Free Essays - Contemplation in Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Marlows Contemplation during his Journey In nonpareil of his novels, Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad depicts the tale of a man who reflects upon the meaning of life as come up as all of its intricasies and implications. Indeed, Marlow, the main character of this story, questions several existential topics and explores his own personal curiosity about the solidarity and darkness of the jungle he finds himself in. At one point in the storyline, Marlow and his confederacy depart towards the station where the enigmatic Kurtz resides. An interesting aspect of this portion of the adventure is that Marlows crew is mostly composed of cannibals. Upon realizing how wolfish these natives are, Marlow contemplates how incredible it seems that the cannibals have restrained themselves from giving in to their lust and eating the European men onboard. It is this speculation that will be the topic of discussion in the following paper. Marlows thoughts and perception of the native tribe will be e xamined in order to provide a more concise understanding of his analytic seeing of the cannibals. During their trip towards Kurtzs station, Marlow describes the inequality of power and discrimination that the natives must live with. They constantly receive unfair treatments, much(prenominal) as beatings and the lack of food and medical exam support, as well as being paid in ridiculous manner that can only fuel their hate towards the European conquerors. Upon suggesting that the cannibals on his crew are treated in a disingenuous way, Marlow truly questions why their motives have not been violent so far Why in the appoint of all gnawing devils of hunger they didnt go for us they were thirty to five and have a good tuck in for once, amazes me now when I think of it (Conrad 37). Further analysis provided by Marlow explores the underlying reason why the natives refuse to attack their opressors. He manages to pinpoint one particular aspect that is responsible for such behaviour And I saw that something restraining, one of those human secrets that baffle probability, had come into play here (37). The human act of restraint, according to our narrator, is the simple yet bafling grounds which he stipulates. But what truly surprises Marlow is the fact that there shouldnt be any logical reason for the starving cannibals not to attack, and consequently eat, him and his crew. He believes that hunger can by no means be deterred by any reasonalble explanation

Nitrogen as a Fertilizer, Nutrient, or Pollutant Essay -- Nitrogen Bio

Nitrogen as a Fertilizer, Nutrient, or PollutantNitrogen passel always be a fertilizer, nutrient, or pollutant depending on the circumstances and the environment it is in. As a fertilizer, nitrogen can be extremely useful in aiding the harvest-home of legion(predicate) plants. As a nutrient, nitrogen is essential to many plants growth and survival. As a pollutant, nitrogen can not only affect the plant at the given time but be very detrimental many years down the road. No matter where you go nitrogen will always be either a fertilizer, nutrient, or pollutant. Nitrogen can be considered as both a fertilizer and nutrient under the right constraints. I will use citrus plants as one of my examples. For citrus growers applying nitrogen to plants is a common and needed practice. Spring is the best time to apply nitrogen to citrus. Research has shown that the demand for nitrogen in citrus is highest from bang through June and most of the supplemental nitrogen fertilizer sh ould be applied during this time period. It is a major key to plant growth and development. Nitrogen is critical to citrus plants for optimal growth and yield. Without nitrogen you can see suffering results for many years down the road. Citrus responds readily to nitrogen nutrition. Current and ago research shows that if nitrogen is maintained in fall-sampled citrus leaves amongst 2.4 and 2.6 % on a dry- urget basis for oranges, and between 2.2 and 2.4 % for lemons, a good balance is struck between yield, size and fruit quality. The evidence linking nitrogen to puff, crease, smaller fruit size and staining does exist, but these negative effects are most significant at nitrogen levels greater than 2.6 % nitrogen. Some growers have decreased nitrogen applicati... ...le harming crops up to 8 years later. Nitrogen is an important element, whether it is in water or both(prenominal) other form, but either way it can easily be a vicious pollutant.What category do you think nitro gen should be in--fertilizer, nutrient, or pollutant? Should you take into account how much nitrogen can help a plant like with fruit size or yield? Or should you weigh heavily on how much nitrogen can hurt a plant and for such an extended period of time? There are many ways to dispute either of these choices for or against but none of them are a perfect fit. Works Cited Craig Kallsen. http//cekern.ucdavis.edu/Custom Program143/Citrus Nitrogen Fertilizer.htm.Power, Sally A. Green, Emma R. Barker, Chris G. Bell, J. Nigel B. Ashmore, microphone R. Ecosystem recovery heathland response to a reduction in nitrogen deposition. Global Change Biology 12

Hinduism in American Life Essay -- Hindu Religion Compare Essays

Hinduism in American Life The English word religion loosely translates into rules in Latin. Therefore, a religion teaches us how to think, how to act, and basically everything except what to eat in the morning. The Hindu and Christian religion agree on many things and our society follows some of the rules alike because religion and laws atomic number 18 based on humanity. From holy place literature many different ideas have been pawned but they are all supposed to lead you to the kindred things a happy, healthy life, contribution to the world around us, and some kind of liberation after death. Concerning these ideals the Hindu religion has come up with three itinerarys to make sure that everybody will get what they want out of life and those are the four stages, the four goals, and the four coteries of life. There is so much holy war about which religion is right and wrong but if they all are striving for the same thing it is hard for me to see why they grapple place. In this essay I will show that Christianity is very similar to Hinduism.The first thing that the Hindus follow to insure that you grow up to be fertile (if you are in the upper three castes) is having specific stages of life. In other words throughout our life we have different responsibilities and duties which are spelled out by the Holy Scriptures. The four stages are student, family man, forest d intumesceer and ascetic. The first stage of student requires you to go to school (if you were a male) and be initiated with the Upanayana ceremony. If a put on was at the top of the caste system and was preparing to be a priest he needs to get trained and before he gets trained he must have a Upanayana ceremony because without these he wont know what he is talking about and wont know and wont have any credibility when he becomes a priest. It isnt enough just to get an education and a little plaque on your wall, you must have lived a celibate life and you must be provided for by your family. T his is a way of getting them to think a certain way since according to Hindu laws believe all members of a certain caste are supposed to do the same thing in the same way. The succeeding(a) stage of family man is also one that gets you not only to act a certain way but think a certain way. In this stage a man is supposed to get a wife, get a family, and repay his debts to everything that helped him including society. If you can do thes... ... to make duties and responsibilities more straightforward is the caste system. The caste system is based on reincarnation and the better Hindu that youve been in past lives makes you who you are. The highest people up on the social pyramid are the priests followed by kings, then merchants and finally the servents. It makes clear just how good and pure the person has been in this and past lives because they are either high up on the ladder or they arent. There is something beneficial about being seen as a good person. Since most of our morals i n America come from the al-Quran if you are seen as a good Christian than you will get special job offers and when you meet your girlfriends parents they wont nauseate you. In India you can tell who is a servant apart from who is a king because of what they do in a day and what kind of clothes they erosion etc. In America we have little status symbols such as crosses that go around our neck and making conversation of what you learned in the bible or church. The whole point of the caste system is to segregate people and give some people certain advantages based on how well they accord with the popular religious beliefs based on region of the world.

Grapes of Wrath :: essays research papers

The Grapes of Wrath, chronicles the Joads family hegira from Oklahoma to California in search for a brighter, economic future. The name Joad and the exodus to California is parallel to the Biblical story of Exodus and the character Job, but at the time was depicting the Okie Exodus. The Okies were farmers whose topsoil blew away due to dust storms and were constrained to migrate along Route 66 to California in search of work. The Okies were resented for migrating in large numbers to areas in the West where work was already unspoken to find and the sudden multitude of workers caused wages to be lowered. The Joads reside in Oklahoma, referred to as the Dust Bowl of the U.S. because of its lack of rain. The story takes place during the of late 1930s when the country was in the midst of the Great Depression. The Joad family were sharecroppers evicted from their homes because they failed to pay the bank their loan payments to the Shawnee Land and Cattle Company.On their journey, the J oads ran into a returning migratory from California who tells them that the handbill they have looking for 800 pickers is a bunch of hogwash. Hed rather starve in Oklahoma then starve in California. The migrant scolds them on their naivety saying Now, how small-army of you all got them handbills?...(The men respond that they all have them) There you are, same yellow handbill. 800 Pickers Wanted. All right, the man wants 800 men, so he prints 5,000 handbills and maybe 20,000 people see em. And maybe two or three thousand people start West on reckon of that handbill. Two or three thousand people that are crazy with worry headin out for 800 jobs. Now does that make sense? He tells them that the growers are exploiting them, do a surplus of workers to drive down labor costs according to supply and demand. The significance of his role in the movie, is that he lets the Joads know everything they are moving West for is false. Their journey is based on a lie, and the grass isnt greener o n the other side.While stopping for gas, Mr. Joad heads into the dining car to buy a loaf of bread. Mr. Joad is a nickel short of the 15 cents that the bread cost, and against the waitresses opinion the chef tells her to sell it to him for a dime.

Humes Wide Construal of the Virtues Essay -- Hume Virtues Virtue Phil

Humes Wide Construal of the VirtuesABSTRACT The term virtue has traditionally been used to designate morally good character traits such as benevolence, charity, honesty, wisdom, and honor. Although ethicists do not commonly offer a definitive list of virtues, the number of virtues discussed is often short and their moral significance is clear. Humes analysis of the virtues departs from this tradition both in equipment casualty of the quantity of virtues discussed and their obvious moral significance. A conservative estimate of the various virtues Hume refers to in his moral writings would put the number at around seventy, with the more(prenominal) untraditional ones including wit, good manners, and dialog. Unsurprisingly, Humes critics have attacked him for making nonsense of the concept of virtue by construing it so widely. Hume was aware that his broad understanding of virtue was controversial and he offered several defenses for it. After presenting the neglected attacks of his c ontemporaries along with Humes response, I argue that a problem remains by failing to distinguish surrounded by degrees of virtue, Hume in addition fails to distinguish between degrees of vice. But, some vices (e.g., malevolence) clearly deserve punishment whereas other alleged vices (e.g., uncleanliness) clearly do not. Thus, for adequate retribution, a distinction is needed between important and less important virtues and vices. I conclude that Hume could have used his own account of instinctive vengeance as a natural index number for distinguishing between important and unimportant vices. The term virtue has traditionally been used to designate morally good character traits such as benevolence, charity, honesty, wisdom, and honor. Although ethicists, past and present, do ... ...f John Lelands A view of the principal deistical writers..., in the Monthly Review, 1757, Vol. 14, pp. 465-477, and in the Critical Review, 1756, Vol. 1, pp. 193-208.(12) James Beattie, Essay on the na ture and immutability of truth in opposition to sophistry and scepticism. 1770, Edinburgh, A. Kincaid and J. Bell, pp. 421-448.(13) Character of the Works of David Hume Esq, in The Weekly Magazine or Edinburgh Amusement, 1773, Vol. 22, pp. 233-234.(14) Tobias Simple, Strictures on the account of the life and writings of David Hume, in Weekly Magazine, or Edinburgh Review, 1777, Vol. 38, pp. 289-292.(15) C. L. Stevenson, Ethics and Language, (New Haven 1944), pp. 34-35.(16) Pall S. Ardal, Passion and Value, (Edinburgh Edinburgh University Press, 1966), pp. 160-161.(17) J. L. Mackie, Humes Moral Theory, (London Routledge, 1980), p. 129.

Humes Wide Construal of the Virtues Essay -- Hume Virtues Virtue Phil

Humes Wide Construal of the VirtuesABSTRACT The term virtue has traditionally been used to designate morally good character traits such as benevolence, charity, honesty, wisdom, and honor. Although ethicists do not commonly offer a definitive list of virtues, the number of virtues discussed is often short and their moral significance is clear. Humes analysis of the virtues departs from this tradition both in monetary value of the quantity of virtues discussed and their obvious moral significance. A conservative estimate of the various virtues Hume refers to in his moral writings would put the number at around seventy, with the much untraditional ones including wit, good manners, and dialog. Unsurprisingly, Humes critics have attacked him for making nonsense of the concept of virtue by construing it so widely. Hume was aware that his broad understanding of virtue was controversial and he offered several defenses for it. After presenting the neglected attacks of his contemporaries al ong with Humes response, I argue that a problem remains by failing to distinguish mingled with degrees of virtue, Hume to a fault fails to distinguish between degrees of vice. But, some vices (e.g., malevolence) clearly deserve punishment whereas other alleged vices (e.g., uncleanliness) clearly do not. Thus, for adequate retribution, a distinction is needed between important and less important virtues and vices. I conclude that Hume could have used his own account of instinctive vengeance as a natural index number for distinguishing between important and unimportant vices. The term virtue has traditionally been used to designate morally good character traits such as benevolence, charity, honesty, wisdom, and honor. Although ethicists, past and present, do ... ...f John Lelands A view of the principal deistical writers..., in the Monthly Review, 1757, Vol. 14, pp. 465-477, and in the Critical Review, 1756, Vol. 1, pp. 193-208.(12) James Beattie, Essay on the nature and immutabili ty of truth in opposition to sophistry and scepticism. 1770, Edinburgh, A. Kincaid and J. Bell, pp. 421-448.(13) Character of the Works of David Hume Esq, in The Weekly Magazine or Edinburgh Amusement, 1773, Vol. 22, pp. 233-234.(14) Tobias Simple, Strictures on the account of the life and writings of David Hume, in Weekly Magazine, or Edinburgh Review, 1777, Vol. 38, pp. 289-292.(15) C. L. Stevenson, Ethics and Language, (New Haven 1944), pp. 34-35.(16) Pall S. Ardal, Passion and Value, (Edinburgh Edinburgh University Press, 1966), pp. 160-161.(17) J. L. Mackie, Humes Moral Theory, (London Routledge, 1980), p. 129.

Internet: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Essay

What exactly is the Internet? Imagine millions of computers altogether around the cosmos linked together and exchanging k straight offledge. The Internet is a spheric network made up of thousands of smaller networks. The Internet is akin a huge town. If you wanted to send or receive mail you have an electronic post office. There are also libraries you put up habituate any time you want, with millions of books and magazines and newspapers. Chat rooms are deal the schoolyard or lunchroom except you behind talk to good deal anytime you want. And on the World Wide Web, you can play games and listen to music (What is the Internet?).There are lots of good reasons to use the Internet. You can explore ways to learn and have fun. You can play games with other populate anywhere in the world and find out raise things you never knew before. The Internet allows you to access discipline anytime, anywhere. You can help plan your family vacation, do research for school projects, and rea d about your favorite movie star. You can exchange documents, pictures, music, video clips, and even software. You can listen to radio stations from around the world and send family photos. With the Internet you have instant communication with plenty all over the world. You can keep in touch with your friends and meet new ones, and get experts to answer your questions.But of course the Internet isnt perfect. It sounds the like a dream come true but there are many drawbacks in Internet use. Esther Dyson explains, At its worse the Internet is like a repository of the to the highest degree inaccurate, banal and slanderous cocktail-party conversation (352). Basically anyone can make a website and post more or lessthing on the Internet. There are no rules or laws about the credibility of the information online. Other problems the Internet has created are fraud and invasion of privacy.A recent survey reported that 143 million Americans are connected to the Internet. That means about 5 4 percent of the American population have Internet access (Examine Benefits and Drawbacks of Internet Use). The Internet has become one of the roughly useful and helpful tools available to people today. However, the Internet has pros and cons just like any other type of communication tool.The Internet was initially intended to be used as a network to connect different colleges, universities, government agencies and research centers. The main driving force behind the Internet is information. Someone, somewhere has some information they want to be read, and that there is someone else interested in reading it. And because of the technology behind the Internet and the World Wide Web all this wealth of information from around the globe and is within the reach of many people (Serano).The main benefit we gain from the Internet is information. The Internet is full of information and the fact that the information is available at the touch of a button makes getting information very convenie nt and easy to use. The Internet is always clean-cut. You can look something up at any time of the day. In addition, with Internet service available from home or work, looking for information doesnt mean you have to drop what youre doing and you dont have to leave your office or your house. Also, nowadays there are online courses. Students can now get credit for a course without even leaving their bedrooms Dyson clarifies that computers and the Internet are very useful but they will never be capable of replacing teachers. Teachers are role models, mentors and motivators to the students and a computer will never have the effect the teacher or the environment of a classroom has on the student (352-53).Currently, there is so much information on the Internet and looking for something can become tiring. People spend hours looking through different web sites before finding exactly what theyre looking for. Misleading information is serious and can lead to fraud. Fraud has turned into one of the almost common Internet crimes (Serano). Many people are going to believe what they see or hear and will become the victims of these crimes. I think the consumers lack of caution is to blame. People not properly prepared for this kind of world will become an increasing problem for themselves and for the rest of society (Dyson 353). other new type of crime is hacking. Hacking is illegal and it involves entry into other computers system. This type of crime has also become verycommon and could result in large problems worldwide. Once someone has hacked into your computer everything on your computer is at risk. The hackers can snoop through all your information. Laws are in effect to protect against crimes like this, but the knowledge of the hackers grows as fast as the technology, making enforcement very difficult.Even with all of these dangers, there is still one more issue the most important issue. Whether we like it or not, every move we make while on the Internet is tracke d. Even the web sites we visit are followed. The information people get from following Internet users are very useful to companies. They can get your name and address and send you information about their company. Getting your information can really boost a companys profit. There is no law that prevents the monitoring of Internet usage, so there really isnt anything anyone can do about it.The Internet was originally created by the CIA in the 1960s and now 4 decades later, almost every household in the world uses it. The Internet was created to link information and to send messages within branches of government, now its considered a major mass medium. The Internet has many advantages as well as disadvantages for all its users. The Internet keeps thousands of people communicated and businesses linked together. Also the Internet has united two mass mediums. One example of this convergence is newspapers. The Internet has the advantage that it unites people from all over the world. More a nd more people each day own a computer and are linked to the World Wide Web. conference has never been easier with sources like voice chat and instant messaging.Dyson,Esther. A Map of the Network Society. The New World Reader. Boston Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005. (350-356).Examine Benefits and Drawbacks of Internet Use. 6 Feb. 2002. 2 Nov. 2004.Serrano, Justin. INTERNET THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. 2 Nov. 2004 .What is the Internet? LEARN THE NET FAQs for Kids. 2 Nov. 2004 .

Describe Scene Essay

Cameran Highlands is accessible by road. Cameran Highlands is about a 3 hours drive both from KL or Penang Its strategic location makes it a favourite weekened escape for cityfolk/ city-dwellers from both over the coutry. It is a popular haunt for both local and foreign tourists to allow their hair down. For those who are faint-heated the ride along the steep, narrow roads can be quite an unnerving experience as there are numerous hairpin bends along the route from Simpang Pulai. After about a three-hour ride in Dads Pajero, we finally reached Kampung Raja. We could feel the goose-pimples on our arms. We had to put on our jackets to keep ourselves warm. Standing about 1400 metres above sea level, this hill resort is certainly an ideal retreat for city dwellers like us who long to permit away from scorching tropical heat. Besides, its high altitude together with its invigorating coolness will leave a person refreshed and is the ideal enter for the rat-race and the hustle and bust le of city life.Read AlsoDescriptive Essay RubricOn our journey to Tanah Rata, we stopped at a scenic lake. Although the chilli weather and freezing water will make us to think twice about whether or not to don our swimming wear, we can esteem the solitude of nature with only the swish swashing of the gurgling water to disturd us. Thus, in spite of the cold weather, my little sister, my brother and I could not resist the urge to take off into the water and splash around. Hardly a minute in the ice cold water and we were out again, teeth chattering. At Tanah rata, we checked into a motel. As soon as we had dumped our luggage in our rooms, we went out again. The street in which our motel was situated had a fine vista of a sprawling town against a backdrop of lush greenery. At that moment , We felt ravenously hungry, Hence, we settled for a sumptuous meal of nasi kandar.Undeniably, the number of eateries that have sprung up is indeed alarming. Satiated, we turned in for the night. We put on the appropriate gear and headed for Gunung Beremban for an hour of jungle-trekking. Hikers will certainly enjoy traversing the jungle paths, for they are well-maintained and easy to follow. If you find the jungle trails a little monotonous, the blossoms of brightly coloured wild flowers along the way will provide an interesting diversion. My mother, who is extremely afraid of heights, was soon down on all fours, not daring to look down and yelling at the top of her voice. It was such a rib-tickling sight. Our next destination was a tea plantation.

Critique of the paintings by the artist A.E. Backus Essay

Albert Ernest Beanie Backus is a gifted painter born on January 3, 1906 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. He studied at the Parsons School of Applied Art in New York but his talent in creating wonderful whole kit of art is considered to be only self thought. He devoted his time in creating Florida landscapes after he came from the war and his works became widely popular through his exhibitions in Miami and Palm Beach. (A. E. Backus A brief biography, 2007) Backus is historied for his creative works that feature picturesque Florida views like sunsets, the vistas of the Everglades, and spectacular beach and river views.One of his artworks, titled the Early Taylor brook was in fact a enough example in his set of landscapes. Created in memory of S. N. Baruch, this work of art shows a view of a boat resting on a side of a creek with palm trees and a house looming on its emphasise. The outlines of the shapes and lines be non overly emphasized and are use in light strokes creating a timid sor t of image to the view. The color used are mostly in the hues of light green, brown, and blue giving the impression of solemnity and mildness to the artwork.The shading of the colour in in the picture is applied subtly while the texture gives a rather unrealistic and semi-solid sense of touch on the surface because of the way the lines are applied in wispy strokes. (Permanent Collection, 2007) When it comes to the application of the principles of design, this work of art target undoubtedly be considered as one having a nice optic ratio. The informal type is used in this work whitherin unlike objects are placed on either side of the picture to create the illusion of balance.With the boat serving as the central point, Backus created equilibrium by painting a clump of trees on the right side and pairing it with the picture of the house, an expanse of jackpot, and a wit here(predicate)(predicate)d trunk on the go forth. (Principles of Design, 2007) Variety is the principle that artists use to make a certain artwork interesting by creating complex relationships in their works to make it appealing and lively. For some painters, however, the thought of variety is out of the question when they want simplicity to rule in their creations.Here in Early Taylors Creek, the principle of simplicity is the one used because it displays elegance despite of its plainness in field of view. The boat resting on the side of the creek and the house on its background, on the different hand, shows the application of the principle of emphasis since these are the objects that stood out most on the painting. (Principles of Design, 2007) When it comes to contrast, the concept of low contrast is applied in this work since the colors used are mainly in the same hues and the shapes doesnt give an impression of obvious difference on the whole of the artwork.Repetition is displayed here by the withering trunks on both the left and right side of the picture and it also showed good rhy thm by the way Backus painted the trees and the grass swaying in the same direction to emphasize movement. Also, the principle of scale showed here are shown in correct proportions to the standard size references of the actual objects making it go out realistic in nature. The spacing of the objects in the picture is done good and the motions as well as depth are also simply well-displayed.(Principles of Design, 2007) Backus has an unrequited passion for wildlife and plants and through his natural talent he was able to produce captivating paintings of tropical flowers and other flora. One of his particular favorite as his subject is the hibiscus which is a native in Hawaii and Malaysia. One of his paintings featuring this ubiquitous flower is his work called the Offering to the gods which features a native mask standing amidst a background of several leaves with a red hibiscus lying on its side.(Wikipedia, 2007) Studying the elements and the principles of designs applied to it, thi s artwork can be well considered as the opposite of Early Taylors Creek. The lines and shapes used here are well defined and geometric compared to the earlier landscape giving it a solid and distinct impression. The colors used here are mostly in black and in shades of dark brown, green, and red which gave it a rather gloomy and mysterious kind of feel.The shading applied also added to the factor of the artworks shadowy appearance. Due to the smooth application of strokes and the defined lines, the Offering to the gods was able to attain the kind of solidity that lacked in Early Taylors creek. (Backusgallery. com, 2007) In examining the principles of design used here, it is noticeable that this creation didnt use the principle of balance. All the weight is placed on the left side of the picture because of the mask and the clump of leaves behind it.Only the hibiscus flower was placed on the right but its bright red color someway made up to its lack of size when compared to the dull colors of the objects painted on the left side. Simplicity isnt also applied here because when you start-off look at the picture, you will quickly notice the stand out image of the mask looming over the startling red hibiscus lying prone on its side. (Principles of Design, 2007) When it comes to the principle of variety, what lacked in Early Taylors Creek was abundant here in this work.Because of this pictures mystifying look, it possessed a certain complexity that only the aspects of variety can only give. However, emphasis is hard to distinguish in this artwork because there are only two subjects painted here and both are certainly noticeable. The native mask can be considered as the focal point of the painting because of its appearance and size but the hibiscus can also be taken in as the important subject because its bright red color stands out from the shadowy background of green, brown, and black.On the other hand, the concept of high contrast is used here because of the emp hasis of the color of the hibiscus over the shades of the mask, leaves and the background. (Principles of Design, 2007) The concept of repetition is out of the topic since the two subjects here are far different from each other. The principle of scale, however, was quite noticeable in this painting because of the monumental size of the mask over the hibiscus flower.Motion is not applied since the subjects portray a fixed position and the principle of rhythm is also disregarded since it is connected to the concept of repetition. The depth possessed by the artwork is also unfathomable because of the mysterious and gloomy quality brought by its subjects. (Principles of Design, 2007) The Early Taylors Creek piece is more appealing to me because of its sheer simplicity and elegance. Its concept is also easy to understand and interpret compared to the dark feel that the Offerings to the gods give.I also find that the principles of design are well applied here because the concepts of balan ce are applied soundly and the lack of variety makes people to easily connect with the message it communicates. Movement and rhythm are also very well handled making this painting more realistic in nature. The Offerings to the gods concept may be appealing because of its mystifying aura but Early Taylors Creek is still my choice because of the light and placid feel it displays. References Backusgallery. com. (2007). A. E. Backus A brief biography. (2007). Permanent Collection. (2007). Principles of Design. (2007). Wikipedia. (2007).

People vs. Larry Flynt

After watching the film the people vs. Larry Flynt, it is clear that the study message is that all Americans impart rights under the constitution. Although in some cases many Americans may not always agree with each other, it is their right and freedom to do so under the Bill of Rights. In particular the first amendment is a major focus of the film.Throughout the entire movie the Larry Flynt character (Woody Harrelson) defends the fact that he is an American, consequently like all other Americans he is protected by the bill of rights and is entitled, specifically, to freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The film is a good portrayal of how our society and government perceive things as right or wrong. One of the most notable parts of the film is where the Flynt character argues with activists saying, Murder is illegal but if you charge a picture of it you may get your name in a magazine or maybe win a Pullitzer Prize.He continues his argument by saying sex is legal, but if you take a picture of that act, you can go to jail. The point the film makes relates directly to the text in chapter two under institutional adaptation which states that in order for the constitution to remain viable , it must be able to adapt to changing times and deal with matters the authors could hardly have anticipated (p. 33). The film points out many weaknesses and flaws in the way courts are operated in America.There is one part in the movie where Flynts lawyer Alan Isaacman (portrayed by Edward Norton) tries to present what he feels as evidence to the jury, the judge refuses to let him show the evidence (other pornographic magazines. ) Although it is completely legal for a judge to refuse evidence, it shows that a man who is entitled power can still be very biased towards their own ideas and beliefs. The film is a very accurate portrayal of the square(a) events since the film is based in part on the U. S. Supreme Court case Hustler Magazine v.Falwell. The United States S upreme Court held, in a unanimous 8-0 decision Justice Kennedy took no part in the consideration or decision of the case, that the First Amendments free-speech guarantee prohibits awarding damages to ordinary figures to discipline for emotional distress intentionally inflicted upon them. Thus, Hustler magazines caricature of Jerry Falwell was deemed to be within the law, because the Court found that reasonable people would not have interpreted the parody to contain factual claims, leading to a reversal f the jury verdict in favor of Falwell, who had previously been awarded $200,000 in damages by a lower court. The First Amendment is the recognition of the fundamental importance of the free flow of ideas and opinions on matters of public interest and concern. The freedom to speak ones mind is not entirely an aspect of individual liberty but also is essential to the common quest for truth and the vitality of society as a whole. The First Amendment envisions that the policy-making debate that takes place in a democracy will occasionally yield speech critical of public figures.The Court held that the First Amendment gives speakers immunity from embolden with respect to their speech concerning public figures unless their speech is both false and made with the knowledge of its falsehood or with reckless disregard for the truth of the statement. Although false statements overleap inherent value, the breathing space that freedom of expression requires in order to flourish must tolerate occasional false statements, lest there be an unendurable effect on speech that does have constitutional value.Falwell argued that the Hustler parody advertisement in this case was so outrageous as to take it extracurricular the scope of First Amendment protection. But outrageous is an inherently subjective term, susceptible to the personal taste of the jury empanelled to decide a case. Such a pattern runs afoul of our longstanding refusal to allow damages to be awarded because the speech in question may have an adverse emotional impact on the reference. So long as the speech at issue is not obscene and not subject to First Amendment protection, it should be subject to the actual-malice standard when it concerns public figures.Clearly, Falwell was a public figure for purposes of First Amendment law. Because the district court found in favor of Flynt on the libel charge, there was no dispute as to whether the parody could be understood as describing actual facts about Falwell or events in which he participated. Accordingly, because the parody did not make false statements that were implied to be true, it could not be the subject of damages under the New York Times actual-malice standard. The Court thus reversed the judgment of the Fourth Circuit.

Comparison of Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park and The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park

1Chapter FOURANALYSIS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS4.1 IntroductionThis chapter will be discuss and explains to the highest degree the analysis and findings which from two mention surveies every point true(p) as the literature revue through comparative analysis. The facets that will be used to compare are point background, end and programme attack, physical body layout, comfortss, hardscape and softscape choice, accessibility and circulation every bit devout as the activities. Those aspect are considered the dependable from literature reappraisal to be portion of urban put design planning. This chapter will stop up with treatment of analysis between twain lay which are rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville topical anesthetic putting green every bit good as The northmost Lynnwood Park4.2. Site BackgroundBoth of Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park and The northwards Lynnwood locality Park are contrasting type of commonality but those parking lot are similar in using Crime Pr evention finished Environmental Design ( CPTED ) rules which seeksto hold a nothing crime in the park. Table 4.1 shows the comparing of basic background for both Parkss.Table 4.1 par of site background for both Parkss.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North LynnwoodNeighbourhood ParkEntire field 17 e narrates.Built by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission ( M-NCPPC ) Parks in 1962.Include confederation centre, features resort areas, a softball field, two multiuse Fieldss, four lawn tennis tribunals, a football or association football field and a picnic ground.Entire country 6 estates.Developed in 1970 and initiated by Lynnwood Elementary School instructors, every bit good as the pupils.Include big active drama, picnic country, an alfresco ordinary monstrance infinite, spray Parkss and new drama equipment known as Dragon Park .Based on the tabular array above, both Parkss attract public because its routine as a topographic point for socialize every bit good as there are besides provided some(prenominal) diversion installations for unpaid activities. The Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park consist of several installations within the park which may be used by batch of people in adept clip. As compared to the North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park, it is besides consist of installations as usual for a park, but the figure of user may be somewhat different.4.3 name and address and design attackGoal and design attack is of import and considered in design planning because of peculiar Parkss must lies on that facet. These facet is based on how the end will be achieved through the selected attack in evolution a good park. From both mention surveies, it seem that both park keep up their ain end but used the same attack which is CPTED to accomplish a good park.For Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park, it want to defy a winning park every bit good as the unfastened infinite system in the hereafter through the devising of bing Pa rkss and unfastened infinites as expedient and attractive as possible and besides making the right every bit good as suitable of new comfortss and linkages within the park.The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park besides have about the same purpose which is to supply appropriate new diversion installations every bit good as redevelop the bing 1s and make a new out-of-door public presentation infinite for Lynnwood Elementary School pupils and occupants. But, both Parkss have to accomplish the purpose through several aims that might be different.Table 4.2 The difference aims used by both Parkss to accomplish the end.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North Lynnwood Neighbourhood ParkI. Supply more visibility to another(prenominal)installations in the park such as theresort area, hoops and others.two. Better a better entree control incovering with vehicular and timeworn traffic.three. Supply better indispensable surveillancefor those who entered the park.I. Supply installations for diversionactivities based on the user needs.two. Develop recreational resources andchances that are built-in inthe landscape painting and outdooratmosphere that may includewalking, jogging, biking every bit good ascontinuing the natural countries.Harmonizing to the comparing of two mention surveies, both park are taking about the same end but different manner to accomplish it but still based on CPTED rules. The Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park is indirectly giving a comfy and secured atmosphere for the users as to allow the relaxation for better natural surveillance and supply more visibleness to other installations. Compared to The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park had intended to repair up the installations with the new one within the park to make better atmosphere as the park is used by the school kids every bit good as the occupants which to maintain out fright of offenses.4.4 Design LayoutA good park design is due to the planning of a good layout puting which is the r ight and suited combination of workss every bit good as the characteristics will make a pleasing visual aspect and an environmentally friendly layout which mean a safer park. with the two mention surveies, the design layout was compared to find the design which sing the offense stop over schemes.Table 4.3 The difference design layout of two mention surveies.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North Lynnwood Neighbourhood ParkRosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park was networking within the park linked to to each one other of the pathway and the cycleway every bit good as the put strategy. These are the possibility to make hiding infinite within the full layout of the park.The Gwendolyn Coffield lodge Center becomes a central point of the park since the installations provided are around the centre.The installations that are provided is designated to be at the border of the park margin to guarantee the natural surveillance within the park.The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Par k is designed by positioning the looping pathway at the center of the park to be the focal point. The prosaic paseo was created to buffer by trees and other plantings.The design of the park every bit good as the external layout supplying more inclusion body of corners that can hide people by twenty-four hours or dark.The planting strategy gives the obstructor of publics position as the structural planting is planted at the margin of the park every bit good as to deny entree to offense marks and to make a perceptual experience of hazards to wrongdoers.Based on the tabular array above, the circulation and pathway every bit good as the cycleway is appropriate to the design counsel for both Parkss as a good park design. These is designed to let walking within the park every bit good as such a impulse lines for the users. set strategy besides play the same function of circulation, pathway and cycleway due to the CPTED rules which is the natural entree control.Apart from that, both par k have their ain focal point which is a topographic point that people will garner or play around. For Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park, the community centre shown in date 3.6 act as a focal point of the park because the installations provided are around the centre which is to guarantee the natural surveillance within the park. While focal point for the North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park is the looping pathway because of its place which is at the center of the park. The focal point is one of the facet for a good park design that act as natural surveillance.4.5 Comfortss, hardscape and softscape choiceComfortss and hardscape choice of urban park is sensible to be compared with looking at the offense bar facet as these provided in those park is influence to make societal interaction among the users. For softscape choice every bit good as landscaping played function to heighten the natural agreeableness in the park. It is of import, nevertheless, to guarantee that heavy leaf and i nappropriate planting does non take to chances for privacy and possible offense.Table 4.4 Comparison of comfortss, hardscape choice for both Parkss.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North Lynnwood Neighbourhood ParkA big unfastened space/ resort areaA multi-use football and association football fieldA baseball fieldTwo tennis tribunalsOne and a half hoops tribunalsCommunity centreSecurity illuming within the parkSpray parkReservable field day installationsLarge active drama countriesPlay EquipmentBasketball CourtOutdoor Stages/Performance AreaPublic toiletsParkingBased on the tabular array 4.4, the comfortss every bit good as the hardscape provided in Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park are accessible in footings of security facet as the characteristics is accommodating security component as the comfortss and the infinite provided can make a societal atmosphere. Harmonizing to Cranz ( 1982 ) , people will utilize the park for their sociable infinite where people get to uti lize transient scene, run into friends do other recreational activities. Compared to The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park, the park provided good comfortss, but the hardscape characteristics of the park is rather unequal to back up the rubber eraser environment.Table 4.5 Comparison of softscape choice for both Parkss.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North Lynnwood Neighbourhood ParkThe park encompasses about 70 % of plantings. This is possible to do a fly-by-night country every bit good as to supply screen for related and suited activities.The planting choice need to suit the local ecology and recreational context.The workss choice is making a form which is covering at the border of the park.The usage of workss are to give and supply the coloring material every bit good as the texture of planting.Based on the tabular array 4.5, softscape choice is an of import component in a park which its played different function due to the local surrounding. This is because each seting strategy will be reflecting the image of the park.4.6 Accessibility and circulationAccessibility and circulation aspect played function in developing a good and better park. The design fundamentally to heighten the existent and perceived safety of paseo users, by avoiding from taking people into unsafe state of affairss or countries.Table 4.6 Comparison of the handiness and circulation of both Parkss.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North Lynnwood Neighbourhood ParkThe handiness or street layout provided to take the motion of the users within the park is clearly where it is connects to the whole country.The form of parks handiness or street layout is more to make the natural way scene and the circulation of the way design is excessively loopy.Based on table 4.6, both Parkss seem to give and allow the users enjoy the different atmosphere of the park through different form of handiness every bit good as circulation. Unfortunately, both circulation design is beliing to the des ign counsel of park. . The design of pathway should be more in the direct desire lines because the direct entree will allow in making more concealed topographic points ( Qolcuhoun, 2004 ) .4.7 ActivityBasically, each park will supply public societal infinite, lawn country every bit good as recreational installations as a topographic point that signifiers and creates activity for the societal and environmental wellness of communities. These will indirectly give some basic counsel for offense decrease within the park ( Singapore National Prevention Council, 2003 ) .Table 4.7 Activities of both Parkss.Rosemary Hills-LyttonsvilleLocal ParkThe North Lynnwood Neighbourhood ParkRosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park supplying a batch of infinite for activities that may include athleticss, fittingness, dance, music, art, or the chance to fall in together with friends and neighbors for a particular jubilation or societal assemblage which to guarantee the park is full used.The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park supplying out-of-door public presentations infinite which include two phases, amphitheater seating and a big mounting bowlder for the intent of making other activities to do the park more energetic.Based on the tabular array above, both Parkss somewhat supplying the same activities which to maintain and guarantee the Parkss utile to the users every bit good as the occupants. Through the development of unfastened infinite programs which to heighten opthalmic agreeableness of an country do non hold the possible to endanger the safety of the users ( Christiansen, 1977 ) . So, the more ocular comfortss are provided within the park, there more activities will be occurred.4.8 DrumheadFrom the comparative analysis made between Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park and The North Lynnwood Neighbourhood Park, it can be concluded that the chief consideration of forestalling offense in urban park are site background, end and design attack, design layout, comfortss, hardscap e and softscape choice, handiness and circulation every bit good as the activities aspect. These should go the design guidelines during the spacial design in developing successful urban park based on CPTED rules. Both Parkss shown a good attacks in using the CPTED rules through those aspect. Hence, the design guidelines for urban park should see the strengths from both Parkss order to make a zero offense environment every bit good as a comfy and safer atmosphere within the park.MentionsMcCormick, J. ( 2006 ) .Design Against Crime. National Recreation and Park AssociationDrakakis, S. and David, W. ( 1981 ) .Urbanization, Housing and the Development Procedure. London Croom Helm.Jamil bin Abu Bakar ( 2002 ) .A Design Guide for Public Parks in Malaysia. Johor Darul Tazim Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.Singapore National Crime Prevention Council ( 2003 ) .Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Guidebook. Singapore Singapore Public Affairs Department.

European History Essay

How did Bismarcks system of alliances help maintain pacification? Bismarcks system of alliances was the goal of keeping France isolated and not to have any military allies. Also, he wanted to keep Russia and Austria-Hungary from going to war. France was cool it bitter everywhere the losing Alsace-Lorraine from the Franco-Prussian War. Both Russia and Austria-Hungary desired territory from the weakening Ottoman Empire, which was the Balkans. The Three Emperors League was an alliance with Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia. This was against radical movements. With the Congress of Berlin, Austria got Bosnia and Herzegovina.The Balkan reconciles stop up worthy independent. The Triple Alliance was Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy was a defensive alliance protection against Russia. The Reinsurance Treaty was between Germany and Russia. If one of them were to be attacked, they promised neutrality. Germany was concerned about war between Austria and Russia. confirming France and Russia being allies. William II ended this treaty and dismissed Bismarck. 2) What were the reasons for Britain and Germanys love-hate relationship? Between the 1700 and 1800s, Germany and Britain had a common enemy, which was France.Their racials ties of Anglo-Saxon and Germanic people as well. The contention was of course power. Germany was on the rise to power. Economic wise was the colonie and the world market. For the military component, Germany expanded their navy with battleships. Great Britain is known for its marine supremacy and it was threatened by Germany. It ended up being a naval race between the two nations. For the political factors, Great Britain wanted alliances with France, Russia, and the United States. At the Algeciras Conference, Germany attempted to disassemble the friendship between Great Britain and France.They failed and brought them closer. 3) Why was the Moroccan crisis of 1905 a turning point in European diplomacy? France and Great Britain agreed over northeastern Africa. Britain got full control over Egypt and France got full control over Morocco. The Anglo-French Entente was closer relations between France and England. Germany as always wanted to try and fatigue the treaty between France and England. Germany didnt act diplomatically though. They were now viewed as an international bully. Great Britain, France, Russia, and the United States saw Germany as a common threat. These 4 nations became closer.Austria became Germanys main ally as well. 4) What impact did the Congress of Berlin (1878) have on the Balkan area? What were the origins and causes of the Third Balkan War? With the Congress of Berlin, Austria-Hungary had power over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Romania and Serbia win independence. Bulgaria won a somewhat say in their government. Austria-Hungary and Russia wanted to control the Balkans. With nationalism, Serbia wanted to expand by gaining Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria-Hungary ended up annexing both of their wante d territories. Serbians were furious.The set about and Second Balkan Wars consisted of fight within Serbia, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire about territorial gains. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was on a visit to Sarajevo and ended up getting assassinated by Serbians. It was the Black Hand which was a Serbian terrorist group. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia which was the start of the Third Balkan War. Austria-Hungary wanted to stop nationalism that threatened their empire. 5) Which of the major powers do you believe were most responsible and least responsible for the war? Explain. Austria-Hungary had imperialism in the Balkans and declared war on Serbia.They were also Germanys main ally. Russia had total aid of Serbia. They allied with Serbia and France. All three of them mobilized against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany wrote a blank check to Austria-Hungary. William IIs poor control of international diplomacy lead to the Moroccan crisis and naval build up. In addition, Germany invaded France through Belgium. France became permanently mad at Germany and seeked for revenge. They ended up allying with Russia. This meant the support from Russia meant also from Serbia. Great Britain had a naval build up and entered an alliance with France.This disrupted the balance of power and made it point toward France now. 6) What impact did the war have on the economy and the people at home? How joint was the population? The economy changed from a free market system to a state run economy. The government organized price and wage controls, quotas, production and what to be produced. The pabulum and resources vital for war had to be rationed. Due to nationalism, the population was supportive of the total war efforts of their governments, in the beginning of the war. 7) Did the war have any printing on the power of organized labor? On women in society?The labor unions cooperated with governments on production and wages. The government gave back by allowing labor leaders in policy making councils. The unions were accepted in the European countries as legitimate governing bodys. Women were now in demand for labor because men were off at war. Women became a more visible part in society and this gave a boost for the modern womens rights movement. 8) What evidence is there that the strain of the war was beginning to take its toll on the home front in Russia, Austria, France, and Germany by 1916? Russia had a lot of war casualties. The population was vital of the czars leadership.Nicholas II went to the front to lead the troops. While he was away, Alexandra and Rasputin were in charge. Austrias chief minister was assassinated. Frances Joseph died as well. The Czechs and Yugoslavs called for autonomous democracies. France and their troops refused to fight. There were labor strikes during the war. Clemenceau ruled practically as a dictator. Germany had Karl Liebknecht, who was a radical social leader, spoke out against war. This had the radicals to protest. There was an expanding anti-war legislation in the Reichstag and massive break strikes in Berlin. 9) What were the reasons for the Russian renewal in March 1917?Who were the Soviets? The war demoralized troops which led to mass desertions. Many peasant soldiers returned home and angry with weapons. Also the war produced massive food shortages and there were bread riots in St. Petersburg. These riots spread like wildfire. Nicholas II ended up stepping down and leaving Russia. The Soviet and the provisional government ended up trying to rule Russia. The social classes were going for political liberty. The upper middle class were expecting better results from the war. Workers demanded better wages and good. Peasants asked for land reform. The Soviets was a political organization in St.They were against the czars government and operated separately from the Kerenskys provisional government. For example, Army Order 1. 10) What were the reasons for the Bolshe vik victory in the civil war? The majority rule ended up turning into an anarchy. Not one individual group or person had clear dominance to take power. Lenin and Trotsky were talented leaders who competed for power. Trotsky created an organized and centralized army that was able to outperform the whites. While Lenin was able to appeal to the urban workers and soldiers who were for socialism, successfully.The Bolsheviks ruled the center of Russia while the white were scattered out over thousands of miles. There was a secret police and the use of terror. The White Armies were decentralized and didnt organize movements. They didnt have a clear political physical object that rallied the enemies of the Bolsheviks into an united front. Foreign military aid was too late and little and rallied nationalistic Russian against the whites. 11) What happened to the Austro-Hungarian and Turkish empires after 1918? Austria-Hungary became Austria. They lost land to Italy which was Tyrol.They became independent states which were Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Hungary. Austria ended up becoming a small, militarily insignificant European nation. The Ottoman Empire ended up becoming Turkey. France got Lebanon and Syria. While Britain received Iraq and Palestine. The empire was change magnitude and Turkeys borders were the Anatolian peninsula and the Bosporus. Both of these nations were once dominant in power and now were put down to secondary status, which is ironic. 12) What were the goals of Wilson, Lloyd George, and Clemenceau at the Versailles Peace Conference? hot seat Wilson of the United States created the Fourteen Points.He wanted national self determinations, rights of small countries, and League of Nations. David Lloyd George was focused on restoring Germany to a reasonable economic strength. He sensed that Germany could be a balance to the communist Russia. Georges Clemenceau seeked revenge against Germany for the two invasions in the last forty years. He wanted to create a buffer state between France and Germany. He wanted protection against future attacks and permanent demilitarization of Germany. Germany had to pay large war reparations and it weakened them, yet gave France a chance to rebuild.

Desires Baby Essay

In past America women did not provoke the rights that they have today. This is very apparent in History as well as literature. In pronenesss Baby by Kate Chopin, she characterizes Desire by starting her off as being no one, thence she becomes something to someone, and throughout everything she is disrespected.In the beginning, Kate Chopin characterizes Desire by being no one. The prevailing belief was that she had been purposely left by a party of Texans This shows Desire as being no one because nobody really knows where she came from or why she was there. In past American daughters were not important to the family as much as the sons were so the Texans most likely left her because there wasnt enough food for her to. She had just appeared in Valmonde one day. She had met a guy named Armand. He was reminded she was at a time nameless This is a great example of how Desire was no one because she didnt even have a name. This is how Kate Chopin characterizes Desire as being no one in t he beginning.As the story goes on, Kate Chopin characterizes Desire by becoming someone to Armand. Armand Aubigny fell in love, as if he had been struck by a pistol shot. This is a great quote because falling in love pith that two people truly care about each other, that operator Desire became something to Armand. Back in the day it was a blessing for the Woman to be asked to get married to a man. Armand married Desire and she soon became enceinte with his baby boy. the birth of his son had softened Armand This shows that Armand cared about Desire and his family. He was softened and proud of her for bringing such a thing into the world. This is how Kate Chopin characterizes Desire as being so one to Armand.Throughout everything, Kate Chopin characterizes Desire as acquiring disrespected. It all started when they noticed their child was black. It means, he answered lightly, that the child is not white it means that you are not white. This shows Desire was being disrespected becaus e he wrongly accused her of being black because that was the easy way out for him. Moreover he no longer loved her This quote shows Desire was disrespected because he just fell out of love with her because of a misunderstanding it was also disrespect because he was not willing to try to find out anything about the situation. In past America it was no un common for women to get mistreated my men. This is how Kate Chopin Characterizes Desire as getting disrespected.In conclusion, in the story Desires Baby by Kate Chopin, Kate characterizes Desire because she starts off as no one. Desire didnt know who her parents were and she didnt even have a name. In early America the daughters were not that important to a family. The Kate Chopin characterizes Desire as meaning something to Armand. Armand fell in love with her as if he had been struck by a pistol shot, that means she meant something to him. Back then it was a blessing to get asked to marry someone. Lastly, Kate Chopin characterizes Desire as being disrespected, because Armand and Desire found out their son was not white and Armand wrongly accuses Desire as being black. She was also disrespected by him falling out of love with her fast. In past America it was common for women to get treated badly. All in all this is how Kate Chopin characterizes Desire as being a round character.

Oration Piece Essay

When I am neither spell nor childmy voice falls from lofty C to B flat minor and every hickey tries to find its resting place on my face. I am sensitive to criticism, fear often change my mood. My nights are spent estimateing so many things, school works, unrequited love and how to pursue the pleasures of youth without reprimanded. any time I imply I WANT TO BE FREE TO DO WHAT I gaze thing, a long sermon is being delivered to a statement that rings to my ears FREE IS BEING responsible for(p) FOR ONESELF . All teens go to school and have normal teenager lives experiencing what I have also see which I have mentioned lately. Being a scout does not spoil the education and life of teenagers, rather it guides them to become a good citizen. Scouting emphasizes the value of discipline and tries to instill in youth the longing for knowledge.The goals are the same to help us learn and grow so that we will become productive, booked members of the community and provide opportunitie s to reach our full potential. Scouting Is a Partner in Education. Some declare that men who were Scouts five or more years are more likely to graduate from high school and graduate from college. They are also more likely to assume leadership roles at school, think of others, make honest decisions, and appreciate the education they are getting and the environment in which they live. Scouting teaches citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, honesty, perseverance, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility. In addition, Scouting activities help boost a childs self-esteem and self-image, and give them a broadly speaking more positive attitude about themselves and others.All of these traits make us more receptive to learning and enhance our academic performance. Scouting also prepares youth to work and care for the larger community through providing community service. Through these activities we learn that we are a contri entirelying part of society and build a sense o f pride in their community and themselves. We also learn that the community sees us as a valuable resource and that the community values us. Thus, scouting not only influences our academic performance but also our lives as citizen, as a part of the community. Being a scout makes us ingenuous and at the same time responsible after all.

Counselor Reflection

School counselors are intact team members for any school staff. They help schoolchilds make responsible decisions mediate problems deal with traumatic losses develop a sense of respect for themselves and others and plan for college, work, post-secondary training, and lifelong learning. As a school counselor, Nikki Williams has a desire to provide Miller Elementary school with an effective management weapons platform. This model has everyowed her to be much accountable and given her the tools by which to assess the worth of my program and its services.Her knowledge and skills have been expanded by dint of implementation of this program but, more importantly, the tone has been set for who she is as a counselor and where her desire is to go as she journeys into helping students achieve success. Leadership Every effort is made to assert herself as a school leader by demonstrating accountability and sharing pertinent data with students, teachers, parents, administrators and the co mmunity. Needs assessments and outcomes from various focus and counseling interventions are shared with staff.Data from these need assessments are used to set priorities, establish program goals and objectives, and redact activities. Meetings with teachers are ongoing in order to provide classroom instruction activities that meet students pedantic, career, and personal/sociable needs. For instance, being an active member of our school leadership team, SST committee, and regularly attending IEP meetings allows me to provide leadership by being a guiding force in reviewing data, and designing and implementing ways to increase students academic performance.During these meetings, I contribute strong group facilitation and problem solving skills by keeping discussions focused on what benefits the student and contributing my knowledge of student growth and development. This year she has been an instrumental leader in such things as * Providing staff development training (child manda ted reporting, guidance program orientation, etc. ) * Conferencing, collaborating, and consulting with administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other stakeholders * Planning school childlike events (Career Day, Hispanic Heritage Day, Red Ribbon Week, etc. * Developing an Advisory Council * Conducting a school needs assessment * Designing a comprehensive school guidance program * Maintaining contact with community organizations (DFCS, Rainbow House, HODAC, etc. ) * Educating parents about school counseling curriculum Collaboration Collaboration is an essential part of her school counseling program. She feels it is vital to collaborate with her staff. They meet regularly to review school data and identify obstacles to higher achievement. done their cooperative efforts they problem solve and share their craft and knowledge.She feels that this encourages more open staff relationships, promotes collegiality, and allows everyone to work towards a common goal. For example, she has been working closely with the teacher of the fifth grade special education group. She meets with this teacher regularly to put a plan in action to best meet the academic needs of these students. Her familiarity in grade level and SST meetings give me the opportunity to partner with teachers, school psychologists, and other resource force play by collaborating to identify and resolve student problems by designing the most appropriate and innovative program or instructional modifications.Advocacy To be seen as an advocate for all students is important to her for she is an advocate in many ways for students, particularly with regard to behavior, motivation, and achievement. Through collaborative efforts with her schools leadership team, she advocates for all students by providing support to encourage them to obtain the best possible education. Additionally, data gathered from delivery of classroom guidance lessons is used to share with teachers and administrators, which seems to encourage a more positive mindset for achievement and success for all students.Systemic Change Systemic smorgasbord is an essential part of school reform. Ms. Williams feels that she presents herself as a leader in systemic change by delivering to all students an ASCA National Model Program that is aligned with state standards for academic personal/social, and career development. This effort is promoted through collaborative efforts with staff members as they assess and analyze data and review areas of concern. This year, she has come aboard the MES team to implement new ways to help students excel in all reas. She examines the risk factors, but also the strengths and potential that children bring to the counseling relationship. Consequently, this year Ms. Williams is playing an total part of systemic change by working with her fifth grade special education students in an effort to close the achievement gap. The students failed the math portion of the CRCT test and through their s chools collaborative efforts they hope to build success in these students.Furthermore, through implementation of the National Model Program, Ms. Williams brings about change in my school by being an exemplary counselor representing the entire school community in an effort to eliminate barriers to student achievement. Her commitment to the process of change puts her in a position to effectively serve as a catalyst in students lives and serve as a change doer in the school community.

Succubus on Top CHAPTER 8

Georgina?I looked up from a baffling get at Tammi had asked me to help her with. A node with discover a receipt was attempting a re playfulnessd on a wad of books with dog-eared pages and broken spines, claiming all of them were duplicates whatsoeverone had undecomposed given him for his birthday.Just a sec, I t grey- calculateed her. Ive got to deplete this.Okay, numberh tell. I merely nonion you should check sophisticate up Casey.Casey?Yeah. Shes up in the cafe.That snagged my attention. I finished up with the customer, specialiseing him nicely that we couldnt accept books in this condition. Maybe if the alleged a nonher(prenominal) books were in better shape, he could pick bulge those in. He pouted and argued a bit before finally skulking dour. I rolled my eyeball once he was gone. One topic that never changed among hu military mans there were always those who regarded to get something for nothing. It was what unbroken hell in business.I found Casey teaset ing in the cafe, drinking a film over of water. There were sable circles under her eyeball, and she didnt display her usual care in makeup and hairstyling. She stared bleakly at the table, eyes dull and glazed over.Hey, I said gently, pulling up a chair crosswise from her. Hows it overtaking?After a moments delay, she looked up, not right plentifuly focusing on me. Okay.You sure? You dont look so okay.Dunno. Her tone was flat, distracted. I easily(p) had a late night, thats all. Sorry. Sorry I came in comparable this.No problem. Ive had my share of crazy nights. The thing was, Casey didnt hardly look hung over. I mean, she definitely looked the likes of she was recovering from something bailiwickly I couldnt effect my finger on it. It was weird. Whatd you get into? A fictitious charactery?Yeah. Dougs band had another one.Really. prognosticatesign to me. Must put one over been pretty good.Dunno.What do you mean? You were there.Her brow furrowed, confusion glinting in h er brown eyes. I dont corporeally remember. Stupid, huh? I must have really been trashed. I rememberbeing with Alec. because(prenominal) we left. We went somewhere. You dont k flat?She looked upset and closed her eyes. There was this big house, andI dont k promptly. I erectI just can buoyt remember. Im sorry, Georgina. I shouldnt have come in today, okay? Sorry.Its okay. So you have no idea what you did with him? nothing at all?She shook her head. I shouldnt have kept pushing for details of an employees personal life, tho something here daunted me. It was more than my bias against Alec overly. I remembered him pushing alcohol on women, his invitation to go somewhere more intense. Caseys inability to remember what had happened with him smacked of date-rape drugs.Did Alec give you anything?For the first magazine in this conversation, her dull expression change and looked alert. Ino. No. plainly she was lying. I could tell. Why? Fear of him? Embarr dirty dogment? I couldnt bri ng myself to question her anymore. She looked too miserable. I told her she should go home and get some rest she didnt need more than convincing.I took her place at the renders, silently fuming at that jerk Alec. My anger was furthered by the fact that I could do nothing. Caseys life wasnt really my business, and without her admitting to anything, Alec stood blameless.With Casey now gone, Paige out sick again, and Warren golfing in Florida, I felt relieved when Doug showed up. He looked as energetic as ever, so I hoped he could counter my plunging mood.I heard you had a party.Yup. He grinned, working the register next to mine. I tried and true label you, only when you werent home.Had a party of my own. Hey, did you notice anything weird with Casey and Alec last night?Weird how? I mean, they convergemed to be striking it come to.Nothing else?Nope. Not that I saw. Why? Are you interested? Hes a little untried for you, however if youre into that, I can give you his phone numb er.Hardly.Whoa, he suddenly exclaimed. Check this action out.He picked up one of the books his customer was paying for. It was a romance novel, emblazoned with a big chested man retention an equally big chested woman. Her neck was arched back, her lips open in a moan. And her dress was falling off.Bet theres some good shit in here. Nothing like some throbbing members and private prison term to get you off, eh?He winked at the customer, who turned crimson and didnt say anything. She handed over some cash in and hurried away as fast as she could.Aghast, I ignored the customers stand up there and grab supply Dougs arm, foolish him away from the counter.What the hell was that? I asked in a low, angry whisper.He laughed loud. Oh come on, Kincaid. I was just having a little fun. Those romance novels always crack me up.You do not comment on customer purchases. Furthermore, you certainly dont swear in front of them.Basic training. I know all this.Yeah? indeed(prenominal) act like it .We stood there, both of us shocked at my tone. I didnt think Id ever chideed to Doug in such(prenominal) a reprimanding way. Certainly not here. We were both assistant managers, partners in crime. Our entire working race was one of lightheartedness and messing around.Fine, he said aft(prenominal)ward a moment. Whatever.We went back to the registers, both of us pointedly ignoring the other. We worked without incident a while longer until I heard him say, Man, this has to be rough. Hope it all plant out.Looking over, I saw his customer buying a book about STDs. Doug returned my gaze with a challenging look. I finished my own purchase and then put up a register closed sign. Finding Andy at the information desk, I told him to ask Doug to swap spots.Dont tell him I told you to.Doug seemed safer support customers find books, yet no matter where I was in the store, I could hear him. He radius and laughed too loudly. Whenever I caught sight of him, he was always in motion like he co uldnt hobble quieten. Once, he was literally juggling books for a customer. Another time, I saw him actually skipping as he led a customer over to the cooking section. I frowned, unsure what to do. His lively nature had been fun this last week, only if he was pushing it now, and I wasnt entirely sure what my role should be in all of this.That redheaded girl said youre the manager here, a middle-aged woman suddenly said, approach shot me as I rearranged a display.Im an assistant manager, I told her. What can I help you with?She pointed to the information desk. That man was so rude to me. He helped me find some books, and thenhe saidShe couldnt finish, oscillating betwixt anger and distress. I looked at what she held. Books on clinical depression. Lovely. At least it wasnt called Going Postal in an Insensitive Bookstore. I took a deep breath to bulletproof myself and apologized profusely, promising Id deal with it. I then walked her over to the head of the check-out line and t old Andy to ring her books up for free. Warren never approved of that, but I didnt care at the moment.I waited for Doug to finish with his customer and then pulled him aside once more. We need to talk in the office.He gave me a lopsided grin. Studying him, I saw his eyes glittering with a distracted fervor. What for? Lets talk here. Ive got customers to help, you know. Cant let this goddamned place go unattended.I blanched at this, console forcing calm. We had a line of about four customers listening.No. Lets go in the back.He rolled his eyes and threw a friendly arm around me. Christ, youre uptight. Whats this about?You know what its about, I returned, wiggling out from under the arm. Youre out of line today.His smile fell. No, youre out of line. Whats with the attitude anyway? You cant talk to me like this.He was equable too loud. More populate were eruptping. I can talk to you like this when youre acting like a jerk. Youre disconcerting customers. Youre doing stuff thats tou t ensemble inappropriate, and you know it.Inappropriate? Jesus Fucking Christ, Kincaid You serious like Paige now. Im having fun. look on that? Remember when you and I used to do that around here back before you got this stick up your ass?We had a bona fide audience now. Customers and staff alike. Dead silence, save for the faint sounds of Vivaldi acting through the stores sound system.I mean, he continued, thriving on the attention, where do you get off acting like this? Who put you in charge? You and I are the self homogeneous(prenominal) rank, remember? Its like you get ten insurgents of fame in Mortensens story, and now you think you can put on airs. Why dont you go find him? Maybe if you got laid again, youd stop being such a bitch.Doug, I said, astonished at how firm and strong my voice was. It was like someone else was using my body to confront him, and I only watched. You need to go home. Now. If you dont leave, Ill have you re carry ond.Of course, I had no clue how I w as press release to pull that off. As it was, I felt almost fright to be facing off against him like this. My heart raced. We were standing close, shoting our wills at one another, and he had half a heads height on me and a bigger build. I didnt really fear forcefulness from him, but the physiologic intimidation was as scary as the psychological. Still, I held my ground, keeping my expression absolute and decisive.At last, he backed strike low-spirited, breaking eye contact. He shrugged and gave his goofy grin to those watching, like they were in on some joke with him. Sure. Whatever you penury. I dont care. I could use a day off anyway.He looked around again, face smug and defiant, like hed won. After another survey of the push, he laughed and stalk out.Nobody spoke or breathed after that. I drew myself up, like no(prenominal) of this had bothered me either. I strode purpose skillfuly away, saying to Beth as I passed Will you cover the desk now?I went upstairs to the c af? and had the barista make me a mocha. I took it with shaking detainment and turned around to find Seth standing there. He wore a Ratt shirt today.Thetis, he said softly.I walked over to one of the windows, and he followed. Outside, cars and people moved throughout Queen Anne. I watched them without seeing them. Seth moved behind me, his presence steady and reassuring. Waiting to catch me, even though I refused to fall just yet. This, I realized, was why I chose to catch ones breath with him, sexual mishaps or no.I approximate you witnessed all that.Yeah, he said. You handled it well.I didnt want to handle it at all.Someone had to. He fey my arm gently. You can be pretty uncultivated sometimes.I shook my head, still numb. I dont want to be fierce either.Georgina. Look at me.I turned and looked. Those lovely eyes were soft and full of love, yet underscored with strength.You did the right thing. He rested his hands on my arms, thumbs stroking the bare skin. You did the right th ing.Hes my friend.That doesnt matter.Whats wrong with him, Seth? Whats gotten into him?Isnt it frank?Not to me.He smiled ruefully. The same thing that made you eat a bag of Taco Bell food last night.What? throne doesnt do that. Make him behave like he did, I mean. Not the Taco Bell thing.No, he agreed. Pot wont do that, but he was obviously on something. I turned back to my view, thinking. I recalled Dougs nonstop vigor, that feverish look in his eyes. Yes, it made sense, and it was saddening. Id never know him to mess around with anything very much harder than alcohol and marijuana. Yetthere was more to his exuberance lately. A drug couldnt make you good at Tetrisor churn out an albums worth of songs in under a month. I dont know what it could be then. Ive tried almost everything once, I admitted sheepishly. Immortality allowed experimentation without the dangerous consequences mortals faced. But I havent made adequate of a see to really ID anything. What do you think? Some ki nd of amphetamine?I dont really know either.I rubbed my temples, sensing a nasty headache coming on. I wanted nothing more just then than to go home and veg on the couch with Seth on one side, Aubrey on the other, and a plate of brownies on my lap. It wasnt going to happen.Ive got to get back down there. Were short cardinal people now. Im going to be here until closing again.You want me to come over after work? Im supposed to tonality at Terrys, but I can bail on it.I assured Seth he didnt need to change his plans for me and then returned downstairs. Functionality had resumed as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The only thing noteworthy was the way the other staff watched me now. Not with mockery or amusement, but something else. If I hadnt known better, I would have said my respect rating had just shot up.I got home after work, drained. Weak with exhaustion, mental and forcible. When I absorbed life from victims, it was normally to sustain my immortal existence a nd shape-shifting. But life was full of other things that required energy. Breaking and entering. Working two twelve-hours shifts in a row. Staying pious around the man of your dreams. Reprimanding one of your best friends and discovering he was probably addicted to something nasty.The need for vitality itched indoors me, making me irritable and anxious de hatred my worn-out imprint. For me, that energy-longing translated into lust, a sudden need to be touched and consumed by someone I could consume in return.I called Bastien.What is it now? he asked sarcastically. I suppose youre just going to cut to the chase and call Dana. That way you can get it over with and tell her how her neighbor has a plan to seduce her and bring down her organization. Maybe while youre at it, you can mention the break-in and get me arrested. You could even key my car if you wanted. It would be a perfect remainder to my already ruined career.Oh shut up, I snapped, not having the patience for this. Appa rently I still had some fury left in me from earlier. First, you were not going to bed Dana last night, so get that out of your system. Second, you probably deterred her by answering the door in the first place, as stoned as you were. Third, if youd really wanted to endear yourself to her, you would have shown more concern for me rather than coming off as an uninvolved asshole.How is your ankle? he asked reluctantly.Fine. You know how it goes. A sprain was barely a days concern for an immortal. Good sufficient to go dancing on.Dancing?Yes. I want you to take me out. Now. I just had the worst day ever. Sorry.Sorry? Are you turning me down? Since when have you been such a grudge-holder?Its not just thatwell, okay, possibly a little. But Bill invited me over to watch a football game.You hate football.Yeah, but I tycoon see Dana. Sorry, Fleur . Youre on your own tonight. Annoyed, I hung up and dialed the next best springr I knew.Cody, I said, were going clubbing.Okay, he returned agreeably, but Ill have to bring Hugh and Peter.Ack. They dance almost as naughtily as Seth.Yeah. But I promised Id hang out with them tonight. Unless you want to come over here? Were playing D&D right now. Do you know how many hit points a succubus has? all told right, all right. Bring them along.I hung up. It didnt really matter who came anyway. I mostly just wanted people to go out with. Companionship gave the outing some semblance of normality, though it wasnt like I ask any of them for what I was going to do.Jesus, woman, breathed Hugh when I answered my door an hour later. Youre kind of screwing with my sisterlike flavorings for you.I had on a pleated low-spirited skirt that covered less than half my thighs. My top was off the shoulder with three-quarter sleeves, and it stop just above my belly button, leaving my midriff bare. It was made of clinging, stretchy black lace that looked opaque in dim lighting and showed everything and I do mean everything in full light.Th e only closing left was what body to go out in. I didnt like to do succubus work in my usual shape the one that worked at Emerald City and slept with Seth. I wanted an unknown face, one that could forget and be forgotten. Staring at my bathroom mirror, I considered a number of features and ethnicities. Finally, I opted for a pretty Latina look, sultry with long dark hair.We went to the same club Bastien and I had danced at before. It play varying genres of music, but all of it was fast and heavy. It thrummed in the blood. Hugh immediately parked himself at the bar, looking exactly like the creepy guy who ogled younger women that he was. Peter seemed torn among joining him and hitting the floor. He was homebody enough to want to stay with Hugh, but I knew places like this were fertile hunt down grounds for vampires and succubi alike. Reluctantly, the frumpy vampire bought a drink and then made his way to the dancers, looking dispiritedly out of place. I knew hed survive, though hed been doing what he did almost as long as I had.I walked up to the bar and ordered a shot of Rumple Minze, which I downed immediately. It was funny part of me thought that I could scorn Doug for getting mixed up with some drug when I turned so readily to alcohol to ease my own tension.Dance with me, I told Cody, grabbing his hand.He looked good tonight, wearing a button-up shirt untucked and loose. It had a neat printed pattern on it, one of those that only confident guys with real fashion sense could actually wear. With his agile dancing and golden blond looks, he made a good partner.What am I, your limber up-up? he asked me a few songs later.I laughed. We were dancing awfully close, and I had been moving my body more provocatively than I normally would with a friend. Unconscious motion. My succubus aridness surfacing.Does it bother you?Nope. Well, other than giving me that weird incest feeling Hugh was talking about. But I dont think youre going to get what you need off me.T rue, I said scanning the crowd. The place was packed with mortals, all warm and energetic and burning with life in a way my friends and I did not. Again, the itch of longing seized me. I wanted to touch them all and knew Id have to break from Cody short.Whats got you all fired up anyway? We dont usually see you like this.That was true. Mostly he and the others just heard me bitching and moaning about my infernal job and how I hated seducing nice guys. Need to burn off some Seth lust. That, and I got majorly run down today, I explained, proceeding to tell him the rest.Cody felt as sad as I did about Doug, whom he knew and liked. The young vampire agreed that Dougs erratic behavior sounded amphetamine based, and he threw out a few suggestions for me. I made a mental note to look them up later.Cody and I finally cave in up, each to take care of our own business. I started working the room, much as I had the other night, only this time my motivation was legitimate. I had my pick of pa rtners and no end of free drinks. Each time I got someone to buy me one, Hugh still at the bar would shake his head with wry amusement.In about two hours, I had my mark. He was young and muscular, made extra gorgeous by lewd Mediterranean features. Italian descent, I suspected. He was also sweet and shy, clearly astonished that I kept dancing with him. His friends, watching from afar, apparently felt the same way.We had moved to a crowded part of the dance floor, jam-packed with other sweating, frenzied bodies. I rubbed mine against his in a more intimate way than the crowd quite required, my hands sliding over his body as we swayed. When our lips brushed against each others, he pulled back.He told me then awkwardly and reluctantly that he had a girl. That didnt come as a surprise to me. We stopped dancing, getting jostled by the crowd, and I feigned modest embarrassment for my boldness while pretending not to notice how he hadnt seemed to want to make the girlfriend admission. Er, wait, he said as I started to turn and leave. Hesitation hung heavy in his voice. The voice of someone nerve-racking to rationalize something he knew he shouldnt be doingbut wanted to anyway. True consternation churned on his face. I mean, we can stillwe can stillkeep dancing. Cant we?Five dances later, Id sweet-talked and bribed one of the waiters into letting us into a storage room in the clubs basement. It was dark and small and filled with extra tables, but it sufficed for what we needed. I could still hear the music from above, though none of the songs specifics. The whole building vibrated with the beat. My guy still appeared nervous, but alcohol and opportunity were clearly winning out over his better judgment. I didnt tell him my name. I didnt ask for his.I pulled him to me, and we kissed the kind of hard, furious necking that makes your lips feel swollen afterward. His hands started on my hips and then moved upward, peeling the lace shirt up as they went, exposing my breasts. His hands fondled them wonderingly, feeling their shape and size, making my nipples harden and stand out. He leaned down and put his lips to one, sucking hard. When I felt his teeth bite gently, I grunted in approval and shifted my hands down to loosen his belt.He straightened back up, and this time I was the one who went down literally. On my knees, I tugged on his boxers and released the erection that had been straining at the fabric.I ran my tongue along its tip, tasting the few piquant drops that had already seeped out. Then, without further hesitation, I took the whole thing into my mouth, letting my tongue roll over it as my lips moved back and forth along the length of the shaft. He groaned and laced his fingers across the back of my neck, trying to push more of him inside. The first tendrils of his energy began flowing into me, sweet and delicious. He was a good one, full of strength. I sucked harder, teasing him for a couple more minutes, then broke away and s tood up. The look on his face when I stopped became almost comically desperate. Like he couldnt believe I had just make that to him. Like I had just gone and hit his shins with a baseball bat.I shell my lips and smiled. You want more? Youre going to have to come and get it. This was the clincher. If I was going to go to the flap of bagging a guy with a strong life force, I index as well hit my quota with Jerome and do some corrupting as well. A guy with a serious girlfriend might feel guilty about fooling around with another woman, but hed feel guiltier still if he was the one who took serious steps toward initiating it. It was too easy to say she made me do it. My part was done he had to take over now.This guy might not have realized my subterranean motives here, but he seemed to sense the gravity of the situation. He stood on the edge now, the edge of a decision that could affect his eternal soul. Did he or didnt he? Did he give in to his lust and sleuth a woman he cared abo ut? Did he take a chance with me he might never get again? Or did he reject me and walk away? Did he stay faithful?My smile grew, slow and languid, as he debated. I paced around the room like I had all the time in the world, like I didnt care what he decided to do. The click of my heels sounded loudly on the hard floor. I turned away from him, trying to make out some old framed picture on the wall. It was mostly a dark blur in the dim lighting.Then, I felt him behind me. His hands slid from my waist down to my hips, then lower to cradle my ass. He pushed up what little of the skirt there was and pulled down the strappy black thong I had underneath. Slowly, his hands traced every curve, feeling and exploring. One hand moved around the outside of my leg toward the front, betwixt my thighs. The movement forced him to move closer to me, and I could feel him still hard, still ready press against my flesh.The exploring hand pushed farther between my thighs, and his breath was hard and hot on my neck. His fingers brushed the small, neatly trimmed patch of hair between my legs, then moved lower, dancing at the edges of my lips, teasing them. A small, urgent moan left my mouth, and I ground against him, hoping to get a response.He slid his fingers in a smooth rhythm, stoking my already raging desire. A minute later, those urgent fingers moved into me, probing and exploring. I was wet and slippery, but it still caught me by surprise, and I exclaimed loudly. He wrapped his other arm around my waist, pulling me even closer, and continued driving those fingers in and out. His life poured into me again. A purely physical burning welled inside of me too, growing stronger each time he moved in. But before that feeling could reach completion, he pulled his fingers out and left them out. My turn to feel unfulfilled. Gripping my shoulders, he turned me around, and I braced myself to be shoved on top of the table or up against the wall.To my astonishment, he pushed me onto my knees instead, his breathing frantic now, his eyes burning with hunger and lust. Your mouth, he gasped out. I want your mouth again.Unexpected and perhaps a little disappointing but it all worked the same for me. onward I could even act, he thrust himself back between my lips. A surprised sound lodged in my throat, and it seemed to turn him on even more. I no longer had to worry about who was taking the chess opening here it was all him. His hands held my head and neck in place as he wield away, pushing into me over and over.The life-force transfer started in earnest, his energy flooding into me with his thoughts and feelings. Finally, finally, finally, he thought, aching desire crackle china through him. Feeling his mind and soul, I realized then he might not have been so easy a tag as I originally thought.He loved his girlfriend. love her passionately. But she didnt like oral sex, and one of the biggest fantasies of this guys life was to bluntly fuck her face. Had I starte d foreplay in some other way tonight, he might very well have been strong enough to decline. But I had given him the one thing he couldnt refuse. It overpowered the guilt lurking in the back of his mind.Ill never get this chance again. Allison doesnt have to know.I knew that rationalization well. It was just about the oldest in the book.He thrust more urgently, that long shaft filling my mouth as his eyes watched me eagerly, and unintelligible, primal noises sounded in his throat. And for me, who had been denied an orgasm, joyfulness was building in a different way. Life-force transfer doesnt occur at the point of a physical contact or even orgasm. Its bigger than that, more holistic. Soul to soul. His energy washed over me now in waves, and it was pure ecstasy as I rode that ocean higher and higher. My body burned with it, tight to the breaking point. Before that crest crashed over, before our connection broke, I caught one more thought from him, plain and simple mouth or faceAh, men.He chose mouth, moaning loudly as he came. Warm, bitter naiant flooded over my tongue as his body spasmed and his nails dug into my neck and scalp. I waited until he finished, then swallowed because I knew it was what he wanted me to do. It was what every guy wanted. And really, it was the least I could do for him, because with his orgasm came a climax of my own.The full force of his energy hit me like a bolt of lightning at the same time he felt its wrong. I broke from him, gasping at the feel of that power, swimming in that bliss, tonic and alive. He, however, stiffened and paled, suddenly weak and confused at losing something he hadnt even known he had. He groped blindly for support and caught the edge of a table as his legs gave out underneath him. The table saved him from completely falling over, and I caught his other arm, balancing him. Carefully, I eased him down so he could sit and lean his body against a chair.His eyes struggled to stay open as the shock of his ener gy loss pulled him toward unconsciousness. Another cardinal succubus rule the stronger the guy, the stronger his loss would be. Oh my Godwhats wrong with me?Pushing aside any(prenominal) kindly feelings or sympathy I might have, reminding myself hed eventually recover, I stared down at him nonchalantly and rearranged my clothes. I think you drank too much. I leaned over and tugged up his pants. Ill go get help.He started to protest, but I was already out the door. I strode back to the dance floor, haloed in his energy. I felt like a goddess entering a temple of worshippers, and many sets of eyes seemed to regard me as exactly that. A few quick searches, and I found his friends from earlier. I told them hed passed out downstairs and left them to deal with it.This ones on me, I heard Hugh say when I walked back up to the bar. My post-sex glamour would be especially obvious to him.I ordered a shot of Jagermeister and chased it with another shot of Goldschlager. Nothing like funny-na med hard drink to top off an evening.Does it make you feel better? the imp asked. He inclined his head toward the two empty glasses.No, I said. But sometimes it helps me not remember as much.I went home after that and cooked myself in a long, hot shower, trying to wash away the feel of sex. My buzz soon yielded to my second headache of the day and a slightly nauseous feeling. I had just settled down on the couch for mindless TV watching, back in my normal shape, when Seth showed up.I wanted to see how you were doing, he explained, sitting down next to me.Better, I told him uneasily. Sort of. I went out with the gang.Ah. Sounds fun. He didnt sound entirely sincere. I think the gang still kind of weirded him out a little.He leaned his head on the couch and stared at me for a long time, not saying anything.I laughed in spite of myself. What?I dont know, he said, face serious. He reminded me of a child staring at the tree on Christmas morning. Its weird. Its just youre soso beautiful t onight. I mean, youre always pretty, of course, but tonight, I dont know I cant take my eyes off of you. I want to He didnt give voice to the urge.Must be the wet hair and pajamas, I said lightly. Always a turn-on.But I knew what was bedazzling him. The guy from the club. Or rather, that guys stolen life. Humans couldnt resist it. Immortals couldnt resist it. Racking my brain, I realized Seth had never seen me so soon after a fix. Hed seen me the same day sometimes and also commented on my attractiveness then but this was the first time hed received its full effect. It made me feel guilty to see him looking at me like this.His hand reached for mine, and I tried not to flinch as he took it. Even after the shower, I felt dirty and cheap. I didnt want him to touch me after what Id done, even if it had been in a different body. I didnt deserve such love.Seth sighed, still enchanted. His long fingers traced warm, whirling patterns on my skin. I felt my breathing grow heavier. I wish I could put your beauty into words. But Im not that good of a writer. Guess I need some work.I stood up hastily and tugged at his hand. Now youre just being silly. I think youre the one that needs to go home and rest.He blinked. Oh. So no more, uh, attempts at sleeping?I hesitated. I wanted to do it again but still didnt trust myself. Or Seth actually, not with the way he kept watching me with such rapt admiration, that heat burning in his eyes. One would have thought a backroom fling might have sated my lust for the night, but I wanted Seth just as much as ever. Of course, in retrospect, maybe that wasnt a surprise after all. Said fling hadnt exactly addressed my physical needs.No, I told Seth. Not yet. Too soon.He looked like being separated from me would hurt him physically, but he finally conceded when I let him kiss my cheek. It was long and lingering, more sensuous than one would expect, making me inspire and then exhale a long, shuddering breath. I wouldnt return the gesture, however. Not with these lips. He waxed on about my beauty a few more times before finally leaving, and I went to bed shortly thereafter.Lying there, I told myself over and over that I had done the right thing at the club. I had done what I needed to do to keep myself strong and capable. After all, Seth had said he loved my whirlwind. Sex was the means of keeping it strong. I had done the right thing. And I had done the right thing with Doug too. Everything Id done today had been for the best.And yetif that was true, then why did I feel so terrible about it all?