Essay on Passion Essay

Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial matters - Research Paper Example At the end of the day, 1% of individuals in America controls mutiple/5 th of the all out pay produce in America. This is a striking certainty. The creator contends that financial imbalance isn't about the amount you make †it’s about the amount you have (Rampell). For instance, it is very conceivable that a normal American brings in considerable cash from his calling or business. Anyway it isn't fundamental that the sum he makes might be adequate enough for his consumption on the off chance that he may have all the more relatives. At the end of the day, an American who has just 3 individuals in his family and another who have 5 or 6 individuals in his family can't be considered similarly regarding monetary fairness, regardless of whether they procure same salary. The followi9ng diagram delineates this contention more clear. (Rampell) From the above diagram, obviously despite the fact that the best 1 percent of workers get about a fifth of all American pay; they hold about 33% of American riches. As it were, the salary got and the pay constrained by the top 1% is inconsistent. Truth be told the top 1% controls more riches than the genuine riches they got or earned. From the above reality, obviously the most extravagant individuals in America can spare more than what the normal Americans spare. The ongoing downturn underlined the above actuality. Most extravagant individuals in America prevailing with regards to getting away from the ongoing downturn without making numerous harms their financial advantages though the normal American endured a great deal in view of the downturn. As it were, the investment funds of the normal Americans were not sufficient enough to meet any surprising monetary calamities. Most elevated acquiring Americans spare more though the least gaining Americans spare less. At the end of the day, over the long haul, increasingly more riches will be constrained by the most elevated winning individuals contrasted with the least procur ing individuals which is the significant explanation behind financial disparity in America. Alongside the expanding monetary influence, the haggling influence and the impacts of the rich individuals may likewise increment. At the end of the day, a greater amount of the portions of the administrative sponsorships, help bundles, discounts and so forth will come in the hands of the rich individuals as opposed to going under the control of the destitute individuals. For instance, President Obama has as of late enormous upgrade bundles to assist the individuals with coming out from the monetary emergency. Be that as it may, dominant part of the portions of these improvement bundles went in the hands of the most noteworthy acquiring individuals. Wolf (2009) has brought up that the improvement plan will fortify the economy by making a great many great paying employments; convey charge alleviation for 95% of laborers and put resources into America’s future by fixing our networks' str eets and scaffolds, improving our kids' instruction and making America more vitality free (Wolf). In any case, according to the measurements accessible, it is very evident that these improvement plans neglected to produce a lot of effect in the lives of normal individuals. When Obama proposed the 700 billion bailout bundle to the battling businesses in America, numerous individuals have caused a stir. Significant portion of this colossal cash was gone under the control of the personal representatives. At the end of the day, Obama gathered the cash from the taxpayer’s pocket and conveyed it to the private specialists. At the end of the day, the rich individuals became significant recipients of these boost bundles moreover. Under the above conditions, Rampell’

Analysis of New TOEFL Preparation Materials

Analysis of New TOEFL Preparation Materials To get a better sense of the distribution of questions on the new version of the TOEFL, I have compared the new versions of the TOEFL Reading Practice Sets released by ETS to their old versions. Note that the three sets in the above link are modified versions of the old TPO 7 and 8 sets. The articles are the same, but certain questions have been removed. Heres what I found out about the question types on the new version of the test.Old Set 1Old Set 2Old Set 3New Set 1New Set 2New Set 3Factual Information4433 (-1)3 (-1)3Negative Factual Information2211 (-1)1 (-1)1Rhetorical Purpose112112Vocabulary4432 (-2)2 (-2)1 (-2)Sentence Simplification111111Insert a Sentence111111Inference001000 (-1)Summary111111This confirms my earlier reports that the new test has far fewer vocabulary questions. Factual and Negative Factual questions have also been reduced, it would seem.This also confirms that Reference and Fill in a Table questions will probably not appear on the test much nowadays, as they a re totally absent from the practice materials. Note that even though the single Inference question has been removed from the test, it is still being used quite frequently, according to reports.Next up, Ive done the same analysis of the Free Practice Test provided by ETS. The results are as follows.Old Set 1Old Set 2Old Set 3New Set 1New Set 2New Set 3Factual Information3142 (-1)13 (-1)Negative Factual Information221222Rhetorical Purpose011011Vocabulary4432 (-2)2 (-2)1 (-2)Sentence Simplification11110 (-1)0 (-1)Insert a Sentence111111Function of Paragraph1000 (-1)00Inference13112 (-1)1Summary111111Again, we can see that there are far fewer vocabulary questions. But we can also see that all of the question types are affected, except for the Insert Sentence and Summary types.The odd function of paragraph entry refers to a non-standard question that isnt mentioned in the Official Guide or any other ETS resources. On the original set it was phrased as What function does paragraph 3 serve in the organization of the passage as a whole?. I guess this is sort of like a rhetorical purpose question, but it really surprises students when it comes up. Note that although it has been removed from the practice test, I have had reports that it has appeared on the real test since August 1.

The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini - 1655 Words

AP English Name: Sarah Singer Major Works Data Form Title: The Kite Runner Author: Khaled Hosseini Date of Publication: 2003 Genre: Historical Fiction Historical information about the period of publication: Since the September 11th attacks in 2001, the United States has been at war with Afghanistan. Their goals were to remove the Taliban, track down those in charge of the attacks, and destroy Al-Qaeda. Biographical information about the author: Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1965. HIs mother taught high school and his father was a diplomat for the Afghan Foreign Ministry. They were forced to relocate to Paris, and later the United States, all because because of a communist coup in Kabul. Hosseini enrolled at Santa Clara University and graduated as a biology major in 1988. He then went on to earn a medical degree in 1993. He became a practicing intern at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from 1996 to 2004. In 2001, Hosseini began to write his first novel, The Kite Runner, and later published it in 2003. Plot summary: Amir flashbacks to when he was twelve years old in Afghanistan. He lives with his father, Baba, and has two servants, Ali and Hassan, who are also a father and son duo. The latter two are Hazaras, Afghan’s minority, and as such, are subjected to racial slurs and cruelty. Amir and Hassan are playing when Assef, Kamal, andShow MoreRelatedThe Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini883 Words   |  4 Pagesregret from past encounters and usually feel guilty and bitter about the situation. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, revolves around the theme of redemption. Redemption can be used as a cure for guilt. Throughout the novel, the author shows that redemption requires some sort of sacrifice and the only way that is possible is if you can forgive yourself from the mistakes you have made in the past. Khaled Hosseini effectively portrays redemption through motifs such as rape, irony and flashbacks, symbolismRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1651 Words   |  7 P ages  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel â€Å"The Kite Runner† by Khaled Hosseini describes the life of a boy, Amir. Amir’s best friend and brother (although that part isn’t known until towards the end), Hassan, plays a major role in Amir’s life and how he grows up. Hosseini portrays many sacrifices that are made by Hassan and Amir. Additionally, Amir seeks redemption throughout much of the novel. By using first person point of view, readers are able to connect with Amir and understand his pain and yearning for a way to be redeemedRead MoreThe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini1098 Words   |  5 PagesIn The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, we learn a lot about Amir the main character, and Hassan his servant/brother. In the beginning Hassan and Amir’s relationship was one of brotherly love despite the fact that Hassan was a Hazara and Amir a Pashtun. Back in the 1970’s race and religion played a big part in Kabul and these two races were not suppose to have relationships unless it was owner (Pashtun) and servant (Hazara). Baba Amir’s father had an affair with Hassan’s mother, but it was kept aRead MoreThe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini1313 Words   |  5 Pagesis not unique to just J.K. Rowling. Khaled Hosseini also incorporates life experiences into some of his novels. A prime example of this is The Kite Runner. The storyline of this novel reflects his past to create a journey of a young Afghanistan boy, whose name is Amir. This boy changes drastically throughout his lifetime from a close minded, considerably arrogant boy to an open hearted and minded man. This emotional and mental trip is partially based on Khaled Hosseini’s own life. Throughout Hosseini’sRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1908 Words   |  8 Pages​In the novel, â€Å"The Kite Runner†, written by Khaled Hosseini, was taken place in Afghanistan during the 1970’s to the year of 2002. Many historical events ha ppened during this time period and Hosseini portrayed it into his novel. Kabul, the capitol of Afghanistan, was a free, living area for many Afghanistan families to enjoy the life they were given. Until one day, Afghanistan was then taken over and attacked. In the novel, Amir, the protagonist, must redeem himself and the history behind his actionsRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1050 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"There is a way to be good again.† (Hosseini 334). This quote given by Rahim Khan to Amir holds a great amount of force and symbolism. In theory, this quote symbolizes the beginning of Amir’s path to redemption. The eye-opening Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini tells about the struggles of Afghanistan before and during the Taliban, and one’s struggle for redemption and acceptance. With regards to the opening quote, some see Amir’s actions as selfish. However, others may believe that Amir truly changedRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hossein i1583 Words   |  7 Pagesnovel the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Amir, the main character, shares his thoughts and actions due to his poor decisions. The problems he encountered were all because of the sin committed in his youth. His sins taunted the beginning of his life and gave him a troublesome memory full of guilt. As the novel continued, Amir attempted to disengage the memory of his sin and forget about it. Amir then faced the long bumpy road to redemption. Khaled Hosseini’s novel the Kite Runner is about sinRead MoreThe Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini871 Words   |  4 Pagesthat person is trying to fix that mistake. This also applies to the novel The Kite Runner. The story revolves around the main character Amir, and his childhood friend, Hassan. After Amir came to America with Baba, his father, he still regrets the things he had done to his childhood friend. He left Hassan getting raped by Assef in a small alley in 1975. Thereafter, Amir always feel regret and seeks for redemption. Hosseini -the author, argues that redemption can be achieved by helping others, teachRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini3402 Words   |  14 Pagestitle â€Å"The Kite Runner† is symbolic as fighting kites and the kite runnings are impacting moments in the novel. Hassan was the best kite runner in Kabul, if not the whole country, after Amir won the kite fighting the running of that last blue kite triggered the monumental changes for Amir. For the beginning of the story the kite running was associated with Hassan’s rape and Amir’s grief. As kites appear throughout the story, they begin Amir’s story and also end it. Amir flying the kite with SohrabRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini2522 Words   |  11 PagesIn The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini creates an awareness and humanization of Afghanistan as a nation and as a culture. Through a postcolonial perspective, the main character, Amir resembles the internal conflicts and external tribulations that a country and its citizens’ face when living in a war-torn region. Postcolonial criticism offers a unique perspective by highlighting the destructive events that lead to death and misery, rather than glorifying the exploratory nature of colonists as they

Ethnocentrism in America - 1186 Words

The United States of America was founded on July 4, 1776. Seeking a life free of the British Government, a host of immigrants founded a new nation. Because the United States was created by the migration of people from various parts of the world, it is sometimes described as a â€Å"melting pot.† Along with their personal possessions, these immigrants brought their respective cultures and traditions as they meshed together into a new society. Despite being categorized together as citizens of the same country, the independent traditions and lifestyles of humankind have created challenges throughout history. It is important for Americans to share a sense of pride, patriotism and loyalty. Equally important, however, is the need for respect regarding differences and individualism. Ethnocentrism is a barrier between understanding culture and diversity. Ethnocentrism is defined as, â€Å"having or based on the idea that your own group or culture is better or more important than others.† Society is impacted by everything from media exposure to political agendas. A good example of this can be found in America’s recent history with countries in the Middle East. Issues ranging from energy and oil to a campaign against terrorism have created strained relationships between the United States and countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, it is nearly impossible to watch an evening news program on American television that does not contain a story related to current events in the MiddleShow MoreRelatedEssay about Ethnocentrism: Race and Violence958 Words   |  4 Pagesdefines ethnocentrism as The tendency to evaluate other groups according to the values and standards of ones own ethnic group, especially with the conviction that ones own ethnic group is superior to the other groups. When first reading this definition , one would naturally agree that ethnocentrism does exist in our world and society, often confusing it with patriotism. However, many do not realize that ethnocentrism is, has been, and continues to be a leading cause for violence in America. DifferentRead MoreEssay about Ethnocentrism968 Words   |  4 Pagesdefines ethnocentrism as â€Å"The tendency to evaluate other groups according to the values and standards of ones own ethnic group, especially with the conviction that ones own ethnic group is superior to the other groups.† When first reading this definition, one would naturally agree that ethnocentrism does exist in our world and society, often confusing it with patriotism. However, many do not realize that ethnocentrism is, has been, and continues to be a leading cause for violence in America. DifferentRead MoreEthnocentrism : The World s Leading Super Power1067 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is ethnocentrism, the definition is evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one s own culture. Which is broken down to mean the higher valuing of one’s self culture nature and origin compared to others. This can be expressed in action and words, as Americans we exude we are number one. As the world’s leading super power we have become full of our self and almost to the point of narcissism. All over the world people flock to our shoresRead More Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Essay example506 Words   |  3 PagesEthnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are two contrasting terms that are displayed by different people all over the world. Simply put, ethnocentrism is defined as â€Å"judging other groups from the perspective of one’s own cultural point of view.† Cultural relativism, on the other hand, is defined as â€Å"the view that all beliefs are equally valid and that truth itself is relative, depending on the situation, environment, and individual.† Each of these ideasRead MoreEthnocentrism: Culture and Social Integration Essay example725 Words   |  3 PagesEthnocentrism Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of ones own culture. Ethnocentrism often bring about the belief that ones own race or ethnic group is the most important and/or are superior to those of other groups. Ethnocentrism can have both a positive and negative effect in one’s personal life. â€Å"On the positive side, it creates in-group loyalties. On the negative side, ethnocentrism can lead to discrimination against people whose ways differRead MoreEthnocentrism As Defined By The Osu Department Of Anthropology984 Words   |  4 PagesEthnocentrism, as defined by the OSU Department of Anthropology, is â€Å"an attitude that is centered on one’s own culture, values, and ways of acting and thinking †¦[and] may lead to unfair criticism of other cultures† (Rosenburger 8). Ethnocentrism is a natural response for people who experience or become immersed in a culture where values, customs, and shared practices are differe nt from their own. It is the difficulty or inability to understand other ways of acting, thinking, or feeling; when oneRead MoreThe Human Race Essay1669 Words   |  7 Pagesconflicts, genocide and hate crimes, holy wars and threats of global war happening every day. What is the underlying cause of such passionate dislike, mistrust and an obsessive need to dominate and control other people? This paper will look at Ethnocentrism, its elements, its motivation and its influence, if any, as a catalyst for violence. Total world peace is an elusive unicorn in many ways for the human race. Even in the absence of physical war, there is always a competitive motivation betweenRead MoreComparing Stereotyping And Ethnocentrism1557 Words   |  7 PagesStereotyping and ethnocentrism both have concepts that are intertwined in some type of way in society. Both concepts of stereotyping and ethnocentrism has been identified as being superior, dogmatic, bigotry, and can be harmful and hurtful to the human spirit. Although stereotyping and ethnocentrism attitudes are different in ways of harmfulness, but they are both problems in our society today, and that needs to be addressed and brought to attention. In this essay, it targets to explain and makeRead MoreStereotyping And Ethnocentrism1565 Words   |  7 Pages Cultural Communication values and Communication Challenges in Muslims Stereotyping and ethnocentrism both have concepts that are intertwined in some type of way in society. Both concepts of stereotyping and ethnocentrism has been identified as being superior, dogmatic, bigotry, and can be harmful and hurtful to the human spirit. Although stereotyping and ethnocentrism attitudes are different in ways of harmfulness, but they are both problems in our society today, and that needs to be addressed andRead MoreRemarks Concerning The Savages Of North America, By Benjamin Franklin1176 Words   |  5 PagesFrom its title, â€Å"Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America, to its end, Benjamin Franklin’s essay uses satire to how that the Indians are anything but savage. Franklin’s satire uses humor to make readers question the way whites view and treat the Indians. He begins his essay saying, Savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the perfection of civility; they think the same of theirs(Franklin476). H e goes on to illustrate the absurdity of thinking Euro-American

Sunshine Chapter 24 Free Essays

string(185) " get jobs as cooks in coffeehouses, or jive with their old motorcycle gang – occasionally they hang with other sorcerers, but usually for some specific and time-limited purpose\." â€Å"Yes,† I said. â€Å"Mel, d’you suppose anyone is exactly who they say they are?† â€Å"Charlie, maybe,† he answered, after a little pause, of surprise or consideration. â€Å"Can’t think of anyone else. We will write a custom essay sample on Sunshine Chapter 24 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hmm.† I watched his hand lift off the table and rub one of his tattoos. Maybe I should have been thinking about tattoos myself, but there’s a real big drawback to them. Any charm can be turned against you, if you run into the thing it’s supposed to be protecting you from, and the thing is enough stronger than the protection. A powerful enough demon adept or magic handler can overwhelm one too, although that’s serious feud stuff and not common. A tattoo feeds itself on you, so tattoos do tend to be a lot more stable and longer-lived than the ordinary charms you set around and hang up, including the ones you wear next to your skin; but a charm that isn’t living off you can be destroyed a lot more easily if it does go – or is sent – rogue. A rogue tattoo can eat you up. It happens occasionally. Before five months ago I didn’t figure I needed any heavy warding. Now that I did, tattoos were the last thing I was going to try. â€Å"Charlie,† I said. â€Å"I can’t think of anyone else either.† Not Mel. Not me. â€Å"Not Mrs. B,† said Mel, smiling. â€Å"Sunshine, I don’t like metaphysics unless I’m drunk, it’s only three-thirty in the afternoon, and I’m working tonight. What’s up?† If Mel had really been trying to pass as a motorcycle hoodlum, his tattoos wouldn’t be as beautiful or as elaborate. Lots of sorcerers go in for a superabundance of tattoos, but they mostly keep them hidden – they’re harder to rogue that way. Hence the long enveloping robe and deep hood technique with inked-up sorcerers when they’re actually handling magic. (For day-to-day, walking-the-dog, doing-the-shopping use, a lot of sorcerers disguise the real shape of their tattoos with cosmetics. Long sleeves and high collars are hot in the summer – and there are favorite sorcerer tattoos that go on your lips and cheeks and forehead too. But – I love this – magic can apparently be a bit perfunctory about certain things in the heat of a transaction. Any tattoo a sorcerer wants working while he or she handles magic can’t be distorted with face paint or pancake foundation because it may turn out to be the apparent figure that performs. Or doesn’t.) My dad didn’t have any tattoos. That I remembered. But I didn’t remember my dad very well, and not all sorcerers have tattoos. But sorcerers are sorcerers. Tattooists mostly make their livings punching charms in leather, not live skin, and they’ll try to talk an ordinary member of the public out of it if you already have, say, three magic-bearing tattoos, even little boring ones, and they’ll tell you why. In vivid detail. It isn’t just the rogue possibility: a lot of magic-bearing tattoos can sort of unbalance you. You start not being quite sure where the real-world lines are with a lot of tattoos whispering in your dreams. Of course having lots of magic-bearing tattoos is one way of saying you’re a tough guy – first because the implication is that you need all that charm and ward power, and second because you’re hardy enough to bear the drain and the disorientation. But there are better ways of showing you are a tough guy than having lots of tattoos, partly because no tattooist who wants to keep his or her license is likely to cooperate, and the ones who don’t have licenses are too likely to make a mess of it. There is only one small secondary quarter-circle’s difference between a ward against drunkenness and another one against eyestrain, for example, and the latter won’t get you home safely with a load on. And that’s one of the common, simple wards, and most of Mel’s tattoos weren’t common or simple. But they were magic bearers, not ornamental. You could smell it, like ozone when a storm is coming. And besides, nobody who had any pretensions to hanging out with a biker gang would dare have ornamental tattoos. Ornies are for wusses. Mel couldn’t be a sorcerer – sorcery isn’t something you can successfully hide for long – but he did have a lot of tattoos. It was typical of him too that when he had come to talk to Charlie about a job the first time he had his sleeves rolled up above the elbows and his shirt open at the neck, in spite of the fact that it was January and freezing. Although maybe he just had a good take on Charlie, who in his affable, openhearted way, enjoys Charlie’s reputation as a place slightly on the edge. I said, â€Å"Mel, who are you?† Mel picked up both my hands and kissed them. His lips were warm. When he laid them back on the table he didn’t let go. I watched the sunlight twinkle among the fine hairs on the backs of his hands, and the red and gold and black of the tattoos there. Both the hairs and the tattoos had an unusually bright red edge, as if there was firelight on them. Or in them. His hands were warm too. Human temperature. The temperature of the fire of human life. Speaking of metaphysics. â€Å"I’m your friend, Sunshine,† he said. â€Å"Everything else is just static on the line.† I wondered if he’d heard what Pat had said. I wondered who had done his tattoos. Maybe what I thought I knew about magic-bearing tattoos was from the same script as the disquisition about how masturbating will make you blind and a cretin. (Even ‘ubis don’t damage your sight.) Maybe I should ask him. But then I’d have to tell him why I wanted to know. Even if you could successfully hide being a sorcerer, Mel still couldn’t be one. Sorcerers are loners – they don’t do things like get jobs as cooks in coffeehouses, or jive with their old motorcycle gang – occasionally they hang with other sorcerers, but usually for some specific and time-limited purpose. You read "Sunshine Chapter 24" in category "Essay examples" Sorcerers are too paranoid to have ordinary human friends and too competitive to have sorcerer friends. The street version about sorcerers is that they are basically not to be trusted: humans aren’t meant to be that mixed up with magic. Not even magic-handling humans. Where did sorcerers get their tattoos? Maybe I didn’t know anything any more. I drove home thinking about that Watch your back. I was already watching my back, and Pat knew it. Was he warning me to watch my back against SOF? Was a loyal – if partblood – member of SOF warning me that SOF itself was not to be trusted? Okay, lately I’d heard about partbloods needing to stick together for mutual defense, and I’d heard a long time ago about the goddess of pain, and I knew none of our SOFs liked her; but I thought – I assumed – this was only because she was a hardass bitch who was more concerned with her own career path than with making humanity safe from the Others. Was Pat suggesting something more ominous? And if he was, was he suggesting it about one overambitious gorgon with skewed priorities, or about a treacherous vein, you should forgive the term, running through all of SOF? Gods and angels, wasn’t Bo enough? At a stoplight I flipped open the glove compartment and looked at the clutter. A few of the charms twitched. Poor Mom. At least she was trying. I realized that I was grateful for the useless tangle, even if it was useless. Because she was doing something. She hadn’t averted her eyes from the fact that I needed help. She merely had no clue how much help, or what kind. Only Con really knew, only he didn’t know, because he wasn’t human, so he didn’t know what he knew. Or something. When I got home I sat staring at the shadows the leaves from the trees threw on the driveway. They glinted and did strange things with perspective like all shadows did now, but they were beautiful and they didn’t mean anything. They were what happened when light fell on leaves. It wasn’t late summer any more; it was autumn, and the leaves were beginning to turn. A pale yellow one like a big flat blanched almond skittered across the hood of the Wreck. I opened my knapsack and swept the thatch of charms into it, including one spark plug, quite a lot of string, and a few rubber bands, from back in the days when the glove compartment performed the usual function. I was pretty sure I felt a tiny penetrating buzz when my skin connected with one of the charms, but I had no idea which one. Then I went and knocked on Yolande’s front door. She opened it almost at once. â€Å"Come in,† she said. â€Å"I have spoken to my old master.† I sighed. I followed her in. She took me to a room I had not been in before, next to the kitchen, also overlooking the garden. I knew at once that not many people came here – first because if she wished no one to know that she had been a wardskeeper, or at least to believe she was a retired wardskeeper, this room would give the show away; second because the privateness of it radiated from everything in it, like heat or light. I brushed one hand across my face, as if it was a veil I had difficulty breathing through. She noticed this and said, â€Å"Oh! Pardon,† and lifted something down from over the door we’d come in. The sense of private space invaded lessened – sank – like water. I looked down, bemused. The shadows on the floor were very active. She laid the thing she had moved down on the desk. I sat in the chair in front of it, I leaned forward, held a hand over it: something beat at my palm. It wasn’t heat any more than my dark vision had to do with my eyes, but it was perhaps related to heat, and it manifested itself a bit like heat against the skin. I moved my hand and looked at the thing. It was a tiny round piece of what looked like stained glass. I could see the leading of it, but I could not see if the fragments made up a picture, or if any of the bits were painted. The shadows swam in it very strangely. Wardskeeper. It sounded so†¦solid. Even if you blew up the occasional workshop, at least you knew you were in training, and for what. Your master told you what to do, what to do next. Yolande, watching my face, said, â€Å"I’m sorry, my dear. I know this is one of the last things you want to hear, but I think you are in over your head in exactly what you are best suited to be in over your head in – my grammar grows confused – and you are doing very well.† She was getting almost as bad as Con. What happened to random chat? I wanted to say, â€Å"All I wanted was to bake cinnamon rolls for the rest of my life,† but I knew it wasn’t true, and besides, I was tired of whining. So I didn’t say it. I picked up my knapsack, out of the seething not-wetness still roaming about the floor, and set it on her desk. As I lifted it I had felt the charm-thatch inside it scrambling to stay away from the not-wetness; as I set it down, it seemed to be trying to escape contact with the top of the desk. Well, I thought, I guess at least one of them is live. Her eyes widened, and then she frowned. â€Å"Lift it up again, if you would,† she said. I did, and she took something out of a drawer, and spread it out, and then gestured for me to put the knapsack on it. I did. Whatever was going on subsided. â€Å"What have you brought me to look at?† she said. I opened the knapsack, but had a sudden reluctance to touch the charms. â€Å"Wait,† she said, and brought something else out of another drawer: a pair of wooden tongs. They had symbols scrawled up their flat sides. I groped around, grasped an end of the tangle, and hauled it out. It seemed to have half-unraveled itself: it came out looking like crochet gone very, very wrong. As it came free of the knapsack one end snaked around as if seeking something, and then began climbing up one arm of the tongs. Toward my hand. â€Å"Drop it,† said Yolande sharply. I dropped. It landed on the desk; there was a hiss and a bad smell – a really bad smell – and then there was a forlorn little heap of bad crochet work (plus one spark plug) with a torn-out hole in it, edged by a purply brown stain. The stain writhed. â€Å"Ugh,† I said. â€Å"Ugh indeed,† Yolande said mildly. â€Å"That was no ward; that was a fetch. Where was it?† â€Å"In the W – in my car,† I said. â€Å"Do you keep your car locked?† â€Å"Not here,† I said, cold needling up my spine. â€Å"No,† she said. â€Å"If whatever had placed this had come here, I would have known it.† â€Å"Then it – they – someone – something can get into a locked car,† I said, the coldness continuing to climb. Something, I thought. No, wait – vampires didn’t do fetches. Did they? â€Å"Where do these other items come from?† â€Å"Oh – since I was missing those two days, my mother has taken to buying charms for me. They’re supposed to be wards. It occurred to me to ask you if any of them was, um, live.† â€Å"Have you no wards on your car at all?† â€Å"Only standard issue – the axles, the steering wheel.† Every car manufacturer in the world had a ward sign worked into its logo, and every car company in the world stamped the center of its steering wheels with its logo. â€Å"I did have the door locks warded by the guy who sold it to me, but I guess it didn’t work.† I scowled. Oh well. Dave had never claimed to be a ward specialist: he only promised the Wreck would run. â€Å"And the car is fifteen years old – they hadn’t invented the alloy yet.† Which enabled car manufacturers to ward almost everything. There was a big difference in used car prices pre-and post-alloy. Some of us, including Mel, Dave, and me, thought that the alloy was the latest vehicular version of those skin creams that guarantee no wrinkles, those diet plans that guarantee a figure like this year’s reigning vidstar in thirty days. Lately the commercial labs were working on a ward that would dissolve in paint, like salt in water, and make every painted surface warded too. When they got it there would be a huge advertising campaign, but it wouldn’t be that useful really. Like salt water. If you needed to melt some triffids it was great, but there hadn’t been a triffid outbreak in generations. If you had mouth ulcers or a sore throat you were better off with alum or aspirin. If you had vampires the paint on your car might give them a few friction burns, but it wasn’t going to stop them breaking the windscreen and dragging you out. Your best traveling ward unfortunately was still the motion of traveling itself. I didn’t like it that Yolande wasn’t saying the usual things about the warding power of motion, not to worry, etc., etc. Well: but we’d just proved there was something to worry about. That fetch sure hadn’t been undone by riding around in a car. Yolande had picked up something that looked a lot like a knitting needle – it even had a tiny hook on the end – and was poking at the mess of crochet. There was one pale blue bead that still had a bit of glimmer to it. â€Å"I think some of these were live quite recently,† she said. â€Å"I think what they have warded is the usefulness of the fetch, which has worn them out. You don’t have any idea when you acquired it, I don’t suppose? How long have you been stuffing charms into – ?† â€Å"The glove compartment,† I said absently. A fetch was usually roughly the shape of the thing to be fetched – something that was trying to find or fetch a person was often a sort of elongated star shape, with a bead or a crystal or a chip at its center for the heart, and smaller beads or crystals or chips for the head, hands, and feet. I was sure I would have noticed my mother giving me a fetch†¦and besides, she wasn’t that stupid. Eight years with my dad had made her less easy to fool than most ordinary people about anything to do with magic, and she was constitutionally hard to fool about anything anyway. When had I noticed that the clutter, including eight or a dozen loose charms, in the glove compartment had turned into a matted snarl? I’d opened it – when? – to look at a map. I’d been sitting in the driver’s seat. Several things had plopped out onto the floor. I’d heard them rustling around, the way charms will, and, still looking at my map, I’d groped around on the floor for them. I picked up one or two, but I could still hear the rustling. They were creeping across the floor under the passenger seat, humping themselves over the drive shaft, and one or two of them had made it under the driver’s seat, which was fast moving for charms. I still hadn’t paid a lot of attention. I’d scavenged around under the driver’s seat and pulled out anything that squirmed, and shoved the whole lot back into the glove compartment without looking at any of it. But if there’d been a fetch under the driver’s seat, then the wards would have mobbed and then tried to disable it. That had been a day or two or three after I’d taken that inconclusive ride to No Town with Pat and Jesse. Watch your back, Pat had said. â€Å"SOF,† I said in disbelief. No, in what I wished was disbelief. In a belief that made me feel like I’d been dropped down an elevator shaft into icy water. â€Å"Someone in SOF did this to me. In SOF.† And whoever it was wasn’t going to like it at all that it hadn’t worked. No genuinely innocent member of the human public should be able to denature a fetch. â€Å"My dear,† said Yolande. â€Å"Large organizations are inevitably corrupt. The more powerful the organization, the more dangerous the corruption. When I was young I wanted to belong to one of the big wardcraft corporations – Zammit, or Drusilla, if I proved skillful enough. Several of my master’s apprentices went to such places, and he was always gloomy and preoccupied for weeks – months – after he’d ‘lost’ one of us. That was always how he’d describe it – that he’d lost Benedict, he’d lost Ancilla. I was lucky; I was a slow learner. By the time I was ready to choose how I would pursue my vocation, I was ready to stay where I was, and go on working with my master. There were only three of us for many years: Chrysogon, Hippolyte, and myself, other than our master, and a few apprentices who came and went.† Note, I thought, the next time I meet someone with a really strange name, ask them if they’re a wardskeeper. â€Å"It is still better that SOF exist than it not exist. One must also earn a living; there is no equivalent in the SOF world for my master’s small group of wardskeepers.† She was right there. The Sentinel Guild are pretty sad and the Vindicators are worse. â€Å"The SOF fellow who came here once: he is your friend.† â€Å"Pat,† I said. â€Å"Is he?† â€Å"He is not perfect,† she said. â€Å"But nor am I. Nor are you. Nor is your dark companion. But yes, he is your friend. He wishes the defeat of the evil of the dark, as do we all.† Depends, I thought, on what you mean by the evil of the dark. Or maybe by â€Å"we.† â€Å"Pat is not only interested in – in what you can do for SOF. Or for his career.† â€Å"Don’t forget my cinnamon rolls, which make strong men weak and strong women run from the bus station in high heels over our cobblestones to get to Charlie’s in time. If you know all that, can you tell me who planted the fetch?† â€Å"No, I’m afraid not. I know about Pat because he sat in one place waiting for you for twenty minutes once, and that place happens to lie under the remit of one of my more ambitious wardings, and it went on taking – er – notes as long as he sat there.† I doubted I could persuade the goddess to come sit quietly under the oak at the end of Yolande’s drive for twenty minutes. â€Å"I told you I had spoken to my master about you. I also spoke to Chrysogon. We believe we can create something for you but it would be better, stronger, if – â€Å" â€Å"You want blood,† I said, resignedly. Most wardcrafters made do with something like a dirty apron, which I was sure was what my mother had been using. A few of the more determined or well-established ones will ask for hair or fingernail clippings. But there’s an enormous black market in things like hair and fingernail clippings and the more you’re likely to want a charm the less safe you’re going to feel passing out bits of yourself. Blood’s the worst. Not only is it blood, which is by far the most powerful bit you can hand over for all sorts of purposes, but any concept that contains â€Å"magic† and â€Å"blood† together makes the majority of the human population think â€Å"vampires† and freak out. This is actually totally stupid, since vampires aren’t interested in teeny wardcrafter vials of blood, and a vampire that wipes out a ward-crafter’s shop isn’t going to jones for you because they’ve had this tiny hit like an ice cream stand flavor-of-the-month sample and cross continents till they’ve found you and had the rest of you. But the paranoia behind the general principle is valid. â€Å"Yes,† said Yolande. I’d never met a wardskeeper, though, let alone had one do up a personalized ward for me. And as concepts go, one that contains â€Å"Yolande† and â€Å"black market† is going to disintegrate on contact. So that should be fine, right? Except I have this thing about blood, and Con’s little healing number on me hadn’t helped it. â€Å"Um,† I said. Yolande was smiling. â€Å"You may close your eyes,† she said. â€Å"Okay.† â€Å"If you would hold out your hands palm up, and extend both forefingers, and then I am going to prick the center of your forehead.† The chain round my neck had begun to warm up before I closed my eyes, and I could feel a gentle warmth against both legs as well. Oh, gods, guys, I said to my talismans, isn’t this way below your dignity? I flinched at the sting in my forehead, but the fingers were easy, even for me. I touched the warm chain with one hand, and fished in my pocket with the other. â€Å"Maybe you can translate something else for me. I found this at the bottom of a crumbly box of old books at a garage sale.† â€Å"Well! How extraordinary. This is a – a Straight Way: very clear and plain. Clean and – old – very untainted for a ward so old. It represents the forces of day, of daylight. The sun itself is at the top, then an animal, then a tree. Interesting – the animal is a deer, I think; usually it is a fierce creature, a lion is the most common. This is not only a deer, it has no antlers, and is therefore perhaps a doe. And then round it, round the edge of the seal, do you see the thin wavy line? That is water. With these things you can resist the forces of darkness, or they cannot defeat you. Of course this is only a ward.† â€Å"The peanut-butter sandwich you throw over your shoulder at the ogre,† I said. â€Å"So maybe you’ll make it over the fence if he stops to eat it.† â€Å"But this found you. That is important. The forces of day is not a very uncommon ward, but this is simply and exquisitely done and – it found you. Keep it near you and keep it safe. My heart lifts that this thing found you. It is good news.† Don’t tell me how much I need some good news, I thought. â€Å"When do you think your, um, ward will be ready?† â€Å"Soon. Please – please ask your dark ally to wait till it is ready. It will not be more than a day or two.† Back to the bad news. Yolande and her wardskeeper friends thought Con and I were going to face Bo that soon. Well, I suppose I thought so too. Later. Upstairs. The balcony door open; candles burning; I sat cross-legged, hands on knees. I wasn’t going anywhere. I just wanted a word. How soon. Not tonight. Not†¦next night. Then†¦ No sooner. Yolande†¦ward†¦me It was going to take a lot of work before this alignment business replaced the telephone. But I wouldn’t be around to see it, since it looked like I had two days to live. And I’d been complaining about waiting. So, what do you do when you know you have two days to live? Wait a minute, haven’t I been here before? No. I was only pretending, last time. I hadn’t known that I was sure Con would save me, last time, till this time, when I knew he wouldn’t. But I had been here before: I was still finding out I had more stuff to lose by losing it. And I already knew I thought this was a triple Carthaginian hell of a system. So, where was I? Right. What you do when you know you have two days to live. Not a lot different than if you didn’t know. Six months you could do something with. Two days? Hmph. Eat an entire Bitter Chocolate Death all by yourself. (Actually I bombed on this. Mel had to eat the last slab. A pan of Bitter Chocolate Death isn’t very large, but it is intense.) Reread your favorite novel, the one you only let yourself read any more when you’re sick in bed. I might have enjoyed this more, since I’m never sick, if death didn’t seem like a very bad trade-off. Buy eight dozen roses from the best florist in town – the super expensive ones, the ones that smell like roses rather than merely looking like them – and put them all over your apartment. I bought five dozen red and three dozen white. I have one vase and one iced tea pitcher, which has regularly spent more of its time holding cut flowers than iced tea. After I used these, and the two twi nkly-gold-flecked tumblers and two cheap champagne flutes plus the best of my limited and motley collection of water and wine glasses, I emptied out my shampoo bottle – which was tall and rather a nice shape, even if it was plastic – into a jam jar, and put a few in it. I cut most of the rest of them off at the base of the flower and floated them in whatever else I had that would hold water, including the bathtub. I decided this had been one of my better ideas. The last three – two red, one white – I tied together and hung upside down from the rear-view mirror of the Wreck. Better than fuzzy dice. Take a good long look at everyone you love – everyone local; you’ve only got two days. And don’t tell anybody. You don’t need to be surrounded by a lot of depressed people; you’re already depressed enough for everybody. Of course in my case I couldn’t tell anybody because either they wouldn’t believe me or they’d try to stop me. I thought about being rude to Mr. Cagney. It was something I had been longing to do for years, and I somehow managed to be behind the counter on the second morning when he needed someone to complain to. But I looked at his scrunched-up, petulant face and decided, rather regretfully, that I had better things to do with my last morning on earth. So I said â€Å"mm-hmm† a few times, refilled his coffee cup (which he changed tack to tell me was cold: okay, I’m not Mary, but it was not cold) and left him to Charlie, who didn’t know it was my last morning on earth, and was hastening over from cranking down the awning to stop me from being rude. Other things I didn’t do included waste any time trying to find out who’d planted that fetch on me. Yolande did a sweep on the Wreck for me and didn’t find anything but two new wards tucked under the front bumper and a ticker behind the rear license plate. She was quite taken with the wards, saying she was falling behind on research faster than she knew, that they were a whole new design of traveling ward and by far the most effective she’d seen. They had to be SOF too. An example of a large corrupt organization getting it right. She left all of them alone. I had been hoping to see Pat. I could promise anything he liked for tomorrow or the day after that. But he didn’t show up, as he mostly hadn’t been showing up since the night we blew out HQ. He must be getting his cinnamon roll fix by white bakery bag. In a world where I was less and less sure of anything, I was sure that that jones was real. I was sorry not to have a chance to say good-bye, except of course I wouldn’t have said good-bye. When Mary came into the bakery to ask if there was anything hot out of the oven she didn’t know about to tell Jesse and Theo I said, carelessly, â€Å"Oh, I’ll bring it: I’ll try my new whatever-these-are on them.† I liked the idea of inventing a new recipe on my last day on earth, and I’ve always liked to see my guinea pigs’ faces when they first bite down. I said, â€Å"So, say hi to Pat for me,† and they both looked at me as if there was a hidden message, which there was, altho ugh I doubted they were going to guess it. They were distracted quickly enough by the whatever-these-were: I’d have to do the unthinkable and write out the recipe, so Paulie could have it. And maybe Aimil would come up with a good name. Sunshine’s Eschatology. Hey, my eschatology would have butter, heavy cream, pecans, and three kinds of chocolate in it. I’d miss feeding my SOFs: they were good eaters. I’d miss being alive. I had been due to work through the early-supper split shift but I decided I wanted to see the sun set from my balcony once more so I wheedled Emmy into it. Didn’t want her to lose all her bakery skills just because she’d been made assistant cook next door – Paulie was going to need her. I’d already bent Paulie’s arm into a pretzel till he’d agreed to take the dawn shift tomorrow. The Thursday morning system had broken down so completely I no longer remembered if I owed him some four a.m.s or he owed me some. The confusion was probably good for him. He was about to have to learn to be chief baker real fast. There were some people it was too difficult to say good-bye to, so I didn’t try. Mom, of course. If I’d made a point of going into the office to say good-bye to her that day, however casually, she’d’ve been calling the cops and the hospital before I got the words out of my mouth. Once a mother, always a mother, and I’d have to have some spectacular reason for breaking the awkward but practical truce that we never spoke to each other unless on specific coffeehouse business. Kenny was bussing tables; we exchanged â€Å"Hey†s. I’d never said goodbye to Kenny and this wasn’t the time to start. I had seen Billy for about two-thirds of a second earlier in the afternoon, when he blasted into Charlie’s long enough to fling over his shoulder at the nearest parent the information that he was spending the rest of the day with the equally hyperactive friend accompanying him. He did not acknowledge me; I was part of the family backdro p. What was to acknowledge? My importance lay in the availability of the eight muffins and two-each-from-every-bin-and-four-if-they-were-chocolate cookies they took with them as they blasted out again. Mary and Kyoko I said â€Å"See you† to. I waved to Emmy, who was in the main kitchen looking harassed, but I was beginning to suspect that her harassed look was covering up the fact that she was having a really good time and didn’t quite believe her luck. I always checked out with Charlie, to make sure there weren’t any last-minute gaps I might be able to fill, to make sure our schedules for tomorrow matched. I’d told him about the swap with Paulie; I only said I was tired, and I know I looked it. We didn’t say good-bye either. Our ritual went, â€Å"See you tomorrow, Sunshine,† and â€Å"Yeah.† I said â€Å"Yeah†, as usual. Even on days off he said â€Å"See you tomorrow† because even on days off he usually did. I hadn’t realized that I never said good-bye to anyone about anything. Mel. He was on break when I left, and he wasn’t jiving with some guy or guys in greasy denim about overhead cam shifts through hot pastrami or meatloaf sandwiches – or for that matter discussing world news with one of our more coherent derelicts. Mel was leaning against the corner of the building drinking coffee and muttering to himself. I knew what he was muttering about: he’d given up smoking ten years ago but he still wanted a cigarette every time he drank coffee, and he drank a lot of coffee. Sometimes his fingers twitched, not from the caffeine jag but from the memory of doing his own roll-ups. This made him drink more coffee. One day he was going to wake up and discover he’d turned into a coffee plantation, and then Charlie’s would have its own fresh home-grown beans even if we had to replace our chief cook. There are worse things to wake up and discover you’ve turned into. A vampire, for example. Although the books say you’ll kn ow it’s coming. Mel looked up and saw me, and his face eased into his good-old-boy smile. Mel used his charm as deliberately as laying an ace on the table, so you could see exactly what it was. It was one of the good things about him. Whatever he might not be telling you, what he did tell you was the truth. I’m your friend, Sunshine. He still looked like someone who should be wearing greasy denims rather than an apron, although the tattoos confused the issue: greasy denims and a long hooded cloak? Hmm. I wondered if sorcerers ever used food splotches instead of cosmetics. â€Å"Hey Sunshine.† â€Å"Hey.† â€Å"We still on for Friday afternoon?† How to cite Sunshine Chapter 24, Essay examples

My First Experience with Prostitute Essay Example

My First Experience with Prostitute Essay I had been at a concert in San Francisco when I found myself out of cigarettes, an affliction I suffered perhaps every other day, my habit being less severe than those that had taken the lives of so many people I’d known. My friend and I had met at the theater, and we had split up after the performance, so I was alone in my truck when she approached me. My new pack was in my hands, and I was fiddling with the wrapper when she appeared, silhouetted against the bright lights of the corner liquor store. She said, â€Å"Hey, handsome, do you want a date? † She was a pretty black woman of about 30, but her eyes were distant, as if she too had recently satisfied an addiction. My first thought was heroin. My second thought was of my girlfriend safe and warm in my bed. I took the plastic wrap off of my fresh pack. She had no way of knowing who I was, or that I worked as a psychologist at a mother and children’s drug treatment facility in Oakland. Only a few nights before, I had stayed late and listened to the story of Patrice, one of my adult clients: how her daughter had recently turned six, and how this was bringing up issues for her, as six was the age at which her own mother’s boyfriend had started sexually abusing her. Patrice had explained how she didn’t want to be like her mother, who had sometimes been in the same bed when the abuse took place, doing nothing, and how little bits and pieces of long-repressed memory were returning to her, seeing in her daughter a young an innocent version of herself. We will write a custom essay sample on My First Experience with Prostitute specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on My First Experience with Prostitute specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on My First Experience with Prostitute specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer My client was always laughing and joking around, and this was the first time I’d seen her cry. I said, â€Å"No, I have to get home. † The woman lingered at my open window, and I looked again at her face. She was attractive, and quietly wasted at first, but then she started to get fidgety, which made me feel a little nervous as well. My motor was running, but I didn’t pull away. I wondered who this young woman was, and what she had done before she took up her current profession. I knew that some of my adult clients had been telephone operators, receptionists, and even drug counselors before their habits took them to the street. About 70% had sold their bodies for drug money while in their addictions. Patrice was very bright, but had been relatively young when she took to the streets. The emotions she had processed the other night were deep, and sometimes conflicting. Not only did she want to protect her daughter from what had happened to her, but she also felt jealous of her daughter: jealous that her daughter could be six years old in a mother and children’s drug treatment program where she was protected from abuse. And then she felt guilty about feeling jealous of her daughter. And she was mad at her mother, wishing that her mother, also an addict, could have found a program like the one at which she was a resident, and I a counselor. The woman said, â€Å"Well then, hey, could you just drive me a couple of blocks down the street? I just gotta get a couple of blocks down the street. † She was getting more antsy, and this made me a bit fearful, but I was surprised by the thought that went through my head. My fear was not that this young woman would have a weapon, and try to mug me, nor was it that some large â€Å"pimp† would emerge from the darkness and hassle me. It was that the police would suddenly emerge from nowhere and arrest me. Arrest me for what? I hadn’t offered her any money, and I hadn’t invited her into my car. But I was still afraid. And then I suddenly smiled at the irony: How funny it was that a part of my job was to help former prostitutes and drug dealers learn to lead the â€Å"straight† life, yet I was more fearful of entrapment by the police than of a prostitute and the unsavory company that might surround her. A couple of frivolous traffic stops over a ten year period had been enough to undermine y feeling of safety around Officers of the Law. She said, â€Å"Come on, Baby, just a couple of blocks down the street. † I had noticed at work that many of the women I worked with were good in the area of sales. They could keep you involved in a conversation, or convince you to give them a privilege that the rules did not allow, with great skill. In fact, in counselors meetings we had spoken of the im portance of helping our adult clients â€Å"sublimate† their sales skills into what we considered legitimate work. And there I was, mostly a prisoner of my own thoughts, but also of her persistence, actually contemplating giving her a ride. I said, â€Å"No, I really got to get across the bridge. † And at that point I gave her a look, I remember, of something like disbelief, as if to say, â€Å"What the hell are we doing out here having this conversation? And who are you, really? † I remember feeling kind of choked up, and like I wanted to tell her who I was, and what I did for a living. And then her face softened, and she smiled, though just for a couple of seconds. She knew in that moment that I wasn’t a potential John, and I think she knew that I didn’t judge her either. When she said, â€Å"Just a couple of blocks? † there was no conviction in her voice. â€Å"I’m just looking for a date,† sort of trailed off into the night. I pulled a cigarette out of my pack but I didn’t offer her one. I suppose I was putting my boundaries back up. I said, â€Å"I hope you find a man who treats you right tonight,† and I looked her straight in the face because I meant it. Then I threw the truck into first and pulled off. On the bridge, the Bay Bridge which takes me back to the East Bay, I wondered if I’d see her in our Program one day, or if she’d wind up dead, or just keep on doing what’s she’s doing. At work the next day, I wanted to mention my experience to Partice, but I did not, as it is not appropriate to discuss our personal lives with clients. This all happened about three years ago. Last I heard, Patrice was still clean and sober, had a good job, and her daughter was doing well. As for the prostitute, I don’t think I’d recognize her if I saw her today. My First Experience with Prostitute Essay Example My First Experience with Prostitute Essay I had been at a concert in San Francisco when I found myself out of cigarettes, an affliction I suffered perhaps every other day, my habit being less severe than those that had taken the lives of so many people I’d known. My friend and I had met at the theater, and we had split up after the performance, so I was alone in my truck when she approached me. My new pack was in my hands, and I was fiddling with the wrapper when she appeared, silhouetted against the bright lights of the corner liquor store. She said, â€Å"Hey, handsome, do you want a date? † She was a pretty black woman of about 30, but her eyes were distant, as if she too had recently satisfied an addiction. My first thought was heroin. My second thought was of my girlfriend safe and warm in my bed. I took the plastic wrap off of my fresh pack. She had no way of knowing who I was, or that I worked as a psychologist at a mother and children’s drug treatment facility in Oakland. Only a few nights before, I had stayed late and listened to the story of Patrice, one of my adult clients: how her daughter had recently turned six, and how this was bringing up issues for her, as six was the age at which her own mother’s boyfriend had started sexually abusing her. Patrice had explained how she didn’t want to be like her mother, who had sometimes been in the same bed when the abuse took place, doing nothing, and how little bits and pieces of long-repressed memory were returning to her, seeing in her daughter a young an innocent version of herself. We will write a custom essay sample on My First Experience with Prostitute specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on My First Experience with Prostitute specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on My First Experience with Prostitute specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer My client was always laughing and joking around, and this was the first time I’d seen her cry. I said, â€Å"No, I have to get home. † The woman lingered at my open window, and I looked again at her face. She was attractive, and quietly wasted at first, but then she started to get fidgety, which made me feel a little nervous as well. My motor was running, but I didn’t pull away. I wondered who this young woman was, and what she had done before she took up her current profession. I knew that some of my adult clients had been telephone operators, receptionists, and even drug counselors before their habits took them to the street. About 70% had sold their bodies for drug money while in their addictions. Patrice was very bright, but had been relatively young when she took to the streets. The emotions she had processed the other night were deep, and sometimes conflicting. Not only did she want to protect her daughter from what had happened to her, but she also felt jealous of her daughter: jealous that her daughter could be six years old in a mother and children’s drug treatment program where she was protected from abuse. And then she felt guilty about feeling jealous of her daughter. And she was mad at her mother, wishing that her mother, also an addict, could have found a program like the one at which she was a resident, and I a counselor. The woman said, â€Å"Well then, hey, could you just drive me a couple of blocks down the street? I just gotta get a couple of blocks down the street. † She was getting more antsy, and this made me a bit fearful, but I was surprised by the thought that went through my head. My fear was not that this young woman would have a weapon, and try to mug me, nor was it that some large â€Å"pimp† would emerge from the darkness and hassle me. It was that the police would suddenly emerge from nowhere and arrest me. Arrest me for what? I hadn’t offered her any money, and I hadn’t invited her into my car. But I was still afraid. And then I suddenly smiled at the irony: How funny it was that a part of my job was to help former prostitutes and drug dealers learn to lead the â€Å"straight† life, yet I was more fearful of entrapment by the police than of a prostitute and the unsavory company that might surround her. A couple of frivolous traffic stops over a ten year period had been enough to undermine y feeling of safety around Officers of the Law. She said, â€Å"Come on, Baby, just a couple of blocks down the street. † I had noticed at work that many of the women I worked with were good in the area of sales. They could keep you involved in a conversation, or convince you to give them a privilege that the rules did not allow, with great skill. In fact, in counselors meetings we had spoken of the im portance of helping our adult clients â€Å"sublimate† their sales skills into what we considered legitimate work. And there I was, mostly a prisoner of my own thoughts, but also of her persistence, actually contemplating giving her a ride. I said, â€Å"No, I really got to get across the bridge. † And at that point I gave her a look, I remember, of something like disbelief, as if to say, â€Å"What the hell are we doing out here having this conversation? And who are you, really? † I remember feeling kind of choked up, and like I wanted to tell her who I was, and what I did for a living. And then her face softened, and she smiled, though just for a couple of seconds. She knew in that moment that I wasn’t a potential John, and I think she knew that I didn’t judge her either. When she said, â€Å"Just a couple of blocks? † there was no conviction in her voice. â€Å"I’m just looking for a date,† sort of trailed off into the night. I pulled a cigarette out of my pack but I didn’t offer her one. I suppose I was putting my boundaries back up. I said, â€Å"I hope you find a man who treats you right tonight,† and I looked her straight in the face because I meant it. Then I threw the truck into first and pulled off. On the bridge, the Bay Bridge which takes me back to the East Bay, I wondered if I’d see her in our Program one day, or if she’d wind up dead, or just keep on doing what’s she’s doing. At work the next day, I wanted to mention my experience to Partice, but I did not, as it is not appropriate to discuss our personal lives with clients. This all happened about three years ago. Last I heard, Patrice was still clean and sober, had a good job, and her daughter was doing well. As for the prostitute, I don’t think I’d recognize her if I saw her today.

Dubus Andre Killers Essay Example

Dubus Andre Killers Essay Example Dubus Andre Killers Essay Dubus Andre Killers Essay Killers Richard Strout is the true killer of this story. This man walks through the â€Å"front door† (Dubus 107) of his ex-wife’s house and proceeds in shooting Frank â€Å"twice in the chest and once in the face with a nine millimeter automatic† (107). Standing over the blood spattered couch he shifts his eyes from the brainy chaos, which was a man’s face just seconds before, to the children that are sitting on that same couch. He then looks at the mother of those children, his children. She is not looking at the killer, rather she is intently staring at her babies who are covered with the remnants of the man they have recently begun to call dad. And how does the executioner react to this entire scene? He â€Å"went home to wait for the police† (107). He waits for the police as though he just stole a loaf of Wonder Bread at the dollar store. This man is cold, grey and calculating. He goes home to wait because he knows what he has done, he lives in it, accepts it. Matt and Ruth, Frank’s parents, will never accept the cold blooded murder of their son. It is pure torture for a mother or father to see the man that took away from them, something that can never be returned, their child. â€Å"He walks the goddamn streets,† (103) Matt says. Matt did not think that the justice system would release a man like this on bail. This murderer is now tending to his daily routines without a care in the world, while the victims of his injustice helplessly watch. They watch as the killer of their child is shopping at a local grocery store; Buying skirt steak and quart of two percent milk while they wait in line to buy flowers for their dead son’s tombstone. Watch as that same man, who has shattered a mothers bond, is enjoying a Saturday afternoon at a local barbershop for his weekly high and tight haircut. â€Å"It’s killing her,† said Matt. Dubus writes â€Å"she can’t even go out for cigarettes and aspirin† (103) without seeing him. Not only has he killed their child, he is now killing them indirectly. Matt’s marriage is suffering and he is only a shell of his old self. How many people must endure pain and suffering before justice is dealt? Matt cannot bear the thought of facing his son’s murderer in everyday life. He believes that the only way to remedy this problem is to take matters into his own hands. Richard Strout shot and killed Matt’s son with a nine millimeter pistol. Matt pulled the trigger on his unregistered thirty eight millimeter pistol (104) ending the life of Richard Stout hoping to find closure in his death. Both men have now committed murder. Dubus named this story Killings because of Matt’s revenge. If the Justice system worked properly this story might have been called Killer. The real problem here is not the revenge murders but the inefficiency of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system should be blamed for the murder of Strout, releasing this man back into the same community where the murder took place is outrageous. Laws and regulations in the justice system are in place to prevent people from taking matters into their own hands. It is very difficult to deal with your emotions when you are being haunted by your child’s murderer. Everyone thinks they know someone that the world would be better off without. But why are we not running amok in the streets, viciously murdering our bosses, and curb stomping our neighbors or grimy politicians? Even the guy who stepped on your new shoes the night before nobody would miss him. We do not go around decimating each other because there is a system in place that punishes the wicked. The Laws must be followed and people must be held accountable for their actions. It is this accountability that allows us to move along comfortably through our lives. Not having to worry that you’re going to get shot in the face because you stole a parking spot from a driver that was taking too long. Or that your children are being shoved into creepy white vans after being lured with candy. The narrator tells us that Frank â€Å"was relieved when he came home in the evenings and they were there; usually the relief is the only acknowledgement of his fear , which he never spoke of, and which he controlled within his heart† (107). Frank was pushed into action due to the failure of the law to protect his family. Yes, Frank did commit murder and he should be held responsible. But there needs to be a difference between a man who blasts a guy’s head away while he’s enjoying television with his children and a guy who takes revenge because of the pain of seeing this murderer walk. The hard truth is that we need a criminal justice system that works. Criminals need to be punished to protect guys like Richard, who will never accept the cold blooded murder of his son, from taking matters into his own hands and become a criminal himself. Dubus, Andre. Killings. The Compact Bedford Introduction To Literature With 2009 MLA Update, Reading, Thinking, Writing. Ed. Michael Meyer. 8th ed. Boston, New York: Bedford/St Martins, 2009. 103-07. Print.

Battle of the Philippine Sea in World War II

Battle of the Philippine Sea in World War II The Battle of the Philippine Sea was fought on June 19-20, 1944, as part of the Pacific Theater of World War II (1939-1945). Having island-hopped across the Pacific Ocean, Allied forces advanced on the Mariana Islands in mid-1944. Seeking to block this thrust, the Imperial Japanese Navy dispatched a large force to the area. In the resulting battle, Allied forces sank three Japanese aircraft carriers and inflicted crippling losses on the Japanese fleet air arm. The aerial battle proved so one-sided that Allied pilots referred to it as the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. The victory allowed Allied forces to isolate and eliminate Japanese forces on Saipan, Guam, and Tinian. Background Having recovered from their earlier carrier losses at the Coral Sea, Midway, and the Solomons Campaign, the Japanese decided to return to the offensive in mid-1944. Initiating Operation A-Go, Admiral Soemu Toyoda, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, committed the bulk of his surface forces to striking at the Allies. Concentrated in Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawas First Mobile Fleet, this force was centered on nine carriers (5 fleet, 4 light) and five battleships. In mid-June with American forces attacking Saipan in the Marianas, Toyoda ordered Ozawa to strike. Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa, IJN.   Public Domain Steaming into the Philippine Sea, Ozawa counted on support from Vice Admiral Kakuji Kakutas land-based planes in the Marianas which he hoped would destroy a third of the American carriers before his fleet arrived. Unknown to Ozawa, Kakutas strength had been greatly reduced by Allied air attacks on June 11-12. Alerted to Ozawas sailing by U.S. submarines, Admiral Raymond Spruance, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, had Vice Admiral Marc Mitschers Task Force 58 formed near Saipan to meet the Japanese advance. Consisting of fifteen carriers in four groups and seven fast battleships, TF-58 was intended to deal with Ozawa, while also covering the landings on Saipan. Around midnight on June 18, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, alerted Spruance that Ozawas main body had been located approximately 350 miles west-southwest of TF-58. Realizing that continuing to steam west could lead to a night encounter with the Japanese, Mitscher asked permission to move just far enough west to be able to launch an air strike at dawn. Battle of the Philippine Sea Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)Dates: July 19-20, 1944Fleets and Commanders:AlliesAdmiral Raymond SpruanceVice Admiral Marc Mitscher7 fleet carriers, 8 light carriers, 7 battleships, 79 other warships, 28 submarinesJapaneseVice Admiral Jisaburo OzawaVice Admiral Kakuji Kakuta5 fleet carriers, 4 light carriers, 5 battleships, 43 other warshipsCasualties:Allies: 123 aircraftJapan: 3 carriers, 2 oilers, and approximately 600 aircraft (around 400 carrier, 200 land-based) Fighting Begins Concerned about being lured away from Saipan and opening the door for the Japanese slip around his flank, Spruance denied Mitschers request stunning his subordinate and his aviators. Knowing that battle was imminent, TF-58 deployed with its battleships to the west to provide an anti-aircraft shield. Around 5:50 a.m. on June 19, an A6M Zero from Guam spotted TF-58 and radioed a report to Ozawa before being shot down. Operating on this information, Japanese aircraft began taking off from Guam. To meet this threat, a group of F6F Hellcat fighters was launched. Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher.   U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command Arriving over Guam, they became engaged in a large aerial battle which saw 35 Japanese aircraft shot down. Fighting for over an hour, the American planes were recalled when radar reports showed inbound Japanese aircraft. These were the first wave of aircraft from Ozawas carriers which had launched around 8:30 a.m. While the Japanese had been able to make good their losses in carriers and aircraft, their pilots were green and lacked the skill and experience of their American counterparts. Consisting of 69 aircraft, the first Japanese wave was met by 220 Hellcats approximately 55 miles from the carriers. A Turkey Shoot Committing basic mistakes, the Japanese were knocked from the sky in large numbers with 41 of the 69 aircraft being shot down in less than 35 minutes. Their only success was a hit on the battleship USS South Dakota (BB-57). At 11:07 a.m., a second wave of Japanese aircraft appeared. Having launched shortly after the first, this group was larger and numbered 109 fighters, bombers, and torpedo bombers. Engaged 60 miles out, the Japanese lost around 70 aircraft before reaching TF-58. While they managed some near misses, they failed to score any hits. By the time the attacked ended, 97 Japanese aircraft had been downed. Fighter plane contrails mark the sky over Task Force 58, during the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot phase of the Battle of the Philippine Sea, June 29, 1944.   U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command A third Japanese attack of 47 aircraft was met at 1:00 PM with seven aircraft being downed. The remainder either lost their bearings or failed to press their attacks. Ozawas final attack launched around 11:30 a.m. and consisted of 82 aircraft. Arriving in the area, 49 failed to spot TF-58 and continued on to Guam. The rest attacked as planned, but sustained heavy losses and failed to inflict any damage on the American ships. Arriving over Guam, the first group was attacked by Hellcats as they attempted to land at Orote. During this engagement, 30 of the 42 were shot down. American Strikes As Ozawas aircraft were launching, his carriers were being stalked by American submarines. The first to strike was USS Albacore which fired a spread of torpedoes at the carrier Taiho. Ozawas flagship, Taiho was hit by one which ruptured two aviation fuel tanks. A second attack came later in the day when USS Cavella struck the carrier Shokaku with four torpedoes. As Shokaku was dead in the water and sinking, a damage control error aboard Taiho led to a series of explosions which sank the ship. Recovering his aircraft, Spruance again held off turning west in an effort to protect Saipan. Making the turn at nightfall, his search aircraft spent most of June 20 trying to locate Ozawas ships. Finally around 4:00 p.m., a scout from USS Enterprise (CV-6) located the enemy. Making a daring decision, Mitscher launched an attack at extreme range and with only hours remaining before sunset. Reaching the Japanese fleet, the 550 American aircraft sank two oilers and the carrier Hiyo in exchange for twenty aircraft. In addition, hits were scored on the carriers Zuikaku, Junyo, and Chiyoda, as well as the battleship Haruna. Japanese Carrier Division Three under attack by United States Navy aircraft from Task Force 58 in the battle of the Philippine Sea, late afternoon of June 20, 1944. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command   Flying home in the darkness, the attackers began to run low on fuel and many were forced to ditch. To ease their return, Mitscher daringly ordered all of the lights in the fleet turned on despite the risk of alerting enemy submarines to their position. Landing over a two-hour span, the aircraft set down wherever was easiest with many landing on the wrong ship. Despite these efforts, around 80 aircraft were lost through ditching or crashes. His air arm effectively destroyed, Ozawa was ordered to withdraw that night by Toyoda. Aftermath The Battle of the Philippine Sea cost Allied forces 123 aircraft while the Japanese lost three carriers, two oilers, and approximately 600 aircraft (around 400 carrier, 200 land-based). The devastation wrought by American pilots on June 19 led one to comment Why, hell it was just like an old-time turkey shoot down home!† This led to the aerial fight earning the name The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. With the Japanese air arm crippled, their carriers only became useful as decoys and were deployed as such at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. While many criticized Spruance for not being aggressive enough, he was commended by his superiors for his performance.

Critical review of journal of counselling psychology qualitative Essay

Critical review of journal of counselling psychology qualitative research - Essay Example Both therapies are illustrated in detail through corresponding case studies. The purpose of the abstract is to draw the readers’ attention to the issues that the paper deals with such as the eating disorders Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and to focus their attention accordingly on the details of the main topic of the paper which are the evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents afflicted with these eating disorders. The article was crafted very well that it was able to achieve its goal of informing the readers thoroughly about the eating disorders of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa as well as the available psychological interventions effective for treatment and management of the disorders. 2. What are the main areas of information contained in the Introduction? In the introduction, eating disorders were discussed, specifically, the onset of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) in children and adolescents. ... It was not reported what factors may be responsible for it and if family-based interventions were suggested, it was not clear why. On the other hand, the introduction gave a clear overview of what the readers may expect throughout the article, focusing on treatments and how patients will go through them. This is useful for individuals interested in such psychological interventions for personal reasons and for future envisioning of a career as a psychotherapist. 3. How has the rationale for the Research questions been developed? Rationale for this study is the need for effective interventions to help out children and adolescents suffering from eating disorders such as AN and BN which not only disrupts their normal functioning but also affects the family dynamics of the patients, most often leaving negative outcomes. This rationale was developed from giving examples of the presenting problem and its deleterious effects detailing the causes and corresponding effects leading to the need for interventions. These cases were well-chosen as they represented a majority of patients suffering from similar symptoms for Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Although there may be other symptoms and causes in other cases that are not reported in the examples, the two chosen examples were enough to present a general overview. 4. What are the research questions in this study? The study does not pose any overt research questions, but it is presumed from the content of the study that it asks about effective methods and interventions in dealing with eating disorders of children and adolescents. It may also ask for specific ways how the patient’s family may come into play with regards to the treatment interventions and how

Refubrishment of the UK industrial buildings Literature review

Refubrishment of the UK industrial buildings - Literature review Example In major constructions in the UK and Wales, industrial buildings are generally one-story, multi-span, rectangular in design and equipped with crane for lifting heavy materials. Moreover, some of the buildings have translucent roofing materials which provide natural ventilation and lighting. Such industrial buildings are mainly manifested in enterprises which are specialised in machine use, metalworking, ferrous metallurgy, and the construction-materials industry (Pastor, 2005). When industrial processes involve substantial emission of heat or hazardous gases, the roof structure of such industrial buildings is developed aerodynamically, and big enough to provide an enabling environment for easier elimination of heated or contaminated air. Most of the industrial buildings whose operations involve such processes have adequate space to avoid air pollution through wind or thermal pressure vents and chimneys in the roof. Richardson and Chaloner (1996) indicated that when production process es involve particular prescribed and controlled conditions of temperature, air moisture, and uncontaminated air, industrial building with single-story multi-spans are have higher ceilings. The main function of the ceilings is to separate the ground where machinery and infrastructure lines are built from the central area for work within the building, which is normally protected from adverse environmental conditions. Such industrial buildings normally lack natural systems and are fitted with artificial ventilation materials, mechanical lighting, and air conditioners. Industrial buildings made in such large designs are mainly meant for the development of electronic equipment, and precision tools (Beaudry, & Swann, 2009). Chemical industrial buildings are also designed in similar ways to aid the manufacture of synthetic fabric and fibres. 2). Under which regulations most of them have been built? In Britain, and Wales, the Building Act 1984 guides the establishment of industrial building s. The statute traces back to the advent of Industrial Revolution when industrial accidents were rife, in an attempt to guarantee safety. The regulations contained in the law, basically guards against fire accidents (Boleat, 1986). Under the regulations, most industrial buildings in the country were built through an initial form of compartments blended with stone materials. Moreover, industrial buildings in UK and Wales are sited away from residential areas or highly congested downtown areas. The site for every industrial building requires the approval of the government before construction process begins. The buildings have wide exits for escape in case of any disaster. Stairways should be made of fire resistant materials and be wide enough to allow easy exits and evacuations of any emergency. Industrial buildings were to be made without obstructed isles and stairways for easier and faster escape. Additionally, all the buildings were supposed to be at most 15 meters from any of the fire escapes (Boleat, 1986). In light of this, every staircase built on the building had to be adequately ventilated from a spacious room to avoid fire outbreaks or suffocation during operations. 3). What are their energy issues? Owing to the inability of ancient industrial buildi

Gunboat Diplomacy :: Political Science

Theodore Roosevelt’s was a President who believed that the United States should be a strong country by military strength. He believed that that we had to a power in the world and a force in the world. Roosevelt wanted a two ocean navy. He wanted a navy that could come and go to the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. With the idea of wanting power in the both oceans he began plans for the construction of the Panama Canal. This is where the essence of the Gunboat Diplomacy comes in. Gunboat Diplomacy involves intimidation by threat or use of military force. He ended up taking Panama and then leaving the Congress to debate the situation out and while debating was building the canal. The invasion of Panama to depose Manuel Noriega was the root of Gunboat Diplomacy. Before the Panama Canal was constructed, the country of Panama was a province of Columbia. The Federal Government of the United States used the Monroe Doctrine to construct an imperial diplomacy, which initially staked out a sphere-of-influence that warned Old World powers not to attempt any further colonial adventures in the New World: the New World was to be dominated by the United States. The drive to build the canal as a short-cut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans came about largely from the interests of the United States Navy, which recognized that the strategic control of the continent would devolve on anyone who had control of a canal at the narrowest point in the land: and there was the geo-political aspect of control of the Pacific Ocean. The British Navy had already proven the necessity of controlling the ocean as a supply line for colonial expansion. The biggest obstacle to building the Panama Canal was the issue of who would control it. The next biggest obstacle was the fact that the area was covered with jungle, which was a breeding ground for diseases Western medicine had never encountered. When President Roosevelt got behind the Navy to push its interests, influenced by the British Naval tradition, and intending to launch an American Naval tradition to rival the British in colonial expansion, he immediately embraced the plan to build a canal through the Isthmus of Panama. The only problem was that it belonged to another country. The Isthmus of Panama was a backwater, an inconsequential country province with no pretensions of independence. The entire project for independence was a proto-type for the kind of covert CIA operations Americans would be famous for in the Third World later in the century.

About My Childhood Essay

My name is Rouda Mohammed Al-Suaidi. I started kindergarten at the age of 4 in one of the finest schools in Abu Dhabi, which is Al-Worood Private School. I felt so scared on my first day of school and I didn’t go to school alone. My mother used to stay with me in class which made some of my classmates laugh at me. I remember they used to call me â€Å"A baby† and â€Å"Mommy’s little girl†. I used to cry a lot when they call me this. I spent my whole childhood there from kindergarten until High School. Throughout my childhood, I faced several successes and challenges. One of my successes in my childhood is being a famous basketball player in school. It first started at home, where I used to have a small basketball hall to practice and play with my family and friends especially in the weekends. At first, I didn’t have any idea on how to play this sport, but with the help of my precious father and uncle, they taught me all the ways and techniques to be an excellent basketball player. After being taught by my father and uncle, I started implementing the techniques and ways in mini basketball competitions, which were just amongst the students from grade 6-12. Although I was a fat, chubby young basketball player in school, my P.E teacher wanted me to compete with other international schools in Dubai and Sharjah. In the beginning, I was anxious and worried to compete with the schools in Dubai and Sharjah. Moreover, I was terrified because I had an image in my mind that the students their will make fun of me and laugh because I was fat. See more: Social process essay My P.E teacher motivated me and started training me after school time. After a lot of training and support from both my P.E teacher and family, I competed with the other schools and our school was ranked the 2nd best school in playing basketball. I was so happy about it but I wished to be ranked the first, but it never de-motivated me in practicing more and more. My father always told me: â€Å"be optimistic and never be pessimistic† and since then, I’ve been following my father’s quote until my recent life. Another success in my life was helping my cousin in raising two of her only children, a boy (Ali) and a girl (Sarah). At that time, Ali was just 18 months and Sarah was only 3 months. Ali and Sarah were everything to me. They were staying with me most of the time from the afternoon after I directly come back home from school till the evening around 10. However, in the weekends, they used to sleepover in our house. When I come back home, I used to eat lunch quickly and finish my school work quickly just to spend time with them. After I finished all my studies, I used to play with them, feed them lunch and dinner, bathe them at night before they leave in the weekdays and create a time for their naps during the day. The reason behind me helping my cousin in doing the mother duties is because my cousin was going through a process of having a divorce. After the divorce, my cousin went through depression and when I saw her like that, I offered to help her in her duties towards her children. So, she showed me how to do several things like: changing their diapers, play gently with them and taking turns while playing, share toys with each other, how to make them sleep, feed them and many other things. Although it is a very hard job raising a child, it didn’t prevent me from learning to be a successful mother in the future when I have my own children. Also, it didn’t stop my studies in sch ool. Moreover, it made me more focused in class and become a better student. Being a make-up artist is my third success through my childhood. In order to reach that success, I had to watch a lot of people putting make-up, ask them to teach me the techniques on how to put make-up and arrange the colors of the make-up when drawing the eyes, understanding and knowing the differences of all skin types for the make-up. Also, I used to watch people putting make up through T.V programs, watch the whole program and write down my questions on a piece of paper and send them an email in order to ask my questions and wait for their reply. Being a make-up artist was my childhood dream and after learning the basics and imitating it on the people, I became more confident and would want to expand my dream into opening my new make-up beauty center in the short term time. Although there were some successes in my childhood, I also faced many challenges. One of my greatest challenges was feeling embarrassed and lonely. During my childhood, I was always embarrassed of myself because I was very fat. The students in school used to make fun of me and call me different names: like â€Å"you look like pumba†, â€Å"you look like an old cow†, and many other names. I used to cry a lot to my mother when I go back home. Because I stood quiet and listen to students for years making fun of me, I turned to be a lonely person in my childhood. I used to be alone in the music lessons, art lessons and in the break times. I used to like walking alone, not playing with other children like all other normal children do. The reason behind this was my worry of the children making more fun of me because I was fat. This issue affected me a lot as a child but as I grew up, I started to be more sociable with the people. Another challenge is to know and understand the quality of time. As a child, I always wanted to play and have fun. I never organized my time and never valued the quality of time. I always wanted to lose time when I was assigned for any job for my mother or finish my school work very quickly and not caring about my work at all. All I wanted is time for playing only. As I grew older, I had many commitments to do in life like studying to become an excellent student and get high grades that would allow me to enroll in one of the best universities in Abu Dhabi, being with my family by visiting them, living my personal and social life and others. Unfortunately, I realized that I couldn’t mange my time at all and I was eager for help. My family was very supportive. They got me books on time management and I started reading those books, learning the techniques on how to organize your time. After a period of time, I started organizing my time, appreciate and value the quality of time. Finally, meeting my family’s expectation was also one of my challenges in life. The reason behind it is that parents expect a lot from their children. They expect to be successful, talented, hard working, enthusiastic and many other things. You wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your parents, because they always think that they’ve raised a perfect child whereas no one is perfect and everyone has negative and positive side effects. In my childhood, my parents expectations to me was being an excellent students, getting high grades in my exams and quizzes. I felt overwhelmed, pressured and exhausted because I didn’t want embarrass myself with my parents and I didn’t want them to get angry and mad at me for not at least trying to reach their expectation. I was trying very hard to meet their expectations in any of the issues and expectations and eventually I did.

Lord Of The Flies Representation Of Violence And War

Lord Of The Flies: Representation Of Violence and War Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, states that â€Å" The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.† In William Golding’s Lord Of The Flies, societal topics run rampant throughout the text with Golding’s use of individuals to represent different aspects of society. Many writers view the Lord Of The Flies as an allegory, as societal topics such as politics make appearances throughout the text. In the 1940’s Golding served in The Royal Navy of England during World War II for 6 years. These six years of experience in the war play a major role in his text. Having been a witness to the the hardships and cruelties associated with war, Golding utilizes these experiences in the novel to display the cruelty of men and their inner savagery. His use of young boys to promote this theme makes it all the more significant. In his novel, Lord of The Flies, Golding’s use of literary devices such as characterization and symbolism serve as allegories to the negative aspects of society, and display Golding’s pessimistic view towards war and violence in society. Golding characterizes Jack and Ralph as representations of the conflicting powers of today’s world. Jack embodies a tyrannical leader, acting ruthless, yet effectively. Jack’s representation greatly contrasts with Ralph’s who represents a democratic leader that sees the importance of a social order. These conflicting beliefs playShow MoreRelatedLord of the Flies and World War Ii1737 Words   |  7 Pagesnovel, Lord of the Flies. As all authors use their life and times as reference points in their works, Golding drew heavily on sociological, cultural, and military events. Lord of the Flies is an allegorical parallel to the world, as Golding perceived it. The island, the boys, and many other objects and events described in his work represent Goldings view of the world and humankind in general. He specifically incorporates characteristics and values reflective of the British culture. Â…The war taughtRead MoreWilliam Golding s Lord Of The Flies1731 Words   |  7 Pagesare for the most part, dual natured. History is the biggest evidence to support this; for the cruel, bloody wars but also the random acts of kindness that keep the world from falling into complete despair. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the ominous novel explores the descent into madness of a group of boys that crash land on a stranded island amidst the commotion of the Cold War. As the book progresses, the main character, Ralph, assumes power over the group as an elected leader while JackRead MoreWhat Does It Mean to Say That Lord of the Flies Is an Allegorical Novel? Discuss Its Important Symbols.1139 Words   |  5 PagesIn William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, there are many key characters, settings, objects and events that symbolise ideas much deeper than what is first perceived. It is these important symbols that make Lord of the Flies an allegorical novel. It is the con stant struggle to maintain civilization and resist complying with the savage urges that rages within each human individual that plays a central theme throughout the novel. Significant objects like the conch and signal fire; plot events such asRead MoreLord of the Flies by William Golding835 Words   |  3 PagesThe Lord of The Flies, an amazing and controversial book written by William Golding does have some interesting views on society. If you look on the surface you see some kids who are doing what kids do and that is to be crazy and have fun. However, if you look deeper youll find the roots of Goldings beliefs on society and humanity as a whole. Its more of a pessimistic view. Theres also the view of Jean Jacques Rousseau, the author of Dissertation on the Origin and Foundation of the InequalityRead MoreAnalysis Of Lord Of The Flies And Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins1208 Words   |  5 Pagesit. The novels, Lord of The Flies by William Golding and The Hunger Games by S uzanne Collins, demonstrate this prospect as through the narrative techniques of characterisation, plot, setting and style, they exemplify the moral decline of man under pressure to survive, ultimately resulting in savagery. Characterisation plays a major role in both texts as each character serves as a representation humanity and the faults within it. Throughout Lord of the Flies there is a developingRead MoreWilliam Golding s Lord Of The Flies1745 Words   |  7 Pages1954 novel, Lord of the Flies by Nobel Prize-winner William Golding is a dystopian allegory indicative of vast aspects of the human condition. Set in the midst of a nuclear war, the text details a group of marooned British school boys as they regress to a primitive state. Free from the rules and structures of civilisation and society, the boys split into factions - some attempting to maintain order and achieve common goals; others seeking anarchy and violence. The novel is based on Golding’s experienceRead MoreLord Of The Flies By William Shakespeare1287 Words   |  6 Pagesbetrayals in history was that of Julius Caesar by his friend Marcus Brutus. Upon realizing his friend’s part in his death, a shocked Caesar asks, â€Å"Et tu, Brute? [You too, Brutus?]† and falls to his death. (Et tu, Brute?) The allegorical story Lord of The Flies consists of many situations where the conflicts and betrayals between Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin are represented through two boys on the island, Jack and Ralph. In the beginning of the story, Jack and Ralph work together and have generallyRead MoreLord Of The Flies Literary Analysis1101 Words   |  5 PagesIrony is a literary technique utilized by writers in an attempt to convey a message different than its literal meaning. For this reason, this technique used often in satirical writing, such as Lord of The Flies by William Golding. Irony is an important element in literature as it provides writers with a vehicle to communicate a deeper, more meaningful message. In his literary critique, How To Read Literature Like a Professor, Thomas C. Foster emphasizes the significance of irony in literature, statingRead MoreThomas Hobbes And The Political Ph ilosophy986 Words   |  4 Pagescan fund the use of legitimate violence in a certain geographic territory and enforce the contract, as well as enforcing their own funding. This is legitimately how Hobbes believed the human race grew out of the state of nature. We learned in this module that the classic novel Lord of the Flies is often seen by some philosophers as a story that exemplifies Hobbs’ social contract theory. This fictional story is about a group of boys stranded on an island during World War III. Despite one of the boysRead MoreHow Does Golding Present the Theme of Good Versus Evil in the Novel Lord of the Flies?3069 Words   |  13 PagesHow does Golding present the theme of good versus evil in the novel Lord of the Flies? William Goldings novel Lord of the Flies is at first impression a dramatic adventure story about a group of boys stranded on an island, whilst being evacuated from a war-torn world. However to the perceptive reader a more meaningful level of Goldings Lord of the Flies emerges. The novel is designed as an allegory; to a get a warning across to mankind about what Golding called the Essential sickness