Existing Philosophies in Education Essay

Introduction – Sex and the education of the children and youth about it is a point of social concern that always creates ethical, moral and professional criticisms, because of reasons ranging from the consideration of the topic of sex and its position in contemporary beliefs as well as the constant tug-of-war between conservative and liberals in education as to what should be done best in sex and its place in the educational system. The article Talking about Sex provided an insightful point in this particular dilemma that modern day societies face today, noting the persistence of ‘sex and sexuality’ in modern day advertising while people at the same time frown on the idea of teaching sex education inside schools and learning institutions. A Family Education. com article puts the issue in a better perspective, saying that teachers as individuals also carry their own particular ‘issues and concerns’ about sex and that it may affect the manner by which the teacher teaches about sex education. Kakuchi (2004) reports about how Japan considers general sex education as something that is considered ‘harmful to some children’ even when the same report acknowledges the fact that the focus on a more streamlined sex education is very urgent in the country with the knowledge of the educators and academicians of the level of awareness of children about sex and how a large portion of it was not taken from school lessons, classroom discussions and home teaching, simply because the requirements of the effective sex education teaching will go against existing traditional practices and societal beliefs which would not bend and accommodate this particular educational need children continue to face even now that the world is in the 21st century. Many believe that sex should be taught in school, while others believe that it should remain in the confines of private education, in a manner of how-a-person discovers it, so that it retains the sense of privacy that sex should have. For institutions that teaches sex education, there still is a snag every once in a while especially if the manner by which sex education is being taught does not create the proper mindset, attitude and learning experience for the student. As much it is highly necessary that children are provided with the correct information about sex education, most of the time, the process is not as simple as that. What is equally important is that†¦ Some may argue that sex education is something which should be taught by a specific person, but the truth is every teacher is responsible for having sufficient knowledge in sex education because it is something that everyone experiences; it is something that everyone would be wondering and curious about, â€Å"all kids wonder about where babies come from†, says an article about teaching sex education; it is not math that general and complex computations should be memorized and mastered for the teacher to become a competent instructor in this particular topic, since sex is less of a topic and more of an everyday experience and teachers should help the students synthesize the everyday experience with sex curiosity and the information that it provides / generates by the demonstration of the effective use of the inquiry method in teaching. Research statement – One of the reasons for the poor synthesis of children of the solicited facts, beliefs and possible fallacies involved in the overall education and formulation of the set of beliefs as well as the foundation for the attitude and behavior towards sex and the human reproductive system is the absence of the key characteristics expected of teachers as explained in the inquiry method or inquiry education espoused by Neil Postman and Charles Weingartner, and that as a result of which, many present day sexual deviants and sex-related criminals are, in part, a section of the group (that which contains individuals with adverse sexual inhibitions and bearers of misguided sex-related information) that fail to be good learners because of the ineffective use of the inquiry method / inquiry education by the teacher, particularly about sex. Supporting Arguments –The research statement will be dissected through the more specific discussions of particular key points that make up the series of supporting arguments that the paper will provide the linchpin for the main point of the research statement, which is significant today now that many educators and academicians are in constant search for the perfect formula in teaching sex education, particularly in countries wherein there are no noticeable effect of sex education and that problems previously attributed to the lack of sex education is still prevalent despite the presence of sex education today. In Japan, these problems are very visible in statistics concerning teen age sex, teen age pregnancy and other sex-related social concern, this despite the fact that Japan is teaching sex education to school children as early as the third grade. First, teachers become failures in the effective use of the characterisitcs for good teachers in the inquiry method every time they provide direct and exact answers to sex-related inquiries by children because of the belief that this is what traditional morals dictate. Postman and Weingartner (1969), in the book ‘Teaching as a Subversive Activity’, noted that in the process of the utilizing the characterisitcs of the inquiry method effectively and using it to effectively teach and address student concerns, teachers should avoid providing direct answers, more so, avoid enforcing sex-related information in a what-you-ought-to-know format. The common pitfalls wherein teachers fall into is the yielding to the instinct of providing answers to questions in a as-a-matte-of-fact way, which is not incorrect but is also not the only way to teach sex education. Teachers should know that there is as much emotional and psychological aspects in the teaching and learning of sex education as there is the physical aspect of teaching sex education that students should be allowed the avenue to feel that individual feelings and the differences in personal life background also matter in the discussion and in the overall learning process involved in sex edu cation. But the problem is that there are many cases that this is not followed, and this is generally because of the fact that sex education in some areas in the US and predominantly in other traditional and religious countries are still taboo – classroom teachers and academicians continue to avoid the fact that the exposure of today’s children to more and more forms of mass media and popular media coming from different culture other than theirs are all factors in the increased development of a child’s inquiry towards sex and other topics that may pertain to physical intimacy, the sense of sexual pleasure and sex. Teachers should anticipate the fact that while the inquiry of the children about sex are most probably homogenous and focused on the same area, the teacher should still avoid providing exact, boxed in answers and instead allow students to ventilate their queries and throw questions at each other so that the sense of ‘taboo’ in the topic is diminished, allowing for the collapsing of the walls that it built inside the cognition of the child and allowing the entry of teacher-mediated ideas that do not stop, as sex education is a process of continuous learning. Secondly, some teachers misinterpret the idea that Postman and Weingartner proposed in their collaborative work about how teachers should use questioning and the use of divergent questions as a form of facilitating the influx of ideas between students by instead questioning the sense of right and wrong and personal morals of the students (which puts the morality wall up and closes the avenue for the entry of information and education) and by providing questions that divert the discussion / topic entirely to another different topic so that the teacher removes herself / himself from the position of being morally and ethically responsible for the sex education of the students, generally because of the acknowledgment of the teacher’s own incompetence in both the use of inquiry method as well as the absence of the mastery in the subject. What Postman and Weingartner had in mind when they explained this particular characteristic of the inquiry method is that the teacher should provide some questions himself/herself to students so that they can allow the students to explore more into the topic, thus allowing education and learning traffic to move consistently in and around the classroom and inside the minds of the students. Another proof to the high possibility of the presence of problems in teaching sex education with regards to the misuse and lack of adherence to the inquiry method is that sex education is usually in a uniform structure that hinders spontaneity and limits discussion in a specific area, resulting to some students suppressing questions or having questions which were left unanswered while the teachers themselves are not aware on how to facilitate the discussion once questions start pouring in and may seem to lead farther and farther from the original point of discussion. Again, it should be reiterated that since it is an experience which may carry different emotional and psychological baggage for every individual, teachers should not deliver lessons about sex like it is as simple as addition in a math class or the use of correct subject-verb agreement in an English writing and grammar class. The Family Education website’s article on teaching children sex education points out that adults who teach it cannot ‘plan when and where children choose to ask difficult questions’ about sex and as indicated in the inquiry method in teaching, teachers should allow the flow of questions and mediate through the discussion sufficiently. It does not end there, literally and figuratively, for teachers, since lessons, according to Postman and Weingartner should be allowed to develop on its own through the active participation of the student in the question-making and answer-searching. Family Education. com considers sex education, whether at home or in school, as ‘an ongoing conversation’ and that if the blanket of openness and support that the inquiry method allows to develop take form in the course of the learning of the child, then teachers should expect more questions and continue with the task required in setting and defining the answers to questions as dictated by the inquiry method.

Case Study Analysis Paper Essay

In this case study I am going to analyze what went wrong in a particular situation for one company. The new hire Carl Robins, seems as if he went in over his head maybe due to the fact that he is the newest recruiter. It looks like he may have tried to prove himself to his peers. It also seems as if Carl himself was not properly trained as to knowing, understanding and taking the proper steps when it comes to recruiting new hires. It seems as if the company does not take recruiting very seriously or else I think that the company might enforce policies and rules when it comes to recruitment. See more: how to write an analysis paper on an article examples Things such as applications should have been properly filled out before and orientation was ever scheduled, applications are a basic requirement when it comes to applying for any job. Through basic communication the training manuals should be checked, changed, and updated frequently according to how often the company is recruiting new hires and last but not the least if the company had properly communicated that the conference room was blocked for maintenance Carl would have and should have known in advance through proper communication from upper management giving him the chance to properly schedule any training sessions. If Carl had been properly trained on these issues he may not have panicked in this situation asking himself â€Å"what am I going to do†. Although it appears to be a lack of training in this case, Carl still had maybe 15 day in advance to at least start checking on things after he got the call from Monica he could have started on the project right then. Instead he procrastinated because he thought he had it under control, again going back to what I think was a lack of training on the company’s behalf. If properly trained he might have had a backup plan and immediately knew what to do if he found himself in such a situation as I am going to nalyze in this paper. Background When a company is hiring new people I am sure we would all like to think that, ok I am hiring an adult he/she will and should know what to do if ever crunched in any bad situation. That cannot and should not be assumed. Proper training is vital for any company. The training of employees is important an d crucial for any company, simply because it majorly contributes to the success or failure of the company. Training is important for managers, current employees and new employees. Although, employees may argue that training is a waste of time it is important to stay on top of everything and always remain prepared for any situation. Continually training and updating within a company is important because it keeps employees up to date on many things such as the use of new technology, technology is forever evolving. Training is an opportunity to introduce and implement new company policies, rule and regulations. Training creates and offers a safe working environment for all employees and managers. It also creates opportunities for personal growth, promotional opportunities and overall a healthy work environment. Furthermore, training is the key ingredient to a company staying on the edge when it comes to its competition. For example; while serving in the United States Air Force we trained on everything. Nothing is too complicated or to irrelevant to train on. After analyzing this case study I thought on what if we did not train as hard and often as we did. We would be jeopardizing this country and it would impact us in very negative way. Everyone plays their part in training from those on the battlefield, those back on station, and even down to those cooking in the kitchens. More specifically, I worked in the Group Control Center for my group. My job was to relay all critical information to 6 squadrons control centers during real world exercise scenarios. At the group level we conducted weekly briefings and inspections of all equipment to ensure readiness for any situation. For a while I thought what is the point of all this training and on the same thing, I thought it was redundant and I already had it under my belt. When we finally had an exercise all the training that I thought was redundant came back to me and helped me to relay the important and vital information. An exercise scenario is presented as if it was real world happening, and there was a ton of pressure. If I was not properly drilled and trained I might have cracked under the pressure such as Carl did in his situation. Key Problems In this case study, the key problems and issues are what seems to be a lack of training and communication on both the managers and employees part. Carl Robins the new hire been at his job six months, although he successfully recruited fifteen new recruits somewhere along the lines he lost what he thought he had under control. He later found that applications were incomplete and not finished. Applications are a basic and general part of applying to a job. If you can’t complete the application process then I believe you should not move any further beyond the application process. He also found that transcripts were not submitted on file. If the company requires that transcripts be submitted that again should be properly communicated to new recruits and also new employees. Also Carl didn’t know that the training room would be blocked and scheduled for maintenance this is another basic but crucial mix up that contributes the success of this project. Carl also had an opportunity to ask Monica any questions when she gave him a call to check on where things were. Although she called to check on the process there were still some things that the company failed to communicate to new employees. Alternatives Alternatives in this situation could be that if managers implement a weekly or monthly training and update meeting or online refresher courses to complete this might have helped Carl to properly think his way out of the situation verses panic. This also gives employees a chance to stay refreshed and on the edge ready for competitors. Another alternative could be that if managers implement a new hire shadow program that way the company will always have communication going within the company. During those six months Carl could have possibly had a co-worker that he felt comfortable enough to ask a question. Maybe he did not ask Monica because he did not want her to question his ability to get the job done. Proposed Solution I propose that ABC, Inc. implement a monthly online training course for the new campus recruits and all other employees in general. Rather it is on new policies and regulations and changes or just to refresh employees on current situations. I would also recommend that ABC, Inc. foster more communication within the company. Little things like knowing the scheduling of the training room is important to when it comes to the success of a project. In conclusion I recommend that ABC, Inc. revise and update the company’s new hire program. Rather it is in house for the new campus recruiter or for the newly recruited hires. The company definitely needs to tighten up the application process. Furthermore, ABC, Inc. should change the way things are communicated within the company. Basic communication is essential for a company to succeed. Proper and effective communication is the basic functions to properly and successfully manage a company. Effective employee training is important to the success of any business. Also proper training programs provide benefits for employees and the company, but only if they are carefully planned and properly implemented. A clear understanding of policies, job functions, and goals will eventually turn into increased motivation of employees, their morale and productivity and increased profits for the company. Training is a means to a specific end, keeping goals in mind during the development and implementation stages of your training program will assist in creating a clearly defined and effective program.

Business Strategies And Analysis Of Starbucks Marketing Essay

Business Strategies And Analysis Of Starbucks Marketing Essay In this following report provides analysis of company mission, business strategy with Porter’s Generic Strategies (Michael, 1980), using Michael Porter’s five forces (Michael, 1979) to analyze specialty coffee industry, situation analysis with SWOT, Starbucks core competencies (C.K. customers whom share the same valued, required premium-level coffee, have spending ability; young urban professionals, teenage and trendy (Wikinvest, 2010) but not the pricing competition. Source: Generic Strategies – Michael Porter (1980), http://www.marketingteacher.com Starbucks’ business strategy (differentiation focus) has been used in all processes and all stakeholders; starting from suppliers and farmers that Starbucks made the different in the way of finding the source of materials (e.g. coffee bean) at the origin places not from the secondary sources and the most significant is tried to improve farmers’ quality of life in the same time also got the good qualit y of coffee beans. Secondly, they treat the employees differently from the others whom they called partners that hope to make the different in the way of service-minded and relations. Another most important and differentiate point is the global/environment/community responsibilities as their shared value as mention by Howard Schultz, Starbucks’ CEO, said â€Å"You don’t do these things for recognition, you do these things because they are the right thing to do† (Nancy, Marya, Katherine, 2008). Industry Structure As a different industry has different nature of business, competition or level of profitability (productivity and efficiency). So for better understanding in this coffee specialty industry, it could use a framework of Michael Porter, which influenced by the five forces (Michael, 1979).

Public International Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Public International Law - Essay Example This led to the establishment of the international legal system. The main purpose of this system is to promote justice for all persons all around the world. This system has many advantages and benefits. However, many of the supporters of it seem to look through rose-colored glasses and ignore numerous shortcomings. In this work we will try to reveal positive and negative aspects of the international legal system with regard to the following issues: international antiterrorism law and recognition of new states. The urgent need for international legislation about the antiterrorism arose after the events of the 11th September, 2001. Before these events the international community relied more on diplomatic, economic and strategic means to manage international terrorism. But the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, the United States and the other countries of the world began to muse over more effective means to fight terrorism and now the international community decided to introduce a military response to it /Lozada, 2006/. Since that time antiterrorism legislation became a matter of global concern and closer investigation. It appeared that drafting and implementation of international antiterrorism laws is not an easy task because this law â€Å"crosses boundaries between states and between domestic, regional and international law as well as traditional disciplinary boundaries between administrative, constitutional, criminal, immigration, military law and the law of war† /Ramraj, Hor & Roach, 2005/. We will list some main problems of the international antiterrorism law, which influence its effectiveness in protection of all people. The first problem is the absence of single international definition of terrorism. The International Convention Against Terrorist Strikes with Explosives (1997) and the International Convention for the Persecution of Terrorist Financing (1999) tried to provide the definition of terrorism. However, like the

Optical systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Optical systems - Essay Example in wearable technology has become possible due to the technological developments in battery power, chip evolution, improved accuracy, and materials science advancements. There are major names of companies that has provided platforms for the wearable technology, which includes, Microsoft, Google, Nike, Samsung and Apple, while the earliest company entering in this field was Adidas. Though, the current use of wearable technologies is limited, but the future for this seems quite bright (Ranck, 2012). The purpose of this report is to investigate the present use and potential use of â€Å"optical† sensors, devices and displays in wearable technology, and also to research and investigate the topic of plastic optical fibers, their applications and devices used. The wearable technology has become much popular in today’s market, and there are a number of areas in which the wearable technology is currently available. A report by Beecham research in 2013, has shown the wide use of wearable technology in a number of areas, as they suggested that there are five key areas being augmented from the popularity of Wearable Technology Developments. These seven areas are the Security or Safety sector, Medical benefits or E-Health, Fitness or Wellness, Sports Fitness, Lifestyle Computing, Communications, and also the style or Glamor (the areas are given in the appendix as figure 1) (Beecham Reseach Ltd., 2013). Among the devices used as wearable, â€Å"†¦the wrist-worn devices are currently the most publicized areas in wearable technology, with 15.6% of all companies being directly involved†¦Ã¢â‚¬  as according to a research conducted by (IDTechEx, 2014). The most famous wrist-worn device is the smart wristband in the area of fitness and health and sports fitness, where the device is basically a modest computer, which is made in a way that it can be easily fixed on the wrist and monitor the consumers’ fitness through a number of related sensors. In this area, a recent example can be

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Respiratory Syncytial Virus - Essay Example It is also transmitted when an infected person touches their eyes or nose and touches another person or contacting surface. RSV infection can spread within families, and outbreaks have occurred in schools and day care centers. According to Goldrick, "The incubation period for RSV infection is typically four to six days but may be as short as two or as long as eight days; children may shed the virus for two to three weeks" (54). Infection usually results in a mild cough and cold like symptoms as the virus infects the upper respiratory tract. When the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, it can result in difficult breathing, wheezing, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Diagnosis is based on observing the symptoms and may be confirmed by isolation and examination of RSV secretions, sputum or throat swabs. "Rapid diagnosis may be made by immunofluorescence techniques, enzyme immunoassays, or rapid chromatographic immunoassays" (Pruitt 63). If a patient tests positive for RSV, it should delay inappropriate antibiotic therapy. Mild infections may resolve without the need for treatment. However, severe infections, especially in children and infants, "may require hospitalization to provide supplemental oxygen, humidified air, and hydration by intravenous fluids" (Goldenring). Nebulised and subcutaneous adrenaline have been effective in improving oxygenation and have shown positive clinical signs as compared to a placebo (Stack 80). However, according to Stack, "There is no convincing evidence to recommend the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids or antibiotics" (80). Ribavirin, an anti-viral agent, may help prevent ventilation in this group of patients when administered through nebulisation. Breathing an oxygen and helium mixture (helox) may relieve the burden of heavy breathing in the patient (Pruitt 64). The RSV patient should be isolated in a private room and with equipment dedicated to the infected person. To aid in the prevention of the spread of RSV, prevent people who exhibit symptoms of respirato ry infection from "visiting pediatric, immuno-compromised, or cardiac patients" (Pruitt 64). Prognosis RSV infection rarely causes death in infants and young children who seek early treatment. In older children and adults, the symptoms are usually mild and recovery is complete. However, according to Goldenring, "There is evidence suggesting an increased incidence of asthma in children who have developed RSV bronchiolitis". The mechanism is unknown as to whether a predisposition to asthma also presented a predisposition for developing bronchiolitis as a child or if the RSV induced bronchiolitis predisposed the child for asthma (Goldenring). Works Cited Goldenring, John. "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)." Medical Encyclopedia. 23 Aug. 2005. American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. 8 Apr. 2007 . Goldrick, Barbara A. "Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Children Aren't the Only Ones at Risk." American Journal of Nursing 104.11 (2004): 54-56. EBSCO. 8 Apr. 2007. Pruitt, Bill. "Keeping Respiratory Synctial Virus at Bay." Nursing 35.11 (2005): 62-64. EBSCO. 8 Apr. 2007. Stack, C. G. Essentials of Pediatric Intensive Care. London, GBR: Greenwich Medical Media Limited,

Environmental Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Environmental Economics - Essay Example The principle of efficiency states that it is almost impossible to make someone happy without causing another person to be unhappy. This means that it is hard to achieve a situation where there is no drilling and at the same time there is no effect on the economy of the country. If the drilling process is continued then pollution will increase a lot but at the same time there will be an improvement in the economy of the state. This means that a way should be sought so as to balance the benefits and the cost so that one side does not exceed the other. This is done by having the efficiency standards. The efficiency standards for the drilling process are that a certain amount of drilling should not be exceeded. This controls the way that the drilling companies drill and the extent at which they can go. The safety standards that are in place is that no one is expected to go into the drilling sites without proper clothing that prevent them from being hurt. The drilling companies are not a llowed to dig past some depth, in order to avoid a situation where the walls of the drilling sites collapse and kill people. The number of people that work in the drilling site must also be known and they have to be checked every month for any abnormalities. Hospitals and doctors are also expected to be near this site so that incase there is any medical emergency one can be rushed to the hospital (Goodstein 54) Measuring the cost of environmental protection This is the measure of how costly it is to the government and all other stakeholders when the negative impact of drilling is seen. There are lots of negative effects that cost the government when it comes to hydrofracking. This includes the engineering costs as well as the cost such as treating the people who are affected negatively by the drilling process. The engineering cost are the total cost of coming up with the plant which include building and equipping the plant over a lifetime. This is the main cost of the drilling proce ss as it entails a lot of equipment, a lot of skilled and unskilled labour so that the plant can run. These costs also include the pollution control costs; these are the costs that are to be met in order to prevent any pollution from occurring. The table below shows how the cost of engineering has been estimated since the 1990 to date and how it is related. Type of pollutant 1972 1980 1990 200 Air $12.9 $28.8 $45.1 $71.5 Water $15 $30 $55 $93 Land $10 $18 $43 $61 Chemicals $0.1 $1 $1.5 $2 other $1 $1 $1.7 $2.7 total $78 $150 $260 $360 According to this report the government spends a lot of cash in trying to avoid pollution that is caused by drilling than the amount that it gets from some of its investments. The negative effects that are associated with drilling include the costs of treating those that are affected by the radiations and other effects of the drilling process. The issues are cancer related, and also include diseases and those deaths that come as a result of drilling. I t is estimated that the government spent a total of $467 B in the treatment of those that were affected by the drilling process. This means that it is costing the government a lot of money to treat and to try and cover for the effect that comes with the influence of the drilling process. Measuring benefits that come with the drilling process include the income that it brings to the government. The drilling proces

Challenges Faced By Healthcare Leaders In Terms Of Decision Making Assignment

Challenges Faced By Healthcare Leaders In Terms Of Decision Making Within the Team Environment - Assignment Example According to the research findings, leadership is the ability to influence other individuals through one’s actions and behavior. It should be noted that an organization may have different objectives and goals. It is the duty of the organizational leaders to organize oneself and others effectively to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. In other words, leadership is all about the effective management of organizational resources in order to satisfy the needs of different stakeholders. In the context of the healthcare industry, the role of leadership is to address the needs of the healthcare staff and patients. In order to become a successful leader in the healthcare industry, a person should be able to improve the quality of healthcare provided to patients, develop and implement strategies to motivate healthcare staff, and ensure the healthcare organizations they run are managed well and demonstrate accountability for their use of resources. Healthcare industry consists of many segments such as aged care and disability health services. The needs of the aged and disabled may not be the same as that of other types of patients. For example, aged and disabled people may have lack of mobility and they require the support of others for completing their routine activities. It is necessary for a leader to formulate strategies based on the needs of the patients in order to make sure that all patients are able to receive quality healthcare services. Moreover, the expectations of the people about the health care services are more in the present era because of the rapid developments in medical science. At the same time, many of the modern patients, especially the aged and disabled patients are concerned about the growing hospital expenses even though they like to receive quality healthcare. Since healthcare industry is a profit-making industry, it is the duty of the leaders to make sure that the hospital management receives adequate returns on their i nvestments.

Analyzing the equilibrium of second Language Acquisition Essay

Analyzing the equilibrium of second Language Acquisition - Essay Example (Brown, 2000) Noam Chomsky believes that "Language has been the totality of utterances that can be made in a speech community." (Chomsky, 1986) In this context, he believes that grammar occupies a very important part of this learning. He stated famously in his book Knowledge of Language: its nature, origins, and use, "It is the most elementary part of logic. It is the beginning of the analysis of the thinking process. The principles and rules of grammar are the means by which the forms of language are made to correspond to the universal forms of thought." (Chomsky, 1986) Thus, it is obvious that to learn a language it is important to learn grammar and this grammar is a learning process under a proper system at school. In another incident, he notes in his book Aspects of the Theory of Syntax that LAD or Language Acquisition Device is an important brain mechanism, though hypothetical, element of learning language. He shows that a human being easily masters language's syntactic structure, as the basic guidelines of syntax are fundamentally same among all languages. (Brown, 2000) He stated that a child could easily master the rules and structure of a language once the input is systematic under proper supervision. This mechanism of LAD refers to multiple levels of dimensions on the aspect of basic variance of language and exposure to the language to employ as second language or foreign language. With the help of this LAD mechanism Chomsky shows that the basic aspects of most languages are universal or there are many common features despite variable cultures and languages. This assumption is Universal Grammar. (Ortiz, 2003) It should be noted that to establish this assumption Chomsky uses number of mechanisms and devices such as pronoun usage, noun phrase use, parasitic gap, poverty of stimulus, projection principle, lexical category, null subject languages, binding theory, c-command and the intervention of INFL in the mode of language acquisition. He incorporates in his study the elements of r-expression, Plato's problem, X-bar theory, phrase structure rules, anaphor, I-language, D-structure and event takes on the reference of Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday experience. (Young, 2005) In general, Language is an important effective communication, which is very important in everyday life. To be comfortable with the communication skills, one need to familiar with the English language, as it is the international means of communication. In whatever area we work, English language or the second language learning is important for developing efficiency in speech. However, Brown stated, "Learning a second language is a long and complex undertaking. Your whole person is affected as you struggle to reach beyond the confines of your first language." (Brown, 2000) The common perception about learning language is that it is better suited for children and it is better for the learner to be younger than being old. In accordance to the Critical Period Hypothesis, an adult is unable to acquire a new language but extensive researches by Lamb or Kar disagree with this result. However, they agree to the fact stated by the Critical Period Hypothesis that language acquired during the first few years of the human mind is most effective. Steven Pinker who mentions in his text The Language Instinct that "acquisition of a normal language is guaranteed for children up to the age of six, is

Unit 4 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit 4 - Coursework Example In addition, the FPI contract bears target cost, ceiling price, target profit, and formula of sharing profits (Garrett, 2006). CS: This contract falls under cost reimbursement contract type. In this case, the buyer and seller agree to venture into a joint effort to undertake research that serves mutual interests. Since the seller accrues commercial benefits to the seller, the contracts exempts payment of fees. In addition, the seller offloads some of the performance costs in need of benefiting the seller’s firm. T&M: This contract type is concerned with time management and time-sensitive contracts. For a carnival services, the requirement for contract labor is crucial as events are not consecutive. In this case, T&M contract is the best suited as it considers timed labor with specific compensation. On the down side, T&M discourages effective control of costs (Garrett, 2006). In advertising to attract the most competitive entities within the marketplace, selection and segmentation of the potential target entities are essential consideration. In order to filter the best from the rest, the advert is to clearly communicate the competitive edge of the advertised business venture. The channel of communication is an important aspect in advertising. However, in order to catch the attention of the target entities, the campaign is to use the medium of communication most accessed by the target

Virtue Ethics Essay Example for Free

Virtue Ethics Essay Virtue ethics is grounded in â€Å"character traits†. We all have by nature the potential to be moral persons, but we need to practice the virtues, to cultivate them. Ex. a medical doctor should cultivate virtues such as: compassion, discernment, trustworthiness, integrity, benevolence and non-malevolence Kinds of virtues: 1) intellectual (wisdom, understanding etc) 2) moral (temperance, patience, courage etc) An individual is moral not because of his/her intellectual activities, but because of his/her feelings and actions. We need to practice virtues – ex. people become generous by giving We must decide: what is the â€Å"golden mean† from our individual perspective (ex. coward – courageous – hero)? The virtuous person must enjoy being virtuous (ex. not like the one who avoids stealing because of fear of punishment). Thus, virtue becomes its own reward. It must be performed for itself. Virtue ethics focuses on the type of person we ought to be, not on specific actions that should be taken. It is grounded in good character, motives, and core values. The possessor of good character is and acts moral. Virtue Ethics and Stakeholder Analysis Deontology is based on rules Utilitarianism is based on consequences Virtue ethics is based on character and motives It examines the motives and character of stakeholders – to see: what are the motivations of their strategies, actions, and outcomes? Regarding the corporate scandals: virtue ethics explains the motives of some CEOs actions – their greed, extravagant habits, irrational thinking, and egotistical character traits Difficulties a virtuous person may occasionally act horrible character traits change; if we don’t practice them, we loose them it emphasizes long-term characteristics – but this has the risk of overlooking particular lies or acts of selfishness on the grounds that such acts are temporary aberrations

Pips conversation with Biddy Essay Example for Free

Pips conversation with Biddy Essay Pips change whilst being in London, has meant he sees wealth as everything. If I could have kept him away by paying money, I certainly would have paid money. Showing that firstly, hed do anything to stop Joes visit, and also he can buy anything, and that money can solve anything.  Pip feels embarrassed, he doesnt want to be seen with Joe, my greatest reassurance was, that he was coming to Barnards Inn, showing he doesnt want to be associated with someone of Joes status. Joe himself realises the change in Pip, you wont find half so much fault in me if you think of me in my forge dress. This displays Joes uncomfortableness, and unease, he realises Pip has change, and doesnt see Joe the same as before. However Pip also becomes conscious of his change, if I had been easier with Joe, Joe would have been easier with me. Showing Pips tension, and impatience with Joe. Pip makes Joe feel uneasy, us two now being now alone Sir. The key word is Sir, Joe sees the change in Pip and feels obliged to call him Sir. As Pip has grown accustomed to his great expectations, he has noted the change in himself. I had insensibly begun to notice their effect upon myself, showing he realises the effect people have had on him, which has caused him to change during the course of his expectations. He recognizes this effect is not all positive, I knew very well that it was not all good, screening he has accredited the change within him. We see Pip build a sense of guilt, towards Joe and Biddy, I lived in a state of chronic uneasiness respecting my behaviour to Joe. My conscience was not by any means comfortable about Biddy. He has realised his mistreatment toward them.  Upon hearing the death of his sister Pip, starts to notice her, in his world. In my rooms too, with which she had never been at all associated, there was at once the blankness of death. Showing the effect of her death within him.  Biddy tells Pip she is leaving the forge, he replies with: I am not going to leave poor Joe alone, showing his fondness of Joe, which is a drastic change, from their previous meeting in London. Even whilst at the forge and with Biddy, Pip still relates to wealth, I would spend any money, showing his continuous thought of money, which is such a change from his young childhood.  Pip changes towards Joe, good-bye, dear Joe!- no dont wipe it off- for Gods sake give me your blackened hand. This shows he respects Joe and likes him for who he is man he was. Pip realises he prefers London, he thinks Joe and Biddy knows he does, he thinks they believe he wont come back, his response is a they were quite right to. This is a clear representation of his change since his younger years. When Pip sees Magwitch, and learns that he is in fact his benefactor, he is disturbed, he is positively repulsed to find, Magwitch is the person who has raised him to become a gentlemen. The abhorrence in which I held the man, the dread I had of him, the repungance with which I shrank from him, could not have been exceeded if he had been some terrible beast. Dickens choice of words, illustrate Pips horror and hatred towards Magwitch, abhorrence, repungance, and dread. He uses animal imagery to convey his pure displeasure that Magwitch is in fact his benefactor. We see the change Magwitch brings about in Pip, O, that he had never come! That he had left me at the forge-far from contented, yet, by comparison, happy. For the first time since being in London, Pips views of the forge, have changed. He reconsiders his current position in London.  Pip doesnt want anything to do with Magwitch, he laid his hand upon my shoulder. I shuddered at he thought that for anything I knew, his hand might be stained with blood. He sees Magwitch as dirty, he sees the money to be untrue and dirty also, which is a change, as before the money was everything to him. When pip finally reconsiders his situation, he is thoroughly disheartened: It was not until I began to think, that I began fully to know how wrecked I was, and how the ship in which I has sailed was gone to pieces. Showing that he believes his, ambitions, aspirations and hopes are all shattered.  Pip regrets his mistreatment of Joe and Biddy, worthless conduct, he sees how bad hes been. He sums his emotions up at the end of the chapter, thick black darkness, this is how he sees his life after his changing reunion with Magwitch. Within chapter 40, Pip is still demoralised by finding Magwitch to be his benefactor, I was greatly dejected and distressed. Showing the change Magwitch has had on Pip since he made himself recognized. Pip analyses Magwitch, he ate in a ravenous way, that was very disagreeable. This is a sign of his change, he notes his manners, and sees his etiquette as wrong. Dickens used the word disagreeable, which, represents, that its disagreeable to Pip, in his new found hierarchy. Dickens again uses animal imagery to convey Pips feelings towards Magwitch , he looked terribly like a hungry old dog. This represents Pips dislike for Magwitch. Pip is desperate to know how long Magwitch will stay, in a frenzy of fear and dislike. I want to know how you are to be kept out of danger, how long you are going to stay. The key words are: fear and dislike, these are clear depiction of his disgust towards Magwitch.  We notice a huge change within Pip. He now recognises his affection toward Magwitch. He believes he should do right by Magwitch before he dies, it became the first duty of my life to say to him, and read to him, what I knew he ought to hear. Showing his consideration of compassion for Magwitch. Pip informs Magwitch about Estella, she is living now. She is a lady and very beautiful. And I love her He feels his duty, is to complement Magwitch on Estella. The change in Pip is that he inevitably forgives and pardons Magwitch, he wishes the best for him. O, lord be merciful. This is a drastic change to his initial thoughts towards him, when he discovered he was his benefactor.  Within chapter 57, as Pip comes out of his fever, we observe a change in him. Pip again worships Joe, O, God bless him! O, God bless this gentle Christian man! Showing his repentance. Pip changes his view of the word wealth. Wealth of his good nature, showing his new appreciation of wealth, he has realised that, wealth in money terms doesnt make a gentlemen, where as wealth in nature, and kindness does. Pips change is shown with: I went towards them slowly, for my limbs were weak, but with a sense of increasing relief as I drew nearer to them, and a sense of leaving arrogance and untruthfulness further and further behind. This shows he believes hes leaving his arrogance and untruthfulness behind him, these are the factors of a gentlemen he now perceives to be appalling. Pips appreciation of Joe is exposed with, my first thought was one of great thankfulness, that I had never breathed this last baffled hope to Joe. Hes so happy he didnt destroy Joe. This is a change in his feelings for Joe. His further appreciation of Joe is shown within Pips conversation with Biddy. Dear Biddy, you have the best husband in the whole world, and if you could have seen him by my bed you would have-But no, you couldnt love him better than you do. This shows his sheer delight with both Joe and Biddy. He both recognises Joe and Biddy as good natured people, but also he recognises his mistakes. You were both so good and true. To grow up a much better man than I did. He identifies his life wasnt all good, and he acknowledges his mistakes.  In conclusion, Pip has changed his depiction of the word, gentlemen. He no longer sees it to revolve around education, wealth and social standing. Due to the positive effect that Joe has upheld within Pip, Pip appreciation of a gentlemen is to be concerned with, faithfulness, generosity and goodness. Pip lost everything whilst in London, he now however has gained so much more, with respect and understanding, of not only himself but others also.

The Mystery Of The Bigfoot Creature English Literature Essay

The Mystery Of The Bigfoot Creature English Literature Essay Bigfoot is a mysterious creature that is characteristic features very large, with feathers that cover the entire body. Bigfoot reportedly found in the regions of Canada and North America since the 19th century. In view of the trail leg is estimated weighed 400 pounds. Bigfoot is also known as Sasquatch or Skunk also sometimes called monkey. Sasquatch is a legend that circulated animals in North America. Bigfoot, which means big feet are huge creatures the remnants of ancient times. Predictably, these animals still live in snowy mountainous areas, including in the United States and the Himalayan mountains of China, and people believe these creatures can be found all over the world with the names of different, like the Yeti in Tibet and Nepal, Yeren in China and Yowie in Australia. Description Bigfoot experts suspect is a gorilla and a half men. Height two until four feet, walking upright on two feet. Fur thin gray with black head reddish. Numbered five toes, similar to humans and apes. Its weight reached 230 pounds. These animals have intelligence on the monkey, but far below the human. Bigfoot does not malignant, and even tend to shy. His face was friendly, as well as tame monkeys. These animals moved quickly away when meeting people. Viewed from the anatomy, the scientists suspected Bigfoot is Gigantopithecus animal species. This huge animal fossils are found in China. But there is also a declared Bigfoot is Homoerectus (apes walked upright). Bigfoot is considered omnivores because he ate the plants wild crops such as mushrooms, fruits, etc, fish, insects and animal flesh. Nickname Bigfoot Bigfoot named because no one had managed to see the original form. So far, people can only find traces of the giant legs. The giant footprints were first discovered a journalist from California, the United States in March 1999. That night he was driving to Oregon. In a lonely place, he stopped at a diner. Suddenly there was uproar. He ran to his car. A printed giant footprints around the car. He looked around, vaguely giant beast of about 2.5 meters tall in the middle of running the thick night. Since then the legend of Bigfoot began. There have been many kinds of names used to refer to a Bigfoot, among others: Bad Idians Mountain Devils Omaha Bushman Sasquatch Yeren Yeti (special for Bigfoot was living in Alaska who has a white fur). Footprints Bigfood Footprints of course very different from other animal footprints, because its much different characteristics, but Bigfoot footprints are very similar to human footprints, except that hers bigger Bigfoot. There have been many cases where people have found the large footprints of what are thought to be from the bigfoot. They are generally found to resemble human footprints, except they are much larger. If the footprints are not man-made for the purpose of hoaxing, then it can be assumed in many cases that the creature that made them are quite large. In 1958 and 1959, Bob Titmus found several tracks in the area of Bluff Creek, California, later to be made famous by the Patterson / Gimlin film footage. In 1988, wildlife biologist John Bindernagel found many tracks, some of them 16 inches long. Most recently, on the Science Fiction channels television show called Destination Truth, host Josh Gates found a large track in the Himalayas. Smells and Sound Many people who claim to have had close encounters with Bigfoot say that there is quite a stench associated with the creatures. The smells have been described as a cross between that of a skunk and rotting meat. In one case a man by the name of Sean Fries claimed to have such a meeting in June of 1988. He said that something woke him up one night while camping, and that when he went outside he was assailed by an unbelievable smell. He says he believes Sasquatch was nearby. Sometimes people claim to have heard the sounds of Bigfoot. They say the noises are not like anything heard in nature. Some people say that the noises are different for different geographical areas. There have also been claims made that people have heard these creatures communicating with one another with a series of whoops and chirps. People around the Himalayan Mountains are often heard roaring sound. KAPPA kappa_mummy_3.jpg In the mythology of Japans Shinto religion, there is a legend about a creature identified as the god of water. The creature called Kappa. However, unlike any other mythological creatures, this time, there are at least 4 mummy Kappa stored neatly in Japan and the Netherlands. Description Kappa story first appeared in the Nihon Shoki ancient records from the year 720 AD. In the document, Kappa called Kawa no kami. In the Edo period, Illustrations of Kappa appeared in anthologies and paintings. In 1910, Kappa started getting popularity after a story titled Tono Monogatari published. In the telling of stories about the legendary creatures, including some Kappa. But at this time, Kappa is described as more of a cartoon character with a funny character. Kappa sometimes described as an evil creature, but many legends told about Kappa as being a good and intelligent treat. If he was captured and asked to promise not to harm people again, he would keep his promise. Nickname Kappa Kappa is often identified as the god of water has a variety of titles. Another name from this creature of them is Kawataro (water boy), Kawaka, Kawaranbe, Kyuusenbou, Masunta, Mu Jima and Ningyo. Characteristics of Kappa Kappa is described as having the shape of a snake, dragon, eels or turtles. Kappa bodied like a child, faced monkey, a shell in the back, long hair and scaly skin is yellow green. Despite its size as a child, Kappa is a great strength. He dared to attack a horse and able to attract prey larger in the water. Some records say this creature can change colours like a chameleon body. This creature also has a smell like fish and hates loud and metal objects. One unique feature of the Kappa is the existence of a cavity without a cap on his head. This round cavity filled with water becomes a source of strength Kappa. Kappa can be found in lakes, rivers, springs and even the irrigation canal. The main habitat in the region spread Kappa Kyushu and Honshu river in Sarugaishi. SHORT PEOPLE (Hominid Mini) 28654_homo_floresiensis.jpg Short people are the most famous creatures in cryptozoology Indonesia. It is said that according to witnesses he had a body like an ape, but walk like a human. Unlike the American Bigfoot, the short person really fit with his name. This creature has only a high less than 1 meter. Description Short People are creatures who believe life cryptozoolgy spread in some areas such as Sumatra, Bengkulu, Palembang and Jambi. Legend of short people began to sound early 20th century. On August 21, 1915, Edward Jacobson found a set of mysterious tracks at the edge of the lake Bento, in the southeastern mountains Kerinci, Jambi Province. Guide called Mat Getoep said that traces of 5 inch long is the property of Short People. In December 1917, a plantation manager named Oostingh Short People met in a forest near Bukit Kaba. When the creature saw him, he stood up and calmly walked a few yards and then climbed into the tree and disappeared. Nickname Short People Other names often associated with short people, among others: Atu Short, Ijaoe, Sedabo, Sedapa, Sindai, Uhang Pandak, People Letjo and People Gugu. Characteristics of Short People This creature has a high only around 70 cm, surrounded by dark fur. But his face was not covered with feathers relative. Sometimes the witnesses heard strange noises coming from his mouth. At first, many researchers suspect that this creature really is a monkey or ape. But the witnesses description of the behavior and way of operation is not in accordance with the behavior of apes or gibbons. Moreover, the footprints are found suggest that these creatures are not classified into the known primates. CADBOROSAURUS dillcaddy3.jpg Cameron Lake is a popular lake located in British Columbia, Canada. The extent of approximately 4.5 km2 and the depth of about 70 meters. In the lake are living different kinds of fish such as salmon and trout. This lake does not freeze during the winter and the lake is also the tourists and residents about reports of mysterious creature that is sometimes visible to the surface. Description Many people say that the creature in the lake is cadborosaurus Cameron. Cadborosaurus is a mysterious creature shaped sea snakes. Its name is derived from Cadboro Bay in Victoria, British Columbia, and the Greek root word sauros meaning lizard or reptile. In 1937, a fisherman found the carcass of a Cadborosaurus in the belly of a pope in Cadboro Bay in Victoria. Characteristics of Cadborosaurus Cadborosaurus is said to resemble a serpent with vertical coils or humps in tandem behind the horse-like head and long neck, with a pair of small elevating front flippers, and a pair of large webbed hind flippers fused to form a large fan-like tail region that provides powerful forward propulsion. Story At that time, a woman and her father who was driving the car at the side of the lake said she saw a long black creature swimming in the lake. But the appearance of the report was not too memorable to the public until other sightings were reported on July 30, 2007. At that Bridgette Horvath was driving his car when he saw a suspicious water turbulence in the lake. He did not see any boats on the lake. So it must have been caused by turbulence in the water something. Horvath pulled over his car and walked toward the lake with camera in hand. Then, he returned to see the turmoil in the water. Without wasting time, Horvath took a picture immediately. Shaped like a snake. He said. The object was not a log, nor the waves because there is no ship at the time. In fact, you could see something like a large fish, the object was a living thing he went again. Photographs taken immediately decorate Horvath headlines-headlines in the media world. Since then, a mysterious lake creature Cameron got a name, Cammy. But according to the opinion of some other Cryptozoologyst, there is a Cammy possibility Cadborosaurus. TENGU mummy10.jpg In Japan, there are legends about a mysterious alien, which is being considered as the devil and the body is described as having half bird and half human. This creature is called by the name of Tengu. Remarkably, a Tengu mummies stored neatly in Aomori prefecture. Museum of Hachinohe in Aomori, northern Japan, is home to a supposedly Tengu mummy was originally owned by Nambu Nobuyori, Nambu clan leader who ruled Hachinohe in the mid-18th century. Tengu who has become a mummy is believed to come from the city of Nobeoka (Miyazaki prefecture) in southern Japan. Some theories say that the mummy was reached northern Japan after a passed to several family members of the ruling Japanese Samurai, until at last reached the Museum of Hachinohe in Aomori. Description Tengu mythology originated from around the 6th century AD in line with the arrival of Buddhism to Japan from China. Tengu considered a goblin who lived in the woods and mountains. They called to have such supernatural powers can be transformed into the human or animal, can talk to people without opening his mouth and capable of moving from one place to another quickly use their wings. Tengu word actually means dog heaven. In Chinese mythology, this creature has its place with the name of Tien Kou (Tiangou) which means the sky dogs. This name is not in accordance with the description of Tengu. This creature has no way as a dog, but more like a bird. Characteristics of Tengu Tengu has a human head, but has hairy legs and wings like a bird. Tengu has two physical forms. The first is called Karasu tengu who has a head and beak like a bird. The second was a Konoha tengu who has a form like men but have wings and a long nose (sometimes called Yamabushi tengu). CRISTAL SKULL mhcs01_5.gif There is a genuine American legend that says the 13 human skulls made of crystal that can talk and sing. According to legend, the crystal skull contains answers to some mysteries of the world and life. The legend also says that one day, when mankind experienced a major crisis, then the 13 skulls will be rediscovered and once again collected to provide knowledge and information vital to humanity. Story Crystal skull was first discovered in the ruins of Maya cities and buried deep in dense forests. In 1924, British explorer, Frederick Mitchell-Hedges and his colleagues are adventurous, trying to find the remains of the legend of Atlantis in Belize, Central America. One day, when they were walking through dense forest, they found a pile of rocks covered with thick grass and bushes. The rest is history. The group found a city that has long Lubaantun lost, which in Mayan language means the city tumbled stone. Throughout the excavations at the site, adopted son of Mitchell-Hedges, who called her said that she had found a skull made of crystal buried under the altar in one of the ruins of a pyramid-shaped temple. Told, when the skull was found, the Mayan workers immediately filled with a leap of joy. They immediately put the skull above the altar, ritual and dance around it. Apparently, an ancient and supernatural power has returned into the lives of these people. The skull is entirely m ade of transparent crystal. Its size just like a human skull size and very accurate in the anatomy shown with a separate jawbone. Anna Mitchell Hedges skull was found died in 2007 at the age of 100 years. He had kept the skull in his life. Anna believes that the skull had given him strength and health until she was 100 years old. Some people who have spent time with the skull was also admitted to having some strange experiences, like the sound of soft, like a humming out of the skull. And sometimes they could see flashes of images of the past and future are reflected from the skull. Surprisingly, the crystal skull of Anna Mitchell Hedges, not only crystal skull was found. Since this discovery, several other skulls had been found as foretold by ancient legends. Currently there are at least six other skeletons that are stored in museums world-renowned. All these skulls are still unknown origin. Most owners believe that the skull came from Middle America, whether it is from the Maya, A ztecs, or even interest from the period before the Maya is a mysterious tribe of Atlantis. MOTHMAN mothman.jpg On September 11, 2001, the WTC twin towers were hit by two airplanes. The twin towers collapsed, flat on the ground. All eyes of the world look at the event. Of course, these events changed the world of terrorism. However, when the collapse of the twin towers, a mysterious creature caught on camera was flying around the building. Description Mothman is the name given to a creature that was reported seen in Point Pleasant, West Virginia among 12 November 1966 until December 1967. Many witnesses stated that the Mothman is a winged creature like the moth, the size of a human high and the most prominent are the two red eyes glowing. Sometimes there are several witnesses who say that the creature had no head and eyes in the chest. Story The first testimony about the Mothman came on 12 November 1966 of 5 men who were in a local cemetery to prepare a burial ceremony. When theyre working, they realize that there is a human-shaped creature that emerged from the dark between the trees and then flew over their heads. Another report came from two pairs of young couple from Point Pleasant named David and Linda Scarberry and Steve and Mary Mallette. One night on November 15, 1966, they are traveling on the night with Scarberrys car. They passed a factory area in western Virginia named TNT. The name was given because during the Second World War, the plant was used as an ammunition manufacturing location. As they passed the area, they saw the two big red eyes in the darkness of the night near the factory gate. They stopped the car and finally realized that both the red light is a single pair of eyes belonged to a strange creature. In the description, they say, The creature has a height and shape as humans, probably about 1.8 meters tall and has wings folded on its back. The next testimony came from Couple Raymond Wamsley and Mrs. Marcella Bennett. When they were about to drive to visit their friend Ralph Thomas, they are aware of a figure appeared behind their car was parked. According to Mrs. Bennett seems the creature was lying and then slowly rose from the ground. Its looks great with a gray pair of glowing red eyes and wings folded on its back. Mrs Bennet was so frightened that she dropped the babys arms. While Wamsley phoned the police, the creature disappeared. Mothman appearance outside Ohio and Virginia that are in the UK recorded along the road near the village of Sandling Park, Kent on November 16, 1963. Four of the farmers see the animals moving from the sky and disappeared behind the trees not far from them. Because of fear, they ran, but stopped after seeing the oval of golden light floating a few feet above the field. They described the object as a UFO. Suddenly, accompanying the appearance of it, a dark shadow walked and went to the breeders. The shadow was the property of a dark black creature, as tall as humans, without a head and wings like bats. They were so scared and could not move, and then the creature vanished. EL CHUPACABRA Bg_chupacabra.jpg Description The most common testimony about the chupacabra is a creature like reptiles, have skin glaucous and flow back from the neck to tail. Height of about 1-1,2 meters and standing or jumping like a kangaroo. At least one appearance reported that he jumped as high as 6 meters. Other testimony said the creature resembled a dog / panther without fur and fangs long and smells of sulfur. History chupacabra According to the reliefs found in Europe, some researchers connect the chupacabra with gargoyles, creatures that are part of European history and associated with evil spirits. Currently chupacabra have a place in the legends of Latin society. In 2005, Isaac Espinoza spent about $ 6 million from his pocket to investigate the chupacabra. He stayed for eight months in Latin America in the woods with her team. Several times they had encounters with strange creatures like chupacabra. They filmed the creature several times and took samples of hair and skin that had obtained to the University of Texas for analysis. The result is that the creature is not of a kind known today. Report Appearance In April 2006, MosNews reported that the chupacabra seen in Russia for the first time. The report mentions the existence of a strange creature that attacks cattle and sucking their blood. The next report came from a neighboring village who said that 30 sheep were killed and their blood becomes dry. On January 2008 chupacabra reported seen in the province of Capiz in the Philippines. Some local residents believe that the chupacabra has been killed eight chickens. The owners of the chickens are seeing an animal resembling a dog that attacked his chickens. NESSIE 293.jpg Nessie is a familiar call for the Loch Ness Monster, which beings are not yet identified, is said to live on a lake in Scotland called the State Lake Loch.Nessie usually categorized as Lake Monster. This monster is one of the estimated beings purabakala can survive the extinction of the dinosaur era and there earth. Nessie also one of the mysteries of animal other than Bigfoot and Yeti Monster. Description Nessie many close relatives associated with Plesiosaur, which is kind of long-necked dinosaur that lived in water. Its including carnivorous species. Because their habitats in the water made them eat fish. Story One set of researchers from the BBC in July 2003 and arrived at the edge of Lake Loch Ness, Scotland. Their presence in the lake area of 56.4 square miles that aims to uncover the mystery that has for too long confused the public, not just the population in Scotland but throughout the world. It was a very long mystery sounds, dozens of sightings have been made the story from the mouths of witnesses, but the actual existence of a giant lake at the bottom of Loch Ness is still the enigma that is not endless. Some time, the researchers enjoy the view of reconciling the lake Loch heart. In silence, they may ask questions, there is really a giant lurking beneath the surface of the lake water? Is a giant lake that is often called Nessie really exist?. He had long been charged inhabit the lake Loch and many local residents claimed to have seen him since his first appearance around the sixth century. However, more often hide Nessie herself. Centuries passed, Nessie eventually become local le gend. The story of the legend that started back when the worlds attention on July 22, 1933, when a man named Spicer and his wife startled to see a huge creature crossed in front of them. They saw the giant long-necked creature moved toward the lake before disappearing in the thick bush on the contrary. The story of the couple is then spread rapidly, not only throughout Scotland but that all over the world. Parties interested in the story of a giant lake, Loch began offering a tempting prize for anyone who can capture the mysterious creature, living or dead. Even a tycoon, Bertram Mills offered a sum of money of   £ 20,000 to anyone who caught and handed over to him. Since then, reports by successive reports made by the witnesses who claimed to come back to see the giant creature Nessie. Among them are reports of a resident named Grant, he claimed to have seen a huge creature figure at 1 am, January 5, 1934. When the area along the lake, Grant recounts seeing a large object ca me from the edge of the lake. However, these creatures then became aware of Grant and immediately headed toward the lake. Grant then rushed off the boat and motorcycle chase him, but he was only able to see the ripples on the lake after the creature dive into it. OGOPOGO 65.jpg Ogopogo is an intimate call for a lake monster named Canadas Lake Okanagan. Topics for discussion about the existence of mysterious creatures Okanagan Lake has been heard the story since 1850, where at the beginning of the year for the first Ogopogo reveal itself to the tourists and local residents. Description According to witnesses who saw it said that a creature with a large build, dark colour and has a long body shape have emerged surface water and swim down the middle of the lake. It happened in a long time, so they can be freer to observe and identify the creature. According to them, the creature is not a snake, even though few have the same shape on his body. That snake has no registration body size and all these creatures. Many people who listened to the witnesses actually booed them, maybe the creature was indeed a snake, but exaggerated the drawing figures, which became a sensational thing. Report Appearance 1872 Ogopogo appears in this year, two American tourists Mr. and Mrs. Allison is a person who reported appearance. 1947 Ogopogo again reveal itself, but its appearance at this year is remarkable because it moves toward the side of the lake to show you how to swim like a moving body, but not until a few moments later the creature back into the bottom of the lake. This incident was witnessed by at least a dozen witnesses FLYING ROD kiri.jpg Rod, sometimes referred to as fishing heaven, is a new interest in the field of cryptozoology. He is a creature who flew and spun at high speed so elusive to the naked eye. The only evidence of the rod is catching images by the camera because the cameras ability to capture a more accurate movement. Rod sightings occurred in almost all the world. Description Rod called because the shape of his body likes a stick. From the observation by the camera, it can be concluded that the long-Rod between 10 cm to 5 meters. And Rod can also control the direction of flight just like birds or insects. Rod has a body like a thin membrane like a jellyfish, including their axis bones. Some claim that Rod is the animal that has not known and probably still flying anomalocarids family. Results Appearance Recorded a pair of Rod clearly flying out of the cave. 48.jpg Rod White is flying near the tree trunk. 44.jpg Human Blue 266.jpg Legend of Blue-skinned man who was recorded in the history of Kentucky, America is a thing that interested me. Especially if associated with a variety of beliefs about the blue people from various parts of the world. Story This happened 6 generations ago, when it was a French orphan named Martin Fugate got a land grant in 1820 and moved to Eastern Kentucky area, known as the Troublesome Creek. Martin married American woman, Elizabeth Smith, who had red hair and very white skin, white as snow. Fugates family has 7 children, and 4 of them blue-skinned. This family grew in number, as fellow members of Fugates family to marry one another. Marriage between cousins is often the case, Fugates family also married with families of their neighbours. These communities live in remote areas that do not have the infrastructure. The children of blue-skinned Martin finally married to the brother of their mother. Zachariah, a blue-skinned son, married to the mothers siblings, and produce combinations of genes that 100 years later became the cause of Benjy Stacys birth with a purplish blue colour! As a family doctor was astonished at Benjys condition, they explain the story of Benjys great-grandmother, the Luna Fugate. Family says, Luna is a woman who very blue, the blue woman who ever lived. Lunas father is a Levy Fugate, son of Zachariah. Levy married a Ritchie girl and family 200 are purchased land in Ball Creek. The couple had 8 children, including Luna. A young man named John Stacy met Luna at worship weekly at a local Baptist church. Stacy Luna then married and they moved to Ball Creek. Stacy still remembers a father figure-in-law, Levy Fugate who has blue skin colour. All men from the blue-skinned were Luna family. And they dubbed The Blue Fugates. Carrie Lee Kilburn, a nurse at the hospital, recalled Home place Centred Luna and his family as the blue-skinned people. Lunas blue-skinned. Colour dark blue lips, like a bruise. Women were blue Ive ever seen . Stacy Luna has a health condition, gave birth to 13 children and died in old age, 84 years old. Luna is known as an energetic and rarely went to the clinic for treatment. Benjy Stacy was born in a modern hospital near Hazard, Kentucky, not far from Troublesome Creek. Benjy inherited the red hair colour of the mother. But, his great-grandfather of skin colour also declined her! Benjys blue skin. The doctor was surprised, but Benjys parents did not. The doctors send Benjy to be tested at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kentucky. After 2-day inspection, found no cause for the blue colour. After a history of skin Benjys blue in the family is known, the doctors concluded that this condition decreased. However, the blue gene in Benjys body is not as strong as his great grandfather. In a few weeks, the colour of Benjys blue skin began to fade and become normal. However, in a state of anger or too cold, nail and lip colour purple Benjy. OARFISH 20081215-Oarfish3 012 sm.jpg In the past, when cars and airplanes not exist, the travellers explore the world by ship. And since then came the legendary sea monsters extraordinary. Do these monsters really exist? or just a fantasy of a drunken sailor? Although science cannot determine with certainty the identity of these monsters, but at least there are some prime suspects who could be considered. This is one of them, Regalecus Glesne or Oarfish. Description These fish belong to the category of rare and very seldom seen. So rare that the fish is never caught camera alive until the year 2001. He belongs to the family who has Regalecidae four species. One species, Regalecus Glesne, were talking about this, never entered into the Guinness Book of World Records because it has found that living with a body length up to 11 meters. The food is plankton and sea creatures small. He was able to live to a depth of 1000 meters. Strangely, this fish has no scales. His body was covered only by a kind of membrane, called guanine. This fish has a red single fin and includes a loner fish. However, when these fish are sick or dying, like the loner is not want to die in loneliness. So he climbed into the top surface of the sea and stay there until death. Maybe they want to attract the attention of the sailors, or just want to look at the sun for the last time. Oarfish.jpg

Essay --

Good afternoon my fellow Okhrana agents. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Pyotr Ivanovich Rachkovsky. We are here today to discuss our current situation concerning the Bolsheviks a main irritant that stresses the hell out of all of us, and other heathens like them. As you know these past years have been quite problematic for us, for we have been dealing with the ever growing revolution and the increasing amount of traitors that take part to create our demise. I chose this job to serve my country and I swore to protect the good people that reside there, and I believe that violence is the only true answer in stopping these hell bound creatures from biting at our heels any longer. As you may all recall that fateful day on March 13, 1881 our magnificent tsar Alexander the II was assassinated on his trip down to Mikhailovsky Manà ¨ge for the military roll call that he frequently attends every year. Reports back from the chief of police that was accompanying him on his trip indicated that two members of Narodnaya Volya had done the deed. Nikolai Rysakov and Ignacy Hryniewiecki were the culpr...

Compare Carol Ann Duffys Valentine to Andrew Marvells To His Coy Essa

Compare Carol Ann Duffy's Valentine to Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress In this assignment I will be comparing two love poems Carol Ann Duffy's 'Valentine' to Andrew Marvell's 'To His Coy Mistress'. The poem 'Valentine' was written is the twentieth century and in it the speaker uses onion as a metaphor to show her love. The poem 'To His Coy Mistress' was written in the seventeenth century and is about the poet trying to persuade his Mistress to sleep with him. 'Valentine' by Carol Ann Duffy is very different to any other love poem as you would expect to read something romantic, instead she writes about an onion. The poem is divided into four main stanzas and each stanza tells us something new about the relationship and in between there is one or two words in sentence which helps you think about want she is trying to say. The poem starts off with a positive statement 'Not a red rose, or a satin heart'. She states that she will not give her lover a normal valentine present. The poet has chosen to give her lover an onion. She uses the onion as a metaphor for her love. The poet says 'I give you an onion, it is moon wrapped in brown paper,' with this she creates mystery and makes her lover think the reason for this weird present. 'It promises light, like the careful undressing of love.' Here she is telling her lover that their relationship can still survive and she refers to sex as she talks about the undressing of love. The second stanza starts with the use of the word 'Here' makes the reader feel that the poet is in control and that she is actually giving something. She continues with the extended metaphor 'it will blind you with tears',' like a lover, not only will the onion make your eyes w... ...ere are many points we can see this from, but the main one is what the poem does not rhyme which means that it was not thought about when being written, 'To His Coy Mistress' is written to persuade so it is only about one topic 'sex' and there are many religious comparisons to make this look right. This is also done by the poem being divided into three main parts 'if', 'but' and 'so'. The first part of the poem is 'if', the speaker talks about if only he had all the time in the world. This helps him to define his reason to why he is trying to sleep with her quickly as possible. The second part of the poem is about 'but', the speaker talks about the reasons he wants to sleep with her and about how time is running out. In the third part of the poem the speaker goes on to 'so', and dedicates the last part of the poem to tell her that they should have sex.

Traditional Medicines: Tomorrows Miracle Drugs :: Journalistic Essays

Traditional medicines as they were passed on through generations formed the basis of health care in the earliest civilizations. New medical discoveries evolved from this foundation as the medical field developed throughout the ages. Of particular interest are the highly developed Turkish traditional medicines. Important trade routes from advanced societies such as the Chinese and Islamic nations passed through Turkey, thus introducing their respective medicinal knowledge to this area. In addition, Turkey has a large diversity of endemic plant species which provided them with the necessary natural products used in these "remedies". Dr. Nil Sari has translated Islamic medicinal documents and has identified traditional medicines used to treat what presently is termed "cancer". Professor John Snyder's lab has used Dr. Sari's discoveries to isolate a plant-derived bioactive compound and is currently in the process of synthesizing it. I joined Professor Snyder's synthetic organic lab group September 1995. I have been assigned my own project under his supervision. The research involves synthesizing a series of triazines with varying substituents. Triazines are molecules with three nitrogen atoms in its structure. These compounds will then be used as prototypes so that I may test different cyanide replacement reactions. In these reactions, cyanide replaces a specific original substituent on the triazine. Cyanide withdraws electrons from the rest of the molecule, making the atoms around the cyanide "electron-deficient". Dr. Snyder's lab synthesizes ringed molecules through an "inverse Diels-Alder" reaction. Generally, an orbital of an electron-deficient molecule with a "double-single-double" bond sequence overlaps with an orbital of an electron rich reactant. The overlapped orbitals form a bond, which in turn forms the reactants into a ringed molecule. Cyanide displacements are thus an important technique in preparin g electron-deficient reactants to form ringed molecules. The triazine series will also be used as testing molecules in the development of a "nitrogen-15" probe. Dr. Hodge Markgraf from Williams College is developing a nuclear magnetic resonance machine for the nitrogen-15 atom. NMR determines the structure of a molecule by plotting the nuclear-spin transitions of the atoms when exposed to an external magnetic field. So far, NMR has mainly focused on the hydrogen-1 and carbon-13 isotopes. The N-15 atom is also NMR active because it has an uneven number of protons (7) and therefore has magnetic properties. Traditional Medicines: Tomorrows Miracle Drugs :: Journalistic Essays Traditional medicines as they were passed on through generations formed the basis of health care in the earliest civilizations. New medical discoveries evolved from this foundation as the medical field developed throughout the ages. Of particular interest are the highly developed Turkish traditional medicines. Important trade routes from advanced societies such as the Chinese and Islamic nations passed through Turkey, thus introducing their respective medicinal knowledge to this area. In addition, Turkey has a large diversity of endemic plant species which provided them with the necessary natural products used in these "remedies". Dr. Nil Sari has translated Islamic medicinal documents and has identified traditional medicines used to treat what presently is termed "cancer". Professor John Snyder's lab has used Dr. Sari's discoveries to isolate a plant-derived bioactive compound and is currently in the process of synthesizing it. I joined Professor Snyder's synthetic organic lab group September 1995. I have been assigned my own project under his supervision. The research involves synthesizing a series of triazines with varying substituents. Triazines are molecules with three nitrogen atoms in its structure. These compounds will then be used as prototypes so that I may test different cyanide replacement reactions. In these reactions, cyanide replaces a specific original substituent on the triazine. Cyanide withdraws electrons from the rest of the molecule, making the atoms around the cyanide "electron-deficient". Dr. Snyder's lab synthesizes ringed molecules through an "inverse Diels-Alder" reaction. Generally, an orbital of an electron-deficient molecule with a "double-single-double" bond sequence overlaps with an orbital of an electron rich reactant. The overlapped orbitals form a bond, which in turn forms the reactants into a ringed molecule. Cyanide displacements are thus an important technique in preparin g electron-deficient reactants to form ringed molecules. The triazine series will also be used as testing molecules in the development of a "nitrogen-15" probe. Dr. Hodge Markgraf from Williams College is developing a nuclear magnetic resonance machine for the nitrogen-15 atom. NMR determines the structure of a molecule by plotting the nuclear-spin transitions of the atoms when exposed to an external magnetic field. So far, NMR has mainly focused on the hydrogen-1 and carbon-13 isotopes. The N-15 atom is also NMR active because it has an uneven number of protons (7) and therefore has magnetic properties.

Age of Enlightenment Essay

In his essay ‘What is Enlightenment?’ Immanuel Kant discusses the nature of Enlightenment and how it can be brought to the general public. According to Kant, â€Å"Enlightenment is man’s release from his self-incurred tutelage.† By this, Kant means that Enlightenment is when one man is able to make use of his understanding without guidance from another man. Kant sees an Age of Enlightenment as a time when the human society can be liberated from their nature of discharge, which is a need for someone to be their director. However, Kant also states that we have a natural need for tutelage when we are young, and that it is perfectly all right. In addition, after nature discharges us of this need, we should activate our rational ability. Enlightenment according to Kant is the progress of a society through free activity of rational thought and intellectual assessment. In an Enlightened Age, the public would be able to manage their given freedoms with competence. However, Kant claims that we do not live in an ‘Enlightened Age’; rather, we live in an ‘Age of Enlightenment.’ By this statement, he means that an Enlightened Age would be an age where we have overcome all self-incurred tutelage. An Age of Enlightenment is the current age, where we have not overcome all self-incurred tutelage, but where we have begun to activate our own powers of reason and have begun to make progress through critique. Also in his essay, Kant distinguishes between the public and private use of reason. He states that ‘the public use of one’s reason must always be free and it alone can bring about enlightenment among men.’ In saying this, the author views public usage of reason as for the purpose of progress. Kant regards the private use of reason as ‘that which one may make of it in a particular civil post or office which is entrusted to him.’ In other words, the philosopher explains the private use of reason as a rational worker in a specific occupation. In my opinion, Kant was a great thinker. I could not argue with his supporters that claim that he is the last philosopher. Reading this clip of his beliefs, I think that Kant makes a great point. I agree that for the human race to be considered enlightened we will need to avoid the natural urge to want to not feel alienated. Humans are generally a dependant species, needing company or some sort of contact with other humans. Along with this, we usually do not want to feel different and hence, we sometimes model our actions after what we see others do. In conclusion, Immanuel Kant’s essay, ‘What is Enlightenment?’ describes the time we are living in as an Age of Enlightenment, not an Enlightened Age. Kant also theorizes that to be in the ideal Enlightened Age, society will have to make irrational thoughts and actions obsolete. Society will need to make decisions after careful study of the possible outcome and effects their choices may cause. Bibliography: Essay â€Å"what is enlightenment?† by Immaneul kant

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 30

Stefan drove like a maniac al the way back to the boardinghouse. â€Å"I can't believe I forgot to tel him that his name had been cal ed,† he said for what felt like the hundredth time. â€Å"I can't believe we left him alone.† â€Å"Slow down,† Meredith told him, trying to hold Matt's sleeping body steady in the backseat as Stefan whipped around a corner, tires squealing. â€Å"You're going way too fast.† â€Å"We're in a hurry,† Stefan growled, yanking on the wheel to make a hard right. Alaric turned around in the passenger seat and gave Meredith a panicky look as Stefan narrowly missed a garbage truck. She sighed. She knew he was trying to make up for his mistake, for not tel ing them immediately that Matt's name had appeared in the herb shop, but kil ing them al in a race to get home wasn't exactly the solution. Besides, although they probably would have done things differently if they'd known, it might not have changed the outcome for Matt. It wasn't as if their precautions had saved either Bonnie or Elena. â€Å"At least you've got vampire reflexes,† she said, more to reassure Alaric than out of any particular confidence in Stefan's driving abilities. She'd insisted on being the one sitting in the back with Matt, and now she turned her attention to him. She put a restraining hand on his chest so he wouldn't go tumbling to the floor as the car jerked and swerved. He was so stil . None of the twitching and eye movements that usual y went with sleep, just the steady shal ow rise and fal of his breathing. He wasn't even snoring. And she knew from camping trips as far back as sixth grade that Matt snored like a buzz saw. Always. Meredith never cried. Not even when the worst happened. And she wasn't going to start now, not when her friends needed her calm and focused to try to figure out how to save them. But if she had been the kind of girl who cried, instead of the kind of girl who strategized, she would have been sobbing. And even now, the breath caught in her throat a little painful y, until she schooled herself into impassive calm again. She was the only one left. Of the four old friends who'd gone through school and summers and adolescence and al the horrors the supernatural world could throw at them, she was the only one the phantom hadn't captured. Yet. Meredith clenched her teeth and held Matt steady. Stefan pul ed up and parked in front of the boardinghouse, having somehow avoided causing any damage to other cars or pedestrians along the way. Alaric and Meredith started to inch Matt careful y out of the car, looping his arms around their necks and slowly shifting him forward into a half-standing position. But Stefan simply grabbed Matt away from them and threw him over his shoulder. â€Å"Let's go,† he said, and stalked off toward the boardinghouse, easily balancing Matt's unconscious body with one hand, not looking back. â€Å"He's become kind of a strange guy,† Alaric commented, watching Stefan alertly. The sunshine caught the stubble on Alaric's unshaven chin and it glinted with a touch of gold. He turned toward Meredith and gave her a rueful, disarming grin. â€Å"Once more into the breach†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he said. Meredith took his hand, warm and solid in her own. â€Å"Come on,† she said. Once they were in the boardinghouse, Stefan clomped straight upstairs to deposit Matt with the other bodies – the other sleepers, Meredith reminded herself fiercely. Meredith and Alaric, hand in hand, turned toward the kitchen. As she pushed the door open, Meredith heard Mrs. Flowers's voice. â€Å"Very useful indeed, my dear,† she was saying, a warm note of approval in her voice. â€Å"You've done very wel . I'm so grateful.† Meredith gaped. At the kitchen table with Mrs. Flowers, cool and calm and pretty in a blue linen dress, sat Dr. Celia Conner, sipping tea. â€Å"Hel o, Alaric. Hel o, Meredith,† said Celia. Her dark eyes bored cool y into Meredith's. â€Å"You'l never believe what I've found.† â€Å"What?† said Alaric eagerly, letting go of Meredith's hand. Her heart sank. Celia reached into a tote bag sitting by her chair and pul ed out a thick book bound in ragged brown leather. She smiled triumphantly and announced, â€Å"It's a book on phantoms. Dr. Beltram ended up sending me to Dalcrest Col ege, which actual y has a very comprehensive col ection of texts on the paranormal.† â€Å"I suggest we adjourn to the den,† Mrs. Flowers said, â€Å"where we can be more comfortable, and examine its contents together.† They moved to the den, but Stefan, when he joined them, did not seem any more comfortable. â€Å"Different types of phantoms,† he said, taking the book from Celia and flipping rapidly through the pages. â€Å"The history of phantoms in our dimension. Where is the banishment ritual? Why doesn't this thing have an index?† Celia shrugged. â€Å"It's very old and rare,† she said. â€Å"It was difficult to find, and it's the only book on the subject we're likely to be able to get our hands on, maybe the only one that exists, so we'l have to excuse things like that. These older texts, the authors wanted you to read straight through and real y learn about their subject, to understand what they wanted to tel you, not just to find the page you needed right away. You might try looking near the end, though.† Alaric was watching Stefan whip through the pages with an expression of pain. â€Å"It's a rare book, Stefan,† he said. â€Å"Please be more careful with it. Would you like me to look? I'm used to finding what I need in these kinds of books.† Stefan snarled, literal y snarled at him, and Meredith felt the hairs along the back of her neck rise. â€Å"I'l do it myself, teacher. I'm in a hurry.† He squinted down at the text. â€Å"Why does it have to be in such ornate print?† he complained. â€Å"Don't tel me it's because it's old. I'm older than it is, and I can barely read it. Huh. ‘Phantoms who are feeding like vampires on one choice sensibility, whether it be guilt, or despair, or grudge; or lust for victuals, the demon rum, or fal en women. The stronger be the sensibility, the worse be the outcome of the phantom created.' I think we could have figured that out ourselves.† Mrs. Flowers was standing slightly removed from the rest of the group, eyes fixed on empty air, muttering seemingly to herself as she communed with her mother. â€Å"I know,† she said. â€Å"I'l tel them.† Her eyes focused on the others as they stood around Stefan, peering over his shoulders. â€Å"Mama says that time is getting short,† she warned. Stefan leaped to his feet and exploded. â€Å"I know it's getting short,† he roared, getting right up into Mrs. Flowers's surprised face. â€Å"Can't your mother tel us something useful for once?† Mrs. Flowers staggered away from him, reaching out to steady herself on the back of a chair. Her face was white, and suddenly she looked older and more frail than ever before. Stefan's eyes widened, their color darkening to a stormy sea green, and he held out his hands, his face horrified. â€Å"I'm sorry,† he said. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I don't know what came over me†¦ I'm just so worried about Elena and the others.† â€Å"I know, Stefan,† Mrs. Flowers said gravely. She had regained her balance and she looked stronger, calm and wise again. â€Å"We will get them back, you know. You must have faith. Mama does.† Stefan sat down, turning back to the book, his lips pressed together into a straight line. Her skin prickling with apprehension, Meredith gripped her stave more tightly as she watched him. When she had revealed to the others that the members of her family were hereditary vampire hunters and that it was now her turn to take on the duty, she had told Elena and Stefan that she would never turn on Stefan, that she understood that he wasn't like other, evil vampires, that he was good: harmless and benign to humans. She had made no such promises about Damon, and Elena and Stefan hadn't asked her to. They al shared an unspoken understanding that Damon couldn't real y be characterized as harmless, not even when he begrudgingly worked with them, and that Meredith would need to keep her options open when it came to him. But Stefan†¦ she had never thought this would happen, but now Meredith was worried that someday she might not be able to keep her promises about Stefan. She had never seen him acting the way he had been lately: irrational, angry, violent, unpredictable. She knew his behavior was probably caused by the phantom, but was Stefan becoming too dangerous? Could she kil him if she had to? He was her friend. Meredith's heart was racing. She realized that her knuckles had whitened against her fighting stave, and her hand ached. Yes, she realized, she would fight Stefan and try to kil him, if she had to. It was true that he was her friend, but her duty had to come first. She took a deep breath and consciously relaxed her hands. Stay calm, she coached herself. Breathe. Stefan was keeping himself more or less under control. It wasn't a decision she had to make. Not yet, anyway. A few minutes later, Stefan stopped flipping pages. â€Å"Here,† he said. â€Å"I think this is it.† He handed the book to Mrs. Flowers. She scanned the page quickly and nodded. â€Å"That feels like the right ritual,† she said seriously. â€Å"I ought to have everything we need to perform it right here in the house.† Alaric reached for the book. He read the spel , too, frowning. â€Å"Does it have to be a blood spel ?† he asked Mrs. Flowers. â€Å"If it backfires, the phantom might be able to turn it against us.† â€Å"I'm afraid it's going to have to be a blood spel ,† Mrs. Flowers replied. â€Å"We'd need more time to experiment to change the spel , and time is the one thing we don't have. If the phantom is able to use its captives the way we think it can, it's only going to get more powerful.† Alaric began to speak again but was interrupted. â€Å"Wait,† said Celia, a slightly shril note in her usual y husky voice. â€Å"A blood spel ? What does that mean? I don't want to get involved in anything† – she searched for a word – â€Å"unsavory.† She reached for the book, but Stefan slammed his hand down on it. â€Å"Unsavory or not, this is what we're doing,† he said quietly, but with a voice as hard as steel. â€Å"And you're a part of it. It's too late for you to back out now. I won't let you.† Celia gave a convulsive shudder and cringed back in her chair. â€Å"Don't you dare threaten me,† she said, her voice quavering. â€Å"Everybody calm down,† Meredith said sharply. â€Å"Celia, no one is going to make you do anything unless you agree to it. I'l protect you myself if need be.† Her eyes flew quickly to Alaric, who was glancing back and forth between them, looking worried. â€Å"But we need your help. Please. You may have saved us al by finding the spel , and we're grateful, but Stefan's right – you're part of this, too. I don't know if it'l work without you.† She hesitated a beat. â€Å"Or, if it does, it might leave you as the phantom's only target,† she added cunningly. Celia shivered again and wrapped her arms around herself. â€Å"I'm not a coward,† she said miserably. â€Å"I'm a scientist, and this†¦ irrational mysticism worries me. But I'm in. I'l help any way I can.† Meredith, for the first time, felt a flash of sympathy for her. She understood how hard it must be for Celia to continue to think of herself as a logical person while the boundaries of what she'd always accepted as reality col apsed around her. â€Å"Thank you, Celia.† Meredith glanced around the room at the others. â€Å"We've got the ritual. We've got the ingredients. We just need to gather everything together and start casting the spel . Are we ready?† Everyone sat up straighter, their faces taking on expressions of stern resolve. As scary as this was, it was good to final y have a purpose and a plan. Stefan breathed deeply and visibly took hold of himself, his shoulders relaxing and his stance settling into something less predatory. â€Å"Okay, Meredith,† he said. His stormy green eyes met her cool gray ones, in perfect accord. â€Å"Let's do this.†