Taking a Look at Eating Disorders Essay - 1107 Words

No human is perfect and because of this it is no secret that there are things that humans one way or another want to change or fix about themselves. However, some take this to an extreme. When an obsession over being thin starts to rule your life, eating proportions or habits, and thoughts- you might be in the beginning stages of an eating disorder. Eating Disorders are circumstances where there are strange or peculiar eating routine where there is too much or too little food intake for the lack of benefit to the person’s mental and physical health. Linked from Anorexia are some of the most common types of eating disorders such as Bulimia, anorexia, and binging. All of these eating disorders fall back onto excessive obsessing over weight†¦show more content†¦People would also have an obsession with a restricted diet regardless of how dangerously thin they are. Commonly, people with anorexia are fixated on their body appearance and are in constant denial that they are thing and continue to feel overweight regardless of being underweight. Lastly, anorexia had many risks emotionally, mentally, and physically. Mentally and emotionally one will constantly talk themselves down due to low self as well as have difficulty expressing feelings. Physically, with anorexia, because you restrict your body from its naturally needed things that the different food groups offer, it cannot function correctly. In fact, although people with anorexia have the goal in mind to lose weight, in this circumstance the body naturally goes into a starvation mode where it slows down and stores fat to conserve some type of energy. Over time other medical complications will occur and this allows the body to become vulnerable which when not treated can lead to death. Bulimia is another well-known/heard of eating disorder where there are constant occurrences of binge eating then followed by efforts to avoid weight gain, so usually regurgitating it. With this disorder there is a constant need and eagerness to stay skinny and loose with while the need to binge eat. Although one with this disorder often feels guilt after its occurrence, they constantly give into it and continue to binge. During the event of bingeShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Eating Disorders1708 Words   |  7 Pages EATING DISORDERS Introduction: Eating disorders are conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that include excessive or insufficient food eating habits that hampers a person’s mental as well as physical health. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common types. Others are binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified. Classification: †¢ Anorexia nervosa (AN), †¢ Bulimia nervosa (BN), †¢ Eating disorders not otherwise specified †¢ Binge eating disorderRead MoreTaking a Look at Eating Disorders567 Words   |  2 PagesEating Disorders Physical exercise is inarguably healthy for the normal body functions as well as the overall good physical health. Consequently, many people take exercises to achieve the ultimate benefit of good health. However, a compulsive or compensatory need to take exercise could be an indicator of underlying problem of disordered eating habits. It pragmatic to monitor one’s exercising habits in order to increase chances of early detection of any underlying disordered eating habits. TraditionallyRead MoreEating Disorders Are A Worldwide Problem1676 Words   |  7 Pages Are Eating Disorders are a worldwide problem? There are 3 types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, the fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, Bulimia Nervosa, the act of binge eating then purging or vomiting, and Binge Eating Disorder, eating until uncomfortably full in one sitting. The most common ones are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Even though they have become more common in the 20th century, the first cases of eating disorders were in the Western world and dated from the 12thRead MoreEssay on Health of the Female Population Endangered by Media1008 Words   |  5 Pageswomen and the way that they think about themselves and how they should look. This portrayal of unattainable beauty has effect women and young adolescent girls the most. The number one wish for girls ages 11 to 17 is to be thinner, and girls as young as five have expressed fears of getting fat (Tiggemann, 1996) . The medias usage of ultra thin and beautiful models are leading to eating disorders and depression and other mental disorders in women. Robin Gerber who is a motivational speaker and author saysRead MoreAnorexia has many negative effects as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centers1700 Words   |  7 PagesAnorexia has many negative effects as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centers article Eating Disorders, â€Å"Anorexia nervosa can increase the risk for serious health problems such as: hormonal changes including reproductive, thyroid, stress, and growth hormones, heart problems such as abnormal heart rhythm, electrolyte imbalance, fertility problems, bone density loss, anemia, and neurological problems.† Anorexia can severely affect a person internally. The continuous lack of nutrientsRead MoreAnorexia Bulimia: Why Are American Teens Starving Themselves?1533 Words   |  7 Pagesstarts taking image to the extreme and starts ha rming themselves by starving themselves. More and more teenagers are becoming anorexic and bulimic and it is not only affecting girls but boys are starting to come out and say they have an eating disorder. Anorexia and bulimia is a disorder that can not be taken lightly and needs to have more focus and the dangers to be taught to youth. Anorexia and bulimia sometimes are thought of as the same, they are not. Anorexia is an eating disorder, markedRead MoreEating Disorders and the Media941 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, â€Å"the body type portrayed in advertising as the ideals is possessed naturally by only 5% of American females.† (â€Å"ANAD†) Body image has been a controversial theme because of the influence of the media. It is a widely known fact that eating disorder cases are on the rise. The concept of body image is a subjective matter. The common phrase, â€Å"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,† holds true meaning in this sense. One’sRead MoreThe Problem Of Teenage Girls1343 Words   |  6 Pagesastronomically high. Females this young should not have to worry about things as superficial as looks at this age. Teenage years are supposed to be the best years of a person’s life and time should not b e wasted on worrying about body image. The pressure imposed on teenage females to adhere to a fictional standard of beauty has many negative consequences including: eating disorders, low self-esteem, and mental disorders. Teenage girls are targeted by the media the most. Ads showing thin, successful womenRead MoreExcessive Weight Loss Teenage Girls898 Words   |  4 PagesShe desires beauty, but does not look like â€Å"them† therefore she is not beautiful. She fits into her clothes, but the sizes do not fit the standard. She passes up the toast for breakfast, the hamburger for lunch and the Chinese takeout for dinner. She sweats daily so that someday she will not have to sweat it at all. She looks at the scale unsatisfied knowing twenty pounds is not enough. She, along with millions of teenage girls feel pressured to build or maintain the perfect body. Thoughts on howRead MoreEssay on The Unrealistic Concepts of Female Beauty858 Words   |  4 Pagesof perfection. What girl would not want to look like them? Unfortunately, a number of girls want to be just like them. Every year, millions of people are hurting themselves trying to be carbon copies of these sex symbols. The media presents socie ty with unrealistic body types promoting people, especially women, to look like them. In this day and age there have been an increasingly high rate of eating disorders. The trend of turning to these eating disorders to maintain that perfect, â€Å"accepted† body

The Aesthetic Qualities Of A Musical Selection From Space...

Introduction From a young age, I’ve had a great interest in all sorts of music. I appreciate and enjoy listening to classical, opera, rap, hip-hop, country, contemporary and Mexican music. When I signed up for Music Appreciation, I was excited to learn more about the history of music and the instruments used. I wanted to learn what to listen for and how to understand the different types of music. There are many styles of music from different eras. After taking notes on a variety of listening exercises from different eras, I understand what composers were trying to accomplish with their music. I will discuss an influential composer and his musical time period, along with events that helped shape his career. I will also cover a musical period that I believe to be most important to music history. I would also like to discuss how this course has influenced the way I listen and hear music. Lastly, I will analyze the aesthetic qualities of a musical selection from Space Odyssey: 200 1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart A prolific artist, Austrian composer Wolfgang Mozart created a string of operas, concertos, symphonies, masses and sonatas that profoundly shaped classical music. Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg Austria, to Leopold and Maria Perti Mozart. His father was a successful composer, violinist, and assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg court. His mother was born to a middle class family of local community leaders. At an earlier age, they introduced music to MozartShow MoreRelatedProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pagesbaseline schedule (1.3.5) [8.1.3] 6.5.2.3 Critical chain method Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Reducing Project Duration Leadership Chapter 2 Organization Strategy and Project Selection 1.4 Projects and programs (.2) 1.4.1 Managing the portfolio 1.4.3 Strategy and projects 2.3 Stakeholders and review boards 12.1 RFP’s and vendor selection (.3.4.5) 11.2.2.6 SWAT analysis 6.5.2.7 Schedule compression 9.4.2.5 Leadership skills G.1 Project leadership 10.1 Stakeholder management Chapter 11 Teams ChapterRead MoreMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 PagesConsolidating the DirecTV acquisition C A S E S E V E N Shanghai Volkswagen: Implementing project management in the electrical engineering division C A S E E I G H T Television New Zealand: Balancing between commercial and social objectives C A S E N I N E From greenï ¬ eld to graduates: University of the Sunshine Coast C A S E T E N Whole Foods Market, 2005: Will there be enough organic food to satisfy the C A S E E L E V E N growing demand? Wal-Mart Stores Inc.: Dominating global retailing C A S E T W E L

Hira Free Essays

Title: Music Assignment Name: Shaila Sharmin ID: 1221771 Course ID: MUS 101 Course Instractor: Nazir Ahmed Section: 01 Date: 14. 03. 2013 Music is very important part for a human being. We will write a custom essay sample on Hira or any similar topic only for you Order Now It refresh humans mind. After hard working all day people want to be relax. For such kind of relaxation music is the best way. Now I want to tell you about music and why it is important to study music; such as how music establish, where from it, why music becomes very popular to people over the world and what types of instruments are need to play a beautiful music and also the types of music. Music is found in every known culture, past and present. Varing widely between times and places since all people of the world, including the most isolated tribal groups have a form of music. Dictionaries and encyclopedias define music as â€Å"an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner. † It is also defined as â€Å"any pleasing and harmonious sound† and â€Å"the sounds produced by singers or musical instruments. † Early Music: The history of music is very interesting. At first Bengali language is come from kolmunda showtal. Bangle means Shanskrit or Indo European language. Bengali music was found in early period of time 9 to 18th century A. D. Then it spread out over the world. Language——–Charya Geeti—Composer -Musical tone—Geeta Govinda—Expression its Aesthetics -Expression —-Perception -Religion Charya song is the earliest song in Bengle. Shidha Charya was the first Bangla music composed by a Buddist. Joy dev was the founder of Geeta Govinda. Geeta Govinda is the dhrupod type melody. It has different types of expressions. Such as rag-ragini. Joydev divided 24 songs in 12 kantos. After Geeta Govinda Bodu Chandidas was founded by Sree krisno kirton. Pandit Hara Prasad sastre invented more than 49 to 50 composer,they called liquipa. These composer was related to Dhanjog, Karmajog ganjog. Medieval Music Time line: In the middle age people believe in religious among the Bengali people, Hindu religious and Buddist religious. Southern and Northern musical instruments were found in the middle age. Music during the middle ages is characterized by the beginning of musical notation as well as polyphony. During this time ,there were two general types of music styles, the monophonic and the polyphonic. During this period, there were several composers and musicians who largly contributed to how music evolved. 20th century Music: Music during the 20th century bought about many innovations on how music was performed and appreciated. Artists were more willingly to experiment on new music forms and used technology to enhance their compositions. Types of Music: Music is an art form that uses sound as medium in time and space. The basic elements of music, rhythm, dynamics and sound properties are color and intensity. Music through history had tried to define a number of theorists, philosophers, composers and musicians themselves. The very word music derives from the Greek word mousike, which is derived from the word mouse, and   people around the world know that as a Latin form of the word music. Music and sound can make human voice or instrument which can cause emotional experience. Music reaches far into the past and during this time they develop different styles and genres of music, which is still listening. All styles and genres of music, one thing is common, and that is to make people happy. Today, music has increasingly spreading and people can’t live without music. On this website you can find out what music actually is, its history and its styles and genres. There a lot of different types of music from all over the world. The best-known types of music are: 1. Bengali music 2. Classical music 3. Folk music 4. Indian music a) Southern system b) Northern system 5. Rock music 6. Western music 7. Latin music 8. Country music 9. Jazz music 10. Pop music 11. Metal music 12. Electronic music 13. R B music and so on. Instruments of Music: A  musical instrument  is a device created or adapted to musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces  sound  can be a musical instrument, it is through purpose that the object becomes a musical instrument. The history of musical instruments dates back to the beginnings of human culture. The purpose of early musical instruments was ritual. Cultures later developed the processes of composing and performing  melodies  for entertainment. Musical instruments evolved in step with changing applications. The date and origin of the first device considered a musical instrument is disputed. However, most historians believe that determining a specific time of musical instrument invention is impossible due to the subjectivity of the definition and the relative instability of materials that were used in their construction. Many early musical instruments were made from animal skins, bone, wood, and other non-durable materials. Musical instruments developed independently in many populated regions of the world The classification of musical instruments is a discipline in its own right, and many systems of classification have been used over the years. One may classify musical instruments by their effective range or their material composition; There are different types of instruments used in music. These are: 1. Flute 2. Keyboard 3. Tabla 4. Harmony 5. Piano 6. Guitar 7. Setara 8. Bina 9. Tuba 10. Trumpet and so on. Prestigious person in music life: In the early music some person put a significance on music . Rabindranath Tagore was such kind of person. He (1861-1941) was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, which was a new religious sect in nineteenth-century Bengal and which attempted a revival of the ultimate monistic basis of Hinduism as laid down in the Upanishads.. He was educated at home; and although at seventeen he was sent to England for formal schooling, he did not finish his studies there. He converted his Bengali poet into English. Though he was not so good in English language but he did it for his own satisfaction. About the weakness of his English he told his sister-in-law that he had no knowledge about English. In his mature years, in addition to his many-sided literary activities, he managed the family estates, a project which brought him into close touch with common humanity and increased his interest in social reforms. He also started an experimental school at Shantiniketan where he tried his Upanishadic ideals of education. From time to time he participated in the Indian nationalist movement, though in his own non-sentimental and visionary way; and Gandhi, the political father of modern India, was his devoted friend. Tagore was knighted by the ruling British Government in 1915, but within a few years he resigned the honour as a protest against British policies in India. Tagore had early success as a writer in his native Bengal. With his translations of some of his poems he became rapidly known in the West. In fact his fame attained a luminous height, taking him across continents on lecture tours and tours of friendship. For the world he became the voice of India’s spiritual heritage; and for India, especially for Bengal, he became a great living institution. Although Tagore wrote successfully in all literary genres, he was first of all a poet. Among his fifty and odd volumes of poetry are  Manasi  (1890) [The Ideal One],  Sonar Tari  (1894) (The Golden Boat),  Gitanjali  (1910) (Song Offerings),  Gitimalya  (1914) [Wreath of Songs], and Balaka  (1916) (The Flight of Cranes). The English renderings of his poetry, which include  The Gardener  (1913),  Fruit-Gathering  (1916), and  The Fugitive  (1921), do not generally correspond to particular volumes in the original Bengali; and in spite of its title,  Gitanjali: Song Offerings(1912), the most acclaimed of them, contains poems from other works besides its namesake. He won the Nobel prize on his creativity (Gitanjali) at 1913. His life style was so simple. He wrote different types of poets, so many songs, drama etc. The Bengali nation is proud for him for such creativity. The importance of music: Music participation provides a unique opportunity for literacy preparation. Whether the children are singing, playing, or listening, teachers direct them to listen and hear in new ways which exercises their aural discrimination. Playing instruments and adding movement to the lessons teaches children about sequential learning which is essential in reading comprehension. Music is academic. For some people, this is the primary reason for providing music lessons to their children. A recent study from the University of California found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Second graders who were given music lessons scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children who received no special instruction. Research indicates that musical training permanently wires a young mind for enhanced performance. Music is physical. Music can be described as a sport. Learning to sing and keep rhythm develops coordination. The air and wind power necessary to blow a flute, trumpet or saxophone promotes a healthy body. Music is emotional. Music is an art form. We are emotional beings and every child requires an artistic outlet. Music may be your child’s vehicle of expression. Music is for life. Most people can’t play soccer, or football at 70 or 80 years of age but they can sing. And they can play piano or some other instrument. Music is a gift you can give your child that will last their entire lives. Every person should take the course of music appreciation. Because it helps people to gain their knowledge and also people can relax from mental or other types of distress   Recent research has found that music uses both sides of the brain, a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development. Music affects the growth of a child’s brain academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.. So people have to know about music. How to cite Hira, Essay examples

Is the Monster good or evil Essay Example For Students

Is the Monster good or evil? Essay Mary Shelley started to write Frankenstein in 1816 when the idea to write it came to mind when her husband Lord Byron, Polidori and herself were reading ghost stories on a rainy day, Lord Byron, was the one who said We will each write a story. They all thought of one except Mary. She wanted to make one which would dread the reader to look round, and to curdle the blood and quicken the beatings of the heart. She was asked and asked if shed thought of a story, but the answer was always negative. When Shelley went to bed one night she had a terrible nightmare of a Pale student and a Hideous phantasm and saw someone working on something with Signs of life. This nightmare gave her a story, one that would make the readers blood curdle, it started with the words It started on a dreary night of November and became Frankenstein. A modern readers expectations of a horror story are; that they have to be gruesome, twistful and has to have monsters, strange characters, blood, and of course a storyline. The modern expectations of a monster are that they have to be strong, ugly, dead, gory, evil, and huge. But the monster in Frankenstein is different to these expectations because the monster in the story is capable of feeling human emotions, it has the potential to be good and help people, it can also speak, feel, read, and fend for itself. It wants acceptance, love and companionship. The main plot of Frankenstein is that Victor Frankenstein creates a monster with dead corpses body parts and electricity and then he abandons it. The monster seeks revenge by killing Victors Dad, Elizabeth, Henry Clerval, and frames Justine for the killing of young Willy, which results in her death as well. It ends with the death of both Victor and the Monster. In the 1700s scientific progresses were Concerned with using electricity to make things move. In 1802 Galvani wanted to use electricity to make a frogs legs move. And also in 1803 Aldini attached a battery to a corpse of a criminal and the body began to move and twitch and an eye opened along with the legs, which set in motion. Now we are in the 21st century we can do more with science than in the 1700s, We can transplant hearts, livers, kidneys and lungs; pigs valves can be put into human hearts. Moreover you can have plastic or steel hips and shoulders, skin can also be grown in laboratories, there is now artificial blood and limbs can be amputated, cut of, sewn on, and you can even have a new leg that is mechanical. If a twenty-first century person read Frankenstein they might think its a Murder story not a horror story because in our modern days society we get much more scarier films and books with more imaginative creatures in it. But if someone from the same era as the book read it they would find it fascinating, intriguing and horrific because they were uneducated about the possibilities of electricity and scientific progresses. The book begins with Robert Walton writing a letter to his sister. The letter describes the first time he sees the monster. He uses the words Strange sight which gives me the impression that he thought what he saw was strange and different and that he has never seen anything quite like it. Also Walton describes the monster as a gigantic stature which tells me that the monster is an abnormal size and that its huge and from there tells me that its powerful, and muscular. A savage inhabitant, is what Robert writes to his sister, which gives the impression that the monster is uncivilised, wild and animal like. In chapter five when the monster first come to being, Victor Frankenstein describes him as having yellow skin which makes a picture in my head that he is disgusting and dead-which he is I think this because well yellow skin is dead skin. .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 , .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .postImageUrl , .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 , .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:hover , .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:visited , .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:active { border:0!important; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:active , .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10 .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3be6066076115f239a74ba759b1c5d10:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Dramatic irony, pathetic fallacy and humour EssayAlso the book says the monster is like a Demoniacal corpse, which makes me, think he is evil, demon like, ugly and hideous I think this because demoniacal is demon like, and demons are known to be described as this. Finally Victor describes it as A miserable wretched monster which says to me that the thing is, sad, evil and distraught. My opinion of the monster is that it is very ugly from what the book says and very different. When Frankenstein meets the monster on the mountain the monster is described as a Man advancing towards me with superhuman speed. This makes the monster seem supernatural, strong, fast and superhuman and therefore dangerous. Also the monster is described as Its unearthly ugliness rendered it too horrible for human eyes- which shows that the monster is too ugly for him to look at. The monster is made to seem evil by the way Victor refers to him as an evil being. He implies this by saying that the monster is a devil; the quote make the monster seen evil because devils are always seemed to be evil creatures. There are things that the monster said to Victor to stop him killing him, they are How dare you sport thus with life? , do your duty towards me. I think this means that the monster is trying to make a point that Victor shouldnt play with life he cant kill him at his disposal he has no right and he isnt God. The monster then says Victor has a duty like a father. Further more the monster describes his situation, he says, everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. What I think the monster is saying is that he is excluded from love, care, joy, and happiness. Frankensteins response to this is Be gone I will not hear you. The monster at this point appears honest and willing to be good because he says I was benevolent and good: misery made me a fiend. Make me happy and again I will be virtuous. This is a contrast to how Victor portrays him as he isnt totally evil. When the monster ran away he ran to the forest and found shelter, where he slept. He wakes in the night and cries because he is alone. The monsters eyes catch the moon and it enchants him. Gradually after days and nights in the forest he starts to distinguish between his senses. He discovers the law of fire and cooks his food. He finds and enters a hut but the owner runs away and the monster eats his dinner. The monster has a love for nature and in real nature his love is the moon and stars they enchant him. But then he has a love for the nature of love, happiness, and family, as he watches one, one in a cottage. From this family he discovers language and learns their thoughts and feelings and understands what the family is saying.

John Riekers Film, La Ciudad free essay sample

Film review of the Spanish film, La Ciudad (The City). This is a short, yet in-depth account of the John Rieker film, La Ciudad. The author takes you through the film as if you yourself were watching it. The author takes a personal look at the film and offers personal, subjective opinions. La Ciudad (which means The City) is a movie set in the mid to late 1990s. It was directed by John Rieker, and is in black and white. In La Ciudad, the audience is shown four examples of how Spanish-speaking immigrants are mistreated and abused in the United States. The film is geared towards the American audience, however all but a very small portion of the dialogue is in Spanish, with English subtitles. This method is effective because it puts you directly into the environment of the immigrants, and helps you understand the significance of the language barrier between the two cultures, and make you feel as if you are truly witnessing the events that take place. We will write a custom essay sample on John Riekers Film, La Ciudad or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Oliver Twist Essay Example

Oliver Twist Essay Example Oliver Twist Paper Oliver Twist Paper Essay Topic: Oliver Twist Oliver Twist is a prose fiction written by Charles Dickens. It is a story written in the nineteenth century. It is a story about a flump boy who lost his parents in the early age. In his bid for several he meets a lot of people some with negative impact on his life and some with positive impact on his life. It is my intention in this essay to discuss four characters (two with positive effect and two with negative effect on Oliver Twists life) I will write about the first character who is Fagin. What does he affect Olivers life? Fagin made to Oliver an old mattress so he could sleep in it. He gave him a meal to eat and to make Oliver love him or to make him his friend. How he affects Oliver? Fagin tries to make Oliver like him at the first time the met and to seen kind to Oliver, so now we know his first point and the second point to make Oliver one of his boys but as we know that he failed a achieve his aim. Because Oliver knew that Fagin is a thief. Oliver discovered that when he send him to sell the books and a old gentleman came to see what he have in or even to buy a book. Mr. Bumble, on hearing this story then relayed it to the gentleman in the white waistcoat. (Noah) was been all but murdered sir-by young Twist.. he has likewise attempted, sir, to murder the female servant.. and his missus.. and his master, too, I think you said, Noah? Noah replied that Mr. Sowerberry was out, but if he hadnt have been then Oliver would have tried to murder him as well. Once again, the story was wholly elaborated upon, portraying Oliver as a mass murderer. It is comical how such stories can be concocted, but sad when the reality is that all such people in the same position as Oliver will now suffer. Mr. Sowerberry beat Oliver upon his return. He later run away and was befriended by the Artful Dodger (real name Jack Dawkins). He was then led to London and Fagin, a leader of a gang of pickpockets. Fagin lives off of a small side alley, in what can only be described as a furnished squat. A few beds, shelves and cupboards decorated the rooms but the main abundance within the rooms were handkerchiefs. Although Oliver did not know it, they were all stolen. Fagin also had a collection of jewellery which Oliver saw one morning, but Fagin dismissed it as his worldly possessions. This was home to Fagin and his gang of pickpockets, which were boys, some not much older than Oliver. They had all be trained to work for Fagin and, judging by the resulting rewards, were very good at what they did. Instead of being homeless, starving and eventually dying the boys had dived into a world of crime to stay alive and provide a warm home for themselves. For such children, and that is what they all still were, it shows great poverty and deprivation. Oliver was taken out with Jack Dawkins and Charley Bates to learn his new found trade, although they were foiled and Oliver got caught, although his innocence in the act was later proved. The man that had been robbed, Mr. Brownlow, took pity upon Oliver and took him in to look after him as Oliver had fallen ill. The illness was probably the result of the long journey to London, which he had undergone on foot. In contrast to his previous experiences, Oliver was well looked after, fed and cared for. He lay in bed for a few days, being nursed on and checked and fed regularly. All this, against what would most probably have been the case of neglection at the workhouse and death quickly afterwards. In summary, because of his background and situation, Oliver was taken advantage of time and time again. It seems that children were shown no mercy and used for financial and personal gain. Mrs. Mann, the Board and Fagin all tried to use Oliver to increase their own quality of life and boost their financial income. This shows how cruel and ruthless situations were and the social deprivation that Oliver was forced through, like so many other orphans. Conditions were harsh for those at the bottom end of the social ladder and Dickens illustrates this well throughout the novel, as well as offering a contrast to these conditions with the rich Mr. Brownlow and his kind and generous personality. Along the way, he was the only person that showed trust of any kind towards Oliver and offered him a chance to repay that trust, which eventually he did.

Human resource Management outline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human resource Management outline - Essay Example A majority of organizations would do exceedingly well if they integrated an efficient human resource management policies and practices. The latter would enable them to address the challenges faced by the professionals in the field and their daily routines. Also, it is a step in countering the goals set by the organization. However, this is not the case since not all the organizations value the role that the human resource management would play and the benefits that come with its acceptance into the business. The research will focus on how human resource management can aid in developing competitive advantage, particularly when aligned with a firm’s competitive tactic. I will further contest how Human Resource Management policies influence employees’ skills and motivations by contrasting two different companies and providing analytical examples to exemplify the various standings (Mazurek, 2015). The research will also seek to illustrate contradictory statements and why HRM policies fail by providing summaries to demonstrate each effect. The terms used at present in this paper include HRM referring to Human Resource Management The efficiency of a firm depends significantly on the abilities of employees to work on a common goal and the efficient utilization of resources. These measures cannot get achieved without developing a Human Resource department that needs to develop and identify the best human resource policies (Armstrong, 1999). The recruitment and facilitation of employee skills require a dedicated and well equipped HRM department. However, the success of the human resource department depends on the dedication of all stakeholders and without these the policies are bound to fail. Attaining objectives and the firm’s mission statement requires the cooperation and coordination of HRM policies with the top management. Through these

Research Paper on Paul Robeson Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

On Paul Robeson - Research Paper Example Paul had three brothers and one sister and during their childhood life, they faced many problems since his father lost his job due to racial conflict and three years later, his mother died in a fire tragedy at home. In his high school life, Paul participated in many activities such as basketball, football and singing and he dominated very well in all the disciplines. Boyle and Bunie (45-77) said that, after graduating from high school, Paul won a scholarship to join Rutgers University between 1915 and 1919 and became the third African- American students in the history of Rutgers University. In the campus, Paul joined various clubs among them being debate club, a university football club and other athletic clubs where he balanced his activities excellently. He scooped an awarded as the best footballer of the year and he had a great talent in singing whereby he went to perform on and off the campus. At the height of his performance on the campus, Paul’s father felt very ill and Robeson had no option but to take the full responsibility of his father who soon succumbed to illness. When he finished campus, he won awards in athletics and academics and his classmates greatly exhorted him and vowed to fight equality of all Americans. Boyle and Bunie (78-101) claimed that, Robeson then joined New York university school of law but shortly transferred to Columbia school of law in 1920 and joined national football league. Paul dated Eslanda Goode and after courting for one year, they got married and at this time, he had already started acting. He started singing while in the campus and after 1922 he ended his football career and decided to continue with his music career. After a few months, Paul graduated as a lawyer and he exercised his career as an advocate for a few months and quitted due to excessive racism in the field. Robeson decided to take a role in acting where he participated in various theatre acting and during this time, his wife Essie supported him in various social functions. He acted in theaters such as The Emperor Jones and in All God’s Chillum Got Wings and the success of acting landed him into an elite circle and finally rose to fame after a great assistance from his wife. Later his wife quitted her job and became an agent of Paul her she steered him to act in the films and he participated in movies such as body and soul. Paul ventured into music and in collaboration with a very famous gospel singer and attended concerts. After some time, Paul went to London to act in the films and singing and at this time, he participated in several films among them being Show Boat and Song of Freedom (Boyle and Bunie 102-105). He became politically involved when he struggled against fascism from 1937 to 1939 during the Spanish civil war. After Second World War, Robeson returned to America where he acted as an entertainer in a radio station. After execution of four Negros, Paul Robeson urged the president of America to stop legislati on of this law of lynching and this was his turning point to the political arena (Boyle and Bunie 379-401). After 1950, the American government cancelled Robeson’s passports, it also denied him to attend televisions shows and a

The Social Impact of Gansta Rap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Social Impact of Gansta Rap - Essay Example Compounding these negative opinions of rap music were the highly publicized incidents between gangsta rappers and law enforcement. Many gangsta rappers have been caught up in the imagery and the bravado of their lyrics as the distinction between art and life are often blurred. One rapper turned actor, whose career and life exemplified this tension was Tupac Shakur". (Article Exertp) Additionally, "The blend of black influences, and wild response by the younger set made rock and roll appalling and threatening to the older generation. Attempts to control the influence of rock often turned comical; after several previous television appearances became controversial, Elvis Presley was famously shown from the waist up (to avoid offending viewers with his suggestive hip swivels) on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956. Hollywood was quick to capitalize on the trend, turning out a series of rock-and-roll themed exploitation films designed to thrill teenagers and horrify adults". (Rock and Rebellion) References Article

Factors That Influence Poverty

Factors That Influence Poverty The literature examined throughout this paper assumes that there are many contributing factors that can lead to poverty in the United States of America. The factors include but are not limited to increased immigration rates, the lack of education, illicit drug use, and family composition (i.e. single parent homes). Additionally the literature presented demonstrates the relevance of the previously mentioned areas while highlighting specific examples. In conducting research on this particular issue many scholars shared contradicting views on what truly influences poverty in the U.S. This may be contributed to the many factors including the areas in which the research was conducted and varying backgrounds. Thus my research question is What critical components contribute to the rising poverty levels in America? In answering this scrupulous question I will focus on factors including immigration, level of education and family composition. Poverty is an issue that affects us all because res earch indicates that increased poverty levels are proportional to increased crime rates, number of students that drop out of school, and lack of job opportunities. Uncovering the critical components that contribute to the rising poverty levels in American will allow individuals to find solutions to this growing issue. Abstract Introduction Many individuals believe that poverty is only found in third world countries, but contrary to popular belief it exists in wealthy countries as well. Poverty occurs when individuals are unable to satisfy their basic needs, which leads to a depravation of food, shelter, money, and clothing. Scholars suggest that factors including increased immigration rates, illicit drug use, varying levels of education and family composition play a major role in the rising levels of poverty in America. Poverty is an issue that affects us all, research indicates that increased poverty levels are proportional to increased crime rates, number of students that drop out of school, and lack of job opportunities. Likewise increased levels of poverty also tend to have a negative effect on our communities. For example rising poverty levels forces property rates decrease. Furthermore, the issues surrounding poverty are a great concern to many individuals living in the land of prosperity, because there are a lar ge percentage of individuals that are living below the nations current poverty line. This is a very troubling fact, thus my research question is; what critical components contribute to the increase levels of poverty in America? In looking at potential causes of poverty, one can begin to formulate solutions that would ultimately help decrease the national poverty rate. Through examining various data, the previously mentioned research question would shed light on what factors truly contribute to poverty in the United States. To conduct my research I will visit certain cities that have high poverty rates. While in those cities I will stay in low income housing, also referred to as section eight, and intermingle with the residents. By staying in community with those that are affected by poverty I will be able to interact with many of them on a personal level through participant observation. Researching the many components of poverty is important, because we are products of our community , as a result we should know what negatively affects it so that we build on improvements. Literature Review People living in poverty tend to be in clustered neighborhoods rather than being evenly distributed across a geographic area.  [1]  Alemayehu Bishaw suggests that measuring this concentration of poverty is important, because researchers have found that living in areas with many other poor people places burdens on low-income families beyond what the families own individual circumstances would dictate. This article, using a combination of statistical data shows the distribution of individuals living in poverty based on level of education, race/ethnicity, living environment, and marital status. This report deeply analyzes demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of census tracts, to determine what truly influences poverty. The persistence of poverty and economic inequality around the world has led many economists to question the model of an individuals self-determination when it comes to living in poverty.  [2]  In Poverty Traps authors Samuel Bowels, Steven Durlauf, and Karla Hoff, propose that there are many conditions that may trap individuals, groups, and entire economies in poverty. In using history and theories Bowels, Durlauf, and Hoff suggest that those born into poverty have it in their power to get out of poverty. This book argues that there are many conditions that can influence poverty such; as an individuals level of education, and ones living and socioeconomic environment. The authors propose that poverty informs much political debate while making a correlation between social and political institutions, beginning with corruption and not limited to social customs such as kin systems. Throughout the 21st/ century, poverty advocates and activists continuously propose that political mobilization is an effective mechanism to combat poverty in many western democracies, specifically the United States.  [3]  The Politics of Poverty: Left Political Institutions, the Welfare State and Poverty, investigates the impact of left political institution on a nations amount of poverty. Brady argues that, given the longstanding contention that left political institutions reduce social inequality, it is plausible that left mobilization potentially could contribute to poverty reduction. Through various research methods, it is suggested that the strength of left political systems has a significant and powerfully negative impact on poverty. While welfare remains a crucial determinant of poverty, left political institutions are crucial to the explanations of poverty from a historical viewpoint A question often asked is Can the wealthiest nation in the world do nothing to combat the steadily rising numbers of Americans living in poverty, or the millions close to living in poverty?  [4]  Poverty in America, using various methods examines and explains why poverty is growing, while illustrating steps that can be taken to prevent it. John Edwards, Marion Crain, and Arne Kalleberg Edwards, Crain, and Kalleberg recognize that in order to eliminate an issue, one must first, figure out what is causing the issue. In doing this, the authors give an adequate definition of poverty and many of the factors that contribute to the rising poverty levels. Additionally, Poverty in America discusses the repercussions that rising poverty levels are having on various ethnic groups. In conducting research, the authors uncovered that there is a disproportionate number of African-Americans and Hispanic families living below the poverty line. They propose that this is due to wealth inequalities and the growing income gap between the rich and the poor. In the United States, with the exception of those on Social Security, the only way for most individuals to avoid poverty is to work.  [5]  Ron Haskins the author of Combating Poverty: Understanding New Challenges for Families, using empirical data and research methods provides various poverty trends over the course of history. By doing such, Haskins suggests that the conditions within the United States virtually ensure high poverty rates because of the factors that influence poverty. Those factors including the declining of work rates, stagnant wages, family composition, inferior education, and the increase number of immigrants. Haskins suggests that the conditions in the U.S. ensure high poverty rates because the factors that influence poverty remain very strong. Furthermore, Haskins deeply analyzes each individual cause and sheds light on them through data, charts and graphs. Over the course of history the United States has experienced a rising standard of living, with the Gross Domestic Product per capita on a constant rise.  [6]  Hilary Hoynes, Marianne Page, and Ann Stevens, using exploratory research methods examines the trends in individual poverty rates. Poverty in America: Trends and Explanations examines the rise and fall of various social economic groups that are in poverty. Likewise, this source takes into account many of the components that are used when measuring the various levels and causes of poverty such as levels of education, overpopulation and job opportunities. Throughout this text the authors present charts and graphs to show the change in data over a certain period of time. Hoynes, Page, and Stevens provide a fundamental contribution to understanding poverty as a whole. What does it mean to be poor? This is a questioned posed be John Iceland in Poverty in America: A Handbook. While most people would be hard-pressed to give a precise answer, many feel that poverty is easily recognized when one sees it.  [7]  For example, a news story accompanied with images of malnourished children in an areas surrounded by filth can vividly display poverty. Iceland suggests that as one moves away from the obvious examples, it becomes more difficult to distinguish what people mean when using the word poor. In using a concise, accessible format the author produces an inclusive picture of the state of poverty in America. Additionally, Poverty in America: A Handbook shows how poverty has changed significantly over time. Likewise, Iceland adequately shows how poverty is both measured and understood, and how public policies have wrestled with poverty as a political issue, and an economic reality. Furthermore, in looking at conventional theories, Iceland asks the tough questions like: Is poverty unavoidable, and Are people more likely to live in poverty based on their race, class, and/or gender? There are many competing theories about the causes of poverty in the United States with a great deal of empirical evidence to justify support for each.  [8]  The Cause of Poverty Cultural vs. Structural, suggests that there are many different factors that contribute to poverty, while arguing that poverty is largely the result of social and behavioral deficiencies in individuals that make them less economically viable within a conservative society. Gregory Jordan proposes that the debate is divided among theorist and policymakers on whether the causes of poverty are cultural and behavioral or structural and economic. This article briefly examines the theoretical arguments behind both, while providing an analysis to determine the empirical relevancy of each. Additionally, this debate is popular across political party lines with republicans supporting the cultural and behavioral side and democrats leaning more toward the structural and economic causes. To a majority of Americans, illicit drug use and poverty go hand in hand.  [9]  Robert Kaesnter suggests that poverty is concentrated in inner-city neighborhoods that are often times known for high rates of drug use. Similarly, the homeless population primarily found in cities consists of a proportion of drug users. Kaestner argues that the public has a significant amount of evidence that links drug use to poverty. Using empirical data researchers are able to propose that drug use, although not the only factor, can lead to poverty. Likewise based on societys willingness to pay for and support antidrug programs, it appears that there is a widespread belief that drug use causes many negative social and economic outcomes including poverty. Additionally this article includes tables that support its main argument. The proportion of U.S. residents born in another country has increased significantly in recent years.  [10]  Immigration and poverty in the United States, highlights that international immigration accounted for over a quarter of the net population growth from 2000-2007.Using various research techniques, Steven Raphael and Eugene Smolensky suggests that immigration can affect the United States poverty rate in two ways. The first way is that immigrants tend to live in highly concentrated areas, where the level of formal education is low. Secondly, it is proposed that immigrants tend to work for lower wages and do not earn an annual salary. By not working for a steady salary immigrants are more likely not to have a consistent paycheck, thus forcing many of them to live in poverty. The authors argue that the combination of increased poverty among immigrants and a higher ratio of immigrants to the total population add to the national poverty rate. Buried in the Census report are startling figures revealing that the collapse of marriage is creating a poverty crisis.  [11]  The Poverty Solution: Marriage or Bust, proposes that a long-term root cause of poverty in the United States of America is unwed childbearing. Through various research methods Robert Rector illustrates that single-mother families are five times more likely to live in poverty than married couples with children. Consequently, nearly 70 percent of poor families in America are headed by single parents. Additionally Rector highlights that the unwed birthrate has increased by 22 percent since 2002. Overall, this article suggests that because the rate of single mothers has risen, so has the number of individuals living in poverty. Over the past 25 years significant structural changes have occurred in the United States that have influenced poverty, making current-day poverty different in some ways from poverty just a few decades ago.  [12]  Causes of Poverty illustrates structural changes include transformations in our economic structure such as the shift from manufacturing employment to service sector employment. Amy Rynell suggests that structural changes include but are not limited to the changes in the economic structure, diseases, welfare reform, immigration, and the increase number of individuals being incarcerated. Rynell, through rigorous econometric and statistical methods presents data based on the various causes of poverty, while showing that certain components affect various populations in different ways. America is always projected as a world superpower and a developed nation. While the term poverty may conjure images of destitute people living in dreadful conditions, this term assumes a new dimension when we speak of poverty in the U.S.  [13]  Causes of Poverty in America suggests that although America is the land of dreams, it does not differ from the rest of the world. Often times people associate poverty with third world countries, Ashwini K. Sule argues that this is far from the truth. Sule proposes that just as there are different definitions of poverty, the causes of poverty are also different. Furthermore, this article suggests that poverty is caused by a plethora of factors including unemployment, lack of education, the breakdown of family systems and the lack of willpower. Contrary to popular belief, the effects of poverty could very well be the causes of poverty. The Census Bureau conducts a national census every ten years that includes the America Community Survey (ACS); this survey includes a section that deals strictly with poverty. How to Define Poverty? Let Us the Ways discloses that according to the U.S. Census Bureau there are millions of people are living in poverty.  [14]  Louis Uchitelle, using various research methods actively defines poverty. In defining poverty, it is suggested that there is no single definition that can accurately characterize all of the components that go into poverty. This is mainly because there are numerous types of poverty. Although there is no one definition that defines poverty, Uchitelle proposes, that poverty in its most general terms is the lack of freedom to have or to obtain the basic needs of life. This article suggests that instead of trying to form a single definition, it is important to examine poverty from a holistic viewpoint. Poverty is increasing tremendously across many groups, from the suburban families to the very poor families. More workers are becoming discouraged and are giving up on the job market.  [15]  CBS News suggests that this issue can be attributed to the fact that the United States is considered to have a weak economy and fraying government. Because of the weak economy, the unemployment rate has significantly increased. Using various data tables and charts, this article shows that the official poverty rate will increase to 15.7 percent. This percentage is the highest the poverty rate has been since 1965. Poverty is spreading at record levels because of the lack of employment opportunities due to the fragile structure of the economy. It is also suggested that changes in the economy including outsourcing, immigration, and globalization have pushed the median household income lower. Research Design Poverty is a major issue within the U.S. today. Economical, political, social, and cultural factors all contribute to poverty. The United States Census Bureau defines poverty as an economic condition in which people have an insufficient income and amount of resources to obtain basic needs such as housing, clothing, food, and health care.  [16]  Poverty is generally separated into two sections, those being absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute or extreme poverty is a circumstance in which individuals are unable to pay the prices of basic necessities needed to survive. Secondly, relative poverty suggests that people may be able to obtain basic needs but are unable to maintain the living conditions that are deemed normal. Relative poverty usually focuses on comparing ones income to those in the rest of the society. The most frequent measure of poverty in America is the poverty threshold which is set by the U.S. government. This measure identifies poverty as a lack of those goods and services frequently taken for granted by individuals living in a conventional society.  [17]  The official threshold is typically adjusted for inflation to better fit society. As suggested by the literature review presented in the previous section, there are many components to consider when discussing what influences poverty in America. The literature at hand proposes that immigration, varying education levels, and family composition play a major role in increasing poverty rates. This section will discuss how the previously mentioned components negatively affect poverty rates in the U.S. through key examples. To conduct my research I will begin by going to areas that I frequently visit, that are stricken by poverty in Atlanta, New York, and California. In these cities I will live in low income housing most commonly known as section eight and intermingle with the residents. By staying in community with those that are affected by poverty I will be able to interact with many of them on a personal level through a participant observation. A participant observation is when a researcher actively participates in the daily life of the people under study while obser ving things that happen, listening to what is said and questioning people, over some length of time.  [18]  My goal is that the individuals under study would hopefully feel that they could trust me and in turn be open to answering any questions that I might have in regards to their living situation. In doing this I will observe on a first hand bases some of the factors that influence poverty in these areas by taking various polls based on individuals varying education levels, and family composition. Additionally, the cities under observation have very high immigration rates as a result I will be able to examine the affects immigration has on the rising poverty levels in America. Immigration Most studies of poverty conducted within the United States have usually focused on how widespread economic trends and social welfare affects the number of individuals living in poverty. Very few scholars have conducted research on the influence immigration has on the growing poverty levels in America. In gathering my research I propose that immigration increases the poverty rates by suggesting that newly arrived immigrants are on average poorer than U.S. citizens. When conducting my research I will first explore the effect immigrants have on the nations tax base. Additionally, I plan to focus on the impact immigration has on the poor already in America. Due to rising unemployment rates, low incomes, and the change in taxes, those living in poverty pay very little in taxes. Similarly, although many immigrants work when they arrive to the states they tend to receive payment under the table, thus they escape paying taxes. Furthermore, when looking at the programs designed to assist the less fortunate, many of them depend mainly on government assistance. Many individuals that are eligible to receive the services offered live below the poverty line. Because immigration adds to the number of individuals needing assistance, the funding needed to support welfare programs increase. This phenomenon suggests that if the U.S. continues to aid immigrants, we will not have the resources that are needed to help American citizens. Education Over the Thanksgiving holiday I had the opportunity to visit various communities in the greater Atlanta area where individuals are living below the U.S. poverty line. While visiting the communities I was able to talk to some of the residents about their educational background, and I quickly realized that many of the residents did not have a high school diploma or GED. The information gathered supports the idea that the impact of education on poverty can be assessed by examining how receiving a degree of higher learning can potentially enable individuals to obtain a better standard of living. Education plays a role in obtaining jobs, thus individuals that do not receive an adequate education are unable to provide for their families. With the job market in the U.S. being very competitive it is imperative to have an education. In todays society there are individuals that have multiple college degrees, and they still find themselves struggling to make ends meet. A person that does not re ceive an education is more likely not to receive a desirable income that would ultimately allow them to obtain all of the basic necessities needed to survive. Consequently, those without an education bring their family into a never ending cycle of poverty. This is not to say that those without an education will automatically live poverty, but it does place individuals at a higher risk of living below the poverty level. Although lack of education influences poverty, poverty itself can have a negative effect on children trying to attain an education. Family Composition Over the course of history the family composition in America has changed drastically. No longer is the two parent household considered the norm. In fact in todays society single parent households are rapidly increasing. Growing up in a single parent home, most of my life, I know that it can be extremely difficult for a single parent to provide the basic necessities for his/her family. Changes in family composition can be considered a major influence on the growing poverty rates in the U.S. Recognizing this, in visiting different communities over the Thanksgiving break I was able to observe on first hand bases the factors that contribute to the changes in family composition. For example divorce has the ability to cause great inconsistency in a households income. Consequently divorce takes away from the economic well being of custodial parents and their children. This is mainly due to the fact that men tend to have a higher earning power then women. Thus, after a divorce women and chil dren experience a significant financial decline as a result forcing them to live below the poverty lines. Similarly, single parent households can be tied to poverty because they normally have only one potential earner. When there is only one adult earner in the household, fewer hours are worked and fewer hours are available to be worked due to childcare responsibilities. Although the family composition can contribute to poverty levels, many single parent households are forced to live in poverty despite their efforts.

Capital Punishment Essay -- Death Penalty

Capital Punishment is the legal infliction of the death penalty. In the United States capital punishment is legal in thirty-nine of the fifty states. Beginning in 1973, prison populations began an inevitable growth. There were 204,211 inmates in 1973, and by 1977 the number of prisoners had grown to 285,456, which later grew to 315,974 in 1980. By 1976, it was clear that the death penalty had to be reinstated. America’s experiment with capital punishment has resulted in a total of 944 executions, fifty-nine of which took place in 2003. Every year about 15,000 killers are charged and only about 300 wind up on death row. The death row population is constantly increasing. It is now more than 3,000. Because of constant appeals, it takes a person on death row typically between five to eight years to finally get executed. To kill all the prisoners on death row, it is estimated that it would take two executions a day for seven years. Crimes such as aiding in suicide, causing a boat collision resulting in death, forced marriage, procuring an abortion resulting in the death of the mother, espionage, castrating another, rape, homicide, child molesting resulting in death and conspiracy to kidnap for ransom among many others are, in some states, crimes that are punishable by death. What the law permits, however, is not always used by the courts or the executive authorities. Most executions are a result of a murder or rape, and a small number for robbery, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated assault and espionage. In the US, the death penalty is currently authorized in one of five ways: hanging, which has been the traditional method of execution throughout the English-speaking world; electrocution, which was introduced by New York S... ...ting crimes. A sweeping sixty percent don’t think that vengeance is a legitimate reason for killing a murderer. Many court decisions of the 1980s and early 1990s have lowered bars to executions. In 1986 the Court ruled that opponents of executions may be barred from juries in murder cases. The following year the Court ruled that the law may be applied to accomplices in crimes that led to murder, then rejected a challenge to capital punishment based on statistics that indicated racial bias in sentencing. In separate decisions in 1989 the Court decided that the death penalty could be applied to those who were mentally retarded or who were underage, but at least 16, at the time of the murder. In the early 1990s the trend of Supreme Court rulings was to cut back on the appeals that Death Row inmates could make to the federal courts. Capital Punishment Essay -- Death Penalty Capital Punishment is the legal infliction of the death penalty. In the United States capital punishment is legal in thirty-nine of the fifty states. Beginning in 1973, prison populations began an inevitable growth. There were 204,211 inmates in 1973, and by 1977 the number of prisoners had grown to 285,456, which later grew to 315,974 in 1980. By 1976, it was clear that the death penalty had to be reinstated. America’s experiment with capital punishment has resulted in a total of 944 executions, fifty-nine of which took place in 2003. Every year about 15,000 killers are charged and only about 300 wind up on death row. The death row population is constantly increasing. It is now more than 3,000. Because of constant appeals, it takes a person on death row typically between five to eight years to finally get executed. To kill all the prisoners on death row, it is estimated that it would take two executions a day for seven years. Crimes such as aiding in suicide, causing a boat collision resulting in death, forced marriage, procuring an abortion resulting in the death of the mother, espionage, castrating another, rape, homicide, child molesting resulting in death and conspiracy to kidnap for ransom among many others are, in some states, crimes that are punishable by death. What the law permits, however, is not always used by the courts or the executive authorities. Most executions are a result of a murder or rape, and a small number for robbery, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated assault and espionage. In the US, the death penalty is currently authorized in one of five ways: hanging, which has been the traditional method of execution throughout the English-speaking world; electrocution, which was introduced by New York S... ...ting crimes. A sweeping sixty percent don’t think that vengeance is a legitimate reason for killing a murderer. Many court decisions of the 1980s and early 1990s have lowered bars to executions. In 1986 the Court ruled that opponents of executions may be barred from juries in murder cases. The following year the Court ruled that the law may be applied to accomplices in crimes that led to murder, then rejected a challenge to capital punishment based on statistics that indicated racial bias in sentencing. In separate decisions in 1989 the Court decided that the death penalty could be applied to those who were mentally retarded or who were underage, but at least 16, at the time of the murder. In the early 1990s the trend of Supreme Court rulings was to cut back on the appeals that Death Row inmates could make to the federal courts.

Aggression and violent behaviour Essay

The media of video and computer games is a phenomenon, which has developed rapidly since its first incarnations of simple graphical games, to today’s 3D rendered worlds which players are able to inhabit and explore as they wish. The gaming culture which has followed plays an integral part in contemporary society not just for the youth market but also for many adults, as a gateway to escape their everyday lives and express themselves within a gaming environment. This is the new media format much like television and radio with their introduction into the mainstream, the need to study and explore the implications has attracted scholars, and business’s to explore this new media, attempting to understand its effects on contemporary society. The amount of money and time spent by consumers on these game platforms and software has pushed them to the front of the entertainment market place, with several multinational companies vying for market dominance within this expanding industry (Calvert 2002). The research into violent video games and post play aggression is one of the key study points for this media source. The idea of played aggression transferring into real world situations generates a moral panic within society, and so researches are keen to discover any links with play and real life aggression or to dispel the fears of the public which have been scare mongered by the mass media. Moral panics such as video nasties are similar to the notion of game panics, both are especially aimed at young children for whom society deems to be susceptible and vulnerable to impressions from the mass media, and in this essay’s case their exposure to violent video games. The key to the difference with the notion of game panics is the interactivity between the player and the game mechanics, the player is able to decide what happens within the game as long as its within the game boundaries, for violent games this includes the abundance of killing computer generated characters, and this is the concern of the parents and oppositions to the graphic games available. Recent events such as the school shootings in Columbine, America have led to increased magnification on the topic and therefore more studies are being conducted trying to theorise a link between play and post play. The main research within the gaming context on violence and aggression is aimed towards the effects playing these games has on children. Jeanne B Funk’s writing on children and violent video games highlights these concerns. She explores the notion that children are ‘high risk’ players, and after playing the video games they become desensitised to violence, and deviant behaviour within the society that they belong. Funk doesn’t place a total blame on the games however as she draws on research into pre existing problems within the Childs personality developed within the environment and social surrounding which the child has grown up in, stating that playing these games could lead to the increased development of these problems. Dave Grossman, a US military trainer on the realities of war has a much different perspective to the debate on video games and aggression. He states that the continued playing of the game conditions and trains the youthful player into a killing machine, perfectly honed to kill on sight without a thought for the consequences. He develops the argument of Acquired Violence Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AVIDS), liking the disorder to the virus Aids. ‘The disease doesn’t kill you but simple destroys your immune system’ (Grossman). Arguing that the use of violent video games simple desensitises players, trains them to kill (stimulus response) with no thought for the repercussions of their actions. These two studies outline two different ideas on the argument of video games and aggression, but neither conducted first hand testing of the hypothesis of post play aggression. A frequently cited paper that presents evidence supporting the claim that violence in video games leads to violence in real life is: Video Games and Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviour in the Laboratory and in Life by Craig A. Anderson, Karen E. Dill. The research draws up the hypothesis of General Affective Aggression Model (GAAM). The model included both existing research on human learning and expression and research into media violence effects. The study consisted of two separate tests, a real life test and a laboratory-based test on game players to analyse a link between game play and post play behaviour. Goldstein disputes the merits of laboratory tests on the basis that they are floored due to the subject not playing the game but merely doing as they are told, so the same feelings, and experiences are different to those when the subject is truly playing the game in the comfort of their own home, with individual aims to achieve. The findings of the Anderson and Dill study supported the GAAM model in that post play aggression was evident. This is one of the few studies which have been conducted with any credibility on the topic of game panics, yet the topic is still wide open due to the lack of empirical research for which solid conclusions on the links between play and post play can be drawn. Freedman states that the lack of experimental research is fundamental in not being able to draw a clear link. He states that the demand factor, where the subject believes he has to react in a certain way and the ability to measure post play aggression are two factors which have thus far underlined the research in to video games and violent behaviour. These problems could be rectified by the increased proportion of studies, of by the drawing up of a new study method designed specifically for the examination of video games and not one which has been used to monitor other forms of media and post exposure behaviour. The existing research available on the topic of post play aggression is extremely limited with few pieces able to be seen as complete and giving a total answer to the questions answered. The idea that competitiveness within a game is equally to blame, as violent content needs to be explored as the arousal experienced from winning or losing a competition such as a sports simulation can increase the adrenaline within the body causing an outburst of violence (Fienberg 2002). Similarly the link needs to be addressed that not everyone who plays violent games will go out and kill people and so the link between characteristics innate to the individual are to blame for more severe violent acts and the video games at the moment are being lined up as scapegoats for individuals actions and more research needs to be conducted on the subject. Bibliography 1. Anderson, D.A. & Dill, K . E. (2000) Video games and aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviour in the laboratory and in life [online]. Washington: APA Journals. Available from http://www. apa. org/journals/psp/psp784772. html [Accessed 20/10/03]. 2. Funk, J. B. (2001) Children and violent video games: Are there high-risk players? [Online]. Chicago: Playing by the rules conference. Available from  http://culturalpolicy.uchicago.edu/

The Lost Duke of Wyndham Chapter Six

Jack had always prided himself on being able to spot the irony in any situation, but as he stood in the Belgrave drawing room – correction, one of the Belgrave drawing rooms, surely there were dozens – he could find nothing but stark, cold reality. He'd spent six years as an officer in His Majesty's army, and if he'd learned one thing from his years on the battlefield, it was that life could, and frequently did, turn on a single moment. One wrong turn, one missed clue, and he could lose an entire company of men. But once he returned to Britain, he'd somehow lost sight of that. His life was a series of small decisions and insignificant encounters. It was true that he was living a life of crime, which meant he was always dancing a few steps ahead of the hangman's noose, but it wasn't the same. No one's life depended upon his actions. No one's livelihood, even. There was nothing serious about robbing coaches. It was a game, really, played by men with too much education and too little direction. Who would have thought that one of his insignificant decisions – to take the Lincoln road north instead of south – would lead to this? Because one thing was for certain, his carefree life on the road was over. He suspected that Wyndham would be more than happy to watch him ride away without a word, but the dowager would not be so accommodating. Miss Eversleigh's assurances aside, he was quite certain the old bat would go to extensive lengths to keep him on a leash. Maybe she would not turn him over to the authorities, but she could certainly tell the world that her long-lost grandson was gadding about the countryside robbing coaches. Which would make it damned difficult to continue in his chosen profession. And if he was truly the Duke of Wyndham†¦ God help them all. He was beginning to hope that his aunt had lied. Because no one wanted him in a position of such authority, least of all himself. â€Å"Could someone please explain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He took a breath and stopped, pressing his fingers against his temples. It felt as if an entire battalion had marched across his forehead. â€Å"Could someone explain the family tree?† Because shouldn't someone have known if his father had been the heir to a dukedom? His aunt? His mother? Himself? â€Å"I had three sons,† the dowager said crisply. â€Å"Charles was the eldest; John, the middle; and Reginald the last. Your father left for Ireland just after Reginald married† – her face took on a visible expression of distaste, and she jerked her head toward Wyndham – â€Å"his mother.† â€Å"She was a Cit,† Wyndham said, with no expression whatsoever. â€Å"Her father owned factories. Piles and piles of them.† One of his brows lifted. Very slightly. â€Å"We own them now.† The dowager's lips tightened, but she did not acknowledge his interruption. â€Å"We were notified of your father's death in July of 1790.† Jack nodded tightly. He had been told the same. â€Å"One year after that, my husband and my eldest son died of a fever. I did not contract the ailment. My youngest son was no longer living at Belgrave, so he, too, was spared. Charles had not yet married, and we believed John to have died without issue. Thus Reginald became duke.† She paused, but other than that expressed no emotion. â€Å"It was not expected.† Everyone looked at Wyndham. He said nothing, â€Å"I will remain,† Jack said quietly, because he didn't see as he had any other choice. And maybe it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two of his father. A man ought to know where he comes from. That was what his uncle had always said. Jack was beginning to wonder if he'd been offering forgiveness – in advance. Just in case he decided one day that he wished to be a Cavendish. Of course, Uncle William hadn't met these Cavendishes. If he had, he might've revised that statement entirely. â€Å"Most judicious of you,† the dowager said, clapping her hands together. â€Å"Now then, we – â€Å" â€Å"But first,† Jack cut in, â€Å"I must return to the inn to collect my belongings.† He glanced around the drawing room, almost laughing at the opulence. â€Å"Meager though they are.† â€Å"Nonsense,† the dowager said briskly. â€Å"Your things will be replaced.† She looked down her nose at his traveling costume. â€Å"With items of far greater quality, I might add.† â€Å"I wasn't asking your permission,† Jack said lightly. He did not like to allow his anger to reveal itself in his voice. It did put a man at a disadvantage. â€Å"Nonethe – â€Å" â€Å"Furthermore,† Jack added, because really, he didn't wish to hear her voice any more than he had to, â€Å"I must make explanations to my associates.† At that he looked over at Wyndham. â€Å"Nothing approaching the truth,† he added dryly, lest the duke assume that he intended to spread rumors throughout the county. â€Å"Don't disappear,† the dowager directed. â€Å"I assure you, you will regret it.† â€Å"There's no worry of that,† Wyndham said blandly. â€Å"Who would disappear with the promise of a dukedom?† Jack's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to let it pass. The afternoon did not need another fistfight. And then – bloody hell – the duke abruptly added, â€Å"I will accompany you.† Oh, good God. That was the last thing he needed. Jack swung around to face him, lifting one dubious brow. â€Å"Need I worry for my safety?† Wyndham stiffened visibly, and Jack, who had been trained to notice even the smallest of details, saw that both of his fists clenched at his sides. So he'd insulted the duke. At this point, and considering the bruises he was likely to find staining his throat, he didn't care. He turned to Miss Eversleigh, offering her his most self-effacing smile. â€Å"I am a threat to his very identity. Surely any reasonable man would question his safety.† â€Å"No, you're wrong!† she cried out. â€Å"You misjudge him. The duke – â€Å" She shot a horrified look at Wyndham, and they all were forced to share her discomfort when she realized what she'd said. But she plowed on, determined girl that she was. â€Å"He is as honorable a man as I have ever met,† she continued, her voice low and fervent. â€Å"You would never come to harm in his company.† Her cheeks had flushed with passion, and Jack was struck by the most acidic thought. Was there something between Miss Eversleigh and the duke? They resided in the same house, or castle, as it were, with only an embittered old lady for company. And while the dowager was anything but senile, Jack could not imagine that there was any lack of opportunity to engage in a dalliance under her nose. He watched Miss Eversleigh closely, his eyes falling to her lips. He'd surprised himself when he kissed her the night before. He hadn't meant to, and he certainly had never done such a thing before whilst attempting to rob a coach. It had seemed the most natural thing in the world – to touch her chin, tilt her face up toward his, and brush his lips against hers. It had been soft, and fleeting, and it had taken him until this moment to realize just how deeply he wanted more. He looked at Wyndham, and his jealousy must have shown on his face because his newly discovered cousin looked coolly amused as he said, â€Å"I assure you, whatever violent urges I possess, I shall not act upon them.† â€Å"That is a terrible thing to say,† Miss Eversleigh responded. â€Å"But honest,† Jack acknowledged with a nod. He did not like this man, this duke who had been brought up to view the world as his private domain. But he appreciated honesty, no matter the source. And as Jack looked him in the eye, there seemed to develop an unspoken agreement. They did not have to be friends. They did not even have to be friendly. But they would be honest. Which suited Jack just fine. By Grace's calculations, the men ought to have returned within ninety minutes, two hours at most. She had not spent much time in a saddle, so she was not the best judge of speed, but she was fairly certain that two men on horseback could reach the posting inn in something less than an hour. Then Mr. Audley would need to retrieve his belongings, which could not take very long, could it? And then – â€Å"Get away from the window,† the dowager snapped. Grace's lips tightened with irritation, but she managed to return her expression to one of placidity before she turned around. â€Å"Make yourself useful,† the dowager said. Grace glanced this way and that, trying to decode the dowager's order. She always had something specific in mind, and Grace hated it when she was forced to guess. â€Å"Would you like me to read to you?† she asked. It was the most pleasant of her duties; they were currently reading Pride and Prejudice, which Grace was enjoying immensely, and the dowager was pretending not to like at all. The dowager grunted. It was a no grunt. Grace was fluent in this method of communication. She took no particular pride in this skill. â€Å"I could pen a letter,† she suggested. â€Å"Weren't you planning to respond to the recent missive from your sister?† â€Å"I can write my own letters,† the dowager said sharply, even though they both knew her spelling was atrocious. Grace always ended up rewriting all of her correspondence before it was posted. Grace took a deep breath and then let it out slowly, the exhale shuddering through her. She did not have the energy to untangle the inner workings of the dowager's mind. Not today. â€Å"I'm hot,† the dowager announced. Grace did not respond. She was hoping none was necessary. And then the dowager picked something up off a nearby table. A fan, Grace realized with dismay, just as the dowager snapped it open. Oh, please, no. Not now. The dowager regarded the fan, a rather festive blue one, with Chinese paintings in black and gold. Then she snapped it back shut, clearly just to make it easier for her to hold it before her like a baton. â€Å"You may make me more comfortable,† she said. Grace paused. It was only for a moment, probably not even a full second, but it was her only means of rebellion. She could not say no, and she could not even allow her distaste to show in her expression. But she could pause. She could hold her body still for just enough time to make the dowager wonder. And then, of course, she stepped forward. â€Å"I find the air quite pleasant,† she said once she had assumed her position at the dowager's side. â€Å"That is because you are pushing it about with the fan.† Grace looked down at her employer's pinched face. Some of the lines were due to age, but not the ones near her mouth, pulling her lips into a perpetual frown. What had happened to this woman to make her so bitter? Had it been the deaths of her children? The loss of her youth? Or had she simply been born with a sour disposition? â€Å"What do you think of my new grandson?† the dowager asked abruptly. Grace froze, then quickly regained her composure and resumed fanning. â€Å"I do not know him well enough to form an opinion,† she answered carefully. The dowager continued to look straight ahead as she answered, â€Å"Nonsense. All of the best opinions are formed in an instant. You know that very well. ‘Else you'd be married to that repulsive little cousin of yours, wouldn't you?† Grace thought of Miles, ensconced in her old home. She had to admit, every now and then the dowager got things exactly right. â€Å"Surely you have something to say, Miss Eversleigh.† The fan rose and fell three times before Grace decided upon, â€Å"He seems to have a buoyant sense of humor.† â€Å"Buoyant.† The dowager repeated the word, her voice curious, as if she were testing it out on her tongue. â€Å"An apt adjective. I should not have thought of it, but it is fitting.† It was about as close to a compliment as the dowager ever got. â€Å"He is rather like his father,† the dowager continued. Grace moved the fan from one hand to the other, murmuring, â€Å"Is he?† â€Å"Indeed. Although if his father had been a bit more†¦ buoyant, we'd not be in this mess, would we?† Grace choked on air. â€Å"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I should have chosen my words more carefully.† The dowager did not bother to acknowledge the apology. â€Å"His levity is much like his father. My John was never one to allow a serious moment to pass him by. He had the most cutting wit.† â€Å"I would not say that Mr. Audley is cutting,† Grace said. His humor was far too sly. â€Å"His name is not Mr. Audley, and of course he is,† the dowager said sharply. â€Å"You're too besotted to see it.† â€Å"I am not besotted,† Grace protested. â€Å"Of course you are. Any girl would be. He is most handsome. Pity about the eyes, though.† â€Å"What I am,† Grace said, resisting the urge to point out that there was nothing wrong with green eyes, â€Å"is overset. It has been a most exhausting day. And night,† she added after a thought. The dowager shrugged. â€Å"My son's wit was legendary,† she said, setting the conversation back to where she wished it. â€Å"You wouldn't have thought it cutting, either, but that was simply because he was far too clever. It is a brilliant man who can make insult without the recipient even realizing.† Grace thought that rather sad. â€Å"What is the point, then?† â€Å"The point?† The dowager blinked several times in rapid succession. â€Å"Of what?† â€Å"Of insulting someone.† Grace shifted the fan again, then shook out her free hand; her fingers were cramped from clutching the handle. â€Å"Or I should say,† she amended, since she was quite sure the dowager could find many good reasons to cut someone down, â€Å"of insulting someone with intention of their not noticing it?† The dowager still did not look at her, but Grace could see that she rolled her eyes. â€Å"It is a source of pride, Miss Eversleigh. I wouldn't expect you to understand.† â€Å"No,† Grace said softly. â€Å"I wouldn't.† â€Å"You don't know what it means to excel at something.† The dowager pursed her lips and stretched her neck slightly from side to side. â€Å"You couldn't know.† Which had to be as cutting an insult as any, except that the dowager seemed completely unaware she'd done it. There was irony in there somewhere. There had to be. â€Å"We live in interesting times, Miss Eversleigh,† the dowager commented. Grace nodded silently, turning her head to the side so that the dowager, should she ever choose to turn her head in her direction, would not see the tears in her eyes. Her parents had lacked the funds to travel, but theirs had been wandering hearts, and the Eversleigh home had been filled with maps and books about faraway places. Like it was yesterday, Grace remembered the time they had all been sitting in front of the fire, engrossed in their own reading, and her father looked up from his book and exclaimed, â€Å"Isn't this marvelous? In China, if you wish to insult someone, you say, ‘May you live in interesting times.'† Grace suddenly did not know if the tears in her eyes were of sorrow or mirth. â€Å"That is enough, Miss Eversleigh,† the dowager said suddenly. â€Å"I am quite cooled.† Grace shut the fan, then decided to set it down on the table by the window so she would have a reason to cross the room. Dusk hung only lightly in the air, so it was not difficult to see down the drive. She was not certain why she was so eager to have the two men back – possibly just as proof that they had not killed each other on the trip. Despite defending Thomas's sense of honor, she had not liked the look in his eyes. And she had certainly never known him to attack someone. He'd looked positively feral when he lunged for Mr. Audley. If Mr. Audley had been less of a fighting man himself, she was quite certain Thomas would have done him permanent harm. â€Å"Do you think it will rain, Miss Eversleigh?† Grace turned. â€Å"No.† â€Å"The wind is picking up.† â€Å"Yes.† Grace waited until the dowager turned her attention to a trinket on the table next to her, and then she turned back to the window. Of course the moment she did, she heard – â€Å"I hope it rains.† She held still. And then she turned. â€Å"I beg your pardon?† â€Å"I hope it rains.† The dowager said it again, so very matter-of-fact, as if anyone would wish for precipitation while two gentlemen were out on horseback. â€Å"They will be drenched,† Grace pointed out. â€Å"They will be forced to take each other's measure. Which they will have to do sooner or later. Besides, my John never minded riding in the rain. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.† â€Å"That does not mean that Mr. – â€Å" â€Å"Cavendish,† the dowager inserted. Grace swallowed. It helped her catch her patience. â€Å"Whatever he wishes to be called, I don't think we may assume that he enjoys riding in the rain just because his father did. Most people do not.† The dowager did not seem to wish to consider this. But she acknowledged the statement with, â€Å"I know nothing of the mother, that is true. She could be responsible for any number of adulterations.† â€Å"Would you care for tea, ma'am?† Grace asked. â€Å"I could ring for it.† â€Å"What do we know of her, after all? Almost certainly Irish, which could mean any number of things, all of them dreadful.† â€Å"The wind is picking up,† Grace said. â€Å"I shouldn't want you to get chilled.† â€Å"Did he even tell us her name?† â€Å"I don't believe so.† Grace sighed, because direct questions made it difficult to pretend she wasn't a part of this conversation. â€Å"Dear Lord.† The dowager shuddered, and her eyes took on an expression of utter horror. â€Å"She could be Catholic.† â€Å"I have met several Catholics,† Grace said, now that it was clear that her attempts to divert the subject had failed. â€Å"It was strange,† she murmured. â€Å"None had horns.† â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"Just that I know very little about the Catholic faith,† Grace said lightly. There was a reason she often directed her comments to a window or wall. The dowager made a noise that Grace could not quite identify. It sounded like a sigh, but it was probably more of a snort, because the next words from her mouth were: â€Å"We shall have to get that taken care of.† She leaned forward, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers and looking extremely put out. â€Å"I suppose I shall have to contact the archbishop.† â€Å"Is that a problem?† Grace asked. The dowager's head shook with distaste. â€Å"He is a beady little man who will be lording this over me for years.† Grace leaned forward. Was that movement she saw in the distance? â€Å"Heaven knows what sorts of favors he shall demand,† the dowager muttered. â€Å"I suppose I shall have to let him sleep in the State Bedroom, just so he can say he slept on Queen Elizabeth's sheets.† Grace watched as the two men on horseback came into view. â€Å"They are back,† she said, and not for the first time that evening, wondered just what role she was meant to play in this drama. She was not family; the dowager was certainly correct in that. And despite Grace's relatively lofty position within the household, she was not included in matters pertaining to family or title. She did not expect it, and indeed she did not want it. The dowager was at her worst when matters of dynasty arose, and Thomas was at his worst when he had to deal with the dowager. She should excuse herself. It did not matter that Mr. Audley had insisted upon her presence. Grace knew her position, and she knew her place, and it was not in the middle of a family affair. But every time she told herself it was time to go, that she ought to turn from the window and inform the dowager that she would leave her to talk with her grandsons in private, she could not make herself move. She kept hearing – no, feeling – Mr. Audley's voice. She stays. Did he need her? He might. He knew nothing of the Wyndhams, nothing of their history and the tensions that ran through the house like a vicious, intractable spiderweb. He could not be expected to navigate his new life on his own, at least not right away. Grace shivered, hugging her arms to her chest as she watched the men dismount in the drive. How strange it was to feel needed. Thomas liked to say he needed her, but they both knew that was untrue. He could hire anyone to put up with his grandmother. Thomas needed no one. Nothing. He was marvelously self-contained. Confident and proud, all he really needed was the occasional pinprick to burst the bubble that surrounded him. He knew this, too, which was what saved him from being entirely insufferable. He'd never said as much, but Grace knew it was why they had become friends. She was possibly the only person in Lincolnshire who did not bow and scrape and say only what she thought he wished to hear. But he didn't need her. Grace heard footsteps in the hall and turned, stiffening nervously. She waited for the dowager to order her gone. She even looked at her, raising her brows ever so slightly as if in a dare, but the dowager was staring at the door, determinedly ignoring her. When the men arrived, Thomas walked in first. â€Å"Wyndham,† the dowager said briskly. She never called him anything but his title. He nodded in response. â€Å"I had Mr. Audley's belongings sent up to the blue silk bedroom.† Grace shot a careful look over at the dowager to gauge her reaction. The blue silk bedroom was one of the nicer guest bedchambers, but it was not the largest or most prestigious. It was, however, just down the hall from the dowager. â€Å"Excellent choice,† the dowager replied. â€Å"But I must repeat. Do not refer to him as Mr. Audley in my presence. I don't know these Audleys, and I don't care to know them.† â€Å"I don't know that they would care to know you, either,† commented Mr. Audley, who had entered the room behind Thomas. The dowager lifted a brow, as if to point out her own magnificence. â€Å"Mary Audley is my late mother's sister,† Mr. Audley stated. â€Å"She and her husband, William Audley, took me in at my birth. They raised me as their own and, at my request, gave me their name. I don't care to relinquish it.† He looked coolly at the dowager, as if daring her to comment. She did not, much to Grace's surprise. And then he turned to her, offering her an elegant bow. â€Å"You may refer to me as Mr. Audley if you wish, Miss Eversleigh.† Grace bobbed a curtsy. She was not certain if this was a requirement, since no one had any clue as to his rank, but it seemed only polite. He had bowed, after all. She glanced at the dowager, who was glaring at her, and then at Thomas, who somehow managed to look amused and annoyed at the same time. â€Å"She can't sack you for using his legal name,† Thomas said with his usual hint of impatience. â€Å"And if she does, I shall retire you with a lifelong bequest and have her sent off to some far-flung property.† Mr. Audley looked at Thomas with surprise and approval before turning to Grace and smiling. â€Å"It's tempting,† he murmured. â€Å"How far can she be flung?† â€Å"I am considering adding to our holdings,† Thomas replied. â€Å"The Outer Hebrides are lovely this time of year.† â€Å"You're despicable,† the dowager hissed. â€Å"Why do I keep her on?† Thomas wondered aloud. He walked over to a cabinet and poured himself a drink. â€Å"She is your grandmother,† Grace said, since someone had to be the voice of reason. â€Å"Ah yes, blood.† Thomas sighed. â€Å"I'm told it's thicker than water. Pity.† He looked over at Mr. Audley. â€Å"You'll soon learn.† Grace half expected Mr. Audley to bristle at Thomas's tone of condescension, but his face remained blandly unconcerned. Curious. It seemed the two men had forged some sort of truce. â€Å"And now,† Thomas announced, looking squarely at his grandmother, â€Å"my work here is done. I have returned the prodigal son to your loving bosom, and all is right with the world. Not my world,† he added, â€Å"but someone's world, I'm sure.† â€Å"Not mine,† Mr. Audley said, when no one else seemed inclined to comment. And then he unleashed a smile – slow, lazy, and meant to paint himself as the careless rogue he was. â€Å"In case you were interested.† Thomas looked at him, his nose crinkling in an expression of vague indifference. â€Å"I wasn't.† Grace's head bobbed back to Mr. Audley. He was still smiling. She looked to Thomas, waiting for him to say something more. He dipped his head toward her in wry salute, then tossed back his liquor in one shockingly large swallow. â€Å"I am going out.† â€Å"Where?† demanded the dowager. Thomas paused in the doorway. â€Å"I have not yet decided.† Which meant, Grace was sure, anywhere but here.