group members may aid in the reduction of feelings that cause depression, fear, and anxiety by channeling those feelings and discussing options for validatory coping though forgiveness and resiliency.Theoretical Frameworks Guiding Practice Research and information discussed thus far has roots in theory. These theories could lead to a deeper understanding and an enhanced framework for the discussion of incest as well as aid professionals in group work. Attachment theory, symbolic interaction theory, family systems theory, and feminist theory outline the theoretical framework that guides practice with female victims of incest. As mentioned earlier, much of the discussion of incest has its foundation in family systems theory and the significance of relationships family members have ith one another. Alexander and Anderson (1994) note that the family context associated with the abuse often expl ains more of the long-term effects than the abuse itself. Attachment theory lends itself to this notion by stating that the parentchild relationship is just as important to the child as eating and sleeping. Based on the childs internal working model of relationships modeled by the parentchild relationship, that model governs how interpersonal relationships are viewed and experienced (Alexander and Anderson 1994).The goal of incorporating an appendage perspective is one of helping the client increase flexibility of though and views in interpersonal relationships beyond the parent child relationship. This could be especially useful if there have been negative interactions as well as if blaming is occurring. Symbolic interaction theory aids in the exploration of incest by looking at aspects, such as frequency of abuse, degree of self-blame, and family disruption, in relation to how the victim will manifest her self-concept (Morrow and Sorell 1989).Through this theory, how the individu al who experienced the abuse views herself is viewed as a social product constructed and developed by the social interactions around that individual. Once again, family relates to this theory and explanation of factors surrounding incest and sexual abuse, but it also reaches beyond to include other important social interactions, such as friends, classmates, etc. Understanding the social constructs present in the victims life can create a better understanding of what needs to be dealt with and recognized for effective group therapy to occur.The feminist framework of incest and the victim is centralized around gender and oppression, and the roles that males and females play in society. As discussed earlier, Anderson (2006) speaks of the importance of changing the stand of surviving abuse to overcoming and resisting the abuse through resiliency. This idea of becoming resilient by resisting oppression is focused in categories found to represent resiliency in the face of oppression bein g powerless, being silenced, and being isolated.Not only do all three of these aspects describe how an incest victim feels, but Anderson (2006) also argues that they check with oppressive resiliency. Introducing this idea of not being an incest survivor, but being a resilient person with qualities to be proud of, seems much more empowering, and is a great representation of an example of how feminist theory can be applied to group work with victims of incest. Moving past sentiments of oppressed within ones feelings as well as within society due to ones gender can be helpful for the victim, especially within a group setting.People can often find strength in numbers, and if other members are making the same conclusions about their lives and their experiences, positive procession can occur. Kreidler and England (1990) make an important point Because incest isolates victims and encourages feelings of guilt, incrimination, and shame, group experiences allow survivors to build self estee m and develop relationships in a protected environment. Through this, the group process fosters autonomy and a sense of control in its members. Group Model Group therapy for adult female victims of sibling abuse can be approached in many ways.Group facilitators must be able to assist their clients in making sense of their trauma and work through negative emotions, as well as to teach group members healthy and adaptive coping strategies (Wanlass et al. 2006). The basics of group work will be rooted in helping group members work through their experiences while processing their emotions. Through this, connections will often be made with other members based on the shared out experience of brothersister incest. Focus should not only be on the present, but the victim should be able to make connections to the abuse and how her life has been affected.Victims of sibling incest have lifelong problems in many areas including marriage, work, and parenting (Phillips-Green 2002). Once group memb ers begin to make those connections, the possibility for positive change may increase. Northen and Kurland (2001) emphasize the importance of thorough and thoughtful planning to the success of group work (p. 109). In order to address the topics and concerns discussed throughout this paper, the in getting even process should be thorough in detail and always take into account the elements of the brothersister incest, finding out if force was used, how long the incest occurred, etc.The facilitator in charge of creating the group should be involved in the intake of members, as well as choosing the time and place J Fam Viol (2009) 24531537 535 where the group will meet. The length of the group sessions should be considered. Group therapy can be short term or long term, depending on the desired goals of the facilitator and the needs of group members. Sparks and Goldberg (1994) propose a short term group that is centered within re-educating victims about the dynamics of incest.Victims are often unaware of the widespread incidence of sibling incest experiences, and may feel much less alone in their feelings and issues as a result of the abuse. These authors note the sense of empowerment that women feel by telling their story to others who share similar experiences, as vocalizing the abuse sets it free and places it in the open, as well as helps the woman to continually break feelings of secrecy. There can be advantages and disadvantages to short-term and long-term group models.Short-term groups are more effective for creating connections between victims around a shared experience, but due to the severity and seriousness of sibling incest, the author proposes a long-term group specifically for women who have experienced brother sister incest. Long-term groups offer more of an opportunity to address issues such as sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and other issues such as secrecy, isolation, and suicidal thoughts that victims often carry with them throughout their lives. T his long-term group is a 12-week format, with meetings once per week at two hours per session.Depending on the size of the group and the characteristics of members, private individual sessions outside group meetings may also be arranged. Size can vary, but should be limited to 10 women. Northen and Kurland (2001) make the point that the smaller the group, the more motivation on members to be fully involved in the group, and then there is more demand for intimacy of relationships (p. 136). Sparks and Goldberg (1994) mention the importance of realizing that many survivors will be suspicious of anyone in the counselor/professional role because they many have felt they experienced further violation and betrayal from any previous treatment.To begin to look at this, it may be helpful to ask women during intake if they have at peace(p) to any treatment previously, as well as how they felt about it. The facilitator should be aware of this prior to the first meeting. The facilitator also n eeds to make group members aware of the time commitment during the intake process, making sure they know that missing sessions is not encouraged. A possible therapy method that can be embodied in group work is the use of Cognitive Processing Therapy for Sexual Abuse (CPT-SA). This treatment is an adaptation by Chard et al. 1997) of Cognitive Processing Therapy for shame victims and is intended to extend treatments for childhood sexual abuse by addressing sexual abuse responses and aspects of the abuse (Chard 2005). This 17week therapy method combines the use of individual and group therapy to maximize positive results by utilizing the benefits of group work as well as giving group members individual attention throughout the group process. Although this method is not discussed at length in this paper, it may be useful to examine facets of CPT-SA for possible incorporation in group work with incest victims.The goals, strategies, and topics included in treatment will vary from thera pist to therapist and the goals and topics included in therapy typically reflect the therapists own assumptions of the impact of child sexual abuse (Beutler et al. 1994). This author suggests topics that should be addressed in the group are emotions and feelings, sexuality, family history, effects of disclosure, power/feeling of powerlessness, secrecy, relationship with the offender, relationship with family members, current coping skills, and options for positive change for the future. These can be circumscribed week to week.There really is no way to run a group in a step-bystep manner, as the group process is unique in itself as it takes shape and changes course all on its own. Topics can be presented to the group if there seems to be a lack of conversation or foster with one another, but once the group members get to know one another topics and discussions will take shape and find their way into discussions even if there isnt a definite plan for the group that day. For the use of an example, a basic proposed model for group may include workweek 1 culture about each other What brings you here? Tell us about yourself.How do you feel about being here? Activities may be used to break the ice, writing exercises, etc. Week 2 & 3 The Family and Disclosure What is your relationship with your family like? Discuss dynamics of the family. What happened when you told about your abuse? Blaming may be discussed here. Week 4 & 5 Relationship with your brother Relationship changes, start and end of abuse, where the perpetrator is, how that makes you feel. Week 6 & 7 Depression, guilt, anger, sexual promiscuity. What are you dealing with now? How has the abuse effected you long term? How have you changed?Week 8 & 9 Coping strategies, positive outlets, self esteem, strength, resilience Week 10, 11, & 12 Reflection and growth, closure and celebration The topics included in this example will apparent blend and flow from week to week, and should not serve as a rigid founda tion for group. Through these suggestions, the facilitator can help the abused woman feel that her sense of victimization is valid, she can help the victim assume 536 J Fam Viol (2009) 24531537 self blame, and identify change patterns of self-abuse and self-degradation to promote growth and a higher selfesteem (Kiselica and Morrill-Richards 2007).Given the unique relationship that siblings share, this relationship may become a backdrop to the group process, as well as the family relationships that connect within the sibling subgroup. It is likely that these relationships will go through an on-going judging and re-definition as group members discover more about themselves in regard to their behaviors, feelings, and relationships with others. Although topics outlined in the example could be introduced to the group for discussion, most of these topics will likely come up due to the nature of the experience and the common aspects that are seen frequently in sibling abused women.The au thor suggests that the group should be allowed to take their session in the direction they want it to go. To exemplify the power of each group members story, it is proposed that letting the group decide what they would like to discuss proves most effective. Sparks and Goldberg (1994) state that the group becomes a forum for humor and creativity as members take advantage of the unique opportunity to express what can not be expressed until someone who can appreciate it is willing to hear it.This creativity of the members should not be underestimated, and every moment of that process should be an empowering monitor lizard for the group members. Most of the literature argues that the group facilitator(s) should be female. The possibility for a co-facilitator should be considered, depending on the size of the group. If the group is small, only one facilitator is needed. The facilitator (s) should have some knowledge and/or experience in crisis and group work. Age should also be taken in to consideration.Group members should be 18 years of age and older, as this group is restricted to adult female victims. Commonality and shared experience are extremely important to the success of this group process, and grouping members based on age range will be helpful for members to relate to each other on more levels than one. During the intake process, the facilitator should attempt to arrange the groups based on what they conclude to be the most effective combination of members based on what was discussed with members prior to the initial meeting.The option for diversity should not be ignored, but OHare and Taylor (1983) make the important point that the group composition should always be considered in relation to making sure one person in the group does not stand out for example, one African American woman, one lesbian woman, etc. Once again, thoughtful design of the group cannot be ignored. Group closure may include a celebration of connections and alliances made within the group. The format of closure and celebration should largely be decided by group members. Conclusion Group work with victims of sibling incest can be complex and challenging.It is clear that many factors influence the victims life other than the actual abuse. Family dynamics and overall relationships at the time of the abuse and disclosure prove to be extremely important in determining the entire picture of the victim. Once the facilitator becomes more educated about the details of incest and what to expect from group members, she will be able to design the group in the most effective manner. With the help of shared experience and shared knowledge, group members will find connections with one another that will maximize their growth and value of the group therapy experience.References Alexander, P. C. , & Anderson, C. L. (1994). An attachment approach to psychotherapy with the incest survivor. Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill. ), 31, 665674. inside10. 1037/0033-3204. 31. 4. 665. Anderson, K. M. (2006). Surviving incest the art of resistance. Families in Society, 87, 409416. Banyard, V. , & Williams, L. (1996). Characteristics of child sexual abuse as correlates of womens adjustment a potential study. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 58, 853865. doi10. 2307/353975. Bass, L. A. , Taylor, B. A. , Knudson-Martin, C. , & Huenergardt, D. 2006). Making sense of abuse case studies in sibling incest. Contemporary Family Therapy, 28, 87109. doi10. 1007/s10591006-9697-0. Beutler, L. E. , Williams, R. E. , & Zetzer, H. A. (1994). Efficacy of treatment for victims of child sexual abuse. The Future of Children, 4, 156175. doi10. 2307/1602529. Brand, B. L. , & Alexander, P. C. (2003). Coping with incest the relationship between recollections of childhood coping and adult functioning in female survivors of incest. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 16, 285292. doi10. 1023/A1023704309605. Carlson, B. E. Maciol, K. , & Schneider, J. (2006). Sibling incest reports from forty-one survivo rs. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 15, 1934. doi10. 1300/J070v15n04_02. Chard, K. (2005). An evaluation of cognitive processing therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood sexual abuse. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 965971. doi10. 1037/0022-006X. 73. 5. 965. Chard, K. , Weaver, T. , & Resick, P. (1997). Adapting cognitive processing therapy for child sexual abuse survivors. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 4, 3152. doi10. 016/S1077-7229(97) 80011-9. Cyr, M. , Wright, J. , McDuff, P. , & Perron, A. (2002). Intrafamilial sexual abuse brothersister incest does not differ from father daughter and stepfatherstepdaughter incest. Child Abuse & Neglect, 26, 957973. doi10. 1016/S0145-2134(02)00365-4. Foa, E. , Dancu, C. , Hembree, E. , Jaycox, L. , Meadows, E. , & Street, G. (1999). A comparison of exposure therapy, stress inoculation training, and their combination for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder in female assault victims . Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67, 194200. oi10. 1037/0022-006X. 67. 2. 194. Haskins, C. (2003). Treating sibling incest using a family systems approach. Journal of Mental wellness counsellor, 25, 337350. Jacobs, J. L. (1990). Reassessing mother blame in incest. Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 15, 500514. doi10. 1086/494607. J Fam Viol (2009) 24531537 Kiselica, M. S. , & Morrill-Richards, M. (2007). Sibling maltreatment the forgotten abuse. Journal of Counseling and Development, 85, 148161. Kreidler, M. C. , & England, D. B. (1990). Empowerment through group support adult women who are survivors of incest.Journal of Family Violence, 5, 3541. doi10. 1007/BF00979137. Martens, W. H. J. (2007). Optimism therapy an adapted psychotherapeutic strategy for adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 10, 3038. McVeigh, M. J. (2003). But she didnt say no an exploration of sibling sexual abuse. Australian Socia l Work, 56, 116126. doi10. 1046/j. 0312-407X. 2003. 00062. x. Morrow, B. K. , & Sorell, G. T. (1989). Factors affecting self-esteem, depression, and negative behaviors in sexually abused female adolescents.Journal of Marriage and the Family, 51, 677686. doi10. 2307/352167. Northen, H. , & Kurland, R. (2001). Social work with groups. New York Columbia University Press. 537 OHare, J. , & Taylor, K. (1983). The worldly concern of incest. Women & Therapy, 6, 215229. doi10. 1300/J015v02n02_22. Phillips-Green, M. J. (2002). Sibling incest. The Family Journal (Alexandria, Va. ), 10, 195202. doi10. 1177/1066480702102009. Rudd, J. M. , & Herzberger, S. D. (1999). Brothersister incest fatherdaughter incest a comparison of characteristics and consequences. Child Abuse & Neglect, 23, 915928. oi10. 1016/S0145-2134(99)00058-7. Schlesinger, N. J. (2006). Treatment implications of a female incest survivors misplaced guilt. Psychoanalytic Social Work, 13, 53 65. doi10. 1300/J032v13n02_04. Sparks, A . , & Goldberg, J. (1994). A current perspective on short-term groups for incest survivors. Women & Therapy, 15, 135147. doi10. 1300/J015v15n02_11. Wanlass, J. , Moreno, K. , & Thomson, H. M. (2006). Group therapy for abused and neglected youth therapeutic and child advocacy challenges. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 31, 311326. doi10. 1080/01933920600918808.

High School vs. College Essay

Stepping stones are like the baby steps into something greater, like high work and college. In high school, e realone puts to focus yourself more into, because high school is the place to f tout ensemble upon the knowledge that is nearly identical to the actual world. College, on the other hand, is when some(prenominal) the teachers and students can both relate to how the real world would function. So high school is the part of the baby steps that reach into college and as well as the real world. Although high school and college reading and writing become different, they overly have some similarities, but in the end theyre both truly important to everything that happens in batchs everyday lives.In my four years of being in high school English, I can say that its already re wholey different from college. The reading in high school was always stipulation and there were times that it included self-reading, but it was because we were addicted questions to answer. Other times, it was because we had to do journals on each chapter of the book main idea, summaries, character changes, etc. Overall, it was really easy, because the teachers would do at least half of the work for you and then(prenominal)(prenominal) you would be given the rest as homework, as long as you dont procrastinate.Being a freshman is college, its scary, because you hear stories from people saying how easy or hard it is being in college. Theres more self-reading that has to be done and during that time, you also have the process of victorious notes and writing small responses when needed to on your own. Its all about the independency and responsibility that any adult would have when entering through college.As much as I love the subject English, I was never a huge fan of writing, whether Im in high school or college. The writing processes that happened in high school were usually the analogous. We would read something that the teacher had given to us, take notes, and from those notes, we would have had to write some form of report card or short response. wholly the information about the book and paper were given to us, made it that much easier to know what to write about and what the paper was needed to have by the teacher.College is a whole new environment for those who are entering and sometimes it can take a while to get inform with everything. College is one of those things. The writing in college is very different, because the professors want something to be originally different form each student, rather than having to read all the class articles and they all end up sounding the same. Everything is different, because the formats that we have always stuck to throughout elementary and improved during high school is almost not needed in college. All those five paragraph essays wont even be considered as an essay anymore, but if there are more paragraphs and as long as the topic is straight through, then thats an essay.Reading and writing are really importan t things to be versed, because thats basically what the whole world consists of garner and words and paragraphs. You cant learn how to write if you dont how to read or else you wouldnt know the meaning of those words and the sentence itself. The same concept goes for reading. Be glad that you know how to do both of these things, because some people arent as fortunate as we are. Where they come from, education is given differently, which doesnt allow everyone to be able to have the same education as others. This is also another reason why some families travel to a country so that their children can have a better future than the parents or their families have had before them. This allows the not only the children new expectations, but also gives the families some new experiences as they travel through this journey.Writing and reading are two very important skills that are called Communication. For example, my major is Philosophy Pre law. In pre-law its all about the debates and kno wing how to communicate. Without these two main factors, then you wouldnt be able to converse with others and be able to exchange ideas, because then how would you be able to learn and increase your knowledge to be able to win the debates? This is the main reason of why reading and writing are very important to all of us.Everyone has heard other people tell them that you must always prepare yourself when entering into the real world. Where we are at aright now,whether it be high school or college, are considered as baby steps into reaching new experiences. First, there is high school, where we go to school and we gain more knowledge that is nearly identical to what we would be experiencing soon in the future. Then onto the next stepping stone, college, where it is the place that we can actually apply all those abilities that we learned before and into a place that the world would function similarly. So all in the end, its really important and maybe even critical that we all learn a nd know how to read and write since the entire world in made of mainly these two main factors.

Discrimination Paper Essay

As you all probably know favoritism is any situation in which a group or someone is treated differently based on something other than individual reason, usually their membership in a socially distinct group or category. These categories include ethnicity, sex, religion, suppurate or disability. Discrimination can be thought of as favorable or unfavorable how constantly, today, unlikeness is usually considered unfavorable. Racial discrimination, discrimination against women, and discrimination outside the United States, are some of the most familiar types of discrimination in the world.One of the most pervasive solves of discrimination in the United States is directed toward racial groups. There has always been conflict among the different races of tidy sum. The Constitution of the United States recognized the licitity of slavery, the ultimate form of discrimination. Black males are one of the most common victims of discrimination. For example, a black male in the ghetto walk s into a convenient store, the first thing that comes to the clerks mind is robbery or whitethornbe even worse. African-Americans and other people of different races other than white have always been mistreated or judged just because of their color. Racial discrimination against Hispanic-Americans is also widespread. Employment, housing, and access to the judicial system is a problem for people other than whites. Asian-Americans also set up discrimination. During World War II, the Japanese were forced to evacuate from the West Coast.American women have been victimized by discrimination in voting, employment, and other civil rights. Women were once known as housewives, and servicemany men and women suave think that is what a woman should be. Not only do people think women shouldnt work, just they dont think they should vote, serve on juries, or do anything else other than sit at home and do house work. In the late 160s women organized to demand legal equality with men. They organ ized into the National Organization for Women and other groups for education, employment, and government. In 17, the Equal Rights Amendment ( date) was passed to the Constitution and submitted to the states for ratification. The ERA was cogitate to eliminate legal discrimination against women, but it was not approved by the 18 deadline. Working toward the ERA built a skilled leadership of female politicians and lobbyists.Most nations practice discrimination against foreigners within their borders. It may be religious, such as Muslims against Jews, Protestants against Catholics racial, or sexual discrimination, as in many countries where women have fewer rights. People in other countries are always fighting because of discrimination. International efforts to combat discrimination were tokenish until the passage of the United Nations Charter in 145. The charter encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without property as to race, sex, language, or relig ion.Discrimination causes great conflict among many people. Regardless of race, religion, sex, or any other characteristics, a person should not be discriminated. Discrimination is one of the reasons this country is falling apart. Every man and woman whether they are black, white, yellow or green should be able to equally do what ever they wish. Most people dont realize that every person, color not mattering, came from the same place.

Familiarizing students with basics of the science branches

The MYP 3 scientific check over mannikin incorporates basic information, acquaintance, facts, and practical practical applications of the scientific hit mandivisions, which be biological science, chemical science, and natural philosophies. The purpose of the class is to familiarise the scholars with the constructs and rudimentss of the scientific plain subdivisions and to guarantee they fall apart appropriate accomplishments in managing theoretical scientific cognition presented in talk and practical applications offered in civilise research labs.Course aimsThe MYP 3 scientific sort come out class aims are based on the MYP aims. It encourages and en equal to(p)s savants to1. Develop wonder, closeness and enjoyment towards scientific crystalise and its methods of research.2. Acquire scientific cognition and apprehension.3. Communicate scientific thoughts, introducements and practical experiences efficaciously in a concoction of ways.4. Develop experimental and fact -finding accomplishments to plan and transport kayoed scientific probes and to measure grounds to pull a end.5. Develop critical, originative and asking heads that pose inquiries, compute out jobs, conceptaccounts, justice expressments and do informed determinations in scientific and other contexts.6. Develop consciousness of the possibilities and restrictions of scientific discipline and appreciate that scientificcognition is germinating through collaborative activity locally and internationally.7. Appreciate the relationship between scientific discipline and engineering and their function in society.8. Develop consciousness of the moral, ethical, societal, economic, political, cultural and purlieual deductions of the pattern and usage of scientific discipline and engineering.9. Observe safety regulations and patterns to guarantee a safe functional environment during scientific activities.10. Engender an consciousness of the demand for and the value of effectual coaction duri ng scientific activities. mixed bag of life beings Monera, Protoctista, Fungi, Plants and animate beings .Metamorphosis and enzymes.Plant and animate being cells, specialised cells, tissues, conveyance mechanisms between cells and their environment ( diffusion, osmosis, and active conveyance ) , cell division miosis and mitosis .ChemistryChemical formssolid, liquid and gas atoms, sub atomic atoms, atomic construction and isotopes.The Periodic T fitElementss and the periodic tabular array, alkali metals, alkalic basis metals, passage metals, halogens and baronial gases.BondingIonic bonds and covalent bonds.Acids and basesProperties of acids and bases, pH graduated table, neutralisation, mundane illustrations.PhysicssBeams and WavesBeams and visible radiation, Torahs of contemplations, aim and curving mirrors, refraction of visible radiation, lenses, mundane utilizations of mirrors and lenses, transverse and longitudinal moving ridges, wave equation.AppraisalThis class bequeath utilize assortment of assessment tools including hebdomadal quizzes, unit trials, presentations, undertakings, lab practise, a.etc. Most of these appraisals will be assessed harmonizing to the following MYP standards measuring rod A ONE UniverseThis neutral refers to enabling pupils to derive a better apprehension of the function of scientific discipline in society.Students should be cognizant that scientific discipline is a planetary enterprise and that its development and applications can hold effects for our lives.One universe should fork out pupils with the chance to critically measure the deductions of scientific developments and their applications to local and/or planetary issues.At the terminal of the class, pupils should be able toa? explain the ways in which scientific discipline is applied and used to sophisticate to specific jobs or issues.a? discuss the effectiveness of scientific discipline and its application in work breeze jobs or issues.a? discuss and measure the moral, ethical, societal, economic, political, cultural and environmentaldeductions of the usage of scientific discipline and its application in work outing specific jobs or issues. effect degree dramatis personae0The pupil does non make a standard describe by all of the forms below.1-2-The pupil states one demeanor in which scientific discipline is applied and used to eject to specific jobs or issues The pupil remarks upon the effectivity of scientific discipline and its application in work outing jobs or issues.-The pupil states how scientific discipline and its application interact with one of the undermentioned factors moral, ethical, societal, economic, political, cultural and environmental.3-4-The pupil states the ways in which scientific discipline is applied and used to turn to specific jobs or issues-The pupil states the effectivity of scientific discipline and its application in work outing jobs or issues-The pupil states how scientific discipline and its applica tion interact with more or less of the undermentioned factors moral, ethical, societal, economic, political, cultural and environmental.5-6-The pupil describes the ways in which scientific discipline is applied and used to turn to specific jobs or issues. The pupil describes the effectivity of scientific discipline and its application in work outing jobs or issues The pupil describes how scientific discipline and its application interact with several(prenominal) of the undermentioned factors moral, ethical, societal, economic, political, cultural and environmental.Standard B CommunicationThis clinical refers to enabling pupils to go competent and confident when pass oning information in scientific discipline. Students should be able to utilize scientific linguistic colloquy right and a assortment of communicating manners and formats as appropriate. Students should be cognizant of the importance of admiting and suitably citing the work of others when pass oning in scientific di scipline.At the terminal of the class, pupils should be able toa? usage scientific linguistic communication right.a? usage appropriate communicating manners such as verbal ( unwritten, written ) , eyepiece ( in writing, symbolic ) and communicating formats ( research lab studies, essays, presentations ) to efficaciously pass on theories, thoughts and findings in scientific discipline.a? acknowledge the work of others and the beginnings of information used by suitably documenting them utilizing a recognized referencing system. consummation degreeForm0The pupil does non make a standard described by any of the forms below.1-2-The pupil uses slightly scientific linguistic communication.-The pupil communicates little or no scientific information.-The pupil paperss limited or no beginnings of information.3-4-The pupil uses some scientific linguistic communication right.-The pupil communicates scientific information moderately efficaciously. The pupil paperss beginnings of information in a bibliography.5-6-The pupil uses scientific linguistic communication right.-The pupil communicates scientific information efficaciously.-The pupil paperss beginnings of information including bibliography and in-text mentioning.Criterion C KNOWLEDGE AND UnderstandingThis nonsubjective refers to enabling pupils to understand scientific cognition ( facts, thoughts, constructs, procedures, Torahs, rules, theoretical accounts and theories ) and to use it to lay down scientific accounts, work out jobs and explicate scientifically supported statements.At the terminal of the class, pupils should be able toa? recall scientific cognition and usage scientific apprehension to build scientific accountsa? use scientific cognition and understanding to work out jobs set in familiar and unfamiliarstate of affairss.a? critically analyze and evaluate information to do judgements supported by scientific apprehension.Achievement degreeForm0The pupil does non make a standard described by any of the f orms below.1-2 The pupil recalls some scientific thoughts, constructs and/or procedures.-The pupil applies scientific understanding to work out wide-eyed jobs.3-4-The pupil describes scientific thoughts, constructs and/or procedures.-The pupil applies scientific understanding to work out complex jobs in familiar state of affairss.-The pupil analyses scientific information by placing parts, relationships or causes.5-6-The pupil uses scientific thoughts, constructs and/or processes right to build scientific accounts. The pupil applies scientific understanding to work out complex jobs including those in unfamiliar state of affairss.-The pupil analyses and evaluates scientific information and makes judgements supported by scientific apprehension.Criterion D SCIENTIFIC enquiryThis nonsubjective refers to enabling pupils to develop rational and practical accomplishments to plan and transport out scientific probes individually and to measure the experimental excogitate ( method ) .At t he terminal of the class, pupils should be able toa? res publica a focussed job or research inquiry to be tested by a scientific probe.a? explicate a testable meditation and explicate it utilizing scientific logical thinking.a? design and carry out scientific probes that include variables and controls, parry and/or equipment needed, a method to be followed and the manner in which the information is to be collected and processeda? measure the harshness and dependability of the method.Achievement degreeForm0The pupil does non make a standard described by any of the forms below.1-2-The pupil efforts to province a focussed job or research inquiry. The method suggested is uncomplete.-The pupil suggests simplistic betterments.3-4 The pupil states a focussed job or research inquiry and makes ahypothesis unless does non explicate it utilizing scientific logical thinking.-The pupil selects appropriate stuffs and equipment and writes a largely complete method, adverting some of the varia bles snarled and how to pull strings them.-The pupil makes remarks on the method, or the accuracy/precision of the informations.-The pupil remarks on the cogency of the hypothesis based on the result of the probe.-The pupil suggests some betterments to the method or makes suggestions for farther enquiry when germane(predicate).5-6-The pupil states a clear focused job or research inquiry, formulates a testable hypothesis and explains the hypothesis utilizing scientific logical thinking. The pupil selects appropriate stuffs and equipment and writes a clear, logical method, adverting all of the relevant variables involved and how to eclipse and pull strings them, and depicting how the information will be collected and processed. The pupil makes remarks on the method, and the righteousness and preciseness of the informations.-The pupil makes remarks on the how the hypothesis is supported or non by the data/outcome of the probe.-The pupil suggests realistic betterments to the method and makessuggestions for farther enquiry when relevant.Criterion E Processing DatasThis nonsubjective refers to enabling pupils to hoard up, procedure and construe sufficient qualitative and/or quantitative informations to pull appropriate decisions. Students are expect to develop analytical thought accomplishments to construe informations and justice the dependability of the informations.At the terminal of the class, pupils should be able toa? collect and record informations utilizing units of measuring as and when appropriatea? organize, transform and present informations utilizing quantitative and ocular signifiersa? analyze and construe informationsa? draw decisions consistent with the informations and supported by scientific logical thinking.Achievement degreeForm0The pupil does non make a standard described by any of the forms below.1-2-The pupil collects some informations and efforts to enter it in a suited format.-The pupil organizes and nowadayss informations utilizing s imple numerical or ocular signifiers.-The pupil efforts to place a tendency, form or relationship in the information.-The pupil efforts to pull a decision but this is non consistent with the breeding of the informations.3-4-The pupil collects sufficient relevant informations and records it in a suited format.-The pupil organizes, transforms and nowadayss informations in numerical and/or ocular signifiers, with a few mistakes or skips.-The pupil states a tendency, form or relationship shown in the information.-The pupil draws a decision consistent with the reading of the informations.5-6 The pupil collects sufficient relevant informations and records it in a suited format. The pupil organizes, transforms and nowadayss informations in numerical and/or ocular signifiers logically and right.-The pupil describes a tendency, form or relationship in the informations and uses the informations to convey meaningful information.-The pupil draws a clear decision based on the right reading of th e informations and explains it utilizing scientific logical thinking.-Numerical signifiers may include mathematical computations such as averaging, or finding determine from a graph or tabular array.Criterion F Attitude IN SCIENCEThis nonsubjective refers to encouraging pupils to develop safe, responsible and collaborative working patterns in practical scientific discipline.During the class, pupils should be able toa? work safely and utilize stuff and equipment aptlya? work responsibly with prise to the life and non-living environmenta? work efficaciously as persons and as portion of a group by join forcesing with others.Achievement degreeForm0The pupil does non make a standard described by any of the forms below.1-2-The pupil requires some counsel to work safely and some aid when utilizing stuff and equipment.-The pupil requires some counsel to work responsibly with prise to the life and inanimate environment.-When working as portion of a group, the pupil needs frequent reminde rs tocooperate with others.3-4-The pupil requires comminuted counsel to work safely and small aid when utilizing stuff and equipment..-The pupil works responsibly with value to the life and inanimate environment. When working as portion of a group the pupil cooperates with others on approximatelyoccasions.5-6-The pupil requires no counsel to work safely and uses stuff and equipment aptly.-The pupil works responsibly with respects to the life and inanimate environment.-When working as portion of a group, the pupil cooperates with others.StudentTeacher00. The pupil does non make a standard described by any of the forms below.1 21 2. The pupil requires some counsel to work safely and some aid whenutilizing stuff and equipment.. The pupil requires some counsel to work responsibly with respects to the lifeand inanimate environment.. When working as portion of a group, the pupil needs frequent reminders tocooperate with others.3 43 4. The pupil requires small counsel to work safel y and small aid when utilizingstuff and equipment.. The pupil works responsibly with respects to the life and inanimate environment.. When working as portion of a group the pupil cooperates with others on mostoccasions.5 65 6. The pupil requires no counsel to work safely and uses stuff and equipmentaptly.. The pupil works responsibly with respects to the life and inanimate environment.. When working as portion of a group, the pupil cooperates with others.

The Honda Corporate Strategy Case Study

With character reference to the Honda case study and also drawing on otherwise examples from the Critical Issues course, what are the key theoretical and methodological issues in drawing general lessons from case studies of supremacy?History is subject to interpretation so are patronage victoryes and failures. However ex- express justifications of the latter have prove more profitable. This essay explores the theoretical and methodological issues in drawing general lessons from case studies of success, with particular reference to Hondas successful penetration of the US market in the 1960s.This essay offers a critical theory and post modernist approach. Critical theory suspenses the central features of such recipes for success, the historical and social contexts from which they emerged and the purposes and functions that it may serve. Post modernism crumb be seen as an extension of critical theory but has added the dimension of power to knowledge and argues that the ii are no separable Foucault.In 1946, the Honda Technical Research Institute was set up by Sochiro Honda and his partner, Takeo Fujisawa. Having succesfully established itself in the Japanese market, Honda entered the US market in 1959. By 1960, its Supercub model was toweringly successful. They then created a highly effective as campaign based on You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda. By 1964, it has dominated almost half of the US market. Later in that year, it required coin on delivery of shipments. As Pascale (1996) says, In one fell swoop, Honda shifted the power relationship from the dealer to the manufacturer.Hondas success has been analysed and deuce-ace distinct explanations for its success emerged The most prominent is the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Report. The report states that Honda maximised experience curve economies diminished costs at high production volumes. As a result, American and British motorcycle manufacturers withdrew from accepted market segments. An i nterview with six Honda executives by Pascale, led to his conclusion that Honda was successful in Japan because ranking(a) design skills led to a better product. Honda was also seen has a learning organisation that adapted and responded quickly. Prahalad and Hamel introduced the concepts of strategic intent, stretch and nitty-gritty competence. These they feel were the necessary factors for success.There are two competing views in strategy formulation (1) the planning school day, and (2) the learning school. For the planners, strategy formulation is a deliberate, rational and linear process where ends are first specified. In this case, structure follows strategy. The learning school takes an adaptive and incremental approach. Strategy is a non-linear and complex process. Structure and strategy formulation are intertwined.Formulating recipes for success based on past success presumes that the future perfectly emulates the past. Common sense will sort us that this may not necessar ily be true. Rhetoric will also infer the same. In a dynamic and competitive business environment, factors that affect an organisation will not be static. Consumers tastes change. In the Post-Industrial era, consumers were more affluent. Hence, they demanded more than a standardised product produced by mass-production. Firms had to change from a product point approach, of the mass production era to one that is market oriented Ansoff, 1988. Thus as Ansoff says,whenever the future environment is pass judgment to be discontinuous, emulation of historical successes becomes dangerous pp.135A theory is formed ideas or concepts used to picture the world to better understand it. Ideas and concepts cannot be free from bias as they are conceived by volume and people possess different ideologies, values, interests and preferences. What purpose does it serve? A theory is devised to serve certain purposes and functions. Theories on strategy are formulated, to a certain extent, to keep manage ment consultants employed. There is a need to question the validity of such theories and the methodology employed to apply them.BCGs business portfolio analysis makes what is widely known as the experience curve assumption. This states that the costs of production should go down with cumulative physical output. Thus, the report reasons that because Honda has already achieved high production volumes in Japan, it had a cost advantage. But were Hondas production costs low because of high volume or because of it employed production methods that were more sophisticated?It also assumes that a business is a cash system, that is its cash flows depend on relative market share and industry growth rate. This allows the classification of businesses or products into four categories a star, a cash cow, a dog and a ?. It assumes that the classification is relevant and applies to all business. below these two assumptions, its strategic analysis and recommendations will be valid.However, as all mod els, it self-selects the kind of data that is congruous with it in this case return on investment (ROI) and cash flows. The main problem with this approach lies with its pin down classification scheme, which may not capture the entire picture, such as the uniqueness and problems of a business Mitroff. ROI and cash flows represent only the financial dimension of a company. Other factors such as technology, record and life of the organisation have to be taken into account.

The Return: Nightfall Chapter 10

Elena was serenely happy. outright it was her turn.Stefan used a sharp wooden letter undoer from his desk to cut himself. Elena constantly hated to observe him do this, use the most efficient implement that would snap vampire throw together so she shut her eyes tightly and only looked again when red declivity was trickling from a sm al peerless told- judginged cut on his neck.You dont need to take a tidy sum and you shouldnt, Stefan whispered, and she k raw he was expression these things sequence hecould say them. Im not holding you a worry hard or hurting you?He was always so worried. This date,she kissedhim .And she could see how strange he theory it was, that he precious kisses more than he wanted her to take his blood. Laughing, Elena pushed him flat and h everyplaceed over him and went for the general area of the wound again, k directlying that he thought she was personnel casualty to tease him. provided instead she fastened herself on the wound alike a limpe t and sucked hard,hard , until she had made him sayplease with his mind. only if she wasnt satisfied until she made him sayplease step forward loud as well.In the car, in the dimness, unconditional and Meredith thought of the report at the same time. She was faster, hardly they spoke almost together.Im an idiot planeness, wheres the shag fend for release? honest, you make up to unfold her hindqu artificeers backward Theres a lesser superintend, you should be able to reach it and pull up fair(a)s vocalization was hitching now, hiccupping. My weapons theyre sort of poking into my arms beautiful, Meredith verbalise thickly. I know you can do it. Matt is the exert dependable under the straw man seat or Yes. At the edge. One no, two oclock. Matt didnt turn over breath for more. Once he had grabbed the tree, he found that if he loosened oblige for an instant, it pushed harder on his neck.Theres no choice, he thought. He took as much of a deep breath as he could , pushed back on the branch, distinguishing a cry from Meredith, and malformed , fingering jagged splinters like thin wooden knives tear his throat and ear and scalp. Now he was free of the pressure on the back of his neck, although he was appalled by how much more tree at that place was in the car than the last time he had seen it. His lap was filled with branches evergreen needles were thickly piled everywhere.No wonder Meredith was so mad, he thought dizzily, turning toward her. She was almost buried in branches, one hand wrestling with something at her throat, only if she axiom him.Mattgetyour make seat Quick Bonnie, Iknow you can.Matt dug and tore into the branches, then groped for the handle that would collapse the backrest of his seat. The handle wouldnt move. Thin, tough tendrils were wrapped around it, springy and hard to break. He twisted and snapped them savagely.His seatback dropped away. He ducked under the huge arm-branch if it bland deserved the name, since th e car was full of similar huge branches now. Then, unspoiled as he reached to booster Meredith, her seat abruptly folded back, too.She fell with it, away from the evergreen, gasping for air. For an instant she just laic unchanging. Then she finished scrambling into the backseat proper, dragging a needle-shrouded figure with her. When she spoke, her voice was hoarse and her speech was windlessness slow.Matt. subscribe youfor havingthis jigsaw puzzleof a car. She kicked the front seat back into position, and Matt did likewise.Bonnie, Matt said numbly.Bonnie didnt move. M whatever tiny branches were still entwining her, caught in the fabric of her shirt, wound into her tomentum cerebri.Meredith and Matt both started pulling. Where the branches let go, they left over(p) welts or tiny puncture wounds.Its almost as if they were enterpriseing to grow into her, Matt said, as a long, thin branch pulled away, leaving bloody pinpricks behind.Bonnie? Meredith said. She was the one dise ntangling the twigs from Bonnies vibrissa. Bonnie? Come on, up. Look at me.The shaking began again in Bonnies body, still she let Meredith turn her face up. I didnt work out I could do it.You saved my life.I was so scared.Bonnie went on crying quietly against Merediths shoulder.Matt looked at Meredith just as the map light flickered and went disclose. The last thing he saw was her duskiness eyes, which held an expression that made him suddenly feel even sicker to his stomach. He looked out the three windows he could now see from the backseat.It should harbor been hard to see anything at all. solely what he was looking for was press bump get throughice up against the glass. Needles. Branches. Solid against every inch of the windows.Nevertheless, he and Meredith, without needing to say anything, each reached for a backseat door handle. The doors clicked, unresolved a fraction of an inch then they slammed back hard with a very definitivewham .Meredith and Matt looked at each o ther. Meredith looked checkmate again and began to pluck more twigs off Bonnie.Does that hurt?No. A subalternYoure shaking.Its rimy.It was cold now. Outside the car, rather than through the once-open window that was now completely plugged with evergreen, Matt could look the wind. It whistled, as if through many branches. There was also the sound of wood creaking, startlingly loud and laughably high above. It sounded like a storm.What thehell was it, anyway? he exploded, kicking the front seat viciously. The thing I swerved for on the road?Merediths dark head lifted slowly. I dont know I was about to crimper up the window. I only got a glimpse.It just appeared right in the middle of the road.A brute?It wasnt in that location and then itwas there.Wolves arent that color. It was red, Bonnie said flatly, lifting her head from Merediths shoulder.Red? Meredith shook her head. It was much too full-size to be a fox.Itwas red, I think, Matt said.Wolves arent redwhat about werewolves ? Does Tyler Smallwood have any relatives with red hair?It wasnt a wolf, Bonnie said. It wasbackward.Backward?Its head was on the wrong side. Or peradventure it had heads on both ends.Bonnie, you arereally scaring me, Meredith said.Matt wouldnt say it, besides she was really scaring him, too. Because his glimpse of the animal had seemed to show him the same kind of deformed shape that Bonnie was describing.Maybe we just saw it at a weird angle, he said, while Meredith said, It may just have been some animal scared out by By what?Meredith looked up at the top of the car. Matt followed her gaze. Very slowly, and with a groan of metal, the roof dented. And again. As if something very lumbering was leaning on it.Matt cursed himself. While I was in the front seat, why didnt I just floor it ? He stared hungrily through branches, trying to make out the accelerator, the ignition. Are the keys still there?Matt, we ended up half in a ditch. And besides, if it would have done any good, I d have told you to floor it.That branch wouldve taken your head offYes, Meredith said simply.It would havekilled youIf it would have gotten you two out, Id have suggested it. however you were trapped looking sideways I couldsee straight ahead. They were already here the trees. In every direction.Thatisnt come-at-able Matt pounded the seat in front of him to emphasize each word.Isthis possible?The roof creaked again.Both of you dispel fighting Bonnie said, and her voice broke on a sob.There was an outburst like a gunshot and the car sank suddenly back and left.Bonnie started. What was that?Silence.a tire blowing, Matt said at last. He didnt trust his own voice. He looked at Meredith.So did Bonnie. Meredith the branches are filling up the front seat. I can hardly see the moonlight. Its getting dark.I know.What are we going todo ?Matt could see the tremendous tension and frustration in Merediths face, as if everything she said should come out through gritted teeth. But Merediths v oice was quiet.I dont know.With Stefan still shuddering, Elena curled herself like a cat over the bed. She smilingd at him, a smile drugged with pleasure and love. He thought of grasping her by the arms, pulling her down, and starting all over again.That was how insane shed made him. Because he knew all too well, from experience the danger they were flirting with. ofttimes more of this and Elena would be the first spirit-vampire, as shed been the first vampire-spirit hed known.But look at her He slipped out from beneath her as he sometimes did and just gazed, feeling his acquiret pound just at the sight of her. Her hair, true gold, fell like silk down to the bed and pooled there. Her body, in the light of the one vitiated lamp in the room, seemed to be outlined in gold. She truly seemed to float and move and sleep in a golden haze. It was terrifying. For a vampire, it was as if hed brought a living sun into his bed.He found himself suppressing a yawn. She did that to him, too, like an unwitting Delilah taking Samsons strength away. Hyper-charged as he might be by her blood, he was also delightfully sleepy. He would spend a warm night in or under her arms.In Matts car it only got darker as the trees continued to cut out the moonlight. For a while they tested yelling for help. That did no good, and besides, as Meredith pointed out, they needed to conserve the oxygen in the car. So they sat still again.Finally, Meredith reached into her jeans pocket and produced a set of keys with a tiny keychain flashlight. Its light was blue. She pressed it and they all leaned forward. Such a tiny thing to mean so much, Matt thought.There was pressure against the front seats now.Bonnie? Meredith said. No one will hear us out here yelling. If anyone could hear us, they would have perceive the tire and thought it was a gunshot.Bonnie shook her head as if she didnt want to listen. She was still plectron pine needles out of her skin.Shes right. Were miles away from anybod y, Matt thought.There is something very bad here, Bonnie said. She said it quietly, merely as if every word was being forced out one by one, like pebbles thrown into a pond.Matt suddenly felt grayer. Howbad?Its so bad that itsIvenever felt anything like this before. not when Elena got killed, not from Klaus, not fromanything . Ivenever feltanything as bad as this. Itsso bad, and its so buckram . I didnt think anything could be so strong. Itspushing on me, and Imafraid Meredith cut her off. Bonnie, I know we can both only think of one way out of this Theresno way out of this I know youre afraid Who is there to call? I could do itif there were someone to call. I can stare at your puny flashlight and try to pretend its a scorch and do it Trancing? Matt looked at Meredith sharply. Shes not supposed to do that anymore.Klaus is bloodless.But Theres nobody to hear me Bonnie shrieked and then she broke down into huge sobs at last. Elena and Stefan are too far away, and theyre pro bably asleep by now And there isnt anyone elseThe three of them were being pushed together now, as branches pressed the seats back onto them. Matt and Meredith were close enough to look at each other right over Bonnies head.Uh, Matt said, startled. Umare we sure?No, Meredith said. She sounded both grim and hopeful. Remember this morning? We are not at all sure. In factIm sure hes still around somewhere.Now Matt felt sick, and Meredith and Bonnie looked ill in the already strange-looking blue light. And right before this happened, we were talking about how a lot of stuff basically everything that happened to change Elena was all his fault.In the woods.With an open window.Bonnie sobbed on.Matt and Meredith, however, had made a silent agreement by eye contact. Meredith said, very gently, Bonnie, what you said you would do well, youre going to have to do it. Try to get through to Stefan, or waken Elena or or apologize toDamon. Probably the last, Im afraid. But hes never seemed t o want us all dead, and he must know that it wont help him with Elena if he kills her friends.Matt grunted, skeptical. He may not want us all dead, but he may depend until some of us are dead to save the others. Ive never trus Youve never wished him any harm, Meredith overrode him in a louder voice.Matt blinked at her and then shut up. He felt like an idiot.So, here, the flashlights on, Meredith said, and even in this crisis, her voice was steady, rhythmic, hypnotic. The pathetic little light was so precious, too. It was all they had to keep the night from becoming absolute.But when the darkness became absolute, Matt thought, it would be because all light, all air, everything from the outside had been shut out, pushed out of the way by the pressure of the trees. And by then the pressure would have broken their skeletons.Bonnie? Merediths voice was the voice of every considerable sister who ever had come to her younger siblings rescue. That gentle. That controlled. Can you try to pretend its a candle flamea candle flamea candle flameand then try to trance?Im in trance already. Bonnies voice was somehow distant far away and almost echoing.Then ask for help, Meredith said softly.Bonnie was whispering, over and over, clearly oblivious to the world around her Please, come help us. Damon, if you can hear me, please accept our apologies and come. You gave us a terrible scare, and Im sure we deserved it, but please, please help. It hurts, Damon. It hurts so bad I could scream. But instead Im putting all that energy into Calling you. Please, please, please helpFor five, ten, fifteen minutes she kept it up, as the branches grew, enclosing them with their sweet, resinous scent. She kept it up far eternal than Matt had ever thought she could endure.Then the light went out. After that there was no sound but the whisper of the pines.You had to admire the technique.Damon was once again lounging in midair, even higher this time than when hed entered Carolines third-stor y window. He still had no idea of the names of trees, but that didnt stop him. This branch was like having a box seat over the drama unfolding below. He was starting to get a little bored, since nothing new was happening on the foundation. Hed abandoned Damaris earlier this evening whenshe had gotten boring, talking about marriage and other subjects he wished to avoid. Like her current husband. Bo-ring. Hed left without really checking to see if shed become a vampire he tended to think so, and wouldnt that be a surprise when hubby got home? His lips trembled on the edge of a smile.Below him, the tender had almost reached its climax.And you really had to admire the technique. Pack hunting. He had no idea what sort of nasty little creatures were manipulating the trees, but like wolves or lionesses, they seemed to have gotten it down to an art. Working together to capture prey that was too quick and too heavily armored for one of them alone to manage. In this case, a car.The fine ar t of cooperation. Pity vampires were so solitary, he thought. If we could cooperate, wed own the world.He blinked sleepily and then flashed a dazzling smile at nothing at all. Of course, if we could do that say, take a city and divvy up the inhabitants wed finish it off by divvying up one another. Tooth and nail and motive would be wielded like the blade of a sword, until there was nothing left but shreds of quivering flesh and gutters rail with blood.Nice imagery, though, he thought, and let his eyelids loll to appreciate it. Artistic. Blood in scarlet pools, magically still liquid enough to run down white marble steps of oh, say, the Kallimarmaron in Athens. An entire city gone quiet, purged of noisy, chaotic, hypocritical world, with only their in descendible bits left behind a few arteries to pump the sweet red stuff out in quantity. The vampire version of the land of milk and honey.He opened his eyes again in annoyance. Now things were getting loud down there. Humans ye lling. Why? What was the point? The rabbit always squeals in the jaws of the fox, but when has another rabbit ever rushed up to save it?There, a new proverb,and proof that humans are as stupid as rabbits, he thought, but his mood was ruined. His mind slid away from the fact, but it wasnt just the noise below that was disturbing him. Milk and honey, that had beena mistake. Thinking about that had been a blunder. Elenas skin had been like milk that night a week ago, warm-white, not cool, even in the moonlight. Her bright hair in shadow had been like spilled honey. Elena wouldnt be happy to see the results of this nights pack hunting. She would cry tears like crystal dewdrops, and they would smell like salt.Suddenly Damon stiffened. He sent one stealthy query of Power around him, a spate of microwave radar.But nothing bounced back, except the mindless trees at his feet. Whatever was orchestrating this, it was invisible.Right, then. Lets trythis , he thought Concentrating on all the b lood hed drunk in the last few days, he goddamn out a wash of pure Power, like Vesuvius erupting with a deadly pyroclastic explosion. It encircled him completely in every direction, a fifty-mile-per-hour bubble of Power like superheated gas.Because it was back. Unbelievably, the parasite was trying to do it again, to get into his mind. It had to be.Lulling him, he supposed, rubbing the back of his neck with absentminded fury, while its packmates finished off their prey in the car. susurrant things into his mind to keep him still, taking his own dark thoughts and echoing them back a shade or two darker, in a cycle that might have ended in him flying off to kill and kill again for the pure black velvet enjoyment of it.Now Damons mind was cold and dark with fury. He stood, stretching his aching arms and shoulders, and then searched carefully, not with a simple radar ring, but with a blast of Power behind each stab, probing with his mind to note the parasite. It had to be out there t he trees were still going about their business. But he could find nothing, even though hed used the fastest and most efficient method of scanning he knew a thousand haphazard stabs per second in a Drunkards Walk search pattern. He should have found a dead body immediately. Instead hed foundnothing .That made him even angrier than before, but there was a tinge of excitement to his fury. Hed wanted a fight a chance to kill where the killing would be meaningful. And now here was an resistance who met all the qualifications and Damon couldnt kill it because he couldnt find it. He sent a message, lambent with ferocity, in all directions.I have already warned you once. Now ICHALLENGEyou. Show yourself OR ELSE STAY AWAY FROM MEHe collected Power, gathered it, gathered it again, thinking of all the different mortals who had contributed it. He held it, nurturing it, crafting it for its purpose, and raising its strength with all that his mind knew of fighting and of the skill and experti se of war. He held the Power until it felt as if he were holding a nuclear bomb in his arms. And then he let it go all at once, an explosion speeding in the opposite direction, away from him, nearing the speed of light.Now, surely, he would feel the death throes of something enormously herculean and cunning something that had managed to survive his previous strafings designed only for eldritch creatures.Damon expanded his senses to their widest reach, waiting to hear or feel something shattering, combusting something falling blind, with its own blood tumbling nearby, from a branch, from the air, fromsomewhere . Fromsomewhere a creature should have plummeted to the ground or raked at it with huge dinosaur-like claws a creature half-paralyzed and completely doomed, cooked from the inside out. But although he could feel the wind rising to a howl and huge black clouds pooling above him in response to his own mood, he still could sense no dark creature close enough to have entered his thoughts.How strong was this thing? Where was it coming from?Just for a moment, a thought flashed through his mind. A circle. A circle with a stage at its center. And the circle was the blast hed shot away in all directions, and the dot was the only place his blast didnt reach. Inside him alre Snap Suddenly his thoughts went blank. And then he began, sluggishly, slightly bewildered, to try to put the fractured pieces together. He had been thinking about the blast of Power hed sent out, yes? And how hed expected to feel something fall and die.Hell, he couldnt even sense any ordinary animals bigger than a fox in the woods. Although his thwart of Power had been carefully made to affect only creatures of his kind of darkness, the ordinary animals had been so spooked that theyd gone running wildly from the area. He peered down. Hm. Except the trees around the car and they werent after him. Besides, whatever they were, they were only the pawns of an invisible killer. not really sentien t not within the boundaries he had crafted so carefully.Could he have been wrong? half(a) his fury had been for himself, for being so careless, so well-fed and confident that hed let down his guard.Well-fedhey, maybe Im drunk, he thought, and flashed the smile again at nothing, without even thinking about it. Drunk and paranoid and edgy. besotted and pissed off.Damon relaxed against the tree. The wind was screaming now, swirling and freezing, the sky full of roiling black clouds that cut out any light from the moon or stars. Just his kind of weather.He was still edgy, but he couldnt find any reason to be. The only disturbance in the aura of the woods was the tiny crying of a mind inside the car, like a trapped bird with only one note. That would be the little one, the redheaded witch with the delicate neck. The one whod been whining about life changing too much.Damon gave a little more of his weight to the tree. Hed followed the car with his mind out of absent interest. It wasnt his fault that hed caught them talking about him, but it did degrade their chances of rescue a bit.He blinked slowly.Odd that theyd had an accident trying not to run over a creature in approximately the same area hed almost crashed the Ferrari trying to run one over. Pity he hadnt had a glimpse of their creature, but the trees were too thick.The redheaded bird was crying again.Well, do you want a changenow or dont you, little witch? Make up your mind. You have to ask nicely.And then, of course,I have to decide what kind of change you get.