46 Back-to-School Quotes to Help Get You Motivated

46 Back-to-School Quotes to Help Get You Motivated Vacations are over, and its time to head back to school. Tis the season of  teachers revising lessons and of students stocking up on school supplies and preparing for new classes. You can share some  motivational back-to-school quotes with your children to help encourage them to achieve, and you can share them with your favorite educators, too. Our education-themed list also contains quotes for people going to the school of hard knocks. Plus, we offer a few clever asides and quips from authors and comedians to a former president. Inspirational Quotes for Students Help students realize the importance of  education  with these quotes: Martin H. Fischer All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind. Ray LeBlond You learn something every day if you pay attention. E.C. McKenzie Sign on a high school bulletin board in Dallas: Free every Monday through Friday- knowledge. Bring your own containers. Ernest Renan The simplest schoolboy is now familiar with truths for which Archimedes would have sacrificed his life. Dana Stewart Scott Learn as much as you can while you are young, since life becomes too busy later. Alvin Toffler The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. Mark Twain Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. Quotes About Teachers and Schools Need some quotes about educators and schools? Look no further: Susan B. Anthony If all the rich and all of the church people should send their children to the public schools they would feel bound to concentrate their money on improving these schools until they met the highest ideals. T.H. Huxley I care not what subject is taught, if only it be taught well. E.C. McKenzie Education helps you earn more. But not many schoolteachers can prove it.Schoolteachers are not fully appreciated by parents until it rains all day Saturday. Donald D. Quinn If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didnt want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teachers job. Lily Tomlin ï » ¿I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. Inspirational Quotes for Educators Educators might also enjoy some inspirational quotes geared toward their chosen profession: Malcolm S. Forbes Educations purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. Sydney J. Harris The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. Margaret Laurence Holidays are enticing only for the first week or so. After that, it is no longer such a novelty to rise late and have little to do. Richard Livingstone If the school sends out children with a desire for knowledge and some idea of how to acquire and use it, it will have done its work. Ralph W. Sockman The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. Ricky Williams I allowed myself to think if I could be doing anything in the world, what would I be doing? And what came to mind is Id be traveling a little bit, Id be going to classes, and Id be going back to school. Quotes on Life and Learning Here are some quotable lines about the value of education outside of school, the teacher being reality. Anonymous Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. Tom Bodett The difference between school and life? In school, youre taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, youre given a test that teaches you a lesson. Winston Churchill I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught. W. Edwards Deming Learning is not compulsory...but to survive, we must learn. Peter De Vries We all learn by experience but some of us have to go to summer school. Ralph Waldo Emerson You send your child to the schoolmaster, but tis the schoolboys who educate him. Martin H. Fischer Education aims to give you a boost up the ladder of knowledge. Too often, it just gives you a cramp on one of its rungs. Ivan Illich Together we have come to realize that for men the right to learn is curtailed by the obligation to attend school. George Bernard Shaw What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child. Ernest Shackleton I do not know what moss stands for in the proverb, but if it stood for useful knowledge...I gathered more moss by rolling than I ever did at school. Oscar Wilde Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing worth knowing can be taught. Henny Youngman In elementary school, many a true word is spoken in guess. Silly and Pithy Quotes According to some well-known names, education has its lighter moments: Gracie Allen Smartness runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart my teacher was in my class for five years. Erma Bombeck Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work 13 times an hour, she can hurt you. A. Whitney Brown Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait. George Carlin When I got out of high school they retired my jersey, but it was for hygiene and sanitary reasons. Bill Dodds Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day. It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken. Peter Drucker When a subject becomes totally obsolete, we make it a required course. Finley Peter Dunne It doesnt make much difference what you study, so long as you dont like it. Robert Gallagher Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed. Edgar W. Howe If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. Elbert Hubbard You can lead a boy to college, but you cannot make him think. Doug Larson Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog. Henry Louis Mencken Sunday school: A prison in which children do penance for the evil conscience of their parents. John Updike The Founding Fathers...provided jails called schools, equipped with tortures called an education. School is where you go between when your parents cant take you and industry cant take you. Ronald Reagan But there are advantages to being President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified top secret. Joan Welsh The only educational aspect of television is that it puts the repairman’s kids through college.

In Romeo and Juliet there are lots of opposing themes Essays

In Romeo and Juliet there are lots of opposing themes Essays In Romeo and Juliet there are lots of opposing themes Essay In Romeo and Juliet there are lots of opposing themes Essay From the beginning of Romeo and Juliet we are introduced to the themes of life and death, death in particular. In the prologue we are told that the play will result in two deaths, those of the star-crossed lovers. We are also told that ancient grudge break to new mutiny, which again informs the audience of the fate the play is bound to. The new mutiny is shown in Act 1 Scene 1 when Abram, Sampson, Gregory and Tybalt fight, the reason being that they are from the opposing houses, which bear the ancient grudge that the prologue described to the audience.Tybalt, from the Capulet house challenges Benvolio of the Montague house. Tybalt is described as fiery and he says to Benvolio Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death, believing Benvolio to be involved when he in fact was attempting to cease the fighting. This scene is used to great affect, as it is shows the conflict between the houses at the beginning of the play to ensure the audience know of the conflict, an d will later comprehend that it is the cause of all the deaths throughout the play.Prince Escales of Verona eventually stops the fight, and informs Lords Capulet and Montague that, should there be another brawl, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. The message is clear both to the audience and the characters, and it is showing how death is a punishment. This scene is split into two halves; the fight, which revolves around the theme of death, and Romeos conversation with Benvolio, which is referring to life. We are informed that Romeo has been creating artificial nights for himself and that he private in his chamber pens himself. He is melancholy, and when Benvolio seeks the cause of his sadness, he discovers that Romeo is Out of her favour where I am in love.He is discontent with his life, and feels that it is worthless without Rosaline. At this point in the play he does not realise how terrible death is, and thinks it a better option than being melancholy. This shows othe r people easily affect him, and also that he is unaware of the pain of death and the effects it can have. This is the first of many links between love and death during the play, and Benvolio claims he will die in debt if he cannot teach Romeo to forget Rosaline and love another women. This gives the image of death being a repayment of debt created within life, closely linking the two.The next time death appears in the play is when Benvolio compares women to poisons, and says to Romeo, the rank poison of the old will die. This portrays the image that women are the cause of ill health and death. This is ironic because at the end of the play Romeo does die from a poison, and he takes it because he cannot be with the women he loves. This is one of the many prophetic images Shakespeare uses throughout Romeo and Juliet, all of which are used to great affect. Another example is in scene four, where Romeo voices his fears of an untimely death, and feels that if he enters the Capulets ball i t will bring about his death, which is true as it is at the ball he meets Juliet. Had he trusted these predicaments, he would not have met Juliet, meaning he would have had no reason to kill himself.At the ball, Tybalt sees Romeo, and wishes to strike him dead, but Capulet will not allow this, as he does not want to spoil the party. When Romeo finds out Juliet is a Capulet, he is distraught, and claims, my life is my foes debt. He believes that his life is owed to his enemy, and that he would be happier dead as he cannot be with Juliet. Juliet also says she will die if she cannot marry Romeo, which is another example of irony, as in the end of the play she does die, and mainly because she did marry Romeo. This again portrays the close relationship between love and death, which is carried throughout Romeo and Juliet.Act 2 Scene 2 is also portraying this relationship, when Romeo creeps back into the Capulet house to see Juliet. She tells him that if the guards see him they will murder him, but he says that, My life were better ended by their hate/ Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love. He would prefer to die early and be with Juliet, than live a long time without her. Later in this scene Juliet says that she wishes Romeo was like a wanton bird, and Romeo replies I would I were thy bird, but Juliet confesses that she would end up killing him, as she would constantly be giving him affection.In scene 3 we are introduced to Friar Lawrence, who plays a very important part in the play, connected with both life and death. In his speech we are informed that he has a special interest in plants, some of which have healing qualities, others which are used in the production of poisons. This leaves the audience wondering whether his purpose in the play will be to heal, or the opposite.Mercutio provides another example of the link between love and death in scene 4, when he talks about Romeo being shot with Cupids arrow. In scene 5 Juliet performs a soliloquy, and towards the end of this she says But old folks, many feign as they were dead/ Unwieldy, slow, heavy, and pale as lead, informing the audience that many of the senior members of Verona act as if they are already dead. This gives the impression that Verona is permanently linked to death.The final scene in this act, scene 6, is the point at which true love finally runs its course, and Romeo and Juliet are married. Romeo says something very prophetic in this scene. Then love-devouring Death do what he dare/ It is enough I may but call her mine. This is saying that they are not afraid of death as long as they are together, and are prepared to die for each other, which is in fact the final consequence. Friar Lawrence then claims that, These violent delights have violent ends/ And in their triumph die like fire and powder. This is even more prophetic as it states that all good things end badly, as does the play.Act 3 Scene 1 contains the second fight of the play, when Tybalt seeks revenge on Romeo for attending the ball. When Romeo declines, and claims that he love thee better than thou canst devise, Mercutio takes it upon himself to fight with Tybalt. They fight, and Romeo parts them, but Mercutio is stabbed under Romeos arm. Mercutio plagues both the houses, as it is due to their grudge that he lost his life. Having witnessed the death of his friend, Romeo abandons his maturity and attacks Tybalt, resulting in Tybalts death. He runs, scared of the punishment the law commands death. This is in comparison to the beginning of the play when he was unaware of the fear death can bring.At the end of the scene Benvolio, having told the Prince what happened, proclaims, This is the truth, or let Benvolio die. This is the second time he has used his life as a guarantee, for at the beginning of the play he vowed to die if he could not persuade Romeo to love another women.Prince Escales decides the punishments, and is persuaded by Lord Montague that, His fault concludes but what the l aw should end/ The life of Tybalt. He reduces Romeos punishment to banishment, but vows that in future he will be deaf to pleading and excuses, as he has lost his kinsman, Mercutio.In scene 2 Juliet is told by the nurse, hes dead, hes dead, hes dead! and she believes it to be Romeo. She asks Can heaven be so envious?, but the nurse replies, Romeo can, though heaven cannot. When Juliet discovers that Tybalt is dead and Romeo banished, she says it is worse than her mother, father, Tybalt, herself and Romeo being dead.Romeo agrees with Juliet in scene 3, when he says, Banishment? Be merciful, say death:/ For exile hath more terror in his look and he emphasises this with images of Juliet being in heaven where everyone except him can look at her. He is being very selfish, as the Friar tells him when he says if he killed himself he would be killing Juliet as well. This is prophetic as, when Juliet finds out Romeo is dead she does kill herself. He also tells Romeo how it would be a sin, an d he would go to hell, linking death with the next life.At the beginning of scene 4 Lord Capulets view on death is shown, and it is very different to Juliet. Well, we were born to die. He does not think it is worth getting upset about, as everyone dies at some point. Paris and Lord Capulet do not show respect for the dead, as they are now talking of weddings, rather than mourning their loss.In scene 5 Romeo is saying he must leave Juliet or he will die. He is now acting rationally, and realises that as long as he is alive he may be able to come back. Juliet doesnt want him to go, but then changes her mind. She then later finds out about her marriage to Paris, and refuses. Her mother shows no feelings for her, and says I would the fool were married to her grave, which is how Juliet dies.In Act 4 Scene 1 we are told that Juliet is weeping for Tybalts death, but she is being hurried to get on with her life. Not much respect is shown for the dead at this time as they are now thinking of weddings rather than grieving for their loss. However Juliet is willing to end her life is she cannot be with her love. This gives us the impression that her life is worthless without Romeo and she doesnt value her life very much. She reinforces this later on when she says, o bid me leap, rather than marry Paris/ From off the battlements of any tower and she lists other terrible things she would rather do.Later on in the scene Friar Lawrence tells Juliet of a plan to fake her death in order for her to live a good, sin-free life with Romeo. This shows how powerful death can be, and can cause good things as well as bad.In scene 3 Juliet is about to take the poison, but is scared about what will happen if it doesnt work. She doesnt want to die and is scared she will wake too soon. She gives vivid descriptions regarding death, such as So early waking what with loathsome smells and shrieks like mandrakes torn out of the earth. She also talks about Tybalts ghost. She is hysterical at th is point and is confusing life with death.The next example of death is not until scene 5 when Juliets body is discovered and death is quite a prominent part in this scene. There is a lot of repetition of the word death and phrases connected with it. We are told that Juliet is ready to go, but never to return when Friar Lawrence asks if she is ready to go to church.Death is personified when Capulet says, o son the night before thy wedding day/ Hath Death lain with thy wife. They regard death as an evil being that takes all, and this is also used later in the play. Later it is shown how people dont realise how bad death is until it happens to them. Earlier on in the play lady Capulet said I would the fool were married to her grave but when this actually happens she claims and with my child my joys are buriedHowever during the Friars speech we are told about the religious beliefs at the time. Friar Lawrence talks about the next life, showing the connection between life and death, and how the second life is better.Act 5 starts a very dramatic part in the play, which revolves around death. In scene 1 Romeo tells the audience of his dream that was dead. This shows how death can affect people, even when they are unaware of it. It is also prophetic, especially when he says And breathd such life with kisses in my lips Juliet was told by Friar Lawrence that she would wake to Romeo kissing her, so this is like Romeo knew the plan. Romeo is saying how he wants to die for his love, which is what Juliet said as well.Whilst trying to find it, Romeo describes the apothecary and he talks about dead animals, which gives the impression it will contain items to do with death.Romeo uses death and cruelty to persuade the apothecary to sell him the potion, saying how life has been cruel to the apothecary, and that he needs the money.In scene 2 we find out why Romeo did not get the letter telling him of the plan. It turns out that the Friar saving sick peoples lives caused three de aths Romeo, Juliet and Paris.When he finds out, Friar Lawrence says, poor living corse, closd in a dead mans tomb, which is one of the things Juliet was scared of. It is showing how life is trapped and bound to death.In scene 3, death is personified again, this time by Romeo. It is compared to a dirty mouth, eating all that is good, and it is shown how death leads to more death. Paris believes that Romeo killed Tybalt, which in turn led to Juliets death.However it is shown how there are different types of death. By being arrested and killed or by your own free will, which is how Romeo wants to die.On entering the tomb, the connection is shown again between life and death, when Romeo says how Juliet looks alive when he believes she is dead. Death is personified again, and then Romeo dies for his love, unaware she is to wake up only minutes later.Meanwhile, outside, Balthasar is scared of death, in comparison with Romeo who wanted to die.Juliet awakes to find Romeo dead, and chooses to take her life too. She is only 13 and has her whole life ahead of her, but chooses to die for love. This shows again the great relationship between love and death in the play. Another example is that throughout the play there is a love triangle between Romeo, Juliet and Paris; and in the end all three die for love. However love is also linked to life, as the deaths draw the families together and they vow to honour Romeo and Juliets lives.Throughout the play Shakespeare shows obvious empathy, and clearly shows the links between life, love and death. They are very strongly related, and many links are shown throughout Romeo and Juliet.

A Case Study of Ping an Life Insurance Company of China Dissertation

A Case Study of Ping an Life Insurance Company of China - Dissertation Example In the competitive markets, development and maintenance of good customer relations are indispensable for the success and survival of an organization in the long term. In this context, the concept of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has evolved and it has gained significant importance in the global business scenario. In the emerging markets, customer management theories are being practically considered in the decision making processes of business firms. At present, Chinese firms are increasingly applying the CRM system with the aim of facilitating good customer relationship. In the competitive framework of the market, choices and decisions of customers play an important role in the performance of businesses. Customers are the key element that plays an important role in the survival of business firms (Cheng, 2005). CRM systems allow firms in China to focus on the customers and take greater care of their demand through more personalized service offerings (Dyche, 2002). It has been found through research that winning a new customer is almost five times more costly to a firm than retaining the existing customers. On the other hand, an additional 5 percent of existing customers are capable of increasing the profit by nearly 100 percent (Cheng, 2007). This shows that it is very important for management to implement the CRM system in their organizations. CRM is one of the modern day developments that have taken corporate organizations to a greater level of business. Chinese firms are adopting the CRM system fast. This process involves the implementation of software that would record the details of the company’s relationship with its customers through the performance of various indicators. Several advantages have been found to be associated with the process of CRM and various benefits accrue to the companies that implement this system. However, certain limitations are also associated with the process of CRM. Ping An Life Insurance Company of China, Ltd. rec ognizes the importance of CRM. The company was established as a major subsidiary of the parent company, Ping an Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. In the year 2002, Ping was the first company in China that had a shareholding structure. Gradually Ping An Insurance Group has grown and has begun offering various financial services including insurance products as core services and banking, securities, and investment services as tertiary businesses (Ping An, 2009). The CRM system helps the organization to focus on the business processes, marketing processes and customer service offerings of the company. This leads to the development of client relationship and maximization of ‘customer value’ in long run. In essence, implementation of CRM has brought a shift within the company from being a production-oriented organization into a customer-oriented organization. After implementing CRM, the company improves its communication channels. The information technology (IT) system acts as a coordinating agency across the different levels of operations (Kanji, 2002). Since the organization becomes more customer-centric, it also needs to train its employees in order to make them more involved in the business process and more efficient.

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 35

Case Study Example First of all, the condition of the two mothers when their children became sick has to be given the first priority i.e. were they breast-feeding their children? Could they have been infected by the disease? Where they live and what type of food they eat when breast-feeding. In addition, it would be prudent to determine the age of the children, when they became sick for instance: Did they fall sick at the same age? Consequently, various environmental factors would be taken into consideration for example: The environment of the working place; where they come from; and the people they interact with at the work place. The second step would involve undertaking scientific tests on the factors identified to determine if they could cause diseases with similar symptoms. However, specific consideration would be given to the composition of the mother’s milk and if possible compared to the laboratory results of the breast milk of the co-worker: This is only possible if the laboratory results indicating the chemical component of the co-worker’s breast milk is available. Research indicates that there is a high sense of relationship between certain diseases and industries (Handley 2001). This is mostly evident when there is one family member working in an industry or when there is an industry next to a residential place. In this regard, there would be a case for the woman in the court (Handley 2001). However, such allegations would require proper proof/ medical evidence for the woman to win. On the other hand, there are various occupational health and safety laws that are applied in industries to not only protect the lives of the workers and the environment, but also their family members (Hartnett 2008). The woman win the case in the event that the court finds out that such rules are not properly followed by the company as

Merger and Acquisition in China Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Merger and Acquisition in China - Coursework Example This was undertaken in the form of a qualitative study as the author was obtaining subjective information relating to the failure of this merger/acquisition. This was undertaken in the form of primary research. The qualitative methods were also chosen as the information obtained was used to develop themes and form conclusions on the reasons behind the collapse of the DANONE and Wahaha Group deal (Cooper and Schindler 2003, Creswell 2003, Hair et al 2003, Saunders et al 2003) that will be useful for determining the advantages and disadvantages of establishing mergers and acquisitions in the Chinese market. The primary research with the head of Wahaha demonstrated the lack of openness or the no willingness to discuss this issue in great detail. The benefits derived by China from its merger and acquisitions activity with developed nations include increased development and economic activity. The benefits also include the acquisition of new technology, knowledge and skills, which would ha ve otherwise taken significantly longer to achieve, and for a relatively lower price. However, the main disadvantages are that of the lack of knowledge of mergers and acquisitions as they are mainly driven by the developed world. Mergers and acquisitions do occur in China regularly, but this is different to such activities with companies that are not Chinese. Table of Contents Table of Contents 4 1.0 Introduction 5 1.2 Significance of the study 10 1.3 Research objectives 11 1.5 Research model 12 2.1 Mergers and Acquisitions and the Stock Market 15 2.1.1 The merger and acquisition environment 16 2.2 Cross Border Mergers and Acquisitions 18 2.2.1 Cross Border problems faced by Chinese companies 20 2.2.2 Countermeasures faced by Chinese companies 22 2.4 Business Culture 26 2.5 Introduction to Case Study 27 3.0 Methodology 28 4.0 Results 33 4.1 Primary Research 33 4.2 Secondary Research 34 5.0 Discussion 49 6.0 Conclusion 56 6.1 Recommendations 59 6.2 Limitations 60 7.0 References 61 1.0 Introduction The open door policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping in China in1992 with the intention to push forward China's economic progress brought in considerable wealth in the form of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) (Galbraith, 2000). This policy enabled institutional change (North 1990), which in turn created opportunities for investment into the Chinese economy. What was different about this policy was that it was a gradual change and not a sudden change as experienced in other developing countries, which led to bankruptcies and high costs (Campbell and Lindberg 1991). This policy also placed emphasis on foreign capital policy, the foreign exchange system, and it also offered promising conditions for foreign investors (Galbraith, 2000). This policy has since reaped dividends given that the main mode for FDI into the Chinese economy has been through foreign funded and joint venture companies. This has also reflected in figures which show that between 1990 and 1996, China managed to attract appr oximately $230 billion of foreign capital, with 20% of that amount coming from developing nations (Galbraith, 2000). However, the open door policy

Legal Rights and Requirements for Children with Disabilities

Legal Rights and Requirements for Children with Disabilities Outline the legal and regulatory requirements in place for children with disabilities or specific requirements†¦ Every child regardless of age, ability and circumstance has legal rights and entitlements. A child with a disability has the right to be treated equally and fairly. Tutt R (2007) Every Child Included, Great Britain, Paul Chapman Publishing quotes ‘Every child not only matters, but matters equally’. Acts and laws have been put into place to ensure children’s disabilities are not discriminated against. Children with SEN have extra-legal stipulations that ensure their inclusion and protect them from further discrimination. These include The Equality Act 2010, which states that provision be mad e for people with disabilities to be able to access public and private services the same way an able bodied person does. Adjustments to public places should be made, such as ramps for access and wider doors. Services such as toilets adapted for disabled people and braille on signs for visually impaired children, accessible seating areas at events and amenable transport .The Special Education Needs Code of Practice provides help schools to ensure inclusion and equality. One of its most important aims is to give early intervention for children with SEN, with the best suited support. A child with SEN should have their needs met, this will normally be in mainstream school being included in the National Curriculum at a relevant level with an appropriate approach. From the 1St September 2014 all schools must adhere to this practice. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a document giving rights to children regardless of their needs and circumstance stating that children’s’ views should be taken into consideration when decisions are made, where possible for their education and care. Whilst the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is specifically for children with disabilities. It is aware that although they have different challenges they should still equally enjoy their human rights with non -disabled children. Article 7 outlines that the child’s best interests should be paramount and their right to express their opinions should be taken seriously. Article 31 says information must collected be collected with disabled people and shared so that a better understanding of the barriers can be overcome. Article 24 states a child should receive inclusive, free primary and secondary education within their community with quality teaching and individual support. Each country has to report to the United Nations committee showing how t hey are putting this convention into practise. These acts and bills that have been passed to protect the children are such an important aspect of disabled children and Sen children’s life. They provide good quality early intervention which will continue to help improve the long term outcome of all children. Explain why it is important to work inclusively with children with disabilities or specific requirements†¦ It is so important that children with disabilities are able to access main stream school education and be able to work alongside and with children without disability or additional needs. A child’s needs, strengths and interests should be built upon, with other children, to develop them under your care. (This is otherwise known as a child –centred approach) People’s opinions and the way they treat disabled children fall into two categories Medical Model of Disability and Social Model. The medical model sees disability as an illness to be made better. It focuses on their condition rather than the individual as a person. This labels a child as ‘sick’ instead of looking at their achievements and interests. If a setting chooses this approach they are not inclusive as they’ve chosen to focus on the disability. A social model sees that everybody is an individual with rights and feelings and this gives value to their choices .Society is responsible for the way we treat disabilities, our attitudes and behaviour determine whether we embrace and include disability into our everyday lives or we wrongly treat it like an illness. Lindon J (2012) Equality and Inclusion in Early Childhood, Great Britain, Hachette UK ‘Words matter because they are a reflection of deeply entrenched attitudes in our society’ By incorporating a child as a person with individual needs and listening to them a child will feel respected which will increase their self -worth and well- being. A child will feel safe and secure in their environment and the other family members will equally feel that they are respected too. Planning is a very important part of inclusion, if the child has a special interest in something (i.e. animals) this can be incorporated into learning bringing in resources to count, sort, describe and write about etc. It will keep the child interested and motivated to continue learning. A practitioner needs to show an understanding towards the child’s feelings and points of view and not pity as this would not be productive in any way. Thinking from the child’s point of view will enable you to adapt the setting to the individual needs of the child. Children should be encouraged to take responsibility and have independence as this gives them belief in their abilities and future skills and by watching able bodied children complete tasks they learn what can be achieved. Gaining an understanding of how a child’s disability affects them their learning would greatly help to include each different disability to ensure they aren’t excluding the child even unintentionally. A child needs to feel welcomed; this could be as easy as a smile or calling their name. All pictures should display positive images of different disabilities around the classroom to provide a positive environment. All role models need to maintain a positive attitude to make these changes and by working in an enthusiastic team inclusion can be achieved which has to be the best thing for all children. This poem written by an 8yr old girl describes how she feels about her friend in her class who cannot walk or talk and shows how beneficial inclusion is. Tutt R(2007) Every Child Included, Great Britain, Paul Chapman Publishing. Evaluate the benefits of working in partnership with parents and professionals when working with children†¦ All parents should be constantly involved and consulted when making decisions about a child with special educational needs as this enables a parent to feel they are respected and their child is valued. A parent sees their child as a whole person with interests and characteristics and not just a child with an illness or condition. They have the best source of information on the child, their personality, personal skills, social abilities and emotional state as well as their physical situation. They are also able to relay their coping techniques and what methods they use to produce results for development and behaviour. Parents have a right to contribute to the decision making according to the Code of Practice as does a child have the right to be involved in choices and preferences .This is a good idea as each child is a sensitive individual with individual needs. Having this parental partnership helps outside agencies such as Social Services , Speech and Language therapists , Doctors and Paediatricians form a clearer picture and understanding of the child they are involved with and are able to build on this knowledge to know where their child is in their learning and development to give them the best help , For example a Physiotherapist will suggest exercises to do at home , a Speech and Language therapist would devise a plan that would be implemented at school and home. A Social worker will also have a vital role in supporting a family with a SEN Child giving support and guidance where necessary and also practical help. As children with SEN are seen to be potentially vulnerable they also help with their protection and safe guarding and working closely with a family is the best way to do this. Parents will often need additional information to help support their child in the best way as this will be a new experience and learning curve for them too. Additional information would help these parents and support them in preparing them for meetings they would need to attend. A parent will also need their own personal support as this is an emotional and difficult time they are trying to cope with. They should be respected and contact should be professional but with understanding and compassion as sometimes there is unacceptance of the situation too. Each school now has to have a designated member of staff as a SENCO who is responsible for providing provision for each child. The SEN code of practice says they must ensure each child should be valued and equality and inclusion must be provided and early intervention where required. Details of the SEN policy have to be provided for parents and carers and support when required. It is so important for parental involvement to continue with all these different parties and for strategies to be worked out together for the best interests of the child. Describe how PR actioners can adapt their existing practice to support children with disabilities or specific requirements†¦ It is the responsibility of the setting or employer to make sure premises are suitable to cater for the needs of all children with disabilities, so they can participate within their school and their community. The environment is a key factor to helping support the children , access to a building is vital ,this could be achieved with a ramp , possibly a lift or simply moving a classroom to a more accessible place i.e. nearer the entrance. It is important to look at the child’s actual disability, to look what they are able and aren’t able to do. For example if a child has limited movement and in a wheelchair, to adapt the area might include changing the table layout, a door entrance widened to accommodate a wheelchair. Resources would need to be kept at a lower level (but not on the floor) and labelled so the child can reach them, maybe choosing the activities and resources they prefer at an achievable independent level. Any floor activities could be adapted for a child to do at the table and be changed to adapt a wheelchair. If a child is visually impaired you would need to make sure they have a seat at the front of the class enabling them a better view of the whiteboard and t eacher, maybe a magnifying glass. It might be possible to have Audio Description, as hearing is heightened when vision is impaired. Labels around the classroom and lots of sensory and tactile resources should be available. It might be that resources need to be in braille and assisted help required. A visually impaired child would benefit from a classroom not being changed around so they are familiar with the layout of the room and can avoid obstacles and move about safely. You need to look at a classroom from a child’s view and adapt with this mind set, it is also important for the area to be regularly checked for safety reasons and the children should be encouraged to help to understand the importance of this . All ages and stage appropriate activities need to readily available. SEN children may also need additional help with their personal care, fastening buttons and zips; these can be made easier with Velcro fastenings to encourage independence. Some children find it difficult to make their own choices and feelings; this can be helped with visual aids such as a choice board to enable a child to make a simpler independent choice or a feelings board to express their emotions appropriately. For inclusion to work the adults involved have to have a positive attitude to any changes and adaptations needed. Practitioners should ensure activities and resources are ability appropriate and meet each child’s individual needs. Positive beliefs and a passion to help the children will help build an environment inclusive to all.

Enron :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Enron Executives at high-flying Enron Corp. (ENE ) never seemed overly concerned with how the rest of the world viewed their business practices. Earlier this year, the California Attorney General had to get a court order to collect documents in an industrywide investigation into energy price fixing. And when an analyst challenged former CEO Jeffrey K. Skilling in a conference call to produce Enron's balance sheet, Skilling called him an "ass----." Still, even some Enron executives worried that the company had gone too far with two complex partnerships set up in 1999 to buy company assets and hedge investments. With Enron's then-chief financial officer acting as general manager of the partnerships and in a position to personally benefit from their investments, the potential for a conflict of interest and backlash from investors seemed overwhelming. "Internally, everybody said this is not a good idea," says a source close to the company. But no one could have predicted such a jaw-dropping outcome for the nation's largest and most innovative energy trader. Since Oct. 16, when Enron revealed a $35 million charge to earnings to reflect losses on those partnerships and was forced to knock $1.2 billion off its shareholders' equity, the company's stock has plunged 60%. The Securities & Exchange Commission is investigating Enron's accounting for its partnerships and whether it properly disclosed them to investors. Suddenly the company, which brought high-tech and complex finance to energy trading, is essentially trying to avoid a run on the bank. Moody's Investors Service has already downgraded the company's debt. Enron says it is meeting with credit agencies to calm their fears, and analysts say Enron is working on a turnaround plan that would likely include accelerating asset sales, issuing shares, and obtaining new credit lines. Enron's board has set up a special committee to look into its controversial partnerships. But analysts also worry that Enron's trading partners could pull the plug if they lose confidence that it can honor its trades. "ON CRACK?" Inside Enron, once-cocky employees are reeling. They were still puzzling over the abrupt Aug. 14 departure of CEO Skilling when the company announced on Oct. 24 that CFO Andrew S. Fastow, architect of the controversial private LJM investments--which got their name from the first initials of his wife and children--was removed from his post and on leave. In a tense meeting held at a Houston hotel after the latest financial disclosures, soft-spoken Chairman and CEO Kenneth L.

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 5

Elena got into the backseat of the Jaguar and put on a plush aquamarine T-shirt and jeans underneath her nightgown, just in case a police officer – or even someone trying to help the owners of a car apparently stalled by a deserted highway – stopped by. And then she lay down in the Jag's backseat. But although she was now warm and comfortable, sleep wouldn't come. What do I want? Really want right now? she asked herself. And the answer came to her immediately. I want to see Stefan. I want to feel his arms around me. I want to just look at his face – at his green eyes with that special look that he only ever shows to me. I want him to forgive me and tell me that he knows I'll always love him. And I want†¦Elena felt herself flush as a warmth went through her body, I want Stefan to kiss me. I want Stefan's kisses†¦warm and sweet and comforting†¦. Elena was thinking this as for the second or third time she shut her eyes and shifted position, tears once again welling up. If only she could cry, really cry, for Stefan. But something stopped her. She found it hard to squeeze out a tear. God, she was exhausted†¦. Elena tried. She kept her eyes shut and turned back and forth, trying not to think about Stefan for just a few minutes. She had to sleep. Desperate, she gave a mighty heave to try to find a better position – when everything suddenly changed. Elena was comfortable. Too comfortable. She couldn't feel the seat at all. She bolted upright and froze, sitting on air. She was almost hitting her head against the Jag's top. I've lost gravity again! she thought, horrified. But, no – this was different than what had happened when she had first returned from the afterlife, and had floated around like a balloon. She couldn't explain why, but she was sure. She was afraid to move in any direction. She wasn't sure of the cause of her distress – but she didn't dare move. And then she saw it. She saw herself, with her head back and her eyes closed in the backseat of the car. She could make out every tiny detail, from the wrinkles in her plush aquamarine shirt to the braid she'd made from her pale golden hair, which, for the lack of a hair tie, was coming unbraided already. She looked as if she were serenely sleeping. So this was how it all ended. This is what they'll say, that Elena Gilbert, one summer day, died peacefully in her sleep. No cause of death was ever found†¦. Because they could never see heartbreak as a cause of death, Elena thought, and in a gesture even more melodramatic than her usual melodramatic gestures, she tried to fling herself down on her own body with one arm covering her face. It didn't work. As soon as she reached out to begin to fling herself, she found herself outside the Jaguar. She'd gone right through the ceiling without feeling anything. I suppose that's what happens when you're a ghost, she thought. But this is nothing like the last time. Then I saw the tunnel, I went into the Light. Maybe I'm not a ghost. Suddenly Elena felt a rush of exhilaration. I know what this is, she thought triumphantly. This is an out of body experience! She looked down at her sleeping self again, searching carefully. Yes! Yes! There was a cord attaching her sleeping body – her real body – to her spiritual self. She was tethered! Wherever she went, she could find her way home. There were only two possible destinations. One was back to Fell's Church. She knew the general direction from the sun, and she was sure that someone having an O.O.B. (as Bonnie, who had once gone through a spiritualist fad and had read lots of books about the subject, familiarly called them) would be able to recognize the crossing of all those ley lines. The other destination, of course, was to Stefan. Damon might think she didn't know where to go, and it was true that she could only vaguely sense from the rising sun that Stefan was in the other direction – to the west of her. But she'd always heard that the souls of true lovers were connected somehow†¦by a silver string from heart to heart or a red cord from pinky to pinky. To her delight, she found it almost immediately. A thin cord the color of moonlight, that seemed to be stretched taut between the sleeping Elena's heart, and†¦yes. When she touched the cord, it resonated so clearly to her of Stefan that she knew it would take her to him. There was never a doubt in her mind as to which direction she would take. She'd been in Fell's Church. Bonnie was a psychic of some impressive powers, and so was Stefan's old landlady, Mrs. Theophilia Flowers. They were there, along with Meredith and her brilliant intellect, to protect the town. And they would all understand, she told herself somewhat desperately. She might not ever have this chance again. Without another moment's hesitation, Elena turned toward Stefan and let herself go. Immediately she found herself rushing through the air, far too quickly to take note of her surroundings. Everything she passed was a blur, differing only in color and texture as Elena realized with a catch in her throat that she was going through objects. And so, in just a few instants, she found herself looking at a heart-wrenching scene: Stefan on a worn and broken pallet, looking gray-faced and thin. Stefan in a hideous, rush-strewn, lice-infested cell with its damned bars of iron from which no vampire could escape. Elena turned away for a moment so that when she woke him he wouldn't see her anguish and her tears. She was just composing herself, when Stefan's voice jolted through her. He was awake already. â€Å"You try and try, don't you?† he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. â€Å"I guess you should get points for that. But you always get something wrong. Last time it was the little pointed ears. This time it's the clothes. Elena wouldn't wear a wrinkled shirt like that and have dirty, bare feet if her life depended on it. Go away.† Shrugging his shoulders under the threadbare blanket, he turned from her. Elena stared. She was in too many kinds of distress to choose her words: they burst from her like a geyser. â€Å"Oh, Stefan! I was just trying to fall asleep in my clothes in case a police officer stopped by while I was in the backseat of the Jag. The Jag you bought me. But I didn't think you'd care! My clothes are wrinkled because I'm living out of my duffel bag and my feet got dirty when Damon – well – well – never mind that. I have a real nightgown, but I didn't have it on when I came out of my body and I guess when you come out you still look like yourself in your body†¦.† Then she threw up her hands in alarm as Stefan swung around. But – marvel of marvels – there was now a tinge of blood in his cheeks. Moreover, he was no longer looking disdainful. He was looking deadly, his green eyes flashing with menace. â€Å"Your feet got dirty – when Damon did what?† he demanded, enunciating carefully. â€Å"It doesn't matter – â€Å" â€Å"It damn well does matter – † Stefan stopped short. â€Å"Elena?† he whispered, staring at her as if she had only just appeared. â€Å"Stefan!† She couldn't help holding out her arms to him. She couldn't control anything. â€Å"Stefan, I don't know how, but I'm here. It's me! I'm not a dream or a ghost. I was thinking about you and falling asleep – and here I am!† She tried to touch him with ghostlike hands. â€Å"Do you believe me?† â€Å"I believe you†¦because I was thinking about you. Somehow – somehow that brought you here. Because of love. Because we love each other!† And he spoke the words as if they were a revelation. Elena shut her eyes. If only she could be here in her body, she would show Stefan how much she loved him. As it was, they had to use clumsy words – clichs that just happened to be uniquely true. â€Å"I will always love you, Elena,† Stefan said, whispering again. â€Å"But I don't want you near Damon. He'll find a way to hurt you – â€Å" â€Å"I can't help it,† Elena interrupted him. â€Å"You have to help it!† † – because he's my only hope, Stefan! He's not going to hurt me. He's already killed to protect me. Oh, God, so much has happened! We're on our way to – † Elena hesitated, her eyes flicking around warily. Stefan's eyes widened for an instant. But when he spoke his face was deadpan. â€Å"Someplace where you'll be safe.† â€Å"Yes,† she said, just as seriously, knowing that phantom tears were now racing down her bodiless cheeks. â€Å"And†¦oh, Stefan, there's so much you don't know. Caroline accused Matt of attacking her while they were on a date because she's pregnant. But it wasn't Matt!† â€Å"Of course not!† Stefan said indignantly, and would have said more, but Elena was racing on. â€Å"And I think that the – the litter is really Tyler Smallwood's because of the timing, and because Caroline's changing. Damon said that – â€Å" â€Å"A werewolf baby will always turn its mother into a werewolf – â€Å" â€Å"Yes! But the werewolf part is going to have to fight the malach that's already inside her. Bonnie and Meredith told me things about Caroline – like how she was scuttling on the floor like a lizard – that just terrified me. But I had to leave them to deal with that so that I could – could get to that safe place.† â€Å"Werewolves and were-foxes,† Stefan said, shaking his head. â€Å"Of course, the kitsune, the foxes, are much more powerful magically, but werewolves tend to kill before they think.† He struck his knee with his fist. â€Å"I wish I could be there!† Elena burst out with mixed wonder and despair, â€Å"And instead here I am – with you! I never knew I could do this. But I haven't been able to bring you anything this way, not even myself. My blood.† She made a helpless gesture and saw the smugness in Stefan's eyes. He still had the Clarion Loess Black Magic wine she'd smuggled to him! She knew it! It was the only liquid that would – in a pinch – help keep a vampire alive when no blood was available. Black Magic â€Å"wine† – nonalcoholic and never made for humans in the first place, was the only drink that vampires really enjoyed aside from blood. Damon had told Elena that it was magically made from special grapes that were grown in the soil at the edges of glaciers, loess, and that they were always kept in complete darkness. That was what gave it its velvety dark taste, he'd said. â€Å"It doesn't matter,† Stefan said, undoubtedly for the benefit of anyone who might be spying. â€Å"Exactly how did it happen?† he asked then. â€Å"This out of body thing? Why don't you come down here and tell me about it?† He lay back on his pallet, turning aching eyes on her. â€Å"I'm sorry that I don't have a better bed to offer you.† For a moment the humiliation showed clearly in his face. All this time he'd managed to hide it from her: the shame he felt in appearing before her in this way – in a filthy cell, with rags for clothes, and infested with God knew what. He – Stefan Salvatore, who had once been – had once been – Elena's heart truly broke then. She knew it was breaking, because she could feel it inside shattering like glass, with each needle-like shard skewering flesh inside her chest. She knew it was breaking, too, because she was weeping, huge spirit tears that dropped on Stefan's face like blood, translucent in the air as they fell, but turning deep red when they touched Stefan's face. Blood? Of course, it wasn't blood, she thought. She couldn't even bring anything so useful to him in this form. She was really sobbing now; her shoulders shaking as the tears continued to fall onto Stefan, who now had one hand held up as if to catch one†¦ â€Å"Elena – † There was wonder in his voice. â€Å"Wha – what?† she keened. â€Å"Your tears. Your tears make me feel†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He was staring up at her with something like awe. Elena still couldn't stop weeping, although she knew that she had soothed his proud heart – and done something else. â€Å"I d-don't understand.† He caught one of her tears and kissed it. Then he looked at her with a sheen in his own eyes. â€Å"It's hard to talk about, lovely little love†¦.† Then why use words? she thought, still weeping, but coming down to his level so she could snuffle just above his throat. It's just†¦they're not too free with the refreshments around here, he told her. As you guessed. If you hadn't – helped me – I'd've been dead by now. They can't figure out why I'm not. So they – well they run out before they get to me, sometimes, you see – Elena lifted her head, and this time tears of pure rage fell right onto his face. Where are they? I'll kill them. Don't tell me I can't because I'll find a way. I'll find a way to kill them even though I'm in this state – He shook his head at her. Angel, angel, don't you see? You don't have to kill them. Because your tears, the phantom tears of a pure maiden – She shook her head back at him. Stefan, if anyone knows I'm not a pure maiden, it's you – – of a pure maiden, Stefan continued, not even disturbed by her interruption, can cure all ills. And I was ill tonight, Elena, even though I tried to hide it. But I'm cured now! As good as new! They'll never be able to understand how it could happen. Are you sure? Look at me! Elena looked at him. Stefan's face, which had been gray and drawn before, was different now. He was usually pale, but now his fine features looked flushed – as if he had been standing in front of a bonfire and the light was still reflecting off the pure lines and elegant planes of his beloved face. I†¦did that? She remembered the first tear droplets falling, and how they had looked like blood on his face. Not like blood, she realized, but like natural color, sinking into him, refreshing him. She couldn't help but hide her face again in his throat as she thought, I'm glad. Oh, I'm so glad. But I wish we could touch each other. I want to feel your arms around me. â€Å"At least I can look at you,† Stefan whispered, and Elena knew that even this is like water in the wasteland to him. â€Å"And if we could touch, I'd put my arm around your waist here, and kiss you here and here†¦.† They spoke to each other this way for a while – just exchanging lovers' nonsense, each sustained by the sight and sound of the other. And then, softly but firmly, Stefan asked her to tell him all about Damon – everything since they'd started. By now Elena was cool-headed enough to tell him about the incident with Matt without making Damon sound too much like a villain. â€Å"And Stefan, Damon really is protecting us as best he can.† She told him about the two possessed vampires who had been tracking them and what Damon had done. Stefan merely shrugged and said wryly, â€Å"Most people write with pencils; Damon writes people off with them.† He added, â€Å"And your clothes got dirty?† â€Å"Because I heard a great big crash – which ended up being Matt on top of the car,† she said. â€Å"But, to be fair, he was trying to stake Damon at the time. I made him get rid of the stake.† She added, in the barest of whispers: â€Å"Stefan, please don't mind that Damon and I have to – to be together a lot right now. It doesn't change anything between us.† â€Å"I know.† And the amazing thing was that he did know. Elena was bathed in the deep glow of his trust for her. After that they â€Å"held† each other, Elena snuggling weightlessly above the curve of Stefan's arm†¦and it was bliss. And then abruptly the world – the entire universe – shuddered at the sound of a gigantic slamming sound. It jerked at Elena. It didn't belong in here with love and trust and the sweetness of sharing every part of her self with Stefan. It began again – a monstrous booming that terrified Elena. She clutched uselessly at Stefan, who was looking at her with concern. He didn't hear the clanging that was defeaning her, she realized. And then something even worse happened. She was torn out of Stefan's arms bodily, and she was rushing backward, back through objects, back faster and faster until with a jar she landed in her body. For all her reluctance she landed perfectly on the solid body that until now had been the only one she'd known. She landed on it and melded into it and then she was sitting up and the sounds were the sounds of Matt rapping at the window. â€Å"It's been over two hours since you went to sleep,† he said as she opened the door. â€Å"But I figured you needed it. Are you all right?† â€Å"Oh, Matt,† Elena said. For a moment it seemed impossible that she was going to be able to keep from crying. But then she remembered Stefan's smile. Elena blinked, forcing herself to deal with her new situation. She hadn't seen Stefan for nearly long enough. But her memories of their short, sweet time together were wrapped in jonquils and lavender and nothing could ever take them away from her. Damon was irritated. As he flew higher on his wide, black crow's wings, the landscape beneath him unfolded like a magnificent carpet, the breaking day making the grasslands and rolling hills glow like emerald. Damon ignored it. He'd seen it too many times. What he was looking for was una donna splendida. But his mind kept drifting. Mutt and his stake†¦Damon still didn't see why Elena wanted to take a fugitive from justice along with them. Elena†¦Damon tried to conjure up the same irritated feelings for her as he had for Mutt, but just couldn't manage it. He circled down toward the town below, keeping to the residential district, searching for auras. He wanted a strong aura as much as a beautiful one. And he'd been in America long enough to know that this early in the morning you could find three sorts of people up and outdoors. Students were the first, but this was summer, so there were fewer to pick from. Despite Mutt's assumptions, Damon seldom sank to high school girls. Joggers were the second. And the third, thinking beautiful thoughts, just like†¦that one down there†¦were home gardeners. The young woman with the pruning shears looked up as Damon turned the corner and approached her house, deliberately hurrying and then slowing his stride. His very footsteps made it clear that he was delighted to take in the floral extravaganza in front of the charming Victorian house. For a moment the girl looked startled, almost afraid. That was normal. Damon was wearing black boots, black jeans, a black T-shirt, and black leather jacket, in addition to his Ray-Bans. But then he smiled and at the same moment began the first delicate infiltration of la bella donna's mind. One thing was clear even before that. She liked roses. â€Å"A full flush of Dreamweavers,† he said, shaking his head in admiration as he looked at the bushes covered with brilliant pink bloom. â€Å"And those White Icebergs climbing the trellis†¦. Ah, but your Moonstones!† He lightly touched an open rose, its petals moonlight-colored but shading to palest pink at the edges. The young woman – Krysta – couldn't help smiling. Damon felt the information flow effortlessly from her mind to his. She was just twenty-two, not married, still living at home. She had precisely the kind of aura he was looking for, and only a sleeping father in the house. â€Å"You don't look like the type to know so much about roses,† Krysta said frankly, and then gave a self-conscious laugh. â€Å"I'm sorry. I've met all sorts at the Creekville Rose Shows.† â€Å"My mother is an avid gardener,† Damon lied fluently and without a trace of misgiving. â€Å"I guess I got my passion from her. Now I don't stay in one place long enough to grow them, but I can still dream. Would you like to know what my ultimate dream is?† By this time Krysta felt as if she were floating on a delicious rose-scented cloud. Damon felt every delicate nuance with her, enjoyed seeing her flush, enjoyed the slight tremor that shook her body. â€Å"Yes,† Krysta said simply. â€Å"I'd love to know your dream.† Damon leaned forward, lowered his voice. â€Å"I want to breed a true black rose.† Krysta looked startled and something flashed through her mind too quickly for Damon to catch. But then she said in an equally hushed voice, â€Å"Then there's something I'd like to show you. If – if you have time to come with me.† The backyard was even more splendid than the front and there was a hammock gently swinging, Damon noted with approval. After all, he would soon need a place to put Krysta†¦while she slept it off. But at the rear of the bower was something that caused his pace to quicken involuntarily. â€Å"Black Magic roses!† he exclaimed, eyeing the wine-dark, almost burgundy-colored blooms. â€Å"Yes,† Krysta said softly. â€Å"Black Magics. The closest anyone has ever gotten to a black rose. I get three flushes a year,† she whispered tremulously, no longer questioning who this young man might be, overwhelmed by her feelings which almost took Damon with her. â€Å"They're magnificent,† he said. â€Å"The deepest red I've ever seen. The closest to black ever bred.† Krysta was still trembling with joy. â€Å"You're welcome to one, if you like. I'm taking them to the Creekville show next week but I can give you one in full bloom now. Maybe you'll be able to smell it.† â€Å"I'd†¦like that,† Damon said. â€Å"You can give it to your girlfriend.† â€Å"No girlfriend,† Damon said, glad to get back to lying. Krysta's hands shook slightly as she cut one of the longest, straightest stems for him. Damon reached out to take it and their fingers touched. Damon smiled at her. When Krysta's knees went boneless with pleasure, Damon caught her easily and went on with what he was doing. Meredith was right behind Bonnie as she stepped into Caroline's room. â€Å"I said, shut the damn door!† Caroline said – no, snarled. It was only natural to look to see where the voice was coming from. Just before Meredith cut off the only sliver of light by shutting the door Bonnie saw Caroline's corner desk. The chair that used to sit in front of it was gone. Caroline was underneath. It might have been a good hiding space for a ten-year-old, but as an eighteen-year-old Caroline had curled into an impossible position in order to fit there. She was sitting on a pile of what looked like shreds of clothing. Her best clothes, Bonnie thought suddenly, as a twinkle of gold lam flashed and was gone when the door shut. Then it was just the three of them together in the darkness. No illumination came from above or below the door to the hall. It's because the hall is in another world, Bonnie thought wildly. â€Å"What's wrong with a little light, Caroline?† Meredith asked quietly. Her voice was steady, comforting. â€Å"You asked us to come and see you – but we can't see you.† â€Å"I said come and talk to me,† Caroline corrected instantly, exactly as she always had in the old days. That should have been comforting, too. Except – except that now that Bonnie could hear her voice sort of reverberating under the desk, she could tell it had a new quality. Not so much husky as – You really don't want to be thinking this. Not in the midnight darkness of this room, Bonnie's mind told her. Not so much husky as snarly, Bonnie thought helplessly. You could almost say Caroline growled her answers. Little sounds told Bonnie that the girl under the desk was moving. Bonnie's own breathing quickened. â€Å"But we want to see you,† Meredith said quietly. â€Å"And you know that Bonnie's scared of the dark. Can I just turn on your bedside lamp?† Bonnie could feel herself trembling. That wasn't good. It wasn't smart to show Caroline you were afraid of her. But the pitch-blackness was making her tremble. She could feel that this room was wrong in its angles – or maybe it was only her imagination. She could also hear things that made her jump – like that loud double clicking noise directly behind her. What had made that? â€Å"All rrright then! Turrn on the one by the bed.† Caroline was definitely snarling. And she was moving toward them; Bonnie could hear rustling and breathing getting closer. Don't let her get to me in the dark! It was a panicked, irrational thought, but Bonnie couldn't help thinking it any more than she could help stumbling blindly sideways into†¦ Something tall – and warm. Not Meredith. Never since Bonnie had known her had Meredith smelled like rancid sweat and rotten eggs. But the warm something took hold of both Bonnie's upraised hands, and there were strange little clicking noises as they clenched. The hands weren't just warm; they were hot and dry. And the ends poked oddly into Bonnie's skin. Then, as a light by the bedside went on, they were gone. The lamp Meredith had found put out a very, very dim ruby light – and it was easy to see why. A ruby negligee and peignoir had been tied around the shade. â€Å"This is a fire hazard,† Meredith said, but even her level voice sounded shaken. Caroline stood before them in the red light. She seemed taller than ever to Bonnie, tall and sinewy, except for the slight bulge of her belly. She was dressed normally, in jeans and a tight T-shirt. She was holding her hands playfully hidden behind her back, and smiling her old insolent, sly smile. I want to go home, Bonnie thought. Meredith said, â€Å"Well?† Caroline just kept smiling. â€Å"Well, what?† Meredith lost her temper. â€Å"What do you want?† Caroline just looked arch. â€Å"Have you visited your friend Isobel today? Had a little talk with her?† Bonnie had a powerful urge to slap that smug smile off Caroline's face. She didn't. It was just a trick of the lamplight – she knew it had to be – but it looked almost as if there was a red dot shining in the center of each of Caroline's eyes. â€Å"We visited Isobel at the hospital, yes,† Meredith said expressionlessly. Then, with unmistakable anger in her voice, she added, â€Å"And you know very well that she can't talk yet. But† – with a triumphant little pounce – â€Å"the doctors say she will be able to. Her tongue will heal, Caroline. She may have scars from all the places she pierced herself, but she's going to be able to talk again just fine.† Caroline's smile had faded, leaving her face looking haggard and full of dull fury. At what? Bonnie wondered. â€Å"It would do you some good to get out of this house,† Meredith told the copper-haired girl. â€Å"You can't live in the dark – â€Å" â€Å"I won't forever,† Caroline said sharply. â€Å"Just until the twins are born.† She stood, hands still behind her, and arched her back so that her stomach protruded more than ever. â€Å"The – twins?† Bonnie was startled into speaking. â€Å"Matt Junior and Mattie. That's what I'm going to call them.† Caroline's gloating smile and impudent eyes were almost too much for Bonnie to stand. â€Å"You can't do that!† she heard herself shouting. â€Å"Or maybe I'll call the girl Honey. Matthew and Honey, for their daddy, Matthew Honeycutt.† â€Å"You can't do it,† Bonnie shouted, more shrilly. â€Å"Especially with Matt not even here to defend himself – â€Å" â€Å"Yes, he did run away very suddenly, didn't he? The police are wondering why he had to run. Of course† – Caroline lowered her voice to a meaningful whisper – â€Å"he wasn't alone. Elena was with him. I wonder what the two of them do in their spare time?† She giggled, a high, fatuous giggle. â€Å"Elena isn't the only person with Matt,† Meredith said, and now her voice was low and dangerous. â€Å"Someone else is, too. Do you remember an agreement you signed? About not telling anyone about Elena or bringing publicity around her?† Caroline blinked slowly, like a lizard. â€Å"A long time ago. In a different lifetime, for me.† â€Å"Caroline, you're not going to have a lifetime if you break that oath! Damon would kill you. Or – have you already – ?† Meredith stopped. Caroline was still giggling in that childish way, as if she were a little girl and someone had just told her a naughty joke. Bonnie felt cold sweat break out all over her body at once. Fine hairs lifted on her arms. â€Å"What are you hearing, Caroline?† Meredith wet her lips. Bonnie could see that she was trying to hold Caroline's eyes, but the copper-haired girl turned away. â€Å"Is it†¦Shinichi?† Meredith moved forward suddenly and grasped Caroline's arms. â€Å"You used to see and hear him when you looked in the mirror. Do you hear him all the time now, Caroline?† Bonnie wanted to help Meredith. She did. But she couldn't have moved or spoken for anything. There were – gray threads – in Caroline's hair. Gray hairs, Bonnie thought. They shone dully, much lighter than the flaming auburn Caroline was so proud of. And there were†¦other hairs that didn't shine at all. Bonnie had seen this brindled coloration on dogs; she knew vaguely that some wolves must look the same. But it was really something else to see them in your girlfriend's hair. Especially when they seemed to bristle and quiver, lifting like the hackles of a dog†¦. She's mad. Not angry mad; insane mad, Bonnie realized. Caroline looked up, not at Meredith, but straight into Bonnie's eyes. Bonnie flinched. Caroline was gazing at her as if considering whether or not Bonnie were dinner or just garbage. Meredith stepped to stand beside Bonnie. Her fists were clenched. â€Å"Don't starrre,† Caroline said abruptly, and turned away. Yes, that was definitely a snarl. â€Å"You really wanted us to see you, didn't you?† Meredith said softly. â€Å"You're – flaunting yourself in front of us. But I think that maybe this is your way of asking for help – â€Å" â€Å"Harrrrdly!† â€Å"Caroline,† Bonnie said suddenly, amazed by a wave of pity that swamped her, â€Å"please try to think. Remember back when you said you needed a husband? I – † She broke off and swallowed. Who was going to marry this monster, who a few weeks ago had looked like a normal teenage girl? â€Å"I understood you back then,† Bonnie finished lamely. â€Å"But, honestly, it won't do any good to keep on saying Matt attacked you! No one†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She couldn't bring herself to say the obvious. No one will believe something like you. â€Å"Oh, I clean up rrrreal prrretty,† Caroline growled and then giggled. â€Å"You'd be surprrrised.† In her mind's eye, Bonnie saw the old insolent flash of Caroline's emerald gaze, the sly and secretive expression on her face, and the shimmering of her auburn hair. â€Å"Why pick on Matt?† Meredith demanded. â€Å"How did you know he was attacked by a malach that night? Did Shinichi send it after him just for you?† â€Å"Or did Misao?† Bonnie said, remembering that it was the female of the twin kitsune, the fox spirits, who had spoken the most to Caroline. â€Å"I went out on a date with Matt that night.† Suddenly Caroline's voice was a singsong, as if she were reciting poetry – badly. â€Å"I didn't mind kissing him – he's so cute. I guess that's when he got the hickey on his neck. I guess I might have bitten his lip a little.† Bonnie opened her mouth, felt Meredith's restraining hand on her shoulder, and shut it again. â€Å"But then he just went crazy,† Caroline lilted on. â€Å"He attacked me! I scratched him with my fingernails, all up and down one arm. But Matt was too strong. Much too strong. And now – â€Å" And now you're going to have puppies, Bonnie wanted to say, but Meredith squeezed her shoulder and she stopped herself again. Besides, Bonnie thought with a sudden twinge of alarm, the babies might look human, and there might only be twins, as Caroline herself had said. Then what would they do? Bonnie knew the way adult minds worked. Even if Caroline couldn't dye her hair back to auburn, they would say, look what stress she's been under: she's actually going prematurely gray! And even if the adults saw Caroline's bizarre appearance and strange behavior, as Bonnie and Meredith just had, they would dismiss it as being due to shock. Oh, poor Caroline, her whole personality has changed since that day. She's so frightened of Matt that she hides under her desk. She won't wash herself – maybe that's a common symptom after what she's been through. Besides who knew how long it would take these werewolf babies to be born? Maybe the malach inside Caroline could control that, make it seem to be like a normal pregnancy. And then suddenly Bonnie was snatched away from her own thoughts to tune into Caroline's words. Caroline was through growling for the moment. She sounded almost like the old Caroline, offended and nasty, as she said, â€Å"I just don't understand why you should take his word over mine.† â€Å"Because,† Meredith said flatly, â€Å"we know both of you. We would have known if Matt had been dating you – and he wasn't. And he's hardly the kind of guy to just show up at your front door, especially when you consider how he felt about you.† â€Å"But you've already said that this monster that attacked him – â€Å" â€Å"Malach, Caroline. Learn the word. You've got one inside you!† Caroline smirked and waved a hand, dismissing this. â€Å"You said these things can possess you and make you do things out of character, right?† There was a silence. Bonnie thought, if we have said it, we've never said it in front of you. â€Å"Well, what if I admitted that Matt and I weren't dating? What if I said that I found him driving around our neighborhood at about five miles an hour, just looking lost. His sleeve was torn to pieces and his arm was all chewed up. So I took him inside my house and tried to bandage his arm – but suddenly he went crazy. And I did try to scratch him, but the bandages were in the way. I scratched them off him. I even still have them, all covered in blood. If I told you that, what would you say?† I'd say that you were using us as a dry run before telling Sheriff Mossberg, Bonnie thought, chilled. And I'd say that you were right, you probably can clean up pretty normal looking when you make an effort. If you'd just stop that childish giggling and get rid of the crafty look, you'd be even more convincing. But Meredith was speaking. â€Å"Caroline – they've got DNA tests for blood.† â€Å"Of course I know that!† Caroline looked so indignant that for a moment she forgot to look sly. Meredith was staring at her. â€Å"That means they can tell if the bandages you've got have Matt's blood on them or not,† she said. â€Å"And if it flows in the right pattern to match your story.† â€Å"There isn't any pattern. The bandages are just soaked.† Abruptly, Caroline strode over to a dresser and opened it, plucking out a length of what might have originally been athletic bandage. Now it shone reddish in the faint light. Looking at the stiff fabric in the ruby light, Bonnie knew two things. It wasn't any part of the poultice that Mrs. Flowers had put on Matt's arm the morning after he'd been attacked. And it was soaked with genuine blood, right to the stiff tips of the cloth. The world seemed to be spinning around. Because even though Bonnie believed in Matt, this new story scared her. This new story might even work – provided that no one could find Matt and test his blood. Even Matt admitted that there was time unaccounted for that night†¦time he couldn't remember. But that didn't mean Caroline was telling the truth! Why would she start out with a lie, and only change it when the facts got in the way? Caroline's eyes were the color of a cat's. Cats play with mice, just for amusement. Just to see them run. Matt had run†¦. Bonnie shook her head. All at once she couldn't stand this house any longer. It had somehow settled into her mind, making her accept all the impossible angles of the distorted walls. She had even grown accustomed to the awful smell and the red light. But now, with Caroline holding out a blood-soaked bandage and telling her that it was Matt who had bled all over it†¦ â€Å"I'm going home,† Bonnie announced suddenly. â€Å"And Matt didn't do it, and – and I'm never coming back!† Accompanied by the sound of Caroline's giggling, she whirled, trying not to look at the nest Caroline had made under her corner desk. There were empty bottles and half-empty plates of food piled in there with the clothes. Anything could be under them – even a malach. But as Bonnie moved, the room seemed to move with her, accelerating her spin, until she had gone twice around before she could put out a foot to stop herself. â€Å"Wait, Bonnie – wait, Caroline,† Meredith said, sounding almost frantic. Caroline was folding her body like a contortionist, getting back under the desk. â€Å"Caroline, what about Tyler Smallwood? Don't you care that he's the real father of your – your kids? How long were you dating him before he joined up with Klaus? Where is he now?† â€Å"Forrr all I know he's dead. You and yourrr friends killed him.† The snarl was back, but it wasn't vicious. It was more of a triumphant purr. â€Å"But I don't miss him, so I hope he stays dead,† Caroline added, with a muffled giggle. â€Å"He wouldn't marrrry me.† Bonnie had to get away. She fumbled for the doorknob, found it, and was blinded. She had spent so long in ruby dimness that the hall light was like the midday sun on the desert. â€Å"Turrn off the lamp!† Caroline snapped from under the desk. But as Meredith moved to do it Bonnie heard a surprisingly loud explosion and saw the red-swathed shade go dark by itself. And one thing more. The hallway light swept across Caroline's room like a beacon as the door swung shut. Caroline was already tearing at something with her teeth. Something with the texture of meat, but not cooked meat. Bonnie jerked back to run and almost knocked over Mrs. Forbes. The woman was still standing in the hall where she had been when they went into Caroline's room. She didn't even look as if she'd been listening at the door. She was just standing, staring at nothing. â€Å"I have to show you out,† she said in her soft, gray voice. She didn't lift her head to meet Bonnie's or Meredith's eyes. â€Å"You might get lost otherwise. I do.† It was a straight shot to the stairs and down and four steps to the front door. But as they walked, Meredith didn't say anything, and Bonnie couldn't. Once outside, Meredith turned to look at Bonnie. â€Å"Well? Is she more possessed by the malach or the werewolf part of her? Or could you tell anything from her aura?† Bonnie heard herself laugh, a sound that was like crying. â€Å"Meredith, her aura isn't human – and I don't know what to make of it. And her mother doesn't seem to have an aura at all. They're just – that house is just – â€Å" â€Å"Never mind, Bonnie. You don't have to go there ever again.† â€Å"It's like†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But Bonnie didn't know how to explain the fun-house look of the walls or the way the stairs went down instead of up. â€Å"I think,† she said finally, â€Å"that you'd better do some more research. On things like – like possession of the American kind.† â€Å"You mean like possession by demons?† Meredith shot her a sharp look. â€Å"Yes. I guess so. Only I don't know where to start listing what's wrong with her.† â€Å"I have a few ideas of my own,† Meredith said quietly. â€Å"Like – did you notice that she never showed us her hands? That was very strange, I thought.† â€Å"I know why,† Bonnie whispered, trying not to let the sobbing laughter out. â€Å"It's because – she doesn't have fingernails anymore.† â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"She put her hands around my wrists. I could feel them.† â€Å"Bonnie, you're not making any sense.† Bonnie made herself speak. â€Å"Caroline has claws now, Meredith. Real claws. Like a wolf.† â€Å"Or maybe,† Meredith said in a whisper, â€Å"like a fox.†

The Epidemic called Childhood Obesity. Professor Ramos Blog

The Epidemic called Childhood Obesity. Is Childhood Obesity an epidemic?   Obesity is a condition that occurs when a person carries excess weight or body fat that affects their health. They say â€Å"A healthy body eats healthy food†. I say â€Å"An unhealthy eating creates an unhealthy body and has a short life span.† Childhood Obesity is becoming a global concern, as more children/adolescents are either obese or tending towards being obese. Childhood obesity has been linked to Ethnicity, Social class, and lifestyle. This is a wake-up call for the Government, Parents, and everyone to do something to stop this issue before it becomes uncontrollable. All over the world, the issue of childhood obesity is increasing yearly (Lobstein et al). Ten percent of the worlds school-aged children are estimated to be carrying excess body fat with an increased risk for developing chronic disease. Of these overweight children, a quarter is obese with a significant likelihood of some having multiple risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and a variety of other co-morbidities before or during early adulthood. The problem of childhood obesity is linked to Ethnicity. According to a study carried out in 1988-1998 by the national Longitudinal survey of youth among 8270 children aged 4-12years, the result shows that prevalence of overweight increased significantly and steadily among Hispanic and African American and non-Hispanic white. (Strauss and Pollack). Also, a survey study in the 1990s shows that in Brazil and the USA, an additional 0.5% of the entire child population became overweight each year. In Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, the rates were higher with an additional 1% of all children becoming overweight each ye ar (Lobstein et.al) Childhood obesity is prevalent in economically developed countries but is rising significantly in most parts of the world. In developing countries, child obesity is most common in the wealthier section of the population (Lobstein et. al). Children of lower income families are particularly vulnerable because of poor diet and limited opportunities for physical activity. The root causes of obesity are any factor that raises energy intake by even a small amount will cause obesity in the long term (Ebbeling et.al). One of the causes of obesity in children is Television viewing. It is believed that television viewing promotes weight gain not only by displacing physical activity but also by increasing energy intake. Children while watching television consume an excessive amount of energy-dense food and drinks without resistance. Additionally, television advertisement could adversely affect dietary patterns throughout the day. American and British children are exposed to about 10 foods commercial per hour of Television time; most of these adverts are for fast food, soft drinks, sweets, and sugar-sweetened breakfast cereal. Diet is also a cause of obesity in children. Excessive fat consumption is known to cause weight gain. Intake of partially hydrogenated (trans) fat, commonly found in commercial bakery product and fast food increase risk for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Consumption of carbohydrate foods especially in the form of refined foods e.g. bread, ready to eat cereal, p otatoes, soft drinks, cakes, and biscuits, increase the chances of being obese. These type of food are called high glycemic index food and they can stimulate hunger and cause overeating in children. Consumption of fast food is on the increase in both developed and developing nations. The regular consumption of fast food increases the chances of being obese, the reason being that fast food contains high calories, high glycemic index, saturated and trans fats and they are low in fibre, micronutrients, and antioxidants. Family factor is also a major cause of obesity in children and adolescent. Parent-child interaction and the home environment can affect behaviours related to the risk of obesity. (Ebbeling et.al). African American and Hispanic families often time like to eat out, and thus tend to increase the chances of developing obesity in children. Children consume more energy dense food when meals are eaten in restaurants than at home. Some of the solutions to the problem of childhood obesity can be by increasing access to healthy food for poor and low-income families. For them, it is easier and cheaper to afford unhealthy food. Getting rid of fast food wouldn’t be beneficial unless there was a replacement. For the wealthy ones in the society that can afford to buy healthy food but still prefers to eat unhealthily, Counselling and educating them on the health implications of eating unhealthy food will be a better solution. Parent, schools and the Government should discourage the consumption of soft drinks and sweetened juice in children and adolescents. A study that was conducted by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), it was concluded that sweetened beverages intake is related to obesity and over weight in children and adolescents (Davis et. al). It was also found that among low income children to years of age, consumption of sweetened drinks increased the odds of becoming obese by more than 60%. I will encourage Parents, schools and the community to replace the consumption of sweetened beverages and sweetened juice among young children and adolescents with water which is healthier. Drinking of water is beneficial in numerous ways. Also, Parents should reduce the consumption of food rich in saturated fats and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables that is healthier when serving meals to their children. In schools, mealtime should be a fun time, where fruits and vegetables are presented to children in a colorful and appetizing manner. Food rich in saturated fat should be completely removed from the school menu. I will propose that physical exercise be introduced in all level of education in schools. Parents should also take time off on weekends and go do some physical activity with their children. In the last few decades, obesity prevalence as increased as a function of number of hours that TV network devote to target children population (M.Caroli et. al). Television could be convenient tool to spread correct information on good nutrition and obesity prevention. The likeness of food and obesity in television has many negative consequences on food habits and pattern. Reducing the hours spent viewing television could help in reducing and preventing obesity and overweight in children and Adolescents. Work Cited. Strauss, Richard S. â€Å"Epidemic Increase in Childhood Overweight, 1986- 1998.†Jama, vol. 286, no. 22, 2001, p. 2845, doi:10.1001/jama.286.22.2845. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/194443 Lobstein, T., et al. â€Å"Obesity in children and young people: a crisis in Public health†. Obesity Review, Vol 5, no. Sl, 2004, pp.4-85. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2004.00133.x Ebbeling, Cara B, et al. â€Å"Childhood Obesity: Public Health Crisis, Common Sense Cure†. The Lancet, vol.360, no.9371, 2002, pp.473-482, doi: 10:10161/s 0140-6736(02709678-2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673602096782 Davis, Mathew M, et al. â€Å"Recommendation for Prevention of Childhood Obesity†. December 2007, vol 120/issue supplement 4. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/120/Supplement_4/S229?eaf= Caroli, M, et al. â€Å"Role of Television in Childhood Obesity Prevention.† International Journal of Obesity, vol. 28, no.sb, 2004, doi: 10.10381 sj: ijo.0802802. https://www.nature.com/articles/0802802 Picture credit: https://www.debate.org/opinions/should-parents-be-responsible-for-their-obese- childs-condition

Happiness Essays

Happiness Essays Happiness Essay Happiness Essay William Min Lacy 3A AP Lang NOV. 14, 2013 The Fluid, Ambiguous Nature of Happiness Happiness is green and adorned with the faces of our nations fathers. Happiness is a good cigar and a strong margarita. Happiness is finishing your paper early so you can enjoy the rest of your weekend. Happiness is the sensation brought by victory or triumph. Happiness is having the picture-perfect family often seen on the screen of televisions. Happiness is large pizzas, a couple beers, and enjoying the Sunday Night prime time matchup with a group of fellow fans. Happiness can be represented by irtually anything, yet people give vague answers when asked What makes you happy? or Are you happy? We oft receive answers that leave us more unfulfilled than if we simply did not ask at all. Is everyone ashamed of what makes them happy or do they Just simply not know? Perhaps the best and only explanation for this befuddling situation is: Happiness is cannot be defined. We know what has made us happy before, but at any given time, what makes us happy is a mystery hiding in the depths of our hearts. As it is written in the constitution, every American is ntitled to the basic right: the pursuit of happiness. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck represents this concept perfectly, as Lennie and George are driven by their vision of eventually owning their own plot of land and a bunny patch on that land. However, Crooks, the black farmhand, delivers the reality of the situation: Just like heaven. Everbody wants a little piece of Ian. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land. Its Just in their head. : Theyre all the time talkin about it, but its Jus in their head. (43) This emphasizes how it is only the ursuit, and not the goal, that we are entitled to. This Journey to find Joy often also ends tragically, sometimes more so than not even reaching the arbitrary line in the ground where we draw our happiness. Jay Gatsby experiences the heartbreak of this empty Journey in The Great Gatsby after the magic with him and Daisy fades had occurred to [Gatsby] that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the oon. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one. (121) Fitzgerald describes, how after the initial honeymoon period, Gatsby realizes Daisy Buchanan is not the same woman from his dream. His whole life has been driven by the motivation of finishing the fairy tale between him and Daisy, yet once he is with her, Gatsby finds that the void in his heart is still left unfilled. Despite how much he believed it, Daisy was not a one-way ticket to euphoria and was imperfect Just like himself. The quest of happiness is rarely finished and hose who finish after many years of toiling find that what they wanted before is not what they want now. The fluctuating nature of human happiness has been well- initially respond with miou choose or l dont care, but right as we enter the car, we form our own opinion after the decision has been made. A new taco place Just opened up, maybe there was a special deal at the buffet, perhaps an overwhelming craving for chocolate cake at that one place suddenly developed. Then once we arrive at the restaurant that took arguing and manipulation to get to, the question of what o eat becomes even more difficult than the question of where. If we knew what made us happy, this classic, sticky dinner situation would not sound so familiar. What made us happy yesterday or what makes us happy right now likely will not be the same even a couple hours into the future. Just like our Christmas presents and dinner plans, to be truly happy, we ask for something different every time and what we say might not even be what we want. Speaking of dinner plans, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the fickle nature of human happiness in his TED talk, Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce. Referencing the progression of the food industry, he mentions the innovation that Howard Moskowitz brought to the table, literally. Prior to Moskowitz, food science was always based on studies where researchers would verbally ask people what they wanted out of a certain food. Moskowitz asked the same question, but to their taste buds, rather than their ears. He discovered people could not always express their desire and perhaps were oblivious to their own preferences. Extra-chunky spaghetti sauce was not a thing before the studies Moskowitz conducted. One-third of all Americans now prefer extra-chunky, but could ot express their deep longing for this type of spaghetti sauce until Moskowitz cooked it up and realized the widespread popularity of this variety that was yet to be produced. Gladwell also mentions coffee and how people claim they want a dark, rich, hearty blend, yet most people actually prefer a milky, weak coffee. (Gladwell) Humans may not know what they want at all, not until theyVe tried and established preferences for themselves. Calling happiness elusive or hard to find would be misleading, as virtually anybody can find a moment in their day where they are appy. Rather, it avoids those who aimlessly attempt to seek it. Impulses are wired into human mentality and it makes us impulsive beings by nature. The criteria happiness is contingent upon is everchanging and fluctuates with our urges. What you yourself find happiness in, others may find laughable. What made you happy when you were 10 years old is likely not going to make you happy now. What you thought would make you happy may very well not be what you wanted at all. Happiness will always exist, but will always do so in a capricious state. Ironic as it ay be, those who set out to define and find their personal happiness often end up finding the least. Too often do we try to define ourselves as someone who we want to be, rather than who we are, and forget that our happiness is not found in a fictitious image of ourselves, but in the essence of the person we actually are. Fitzgerald, F. Scott, and Matthew J. Bruccoli. The Great Gatsby. New York, NY: Scribner, 1996. Print. Gladwell, Malcolm. Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce. TED Talks. Long Beach. 15 Feb. 2004. Lecture. Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin, 1993. Print.