Frankenstein †Golden Mean Archetype Essay

Throughout the last few chapters we have been reading, the perspective of our monster has shifted tremendously. At first, we viewed the creature as frightening and menacing. As the story continues, we base our view on the monster due to Victor’s aggressive behavior towards the creature, making us pity the poor monster as he has done nothing wrong; he is just lost in a new world, possibly experiencing culture shock. Now the creature is venturing out into the world, interacting with people other than Victor. â€Å"†¦for I never ventured abroad during daylight, fearful of meeting with the same treatment I had formerly endured in the first village which I entered† (106). After the monster encounters humans, people give the same reaction: fear. The monster comes baring no harm, but in fright, the citizens of the village run from him, scared of what might happen to them. This starts his increasing grudge against the humans. First, Victor rejects his appearance, oblivious to the being on the inside, now, complete strangers are neglecting him. His temper in steadily growing. â€Å"Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and base?† (107). After learning more history from his protectors, the creature is now questioning the characteristic change in man over the course of time. Back then, a creature of his nature might have been accepted, but now he is feared for his sole appearance. These events capture the imbalance in the golden mean because now the monster, once emotionally stable with his existence, is getting too angry and furious with the human race. The monster is now resembling Victor. Although he might not notice it, the monster is showing a strong connection between him and his creator through his actions. Both are seeking revenge and acting out through their anger. Now that the monster has built up the courage to confront the old blind man, by the name of De Lacy, he waits until Felix, Agatha, and Safie have left. He does not want to frighten them. Unfortunately, as he tries to speak with De Lacy, Felix and the others return. Upon Agatha fainting, and Safie running out of fear, â€Å"Felix darted forward, and with supernatural force tore me from this father, whose knees I cung; in a transport of fry, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick† (123-124). The creature viewed the family and his own: his protectors. If they acted that way towards him, surely everyone else would too. Now, the monster’s revenge only increased. Soon enough, the creature is going to snap and lose control of his emotions. There is still some decency inside of the monster though. After witnessing an innocent girl downing, he saves her, despite his arising hate for humans. As a man comes and thinks that the monster is harming the girl, he shoots the creature, who had only tried to help. â€Å"The feelings of kindness and gentleness which I had entertained but a few moments before gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind† (130). The spark inside of the monster triggers and rage flows through his body. Anger and revenge seep in and he now despises all human beings. The creature has terminated all tolerance for human beings, due to the everlasting hate he obtains from creatures so very similar to him. The golden mean has been violated extensively through the mistreatment of this poor creature. He has been nothing but joyous towards mankind, but in return he receives hate and pain, literally. The monster has no more patience or hope for the overturning emotions from humans. This eventually develops the motive for William’s murder, confessing to Victor the deviant act of not only the murder, but also of framing Justine.

6 Sources of Leadership Power

Job Description – Accounting Officer Job Details Title Department Reporting to Accounting Officer Finance Management Accountant Direct Reports Authorities Last updated Nil Refer Delegations April 2012 Job Purpose The Accounting Officer is accountable to the Management Accountant and is responsible for ensuring that all development contribution and sundry debtors are invoiced, and that these debts are collected when due. The position is also responsible for all aspects of payroll for staff and elected members. These services include: Control of debtors sub ledger Debtor invoicing and reconciliationsDebt collection Fortnightly and monthly payroll processing General ledger reconciliations Assistance with general accounting My Team CEO Deputy CEO / General Manager Finance Accounting Manager Management Accountant Accounting Officer Finance Administrator – Accounts Payable Key relationships External ? Debtors ? Lakes Environmental ? Payroll Software Provider ? Inland Revenue ? Trails and Youth Trusts ? Auditors Internal ? Chief Executive Officer ? Deputy CEO / Finance Manager ? Accounting Manager ? Management Accountant ? Activity managers ? Staff Key accountabilities Responsibility/objectivePayroll Administration: Coordination and Management of payroll function Maintain the Council’s Debtors system. Outcome ? Liaison with staff and councillors on all payroll matters. ? Collation, input, checking and processing of fortnightly payroll data, including expense claims and other one-off transactions. ? Processing of monthly Councillor payroll. ? Processing and administration of IRD and other payroll deductions. ? Distribution of payslips and various payroll reports. ? Administration and reconciliation of Annual and Sick leave entitlements. ? Input of payroll journals to the general ledger. Reconciliation of all payroll related general ledger accounts to the payroll. ? Completion of quarterly and annual statistical payroll returns by requested deadline s. ? Maintain confidentiality of all payroll information. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Debt Recovery ? ? ? Ensure Control accounts are in balance at all times. Generate invoices and credit notes as required/requested (this includes Development Contributions, Lakes Environmental, Private Plan Change charges, Section Clearance & other Sundry debtors). Ensure debtor receipts are allocated correctly. Distribute monthly statements. Reconcile the debtors’ and parking ledgers monthly to nsure they are accurate and fully updated. Perform month end roll over within 5 working days of the end of the month. Compile monthly aged debtor’s reports and other detailed debtor reports. Prepare Debtor reports for FACC committee by agenda deadlines. Debt reminder letters sent out on a regular basis, and email and phone contact when necessary. Liaise with relevant council personnel to assist with collection of outstanding debt. Ensure all correspondence logged in Debt Management ? ? system. Negotiate pa yment programmes where appropriate and monitor for performance and ensure up to date.All queries are responded to within 7 days of receipt. Training of all managers and staff on the use of the invoicing system ? Ensure that all staff are adequately trained with a high skill level and understanding of the QLDC invoicing system. Ensure that all processing is performed in a timely and accurate manner ? ? ? Checking all input for accuracy before processing. Input of data including invoices & credit notes is timely. Ensure back charging required is performed on a regular monthly basis. Ensure all credit notes are property authorised. Invoices for Development Contributions and ResourceContributions are issued on time. ? ? General Accounting ? ? ? ? Processing journals and general ledger maintenance as necessary, accurately and in a timely manner. Street Front Bonds detailed schedule maintained and reconciled. Subdivision Bonds schedule maintained and reconciled. Year End Audit reconciliat ions. Provide assistance with the following: ? Assisting the Management Accountant to ensure integrity of the General Ledger (coding accuracy). ? Assisting the Management Accountant with preparation of monthly management reports. ? Assisting the Management Accountant with budget input and monitoring. Assist with allocation of overheads to departments. ? Production of all financial reports in accordance with published timetables. Manages Health and Safety ? Ensure compliance to all legal/statutory and company requirements for health and safety. Maintain professionalism ? ? ? Adhere to company policies. Keeping abreast with technology. Maintain and update oneself with knowledge required for job. Other duties, consistent with the role, as required from time to time by Manager and CEO. ? Key behavioural competencies Competency Excellent Service Description We get it done and do it wellRespect We value and respect others Inspiration We lead by example Collaboration We succeed by working together Accountability We are open and honest Qualifications/Experience Qualifications ? Experience ? ? ? Skills ? ? ? ? ? ? Agreed by: Team member: Manager: Essential A sound level of numerical, written and spoken English skills. At least two years of clerical experience with Accounts Receivable and Payroll. Proven history of management of large scale debtors ledger. Must be capable of interpreting information, with a competent level of problem solving ability. Must be solution focused.Windows and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel). Must be a team player and keep their eyes focussed on the wider goals of the organisation. Must be capable of operating with a minimal level of supervision, making appropriate decisions within authorities delegated. A high level of accuracy and the ability to keep detailed file notes. Strong communication, written and verbal. Signature: Desirable ? ? ? Date: An up to date knowledge of payroll legislation would be an advantage but not essential. Some general accounting experience or an understanding of accounting principles would be useful.

Deception Is Used to Gain Power

Power can change people in a way that is incomprehensible. Power can make one so greedy that they will do anything for it and won’t let anyone, or thing stand in their way. In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Macbeth, characterization is used to show that looks are deceiving when power is involved. When a person uses deception to acquire power, the consequences will be fatal and one’s fate will result in demise. When one becomes aware of their glorious future, they will do anything to acquire it. Macbeth becomes corrupted because of the power he could possess. Macbeth seems like the person who would not commit the act of murder as he has a conscious. This is known because at the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is the one who manipulates Macbeth to commit the crime. In this dialogue between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, Macbeth expresses his concerns and Lady Macbeth reassures him. Macbeth: â€Å"If we should fail? † Lady Macbeth: â€Å"†¦ screw your coverage to the sticking place. And we’ll not fail† (1. 7. 67-69). Lady Macbeth then goes on to explain the plan and reassures Macbeth by saying â€Å"When in swinish sleep their drench natures lies as in death, what cannot you and I perform upon th’ unguarded Duncan? What not put upon his spongy officers, who shall bear the quilt of our great quell? † (1. 7. 77-82). Macbeth was evidently unsure about this and needed a great deal of reassurance to finally go through with it. Even though Macbeth’s gut instinct at first was not to commit the murder, he gives in to his wife and goes through with it. Despite that Macbeth is appalled by his deed, he still goes on to kill more people to secure his position. By the end of the novel, the other lords and everyone else have realized Macbeth is not fit for king and Angus states â€Å"Now does he feel his title hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief† (5. 2. 23-25). Macbeth is realizing that his robes, (roles), are too big for him too fill. He cannot fulfill the responsibilities of a king. Soon after Macbeth is slain for being a traitor as well as a murderer. Macbeth’s priorities are not straight as a result of his avarice of power. Power is capable of making one so greedy that they will do anything in order to acquire it. Lady Macbeth’s attitude towards power is somewhat similar to Macbeth’s. At the beginning of the play, when Lady Macbeth reads the letter from her husband telling her about the witches, it can be clearly seen that she will be willing to risk anything to see Macbeth as king. Her opinion about murder is that if it helps her to get what she wants, she’s in favor of it. When Macbeth has his doubts, Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth when she call upon â€Å"†¦ spirits that tend on mortal thoughts†¦ † to â€Å"Stop up th’ access and passage to remorse that to compunctious visitings of nature shake my fell purpose†¦ † (1. 5. 47-48 and 51-53). What Lady Macbeth is saying here is that it is as if she were tearing her heart out to make her husband king. Her sole purpose for murder seems to prove that she has been successful in emptying herself of human feeling. Lady Macbeth seems to lie effortlessly. This trait she has shows that all she wants is power and nothing else. Lady Macbeth believes that worrying over things you cannot alter is a waste of time, â€Å"A little water clears us of this deed† (2. 2. 86). Lady Macbeth announces that the deed is done and there will not be any remorse. This makes one believe Lady Macbeth has no guilt, but by the end of the play it is clearly understood that Lady Macbeth is not as simple as she seems. The gentlewoman is observing Lady Macbeth sleepwalking, along with the doctor, and remarks â€Å"It is an accustomed action with her to seem thus washing her hands† (5. 1. 30-32). To the gentlewoman it appears as if Lady Macbeth’s continuous action of washing her hands is a custom. Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, is trying to wash Duncan’s blood off of her hands, which contradicts Lady Macbeth’s earlier actions of saying â€Å"A little water clears us of this deed† (2. 2. 86). Her actions now reveal that she does indeed have guilt and fear because she kills herself to escape the horrible nightmares that torment her. Lady Macbeth is a fascinating character. She has immense strength and determination, but by the end, even her greed for power could not stand up to the guilt she faced. It can be said that Lady Macbeth has struggled with her guilt every bit as much as Macbeth has with his. It can be seen that power can corrupt. Power is something that if placed in the wrong hands, can spoil a lot. Those who crave superiority will do anything to obtain it such as lying and manipulating. The greed for power can make people do outrageous things, and once the power gets into the wrong hands, it will be abused, and can disrupt the sort order that power is supposed to hold within the society.

Marriage and Divorce Workshop Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marriage and Divorce Workshop - Assignment Example The couple also has to connect on an intelligence level. If the couple’s intelligence levels are too different, then they connect less, and this could lead to conflict and divorce. The couple also needs to be at the same level of maturity, which allows them to connect on an emotional level. Emotional congruence involves the feelings that the couple has in the relationship. If one of them is not happy, then the other is not happy. It is only when they are on a similar maturity level that they can decipher each other’s emotions correctly. The couple’s hearts also have to connect, i.e. love and trust. Lack of this connection is another major cause of divorce. Sexual connection is also very important in marriage since varying sex drives can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Finally, biological connections also affect the strength of the relationship, for example, touch and taste. Couples who have a lasting relationship have a strong biological connection; for e xample, when they are close to each other, they have a good feeling. Patterns of Relationships There are four patterns in a relationship, the first of which is a dependent-dependent relationship. In this relationship, neither of the individuals that make the couple makes the final decisions since their decision is collaborative. The couple is usually afraid to make these decisions leading to conflict, which, in turn, leads to the root boat crashing. This sort of relationship happens when two people form a relationship because neither can stay alone. The individuals feel as if they cannot rely on themselves. This sort of relationship could result in a feeling of being imprisoned by the neediness. While this relationship can be healthy, it is grounded in desperation. Dependent-independent relationships involve the dependence of one individual on another in the relationship. In this relationship pattern, only one of them will grow, with the dependent person also hoping to grow. This is the traditional form of a relationship where the wife is dependent on an independent husband. This reduces conflict and ensures that the boat is relatively steady. Independent-independent relationships involve a couple who depend on themselves. This relationship can be considered as a fair relationship since both individuals can be successful and wealthy within the relationship; these relationships do not last for very long. The boat, in this case, will rock and may sink at some point. Interdependent-interdependent relationships involve a couple who both have their own opinions. These relationships experience a lot of conflicts because the individuals in the relationship have many different opinions, which will see the boat rock. In this relationship, the individuals, mutually depend on the other, and it differs from dependent relationships where some individuals are dependent while some are not.  

Consumer Protection Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Consumer Protection Law - Essay Example Imputing liability upon a Seller purely on the basis of goods not conforming to the exact description of the good offered for sale may not be applicable unless and until it can be proved that the buyer relied upon such a description in arriving at a decision to purchase the product. The description of the good is to be taken into account when determining whether the goods are of a satisfactory quality. In the case of Varley v Whipp3, it was held that in every case where the buyer has not had the opportunity to see the goods before purchase, the goods will be deemed to have been bought by description. The old pot ornament would, therefore, have been expected to conform to its description and photograph as laid out in the advertisement, which states â€Å"old pot ornament, in good condition for its age.† But the goods received by Chris show the ornament not conforming to the description. The question of goods sold which did not match their description arose in the case of Beale v Taylor4 where the defendant had advertised his car as a 1961 Herald convertible, however, the actual car comprised two parts welded together and only one of these parts came from the 1961 model rather than the entire car. As a result, the car that was delivered to the buyer was held to not conform to its description and the Court allowed the plaintiff to secure damages. The question of description also arose in the case of Andrews v Hopkinson5 where the dealer’s description of the item in question as a â€Å"good little bus, I would stake my life on it† was held to be a contractual term because it formed a part of the description that was set out in the advertisement for the goods. Similarly, in the case of Couchman v Hill6, a statement made about the heifer sold was that it was â€Å"unserved† and the Court held that every item in the description which forms a component part of the identity of the object sold is a condition for which the seller can be held li able.

Assignment #2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

#2 - Assignment Example Price adjustments- this is the lowering of the prices with the hopes to generate more sales by increasing the number of units purchased. This is one of the most used methods by businesses to enter new markets. Product improvements- this occurs when a business decides to add quality to its products as a way of attracting more customers. Thus, price improvements are better suited for creating new interests in stagnating products and to offer extra benefits when one uses the product. Creation of more distribution channels- in this method, a business enters a market through increasing its methods of making products reach the consumers and making the products more readily available in the market. For instance, a business that operates through retails may open wholesale centers for distribution of more products. It helps in determining the market penetration goal. As such, the business subtracts the effects of the limiting factors from market potential, and it enables the business to estimate its measurable goals. Makes it possible for the business to define its market. By making adjustments in the market potential and the share figures, business can define its markets in terms of industry, product, and geography or customer type. A business can identify and quantify the limiting factors. Such factors include competition, government regulation, and limited resources. Therefore, by adjusting the market potential and the share figures, the business will be in a better position to realize these factors, and quantify them. The ranking method- this is the process of comparing one’s job with others to determine whether it is higher, lower or in the same rank. This method is based on the overall judgment of the required skills, responsibility and also working conditions of the job. The prime benefit of this technique is that it is simple and is

Who Won the War of 1812 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Who Won the War of 1812 - Essay Example In fact, while the majority of Americans are familiar with the War of Independence and many can recite key events and turning points within it, few can do the same as regards the War of 1812, the second war with the British. Indeed, the War of 1812 appears to have been virtually ignored by historians. While determining the reasons for the aforementioned may be quite difficult, it can be argued that this is largely due to the fact that the war was inconclusive. In other words, not only does the war emerge as somewhat senseless but ended in a stalemate. A closer analysis of this particular conflict, however, exposes the aforementioned as a superficial understanding of the War of 1812. While it may have ended in a stalemate between the British and the American armies, an argument for the United States' victory can be made, both because of the Battle of New Orleans and the destruction of the Indian confederation. The War of 1812 was incited by nationalist sentiments and America's determined quest for independence. While the country had emerged victories from the American Revolution of 1783, Britain did not withdraw from the Great Lakes territory and provided the frontier Indians with quite significant backing against the American forces (Latimer, 2007).

Invasion of Normandy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Invasion of Normandy - Essay Example 1 The Normandy Invasion is regarded as the world’s greatest military operation, because it paved the way for the liberation of France, and the entry of the Allied forces into Europe. The paper attempts to discuss the reasons for this invasion, concerning the idea that the decision proved to be a worthy choice, since it led the Germans to surrender nearly 11 months, after the invasion. 2 One should understand that Normandy was chosen, because of its strategic location. The decision was not inevitable. It required careful planning. Since the Hundred Years War in Europe, Normandy had not seen any invasion. Therefore, there was no way the Germans could have expected an attack from this area, since there were no ports in the area. 3 The area for the invasion was chosen was between Cherbourg and Le Havre, and it was closest to the embarkation ports in England. It had highways, which led to Paris. The coast also offered the best landing places, and a nearby port, which the Allies had to seize. In fact, Normandy also proved to be close enough to ensure that fighter plans could be dispatched for aerial bombing, along with a coastal attack. 4 In that particular summer of 1944, six armies and millions of men fought and the place was transformed into a blood bath, until Hitler’s forces laid down their defense. Eventually, the road to Paris was cleared, and the Allied capture of France was complete. 5 While everyone knew that the Allies were to attack soon, so that they could have access to France, the question was the exact location of the attack. Therefore, the element of surprise was also one of the reasons, why Normandy was chosen. The Nazis were expected an attack near Calais, since the place had an access to a deep-water port.6 Hence, the plan was in such a way that the troops of each country in the Allied forces would capture hold of the beaches first, namely five beaches in Normandy and then move inland. Since the beaches had no harbors, they were to b e prepared artificially, and assembled at Arromanches in the British sector, and the other off Omaha Beach. Moreover, the Allies had maintained the surprise to such a large extent that very few Germans expected an invasion from Normandy, and the bad weather conditions had even put this idea out of the minds of those, who previously thought this was possible. 7 The alternative place, as mentioned above was the Calais, which offered a deep-port, but this was heavily occupied by German soldiers. However, the Allied Forces had learned from their mistakes quite well, since they had been defeated at Dieppe two years earlier, which was a heavily defended port. 8 Of course, the advantage of the Normandy Invasion, instead of the invasion of Calais is put forth by Liddell Hart, a military historian, who states that the purpose of strategy is â€Å"to diminish the possibility of resistance. The aim of strategy must be to bring about this battle under the most advantageous circumstances. And t he most advantageous the circumstances, the less, proportionately, will be the fighting†. 9 Nevertheless, a deceptive campaign also ensured that the Germans continued to maintain army forces at Calais. Another alternative included Brittany, which was dismissed quickly because, while it had excellent ports, it would have been easy for Germany to seal the Allied army on the Brittany peninsula. 10However, the rough areas of the beaches at Normandy could act as a deterrent, as well, since the area had cliffs on the edges of the water.

Wall-E Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Wall-E - Essay Example As far as humans are concerned, they left the earth many hundred years ago and exist in human spaceship sitting on floating chairs and talking to each other through videophones without any curiosity of passing time. The movie shows the love relationship between Wall-E and EVE and their love affair is similar to human beings. With their love relationship, they enable the human beings to return to earth, as it is their joint effort to let the captain of the spaceship and others to witness a sprouting plant showing the sign of life on earth. Wall-E considers himself incomplete without EVE and understands about his power and ability to exist and help others based on his love relationship. The movie has very less dialogues, but the characters give the message through portrayal of emotions and feelings through facial expressions. Even robots are successful in delivering their motives through their facial expressions. Wall-E works continuously and because of working for so long, he considers himself lonely and friendless. He befriends an insect initially and later on, when EVE comes, he starts chasing her and shows his love for her. He finds EVE quite changed and different as compared to himself. Wall-E seems as a human character showing all the traits of human beings, for example, he needs friends, he regards himself lonely, he gets tired, he loves EVE, he loves watching the movie, â€Å"Hello Dolly† and he has a personality. Likewise, the character of EVE also shows human emotions, feelings and a personality. With his relationship with EVE, Wall-E knows about his strength of exercising his free will. Previously, he used to work endlessly for removing the trash, but he rejects the very duty of clearing the trash and moves with EVE to the spaceship. After reaching the spaceship, Wall-E enables EVE to reach the spaceship captain to deliver the plant, which is indicative of life on earth. In their attempt to reach to the captain, EVE

Psychology and Crime Essay Example for Free

Psychology and Crime Essay There are a number of other theories developed by researchers including Bandura (1986), Beck (1982), Ellis (1976) and Ross and Fabiano (1985) describing cognitive structures or thinking frameworks that lead to troubled or criminal behaviour. These theories suggest that how an individual thinks about an external event, not the event itself, can trigger feelings that lead to criminal behaviour. Cognitive restructuring enables offenders to change their anti-social attitudes and beliefs through a process that focuses on the individuals thinking patterns. Kohlberg (1978) in the theory of moral development was concerned with the cognitive processes behind moral judgement. He used the work of Piaget (1932) and suggested that moral reasoning advances with age. Offending occurs when there is a delay in moral development and the offender does not have the reasoning to resist temptation from offending. (Hollin as citied in Maguire 2002) This could explain why some criminals are seen to grow out of criminality. This theory has been criticised on the basis that Kohlberg was explaining moral reasoning not moral behaviour. In conclusion psychoanalytical accounts do not offer a satisfactory explanation of crime but neither do any of the other theories on their own. Psychoanalytic theories concentrate on the unconscious, which is a contributing factor in the explanation of crime but the theory cannot explain all types of crime. Learning theories look at the values and beliefs that are learnt through the environment however they do not take into account internal or cognitive factors. Cognitive approaches help us to understand crime but do not explain the causes of crime. Cognitive theories focus on the individual and how the individual can be treated to change. This is why they are in favour with criminal justice at the moment. The theories assume that all offenders are the same however it is only crime itself that can be described in such a uniform way. In order to explain crime all the available theories including sociological theories need to be taken into account. As for psychoanalytical theories Psychoanalytical theories stress the inner processes and conflicts as determinants of behaviour. However they do not ignore or neglect the environmental or social factors, but they favour the dynamic processes as playing a major role in the development of criminal behaviour. (Hollin 1989) Bibliography Ainsworth.P (2000) Psychology and Crime: Myths and reality. (Essex: Pearson) Hollin.C (1989) Psychology and crime. (London: Routledge) Maguire.M etal (2002) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology (Oxford: Oxford University Press. 3rd Edition) McLaughlin.E Muncie.J (2001) The Sage Dictionary of Criminology (Sage Publications ltd. London) Putwain.D Sammons.A (2002) Psychology and Crime (East Sussex: Routledge)

Male Representation In Soap Operas Media Essay

Male Representation In Soap Operas Media Essay The purpose of the following research paper is to present the Male Representation in Soap Operas and the understanding that the audience has of the male characters in this genre. In order to do so the first step was Literature Review, so I have read books and e-books which concerned the audience attitudes in television in general and the representation of masculinity in television. From each book have been selected carefully the chapters that were relevant with the topic, in order to create an idea in relation with the topic. Articles and periodicals had been read in relation to the topic. In this paper I have discussed three research methods. Two methodologies have been discussed hypothetically, questionnaires and intensive interview. As a pilot methodology I used focus groups, that I tested in real and provided findings for this paper. The findings from the focus groups were that the audience understands the two types of male characters and shows their preference in the traditional Man who represents power. They dont prefer the sensitive man who isnt in control. The audience prefers to see unrealistic situation of a social class they can never be a part of rather than watch the life of everyday people. Introduction Soap Opera was originally introduced in the American audience in the 1930s in the radio. It was dramatized series. The name of it was given due to the sponsors and the commercial presented by detergent companies. It has been present in programs ever since, it has spread worldwide and followed a remarkable development of characters situations and relationships. We witness the development of male and female characters and their course throughout the decades. The male representation in Soap Operas is very important as well as the development of society and the way men are involved. We notice at first the typical father in the 1950s who gradually turns into a rich, successful smart businessman who is surrounded by pretty, kind and evil women and men. Also he becomes a sensitive man who isnt afraid anymore to express fear, anger of love. The male role model changes according to the needs and demands of the society. This project will focus on how man is present in Soap Operas and how the audience follows their presence. Literature Review Rethinking the Media Audience By Pertti Alasutari In order to create an idea about how to approach my topic Male Representation in Soap Operas, I should begin with finding what actual audience is. In chapter 9 it is mentioned that four (4) criteria must be followed so as to characterize someone as an audience member, Firstly, the exposure of an individual or group of individuals to a particular message of any mass medium. Secondly, the writer considers the attention given to the message and if it is decoded. Thirdly, the ability of the group to retain the information and store for the future. Fourthly, Alasuutari mentions the shaping of the individual or group perceptions and beliefs concerning a subject. Another chapter which helped me to establish a thorough image about audience in Soap Operas is chapter 8. In chapter 8 John Tullach, mentions that even though the majority of Soap Operas follow the popular topics, there are other as well which follow less expected frames such as cultural topics. Thats how I realize that the audienc e could be broader and different of what I had in mind. So, I found the information I read very helpful as I understand that, not only women of all ages are the audience of Soap Operas but also men should be considered as viewers as well. Serial Monogamy: Soap Opera, Lifespan and the Gender Politics of Fantasy By Christine Scodari This book provides me with many details about relationships among families, men, women, children, friendship. But especially in chapter 4 which gave me information about older woman, younger man relationship and the opposite, older man, younger woman. As we know from our own experience as television viewers mass media has created the image of the old rich man that has all the power, no matter how this power is portrayed (ex: beautiful young woman, expensive car, mansionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). Traditionally older rich men have young attractive women authority, power, wealth-are framed as sexually appealing, Scodari,(2004). On the other hand older women over 40 simply do not appear as romantic leads, Scodari,(2004). In other words Soap Operas are based on the standard theme of love but in variations having to do with age, status, money and appearance. So, we see the appearance of the young kind, poor man and the old rich, bad man, the two classic versions of Soap Opera male characters. Chri stine Scodaris book successfully confirmed my observation through personal experience the standard characters of men in Soap Operas. Screen Tastes, Soap Opera to satellite Dishes By Charlotte Brunsdon Having read Screen Tastes, Soap Opera to satellite Dishes by Charlotte Brunsdon I realized that Soap Operas are the reflection of our society. Soap Operas are not only an important part of television history but also the representation of the contemporary society. In other words at some point women become as important and influential as men. So, men are sometimes even behind women in jobs and even in families. Precisely in the sixth chapter through the series Widows that focuses on the influences men may have on women in order for them to be stronger and smarter. The series also provokes questions about whether we can speak of masculinity and femininity in relation to practices of television viewing Brunsdon,(1997). In other words even though Soap Operas are originally viewed by female audience only, eventually gain male viewers as well. That is even if men are not present the masculine model influence women and leads their way. We see then another side of male representation in Soap Operas. This book gave me good information about my topic. Even though it is written in 1997, the data provided can be used even todays research. Masculinity and Popular Television By Rebecca Feasey This particular book deals exclusively with the topic of this Research Paper Male Representation in Soap Operas. Rebecca Feasey author of this book examines the theme of masculinity in television. A lot of studies have been done on TV as the history of it and its pervasiveness present a lot of interest .Furthermore the practically unlimited number of programs makes the  field of research practically endless. Also the easy access to the medium should be taken into consideration. Finally the existence of previous texts makes TV welcome by everyone. Masculinity presented is rather fixed, stable and unalterable ,Feasey(2008). Men are formed by the cultural environment that makes their masculinity available to study. Hegemonic masculinity: this term is used in the book to define white, heterosexual, competitive, individualist and aggressive men, Feasey(2008) who are present everywhere. This male is strong, successful, capable and authoritative, Feasey(2008). Man represents power. This is the ideal image of men. A standard idea of man having dominance over woman. Therefore masculinity is a set of exterior and interior features followed by men in all aspects of their lives. In all Soap Operas men are presented as friends, fathers, heroes and martyrs, Feasey(2008). All types are set in social and sexual debates of the period. Having read the second chapter of the book I noticed that hegemonic masculinity type and the dominant male role co-exist. There seems to be a representation of men in domestic drama and the status of men in the broader population. In the history of Soap Opera we see the focus on family, relationships and friendships. This creates the following male characters: the sensitive new man, the decent husband, the hero and of course the villain. When the woman has problems with her husband, there comes the Sensitive New Man who will listen to her, give advice and be supportive. There is also the Decent Husband who will not cheat on his wife and he will be good and kind. Another type is the Hero who sees life in a romantic way that makes him attractive to women. Finally, there is the Villain how always souses troubles and manipulates men and women. Another characteristic on male characters in Soap Operas is that men start expressing their feelings. They are no longer as hard as rocks but they start to express emotions to other men. They have intimate, deep conversations. According to a research conducted by psychopathologist Simon Baron- Cohen men have got pathological difference with women. We must mention that due to their brains inability to use the emotional activity in the right hemisphere men are at a disadvantage compared to women. Women have emotion in both hemispheres thats why they are more emotional. Men are brought up to be hard and not showing feelings. So men expressing feelings and emotions and showing sensitivity are opposed to stereotypes existing so far and introduce a new type of man. We see that there is no privacy for the Soap Opera characters as all conversations happen in a big range of places. So, everything can be witnessed by everyone so no secrets are kept in the long term. Another conclusion I have made after reading this book is that men fear the presence of a stronger man who will question their authority and try to take over him and his belongings. What used to be seen as a way of keeping femininity could now easily show how men take over private sphere. This way the public and the personal field are somehow mixed. Fatherhood and paternity are largely debated in Soap Operas. Fathers are important; they strive for their children wellbeing. They can even be single fathers so in total control of their upbringing. The paternity of children is often questioned in Soap Operas. This makes women having control over men as only they know the actual truth. The first Soap Operas  such as Dallas (1978-91) and Dynasty (1981-9) revolved around the central male protagonist who owned a business and tried to keep the balance between job, family, love and friends. The patriarchal American hero would often fail in order to regain more strength after suffering and adventures. To summarize this book offers information about the Male Representation in Soap Operas. On one hand we see that a man having a Hegemonic Masculinity has power, wealth and brains but, on the other hand se we that men start to express their feelings and emotions. Masculinity and Popular Television by Rebecca Feasey, has been very useful as it provided me with a lot of figures about my topic. It also helped me make a clear image about how to conduct my methodology about designing the questions which will complete my project. Academic Journal Soap Operas men in the 90s By Carol Traynor Williams This article focuses only on male representation in Soap Operas in the 90s. Mainly mentioning General Hospital and the Bold and The Beautiful we see the presence of men in them and their interaction with women and other men. It is clearly stated that men are manipulated by women in all aspects of life: their jobs, their families, their friendships. Men seem to be in control of things but there is always a woman pulling the strings. In The Bold and The Beautiful Ridge Forrester is loved by Brooke who is always influencing him and makes him agree with her by use of her femininity. Eric Forrester his father alike is influenced by Stephanie in all his decisions. Also is The Young and The Restless we see that men come from one woman to another, changing them without hesitation in order to have more money or more fame. I have realized that Soap Opera writers who were asked about their inspiration concerning male characters they answered that the formation was based on womens desire to be with a stronger, rather villain man who would sweep women off their feet and run away with. This helped me a lot with my task as it gave me information about Soap Opera that was really famous in Greece in the past. I had a clear idea about male characters their thoughts, their incentives and I will use it in my focus group. Periodical Hard Work Always Pays Off: Jobs, Families, and the Evolution of a TV Myth By Mary Ann Watson In this periodical article by Mary Ann Watson, there is information about male, representation in TV series since the 1950s. The development of male characters through the decades, helped me in better understanding the presence of men in the Soap Operas. At first, the male character was the typical representative of the contemporary society as well. He was a father, who followed the motto Hard Work Always Pays Off. This meant that if a man worked hard, his efforts would have positive results for himself and his children. As decades passed, we see that the male stereotypes changed as women start having active roles and are not happy with only being mothers and housewives. The course of male characters justified the present of men in the Soap Operas in the 80s and the 90s. They have evolved from ordinary everyday men to rich, handsome, smart men who are ready for everything but are influenced at some level by a pretty, smart woman. As this task focuses only on male representation in Soap Operas, this article was useful in order to see how male characters developed and so understand better the reason why writers present men in Soap Operas this way. Web Why Do Men Watch Soaps? By John Beadle John Beable in January 12, 2010 was the news columnist of www.Soaps.com . The title of his article attracted my attention in a way that after all the several book and articles that I read in order to build the basic knowledge for this topic, the same question was raised. Because in general, the Soap Opera focuses on and deals only with women. This is not entirely true and the representation of male characters in Soaps proves that they created their own history and their own development based on the changes of our society. So, Beadle in his article sets the question of Why do men watch Soaps? and gives his explanations about the reasons. One reason why the men watch soaps is that at first they were trapped in this because their wives were viewers. He characterizes this process slow, in other words they didnt even realize how this happened. Second, John Beable sets the Myth that only gay men watch Soap Operas. He doesnt reject this Myth. He makes clear that not only gay people watch Soaps but straight men as well, with the small difference that straight men dont admit it. Third, the writer of this article confirms that his mother was viewer of Soap Opera and points out that this activity of watching soaps was something normal. Finally, in the college they started watching unwillingly but eventually were introduced in the plot and need to know how it goes. This statement confirms also what Rebecca Feasey says in her book, Masculinity and Popular Television, that the majority of the male audience starts w atching Soap Operas while they are in College. This article was pleasant to read because it was in some point of view, a confession by a man who admitted openly watching Soaps as everyone else. The criteria for watching werent based on gender or other factors. It didnt provide with new information about Soaps, but by the use of humor he expressed what urges men as well to watch Soaps. Methodology Questionnaire The first research method that seemed appropriate for this topic was questionnaires, so it would be one of the two hypothetical methods. Soap Operas even in our days are surrounded by fame almost as it happened ten (10) years ago. One very typical example of fame and continuity is that The Bold and The Beautiful is a Soap Opera show that even today is broadcasted and has numerous viewers. Taking the opportunity of that , this Soap Opera was welcome by the Greek Television in the early 90s.It became popular very quickly and soon everyone talked about Ridge and Caroline. If carefully planned and prepared a questionnaire, it would be a good way to examine how the audience were understanding the representation of male characters through this particular Soap Opera. By using this method I would have the opportunity to capture the participants attitude towards the representation of man and more specific the focus would be of two main characters of The Bold and The Beautiful Ridge and Thorne. This quantitative method of research and gathering information is a good opportunity to get answers about how the audience understands male characters from Soap Operas. The method of questionnaire is structured and conducted, it has numerous advantages and disadvantages. The cost of conducting a questionnaire as research method is significantly low and the process is straightforward if we compare it with other methods of research and in relation to the important information we can collect. Furthermore, this method gives to the researcher and the participant a geographical independence because the only equipment that is necessary for the completion of this research, are only paper, pens and the participant of course. Moreover, a lot of studies have been done beforehand. So I can easily acquire material to help me work with. Opposing the advantages of this methodology, a questionnaire may have number of limitations. First of all and the most important disadvantage of the questionnaires is that, the independent variables cannot be controlled or manipulated. Second, the wrong use of word and questions by the researcher can make the content unclear to the participant with the result of not collecting the right answers. Closing one more disadvantage of survey methodology is the response of the participant to the researcher with fake data or fiction answers. This option can destroy the result of the survey by the time that the data that are gathered are not true and would be able to form different/ false findings of the research. This is the questionnaire that I would give to the participants about the Representation of Male Characters in Soap Operas. The purpose of the questionnaire is the method of research and it was designed to identity if The Bold and The Beautiful viewers can identify the male representation. Questionnaire Please choose the answer that that corresponds to your viewpoints. Please specify your sex. Male Female Please specify the age group that you belong. 18-25 26-35 36-45 45+ Did you watched any Soap Opera Yes No If yes, which one? The Bold and The Beautiful General Hospital Other Did you watch it every day or occasionally? Daily Occasionally Did you find the time the Soap Opera was aired convenient for you? Convenient I missed it sometimes What did you like the most of these Soap Operas? Plot Characters Actors/ Actresses Did you usually watch the episodes alone or this company? Alone With company ( Family, friends ) Did you discuss the plot, the characters or any other aspect of the Soap Opera episodes with others? Yes No Sometimes With whom did you usually discuss it? Family Friends How did you find the depiction of male characters? Realistic Unrealistic Interesting What characteristics of male characters attracted you most? Appearance Power Brain Sensitivity How similar are Soap Operas male characters with person of real life? Very A little At all Did you like watching a sensitive side of men in Soap Opera? Yes No How realistic was it to watch sensitive men in Soap Opera? Very Little At all Intensive Interviews The case of the Male Representation in Soap Operas is an issue that has not received a lot of attention, because Soap Opera as a genre originally focuses on women audience who were the first audience through the history of TV. Because of that, male characters were originally supportive (secondary) characters on the plot and they were less memorable to the viewers. But this is not a fact because several Soap Operas based their success on their male characters, for example, Ridge for The Bold and The Beautiful who was the object of pleasure for the female audience. This example will lead the second hypothetical methodology into the Intensive Interviews. I decided to use Intensive Interviews as the second methodology. One-on-one interviews would be able to provide detailed background about the reasons respondents give specific answers. (Wimmer and Dominick(2011)) . From this method the researcher can collect data from the interviewer that regard opinions, motivations, feelings and experiences. Also allows the observation of nonverbal responses and furthermore allows to the interviewer to form the questions based on the response of the interviewee. Of course this method has advantages and disadvantages. Intensive interviews or in-depth interviews provide the advantage based on the freedom that provides to extract information form the participant about the specific topic and gain accurate answers of sensitive issues. Also the Body language, the tone of voice and gestures would give the advantage to the researcher to form the questions according to the feedback received from the participant. The disadvantages of Intensive interview are quite a few. Generalizability is one of the negative aspects. It has to do with nonrandom sample that is used from the researcher. Questions that do not follow a certain pattern can provide answers very differentiated than the question. Second, interviewer bias, is another disadvantage of this method. Because of the personal contact that the researcher has with the interviewer, they can come up with in a dialogue. In that case the researcher is very likely to share information and opinions with the interviewers and vice versa. In this case the answers o f the intensive interview will not be accurate and would not be considered as correct data. Taking into account this risk, the researcher should be careful and avoid sharing information with the participants in order to control the interview. Finally, the researcher should keep the duration of the interview as short as possible in order to avoid having a tired participant who most probably will not answer honestly and will only want to end the interview. The Actual Interview After the participant and the interviewer shake hands and formally introduce their selves, in order to form a comfortable atmosphere, the questions which are designed based on the theory about Intensive interviews will go on: You are familiar with the Soap Opera as a television genre? Have you watched The Bold and The Beautiful? Since you are familiar with this Soap Opera, can you tell me why you watched it? Could you tell me what the plot of this Soap Opera was about? Do you remember any male character? And why? Could you describe Ridge and Thorne? Cloud you say the main characteristics of those two characters? What was their main difference? Could you choose which one of those two characters was more representative male character in real life? What makes you, remember those characters at the most? Pilot Focus Groups The research method that will be discussed and be actually tested is Focus Groups. The reason is because by definition The focus group, or group interviewing, is a research strategy for understanding peoples attitudes and behavior. (Wimmer and Dominick,(2011)). I decide to apply this methodology in the pilot study of this Research paper because of the four (4) characteristics of this technique. First, the focus groups involve participants (people) and second those people share the same characteristics and interest to this particular Soap Opera topic. Third, focus groups give the opportunity of qualitative data collection. The data would be able to present an image about the better understanding of the topic and to reveal a greater collection of opinions about the specific topic of the focus group. Fourth characteristic is that the focus group gives a flexibility on the questions the majority of which are planned to be asked are predetermined but they can provided further questions to the participants in order to reach the goal of this research. The Focus Groups methodology would be the pilot method of this Research paper but before we have to point out the advantages and disadvantages of this method. There are five (5) advantages. The first is that the Focus Groups allows the collection of preliminary information about the topic or a phenomenon (Wimmer and Dominick,(2011)). The preliminary information could be used in the pilot study in order to have the formation of the idea that would lead the research in clearer results and might be used for future researches. Second advantage of this method is that a focus group can be conducted very fast. Third, is the cost of a focus group which is very attractive for the researchers and the participants. Fourth, the flexibility in the questions is one big advantage. The follow-up question which would be created by the moderator to the participants gives the opportunity to focus on the important points that come up from the conversation. Also the researcher can provide to the participants before the focus Group, to complete a written questionnaire that covers the material of the focus group. Final advantage is the dynamics that a group can offer, because the questions would be formed based on the peoples spontaneous answers in a sense that the data collected would be more complete and less inhabited than the data that individual interviews can provide. On the other hand, the disadvantages are a few. First the group leader, one of the participant who would take the role of the leader in the group in a sense that he/she would try to attract the attention and monopolize the conversation. Also this participant would try to force his/her opinion to the other participants. If the researcher faces a situation like that, he should be able to control this kind of situation by motivating the other participant to express their opinion. Second, groups of 4-6 persons is not recommended for gathering quantitative data, because the aim of the focus group is to collect qualitative data such as why? and how?. Third, the researcher who would monitor the focus group should be skilful in order to identify and puss the participants with further questions for further information. Fourth, is the weakness which small groups have that there are no representative population samples. Fifth, the researcher in order to take the data from the focus group so as to examine and document it is recommended to use technological equipment such as recording equipments( tape recorders, video camera). Those might distract participants attention and make them not act normally in the group. Finally, if the participants of the group are allowed to lose or be confused on the topic, then the data would not be useful. The procedure In order to pilot focus group for my research about Male representation in soap operas I have to follow a number of methodological steps of preparation in the conduction of focus group. 1) I have to define the precise topic of the research, 2) I have to choose samples that represent my topic in the best possible way, 3) I have to determine the number of the group necessary, 4) I have to prepare the mechanism ( the room that the research would take place, the video wall and other required equipments), 5) I have to prepare the materials for the research, such as video clips to be shown, photographs, recording machines and the questions that would lead the groups based on the materials. 6) I have to conduct the session, 7) after the end of the focus group I will have to go though the answers and the findings and conduct the results. Material The material that will be presented to the participants of the focus group would be from the Soap Opera The Bold and The Beautiful. The series was showing on Greek television and during the 90s it had a great success and many loyal viewers. In the materials there will be two (2) photos of the male characters Ridge Forrester (Ronn Moss) and Thorne Forrester (Wilson Harmon). The characters are chosen because of their being lead characters in this Soap Opera for more than 16 years. More precisely Ronn Moss has been the protagonist since 1987until even today, and Wilson Harmon has been a protagonist since 1996 until today as well. Also they are chosen because of their different characters. The first is a representative example of the Man with power, money and the second is the example of the New Man, the sensitive, the supportive male character in the soap opera. The material will be only photos because of the participants of the focus group which I will explain further down. The Group The group is designed specifically about this specific Soap Opera. It consists of women who are engaged with the topic and will provide with information about those two characters and how they understand the masculinity of their characters. All those 6 women belong on the age group of 30-45. All of the participants were watching these Soap Opera during the 90s as college students. The Questions The questions that I asked the participants in order to make the conversion are the following: Did you watch Soap Operas? Do you remember The Bold and The Beautiful? What was all about? (in terms of plot) Can you identify this man? Which was the character that he played? Could you characterize him in one word? What did you like on him? Please notice that those questions were only in order to motivate the conversation and show to the participants what I want them to recall from their memories and discuss about. There is the possibility of not using all of them. Findings The findings of the focus group were at the very first point very clear, without the researcher trying to categorize the two characters into power and sensitive. The group expressed very clearly their favor about the Man of power instead of the New man. As Rebecca Feasey points out in her book those characteristics given to male characters are usually represented in Soap Operas and they serve women. So, in the findings the focus group confirmed that there are two types of characters in soap operas and the classic Man still attracts women. Women like to see a man in control who can take care of every situation. Conclusion   Male Representation in Soap Operas   was a topic very close to me, as it has interest and provides informational background. It was an ideal topic for my fist contact with actual research. Based on curiosity at the beginning, of why men are not a popular research topic, especially since   the world is created by them, for them. This research experience came to change this stereotypical idea. During the whole process of this research, from the day that I started thinking about the topic, the literature review which created another dimension about television in general, what it was in the 30s an

Endogenous And Exogenous Antioxidants Benefits

Endogenous And Exogenous Antioxidants Benefits Despite the usefulness of oxidation reactions to life, it could also cause a great harm to humankind. Human beings have body that generates free radicals very continuously and these are always produced from the oxidation reaction that constantly takes place in living cells. Apart from the radicals that results from oxidation, some other ones are generated from immune cells to combat bacteria and viruses and also from ingestion, inhalation, and or absorption from our immediate environment during burning by sun or ultraviolet rays. Damage caused by free radicals includes aging, destruction of DNA and clogging of arteries. It is also believed that free radicals may play a role in cancer, strokes, and heart disease. Oxidative stress may also damage or kill cells. Free radicals cause damage to skins structural support and decrease its elasticity, resilience, and suppleness. Antioxidants stop the chain reactions of free radical, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. There are two types of antioxidants: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous antioxidants are antioxidants we get from our diet and endogenous antioxidants are made by our bodies. Endogenous antioxidants repair free radical damage on the inside by initiating cell regeneration; exogenous antioxidants repair some free radical damage from the outside on in by stimulating cell regeneration. The role of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants Exogenous antioxidants are antioxidants we get from our diet by eating antioxidant-rich foods and by taking supplements. Some well known examples of exogenous antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E. Even though exogenous antioxidants can be obtained from food sources, in our modern day world it is nearly impossible to get enough exogenous antioxidants from our diet to neutralize all of the free radicals generated. This is why antioxidant supplementation is so vital. Endogenous antioxidants are made by our bodies. Because they are produced by our own bodies and not obtained from food sources, endogenous antioxidants are far more potent than exogenous antioxidants. Endogenous antioxidants repair all of the free radical damage by initiating cell regeneration from the inside on out, whereas, exogenous antioxidants only repair some of the free radical damage from the outside on in by stimulating (not initiating) cell regeneration. There are five extremely powerful endogenous antioxidants. They are: Glutathione (GSH), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Unfortunately, the bodys production of endogenous antioxidants declines as we age. For example, our glutathione levels decline about 10-15% per decade as we grow older. This decrease in endogenous antioxidants is found to be a strong factor in contributing to premature aging and degenerative diseases. There is more than enough studies to verify that by increasing our endogenous antioxidant cellular levels, such as our glutathione levels, we can greatly help prevent many age-related health issues and degenerative diseases like Diabetes, Alzheimers, Cancer, Heart Disease, and many other health concerns. (Curr Cardiol Rev.2008 Nov; 4(4):259-68.) (Kaneto et al, 1999) Sources of Antioxidants All plants produce antioxidants. Even meat, dairy products, and eggs contain some antioxidants, which mainly come from the nutrient-rich plants the animals fed on. Plants and animals maintain complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and various peroxides. Antioxidants protection against diabetes Diabetics have high levels of oxidative stress, which basically means too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. It would be beneficial for anyone suffering from Diabetes to increase their antioxidant supplementation. Glutathione, being the master antioxidant, would naturally be the best choice. Furthermore, inflammation leads to and contributes to insulin resistance. Glutathione, on top of being the most potent antioxidant, is also a powerful ant-inflammatory. Increasing evidence in both experimental and clinical studies suggests that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes mellitus. Free radicals are formed disproportionately in diabetes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.Abnormally high levels of free radicals and the simultaneous decline of antioxidant defense mechanisms can lead to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.development of insulin resistance. These consequences of oxidative stress can promote the development of complications of diabetes mellitus. (Wiley 2003) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦there is evidence for increased oxidative stress in diabetesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.With regard to diabetes, antioxidantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦supplementation have been shown to be beneficial. Thus, it appears that, in diabetes, antioxidant therapy could alleviate the increased attendant oxidative stress and emerge as an additional therapeutic modality. (Vega-Lopez et al, 2004) Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine have discov ered that inflammationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦leads to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Science Daily (Nov. 7, 2007) Antioxidants protection against cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke Apples, and especially apple peels, have been found to have a potent antioxidant activity and can greatly inhibit the growth of liver cancer and colon cancer cells (Wolfe et al. 2003) (Eberhardt et al. 2000). The total antioxidant activity of apples with the peel was approximately 83 ÃŽÂ ¼mol vitamin C equivalents, which means that the antioxidant activity of 100 g apples (about one serving of apple) is equivalent to about 1500 mg of vitamin C. However, the amount of vitamin C in 100 g of apples is only about 5.7 mg (Eberhardt et al.2000). Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but research shows that nearly all of the antioxidant activity from apples comes from a variety of other compounds. Vitamin C in apples contributed less than 0.4% of total antioxidant activity. (Liu et al. 2001) Prospective studies suggest that people with high intakes of fruit and vegetables or blood antioxidant concentrations (Pandey et al. 1995) (Enstrom et al. 1992) in the highest quintile of the distribution have low risks of epithelial cancers,( Steinmetz and Potter 1991) coronary heart disease,(Gaziano et al.1995) and stroke. At least 10 prospective studies have shown that high intakes of fruit and vegetables confer protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke (Steinmetz and Potter 1991) (Gillman et al.1995) Abundant evidence proves the role of virgin olive oil in protecting against cardiovascular disease. While it has long been known that olive oil helps decrease total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (Covas et al.2006) new research is shedding light on its additional cardiovascular benefits. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Eating about 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. To achieve this possible benefit, olive oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.(Fito et al. 2005). Scientists have proposed that several constituents of olive oil may be responsible for its anti-cancer effects. These include its anti-oxidant polyphenols as well as the lipid oleic acid, which is highly resistant to peroxidation. (Owen et al. 2004) However, there are a number of dietary antioxidants that have been identified that would help us to understand how the antioxidants function, and some are still in the process of development and testing. (Uddin and Ahmad 1995) A group of chemists at University of Scranton in Pennsylvania says that adding a mixture of antioxidants to sunscreen may help enhance protection of cancer. In animal studies, they found that a mixture of various topical antioxidants was more effective than single antioxidants in preventing the formation of skin tumors induced by ultraviolet light. In another study, the same research team found that black tea, green tea, grape seed and cranberry extracts were all promising antioxidants for fighting skin cancer when applied topically. Both studies were presented at the 229th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the worlds largest scientific society, in San Diego on March 14, 2005. Conclusion We need to eat a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. We cannot depend on any single super antioxidants, a variety of antioxidants are needed. Currently only antioxidants from food compounds with vitamins (vitamins A, C and E) have been proven with antioxidant efficacy. Environmental factors that produce free radicals could be avoided. In numerous epidemiological studies, apples have been associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and asthma. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that apples have high antioxidant activity, can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol, potentially explaining their role in reducing risk of chronic disease. The potential health benefits of apples are numerous. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, including apples, as part of a healthy diet may aid in the prevention of chronic disease and maintenance of good health.

Ringler Associates Essay -- Business, Customer Service

Ringler Associates is the world’s oldest and largest settlement annuity firm. Created by locally based experts providing personal service, the company has offices in major litigation centers in the U.S., and in London. From its founding, Ringler Associates took the partnership approach to building a team of professionals. Therefore, every Ringler Consultant is an independent owner and thus highly motivated to exceed customer expectations. This tradition of independence and entrepreneurship has inspired numerous innovations at Ringler, including the incorporation of various types of trust concepts in the structured settlement proposal. Ringler consultants also pioneered the use of sophisticated damage analysis and life care plans in structured settlements, which better define both the needs and costs for the injured person’s future care. From its founding, Ringler Associates took the partnership approach to building a team of professionals. Therefore, every Ringler cons ultant is an independent owner and thus highly motivated to exceed customer expectations. Structured settlements are a Life Insurance product. Structures pay out to claimants as do annuities, in a payment stream. The difference is that these annuities are only available to parties that have been injured in a personal injury accident or a workers’ compensation accident. The key component of a structured settlement is that all of the interest that is earned is NOT taxable; this is different than most investments which are tax differed. Ringler is the 800-pound gorilla in the structured settlement industry. Within Ringler, there are 60 offices in the major metropolitan cities with 130 brokers across the country. There are an estimated 400 brokers total in the indu... ...ofitability to drop to kick the board into gear. Ringler needs to be proactive and not reactive. Innovation moves to fast to be reactionary. I have setup a meeting with the board, details of which I shall not bore you with, but it was an incredible arduous process. I am going to make very near the same presentation that I gave in class. Of course, I will leave out the part about the â€Å"borg†. I will present to the board that Ringler needs an innovation team. One that is made up of the people of Ringler for the people of Ringler. If I present the team in a way that will not threaten the board, I believe I can get it passed. As you said, to change the culture of a company is a very hard thing to do. I feel with the skills and ideas that I have learned in this class, I will try to be proactive and effect change on inertia before Ringler enters the death rattle. Ringler Associates Essay -- Business, Customer Service Ringler Associates is the world’s oldest and largest settlement annuity firm. Created by locally based experts providing personal service, the company has offices in major litigation centers in the U.S., and in London. From its founding, Ringler Associates took the partnership approach to building a team of professionals. Therefore, every Ringler Consultant is an independent owner and thus highly motivated to exceed customer expectations. This tradition of independence and entrepreneurship has inspired numerous innovations at Ringler, including the incorporation of various types of trust concepts in the structured settlement proposal. Ringler consultants also pioneered the use of sophisticated damage analysis and life care plans in structured settlements, which better define both the needs and costs for the injured person’s future care. From its founding, Ringler Associates took the partnership approach to building a team of professionals. Therefore, every Ringler cons ultant is an independent owner and thus highly motivated to exceed customer expectations. Structured settlements are a Life Insurance product. Structures pay out to claimants as do annuities, in a payment stream. The difference is that these annuities are only available to parties that have been injured in a personal injury accident or a workers’ compensation accident. The key component of a structured settlement is that all of the interest that is earned is NOT taxable; this is different than most investments which are tax differed. Ringler is the 800-pound gorilla in the structured settlement industry. Within Ringler, there are 60 offices in the major metropolitan cities with 130 brokers across the country. There are an estimated 400 brokers total in the indu... ...ofitability to drop to kick the board into gear. Ringler needs to be proactive and not reactive. Innovation moves to fast to be reactionary. I have setup a meeting with the board, details of which I shall not bore you with, but it was an incredible arduous process. I am going to make very near the same presentation that I gave in class. Of course, I will leave out the part about the â€Å"borg†. I will present to the board that Ringler needs an innovation team. One that is made up of the people of Ringler for the people of Ringler. If I present the team in a way that will not threaten the board, I believe I can get it passed. As you said, to change the culture of a company is a very hard thing to do. I feel with the skills and ideas that I have learned in this class, I will try to be proactive and effect change on inertia before Ringler enters the death rattle.

Smokng in Bars :: essays research papers fc

Smoking in Bars   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Within the last several years, health issues toward smoking have become a very popular issue. All over the nation, college students are having to deal with secondhand smoke any time they want to go out and socialize with their friends in a bar. Secondhand smoke can be very detrimental to anybody that it encounters. It is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer and coronary heart disease in nonsmoking adults (TIPS). For years communities have been working to get smoking out of their workplaces, restaurants, and now they are pushing to ban smoking from bars. If you are a non-smoker, this is a very positive movement. It is never very much fun when you go into a bar to hang out with some friends and the whole place is covered with smoke. The whole next day, on top of maybe having a slight hangover, you will probably be coughing up a lung. Where is the fun in that? This law has already been passed in many places all over the United States. Only a select few are against what is trying to be done. When these laws were being debated at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, some bar and restaurant owners showed up to voice their opinions. They called it extremist, draconian and overly broad, saying it would cause the loss of jobs and the loss of city liquor taxes. They also said the law would set an uneven playing field because it allows smoking at restaurants with outdoor patios (Cooper). Of course, you might upset a few customers, but are people going to quit coming? Troja, a manager at Johnny’s Tavern in Lawrence, does not foresee the ordinance chasing customers away. â€Å"When it comes down to it,† he said, â€Å"they’re not going to stop going to their favorite tavern just because they can’t smoke there† (Cooper, par.7). An estimated 1,700 cities across the country restrict smoking, but only 74 have smoking bans that, like in Lawrence, include the workplace as well as restaurants and bars. (Cooper) This is great. Why can’t more people follow suit? An estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 35,000 heart disease deaths occur annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke (TIPS). College students do not realize that they are putting themselves at risk every time they step foot into these bars.

Dnp Practice Model

Week 6 The DNP Project Describe a needs or change related to a practice environment, include your rationale for why this situation warrants attention Explain how your participation in a specific professional organization could be beneficial as you attempt to affect positive change in your identified practice environment through your DNP project I believe a significant practice problem is that many nurses do not see the need to advance their education after obtaining an R. N.By continuing to have the triple level entry into practice we do not have the control of the practice development that other professional practices may have. The other professional practices have entry degree requirements that are reflective of the expectation that each requires. It is difficult to persuade a nurse to incur debt and expense to obtain a DNP when they believe as an RN, the benefits do not outweigh the work required. They don’t see how the investment of further education can change the future of nurses.Nurses may not want to give up the opportunity to work at the bedside and do not want the politics of management. The DNP offers the opportunity to maintain the clinical expertise and further education. The AACN recommendations that the entry as a NP by the DNP will assist with this, as many nurses do want to obtain the NP licensure and level of practice. Another attractive measure of the DNP is the ability of the clinical nurse to stay at the bedside of the patient.Many nurses are not attracted to administration or education and have resisted advanced practice unless its clinical in nature. I am particularly interested in nursing education and have experience as a clinical education instructor at the undergraduate level. The national organization that I would join must have a strong educational component and outreach to encourage nurses to obtain advanced education. McEwin, M. , & Wills, E. M. (2011). Theoretical basis for nursing. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Emily Grierson Essay

The object of fascination in the story. An eccentric recluse, Emily is a mysterious figure who changes from a vibrant and hopeful young girl to a cloistered and secretive old woman. Devastated and alone after her father’s death, she is an object of pity for the townspeople. After a life of having potential suitors rejected by her father, she spends time after his death with a newcomer, Homer Barron, although the chances of his marrying her decrease as the years pass. Bloated and pallid in her later years, her hair turns steel gray. She ultimately poisons Homer and seals his corpse into an upstairs room. Colonel Sartoris – A former mayor of Jefferson. Colonel Sartoris absolves Emily of any tax burden after the death of her father, which later causes consternation to succeeding generations of town leaders. Tobe – Emily’s servant. Tobe, his voice supposedly rusty from lack of use, is the only lifeline Emily has to the outside world and he cares for her and tends to her needs. After her death, he walks out the back door and never returns. Judge Stevens – A mayor of Jefferson. Eighty years old, Judge Stevens attempts to delicately handle the complaints about the smell emanating from the Grierson property. To be respectful of Emily’s pride and former position in the community, he and the aldermen decide to sprinkle lime on the property in the middle of the night. Homer Barron – A foreman from the North. Homer is a large man with a dark complexion, a booming voice, and light-colored eyes. A gruff and demanding boss, he wins many admirers in Jefferson because of his gregarious nature and good sense of humor. He develops an interest in Emily and takes her for Sunday drives in a yellow-wheeled buggy. Despite his attributes, the townspeople view him as a poor, if not scandalous, choice for a mate. He disappears in Emily’s house and decomposes in an attic bedroom after she poisons him. PART 2 1. The metaphor used to describe Emily in the first paragraph was â€Å"†¦ a fallen monument†. 2. The house is given a personality in the second paragraph in this way, â€Å"lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay†¦ â€Å". 3. Colonel Sartoris had the idea of and helped abate the taxes on the Grierson property. 4. Mailed her the tax papers. 5. Small, fat woman; short, spare skeleton, bloated and pallid; eyes like lumps of coal in dough of her face. 6. 32 years. 7. A bad smell; He explained that the smell was the result of a dead snake or rat that the servant had killed. 8. She told the ladies who called on her that he was not dead†¦ for three days. 9. Homer Barron , he runned a construction company. 10. Miss Emily Grierson’s neighbors in Jefferson were mystified with her sudden coupling with newcomer Homer Barron. They can’t believe Emily would be interested in a common â€Å"Yankee†. 11. â€Å"We learned that Miss Emily had been to the jeweler’s and ordered a man’s toilet set in silver, with the letters H. B. on each piece. Two days later we learned that she had bought a complete outfit of men’s clothing, including a nightshirt, and we said, â€Å"They are married. † We were really glad. We were glad because the two female cousins were even more Grierson than Miss Emily had ever been. † 12. He was let into Emily’s kitchen door at dusk one evening. 13. They spinkled lime because of a foul smell emanating from the house. 14. They find Homer’s corpse on the bed and they realize that the space next to him has been used, and they find one of Emily’s gray hairs on the pillow. 15. Homer Baron was murdered and on the other pillow was some grey hair from Miss Emily.

What Can We Learn from Luke About Jesus’ Attitudes to Women?

What can we learn from Luke about Jesus’ attitudes to women? In order to discuss what we can learn from Luke about Jesus’ attitudes to women we must first understand a little about Luke himself. According to Charpentier E (1981:81) Luke had been seen as the, ‘beloved physician’, which is also cited in Hayes, M A. and Gearon L (1998:145) whom further state that Luke travelled with Paul from Troas to Philippi in Greece, Paul, (Col 4:14) expressly calls him, ‘the beloved physician’. He was in fact Paul’s medical adviser. Luke’s acts were written in c AD 80.The status of women in Palestine during the time of Jesus was very decidedly that of inferiors. The women is, ‘in all things inferior to the man,’ as stated by first century historian Flavius Josephus (as cited by Jesus central. com). Historically and traditionally, Jewish men did not speak in public to women even to their own wives. However, Jesus never treated women in the expected ways of his culture at all. He talked with them, he taught them and he also expected and trusted them to be able to proclaim the Good News.Jesus therefore acted and spoke as if women and men were equal before Gods eyes. According to churchofgoddfw, Luke’s gospel portrays Jesus as the one, ‘†¦who fully accepted women. Regardless of their social or marital status. ’ It seems that Luke give’s greater prominence to women throughout his Gospel. It is obvious that Mary plays a central role in Luke’s Infancy narrative according to Hayes, M A. and Gearon L. Mary’s role in history was to be an extraordinary one. God chose her to be mother of Jesus Christ. ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said. (Luke 1:34-38) Though Mary knew she was facing shame and humiliation, in faith, she willingly submitted herself to God’s will. Mary acted in great courage and faith. Jesu s therefore honoured his mother throughout his life and also at his crucifixion. Mary was actually at the foot of the cross where Jesus compassionately let her know that she would be cared for after his death and resurrection. At the same time Jesus rejected the notion of woman’s role within Luke (8:19-21), ‘Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.Someone told him. ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you. ’ He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice. ’ Here it seems Jesus refutes the notion of gender-restricted roles (women have their place). However, here it also seems that Jesus is saying that they do not have favoured status because of their family or gender relationships, rather a relationship with Him is attentiveness and regards for Gods’ Word, according to Gods word to women. org.Through reading Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ honour and respect was not solely reserved for his mother ‘Mary’. It was extended in fact to all women, which is unexpected as mentioned earlier. Moreover, women became disciples and followers of Jesus (Luke 8:1) Mary Magdalane, Joanna, Susanna and several others journeyed with Jesus on his travels and are also present at his crucifixion; whilst the disciples flee; at his burial and at the tomb on Easter Day according to Hayes and Gearon. They become the first preachers of the Easter message (Lk 24: 1-13).It therefore seems that Luke makes a point that women are the first to come to Easter faith according to Hayes and Gearon and the first to proclaim it. According to Judaic Law, ‘women were not allowed to bear legal witness,’ as cited by Jesuscentral. com. However, the fore mentioned bared witness of the risen Jesus Christ to his disciples. Luke highlights here also that Jesus revealed himself in one o f his key roles according to Jesuscentral. com, ‘as Messiah, to a woman. ’ The Life Light Home Study Course also highlights that Luke emphasizes, ‘the fact that it was women that were the first resurrection evangelists. The fact that it was ‘they’ that returned from the tomb and told the eleven. Does this therefore imply the possibility of a much greater participation of women in the era of the Church? Luke goes on further to highlight how Jesus allowed women to touch him, even women who were considered as ‘unclean’! According to Luke (8:40-56), Jesus touched a dead women, the daughter of a synagogue ruler, and brought her back to life, within the same verse Jesus allowed a women who had been leeding for 12 years to touch his cloak in order that she may be healed. Further to this Jesus allowed a prostitute to touch and wash his feet while dining with disapproving Pharisee (Lk 7:3) In addition to this Luke also has the story of Martha and Mary were Jesus taught that women were just as responsible for, ‘growing in grace and knowledge as men,’ when it came to being one of his followers as cited by Grace Communion International. Therefore, Luke highlights that Jesus expected women as well as men to learn from him.Jesus saw woman as a full-fledged human being, which is indicated here as Mary sat down and listened learning theology, rather than assisting her sister within the kitchen preparing a meal for Jesus. Luke identifies Jesus regard for woman again as he after all taught Mary, when such behaviour was a violation of the established theology. Jesus thus affirmed a women’s right to be a disciple and not to be concerned solely with domestic affairs. Further to this, is another fascinating account according to Luke (13:10-13) when Jesus heals a disabled women on the Sabbath day in the synagogue. he showed his regard for her by calling her a ‘daughter of Abraham’. Jesus was not only faced with the wrath of the Jewish leaders by healing this woman on the Sabbath. This highlights again Jesus regard for women, as he healed someone whom may have been shunned because she was a women and also she was disabled, plus to do so on the Sabbath. In the Acts women are full members of the Church. Luke specifically records that both women and men were baptized (Acts 8:12; 16:15)It seems that more than twice in His parables Jesus used an illustration with a women to illustrate the faith and resolve they were to have: The persistent widow who troubled the judge (Lk 18:2-8) and also the women searching for the lost coin, in which Jesus states, ‘In the same way, I tell you, the angles of God rejoice over one sinner who repents. ’ (Lk 15:8-10). Jesus’s attitudes towards women seem never to have been negative, rather always a positive attitude, which as stated previously is in dramatic contrast to his predecessors and the culture to which he was born into.Concluding that from the evidence cited previously, Jesus as indicated by Luke, promoted the dignity and equality of women in the midst of a very male-dominated society, according to Hayes and Gearon, ‘†¦scholars have concluded that women played a significant role in Lucan communities. ’ Jesuscentral. com takes this one step further as to state that, ‘Jesus was a feminist, and a very radical one. ’ Jesus was therefore a friend of women, promoting the dignity and equality of women which is clear throughout Luke’s Gospel.It seems the prominence of women throughout Luke’s Gospel suggests equality. Indeed theologytoday identifies that the attitude of Luke’s Gospel towards women is, ‘†¦ not so much a totally revolutionary picture of their discipleship as it is an appreciation of their inner resources and ability to centre themselves to receive and act upon the word of God in truth. ’ Word Count = 1354 References Charpenter, E (19 81) How to Read the New Testament. London: SCM Hayes, M A. and Gearon L (1998) Contemporary Catholic Theology: a Reader.Herefordshire: Gracewing Richards, C (2002) Introducing Catholic Theology. Suffolk: Kevin Mayhew The Bible Societies (1976) Good News Bible. London: Collins http://www. churchofgoddfw. com/women/w_leadership. shtml [accessed 22. 05. 12] http://www. gci. org/jesus/women [accessed 28. 04. 12] http://www. godswordtowomen. org/jesus. htm [accessed 19. 05. 12] http://www. jesuscentral. com/ji/life-of-jesus-modern/jesus-feminist. php [accessed 28. 04. 12] http://theologytoday. ptsem. edu/jul1986/v43-2-article4. htm [accessed 22. 05. 12]

Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 8

When the Jetta turned into the parking lot of a7-Eleven, James smiled. There was a nice isolatedarea behind the store, and it was getting dark. He drove his own car around back, then got out to watch the store entrance. When Phil came outwith a bag, he sprang on him from behind. Phil yelled and fought, dropping the bag. It didn'tmatter. The sun had gone down and James's powerwas at full strength. He dragged Phil to the back of the store and put him facing the wall beside a Dumpster. The classicpolice frisking position. â€Å"I'm going to let go now,† he said. â€Å"Don't try torun away. That would be a mistake.† Phil went tense and motionless at the sound of hisvoice. â€Å"I don'twantto run away. I want to smash your face in, Rasmussen.† â€Å"Go ahead and try.† James was going to add,Makemy night, but he reconsidered. He let go of Phil, who turned around and regarded him with utter loathing. â€Å"What's the matter? Run out of girls to jump?† hesaid, breathing hard. James gritted his teeth. Trading insults wasn't going to do any good, but he could already tell it was going to be hard to keep his temper. Phil had that effect on him. â€Å"I didn't bring you out here to fight.I brought you to ask you something. Do you care about Poppy?† Phil said, â€Å"I'll take stupid questions for five hundred, Alex,† and loosened his shoulder as if gettingready for a punch. â€Å"Because if you do, you'll get her to talk to me.You were the one who convinced her not to see me,and now you've got to convince her that shehastosee me.† Phil looked around the parking lot, as if calling for somebody to witness this insanity. James spoke slowly and dearly, enunciating eachword. â€Å"There is something I can do to help her.† â€Å"Because you're Don Juan, right? You're gonna heal her with your love.† The words were flippant,but Phil's voice was shaky with sheer hatred. Not just hatred for James, but for a universe that would givePoppy cancer. â€Å"No. You've got it completely wrong. Look, youthink I was making out with her, or trifling with her affections or whatever. That's not what was going onat all. I let you think that because I was tired ofgetting the third degree from you-and because Ididn't want you to know what we weredoing.† â€Å"Sure, sure,† Phil said in a voice filled with equal measures of sarcasm and contempt. â€Å"So whatwereyou doing? Drugs?† James had learned something from his first encounter with Poppy in the hospital. Show and tellshould be done in that order. This time he didn't sayanything; he just grabbed Phil by the hair and jerked his head back. There was only a single light behind the store, butit was enough togive Phil a good view of the baredfangs looming over him. And it was more thanenough for James, with his night vision, to see Phillip's green eyesdilate as he stared. Phillip yelled, then went limp. Not with fear, James knew. He wasn't a coward.With the shock of disbelief turning to belief. Phillip swore. â€Å"You'rea †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Right.† James let him go. Phil almost lost his balance. He grabbed at theDumpster for support. â€Å"I don't believe it.† â€Å"Yes, you do,† James said. He hadn't retracted hisfangs, and he knew that hiseyes were shining silver.Philhadto believe it with James standing right infront of him. Phil apparently had the same idea. He was staringat James as if he wanted to look away, but couldn't.The color had drained out of his face, and he keptswallowing as if he were going to be sick. â€Å"God,† he said finally. â€Å"I knew there was something wrong with you. Weird wrong. I could neverfigure out why you gave me the creeps. So this is it.† I disgust him, James realized. It's not just hatred anymore. He thinks I'm less than human. It didn't augur well for the rest of James's plan. â€Å"Now do you understand how I can help Poppy?† Phil shook his head slowly. He was leaning againstthe wall, one hand still on the Dumpster. James felt impatience rise in his chest. â€Å"Poppy hasa disease. Vampires don't get diseases. Do you needa road map?† Phillip's expression said he did. â€Å"If,†James said through his teeth, â€Å"I exchangeenough blood with Poppy to turn her into a vampire,she won't have cancer anymore. Every cell in herbody will change and she'll end up a perfect specimen: flawless, disease-free. She'll have powers thathumans don't even dream of. And, incidentally,she'll be immortal.† There was a long, long silence as James watchedthis sink in with Phillip. Phil's thoughts were toojumbled and kaleidoscopic for James to make anything of them, but Phil's eyes got wider and his facemore ashen. At last Phil said, â€Å"You can't do that to her.† It was thewayhe said it. Not as if he were protesting an idea because it was too radical, too new.Not the knee-jerk overreaction that Poppy had had. He said it with absolute conviction and utmost horror. As if James were threatening to steal Poppy'ssoul. â€Å"It's the only way to save herlife,†James said. Phil shook his head slowly again, eyes huge andtrancelike. â€Å"No. No. She wouldn't want it. Not atthat cost.† â€Å"What cost?† James was more than impatientnow, he was defensive and exasperated. If he'd realized that this was going to turn into a philosophical debate, he would have picked somewhere less public.As it was, he had to keep all his senses on the alertfor possible intruders. Phil let go of the Dumpster and stood on his owntwo feet. There was fear mixed with the horror in his eyes, but he faced James squarely. â€Å"It's just-there are some things that humansthink are more important than just staying alive,† hesaid. â€Å"You'll find that out.† I don't believe this, James thought. He sounds likea junior space captain talking to the alien invadersin a B movie.You won'tfind Earth peoplequitethe easymark you imagine. Aloud, he said, â€Å"Are you nuts? Look, Phil, I wasborn in San Francisco. I'm not some bug-eyed monster from Alpha Centauri. I eat Wheaties forbreakfast.† â€Å"And what do you eat for a midnight snack?† Phil asked, his green eyes somber and almost childlike. â€Å"Or are the fangs just for decoration?† Walked right into that one, James's brain told him.He looked away. â€Å"Okay. Touch?. There are somedifferences. I never said I was a human. But I'm notsome kind of-â€Å" â€Å"If you're not a monster, then I don't knowwhat is.† Don't kill him, James counseled himself frantically.You have toconvincehim. â€Å"Phil, we're not like what you see at the movies. We're not all-powerful. We can't dematerialize through walls or travel through time, and we don't need to kill to feed. We're not evil, at least not all of us. We're not damned.† â€Å"You're unnatural,† Phillip said softly, and James could feel that he meant it from his heart. â€Å"You'rewrong. Youshouldn't exist.† â€Å"Because we're higher up on the food chain thanyou?† â€Å"Because people weren't meant to †¦feed †¦ on other people.† James didn't say that his people didn't think ofPhillip's people as people. He said, â€Å"We only do whatwe have to do to survive. And Poppy's already agreed.† Phillip froze. â€Å"No. She wouldn't want to becomelike you.† â€Å"She wants to stay a!ive—or at least, she did, before she got mad at me. Now she's just irrationalbecause she hasn't got enough of my blood in her tofinish changing her. Thanks to you.† He paused, then said deliberately, â€Å"Have you ever seen a three-weekold corpse, Phil? Because that'swhat she's going to become if I don't get to her.† Phil's face twisted. He whirled around and slammed a fist into the metal side of the Dumpster.†Don't you think I know that?I've been living withthat since Monday night.† James stood still, heart pounding. Feeling the anguish Phil was giving off and the pain of Phil's injured hand. It was several seconds before he was ableto saycalmly,†And you think that's better than whatI can give her?† â€Å"It's lousy. It stinks. But, yes, it's better than turning into something that hunts people. Thatusespeo ple. That's why all the girlfriends, isn't it?† Once again, James couldn't answer right away.Phil's problem, he was realizing, was that Phil wasfar too smart for his own good. He thought too much.†Yeah. That's why all the girlfriends,† he said at last,tiredly. Trying not to see this from Phil's point of view. â€Å"Just tell me one thing, Rasmussen.†Phillip straightened and looked him dead in the eye. â€Å"Didyou†-he stopped and swallowed-â€Å"feed on Poppybefore she got sick?† â€Å"No.† Phil let out his breath. â€Å"That's good. Because if you had,I'd have killed you.† James believed him. He was much stronger than Phil, much faster, and he'd never been afraid of ahuman before. But just at that moment he had nodoubt that Phil would somehow have found a way to do it. â€Å"Look, there's something you don't understand,†he said. â€Å"Poppy did want this, and it's something we've already started. She's only just beginning tochange; if she dies now, she won't become a vampire.But she might not die all thee way, either. She couldend up a walking corpse. A zombie, you know?Mindless. Body rotting, but immortal.† Phil's mouth quivered with revulsion. â€Å"You're justsaying that to scare me.† James looked away. â€Å"I've seen it happen.† â€Å"I don't believe you.† â€Å"I've seen it firsthand!†Dimly James realized hewas yelling and that he'd grabbed Phil by the shirtfront. He was out of control-and he didn't care.†I've seen it happen to somebodyIcared about, allright?† And then, because Phil was still shaking his head:†I was only four years old and I had a nanny. Allthe rich kids in San Francisco have nannies. Shewas human.† â€Å"Let go,† Phil muttered, pulling at James's wrist.He was breathing hard-he didn't want to hear this. â€Å"I was crazy about her. She gave me everythingmy mom didn't. Love, attention-she was never too busy. I called her Miss Emma.† â€Å"Let go.† â€Å"But my parents thought I was too attached to her.So they took me on a little vacation-and they didn'tlet me feed. Not for three days. By the time they brought me back, I was starving. Then they sent MissEmma up to put me to bed.† Phil had stopped fighting now. He stood with hishead bowed and turned to one side so he wouldn'thave to look at James. James threw his words at theaverted face. â€Å"I was only four. I couldn't stop myself. And the thing is, I wanted to. If you'd asked me who I'd rather have die, me or Miss Emma, I'd've said me. But when you're starving, you lose control. So I fed on her, and all the time I was crying and trying to stop. And when I finally could stop, I knew it wastoo late.† There was a pause. James suddenly realized that his fingers were locked in anagonizingcramp. He letgo of Phil's shirt slowly. Phil said nothing. â€Å"She was just lying there on the floor. I thought,wait, if I give her my own blood she'll be a vampire, and everything will be okay.† He wasn't yelling anymore. He wasn't even really speaking to Phillip, butstaring out into the dark parking lot. â€Å"So I cut myselfand let the blood run into her mouth. She swallowedsome of it before my parents came up and stoppedme. But not enough.† A longer pause-and James remembered why hewas telling the story. He looked at Phillip. â€Å"She died that night but not all the way. The twodifferent kinds of blood were fighting inside her. Soby morning she was walking around again-but shewasn't Miss Emma anymore. She drooled and her skin was gray and her eyes were flat like a corpse's.And when she started to-rot-my dad took her out to Inverness and buried her. He killed her first.† Bilerose in James's throat and he added almost in a whisper, â€Å"I hope he killed her first.† Phil slowly turned around to look at him. For thefirst time that evening, there was something otherthan horror and fear in his face. Something like pity, James thought. James took a deep breath. After thirteen years of silence he'd finally told the storyto Phillip North,of all people. But it was no good wondering aboutthe absurdity. He had a point to drive home. â€Å"So take my advice. If you don't convince Poppyto see me, make sure they don't do an autopsy onher. You don't want her walking around without herinternal organs. And have a wooden stake ready forthe time when you can't stand to look at heranymore.† The pity was gone from Phil's eyes. His mouth wasa hard, trembling line. â€Å"We won't let her turn into†¦ some kind of halfalive abomination,† he said. â€Å"Or a vampire, either. I'm sorry about what happened to your Miss Emma,but it doesn't change anything.† â€Å"Poppyshould be the one to decide-â€Å" But Phillip had reached his limit, and now he was simply shaking his head. â€Å"Just keep away from my sister,† he said. â€Å"That's all I want. If you do, I'll leaveyou alone. And if you don't-â€Å" â€Å"What?† â€Å"I'm going to tell everybody in El Camino what you are. I'm going to call the police and the mayorand I'm going to stand in the middle of the streetand yell it.† James felt his hands go icy cold. What Phil didn't realize was that he'd just made it James's duty to killhim. It wasn't just that any human who stumbled onNight World secrets had to die, but that one activelythreatening to tellabout the Night World had to die immediately, no questions asked, no mercy given. Suddenly James was so tired he couldn't seestraight. â€Å"Get out of here, Phil,† he said in a voice drainedof emotion and vitality both. â€Å"Now. And if you reallywant to protect Poppy, you won't tell anybody anything. Because they'll trace it back and find out thatPoppy knows the secrets, too. And then they'll killher-after bringing her in for questioning. It won'tbe fun.† â€Å"Who're ‘they'? Your parents?† â€Å"The Night People. We're all around you, Phil.Anybody you know could be one-including themayor. So keep your mouth shut.† Phillip looked at him through narrowed eyes. Thenhe turned and walked to the front of the store. James couldn't remember when he'd felt so empty. Everything he'd done had turned out wrong. Poppywas now in more kinds of danger than he couldcount. And Phillip North thought he was unnatural andevil. What Phil didn't know was that most of thetime James thought the same thing. Phillip got halfway home before he rememberedthat he'd dropped the bag with Poppy's cranberryjuice and wild cherry Popsicles. Poppy had hardly eaten in the last two days, and when she did get hungry, it was for something weird. No-somethingred,he realized as he paid for a second time at the 7-Eleven. He felt a sick lurch in his stomach. Everything she wanted lately was redand at least semiliquid. Did Poppy realize that herself? He studied her when he went into her bedroom togive her a Popsicle. Poppy spent most of the time inbed now. And she was so pale and still.. Her green eyes werethe only alive thing about her. They dominated herface, glittering with an almost savage awareness. Cliff and Phil's mother were talking about gettinground-the-clock nurses to be with her. â€Å"Don't like the Popsicle?† Phil asked, dragging achair to sit beside her bed. Poppy was eyeing the thing with distaste. She tooka tiny lick and grimaced. Phillip watched her. Another lick. Then she put the Popsicle into anempty plastic cup on her nightstand. â€Å"I don't know †¦ I just don't feel hungry,† she said, leaning backagainst the pillows. â€Å"Sorry you had to go out fornothing.† â€Å"No problem.† God, she looks sick, Phil thought.†Is there anything else I can do for you?† Eyes shut, Poppy shook her head. A very smallmotion. â€Å"You're a good brother,† she said distantly. She used to be so alive, Phil thought. Dad calledher Kilowatt or Eveready. She used to radiateenergy. Without in the least meaning to, he found himself saying, â€Å"I saw James Rasmussen today.† Poppy stiffened. Her hands on the bedspreadformed not fists, but claws. â€Å"He'd better keep awayfrom here!† There was something subtly wrong about her reaction. Something not-Poppy. Poppy could get fierce,sure, but Phil had never heard that animal tone inher voice before. A picture flashed through Phil's mind. A creaturefromNight of the Living Dead,walking even though its intestines were spilling out. A living corpse likeJames's Miss Emma. Was that really what would happen if Poppy diedright now? Was she that much changed already? â€Å"I'll scratch his eyes out if he comes around here,†Poppy said, her fingers working on the spread like acat kneading. â€Å"Poppy-he told me the truth about what hereally is.† Strangely, Poppy had no reaction. â€Å"He's scum,†she said. â€Å"He's a reptile.† Something about her voice made Phillip's fleshcreep. â€Å"And I told him you would never want to become something like that.† â€Å"I wouldn't,† Poppy said shortly. â€Å"Not if it meanthanging around withhimfor eternity. I don't want to see him ever again.† Phil stared at her for a long moment. Then heleaned back and shut his eyes, one thumb jammedagainst his temple where the ache was worst. Not just subtly wrong. He didn't want to believe it, but Poppy wasstrange.Irrational. And now thathe thought about it, she'd been getting stranger everyhour since James had been thrown out. So maybe she was in some eerie in-between state. Not a human and not a vampire. And not able tothink dearly. Just as James had said. Poppy should be the one to decide. There was something he had to ask her. â€Å"Poppy?† He waited until she looked at him, her green eyes large and unblinking. â€Å"When we talked,James said that you'd agreed to let him-change you.Before you got mad at him. Is that right?† Poppy's eyebrows lifted. â€Å"I'm mad at him,† sheconfirmed, as if this was the only part of the questionshe'd processed. â€Å"And you know why I like you?Because you've always hated him. Now we bothhate him.† Phil thought for a moment, then spoke carefully. â€Å"Okay. But when youweren'tmad at him, back then,did you want to turn into-what he is?† Suddenly a gleam of rationality showed in Poppy's eyes. â€Å"I just didn't want to die, â€Å"she said. â€Å"I was so scared-and I wanted to live. If the doctors could doanything for me, I'd try that. But they can't.† Shewas sitting up now, staring into space as if she saw something terrible there. â€Å"You don't know what itfeels like to know you're going to die,† shewhispered. Waves of chills washed over Phillip. No, he didn'tknow that, but he did know-he could suddenly picture vividly-what it was going to be like forhimafter Poppy died. How empty the world was going tobe without her. For a long time they both sat in silence. Then Poppy fell back onto the pillows again. Phillipcould see pastel blue smudges under her eyes, as ifthe conversation had exhausted her. â€Å"I don'tthinkitmatters,† she said in a faint but frighteningly cheerfulvoice. â€Å"I'm not going to die anyway. Doctors don't know everything.† So that's how she's dealing with it,Phillipthought.Total denial. He had all the information he needed, though. He had a clear view of the situation. And he knew whathe had to do now. â€Å"I'll leave so you can get some rest,† he said to Poppy, and patted her hand. It felt very cool andfragile, full of tiny bones like a bird's wing. â€Å"Seeyou later.† He slipped out of the house without telling anyone where he was going. Once on the road, he drovevery fast. It only took ten minutes to reach the apart ment building. He'd never been to James's apartment before. James answered the door with a cold, â€Å"What areyou doing here?† â€Å"Can I come in? I've got something to say.† James stood back expressionlessly to let him in. The â€Å"place was roomy and bare. There was a singlechairbeside a very cluttered table, an equally clut tered desk, and a square unbeautiful couch. Cardboard boxes full of books and CDs were stacked inthe corners. A door led to a spartan bedroom. â€Å"What do you want?† â€Å"First of all, I have to explain something. I knowyou can't help being what you are-but I can't helphow I feel about it, either. You can't change, andneither can I. I need you to understand that from the beginning.† James crossed his arms over his chest, wary anddefiant. â€Å"You can skip the lecture.† â€Å"I just need to make sure you understand, okay?†Ã¢â‚¬ What do youwant,Phil?† Phil swallowed. It took two or three tries before he could get the words out past the blockage of hispride. â€Å"I want you to help my sister.†