Music Therapy The Power of Healing free essay sample

The healing power of music has existed since the beginning of human civilization. Music has grown to define a persons values and become an aspect of culture. Such a force has led medical specialists to believe In music therapy as a treatment Just Like any other drug would be. As a result, the music therapeutic field of study has grown over the past decades with support from new findings from extended research. Music therapy should be one of the top treatments for common medical situations, such as cancer, and should be present in all hospitals.Music as communication has Its beginnings tracing back to the beginnings of humankind. As Homo sapiens became more civilized, they developed language; as language became more sophisticated, communication became Integral to society; as communication connected more people, it cultivated a new force called music, a language that unified people with more than Just words. Various generations let music define their time period. We will write a custom essay sample on Music Therapy: The Power of Healing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If society can be affected largely by music in that way, the medical world would surely have a positive and growing response to music therapy.Humans already emote with music. Take, for an example, a film score that brings back memorable scenes Into viewers heads: Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Caribbean. For the Olympics and FIFE World Cups, there are thematic songs to incite enthusiasm in athletes. Thus, music has an undeniable impact on an individuals mood. Music in general has an inevitable biological effect on humans. Sound has evolved together with humans, and the human brain has become accustomed to responding to musics natural properties.The beat to certain types of music can stimulate brainwaves to resonate In sync with the beat (Scott). Music Is n experience for a brain to encounter _ Just as a human being learns from experience, the brain learns from music as faster beats [bring] sharper concentration and more alert thinking, and a slower tempo [promotes] a calm, meditative state (Scott). These activities can bring long-lasting benefits to the brain since it is like an exercise. The music can affect breathing and blood pressure, decrease stress hormones, and Increase the release of endorphins (Turner).The commonly used example of turning on Mozart for newborn babies for Intellectual benefit Is the appropriate evidence of musical effects on the brain. Monetary to the Mozart effect, new evidence and skeptics say that it is not exactly the music that enhances cognitive skills but rather the arousal of the brain and enjoyment and engagement (Hammond). Although this statement holds true, music is, after all, one of the first resorts that people go to for enjoyment. In fact, musical pleasure is encouraged by the same chemical systems In the brain activated by other types of pleasure such as food or sex (Glenn).It Is no wonder why, with music, parties seem more exciting, exercise is more endurable, cleaning is not as painstaking, feelings are easier to express, and people more effectively relate to each other. Music has the capability of controlling the mood of a collective as well as of an individual. Similar to how Des choose appropriate types of music to set the mood at clubs and parties, humans can set the mood of their minds. Smooth jazz on a romantic evening with a loved one, hip hop music to Jam out to In the car, blasting revea l the reality of the true connection between the mood in an environment and mood of the mind. When people interlink their own moods to the current environment, they become a group of individuals rather than Just individuals. Such a phenomenon would be important in order to reduce tension between disagreeable people. The natural ability of music to reduce tension on a macro scale can also be seen at a miniscule level; music, specifically the relaxing and calming kind, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and relaxes muscles. Those who suffer from anxiety experience more positive moods when listening to music (Music and Mood).These people include, but are not limited to, cancer patients, the elderly, dementia patients, depressed patients, and those recovering from traumatic experiences. The hope of improving moods of the victims of life unavoidable adversities and medical conditions is what drives the growth of music therapy. The implementation of music therapy programs would lead to a positive change in the cultures of medical occupations and any interactive envir onments. The use of music for a specific purpose often comes with the ability to bring back memories.The Charlie Brown comic demonstrates musics time machine qualities and humans attraction to emotions no matter what feeling it is. Music enhances memory and communication, and it applies to all ages. For this reason, music therapists are able o work with both children and adults in order to improve their moods or alleviate their pain. Music can also be used nonverbally for patients who have trouble communicating; it is a very valuable therapeutic tool in [these] settings (Turner). Reese forms of music therapy promote change in reticent patients to become efficient communicators.To think of having an ambiance of encouraged communication everywhere schools, hospitals, nursing homes is like imagining a Nor where problems can be fixed with nonverbal dialogue. Comparing the benefits and disadvantages of drugs and music therapy makes one reconsider alternative treatments. If music therapy is the first treatment doctors recommend, drug therapy is not the first treatment patients receive. If music is the first solution humans turn to for comfort, drugs are not the first solution humans offer to loved ones.Music is already a part of ones identity, which gives us more reason to maximize the potential benefits of music. There cannot be a better opportunity when there are possibilities of manipulating music to mitigate pain. There should, and would, come a time where people choose [their] musical intake as carefully as [they] choose [their] food and friends (Music and Mood). Music therapy ND its implementation in various environments would keep the notion Music = nod alive. As Senator Harry Reid said, Simply put, music can heal people (Definition and Quotes About Music Therapy).

The Elements of Sound essays

The Elements of Sound essays Sound is one of the key elements of life. Not only is it an element in life, but one of the must important aspects of filmmaking. A film is not considered a great hit without having a great source of sound involved. Though we might think of a film as an essentially visual experience, we really cannot afford to underestimate the importance of sound in a film. Three of the most important parts of sound that compose the sound track in a film, are the spoken words, sound effects, and the music. A great way of describing the three aspects of sound would be through a movie. A movie the everyone has seen, least once in their life, that would be Star Wars, A New Hope, directed and written by George Lucas, in 1977. I would consider a New Hope the greatest and best example to explain the aspects of sound. A New Hope begins with a rebel ship being boarded by Darth Vader, the curl leader of the Dark force. The story opens up with introducing a simple boy of the name of Luke Skywalker. Luke lives with his aunt and uncle on a farm on Tatooine. He is a young man who is desperate to get off his planet and get to the Academy like his friends. His uncle disagrees with Lukes plans of moving on his life, like the rest of his friends. Luke meets C-3PO and R2-D2, and then thats when the trouble begins. The action starts when Luke, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Ben Kenobi attempt to rescue Princess Leia from the command of the Dark Star. Throughout the movie sound is used to the best of knowledge. Starting off with the dialogue, it presents the speaker as an individual, rather than the imaginary creation of a story. It also serves as a way of telling the story and expressing the feeling and motivations of the characters. A good example of dialogue in the movie would by the character of Darth Vader. Darth Vader had an excellent voice for his character. He had the voice of leader, a commander, anything that can be ...

Artificial Intelligence for the Eldery

Artificial Intelligence for the elderly How AAA is being created to aid the elderly September 16, 2013 Christine ruff INFANT, Instructor: Sherry Soothers Artificial Intelligence can help keep our elderly out of our 16,000 overcrowded and under staffed nursing homes. In this paper I will discuss how AAA is being created to aid in the care of our elderly. I will also provide some amazing, staggering statistics and on how Artificial Intelligence is now and will provide this care in the very near future. Artificial Intelligence the theory and the development of computer systems able o perform tasks that are normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception. Speech recognition, decision making, and translation between languages. John McCarthy created the term Artificial Intelligence in 1956 and was a well- regarded professor of emeritus computer science at Stanford University for a large part of his professional career. Not only did he coin the term, but he continued to explain the field for more than 50 years. In a conference at Dartmouth he wrote the study is to proceed on the basis of the conjuncture that every aspect of learning or NY other feature of intelligence can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it. This was a huge milestone for computer science. In 1958 he invented the computer language known as LISP which is still used today. JOHN McCarthy was even working on exploring interstellar travel in the asss up until close to his death on 2011. There are so many ways AAA can be useful in healthcare, such as Melanoma Impenetrably-using insisting which was able to identify 7 targets that could be used in the development of new therapies for cancer patients. Nanotechnology is also being created to include early detection of a number of diseases, environmental contaminants and even biological and chemical weapons. Due to the diverse use of these applications Nanoseconds are expected to impact many sectors including but not limited to Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals. Another way AAA is making changes in our Healthcare is with Robots. Robots will be, in the near future a huge part of our Healthcare. Later I will explain the impact Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will have on our elderly. Robotic Surgery is a type of surgery that gives the surgeon the ability to perform a growing number of complex procedures using AAA computer like the Deviance S I This system allows surgeons to operate more adjectively and efficiently. This robot has two parts that are connected . The 1st part (the Tower) is place above the patient during surgery and with 3 of its 4 arms ,can hold a number of different surgical instruments and the 4th arm holds a ad-high -defy. Amerada. The console (the 2nd part) is where the surgeons sits and operates the arms while looking through a stereoscopic monitor which provide a ad view of the surgical site. Using biotic surgery allows the patients a faster recovery with less pain and minimal blood loss during surgery. Today in Europe there are trials with a robot called Hector which is part of the C ompanionable project run by a Professor ATT Baddie of the University of Reading in the I-J. This project integrates mobile assisted robot (hector) with a smart home e to better support elderly living at home. This err project is in its final stages in Holland and Belgium with elderly people. We hope Hector will help people stay independent for longer, receive care in their own homes and avoid unplanned capital admission(Professor ATT Baddie @ the university of Reading in the KICK). Len June of 2012 the final trials and demo for Hector, the Companionable Robot, where taking place. Hector is one way AAA can assist the elderly. Some of the care support Hector provides are memoir service, for an example . Reminders for taking medication on time, fall detection capabilities. Hector can help with falls by helping the remote control center asses how serious the fall is and what kind of emergency help is needed. This AAA robot offers solutions to suit various home setting to support assisted independent living. Artificial Intelligence will allow our elderly to stay in their homes longer instead of giving up everything they own to live in an over-crowded and under staffed nursing home that cost too much only to end up with additional costly medical conditions (such as bedsores, dehydration, falls and abuse),which can be avoided with the proper care and attention. The need for AAA in elderly care; As Americans get older and live longer so does the need for better more efficient Healthcare. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, over 13. % of the population is an older American (65+) and about 29% (1 1. Million) of the institutionalized older persons live alone. By the year 2030 there will be approve 72,1 million, that is 2 times their number in the year 2000. This brings the possibility of accidental falls up, and the chance of being place in a nursing home up as well. In 2007 there where a estimated . 4 million elderly living in nursing homes , 90% of which were too understaffed and over-crowded to provide adequate care. With all the early Baby boomers reaching the age of 58 to 67, there will be a demand or quality Healthcare and nursing homes shortly thereafter. An estimated 3. 3 million Americans will live in the nations 16,000 nursing homes during 2013. Which meaner 1 and 7 people ages 65 and up and more than 1 and 5 of those 85+ and older ,http:// healthiness. Ms. Mom/diseases/careening/us-news-best-nursing-homes-2013 This is a staggering number of people entering nursing homes which will bring the need for more nursing start. In April tot 2 3 the US DISH released a report, The US Nursing Workforce: Trends in Supply and Education that states that in forgot every 100,000 people there were only 920. Runs and for every 100. 000 people there were only 225. 0 Lips. These are Just a few of the statistics. Which brings me back to the reason we should employ Artificial Intelligence in our elderly homes to ensure a better quality of life. Hector the robot companion along with a smart home environment, elderly patients would have help in their homes which would relieve some of the help needed by family and nursing staff. Having AAA robots along with the smart home would prevent, over medication, give medications reminders, and give around the clock companionship and prevision . AI robots would also provide memory training, motivation suggestions and fall detection along with support. Ai would also help to keep our 16,000 nursing homes from continuously becoming over-crowded and understaffed. Artificial Intelligence would also help to lower the risk of abuse and neglect, because the elderly would be able to stay in their homes therefore the threat of abuse and neglect is no longer an issue. Neglect and abuse is caused by these facilities becoming desperate to fill the needed positions that some have overlooked criminal cords and under qualified applicants. Low pay and high turnover rate also makes it hard to properly train staff in the proper procedures needed to prevent bed sores, dehydration, over medicating and not giving the patient his or her medication at all. These all can be averted by implementing Artificial Intelligence such as HECTOR. PROS and CONS; Nursing homes, The biggest pro to having nurses is the personal care is they provide, which is vital to anyones recovery. A Nurse would be able to react to an emergency more quickly that a robot because of the physical training like CPRM. And finally employment of nurses will help keep the personal touch and our economy will also benefit with less unemployment. The cons to having nurses would have to be the inability to remain with the patient at all times, which can open the doors to falls, bed sores and other preventable deaths.

Explain the different arguments suggesting violent computer games are Essay

Different Arguments Suggesting Violent Computer Games are Morally Wrong - Essay Example Sicart ( 2009, p.35) reveals that the gaming world can itself modify the gameplay, dictating behaviours in various aspects. For instance in the game Burnout 3, the virtual world requires and encourages the player to crash into other nearby vehicles and structures such as bridges and tunnels in order to bag more scoring point and this endeavour enhances the game aggressiveness simultaneously. Likewise, Sicart ( 2009, p. 193) further reveals that in the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the player has to engage in sex, and then he is made to kill the computer character in order to snatch the money back. Such games inculcate unethical values in an individual, who is in need to develop values of good to become a virtuous and devoted person which is quite contrary to what these games teach the youth and furthermore, virtual environment rewards points for unethical acts (Sicart 2009, p.193). Floridi ( 2010, p.69) further reinforces the viewpoint that the ultra-violent games such as Grand T heft Auto, Zog’s Nightmare and Manhunt encourage the players to experience manslaughter, run extermination camps, murder for snuff movies and to drive over people in order to gain extra game points. This is causing parents moral concerns with respect to the learning development of their children. To add on, Stevens and Saldamarco (2008, p. 5) state that the game Defcon is designed to encourage a hostile approach amongst the players. The game’s main objective is to trigger nuclear wars and annihilations rewarding the player who lose the least. However, the most repugnant aspect of these computer games especially in god games, surfaces when certain very fundamental religious beliefs are questioned and exploited in designing a gameplay. For instance, Cogburn and Silcox (2009, p.77) depicts that in the game Left Behind it is explained that the adherence and devotion to Christianity is a matter of one’ s personal choice but on the contrary when the player ‘conv erts’ or recruits neutral citizens into his/ her ‘force’, they are required to adhere to his/her each and every command without any question. Moreover, the writers reveal that the ‘converts’ have to wear a purple coloured uniform and they are referred to as ‘units’ than ‘people’, which seems pretty odd since they were supposed to be free will agents who have achieved salvation by adopting Christianity. Another aspect of computer that needs to be shed light onto is the ‘Game Ego’; it is not a kind of a physical manifestation, but an entity that can exert force ( Pivec 2006, p.51). The writer further states that the Game Ego is connected to the player through a motor or kinesthetic link, which removes the barrier between the inside and the outside and the gamer is in oblivious of the fact that he is sinking deeper and more deeper into the realms of the game. If the Game Ego stops responding to the strategy of the game player, the player experiences loss of self control and the feeling of helplessness prevail ( Pivec 2006, p.52).

Multicultural Field Experience Observation Reflection Report Personal Statement

Multicultural Field Experience Observation Reflection Report - Personal Statement Example The room also had a kitchen area which had equipment like; a vending machine, a refrigerator, a microwave, a sink, a countertop and a cabinet storage. The room had a playful feel to it through the different games on the site which the children engaged in. Utensils used by the children got washed in the sink, left to dry on the countertop and stored away safely in the cabinet. The vending machine was for soda beverages. The room was painted colorfully with an attractive color shade of yellow, blue and red. The colors provided the room with an exciting and welcoming feel which the children could associate with. Diversity The clientele at the YMCA was richly diverse in terms of religion, race and socioeconomic status. Their clientele got made up of black, white, Hispanic and Asian race. The socioeconomic gap was also wide, ranging from subsistent income to wealthy professionals. From my personal relations with some of the clientele, they ranged from dentists, doctors, business owners, t eachers to students. From the supervisor, it became clear to me that they had no clue what religious backgrounds their clientele got comprised of. They did not care or mind what religious affiliation they belonged to. The immense differences in race, religion, and socioeconomic backgrounds proved the sheer diversity present at the YMCA. Age level of students I observed children aged 5-12 years. This age group became mainly made up of elementary school going children comprising of both boys and girls. It provided the base for the majority of my observation group focus. The children were present in the observation room most of the time. Number of students The number of students I observed differed tremendously since I did not conduct the observation at once. I divided the number of hours of observation to two different days which were a Monday and two different Fridays. I conducted both these observation hours in the month of February. I observed the children on a Monday from 4:30 to7 :00pm. On the two Fridays, I observed them from 4:30 to 8:00pm. Time division during my observation hours led to the number of students, their gender, ages, and ethnicity substantially differing. This was so because I did not conduct the observation at one time. The children’s parents dropped off their kids in the room while they went to work out in the YMCA health facility. This proved another obstacle in determining the number of children in the room since the parents arrived at different hours. Population description The number of children I worked with at any time ranged from 5 to 16 children. During the observation, I would work with a minimum of 5 children at the center although the number could rise to 16 children depending on the time. The age group of the children ranged from 5-12 years although most of the children fell between 5 to 9 years. The children were of diverse racial backgrounds from blacks, whites, Hispanic and Asian origin. The children’s gender g ot comprised of both boys and girls. Gender was another example of diversification among the students. The girls outnumbered the boys by approximately 15% through my observation. Simply put, for every 1 boy among children aged between 5-9 years, there were 3 girls. The socioeconomic characteristics of the children ranged and varied significantly. I was able to conclude their socioeconomic backgrounds based on tactically questioning of adults working within the program and through my keen

Modules Speeches Essay Example for Free

Modules Speeches Essay Speeches are consciously designed to present particular ideas or values which seep into the audience’s consciousness and stay there’. Discuss the viewpoint in relation to the speakers’ exploration of humanitarian issues. The power of a dynamic and memorable speech lies both in the messages conveyed as well as the craftsmanship, which is consciously designed to present particular ideas and values. When the two combine to create a speech of power and resonance, as well as achieving textual integrity, the impacts are long felt within the audience’s consciousness, and are able to transcend time, echoing context and values. Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating’s speech, ‘Funeral Service for an Unknown Australian Soldier’, Margaret Atwood’s ‘Spotty Handed Villainesses’ and Faith Bandler’s ‘Faith, Hope and Reconciliation’ each present particular ideas and values through their exploration of humanitarian issues. Consequently, these values and ideas each seep into the audience’s consciousness and develop a successful and memorable speech. Paul Keating’s transcendental eulogy addressed to the nation on the occasion of the historical 75th anniversary of Armistice Day in 1993 still echoes the notion of an Unknown Soldier today. Keating’s use of rhythmic flow and the powerful repetition of the recurring motif â€Å"we do not know† throughout the simple, yet effective speech, makes this a speech not to be forgotten. Harsh images of leather, metal and battlefield carnage are created through the repetition of ‘military’, which juxtapose universal feelings of joy and grief, with the sadness and regret that no one will ever truly know the identity of the Unknown Soldier. Through the anonymity of the Unknown Soldier, Keating identifies all soldiers and civilians lost during or because of the war. The use of objective, factual war statistics impresses upon the audience the monumental loss that this Unknown Soldier represented: â€Å"One of the 45,000 Australians who died on the Western Front†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Contrastingly, emotional and subjective lexicon is used throughout Keating’s eulogy, as the audience is unified by the employment of inclusive pronouns such as â€Å"all of us†, â€Å"our† and â€Å"we†, emphasizing the idea that the audience is a part of the nation. Battlefield carnage is depicted through the use of the rhetoric â€Å"the great war was a mad, brutal, awful struggle†, as well as incremental adjectives emphasizing the context and tone of the speech. Keating adapts a blend of both informal and formal terminology in order to sustain a broad audience and create a culturally inclusive atmosphere, which additionally increases the transcendental resonance throughout a larger audience, as made evident within the line â€Å"He is all of them. And he is one of us. † Through the inclusive statement â€Å"there is faith enough for all of us†, links are drawn between the â€Å"men and women†, as well as the understanding of the past to those of both a modern and future audience, and the unification of modern Australians to the concept of war, sacrifice and serving of one’s country in which the Unknown Soldier impresses. Through the sincerity portrayed within the ideas and values, and the use of statistics and rhetoric devices, Keating creates an everlasting, patriotic impression as well as his exploration of humanitarian issues and Australian mate ship throughout the speech ‘Funeral Service for an Unknown Australian Soldier’, which contributes to the resonance held within the audience’s consciousness. Drawing connections from ‘Funeral Service for an Unknown Australian Soldier’, Faith Bandler shares Keating’s emotional sincerity, as evident within her speech â€Å"Faith, Hope and Reconciliation†, addressed to a broad audience at the Talkin’ Up Reconciliation Convention within 1999. The speech centres upon the persisting flaws that prevent the Aboriginal people and white Australian nation from reconciling, and ultimately focuses on advancing towards the reconciliation of Aboriginal and white Australians. Aboriginal activist Faith Bandler engages her audience through a variety of techniques, such as her use of inclusive and personal pronouns, such as â€Å"I†, â€Å"we†, and â€Å"us†, made evident throughout the speech. She focuses fundamentally upon the values and ideas of â€Å"Faith, Hope and Reconciliation† throughout the speech, starting with her title, which draws allusions to both a pun played upon her name and to the biblical religious connotation of â€Å"faith, hope and charity†. Through this allusion, Bandler emphasizes the importance of reconciliation, as well as uniting the audience under a religious context. Bandler effectively creates longevity within her speech by drawing upon her own personal experiences, as shown in the line â€Å"My learning was rather hard and slow†, and calls for reconciliation through first person, as well as effectively establishing inclusivity and making her plea distinctively powerful. Through the use of emotive language such as â€Å"ugliness† and â€Å"terrible indignities†, and repetition throughout the speech, Bandler further reinforces her own personal connection to the speech, as evident within the line â€Å"a little sadness†¦terrible utterances†¦terrible tragedy† alluding to her own reconciliation experiences, which further creates resonance within her audience. Bandler reinforces the hardships faced by the Aboriginal Australians during the White settlement through the metaphor â€Å"those ramparts of the rugged past†, as well as the accumulation and the use of verbs throughout the speech. Through the use of a multitude of techniques, Faith Bandler’s effectively simple speech transcends time and civilization barriers by creating resonance within her audience through her powerful plea of reconciliation and her will to change Australia. Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood’s â€Å"Spotty Handed Villainesses† is a speech drenched in the language, ideas and values of the intelligentsia. Addressed in 1994, the speech is rich with high order language, and comprises a multitude of literary allusions as well as philosophical and feminist concepts, in order to appeal to her audience of academic women. Atwood’s speech focuses fundamentally on the core thematic concern based on the principle that writers and readers must not be constrained by the limitations imposed by the ideology of women in narrative form as mothers and nurturers. Emphasizing this, Atwood strays from the ideal female figure within literature and alludes to the murderesses displayed, particularly the complex Lady Macbeth, to whom the title refers. The opening of the speech skillfully engages the audience through Atwood’s humorous use of children’s nursery rhyme, which supports the ideas and purposes presented within the speech, as well as disarming and amusing the audience. Not all women are good. Atwood further creates satirical intrigue through a reference to her title, alluding to the idea that the speech may â€Å"refer to age spots†, or â€Å"that once-forbidden but now red-hot topic, The Menopause†. Spotty Handed Villainesses† ultimately maintains relevance throughout time through allusions to both high and lowbrow literature. Throughout the speech, Atwood challenges authors and readers to not be limited by the ideological approach of female characters. She describes restricting ideologies as ‘intolerable’ and ‘restricted’, her speech at this point both intellectual and colloquial, carefully constructing a resonance within the audience’s consciousness. Through the craftsmanship and design of a speech, as well as the exploration of humanitarian issues, particular ideas and values are presented which seep into the audience’s consciousness and stay there, as displayed through the study of Paul Keating’s speech â€Å"Funeral Service for an Unknown Australian Soldier†, Margaret Atwood’s â€Å"Spotty Handed Villainesses† and Faith Bandler’s â€Å"Faith, Hope and Reconciliation†.

The Jilting Of Granny Weatherall and A Worn Path Essay -- Compare and

The short stories, â€Å"The Jilting of Granny Weatherall† by Catherine Anne Porter and â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty, have many similarities as well as differences. Both stories have a simple plot with a theme that is symbolic of their lives. These stories include great characterization, description of elements in the stories, and the point of view. Granny Weatherall is characterized as a very old lady who is extremely stubborn and bedridden. Granny Weatherall is a sickly old lady in denial. She believes that she is not sick although she is lying on her deathbed. Her life consisted of two men and her children with them. Granny Weatherall remembers her first love, John, leaving her at the altar. She later marries George who she has many children, one of which, passes away at a very young age...

Oil & Gas Price Evolution

What Moves the Oil and Gas Price? Why are oil prices and gas prices so dramatically increased in the last view years? Oil and gas price will maintain the current level or rise in the next years because of the world economy, an increased demand on oil and its production costs, the gas demand, and the investment in developing alternative energy sources. How long will the oil reserves last? It is currently estimated that the oil reserves in the United States will last for 20 to 30 years, but this may or may not be accurate For example, since the first oil price shocks in the seventies, a many actions have been taken in order to reduce the consumption of oil and to reduce energy The reality is, that the world oil demand is forecasted to grow in 2009. â€Å"World oil demand is forecast to grow by 0. 9 Millions of Barrels per Day (mb/d) in 2009, averaging 87. 71 mb/d which is 0. 1 mb/d lower than in the current year. † (OPEC, Monthly oil market report, July 2008 p. ). This report indicates that we expect a slow down in the years after 2009. Assumptions for this oil demand forecasts are; the Worlds Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grow will slow down compared to 2008, we expect normal weather and the energy-price as well as the demand of elasticity will strengthen worldwide. The higher oils and gas prices will reduce this demand by utilization of nuclear power plants, ad ding biofuel and moving towards use of smaller and economical vehicles. The industrial oils usage is balanced with the economic growth. The oil market report stated: Slowing demand for gasoline particularly in the US, combined with an easing in the distillate markets and costly crude have exerted pressure on refining economics across the world. The continuation of these trends may encourage refiners to cut throughputs or begin seasonal maintenance earlier than usual, which would trim crude demand. This could lead to further crude stock-builds in the coming months, putting pressure on crude prices in the latter part of the year. These perceptions may change if supply disruptions occur either in OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exploring Countries) or non-OPEC producers over the next months. The main wild card for the product market in the near future would be possible refinery outages due to a potential active hurricane season in the US Gulf Coast. (OPEC, Monthly oil market report, July 2008 p. 3) In Europe, for example, the oil consumption per unit of gross domestic product since around 30 to 40 percent and this is true both for households as well as for the industry. In the world's largest economy, the U. S. , the savings were far less clear. The remaining oils reserves have to be produced on higher costs and we see also an increase in transportation as well. Therefore the oils and gas prices will maintain or rise in the next years. In addition political turbulences and crisis will have dramatic impacts in the next 3 years (short –term). If we look at the value chain of oils and gas, than we are able to identify additional price rises like tax, transport costs and the focus on fuel deviates combined with research and development costs. But what makes the price of oil and why have the prices rose so dramatically? In the seventies and eighties were often the OPEC and its pricing policy for increases blamed. Meanwhile stress economists and participants in the commodity markets, the finite nature of the geological resources and unequal distribution of deposits: To store in the U. S. , Canada and Mexico together only five percent of total world supply of oil. What is the role of futures markets? Many economists also stress that with increased oil prices also an additional supply in the markets because so far to costly production is at once profitable. So now substitutes such as the oil sand in Canada dismantled what the expiration date for the global resources to move back. For the oil companies to fall with the costly reduction of such occurrences, however, is still very high profit margins. As well as If we factor out the effects of inflation, the current oil prices are still slightly below the peak from the seventies. The scarcity of oil offering but, together with the increased global demand, certainly play their part to the recent price increases on world markets. Only recently climbed the price of a barrel of crude oil to over 100 U. S. dollars, an increase to 120 dollars per barrel no longer seems excluded. The price of oil to the U. S. gas stations since 2004 is even more than double. Semmler W. (2006) Professor of Economics and Research Fellow at the Bernard Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis (SCEPA) of the New School in New York and Professor at the Center for Empirical Macroeconomics (CEM) at the University of Bielefeld stated, that at present, but the effect is another mechanism, with the functioning of modern financial markets has to do, the rise in oil prices: trade with oil derivates in the futures markets has increased in recent years gained importance. In these markets is already the demand of tomorrow traded. For example, traders anticipate what China is the future for oil to pay could be. The prices for derivatives in turn impact on the real prices. Of course you can also offer temporary disruption of the price rise and a lot more than most other products. Cyclones, geopolitical crises, political unrest and strikes, influence the barrel price in the short term often dramatically. Economists say that the elasticity of demand of energy consumption is relatively low and therefore minor changes in the offer price rise. Thus, not only the real shortage of oil, risings demand from growth regions such as China and India for consideration, the price boosted. The financial market bubble in the paper barrels has contributed its part. The total assets in the futures markets to invest are in the years 2000 to 2006 from 40 billion to 140 billion respectively. The trend was exacerbated by the fact that loans due to low interest rates have been cheap. Tilts the economy now? So far, the rising oil prices do not yet have big slump in the economic growth effect. But this might be happen in the next future. The energy consumption is relatively low, therefore only a small increase in terms of offering, but a high increase of price. Equally important is, that the American economic growth is already weakening, in the last quarter annualized; it amounted to only 2. 5 percent. The U. S. central bank chief is out warnings that the interest rate could be increased further. The purchasing power of middle-income people in the United States in recent years barely risen. At the same time increased the debt of the households. Real estate prices are already so shrinks the creditworthiness of many households. Additionally you should have a look at the latest news in order to build your own picture about the upcoming issues with the oil and gas price. The Economic Times reported: SINGAPORE: World oil prices rebounded in Asian trade Wednesday, after the OPEC oil group announced it had agreed to cut real output by 520,000 barrels a day, dealers said. In morning trade, New York's main contract, light sweet crude for October delivery was up 84 cents to 104. 10 dollars a barrel while Brent North Sea crude rose 63 cents to 100. 7 (The Economic Times, Oil prices rebound after OPEC output cut. Sep 10, 2008) The Financial Times reported: In Europe, angry farmers and truck drivers blocked roads and struggling budget airlines grounded their aircraft. In Asia, citizens protested as governments from India to Taiwan cut the generous fuel subsidies they could no longer afford and China's growth engine began to show signs o f needing less oil as the Olympic Games came to a close. In the past two months oil markets have begun to reflect such changes and prices fell to as low as $105 a barrel last week. Hoyos C. , Opec ponders when to cut oil output in effort to boost price. Sep 10, 2008) In summary, if a sharp rise in oil and gas prices and further interest rate increases together it could, given the unstable economic situation in the U. S. in fact an economic crisis initiate. References Hoyos C. (September 8, 2008). Opec ponders when to cut oil output in effort to boost price. Retrieved September 12, 2008, Financial Times, from Web site http://www. ft. com/cms/s/0/c7d09570-7d3c-11dd-8d59-000077b07658. html OPEC. (2008). The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Retrieved August 10, 2008, from http://www. opec. org/aboutus/history/history. htm The Economic Times (September 10, 2008). Oil prices rebound after OPEC output cut. Retrieved September 12, 2008 from Web site http://economictimes. indiatimes. com/%20News/%20International_Business/%20Oil_prices_rebound_after_OPEC_output_cut/articleshow/%203465594. cms Semmler, W. (2006). Asset Prices, Booms and Recessions: Financial Economics from a Dynamic Perspective. Berlin and Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag GmbH & Co. KG. Sullivan, B. (June 19, 2008). Real Impact of Gas Prices on Economy. Retrieved August 10, 2008, Fox Business from Web site: http://briansullivan. blogs. foxbusiness. com/2008/06/19/real-impact-of-gas-pric es-on-economy. htm US Energy Information Administration, (2007). World Proved Reserves of Oil and Natural Gas. Retrieved August 10, 2008, from http://www. eia. doe. gov/emeu/international/reserves. html Williams, James L. (May 2008). Crude Oil Prices. Retrieved August 10, 2008, WTRG Economics, from Web site: http://www. wtrg. com/prices. htm

Twilight 5. BLOOD TYPE

5. BLOOD TYPE I made my way to English in a daze. I didn't even realize when I first walked in that class had already started. â€Å"Thank you for joining us, Miss Swan,† Mr. Mason said in a disparaging tone. I flushed and hurried to my seat. It wasn't till class ended that I realized Mike wasn't sitting in his usual seat next to me. I felt a twinge of guilt. But he and Eric both met me at the door as usual, so I figured I wasn't totally unforgiven. Mike seemed to become more himself as we walked, gaining enthusiasm as he talked about the weather report for this weekend. The rain was supposed to take a minor break, and so maybe his beach trip would be possible. I tried to sound eager, to make up for disappointing him yesterday. It was hard; rain or no rain, it would still only be in the high forties, if we were lucky. The rest of the morning passed in a blur. It was difficult to believe that I hadn't just imagined what Edward had said, and the way his eyes had looked. Maybe it was just a very convincing dream that I'd confused with reality. That seemed more probable than that I really appealed to him on any level. So I was impatient and frightened as Jessica and I entered the cafeteria. I wanted to see his face, to see if he'd gone back to the cold, indifferent person I'd known for the last several weeks. Or if, by some miracle, I'd really heard what I thought I'd heard this morning. Jessica babbled on and on about her dance plans – Lauren and Angela had asked the other boys and they were all going together – completely unaware of my inattention. Disappointment flooded through me as my eyes unerringly focused on his table. The other four were there, but he was absent. Had he gone home? I followed the still-babbling Jessica through the line, crushed. I'd lost my appetite – I bought nothing but a bottle of lemonade. I just wanted to go sit down and sulk. â€Å"Edward Cullen is staring at you again,† Jessica said, finally breaking through my abstraction with his name. â€Å"I wonder why he's sitting alone today.† My head snapped up. I followed her gaze to see Edward, smiling crookedly, staring at me from an empty table across the cafeteria from where he usually sat. Once he'd caught my eye, he raised one hand and motioned with his index finger for me to join him. As I stared in disbelief, he winked. â€Å"Does he mean you?† Jessica asked with insulting astonishment in her voice. â€Å"Maybe he needs help with his Biology homework,† I muttered for her benefit. â€Å"Um, I'd better go see what he wants.† I could feel her staring after me as I walked away. When I reached his table, I stood behind the chair across from him, unsure. â€Å"Why don't you sit with me today?† he asked, smiling. I sat down automatically, watching him with caution. He was still smiling. It was hard to believe that someone so beautiful could be real. I was afraid that he might disappear in a sudden puff of smoke, and I would wake up. He seemed to be waiting for me to say something. â€Å"This is different,† I finally managed. â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He paused, and then the rest of the words followed in a rush. â€Å"I decided as long as I was going to hell, I might as well do it thoroughly.† I waited for him to say something that made sense. The seconds ticked by. â€Å"You know I don't have any idea what you mean,† I eventually pointed out. â€Å"I know.† He smiled again, and then he changed the subject. â€Å"I think your friends are angry with me for stealing you.† â€Å"They'll survive.† I could feel their stares boring into my back. â€Å"I may not give you back, though,† he said with a wicked glint in his eyes. I gulped. He laughed. â€Å"You look worried.† â€Å"No,† I said, but, ridiculously, my voice broke. â€Å"Surprised, actually†¦ what brought all this on?† â€Å"I told you – I got tired of trying to stay away from you. So I'm giving up.† He was still smiling, but his ocher eyes were serious. â€Å"Giving up?† I repeated in confusion. â€Å"Yes – giving up trying to be good. I'm just going to do what I want now, and let the chips fall where they may.† His smile faded as he explained, and a hard edge crept into his voice. â€Å"You lost me again.† The breathtaking crooked smile reappeared. â€Å"I always say too much when I'm talking to you – that's one of the problems.† â€Å"Don't worry – I don't understand any of it,† I said wryly. â€Å"I'm counting on that.† â€Å"So, in plain English, are we friends now?† â€Å"Friends†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he mused, dubious. â€Å"Or not,† I muttered. He grinned. â€Å"Well, we can try, I suppose. But I'm warning you now that I'm not a good friend for you.† Behind his smile, the warning was real. â€Å"You say that a lot,† I noted, trying to ignore the sudden trembling in my stomach and keep my voice even. â€Å"Yes, because you're not listening to me. I'm still waiting for you to believe it. If you're smart, you'll avoid me.† â€Å"I think you've made your opinion on the subject of my intellect clear, too.† My eyes narrowed. He smiled apologetically. â€Å"So, as long as I'm being†¦ not smart, we'll try to be friends?† I struggled to sum up the confusing exchange. â€Å"That sounds about right.† I looked down at my hands wrapped around the lemonade bottle, not sure what to do now. â€Å"What are you thinking?† he asked curiously. I looked up into his deep gold eyes, became befuddled, and, as usual, blurted out the truth. â€Å"I'm trying to figure out what you are.† His jaw tightened, but he kept his smile in place with some effort. â€Å"Are you having any luck with that?† he asked in an offhand tone. â€Å"Not too much,† I admitted. He chuckled. â€Å"What are your theories?† I blushed. I had been vacillating during the last month between Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker. There was no way I was going to own up to that. â€Å"Won't you tell me?† he asked, tilting his head to one side with a shockingly tempting smile. I shook my head. â€Å"Too embarrassing.† â€Å"That's really frustrating, you know,† he complained. â€Å"No,† I disagreed quickly, my eyes narrowing, â€Å"I can't imagine why that would be frustrating at all – just because someone refuses to tell you what they're thinking, even if all the while they're making cryptic little remarks specifically designed to keep you up at night wondering what they could possibly mean†¦ now, why would that be frustrating?† He grimaced. â€Å"Or better,† I continued, the pent-up annoyance flowing freely now, â€Å"say that person also did a wide range of bizarre things – from saving your life under impossible circumstances one day to treating you like a pariah the next, and he never explained any of that, either, even after he promised. That, also, would be very non-frustrating.† â€Å"You've got a bit of a temper, don't you?† â€Å"I don't like double standards.† We stared at each other, unsmiling. He glanced over my shoulder, and then, unexpectedly, he snickered. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Your boyfriend seems to think I'm being unpleasant to you – he's debating whether or not to come break up our fight.† He snickered again. â€Å"I don't know who you're talking about,† I said frostily. â€Å"But I'm sure you're wrong, anyway.† â€Å"I'm not. I told you, most people are easy to read.† â€Å"Except me, of course.† â€Å"Yes. Except for you.† His mood shifted suddenly; his eyes turned brooding. â€Å"I wonder why that is.† I had to look away from the intensity of his stare. I concentrated on unscrewing the lid of my lemonade. I took a swig, staring at the table without seeing it. â€Å"Aren't you hungry?† he asked, distracted. â€Å"No.† I didn't feel like mentioning that my stomach was already full – of butterflies. â€Å"You?† I looked at the empty table in front of him. â€Å"No, I'm not hungry.† I didn't understand his expression – it looked like he was enjoying some private joke. â€Å"Can you do me a favor?† I asked after a second of hesitation. He was suddenly wary. â€Å"That depends on what you want.† â€Å"It's not much,† I assured him. He waited, guarded but curious. â€Å"I just wondered†¦ if you could warn me beforehand the next time you decide to ignore me for my own good. Just so I'm prepared.† I looked at the lemonade bottle as I spoke, tracing the circle of the opening with my pinkie finger. â€Å"That sounds fair.† He was pressing his lips together to keep from laughing when I looked up. â€Å"Thanks.† â€Å"Then can I have one answer in return?† he demanded. â€Å"One.† â€Å"Tell me one theory.† Whoops. â€Å"Not that one.† â€Å"You didn't qualify, you just promised one answer,† he reminded me. â€Å"And you've broken promises yourself,† I reminded him back. â€Å"Just one theory – I won't laugh.† â€Å"Yes, you will.† I was positive about that. He looked down, and then glanced up at me through his long black lashes, his ocher eyes scorching. â€Å"Please?† he breathed, leaning toward me. I blinked, my mind going blank. Holy crow, how did he do that? â€Å"Er, what?† I asked, dazed. â€Å"Please tell me just one little theory.† His eyes still smoldered at me. â€Å"Um, well, bitten by a radioactive spider?† Was he a hypnotist, too? Or was I just a hopeless pushover? â€Å"That's not very creative,† he scoffed. â€Å"I'm sorry, that's all I've got,† I said, miffed. â€Å"You're not even close,† he teased. â€Å"No spiders?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"And no radioactivity?† â€Å"None.† â€Å"Dang,† I sighed. â€Å"Kryptonite doesn't bother me, either,† he chuckled. â€Å"You're not supposed to laugh, remember?† He struggled to compose his face. â€Å"I'll figure it out eventually,† I warned him. â€Å"I wish you wouldn't try.† He was serious again. â€Å"Because†¦ ?† â€Å"What if I'm not a superhero? What if I'm the bad guy?† He smiled playfully, but his eyes were impenetrable. â€Å"Oh,† I said, as several things he'd hinted fell suddenly into place. â€Å"I see.† â€Å"Do you?† His face was abruptly severe, as if he were afraid that he'd accidentally said too much. â€Å"You're dangerous?† I guessed, my pulse quickening as I intuitively realized the truth of my own words. He was dangerous. He'd been trying to tell me that all along. He just looked at me, eyes full of some emotion I couldn't comprehend. â€Å"But not bad,† I whispered, shaking my head. â€Å"No, I don't believe that you're bad.† â€Å"You're wrong.† His voice was almost inaudible. He looked down, stealing my bottle lid and then spinning it on its side between his fingers. I stared at him, wondering why I didn't feel afraid. He meant what he was saying – that was obvious. But I just felt anxious, on edge†¦ and, more than anything else, fascinated. The same way I always felt when I was near him. The silence lasted until I noticed that the cafeteria was almost empty. I jumped to my feet. â€Å"We're going to be late.† â€Å"I'm not going to class today,† he said, twirling the lid so fast it was just a blur. â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"It's healthy to ditch class now and then.† He smiled up at me, but his eyes were still troubled. â€Å"Well, I'm going,† I told him. I was far too big a coward to risk getting caught. He turned his attention back to his makeshift top. â€Å"I'll see you later, then.† I hesitated, torn, but then the first bell sent me hurrying out the door – with a last glance confirming that he hadn't moved a centimeter. As I half-ran to class, my head was spinning faster than the bottle cap. So few questions had been answered in comparison to how many new questions had been raised. At least the rain had stopped. I was lucky; Mr. Banner wasn't in the room yet when I arrived. I settled quickly into my seat, aware that both Mike and Angela were staring at me. Mike looked resentful; Angela looked surprised, and slightly awed. Mr. Banner came in the room then, calling the class to order. He was juggling a few small cardboard boxes in his arms. He put them down on Mike's table, telling him to start passing them around the class. â€Å"Okay, guys, I want you all to take one piece from each box,† he said as he produced a pair of rubber gloves from the pocket of his lab jacket and pulled them on. The sharp sound as the gloves snapped into place against his wrists seemed ominous to me. â€Å"The first should be an indicator card,† he went on, grabbing a white card with four squares marked on it and displaying it. â€Å"The second is a four-pronged applicator -† he held up something that looked like a nearly toothless hair pick â€Å"- and the third is a sterile micro-lancet.† He held up a small piece of blue plastic and split it open. The barb was invisible from this distance, but my stomach flipped. â€Å"I'll be coming around with a dropper of water to prepare your cards, so please don't start until I get to you.† He began at Mike's table again, carefully putting one drop of water in each of the four squares. â€Å"Then I want you to carefully prick your finger with the lancet†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He grabbed Mike's hand and jabbed the spike into the tip of Mike's middle finger. Oh no. Clammy moisture broke out across my forehead. â€Å"Put a small drop of blood on each of the prongs.† He demonstrated, squeezing Mike's finger till the blood flowed. I swallowed convulsively, my stomach heaving. â€Å"And then apply it to the card,† he finished, holding up the dripping red card for us to see. I closed my eyes, trying to hear through the ringing in my ears. â€Å"The Red Cross is having a blood drive in Port Angeles next weekend, so I thought you should all know your blood type.† He sounded proud of himself. â€Å"Those of you who aren't eighteen yet will need a parent's permission – I have slips at my desk.† He continued through the room with his water drops. I put my cheek against the cool black tabletop and tried to hold on to my consciousness. All around me I could hear squeals, complaints, and giggles as my classmates skewered their fingers. I breathed slowly in and out through my mouth. â€Å"Bella, are you all right?† Mr. Banner asked. His voice was close to my head, and it sounded alarmed. â€Å"I already know my blood type, Mr. Banner,† I said in a weak voice. I was afraid to raise my head. â€Å"Are you feeling faint?† â€Å"Yes, sir,† I muttered, internally kicking myself for not ditching when I had the chance. â€Å"Can someone take Bella to the nurse, please?† he called. I didn't have to look up to know that it would be Mike who volunteered. â€Å"Can you walk?† Mr. Banner asked. â€Å"Yes,† I whispered. Just let me get out of here, I thought. I'll crawl. Mike seemed eager as he put his arm around my waist and pulled my arm over his shoulder. I leaned against him heavily on the way out of the classroom. Mike towed me slowly across campus. When we were around the edge of the cafeteria, out of sight of building four in case Mr. Banner was watching, I stopped. â€Å"Just let me sit for a minute, please?† I begged. He helped me sit on the edge of the walk. â€Å"And whatever you do, keep your hand in your pocket,† I warned. I was still so dizzy. I slumped over on my side, putting my cheek against the freezing, damp cement of the sidewalk, closing my eyes. That seemed to help a little. â€Å"Wow, you're green, Bella,† Mike said nervously. â€Å"Bella?† a different voice called from the distance. No! Please let me be imagining that horribly familiar voice. â€Å"What's wrong – is she hurt?† His voice was closer now, and he sounded upset. I wasn't imagining it. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to die. Or, at the very least, not to throw up. Mike seemed stressed. â€Å"I think she's fainted. I don't know what happened, she didn't even stick her finger.† â€Å"Bella.† Edward's voice was right beside me, relieved now. â€Å"Can you hear me?† â€Å"No,† I groaned. â€Å"Go away.† He chuckled. â€Å"I was taking her to the nurse,† Mike explained in a defensive tone, â€Å"but she wouldn't go any farther.† â€Å"I'll take her,† Edward said. I could hear the smile still in his voice. â€Å"You can go back to class.† â€Å"No,† Mike protested. â€Å"I'm supposed to do it.† Suddenly the sidewalk disappeared from beneath me. My eyes flew open in shock. Edward had scooped me up in his arms, as easily as if I weighed ten pounds instead of a hundred and ten. â€Å"Put me down!† Please, please let me not vomit on him. He was walking before I was finished talking. â€Å"Hey!† Mike called, already ten paces behind us. Edward ignored him. â€Å"You look awful,† he told me, grinning. â€Å"Put me back on the sidewalk,† I moaned. The rocking movement of his walk was not helping. He held me away from his body, gingerly, supporting all my weight with just his arms – it didn't seem to bother him. â€Å"So you faint at the sight of blood?† he asked. This seemed to entertain him. I didn't answer. I closed my eyes again and fought the nausea with all my strength, clamping my lips together. â€Å"And not even your own blood,† he continued, enjoying himself. I don't know how he opened the door while carrying me, but it was suddenly warm, so I knew we were inside. â€Å"Oh my,† I heard a female voice gasp. â€Å"She fainted in Biology,† Edward explained. I opened my eyes. I was in the office, and Edward was striding past the front counter toward the nurse's door. Ms. Cope, the redheaded front office receptionist, ran ahead of him to hold it open. The grandmotherly nurse looked up from a novel, astonished, as Edward swung me into the room and placed me gently on the crackly paper that covered the brown vinyl mattress on the one cot. Then he moved to stand against the wall as far across the narrow room as possible. His eyes were bright, excited. â€Å"She's just a little faint,† he reassured the startled nurse. â€Å"They're blood typing in Biology.† The nurse nodded sagely. â€Å"There's always one.† He muffled a snicker. â€Å"Just lie down for a minute, honey; it'll pass.† â€Å"I know,† I sighed. The nausea was already fading. â€Å"Does this happen a lot?† she asked. â€Å"Sometimes,† I admitted. Edward coughed to hide another laugh. â€Å"You can go back to class now,† she told him. â€Å"I'm supposed to stay with her.† He said this with such assured authority that – even though she pursed her lips – the nurse didn't argue it further. â€Å"I'll go get you some ice for your forehead, dear,† she said to me, and then bustled out of the room. â€Å"You were right,† I moaned, letting my eyes close. â€Å"I usually am – but about what in particular this time?† â€Å"Ditching is healthy.† I practiced breathing evenly. â€Å"You scared me for a minute there,† he admitted after a pause. His tone made it sound like he was confessing a humiliating weakness. â€Å"I thought Newton was dragging your dead body off to bury it in the woods.† â€Å"Ha ha.† I still had my eyes closed, but I was feeling more normal every minute. â€Å"Honestly – I've seen corpses with better color. I was concerned that I might have to avenge your murder.† â€Å"Poor Mike. I'll bet he's mad.† â€Å"He absolutely loathes me,† Edward said cheerfully. â€Å"You can't know that,† I argued, but then I wondered suddenly if he could. â€Å"I saw his face – I could tell.† â€Å"How did you see me? I thought you were ditching.† I was almost fine now, though the queasiness would probably pass faster if I'd eaten something for lunch. On the other hand, maybe it was lucky my stomach was empty. â€Å"I was in my car, listening to a CD.† Such a normal response – it surprised me. I heard the door and opened my eyes to see the nurse with a cold compress in her hand. â€Å"Here you go, dear.† She laid it across my forehead. â€Å"You're looking better,† she added. â€Å"I think I'm fine,† I said, sitting up. Just a little ringing in my ears, no spinning. The mint green walls stayed where they should. I could see she was about to make me lie back down, but the door opened just then, and Ms. Cope stuck her head in. â€Å"We've got another one,† she warned. I hopped down to free up the cot for the next invalid. I handed the compress back to the nurse. â€Å"Here, I don't need this.† And then Mike staggered through the door, now supporting a sallow-looking Lee Stephens, another boy in our Biology class. Edward and I drew back against the wall to give them room. â€Å"Oh no,† Edward muttered. â€Å"Go out to the office, Bella.† I looked up at him, bewildered. â€Å"Trust me – go.† I spun and caught the door before it closed, darting out of the infirmary. I could feel Edward right behind me. â€Å"You actually listened to me.† He was stunned. â€Å"I smelled the blood,† I said, wrinkling my nose. Lee wasn't sick from watching other people, like me. â€Å"People can't smell blood,† he contradicted. â€Å"Well, I can – that's what makes me sick. It smells like rust†¦ and salt.† He was staring at me with an unfathomable expression. â€Å"What?† I asked. â€Å"It's nothing.† Mike came through the door then, glancing from me to Edward. The look he gave Edward confirmed what Edward had said about loathing. He looked back at me, his eyes glum. â€Å"You look better,† he accused. â€Å"Just keep your hand in your pocket,† I warned him again. â€Å"It's not bleeding anymore,† he muttered. â€Å"Are you going back to class?† â€Å"Are you kidding? I'd just have to turn around and come back.† â€Å"Yeah, I guess†¦ So are you going this weekend? To the beach?† While he spoke, he flashed another glare toward Edward, who was standing against the cluttered counter, motionless as a sculpture, staring off into space. I tried to sound as friendly as possible. â€Å"Sure, I said I was in.† â€Å"We're meeting at my dad's store, at ten.† His eyes flickered to Edward again, wondering if he was giving out too much information. His body language made it clear that it wasn't an open invitation. â€Å"I'll be there,† I promised. â€Å"I'll see you in Gym, then,† he said, moving uncertainly toward the door. â€Å"See you,† I replied. He looked at me once more, his round face slightly pouting, and then as he walked slowly through the door, his shoulders slumped. A swell of sympathy washed over me. I pondered seeing his disappointed face again†¦ in Gym. â€Å"Gym,† I groaned. â€Å"I can take care of that.† I hadn't noticed Edward moving to my side, but he spoke now in my ear. â€Å"Go sit down and look pale,† he muttered. That wasn't a challenge; I was always pale, and my recent swoon had left a light sheen of sweat on my face. I sat in one of the creaky folding chairs and rested my head against the wall with my eyes closed. Fainting spells always exhausted me. I heard Edward speaking softly at the counter. â€Å"Ms. Cope?† â€Å"Yes?† I hadn't heard her return to her desk. â€Å"Bella has Gym next hour, and I don't think she feels well enough. Actually, I was thinking I should take her home now. Do you think you could excuse her from class?† His voice was like melting honey. I could imagine how much more overwhelming his eyes would be. â€Å"Do you need to be excused, too, Edward?† Ms. Cope fluttered. Why couldn't I do that? â€Å"No, I have Mrs. Goff, she won't mind.† â€Å"Okay, it's all taken care of. You feel better, Bella,† she called to me. I nodded weakly, hamming it up just a bit. â€Å"Can you walk, or do you want me to carry you again?† With his back to the receptionist, his expression became sarcastic. â€Å"I'll walk.† I stood carefully, and I was still fine. He held the door for me, his smile polite but his eyes mocking. I walked out into the cold, fine mist that had just begun to fall. It felt nice – the first time I'd enjoyed the constant moisture falling out of the sky – as it washed my face clean of the sticky perspiration. â€Å"Thanks,† I said as he followed me out. â€Å"It's almost worth getting sick to miss Gym.† â€Å"Anytime.† He was staring straight forward, squinting into the rain. â€Å"So are you going? This Saturday, I mean?† I was hoping he would, though it seemed unlikely. I couldn't picture him loading up to carpool with the rest of the kids from school; he didn't belong in the same world. But just hoping that he might gave me the first twinge of enthusiasm I'd felt for the outing. â€Å"Where are you all going, exactly?† He was still looking ahead, expressionless. â€Å"Down to La Push, to First Beach.† I studied his face, trying to read it. His eyes seemed to narrow infinitesimally. He glanced down at me from the corner of his eye, smiling wryly. â€Å"I really don't think I was invited.† I sighed. â€Å"I just invited you.† â€Å"Let's you and I not push poor Mike any further this week. We don't want him to snap.† His eyes danced; he was enjoying the idea more than he should. â€Å"Mike-schmike.† I muttered, preoccupied by the way he'd said â€Å"you and I.† I liked it more than I should. We were near the parking lot now. I veered left, toward my truck. Something caught my jacket, yanking me back. â€Å"Where do you think you're going?† he asked, outraged. He was gripping a fistful of my jacket in one hand. I was confused. â€Å"I'm going home.† â€Å"Didn't you hear me promise to take you safely home? Do you think I'm going to let you drive in your condition?† His voice was still indignant. â€Å"What condition? And what about my truck?† I complained. â€Å"I'll have Alice drop it off after school.† He was towing me toward his car now, pulling me by my jacket. It was all I could do to keep from falling backward. He'd probably just drag me along anyway if I did. â€Å"Let go!† I insisted. He ignored me. I staggered along sideways across the wet sidewalk until we reached the Volvo. Then he finally freed me – I stumbled against the passenger door. â€Å"You are so pushy!† I grumbled. â€Å"It's open,† was all he responded. He got in the driver's side. â€Å"I am perfectly capable of driving myself home!† I stood by the car, fuming. It was raining harder now, and I'd never put my hood up, so my hair was dripping down my back. He lowered the automatic window and leaned toward me across the seat. â€Å"Get in, Bella.† I didn't answer. I was mentally calculating my chances of reaching the truck before he could catch me. I had to admit, they weren't good. â€Å"I'll just drag you back,† he threatened, guessing my plan. I tried to maintain what dignity I could as I got into his car. I wasn't very successful – I looked like a half-drowned cat and my boots squeaked. â€Å"This is completely unnecessary,† I said stiffly. He didn't answer. He fiddled with the controls, turning the heater up and the music down. As he pulled out of the parking lot, I was preparing to give him the silent treatment – my face in full pout mode – but then I recognized the music playing, and my curiosity got the better of my intentions. â€Å"Clair de Lune?† I asked, surprised. â€Å"You know Debussy?† He sounded surprised, too. â€Å"Not well,† I admitted. â€Å"My mother plays a lot of classical music around the house – I only know my favorites.† â€Å"It's one of my favorites, too.† He stared out through the rain, lost in thought. I listened to the music, relaxing against the light gray leather seat. It was impossible not to respond to the familiar, soothing melody. The rain blurred everything outside the window into gray and green smudges. I began to realize we were driving very fast; the car moved so steadily, so evenly, though, I didn't feel the speed. Only the town flashing by gave it away. â€Å"What is your mother like?† he asked me suddenly. I glanced over to see him studying me with curious eyes. â€Å"She looks a lot like me, but she's prettier,† I said. He raised his eyebrows. â€Å"I have too much Charlie in me. She's more outgoing than I am, and braver. She's irresponsible and slightly eccentric, and she's a very unpredictable cook. She's my best friend.† I stopped. Talking about her was making me depressed. â€Å"How old are you, Bella?† His voice sounded frustrated for some reason I couldn't imagine. He'd stopped the car, and I realized we were at Charlie's house already. The rain was so heavy that I could barely see the house at all. It was like the car was submerged under a river. â€Å"I'm seventeen,† I responded, a little confused. â€Å"You don't seem seventeen.† His tone was reproachful; it made me laugh. â€Å"What?† he asked, curious again. â€Å"My mom always says I was born thirty-five years old and that I get more middle-aged every year.† I laughed, and then sighed. â€Å"Well, someone has to be the adult.† I paused for a second. â€Å"You don't seem much like a junior in high school yourself,† I noted. He made a face and changed the subject. â€Å"So why did your mother marry Phil?† I was surprised he would remember the name; I'd mentioned it just once, almost two months ago. It took me a moment to answer. â€Å"My mother†¦ she's very young for her age. I think Phil makes her feel even younger. At any rate, she's crazy about him.† I shook my head. The attraction was a mystery to me. â€Å"Do you approve?† he asked. â€Å"Does it matter?† I countered. â€Å"I want her to be happy†¦ and he is who she wants.† â€Å"That's very generous†¦ I wonder,† he mused. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Would she extend the same courtesy to you, do you think? No matter who your choice was?† He was suddenly intent, his eyes searching mine. â€Å"I-I think so,† I stuttered. â€Å"But she's the parent, after all. It's a little bit different.† â€Å"No one too scary then,† he teased. I grinned in response. â€Å"What do you mean by scary? Multiple facial piercings and extensive tattoos?† â€Å"That's one definition, I suppose.† â€Å"What's your definition?† But he ignored my question and asked me another. â€Å"Do you think that I could be scary?† He raised one eyebrow, and the faint trace of a smile lightened his face. I thought for a moment, wondering whether the truth or a lie would go over better. I decided to go with the truth. â€Å"Hmmm†¦ I think you could be, if you wanted to.† â€Å"Are you frightened of me now?† The smile vanished, and his heavenly face was suddenly serious. â€Å"No.† But I answered too quickly. The smile returned. â€Å"So, now are you going to tell me about your family?† I asked to distract him. â€Å"It's got to be a much more interesting story than mine.† He was instantly cautious. â€Å"What do you want to know?† â€Å"The Cullens adopted you?† I verified. â€Å"Yes.† I hesitated for a moment. â€Å"What happened to your parents?† â€Å"They died many years ago.† His tone was matter-of-fact. â€Å"I'm sorry,† I mumbled. â€Å"I don't really remember them that clearly. Carlisle and Esme have been my parents for a long time now.† â€Å"And you love them.† It wasn't a question. It was obvious in the way he spoke of them. â€Å"Yes.† He smiled. â€Å"I couldn't imagine two better people.† â€Å"You're very lucky.† â€Å"I know I am.† â€Å"And your brother and sister?† He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. â€Å"My brother and sister, and Jasper and Rosalie for that matter, are going to be quite upset if they have to stand in the rain waiting for me.† â€Å"Oh, sorry, I guess you have to go.† I didn't want to get out of the car. â€Å"And you probably want your truck back before Chief Swan gets home, so you don't have to tell him about the Biology incident.† He grinned at me. â€Å"I'm sure he's already heard. There are no secrets in Forks.† I sighed. He laughed, and there was an edge to his laughter. â€Å"Have fun at the beach†¦ good weather for sunbathing.† He glanced out at the sheeting rain. â€Å"Won't I see you tomorrow?† â€Å"No. Emmett and I are starting the weekend early.† â€Å"What are you going to do?† A friend could ask that, right? I hoped the disappointment wasn't too apparent in my voice. â€Å"We're going to be hiking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, just south of Rainier.† I remembered Charlie had said the Cullens went camping frequently. â€Å"Oh, well, have fun.† I tried to sound enthusiastic. I don't think I fooled him, though. A smile was playing around the edges of his lips. â€Å"Will you do something for me this weekend?† He turned to look me straight in the face, utilizing the full power of his burning gold eyes. I nodded helplessly. â€Å"Don't be offended, but you seem to be one of those people who just attract accidents like a magnet. So†¦ try not to fall into the ocean or get run over or anything, all right?† He smiled crookedly. The helplessness had faded as he spoke. I glared at him. â€Å"I'll see what I can do,† I snapped as I jumped out into the rain. I slammed the door behind me with excessive force. He was still smiling as he drove away.

Progressive Taxation essays

Progressive Taxation essays A Discussion on Progressive Taxation The United States government taxation system is based off the fundamental progressive taxation theory. Most people dont fully understand the taxation system and question the validity of the system the United States currently has. However, I believe that progressive taxation is the best system for the majority of society. The progressive taxation system is most evident in the income taxes; the tax is levied at a rate that increases as the quantity of income increases. This system was devised to collect a greater proportion of tax revenue from wealthy people reflecting the ability-to-pay principle. Usually, progressive taxes are the stabilizing force in periods of inflation or recession because the amount of tax revenue changes more than proportionately with the increase or decrease in income. In an economy where the prices and incomes are rising, the dollar value of tax credits and allowances remain constant. However, as individual income increases, the taxpayer is moved into a higher tax bracket. This means that a greater percentage of their income goes toward taxes. At the same time, the governments tax revenues rise. What does this mean? Simple put, the higher the taxpayers income, the more money given to the government to spend on programs and strengthen the overall economy. By either reducing tax rates or increasing spending, the government can stimulate or restrain private demand. There are negative effects to progressive taxation. During inflation, it can actually hurt the people that this system is trying to help by shifting the tax burden to the less able and increasing the power of the government to control the economy. There is no real solution to this. Also, many believe that this type of taxation is punishing the rich for working and earning their money. This may be true to one extent, but a fixed rate for all people will cau ...

To what extent should we attribute the 1979 Iranian Revolution to Essay

To what extent should we attribute the 1979 Iranian Revolution to Khomeinis leadership - Essay Example However, the Soviet Union was not involved in overthrowing the government, which was led by Shah. Initially, demonstrations started in 1977 in October (Harmon, 2004:5). This was followed by civil resistance from the people, especially the population that was affiliated to the Islamic religion. In the wake of 1978, the demonstrations escalated. During the demonstrations, 2 policemen and 6 protesters were confirmed dead. However, Khomeini declared that 70 were martyrs, including his son. The continued demonstrations were threatening to paralyse the country, especially in the end of 1978. This led to the exile of Shah on the January 16th in 1979. This marked the start of a new regime in Iran, led by Khomeini (Adib-Moghaddam, 2014:1). Through all these activities, Khomeini has various attributes that led to the overthrowing of Shah in Iran. To begin with, Khomeini advocated for the rights of all the people in the country. In essence, he was a unifying factor in the country, as he was destined to protect the rights of all the people. As a result, he unified student’s unions, religions affiliations and other organisations that were disinterested in the current leadership. The attribute of unifying score of people to fight for an ostensible reason was instrumental in the revolution (Adib-Moghaddam, 2014:1). It is noted that many revolutions are successful when people engage large numbers. Therefore, Khomeini used this particular attribute to ensure the revolution was successful. Similarly, he engaged Islamic principles in the fight. Though the educated clerics, he was able to interpret the Islamic principles, and explained them to the masses. This led to acceptance to fight against the government of the day, as they wanted liberation. During the revolution, Khomeini instigated the slogan â€Å"neither east nor west† in gathering the masses. He stated that the most important thing for the Iranians was freedom.

Spiritual Movement of Tantra Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spiritual Movement of Tantra - Research Paper Example Even in modern day religions, or in religions that have been altered by New Age adaptations, like Tibetan Buddhism and branches of Hinduism, elements of Tantra are widely implemented and very evident. Since Tantra does not focus on cosmology and deities, it is easily combined with other religious and spiritual practices. Given its widespread use, especially in the Western world, Tantra has more than one definition, and many of them clash with one another. Western scholars define Tantra as a form of western scholarship, and not in any relation to a religious system. They place little to no significance on its origination in Asia, nor on its connection with other spiritual practices. Those who actually practice Tantra openly reject this definition, insisting that Tantra is merely the teachings and practices found in the scriptures known as tantras. Furthermore, practitioners of Tantra believe that Tantra cannot be defined as a whole, as the Western world has tried to do, but based on each individual tantra scripture. As such, Tantra is not just a philosophy, which is the belief of many Westerns, but also a spiritual way of life. The tantra scriptures are the most vital parts of the Tantra path. A tantra is considered a tantra when it â€Å"elaborates copious and profound matters, especially relating t o the principles of reality and sacred matters, and because it provides salvation† (Jain 37). Tantras refer not only to the designated scriptures that started the movement, but scriptures, practices, and rituals that were created subsequent to the origination of Tantra. Further tantras were created when practitioners had perused the primary Tantric scriptures, which are known as the agama. The agama is made up of four parts: descriptions of metaphysical knowledge (jnana), contemplative procedures (yoga), ritual regulations (kriya), and religious and ethical commands (charya). When new tantras are designed, if they are able to be placed within one of these four categories, they are usually accepted by other practitioners. These many scriptures are, in essence, the guidebook of being Tantric. The purpose of Tantra and of following these scriptures is to reach a higher level of existence, one that can be obtained by individuals other than ordained monks, which is the appeal of Ta ntra. Ordinary people are not exempt from achieving the highest and greatest level of existence. Tantra’s belief system focuses on reality as a whole, coupled with a single Divine Consciousness, a consciousness that individuals have, yet share with others. Moreover, as Tantra erased the line between the spiritual and the mundane, practitioners are able to experience spiritual realization in every aspect of their day-to-day lives. Tantra allows laymen to have access to the Divine Consciousness and the liberation and salvation that comes with adhering to the tantra scriptures in a normal, nonspiritual setting. The overall spiritual goal of Tantra is to â€Å"bring about an inner realization of the truth that ‘Nothing exists that is not Divine’† (Guenther & Trungpa 41). Buddhist Tantra explains it best, claiming that we are all in union with universal energy; we have everything that we need to be complete within us right now, but we just need to learn how to recognize it. This is where Tantra comes in. Every individual has the ability to be Divine, as this is their true nature, albeit untapped. It is through Tantra that individuals can reach this state of divine existence. Tantra brings liberation ignorance and from suffering, which is a common goal in Eastern-based religions, with an emphasis on the individual being the one that holds their own