Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - 878 Words

In a dystopian society where life consists of television walls and the burning of books, deep, underlying themes surface throughout the course of the novel. These themes can be connected to each other with one thing: fire. Ray Bradbury uses fire to show the intellectual discourse in this futuristic society overrun with technology by using characters and other symbols to show the downfall of a society where entertainment and â€Å"snap endings† are increasingly valued. At the beginning of the novel, Montag meets a young girl, Clarisse McClellan: the symbol of innocence. She represents how technology has destroyed most of the innocence within the world. The phoenix, as explained by Granger, represents mankind, rising from the ashes, in a way representing the transformation Montag goes through. A symbol represented throughout the whole novel is the parlor walls. They represent a distraction from reality so people don’t need to have independent thought. Ironically, they end up getting burned down by none other than the fire. Clarisse McClellan is introduced at the beginning of the novel as a young girl who thinks differently than everyone else in this society. She is considered strange because her and her family go on walks together and she asks questions rather than sitting inside watching T.V. all day. When Montag asks Beatty about Clarisse’s disappearance, he gets a chilling response. â€Å"She didn’t want to know how a thing was done, but why. that can be embarrassing. You askShow MoreRelatedFahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury719 Words   |  3 PagesThe flash point of paper, or the temperature at which paper will burst in flames, is 451 degrees Fahrenheit. In Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, the main character, Guy Montag, is a â€Å"fireman† in a futuristic society where he and his coworkers start fires, rather than put them out. Books are banned and burned, along with the owner of the book’s house and sometimes even the owner of the book, upon discovery. Technology has taken over in a sense that social interaction between the average personRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1952 Words   |  8 Pagesis clearly displayed in the plight of Ray Bradbury’s novel about a dystopian American society, Fahrenheit 451, which contains many ideas and bits of content that some people believed should be censored. In fact, one of the reasons that this novel was censored for displaying the dangers of censorship, which is both extremely ironic, and telling as to where this society is going. Thanks to several distributors and oversensitive parents and teachers, Fahrenheit 451 has been banned in many schools overRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury954 Words   |  4 Pages In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the author uses allegory (often misinterpreted by readers) to show the dangers of mass media consumption and the decline of reading traditional media. Many readers draw incorrect conclusio ns (lessons learned) from the book due to how generally the book applies its theme. Government censorship, though an important topic, is not the intended focus of the novel Fahrenheit 451. Finally, Bradbury’s original message of the book shows the beauty of traditional media andRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1592 Words   |  7 PagesWhen writing the introduction to Fahrenheit 451, author Neil Gaiman stated that â€Å"ideas--written ideas--are special. They are the way we transmit our stories and our thoughts from one generation to the next. If we lose them, we lose our shared history†. Gaiman is absolutely correct; especially because what he is saying heavily applies to books. Books are a critical aspect in shaping humanity as a whole, they create and share a network of creative ideas, history, and overall entertainment; to loseRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury918 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Fahrenheit 451,† written by Ray Bradbury, is a futurist ic, dystopian novel based upon a society secluded by technology and ignorance. In this future society, books are outlawed and firemen are presented with the task of burning books that are found in people’s homes. Montag, a fireman, finds himself intrigued with the books, and begins to take them home and read them. As the story progresses, Montag learns the truth behind why books are outlawed and flees his city to join the last remnants of age-oldRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury847 Words   |  4 PagesSet Knowledge On Fire The book Fahrenheit 451 is a postmodern work by Ray Bradbury first published in 1951. In Bradbury’s story, all books are illegal and are subject to be burned by firemen. Furthermore, the two predominant themes of Fahrenheit 451 are censorship and ignorance. The censorship implemented over the years removes all information from society that is necessary to learn, which accomplishes to prevent people from questioning anything. The ignorance of society has been fostered and theRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury1661 Words   |  7 Pages1.) In the novel, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Montag’s view on life reverses. Two characters the influence the main character Guy Montag are the old lady whose house and books were burnt down and Mildred. The old lady was caught preserving books in her home. Firemen including Montag were ordered to burn the books. The old lady refused to leave her books, so she too was burned. She bravely gave an allusion as her last words, â€Å"Play the man,’ she said, ‘Master Ridley.’ Something, somethingRead MoreFahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury818 Words   |  4 PagesFAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY Important People in Montag’s Life In Partical Fulfillment Of English 2 Ms Irina Abramov By Helen Hernandez November 9, 2012 â€Å"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them† -Ray Bradbury. In the past there were events that affected book writers. People will get together to burn books because they thought it was inappropriate or they were against their literature. Montag is a fireman in a futuristic society who would startRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury863 Words   |  4 PagesThe novel, Fahrenheit 451 was written by Ray Bradbury and it took place in the dystopian future. Throughout each novel, we are able to see a major theme, which is censorship. In this essay, I will explain how this theme are explored in the story by using the literary devices. To begin with, in this novel, censorship is not given a straight description, but we can see how the author shows it through many literary elements, such as using the setting, tone and symbolisms even foreshadowing. This novelRead MoreFahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury904 Words   |  4 PagesLiving in a world with no free thought would be bland as cardboard. But, if that cardboard illuminated with fire, would it have more meaning than it did before? The answer is yes. In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the main character, Montag, finds much meaning behind the simple element of fire. The symbol of fire is used to represent how Montag changes himself and his ideas and thoughts about fire throughout the novel. At first, Montag views fire as destructive, but enjoys burning because

An Analysis Of Communication Disorders Education Essay Free Essays

string(131) " procedure consists of past clinical informations along with questionnaires provided by the parents and an scrutiny of the person\." The manner we communicate is an of import facet throughout all of our lives. It can state a batch about who we are, our position, and instruction. Not everyone communicates in the same manner as others. We will write a custom essay sample on An Analysis Of Communication Disorders Education Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Some people have lacks such as autism or damage that decelerate down communicating development. Although these upsets are good known our society has non made it a precedence to do the survey of Communications a chief focal point of survey until college. Under-developed communicating can impact the person ‘s household and hereafter if it is non taken attention of. Using my assortment of beginnings I intend to turn to these issues and solutions to assist educate coevalss to come to raise consciousness and emphasize the importance of communicating. This reappraisal will get down with understanding why communicating and the ability to hold skill in public-speaking are of import. It will so go on throughout to explicate different types of linguistic communication upsets through a kid ‘s development and terminal with household version. â€Å" The Importance of Communication and Public-Speaking Skills † written by Leo F. Parvis emphasizes the importance of Communication. He names the different definitions of communicating and Aristotle ‘s five elements. Isabelle Rapin and Lorna Wing ‘s book Preschool Children with Inadequate Communication: Developmental Language Disorder, Autism, Low IQ, discusses the categorization of different communicating upsets and autism along with the struggles that follow them. In add-on they besides go into item about the historical information of communicating lacks and autism. Rhea Paul PHD wrote the book â€Å" Language Disorders: Through Infancy and Adolescence. In the beginni ng of the book she talks about how no 1 can truly specify what a Language Disorder is. She than takes the clip to pick apart her ain definition of a Language Disorder. Following she talks about the different manner to name person with holding a lack while giving suggestion on how to get by. Marie M. Bristol wrote the diary â€Å" Mothers of Children with Autism or Communication Disorders: Successful Adaptation and the Double ABCX Model † based off of a survey that demonstrates the badness of communicating upsets and the consequence on the households. It consists of the badness, matrimonial version, emphasis on the household, and how they handle the situation.A In â€Å" The Importance of Communication and Public-Speaking Skills † Leo F. Parvis believes schools have n’t been persevering plenty in stressing the importance for communicating. He defines the word â€Å" communicating † is a assortment of ways some being ; the province of being connected, the look of oneself that is readily and clearly understood, and the transferring of intending between persons. He states, â€Å" Communication, a complex procedure, is non an easy accomplishment to hone. However, it is the most important accomplishment in human life † ( 1 ) . In early 1999, the Chronicle of Higher Education discussed the issue that schools have lost the importance of learning the art of communicating. Parvis writes â€Å" The argument went on for several hebdomads, and the bulk of participants who were experts in communicating surveies believed that in recent old ages, establishments of higher acquisition have paid less attending to talking accompli shments than in the yesteryear † ( 1 ) . We use communicating in our mundane lives and it has become a major factor for our hereafters. If the instruction system does non understand the importance, it will finally go a dying field. Without this field we will non seek the demand to widen our vocabulary and could take to major miscommunications. This may non look like a immense hazard, but imagine holding a miscommunication between states that could take to an unneeded war. â€Å" We need to advance this accomplishment among our co-workers and carry more environmental wellness professionals to actively take part in events and assemblages, acquire acquainted with the thought of engagement, be willing to portion their ideas, and contribute in any manner possible † ( Parvis, 1 ) . Parvis names the five factors of Public-Speaking derived from Aristotle: the talker, the message, the audience, the juncture, and the consequence. â€Å" By building this list, Aristotle, was reding talkers to build addresss for different audiences, on different occasions, for different effects † ( Parvis, 2 ) . One of the most of import facets of communicating that Parivs negotiations about is listening. To listen agencies to be able to grok, larn, and finally repeat by using to our ain addresss in the hereafter. If we can get the hang all of these countries of communicating we will be ready to take on any challenge that comes our manner. To understand linguistic communication upsets we need to specify what one is. Rhea Paul is the writer of Language Disorders: Through Infancy and Adolescence. The get downing she states that no 1 can truly specify what a Language Disorder is. After speaking about her linguistic communication seminar category that she had taken as a alumnus pupil she says non even her instructor had a clear definition of what a linguistic communication upset was. She says, â€Å" A You mayA be surprised to larn that specifying kids ‘s linguistic communication upsets is non a simple affair or even one about which everyone in the field agrees † ( 3 ) . She so gave her ain personal definition of what a linguistic communication upset was â€Å" kids can be described as holding linguistic communication upsets if they have a important shortage in larning to speak, under-stand, or utilize any facet of linguistic communication suitably, comparative toA both environmental and norm-referenced outlo oks forA kids of similar developmental degree † ( 97 ) . The definition is really obscure and leaves room for oppugning. It does turn out, nevertheless, if a linguistic communication upset is difficult to specify, it must be even harder to name, and so dainty. Communication shortages are one of the most common grounds that affect mental development. Paul following takes a survey from Darley ( 1991 ) to show how an person would be diagnosed with a lack. The survey is divided into two phases called: assessment and diagnosing. The appraisal procedure consists of past clinical informations along with questionnaires provided by the parents and an scrutiny of the person. You read "An Analysis Of Communication Disorders Education Essay" in category "Essay examples" The diagnosing is the term used when sorting the issue and labeling it. An assessment procedure that makes these two phases less distinguishable is called the descriptive-developmental attack. â€Å" The end of this attack is to make up one’s mind whether the kid has a important shortage inA communicating and to depict that shortage, if identified, A in every bit much item as possible, comparative to the normal sequence of linguistic communication acquisition † ( Paul, 21 ) . This attack focuses less on the â€Å" label † and more on the description which is why it is non chiefly used. In other words, it is more concerned with how the single communicates instead than naming them with a type of upset. Paul believes it is the moral responsibility of address diagnosticians to better and forestall linguistic communication upsets: â€Å" Why should bar be our concern? Are we non languageA diagnosticians, people who diagnose and treat disordersA of linguistic communication acquisition? Is n’t remediation our concern? Certainly it is † ( Paul, 97 ) . We tend to disregard the countries of rehabilitation and bar because of the costs that it would imply and the emotional hurt that it would put on the household ‘s shoulders. Paul estimated the cost values for different types of upsets and the particular necessities that would be indispensable. A kid with mental deceleration would necessitate particular instruction plans that could be up to $ 13,000 dollars a twelvemonth, and if they need residential intervention it could be closer to $ 25,000. â€Å" In 1984, the AmericanA Speech-Language and Hearing Association ( ASHA ) estimated that forestalling even one instance of mental retardationA can ensue in long-run nest eggs of more than $ 1 million, A and the figure would be even higher today † ( Paul, 97 ) . Money, as you see, has become a factor in turn toing the issue of linguistic communication upsets. In 1990, the Department of Health and Human Services made ends to assist raise consciousness and cut down hazards because they excessively, believe like Rhea Paul, that we have an duty to assist forestall these upsets and acquire the needed attention for them. Isabelle Rapin and Lorna Wing ‘s book Preschool Children with Inadequate Communication: Developmental Language Disorder, Autism, Low IQ explains the difference between Autism and Asperger ‘s. The two upsets have related characteristics such as: damages in mutual interactions, and stereotyped involvements in activities. Asperger ‘s will non be diagnosed if the person has delayed linguistic communication and cognitive development. Cognitive development trades with concentrating on a kid ‘s development in footings of information processing, conceptual resources, perceptual accomplishment, linguistic communication acquisition, and other facets of encephalon development. The book presents several surveies that represent the job of specific diagnosing with kids who do non pass on efficaciously. The survey is intended to demo the different types of trials that encephalon imagination, EEGs, and chromosome and chemical trials infrequently provide an reply for. Determining whether or non a kid at such a immature age has autism is really hard so the survey separated â€Å" normal † kids with no diagnosings in any type of communicating lack and those who showed autistic characteristics and under-developed communicating. Rapin and Wing believe it is more effectual to detect the manner a kid interacts and plays instead than giving a series of trials. â€Å" Careful attending to the kid ‘s linguistic communication and behaviour, ability to play creatively, and analysis of neuropsychological trials and linguistic communication are much more enlightening for geting at a right diagnosing † ( Rapin Wing, 1 ) . Along with observation they split a sum of 556 kids up into five different groups, and collected historical informations. They studied past households members who may hold had any type of linguistic communication upsets. Of the kids that were examined 201 specifically had Developmental Language Disorder ( DLD ) . In Bristol ‘s diary â€Å" Mothers of Children with Autism or Communication Disorders: Successful Adaptation and the Double ABCX Model † she talks of a survey that demonstrates the badness of communicating upsets and the consequence on the households. It looked into 45 different households with person who was autistic and or consisted of a communicating -impaired kid. It consists of the badness, matrimonial version, emphasis on the household, and how they cope. The ABCX Formula was founded in 1958 by Reuben Hill. The ABCX Formula focuses chiefly on variables covering with households different interactions: A ( the crisis-precipitating event/stressor ) B ( the household ‘s crisis-meeting resources ) C ( the definition the household makes of the event ) produces X ( the crisis ) . Families with a kid with damage have caused great attending because there tends to be more emphasis on those specific households. They have a higher rate of divorce and money issues particularly when a kid must be institutionalized ( even though it has declined ) . â€Å" Even really recent surveies ( DeMyer A ; Goldberg, 1983 ) indicate that tierce of a treated group of autistic kids were in residential arrangement before age 14 and two-thirds in residential arrangement after that age † ( Bristol, 470 ) . Recently, there have been surveies stating that there are many cases when households have had successful versions. The survey was to foretell households working at high emphasis and their ability to get by with the part of autism or terrible communicating upsets. The survey had four hypotheses: foremost that the survey would demo overall healthy version to the terrible autism or communicating upset ; 2nd predicted more equal header forms ; 3rd predicted that the household w ould self-blame, hold declinations, and finally coiling downward from all the household stresses added to the kid with autism or communicating upset ; and the 4th was that all the emphasiss would pile-up and go more of the issue instead the disability itself. The participants in the survey were classified into five societal categories. Twenty-four fell into three lower categories and 21 fell into two higher categories. In this survey the stressor, or A theoretical account was the handicapped kid. â€Å" Limits on Family Opportunity, was used to measure the extent to which the household had to go through up educational, vocational, or other self-development chances because of the kid † ( Bristol, 474 ) . The consequences of the first hypothesis showed that kids with more terrible disability resulted in less matrimonial jobs. In the 2nd hypothesis the anticipation was right in stating it would hold positive parenting, but incorrect in stating that it would hold greater household coherence. On the contrary, the household coherence showed the same for all the hypotheses that greater household coherence came from negative household adaptation instead than healthy. The 3rd hypothesis showed that household with more outside emphasis were less happy in their matrimonies and did non get by every bit good with their disability kid. The badness of the disability did non play a major function in the consequences, these female parents viewed holding a kid with a disability as one of the worst things that could happy to a household. Hypothesis four showed what it had predicted ; all the other stressors would be a major factor instead than the badness of the kid ‘s disability. The survey hel ps demo all the factors that a household would travel through on top of holding a disability kid and that some households can non get by. Although the beginnings are slackly linked, each shows a different position on Communication upsets. Whether we have a upset or non we all need to pass on in some manner to be able to last mundane life. We need to set more focal point on honing our ain address and being more thankful for the field itself. We should besides larn more about the different types of upsets and do it a precedence to larn how to accommodate to the upsets in instance we may go face-to-face with one in our hereafter. A Communications Major is criticized for being an â€Å" easy manner out † when in world we have the chance to prosecute in surveies like the 1s above. Others may non recognize that they excessively have been prosecuting a communicating country of expertness, but when you are analyzing to be a particular instruction instructor, you are larning to pass on with a kid with a disablement. When you are analyzing to be a Forensic Scientist you are larning to compose labs to be able to pass on in formation scientifically for other scientists to understand. We need communicating, if we can non accommodate now we will hold more of a job if our line of work leads us there or if one our kids are stricken with such a destiny. We overlook these upsets because we are all still in the province of head that it could ne’er go on to us, until it does. How to cite An Analysis Of Communication Disorders Education Essay, Essay examples

A speech of happiness free essay sample

There is a general belief that children who come from rich families (therefore refers as rich children) are always happier than those who come from poorer families. Rich children have luxury things and good living environment, which parents with lower income can not afford. It makes people think that they must be happier than their friends. However, from my point of view, I disagree with this thought. Children who come from a rich and well-educated family are usually expected and desired to excel in their school work. They are not allowed to get any mark but A. Beside that, they also have to excel in their social activities. Their parents pin all their hopes on them. Being a good child, instead of balancing their time to play and study, these rich children must push themselves hard to be successful. If they are not successful or fail in any aspect, they could bring disgrace on their family and become ignominy of these families. We will write a custom essay sample on A speech of happiness or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Otherwise, children from normal families can make their parents proud of them simply because they have passed their primary school leaving exam. For these children, happiness is much simple than their friends who come from rich families. In a family with high income, parents usually do not realise that their children not only need their money but their love. They usually busy working and leave their responsibility of taking care of their children for nursemaids. As a result, children from rich family usually lack of love and lack of family atmosphere. They tend to not share their feeling with parents when they are in their teen-age, as they think their parents will not listen to them when they are busy working. It will be worse when they have nobody beside them when they need a piece of advice, so they do what they think, and go on the wrong way. Rich children usually land in impasses, feel unhappy and disappointed because they do not know what to do. In spite of that, children from families with lower income always can ask their parents for advice, and their parents always are there to share their feeling. They never have to solve their problems by their selves. In additional, these children know how to share their feeling, and it makes them happier than rich children, who can not say that they are depressed and then keep this feeling inside them forever. In conclusion, I hold firm to my belief that rich children are not happier than children from poorer families. Whether they are happy or not depends on the way they were brought up, no matter which families they come from. Can you please take a look and check it for me? Its my school essay (English language).

Joseph Conrads The Secret Sharer free essay sample

An essay examining elements of plot, character development, symbolism and themes found in Conrads short story. This essay discusses and analyzes Joseph Conrads short story The Secret Sharer. The author describes Conrads life as a sailor and its influence on the tale. The relationship between the two main characters, the unique plot, symbolism, issues of morality and justice, and general themes are also explored. A critical review of the story concludes the essay. `In a discussion and analysis of Joseph Conrads short story The Secret Sharer (1910), it is important to begin with a look at the authors life to better understand the foundation for the vivid details in this seamans tale and how Conrads personal experiences certainly influenced the language used and plot in this work. Joseph Conrad was of Polish origin and born in 1857, and he lived in Poland until he was seventeen years of age. We will write a custom essay sample on Joseph Conrads The Secret Sharer or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In 1874 Conrad left Cracow for France to learn the fundamentals of seamanship and a second language. At the age of twenty Conrad moved to England with the intention of becoming an officer on British ships, and he spent the next twenty years working at sea. He soon mastered English as his third language and then became a British subject around 1886. Although a common sailor at first, Conrad advanced quickly through the ranks, became a ships captain at the relatively young age of thirty-one, and spent three years in the Far East on a series of voyages. By the age of forty Conrad was in declining physical health and retired from the sea forever, and he worked as a popular and successful English novelist until his death in 1924.`

Doblar Conjugation in Spanish, Translation, and Examples

Doblar Conjugation in Spanish, Translation, and Examples The Spanish verb doblar has several different meanings. It can mean to fold (like laundry or paper), to bend (like metal), to turn (like turn left or right while walking or driving), to double (like to duplicate), or to dub (like to translate a movie from one language to another). Doblar is a regular -ar verb. That means that it is conjugated similarly to other regular -ar verbs like cortar, enseà ±ar and cenar. In this article you can find doblar conjugations in present, past, conditional, and future indicative mood, present and past subjunctive mood, imperative mood, and other verb forms. Present Indicative Yo doblo Yo doblo la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. I fold the laundry after washing it. Tà º doblas Tà º doblas la carta para ponerla en el sobre. You fold the letter to put it in the envelope. Usted/à ©l/ella dobla Ella dobla las ganancias de su negocio. She doubles her business' profits. Nosotros doblamos Nosotros doblamos la cuchara de metal. We bend the metal spoon. Vosotros doblis Vosotros doblis a la derecha en la esquina. You turn right at the corner. Ustedes/ellos/ellas doblan Ellos doblan la pelà ­cula al italiano. They dub the movie to Italian. Preterite Indicative In Spanish there are two forms of the past tense. The preterite describes completed actions in the past. Yo doblà © Yo doblà © la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. I folded the laundry after washing it. Tà º doblaste Tà º doblaste la carta para ponerla en el sobre. You folded the letter to put it in the envelope. Usted/à ©l/ella doblà ³ Ella doblà ³ las ganancias de su negocio. She doubled her business' profits. Nosotros doblamos Nosotros doblamos la cuchara de metal. We bent the metal spoon. Vosotros doblasteis Vosotros doblasteis a la derecha en la esquina. You turned right at the corner. Ustedes/ellos/ellas doblaron Ellos doblaron la pelà ­cula al italiano. They dubbed the movie to Italian. Imperfect Indicative The imperfect tense describes ongoing or repeated actions in the past. It can be translated as was bending or used to bend. Yo doblaba Yo doblaba la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. I used to fold the laundry after washing it. Tà º doblabas Tà º doblabas la carta para ponerla en el sobre. You used to fold the letter to put it in the envelope. Usted/à ©l/ella doblaba Ella doblaba las ganancias de su negocio. She used to doubleher business' profits. Nosotros doblbamos Nosotros doblbamosla cuchara de metal. We used to bendthe metal spoon. Vosotros doblabais Vosotros doblabais a la derecha en la esquina. You used to turnright at the corner. Ustedes/ellos/ellas doblaban Ellos doblaban la pelà ­cula al italiano. They used to dubthe movie to Italian. Future Indicative Yo doblarà © Yo doblarà © la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. I will fold the laundry after washing it. Tà º doblars Tà º doblars la carta para ponerla en el sobre. You willfold the letter to put it in the envelope. Usted/à ©l/ella doblar Ella doblarlas ganancias de su negocio. She will doubleher business' profits. Nosotros doblaremos Nosotros doblaremosla cuchara de metal. Wewill bendthe metal spoon. Vosotros doblarà ©is Vosotros doblarà ©is a la derecha en la esquina. You willturnright at the corner. Ustedes/ellos/ellas doblarn Ellos doblarn la pelà ­cula al italiano. They will dubthe movie to Italian. Periphrastic  Future Indicative   Yo voy a doblar Yo voya doblar la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. I am going to fold the laundry after washing it. Tà º vasa doblar Tà º vasa doblar la carta para ponerla en el sobre. You aregoing tofold the letter to put it in the envelope. Usted/à ©l/ella vaa doblar Ella vaa doblar las ganancias de su negocio. She isgoing to doubleher business' profits. Nosotros vamosa doblar Nosotros vamosa doblar la cuchara de metal. Wearegoing to bendthe metal spoon. Vosotros vaisa doblar Vosotros vaisa doblar a la derecha en la esquina. You aregoing toturnright at the corner. Ustedes/ellos/ellas vana doblar Ellos vana doblar la pelà ­cula al italiano. They aregoing to dubthe movie to Italian. Present Progressive/Gerund Form The gerund or present participle is the English -ing form. It is used sometimes as an adverb or for progressive tenses like the present progressive. Present Progressive ofDoblar est doblando Ella est doblando las ganancias de su negocio. She is doubling her business' profits. Past Participle The past participle is often used to form perfect tenses like the present perfect. Present Perfect of Doblar ha doblado Ella ha doblado las ganancias de su negocio. She has doubled her business' profits. Conditional Indicative The conditional tense is used to talk about possibilities. Yo doblarà ­a Yo doblarà ­a la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla si tuviera tiempo. I would fold the laundry after washing it if I had time. Tà º doblarà ­as Tà º doblarà ­as la carta para ponerla en el sobre, pero no la enviars. You wouldfold the letter to put it in the envelope, but you will not send it. Usted/à ©l/ella doblarà ­a Ella doblarà ­alas ganancias de su negocio si trabajara ms. She would doubleher business' profits if she worked more. Nosotros doblarà ­amos Nosotros doblarà ­amosla cuchara de metal si fuà ©ramos ms fuertes. Wewould bendthe metal spoon if we were stronger. Vosotros doblarà ­ais Vosotros doblarà ­ais a la derecha en la esquina, pero es el camino incorrecto. You wouldturnright at the corner, but it's the wrong way. Ustedes/ellos/ellas doblarà ­an Ellos doblarà ­an la pelà ­cula al italiano si lo hablaran bien. They would dubthe movie to Italian if they spoke it well. Present Subjunctive The present subjunctive is used to express a desire, doubt, denial, emotion, negation, possibility, or other subjective situations. Sentences that employ the present subjunctive require two clauses. Que yo doble Mi madre espera que yo doble la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. My mother hopes that I fold the laundry after washing it. Que tà º dobles El cartero pide que tà º dobles la carta antes de ponerla en el sobre. The mailman asks that you fold the letter before putting it in the envelope. Que usted/à ©l/ella doble El jefe espera que ella doble las ganancias de su negocio. The boss hopes that she double her business' profits. Que nosotros doblemos Pedro no recomienda que nosotros doblemos la cuchara de metal. Pedro does not recommend that we bend the metal spoon. Que vosotros doblà ©is El navegador sugiere que vosotros doblà ©is a la derecha en la esquina. The navigator suggests that you turn right at the corner. Que ustedes/ellos/ellas doblen Pablo pide que ellos doblen la pelà ­cula al italiano. Pablo asks that they dub the movie to Italian. Imperfect Subjunctive There are two options for conjugating the imperfect subjunctive: Option 1 Que yo doblara Mi madre esperaba que yo doblara la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. My mother hoped that I fold the laundry after washing it. Que tà º doblaras El cartero pedà ­a que tà º doblaras la carta antes de ponerla en el sobre. The mailman asked that you fold the letter before putting it in the envelope. Que usted/à ©l/ella doblara El jefe esperaba que ella doblara las ganancias de su negocio. The boss hoped that she double her business' profits. Que nosotros doblramos Pedro no recomendaba que nosotros doblramosla cuchara de metal. Pedro did not recommend that we bend the metal spoon. Que vosotros doblarais El navegador sugerà ­a que vosotros doblarais a la derecha en la esquina. The navigator suggested that you turn right at the corner. Que ustedes/ellos/ellas doblaran Pablo pedà ­a que ellos doblaran la pelà ­cula al italiano. Pablo asked that they dub the movie to Italian. Option 2 Que yo doblase Mi madre esperaba que yo doblase la ropa despuà ©s de lavarla. My mother hoped that I fold the laundry after washing it. Que tà º doblases El cartero pedà ­a que tà º doblases la carta para ponerla en el sobre. The mailman asked that you fold the letter to put it in the envelope. Que usted/à ©l/ella doblase El jefe esperaba que ella doblase las ganancias de su negocio. The boss hoped that she double her business' profits. Que nosotros doblsemos Pedro no recomendaba que nosotros doblsemosla cuchara de metal. Pedro did not recommend that we bend the metal spoon. Que vosotros doblaseis El navegador sugerà ­a que vosotros doblaseis a la derecha en la esquina. The navigator suggested that you turn right at the corner. Que ustedes/ellos/ellas doblasen Pablo pedà ­a que ellos doblasen la pelà ­cula al italiano. Pablo asked that they dub the movie to Italian. Imperative The imperative mood is used to give orders or commands. There are both positive and negative commands. Positive Commands Tà º dobla  ¡Dobla la carta para ponerla en el sobre! Fold the letter to put it in the envelope! Usted doble  ¡Doble las ganancias de su negocio! Double your business' profits! Nosotros doblemos  ¡Doblemos la cuchara de metal! Let's bend the metal spoon! Vosotros doblad  ¡Doblad a la derecha en la esquina! Turn right at the corner! Ustedes doblen  ¡Doblen la pelà ­cula al italiano! Dub the movie to Italian! Negative Commands Tà º no dobles  ¡No dobles la carta para ponerla en el sobre! Don't fold the letter to put it in the envelope! Usted no doble  ¡No doble las ganancias de su negocio! Don't double your business' profits! Nosotros no doblemos  ¡No doblemos la cuchara de metal! Let's not bend the metal spoon! Vosotros no doblà ©is  ¡No doblà ©is a la derecha en la esquina! Don't turn right at the corner! Ustedes no doblen  ¡No doblen la pelà ­cula al italiano! Don't dub the movie to Italian!

Attending a Performance of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra

The performance I participated in was Prometheus' s prelude, the performances of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Beethoven 's performance, Kodari orchestra' s performance, Italian Harold 's performance, Berlioz' s performance. I think that the orchestra is hosted by David Currie, and overall it worked out very well. The stages and the stages on both sides of the stage were lit up brightly and the musicians arranged semicircles around the podium. Strings in the back row are attached to risers and high stools. The first concert I participated was by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra performed Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7, Leningrad from the romantic era. The orchestra is a large orchestra (1) containing various instruments that contribute to the overall sound of the instrument. Since the orchestra is a big orchestra like a musical instrument that is common in romantic times, the orchestra can be full of activity, perhaps vibrant (2). The orchestra has changed a bit ... Read more General reaction: The concert I participated is SPX Magic for Christmas by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra by Albert-George Schram director. This is the first professional orchestral concert I participated and the first concert I studied at UNC Greensboro. When I was walking down the street in downtown Charlotte, the wind blew my face and small raindrops were thrown into the air. It looks like Christmas. As a music major at the University of California at Berkeley, I was lucky enough to participate in the concert of the UCB Symphony Orchestra for free. I often participate in the performance and regularly study the music and history related to the orchestra performance, but I will never be surprised by the complexity and beauty of that orchestra. Not only is this instrument completely harmonious, it synchronizes speed and dynamics to create great performance. Listening to these wonderful musicians is almost impossible to believe that such playing is coincidence or coincidence. Comp osers and musicians did not throw random notes in the air, but randomly scattered them into the music staff. Instead, each instrument is precisely adjusted to 440 Hz, and each musician follows certain notes and descriptions of a particular musical score. These memos were written by the composers with contemplation and planning, and the composer may work for these masterpieces for months or years.

Administrative Challenges Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Administrative Challenges - Essay Example Majority of corrections officers are employed by the government of the country they work in, although some are employed by the private sector. The roles of corrections officer can vary from one facility to another, but they usually include maintaining discipline, order, and peace within the facility, implementing the rules and regulations of the facility as well as relevant laws, transporting inmates to other correctional institutions, to courts, or into the community (for example, escorted day-pass, medical appointments, etc.), providing tactical response for hostage-takings, riots, and other ongoing crises and emergencies, providing first-response in events such as medical emergencies, fire, riots, assaults, etc., and search environs and inmates for illegal imports. On the whole, their job is to ensure the control, custody, rehabilitation, and care of persons who have been found guilty of a crime and sentenced to serve time in jail or in a prison or who have been arrested and are a waiting trial while on remand, as well as to ensure the security and safety of the facility where they operate in itself. Being a corrections officer is an honor, since one gets to serve the country and help in maintaining peace and order. Helping an inmate through the process of rehabilitation is also probably a good feeling, knowing that one has played a role in turning somebody into a better person. However, being a corrections officer is also challenging. It is undeniably one of the most stressful jobs there is. A researcher once observed that any social structure or organization which includes a group of individuals who do not want to be there and a group of individuals who see to it that they stay there is a social structure or organization under stress (Brodsky, 1982). This description fits exactly the setting of a jail or prison with inmates who do not want to be there, and corrections officers making sure that they do not escape. Numerous studies and interviews have been co nducted to know more about the stress experienced by corrections officers and the findings show that there are numerous causes of stress, either work-related or organization-related. One of the work-related causes of stress is the threat of violence among or from inmates. Another one is the actual inmate violence, which includes inmates assaulting or killing staff or other inmates, hostage-taking, inmate suicides, and riots. Actual inmate violence not only causes stress for corrections officers as it happens, but also afterwards, as the anxiety of officers is increased after critical happenings by the after effects of job insecurity, blaming, scapegoat-ing, and recriminations (Freeman, 1997). Manipulation attempts and persistent demands by some inmates are also a major source of stress for corrections officers; for example, an inmate makes additional food or cigarette requests with a promise to control other inmates or not to cause any trouble. Problems with co-workers also prove to be stressful; as a matter of fact, according to a survey, 22% or corrections officers regarded â€Å"other officers or staff† as more stressful than any other factor apart from having to deal with inmates that are difficult and aggressive (Marston, 1993). Some of the conditions that can bring about stress among co-workers include officers battling for restricted, choice assignments, improper behavior toward inmates (e.g. taking questionable disciplinary actions, becoming too

FAMILY VIOLENCE AND ABUSE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

FAMILY VIOLENCE AND ABUSE - Essay Example He also threatened to injure maim her. The historical and the current standing posed beyond doubt that Marcia’s life was in great jeopardy and she needed redemption. The case also fulfills the requirement that the aggressor is not the defendant. The deceased aggressed the defendant’s myriad times thus attributing to the retaliation by his wife, Marcia. The obligation of applying just sufficient force in the defense as required by the law was not achievable because the husband threats were recurrent and he would justice only she shut her up for good. Marcia Norman option to end the life of her husband was pegged on her mission to save her life-perfect self-defense, and therefore was legally right. The eminent past and continuous history of mal-abuse by her husband would not allow limited room for her right of freedom from harm (Leverick, 2009). The courts would factually consider immense psychological distress and trauma that Marcia had undergone. According to a witness from the case, after she was asked whether she thought it was correct for Marcia to shoot her husband, she admits that from the examination and the assessment of her records and psychological files, it was exclusively fine for her to do so. She adds that Norman Marcia assumed herself doomed from the torture she endured from her husband. She had a perception of persecution ahead due to the immense social degradation and demeaning that her husband accorded her, and recognized that her death was probably not avoidable in future. The witness also notes the fact that Ms Marcia had attempted suicide before and there was a conviction that she would not succeed in her struggle against her unwavering husband. The witness notes that she believed that the defendant had grown insecure to an extent that he could not have any sense of attachment to her family. She could not run away from the deceased due to his immense power and

Sustainable city Essay Example for Free

Sustainable city Essay Planning gives spice in life. From planning a wedding ceremony, preparing how to pass job interviews, thinking about getting into a relationship, to family meal planning, what course to take in college, buying what cellphone brand you like, what time you are going to start your day, what color would you want to wear when you come to office, and planning what to do to brighten up someone’s day. The famous philosopher Confucius once said that: â€Å"A man who does not think and plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door. † In every aspect of life that needs decision making planning is very essential. So, planning simply means getting away from trouble. Hence, if there is planning then there are set of goals and objectives that need to be attained. Needless to say, the success of the goals and objectives that has been set is the optimal result of planning. Otherwise, somebody who did not plan should be ready to face the consequence of actions done without putting a second thought. But planning is not always about waiting for the good things to come, well, unless of course one is prepared to fail. It could be another story, but who plans to fail anyhow? This is why planning should be defined appropriately. Planning is (1) deciding future course of action from amongst alternatives, (2) is a process that involves making and evaluating each set of interrelated decisions, and (3) selection of missions, objectives and translation of knowledge into action. For some experts in different fields like Alan Lakein, a famous American writer, planning is â€Å"bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now. † On the other hand former president of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower stated that â€Å"plans are nothing; planning is everything. † President Eisenhower also gave necessary points about military planning â€Å"in preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable. † Moreover, cultures have united ideas about how significant planning is. Chinese believe that â€Å"when planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people. † Plato a Greek philosopher once said that â€Å"the beginning is the most important part of the work† wherein planning takes place at the beginning of every project, event, and decision making. The Bible as well says that Lord does planning for his creations especially human beings because good things come to those who have faith in Him like what is written in Jeremiah 29:11 of Today’s International Version of the Bible: â€Å"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. † Since we are aware about what happens if careful planning is done we are also aware that not all things that had been planned always turn out to be the expected results we want to achieve. Meaning planning is not always as rewarding as we though it could be. Otherwise, failure would not exist. Planning without proper application will result to failure. But the quintessential part of planning is, if one plans he or she has already an edge over achieving good results just like what the famous Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes said: â€Å"to be prepared is half the victory. † There are many facets in life that need planning say for example family planning, business planning, financial planning, urban planning, and educational planning. In business, planning is profit and money not bankcruptcy. Family planning means a good and a happy family life. In financial aspect, planning means more savings and not total reliance in credit cards. In urban planning which includes both the aesthetic and safety aspects of a city, planning means sustainable city. For educational planning, parents chose to pay for educational plans just to ensure their children’s future. In general cases, say for example in planning an event to make it successful the organizers put up a separate committee called ad hoc committee just to have people who will be responsible in the planning process. The ad hoc committee is accountable in thinking of possible plans and should carry out means in the realization of the success of the event.

Defining Equality :: Philosophy

Defining Equality The article "We're Not Really Equal," by Thomas Sowell discusses the need to be clear on definitions of important terms when delivering an argument. To draw readers into listening to his main point about clarifying definitions, Sowell chooses an important issue to serve as an example: equality. When introducing this example topic, Sowell makes a clear claim of fact, " 'Equality' is one of the great undefined terms underlying much current controversy and antagonism' (204.) When discussing equality, controversy, and antagonism, Sowell's word choices call a lot of attention to his claim. This emotional appeal may work to catch the attention of a wide audience, but may also put off anybody who doesn't want to spend time reading demanding material. The political direction of his example may confuse readers who start the article thinking this will be a discussion of clarifying definitions, then wonder if the real topic is the lack of equality in a country that supposedly constitutionally g uarantees equality for all. Both the tasks of clarifying terms we all think we understand and discussing equality are difficult. The audience of this article may have to readers with more education than the general population, yet the short sentences, standard word choices, and short overall length would allow a fairly wide readership. The potentially inflammatory subject is what may limit the audience to only readers who agree with Sowell. Perhaps in awareness of these possible limitations, Sowell initiates some general support through an illustration of confusion around defining equality in mathematics. He tells us that mathematical equalities are easily understood because numbers are compared only to other numbers. Despite Sowell's innocuous example, this piece of his argument doesn't seem to be the case in true life. No two people think alike, or share the same history, so how can our thinking processes be compared to something as black and white, and quantifiable as numbers? Another example Sowell brings up is a concept many Americans share that everyone is equal under the law. He is relying on the underlying warrant that North Americans believe in our constitutional rights that the same rules apply to everyone, regardless of wealth, status, education, priviledge, or personal ability. His support grows stronger here because constitutional law is hard to argue against. Defining Equality :: Philosophy Defining Equality The article "We're Not Really Equal," by Thomas Sowell discusses the need to be clear on definitions of important terms when delivering an argument. To draw readers into listening to his main point about clarifying definitions, Sowell chooses an important issue to serve as an example: equality. When introducing this example topic, Sowell makes a clear claim of fact, " 'Equality' is one of the great undefined terms underlying much current controversy and antagonism' (204.) When discussing equality, controversy, and antagonism, Sowell's word choices call a lot of attention to his claim. This emotional appeal may work to catch the attention of a wide audience, but may also put off anybody who doesn't want to spend time reading demanding material. The political direction of his example may confuse readers who start the article thinking this will be a discussion of clarifying definitions, then wonder if the real topic is the lack of equality in a country that supposedly constitutionally g uarantees equality for all. Both the tasks of clarifying terms we all think we understand and discussing equality are difficult. The audience of this article may have to readers with more education than the general population, yet the short sentences, standard word choices, and short overall length would allow a fairly wide readership. The potentially inflammatory subject is what may limit the audience to only readers who agree with Sowell. Perhaps in awareness of these possible limitations, Sowell initiates some general support through an illustration of confusion around defining equality in mathematics. He tells us that mathematical equalities are easily understood because numbers are compared only to other numbers. Despite Sowell's innocuous example, this piece of his argument doesn't seem to be the case in true life. No two people think alike, or share the same history, so how can our thinking processes be compared to something as black and white, and quantifiable as numbers? Another example Sowell brings up is a concept many Americans share that everyone is equal under the law. He is relying on the underlying warrant that North Americans believe in our constitutional rights that the same rules apply to everyone, regardless of wealth, status, education, priviledge, or personal ability. His support grows stronger here because constitutional law is hard to argue against.

Political Order Essay

poTop 20 (+1) List of Political Ideologies You Should Know For APUSH 1. conservative – Generally a trend to maintain a traditional stance on an issue.? For example, if one was culturally conservative in the United States, they would probably be against an issue like girls wearing 6 inch tall pink mohawks to school because it is a traditionally unacceptable hairstyle. If one were fiscally conservative, they would probably be against an excess of government taxing and spending; they would want to? be â€Å"conservative† with their money. 2.liberalism – Only lately used as an opposite to the term conservative; historically, it means to hold individual liberties as the most important social or political goal.? For example, if one were culturally liberal, they would hold that girls could wear 6 inch tall pink mohawks to school because it is that person’s individual choice. If one were fiscally liberal, they would probably be for government spending on stuff like space exploration; even though it is not absolutely necessary for human survival, it is still culturally important. 3. right-wing – Are usually people or ideas that seek to uphold or return the traditional establishment of a civil society and the preservation of the domestic culture, usually in the face of external forces for change. For example, many right-wing thinkers believe that all people in America should legally have to learn English. 4. left-wing – Are usually people who wish to change or abolish the existing political or social order. Sometimes, under this category are people who try to promote equality in wealth and privilege. For example, many left-wing people believe that helping the poor at the expense of the rich is a good thing. 5. socialism – A broad term for any political ideology that promotes collective ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods and services, as opposed to private ownership (like we have in the U. S. , if your dad owns a car factory, he owns it, not the government). Communism is considered socialist. Traditionally, most trade unions can be seen as socialist because the workers â€Å"collectively own† the union. Also, social security can be seen as a socialist because it is a government organized and regulated system. 6. democratic – A system of government by which political control is retained by the people and exercised directly by citizens. Notice the little â€Å"d†. This does not mean the political party. 7. republic – A system of government by which at least some of the people have control over the government and monarchy does not exist. Notice the little â€Å"r†. This does not mean the political party. 8. fascism – A system of government that is heavily authoritarian and nationalistic. 9. authoritarian – describes a form of government that typically emphasizes the sole authority of the state in a republic or union. 10. nationalism – A political movement which holds that a nation, usually defined in terms of ethnicity or culture, has the right to constitute an independent political community based on a shared history and common destiny. 11. radicalism – Usually denotes a drastic shift from the traditional norm, usually to an extreme. 12. libertarianism – Usually a political philosophy which prioritize individual liberty and usually seeks to minimize the state. 13. communism – is a socioeconomic structure that promotes the establishment of an equal, classless based on common ownership of the means of production and property in general. 14. populism – is a political ideology which promotes â€Å"the common people† above or versus â€Å"the privileged†. 15. progressivism – Usually seen as a political response to the Industrial Revolution, socialism, and anarchism; it is a political ideology that strives towards social justice, promotion of democracy, and government efficiency. See Progressive Party. 16. Marxism – A specific flavor of communism derived from the writings of Karl Marx. see communism. 17. federalism (Hamiltonianism) – Alexander Hamilton’s branch of political thought that promotes a strong central government composed of weaker states. This particular flavor also includes very strong governmental intervention in economic issues. 18. Jeffersonian Republicanism – In contrast to the above, a school of thought promoted by Thomas Jefferson that promotes states and individual rights over a strong central government. This flavor usually necessitates a virtuous populace. 19. Jacksonian Democracy – Usually seen as a mixture of the two above, promoted by Andrew Jackson, this system sees an increase of political involvement by the â€Å"common man† and an increase of the powers of a strong federal government. 20. localism – a political or economic philosophy that prioritizes local needs over most else. Example, a city passing a law that the only tomatoes that can be sold must be grown from a local farm is considered localism. 21. anarchism – the promotion of the abolition of all forms of government.

MooBella Case Study Essay

1. What categories of costs would you expect to see in a list of MooBella start-up costs? The categories of costs I would expect to see in a list of MooBella start-up costs are: – Owner’s salary – Employee wages and benefits – Computers, internet, telephone, and other technology – Promotion, advertising, web site hosting – Professional services – Insurance – Debt service – Taxes – Maintenance – Legal/accounting fees – Supplies 2. It took nearly 20 years from idea to market for MooBella. Clearly, it had a long development and start-up period. Reflect on the emotional and other nonmonetary factors that were likely involved for Bruce Ginsberg. MooBella was a seemingly simple concept that was technically complex and cost nearly $85 million in investment capital. Ginsberg was faced with many challenges with the research, development and start-up processes. The machines themselves were very costly, costing approximately $40,000 per machine, and it took 5 years to develop the computer portion alone. 3. What was the mix of funds used by MooBella to get started? Some of the start-up funding included: – Saturn Asset Management–$25 million in equity (2000-2005) – Inventages (Swiss venture firm)–$15 million in 2007 and $18 million in 2009 – Bruce Ginsberg–$1 million – W Health LP–$9 million (November 2010) – Debt–$17.5 million in high-interest loans and convertible notes 4. What are the start-up costs that you would expect to encounter if you were a company that purchased a MooBella machine? I would expect the cost of buying the machine itself, the supplies for the ice cream the machine dispenses, taxes, maintenance, if I buy multiple machines for different locations and hire people to refill and maintain them then employee wages, and debt if I cannot pay out of pocket.

Driver License vs. Drivers License

Driver License vs. Drivers License Driver License vs. Driver’s License Driver License vs. Driver’s License By Maeve Maddox A reader questions the use of the possessive in such constructions as â€Å"doctor’s appointment† and â€Å"driver’s license†: If I take out my state-granted proof of authority to drive an automobile in Oklahoma, the title on that wallet-sized document is Driver License, not Drivers License. I hear a lot of people say that they have a doctors appointment, when, in fact, they have a doctor appointment. It seems to me that the possessive is inappropriate to things such as a Driver License or a doctor appointment, unless, in the latter case, it is the doctor himself talking about his appointment. What do you think? I think that where the use of the English possessive is concerned, trying to make immutable rules about it is like trying to herd cats. The card that permits me to drive in the state of Arkansas until 2017 says â€Å"Driver’s License,† but I saw the photo of an Arkansas license posted at the English Stack Exchange that shows â€Å"Drivers License.† Perhaps it was printed before 2007 when apostrophes came to the attention of the Arkansas General Assembly. The body passed a resolution to the effect that the possessive of Arkansas must be written Arkansas’s and not, as the AP Stylebook would have it, Arkansas’. Maybe that’s when someone decided that while they were codifying apostrophes, â€Å"Drivers License† should be â€Å"Driver’s License.† Since my opinion is being sought, I’ll say that I think it would make more sense to call it a â€Å"driving license† to match â€Å"hunting license† and â€Å"fishing license.† As that’s not going to happen in the United States, I’ll vote for â€Å"driver’s license.† According to the Ngram Viewer, I’m with the majority: â€Å"driver’s license† and â€Å"doctor’s appointment† outstrip â€Å"driver license† and â€Å"doctor appointment† by a mile. Rules are useful, but usage rules. What’s on your driver’s license? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Religious Terms You Should KnowLatin Plural EndingsPreposition Review #1: Chance of vs. Chance for

Arizona Statehood and Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arizona Statehood and Constitution - Essay Example According to Lockwood (2008), the first country that had dominance over Arizona was Spain in the 1500’s. In this period, it established a colony on the ruins of Aztec empire which was named New Spain. In the year 1539, father Marcos de Niza explored Arizona, claiming it for Spain. In the year 1752, Spanish made its first settlement in Tubac after facing a lot of revolts from Papango and Pima tribes. The future colonization of Arizona was anticipated to come from the south making it to part of Mexico. In the year 1756-1763, there was French and Indian war which lasted for seven years due to land disputes was won by Britain. The Spanish gave up west and east Florida to the English for it to get Cuba in return. In the year 1776, a Spanish fort was built at Tucson. United States declared independence in the same year while French declared war against Britain in the year 1778 and made alliance with American revolutionary forces. The year 1783 saw the signing of the treaty of Paris by the Great Britain and the United states. In the year 1812, there was a war between Great Britain and America which ended in stalemate but gave America its independence. In the year 1821 Mexico gained military control of Arizona. The Mexican war was won by the United States in the year 1848 and got gain of all Arizona and north of the Gila River by a treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In the year 1853, the United States purchased the rest of Arizona through the Gadsden Purchase to gain its full control. Copper was discovered in Arizona in the year 1854. The year 1861-1865 saw the emergence of the American Civil War. John Brown invaded Hepers ferry in the year 1859 which brought in motion series of events that led to the outbreak of the civil war. Abraham Lincoln was then elected president and the south succeeded in the year 1861. In the year 1862, the Apaches attacked soldiers at the pass of Apache which began a ten year war with the settlers. The

Business Ethics and Virtue Ethics MOD 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Ethics and Virtue Ethics MOD 3 - Essay Example If a person is not courageous, for instance, he will not overcome the difficulties inherent in the practice of any virtue† (Pury & Lopez, 2010). In simple words, it implies doing what one knows he has to do no matter how demanding or complicated it might seem. Courage takes a number of forms. Examples incorporate the courage to stand for what is true, the courage deal with a personal apprehension, the courage to admit disrespect, the courage to tolerate physical or emotional hurt for self-development, the courage to move ahead through disappointment, and many more. Virtue of Honesty The virtue of honesty is defined as the negation to false reality, that is, â€Å"to pretend that facts are other than they are† (Roberts & Woods, 2010). According to Peikoff, honesty consists of taking the procedure of cognition sincerely, creating an active psyche, and looking for knowledge because one wants it to proceed appropriately rather than making an impression on others. Honesty is linked with the value it tries to achieve because such value should symbolize truth, it cannot be faked. From this perspective, virtues are depicted with respect to what is better for individuals: Virtues are not their own incentive or a type of self-anguish, but a â€Å"selfish necessity in the process of achieving values† (Roberts & Woods, 2010). A virtue such as honesty is not only an inclination to do what is truthful, nor is it to be supportively identified as an advantageous or ethically important character’s attribute. It is certainly a character attribute - that is, a disposition that is deep-rooted within its owner. An honest individual's motives as well as preferences, with respect to honest and dishonest behavior, reveal his views regarding honesty and genuineness - but naturally such views manifest themselves with regard to other behaviors and to emotional responses also. Virtue of Justice While speaking of justice as a virtue, one is usually indicating tow ards a quality of individuals, even if considering the justice of individuals as having some indication towards social justice. Plato treats justice as an â€Å"overarching virtue† (Sandel, 2010) of people as well as of societies, signifying that more or less all issues he would consider as ethical appeared under the perception of justice. However, in contemporary practices, justice includes just a part of individual integrity, and one does not readily imagine people as unjust if they lie. Plato knows individual justice on equivalence with â€Å"justice writ large in the state† (Sandel, 2010), however, he considers the state, or democracy, as a form of organism or beehive, and the justice of people is not thought of as mainly involving orthodoxy to just organizations as well as regulations. Instead, the just person is someone whose psyche is directed by a revelation of the Good, someone in whom rationale rules enthusiasm and aspiration through this sort of a vision. Su ch a formation of individual justice is virtue ethical since it connects justice (or behaving in a just manner) to an inner condition of the person instead of the loyalty to social standards or to good outcomes. Plato and Aristotle both were rationalists because they consider human understanding and ethical causes; in addition, what they state

International Cooperation to Save Aral Sea Article

International Cooperation to Save Aral Sea - Article Example This has beena source of health problems among the residents (Circle of Blue | WaterNews ). As a response, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asks for an international cooperation, particulay involving the regional leaders of Central Asia, however this call has faced several oppositions especially to the proposed hydroelectric power plant in Tajikistan. Calls for regional and international cooperation to support environmental policies have never been easy; whether it is a climate change or other environmental issues. Culprits have never been kind enough to take responsibilities. Even in this case, Uzbekistan has not shown any sign of voluntary effort to save the sea. The United Nations should serve as the parent organization of all the countries and is just fitting to take the initiative. However, what we lack right now is the international environmental law that will cover such issues. Economists have also been in the pursuit of viable solution, particularly solutions that support the individual interest of the states. If we have such type of solution and strong environmental laws, international cooperation will be much more easier.

Sourcing and Securing Talent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sourcing and Securing Talent - Essay Example Delta Service has high hopes for this new division and they want a 'contribution mentality' in place. As the newly appointed HR Manager for this company, I have been tasked to take charge of recruiting and sourcing new talents for the new division. Further, to be able to achieve a 'contribution mentality', I have been tasked to present an appropriate reward and recognition system. With thorough research and analysis, here is the report on how the division will be made. Recruitment and Selection At present time, recruiting new talents to a company is very competitive. Bolton (1997) states that there are many companies who invest on recruitment strategies to make sure they have the best talents on board. Employees are essential and compose a big part of the success of the organization and McKenna & Beech (2009) also agrees with this. And with Delta Service's new division, the company will need both new and experienced employees to form the technological innovation team. The team is to be composed of a Technical Director and three Project Officers. For the position of the Technical Director, we are looking for someone who has at least 10 years of experience in the field. For the Project Officer position, I believe it will be best to get a mix of experienced and new talents. This will allow for a good mix of ideas and creativity. In sourcing for these new employees, it is best to do the outsourcing method. By outsourcing employees, it is more probable to get fresh and new ideas for innovative products say Taplin (2007). However, the Technical Director position is an exception. Insourcing method can be done when looking for a Technical director especially if the person has been with the company for years and completely understands the new strategy of Delta Services. He will make a good leader as he knows the direction and appropriate measures to take with his new team. Here are the categories of employees that are best to employ for the new division of the company: It includes the newly graduated students, employees who has at least two years of work experience in the technological field, former employees of technological companies and employees who has at least 8-10 years of experience as a Technical Director. Now, let us proceed with the recruitment process. Again, recruiting new and quality employees can be a difficult task but definitely not impossible. In the recruitment process, we are to take both old and new strategies to make sure we cover all venues of recruitment. Tyson (1997) & Mathis & Jackson (1991) state that traditional methods include posting job advertisements physically and online and these methods are still very effective up to date. We are also taking in new methods of recruitment to reach more people. If we are to target newly graduates, Delta Services can offer attractive mentored internship programs. We can also launch a recruitment team for a job fair. We can post advertisements and job listings in key areas like colle ges, universities and youth centers. Now, the recruitment for the Technical Director will need to be more specific. The executive search for this position can be done by the board members directly or by hiring an executive search company says Geuetal (2009). Most often, it is best to find a person for this position directly. Again, insourcing an employee for this position is a good decision. However, outsourcing for more experienced Technical Directors can

Single Molecule Magnets and Single Chain Magnets Analysis

Single Molecule Magnets and Single Chain Magnets Analysis The structures and magnetic properties: molecular nanomagnets phenolic oxime complexes GUAN Shengyang Table of Contents (Jump to) 1 Introduction 1.1 Research background 1.2 Introduction to nanomagnets 1.2.1 Single molecule magnet 1.2.2 Single Chain magnet (magnetic nanowires) 1.3 Structure of phenolic oxime and complexes 2 Researches 2.1 Iron complex 2.2 Manganese complexes 2.3 Complex containing cobalt and sodium ions 2.4 Complex containing lanthanide 3 Conclusion 4 Bibliography Abstract The basic concepts needed to understand and model singlechain magnets will also be reviewed. 1 Introduction 1.1 Research background The researches on molecular nanomagnets began from 1990s, when the first single molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)4 was researched by Christougroup of University of Florida. [GS1]This mixed-valent manganese complex was found to have an abnormal high spin ground state of S=10[GS2] and highest blocking temperature (below which temperature could the nanomagnets show magnetic properties) in its family ([Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4], R = various). A large number of SMMs have been reported since then. These[GS3] kind of complexes display the classical property of magnetization hysteresis[GS4] and quantum properties of quantum tunnelling of the magnetization (QTM). These initial discoveries provide a molecular approach to nano-scale magnetism. Following investigation of single molecule magnets (SMMs) and single chain magnets (SCMs) explorers their potential applications in high-density information storage[GS5], quantum computing[GS6], magnetic refrigeration [GS7]and so on. However, to date, nanomagnets discovered have very low blocking temperature (TB). So it is very important to choose appropriate chelate ligands and corresponding metal centres to construct a proper complex with properties to improve blocking temperature (TB) for practical application. Phenolic oxime is a family of compounds with generic structure shown in Figure 1. The phenolate and oxime function groups could form intramolecular hydrogen bonding with its neighbour. These hydrogen bonding resulting in strong coordination effect on metal ions. Such property makes phenolic oxime a good extractant for copper[GS8] in mining industry. Detailed discussion of the phenolic oxime complex structure will be introduced in SECTION 1.3 . Figure 1 general structure of phenolic oxime In this review, knowledge of nanomagnets will be introduced firstly to provide an overview of this field. Then the structure and magnetic properties of compounds with phenolic oxime ligand will be introduced. New techniques applied in synthesis will also be included. It is hoped that this review could be used to assess the potential of phenolic oxime ligand in high performance nanomagnets. 1.2 Introduction to nanomagnets 1.2.1 Single molecule magnet It is helpful to describe the basic theory of SMM with an example. The first single molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn12O12(O2CCH3 )16(H2O) 4] 4H2O ·2CH3CO2H[GS9] was determined to have an S=10 ground spin state, which is contributed by the antiferromagnetic interactions between 4 MnIV ions and 8 MnIII ions[GS10]. However, not like normal size magnet, SMM shows slow magnetic relaxation below a characteristic blocking temperature. This phenomenon is explained by the exist of an energy barrier in reorientation process of magnetic moment. Sessoli et.al. confirmed there exists a relatively large zero-field splitting in this molecule by high-field EPR experiments with a CO2 far-infrared laser. This axial zero-field splitting leads to a splitting of the S=10 state into 21 levels: -10 , -9 , -8, -7, -6 , -5†¦0, 1, 2, 3†¦8, 9, 10. Each level is characterized by a spin projection quantum number ms, corresponding potential energy: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦..(1) D:axial zero-field splitting parameter. In [Mn12O12(O2CCH3 )16(H2O) 4] 4H2O ·2CH3CO2H D=-0.5cm-1 Figure 2 Figure 1. PovRay representation of the core of[Mn12O12(O2CCH3 )16(H2O) 4] 4H2O ·2CH3CO2H, showing the relative positions of the MnIV ions (shaded circles), MnIII ions (solid circles), and  µ3-O2 bridges (open circles[GS11]). Figure 3: Plot of potential energy of different spin state versus magnetization direction From Figure 3, it could be known that the splitting of potential energy levels resulting in a potential energy barrier in the process of changing the magnetic moment. For the example SMM, this barrier equals to E(ms=0)-E(ms=à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ±10à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡)=100D. Due to the small value of D, this barrier could be easily crossed in room temperature. If sample SMM is magnetized at 1.5K, the magnetic relaxation time becomes too long to measure. When fitted into Arrhenius relationship: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦(2) The magnetic anisotropy of the SMM is caused by the structure of the eight MnIII ions. Each MnIII ion with in octahedral crystal shows Jahn–Teller distortion. These distortion[GS12] together with spin-orbital interaction give rise to the easy axis type of magnetoanisotropy. To conclude, a typical SMM consists of an inner magnetic core with a surrounding shell of organic ligands. The desired SMM requires well isolated system which exhibit high spin ground state (S) with a high magnetic anisotropy of the easy-axis (Ising) type. The difficulty is: high spin ground state often requests for several nucleuses, but the magnetic orientation of each nuclei tends to obey Maximum Entropy Models. In this way, the highest magnetoanisotropy of a molecule couldn’t be achieved easily. Some researches show that replacing magnetic core with lanthanide[GS13] ions or using single nuclearity spincluster [GS14]could avoid this problem. Their approaches will be discussed in SECTION 2. 1.2.2 Single Chain magnet (magnetic nanowires) While clusters of SMM can be considered as zero dimensional material, it is possible that one dimensional materials such as nanowires exhibit slow magnetic relaxation and hysteresis effects which are not associated with three-dimensional (3D) order. At 1963, Glauber[GS15] predicted one dimension Ising model (easy axial) would show magnetization relaxation under low temperature. Due to insufficient knowledge in this area and stringent conditions required in the synthesis procedure, chemist wasn’t be able to find any evidences to support or against the prediction, until Gatteschi et al successfully synthesis [Co(hfac)2(NITPhOMe[GS16])] in 2001. Figure 4 Structure of NITPhOMe=4†²-methoxy-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide Figure 5 Drawing of unit cell of[Co(hfac)2(NITPhOMe)2]. Large dark spheres represent the metal ions. Hydrogen, fluorine, and most of the methyl carbon atoms have been omitted for clarity The structure of the SCM consists of Co(hfac)2 and radicals arranged in helices alternately( Figure 5). In this one dimensional structure, the magnetic core (octahedral cobalt(II) centres) has overall S=1/2 and shows easy axis of magnetization in the chain direction[SG17]. Detailed analysis of spectrums could be found in Caneschi’s report in 2001. To conclude, three essential conditions are need for design SCMs: 1) the ratio of the interaction and interactions is very large. 2) the material must behave as a 1D Ising ferro- or ferrimagnet. This requires the building block or the core of the chain have large ground state spin. 3) the interchain interactions should be minimized to avoid the magnetism of the material be associated with three-dimensional (3D) order. This final condition also apply for SMMs. 1.3 Structure of phenolic oxime and complexes Metal complexes with a planar, electronically delocalized structure have proven particularly attractive for development of cooperative electronic properties because of the strong molecule–molecule interactions that can arise from Ï€-stacking of the planar units 2 Researches 2.1 3d nanomagnet Many 3d nanomagnets have been synthesized and researched on since the first SMM was discovered. f hexanuclear MnIII SMMs based on the complex [MnIII6O2(sao)6(O2CH)2(EtOH)4](saoH2=salicylaldoxime[GS18])9-12 Spin Switching via Targeted Structural Distortion 2.2 Iron complex Variation of alkyl groups on the ligand fromt-octyl ton-propyl enabled electronic isolation of the complexes in the crystal structures of M(L1)2contrasting with Ï€-stacking interactions for M(L2)2(M = Ni, Cu). This was evidenced by a one-dimensional antiferromagnetic chain for Cu(L2)2but ideal paramagnetic behaviour for Cu(L1)2down to 1.8 K. 2.3 Complex containing cobalt and sodium ions 2.4 Complex containing lanthanide Although many magnetic transition metal complexes have been synthesised, the temperature required for transition metal complex to exhibit magnetization relaxation (i.e. blocking temperature) is too low. Hence lanthanide metals were introduced to the complex to increase the blocking temperature. 4 Bibliography [GS1]R. Sessoli, H.-L. Tsai, A.R. Schake, S. Wang,  J.B. Vincent, K. Folting, D. Gatteschi, G. Christou,  and D.N. Hendrickson, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115  (1993) p. 1804. Sessoli, R.; Tsai, H.-L.; Schake, A.R.; Wang, S.; Vincent, J.B.; Folting, K.; Gatteschi, D.; Christou, G.; Hendrickson, D.N.J. Am. Chem. Soc.1993, 115, 1804-1816.  [GS2]à ¥Ã‚ Ã…’à ¤Ã‚ ¸Ã…  Ãƒ ¦-†¡ [GS3]Resonant magnetization tunnelling in the half-integer-spin single-molecule magnet [PPh4][Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)4] â€Å"Spin Tweaking† of a High-Spin Molecule: An Mn25Single-Molecule Magnet with anS=61/2 Ground State New Routes to Polymetallic Clusters: Fluoride-Based Tri-, Deca-, and Hexaicosametallic MnIIIClusters and their Magnetic Properties Molecular Cube of ReIIand MnIIThat Exhibits Single-Molecule Magnetism Syntheses, structures and single-molecule magnetic behaviors of two dicubane Mn4complexes [GS4]Macroscopic Measurement of Resonant Magnetization Tunneling in High-Spin Molecules

Use of the Dramatic Monologue in Porphyrias Lover and My Last Duchess

In 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess', Browning uses several features of dramatic monologue in order to engage and sustain the interest of the audience. This style of monologue is spoken by a character, which is not the poet, and is usually projected at a critical moment, as in the case of 'My Last Duchess' and 'Porphyria's Lover'. The speakers unintentionally reveal their insanity, in both poems, through their separate accounts. By making a comparison of the two poems, it becomes clear that Browning has used similar disturbing themes to illustrate what an individual is capable of doing. Browning's work is known to be an example of dramatic monologue, with this being the way in which he is able to portray the insanity of his characters. By using the technique of dramatic monologue in 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess', the reader is immediately given an image of both of the narrators' subjects. The opening line is vital to any poem, as it has the potential to instantly interest the reader. "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall" begins 'My Last Duchess' halfway through the conversation, leaving the audience eager to determine to whom the speaker is talking to. This statement also hints that the story of his "last duchess" will follow, thus sustaining the interest of the audience. By using dramatic monologue in 'My Last Duchess', the reader feels personally involved in the scene, as if the Duke is directly talking to him. In fact the Duke is speaking to an emissary, who has been sent by a Count to see whether the Duke is an appropriate suitor for his daughter. The lack of response from this envoy however gives the... ...g more of a passionate poem. The poem also uses iamic tetrameter, in order to stress the importance of different syllables of words in the poem. 'Porphyria's Lover' concludes with a rhyming couplet in order to tidy up and close the piece. In conclusion, Browning uses dramatic monologue in 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess' in order to engage and sustain the interest of the audience. Various factors, such as the state of mind of both characters, use of language (particularly imagery) and the lay out of the poem contributed to the effectiveness of the poems. When studying comparisons and contrasts in the poems, it becomes clear that Browning has used the same methods of aiming to disturb the reader in both 'Porphyria's Lover' and 'My Last Duchess', although different ways in which to alarm the audience are used.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 20. COMPROMISE

EVERYTHING WAS READY. I was packed for my two-day visit with â€Å"Alice,† and my bag waited for me on the passenger seat of my truck. I'd given the concert tickets to Angela, Ben, and Mike. Mike was going to take Jessica, which was exactly as I'd hoped. Billy had borrowed Old Quil Ateara's boat and invited Charlie down for some open sea fishing before the afternoon game started. Collin and Brady, the two youngest werewolves, were staying behind to protect La Push – though they were just children, both of them only thirteen. Still, Charlie would be safer than anyone left in Forks. I had done all that I could do. I tried to accept that, and put the things that were outside of my control out of my head, for tonight at least. One way or another, this would all be over in forty-eight hours. The thought was almost comforting. Edward had requested that I relax, and I was going to do my best. â€Å"For this one night, could we try to forget everything besides just you and me?† he'd pleaded, unleashing the full force of his eyes on me. â€Å"It seems like I can never get enough time like that. I need to be with you. Just you.† That was not a hard request to agree to, though I knew that forgetting my fears would be much easier said than done. Other matters were on my mind now, knowing that we had this night to be alone, and that would help. There were some things that had changed. For instance, I was ready. I was ready to join his family and his world. The fear and guilt and anguish I was feeling now had taught me that much. I'd had a chance to concentrate on this – as I'd gazed at the moon through the clouds and rested against a werewolf – and I knew I would not panic again. The next time something came at us, I would be ready. An asset, not a liability. He would never have to make the choice between me and his family again. We would be partners, like Alice and Jasper. Next time, I would do my part. I would wait for the sword to be removed from over my head, so that Edward would be satisfied. But it wasn't necessary. I was ready. There was only one missing piece. One piece, because there were some things that had not changed, and that included the desperate way I loved him. I'd had plenty of time to think through the ramifications of Jasper and Emmett's bet – to figure out the things I was willing to lose with my humanity, and the part that I was not willing to give up. I knew which human experience I was going to insist on before I became inhuman. So we had some things to work out tonight. After everything I'd seen in the past two years, I didn't believe in the word impossible anymore. It was going to take more than that to stop me now. Okay, well, honestly, it was probably going to be much more complicated than that. But I was going to try. As decided as I was, I wasn't surprised that I still felt nervous as I drove down the long path to his house – I didn't know how to do what I was trying to do, and that guaranteed me some serious jitters. He sat in the passenger seat, fighting a smile at my slow pace. I was surprised that he hadn't insisted on taking the wheel, but tonight he seemed content to go at my speed. It was after dark when we reached the house. In spite of that, the meadow was bright in the light shining from every window. As soon as I cut the engine he was at my door, opening it for me. He lifted me from the cab with one arm, slinging my bag out of the truck bed and over his shoulder with the other. His lips found mine as I heard him kick the truck's door shut behind me. Without breaking the kiss, he swung me up so that I was cradled in his arms and carried me into the house. Was the front door already open? I didn't know. We were inside, though, and I was dizzy. I had to remind myself to breathe. This kissing did not frighten me. It wasn't like before when I could feel the fear and panic leaking through his control. His lips were not anxious, but enthusiastic now – he seemed as thrilled as I was that we had tonight to concentrate on being together. He continued to kiss me for several minutes, standing there in the entry; he seemed less guarded than usual, his mouth cold and urgent on mine. I began to feel cautiously optimistic. Perhaps getting what I wanted would not be as difficult as I'd expected it to be. No, of course it was going to be just exactly that difficult. With a low chuckle, he pulled me away, holding me at arm's length. â€Å"Welcome home,† he said, his eyes liquid and warm. â€Å"That sounds nice,† I said, breathless. He set me gently on my feet. I wrapped both my arms around him, refusing to allow any space between us. â€Å"I have something for you,† he said, his tone conversational. â€Å"Oh?† â€Å"Your hand-me-down, remember? You said that was allowable.† â€Å"Oh, that's right. I guess I did say that.† He chuckled at my reluctance. â€Å"It's up in my room. Shall I go get it?† His bedroom? â€Å"Sure,† I agreed, feeling quite devious as I wound my fingers through his. â€Å"Let's go.† He must have been eager to give me my non-present, because human velocity was not fast enough for him. He scooped me up again and nearly flew up the stairs to his room. He set me down at the door, and darted into his closet. He was back before I'd taken a step, but I ignored him and went to the huge gold bed, plopping down on the edge and then sliding to the center. I curled up in a ball, my arms wrapped around my knees. â€Å"Okay,† I grumbled. Now that I was where I wanted to be, I could afford a little reluctance. â€Å"Let me have it.† Edward laughed. He climbed onto the bed to sit next to me, and my heart thumped unevenly. Hopefully he would write that off as some reaction to him giving me presents. â€Å"A hand-me-down,† he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left wrist away from my leg, and touched the silver bracelet for just a moment. Then he gave me my arm back. I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the chain from the wolf, there now hung a brilliant heart- shaped crystal. It was cut in a million facets, so that even in the subdued light shining from the lamp, it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp. â€Å"It was my mother's.† He shrugged deprecatingly. â€Å"I inherited quite a few baubles like this. I've given some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a big deal in any way.† I smiled ruefully at his assurance. â€Å"But I thought it was a good representation,† he continued. â€Å"It's hard and cold.† He laughed. â€Å"And it throws rainbows in the sunlight.† â€Å"You forgot the most important similarity,† I murmured. â€Å"It's beautiful.† â€Å"My heart is just as silent,† he mused. â€Å"And it, too, is yours.† I twisted my wrist so the heart would glimmer. â€Å"Thank you. For both.† â€Å"No, thank you. It's a relief to have you accept a gift so easily. Good practice for you, too.† He grinned, flashing his teeth. I leaned into him, ducking my head under his arm and cuddling into his side. It probably felt similar to snuggling with Michelangelo's David, except that this perfect marble creature wrapped his arms around me to pull me closer. It seemed like a good place to start. â€Å"Can we discuss something? I'd appreciate it if you could begin by being open-minded.† He hesitated for a moment. â€Å"I'll give it my best effort,† he agreed, cautious now. â€Å"I'm not breaking any rules here,† I promised. â€Å"This is strictly about you and me.† I cleared my throat. â€Å"So . . . I was impressed by how well we were able to compromise the other night. I was thinking I would like to apply the same principle to a different situation.† I wondered why I was being so formal. Must be the nerves. â€Å"What would you like to negotiate?† he asked, a smile in his voice. I struggled, trying to find exactly the right words to open with. â€Å"Listen to your heart fly,† he murmured. â€Å"It's fluttering like a hummingbird's wings. Are you all right?† â€Å"I'm great.† â€Å"Please go on then,† he encouraged. â€Å"Well, I guess, first, I wanted to talk to you about that whole ridiculous marriage condition thing.† â€Å"It's only ridiculous to you. What about it?† â€Å"I was wondering . . . is that open to negotiation?† Edward frowned, serious now. â€Å"I've already made the largest concession by far and away – I've agreed to take your life away against my better judgment. And that ought to entitle me to a few compromises on your part.† â€Å"No.† I shook my head, focusing on keeping my face composed. â€Å"That part's a done deal. We're not discussing my . . . renovations right now. I want to hammer out some other details.† He looked at me suspiciously. â€Å"Which details do you mean exactly?† I hesitated. â€Å"Let's clarify your prerequisites first.† â€Å"You know what I want.† â€Å"Matrimony.† I made it sound like a dirty word. â€Å"Yes.† He smiled a wide smile. â€Å"To start with.† The shock spoiled my carefully composed expression. â€Å"There's more?† â€Å"Well,† he said, and his face was calculating. â€Å"If you're my wife, then what's mine is yours . . . like tuition money. So there would be no problem with Dartmouth.† â€Å"Anything else? While you're already being absurd?† â€Å"I wouldn't mind some time.† â€Å"No. No time. That's a deal breaker right there.† He sighed longingly. â€Å"Just a year or two?† I shook my head, my lips set in a stubborn frown. â€Å"Move along to the next one.† â€Å"That's it. Unless you'd like to talk cars . . .† He grinned widely when I grimaced, then took my hand and began playing with my fingers. â€Å"I didn't realize there was anything else you wanted besides being transformed into a monster yourself. I'm extremely curious.† His voice was low and soft. The slight edge would have been hard to detect if I hadn't known it so well. I paused, staring at his hand on mine. I still didn't know how to begin. I felt his eyes watching me and I was afraid to look up. The blood began to burn in my face. His cool fingers brushed my cheek. â€Å"You're blushing?† he asked in surprise. I kept my eyes down. â€Å"Please, Bella, the suspense is painful.† I bit my lip. â€Å"Bella.† His tone reproached me now, reminded me that it was hard for him when I kept my thoughts to myself. â€Å"Well, I'm a little worried . . . about after,† I admitted, finally looking at him. I felt his body tense, but his voice was gentle and velvet. â€Å"What has you worried?† â€Å"All of you just seem so convinced that the only thing I'm going to be interested in, afterward, is slaughtering everyone in town,† I confessed, while he winced at my choice of words. â€Å"And I'm afraid I'll be so preoccupied with the mayhem that I won't be me anymore . . . and that I won't . . . I won't want you the same way I do now.† â€Å"Bella, that part doesn't last forever,† he assured me. He was missing the point. â€Å"Edward,† I said, nervous, staring at a freckle on my wrist. â€Å"There's something that I want to do before I'm not human anymore.† He waited for me to continue. I didn't. My face was all hot. â€Å"Whatever you want,† he encouraged, anxious and completely clueless. â€Å"Do you promise?† I muttered, knowing my attempt to trap him with his words was not going to work, but unable to resist. â€Å"Yes,† he said. I looked up to see that his eyes were earnest and confused. â€Å"Tell me what you want, and you can have it.† I couldn't believe how awkward and idiotic I felt. I was too innocent – which was, of course, central to the discussion. I didn't have the faintest idea how to be seductive. I would just have to settle for flushed and self-conscious. â€Å"You,† I mumbled almost incoherently. â€Å"I'm yours.† He smiled, still oblivious, trying to hold my gaze as I looked away again. I took a deep breath and shifted forward so that I was kneeling on the bed. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He kissed me back, bewildered but willing. His lips were gentle against mine, and I could tell his mind was elsewhere – trying to figure out what was on my mind. I decided he needed a hint. My hands were slightly shaky as I unlocked my arms from around his neck. My fingers slid down his neck to the collar of his shirt. The trembling didn't help as I tried to hurry to undo the buttons before he stopped me. His lips froze, and I could almost hear the click in his head as he put together my words and my actions. He pushed me away at once, his face heavily disapproving. â€Å"Be reasonable, Bella.† â€Å"You promised – whatever I wanted,† I reminded him without hope. â€Å"We're not having this discussion.† He glared at me while he refastened the two buttons I'd managed to open. My teeth clamped together. â€Å"I say we are,† I growled. I moved my hands to my blouse and yanked open the top button. He grabbed my wrists and pinned them to my sides. â€Å"I say we're not,† he said flatly. We glowered at each other. â€Å"You wanted to know,† I pointed out. â€Å"I thought it would be something faintly realistic.† â€Å"So you can ask for any stupid, ridiculous thing you want – like getting married – but I'm not allowed to even discuss what I -â€Å" While I was ranting, he pulled my hands together to restrain them in just one of his, and put his other hand over my mouth. â€Å"No.† His face was hard. I took a deep breath to steady myself. And, as the anger began to fade, I felt something else. It took me a minute to recognize why I was staring down again, the blush returning – why my stomach felt uneasy, why there was too much moisture in my eyes, why I suddenly wanted to run from the room. Rejection washed through me, instinctive and strong. I knew it was irrational. He'd been very clear on other occasions that my safety was the only factor. Yet I'd never made myself quite so vulnerable before. I scowled at the golden comforter that matched his eyes and tried to banish the reflex reaction that told me I was unwanted and unwantable. Edward sighed. The hand over my mouth moved under my chin, and he pulled my face up until I had to look at him. â€Å"What now?† â€Å"Nothing,† I mumbled. He scrutinized my face for long moment while I tried unsuccessfully to twist away from his gaze. His brow furrowed, and his expression became horrified. â€Å"Did I hurt your feelings?† he asked, shocked. â€Å"No,† I lied. So quickly that I wasn't even sure how it happened, I was in his arms, my face cradled between his shoulder and his hand, while his thumb stroked reassuringly against my cheek. â€Å"You know why I have to say no,† he murmured. â€Å"You know that I want you, too.† â€Å"Do you?† I whispered, my voice full of doubt. â€Å"Of course I do, you silly, beautiful, oversensitive girl.† He laughed once, and then his voice was bleak. â€Å"Doesn't everyone? I feel like there's a line behind me, jockeying for position, waiting for me to make a big enough mistake. . . . You're too desirable for your own good.† â€Å"Who's being silly now?† I doubted if awkward, self-conscious, and inept added up to desirable in anyone's book. â€Å"Do I have to send a petition around to get you to believe? Shall I tell you whose names would be on the top of the list? You know a few of them, but some might surprise you.† I shook my head against his chest, grimacing. â€Å"You're just trying to distract me. Let's get back to the subject.† He sighed. â€Å"Tell me if I have anything wrong.† I tried to sound detached. â€Å"Your demands are marriage† – I couldn't say the word without making a face – â€Å"paying my tuition, more time, and you wouldn't mind if myvehicle went a little faster.† I raised my eyebrows. â€Å"Did I get everything? That's a hefty list.† â€Å"Only the first is a demand.† He seemed to be having a hard time keeping a straight face. â€Å"The others are merely requests.† â€Å"And my lone, solitary little demand is -â€Å" â€Å"Demand?† he interrupted, suddenly serious again. â€Å"Yes, demand.† His eyes narrowed. â€Å"Getting married is a stretch for me. I'm not giving in unless I get something in return.† He leaned down to whisper in my ear. â€Å"No,† he murmured silkily. â€Å"It's not possible now. Later, when you're less breakable. Be patient, Bella.† I tried to keep my voice firm and reasonable. â€Å"But that's the problem. It won't be the same when I'm less breakable. I won't be the same! I don't know who I'll be then.† â€Å"You'll still be Bella,† he promised. I frowned. â€Å"If I'm so far gone that I'd want to kill Charlie – that I'd drink Jacob's blood or Angela's if I got the chance – how can that be true?† â€Å"It will pass. And I doubt you'll want to drink the dog's blood.† He pretended to shudder at the thought. â€Å"Even as a newborn, you'll have better taste than that.† I ignored his attempt to sidetrack me. â€Å"But that will always be what I want most, won't it?† I challenged. â€Å"Blood, blood, and more blood!† â€Å"The fact that you are still alive is proof that that is not true,† he pointed out. â€Å"Over eighty years later,† I reminded him. â€Å"What I meant was physically, though. Intellectually, I know I'll be able to be myself . . . after a while. But just purely physically – I will always be thirsty, more than anything else.† He didn't answer. â€Å"So I will be different,† I concluded unopposed. â€Å"Because right now, physically, there's nothing I want more than you. More than food or water or oxygen. Intellectually, I have my priorities in a slightly more sensible order. But physically . . .† I twisted my head to kiss the palm of his hand. He took a deep breath. I was surprised that it sounded a little unsteady. â€Å"Bella, I could kill you,† he whispered. â€Å"I don't think you could.† Edward's eyes tightened. He lifted his hand from my face and reached quickly behind himself for something I couldn't see. There was a muffled snapping sound, and the bed quivered beneath us. Something dark was in his hand; he held it up for my curious examination. It was a metal flower, one of the roses that adorned the wrought iron posts and canopy of his bed frame. His hand closed for a brief second, his fingers contracting gently, and then it opened again. Without a word, he offered me the crushed, uneven lump of black metal. It was a cast of the inside of his hand, like a piece of play dough squeezed in a child's fist. A half-second passed, and the shape crumbled into black sand in his palm. I glared. â€Å"That's not what I meant. I already know how strong you are. You didn't have to break the furniture.† â€Å"What did you mean then?† he asked in a dark voice, tossing the handful of iron sand to the corner of the room; it hit the wall with a sound like rain. His eyes were intent on my face as I struggled to explain. â€Å"Obviously not that you aren't physically able hurt me, if you wanted to . . . More that, you don't want to hurt me . . . so much so that I don't think that you ever could.† He started shaking his head before I was done. â€Å"It might not work like that, Bella.† â€Å"Might,† I scoffed. â€Å"You have no more idea what you're talking about than I do.† â€Å"Exactly. Do you imagine I would ever take that kind of risk with you?† I stared into his eyes for a long minute. There was no sign of compromise, no hint of indecision in them. â€Å"Please,† I finally whispered, hopeless. â€Å"It's all I want. Please.† I closed my eyes in defeat, waiting for the quick and final no. But he didn't answer immediately. I hesitated in disbelief, stunned to hear that his breathing was uneven again. I opened my eyes, and his face was torn. â€Å"Please?† I whispered again, my heartbeat picking up speed. My words tumbled out as I rushed to take advantage of the sudden uncertainty in his eyes. â€Å"You don't have to make me any guarantees. If it doesn't work out right, well, then that's that. Just let us try . . . only try. And I'll give you what you want,† I promised rashly. â€Å"I'll marry you. I'll let you pay for Dartmouth, and I won't complain about the bribe to get me in. You can even buy me a fast car if that makes you happy! Just . . . please.† His icy arms tightened around me, and his lips were at my ear; his cool breath made me shiver. â€Å"Thisis unbearable. So many things I've wanted to give you – and this is what you decide to demand. Do you have any idea how painful it is, trying to refuse you when you plead with me this way?† â€Å"Then don't refuse,† I suggested breathlessly. He didn't respond. â€Å"Please,† I tried again. â€Å"Bella . . .† He shook his head slowly, but it didn't feel like a denial as his face, his lips, moved back and forth across my throat. It felt more like surrender. My heart, racing already, spluttered frantically. Again, I took what advantage I could. When his face turned toward mine with the slow movement of his indecision, I twisted quickly in his arms till my lips reached his. His hands seized my face, and I thought he was going to push me away again. I was wrong. His mouth was not gentle; there was a brand-new edge of conflict and desperation in the way his lips moved. I locked my arms around his neck, and, to my suddenly overheated skin, his body felt colder than ever. I trembled, but it was not from the chill. He didn't stop kissing me. I was the one who had to break away, gasping for air. Even then his lips did not leave my skin, they just moved to my throat. The thrill of victory was a strange high; it made me feel powerful. Brave. My hands weren't unsteady now; I got through with the buttons on his shirt this time easily, and my fingers traced the perfect planes of his icy chest. He was too beautiful. What was the word he'd used just now? Unbearable – that was it. His beauty was too much to bear. . . . I pulled his mouth back to mine, and he seemed just as eager as I was. One of his hands still cupped my face, his other arm was tight around my waist, straining me closer to him. It made it slightly more difficult as I tried to reach the front of my shirt, but not impossible. Cold iron fetters locked around my wrists, and pulled my hands above my head, which was suddenly on a pillow. His lips were at my ear again. â€Å"Bella,† he murmured, his voice warm and velvet. â€Å"Would you please stop trying to take your clothes off?† â€Å"Do you want to do that part?† I asked, confused. â€Å"Not tonight,† he answered softly. His lips were slower now against my cheek and jaw, all the urgency gone. â€Å"Edward, don't -,† I started to argue. â€Å"I'm not saying no,† he reassured me. â€Å"I'm just saying not tonight.† I thought about that while my breathing slowed. â€Å"Give me one good reason why tonight is not as good as any other night.† I was still breathless; it made the frustration in my voice less impressive. â€Å"I wasn't born yesterday.† He chuckled inmy ear. â€Å"Out of the two of us, which do you think is more unwilling to give the other what they want? You just promised to marry me before you do any changing, but if I give in tonight, what guarantee do I have that you won't go running off to Carlisle in the morning? I am – clearly – much less reluctant to give you what you want. Therefore . . . you first.† I exhaled with a loud huff. â€Å"I have to marry you first?† I asked in disbelief. â€Å"That's the deal – take it or leave it. Compromise, remember?† His arms wrapped around me, and he began kissing me in a way that should be illegal. Too persuasive – it was duress, coercion. I tried to keep a clear head . . . and failed quickly and absolutely. â€Å"I think that's a really bad idea,† I gasped when he let me breathe. â€Å"I'm not surprised you feel that way.† He smirked. â€Å"You have a one-track mind.† â€Å"How did this happen?† I grumbled. â€Å"I thought I was holding my own tonight – for once – and now, all of a sudden -â€Å" â€Å"You're engaged,† he finished. â€Å"Ew! Please don't say that out loud.† â€Å"Are you going back on your word?† he demanded. He pulled away to read my face. His expression was entertained. He was having fun. I glared at him, trying to ignore the way his smile made my heart react. â€Å"Are you?† he pressed. â€Å"Ugh!† I groaned. â€Å"No. I'm not. Are you happy now?† His smile was blinding. â€Å"Exceptionally.† I groaned again. â€Å"Aren't you happy at all?† He kissed me again before I could answer. Another too-persuasive kiss. â€Å"A little bit,† I admitted when I could speak. â€Å"But not about getting married.† He kissed me another time. â€Å"Do you get the feeling that everything is backward?† he laughed in my ear. â€Å"Traditionally, shouldn't you be arguing my side, and I yours?† â€Å"There isn't much that's traditional about you and me.† â€Å"True.† He kissed me again, and kept going until my heart was racing and my skin was flushed. â€Å"Look, Edward,† I murmured, my voice wheedling, when he paused to kiss the palm of my hand. â€Å"I said I would marry you, and I will. I promise. I swear. If you want, I'll sign a contract in my own blood.† â€Å"Not funny,† he murmured against the inside of my wrist. â€Å"What I'm saying is this – I'm not going to trick you or anything. You know me better than that. So there's really no reason to wait. We're completely alone – how often does that happen? – and you've provided this very large and comfortable bed. . . .† â€Å"Not tonight,† he said again. â€Å"Don't you trust me?† â€Å"Of course I do.† Using the hand that he was still kissing, I pulled his face back up to where I could see his expression. â€Å"Then what's the problem? It's not like you didn't know you were going to win in the end.† I frowned and muttered, â€Å"You always win.† â€Å"Just hedging my bets,† he said calmly. â€Å"There's something else,† I guessed, my eyes narrowing. There was a defensiveness about his face, a faint hint of some secret motive he was trying to hide behind his casual manner. â€Å"Are you planning to go back on your word?† â€Å"No,† he promised solemnly. â€Å"I swear to you, we will try. After you marry me.† I shook my head, and laughed glumly. â€Å"You make me feel like a villain in a melodrama – twirling my mustache while I try to steal some poor girl's virtue.† His eyes were wary as they flashed across my face, then he quickly ducked down to press his lips against my collarbone. â€Å"That's it, isn't it?† The short laugh that escaped me was more shocked than amused. â€Å"You're trying to protect your virtue!† I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle the giggle that followed. The words were so . . . old-fashioned. â€Å"No, silly girl,† he muttered against my shoulder. â€Å"I'm trying to protect yours. And you're making it shockinglydifficult.† â€Å"Of all the ridiculous -â€Å" â€Å"Let me ask you something,† he interrupted quickly. â€Å"We've had this discussion before, but humor me. How many people in this room have a soul? A shot at heaven, or whatever there is after this life?† â€Å"Two,† I answered immediately, my voice fierce. â€Å"All right. Maybe that's true. Now, there's a world full of dissension about this, but the vast majority seem to think that there are some rules that have to be followed.† â€Å"Vampire rules aren't enough for you? You want to worry about the human ones too?† â€Å"It couldn't hurt.† He shrugged. â€Å"Just in case.† I glared at him through narrowed eyes. â€Å"Now, of course, it might be too late for me, even if you are right about my soul.† â€Å"No, it isn't,† I argued angrily. â€Å"‘Thou shalt not kill' is commonly accepted by most major belief systems. And I've killed a lot of people, Bella.† â€Å"Only the bad ones.† He shrugged. â€Å"Maybe that counts, maybe it doesn't. But you haven't killed anyone -â€Å" â€Å"That you know about,† I muttered. He smiled, but otherwise ignored the interruption. â€Å"And I'm going to do my best to keep you out of temptation's way.† â€Å"Okay. But we weren't fighting over committing murder,† I reminded him. â€Å"The same principle applies – the only difference is that this is the one area in which I'm just as spotless as you are. Can't I leave one rule unbroken?† â€Å"One?† â€Å"You know that I've stolen, I've lied, I've coveted . . . my virtue is all I have left.† He grinned crookedly. â€Å"I lie all the time.† â€Å"Yes, but you're such a bad liar that it doesn't really count. Nobody believes you.† â€Å"I really hope you're wrong about that – because otherwise Charlie is about to burst through the door with a loaded gun.† â€Å"Charlie is happier when he pretends to swallow your stories. He'd rather lie to himself than look too closely.† He grinned at me. â€Å"But what did you ever covet?† I asked doubtfully. â€Å"You have everything.† â€Å"I coveted you.† His smile darkened. â€Å"I had no right to want you – but I reached out and took you anyway. And now look what's become of you! Trying to seduce a vampire.† He shook his head in mock horror. â€Å"You can covet what's already yours,† I informed him. â€Å"Besides, I thought it was my virtue you were worried about.† â€Å"It is. If it's too late for me . . . Well, I'll be damned – no pun intended – if I'll let them keep you out, too.† â€Å"You can't make me go somewhere you won't be,† I vowed. â€Å"That's my definition of hell. Anyway, I have an easy solution to all this: let's never die, all right?† â€Å"Sounds simple enough. Why didn't I think of that?† He smiled at me until I gave up with an angry humph. â€Å"So that's it. You won't sleep with me until we're married.† â€Å"Technically, I can't ever sleep with you.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"Very mature, Edward.† â€Å"But, other than that detail, yes, you've got it right.† â€Å"I think you have an ulterior motive.† His eyes widened innocently. â€Å"Another one?† â€Å"You know this will speed things up,† I accused. He tried not to smile. â€Å"There is only one thing I want to speed up, and the rest can wait forever . . . but for that, it's true, your impatient human hormones are my most powerful ally at this point.† â€Å"I can't believe I'm going along with this. When I think of Charlie . . . and Rene! Can you imagine what Angela will think? Or Jessica? Ugh. I can hear the gossip now.† He raised one eyebrow at me, and I knew why. What did it matter what they said about me when I leaving soon and not coming back? Was I really so oversensitive that I couldn't bear a few weeks of sidelong glances and leading questions? Maybe it wouldn't bug me so much if I didn't know that I would probably be gossiping just as condescendingly as the rest of them if it was someone else getting married this summer. Gah. Married this summer! I shuddered. And then, maybe it wouldn't bug me so much if I hadn't been raised to shudder at the thought of marriage. Edward interrupted my fretting. â€Å"It doesn't have to be a big production. I don't need any fanfare. You won't have to tell anyone or make any changes. We'll go to Vegas – you can wear old jeans and we'll go to the chapel with the drive-through window. I just want it to be official – that you belong to me and no one else.† â€Å"It couldn't be any more official than it already is,† I grumbled. But his description didn't sound that bad. Only Alice would be disappointed. â€Å"We'll see about that.† He smiled complacently. â€Å"I suppose you don't want your ring now?† I had to swallow before I could speak. â€Å"You suppose correctly.† He laughed at my expression. â€Å"That's fine. I'll get it on your finger soon enough.† I glared at him. â€Å"You talk like you already have one.† â€Å"I do,† he said, unashamed. â€Å"Ready to force upon you at the first sign of weakness.† â€Å"You're unbelievable.† â€Å"Do you want to see it?† he asked. His liquid topaz eyes were suddenly shining with excitement. â€Å"No!† I almost shouted, a reflex reaction. I regretted it at once. His face fell ever so slightly. â€Å"Unless you really want to show it to me,† I amended. I gritted my teeth together to keep my illogical terror from showing. â€Å"That's all right,† he shrugged. â€Å"It can wait.† I sighed. â€Å"Show me the damn ring, Edward.† He shook his head. â€Å"No.† I studied his expression for a long minute. â€Å"Please?† I asked quietly, experimenting with my newly discovered weapon. I touched his face lightly with the tips of my fingers. â€Å"Please can I see it?† His eyes narrowed. â€Å"You are the most dangerous creature I've ever met,† he muttered. But he got up and moved with unconscious grace to kneel next to the small bedside table. He was back on the bed with me in an instant, sitting beside me with one arm around my shoulder. In his other hand was a little black box. He balanced it on my left knee. â€Å"Go ahead and look, then,† he said brusquely. It was harder than it should have been to pick up the inoffensive little box, but I didn't want to hurt him again, so I tried to keep my hand from shaking. The surface was smooth with black satin. I brushed my fingers over it, hesitating. â€Å"You didn't spend a lot of money, did you? Lie to me, if you did.† â€Å"I didn't spend anything,† he assured me. â€Å"It's just another hand-me-down. This is the ring my father gave to my mother.† â€Å"Oh.† Surprise colored my voice. I pinched the lid between my thumb and forefinger, but didn't open it. â€Å"I supposed it's a little outdated.† His tone was playfully apologetic. â€Å"Old-fashioned, just like me. I can get you something more modern. Something from Tiffany's?† â€Å"I like old-fashioned things,† I mumbled as I hesitantly lifted the lid. Nestled into the black satin, Elizabeth Masen's ring sparkled in the dim light. The face was a long oval, set with slanting rows of glittering round stones. The band was gold – delicate and narrow. The gold made a fragile web around the diamonds. I'd never seen anything like it. Unthinkingly, I stroked the shimmering gems. â€Å"It's so pretty,† I murmured to myself, surprised. â€Å"Do you like it?† â€Å"It's beautiful.† I shrugged, feigning a lack of interest. â€Å"What's not to like?† He chuckled. â€Å"See if it fits.† My left hand clenched into a fist. â€Å"Bella,† he sighed. â€Å"I'm not going to solder it to your finger. Just try it on so I can see if it needs to be sized. Then you can take it right off.† â€Å"Fine,† I grumbled. I reached for the ring, but his long fingers beat me there. He took my left hand in his, and slid the ring into place on my third finger. He held my hand out, and we both examined the oval sparkling against my skin. It wasn't quite as awful as I'd feared, having it there. â€Å"A perfect fit,† he said indifferently. â€Å"That's nice – saves me a trip to the jeweler's.† I could hear some strong emotion burning under the casual tone of his voice, and I stared up at his face. It was there in his eyes, too, visible despite the careful nonchalance of his expression. â€Å"You like that, don't you?† I asked suspiciously, fluttering my fingers and thinking that it was really too bad that I had not broken my left hand. He shrugged his shoulders. â€Å"Sure,† he said, still casual. â€Å"It looks very nice on you.† I stared into his eyes, trying to decipher the emotion that smoldered just under the surface. He gazed back, and the casual pretense suddenly slipped away. He was glowing – his angel's face brilliant with joy and victory. He was so glorious that it knocked me breathless. Before I could catch that breath, he was kissing me, his lips exultant. I was lightheaded when he moved his mouth to whisper in my ear – but his breathing was just as ragged as mine. â€Å"Yes, I like it. You have no idea.† I laughed, gasping a little. â€Å"I believe you.† â€Å"Do you mind if I do something?† he murmured, his arms tightening around me. â€Å"Anything you want.† But he let me go and slid away. â€Å"Anything but that,† I complained. He ignored me, taking my hand and pulling me off the bed, too. He stood in front of me, hands on my shoulders, face serious. â€Å"Now, I want to do this right. Please, please, keep in mind that you've already agreed to this, and don't ruin it for me.† â€Å"Oh, no,† I gasped as he slid down onto one knee. â€Å"Be nice,† he muttered. I took a deep breath. â€Å"Isabella Swan?† He looked up at me through his impossibly long lashes, his golden eyes soft but, somehow, still scorching. â€Å"I promise to love you forever – every single day of forever. Will you marry me?† There were many things I wanted to say, some of them not nice at all, and others more disgustingly gooey and romantic than he probably dreamed I was capable of. Rather than embarrass myself with either, I whispered, â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Thank you,† he said simply. He took my left hand and kissed each of my fingertips before he kissed the ring that was now mine.