Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Theory

Going back to the previous stages of Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Theory of Development I have been, I think I have been fixated at my Latency Stage during my elementary years because I was not that free to explore things on my own. I do not mix up with my other grade school friends back then that much. I didn’t even play basketball with my nearby neighbors that’s why until now, I do not know how to play basketball. I and my siblings used to stay at home all day, all night even our parents were not around. We are not allowed to go out of the neighborhood just to roam around and talk around. Maybe this is the reason why I do not know how to socialize totally with other people, keeps me of not being hooked up with some of naughty things and vices. And gets me out of danger and trouble in the way. I think I am a well-rounded person already, regardless of being my unsociable behavior wherein I can’t and I don’t easily get involved nor caught up with the jests of my friend and when it’s my turn, they always find me corny and some sort of out-of-the-world guy. But then, I still thank my parents for raising me up like this. In such a way that it’s only me and my family can understand each other. It’s quite selfish though, but I like it that way.

Integrated and multi-agency working Essay

Working with children will often involve you working closely with families and different agencies. Multi-agency working and integrated working plays a very important part in ensuring children and families with additional needs are provided with the best possible support. Multi-agency working requires practitioners and professionals from different sectors and within the workforce to provide integrated support for children and families with additional needs. Multi-agency working provides many benefits for children and their family as they provide them with tailor-made support in the most efficient way. These benefits may include: -early identification and early intervention, -quicker access to services and/or expertise, -improved progress and achievement with their milestones and education, -better quality services, -better support for the families. Integrated working focuses on enabling and encouraging professionals to work together effectively to deliver front line services. Integrated working key elements include: -early intervention if needed, -assessments which allow practitioners to undertake an early and initial assessment of a child’s needs and access whether extra services may be required, -recording information in one place and with the consent of the child or parent, -sharing information with relevant inter-agency practitioners, -the team around the child discussing and making joint decisions with the family on the assessment and recommendations for further support, -the lead professional who is the key to the process of integrated working and is the practitioner who acts as the point of contact with the child, their family and who coordinates and monitors the action plan that may have been implemented.

Indian Independence Movement and Modern India Essay

I am Chandini C Kurup of class IX B standing here to speak to you on this auspicious occasion of Republic Day As we are celebrating the 64th Republic Day of India, we students have some responsibilities to shoulder, and some duties to plunge ourselves. The contribution of students in the struggle for Indian independence and thereafter in the making of modern India can never be negated. From the prehistoric times to the recent years, students in India have played a significant role in shaping the history, culture and demographics of our beloved motherland. Students are not moved by greed, nor touched by the fanaticism and bigotry between brothers and sisters, in religion or otherwise, nor engulfed by the violence that seems to be a standing libel on the world all around. We students are the most pure, the most energetic. And it is the time for us once more to take the oaths and help the nation march forward. Let us take an oath to explore our country in its history, geography, culture and literature as much as we can. It is a pity that we can name several novelists, artists and musicians of England, France, Germany, Russia and many more foreign countries without much thoughts, but need to reach our notebooks and laptops to name even a few of them from our neighboring states. Let us take an oath to understand the immense power of the Indian culture and tradition that have always been the unity in our rich diversity. India was never a nation before the British rule. Our country was forever decided in numerous political pockets, in fact the very concept of a nation is purely Western, yet the concept of a country united through her culture was always there. Only that culture has been the lifeline of India, despite the number of invasions and aggressions on our motherland. If we forget that culture altogether and rush with closed eyes to imitate the West, the end is near. Let us take an oath to do our duties for the country and the environment. If we do all our rough works in the electronic media, we would save lot of papers and trees to make a difference. We can choose not to accept plastic carry bags and request our friends and relatives to follow us. Once in a week, we can offer free tuition to our needy brothers and sisters. Lots of medicines, old books, and old clothes go waste every year; we can donate them to these organizations as well. Our years old shirts that we hate to put on now will bring smiles to many of our friends in need. Morality is the basis and we must not forget that too. We don’t need to be religious and in fact the maker of modern India, Swami Vivekananda, used to hate the manifold rites and customs that make the gap between religions and the common man. But we need to have faith – faith on God, on the essential goodness of man, on the strength and future of our country, and last but not the least, in ourselves. Our nation is made of none but us, and if we can enlighten ourselves we can enlighten the whole nation. We are the future of India, and the way we make ourselves ready for it will decide the fate of the country in the years to come. All good deeds and attempts are mocked by a class of people we must not be afraid nor ashamed of them. All good deeds are achieved through hardships, and we must toil. But all good deeds bring forth a joy to the core of our heart that none can snatch away, and to our last days of lives, that pleasure is going to be our precious possession for sure. Let us respect our country, our nation, our brave soldiers, our Constitution, our national anthem, and our national flag. As we will follow our ways back to home after this ceremony, we might see paper made tricolor flags torn down from ropes and poles and lying on the street dust like garbage; let us spend a few minutes on our way, today at least, to stop and pick them for a better and respectful disposal. The road ahead is a long one, where we have miles to go. With determination and unity we can move forward. On this special occasion, I urge all of you to show the unity and strength and develop the nation where citizens live with peace and mutual understanding.

Individual operations management report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Individual operations management report - Essay Example Lately, the company has been facing tough competition from Chinese manufacturers impacting both its top line and bottom line. In order to improve the situation, the company has initiated a quality improvement plan. Statistical Process Control is being used at one of its toy plants as one of the tools for enabling Total Quality Management. Under this initiative the company plans to analyze the quality of a doll manufacturing unit due to growing concerns over increasing customer returns. The company has decided to evaluate two important parameters of quality – colouring and height of the dolls. The data has been collected over a 30 day period. Statistical Control charts are of various types and are used depending upon the situation and the nature of data recorded. For the first set of data, that is, the data for colour defects, c-chart would be the most appropriate control chart since c-chart is used for the number of defects. Since, the number of units tested is constant (=200) in each sample, c-chart is perfect for the situation. Else, a p-chart could have been used. The values of constants A2, D3 and D4 are taken from standard tables for control chart constants (Here values for n=25 have been assumed for the sample size of 30 as the tables contain values till n=25 and calculating annually for higher values is very cumbersome) (Table for Control Chart Constants). For the colour defects, only 1 value (14) is found to lie outside the two control limits. Hence, from the colour defects point of view, the process is only marginally out of control. The control chart for the same is shown in Figure 1. For the heights, a large number of values in both R chart and x bar chart are found lie outside the control limits. Thus, this is a major concern area for the company. The two control charts for the same are shown in the Figures 2 and 3. Tom Pulling Toys needs to pay some attention to

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp - Essay Example The following discussion reflects on the events that occurred in the life of Colonel Blimp (Candy) during his tenure in the British army, with relevance to the actual situation at the time (Moor, 2012:45). The British cinematography intended to produce the movie for public viewing as of the year 1943. However, government interventions harbored the intended progress arguing that it contained sophisticated information that would not be allowed to the public as it belonged to the government. Colonel Blimp, characterized by Lieutenant Candy, is a borrowing from David Low’s artistic representations that conveyed militarized stories of a soldier who reflected an extend of stupidity in his decisions (Street, 2005:46). As observed with Candy, the degree of stupidity is undoubtedly high to the extent that he leads his battalion regiment in most weird ways. For instance, after receiving news that a battle would probably erupt in the night, Candy reacts promptly in readiness of the battl e. He carries out a military test to kidnap and imprison some of his seniors without any authority (Moor, 2012). However, his intentions target of ensuring the junior officers that in conducting a successful test, they would probably win in the expected battle. With clear confidence of a win in the battle, they intrude the general’s sauna in a spacious and equally protected building. Candy expresses to his general that he was conducting a test and that he had fallen a victim. The general gimmicks Candy’s confidence as he questions him in the act, whereby Candy recites his wish to win in the forthcoming battle (Connelly, 2005:47). This reflects an act of aggression but on the contrary remains inconsistent with the law since military orders emanate from the highest ranked individual in the hierarchy. Therefore, Lieutenant Candy exceeds his authority but argues out that the exercise would be a motivation and a guarantee that the British would win the battle. Through his u nexpected raid at the general’s house, Candy indicates his insatiable interest in winning the battle and assures his subjects that they shall pursue the enemy before the declaration of the battle (Moor, 2012:48). The approach to the battle portrays the unethical tactics that the British government endured on in combating their enemies during the first and second world wars. The general warns Candy over the untimely invasions citing that they should not advance or strike in the battlefield unless authorities declare the war officially. Colonel Blimp declines to the idea and challenges his superior without showing respect to the rank. The two argue out on the best process but Candy declines and insults his general as one filled with cowardice and lacking the spirit of aggression. The general feels humiliated and retaliates to the youthful lieutenant telling him that he would realize of how stupid a youth is in his olden days. Finally, they engage in a fight and eventually the g eneral draws Candy into the pool. As Candy swims out of the pool, he is older and in accordance to the hospitality drawn towards him, it is easier to establish that he is highly ranked in the army. Currently, Candy seems to have a denial on military duties and continuously has cultivated comical aspects instead of the serious military role model. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger write the movie in a way that they portray the characters in

Structured Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Structured - Essay Example As for the content theory Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory has been used while for the process theory, Vroom’s expectancy theory has been used. Maslow used a pyramidal hierarchical structure to depict the needs of employees at the work place (Huczynski & Buchanan, 2008). According to him self-actualization occupies the top-most rung in the hierarchy of needs. Secondly self-esteem needs come as of importance. Thirdly needs of love and affection come and fourthly safety related needs are of importance to the employee. Finally at the base of the pyramid there are those physiological needs. Vroom on the other hand developed his process theory of expectancy in keeping with the hypothesis that an employee can be motivated by linking effort, performance and motivation. In support of his theoretical approach he proposes three variables – expectancy, valence and instrumentality (Latham, 2006). Thus these two theoretical approaches are used in this paper to ascertain the impact of motivation related strategies and measures on the learning outcomes such as productivity and loyalty adopted at the above mentioned retail chain. In this respect a series of supporting correlations have been drawn. The theoretical and conceptual framework of analysis is based on the contingency model building efforts that are intended to create the necessary environment for testing the process theory and the content theory chosen by this writer. Thus the predominant assumption is that only a few variables can be allowed into the model thus avoiding many so that the learning outcomes can be well controlled with a degree of accuracy and predictability. Question 2 was based on the too often asked for explanation, i.e. what motivates, money or non monetary aspects like job satisfaction. All of them gave the same answer as was expected by the writer. They held the view that money mattered but not so more than job satisfaction coming from such factors as self-actualization and

Criminal Psychology Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Criminal Psychology - Case Study Example Indiana ) The majority reached this conclusion based on the fact that the petitioner was deaf, had no ability to read or write and that it was doubtful that the petitioner could even develop an ability to communicate by sign language. Since the petitioner was entirely unable to communicate, it was decided that he should be hospitalized until that time in which he could testify. In the case that he would never be able to communicate, the defendant would be hospitalized permanently. Since Case was found 'not guilty', his term of hospitalization depends entirely upon his own mental state. In the case of Jones vs. United States, the petitioner, Jones, committed a range of felonies and upon hospitalization was diagnosed "Schizophrenia, Paranoid Type." (Jones vs. United States)Jones was eventually granted acquittal based on Insanity, and was hospitalized until considered stable. Since Case was labeled "legally insane," he could be hospitalized until stable in a similar situation. Question 2 An actuarial risk assessment tool is used to predict a dangerous behavior as well as the rate of recurrence, impact and likely victims of said behavior. One such assessment tool used for preventing violence was presented by Patterson and colleagues. This is the SAD PERSONS mnemonic, and it is used to prevent suicides by the interpretation of collected data concerning the possibly suicidal nature of the individual. The VISAT, or Victorian Intervention Screening Assessment Tool, is a risk assessment tool used for sexual offenders. The VISAT uses Corrections personnel to predict future occurrences of criminal behavior base on information about the offender. VISAT also focuses upon 'changeable' aspects of the offender's life in order to indicate where risk is high or where treatment could be effective.There are several positive outcomes of Actuarial risk assessment. Through its process, correctional personnel are able to predict a criminal profile so as to identify when and where a crim inal will commit a felony. Such felonies may be prevented by the use of actuarial risk assessment. However, this type of risk assessment is subject to personal opinion, and one wonders how accurate such a prediction could be. In structure clinical judgment, the assessment is based on clinical interviews and observation. Clinical judgment has the added bonus of a professional opinion administered by a trained clinician. However, structure clinical judgment does not include statistical information of any kind; the assessment is based solely on one person's opinion. In the end, there is always the presence of human error.Currently, the relationship between mental illness and crime seems to be effective. According to Jeanne Y. Choe and colleagues, the highest percentage of offenders occurs in committed patients before hospitalization. This seems

An Election of Monumental Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

An Election of Monumental Change - Essay Example A "hot button" issue for many in the United States is the ongoing Us-led conflict in Iraq which has been going on since March 2003. This is one of the areas which Senator Obama has wished to distinguish himself from his other Senators in that unlike Senator's Clinton and McCain, Obama has not given as much leeway in the form of senatorial votes in favor of President Bush's defense budget, while on the other hand both Senator Clinton, as well as Senator McCain, have voted in both sides of the issue. In an era where the American people are looking for hope and this year looking to elect a new President, the two candidates to observe are Senator Barak Obama of Illinois and Senator Hillary Clinton of New York. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the US has taken it upon itself to adopt a pre-emptive measure as it comes to defending itself, as well as defending its role in international relations with the rest of the world. ... from the start, he says there is "no military solution" to the situation in Iraq," Adding that, "In January 2007, Obama proposed the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007, which would reverse the troop surge and redeploy U.S. troops to Afghanistan and other locations in phases. He favors more funds for U.S. military equipment like night-vision goggles and reinforced Humvees, though his recent refusal to sign a war funding bill came under criticism from presidential aspirant John McCain (R-AZ), who, among other things, accused the senator of misspelling "flak jacket." Under Obama's plan, there may be a residual troop presence (NYT) in Iraq for security and training purposes. His bill has not yet been voted on," (CFR 3/18/2008). In regards to Senator Clinton, her candidacy comes with the inevitable comparison, as well as what some would call "baggage", from the 8 years in office which her husband spent. "Sen. Clinton (D-NY) supported the invasion of Iraq at its advent, but now opposes it and claims that as president, she would end the war. Clinton opposed the 2007 escalation of the war. In early 2007, Clinton proposed the Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act. That bill, which would have prevented an increase in troops in Iraq above the level of January 1, 2007, had no cosponsors and never reached a vote," Elaborating further that, "Clinton also opposes the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq, although she, like Biden, does expect there to be a need for a "reduced residual force," perhaps stationed in Iraqi Kurdistan, even after troop redeployment. Clinton cosponsored Sen. Joe Biden's Iraq War Policy resolution in January 2007. In 2002, Clinton voted in favor of the invasion of Iraq, and has been widely criticized for her refusal to apologize for that

European Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Economics - Essay Example But this has supported unsustainable agricultural sectors. Therefore, after three reforms in 1992, 1999 and 2003 it has been reduced to 45%, which is 55 billion euro per year, with the prospect of further reductions in regard to new long term EU budget of 2014 – 2020. (EC. 2005; Doliak, 2004; Europa, 2011) There were two pillars of CAP. The first pillar was the current Single Farm Payment whereas the measures of the second pillar aimed to support development and diversification of rural communities. The CAP Health Check was launched in 2008, so as to modernize the policy and provide assistance when answering to new challenges such as climate changes. The EU 27 also agreed to further cut direct subsidies to farmers, so that there can be benefit of the rural development policy and also to  abolish quotas on milk production. (ELO. 2001; EC., 2003) The future of CAP beyond 2010 in context of the general reform of EU budget has started in 2010. The European Commission highlighted the fact that agriculture must do more to mitigate climate changes and consider the option to establish the third pillar of CAP focusing on this issue. Also it stressed that the current single payment scheme could by maintained but targeted at providing public goods so as to real EU added value. Former commissioner Marian Fischer Bowl has committed to the farmers to carbon emission will be reduced by 20 % by the year 2020. (Europa, 2011) The biggest recipient of CAP funds was France. The largest per capita beneficiaries from CAP were Greece and Ireland. All four graduated countries were net beneficiaries of EU budget and CAP funding. At the start of February 2010, the ministers of agriculture of Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Cyprus and Bulgaria agreed in Warsaw on common statement on the future of CAP after 2013. They wanted both pillars to be preserved. They also opposed to the idea of basing the payment level on historical principle. The economic crisis seriously attacked the European agricultural sector, especially the Dairy Farming. Farm milk prices began to fall in late 2008 until it brought the whole sector at the edge. Europe was a witness of several protests of farmers calling for action against volatility of prices and phasing out milk quotas as soon as possible, due to surplus production of milk and dairy products and falling prices. (Europa, 2011) In about 2020, the European Commission will publish a Communication on CAP which will meet the food, natural resources and territorial challenges in the near future. The reform focused in making the European agriculture sector more dynamic, competitive, and effective in responding to the Europe 2020 vision of stimulating sustainable growth, smart growth and inclusive growth. The paper outlined three options for further reforms. In mid 2011, the Commission will present formal legislative proposals following the discussion on these ideas. (Europa, 2011) On the basis of the Communication today, the Commissioner of EU Agriculture and Rural Development highlighted on the importance of making CAP greener, fairer, more efficient and more effective. As per him, CAP will not be just for farmers but for all the EU citizens – as consumers and taxpayers. Hence, it is important that we design our policy in a way which will more simply

Integrated Math and Science Unit Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Integrated Math and Science Unit Plan - Essay Example The topics of study including percentages, decimals, and fractions should be referenced by use of integrated math and science standards. This helps in the presentation of the vital information in a way that is sequential, logical, meaningful, and organised way. Instructors need to employ standards, which will help lesson planning to identify important understanding, description of intellectual skills under the definition of vital content the learners require. This framework describes in great depth the content that instructors should employ in teaching. Instructors are advised to adapt and modify the activities to satisfy needs of the learner. However, most activities are associated to elementary level; they are not aimed at adding up to the entire curriculum for percentages, decimals, and fractions at this level. Unit lesson plans Unit plans involve lessons plan that aid in the saving of time as the sequential order creates organization hence time saving. In this paper, integrated m ath and science unit plan will emphasize on the welfare of different learners, both gifted and the disabled. The activities will outline what is required of the learners and the expectations of the teacher after each lesson. Five lesson plans will be prepared on the following topics: percentages, decimals and fractions. ... al groups, formal, and informal assessment related to the set objectives, formative, authentic and summative assessments, and should allow for reflection of the student. Lesson plan 1 Objective: By the end of the lesson, the learner should know the correlation of the instructional activities to the topic being taught. Activity Give each student different coloured balls about twenty in number. Ask the students to identify the total number of each ball out of the lot you gave out. Give them time to work this out. After a while, ask them to represent the number of each ball out of the total number of balls in the classroom. As a second activity, give out about a hundred books to the students not putting into account whether it is a storybook, a diary or an exercise book. Ask the students to collect the books into portions or rather sections as per the type; storybook, textbook, diary or a notebook. Confirm with the students if it is possible to relate the total number of a given book to the whole group of books dished out at first time (our total was a hundred books). Remind the learners that, in this lesson they will use the representation of the number of each ball against the total number of balls given out first (this will demonstrate the fraction bit of the lesson). (Study the objectives again with the learners.) After completion of the second activity, ask the students to represent the number of each book type that they collected, (this activity is to be done in groups) against the total number of books given out originally. This will demonstrate the percent part of the topic being taught. (Confirm again the objective of the unit plan with the learners.) A third and final activity will include working out of the values got from the first two activities by division.

What were the chief charactistics of the Renaissance Consider Essay

What were the chief charactistics of the Renaissance Consider artistic, intellectual and civic innovations - Essay Example Art styles such as naturalism was developed by the Greeks which involved painting the human body in the nude. Oil paint was invented. Other artists such as Donatello worked using marble and bronze. Ceramic clay was also used. Artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and da Vinci emerged in the late 1400’s and early 1500’s. One of the famous paintings of the time was the Mona Lisa. Northern Renaissance painters such as Jan Van Eyck also emerged. Eyck invented the oil glazing technique. This technique replaced the egg-tempera which was used earlier. Innovations were also made in the field of science. Nicolas Copernicus made an attempt to prove that the sun was at the center of the solar system and not the earth. It was this theory by Copernicus that led to other discoveries such as those of Galileo, Kepler and Newton. This was the most important discovery made during the Renaissance. Humanism can be defined as the general idea that man is uniquely different from other types of beings and as such can develop his own culture. It involved the urge to know more about the heritages of Rome and Greece. People were of the belief that a lot could be learnt from the past. One of the most renowned humanists was Niccolo Machiavelli who brought about new ideas of conducting politics. Humanism advocated for a change in how things were done. It encouraged a shift from a contemplative way of life to an active life. In general, the renaissance period brought about a new age and a new way of conducting activities. It was the birth of a new school of thought and a new breed of artists, philosophers and scientists. It brought about the momentum that spurred further

Gender Criticism based on Feminism and Masculinism in the Book “Skin” Essay Example for Free

Gender Criticism based on Feminism and Masculinism in the Book â€Å"Skin† Essay The book entitled, â€Å"Skin† is written by Ted Dekker and is a fiction novel about a killer who took as captives five people who each had stories to tell and had things about their past to confront. They were brought together by such deadly circumstances and despite their individual differences and suspicions drawn against one another, they had to work together somehow against a common enemy, their captor. â€Å"Skin† covers issues of feminism and masculinism in the details about how the captured characters – namely, Wendy, Colt, Jerry, Nicole and Carey were victimized by the killer, Red. For Wendy, it all started one rainy night when she was driving herself to the place where her estranged mother was. The horror of all that they have gone through, all five of them, turned out to be something none of them was ever prepared for. Thesis The novel â€Å"Skin† relates a story that supports the thesis that the gender-defined roles of the characters therein damaged both sides. The story also presented the question of what true beauty is, both masculine and feminine beauty. Beauty is explored both as an external quality and as something that is more than what meets the eye – in men and in women. It turns out that beauty can be perceived by people as gender-defined. Beauty in men, thus, can be judged by parameters that are supposed to apply to men, and then beauty in women can be judged by altogether different parameters that, in turn, are supposed to apply to women. Feminism in the Story Wendy is an escapist from a cult where men reigned as the superior sex. In fact, even decisions pertaining to her life – who she was to wed eventually, who she could date and kiss – were made by the acknowledged head of their tribe, a man much older that her who was even supposed to be her future husband. Her mom was in the cult, too. As a member of it, she submitted to such leader and went to wherever the group went, never deciding for herself where and how she wanted to live her life. Through it all, she allowed the cult leader to make decisions that she should have made for herself and her daughter, Wendy. Wendy has become a prime feminist since her escape from the group whose members made up her world. She then became totally free – free to make choices for herself, free to make decisions concerning herself, her life and her personal interests. She has been equipped with good education and having been a scholar who made it through college by herself – with no help from parents, whose support usually comes in the form of financial resources to enable their children get through college as a way to have much better chances for a bright future. During her traumatic childhood experiences in the cult where the male leader was practically the ruler of all, Wendy had known what it meant to be eyed or even â€Å"reserved† for an older man. In the story, there was the pre-arranged marriage that Wendy had no choice but to succumb to when the time for it would come. For this reason, Wendy was even punished at one time for having kissed a guy. Through it all, Wendy came to have this fear of men. It was the same fear that went in the way of her having a serious relationship with a guy even when she was already a young woman. Thus, during years since her escape, Wendy had only female friends. Given the life she lived and the role of men in her life, Wendy has grown to be an independent woman who definitely did not need a man to make life easier for her. In contrast, Nicole had her brother, Cary, to adore her, to take care of her and to protect her. She grew up depending on the love and security that her older brother represented. Nicole represents the very image that present day feminists want to totally disassociate from women in general. She’s a victim of men who, like her brother, have to be needed by the women in their lives as the only way they would feel strong, masculine and happy. In such a trap, the likes of Nicole have been raised to believe that women are weak and are in constant need of the protection and support that only men can provide. For an independent woman like Wendy, it was indeed a novelty to watch Carey carry his younger sister all the way and to see for herself how much Carey loves his younger sister, Nicole. And Nicole, loved him, too. He was her older brother who has always been her source of love and protection. The same love and protection, though, can serve to curtail Nicole’s potentials as a person – a free thinker, a decision-maker and the master of her fate. Thus, the protective love of men – in this case, Nicole’s older brother – can be likened to a trap that can prevent women from going out into the world, making mistakes and learning in the process, and living their lives to the fullest. Curtailed freedom was one thing Wendy and Nicole had in common, but Wendy had chosen to break out of her prison cell and fly away toward freedom and self-realization. Men, as oppressors, can clip the wings of the women in their lives either intentionally or not, either lovingly or not – the manner, though, does not change the meaning of what is going on. Masculinism in the Story Colt’s masculinity would seem readily obvious in the light of his being a policeman. His marked skill as a gunman would serve to give his masculinity an added boost. After all, his being an adept shooter can easily be surmised to mean his being a good protector of people under his wings. As a great gunman, then, Colt has won the respect and admiration of his fellow cops in the police department, both male and female. And also as a great gunman, Colt would seem the kind of man who has little or nothing to fear. No one would guess, therefore, that for all his seemingly apparent masculinity, Colt has fears and has doubts of his capabilities and qualities as a man. In fact, the story says that having a woman around or being with one is enough to break Colt’s cool demeanor and to reduce him into a bundle of nerves. He therefore has neven been close to a woman. His life has been lived and has revolved pretty much around male friends. The story has mentioned Colt’s mom who has been murdered but was believed to have committed suicide – she might easily have been the only woman in his life. One’s childhood always leaves its imprints on the person. Events during Colt’s childhood have caused him to have insecurities and doubts about himself. These self-doubts leave no sign in the policeman that Colt has become. Such doubts and insecurities have stayed within him but have been buried way under Colt’s demeanor. In a way, Colt has been victimized by the way ladies ridicule guys they are not interested in, more so when ladies spurn those suitors whom they do not at all find attractive. Being rejected by a girl can have such an adverse impact on a guy’s confidence. Some guys even find it hard to recover their self-esteem after having been rejected by the ladies they loved. While Colt avoided women as characters he was not ready to have in his life, Cary was the type of guy who was instinctively protective of women he loved, like his sister, Nicole. Cary has grown up believing that the male sex is the stronger sex and that the females are therefore to be taken care of and sheltered. While adhering to this belief, being in helpless situations would kill the likes of Cary in their insistence that they be the protectors of the women they love. Thus, in the story, it tore Cary apart to watch his younger sister in pain and so helpless. It likewise broke his heart that he could not do what had to be done to keep them all safe from harm. Thus, independent women like Wendy would be a novelty to Colt, whose perception of women would be more of the clinging and needy sort. In the same way, frail and fragile women like Nicole would disarm Colt’s defense and lead him to overcome his fear of women, who in the person of Nicole can seem to be such weak, dependent and powerless creatures in need of somebody like himself. The story is adroitly set with twists that all served to help the characters eventually face their fears and find themselves. Works Cited Dekker, Ted. Skin. Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 2007.

Karl Marx: The Structure-Agency Problem

Karl Marx: The Structure-Agency Problem A hugely influential revolutionary thinker and philosopher, Marx did not live to see his ideas carried out in his own lifetime, but his writings formed the theoretical base for modern international communism. Karl Marx (1818-1883), was a German economist, philosopher, and revolutionist whose writings form the basis of the body of ideas known as Marxism. One of Marxs most important intellectual influences was the philosophy of George Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831). Hegels signature concept was that of the dialectic, a word that originally referred to the process of logical argumentation and refutation. Hegels influence on Marx is evident in Marxs belief that history is evolving through a series of conflicts in a predictable, unavoidable direction. Hegel also influenced Marx in his characterization of the modern age. Marxs theory, which he called historical materialism is based on Hegels. Hegel claims that history occurs through a dialectic, or clash, of opposing forces. Hegel was a philo sophical idealist who believed that we live in a world of appearances, and true reality is an ideal. Marx accepted this notion of the dialectic, but rejected Hegels idealism because he did not accept that the material world hides from us. With the aid of Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) he produced much of the theory of modern Socialism and Communism. Marxism is the political philosophy and practice derived from the work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Marxism holds at its core a critical analysis of capitalism and a theory of social change. The powerful and innovative methods of analysis introduced by Marx have been very influential in a broad range of disciplines. The economic and political theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that hold that human actions and institutions are economically determined and that class struggle is needed to create historical change and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism. A Marxists thought is based on this daily practice, a philosophy called dialectics Thus, Marxism is both a theory and a practice. The theories of Marxism are sometimes called dialectical materialism; theory is based on a particular set of conditions that are always finite, and thus, any theory is necessarily limited. To test the validity of theory, Marxists rely on practice as the criteria of truth. Using such a methodology Marx and Engels examined history, which lead them to elaborate theories of the class struggle, the basis of social relations through economics, and the form of society that could follow capitalism. The bourgeoisie or capitalists are the owners of capital, purchasing and exploiting labour power, using the surplus value from employment of this labour power to accumulate or expand their capital. The proletariat are owners of labour power (the ability to work), and mere owners of labour power, with no resources other than the ability to work with their hands, bodies, and minds. Marx studied the differences arising between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. The bourgeoisie are interested mainly in developing a capitalist society, using advanced methods of production. The bourgeoisie are the capitalist who own the factories, the product made in the factories and controlled all the trade. The Proletariats have gained nothing in society but the thrill of their own labour. The proletariats feel that they are treated poorly from bourgeoisies; they receive only enough in life to survive and have no chance of achieving a higher, class status. The proletariats helped to improve production in society, which developed Capitalism and helped it to grow faster. The proletariats were not getting the wages they deserve for the labour that was accomplished. Marx wanted the proletariats to stand up to the bourgeoisie and cause a class conflict. The distribution of political power is determined by power over production (i.e., capital). Capital confers political power, which the bourgeois class uses to legitimatize and protect their property and consequent social relations. Class relations are political, and in the mature capitalist society, the states business is that of the bourgeoisie. Moreover, the intellectual basis of state rule, the ideas justifying the use of state power and its distribution, are those of the ruling class. The intellectual-social culture is merely a superstructure resting on the relation of production, on ownership of the means of production. Marx used the term mode of production to refer to the specific organization of economic production in a given socie ty. A mode of production includes the means of production used by a given society, such as factories and other facilities, machines, and raw materials. It also includes labour and the organization of the labour force. The term relation of production refers to the relationship between those who own the means of production (the capitalists or bourgeoisie) and those who do not (the workers or the proletariat). According to Marx, history evolves through the interaction between the mode of production and the relations of production. The mode of production constantly evolves toward a realization of its fullest productive capacity, but this evolution creates antagonisms between the classes of people defined by the relations of production-owners and workers. Capitalism is a mode of production based on private ownership of the means of production. Capitalists produce commodities for the exchange market and to stay competitive must extract as much labour from the workers as possible at the lowest possible cost. The economic interest of the capitalist is to pay the worker as little as possible, in fact just enough to keep the workers alive and productive. The workers, in turn, come to understand that their economic interest lies in preventing the capitalist from exploiting them in this way. As this example shows, the social relations of production are inherently antagonistic, giving rise to a class struggle that Marx believes will lead to the overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat. The proletariat will replace the capitalist mode of production with a mode of production based on the collective ownership of the means of production, which is called Communism. Marx describes how the worker under a capitalist mode of production becomes estra nged from himself, from his work, and from other workers. Drawing on Hegel, Marx argues that labour is central to a human beings self-conception and sense of well-being. By working on and transforming objective matter into sustenance and objects of use-value, human beings meet the needs of existence. Labour is as much an act of personal creation and a projection of ones identity as it is a means of survival. However, capitalism, the system of private ownership of the means of production, deprives human beings of this essential source of self-worth and identity. The worker approaches work only as a means of survival and derives none of the other personal satisfactions of work because the products of his labour do not belong to him. These products are instead expropriated by capitalists and sold for profit. In capitalism, the worker, who is alienated or estranged from the products he creates, is also estranged from the process of production, which he regards only as a means of surviva l. Estranged from the production process, the worker is therefore also estranged from his or her own humanity, since the transformation of nature into useful objects is one of the fundamental facets of the human condition. The worker is thus alienated from his or her species being, from what it is to be human. Finally, the capitalist mode of production alienates human beings from other human beings. Deprived of the satisfaction that comes with owning the product of ones labour, the worker regards the capitalist as external and hostile. The alienation of the worker from his work and of the worker from capitalists forms the basis of the antagonistic social relationship that will eventually lead to the overthrow of capitalism. The labour theory of value states that the value of a commodity is determined by the amount of labour that went into producing it. Marx defines a commodity as an external object that satisfies wants or needs and distinguishes between two different kinds of value that can be attributed to it. Commodities have a use-value that consists of their capacity to satisfy such wants and needs. For the purposes of economic exchange, they have an exchange-value, their value in relation to other commodities on the market, which is measured in terms of money. Marx asserts that in order to determine the relative worth of extremely different commodities with different use-values, exchange-value, or monetary value, must be measurable in terms of a property common to all such commodities. The only thing that all commodities have in common is that they are a product of labour. Therefore, the value of a commodity in a market represents the amount of labour that went into its production. The labour theor y is important in Marxs work not because it gives special insight into the nature of prices but because it forms the foundation of Marxs notion of exploitation. In the simplest form of exchange, people produce commodities and sell them so that they can buy other commodities to satisfy their own needs and wants. For Marx, the enterprise is the nucleus of class war both capital and labour are united by certain latent interests which, being contradictory, places them on the opposite sides of a conflict relation. Classes are conflict groups under conditions of absence of mobility, superimposition of authority, property, and general social status, superimposition of industrial and political conflict, and absence of effective conflict regulation. For Marx alienation is a physical and psychological condition which arises out of the conditions of modern work. Since the worker does not own what he produces, since he lives as an extension of the machine, since he hates what he does, then the worker does not own his own life, he is in a basic sense simply a human machine. He exists to himself as an alien object; the reality of capitalism for Marx is that it is not free. For Marx the connections between the theory of capitalism and the conditions of modern life are all too clear. Marx believed society was an evolving struggle. He believed Capitalism was an evolving structure. However, unlike Adam Smith, Marx did not believe this evolution was always smooth, nor did he believe it evolved for the best. In fact Marx, predicted the collapse of Capitalism. Marx placed great value on economic forces for explaining social structures. Marx examined society and argued that the wealth of capitalists was based on paying labour less than their true labour value (underpaid labour). This difference between the true labour value and the wages paid led to the accumulation of money capital. Workers were abused and disenfranchised. As capitalism developed, Marx predicted, workers would become increasingly alienated and seek to overthrow the capitalist class. Growth was not guaranteed but could become volatile leading to periods of economic slump. Marxists certainly point to the Great Depression of a vindication of how capitalism can fail.

List of Fashion Designers and Brands

List of Fashion Designers and Brands Alexander McQueen Alexander McQueen has made his mark as one of the most respected designers in the world. The stamp of his creations lies in his integration of contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity. This love to create blends was extended to his perfume range as well. Angel Schlesser Spanish fashion designer Angel Schlesser has an extensive range in his brand which started with clothing for urban women and grew to carpet designs, perfumes, jewellery and even wine label designing. In the late 90s the brand launched its perfume and bath line for women which received instant approval in local and international market. Anna Sui International designer Anna Suis love for fashion started in early childhood. She designed her own clothes and clipped fashion magazine pages to serve as inspirations. In 1999, Sui launched her signature fragrance and cosmetic line. In October 1997, Anna Sui signed a fragrance licensing deal with Wella AG of Germany to develop a signature fragrance. Banana Republic Banana Republic is an American lifestyle brand. The brand is all about individualistic, classic style with a modern twist of unexpected details and surprising elements. Quality and authenticity stretches to every aspect of the brand, from its clothing to its perfume. Banana Republic fragrances are heavily influenced by the intrigue and mysticism of exploration and travel. Bench Bench, british urban lifestyle brand, originated in the 80s as a niche tee shirt brand creating pieces inspired by BMX biking and the world of skate boarding. The Bench fragrances look sleek and timeless but still encapsulate the urban spirit of the brand. Bench for Her and Bench for Him are the signature fragrances. Benetton Benetton is amongst the most popular brands in the world. It has a wide range to offer in terms of clothing, accessories and perfumes. Benetton has a casual feel about itself. On the same lines, its perfumes are soothing and smooth, making those best suited for everyday wear. Boucheron The group of Boucheron belongs to the Italian family of gold and silversmiths. Founded in 1858 by Andrea Boucheron, the famed jewelry company entered the world of perfume in 1988. With perfume, as with jewels, Boucheron reveals in bringing out hidden treasures of nature and highlight their unique elements to create masterpieces. Britney Spears Britney Jean Spears is a singer/actor born in 1981. She released her debut album titled Baby One More Time. Super success of the album made her a pop icon. She took forward her star status by endorsing her brand of perfumes. She launched her first perfume (Curious) in 2004 in alliance with Elizabeth Arden. Bugatti Bugatti means supremacy in terms of perfection, luxury and refinement. It is an Italian automobiles brand which stays true to its name. The brand thrilled its lovers by launching a range of mens perfumes along with the launch of Bugatti Veyron 16.4. The fragrance range offers unique but strong men perfumes in contemporary sculpted bottles. Bulgari The name Bulgari has been derived from the Italian bvlgari. For over a century, Bulgari has been the face of Italian style in jewelry. Bulgari has introduced many fascinating fragrances for both men women. Its fragrances carry its signature polish class. The aroma is the representation of the Brands style and charisma. Burberry In 1856 Thomas Burberry designed his first garments for the sportsmen of Basingstoke, England. Over a period of time, the brand has stayed true to its tradition of luxury. It extends this theme to Burberry fragrances that carry its classic and stylish British aura. The fragrance range is available for both men women. Cacharel The brand was started by Jean Bousquet as a fashion house and shot to fame after its creations found place on cover of Elle magazine. After launch of its mens, womens and childrens collections, Cacharel diversified activities and launched fragrances (with AnaÃÆ' ¯s AnaÃÆ' ¯s) and other product ranges including glasses and sunglasses, lingerie, stationary, swimwear, etc. Calvin Klein Calvin Klein Inc. is a fashion brand (better known as CK) founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein. Calvin Klein brings the brands style and spirit into each of its fragrances. The fragrance range consists of the sophisticated smooth names like Obsession, Eternity, Escape, and Contradiction along with the contemporary offerings like cK One and cK Be. Canali In 1934 brothers Giovanni and Giacomo Canali established an artisan workshop in Triuggio, Brianza, to produce high quality clothing. In the nineteen fifties the second generation of the family took over, consolidating its presence on the Italian market. Canali later introduced other fashion brands like Canali perfumes which have found a strong name for itself world over. Carolina Herrera American designer Carolina Herrera is a living example of the mantra its never too late. She launched her luxury clothing company when she was 40 years old, in 1980. Her brands first perfume was 212 launched in 1998. The collection has steadily grown with 212 men, Chic, 212 sexy, and 212 sexy Men. Caron Caron was founded in 1904 by Ernest Daltroff. The brand has a rich heritage in perfumery and is still considered a true fragrance house, a distinction very few companies hold.   Perfumes Caron has earned international recognition for its unique blends of pure essences encased in the most luxurious flacons. It offers perfumes for both men and women. Cartier Cartier is a French luxury jeweler and watch manufacturer. Prince of Wales honored Cartier with the title of Joaillier des Rois, Roi des Joailliers (Jeweller to Kings, King of Jewellers). Cartier is also a known name in fragrance industry. Originated in 1991, Cartier fragrances are made in association with perfumers Jean-Claude Ellena, Christine Nagel, Alberto Morillas, Mathilde Laurent etc. Carven Created in 1945, Carven fashion house has always promoted a democratic vision of fashion. Madame Carven was the first to offer accessible luxury and to capture the spirit of the moment through her simple and refined designs. Carven has large variety of perfumes. Carven fragrances are made in collaboration with perfumers Jean Carles and Edouard Hache. Cerruti The house of Cerruti was founded in 1881 by Antonio Cerruti. In 1999, Cerrutis flagship store was opened at Madison Avenue in New York. Cerruti offers a range of perfume lines sportswear. Cerruti launched its first perfume called 1881 and has since then made regular additions to the brand. Chevignon Founded in 1979, Chevignon targets urban men and offers a modern and relaxed lifestyle. Chevignons focus is always on integrating the latest fashion and trends with the values inherited from its past and prepare its new creation. The perfume range of the brand also stays true to the brands mantra and delivers latest yet authentic fragrances. Christian Audigier Christian Audigier is a French fashion designer and entrepreneur. He gained international fame for creating the Ed Hardy tattoo clothing apparel brand in the year 2004. Christian Audigier fragrances are made with perfumers Marrypierre Julien, Caroline Sabas, Olivier Gillotin etc. Designer, Christian Audigier launched 10 perfumes in the first two years. Clarins The brand was started by Courtin Clarins and initially focused on esthetic treatments. Over a period of time, the group added cosmetic and beauty products into its range. One of these product lines is fragrances which has become an important part of its portfolio. Clarins fragrances come in various ranges and styles and suit every age and emotion. Clean Aptly named, Clean, is a simple freshness fragrance making it unique in its own right. The brand was created by Randi Shinder. She created a fragrance that was reminiscent of pure soap, which replicated the feel of out of shower freshness. Soon the fragrance was a hit with the world. Cliff Richard Sir Cliff Richar is an English singer, musician, performer, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has sold over 260 million records worldwide. His brand name of perfumes is a huge hit amongst his fans, especially the ones that share names with his famous songs like devil woman. The fragrances are suited for every environment and every mood. Clinique Clinique was introduced as a dermatologists-developed cosmetics brand. It soon expanded into the complete cosmetic and fragrances brand. Clinique fragrances are made in association with perfumers Bernard Chant, Trudy Lauren etc. Clinique offers fragrances for both men and women. The most popular Clinique fragrance is Happy which carries a mix of floral citrus smell. Coty Coty, Inc. is the worlds largest fragrance company. It is known for its collaboration with celebrities like Victoria David Beckham, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Shania Twain etc. Coty has gifted the perfume industry with some of the most popular perfumes. Each celebrity perfume is created by keeping in mind their unique personality. Davidoff Davidoff is a Swiss luxury goods brand, which carries an interesting range of products with most popular products being perfumes and cigars cigarettes. Davidoff has wonderful and luxurious perfumes to offer via its perfumery suiting all occasions and both the sexes. Being a luxury brand, every perfume of this brand signifies royalty. Diesel Diesel was launched by Renzo Rosso in the year 1978. The product range under the brand includes denims, perfumes, casual apparel, eyewear, watches and jewelry. The perfume range of diesel is contemporary and strong. It is a more of a statement product than a pleasing fragrance. The range includes products for both sexes. Dior Christian Dior is known to offer some of the most revolutionary, trendy, and fashion defining products to the world. The brands products are not only influenced general public, but also attracted celebrities like actors supermodels. The brand has always given a touch of emotions in its perfumes and developed a number of soothing fragrances. Disney Disney scents have been created to let the world of animation hang out in the real world. With its large variety of perfumes Disney has a gift for lovers of all its characters. Like the cartoon characters of Walt Disney, these scent are fun and peppy, making them perfect everyday wear. Dolce Gabbana Dolce Gabbana is a luxury fashion house with Italian origins. It is better known by its DG logo. Along with clothing range, it offers perfumes, sunglasses etc. as well. The brand has many verities of fragrance under their belt to offer for both men women. The luxury feel of DG can be felt in its perfumes also. Donna Karen Donna Karan brand is named after the American fashion designer who created the Donna Karan New York and DKNY clothing labels. She expanded her brand by offering perfumes accessories. Donna Karan fragrances are made in association with Rodrigo Flores-Roux, Jean-Marc Chaillan, IFF, Maurice Roucel, Olivier Gillotin, Pierre Negrin, Calice Becker, Alberto Morillas, Harry Fremont etc. DSquared Dsquared is an up market fashion label created by identical twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten. Perfumes are major contributors to the product range of the brand. The perfumes bring about a luxury feel and are targeted primarily high society. The brands perfumes are popular amongst other designers as well. Elizabeth Arden In 1916, Elizabeth Arden launched her brand by opening her first salon on fashionable Fifth Avenue. Elizabeth Arden is a renowned designer in the perfume world, known for delivering consistent variety of exotic scents. The brand has been able to make its own group of loyalists. It has more than 30 perfumes to offer. Elizabeth Taylor Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor is known as one of the worlds most beautiful women and actors. She was the epitome of luxury and class. The same elements are carried forward to her perfumes. Her perfumes reflect her Egyptian predecessors interest in scents. A woman of no moderation, Elizabeth Taylor wants her perfumes to be like her beautiful and beloved. Emanuel Ungaro Named after the famous designer, brand Emanuel Ungaro has an existence in the perfume world since 1977 and has 23 perfumes to offer in its range. Emanuel Ungaro fragrances are made in association with perfumers Francoise Caron, Francis Kurkdjian, Olivier Polge, Domitille Michalon, Jacques Polge, Max Gavarry, Marc Chaillant, Loc Dong etc. Escada Escada is an international luxury fashion group in womens designer fashion. In thirty years, Escada has become a leading name in womens fashion, and is often worn to red carpet events by celebrities. The brands stand for premium materials, exclusivity, high-quality workmanship and wearing comfort as well as color and femininity. Estee Lauder Estee Lauder is a US based brand that has a large product basket which comprises of skin care, cosmetics, perfumes, and hair care products. The company has its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The fragrances of this fashion house are famous and widely used all over the world. FCUK French Connection is a UK based retail group which started in the year 1972. It is popularly known as FCUK. The brand has its stores all over the world. With time, the brand added various accessories and perfumes to its range. FCUK connect is the most well known perfume offered by the brand. Giorgio Armani Giorgio Armani is one of the most famous names in the fashion industry. Since 1975, Armani has overseen the launch of Giorgio Armani Junior, Underwear, Swimwear, Accessories and Perfumes. Capitalizing on the cachet of his more exclusive label, he opened the first of a series of stores selling his cheaper diffusion lines Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans. Giorgio Beverly Hills The journey of Giorgio Beverly Hills began in1961. The brand carries a sense of luxury and style and boosts of designing for various celebrities. The brand has maintained a synergy between fashion and fragrance. Giorgio Beverly Hills fragrances are made in association with perfumers Alain Astori, Bob Aliano, Harry Fremont, Annick Menardo, Alberto Morillas, Francoise Caron etc. Givenchy Givenchy is a well known French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetic. In the year 1952 it was founded by the designer Hubert de Givenchy. John Galliano succeeded him as designer, but he was later replaced by Alexander McQueen. The brands perfumes bring out the class smoothness associated it. Gloria Vanderbilt Gloria Vanderbilt was an American actress and a noted socialite. Her brand logo of swan has a distinctive identification. The perfume range offered as a part of the brand has lighter notes and has a universal appeal. Gloria herself contributed to getting the right smell to the products and promoted them with keen interest. Gres Gres was a French fashion house launched in Paris in 1942. Although, Gres fashion house was shut down, but its perfume division still continuous to operate out of Switzerland. Gionres has 29 perfumes in perfume indutry. Gres fragrances are made in association with perfumers Max Gavarry, Domitille Michalon, Jean-Claude Delville, Jean-Pierre Bethouart, Michel Almairac, Pierre Bourdon etc. Gucci Gucci is an Italian fashion (especially leather goods) house. It later entered into perfume market as well. Guccis products are considered as a status symbol. It offers a varied perfume range for both men women. Some of the famous Gucci fragrances include Gucci by Gucci (for both men women), Flora (for women) etc. Guerlain In 1828, Pierre-Francoise-Pascal Guerlain opened the first Guerlain boutique in Paris. The brand is known for introducing beauty and luxury to fashion and fragrance. Jean-Paul Guerlain, the successor of Pierre-Francoise-Pascal, continues to carry forward the same innovativeness and passion in all Guerlain perfumes, cosmetic and fashion products along with blending modernity into them. Guess Guess is an Amreican fashion house which offers luxury clothing line. It also offers fashion accessories like perfumes, watches etc. Guess works in association with the designers such as Barbara Zoebelein, Maurice Roucel, Claudette Belnavis, and Steve Demercado etc. This fashion house has introduced many vivacious fragrances with its self titled Guess Perfume being the most popular product. Gwen Stefani Gwen as a brand stretches beyond fashion and perfumes. It is the representation of its creator. It works in association with designer Firmenich. The first fragrance, L.A.M.B. from this brand was launched in 2003 and tasted great success. Other popular Gwen Stefani perfume is the Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties series. Hanae Mori Hanae Mori is one of the leading fashion designers in Japan. Functioning since 1951 it has grown to be a multimillion company in 1990s. This fashion house o haffers a wide range of fragrances suiting all occasions and ages. Although the brand has seen many product changes, it hasnt lost its signature style in fashion and perfumes. Hugo Boss Based in Germany, since 1923, Hugo Boss designs casual wear for men and women. The brand is also well known for its perfumery. Hugo boss is named after the founder and is a very famous fashion house, defining fashion statements for years now. Hugo Boss perfumes are liked by youth adults alike. Iceberg Iceberg is a famous sports fashion brand which started in Italy. The brand has expanded to additionally offer perfumes, watches, sunglasses etc. The earliest perfumes were introduced in 1989. Iceberg fragrances are made in association with the perfumers like Sophie Labbe, Quest, Christophe Raynaud, Nathalie, Gracia-Cetto etc. The fragrances of Iceberg sooths and suits every environment and occasion. Issey Miyake Issey Miyake is a Japanese fashion designer who was born on 22 April 1938. He is known for his technology-driven clothing designs and exhibitions. He has a great range to offer via his perfumery that matches his designing styles. The perfume by name of a scent is the most popular product offered by the brand. Jean Charles Brosseau Designer Jean Charles Brosseau started his label in 1955. He worked on the concept of ready to wear clothes. Soon his brand became one of the most loved ones. Later he had perfumes to his portfolio and kept them everyday use. Jean Charles Brosseau fragrances are made in association with perfumers Pierre Bourdon, Nathalie Lorson and Francoise Caron.   Jean Paul Gaultier Jean Paul Gaultier, born in 1952, is a famous French designer. Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances are made in association with perfumers Jacques Cavallier, Francis Kurkdjian and Aurelien Guichard. The first perfume of the Gaultier house was launched in 1993; it was the famous Jean Paul Gaultier EDP for women, whose name was subsequently changed to Classique.   Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez is a famous celebrity singer actress. She is married to Spanish singer Mark Anthony. She has a range of perfume and clothing line to her credit. The fragrances from her label as made while keeping in minds Jennnifers personality.  Glow and Still are two of the latest fragrances from her label. Jesus del Pozo Jesus Del Pozo is a Spanish fashion designer. His designs were extremely popular in the 90s and continue to enthrall the global audiences. Jesus Del Pozo fragrances are made in association with perfumers Pierre Wargnye, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, Alberto Morillas, Max Gavarry, Christophe Raynaud, Christine Nagel, Francis Kurkdjian, Vioaline David and Christopher Sheldrake.   Jilsander Heidemarie Jiline Sander (popularly known as Jil Sander) born in 1943 is German fashion designer. Her signature style that she liked to call New look gained her a lots of attention in the industry and otherwise. Her fragrances are contemporary like her and grown in number and popularity over the years. Joop! Joop is a brand rooted in Berlin, Germany. It was started by Wolfgang Joop in 1981. A variety of faces and emotions are typical characteristic of this dynamic metropolis. Contrasts, sometimes contradictory, as if belonging to different worlds, yet forming a perfect synthesis, are Joops designs. The perfume range from the brand is as dynamic as its designs. Kenzo Kenzo Takada, the man behind the brand, was born in Hemeji Japan in 1939. He studied fashion in Europe. When he launched his own label, he created a unique mix of Japanese tradition and European style. The brand also has a wide range to offer in perfumes segment. His most popular fragrance is Flower. Kylie Minogue Kylie Minoque is an Australia based musical artist with universal appeal. Her sexy and vivacious personality, along with her songs, makes her a hot favorite especially amongst men. Kylies perfume label has a variety of perfumes to offer, with each one being a reference to her personality. Lacoste Lacoste is a French brand functioning since 1933. Lacoste is a multi product brand and deals in clothes, footwear, perfume, leather goods, watches and eyewear. The products from this fashion house symbolize the latest fashion trends. Lacoste perfumes are trendy and stylish. These perfumes are available for men as well as women. Lagerfeld Karl Lagerfeld is a German fashion designer. Besides, owning the Lagerfeld brand, hes also at helm with the Fendi and Chanel. Besides, fashion, Lagerfels brand also offers Perfumes and other accessories. This fashion house is associated with the perfumers Emilie (Bevierre) Coppermann, Mark Buxton, Olivier Cresp, Firmenich, Ron Winnegrade, Chiristine Nagel etc.   Lancaster Originating out of the country of Monaco, Lancaster is a famous cosmetics brand. The parent company behind the brand is Coty. It carries the complete range of cosmetic products. The brand is well known its perfumes range as well. Fragrances of Lancaster are made with the perfumers Emilie (Bevierre) Coppermann and Francis Kurkdjian.   Lanvin Lanvin is a well known high fashion house created by Jeanne Lanvin. The design house is known for ladies outfits and his modern approach to the fashion industry. The most significant move of the brand was when it launched its perfume range in 1924. The fragrance My sin is till date considered as one of the most unique fragrances. Liz Claiborne Liz Claiborne is a fashion company working since 1976. Situated in New York, Liz Claiborne is well known for is apparels. This company is also a reputed marketer of fragrances for women and men and offers various accessories as well. Liz Claiborne Inc.s brands include Axcess, Bora Bora, Candies, Claiborne etc. Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka is a French fashion designer working with her own brand name Lolita Biz. The brand is well known for its suit designs. It has been manufacturing perfumes since the last two decades for men and women. Lolita Lempicka Forbidden Flower is one of the best selling perfumes from the brand. Mariah Carey Mariah Carey is a famous American singer and performer. She created her first fragrance M in 2007 in association with Elizabeth Arden. Working since 2007, in an association with perfumers like Olivier Gillotin, Carlos Benaim and Loc Dong she has contributed many successful fragrances to the global perfumery till date.   Mont Blanc Mont Blanc is a renowned luxury brand that offers writing instruments, perfumes, watches, jewelry etc. It is a true international brand which functions in more than 70 different countries all over the world. All Mont Blanc reflects the quality design, tradition and master craftsmanship.  Its perfume range is classy and elegant. Moschino Moschino was an italian french designer. He is most remembered for his unusual designs. He founded his own company Moonshadow in 1983 and only designed casualwear and jeans. However, he later started to make lingerie, eveningwear, shoes, menswear and perfumes.  The perfume range from Moschino carries his signature uniqueness and has found many loyalists over the period of time. Naomi Campbell Campbell was born in Streatham, London, England. She was the top British model and also starred in Michael Jacksons music videos. Since 1997, Campbell has been involved in charity work mainly focused on the children and people and also boycotted unethical treatment of animals.  Her perfume range is a part of her celebrity product linage. Nina Ricci Nina Ricci is popularly known as the Queen of fashion. Her fashion house was established in 1949 and created some globally popular clotheslines. The brands fragrances which were launched later became popular all over the world. Her most popular fragrance Nina is amongst the best selling fragrance of its time. Oscar De La Renta While living in Spain, Oscar de la Renta became interested in the world of design and began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses. In 1963, Oscar de la Renta came to New York to design the couture collection for Elizabeth Arden and later started his fashion house and his own line of perfumes.   Paco Rabanne Paco Rabanne started his own fashion house in 1966 and became famous for using quite unconventional materials such as metal, paper and plastic for his unique and modern designs. He also worked with brands like Dior, Givenchy and Balenciaga. Paco Rabanne perfumes have gained a lot of popularity in recent past. Paloma Picasso Paloma Picasso was born in Paris on April 19, 1949. She started her career as a theatrical costumer and stylist for a Paris theatre production company. Later she added jewelery perfumes to her portfolio. She seeks to represent herself through her bold and dynamic designs, which makes her designs unique. Paris Hilton Paris Hilton is a singer / performer celebrity from USA. Her first perfume suitably called Paris Hilton is described by many fans as the best one of all of Paris Hilton perfumes. Jean-Claude Delville, Mane USA, Steve Demercado, Jean-Louis Grauby, James Krivda, Honorine Blanc and Steve De Mercado are the designers associated with her brand.   Prada Born nearly a century ago, The House of Prada is recognized worldwide for its simple and elegant creations. Prada with different brand names also deal in leather products and clothing. Prada is currently one of the most famous fashion house and big brand in fashion industry, having popular perfumes, clothing line and other accessories.   Prince Matchabelli Prince Georges V. Matchabelli, an amateur chemist, started the perfume brand of Prince Matchabelli. The first three perfumes were Princess Norina, Queen of Georgia and Ave Maria. It is not only famous for its fragrances but also for the designs of its bottles. Prince Matchabelli considered as the representative of perfumes of royal times. Quiksilver Quiksilver is a brand representative of the beach and the sport of surfing, its logo carries the concept of active sports and excellence. The brand offers a range of products like clothing, accessories and perfumes. Antoine Lie and Antoine Maisondieu are the perfumers who are in association with this brand. Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren, the man behind the brand, was born in 1939 in New York. He is responsible for introduction of the concept of lifestyle living. This fashion house is a popular and mostly for its Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand.  All his products, including perfumes, are a high end sophisticated ones. Revlon Revlon is a leading brand in cosmetics, skin care, fragrance and personal care and works with a vision to provide glamour, excitement and innovation through quality products at affordable prices. To do this effectively the company emphasizes on maintaining quality standards and following the right marketing strategies.  Perfumes range by Revlon is casual and everyday wear. Roberto Cavalli Roberto Cavalli is named amongst the most revolutionary designers. He caught everybodys attention with his animal print designs. His brand offers signature perfumes as well. Olivier Polge, Olivier Cresp, Jean-Charles Niel, Nathalie Lorson, Karine Dubreuil, Mathilde Bijaoui, Alberto Morillas, Maurice Roucel and Jacques Cavallier are the perfume designers associated with this fashion house.   Rochas Launched in the year 1925, Rochas fashion house is a symbol of elegance in the modern era. The perfumes from Rochas are seductive stylish. They combine modernity with tradition. The brand has grown famous day by day and its perfumes gained popularity largely because of its signature perfume Femme.   Sarah Jessica Parker Sarah Jessica Parker is a famous celebrity, most recognized for her roles in Sex and the city television show and movies. She is passionate about her brand of perfumes and makes her contributions to all the fragrances. Some of her brands fragrances include Dawn, Endless, Twilight, Lovely etc.   Sean John Sean John label is jointly owned by Sean Combs and Ron Burkle. The brand is primarily into sales of clothing and perfumes. R a period of time, the brand has gained enormous success and critical acclaim and has promptly drafted a journey from an urban label to an international brand. Sergio Tacchini Sergio Tacchini, born in 1938, is an Italian fashion designer. He is basically a sports designer and has had sponsorship association with leading tennis players of 70s and 80s. His perfume range is also sporty and youthful. The perfumer which is associated with Sergio Tacchini fragrances is Karine Dubreuil.   Stella McCartney Stella McCartney comes from a musical royalty, but she has made her mark as a successful designer. The brand portfolio includes luxury ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, fragrances, eyewear, accessories, organic skin care range and performance range with Adidas. The nose which worked on Stella McCartney fragrances is Jacques Cavallier.   Ted Lapidus Edmond Lapidus was born in Patris, France in 1929, he designed a pleasant neckline and tiered skirt and it gave him instant popularity all over the world. Following the success of its clotheslines, the brand introduced perfumes and accessories. These new additions also got the expected success amongst the brand loyalists around the world. Thierry Mugler Thiery Mugler is a fashion designer, photographer and creator of a fashion house named after him. He designed clothes which were ready to wear spreading the Italian fashion all over the world. His perfume line is also a successful product in his portfolio. His perfumes are regarded as a status symbol.   Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Hilfiger is a well known brand in fashion industry for its unique and fresh approach. This fashion house has a signature style which it maintains all across, be it cardigans, T shirts, underwear or perfumes. It is known for offering perfume line which is for young and trendy with a touch of elegance.    Tous Tous, originally from Spain, started out as jewelry and fashion designing company. It later gre

Foreign Language Essay -- Language

Only 9% of the U.S. population is bilingual, and less than 8% of college students enroll in foreign language courses (Baron). The United States has not put enough emphasis on the importance of foreign language education. People are not aware of the price this country pays due to a lack of language professionals. Its national security and diplomacy are lagging behind. American companies are becoming less prevalent in the international economy. Americans are isolated from culture that thrives in their communities. However, the future generations can be salvaged from this weak state with foreign language education. The teaching of foreign language in American public schools will help shape a culturally-nourished nation ready to advance into international political, economic, and social affairs. The national security and diplomatic affairs in the United States has suffered and will continue to if foreign language education is not rectified and strengthened. Perhaps the most severe tragedy on American soil, 9/11, exposed the language-related weaknesses of the U.S. government and intelligence agencies. After 9/11, the intelligence community revealed that it was only 30% prepared in languages crucial to national security (Holt). Although the government, had 123,000 hours of Arabic language recordings following the attacks, there weren’t enough linguistic professionals to analyze the information (Holt). In 2006 the FBI reported that only 33 FBI employees had limited skills in Arabic (Holt). However, they weren’t even in departments in which their skills could be used towards counterterrorism (Holt). The breach in national security is widening when intelligence agencies can only offer agents with â€Å"limited† language skills. There are intel... ...gn-language-educ_b_127588.html>. Lowery, George. "Cornell Chronicle: U.S. Should Emphasize Foreign Language Education." Cornell Chronicle Online. 24 Oct. 2007. Web. 03 Jan. 2012. . Osborn, Terry A. The Future of Foreign Language Education in the United States. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey, 2002. Print. Pufahl, Ingrid, Nancy C. Rhodes, and Donna Christian. "CAL: Digests: What We Can Learn From Foreign Language Teaching In Other Countries." Center for Applied Linguistics. Sept. 2001. Web. 02 Jan. 2012. . Ramzy, Austin. "Get Ahead, Learn Mandarin - TIME." TIME World. Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 26 June 2006. Web. 02 Jan. 2012. .

Tender is the Night Book Response Essay -- Literary Analysis, Fitzgera

Fitzgerald accommodates various central themes throughout his novel Tender is the Night. In the novel we witness one of the main characters, Dick, regress from being a man of great social stature who is portrayed as an exalted person whom we idolize as a reader, to a man who loses everything and has his life decimated by the end of the novel. This constructs one of the foremost themes of the novel, Dick’s transformation over the course of time. Additionally we see many people for the duration of the novel who have thoughts of affairs, actually carry out affairs, and those who just have abounding thoughts of affection for members of the opposite sex. Rosemary acquires fondness for many different men. Dick actually has an affair with Rosemary, and Nicole has an affair with Tommy Barban. This initiates the prevalent theme of affairs throughout the novel. In addition, the way Dick epitomizes a father figure to many women in the novel is a theme as well. The central character in Tender is the Night, Dick Diver, starts out as someone whom we admire as a reader until his world falls apart in the end of the novel. Rosemary is infatuated with Dick in the beginning of the novel. Rosemary feels as if â€Å"Against his hard, neat brightness everything faded into the surety that he knew everything† (31). The characters in this novel are captivated by Dick’s mesmerizing personality; â€Å"to be included in Dick Diver’s world for a while was a remarkable experience† (27), â€Å"He won everyone quickly with an exquisite consideration and a politeness that moved so fast and intuitively that it could be examined only in its affect† (27-28). It is also expressed that â€Å"Dick’s attention seemed to paralyze† (33) McKisco while engaging in a conversation ... ... she has never had a palpable father. Dick acts as that father when they are married and provides her with the same type of affection that a father would have for his daughter. Dick’s transfiguration over time, affairs, and Dick’s embodiment of a father figure to women are all considerable themes of the novel. These themes help present to us the different aspects of this time period. Obviously during this time affairs were rampant among married individuals. Along with that we see how women of this time depended on men to some extent because of the way Dick is a father figure to many women. Furthermore, they help us see how Dick is affected by his job and we see how dealing with mental patients takes its toll on him over the course of time. Each of these distinct themes contributes to the understanding of the novel as a whole and greatly assists the reader.

The Vampire Diaries: Dark Reunion Chapter Seven

Stefan approached the corner house reluctantly, almost afraid of what he might find. He half expected that Damon would have abandoned his post by now. He'd probably been an idiot to rely on Damon in the first place. But when he reached the backyard, there was a shimmer of motion among the black walnut trees. His eyes, sharper than a human's because they were adapted for hunting, made out the darker shadow leaning against a trunk. â€Å"You took your time getting back.† â€Å"I had to see the others home safe. And I had to eat.† â€Å"Animal blood,† Damon said contemptuously, eyes fixed on a tiny round stain on Stefan's T-shirt. â€Å"Rabbit, from the smell of it. That seems appropriate somehow, doesn't it?† â€Å"Damon-I've given Bonnie and Meredith vervain too.† â€Å"A wise precaution,† Damon said distinctly, and showed his teeth. A familiar surge of irritation welled up in Stefan. Why did Damon always have to be so difficult? Talking with him was like walking between land mines. â€Å"I'll be going now,† Damon continued, swinging his jacket over one shoulder. â€Å"I've got business of my own to take care of.† He tossed a devastating grin over his shoulder. â€Å"Don't wait up.† â€Å"Damon.† Damon half turned, not looking but listening. â€Å"The last thing we need is some girl in this town screaming ‘Vampire!' † Stefan said. â€Å"Or showing the signs, either. These people have been through it before; they're not ignorant.† â€Å"I'll bear that in mind.† It was said ironically, but it was the closest thing to a promise Stefan had ever gotten from his brother in his life. â€Å"And, Damon?† â€Å"Now what?† â€Å"Thank you.† It was too much. Damon whipped around, his eyes cold and uninviting, a stranger's eyes. â€Å"Don't expect anything of me, little brother,† he said dangerously. â€Å"Because you'll be wrong every time. And don't think you can manipulate me, either. Those three humans may follow you, but I won't. I'm here for reasons of my own.† He was gone before Stefan could gather words for a reply. It wouldn't have mattered anyway. Damon never listened to anything he said. Damon never even called him by name. It was always the scornful â€Å"little brother.† And now Damon was off to prove how unreliable he was, Stefan thought. Wonderful. He'd do something particularly vicious just to show Stefan he was capable of it. It was no use. He couldn't keep his mind on the puzzle. He was tired and lonely and in desperate need of comfort. And the stark truth was that there was no comfort to be had. Elena, he thought, you lied to me. It was the one thing she'd insisted on, the one thing she'd always promised. â€Å"Whatever happens, Stefan, I'll be with you. Tell me you believe that.† And he had answered, helpless in her spell, â€Å"Oh, Elena, I believe it. Whatever happens, we'll be together.† But she had left him. Not by choice maybe, but what did that matter in the end? She had left him and gone away. There were times when all he wanted was to follow her. Think about something else, anything else, he told himself, but it was too late. Once unleashed, the images of Elena swirled around him, too painful to bear, too beautiful to push away. The first time he'd kissed her. The shock of dizzy sweetness when his mouth met hers. And after that, shock after shock, but at some deeper level. As if she were reaching down to the core of himself, a core he'd almost forgotten. Frightened, he'd felt his defenses tear away. All his secrets, all his resistance, all the tricks he used to keep other people at arm's length. Elena had ripped through them all, exposing his vulnerability. Exposing his soul. And in the end, he found that it was what he wanted. He wanted Elena to see him without defenses, without walls. He wanted her to know him for what he was. Terrifying? Yes. When she'd discovered his secret at last, when she'd found him feeding on that bird, he had cringed in shame. He was sure that she'd turn away from the blood on his mouth in horror. In disgust. But when he looked into her eyes that night, he saw understanding. Forgiveness. Love. Her love had healed him. And that was when he knew they could never be apart. Other memories surged up and Stefan held on to them, even though the pain tore into him like claws. Sensations. The feel of Elena against him, supple in his arms. The brush of her hair on his cheek, light as a moth's wing. The curve of her lips, the taste of them. The impossible midnight blue of her eyes. But Bonnie had reached Elena. Elena's spirit, her soul, was still somewhere near. Of anyone, he should be able to summon it. He had Power at his command. And he had more right than anyone to seek her. He knew how it was done. Shut your eyes. Picture the person you want to draw near. That was easy. He could see Elena, feel her, smell her. Then call them, let your longing reach out into the emptiness. Open yourself and let your need be felt. Easier still. He didn't give a damn about the danger. He gathered all his yearning, all his pain, and sent it out searching like a prayer. And felt†¦ nothing. Only void and his own loneliness. Only silence. His Power wasn't the same as Bonnie's. He couldn't reach the one thing he loved most, the one thing that mattered to him. He had never felt so alone in his life. â€Å"You want what?† Bonnie said. â€Å"Some sort of records about the history of Fell's Church. Particularly about the founders,† Stefan said. They were all sitting in Meredith's car, which was parked a discreet distance behind Vickie's house. It was dusk of the next day and they had just returned from Sue's funeral-all but Stefan. â€Å"This has something to do with Sue, doesn't it?† Meredith's dark eyes, always so level and intelligent, probed Stefan's. â€Å"You think you've solved the mystery.† â€Å"Possibly,† he admitted. He had spent the day thinking. He'd put the pain of last night behind him, and once again he was in control. Although he could not reach Elena, he could justify her faith in him-he could do what she wanted done. And there was a comfort in work, in concentration. In keeping all emotion away. He added, â€Å"I have an idea about what might have happened, but it's a long shot and I don't want to talk about it until I'm sure.† â€Å"Why?† demanded Bonnie. Such a contrast to Meredith, Stefan thought. Hair as red as fire and a spirit to go with it. That delicate heart-shaped face and fair, translucent skin were deceptive, though. Bonnie was smart and resourceful-even if she was only beginning to find that out herself. â€Å"Because if I'm wrong, an innocent person might get hurt. Look, at this point it's just an idea. But I promise if I find any evidence tonight to back it up, I'll tell you all about it.† â€Å"You could talk with Mrs. Grimesby,† Meredith suggested. â€Å"She's the town librarian, and she knows a lot about the founding of Fell's Church.† â€Å"Or there's always Honoria,† Bonnie said. â€Å"I mean, she was one of the founders.† Stefan looked at her quickly. â€Å"I thought Honoria Fell had stopped communicating with you,† he said carefully. Stefan was surprised. He didn't entirely like the idea of Elena's journal on display. But Honoria's records might be exactly what he was looking for. Honoria had not just been a wise woman; she had been well versed in the supernatural. A witch. â€Å"The library's closed by now, though,† Meredith said. â€Å"That's even better,† said Stefan. â€Å"No one will know what information we're interested in. Two of us can go down there and break in, and the other two can stay here. Meredith, if you'll come with me-â€Å" â€Å"I'd like to stay here, if you don't mind,† she said. â€Å"I'm tired,† she added in explanation, seeing his expression. â€Å"And this way I can get my watch over with and get home earlier. Why don't you and Matt go and Bonnie and I stay here?† Stefan was still looking at her. â€Å"Okay,† he said slowly. â€Å"Fine. If it's all right with Matt.† Matt shrugged. â€Å"That's it, then. It might take us a couple of hours or more. You two stay in the car with the doors locked. You should be safe enough that way.† If he was right in his suspicions, there wouldn't be any more attacks for a while-a few days at least. Bonnie and Meredith should be safe. But he couldn't help wonder what was behind Meredith's suggestion. Not simple tiredness, he was sure. â€Å"By the way, where's Damon?† Bonnie asked as he and Matt started to leave. Stefan felt his stomach muscles tighten. â€Å"I don't know.† He had been waiting for someone to ask that. He hadn't seen his brother since last night, and he had no idea what Damon might be doing. â€Å"He'll show up eventually,† he said, and closed the door on Meredith's, â€Å"That's what I'm afraid of.† He and Matt walked to the library in silence, keeping to the shadows, skirting areas of light. He couldn't afford to be seen. Stefan had come back to help Fell's Church, but he felt sure Fell's Church didn't want his help. He was a stranger again, an intruder here. They would hurt him if they caught him. The library lock was easy to pick, just a simple spring mechanism. And the journals were right where Bonnie had said they would be. Stefan forced his hand away from Elena's journal. Inside was the record of Elena's last days, in her own handwriting. If he started thinking about that now†¦ He concentrated on the leather-bound book beside it. The faded ink on the yellowing pages was hard to read, but after a few minutes his eyes got accustomed to the dense, intricate writing with its elaborate curlicues. It was the story of Honoria Fell and her husband, who with the Smallwoods and a few other families had come to this place when it was still virgin wilderness. They had faced not only the dangers of isolation and hunger but of native wildlife. Honoria told the story of their battle to survive simply and clearly, without sentimentality. With a prickling at the back of his neck, he reread the entry carefully. At last he leaned back and shut his eyes. He'd been right. There was no longer any doubt in his mind. And that meant he must also be right about what was going on in Fell's Church now. For an instant, bright sickness washed over him, and an anger that made him want to rip and tear and hurt something. Sue. Pretty Sue who had been Elena's friend had died for†¦ that. A blood ritual, an obscene initiation. It made him want to kill. But then the rage faded, replaced by a fierce determination to stop what was happening and set things right. I promise you, he whispered to Elena in his own mind. I will stop it somehow. No matter what. He looked up to find Matt looking at him. Elena's journal was in Matt's hand, closing itself over his thumb. Just then Matt's eyes looked as dark a blue as Elena's. Too dark, full of turmoil and grief and something like bitterness. â€Å"You found it,† Matt said. â€Å"And it's bad.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"It would be.† Matt pushed Elena's journal back into the case and stood. There was a ring almost of satisfaction in his voice. Like somebody who's just proved a point. â€Å"I could have saved you the trouble of coming here.† Matt surveyed the darkened library, jingling change in his pocket. A casual observer might have thought he was relaxed, but his voice betrayed him. It was raw with strain. â€Å"You just think of the worst thing you can imagine and that's always the truth,† he said. â€Å"Matt†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Sudden concern stabbed at Stefan. He'd been too preoccupied since coming back to Fell's Church to look at Matt properly. Now he realized that he'd been unforgivably stupid. Something was terribly wrong. Matt's whole body was rigid with tension lying just under the surface. And Stefan could sense the anguish, the desperation in his mind. â€Å"Matt, what is it?† he said quietly. He got up and crossed to the other boy. â€Å"Is it something I did?† â€Å"I'm fine.† â€Å"You're shaking.† It was true. Fine tremors were running through the taut muscles. â€Å"I said I'm fine!† Matt swung away from him, shoulders hunched defensively. â€Å"Anyway, what could you have done to upset me? Besides taking my girl and getting her killed, I mean?† This stab was different, it was somewhere around Stefan's heart and it went straight through. Like the blade that had killed him once upon a time. He tried to breathe around it, not trusting himself to speak. â€Å"It was the truth.† Stefan waited a moment and then added, levelly, â€Å"But it's not the whole problem, is it?† Matt didn't answer. He stared at the floor, pushing something invisible with the side of one shoe. Just when Stefan was about to give up, he turned with a question of his own. â€Å"What's the world really like?† â€Å"What's†¦ what?† â€Å"The world. You've seen a lot of it, Stefan. You've got four or five centuries on the rest of us, right? So what's the deal? I mean, is it basically the kind of place worth saving or is it essentially a pile of crap?† Stefan shut his eyes. â€Å"Oh.† â€Å"And what about people, huh, Stefan? The human race. Are we the disease or just a symptom? I mean, you take somebody like-like Elena.† Matt's voice shook briefly, but he went on. â€Å"Elena died to keep the town safe for girls like Sue. And now Sue's dead. And it's all happening again. It's never over. We can't win. So what does that tell you?† â€Å"Matt.† â€Å"What I'm really asking is, what's the point? Is there some cosmic joke I'm not getting? Or is the whole thing just one big freaking mistake? Do you understand what I'm trying to say here?† â€Å"I understand, Matt.† Stefan sat down and ran his hands through his hair. â€Å"If you'll shut up a minute, I'll try to answer you.† Matt drew up a chair and straddled it. â€Å"Great. Take your best shot.† His eyes were hard and challenging, but underneath Stefan saw the bewildered hurt that had been festering there. â€Å"I've seen a lot of evil, Matt, more than you can imagine,† Stefan said. â€Å"I've even lived it. It's always going to be a part of me, no matter how I fight it. Sometimes I think the whole human race is evil, much less my kind. And sometimes I think that enough of both our races is evil that it doesn't matter what happens to the rest. â€Å"When you get down to it, though, I don't know any more than you do. I can't tell you if there's a point or if things are ever going to turn out all right.† Stefan looked straight into Matt's eyes and spoke deliberately. â€Å"But I've got another question for you. So what?† Matt stared. â€Å"So what?† â€Å"Yeah. So what.† â€Å"Yeah, so what?† Stefan leaned forward. â€Å"So what are you going to do, Matt Honeycutt, if every bad thing you've said is true? What are you going to do personally? Are you going to stop fighting and swim with the sharks?† Matt was grasping the back of his chair. â€Å"What are you talking about?† â€Å"You can do that, you know. Damon says so all the time. You can join up with the evil side, the winning side. And nobody can really blame you, because if the universe is that way, why shouldn't you be that way too?† â€Å"Like hell!† Matt exploded. His blue eyes were searing and he had half risen from his chair. â€Å"That's Damon's way, maybe! But just because it's hopeless doesn't mean it's all right to stop fighting. Even if I knew it was hopeless, I'd still have to try. I have to try, damn it!† â€Å"I know.† Stefan settled back and smiled faintly. It was a tired smile, but it showed the kinship he felt right then with Matt. And in a moment he saw by Matt's face that Matt understood. â€Å"I know because I feel the same way,† Stefan continued. â€Å"There's no excuse for giving up just because it looks like we're going to lose. We have to try-because the other choice is to surrender.† â€Å"I'm not ready to surrender anything,† Matt said through his teeth. He looked as if he'd fought his way back to a fire inside him that had been burning all along. â€Å"Ever,† he said. â€Å"Yeah, well, ‘ever' is a long time,† Stefan said. â€Å"But for what it's worth, I'm going to try not to either. I don't know if it's possible, but I'm going to try.† â€Å"That's all anybody can do,† Matt said. Slowly, he pushed himself off the chair and stood straight. The tension was gone from his muscles, and his eyes were the clear, almost piercing blue eyes Stefan remembered. â€Å"Okay,† he said quietly. â€Å"If you found what you came for, we'd better get back to the girls.† Stefan thought, his mind switching gears. â€Å"Matt, if I'm right about what's going on, the girls should be okay for a while. But you go ahead and take over the watch from them. As long as I'm here there's something I'd like to read up on-by a guy named Gervase of Tilbury, who lived in the early 1200s.† â€Å"Even before your time, eh?† Matt said, and Stefan gave him the ghost of a smile. They stood for a moment, looking at each other. â€Å"All right. I guess I'll see you at Vickie's.† Matt turned to the door, then hesitated. Abruptly, he turned again and held out his hand. â€Å"Stefan-I'm glad you came back.† Stefan gripped it. â€Å"I'm glad to hear it† was all he said, but inside he felt a warmth that took away the stabbing pain. And some of the loneliness, too.