Roles & Responsibilities in Lifelong Learning

The roles and responsibilities of a teacher within in the lifelong learning sector have been shaped and developed by a range of factors. From cultural changes, greater understanding of learning styles and the laws which govern the education community as a whole. In this essay I will cover some of roles and responsibilities of a teacher and the relationships between teachers and the the various stakeholders in the LLS. I hope to illustrate the complex network of relationships between the individual and the professional bodies in this sector.Teach tiË tÊÆ'/Verb 1. impart knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do something. The definition above doesn’t take into account the context of the information transaction itself. Teachers today are governed by a series of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice which together underpin the professional boundaries which educators should operate within. The broad range of a teacher’s responsibilities begi ns with basic tasks such as recording attendance or complying with disciplinary procedures to understanding the complex needs of their learners.Every teacher is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the learners in the classroom. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the legislation which underpins a teacher's duty of care to their students. Beyond the physical safety of a learner a teacher must also ensure they meet professional standards and observe the rules and guidance of awarding bodies. Equality & diversity in teaching is provided for by the Equality Act 2010 which covers nine protected characteristics.It is the responsibility of the teacher to promote and uphold the principles of fairness and inclusivity in the classroom. Disability is one of these protected characteristics; a teacher is required to make reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities based on the impairment. e. g a reader for a blind learner or written materials for a deaf learner. Fur thermore where this is not practical or unavailable a teacher should locate additional support.My experience within the lifelong learning sector is very limited however I have adopted the role of a teacher whilst working in the youth employment sector – I coordinate the local authorities’ apprenticeship programme – and part of the role has required me to run sessions for young people searching for employment. I would facilitate workshops at the Jobcentre Plus – It was my role to arrange for a suitable learning environment and select an appropriate venue, and ensure handouts and resources are available for all participants.In my experience working within recruitment for a local authority the principles of equality and inclusivity are built into our processes ensuring all stakeholders are free from discrimination and exclusion. I would adapt my approach in the workshops by broadening the case studies used to reflect the cultural profile of the workshop part icipants. It is hugely important to detect and cater for differing learner needs. Dunn and Dunn, 1993 say matching teaching technique with learning styles significantly improves learning outcomes.The process of identifying learning styles and modifying of teaching techniques is known as differentiation. ‘Differentiation is†¦.. the process of identifying, with each learner, the most effective strategies for achieving agreed targets’. 1 (Weston 1992) The JCP sessions are stand-alone and in this context I am unable to understand prior to the session the individual learner needs. It was my responsibility to carefully plan the content of the workshop and the activities it contained to suit a variety of learner needs.To improve the sessions I could include powerpoint presentations, discuss the programme and set-up role play activities to cover the visual, audio & kinaesthetic learning styles. (VAK) To improve the JCP group’s engagement I would usually arrange for an existing apprentice to join the workshop to offer an insider perspective and act as a live case study which the young people can identify with. The apprentice can relate to the group with and this proves the most productive part of the session and is intended to elicit deep learning.‘Deep learning is fundamentally concerned with the creation of knowledge, which the learner is able to relate to their own experience and use to understand new experiences and contexts. ’ John West Bernhams,Understand Learning – Page 8 (Article) This inclusive approach is shown to improve motivation, and has always improved the value of the workshop and enhanced the session. There are many types of teaching role each with their own characteristics. From specialised teachers which tend to have particular knowledge and skill to trainers who use techniques to deliver information for a particular task.In the future I hope to adopt a different role; I plan to act as a mentor to an appre ntice. My role will be to provide guidance and support to an individual based on their needs. Mentoring is a 1-2-1 relationship which can mean I will either challenge or champion the mentee depending on the situation. In acting as a mentor I must observe my employers procedures and policies which may affect the frequency of the session or the protocols I should follow if difficulties arise. As I mentioned in the introduction a teacher is not just the conduit for learning – They are almost always part of a larger organisation.It was the responsibility of the teacher to adopt and implement their organisation's policies. A class teacher forms part of a chain and will report to year leaders a eadteacher, Governing body, local authority to the Department of Education. The Department of Education is the governing body responsible for the oversight of education in England. Teachers and the organisations they work within must meet professional standards. The Office for Standards in E ducation, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) is the non-ministerial government department which reports directly to parliament.Its remit is to inspect and regulate education and training for learners of all ages and for inspecting and regulating those services which care for children and young people. From performance to safeguarding, as a teacher it would be my responsibility to be scrutinised by Ofsted and ensure my activities meet the agreed standards. Like most professional fields there are boundaries which must be observed by teachers. These can range from the syllabus, timescales, resources, awarding bodies to government policies. Each of these factors may have layers of external contributing factors which influence them in turn.Ofqual, who regulate qualifications, examinations and assessments in England (http://ofqual. gov. uk), came to prominence last summer over GCSE re-grading decisions. Although it did not directly impact on teachers it illustrates the interaction be tween two stakeholders in the sector. An awarding body will have clear codes of practice which must be adhered to, in order tallow for accurate quality assurance and standardisation on results. It is important for teachers to understand where professional boundaries lie.For example in some cases where an individual learners needs requires the assistance of expert help it must be sought. Attempting to support the learner without seeking expert advice may have a negative effect on the individual as well as others. Often a teacher’s role is to signpost learners to the best resources. In a school context this may mean directing someone to a more specialised teacher in the organisation or an external support like a Local Authority service. Keeping abreast of the support available is an important part of navigating these boundaries.Joining a professional association such as the Institute for Learning or researching best practice using the Excellence Gateway are recommended ways to keep up good practice polished and fresh. The government publish Teacher Standards. These standards set the minimum requirements for teachers’ practice and conduct. They are devised by educators and are in part there to ensure positive learning environment is sustained. It is particularly important in the lifelong learning sector to foster a supportive and safe learning environment.For instance adult students may have had a negative experience of education so it is essential that from day one ground rules are agreed upon and the teacher plans activities that will allow students to build relationships. â€Å"without ground rules, disruption may occur and affect the learning of your group† Gravels. A, (PTLLS 2008 pg 7) An effective way of promoting consensus in ground rules and compliance is giving the learners the opportunity to devise the rulebook themselves. In this model a teacher’s role is to facilitate the decision-making process and respect the outcome.By c ontributing as a group they each take ownership of their individual responsibility to follow the rules. In handing over this decision-making process the teacher will begin to build a trusting relationship with the learners are more likely to follow the rules they have devised over rules they are forced to adopt The techniques and activities used by a teacher can help to build respect and promote appropriate behaviour in class. The use of pair work, and small group activities can help to forge relationships and engender respect amongst the learners.A great ice breaker activity which includes the entire group can be an effective way to begin this process. A teacher would set the task and ensure everyone is included. I’ve talked about some examples of the roles and responsibilities of teachers with the lifelong learning sector, but in reality these are limited to what I’ve described. Beyond the walls of the classroom there are a multitude of organisations, professional bo dies and resources which exist to develop and support Teachers. Each of them play a role in providing the appropriate checks and balances needed to ensure a healthy, evolving sector. Roles & Responsibilities in Lifelong Learning The roles and responsibilities of a teacher within in the lifelong learning sector have been shaped and developed by a range of factors. From cultural changes, greater understanding of learning styles and the laws which govern the education community as a whole. In this essay I will cover some of roles and responsibilities of a teacher and the relationships between teachers and the the various stakeholders in the LLS. I hope to illustrate the complex network of relationships between the individual and the professional bodies in this sector.Teach tiË tÊÆ'/ Verb 1. impart knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do something.The definition above doesn’t take into account the context of the information transaction itself. Teachers today are governed by a series of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice which together underpin the professional boundaries which educators should operate within.The broad range of a teacher’s responsibilities begin s with basic tasks such as recording attendance or complying with disciplinary procedures to understanding the complex needs of their learners. Every teacher is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the learners in the classroom. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the legislation which underpins a teacher's duty of care to their students. Beyond the physical safety of a learner a teacher must also ensure they meet professional standards and observe the rules and guidance of awarding bodies.Equality & diversity in teaching is provided for by the Equality Act 2010 which covers nine protected characteristics. It is the responsibility of the teacher to promote and uphold the principles of fairness and inclusivity in the classroom. Disability is one of these protected characteristics; a teacher is required to make reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities based on the impairment. e.g a reader for a blind learner or written materials for a deaf learner. Furt hermore where this is not practical or unavailable a teacher should locate additional support.My experience within the lifelong learning sector is very limited however I have adopted the role of a teacher whilst working in the youth employment sector – I coordinate the local authorities’ apprenticeship programme – and part of the role has required me to run sessions for young people searching for employment. I would facilitate workshops at the Jobcentre Plus – It was my role to arrange for a suitable learning environment and select an appropriate venue, and ensure handouts and resources are available for all participants.In my experience working within recruitment for a local authority the principles of equality and inclusivity are built into our processes ensuring all stakeholders are free from discrimination and exclusion. I would adapt my approach in the workshops by broadening the case studies used to reflect the cultural profile of the workshop parti cipants.It is hugely important to detect and cater for differing learner needs. Dunn and Dunn, 1993 say matching teaching technique with learning styles significantly improves learning outcomes. The process of identifying learning styles and modifying of teaching techniques is known as differentiation.‘Differentiation is†¦.. the process of identifying, with each learner, the most effective strategies for achieving agreed targets’.1 (Weston 1992)The JCP sessions are stand-alone and in this context I am unable to understand prior to the session the individual learner needs. It was my responsibility to carefully plan the content of the workshop and the activities it contained to suit a variety of learner needs. To improve the sessions I could include powerpoint presentations, discuss the programme and set-up role play activities to cover the visual, audio & kinaesthetic learning styles. (VAK)To improve the JCP group’s engagement I would usually arrange for an e xisting apprentice to join the workshop to offer an insider perspective and act as a live case study which the young people can identify with. The apprentice can relate to the group with and this proves the most productive part of the session and is intended to elicit deep learning.‘Deep learning is fundamentally concerned with the creation of knowledge, which the learner is able to relate to their own experience and use to understand new experiences and contexts.’John West Bernhams,Understand Learning – Page 8 (Article)This inclusive approach is shown to improve motivation, and has always improved the value of the workshop and enhanced the session.There are many types of teaching role each with their own characteristics. From specialised teachers which tend to have particular knowledge and skill to trainers who use techniques to deliver information for a particular task. In the future I hope to adopt a different role; I plan to act as a mentor to an apprentice. My role will be to provide guidance and support to an individual based on their needs. Mentoring is a 1-2-1 relationship which can mean I will either challenge or champion the mentee depending on the situation. In acting as a mentor I must observe my employers procedures and policies which may affect the frequency of the session or the protocols I should follow if difficulties arise.As I mentioned in the introduction a teacher is not just the conduit for learning – They are almost always part of a larger organisation. It was the responsibility of the teacher to adopt and implement their organisation's policies. A class teacher forms part of a chain and will report to year leaders a eadteacher, Governing body, local authority to the Department of Education. The Department of Education is the governing body responsible for the oversight of education in England.Teachers and the organisations they work within must meet professional standards. The Office for Standards in Education , Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) is the non-ministerial government department which reports directly to parliament. Its remit is to inspect and regulate education and training for learners of all ages and for inspecting and regulating those services which care for children and young people. From performance to safeguarding, as a teacher it would be my responsibility to be scrutinised by Ofsted and ensure my activities meet the agreed standards.Like most professional fields there are boundaries which must be observed by teachers. These can range from the syllabus, timescales, resources, awarding bodies to government policies. Each of these factors may have layers of external contributing factors which influence them in turn. Ofqual, who regulate qualifications, examinations and assessments in England (http://ofqual.gov.uk), came to prominence last summer over GCSE re-grading decisions. Although it did not directly impact on teachers it illustrates the interaction between two stakeholders in the sector. An awarding body will have clear codes of practice which must be adhered to, in order tallow for accurate quality assurance and standardisation on results.It is important for teachers to understand where professional boundaries lie. For example in some cases where an individual learners needs requires the assistance of expert help it must be sought. Attempting to support the learner without seeking expert advice may have a negative effect on the individual as well as others. Often a teacher’s role is to signpost learners to the best resources. In a school context this may mean directing someone to a more specialised teacher in the organisation or an external support like a Local Authority service.Keeping abreast of the support available is an important part of navigating these boundaries. Joining a professional association such as the Institute for Learning or researching best practice using the Excellence Gateway are recommended ways to keep up g ood practice polished and fresh. The government publish Teacher Standards. These standards set the minimum requirements for teachers’ practice and conduct. They are devised by educators and are in part there to ensure positive learning environment is sustained.It is particularly important in the lifelong learning sector to foster a supportive and safe learning environment. For instance adult students may have had a negative experience of education so it is essential that from day one ground rules are agreed upon and the teacher plans activities that will allow students to build relationships. â€Å"without ground rules, disruption may occur and affect the learning of your group† Gravels. A, (PTLLS 2008 pg 7)An effective way of promoting consensus in ground rules and compliance is giving the learners the opportunity to devise the rulebook themselves. In this model a teacher’s role is to facilitate the decision-making process and respect the outcome. By contributi ng as a group they each take ownership of their individual responsibility to follow the rules. In handing over this decision-making process the teacher will begin to build a trusting relationship with the learners are more likely to follow the rules they have devised over rules they are forced to adoptThe techniques and activities used by a teacher can help to build respect and promote appropriate behaviour in class. The use of pair work, and small group activities can help to forge relationships and engender respect amongst the learners. A great ice breaker activity which includes the entire group can be an effective way to begin this process. A teacher would set the task and ensure everyone is included.I’ve talked about some examples of the roles and responsibilities of teachers with the lifelong learning sector, but in reality these are limited to what I’ve described. Beyond the walls of the classroom there are a multitude of organisations, professional bodies and r esources which exist to develop and support Teachers. Each of them play a role in providing the appropriate checks and balances needed to ensure a healthy, evolving sector.

Cultural Effects of Hurricane Katrina Essay

Anyone familiar with New Orleans will not fail to passionately describe to you one of its great rich culture – Jazz! That New Orleans is the cradle of Jazz in the world is an undisputable fact. Yes, Jazz was born in this part of the world in the late 1800’s before spreading to other parts of America and the rest of the world thereafter. In the annual cultural festivals in New Orleans over the years, Jazz was always more or less the heart beat of the whole cultural process. The festivals could not start or finish without Jazz. But boom! This was rudely interrupted in August 29, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit home. Within no time over a thousand lives were lost and more than 700,000 people were displaced, with more than 300,000 homes damaged. America had never witnessed such a catastrophe that led to one of the most severe humanitarian crisis it had ever seen (www. weather. com). New Orleans would never be the same again. This traumatic tragedy had a great psychological impact on the victims. Many people and families were separated from their loved ones. These included young children who were separated from their parents and pets. No one’s life was going to be the same again. Within no time families that used to gather in the evening at the dinner table could hardly locate the whereabouts of their loved ones. As such, these lead them to suffer great uncertainty and anxiety. Many residents were quite familiar with the comfort and warmth of their beds after sumptuous evening meal, yet now were hurdled together sleeping on the floor of the crowded Super Dome. No one had experienced this ever before. Families that previously could afford all they wanted were now reduced to paupers living on rations and shelter provided by the government and well-wishers. Schools, factories, hospitals and other important facilities were shut down and no life was the same again. People who were previously running successful businesses, had no businesses to go to anymore, employees familiar with their paychecks every week were rendered jobless and unemployment levels rose from 6%-12%. No one was left out including animals, with over 8,000 animals being rescued and more others reported dead. In most of the rescue missions via helicopters and rescue boats, captains often refused to load pets so that they could create room for more people. However, many families were not co-operative, they refused to evacuate without their pets because of the strong attachment to them. When disasters strike the most vulnerable groups are children, women, poor families and senior citizens. In Katrina’s case, nothing was far from this truth; most of the victims fitted this description precisely and most came from the poor African American community. Lack of water, food, shelter and sanitation facilities led to the outbreak of health problems. Cases of dehydration, food poisoning and diarrhea were on a sharp increase. Also because of the contamination of food and drinking water supplies, respiratory illnesses were on the upward trend. This complex situation was coupled by the fact that major chemical plants and refineries released pollutants into the water-ways further aggravating the already delicate situation. Thus asthmatic people and those with allergy condition were tremendously affected (Ryan Parry 1). There was also a sharp increase in mental illnesses and depression brought about by trauma and shock. Perhaps the most psychologically affected were young children between the ages of 3 years to 18 years. They had never witnessed such disaster in there lives before, they started refusing to go to school, there academics took a nose dive and suffered memory problems and mostly feared separation. The situation was further compounded by the fact that relief and rescue efforts were not quickly dispensed as they should have. The Government was criticized for being slow to respond and for being discriminative against the African Americans. By the time help was coming the victims were already disillusioned, impatient and ravaged, they resorted to looting and stealing, something that had never been witnessed before (Julian Borger and Duncan Campbell, 2). The human migration that took place after Katrina has never been witnessed before in America; save for the Great Migration in the 1830’s when there was mass immigration from Africa – thanks to slave trade. Thousands of families relocated from New Orleans to escape the wrath of Mother Nature. For many they could not bare this nightmare anymore and remaining behind would constantly remind them of the trauma. Many people found it also very difficult to reconstruct their lives especially after loosing important documents like insurance information, birth certificates, marriage licenses and other important documents. Behind every dark cloud there’s always a silver lining. Whenever disaster strikes, it brings in a very high sense of unity among the victims. It was admirable to see people from various backgrounds sleep side by side in the Super Dome. No one was more equal than the other. Hence, there were people of mixed races, diverse financial and social backgrounds, sharing common amenities. Jazz had united the residents of New Orleans for many years, Katrina despite of its untold damage and loss of lives had united them again, albeit in a strange and different way! Works cited Julian Borger and Duncan Campbell. The Guardian. Why did help take so long to arrive? Saturday September 3, 2005. Available at: http://www. guardian. co. uk/katrina/story/0,16441,1561909,00. html. Accessed on 31. 07. 07 The weather Channel Available at: http://www. weather. com/newscenter/specialreports/hurricanes/vulnerablecities/neworleans. html. Accessed on 31. 07. 07 Ryan Parry. Mississippi burning. New Orleans 03/09/2005. Available at: http://www. mirror. co. uk/news/tm_objectid=15926357&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=mississippi-burning–name_page. html. Accessed on 31. 07. 07

Italian culture, government, economy, business, foreign trade and Essay

Italian culture, government, economy, business, foreign trade and ethical issues - Essay Example the Mafia and corruption in the government. But take a look now, Italy is at the moment one of the most industrialized nations in the world. It is the second most popular tourist country in the world only next to USA. It is also the world's largest wine producer. Italy is one of the most culture-oriented country in the world. Today, it has given us Antonioni and Fellini (in cinematic arts), Pavarotti and Bocelli (in operatic music), Maria Montessori (in education), Armani, Gucci, Prada, Versace and Valentino (in fashion arts) and Damiani (in jewelry-making). The Duomo cathedral, the leaning tower of Pisa, the Piazza San Marco in Venice and the La Scala theater are showcases of Italian architecture. But the ones who made a dent and established Italy as the center of world culture are the Renaissance artists, intellectuals and scientists of the 14th to 16th century. The Renaissance or rebirth produced a revival of classical culture and a heightened interest in classical literature and philosophy. It Bernini, Titian, Verdi, Puccini, Vivaldi, Rossini, Donizetti, Galileo, poet Petrarch and philosopher Nicolo Machiavelli. In that era the city-state of Florence was the center of the movement where prolific artists, fostered by the ruling Medici family, strut their talents to the fore. Another important contribution of Italy to world culture is the opera. An opera is a "play in which all the words are sung to an instrumental accompaniment"(Art and Man 32). The earliest opera known to mankind was Daphne, composed by Jacobo Peri in Florence in 1597. However, Eurydice, again by Peri with lyrics by Giulio Cacchini and based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, is on record the earliest surviving opera. Opera as an art was perfected by Claudio Monteverdi in 1607, who "employed a larger and more varied ensemble of instruments and put a new dramatic excitement and human emotion into the music he composed for Orfeo" (Art and Man 32). Italian Government The Italian government, since time immemorial, is intensely dynamic, intrigue-laden, chaotic and unstable. Because of this and because of corruption in high places, prosperity was greatly hindered. Since the end of World War II, the government was changed 44 times in 37 years. It is said that governments in Italy "form and fall with the regularity of seasons" (Funk and Wagnall's Encyclopedia 185). It is further complicated by the fact that nominally, Italy is democratic but many city governments are run by communist mayors. In fact, the communist party, born in the 1920's, perpetually exerts influence over labor and social legislation. Strikes and street demonstrations are dime a dozen and under-the-table deals permeate the daily

Destination Marketing and Management Assignment

Destination Marketing and Management - Assignment Example With globalization, competition between industry has increased to a great extend, and this has given rise to new destinations which are made affordable through effective marketing tools and strategies. In addition to the above, a new conceptual framework for competitiveness has been adopted by the tourism industry. This is because sustainable tourism can prove to be a key driver for the development of economic as well as social factors as long as it get delivered by an effective structures and strategies, and hence bringing together all resources of the relevant partners, the public, private and the voluntary groups (Terzibasoglu, 2010). Destinations are the most difficult entities in the process of market and manage and this is because of the complexity of the relationship between the local stakeholders. The marketing and managing of the destinations are also tough because of variety of stakeholders who are involved in the production and development of the tourism and products. The strategic aims are quite different from each other and often conflicting. Consumers however tends to experience a particular destination as total experience which comprises of the essence the resources of a particular region, services as well as products which tends to represents the personal and professional interest of people living as well as working in that particular destination (Dukic, 2009, p. 25). However, global competitiveness along with tourism concentration tends to create challenges as well as problems to create customer loyalty as well as sustainable competitive advantage in the tourism market. The issues are apparent mainly in the demand management and in the creation of images which are unique for particular tourist destinations. Tourism which has proved to be an economic activity has importance in the development of the national economy. Analysis and Evaluation There have been various discussions about the tourism literature particularly about the concept of destina tion. A standard and uniform definition of the term ‘destination’ has been said to be elusive as well as difficult to reach due to various implications and permutation which are associated with such an attempt. According to Pike, (2008) with the use of System approach and also supported by the consumption pattern of the destinations by the respective consumers, thus it can be argued that destination is termed as geographical space where a cluster of resources with respect to tourism exists and not any political boundary. It has been said that the system view of the tourism industry and the environmental scanning has affected the activities of the destination level and requires integrative and comprehensive approach with respect to management and marketing. But unfortunately the existing literature has defined and emphasised mostly on one aspect which tends to create challenge for the tourism industry. The scope and concept of destination management and marketing is well defined in the following figure. Figure 1: Destination Marketing and Management (Source: Wang & Pizam, p.6) Pike has identified three different types of organisations which are actively engaged in the destination management and marketing. They are known as DMOs who are mainly responsible for promotion, providing policy advices to the government agencies (Wang & Pizam, 2011, p.6). Strategic and tactical

Housing Economics (For Housing Studies Degree) Essay

Housing Economics (For Housing Studies Degree) - Essay Example (King 2009:80). One of the guises where the government intercepts in housing markets is by offering subsidiaries to households and landlords. This is mainly to make the housing sector more affordable, to support landlords to construct more or better quality residences, or to make sure the housing stock is of adequately high quality. (King 2009:80). Subsidy means the ways and means to make housing more affordable and cheaper than it otherwise would be. Hence, the subsidies will indirectly reduce the cost of housing and probably will facilitate more households to have access to it. As per Oxley and Smith (1996), housing subsidies mean an implicit or explicit flow of funds encouraged by the government activity which minimises the cost of housing construction or consumption else the cost would have been still higher. (King 2009:80). The demand -side subsidy is one where the government will subsidise the private sector mainly through improvement grants and housing allowance, and owner occupiers through many guises of tax exemptions and reliefs. The supply- side subsidies include rent control where the landlords could not raise the rent beyond the limit set by the government or to increase the income level so that savings can be made which can be used for housing. The rent loss to landlords will be compensated by the extension of tax relief for owner occupiers and extending government grants to housing associations. (King 2009:80). This type of subsidies meant to be granted to households directly or paid to service providers directly in lieu of the households. One-time subsidy is given for the building, purchase or completing either an existing or new housing unit or to rehabilitate the existing houses. Within the government’s budget, these grants are usually funded through an unambiguous appropriation process which throws their total cost translucent to the general public.

Archetypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Archetypes - Essay Example She mixes up her business professionalism with life care, in that she endows the main task of caring for the child. This movie lays credence to the socio-economic position of the global period during that 10-year period, characterized by the decreased growth of countries’ low standards of living. Her final decision that overcame the thought of an adoption, as she had grown attached to the child shows how the female figure appreciates life. The viewers remain appreciating the rational decision presented. They remain criticizing her male counterpart who abandoned her at her most crucial time (Harold Ramis), an investment banker. Despite all the challenges and hurdles that Wiatt had grown through including suffering a nervous breakdown, she later resurfaces, and all hopes are high when her Baby Food company sales at millions. With the improvement in the world economy, women leadership position has even been more solidified as the new economic period ushers occurs. The movie, The Devil wears Prada of 2006; shows career based female power, love, and friendship linkages in complex and sometimes paradoxical perspectives. Women power linkages explained in the movie reveal that females utilize power effectively to ensure they are competitive in business. They also help other women advance in their careers. This is evident when Andrea acts loyal to Miranda when she attempted to warn her against the coup that intended to overthrow Miranda for a younger woman. However, love and friendship linkages deteriorate, as women become successful professionals. In spite of linkage drawbacks, such movies portray optimism and stable women figure images for young females in the workforce (Danya 70). With the high and improved economic standards, there has been enhancement in life and consequently because of westernization, social evils such as prostitution and production of pornographic materials have sprung up. In the 2004 American teen film, The

Current Events Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Current Events - Article Example The article further highlights that there have been other separate treaties for the EU states against the new rules. Consequently, this move bars the new treaty from utilizing some of the institutions of the Union, including the European Commission to implement and monitor the treaty. The article further highlights fears of economists and leaders that the tighter rules may limit government maneuvers in tough economic situations enforcing Germany-style fiscal discipline on countries with completely different cultures and economies. Steinhauser also points out that Ireland pose the greatest threat to the success of the treaty, especially with its decision to hold a public referendum on the ratification of the treaty on Stability, Coordination, and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union (Steinhauser). From a personal point of view, the treaty is a considerate action based on the European Social model of improving working and living conditions and sustainable economic growth. Howe ver, the fact that the treaty imposes a particular form of financial discipline may be unfair, considering that the majority of the countries in the Euro Zone have different economies and cultures. The article in The Economist titled as â€Å"A Firewall Full of Holes: The Euro Zone’s Rescue Strategy Still Does Not Add Up† explores the various economic strategies adopted by the European Union to protect the region from future economic slump downs resulting from economic crisis, such as that of 2011. The article highlights the European Central Bank provision of liquidity to banks, the new Euro-Zone tough fiscal rules, the deal of bailing out Greece for the second time, and reforms in Spain and Italy. The economic â€Å"firewall† comprises of the son-to-be-introduced European Stability Mechanism, an increase in International Monetary Fund’s resources, and a permanent rescue funds scheme, all focusing on the prevention of another conflagration (The Economist) . The article highlights all these arguments as weak, with the exemption of the Long Term Financing Refinancing Operation of ECB, which essentially provides Euro Zone banks with three-year liquidity at one percent against various forms of collateral (The Economist). The article also highlights the problem associated with the plans, including the reinforcement of close links between the health of banks and their sovereign debts resulting from the LTRO. The article proposes a solid firewall plan by suggesting the embracement of a European Redemption Fund by the German Council of Economic Experts. Such a scheme would align all the debts of members of the Euro Zone at above 60% of the GDP allowing these countries to repay back in about twenty-five years. This would prove to be a credible move by G20 members, thus, enabling them to stump up cash donations for IMF resources (The Economist). At the end, the Euro Zone members will be able to create formidable defense against economic crises in the future at an affordable central-bank funds. In his article named â€Å"Economy Watch: Is the British Economy Already Back in Recession?† in This is Money Oxlade explores the economic performance of Britain after the recession predicting a possible double-dip recession. He explores past recession recovery with the current economic performa

Building defects and diagnosi Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Building defects and diagnosi - Essay Example In stipulations of non-structural cracks, like thermal movement cracking as the fault has been mentioned which can compact with by use of a comparatively flexible mortar to permit insignificant movement to take place without cracks. Management for structural cracking can contain; epoxy resin inserted into the splinter to support the objective bond in the areas close to the split, rebuilding the faulty wall segments or edging the split using steel rods. For faults in crater wall ties, it is suggested that the accessible decomposed tie is detached from the external leaf in order to decrease the prospective for sustained decay, lamination and weakening of the external sheet by cracking. From a supplement point of view, it should also be kept in mind that the substitute tie is placed into the body of the block as compared to that into the mortar joint wherever the innovative tie would have been bedded. (Schulte, 2002) The building material fault also demonstrates harm in armor to frame structure. The progress causing inconsistency may take a diversity of forms. Key features in the incidence of defects in claddings differ from one situation to another and cures are founded on definite conditions, on the other hand the key pointers can be thermal and humidity movement, firmness of cladding deterioration, rain diffusion and cracking. Another part deals with faults in wood in which one o... From the studies, it can be estimated that the hitch of damp rot is more simply treatable than dehydrated rot but as it concerns to dry rot as well it is first vital to place and abolish the basis of dampness. As stated in the case file the management is alike. That is, eliminate the source of dampness then support fast drying of affected areas and eliminate damaged with replacing it with additive treated timber. The extra harm to wood is caused by the main danger, which comes in the form of the insect attack in this case the wood boring insects. As the nature and degree of harm again differ from position to position, therefore the resolution will also oscillate. The timber boring insects can be recognized as mainly beetles. The features that can aid in pointing out further clearly the kind of wood boring insects contain the kind and form of wood, the size and figure of flight holes; the quality and type of bore dust and nature of bored tunnels. The cure for an insect assault can distinguish extremely and it is essential to make sure that obvious recognition of the exact insect is finished. The condition and type of wood will be chief factors in supporting insect assault. It is significant to properly identify the insect type to allow it to be properly categorized. The other key flaw in buildings approaches in the form of wetness in walls. The wetness causes decrease of the building organization. This fault can be considered as the most destructive one meets. (Schulte, 2002) The fine indicator for humidity in walls is that it is initiated largely at ground level and quite constant added with a straight tidemark of up to one meter. If the humidity is indicated on exterior

The Battle of the Sexes in Christianity and Islam Essay Example for Free

The Battle of the Sexes in Christianity and Islam Essay We can observe the differences in marriage bonds between different religions such as a Christian marriage and a Muslim marriage in the passage â€Å"The Battle of the Sexes in Christianity and Islam†. In the Christian faith their religion considers women to be the origin of obedience. It is quoted in the text â€Å"Wives, be subject to your husbands because when harmony prevails, the children are raised well, the household is kept in order†¦ and great benefits, both for families and for states results†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (180). It is shown in this passage wives are the main cause for having their family kept in order although they could not do this independently without their husbands. When it is said â€Å"husband and wife are one flesh† this refers to a Christian marriage of a husband and wife as they are devoted towards one another in the act of love. In the Christian marriage they are deemed equivalent to each other. According to the text it is quoted that â€Å"one’s partner for life, the mother of one’s children, the source of one’s every joy, should never be fettered with fear and threats, but with love and patience†¦Ã¢â‚¬  another quote towards a husband figure states† let no wife say any hurtful thing; she is her husbands body, and it is not for her to dictate to her head, but rather to submit and to obey†(180). Through this Christian bond the husband and wife should be submissive to each other by treating each other with respect. As quoted from personal religion notes â€Å"two shall become one. One man and one woman are united under God in the holy sacrament of Matrimony. † With this being stated the marriage bond for Christians verifies a husband and wife to be cohesive as one individual. In Islam spouses are perceived quite differently. According to the passage it is quoted â€Å"do not burden your wives with things beyond their capacity, and observe God’s exhortations relating to your wives, for they are like slaves in your hands† (181). This quote has stated in a Muslim marriage their bonds are quite similar to slavery. The woman is a slave, but should not be harmed, overworked, or treated as low as one. Dissimilar from a Christian marriage spouses are united as one, in a Muslim marriage the husband is somewhat superior to the wife. Men could use violence to reveal their supremacy towards their wife, although the husband is only allowed to use this violence as a final act, while in many cases this is used right away.

Concept of time Essay Example for Free

Concept of time Essay Time seemed to be an important aspect that influences the well-being of the elderly in the study. Time consciousness cannot be ignored when one considers the subjective experience of well-being among the institutionalized aged. The finding showed that many of them had a keen awareness of time or awareness of the present. According to their administrators, a few of them felt the urgency to make the best use of the remaining time in their life: to get closer to God and to prepare for a ‘good death. ’ The studies done by Butler Lewis (1972); Butler et 292 al. (1998); Sue Sue (1999); and Knight (1996) found that there is an obvious concern with time when it is clear that the remaining days are running short among the aged. The development of a sense of immediacy, of the here-and-now, of present-ness -all these aid in the evolution of a sense of enjoyment and tranquility which ultimately are decisive elements of well-being. The findings of the study exemplified this awareness of time/time consciousness among the institutionalized aged and that it has endowed them with a sense of urgency and purpose in the ‘evening’ of their lives. It could also be presumed that these two aspects of well-being, the concept time and attitude toward death are closely related. Attitude towards Death The elderly in Gladys Spellman viewed the existential problem of death and dying in different spirit. While some of them had a positive attitude toward death and looked at death as a natural transition from this life to a better life and have reconciled with this inevitable reality. Trust in God’s compassion and mercy and the expectation of heavenly reward, growing closer to God in prayer seemed to help those elderly who said they were at ease with the thought of death. Faith and spirituality change death from an ending to a new beginning of a new existence for Christians (Moberg, 2001). Accepting old age and death meaningfully makes life happier. Fear or acceptance of death is closely related to general satisfaction or well-being. When life is lived to the full, death becomes a fulfillment, a completion (Moberg, 2001). The following words of the elderly were shared with one of the administrators. â€Å"I’ve done my job. My mission is over. I have no worries about the future†¦He will take care†¦and I’m ready for final surrender/exit. † There were others who tried to put on a brave front to show that they were not afraid to die. A third category avoided talking about death, reasoning that it was not yet time for them to think about death as they felt there was plenty time left for such things. Those who avoided thinking about death and those who did not fear death but only feared ‘pain of death’ must be coping with the unrecognized fear of death. As Atchley (1997) puts it, although death is generally accepted with little fear among older people, it is only reasonable to assume that there are some who really fear death. Their trust in God’s mercy and hope in eternal reward probably help them cope with this fear.

Tour Operators And Their Suppliers

Tour Operators And Their Suppliers In this report I would write about The relationship between the tour operators and their suppliers. I would give some description of Accommodation, Transport, Ground handlers, excursions and activities, Food and crafts. This is related to the topic so I will try describing them as good as possible. I will also write about Tourism and supply chain management, transport to and from destinations and also conclusion. Hopefully would be understandable for other who are interesting in this subject. Body: The power of the tour operator for their sellers has been the focus of great debate in the business in latest years. Sightsee operatives also known as tour operators dispute that the seller is a self-regulating service provider in surplus of whom they do not apply rule. Sometimes, but, it is not easy to decide that the seller is a self-regulating service provider or the tour operators agent. The significance of the division is in the dissimilar costs that run from the changed interactions. Tour operators have usually offered an article in their booklet representing: They do not apply straight rule above the day to day organization of accommodation, airlines, railways and other extras regarding to your vacation. They then are powerless to agree to responsibility for some work or lapse reason by individuals concerned in your vacation activities over which they do not apply straight rule. Though the difference is determined by deliberation of all the conditions and not just by suggestion to the phrasing of the agreement linking them. Exist three key motives for the significance of the difference linking a manager and a self-sufficient service provider: Explicit responsibility: the sightsee operator is vicariously responsible for the work or slips of representative but not individuals of self-sufficient service providers (except in the EU where the Package Travel Directive applies).The responsibility to offer security: the tour operator has a responsibility to obtain sensible concern for the individual protection of workers (e.g. representatives) except for the sellers. Legal duty: rules that inflict explicit responsibility on a way typically detain to responsibility to the work of employees and agents and do not normally inflict responsibility for the work of self-sufficient service providers. http://wftga.org/news/consumer-rights-tourists-international-level-and-role-tourist-guides-john-j-downes(13/03/12) The contribute sequence consist of the sellers of all the supplies and forces which go keen on the liberation of tourism goods to customers. It consist of all sellers of supplies and services which may not be straight agreed by sightsee operatives or by their representatives (including ground handlers) or sellers (including accommodation providers). Tourism contribute chains engage lots of work not only housing, transportation and touring, but also clubbing and cafà ©s, handicraft, groceries production, rubbish clearance, and the transportation that supplies tourism in places. Delivery chains work via trade-to-trade relations, and support chain organization distribute sustainability presentation development next to economic act, by operational to develop the industry procedure of all sellers in the delivery string. Sightsee operatives cover huge power over actions all over the tourism delivery chain, as they point and power the size of tourism, the tourist targets and amenities whic h are second-hand. Sightsee operatives may apply that to assist in advertising universal development in sustainability act as element of first-class industrial training. Within preparation activities for sustainable delivery chains, sightsee operatives and The Travel Foundation have to memorise that exist models of first-class training all over the straight delivery chain of sightsee operatives plus in a selection of travel targets but these are only applied by a few businesses and lots of others may study from them. This will be easiest to apply sustainability needs in housing and very hard in carrying, mainly observable in tour and performance as most helpful to the neighbouring market as this supplies groceries and ability manufacture. Target sustainability efforts will need bigger shareholder organization and if just for this motive will be extra period concentrated to apply. A safe revenue flow, by steady agreements and projected agreement circumstances plus value is top, toget her to ease the essential savings by the sellers, and to make stronger the confidence in the association. Scheme requires period of time for businesses to make understanding and expand relations, and sightsee operatives tend to need a stable and important quantity of actions with a seller or target if they are to do an important donation and wait for transforming in restricted procedures. Three circumstances in the sightsee operative-and seller association are mainly significant for the achieve victory of delivery string plan: long-time organization, reasonable value and a reliable amount of process. Triumphant delivery string relations among businesses and their sellers are developed and applied according to a clear number of steps: To establish a sustainable supply chain policy and management system. To support suppliers in reaching Sustainability Goals, including raising awareness on sustainability issues amongst suppliers and demonstrating why sustainability performance is important To integrate sustainability criteria into suppliers contracts and preferentially agreement suppliers that meet those criteria. Trade advantages from assume fine trainings for tourism delivery string organization consist of preservation of customers, as around they raising presume in charge performance still from individuals not prepared to pay for this; raised income; bargain expenses and better functioning effectiveness, outstanding spirited to consider and react to danger and chance in the stock promote;  · organization of hazard and keep on in front of governmental requests; better workforce act, success of improved employment and workforce maintenance, when happy workforce are an important advantage; defence of the centre resources of the trade (environment and culture); and improved product worth, status and marketplace, defending picture and position, especially for businesses openly quoted on store sell. They advise to the TF offer priority to effort in the housing sub area, especially in relative to middle-sized buildings, and in home groceries manufacture and support, and that the precedence regions for development in every of these sub parts are: Room, ecological act, service circumstances for workforce and stipulation of guidance on sustainability subjects; service prospects for local areas population; ecological transportation in the destination, particularly for organization of hard and fluid harsh environment; linkages with the home market particularly for groceries support, handicrafts and equipment; advertising of publicly and environmentally sustainable tourism parcels and sellers Local food craft producers suppliers: Sustainable manufacture way contains making development and guidance; Class, consistency and supply; and contact to sells. On the source of present delivery string presentation and actions, developments are needed as a right of way in these tourism sub-sectors in all developing countries where tourism takes place. In addition, developments which might be related to transportation, land trainer, tours actions and clubs eating places sub-parts, are drawled. As well they advise the following advantages for act by the TF that will help in advertising delivery string developments: Support TF sightsee operative associates to increase extra precise and methodical data on their actions which supply to better sustainability at the range of aims in their delivery strings, particularly for gathering tourism. Support larger approval and performance by TF members of active models of first-class training in the delivery string, with back-up of their sellers via alertness increasing, guidance and technological support, and apply of precise agreement clause as suitable, to apply fine exercise equipment and principles for their zone, on socio-financial and ecological feature. Support TF sightsee operative associates to collect data regarding sustainability matters at the objectives particularly group tourism targets which they go possibly by founding a regular agendas of data assembly and reassess opening with couple of targets primarily. Persuade TF associates to improve infrastructure with destination shareholders on main sustainability topic and to expand business wi th destination shareholders to build up and understand development to progress sustainability plan. Persuade TF associates to assume and expand client teaching so that their clients are alert of important communal, financial and ecological topics at targets, and of behaviour that they may obtain to develop sustainability during on vacation; and to apply selling to encourage in client-welcoming tongue sellers and vacations that are extra sustainable. This statement reconsiders case of active tourism delivery string plan from number points of the world and at number of places in the delivery string. A delivery string comprises the sellers of all the supplies and services which go into the shipping of tourism goods to customers. It comprise all sellers of supplies and services whether or not they are straight agreed by sightsee operatives or by their representatives. Plus land trainers or sellers and housing supplier. This must as well be mentioned to a few tourism supplies and services are given straight to visitors and are buying by customers plus it must not be onwards that sight see operatives may manipulate their clients in this region as well. The scheme overviewed in this statement pays attention on developed profit to the destination places, customers and the tourism trade. These schemes are determined of four major aims in the tourism delivery string: Accommodation Transport Ground handlers, excursions and activities Food and crafts Also contain a range of many actions from growing the size of home supplies and services old in the tourism area. To run on ecological and socio-educational topics, for example waste organization trainings, service preparation and fighting prohibited figures of tourism. Lots of these ideas were put into training by single or couple of tourism industry, occasionally running in partnership among many places in the delivery string. Tour operators have also integrated several ideas purposed to maintain further sustainable tourism which are being assumed at destination rank. Tourism and supply chain management: The effect of a sightsee operative appear from the effects of every workings of the goods they retail, as well as use of unrefined resources and their giving out and manufacture, as well as effect from move and supply. Acknowledging the sustainability of every tourism merchandise follows disappearing to the unrefined resources from which are made, via sellers, sellers sellers, and etc, going back to source, including guarantying a business assemble sustainability condition in its individual inner function. Tourism, as any previous delivery strings, work through trade-to-trade relations, and delivery string organization may be practical to distribute sustainability presentation development next to economic act, by functioning to develop the selling process of all sellers in the delivery string. One major variation among tourism delivery string and individuals of more areas, like that visitors journey to the merchandise, and the merchandise that they purchase has a mostly high service element in other language, this engage a upper amount of individuals in the instant manufacture of the vacation practice. Very good case of delivery string organization from a different area is the DIY seller, BQ, that has urbanized and applied a main delivery string organization agenda, primary concentrate on ecological effects, and currently fit in public effects on top, for all its 40,000 goods. in turn to consider its in general sustainability as a seller, BQ analysis the sustainability of its goods moving back to the unrefined resources from which they were formed, via sellers, sellers sellers, and etc., going back to basis, also as guaranteeing that BQ gather sustainability norm in its individual inner process. Used for BQ, the principles of merchandise plus service and operational environment are a key element of class and sustainability. Contribute chain organization in all zones, as well as tourism, wrap all pieces of a merchandise life cycle: unprocessed resources, proc essing, producing, supply, selling, client apply and last dumping. In general, the sustainability of a tourism merchandise, result on topics plus the atmosphere and operational environment in top targeted states; security, plus security of clients and employees in distribute all features of a tourism goods; and reserves use and removal, as well as good management, recycle and recover of rubbish supplies, and measures to raise the effectiveness of supplies apply. Tourism delivery strings engage lots of works not only housing, transfer and tours, but also inns and cafà ©s, handiwork, groceries manufacture, waste dumping, and the transportation that ropes tourism in targets. All those type a fraction of the vacation merchandise which is usual by visitors while they buy vacations whether or not the sellers of those works are straight agreed by a sightsee operative. Only like no sightsee operative will offer first class transfer to get clients to a fifth class vacation public house, t he sustainability of a vacation, like class, its up to presentation on all the associates in the tourism delivery string. An additional feature of the tourism delivery string is the performance of clients during on vacation, mostly in relation to performance and what they basis for themselves in tourist target. Sightsee operative are advertising the entire vacation understanding to clients, and is consist of chances to practice a targets home merchandise and activities. Sightsee operatives may cooperate a major task in if suitable suggestion to their clients regarding home merchandises and activities, and in guarantee that home manufacturer and facility supplier include way in to travellers on a cheap price. Lots of sightsee operatives by now provide more data on these features, but there is range to do extra. Transport to from destinations Sightsee functioning contain marketing, buy, deals improvement, promotion and trade, and buys. Land process contain land transfer and tours. A few of the works of tourism merchandisesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ sightsee operatives treaty sellers to offer a few of these works straight: others are attain by sellers and their sellers. The entire sellers offering section supplies and services which go under the dispatching of tourism merchandise are element of the delivery string for that good. http://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/images/media/5._Tourism_supply_chains.pdf(16/03/12) Conclusion: Finally I would like to say that current relationship between tour operators and their suppliers is strong as this report states and findings I have put down. It also very interesting to me because some of the facts I did not know before. Especially the Accommodation, Transport, Ground handlers, excursions and activities, Food and crafts and Tourism and supply chain management. These sectors of the report explains how strong the relation ships are between the tour operators and their suppliers.

Physics of Snowmachining :: physics snowmobile snowmachine

Whether zipping along a winding trail, flying through the open flats, or powering up a steep hill snowmachines and the rider need to use physics to stay in control of the machine and themselves. The main compenents are the track, engine, skis and riding. Snowmachine tracks are essential to making a snowmachine move. Ever since snowmachines first originated in the late 50's designers have been finding ways to improve traction in a variety of conditions. Some of these conditions are driving on groomed trails, not groomed trails, overflow, and deep snow. The very first snowmachines had tracks with very bad traction. But you must realize that they weren't driving in the same conditions snowmachines of today can handle. Old machines were limited to readily used trails and very little powder. The tracks used on the old machines looked like the one shown in the picture below. The traction, the little raised bits of rubber, was minimal and the tracks weren't very economical either. The first attempts at making a track was using steel, which was too heavy, and rubber, which was to flexible and brittle at cold temperatures. Eventually manufacturers found the key ingredients. Kevlar tracks with imbedded nylon strands to reinforce and improve strength. A kevlar track is now the standard in today's snowmachines. Another key ingredient to the track is the paddles. Paddles are the pieces coming off of the track itself, a picture these paddles is shown below. This is what provides the traction for the snowmachine to move. In today's market these paddles come in sizes ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches. The saying "bigger is better" does not hold true for these paddles though. When the paddles get to big the rotating mass actually bogs the machine down and reduces performance. Polaris Industries have found, through the use of physics and other tests, that the most efficient paddle length is 2.4 inches. This length gives the most grip in deep snow while still being semi-economical on trails. Snowmachine engines come in two types, two-stroke and four-stroke. Two stroke engines are simpler, lighter, and cheaper to manufacture then four-stroke engines, "plus two-stroke engines also have the potential to pack about twice the power into the same space because there are twice as many power strokes per revolution than in four-strokes". There are other advantages two-stroke engines have which include not having valves which lowers weight and eases construction.

Reviewing Sullivan?s Study of America?s Wine :: essays research papers fc

For many years, wine dictionaries and encyclopedias have unknowingly been misleading consumers on the history of â€Å"America’s wine,† Zinfandel. In Zinfandel, A History of a Grape and Its Wine, Charles Sullivan, an accomplished viticulture researcher, challenges the popular belief that the grape was originally brought to America by a Hungarian immigrant. Sullivan explores the history of wine to bring forth intriguing facts that prove the popular belief to be wrong. With the help of University of California’s (UC’s) Carole Meredith, a new idea is thoroughly explained describing the true ancestry of Zinfandel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For those not familiar with the wine it is important to note that Zinfandel, according to Sullivan, was the first and most successful American wine. Typically, wines from France and Italy prove to be more superior in taste than the American counterparts. However, with Zinfandel this is not the case. Unlike aged and dry wines, the young, fruity flavor of the Zinfandel makes for a more enjoyable flavor that appeals to a greater number of people’s tastes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sullivan does an excellent job keeping the book enjoyable by providing readers with intriguing side notes. For example, here he tries to illustrate the extreme passion that the Californians had for Zinfandel. â€Å"So great was the Napa passion for this grape that one of the tiny railroad stations below St. Helena was renamed â€Å"Zinfandel.† By the 1880s Zinfandel Lane crossed the valley, and the steamer Zinfandel plied the bay waters between San Francisco and the wharves of Napa City.† (Sullivan, 2003) This passage is a perfect example of why this book was enjoyable for me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, there are times during the book where Sullivan becomes longwinded when it comes to explaining certain points. Long paragraphs embedded with, at times, insignificant graphics and charts make the book a hard and slow read. Yet, my curiosity and desire to learn helped me overcome the craving to close the book.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The desire I did have to close the book may have been attributed to the amount of â€Å"wine lingo† found within the text. The excessive amount of references to other wine varieties made it extremely tiresome, as I had to repeatedly look up in dictionaries and encyclopedias the characteristics of a certain wine he was describing. I believe that a person more educated in the subject of wine would enjoy this book more than an uneducated person like me. If a reader is not familiar with wine, the book can be quite discouraging at times.

Failing to Love Essay

In her story â€Å"Never Marry a Mexican† Sandra Cisneros introduces the reader to the complex issues surrounding the racial and sexual identity of a Mexican-American woman living in the United States. The story is about a Chicana woman and how she seeks revenge on a white lover who has rejected her by becoming the sexual tutor of his teenage son. Cisneros give life to the protagonist Clemencia and paints her as a character in a modern day to demonstrate the pervasive negative impact on Mexican-American women, especially on Chicanas residing within the United States. Clemencia, the protagonist of the story, thinks â€Å"Drew, remember when you used to call me your Malinalli? It was a joke, a private game between us, because you looked like a Cortes with that beard of yours. My dark skin against yours†¦My Malinalli, Malinche, my courtesan, you said, and yanked my head back by the braid† (192). Clemencia is a painter, but she must support herself in other ways too. She sometimes acts as a translator; however for Clemencia Spanish is now the â€Å"native† language. In this discussion of her occupation, Clemencia pronounces â€Å"any way you look at it, what I do to make a living is a form of prostitution† (181). She feels as though when she is not painting she merely sells herself to make a living, much like La Malinche had to do in her relationship with Cortes. Clemencia constantly allows herself to fall in love with unavailable men who are always married and always white. This pattern results from her mother’s constant advice, â€Å"Never Marry a Mexican†. Clemencia’s mother, a lower-class Chicana woman from the United States who married an upper-class Mexican man, felt inescapable discrimination by both her husband’s upper-class family and mainstream U.S. society for her dark skin color. Her answer to this was to marry out, and supposedly up, by divorcing Clemencia’s father and marrying a white man. It is because of this example that Clemencia never sees Mexican men as potential lovers. She explains: â€Å"Mexican men, forget it. For a long time the men clearing off the tables or chopping meat behind the butcher counter or driving the buss I rode to school every day, those weren’t men. Not men I considered as potential lovers. Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Chilean, Columbian, Panamanian, Salvadorean, Bolivian, Honduran, Argentine, Dominican, Venezuelan, Guatemalan, Ecuadorean, Nicaraguan, Peruvian, Costa Rican, Paraguayan, Uruguayan, I don’t care. I never saw them. My mother did this to me†(179). Here Clemencia is adopting the racist Anglo discourse by lumping all Latinos into one, unified group. Her discussion of â€Å"Mexican† does not distinguish between class and race; to her â€Å"Mexican† means busboys, butchers, and bus drivers. Mexican is no longer the nationality of the people of Mexico, but rather a class of servers who happen to be brown. Here Cisneros demonstrates how the racism of dominant society in America is often internalized and serves to separate the people of disempowered groups. Cisneros makes a strong statement against internalized racism by showing how Clemencia’s rejection of men of her own race and obsession with white men ultimately leaves her lonely. Clemencia comes to the frustrating, yet enlightening realization that the white men in her life have, like her, adopted the mantra â€Å"never marry a Mexican† when she remembers the conversation Drew and she had the last night they spent together. Clemencia recalls in an inner dialogue, how â€Å"we had agreed. All for the best. Surely I could see that, couldn’t I? My own good. A good sport. A young girl like me. Hadn’t I understood†¦responsibilities. You didn’t think? Never marry a Mexican. Never marry a Mexican. No of course. I see. I see† (186). Now Clemencia is now lost without a proper choice of lovers. Mexicans are out of bounds because she could never marry a Mexican, but she now realizes that white men are also out of bounds because they too could never marry a Mexican; they could never marry her. Cisneros is therefore demonstrating how internalized racism does not serve to differentiate certain ethnic Mexicans from others in the eyes of white society, and instead only serves to isolate such Mexican-Americans from the culture to which they are supposed to feel connected. By having Clemencia reject the roles of wife and mother and instead embrace the socially deviant mistress role, Cisneros demonstrates how women who refuse socially acceptable roles often must do so at the expense of other women. In an attempt to claim agency that she would otherwise be denied as a married Chicana in dominant, patriarchal society, Clemencia embraces the role of the mistress. The mistress, because of her strictly sexual nature, is traditionally regarded as a role that reinforces male dominance in heterosexual relationships. Through her role as mistress and her rejection of the role of wife or mother, she attempts to combat the patriarchal system of oppression and makes allowances for flexibility of gender-role expectations. However because the role of the mistress also depends upon there being another woman, the wife, who is betrayed by both her husband and the mistress, the mistress role does not combat the patriarchal system for all women. It does, in fact, reinforce patriarchal oppression of the wife/mother role. Clemencia seems to have little problem acknowledging her betrayal of other women. She candidly tells the reader â€Å"I’ve been accomplice, having caused deliberate pain to other women. I’m vindictive and cruel, and I’m capable of anything† (179). Therefore, in order to escape subscribed gender roles and claim agency in her sexual relationships, Clemencia hurts other women. Cisneros seems to be saying that â€Å"mujeres andariegas†, or daring women who reject the roles society expects of them, do not help to institutionally change society for all women but rather must betray other women in their search for personal freedom. Clemencia attempts to further com bat patriarchal gender roles in her sexual relationships the role of el chingà ³n. When describing sex with Drew, she says â€Å"I leapt inside you and split you like an apple. Opened for the other to look and not give back† (185). Here Clemencia not only takes on the man’s part by â€Å"leaping† inside, she also executes the violent actions attached to the verb chingar. Clemencia imagines that this sexual aggressiveness empowers her over Drew. She says â€Å"You were ashamed to be so naked†¦But I saw you for what you are, when you opened yourself for me† (185). To Clemencia, sexual relations are based on power dynamics, and in order to escape the passive feminine chingada role she must embrace the possessive, dominant, masculine chingà ³n role. Clemencia extends her embodiment of the chingà ³n role into her dealings with the wives, and even a son, of her lovers. More than once she had sex with a lover while his wife was in labor with his child. She confesses â€Å"it has given me a bit of crazy joy to be able to kill those women like that†¦To know I’ve had their husbands when they were anchored in blue hospital rooms, their guts yanked inside out†(184). Clemencia’s relationship with Drew’s son is another example of her fulfilling a sort of â€Å"vindictive sexual satisfaction†. She says of him â€Å"I sleep with this boy, their son. To make the boy love me the way I love his father. To make him want me the way I love his father†¦I can tell from the way he looks at me, I have him in my power†¦I let him nibble†¦Before I snap by teeth† (187). Therefore she seduces him not to satisfy the yearning of her body or hear, but rather to achieve sexual power of the son, which she perceives as giving her indirect power of his parents. Clemencia is ultimately left lonely without a lover, a connection to her culture, or meaningful female friendships. The reason for this lies in the world view Clemencia has inherited from her society. She perceives the world in black and white, in terms of inescapable binaries between which she must choose. She fails to become an acceptable marriage partner to Drew, she fails to escape being hurt by her lovers even as a mistress. Works Cited Never Marry a Mexican. Random House, Inc. and Vintage Books1991

Magazine Article: Romeo and Juliet Essay

Aya Temimi, does this name ring a bell ? Of course ! The most amazing director of all time, billions of fans and directed one of the most famous love stories: The Titanic. Aya Temimi has already sold out, not a million but a BILLION copies of The Titanic. Not only that was a highlight in her amazing career but also being the best director at such a young age (20 years) is very rare, especially, in this new generation. Who would have thought ? That this small girl from the smallest country on Earth would become THIS big? (not me) but a lesson is learned: don’t judge a book by it’s cover or in this case (by it’s surrounding). The amazing Aya took a break for a couple of years, but now she’s back and better than ever. She is willing to win our hearts back by redirecting the famous romantic movie: Romeo&Juliet, we will experience it on whole different level, with new actors and a new director (Aya Temimi). The movie is expected in June 2013, a bit too much wai ting for us but you know what they say: haste makes waste, so we have to hold our horses (even though we can’t). Readers, pick up your ears (or may I say eyes?) because we have a very exclusive interview with the one and only: Aya Temimi ! Hello love, we’ve heard everything about your new movie coming out and we, seriously, can’t wait ! So, would you like to tell us who’s lucky enough to cast the roll of Romeo and why you chose him? Good morning darling, the lucky young man has to be Justin Bieber (of course). I chose him because he has the whole package: the personality, the looks, the fame and the fans and that can work in our advance. Justin is a very wise young man who’s head over heels in love with his beautiful girlfriend (Selena Gomez, who by the way will play the role of Juliet) , that’s really an icing on the cake because Justin wouldn’t have to â€Å"act† in love and it will look more realistic. Justin is also down to earth and really passionate about his music, and Romeo is also passionate but in this case not about music, but about love. Another treat that they both have in common is the fearlessness, they aren’t afraid to do what they want and what they love. Justin isn’t afraid to get critic on what he does, because it wouldn’t stop him from doing it and that’s something that many people admire. As you (obviously) already have seen on the news : Bieber is a hopeless romantic just as Romeo, I mean, seriously, renting the whole strapless center to watch The Titanic with his lovely girlfriend? Awesome. Wow, that’s quiet an explanation you gave. So, you already spilled the secret about who’s gonna play Juliet. But, my question for you this time is; why did you chose her? First of all, Selena is a very determined and strong women who loves Justin to death and she did go through a painful period, full of heartbreaking comments and rumors but the love she has for Justin conquers them all. She also showed her loyalty just as Juliet by staying with him even though he was rumored to be the father of the child of Maria Yeater (a fan of Justin) , and even when people really doubted them to last due to the age difference between Justin (18) and Selena (20) (big deal) they are still going strong. Juliet’s love for Romeo was infinite and she would (literally) take the bullet for him, It’s actually just how Selena is loyal towards Justin but then in a more dramatic and difficult way. Oh I think they will be going strong for a long time, without a doubt. But sweetheart, we are really eager to know who’s going to play the courageous Mercutio ? Well, that was a difficult choice, it took me a whole lifetime to chose that one. As we all know Mercutio wasn’t just a very loyal and courageous friend, he was more than that. He was the brother Romeo never had, so I needed someone really close to Romeo, in this case( Justin ), to play the role. That has a reason, because Justin needed to experience the pain Romeo was feeling when his best friend was lying lifeless and vulnerable on the ground while Romeo was watching him bleed to death, believe me, that wasn’t just a slap on the wrist. To cut a long story short; we needed someone who was emotionally involved with Justin. Ryan Butler, Justin’s brother from another mother. He’s a very charismatic young fella who has the ladies dropping themselves at his feet (he sure loves that), he loves the attention and is very energetic, just as Mercutio he has a very strong bond with Justin and would do anything for him. Ryan is really fun-loving, he likes to go out a nd just have the time of his life but he can be very serious and protective when it comes down to Justin. The funny part is that he has the same personality as Mercutio, he’s one of those persons that can joke and make you laugh all the time even if he’s in serious pain or in a wrong situation and that, perfectly, resembles Mercutio. You talk so passionate about your characters, it must have taken a while before making a definite choice because it sure doesn’t sound as a piece of cake. Love, let’s continue: who’s playing the lovely Nurse? And why? The Nurse is played by someone who’s very special to me, the apple to my eye: my lovely mother. It did take a little effort but after a few crocodile tears and my dramatic begs, I really had to bend over backwards, but it was worth it. I chose my mom because I believe that no one would play the role of The Nurse better than a mother. The Nurse represented someone who’s very talkative and caring,surprisingly, so is my mom. I could go on and tell a billion things about my lovely mother, but she does resemble The Nurse: because The Nurse was there for Juliet when she wanted to vent to someone about her love life , just like a mother should be (shame on you, Lady Capulet). She helped her through everything: giving her advice, marrying to Romeo, sneak out, cover up for her and simply support her and didn’t make her feel like she’s on her own. Wow, you do have a way with words ! So, lets move one to the last person: Benvolio. Who’s going to play his character? And why? Hmmpff, I feel like a radio, repeating the same songs. Thank you, Benvolio is going to be played by (I have to cross my fingers on this one) my dad. My dad is an amazing person and, obviously, father. He’s really peaceful and doesn’t like fights or any violence but he does know how to have fun, he’s a real fuddy duddy. My dad is a very loyal family man and would do everything to keep his family together and live in a peaceful atmosphere. He’s the type of person who keeps his chin up no matter what situation he’s in, that’s why he’s good at giving advice and that also resembles one of Benvolio’s treats. Benvolio also gave Romeo advice to keep looking at other women and forget about Rosaline, he showed Romeo that there are plenty fish in the sea. Another treat of my dad is that he’s very thoughtful, unfortunately, sometimes he thinks too much but after all he’s a men who’s practical: he doesn’t just say, he does. One other similarity of my dad and Benvolio is that they both are, clearly, honest as you might know Benvolio was utterly honest when he was asked by the Prince to explain what happened that day between Romeo, Tybalt and Mercutio. You keep amazing me, Aya ! Unfortunately, this interview has come to an end but before we say goodbye, I would like to ask if you wanted to add anything? First of all, thank you for everything, I really liked the interview and I would surely do it all over again (if I had time). Most important is that I wanted you to know why I chose those characters who never, actually, acted before. I chose specifically those persons because I have faith in them, I believe that they would amaze the public because each one of them has something,clearly, doozy. The other reason is because I wanted them to experience something new, something they would have to work hard (harder than they do) for and I wanted them to believe that a house divided against Itself can not stand, that they needed to work together and learn from each other to work this out. After all they were all in the same boat , they will all face the same things, the same critics that back seat drivers will have. To conclude everything: we had the time of our lifes, we nearly died laughing at each other after filming the same scenes countless times over and over again and the most import ant thing is that at the end of this roller coaster, we became one big family. That was deep, girlie ! I can see that it came deep from your heart, I wish you the best and I will, surely, see you ! Elvis left the building, everyone ! To the last: Romeo&Juliet is coming out in June 2013 ! Specific data will be announced on the 15th of May.

Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 7

Gillian felt triumph, wild excitement-and something deeper. An emotion she couldn't describe because there weren't any ordinary words for it. David was looking at her, and it was almost as if she could see through his dark eyes. As if she could see inside him†¦ see the way things looked to him†¦ What she felt was a little like discovery and a little like deja vu and a little like waking up and suddenly realizing it's Christmas. Or like being a kid lost in a strange place, cold and bewildered, and then suddenly hearing your mother's voice. But it really wasn't like any of those things; it was more. Unexpected welcome†¦ strange recognition†¦ the shock of belonging†¦ She couldn't quite put it all together, because there was nothing like it in her experience. She'd never heard of anything like this. But she had the feeling that when David kissed her, she'd figure it all out and it would be the revelation of her life. It was going to happen-now. He was moving clser to her, not fast, but as if slowly compelled by something he couldn't control. Gillian had to look down, but she didn't move back or turn her face away. He was close enough now that she could hear his breath and feel him. Her eyes shut of their own accord. She waited to feel the touch of warmth on her lips†¦ And then something in her mind stirred. A tiny whisper, so far back that she could barely hear it, and she couldn't tell where it came from. Tanya. The shock went through Gillian like ice on bare skin. Part of her tried to ignore it, but she was already pulling away, putting a hand up, turning to stare at the window. Not out the window. It was too steamed up now to see anything outside. They were in their own cocoon of whiteness. Gillian said, â€Å"I can't. I mean, not like this. I mean-it isn't fair, because you already-and you haven't †¦ I mean†¦ Tanya.† â€Å"I know.† David sounded as if he'd been hit with ice on bare skin, or as if he'd come up from deep water and was looking around dazedly. â€Å"I mean, you're right. I don't know what I was†¦ It just-it was like I forgot†¦ Look, I'm sure that sounds stupid. You don't believe me.† â€Å"I do believe you.† At least he sounded as incoherent as she did. He wouldn't think she was a total fool; her facade wasn't broken. â€Å"I'm not that kind of guy. I mean, it looks like I am, right here, it looks exactly like I am. But I'm not. I mean I never-I'm not like Bruce Faber. I don't do that. I made a promise to Tanya and †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Oh, God, Gillian thought. And then a sort of inward scream: (Help!) (I was wondering when you'd remember me.) (He made her a promise!) (I'm sure he did. They've been going together a while.) (But that's terrible!) (No, it's admirable. What a guy. Now say you've got to get to school.) (I can't. I can't think. How are we going to-) (School first.) Dully, Gillian said, â€Å"I guess we'd better get moving.† â€Å"Yeah.† There was a pause, and then David put the car in gear. They drove in silence, and Gillian sank deeper and deeper into depression. She'd thought it would be so easy-just show David her new self and everything would fall into place. But it wasn't like that. He couldn't just dump Tanya. (Don't worry about it, kid. I have a cunning plan.) (But what?) (I'll tell you when it's time.) (Angel-are you mad at me? Because I forgot about you?) (Of course not. I'm here to arrange things so you can forget me.) (Then-because I forgot about Tanya for a while? I don't want to do anything that's wrong†¦) (I'm not mad! Heads up. You're there.) Gillian couldn't push away the feeling that he was mad, though. Or at least surprised. As if something unexpected had happened. But she didn't have time to dwell on it. She had to get out of David's car and gather herself and face the high school. â€Å"I guess-I'll see you later,† David said as she reached for the door handle. His voice made it a question. â€Å"Yeah. Later,† Gillian said. She didn't have the energy for anything more. She glanced back- once-to see him staring at the steering wheel. She could see people staring at her as she walked to the school building. It was a new sensation and it gave her a spasm of anxiety. Were they laughing at her? Did she look silly, was she walking wrong somehow? (Just breathe and walk.) Angel's voice sounded amused. (Breathe-walk-head up-breathe†¦) Gillian somehow got through halls and up stairs to her U.S. history class without meeting another student's eyes once. There, arriving just as the bell rang, she realized she had a problem. Her history textbook, along with all her notes, was floating somewhere down toward West Virginia. With relief, she caught Amy's eye and headed toward the back of the classroom. â€Å"Can I share your book? My whole backpack went in the creek.† She was a little afraid Amy might be miffed or jealous at the way she'd run off with David, but Amy didn't seem to be either. She seemed more-awed-as if Gillian were some force like a tornado that you might fear, but that you couldn't get mad at. â€Å"Sure.† Amy waited until Gillian had scooted her desk closer, then whispered, â€Å"How come it took you so long to get to school? What were you and David doing?† Gillian rummaged for a pen. â€Å"How do you know we weren't picking up Tanya?† â€Å"Because Tanya was here at school looking for David.† Gillian's heart flip-flopped. She pretended to be very interested in history. But she gradually noticed that some of the other students were looking at her. Especially the boys. It was the sort of look she'd never imagined getting from a boy. But these were all juniors, and none of them was in the really popular clique. All that would change in Gillian's next class, biology. Half a dozen of the most popular kids would be there. David would be there-and Tanya. Gillian felt, with a sudden chill, that she might not really care anymore. What did it matter what other people thought of her if she couldn't have David? But she had a fundamental faith in Angel. Somehow things had to work out-if she just stayed calm and played her part. When the bell rang, she hurried away from Amy's questioning eyes and into the bathroom. She needed a moment to herself. (Do something to your lipstick. It seems to have gone away somehow.) Angel sounded as puzzled as any human boy. Gillian fixed the lipstick. She ran a comb through her hair. She was somewhat reassured by the sight of herself in the mirror. The girl there wasn't Gillian at all, but a slender, insubstantial femme fatale sheathed like a dagger in black. The girl's hair was silky, the palest of all possible golds. Her violet eyes were subtly shadowed so they looked mysterious, haunting. Her mouth was soft, red, and full: perfect, like the mouth of a model in a lipstick commercial. Against the stark black of her clothing, her skin had the slightly translucent look of apple blossoms. She's beautiful, Gillian thought. And then to Angel: (I mean, I am. But I need †¦ a Look, don't you think? An expression for when people are staring at me. Like, am I Bored or Slightly Amused or Aloof or Completely Oblivious or what?) (How about Thoughtful? As if you've got your own inner world to pay attention to. It's true, you know. You do.) Gillian was pleased. Thoughtful, absorbed in herself, listening to the music of the spheres-or the music of Angel's voice. She could do that. She settled the canvas bag on her shoulder and started toward her locker. (Uh, where are you going?) (To get my biology book. I still have that.) (No, you don't.) Gillian maintained her Thoughtful expression, while noting that heads turned as she walked down the hall. (Yes, I do.) (No, you don't. Due to circumstances entirely beyond your control, you lost your biology book and all your notes. You need to sit with somebody else and share his.) Gillian blinked. (I-oh. Oh, yeah, you're right. I lost my biology book.) The door of the biology lab loomed like the gate to hell, and Gillian had trouble keeping Thoughtful pinned to her face. But she managed to walk through it and into the quiet buzz that was a class before a bell was about to ring. (Okay, kid. Go up front and tell Mr. Wizard you need a new book. He'll take care of the rest.) Gillian did as Angel said. As she stood beside Mr. Leveret and told her story she sensed a new quietness in the classroom behind her. She didn't look back and she didn't raise her voice. By the time she was done, Mr. Leveret's pouchy, pleasantly ugly face had gone from a startled â€Å"Who are you?† expression (he had to look in the class register to make sure of her name) to one of pained sympathy. â€Å"I've got an extra textbook,† he said. â€Å"And some outlines of my lectures on transparencies. But as for notes-â€Å" He turned to the class at large. â€Å"Okay, people. Jill-uh, Gillian-needs a little help. She needs somebody who's willing to share their notes, maybe xerox them-â€Å" Before he could finish his sentence, hands went up all over the room. Somehow that brought everything into focus for Gillian. She was standing in front of a classroom with everyone staring at her-that in itself would have been enough to terrify her in the old days. And sitting there in front was David, wearing an unreadable expression, and Tanya, looking rigidly shocked. And other people who'd never looked directly at her before, and who were now waving their hands enthusiastically. All boys. She recognized Bruce Faber, who she'd always thought of as Bruce the Athlete, with his tawny hair and his blue-gray eyes and his tall football build. Normally he looked as if he were acknowledging the applause of a crowd. Just now he looked as if he were graciously extending an invitation to Gillian. And Macon Kingsley, who she called Macon the Wallet because he was so rich. His hair was brown and styled, his eyes hooded, and there was something cruel to the sensual droop of his mouth. But he wore a Rolex and had a new sports car and right now he was looking at Gillian as if he'd pay a lot of money for her. And Cory Zablinski-who was Cory the Party Guy because he constantly seemed to be arranging, going to, or just recovering from parties. Cory was wiry and hyper, with foxy brown hair and darting fox-colored eyes. He had more personality than looks, but he was always in the middle of things, and at this moment he was waving madly at Gillian. Even Amy's new boyfriend Eugene, who didn't have looks or personality in Gillian's opinion, was wiggling his fingers eagerly. David had his hand up, too, despite Tanya's cold expression. He looked polite and stubborn. Gillian wondered if he'd told Tanya he was just trying to help a poor junior out. (Pick†¦ Macon.) The ghostly voice in Gillian's ear was thoughtful. (Macon? I thought maybe Cory.) She couldn't pick David, of course, not with Tanya looking daggers at her. And she felt uncomfortable about picking Bruce for the same reason-his girlfriend Amanda Spengler was sitting right beside him. Cory was friendly and, well, accessible. Macon, on the other hand, was vaguely creepy. This time the voice in her head was patient. (Have I ever steered you wrong? Macon.) (Cory's the one who always knows about parties†¦) But Gillian was already moving toward Macon. The most important thing in life, she was discovering quickly, was to trust Angel absolutely. â€Å"Thanks,† she said softly to Macon as she perched on an empty stool behind him. She repeated after Angel: â€Å"I'll bet you take good notes. You seem like a good observer.† Macon the Wallet barely inclined his head. She noticed that his hooded eyes were moss green, an unusual, almost disturbing color. But he was nice to her all period. He promised to have his father's secretary photocopy the thick sheaf of biology notes in his spiral-bound notebook. He lent her a highlighter. And he kept looking at her as if she were some interesting piece of art. That wasn't all. Cory the Party Guy dropped a ball of paper on the lab table as he walked past to get rid of his gum in the trash can. When Gillian unfolded it she found a Hershey's kiss and a questionnaire: R U new? Do U like music? What's yr phone #? And Bruce the Athlete tried to catch her eye whenever she glanced in his direction. A warm and heady glow was starting somewhere inside Gillian. But the most amazing part was yet to come. Mr. Leveret, pacing in the front, asked for somebody to review the five kingdoms used to categorize living things. (Raise your hand, kid.) (But I don't remember-) (Trust me.) Gillian's hand went up. The warm feeling had changed to a sense of dread. She never answered questions in class. She almost hoped Mr. Leveret wouldn't see her, but he spotted her right away and nodded. â€Å"Gillian?† (Now just say after me†¦) The soft voice in her head went on. â€Å"Okay, the five classes would be, from most advanced to most primitive, Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista†¦ and Eugene.† Gillian ticked them off on her fingers and glanced sideways at Eugene as she finished. (But that's not nice. I mean-) She never got to what she meant. The entire class was roaring with laughter. Even Mr. Leveret rolled his eyes at the ceiling and shook his head tolerantly. They thought she was hysterical. Witty. One of those types who could break up a whole classroom. (But Eugene-) (Look at him.) Eugene was blushing pink, ducking his head. Grinning. He didn't look embarrassed or hurt; he actually looked pleased at the attention. It's still wrong, a tiny voice that wasn't Angel's seemed to whisper. But it was drowned out by the laughter and the rising warmth inside Gillian. She'd never felt so accepted, so included. She had the feeling that now people would laugh whenever she said something even marginally funny. Because they wanted to laugh; they wanted to be pleased by her-and to please her. (Rule One, dragonfly. A beautiful girl can tease any guy and make him like it. No matter what the joke is. Am I right or am I right?) (Angel, you're always right.) She meant it with all her heart. She had never imagined that guardian angels could be like this, but she was glad beyond words that they were and that she had one on her side. At break the miracles continued. Instead of hurrying out the door as she normally did, she found herself walking slowly and lingering in the hall. She couldn't help it, both Macon and Cory were in front of her, talking to her. â€Å"I can have the notes ready for you this weekend,† Macon the Wallet was saying. â€Å"Maybe I should drop them by your house.† His heavy-lidded eyes seemed to bore into her and the sensual droop to his mouth became more pronounced. â€Å"No, I've got a better idea,† Cory was saying, almost dancing around the two of them. â€Å"Mac, m'man, don't you think it's about time you had another party? I mean, it's been weeks, and you've got that big house†¦ How about Saturday, and I'll round up a keg and we can all get to know Jill better.† He gestured expansively. â€Å"Good idea,† Bruce the Athlete said cheerfully from behind Gillian. â€Å"I'm free Saturday. What about you-Jill?† He draped a casual arm around her shoulder. â€Å"Ask me Friday,† Gillian said with a smile, repeating the whispered words in her mind. She shrugged off the arm on her own volition. Bruce belonged to Amanda. A party for me, Gillian thought dazedly. All she'd wanted was to get invited to a party given by these kids-she'd never imagined being the focus of one. She felt a stinging in her nose and eyes and a sort of desperation in her stomach. Things were happening almost too fast. Other people were gathering around curiously. Incredibly, she was at the center of a crowd and everyone seemed to be either talking to her or about her. â€Å"Hey, are you new?† â€Å"That's Gillian Lennox. She's been here for years.† â€Å"I never saw her before.† â€Å"You just never noticed her before,† â€Å"Hey, Jill, how come you lost your biology book?† â€Å"Didn't you hear? She fell in a creek trying to save some kid. Almost drowned.† â€Å"I heard David Blackburn pulled her out and had to give her artificial respiration.† â€Å"1 heard they were parked on Hillcrest Road this morning.† It was intoxicating, exhilarating. And it wasn't just guys who were gathered around her. She would have thought that the girls would be jealous, spiteful, that they'd glare at her or even all walk away from her in one mass snub. But there was Kimberlee Cherry, Kim the Gymnast, the bubbly, sparkly little dynamo with her sun-blond curls and her baby-blue eyes. She was laughing and chattering. And there was Steffi Lockhart the Singer, with her cafe au lait skin and her soulful amber eyes, waving an expressive hand and beaming. Even Amanda the Cheerleader, Bruce Faber's girlfriend, was in the group. She was flashing her healthy, wide smile and tossing her shiny brown hair, her fresh face glowing. Gillian understood suddenly. The girls couldn't hate her, or couldn't show it if they did. Because Gillian had status, the instant and unassailable status that came from being beautiful and having guys fall all over themselves for her. She was a rising star, a force, a power to be reckoned with. And any girl who snubbed her was risking a nick in her own popularity if Gillian should decide to retaliate. They were afraid not to be nice to her. It was dizzying, all right. Gillian felt as beautiful as an angel and as dangerous as a serpent. She was riding on waves of energy and adulation. But then she saw something that made her feel as if she had suddenly stepped off a cliff. Tanya had David by the arm and they were walking away down the hall.