Young Offenders Act Essay Example For Students

Young Offenders Act Essay I am writing this essay on the Young Offenders Act for a few reasons. One being that I am a special agent sent from the future keep the fate of this Grade 11 English credit comfortably in Justin Favieres upcoming report card. Secondly, I am trying to educate people who may not be aware of the benefits of the Act, or simply disagree with my opinion that the Young Offenders Act is a crucial part of our judicial system, regardless of its imperfections. And last but not least, so I can educate myself on other peoples ideas as to why they think that we should not have a Young Offenders Act. We will write a custom essay on Young Offenders Act specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now At the beginning of my freefall known as teenhood I commited many crimes, and participated in many criminal activities. However, as I think back to them now, I regret each and every one. I have had sleep overs in juvenile jail, and worked many community service hours. I wish that I had never participated in these criminal acts, however, luckily to the young offenders act, I was given the chance to put my stupidity behind me and have my criminal record deleted now that I am the age of majority, and not have the burden of my childish mistakes lingering over my shoulder for the rest of my life. If there was no such thing as the young offenders act, I would most likely be turned down for most jobs, for I know as a fact, that my work place at the present time (and many others) wouldnt hire someone with a criminal record. I ask everyone reading this, not to think of this as only law. I would like all of you to think of the youths as individual people, that have a bright future ahead of the m, after they make the decision to change and mature to the next step of the game of life. Though the individual may be currently stuck in the brain cloud of teenhood, as most people are at some point over those trying years, I am a firm believer in the idea that anyone can change if they want to and the Young offenders Act gives those people that chance to put it completely behind them. I definitely think that punishments should fit their crimes and their are some that need to be a little more leanient and some that need to be toughened up. Murder for instance, I dont believe should have a spot in the Young Offenders Act. I Think that if a person knowingly commits murder they have chosen someone elses fate for them and should not have the luxury of a second chance, the person they killed didnt. I myself being a rascal at one time, and still being a teenager, know as a fact, that there is no hope that any laws, government agencies or majestic powers will ever produce a one hundred p ercent success rate, because as we all know, there are some people who will not mature and change their ways. I believe that as time goes on it is essential to modify and re-evaluate some laws, because of the undeniable fact that every generation will have a different outlook on our world and people react in different ways to cope with their environment as that is human nature. I believe that if our country decided to get rid of the Y.O.A., It would lock a door that so many people in the past, present and future, need to be able to open so they can find that thing called hope. Without hope, there is no reason for someone to change because they can not foresee any better life for themselves. So for anyone who is still of the opinion that the Young Offenders Act should be abolished or a new one should be put in place, I would like to ask what you expect to achieve by spending countless amounts of our tax payers dollars and hundreds, if not thousands of hours behind a desk trying to re-organize a system that has never been organized and most likely never will be? Maybe you have had a personal experience as a victim of a young offenders crime and areallowing it to anger you enough to have a somewhat vengeful opinion towards this subject, which is more than understandable. All I am asking is that you consider my personal experience as a young offender and also try to understand that you cannot generalise any group of people by ethnic background, economic status or in this case, age or in any other way, because we are all individuals.Social Issues

Promoting Your Books With Pinterest

Promoting Your Books With Pinterest Pinterest, a social media site, initially was popular among crafters, homemakers and Do-It-Yourselfers. Its becoming a popular destination as authors search for additional marketing possibilities. Pinterest can drive traffic to an authors blog or website, increase reader awareness and generate book sales. PINTEREST Pinterest is a free site (www.pinterest.com) where users set up boards and pin things they like to their boards. Think having a wall full of   bulletin boards. Create as many boards as you desire – one or hundreds. Name them – Books to read, Gardens, Fun to wear, etc. If you see a post on the main page that you like, click the heart on the upper right. If you want to save it, click pin it on the upper left. A box opens up where you choose which board to pin it to. Follow people. For instance, type chopeclark in the search box and youll find Hopes Pinterest page. On the upper right, click follow. Its that easy. Dont forget add your Pinterest link in your signature block, on your website and on your blog posts. WHY PINTEREST? Pinterest has over 100 million users. An estimated 70 percent of users pin/click through each month. Some authors have reported that Pinterest generated traffic surpassed Google+ and Twitter. TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS Set up a board for each book, or each series. Add a description about your book on each board. Include relevant keywords to show up in searches. Include links to your web site, blog, and sales page. (Descriptions are limited 500 characters. Bitly.com shortens those lengthy Amazon links.) Add pins that complement your book. Good visual images have the best chances of getting repined. They recommend having at least five pins on each board. Add pins that reflect the time period of your book, the area its set in, food or clothing of the era, recipes, etc. For instance, on my Trail Angel Mama – hiking board, I added pins about the Pacific Crest Trail, Wrightwood, California (story location), and links to useful hiking pages. When I publish a blog, I pin to my board, which directs Pinterest users back to my blog. When you start a new project, create a new board. Add pictures and information from your research. If the WIP name changes, edit the boards name. This helps promote your book prior to publication. Author Susan Wittig Albert has several series: China Bayles, Darling Dahlias and the Robin Paige Victorian mysteries that she co-writes with her husband, along with several stand-alone historical fiction books. Shes an active Pinterest user: 127 boards, 2,000 pins, and 3,000 followers. See her Pinterest page here. https://www.pinterest.com/susanwalbert/ Another Pinterest author is J.F. Penn. She has 31 boards: one for each book, and one titled My Books. She has a A Day in the Life of a Writer board sharing snippets of her life.https://www.pinterest.com/jfpenn/ TIPS Pin things specific to your target audience. Is it useful or entertaining? Hot Pinterest topics are: Food, fashion, fitness, beauty, dà ©cor, travel, crafts, children and pets. Share pins with valuable content: Blog posts, images, videos, essays, stories, character profiles. Be steady and consistent with your pinning to maximize your exposure. Better to briefly pin several times a week instead of binge pinning once a month. Pin at peak viewing times: late afternoons, early evenings and weekends. Pin your own unique pins along with repining others in your theme. READ MORE HERE: 56 Ways to Market Your Business on Pinterest, copyblogger.com/pinterest-marketing/ Your Writer Platform has a blog with usable tips and links detailing how to accomplish the recommended tasks. yourwriterplatform.com/use-pinterest-to-market-book-and-author-brand/

Allegory and Obstacles in The Pilgrim’s Progress

Allegory and Obstacles in The Pilgrim’s Progress In the classic allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan explains the journey of a newly-saved believer. Bunyan’s story unraveled in a dream of a man named Christian. After reading a section in the bible, Christian tells his wife and children that he must find a way to deliver them from the City of Destruction or they will be burned by fire from Heaven. As Christian sat in a field crying for salvation, a man named Evangelist advised him to run toward a shining light that would lead him to the Wicket-gate where he could learn how to be saved. Throughout his journey to the Celestial City, Christian encountered people who tried to discourage him and lead him astray in many ways. Two of these deceiving people, Worldly Wiseman and Apollyon, symbolize very common setbacks that occur in the walk of believers. Worldly Wiseman was a man of high standing in his hometown Carnal Policy. He had great knowledge of how the world sees morality. As he crossed paths with Christian he tried to convince him that going to the Celestial City was a waste of time. He told Christian not to take counsel from Evangelist or read the Bible because doing so would only lead him to peril and death. However, even though Mr. Worldly Wiseman seemed to know what he was talking about, he didn’t. He tried to deceive Christian into thinking that he could have happiness and be released from his burdens if only he lived a moral life. He considered people who took the hard road to the Celestial city foolish. (13-19) For the most part, Worldly Wiseman allegorically represents the world’s scorn of having a relationship with God. The world’s outlook, and that of Worldly Wiseman, fits right into the Devil’s plan because it makes people believe that if they are a good person they will go to Heaven without having a relationship with God and without taking the sins from their life, which is just not true. Christian was led astray by what Worldly Wiseman told him until Evangelist found him again and got him back on the road to the Celestial City. Apollyon was a horrific beast, in the Valley of Humiliation, who believed that he was lord and protector of all the land. He despised the Prince (Jesus) and killed anyone who went to seek Him. When Christian encountered Apollyon, he tried to strike fear in his heart. He told Christian to go back to his home in the City of Destruction or he would kill him as he did the others who passed to find the Prince. Christian did not listen to him, but instead told him that he liked the things of the Prince better than those of Apollyon and would not return to his previous home but continue his journey. Hearing these things enraged Apollyon and he decided to kill Christian. However Christian stood his ground and fought him for nearly half a day. Battered and injured things looked grim for Christian but when Apollyon turned his back the Lord gave him the strength he needed to pierce his sword into the monster, and he flew away bringing victory to Christian. (63-69) Within the narrative, Apollyon symbolizes subjection to worldly power and the loss of spiritual freedom. He tried to take away Christian’s freedom to choose a path towards God. Apollyon is comparable to a dictator who demands that the people under his rule must not worship or follow God, but instead take part in worldly, sinful practices. This type of government is all too common in this world. It causes people to have less knowledge of God because people fear to share the gospel in highly persecuted countries. Also the people who do know the gospel must risk everything at times. It’s hard for a father to sacrifice his wife and children or his life to follow God. However, people in lost, tyrannical countries must stay strong and fearless in their walk with God, and missionaries must trust that God can protect them as they share His Word with those countries. Evangelist went into Apollyon’s dominion, knowing the dangers, in attempt to save as many people as possib le. Christian left his home and family, and went through many trials and obstacles to follow God. God is infinitely worth it though, both Evangelist and Christian knew this. Every character in The Pilgrim’s Progress allegorically stands in for obstacles or blessings that occur in a Christian’s walk with Christ. This essay is focused on the obstacles. One of the worst things that happens in Christian churches across the world is the spectacle of half-hearted â€Å"Christians† believing that they don’t need a relationship with God. Instead, they have the mindset of Mr. Worldly Wiseman and believe following religious rules alone can get them to Heaven. Another common obstacle in a Christian’s, or even a non-believer’s walk is persecution. Apollyon, much like the world’s dictators, persecuted all who wanted to follow God. This kind of leadership makes it much more difficult for believers to follow Christ. Worldly Wiseman and Apollyon both symbolize some of the most destructive problems in the lives of Christs followers. However, those problems in reality, just as in the book, can be overcome.

Prepare a report for an employee in the hospitality industry sector Essay

Prepare a report for an employee in the hospitality industry sector analysing the impact of the London olympics 2012 on at least three policy areas in the manag - Essay Example This is a marathon effort but an excellent opportunity for the Human Resources department in UK. The role of the head of HR will have to be strategic and influential, and focused on delivery (Karen Dempsey). It is estimated that 12,000 new jobs will be created because of the development of the Olympic Park area (People 1st). The two main areas that will have an impact are the hospitality sector and the construction sector. Employment in the hospitality industry is growing at a rate faster than overall employment in the UK (People 1st). The hospitality sector has been behind the games bid but the shortage in this industry has always existed because it is either tough or underpaid for the British. Besides, the unemployment is very low (Encore Personnel) and with baby boomers retiring soon, there will be an increased gap between the demand and supply. Training for the skilled workforce has to start now to ensure smooth operations. In view of the above, the greatest challenge before the HR department will be recruitment of the skilled personnel, and retention and motivation of the existing personnel. The success of the Olympics depends entirely upon the skills and the commitment of the people involved. Hence, the three core areas where HR has to concentrate are recruitment and retention, motivation, learning and development. The hospitality sector comprises of hotels, providers of holiday accommodation, pubs and bars, restaurants and take away food outlets (Low pay Commission Report 2005). It is probably the world’s fastest growing, job-creating profession (Hospitality: As it is). The hospitality industry exhibits tremendous diversity both with respect to the types of jobs on offer and the workers required. (Migration: A Welcome Opportunity). There is a huge shortage in the hospitality sector and it is estimated that the industry will require 30000-35000 trained people by 2010 at the management and supervisory

MiniBusiness Plan Parameters( Food truck and we sell mainly smoothies Essay

MiniBusiness Plan Parameters( Food truck and we sell mainly smoothies king) - Essay Example The idea of a food truck will ensure we serve our clients at their convenience by making trips to their premises based on the truck schedule. Our staff are committed to ensure our clients’ interests are accorded first priority. Amazing smoothies is a limited liability company with all the members having an equal share capital in the business. The initial capital will be 100,000 dollars with the contribution of each member at 20,000 dollars with the possibility of further investment in future as agreed upon by the members. The investment will attract an interest of not more than 10% per annum. The monthly variable costs are estimated at 5,500 dollars and fixed cost at 3,000 dollars. The business partners will receive an equal salary at 500 dollars per month but may be subject to adjustment depending on the work rate assigned to each individual. Our sales revenues for the First year is projected at 12,000 dollars per month and to rise to 15,000 dollars within one year of operation. This represents an increase in sales at 12.5% annually. We are targeting expansion to buy more food trucks after the first year so as to be able to cover more market

Huggies Mamy Poko Company Backgorund Essay Example for Free

Huggies Mamy Poko Company Backgorund Essay Kimberly Clark is founded in 1872 at Neenah, Wisconsin and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is passionate about providing people with essentials for a better life by adding convenience to daily routines with some of the world’s most recognized products. Kimberly Clark has approximately 58,000 employees worldwide and operations in 36 countries. Its sales have increased to $21.1 billion in 2012. Kimberly Clark has many global brands and one of them is Huggies. Huggies diapers were first introduced by Kimberly Clark in 1978, and they’ve been improved nearly every year since. Refastenable diapers, breathable diapers and stretchy diapers are all Huggies firsts. At the controls of the Huggies innovation engine are everyday consumers. The art of understanding and anticipating consumer needs – sometimes before consumers do themselves – has led not only to product advances but the creation of whole new categories, businesses that didn’t exist before. In 1985, Huggies took leadership of the category for the first time, and has been the number one selling diaper in America since 1993. Today, Huggies brand introduces a demonstrably better product every year, and the imperative to innovate extends far beyond the Huggies diaper franchise. It’s no accident that Kimberly Clark offers consumers the number one or number two brand in 80 countries. Unicharm Corporation, MamyPoko Unicharm Corporation is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the manufactured and sale of baby care products, feminine care products and pet care products. Unicharm is established on February 10, 1961. The company operates in three business segments. The personal care segment provides baby care related products, such paper diapers; feminine care related products, such as sanitary items, as well as healthcare related products, including incontinence articles for adults and powder puffs. The pet care segment provides pet food products and pet toiletry products. The others segment is engaged in the gravure printing, processing and sales business, as well as financial business. As of March 31, 2012, the company owned 40 consolidated subsidiaries and two associated companies. MamyPoko is a brand of the company Unicharm that focuses on pant-style diapers for babies. MamyPoko started manufacturing baby diapers since 1981. MamyPoko pants at present are sold in 14 Asian countries. MamyPoko pants come with a core that has maximum absorbent and moisture-locking capacity. MamyPoko diapers come in the following 3 types, MamyPoko tape diapers, extra soft fit and easy fit pants. Apart from manufacturing diapers, the brand also produces baby wipes, both in fragrant and non-fragrant varieties.

Flaws of Case Study and Experimental Method Research in Psychology :: Psychology

Psychology is a type of science because psychologists share a basic assumption with all other scientists. Psychology methods can range from simple to complex. There are several research methods in psychology, and the outcome is relatively different for each. Each method studies and tests different situations. â€Å"The goals of psychologist are to make predictions about the conditions that gave rise to them, and then use that knowledge to predict and possibly to control events in the future†. (Stephen F.Davis, 2007) Case study uses information obtained from one person or a few people to illuminate the behaviors of others and suggest further research. Sigmund Freud popularized case study along with his psychonalytic theory of personality. A major advantage of the case study is that focussed on one person allows researchers to gather a great deal of detailed information. The goal of a case study is to use the information gathered from one person to understand the behaviors of others. â€Å"The case study is often used by used by psychologist in order to research into aspects of the human psyche.† (Keirs, 2009) Psychologist use experiments, interviews, questionnaires, observations, diaries, and psychometric tests are used within a case study. There are two basic types of case study; retrospective and longitudinal. In retrospective, your information comes from the history of the person you are studying. If it were a person who was being studied, you would have been to interview the person about their childhood and their family, as a result developed a report of their life and early life. In contrast longitudinal, investigates the future. They research consequences of a certain situation that has happened. The key feature in the case study method is subject matter. The subject matter is usually a person or an animal. Much like experimental case study, it often uses variables. As with any other method, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of case study is the ecological validity of it. The information that is used in these studies is from real life environment. The information is good information because the research is so in depth. The research if often very useful. There are also disadvantages and potential disadvantages. One main disadvantage is case studies usually relate to one individual, and what applies to you may not apply to me. Replication would not be easy with case study because of the unique situations. â€Å"The experimental

Succubus Revealed Chapter 10

In centuries? I thought that was kind of an exaggeration. But I wasn't going to argue any further with him, not when he had that zealous look in his eyes. It was one I knew all too well, which in its mildest form resulted in recipe experimentation and in its severest led to immortal killing sprees. With all the schools on winter vacation now, Santa was no longer just doing evening duty at the mall. I had drawn a day shift for Monday and finally left Roman for bed so that I could get an early start. He acknowledged my good night with a nod, lost in his own brooding. Despite how hard he'd grilled me, I knew he was thinking about the same question I'd demanded of him: why would Hell want me out of Seattle so badly that they were willing to create a dream scenario for me? I had no answers for it that night or the next morning. I arrived at the mall bright and early, in my foil dress, only to find a mob of parents and kids already lined up there waiting for us to open shop. Walter-Santa, I was pleased to see, was actually drinking straight coffee this morning, with no mention of alcohol. Of course, he was most likely getting rid of a hangover from last night, and I didn't doubt that the requests for â€Å"something harder† would start by noon. â€Å"Santa wishes his pavilion wasn't under the mall's skylight,† he remarked, furthering my hangover suspicions. He settled himself into his chair – much to the gathered children's delight – and winced unhappily up at the sunlight spilling through the latticed roof of the â€Å"holiday gazebo.† He turned back to me and Grumpy. â€Å"I don't suppose we could get a tarp for that?† Grumpy and I exchanged looks. â€Å"I don't think they sell tarps at this mall, Walt – Santa,† I told him. â€Å"But maybe on my break I can score some sheets from Pottery Barn for you.† â€Å"Yeah,† said Grumpy, repressing an eye roll. â€Å"I'm sure we can find something very tasteful.† Santa nodded solemnly. â€Å"Santa is grateful to have such dutiful elves.† We opened the floodgates. I was working right next to Santa today, meaning I got a front row seat for some of the more outlandish requests. I was also the one who got to remove screaming children, despite parental protests and pleadings to â€Å"just keep her there until I get the picture!† All the while, I kept thinking that instead of doing this, I could be in Las Vegas right now, working through Matthias's routines and listening to Phoebe's jokes along the way. Of course, that isn't to say I was entirely scornful of the whole experience. I liked Christmas, and I liked children. I wouldn't have signed on for this job if either of those weren't true. But in watching these families – especially little girls with their mothers – I just couldn't shake my worries for the Mortensens. If I thought too much about them, I started to tear up. So . . . yeah. Cynicism was preferable at times. It kept me from getting lost in my own despair. When my shift ended later in the day, I discovered I wasn't the only one going home. Grumpy put up a SANTA ON 10-MINUTE BREAK sign, much to the dismay of those waiting in line, and Walter followed me as I headed out to the mall offices. It was hard not to smile at the reaction of kids who just happened to be out shopping with parents and hadn't come to specifically see Santa. Children came to a standstill, mouths gaping and fingers pointing. â€Å"You've been pretty good today,† I told Walter. â€Å"It's easier when Santa knows he can go out for a drink at dinnertime,† he told me. I frowned. â€Å"Are you going home? Oh. Of course you are. You've been here as long as me.† Elves had always moved in and out of shifts, but Santa had stayed constant. Now, with us pulling longer hours, Walter couldn't be on the clock all the time. â€Å"Do you have a replacement?† He put a finger to his lips and winked at me, refusing to say anything while we were in public. Once we were out of sight, in the administrative offices, I got my answer when we found another Santa sitting in a chair, leafing through a Victoria's Secret catalog. He looked up at our approach and set the magazine down. â€Å"Is it time?† Walter nodded and turned to me. â€Å"Vixen, do we look the same?† â€Å"Of course,† I said. â€Å"You're both men in red suits and white beards.† â€Å"Look closely,† he scolded. The other Santa rose, and they stood side by side. â€Å"Details matter. Anything a child waiting in line might notice when Bob goes out to take my place. Beard alignment, glasses, fit of the coat . . . it all matters. One small detail is all it takes for those kids to realize they've been played, that there are two of us.† â€Å"And if they realize that,† added Bob, using the same British accent Walter always did, â€Å"then the illusion is over. They'll know they've been tricked, that there is no one, true Santa.† â€Å"Wow, you guys take this seriously,† I said, a little astonished. So, I did a closer assessment, making a few minor adjustments. I straightened Bob's hat and fixed the way some of his beard's curls were arranged. At last, I nodded. â€Å"You're good to go.† Bob looked at Walter expectantly. Walter took off his hat, beard, and glasses, revealing an ordinary-looking man with thinning salt-and-pepper hair. â€Å"Only one Santa can exist outside this room,† explained Walter mysteriously, watching Bob go. â€Å"It's part of the magic.† â€Å"This was kind of sweet,† I remarked. Off the clock now, Walter immediately produced a flask from his locker and began guzzling it. I wondered if the two Santas shared the same addiction. â€Å"Creepy, but sweet.† After a wardrobe change of my own and a brief stop home, I eventually made my way to Burt's Bowling Alley. Roman had chosen it for our immortal league practice. It was also the site of a date he and I had had way back when, during our ill-fated romance. Living with him day to day, coping with the mundane absurdities of roommate life, it was easy to forget about that part of our history. There had been a time when I thought I was falling in love with Roman, though eventually my feelings for Seth had won out. Learning Roman's true nature – and about his plot to kill Carter – hadn't helped our fledgling relationship. He'd given all that up, thankfully, but there were times I wondered just how much Roman still cared for me. There was no sign of our illustrious teacher yet, but Seth was already there, along with Cody, Peter, and Hugh. Seeing me enter, Seth shot me a desperate, grateful look. I could only imagine what conversation he'd been subjected to while trapped with them. As I approached, the four guys' shirts instantly caught my eye. Seth was wearing a Say Anything T-shirt. That was typical of him. What wasn't so typical was that my three immortal friends were all wearing identical light blue shirts. Before I could get a good look at them, Cody leaped up and thrust a folded-up blue shirt toward me. â€Å"Here,† he said. â€Å"I can't wait to see what all four of us look like together in these.† The shirt was a standard bowling style, short-sleeved and button-down. My name was embroidered on the front. Flipping it over, I found THE UNHOLY ROLLERS done in elaborate, flaming letters. I arched an eyebrow. â€Å"Really?† I said. â€Å"This is what we're going with?† â€Å"It's clever on so many levels,† Peter said excitedly. â€Å"It's a take on ‘holy rollers,' and then when you think about the fact that we're rolling balls – â€Å" â€Å"Yeah, yeah,† I said, putting the bowling shirt on over my turtleneck. The size was off a little, and I shape-shifted to adjust it. â€Å"I know what the definition of a pun is, Peter. I just didn't realize we were going with something so . . . blatant.† â€Å"It was either that or the Sinsationals,† said Hugh. I made a face and settled into the crook of Seth's arm. â€Å"I think you went with the right choice. And at least they're in a tasteful color.† Hugh and Cody exchanged pleased, triumphant looks. Peter scowled. â€Å"There's nothing wrong with pink,† he said. â€Å"I think it would have made a statement.† â€Å"Yeah,† said Hugh. â€Å"A statement that we're pansy-asses that Nanette's team could clean the floor with.† Peter gave a long-suffering sigh. â€Å"Why must you be so insecure about your masculinity? If Georgina had been around when we voted, I bet she would've gone with pink too.† At once, his words reminded all of them of why I'd been gone. Their faces fell. â€Å"Is it true then?† said Cody. â€Å"You're leaving?† â€Å"Afraid so,† I told him, attempting cheerfulness I didn't feel. â€Å"Next month, I'm Vegas-bound.† â€Å"But that's not fair,† Cody protested. â€Å"We need you here.† Hugh gave him a rueful smile. â€Å"You haven't been in this business long enough, kid. ‘Fair' doesn't enter into it.† Cody didn't like the reference to his lack of experience, but Hugh was right. Cody hadn't been immortal long enough to go through a transfer or the organizational machinations of HR. Peter and Hugh had, and while they might be sad at the thought of leaving me, they also knew that there were some things you just can't fight. â€Å"Don't feel too bad for me,† I said breezily. â€Å"Bastien's working there now. And I've already got a job as a dancer.† â€Å"You can't even get a job here,† pointed out Peter. â€Å"Like a topless dancer?† asked Hugh. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"But scantily clad in sequins.† Hugh nodded in approval. â€Å"That'll work.† Cody was still wearing his heart on his sleeve. His gaze fell on Seth. â€Å"Well. I guess one good thing is that with your job, you can live anywhere. Easy enough relocation.† I didn't know what Seth's thoughts on that were exactly, but he managed a brave smile. â€Å"We'll see.† Suddenly all I could think about was my last conversation with Andrea, when we were talking about Seth. He's the rock supporting us all right now. An uncomfortably warm feeling spread over me, tinged with the scent of brimstone. The other immortals and I looked up as Jerome entered, trailed by a pensive-looking Roman. I saw my surprise mirrored on my friends' faces. â€Å"I didn't know you were coming,† I said to Jerome, when the father-and-son duo reached us. â€Å"I thought you'd made it clear you weren't part of the team.† â€Å"I'm not,† he said, eyeing the worn leather chairs with disgust. â€Å"But seeing as my honor is riding on this so-called team, I figured I'd best make sure you're on the right track.† â€Å"Thanks for the vote of confidence in my abilities,† said Roman, entering our names into the lane's computer. â€Å"I don't doubt your abilities,† said Jerome, deigning to sit at last. â€Å"But I also know a little encouragement can sometimes go a long way in furthering success.† â€Å"I assume by ‘encouragement,' you're referring to your extreme displeasure if we fail,† I noted. Jerome's lips twitched. â€Å"Exactly, Georgie. Besides, I also wanted to hear – â€Å" Jerome fell silent as his gaze rested on Seth's T-shirt, depicting John Cusack's iconic stance with the boom box over his head. â€Å"Nice shirt,† said Jerome at last. â€Å"Um, thanks,† said Seth. Jerome turned back to me, like nothing had happened. â€Å"As I was saying, I wanted to hear about your Las Vegas weekend.† â€Å"How considerate,† I said. Beside me, I felt Seth shift restlessly. I knew my other immortal friends made him uncomfortable in just a weird sort of way, but Jerome unnerved Seth in a whole other way. No, it was more than unnerving. Jerome scared Seth, which made sense because half the time, Jerome scared us too. â€Å"I'm sure you have enough eyes and ears to tell you exactly how my weekend went.† â€Å"True,† said Jerome. â€Å"But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy getting your insight.† â€Å"Right,† I said. â€Å"Because my happiness means so much to you.† Roman crossed his arms over his chest and fixed us with an irritated look. â€Å"Sorry to interrupt, but do you want to practice or not?† He gave no indication that he'd grilled me on every detail of the aforementioned weekend. From his expression now, you'd think that was the last thing on his mind. â€Å"Certainly,† said Jerome magnanimously. He gesture toward the lane, like some monarch kicking off a celebration. â€Å"Begin.† Roman rolled his eyes and then turned to us Unholy Rollers. â€Å"Okay, first, let's see what level you're all at.† Roman's lessons hadn't stuck with me over the last year, though I acquitted myself well with six pins on my first roll and two on the next. Cody surprised everyone with a spare, and Hugh, after first rolling a gutter ball, matched my eight. Peter created a perfect split on his first roll and hit nothing on the second. Seth, in a rare moment of bravery, leaned toward Jerome. â€Å"Are there going to be handicaps in this tournament?† â€Å"That,† said Jerome, dark eyes on the gaping hole Peter had made, â€Å"is an excellent question.† Even Roman seemed a little surprised at how all over the map we were. He jumped into his role as coach, helping each of us with our own specific problems. Cody was the only one of us who needed little assistance and threw strikes and spares pretty regularly. I proved surprisingly correctable and was soon throwing spares about two-thirds of the time, which I thought was a decent rate. No amount of instruction seemed to help Peter, whose rolls were increasingly bizarre and erratic. Hugh improved slightly but still had a tendency to always throw right, which he just couldn't shake. â€Å"Here,† said Seth, standing up as Hugh was about to finish a frame. â€Å"Can I do it? I used to roll exactly like you do.† Hugh relinquished the ball willingly, and Seth stepped up to the line. I sat up with interest, never having seen Seth bowl. He showed Hugh his technique first, miming a throw that curved slightly left. Then Seth threw for real, releasing a fast, neat ball that cleaned up Hugh's leftover pins. â€Å"Jesus Christ,† said Jerome in disgust. â€Å"I'm going to have to see if Nanette will let me put mortals on the team. It's the only way I'm going to save face.† â€Å"Hey,† said Roman. â€Å"Give them a chance. I can work miracles in a week.† Jerome stood up. â€Å"Miracles generally aren't in our repertoire. I've seen all I need to. I'm going to go drink now in a futile effort to wipe away the memory of this debacle. When I show up for your next practice, I expect to see significant improvement in all of you. If I don't, you're all going to learn a new definition of teamwork through your shared misery and suffering.† He turned abruptly on his heels and nearly ran into a waitress approaching us. She yelped in surprise when she saw the furious look on his face. â€Å"Do not serve them alcohol,† he warned her. â€Å"We can't risk any chance of this getting worse – not that that's probably possible.† We watched them both hurry away. Once Jerome left the bowling alley, Roman exhaled in relief and sat down with us. â€Å"Okay, now that he's gone, can we dispense with this bowling nonsense and get down to business? Cody, we need to talk to you about Milton.† â€Å"Whoa, whoa,† said Peter. â€Å"Was I the only one who heard that part about ‘shared misery and suffering'? We need to practice.† Roman waved a dismissive hand. â€Å"We'll get back to that.† â€Å"What about Milton?† asked Cody, looking puzzled for any number of reasons. â€Å"You told him,† said Hugh. â€Å"Shit.† â€Å"What'd you expect?† I asked. â€Å"You had to have known I'd do something about it.† â€Å"Milton's a hit man for Hell,† said Roman. â€Å"Milton . . . not Milton that asshole vampire that was here a while ago?† asked Peter incredulously. â€Å"A hit man? Come on. He was a fashion nightmare, but that's about it.† â€Å"We have good reason to think he really is an assassin,† I said slowly. â€Å"He travels a lot, and when he's in town . . . people die. Like Erik.† â€Å"Erik was killed by a robber,† said Cody. â€Å"There was no sign of a vampire.† â€Å"Well, of course not,† said Roman. â€Å"Hell doesn't want its murders to look obvious.† â€Å"Yeah,† said Peter, â€Å"but that implies Hell had a reason for killing Erik.† â€Å"Hell did,† said Roman. He nodded toward me. â€Å"Her. Erik was investigating Georgina's contract when he was killed.† I swallowed, taking a moment to find my voice. There was a small, small comfort in thinking there was a reason for Erik's death and not just some random chance of the universe. But that comfort was negated by the fact that I was the reason. â€Å"Roman thinks there's some nefarious explanation for me being transferred. Some larger plot. And that Erik's death was part of it,† I said at last. Seth stared at me in astonishment. â€Å"I thought you said this was routine.† I shrugged, unable to meet his eyes. â€Å"I don't know. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't.† â€Å"It isn't,† said Roman fiercely. â€Å"There are too many things going on, too many things that don't add up. Erik got too close to something, and Hell got rid of him. Which brings me back to my original point. Cody. You and Gabrielle followed Milton around, right?† â€Å"I . . . yeah . . .† Cody was still in shock. â€Å"But I mean, we didn't see him kill Erik! We didn't see anything like that.† â€Å"Did you ever see him in Lake City?† I asked. That was where Erik's store had been. Cody shook his head. â€Å"Never that far out. We just followed him mostly to some clubs. It was a game, that's all. She wanted to see a vampire, so we watched him for a while. We never followed him outside of downtown.† â€Å"I did.† Everyone turned to stare at Peter. â€Å"Why are you looking at me like that?† he demanded. â€Å"I didn't know about that,† said Cody. â€Å"Why did you follow him?† Peter snorted. â€Å"Why do you think? He was in our territory. I was seeing if he was really just on vacation like he claimed. I had to make sure he wasn't out hunting victims.† I grew so complacent sometimes with the idea of my silly, laid-back friends that it was easy to forget their true natures. Peter and Cody were the most deceptive of all sometimes. They were goofy and absurd in most of their normal living, but at the end of the day, they were vampires. â€Å"And?† asked Roman, getting that zealous look again. â€Å"Did you see him in Lake City?† â€Å"No. I followed him once to the Eastside and once to West Seattle.† A chill ran down my spine. â€Å"West Seattle? What was he doing there?† â€Å"Nothing,† said Peter. â€Å"He drove though some neighborhoods, sat in his car for a while. I figured he was stalking prey but saw me and gave up. Which he was smart to do.† â€Å"He might very well have been stalking prey,† I murmured. â€Å"Erik lived in West Seattle. Do you remember the neighborhood?† â€Å"If I saw it, maybe,† said Peter. â€Å"But I couldn't lead you back there. I'm sorry.† â€Å"It doesn't matter,† said Roman. â€Å"This is all we need. This is enough proof.† â€Å"It's circumstantial at best,† argued Hugh. â€Å"Which I told Georgina initially. And it doesn't explain why Hell would want him killed – especially after he helped Jerome. I know, I know.† Both Roman and I had started to protest, and Hugh held up a silencing hand. â€Å"The contract. But remember, Kristin checked it for you. She said there was nothing wrong with your contract.† Kristin was an imp who worked in Vancouver. I'd done her a favor, and in return, she'd dared to look in Hell's archives and review my contract for me, back when I'd clung to the hope that there might be an error. The imp who'd brokered my contract, Niphon, had been in town behaving suspiciously, and I'd been certain we'd learn that the contract was faulty. Kristin had come back with disappointing news: everything was in order. â€Å"Erik said it wasn't mine that was the problem, though. He said it was a different one,† I said. â€Å"What other contract? And how is this connected to your transfer?† asked Hugh. When none of us had an answer, he sighed. â€Å"Look, sweetie. I'm as much for a good caper as any of you, but not at the expense of being stupid.† He glared at Roman. â€Å"You've been around for a while, I'll give you credit for that, but you haven't lived our lives. You haven't had to answer to the system. We do. Don't fuck things up for her with some far-fetched, crazy-ass theory.† â€Å"What if it's more than a theory?† asked Roman. â€Å"What if it's true?† Hugh met his gaze squarely. â€Å"Then make damned sure uncovering it is worth the consequences.† Silence fell over us. At long last, Cody said, â€Å"How much do you think Jerome scared that waitress? Because I could really use a drink.† Roman resumed his coaching, but a weird mood had descended upon us in the wake of the Milton and Erik revelation. We went through the motions, but it was clear no one's heart was really in bowling. When we finally called it a night, Roman declared that we'd all improved but were still in need of more practice. Since that wasn't a mystery to any of us, we set up a schedule for the rest of the week before dispersing. Roman caught a hold of my arm as I was walking out. â€Å"I won't be home tonight,† he said. â€Å"I've got some . . . things to do.† â€Å"Things that are going to get you in trouble?† I asked warily. â€Å"No more than I already am. Just figured I'd let you know in case . . .† He glanced at Seth, then me. â€Å"You know, just in case you wanted to know.† â€Å"Thanks,† I said. Taking the hint, I turned to Seth once we were alone in the parking lot. â€Å"What do you think? Do you want to come have a sleepover? Or do you have to go back to Terry's?† Seth put his hands around my waist and drew me close. â€Å"Actually, I have the night off. Andrea was having a good day today.† I remembered yesterday, how, despite her fatigue, it had been clear she'd significantly improved. I felt a flutter of hope in my chest and rejoiced at finally having something that was clear-cut and good in the world for a change. â€Å"Do you think she's really healing? That the treatment's working?† â€Å"I don't know,† he said wistfully. â€Å"I'd like to believe it. It would be . . . amazing. More than I could hope for.† My heart ached for him and for the whole family. I didn't know what to say, so I simply brushed a light kiss across his lips. They were warm in the chill air. â€Å"Georgina,† he said, when I'd pulled back. â€Å"All this other stuff . . . about your contract and the transfer. This is the first I'm hearing about it.† â€Å"I know,† I said. â€Å"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to keep anything from you. It's just . . . so much is still unknown. I didn't want to bring it up when I don't even fully understand what's happening.† â€Å"And I understand even less than you,† said Seth. I nodded. â€Å"I didn't want you to worry.† He gazed down at me, eyes honest and full of affection. â€Å"You have to stop that. I'm not going to break. You can always talk to me about anything. We won't get anywhere without things being open between us. We're in this together, Thetis. What happens to you affects me. I want to be there for you.† â€Å"I know,† I said. â€Å"It's a hard habit to break . . . wanting to protect you.† â€Å"One thing struck me . . . what Hugh said. Are you doing something dangerous? He's right about Roman, isn't he? That Roman doesn't face the same consequences as the rest of you? I hate the thought . . . I hate the thought of you getting caught up in one of his schemes, that you might suffer for his rash actions.† â€Å"I'm not sure they're so rash,† I said. â€Å"At first, I did. But now, I think he really might be onto something. About Erik. About my transfer.† â€Å"And if he is? What is there for you to gain? I mean, from what I know about Roman and nephilim, it'll be enough for him if he can catch Hell in a cover-up. That's what he gets his kicks from. But you . . . you answer to Hell. What do you get for uncovering some grand plan of theirs? Unhappy employers.† I leaned against his chest, staring off into the night. The sky was clear, but we were too close to downtown to see much in the way of stars. â€Å"I get the truth,† I said at last. â€Å"I don't know how my transfer plays into Erik's death – or if it even does – but if it's true that Erik wasn't killed by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, then yeah. I need to know that. I need to know the truth.† â€Å"It's worth it?† He squeezed me tight. â€Å"Worth the risk to yourself?† â€Å"Yes,† I whispered. â€Å"It's worth it.† Yet, even as I spoke, I thought of Erik – kind and wise Erik who did so much for others, with little regard for himself. Generous, wonderful Erik who had done so much for me and possibly lost his life for it. Finding out the truth of that, what he'd died for . . . yes, I'd meant what I said. It was worth any risk to me, but that didn't negate the terribleness of it all. It couldn't change what had happened to Erik. He was still dead, and the intrigue around us was only growing thicker and thicker. â€Å"What's the matter?† asked Seth. Without even thinking about it, I'd closed my eyes and buried my face closer to his chest, perhaps in some subconscious effort to hide from the storm I felt was brewing around me and my immortal world. I opened my eyes and sighed. â€Å"Nothing. Everything. I don't . . . I don't want to think about any of it. At least for a little while. Tomorrow . . . this is all going to be waiting, I know. But please . . .† I pressed myself even closer to him, keeping my lips only a couple inches away. â€Å"Let's go home. Help me to forget about this . . . just for tonight.† Seth didn't need to be told twice. His lips found mine, and we locked in a kiss that was both hungry and desperate. Heat and electricity coursed through me, making me oblivious to the winter night. When we broke away, both breathless, I just barely managed to say, â€Å"Meet you at my place.† We each headed off for our own cars, which was a good thing since we probably would have been hazardous together if attempting to drive home in the same vehicle. As it was, I was kind of amazed at my ability to get back to my condo on Alki Beach without breaking any traffic laws. But once we reached my place, pulling into the lot at almost the same moment, that was it. We were all over each other and just barely had the sense to make it through my door before letting go completely. I'd tried to put up a good front about resisting sex, but the truth was, I'd missed it as badly as Seth. All the flings in the world couldn't make up for not doing it with him, the one I loved. My succubus duties were becoming even emptier and more hollow than usual. I still believed rationing our sex life was the smart and safe thing to do, but right now, I was willing to bend the rules. He swept me into his arms as soon as we stepped inside my condo, still managing to kiss me at the same time. The cats, normally ready to pounce with love on anyone who came through the door, had enough sense to give us our space as we stumbled back toward the bedroom. Seth lost his balance while carrying me and only barely managed to make it to my bed when he stumbled, depositing us both in an unceremonious heap. Had it really only been a month? As my mouth tasted his and my hands grew reacquainted with his body, I couldn't help but think it felt more like years. I'd been in a drought. I'd been starving for him. I couldn't get his T-shirt off fast enough and luxuriated in the feel of his bare skin under my fingertips. Seth was busy working on my shirt, which was a little difficult. The Unholy Rollers shirt didn't go over my head so well, meaning each button had to be undone individually. He did it with infinite patience and skill, soon making quick work of the shirt underneath. Once I was stripped, he gazed at me with the same longing and hunger I felt for him. He ran his hands over the length of my body, reverently tracing the curve of my hips and breasts. â€Å"So beautiful,† he murmured, drawing me on top of him. He then stretched back and shifted so that my breasts hung over his face, allowing him to take one of my nipples into his mouth. I gasped, not just because of the touch of his tongue – which was exquisite – but because it was Seth. His lips and tongue teased my nipple until it was aching and tender. Then, he switched breasts, giving my other nipple the same adoration. Fire flared through me again, along with the silvery sweet high of his life energy. With it came his feelings – his love and passion for me – and the combination of it all was intoxicating. I cried out softly, and he slid me down so that our mouths could meet again, this time in a kiss so deep and crushing, it made the parking lot seem chaste. As we kissed, I felt him slide a hand down the side of my body, moving toward my inner thighs. His fingers moved deftly as they explored me, slowly moving farther and farther until they slid inside of me. I exclaimed again, but the cry was swallowed in the kiss, which was so deep I felt as though I could hardly breathe. Patiently, those fingers danced around, testing me until he found the place that got the biggest reaction. Starting slowly, he stroked me over and over, playing with how wet I was, while intense pleasure lit all my nerve endings. I could easily put off my own climax as long as I needed, but there was no need tonight. I wanted to lose myself in him and let my body do whatever it wanted. What it wanted, as it turned out, was to come quickly. Seth and I had been apart too long, and my body has missed his touch. A few more skillful touches, and I felt my lower body explode with bliss, the sensation so overwhelming that I wasn't certain I could handle being touched anymore . . . even though I craved it. Seth continued teasing me until my orgasm finally subsided, and only then did he remove his fingers. He finally broke the kiss too, and we both gasped for breath, our eyes locked on each other. â€Å"Come here,† I said, pulling him back toward me. Like me, Seth could've easily dragged out more foreplay . . . and like me, he didn't want to. I guess this was the cost of â€Å"rationing.† It didn't leave much room for patience. His body pressed against mine, and I felt him push inside me, hard and ready. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him again as he began to thrust in and out of me. I wanted as much of him as I could get, wanted to make contact with as much of his body as I could. As we made love, though, I had the same sense I always did: even with him in me, pushing as hard as he could, he would never be close enough to me. I always wanted more of him. Our bodies were meant to be together, I decided. There was something so wonderfully, agonizingly right about the feel of him inside of me. â€Å"Georgina,† he gasped, as his motions grew faster and more intense. â€Å"You're amazing. Beyond amazing. . . .† If any more sentiments were there, I never found out. His face transformed as his orgasm seized him, his body surging forward into mine with a new intensity. He let out a soft groan as he came, still thrusting as he took every last bit of pleasure that he could. And as he came, I felt the full surge of his stolen life force. It was glorious and heady, and I tried to accept it as part of the rest of the experience. I didn't want to ruin this moment with guilt. When Seth's body finally slowed, he collapsed onto me, resting his head on my chest. He exhaled heavily and planted a kiss between my breasts. â€Å"Did I mention that you're amazing ?† he asked. I sighed contentedly and ran my hand through his hair, which was now even more messed up than usual. â€Å"Not that amazing,† I remarked. â€Å"I feel like you did all the work.† He kissed me again. â€Å"That's what's great about you, Thetis. You don't even know when you're being amazing.† I felt a smile creeping over my face, and it had nothing to do with the compliments. Georgina. Thetis. The old, familiar nicknames. After the last time we'd had sex, some frightened part of me had worried I was in for a repeat and that he'd call me Letha again. But, no. That memory, that name . . . they were all gone, just like the person I used to be. â€Å"I love you,† I said, because it seemed the only adequate response. â€Å"Mmm.† He snuggled closer. â€Å"Let's not wait so long next time, okay?† I laughed softly. â€Å"We're going to wait even longer. I don't think monthly sex is going to work if we ration for a lifetime. It's still too frequent.† He groaned. â€Å"Come on. I don't mind the risks. It's worth it. I could be content with biweekly sex. Tonight was proof you can't hold out very long either.† â€Å"Biweekly! That's definitely too frequent. You only got it tonight because I suddenly had a moment of crisis.† He chuckled, though it was soon lost in a yawn. â€Å"If I got sex every time you had ‘a moment of crisis,' then I'd probably be getting it every night.† I gently elbowed him. â€Å"That's not true.† I thought about it. â€Å"Much.† He laughed again and wrapped his arms around me, keeping us close. â€Å"Oh, Georgina. You make everything we go through worthwhile. Everything.†

Evaluation of America’s Cultural Influence on the World

Evaluation of America’s Cultural Influence on the World. Jacqueline Gargiulo LIM College Abstract Culturally and politically, America has a strong impact on the world. The works of Matthew Parris and Raja Shehadeh portray offensive behavior by the United States which has impacted younger generations of Palestine and European Countries. Where Shehadeh’s work, What We Think of America (2), indicates both an admiration and anger towards the United states, Parris’s work, It’s Time We All Signed Up for the Rest of the World Team, outlines a definitive negative towards the America and what it stands for.Both articles suggest that the United States had forced its ideals on to the rest of the world. International perception about the United States seems to be generated both by America’s power and influence as well as from within the nations themselves. Parris refers to the United States as a hegemonic power that needs reigning in where Shehadeh takes a more intimate approach and discusses a personal exchange concerning a family member’s loss of original ethnicity. There are many international voices represented in these works; both positive and negative aspects are explored.Evaluation The world has a mixed view of America. The United States is often seen as a hegemonic empire that looks to control the rest of the world. American fashion, politics, media, and ideals are captivating to younger generations of foreign countries. The works of Matthew Parris, a South African born British political journalist, and Raja Shehadeh, a Palestinian attorney and author on international and human rights and the Middle East, illustrate differing yet complementary views of America’s influence on the rest of the world.While some believe that America has a positive impact on society, others feel that America strips them of their ethnicity and value system. One negative cultural influence that America has had on Palestinians is referenced i n the paragraph by Shehadeh which reminisces about country men who leave for America and return striped of their cultural dress and their ethnic accent. Shehadeh (2002) writes, â€Å" The few who come back for brief summer visits parade up and down Main Street in their Bermudas and baseball hats, stopping at the ice cream parlour to reminisce with its proprietor in an old accent that you hardly ever hear in Ramallah today† (pg. 1). Shehadeh portrays admiration for the United States in respect to their advances in transportation and efficient roadways in Ramallah, Palestine, while at the same time discusses the destruction to the states natural beauty and heritage. This is evidenced when Raja (2002) states â€Å"Next came the need for new roads to connect them to Israel; not the old British-style meandering roads but American-style straight four-lane highways that cut through the hills that stood in the way† (pg. 92).Shehadeh (2002) continues to explain that â€Å" in the context of the Middle East conflict, roads may seem a small thing, but they have done a kind of spiritual damage. Gone is that attractive stretch of serpentine road that meandered downhill†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg. 92). Here, as America pushed its cultural influence upon the Middle East, geographic beauty has been lost and in its place convenience of travel has been placed. Hence, Raja Shehadeh’s overall view of America is mixed. Matthew Paris’s work can be viewed as extremist. His overall view of America and its cultural influence is negative.Parris (2003) explains, â€Å"Today there is only one hegemon, the United States of America; but there is no less a need than existed during the Cold War for a wary defensiveness towards the appetite, the pretensions, and the dreams of a great and unchallenged power. If the U. S. eagle is to be contained, collective action is needed by the smaller mammals† (pg. 94). Here, Parris is proclaiming that America is a dominating inf luence over other nations and if they are to come out from under the influence of this overarching power, they must unite or be consumed.Matthew Parris (2003) furthers his argument by writing that â€Å"As America grows more confident and its muscle and command, it will be clashing again and again, not just with old enemies but with former friends-over trade, the environment, â€Å"pre-emptive† deference, regime change, international law, extradition†¦ the list is speculative, but let us speculate. † (pg. 96) . Parris uses the example of Britain’s own Prime Minister Tony Blair, who sided with the United States instead of standing on his own two feet. Tony Blair thought the bridge could be repaired and that he might be the bridgemaker. Now, he marooned on the other side and will have to take his chances there† (Parris, 2003, pg. 97). Here, America seems to turn its back on Britain by alleviating the bridge that bound them, leaving Tony Blair and his co untry helpless. America is overconfident that they can repair the bridge when necessary, but for the mean time, make no attempts to do so. Parris also exposes America’s ambiguity over the war with Iraq. â€Å" It is, however; just possible that failure will be faced.The peace in Iraq may prove dirtier than the war, and the American people ( as distinguished from their Defense Secretary) are ambivalent about empire and squeamish about becoming other nations’ policeman†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Parris, 2003, pg. 95) Parris is trying to tell us here that the United States has stepped beyond it bounds and is now responsible to take care of Iraq citizens. He further explains that the U. S. will have more accountability for the well being of Iraq’s people because of the actions we have taken to stop the Iraq war.In conclusion, Matthew Parris is suggesting that the United States needs to be reigned in and that if this does not occur the â€Å"hegemonic power†, that is the United States will take over and become insoluble. With this, Matthew Parris’s view on America’s cultural influence on the world is overpoweringly negative. The international perception of the United States as an imposing, and influential power can be seen as either a negative or a positive. Because of its global connotation, it has become a source of analysis and scrutiny.Negatively, the United States is seen as a â€Å"hegemony† that needs taming and â€Å"caging†. Contrastingly, and on a positive note, the United States is influencing trade, transportation, economy, and education. America is influencing these factors towards other countries to try to enhance there knowledge and to further expose them to the possibilities that can be achieved by taking on the American way. One cannot view America’s positives as having no merit. There may be some form of jealousy that is masked by capitalizing on the negative power that is exerted by the United S tates. In onclusion, America’s cultural influence is primarily mixed as seen in the works of Matthew Parris’s It’s Time We All Signed Up for the Rest of the World Team, along with Raja Shehadeh’s What We Think of America (2). References: Gumery, K. , (2007) International Views: America and the Rest of the World. Glenview, Ill: Pearson Education, Inc. Parris, Matthew, (2003) â€Å"It’s time we all signed up for the rest of the world team† In Keith Gumery (Ed. ), International Views (pg. 94-97). New York: Pearson Longman Shehadeh, Raja, (2002) â€Å"What we think of America (2)† In Keith Gumery (Ed. ), International Views (pg. 90-93). New York: Pearson Longman

The Science of Mind Review

The Science of Mind Review 1The Science of MindThe book, The Science of Mind, is structured with a multiple chapters each centred with lessonsfrom observation. The writer welcomes the reader to put his suggestions to the test and be witness topersonal observations. Given the length of the book and paper length limitations, a great deal of thewriter's chain of thought and suggestions maybe misrepresented.Lesson 1: Instinctive Man and Nature:à ¯Ã‚‚ · The writer, in this section attempts to trace man's history back to the "dim past" where a self-conscious man had not yet evolved and was only Instinctive.à ¯Ã‚‚ · Using an analogy of steam "evolving" from water and water being formed from steam toexplain, he convincingly states that if man has also evolved to an intelligent being, then he mustalso have unfolded/ evolved from a similar material/ entity - Intelligence; with all its attributes;self-choice, free will and of course creative abilities.à ¯Ã‚‚ · This Intelligence, he says, still operates in and out of man carrying out functions of the body,guiding man silently towards discoveries that seem to appear out of nowhere; fire, electricityand many other discoveries and inventions alike. As stated in the Bible; "created in God's image"man like "God/ Good" is evolving to his godlike abilities.Lesson 2: The Great Discoveryà ¯Ã‚‚ · Following the earlier set time line, Ernest Holmes then unveils the greatest discovery made bythen instinctive man - His mind. Man could then identify himself using the biblical words; "I AM"and could therefore think and thus make choices, plan and execute for his needs free of others.à ¯Ã‚‚ · Man then evolved from instinctive to self-conscious and had become an individual. From thatday on he had to work in conscious union with nature and her forces but...

Why Educators Should Do Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Why Educators Should Do Research - Essay Example Even though, the phrase reflective practice is understood and interpreted in diverse ways, reflective practice is considered as a way through which practitioners can form a wider level of self-awareness concerning the nature, as well as the impact of their performance. This is the type of awareness, which shapes opportunities for professional development and growth. According to Ash & Clayton (2004), awareness is vital for behavioral change. In order to gain a fresh level of insight into personal actions, the reflective practitioner imagines a dual attitude on one hand, the actor in a drama and, alternatively, the opponent who sits in the viewers watching and assessing the whole performance. In order to achieve this perception, people must come to an understanding of their own attitudes (Hartman, 2001). They need to develop a conscious awareness of their own behavior and its consequences and the theories-in-use or ideas, which shape their action strategies. A reflective practitioner, therefore, is someone who, at normal intervals, reflects on the work they execute, as well as the work procedure, and thinks how he or she can improve the work. He or she echoes on the work they have accomplished (Minott, 2009). A reflective practitioner is not happy to go on at the current standard, he or she wants to improve and they do not believe in the saying, ‘if it is not broke, then do not fix it’. Everybody ought to be a ‘reflective practitioner’, in essence, as in an educator’s case, when they are teaching various types of students. An educator needs to learn from the mistakes and experiences of others (Hartman, 2001). They need to look at what they are doing, as well as how other educators are doing the same thing and ask themselves whether anything be improved? Or whether anything can be done better? The plea to apply reflective practice for educators is that as learning and teaching are multifaceted, and there is not one accurate approa ch, echoing on diverse versions of teaching, and redesigning current and past experiences will lead to enhancement in teaching practices. As Minott (2009) confirms, reflective practice moves educators from their knowledge base of discrete skills to a level in their careers where they are capable of modifying their skills to suit specific situations and contexts, and ultimately invent new techniques. In applying a process of reflective practice, educators will be capable of moving themselves, and their classrooms, past current theories in practice. Minott (2009) concludes that educators should oppose establishing a classroom tradition of control and endeavor a reflective practitioner, constantly taking part in a critical reflection, therefore, remaining fluid in the active environment of the classroom. Personally, I cannot move forward with my work knowing that I have not achieved a certain goal or my students have not attained the mark they are supposed to as set by the standards of my school. I believe that students need to see their educator put it some form of effort towards them in order for them to assist put the effort needed to achieve academically. The effort I put, all the sacrifice is give, such a private tutoring without, has aided to the success of my career and also the achievement of my students academically. My sole duty as an educator is to make sure that my students succeed academically. This motto has not only assisted me into developing my knowledge, but also aided in the success of my classroom, as well as the reputation of my school. Part B In essence, everybody wants to be successful at what they do. The level of success depends just with the

The Transcendentalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Transcendentalism - Essay Example There was a resurgence of the Idealist Movement at the turn of the 19th century that took the name Transcendentalist Movement. During the first half of the 1800s, the Transcendentalist Movement unveiled its new name and has persisted, in some form, as one of the most important spiritual movements in the history of the United States. Transcendentalism has been found using the name of theological liberal, idealist, or social progressive, and evolved over the decades to profoundly affect the issues of slavery, women's rights, and education. Its adherents have included Ralph Waldo Emerson, educator John Dewey, and Henry David Thoreau, who challenged religion to accept man and nature as finite and explainable entities. Emerson critiqued religion for dwelling "with noxious exaggeration about the person of Jesus", and treating God as if he were dead in the long ago written revelations of the bible" (Grodzins 114). Transcendentalists were men and women of science and philosophy, who had raised the bar in their demand for a religion that made sense, without the superstition of gender, the myth of race, and without the rigid conjecture of Calvinism. "Reason presents herself before nature, holding in one hand the principles which alone have power to bring into order and harmony the phenomena of nature; in the other hand g rasping the results of experiment conducted according to those principles" (Frothington 8). Theodore Parker, a colleague of Emerson, was a Unitarian preacher who has been credited with giving "shape and meaning to the Transcendental Movement" (Gates 22). These men would bemoan the impoverished educational standards in the US, as well as the lack of a body of literature that we could call distinctly American. The Transcendentalist movement was a rebirth and resurgence of the ancient thinking of the Roman and Greek beliefs in humanism, intuition, and Transcendental Knowledge "which is concerned, not with objects, but with our mode of knowing objects so far as this is possible a prioi (that is, independent of experience)" (Kant qtd. in Wilson). To a large extent this was an extension of the philosophy set down in Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (Frothington 3-4). Theodore Parker would argue that "Religion was a simple thing -, a natural thing; a reasonable thing; that the only thing that God required was doing good and being good" (Grodzins 377). While its supporters attempted to simplify and streamline religion, they were often rebuffed because their doctrines varied so widely from the common belief (Grodzins 377). For example, Parker hesitated for more than a year before delivering the sermon Contradictions in Scripture, which illustrated the incongruities between the bible and th e facts of the known universe, and argued that "a man never need try to believe a statement in the Bible which was at variance with his reason and conscience" (Littell and Littell 405). Transcendentalism was fuelling the fires of debate in regards to reason, science, intuition, and things that lay just beyond our experience. Transcendentalism fell under considerable criticism during the 19th century for being what was generally known as Atheistic Idealism. David Nevens Lord, 19th century biblical scholar and author, criticized the philosophy of Samuel Taylor Coleridge1 and noted its similarity to Kant "from whom he drew it, its atheistic character, and its incompatibility with a belief in the great