Design a computer system for a video hire shop Essay

I have noticed that keeping customer records on paper can be time consuming and neither practical or easy to use. The aim of this project is to create a database for a company or an organization; I have chosen Vinnie’s videos. My database will include customer information to make organization and customer relations simpler; the new system will be more practical. An electronic database will make life easier as it will be superior to a card filling system and will save time and money. A computer system is better than the old card filing method for many reasons. Example, searches can be carried out instantly rather than many manual records being waded through, customer information for a hundred people can be copied almost instantly to a standard letter. Vinny will be able to keep customer information lists, detailing contact information, stats on the customers videos, lists of regular jobs that need to be performed i. e. check who has videos out; in order that notices can be sent using mail merge. This will help Vinny keep up to data and on top of customer relations and business. A search function for my database will make it simple for letters detailing special offers which are customer specific to be sent out easily. After considering the pros and cons of the two systems I have decided that it is definitely more practical to use a computer system over a card filling system. Strengths and Weaknesses of current system: Vinny currently has a very primitive filling system, It has a lot weaknesses. It takes a long time to find records, as they are stored in a filling cabinet. When editing a record you must remove the entire card and rewrite it, it is time consuming to add new records. To re-sort the records would take a very long time as it would obviously have to be done manually. To search for information is also time consuming, especially if you are looking for a number of customers with similar records for some purpose. However the database is comprehensive and does contain all the records needed. What I need to do is design and makes a new database with all the information from the old one transferred into it. There are also a number of programs that I could consider using, they are Microsoft word, Microsoft excel or Microsoft access. I will need to use a database creation package like MS Access, Fox Pro, DBASE II or IV or Borland Database Explorer to create my database tables, queries, forms, reports and macros easily and also program them with the Visual Basic programming script to make my database into a professional running program. According to the user requirements MS Access is the best one also because it is mostly familiar to people. I will need a word processing package like MS Word, Notepad, WordPad and Word Perfect. MS Word is the best one to use because you can use word art and insert pictures or print screens into the document and also is mostly used by people. Hardware needed: I need a computer that can run Microsoft Access and Microsoft Word just in case I need to use the mail merge. For this I will use a QWERTY keyboard for the manual input of data and the commands for the computer. I will need a mouse or trackball to design the database forms, to navigate the GUI of the OS and to move copy and paste data. I will need to use a 31/2 inch floppy disk and drive or a CDRW disk and drive in order to save my database and to make backups of my database. I will only use a CDRW if the database exceeds 1. 38-1. 44 MB. CDRW’s can hold from 500-700 MB of information. I will need a printer to print out the design of my database of for word documentation of the database. The system should have at least 300 MHZ hard drive speed, and 5 GB memory, it should have at least a 128 MB RAM. Problem1: a system management to put the videos in order Form of output: a database Information to be output: video title, video director, main actor, year released, length and genre, how many copies are available and how many are on loan. Data needed to produce the output: video title, video director, main actor, year released, length and genre, which will be provided by Vinny. Desired outcomes and performance criteria: It has to be sorted so you can see a certain type of genre or year. Testing: To see if all the correct records are in the right query. Problem 2: needs a system to store all the members’ names and addresses Form of output: a database Information to be output: name, address, user number, telephone. Data needed to produce the output: name, address, user number, telephone. This is provided by Vinny. Desired outcomes and performance criteria: member’s details available so we can contact them if needed. Testing: not needed Problem 3: I don’t have a system to see who has what video checked out and who has videos that are over due. Form of output: database Information to be output: name, user number, video rented, date taken out, date due back Data needed to produce the output: name, user number, video rented, date taken out, date due back. This will be provided by Vinny, anyone that rents a new video will be entered into the database. Desired outcomes and performance criteria: a list to see which videos are on loan. When somebody rents a video out all I want to have to do is click on the film name and type their name in. The rental time allowance will be 3 days and automatically entered Testing: see if the people who have taken a video out have a book due on the database Analysis of Strategies for Backup and Security. The system will be backed up on CD-RW’s daily and on hard disk drives and a server. The database will have an encrypted modification password and it will be write-protected so it cannot be deleted. If a staff member needs to access the database to modify it, then a staff password is needed. It will not open until the password is correct Information Flow Error Checking To ensure that the information is correct the staff will send the members an invoice with their details they have inputted and attached is another form to fill in the correct information and then collect it and update the database. For the videos the staff will do daily checks on the database to see any obscure looking information in the database and will edit this info by getting the video and re-entering the video data again. Or the staff will do two copies of information identical to each other because the information will be inputted twice and if they are not identical then one or the other or both are changed with the correct information. Skills The user is a competent pc user and will not need any sort of training, he would like it to be user friendly though, so if any new staff join, it will be easy to pick up.

Like the Molave

MILITARY AIRCRAFT A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary armed service of any type Military aircraft can be either combat or non-combat: Combat aircraft are aircraft designed to destroy enemy equipment using their own armament. Combat aircraft are normally developed and procured only by military forces. Non-combat aircraft are aircraft not designed for combat as their primary function, but may carry weapons for self-defense. These mainly operate in support roles, and may be developed by either military forces or civilian organizations. To control and maneuver the aircraft, smaller wings are located at the tail of the plane. The tail usually has a fixed horizontal piece, called the horizontal stabilizer, and a fixed vertical piece, called the vertical stabilizer. The stabilizers' job is to provide stability for the aircraft, to keep it flying straight. The vertical stabilizer keeps the nose of the plane from swinging from side to side, which is called yaw. The horizontal stabilizer prevents an up-and-down motion of the nose, which is called pitch. (On the Wright brother's first aircraft, the horizontal stabilizer was placed in front of the wings. Such a configuration is called a canard after the French word for â€Å"duck†). The first aircraft flight was made by the Wright Brothers I 1903, it lasted only 12 seconds and covered 120 feet (37 meters) but it proven that a man could build and fly a heavier-than-air machine. In 1909, the first military aircraft in history was delivered to the Signal Corpse. This aircraft, like the original Wright Brothers’ flying machine, was a pusher-type design (its engine was behind the pilot and in front of the propellers) with a 30 horsepower engine, skids for landing, and room enough for a two man crew. By the end of the 1914, pusher-type aircraft had been condemned in favor of the tractor type design, in which the engine was mounted in the front of the pilot and behind the propeller. After that may changes were made in an effort to gain a bit more speed. Combat aircraft (warplanes) divide broadly into fighters and bombers. There are several variations between the fighter and the bomber, including fighter-bombers, such as the MiG-23, ground-attack aircraft, such as the Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik. Also included among combat aircraft are long-range maritime patrol aircraft, such as the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod and the S-3 Viking that are often equipped to attack with anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine weapons. The main role of fighters is destroying enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat, offensive or defensive. Many are fast and highly maneuverable. Escorting bombers or other aircraft is also a common task. They are capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including machine guns, cannons, rockets and guided missiles. Many modern fighters can attack enemy fighters from a great distance, before the enemy even sees them. Examples of air superiority fighters include the F-22 Raptor and the MiG-29. WWII fighters include the Spitfire, the P-51 Mustang and Bf 109. An example of an interceptor (a fighter designed to take-off and quickly intercept and shoot down enemy planes) would be the MiG-25. An example of a heavy fighter is the Messerschmitt Bf 110. The term â€Å"fighter† is also sometimes applied to aircraft that have virtually no air-air capability – for example the A-10 ground-attack aircraft is operated by USAF â€Å"Fighter† squadrons. Bombers are normally larger, heavier, and less maneuverable than fighter aircraft. They are capable of carrying large payloads of bombs. Bombers are used almost exclusively for ground attacks and not fast or agile enough to take on enemy fighters head-to-head. A few have a single engine and require one pilot to operate and others have two or more engines and require crews of two or more. A limited number of bombers, such as the B-2 Spirit, have stealth capabilities that keep them from being detected by enemy radar. An example of a conventional modern bomber would be the B-52 Stratofortress. An example of a WWII bomber would be a B-17 Flying Fortress. Bombers include light bombers, medium bombers, heavy bombers, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers. The U. S. Navy and Marines have traditionally referred to their light and medium bombers as â€Å"attack aircraft†. Air force missions require short-, medium-, and long range transports. The C-130 Hercules can haul up to 36,500 pounds (16,500 kg) of cargo, be readily converted into an ambulance, or be modified for special duty such as high altitude mapping, weather reconnaissance, search and rescue, flight refueling, ferrying fuel to advance bases, and ski operations in arctic regions. Military transport (logistics) aircraft are primarily used to transport troops and war supplies. Cargo can be attached to pallets, which are easily loaded, secured for flight, and quickly unloaded for delivery. Cargo also may be discharged from flying aircraft on parachutes, eliminating he need for landing. Including aerial tankers; these planes can refuel other aircraft while in flight. An example of a transport aircraft is the C-17 Globemaster III. A WWII example would be the C-47. An example of a tanker craft would be the KC-135 Stratotanker. Helicopters and gliders can transport troops and supplies to areas where other aircraft would be unable to land. Calling a military aircraft a â€Å"cargo plane† is incorrect, because military transport planes also carry paratroopers and other soldiers. Helicopters deserve special mention as military aircraft. They are unexcelled for rescue work and for delivery of people and material to otherwise inaccessible areas. Some helicopters are armed and serve as attack aircraft, providing gun and rocket fire against ground targets. Other helicopters deliver assault troops to advanced combat areas and supply them with ammunition and other needs. Special-purpose research aircraft are occasionally designed, assembled, and tested in order to experiment with advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionic, or propulsion concepts that must be validated before they can be applied to other aircraft designs. Research aircraft are usually well instrumented, with performance data telemetered on radio-frequency data links to ground stations located at the test ranges where they are flown. Several countries are developing vertical takeoff and landing. Experimental techniques include the use of wings that can tilt 90 degrees from the horizontal to vertical or any position in between, engines that tilt while attached to fixed wings, helicopter blades that can be folded and stowed while the aircraft is in forward conventional flight, buried jet engines whose exhaust can be directed downward of from the rear, and combination of all of these. As of now the high cost of developing new military aircraft has resulted in cooperative efforts among the various European NATO countries. Teams of designers from several countries have worked together to develop and build aircraft to be used by the armed services of all NATO partners.

Beliefs in the sanctity of life Essay

Explain how beliefs in sanctity of life may influence ethical approaches to abortion This issue involves the principles associated with abortion and involves the consideration of the act of killing and the ethical questions that this raises. The belief that life is in some way sacred or holy is widely supported throughout several different cultures and religions, and is traditionally understood as being given by God. Believers in the Sanctity of Life take a deontological position in which love and compassion for all human life has a significant role in their everyday lives. The sanctity of life argument is often put forward from a Christian viewpoint, and is also supported in the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of England also combines opposition to abortion with recognition that there can be â€Å"strictly limited† conditions in which it is morally acceptable to carry out an abortion. Members of this Church share the Roman Catholic view that abortion is â€Å"gravely contr ary to the moral law†, suggesting that life is precious and reinforcing their belief in the sanctity of life. The Church says that human life begins when the woman’s egg is fertilised by a male sperm. From that moment a unique life begins, independent of the life of the mother and father. The features that distinguish us from our parents – the colour of our eyes, the shape of our face – are all laid down in the genetic code that comes into existence then. Each new life that begins at this point is not a potential human being but a human being with potential, therefore abortion is wrong, because life is precious and created in God’s image. Kant gives the idea of the sanctity of life a non-religious perspective based on ethical grounds. He considers each human life sacred, and said that everyone has potential to have a good life, therefore against abortion as he believes life starts from conception. Abortion cannot be justified in Kantian ethics if it simply concerns itself because the foetus has intrinsic value based upon the principle of the sanctity of life. However Singer argues from both sides, and says â€Å"To kill a human adult is murder, and is unhesitatingly and universally condemned. Yet there is no obvious sharp line which marks the zygote from the adult. Hence the problem.† By recognising the problem of abortion and when a foetus becomes a person, in which killing it is punishable, Singer considers the social moral grounds of killing and the ethical questions it raises. Therefore by not coming to a full conclusion, we see that not all people have an absolute view on the sanctity  of life in relation to abortion. Some relativists say that they are neither pro-life nor pro-choice, and it depends entirely on the circumstance. For example, if giving birth to a baby would put the mother’s life at risk, then an abortion would be acceptable because it could be argued that a foetus is not a person and that the sanctity of the mother’s life is greater than the foetus’, meaning that they may interpret the terms ‘life’ and ‘unborn’ differently. Whilst looking at these two interpretations, the sanctity of different stages of life are brought into consideration.

Business research project Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Business research project - Literature review Example This requires that we understand the challenges that affect tourism, for example, we must understand the trends that dictate demand and supply, the evolving external environment and the need to improve capacity of tourism organizations so that they are responsive to the demands of the diverse interests it serves. Tourism relies on a cycle known as the travel cycle, which entails dreaming, researching, booking, experiencing then sharing of the experience. Dreaming occurs especially on the web when the potential traveller or the tourist goes online in search of the means of travel. This could be through blogs, reviews or videos that inspire the potential travellers to travel. Researching then occurs when the would-be consumer or traveller narrows down on the travel options and make requests on information by querying. It is important as it enables the travel agent or tourist operators know the client’s path towards purchasing. Booking comes next through either online bookings or mobile bookings for air travel and hotel accommodation. In evaluation of future tourism, it is important for operators to device ways of enabling the consumers easily find; books the packages via any device mobile applications come in handy at this moment, and marketers must strive to take advantage of search advertising if they are to succeed. For example, Google has devised ways in which operators can add phone numbers to mobile advertisements for companies that own call centres. This in turn has made it easier for customers to book by just clicking on the Click to call ads. Experiencing enables customers to find concierge type information as they travel and can therefore acquire other types of services. This requires tourist operators to provide reliable access to the internet as they travel with your facilities and offer useful information for the tourists to experience and enjoy your services. Sharing of one’s experience inspires others who have not experienced the phen omenon to want to consume it. It is imperative to note that most travellers read reviews from others and tourist and travel operators must take the opportunity of being part of the conversation in the sharing of this information. Technology as applicable in the tourism industry has revolutionized it more than ever before as more people have become connected to each other with most people having access to information online on travel and tourist bookings. This requires the tourism industry players to adapt and upgrade their practices and skills to meet the growing demands of the customer. Technology can be used by tourism providers to market their products and services such as destinations and the attractions on offer. The information that is provided online is important to stimulate the researcher or the would-be tourist to travel and have good memories of the travel. To reach the traveller, the operators can make use of digital marketing through search engines, mobile phone applica tions or location based marketing. It is important to make the product appealing and have the best prices for the content placed in the internet. Having the requisite infrastructure to respond or meet the needs of the consumer is important for the tourism and travel operat

What is democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What is democracy - Essay Example A popular definition of democracy is government of the people, by the people, for the people. Elections are held periodically (usually every 4 or 5 years) that determine ministers who would take part in state’s operations. Every adult (usually above 18 years) has the right to vote and decide on the ministers who would actively represent their country Even after election, there are checks and balances so that those who hold offices are kept on their toes. If people are not satisfied with the performance of a particular minister or party, they can show their dissent through petitions, marches, blogs, or other peaceful means. There are rooms for diverse opinions and multiple parties exist to represent different ideologies. Some countries under British model of democracy can have any number of parties, like in the parliamentary form of democracy. The number of parties is restricted to three or four in some democracies like US and UK because of administrative reasons, ensuring that democratic tenets are not compromised in the process. It is only natural that under democratic system, which promotes diverse views and opinions, there are multiple parties competing with each other. The head of state is either designated as ‘president’ or ‘prime minister.’ As democracy takes into account majority view while taking collective decisions, the basic concept right from formation of ruling council (parliament) to any minute issue regarding its operation remains the same. A country is divided into a number of regions or provinces. A candidate is selected as winner for a particular region if he or she has secured the maximum number of votes for that region. A candidate either represents a party or can stand independent. If a candidate stands independent, depending upon the constitution of that country, he or she may or may not be allowed to support a political party later on during the elected tenure. Parliament consists of group of ministers who have all won maximum number of votes from their respective regions. Ministers represent different parties, if not independent. The party that has sufficient amount of majority will be the ruling party from which key ministerial post of president or prime minister is determined. The ruling party’s members together determine who their president or prime minister would be. President or prime minister, as the case may be, allocates responsibilities to other ministers in the party, such as defense minister, finance minister, etc. This is the main concept behind any democratic form of government, which is tailored in context of a particular country. When democracy is in pure form, one can expect that there will be no distinction made on account of religion, caste, language, or culture. In democracy, there is a right for everyone to live with whatever small or big aspirations they have. Democracy gives an opportunity to all to progress, without making distinction on personal issues like sexual orientation, believe or disbelieve in reincarnation, etc. The terms democracy and civil society come side by side. While defining civil society, Jane Morse states that civil society comprises â€Å"individuals like you and me.† Interesting to note is the statement, ‘democracy depends on civil society’ by Morse. What Morse perhaps wants to highlight through this watchword is overwhelming importance of citizens. Democratic government is there to serve its citizens. Democratically elected government is not an end by itself, but means to an end of serving its citizens. According to America.gov, â€Å"Governments alone cannot build strong democracies, thriving economies, or stable societies; it is the people themselves — especially the civil society organizations — that bring people together.† While democratic government is given a mandate by citizens to run state in the best interest of citizens, civil society absorbs citizens in a m ore direct way. If there is threat on civil society, then it reflects that the problem is perhaps with the true implementation of

Ip4 managing high performance Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ip4 managing high performance - Research Paper Example For instance, the human resource manager would solely focus on day-to-day welfare of employees. In spite of the fact that this strategy will compromise on the morale of employees, there are many ways of tackling this challenge. In the new arrangement, the human resource manager should solely focus on the welfare of employees by linking with department representatives (Burton & Obel, 2004). The choice of managers should follow a meritocratic process that prioritizes on current managers with longer experiences. In addition, the selection process should focus on managers who have come up with milestone ideas in the past. The organization should minimize conflicts by creating a structure whereby the lower-level managers can constantly interact with the upper-level managers. The managers should assure the employees that the levels of management separate on the basis of different responsibilities rather on the basis on prestige (Lumpe, 2008). In the end, this strategy will cover up for the costs of having a new administrative structure. This is because managers will possess distinct duties that they focus on the

Dominican Republic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dominican Republic - Essay Example Many local people, knowing there destiny fled fearing the Europeans and later on formed there own colonies, called the Maroon colonies. The colonizers brought in another change, they imported the black people and slavery was one of the most predominant features at that time. But all this changed because of the Haitian Liberation, this made sure that slavery was completely abolished from the country, as a result of which, the blacks having no where to go settled on in the country. This is the history of the country, which saw many a change taking place. The people of Dominican Republic are masters when it comes to indirect communication, they firmly believe in maintaining a good relationship with as many people as they possibly can. The people of the Dominican Republic consider themselves to be more Latin American than Caribbean. The situation of the country as of now is quite bad; the people are struggling to fight against the corrupt people, who are currently in power. Spanish is spoken in the country and the people are very proud of the purity of Spanish they speak in the country. The flag of the country is designed in such a manner that it shows national pride and patriotism. The flag consists of the colors red and blue which indicate the blood of the people who gave up their lives and liberty respectively. The Dominican coat of arms can be found in the centre of the flag. "A recent national symbol, constructed in 1992, is the Columbus Lighthouse. It was a work project conceived of by President Joaqun Balaguer when he was 85 ye ars old and blind. It is an enormous cross, flat on the ground, facing the sky and bursting with lights, and was built as a tourist attraction." (Every Culture, 14 August, 2008). The light house is in an area where there is utter poverty; people live in despair, without any electricity and without many more basic necessities. The light house is a very big attraction and can even be seen burning brightly from Puerto Rico. The native people are called the Tianos; Columbus was well greeted when he first arrived in the country. These Tianos were peace loving people and lived in the tropical forest. These Tianos lives in make shift homes and many families lived under the same roof. The villages were further subdivided into districts, each district had a chief, who took care if that particular district. During this time there was no slavery in the country and it was free from all other evils too. The Tianos were very good at growing crops, specially the root crops. They also dug and used it as ornaments. Columbus kept a close eye on the gold digging skills of the Tianos and thought that he had a good chance of paying his debts to the king and queen of Spain. The culture of the Tianos is not very clearly presented because nearly all the Tianos died after three decades of Columbus's visit to the country. Columbus is known the world over for his navigating skills but he failed in dominating these Tainos, inst ead of farming he made them dig in pursuit of gold. The natives died, as there were torturous condition, food was not available in plenty and the population decreased. The country also saw the invasion of the United States of America from 1916 to 1924. The dominance of the United States brought many changes, for instance during the rule many new classes of land owners emerged and the country also sa

Algerian Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Algerian Government - Essay Example In fact, the president is so powerful that the government can be defined by merely one man. Similarly, the country has a bicameral legislation that is composed of elected delegates who also serve 5 year terms. As compared with the government structure of the United States, there are many differences. Firstly, the President of the United States although head of the military does not share the same authoritarian power structure that the president of Algeria has. Similarly, the elections in the United States are mostly fair and free; not as the case with Algeria (Ruedy 8). Although Algeria has one of the highest standards of living in the continent of Africa, the country still does not have the basic freedoms that democratic systems take for granted. Algeria is ranked very poorly with respect to human rights abuses as well as overall freedom of the press (Suer 5). Because of this and the authoritarian structure of its government, Algeria is not a form of government that many might necessarily chose to live

How is alienation portrayed in each character in both films, Sunset Term Paper

How is alienation portrayed in each character in both films, Sunset Boulevard and Mildred Pierce - Term Paper Example In the modern viewer’s perspective, one could get the historical background even without reading about it. Sunset Boulevard is a movie in the 50’s which portrays alienation in the main characters which would be the thesis of the paper together with a similar analysis of Mildred Pierce, another movie produced in 1945. In the first movie, the two main characters will be the foci of our discussion as they depict alienation in the movie. Joe Gillis, the male protagonist who is also the storyteller is one character who has shown most characterizations of alienation in the movie which started with his avoidance of the car dealers, knowing they are redeeming Gillis’ car to the company because of his failure to pay his monthly dues. Since he knew he was not able to pay his dues on time with his unsold scripts, he tried to escape the towing of his car by running and hiding away from them. When the young man lived in with the female protagonist, Norma, who was more than tw ice his age, he avoided his friend Artie Green and his girlfriend, Betty Schaefer. The latter is a reader who fell in love with his fiance’s friend, Gillis. She had been trying to contact the writer, wanting to collaborate on a script Gillis was not able to sell. Afraid that his friends might find out that he is living with an old woman, not to mention, a star who faded years ago, he tried to avoid the company. He even went to the point of telling the reader she could take his script and make it her own saying he abandoned writing altogether, trying to get rid of the Schaefer who was suggesting they write a script together. Wanting to get rid of the lady, he always spoke rudely to her but despite his efforts, the reader finally encouraged him to write as he himself can not forget his passion in writing. Despite this, he did not make known where he was staying and what circumstance he really was in until the lady confessed of her affections to him and was later called by Norma who was suspecting Gillis. The fear that his friends might laugh or make fun of him being clothed and pampered by an old woman could have been a reason for the young man not to reveal his status and alienating himself from his friends. Norma, on the other hand isolated herself from the world, keeping herself in the mansion after her fame faded. She lived a lonely life, dreaming about a beautiful life she could still live and hiding from the reality that she is not as famous anymore as she was before. Living on her past and living in a future comeback to the movies was her way of escape, abandoning the realities of the present. At the end of the movie, she abandoned reality altogether when she became delusional after killing Gillis. During the police’s interrogation, Norma seemed unable to hear anything, seemingly in a world so far away. Upon hearing the word ‘camera’ and being made to believe she was shooting for a movie, the actress reacted. Mildred Pierce is a story of a strong and ambitious woman who wanted the best for her children. The setting depicts the economic status during the time of the making of the film in 1945. After the war, unemployment was high and families were trying to get back to the life they once had. During this time, women were still believed to be more useful in the house while men were supposed to be working to bring home food for the family. However, it was also during this time that women were fighting for

Role of black church in working with black adolescents Essay Example for Free

Role of black church in working with black adolescents Essay Black churches provide family-oriented community outreach programs, which have been studied during the Black Church Family Project. Programming for youth development has been reflected in the survey data, which has been discussed in this paper. The two northern regions have been selected for this project. Frightening dangers are being confronted by the contemporary American adolescents, and therefore, it has been a timely issue. An increment has been observed in the usage of the concept of being at risk for the teenagers. In this regard, an age cohort is described in this concept, by which, the developmental movement is confronted with many negative forces towards the adulthood. The satire and irony is that the healthiest period of the lives of people is usually considered the period of adolescence. Unlike their predecessors, social illnesses are harming today’s adolescents, as untreated and untreatable diseases were harming and suffering their predecessors in the past. A sense of optimism might be provided by this concept, as prevention and intervention is possible for such social ills in today’s world. Yet, increment has been observed in the social problems, by which, today’s adolescents are being plagued. Therefore, medical and technological advances have been able to derive success of physical health, but were not able to prevent adolescents from these harmful social ills. Especially, minority youth has been influenced and affected destructively by these social ills due to various unpleasant circumstances in their lives. Following are some of the social problems that are being confronted by today’s adolescents: Poverty and a truncated educational and occupational future might be carried out by adolescent pregnancy and out-of-wedlock births, which are some of the negative consequences of social ills. A life-defining event is the outcome of these pregnancies, and the highest rate of these pregnancies has been found in the American Black citizens with low-income. â€Å"The black church can play a significant role in literacy development through its programs and activities in the black community if consideration is given in program design to the people served and to the plural meanings of the term literacy† (1999, 27-31) These events have been subscripted into the issues of pre and postnatal care, maternal, and infant mortality rates, as well as, adolescent parenthood. The generally ignored teenage father has also been included in these events. AIDS is another harmful concern, which brings diseases that can be transmitted sexually. Adolescent sexual activities and contraceptive usage stem all these diseases. In addition, peer pressure issues and biological changes have also been related with these diseases. Now, exposure has been given to adults and children emotionally, physically, and mentally. Sexual neglect and abuse of children have brought diverse affects on the teenagers. Adolescents are deprived of parental support in dysfunctional families. In the result, positive male role models are found to be lacking in these families, which affect the lives of many teenagers, especially black adolescents. Another serious problem of the youth has become the usage of alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, which is often termed as substance abuse. Black youths are being afflicted by accidental injuries, psychoses, and physical disorders in their lives. Some of these disorders are obesity, thyroid problems, etc. Additional concerns of today’s adolescent are depression and suicide, which are increasing day by day. Adolescents are found to be involving in crime, homicide, and delinquency increasingly. Educational advancement is being delayed, problems are increasing in behavior and learning attitude of the adolescents, and high schools are indicating increment in the dropping out of the adolescents. In the result, it is creating limited career aspirations and occupational range for these adolescents, which tend them to involve in abovementioned social ills for their living. The situation for minority youth has been compounded by the discipline of harsher school. The threat of homelessness is increasing, while unemployment and underemployment rates are increasing significantly due to less education. African-American adolescents and youth are among the pronounced ones, who are confronting some of these negative trends. Over the past two decades, different researches have indicated the abovementioned negative impacts, which should be reduced and eliminated.

Effects of Free Speech on Children

Effects of Free Speech on Children The development of media for the last 50 years has allowed people to explore and discuss lots of concerned problems in the society but they are not always having the chance to freely speak up whatever they want to say or search for a particular topic due to censorship from the government. Since then, freedom of expression has been a controversial issue in many countries all over the world. While in Western nations, citizens have more access to freedom of expression, people in communist countries such as Vietnam and China are limited to express their ideas to certain extend. Some commentators have argued that free speech can bring upon detrimental effects on children, facilitate hate crimes, and anti-government groups to spread. It is the contention of this essay that It is a human right for people to have freedom of speech through the media without having any fear or being interfered by any forces. This essay will discuss the following aspects of free speech on media, the Internet in particular, as effects on childrens awareness, humans minds and democracy. It is a point of dispute between free speech through media and effects caused on children. It is often the case that children are exposed to adverse influences on the media through what they believe as freedom of expression. Reinhard (2004, p.170) contends that a person can still legally express his beliefs, ideas through films or music despite their viciousness and degradation, which brings up the moral issue on the media especially when children start to commit flagitious crimes. According to Bushman and Huesmann (2005, p. 351), violence on the media is most likely to increase aggressive behaviour in children, as well as, create long-term effects on children. Nevertheless, these arguments are not convincing enough. Freedom of expression through the use of media can hardly bring detrimental results such as violent behavior to children and it is, in fact, a positive influence for the development of children. A research conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital led Dr. Cheryl Olson (Beresin Schlozman 2012) proves there is no definite relationship between media violence and aggressive behaviour in children. Samenow (2012) asserts that it is the personality that leads to violence not the media. Moreover, freedom of expression is able to enhance their confidence and awareness of their right. An article on Safely Connect (Magid 2014) demonstrates that despite the risks of social media, some teachers embolden students to use it to express themselves freely and widen their horizons by exchanging learning resources with others. Having access to freedom of expression allows them to speak up their mind and, thus, address important issues and unfairness in society despite their age. In brief, practicing freedom of speech on social media beneficially affects children as it raises their confidence and awareness that their voice matters. There have been several debates on whether or not freedom of speech broadens peoples minds. It has been argued that free speech makes them more small-minded and hateful. It could be asserted that the fact that cyber-libertarians object to censorship online can help extremists to spread hate on the media (Banks 2010, p. 2). Furthermore, in the 2012 Digital Terror and Hate Report by Simon Wiesenthal Center (cited in Ring 2013, pp.1-2) about 15,000 hate sites based on race, ethnicity and sexual preference are currently active. Even though some believe that these hateful speeches are parts of freedom of expression, there has been a stronger argument by Leets (2001, p. 312) that depend on certain rules and standards, hate sites such as white supremacist websites may not be protected by the First Amendment. In addition, freedom of expression can significantly help to widen humans minds. It is undeniable that without freedom of speech human would never have been able to acquire knowledge to create a more civilized and intellectually developed world. Pinker (2015) demonstrates that by practicing free speech, human beings start to question the nature of reality and test their ideas to come up with the truth. The power of media supports this idea by allowing its users to exchange ideas and knowledge on a global scale. There is evidence that at least 4.66 billion web pages existed in mid-March 2016 while this figure is only approximately 1 billion in 2014 (Pappas 2016). This indicates how frequently people are interacting with the Internet everyday practicing free speech to broaden their horizons. Overall, social media opens up peoples knowledge and perspective by allowing them to have free speech to exchange ideas or question the reality. It is also a matter of debate between free speech on media and political movements. One argument is that freedom of expression is a tool for political reactionaries to spread and develop against the government. According to VOV (2016), a group of Vietnamese people living in exile attempt to promote sinister activities to get rid of the current Communist leadership in Vietnam. They spread false rumours about the government to bring out the anger and frustration of the local, which results in potential protests against the government based on false information. Besides, there are also evidences about ISIS recruiting its new members with the aid of the Internet (Koerner 2016). On the other hand, this argument is tenuous at best because there is strong evidence from Menn and Volz (2016) showing that in reality these types of contents are often removed on social media such as Facebook. One supporting argument for this contention is that free speech mainly results in support for democracy and fight against dictatorship (Pinker 2015). The common oil of great and resilient democracies is the free flow of debate, the proposition and contest of ideas, both good and bad, from all and by all (The Age 2015). It is further explained by Thierer (2011) that the Internet creates more opportunities for people in the Digital Age to be heard. A further contributing proof from Brooke (2012) is that the Internet users in Russia challenge their government for democracy by starting an information war and eventually, they won. Parker (2014) advocates that in the protest for democracy in Hong Kong, social media did play an extremely important role as a tool for people in Mainland China and all over the world to show their support for Hong Kong citizens. In general, freedom of speech on the media has made significant impacts on the advancement of democracy in the twenty-first century. In conclusion, taking into consideration the advantages of free speech, freedom of expression improves childrens progress in confidence and social awareness, facilitates humans to broaden their minds and knowledge, as well as, supports democracy movement in society. Thus, it is crucial for people to express whatever opinions they have without being interfered or threatened. Free speech should be applied on an appropriate scale that is pointing out the faults in the society without involving any crimes. Bibliography Banks, J 2010, Regulating hate speech online, International Review of Law, Computers Technology, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 233-239. Beresin, E Schlozman, S 2012, Violent Video Games and Movies Causing Violent Behavior, Psychology Today, viewed March 7, 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/inside-out-outside-in/201212/violent-video-games-and-movies-causing-violent-behavior>. Brooke, J 2014, Internet Opens Russia for Democracy Movement, VOA, viewed March 7, 2017, http://www.voanews.com/a/internet-opens-russia-for-democracy-movement-138042478/151111.html>. Bushman, B Huesmann, L 2006, Short-term and Long-term Effects of Violent Media on Aggression in Children and Adults, Archives of Pediatrics Adolescent Medicine, vol. 160, no. 4, pp. 348-352, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/10.1001/archpedi.160.4.348>. Democracy thrives on free speech, The Age, viewed March 7, 2017, http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-age-editorial/democracy-thrives-on-free-speech-20150113-12nfpj.html>. Koerner, B 2016, Why ISIS Is Winning the Social Media War-And How to Fight Back, WIRED, viewed March 7, 2017, https://www.wired.com/2016/03/isis-winning-social-media-war-heres-beat/>. Leets, L 2001, Responses to Internet Hate Sites: Is Speech Too Free in Cyberspace?, Communication Law and Policy, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 287-317. Magid, L 2014, Protecting children online needs to allow for their right to free speech, ConnectSafely, viewed March 7, 2017, http://www.connectsafely.org/protecting-children-online-needs-to-allow-for-their-right-to-free-speech/>. Menn, J Volz, D 2016, Facebook And Google Have New Weapons In Place To Block Extremist Videos, The Huffington Post, viewed March 7, 2017, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/facebook-isis-videos_us_577128a2e4b017b379f66ed6>. Parker, E 2014, Social Media and the Hong Kong Protests, The New Yorker, viewed March 7, 2017, http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/social-media-hong-kong-protests>. Pinker, S 2015, Why free speech is fundamental The Boston Globe, BostonGlobe.com, viewed March 7, 2017, https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2015/01/26/why-free-speech-fundamental/aaAWVYFscrhFCC4ye9FVjN/story.html>. Reinhard, C 2004, The Ethics of Censorship: Should Governments Cover Our Childrens Eyes?, in At the Edge of Information Changing Ethical Dilemmas, Ethica Publishing, Leeds, pp. 164-172. http://www.ethicapublishing.com/6CH11.htm>. Ring, CE, 2013. Hate Speech in Social Media: An Exploration of the Problem and Its Proposed Solutions. PhD. Boulder: University of Colorado. Samenow, SE 2012, Watching Violence in the Media Does Not Cause Crime, Psychology Today, viewed March 7, 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/inside-the-criminal-mind/201202/watching-violence-in-the-media-does-not-cause-crime>. Thierer, A 2011, The Internet Isnt Killing Our Culture Or Democracy, Forbes.com, viewed March 7, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamthierer/2011/06/05/the-internet-isnt-killing-our-culture-of-democracy>. Viet Tan: terrorist and reactionary nature 2016, VOV VOV Online Newspaper, viewed March 7, 2017, http://english.vov.vn/politics/viet-tan-terrorist-and-reactionary-nature-320205.vov>.

Organizational Change Of Procter And Gamble Marketing Essay

Organizational Change Of Procter And Gamble Marketing Essay In these ever changing and highly competitive markets, there has been a considerable amount of research carried out into new product development and introduction. A successful new product launch is believed by many to be the recipe to business or firm growth and profitability depending on their ability to identify the needs of customers and to quickly create products that meet these needs and can be produced at a low cost. The next step is to analyse and develop the market plan. This is done by reviewing the 4Ps product matrix as a way to finding a unique position from which to create a competitive advantage for the product. Also, review the SWOT with Clients and utilize SMART technique to develop the written, working plan Executing the plan and launching the product. This includes developing collateral materials, begin placement discussion with the first stage in the ideal channel, have enough discussion with as many different entities with a view to uncovering any previously undiscovered real objections. Review and improve plan as necessary with the new information, repeat until sold, and explore link extensions with new partners. It should be noted that new product development and introduction plan is the first stage in the Product Life Cycle. It is created in stages, giving logical break points to force the decision to proceed or not based on what occurs at each stage. Aim and Objective The goal of this research paper is to present in a clear and detail way how the development and launch of household care products by Procter and Gamble (PG) Company is aimed at bringing together the marketing, design, strategy and manufacturing functions of the company and also to identify the overall profitability of the product. Companys Overview and History With its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Procter and Gamble (PG) Limited is one of the worlds leading giants when it comes to making household products. The company is engaged in producing beauty, health, fabric, home, baby, family, and personal care products. With commitments to remain as the leader in its market, PG is one of the most aggressive marketers and is the largest advertiser in the world. Many innovations that are now common practices in corporate America including extensive market research, the brand-management system, and employee profit-sharing schemes were first introduced at Procter and Gamble. Procter and Gamble Limited has an employee base of 138,000 or more and operates in nearly 80 countries around the world and markets more than 300 brands in over 180 countries; more than half of the companys revenues are generated overseas. The company recorded revenues of $83,503 million during FY2008, an increase of 9.2% over FY2007. The operating profit of the company was $17.083 million during FY2008, an increase of 10.6% over FY2007. The net profit was $12.075 million in FY2008, an increase of 16.8% over FY2007. History Procter and Gamble Company (PG) was established as a joint partnership business by William Procter and James Gamble, two immigrants from United Kingdom in 1837 with head-office in Cincinnati, Ohio. By 1890, PG was selling more than 30 different types of soap, including Ivory. In 1915, the company built a manufacturing plant in Canada, its first outside the U.S. During 1917-1918, PG established the chemicals division which function was to formalize research procedures and develop new products. Then in the 1920s the company discontinued the manufacturing of candles. KEY DATES AND ACQUISITIONS: c. 1851: The Companys famous moon-and-star symbol is created. 1878: PG introduces White Soap, soon renamed Ivory. 1885: Introducing Innovative Employee Benefits. 1890: The company was incorporated as Procter and Gamble Company. 1911: The debut of Crisco, the first all-vegetable shortening. 1931: Brand management system is formally introduced. 1946: PG introduces Tide laundry detergent. 1955: Crest toothpaste makes its debut. 1957: Charmin Paper Company is acquired. 1961: Test marketing of Pampers disposal diapers begins 1963: Company acquires the Folgers coffee brand. 1982: Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals is acquired 1985: PG purchases Richardson-Vicks Company, owner of the Vicks, NyQuil, and Oil of Olay brand 1988: Noxell Corporation, maker of Noxema products and Cover Girl cosmetics, is acquired 1990: PG expands its presence in the male personal care market by acquiring Shultons Old Spice Product line. 1991: Max Factor and Betrix cosmetics and fragrance lines are bought from Revlon, Inc. 1992: Pantene Pro-V shampoo is introduced. 1993: Major restructuring is launched, involving 13,000 job cuts and 30 plant closures. 1994: Company enters the European tissue and towel market with the acquisition of the Germany-based company, Schickedanz. 1997: Company acquires Tambrands, Inc., maker of Tampax line of tampons 1998: Organization 2005 restructuring is launched. 1999: Premium pet food maker Iams Company is purchased. 2001: PG acquires the Clairol hair-care business from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. 2002: Jif peanut butter and Crisco shortening brands are divested. 2003: Company acquires a controlling interest in German hair-care firm Wella AG. By 2004, the company announced its agreement to acquire the commercial business of Grupo Vita in Spain. In the same year, PG finalized the sale of its juice drink brands, Sunny Delight and Punica, to JW Childs Associates LP, a private-equity firm in Boston. This further paring of the food business left PG with just two main food brands, Pringles and Folgers. The snacks and beverages unit accounted for only 7% of the companys total revenues in fiscal 2004. At the beginning of fiscal 2005 PG realigned its business units, shifting it five previous units into three: global beauty care; global health, baby, and family care; and global household care. Pringles and Folgers were placed within the latter unit. During the fiscal 2004, sales surged 19%, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time. Net earning also jumped 25%, hitting $6.48 billion mark. The newly invigorated company continued its streak of paying dividends without interruption since its 1890 incorporation, and it also increased its dividends for the 48th straight year. And in July 2005, a proposed merger with the Gillette Company, a leader in male grooming product was completed and cleared by the European Commission. Literature Review Product planning should be considered as a key driver for the eventual manufacturing and development of a successful new product. It can mean both organizational entity and the process of planning the product which can involve many more departments in a company (Allen, 1993). The consistent investment in consumer and market research, innovation, brand-building and go-to-market policies has considerably helped Procter and Gamble Company achieve success in its new product development strategy and also achieve considerable market shares. This case continues with an insight into PGs product innovations that have been a success among the diverse segments of the global market. The company is organized into three Global Business Units (GBUs) and a Global Operations group for producing commercially viable products. The three GBUs are beauty, health and well-being, and household care. The Global Operations group consists of the Market Development Organization (MDO) and Global Business Service (GBS). Research Methodology The research methodology will be based on the qualitative analysis, i.e. on the presentation and the analysis of a series of findings retrieved by researchers in the literature (Internet sites, online newspapers, periodicals, books and other academic publications, journals). The presentation of appropriate primary sources (statistical indexes, graphs, and financial data) will be also used in order to support the views of the literature. In other words, the research will be mainly secondary mostly because of the objectivity of data involved. More specifically, the use of primary research would not be used for the purpose of this research. Chapter 1 Organizational Culture and Structure 1.0 Corporate Structure Procter and Gamble organization structure is an important part of their capability to grow. It combines the global scale benefits of a $79 billion global company with a local focus to win with consumers and retail customers in each country where PG products are sold. PG organizational structure comprise three Global Business Units (GBUs), Global Operations, Global Business Services (GBS) and Corporate Functions (CF) Fig 1: Four Pillars of Corporate Structure of PG Global Business Units (GBUs) focus solely on consumers, brands and competitors around the world. They are responsible for the innovation pipeline, profitability and shareholder returns from their businesses. Market Development Organizations (MDOs) are charged with knowing consumers and retailers in each market where PG competes and integrating the innovations flowing from the GBUs into business plans that work in each country. Global Business Services (GBS) utilizes PG talent and expert partners to provide best-in-class business support services at the lowest possible costs to leverage PGs scale for a winning advantage. Corporate Functions ensure ongoing functional innovation and capability improvement. Procter and Gamble has adopted an organizational structure of innovation that allows them to launch innovation faster. The company has taken seven key steps in order to structure their innovation management and organization for faster innovation. Delegating decisions to innovative teams: Decisions are delegated to the innovative teams in order to avoid delays and enable fast innovation independent of top managements. Integrating the Research and Development Department into the Business Unit: Integrating majority of the RD into the business unit makes innovation management more effective and fosters the collaboration with the other departments of the business units and the orientation towards the customers in lieu of an exclusive focus on the technology. Co-Location of Teams Department: By locating all innovative team members and relevant departments of a division in the same place, the company can make sure that information flows without distortion. Central Innovation Team: Procter and Gamble has an organization of central innovation team at the corporate level which goes by the name Future Works. At the business unit level its central innovation teams belong to the New Business Development Organization. Central Innovation Fund: PG has established the PG Corporate Innovation Fund (CIF) for the purpose of financing the development of disruptive innovation and of new business. Crest Whitestrips were, for instance, funded by the CIF. External Interface for Open Innovation: In order to execute Open Innovation and to channel external solutions and ideas into the company, PG innovation management needs an effective external interface. The company has established its External Business Development Organization and its Connect Develop Organization. The mission of these departments is to realize the innovation potential, which slumbers in the outside world, via the development of external networks. Merger Acquisition Department: The mission of this department is to acquire innovative companies with a view of strengthening it innovation management and be in the market-place with innovations much faster. 1.1 Corporate Culture Procter and Gamble organizational culture is based on the guiding foundation of Purpose, Values and Principles (PVP) Purpose To provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that would touch and improve the lives of their consumers and in return, the consumers would reward PG with leadership sales, profit and value creation, and allowing their people, shareholder and the communities in which they live and work to prosper. Values Integrity Leadership Ownership Passion for winning Trust Principles Show respect for all individual The interest of the company and the individual are inseparable Strategically focused in their work Innovation being the cornerstone of their success Value Personal Mastery Seek to be the best Externally focused Mutual interdependency is a way of life. Organizational Change of Procter and Gamble A common aspect of any company whether small, medium or large scale is the structural and organizational changes. An organization undergoes change in order to ensure the products and services that would be given to customers are excellent, as well as, the performance of the employee within the company. Procter and Gamble is one the company that utilises change in organization in order to become one of the most well-known product producers in the whole world. Organization 2005 is aimed at changing PGs culture from a conservative, slow-moving, bureaucratic behemoth to that of a modern, fast-moving Internet-savvy organization. PG wants to make faster and better decisions, cut red tape, save cost out of systems and procedures, fuel innovation, set more aggressive sales goals and nearly double its revenue. The catalyst for all this change is Information Technology. Finally, PG wants to abandon its legacy of secrecy. Its new spirit of openness is most evident on the Internet. SWOT Analysis One strategic management tool that PG uses to stay ahead of its competition is the effective and efficient utilization of SWOT analysis. This involves specifying the goals and objectives of the business as well as identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable in achieving the goals and objectives Strengths Weaknesses * Strong focus on Research and Development. * Leading market position * Diversified product portfolio * Strong brand portfolio. * Increasing instances of product recalls * Dependent on Wal-Mart Stores for majority of its revenue Opportunities Threats

Gay Marriage Will Help America Essay -- argumentative, persuasive

Why is gay marriage such a big deal? Why are there so many people against it? Most of the time it is easy to presume where to draw the line when interfering with someone else’s rights. Simply, do not do it. Everyone has the right to get a driver’s license or has the freedom of speech, but why on earth do some people have the right to wed and think that he or she has the right to tell somebody else that he or she does not have that same right? Gay marriage is not traditional, gay relationships are immoral, and marriage is for procreation. Gay marriage is a perfectly acceptable decision that any citizen should be able to make for themselves. A gay California man, whose partner died in the September 11 terrorist attacks has become "legally vulnerable in ways he could never imagine". Keith Brodowski lost his life partner, Jeff Coleman, to American Airlines flight 11, which was the first plane to hit the World Trade Center. Coleman was a flight attendant. Brodowski is now battling the state and the nation for survivors' benefits, granted to the widows of those who died. It took powerful words of Keith’s testimony to move legislation to grant partial inheritance rights for registered domestic partners in California. Married couples had to go through nothing of this caliper for their benefits. In a survey conducted by Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples, over fifty percent of lesbians and forty percent of gay men had faced problems obtaining employment benefits, lower tax rates, and insurance breaks because civil unions are not recognized as a legal marriage. Other discriminations included employment, hospital visitation, adoption, and many more. These problems could have been eliminated if the couple had been legally m... ...y not believe in the same sexual likings as us, they are still people who live among us. People with different religions do the same and they are allowed to get married and spend a life together. Why shouldn’t gays? References Bidstrup, S. (2000). Gay Marriage: The Arguments and the Motives. Veritas Et Ratio - Truth And Reason. Retrieved from website on March 19, 2011. From . Head, T. Arguments against same-sex marriage - Debunking 10 Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage. Civil liberties at about.com - Your guide to civil liberties News and Issues. Retrieved from Website on March 19, 2011. From . Should gay marriage be legal?. Gay Marriage ProCon.org. Retrieved from website on March 18, 2011. From .

An Analysis of The Thurber Carnival Essay -- Thurber Carnival Essays

An Analysis of The Thurber Carnival  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   The Fables for Our Time contained in Thurber's The Thurber Carnival are, in my opinion, particularly good examples of a writer successfully 'breaking frames' in order to create humor and satire. In this essay I am going to explore the main methods Thurber uses to create humor and satire in the fables "The Shrike and the Chipmunks" and "The Unicorn in the Garden"2. Firstly though, what do I mean by the 'broken frame'? This is a reference to the idea that the violation of our 'frames of reference', and the recognition of the incongruity caused by it, is the basic element of humour. If the incongruity needs to be explained, the humour will be lost. Kant expresses this idea when he says "Laughter is an affection arising from a strained expectation being suddenly reduced to nothing"3. Thurber violates several different types of expectation in his attempts to create humour and satire. These range from expectation of the rules of fable and other literature, to expectation of characterisation, and expectation of the familiar saying. "The Shrike and the Chipmunks", is first and foremost a parody of the traditional fable. It has all the traditional ingredients: the anthropomorphised Chipmunks, corresponding with stereotyped human characters, the building of suspense over a perceived right and wrong type of behaviour, a corresponding climax, and a moral at the end. Anthropomorphism is a common technique of humour. Umberto Eco explains that this is so that the audience can laugh at the 'broken frame', without the discomfort of empathy with the frame breaker. "It is for this reason that the animalisation of the comic hero is so important"4. But quite apart from this use, Thur... ... 1-9. Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Judgement, Book II. E307 Photocopy. pp. 196-203. Thurber, James. The Thurber Carnival. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, 1983.    End Notes 1. Umberto Eco, "Frames of Comic Freedom," in Carnival!, ed. T. A. Sebeok (Berlin: Mouton Publishers, 1984), p. 4. 2. James Thurber, The Thurber Carnival (Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, 1983). Fables for Our Time pp. 278 - 305. "The Shrike and the Chipmunks" pp. 290-291. "The Unicorn in the Garden" pp. 304-305. 3. Immanuel Kant, Critique of Judgement, Book II, E307 Photocoy. p. 199. 4. Eco, p. 2. 5. Thurber, p. 290. 6. Thurber, p. 290. 7. Thurber, p. 291. 8. Thurber, p.305. 9. Burton Bernstein, Thurber: A Biography (Great Britain: Lowe & Brydone, 1975), p. 308. 10. Eco, p. 2.      

Twilight 2. OPEN BOOK

The next day was better†¦ and worse. It was better because it wasn't raining yet, though the clouds were dense and opaque. It was easier because I knew what to expect of my day. Mike came to sit by me in English, and walked me to my next class, with Chess Club Eric glaring at him all the while; that was nattering. People didn't look at me quite as much as they had yesterday. I sat with a big group at lunch that included Mike, Eric, Jessica, and several other people whose names and faces I now remembered. I began to feel like I was treading water, instead of drowning in it. It was worse because I was tired; I still couldn't sleep with the wind echoing around the house. It was worse because Mr. Varner called on me in Trig when my hand wasn't raised and I had the wrong answer. It was miserable because I had to play volleyball, and the one time I didn't cringe out of the way of the ball, I hit my teammate in the head with it. And it was worse because Edward Cullen wasn't in school at all. All morning I was dreading lunch, fearing his bizarre glares. Part of me wanted to confront him and demand to know what his problem was. While I was lying sleepless in my bed, I even imagined what I would say. But I knew myself too well to think I would really have the guts to do it. I made the Cowardly Lion look like the terminator. But when I walked into the cafeteria with Jessica – trying to keep my eyes from sweeping the place for him, and failing entirely – I saw that his four siblings of sorts were sitting together at the same table, and he was not with them. Mike intercepted us and steered us to his table. Jessica seemed elated by the attention, and her friends quickly joined us. But as I tried to listen to their easy chatter, I was terribly uncomfortable, waiting nervously for the moment he would arrive. I hoped that he would simply ignore me when he came, and prove my suspicions false. He didn't come, and as time passed I grew more and more tense. I walked to Biology with more confidence when, by the end of lunch, he still hadn't showed. Mike, who was taking on the qualities of a golden retriever, walked faithfully by my side to class. I held my breath at the door, but Edward Cullen wasn't there, either. I exhaled and went to my seat. Mike followed, talking about an upcoming trip to the beach. He lingered by my desk till the bell rang. Then he smiled at me wistfully and went to sit by a girl with braces and a bad perm. It looked like I was going to have to do something about Mike, and it wouldn't be easy. In a town like this, where everyone lived on top of everyone else, diplomacy was essential. I had never been enormously tactful; I had no practice dealing with overly friendly boys. I was relieved that I had the desk to myself, that Edward was absent. I told myself that repeatedly. But I couldn't get rid of the nagging suspicion that I was the reason he wasn't there. It was ridiculous, and egotistical, to think that I could affect anyone that strongly. It was impossible. And yet I couldn't stop worrying that it was true. When the school day was finally done, and the blush was fading out of my cheeks from the volleyball incident, I changed quickly back into my jeans and navy blue sweater. I hurried from the girls' locker room, pleased to find that I had successfully evaded my retriever friend for the moment. I walked swiftly out to the parking lot. It was crowded now with fleeing students. I got in my truck and dug through my bag to make sure I had what I needed. Last night I'd discovered that Charlie couldn't cook much besides fried eggs and bacon. So I requested that I be assigned kitchen detail for the duration of my stay. He was willing enough to hand over the keys to the banquet hall. I also found out that he had no food in the house. So I had my shopping list and the cash from the jar in the cupboard labeled FOOD, MONEY, and I was on my way to the Thriftway. I gunned my deafening engine to life, ignoring the heads that turned in my direction, and backed carefully into a place in the line of cars that were waiting to exit the parking lot. As I waited, trying to pretend that the earsplitting rumble was coming from someone else's car, I saw the two Cullens and the Hale twins getting into their car. It was the shiny new Volvo. Of course. I hadn't noticed their clothes before – I'd been too mesmerized by their faces. Now that I looked, it was obvious that they were all dressed exceptionally well; simply, but in clothes that subtly hinted at designer origins. With their remarkable good looks, the style with which they carried themselves, they could have worn dishrags and pulled it off. It seemed excessive for them to have both looks and money. But as far as I could tell, life worked that way most of the time. It didn't look as if it bought them any acceptance here. No, I didn't fully believe that. The isolation must be their desire; I couldn't imagine any door that wouldn't be opened by that degree of beauty. They looked at my noisy truck as I passed them, just like everyone else. I kept my eyes straight forward and was relieved when I finally was free of the school grounds. The Thriftway was not far from the school, just a few streets south, off the highway. It was nice to be inside the supermarket; it felt normal. I did the shopping at home, and I fell into the pattern of the familiar task gladly. The store was big enough inside that I couldn't hear the tapping of the rain on the roof to remind me where I was. When I got home, I unloaded all the groceries, stuffing them in wherever I could find an open space. I hoped Charlie wouldn't mind. I wrapped potatoes in foil and stuck them in the oven to bake, covered a steak in marinade and balanced it on top of a carton of eggs in the fridge. When I was finished with that, I took my book bag upstairs. Before starting my homework, I changed into a pair of dry sweats, pulled my damp hair up into a pony-tail, and checked my e-mail for the first time. I had three messages. â€Å"Bella,† my mom wrote†¦ Write me as soon as you get in. Tell me how your flight was. Is it raining? I miss you already. I'm almost finished packing for Florida, but I can't find my pink blouse. Do you know where I put it? Phil says hi. Mom. I sighed and went to the next. It was sent eight hours after the first. â€Å"Bella,† she wrote†¦ Why haven't you e-mailed me yet? What are you waiting for? Mom. The last was from this morning. Isabella, If I haven't heard from you by 5:30 p.m. today I'm calling Charlie. I checked the clock. I still had an hour, but my mom was well known for jumping the gun. Mom, Calm down. I'm writing right now. Don't do anything rash.Bella. I sent that, and began again. Mom, Everything is great. Of course it's raining. I was waiting for something to write about. School isn't bad, just a little repetitive. I met some nice kids who sit by me at lunch. Your blouse is at the dry cleaners – you were supposed to pick it up Friday. Charlie bought me a truck, can you believe it? I love it. It's old, but really sturdy, which is good, you know, for me. I miss you, too. I'll write again soon, but I'm not going to check my e-mail every five minutes. Relax, breathe. I love you. Bella. I had decided to read Wuthering Heights – the novel we were currently studying in English – yet again for the fun of it, and that's what I was doing when Charlie came home. I'd lost track of the time, and I hurried downstairs to take the potatoes out and put the steak in to broil. â€Å"Bella?† my father called out when he heard me on the stairs. Who else? I thought to myself. â€Å"Hey, Dad, welcome home.† â€Å"Thanks.† He hung up his gun belt and stepped out of his boots as I bustled about the kitchen. As far as I was aware, he'd never shot the gun on the job. But he kept it ready. When I came here as a child, he would always remove the bullets as soon as he walked in the door. I guess he considered me old enough now not to shoot myself by accident, and not depressed enough to shoot myself on purpose. â€Å"What's for dinner?† he asked warily. My mother was an imaginative cook, and her experiments weren't always edible. I was surprised, and sad, that he seemed to remember that far back. â€Å"Steak and potatoes,† I answered, and he looked relieved. He seemed to feel awkward standing in the kitchen doing nothing; he lumbered into the living room to watch TV while I worked. We were both more comfortable that way. I made a salad while the steaks cooked, and set the table. I called him in when dinner was ready, and he sniffed appreciatively as he walked into the room. â€Å"Smells good, Bell.† â€Å"Thanks.† We ate in silence for a few minutes. It wasn't uncomfortable. Neither of us was bothered by the quiet. In some ways, we were well suited for living together. â€Å"So, how did you like school? Have you made any friends?† he asked as he was taking seconds. â€Å"Well, I have a few classes with a girl named Jessica. I sit with her friends at lunch. And there's this boy, Mike, who's very friendly.Everybody seems pretty nice.† With one outstanding exception. â€Å"That must be Mike Newton. Nice kid – nice family. His dad owns the sporting goods store just outside of town. He makes a good living off all the backpackers who come through here.† â€Å"Do you know the Cullen family?† I asked hesitantly. â€Å"Dr. Cullen's family? Sure. Dr. Cullen's a great man.† â€Å"They†¦ the kids†¦ are a little different. They don't seem to fit in very well at school.† Charlie surprised me by looking angry. â€Å"People in this town,† he muttered. â€Å"Dr. Cullen is a brilliant surgeon who could probably work in any hospital in the world, make ten times the salary he gets here,† he continued, getting louder. â€Å"We're lucky to have him – lucky that his wife wanted to live in a small town. He's an asset to the community, and all of those kids are well behaved and polite. I had my doubts, when they first moved in, with all those adopted teenagers. I thought we might have some problems with them. But they're all very mature – I haven't had one speck of trouble from any of them. That's more than I can say for the children of some folks who have lived in this town for generations. And they stick together the way a family should – camping trips every other weekend†¦ Just because they're newcomers, people have to talk.† It was the longest speech I'd ever heard Charlie make. He must feel strongly about whatever people were saying. I backpedaled. â€Å"They seemed nice enough to me. I just noticed they kept to themselves. They're all very attractive,† I added, trying to be more complimentary. â€Å"You should see the doctor,† Charlie said, laughing. â€Å"It's a good thing he's happily married. A lot of the nurses at the hospital have a hard time concentrating on their work with him around.† We lapsed back into silence as we finished eating. He cleared the table while I started on the dishes. He went back to the TV, and after I finished washing the dishes by hand – no dishwasher – I went upstairs unwillingly to work on my math homework. I could feel a tradition in the making.That night it was finally quiet. I fell asleep quickly, exhausted. The rest of the week was uneventful. I got used to the routine of my classes. By Friday I was able to recognize, if not name, almost all the students at school. In Gym, the kids on my team learned not to pass me the ball and to step quickly in front of me if the other team tried to take advantage of my weakness. I happily stayed out of their way. Edward Cullen didn't come back to school. Every day, I watched anxiously until the rest of the Cullens entered the cafeteria without him. Then I could relax and join in the lunchtime conversation. Mostly it centered around a trip to the La Push Ocean Park in two weeks that Mike was putting together. I was invited, and I had agreed to go, more out of politeness than desire. Beaches should be hot and dry. By Friday I was perfectly comfortable entering my Biology class, no longer worried that Edward would be there. For all I knew, he had dropped out of school. I tried not to think about him, but I couldn't totally suppress the worry that I was responsible for his continued absence, ridiculous as it seemed. My first weekend in Forks passed without incident. Charlie, unused to spending time in the usually empty house, worked most of the weekend. I cleaned the house, got ahead on my homework, and wrote my mom more bogusly cheerful e-mail. I did drive to the library Saturday, but it was so poorly stocked that I didn't bother to get a card; I would have to make a date to visit Olympia or Seattle soon and find a good bookstore. I wondered idly what kind of gas mileage the truck got†¦ and shuddered at the thought. The rain stayed soft over the weekend, quiet, so I was able to sleep well. People greeted me in the parking lot Monday morning. I didn't know all their names, but I waved back and smiled at everyone. It was colder this morning, but happily not raining. In English, Mike took his accustomed seat by my side. We had a pop quiz on Wuthering Heights. It was straightforward, very easy. All in all, I was feeling a lot more comfortable than I had thought I would feel by this point. More comfortable than I had ever expected to feel here. When we walked out of class, the air was full of swirling bits of white. I could hear people shouting excitedly to each other. The wind bit at my cheeks, my nose. â€Å"Wow,† Mike said. â€Å"It's snowing.† I looked at the little cotton fluffs that were building up along the sidewalk and swirling erratically past my face. â€Å"Ew.† Snow. There went my good day. He looked surprised. â€Å"Don't you like snow?† â€Å"No. That means it's too cold for rain.† Obviously. â€Å"Besides, I thought it was supposed to come down in flakes – you know, each one unique and all that. These just look like the ends of Q-tips.† â€Å"Haven't you ever seen snow fall before?† he asked incredulously. â€Å"Sure I have.† I paused. â€Å"On TV.† Mike laughed. And then a big, squishy ball of dripping snow smacked into the back of his head. We both turned to see where it came from. I had my suspicions about Eric, who was walking away, his back toward us – in the wrong direction for his next class. Mike appatently had the same notion. He bent over and began scraping together a pile of the white mush. â€Å"I'll see you at lunch, okay?† I kept walking as I spoke. â€Å"Once people start throwing wet stuff, I go inside.† He just nodded, his eyes on Eric's retreating figure. Throughout the morning, everyone chattered excitedly about the snow; apparently it was the first snowfall of the new year. I kept my mouth shut. Sure, it was drier than rain – until it melted in your socks. I walked alertly to the cafeteria with Jessica after Spanish. Mush balls were flying everywhere. I kept a binder in my hands, ready to use it as a shield if necessary. Jessica thought I was hilarious, but something in my expression kept her from lobbing a snowball at me herself. Mike caught up to us as we walked in the doors, laughing, with ice melting the spikes in his hair. He and Jessica were talking animatedly about the snow fight as we got in line to buy food. I glanced toward that table in the corner out of habit. And then I froze where I stood. There were five people at the table. Jessica pulled on my arm. â€Å"Hello? Bella? What do you want?† I looked down; my ears were hot. I had no reason to feel self-conscious, I reminded myself. I hadn't done anything wrong. â€Å"What's with Bella?† Mike asked Jessica. â€Å"Nothing,† I answered. â€Å"I'll just get a soda today.† I caught up to the end of the line. â€Å"Aren't you hungry?† Jessica asked. â€Å"Actually, I feel a little sick,† I said, my eyes still on the floor. I waited for them to get their food, and then followed them to a table, my eyes on my feet. I sipped my soda slowly, my stomach churning. Twice Mike asked, with unnecessary concern, how I was feeling. I told him it was nothing, but I was wondering if I should play it up and escape to the nurse's office for the next hour. Ridiculous. I shouldn't have to run away. I decided to permit myself one glance at the Cullen family's table. If he was glaring at me, I would skip Biology, like the coward I was. I kept my head down and glanced up under my lashes. None of them were looking this way. I lifted my head a little. They were laughing. Edward, Jasper, and Emmett all had their hair entirely saturated with melting snow. Alice and Rosalie were leaning away as Emmett shook his dripping hair toward them. They were enjoying the snowy day, just like everyone else – only they looked more like a scene from a movie than the rest of us. But, aside from the laughter and playfulness, there was something different, and I couldn't quite pinpoint what that difference was. I examined Edward the most carefully. His skin was less pale, I decided – flushed from the snow fight maybe – the circles under his eyes much less noticeable. But there was something more. I pondered, staring, trying to isolate the change. â€Å"Bella, what are you staring at?† Jessica intruded, her eyes following my stare. At that precise moment, his eyes flashed over to meet mine. I dropped my head, letting my hair fall to conceal my face. I was sure, though, in the instant our eyes met, that he didn't look harsh or unfriendly as he had the last time I'd seen him. He looked merely curious again, unsatisfied in some way. â€Å"Edward Cullen is staring at you,† Jessica giggled in my ear. â€Å"He doesn't look angry, does he?† I couldn't help asking. â€Å"No,† she said, sounding confused by my question. â€Å"Should he be?† â€Å"I don't think he likes me,† I confided. I still felt queasy. I put my head down on my arm. â€Å"The Cullens don't like anybody†¦ well, they don't notice anybody enough to like them. But he's still staring at you.† â€Å"Stop looking at him,† I hissed. She snickered, but she looked away. I raised my head enough to make sure that she did, contemplating violence if she resisted. Mike interrupted us then – he was planning an epic battle of the blizzard in the parking lot after school and wanted us to join. Jessica agreed enthusiastically. The way she looked at Mike left little doubt that she would be up for anything he suggested. I kept silent. I would have to hide in the gym until the parking lot cleared. For the rest of the lunch hour I very carefully kept my eyes at my own table. I decided to honor the bargain I'd made with myself. Since he didn't look angry, I would go to Biology. My stomach did frightened little flips at the thought of sitting next to him again. I didn't really want to walk to class with Mike as usual – he seemed to be a popular target for the snowball snipers – but when we went to the door, everyone besides me groaned in unison. It was raining, washing all traces of the snow away in clear, icy ribbons down the side of the walkway. I pulled my hood up, secretly pleased. I would be free to go straight home after Gym. Mike kept up a string of complaints on the way to building four. Once inside the classroom, I saw with relief that my table was still empty. Mr. Banner was walking around the room, distributing one microscope and box of slides to each table. Class didn't start for a few minutes, and the room buzzed with conversation. I kept my eyes away from the door, doodling idly on the cover of my notebook. I heard very clearly when the chair next to me moved, but my eyes stayed carefully focused on the pattern I was drawing. â€Å"Hello,† said a quiet, musical voice. I looked up, stunned that he was speaking to me. He was sitting as far away from me as the desk allowed, but his chair was angled toward me. His hair was dripping wet, disheveled – even so, he looked like he'd just finished shooting a commercial for hair gel. His dazzling face was friendly, open, a slight smile on his flawless lips. But his eyes were careful. â€Å"My name is Edward Cullen,† he continued. â€Å"I didn't have a chance to introduce myself last week. You must be Bella Swan.† My mind was spinning with confusion. Had I made up the whole thing? He was perfectly polite now. I had to speak; he was waiting. But I couldn't think of anything conventional to say. â€Å"H-how do you know my name?† I stammered. He laughed a soft, enchanting laugh. â€Å"Oh, I think everyone knows your name. The whole town's been waiting for you to arrive.† I grimaced. I knew it was something like that. â€Å"No,† I persisted stupidly. â€Å"I meant, why did you call me Bella?† He seemed confused. â€Å"Do you prefer Isabella?† â€Å"No, I like Bella,† I said. â€Å"But I think Charlie – I mean my dad – must call me Isabella behind my back – that's what everyone here seems to know me as,† I tried to explain, feeling like an utter moron. â€Å"Oh.† He let it drop. I looked away awkwardly. Thankfully, Mr. Banner started class at that moment. I tried to concentrate as he explained the lab we would be doing today. The slides in the box were out of order. Working as lab partners, we had to separate the slides of onion root tip cells into the phases of mitosis they represented and label them accordingly. We weren't supposed to use our books. In twenty minutes, he would be coming around to see who had it right. â€Å"Get started,† he commanded. â€Å"Ladies first, partner?† Edward asked. I looked up to see him smiling a crooked smile so beautiful that I could only stare at him like an idiot. â€Å"Or I could start, if you wish.† The smile faded; he was obviously wondering if I was mentally competent. â€Å"No,† I said, flushing. â€Å"I'll go ahead.† I was showing off, just a little. I'd already done this lab, and I knew what I was looking for. It should be easy. I snapped the first slide into place under the microscope and adjusted it quickly to the 40X objective. I studied the slide briefly. My assessment was confident. â€Å"Prophase.† â€Å"Do you mind if I look?† he asked as I began to remove the slide. His hand caught mine, to stop me, as he asked. His fingers were ice-cold, like he'd been holding them in a snowdrift before class. But that wasn't why I jerked my hand away so quickly. When he touched me, it stung my hand as if an electric current had passed through us. â€Å"I'm sorry,† he muttered, pulling his hand back immediately. However, he continued to reach for the microscope. I watched him, still staggered, as he examined the slide for an even shorter time than I had. â€Å"Prophase,† he agreed, writing it neatly in the first space on our worksheet. He swiftly switched out the first slide for the second, and then glanced at it cursorily. â€Å"Anaphase,† he murmured, writing it down as he spoke. I kept my voice indifferent. â€Å"May I?† He smirked and pushed the microscope to me. I looked through the eyepiece eagerly, only to be disappointed. Dang it, he was right. â€Å"Slide three?† I held out my hand without looking at him. He handed it to me; it seemed like he was being careful not to touch my skin again. I took the most fleeting look I could manage. â€Å"Interphase.† I passed him the microscope before he could ask for it. He took a swift peek, and then wrote it down. I would have written it while he looked, but his clear, elegant script intimidated me. I didn't want to spoil the page with my clumsy scrawl. We were finished before anyone else was close. I could see Mike and his partner comparing two slides again and again, and another group had their book open under the table. Which left me with nothing to do but try to not look at him†¦ unsuccessfully. I glanced up, and he was staring at me, that same inexplicable look of frustration in his eyes. Suddenly I identified that subtle difference in his face. â€Å"Did you get contacts?† I blurted out unthinkingly. He seemed puzzled by my unexpected question. â€Å"No.† â€Å"Oh,† I mumbled. â€Å"I thought there was something different about your eyes.† He shrugged, and looked away. In fact, I was sure there was something different. I vividly remembered the flat black color of his eyes the last time he'd glared at me – the color was striking against the background of his pale skin and his auburn hair. Today, his eyes were a completely different color: a strange ocher, darker than butterscotch, but with the same golden tone. I didn't understand how that could be, unless he was lying for some reason about the contacts. Or maybe Forks was making me crazy in the literal sense of the word. I looked down. His hands were clenched into hard fists again. Mr. Banner came to our table then, to see why we weren't working. He looked over our shoulders to glance at the completed lab, and then stared more intently to check the answers. â€Å"So, Edward, didn't you think Isabella should get a chance with the microscope?† Mr. Banner asked. â€Å"Bella,† Edward corrected automatically. â€Å"Actually, she identified three of the five.† Mr. Banner looked at me now; his expression was skeptical. â€Å"Have you done this lab before?† he asked. I smiled sheepishly. â€Å"Not with onion root.† â€Å"Whitefish blastula?† â€Å"Yeah.† Mr. Banner nodded. â€Å"Were you in an advanced placement program in Phoenix?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Well,† he said after a moment, â€Å"I guess it's good you two are lab partners.† He mumbled something else as he walked away. After he left, I began doodling on my notebook again. â€Å"It's too bad about the snow, isn't it?† Edward asked. I had the feeling that he was forcing himself to make small talk with me. Paranoia swept over me again. It was like he had heard my conversation with Jessica at lunch and was trying to prove me wrong. â€Å"Not really,† I answered honestly, instead of pretending to be normal like everyone else. I was still trying to dislodge the stupid feeling of suspicion, and I couldn't concentrate. â€Å"You don't like the cold.† It wasn't a question. â€Å"Or the wet.† â€Å"Forks must be a difficult place for you to live,† he mused. â€Å"You have no idea,† I muttered darkly. He looked fascinated by what I said, for some reason I couldn't imagine. His face was such a distraction that I tried not to look at it any more than courtesy absolutely demanded. â€Å"Why did you come here, then?† No one had asked me that – not straight out like he did, demanding. â€Å"It's†¦ complicated.† â€Å"I think I can keep up,† he pressed. I paused for a long moment, and then made the mistake of meeting his gaze. His dark gold eyes confused me, and I answered without thinking. â€Å"My mother got remarried,† I said. â€Å"That doesn't sound so complex,† he disagreed, but he was suddenly sympathetic. â€Å"When did that happen?† â€Å"Last September.† My voice sounded sad, even to me. â€Å"And you don't like him,† Edward surmised, his tone still kind. â€Å"No, Phil is fine. Too young, maybe, but nice enough.† â€Å"Why didn't you stay with them?† I couldn't fathom his interest, but he continued to stare at me with penetrating eyes, as if my dull life's story was somehow vitally important. â€Å"Phil travels a lot. He plays ball for a living.† I half-smiled. â€Å"Have I heard of him?† he asked, smiling in response. â€Å"Probably not. He doesn't play well. Strictly minor league. He moves around a lot.† â€Å"And your mother sent you here so that she could travel with him.† He said it as an assumption again, not a question. My chin raised a fraction. â€Å"No, she did not send me here. I sent myself.† His eyebrows knit together. â€Å"I don't understand,† he admitted, and he seemed unnecessarily frustrated by that fact. I sighed. Why was I explaining this to him? He continued to stare at me with obvious curiosity. â€Å"She stayed with me at first, but she missed him. It made her unhappy†¦ so I decided it was time to spend some quality time with Charlie.† My voice was glum by the time I finished. â€Å"But now you're unhappy,† he pointed out. â€Å"And?† I challenged. â€Å"That doesn't seem fair.† He shrugged, but his eyes were still intense. I laughed without humor. â€Å"Hasn't anyone ever told you? Life isn't fair.† â€Å"I believe I have heard that somewhere before,† he agreed dryly. â€Å"So that's all,† I insisted, wondering why he was still staring at me that way. His gaze became appraising. â€Å"You put on a good show,† he said slowly. â€Å"But I'd be willing to bet that you're suffering more than you let anyone see.† I grimaced at him, resisting the impulse to stick out my tongue like a five-year-old, and looked away. â€Å"Am I wrong?† I tried to ignore him. â€Å"I didn't think so,† he murmured smugly. â€Å"Why does it matter to you?† I asked, irritated. I kept my eyes away, watching the teacher make his rounds. â€Å"That's a very good question,† he muttered, so quietly that I wondered if he was talking to himself. However, after a few seconds of silence, I decided that was the only answer I was going to get. I sighed, scowling at the blackboard. â€Å"Am I annoying you?† he asked. He sounded amused. I glanced at him without thinking†¦ and told the truth again. â€Å"Not exactly. I'm more annoyed at myself. My face is so easy to read – my mother always calls me her open book.† I frowned. â€Å"On the contrary, I find you very difficult to read.† Despite everything that I'd said and he'd guessed, he sounded like he meant it. â€Å"You must be a good reader then,† I replied. â€Å"Usually.† He smiled widely, flashing a set of perfect, ultrawhite teeth. Mr. Banner called the class to order then, and I turned with relief to listen. I was in disbelief that I'd just explained my dreary life to this bizarre, beautiful boy who may or may not despise me. He'd seemed engrossed in our conversation, but now I could see, from the corner of my eye, that he was leaning away from me again, his hands gripping the edge of the table with unmistakable tension. I tried to appear attentive as Mr. Banner illustrated, with transparencies on the overhead projector, what I had seen without difficulty through the microscope. But my thoughts were unmanageable. When the bell finally rang, Edward rushed as swiftly and as gracefully from the room as he had last Monday. And, like last Monday, I stared after him in amazement. Mike skipped quickly to my side and picked up my books for me. I imagined him with a wagging tail. â€Å"That was awful,† he groaned. â€Å"They all looked exactly the same. You're lucky you had Cullen for a partner.† â€Å"I didn't have any trouble with it,† I said, stung by his assumption. I regretted the snub instantly. â€Å"I've done the lab before, though,† I added before he could get his feelings hurt. â€Å"Cullen seemed friendly enough today,† he commented as we shrugged into our raincoats. He didn't seem pleased about it. I tried to sound indifferent. â€Å"I wonder what was with him last Monday.† I couldn't concentrate on Mike's chatter as we walked to Gym, and RE. didn't do much to hold my attention, either. Mike was on my team today. He chivalrously covered my position as well as his own, so my woolgathering was only interrupted when it was my turn to serve; my team ducked warily out of the way every time I was up. The rain was just a mist as I walked to the parking lot, but I was happier when I was in the dry cab. I got the heater running, for once not caring about the mind-numbing roar of the engine. I unzipped my jacket, put the hood down, and fluffed my damp hair out so the heater could dry it on the way home. I looked around me to make sure it was clear. That's when I noticed the still, white figure. Edward Cullen was leaning against the front door of the Volvo, three cars down from me, and staring intently in my direction. I swiftly looked away and threw the truck into reverse, almost hitting a rusty Toyota Corolla in my haste. Lucky for the Toyota, I stomped on the brake in time. It was just the sort of car that my truck would make scrap metal of. I took a deep breath, still looking out the other side of my car, and cautiously pulled out again, with greater success. I stared straight ahead as I passed the Volvo, but from a peripheral peek, I would swear I saw him laughing.