Recognizing Organizational Culture in Managing Change Essay

In order to ask lots of questions about the influence of the social system, that is to say, the surrounding conditions of the organization on its ability to soak up like a towel and gain invention of new things, a having to do with figuring out. The quality of things without measuring them with numbers research was carried out to define the measuring tool for the most important things of this particular of surrounding conditions for the recognition and acceptance of e-learning in teachers or professors(Buć & Divjak, 2016). In the development of devices that make music, the examples of the development of devices that make music were used that are designed only for research in information sciences, such as for example, the development of a measuring instrument for evaluating the performance of e-Portfolio. It is generally admitted to that educational change benefits from a supportive surrounding condition. Cultural influences are a key issue when thinking about the invention of new things and change processes. Organizational culture is a key factor that influences instructional inventions of new things that the success of any something big and important that changes people’s thinking or lives effort may well depend on the extent to which organizational culture issues can be talked to(Zhu & Engels, 2014). Previous research has examined the influence of organizational culture on organizational inventions of new things. Studies point to new things is most likely to happen in organizations that have integrative structures draw attention to many different kinds of people or things, and team effort and teamwork. Yet the findings of the previous research are mixed with little believable information that proves something related to the role of specific organizational culture features in adopting instructional invention of new things in college. Students who come to a related to school and learning library meet with a variety of spaces that influence their learning and behavior. The library has two types of spaces which are shared and social. Shared spaces are places where students are involved in single, hardworking with schoolwork, and thoughtful study surrounded by other students. Students work at group and noisy work with other students in social spaces. The idea of library spaces for different types for different student needs and supports the idea which is that students need separate spaces for the types of learning and behavior connected with the ability to create interesting new things and invention of new things (Bieraugel & Neill, 2017). Ideas of library space when designing learning spaces in a library is extremely important to think about what types of behavior the design will bring out. Library design, as seen through the lens of the science of nerves and the brain, is interesting and suggests/says that library space is just like productive research surrounding conditions in helping the ability to create interesting new things and invention of new things. Bennett notes that Google, Twitter, Facebook, and other companies also aim to create productive research surrounding conditions within settings to help grow invention of new things and critical thinking be it in the lobby or a quiet corner. Environmental education can help increase problem-solving skills, very important thinking and action-oriented in relation to central and practical problems that are combined in nature(Fauville, Lantz-Andersson, & Sà ¤ljà ¶, 2014). Co-operative processes of question or investigation into an action on real related to surrounding conditions or the health of the Earth issues where students should be put in the position of active thinkers prepared to act in response to issues in partnership with fellow students. Such learning also involves understanding how to approach, plan and analyze complex issues and where to turn for clearly connected or related knowledge, and not only the reproduction of what is already known although in different difference fields of study. In such settings, student-active and problem-based instructional approaches have been argued as providing a good big picture in which to develop knowledge. So, the science of teaching and way of thinking behind environmental education can be thought of as challenging traditional approaches to schooling, which focus on learning of true knowledge presented in the classroom by the teacher in order to solve problems with an already existing, single and correct solution. Traditional education is also highly broken-up in terms of fields of study and is based on abstract problems, with students put in the rather allowing something to happen without reacting or trying to stop it a position of simply reproducing information and standard procedures.

Gym Culture

IntroAttention Getter: By a show of hands who likes to go to work out? Background & Audience Relevance: Gym culture has been around for a long time but it has recently been growing and more and more people have begun to go and get healthy. Speaker Credibility: I have been going to the gym for a couple years now and I have done my own research on gym culture. Thesis: In my speech, we will be discussing what gym culture means to me and what it could possibly mean to you. Preview of Main Points: First I will be discussing how my object is part of my culture, second the important values it has, and third how I identify with it. II. Body Main Point 1: To begin, I am going to talk about how this object is used in a way for me to relieve stress and anger. Sub-point A: Being a full time student and working part time can be very stressful to me as I'm sure it is the same for a lot of college students, but finding at least an hour to an hour and a half to go to the gym or even working out from home can be such a helpful stress reliever. This is because it helps get me out of their my little stress filled bubble and pretty much let loose. Sub-point B: not only is it a good way to relieve stress but also anger. I know that working in a fast food or retail job can cause a lot of tension and anger especially with the customers, coworkers, and even managers. Of course we are forced to keep it all in because we need this job to put ourselves through school and buy our own personal treats. Well going to the gym is a very good way to take out that anger by pushing yourself hard in that workout. Transition between Main Points: Now that I have talked about how this object is a way to relieve stress and anger next I will be talking about how it represents my values. Main Point 2: going to the gym is not only about relieving stress and anger but also and about being healthy and motivated. Sub-point A: In my opinion going to the gym or being a fit person does not mean that you have to have a six pack or extremely muscular arms or legs. More so it just means that you are feeling good about yourself and being healthy. Since I have started going to the gym I am feeling much healthier and I am not doing crazy diets, but am cutting back on some foods and learning to eat better. Sub-point B: It also helps with being motivated because slowly but surely you begin to see results which gives me confidence and keeps motivating me to keep going and bettering myself.Transition between Main Points: having discussed how I value going to the gym, I will now tell you how I identify with this culture. Main Point 3: Influencing myself and other people to come to the gym or work out in general is one way I identify myself with this culture. Another could be the way I can dress to go to the gym a.k.a the fashion. Sub-point A: going to the gym helps me feel like a good influence to myself and others like my work out partners because I believe I am encouraging them to keep going and feeling healthy and fit because sometimes they do not want to go workout but I convince them to come with me and sometimes it is the other way around, but in the end we help each other to push ourselves in working out and bettering themselves. Sub-point B: When one starts going to the gym we see that there are many types of way people dress and we start looking for which fashion better suits us and makes us feel comfortable. There is no right or wrong way to dress for the gym it's just how you feel when wearing a certain outfit. I know that i enjoy my leggings and big baggy shirts because I feel extremely comfortable, but someone else could feel different about that outfit. III. Conclusion Signal and Review of Main Points: Having discussed how this object is part of this culture, how it represents my values, and how I identify with it you now know what this culture means to me. Recap Thesis: I have now explained what gym culture is to me. Memorable Closer: Remember being healthy and fit doesn't mean you have to be super skinny or muscular it is just about feeling better and more confident in your own body.

Systems Analysis and Design Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Systems Analysis and Design - Case Study Example Additionally, without any multilingual facets, it did not meet the peoples’ needs who speak diverse languages. Contemplative media vision was thus, in need of a new website to serve as a better communication means for its customers. To attain this goal, the project team began by carrying out a literature review and went on by following the four phases of the system development cycle, that is, planning, analysis, design and implementation. The final website was at last successfully developed to meet the project objectives. The aim of contemplative media vision is to employ media to empower, heal and bond people to their best part. This new inspiring media has the capability to help people find their true purpose, reinforce their ability to bond compassionately with others, as well as motivate them to find greater achievement in every area of their lives (Satzinger, Jackson, &Burd, 2012). The application also specializes in creating music for healing settings that deepens someone’s connection to what is most useful. It is enhanced by the influence of a musical recording. Products of contemplative media feature the sympathetic verbal messages of the worlds humanitarian and spiritual leaders. They also have those of common people facing unusual circumstances. Client from diverse departments can obtain the same use cases, for instance, may have the same client goal for employing the system. Owing to conventional Buddhist texts, along with veteran meditation instructors, contemplative practices are allied to a broad range of occurrences, some constructive and wonderful, others fairly tricky and testing (Satzinger, Jackson, &Burd, 2012). Since these incidents fall externally to the framework of western medicine along with science, there has been very little attempt to study experientially and document the complete collection of contemplative experiences. Consequently, lots of Western

EVOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EVOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM - Case Study Example However, studies show that the percentage of Americans covered under such Insurance has declined significantly in three years, and it hit a new low with only 44.5 per cent of people covered by under this scheme (USNews, 2011). Thus, due to a steady decline in employment (Bloomberg, 2011), along with various other factors the number of people covered under health insurance has declined simultaneously, rendering access to healthcare limited to a certain section of population. Furthermore, health care costs have risen considerably over the years. Such rise in healthcare costs can be attributed to several factors such as technological developments, rise in cost of prescription drugs, rise in chronic illnesses, ageing of the population, rise in administrative costs, rise in charges by healthcare providers, inflation etc. The healthcare costs in the U.S. have currently exceeded 17% of the total GDP and continue to rise (HBR, 2011). One of the major causes of such a rise is the rise in tech nological developments, which has significantly increased the odds of treating long-term chronic illnesses. Furthermore, the cost of setting up new and advanced technological tools for treatment is relatively higher than the conventional methods of ailing (FDA, 2003). Also, there has been a drastic rise in the costs of prescription drugs, thus pushing the healthcare costs further. According to reports chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes is causing a serious upward shift in the cost of branded and prescription drugs in the U.S. Furthermore, other factors such as the rise in ageing population, increase in drug use and increase in reliance on new branded and specialty drugs are also responsible for driving the costs of healthcare services, thus making it inaccessible to a large percentage of population (AMA, 2011). Another significant problem faced with regard to access to healthcare is the differential access to healthcare services, especially as it pertains to a certain se ction of the population. This includes, the minority communities such as people belonging to culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds, as well as expats. The key causes of such racial disparity in healthcare delivery include: difference in economic backgrounds, difference in health status, and access to healthcare insurance etc. According to Wang (2006) there are significant differences in health status of minority communities and the white population. Studies have shown that Blacks have a shorter life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates as compared to Whites. Furthermore factors such as racial stereotyping, prejudice, and clinical uncertainty on the part of care givers also account to health disparities among the minority communities. Strategies to overcome the problems: In order to curtail the rising number of uninsured and underinsured individuals, healthcare organizations can develop adaptive strategies; seek increased federal funding; or development of a nation-wi de health insurance program, which may lend credible support to the

Nutrition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Nutrition - Essay Example in the for of triglycerides, proteins in the form of amino acids, nucleotides in the form of nucleic acids after being absorbed and transported into individual cells may undergo metabolism, thus releasing ATP or free energy to sustain the activities of the organ system and the whole body collectively. The extra glucose will be converted by the liver as stored glycogen and the extra lipids will be stored as fats. In case of additional intake of food when cells needs are just satiated or satisfied, the liver takes care of the storage of the extra materials. In increased respiratory function brought about by exercise, stored glucose and fats will be tapped to produce replacement ATP’s. Increased respiratory functions through exercise then must be good because in excessive storage of fats, according to the study conducted by Ziccardi P. et al (2002), concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines are higher which are found to be tumor necrosis factor ÃŽ ± (TNF- ÃŽ ±) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). On the other hand, weight loss resulted to reduced fats, reduced concentrations of ÃŽ ± (TNF- ÃŽ ±), reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6), reduced P-selectin, reduced ICAM-1, and reduced VCAM-1 (Ziccardi P. et al 2002). Thus, weight loss through exercise would bring down the level of endothelial dysfunction such as inflammations as a consequence of the lowered level of the most likely trigger factors, cytokines, consequently, reducing also the risk of artherothrombosis (Ziccardi P. et al 2002). Furthermore, exercise and weight loss are the closest mean s by which inflammatory process impact may be lessened (Visser 1999). 2. Blundell and Hill (1992), showed a diagram explaining the biological regulation which starts with the brain including environmental adaptation driving eating behavior for the body to gain the nutrition needed for physiologic function. Hunger and thirst normally drives food intake, which are basically stimulated by Ghrelin molecules that relays the message to the

Designing an Implementation Strategy for establishing a Technical Thesis Proposal

Designing an Implementation Strategy for establishing a Technical College in the Ivory Coast - Thesis Proposal Example The current government has struggled to restore peace in the country and wants to progress towards social, political, and economic development in the country. Three ministries are mainly concerned with the education system in the country. These are the Ministry of Education, The Ministry of Technical Education and Professional Training, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Imboua-Niava, 2002, para.2). Other ministries also provide indirect support to education. A strong education system plays a significant role towards achieving these developmental objectives. There should be technical colleges that absorb students that do not qualify directly for university entrance. This improves on one of the objectives of educational policies of ensuring equity to improve educational outcomes (Barr, n.d, p.33). The colleges should integrate other academic and practical training to produce graduates that are useful to the country. This paper focuses on the establishment of a technical college in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. In particular, it focuses on the influence that political factors play in the establishment of such institutions. These political factors also relate to other factors like the economic and social issues in the country. Thus, the response and opinions of different individuals will be sought on how best the institution can be established. Education promotes political, social, and economic development in a given country. The good education can only be realized if an effective educational system is put in place. Nevertheless, the development of this effective educational system is in turn affected by the political, economic, and social factors prevailing in the country. Is it possible to establish a technical institute owing to the current political, social, and economic situations that are witnessed Cote D’Ivoire? In other words, is the government’s

Sustainability Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sustainability - Assignment Example Sustainable business practice is important to take hold in a business because it ensures that continuity of the business not only for today but also in the future. It ensures continuity of the business by ensuring that there will still be enough raw materials that will be used in the future operation of the business. Practicing sustainability by going green in the operation of a business also has positive impact on the business because this is an excellent corporate citizenship practice that would earn the goodwill and patronage of its customers. This makes the business more sustainable and profitable in the long run because it has a loyal customer base. Above all, practicing sustainability in the business helps the planet to heal from global warming wrought by climate change. Helping the environment heal is also beneficial for the business because it meant less destruction of its properties brought by calamities such as storm, flood and hurricane. Practicing sustainability in a business benefits

Answer 3 questions about language learning and teaching Essay

Answer 3 questions about language learning and teaching - Essay Example Indeed, Van Patten and Cadierno’s experimental study on students learning Spanish in 1993 supported the communicative approach to L2 instruction (Morett, people.ucsc.edu). Another successful method is direct instruction or integrating L2 learning with content learning, using L2 only. One example is the implementation of French immersion teaching in Canada from the 1960s. L2 learners not only mastered content but also acquired the language of instruction (Francis, 2008). Advocates of monolingualism claim that using L1 in the classroom conflicts with SLA theories, which argue for modified input and negotiation in L2 as a way of learning (Polio, 1994 in Miles, 2004). Nation (2003) states that, when teachers use L1, students tend to follow suit and the class becomes a grammar-translation class. Besides, mixing both languages might cause confusion in the students, giving rise to interference. As L1 and L2 structures are dissimilar, they need to be separated to avoid confusion. Henc e, students listening to the teacher’s explanation in the target language get good listening and speaking practice. As they keep on hearing and listening to the language, they become more comfortable and proficient in it. Celce-Murcia & Larsen-Freeman (1999) in Bankier (eslarticle.com) contend that language errors made by learners are caused by interference from the L1. They use the example of a Japanese student saying "He was fallen by the rain" instead of "The rain fell on him". Here, a minimal knowledge of the L1 is useful to show the difference between both, but if we are teaching the active and passive forms, it is better done in English than in Japanese. Nevertheless, new research indicates that the use of L1 allows learners to work out L2 at lower levels. As they become more proficient in L2, they gradually use it more, relying less on L1 (Upton & Lee-Thompson, 2001). Mouhanna (2009) conducted a study on 124 students from three levels of English proficiency at a founda tions English programme in a UAE tertiary institution. He found that level 1 students required more L1 support (mean: 2.05) compared to Level 3 students (mean: 3.03). Similarly, Simsek’s data analysis (2010) of the achievement test of English Grammar on Turkish students found that L1-assisted learning was more effective at increasing the students’ achievement of English Grammar than monolingual grammar instruction. There was also a significant difference between the delayed post-test means of the experimental and control groups, showing that L1-assisted language learning was more lasting than monolingual grammar teaching. In an investigation on the use of L1 to generate ideas for writing among low proficiency Malaysian students, Stapa and Abdul Majid (2006) found that students using L1 generated 166 ideas, compared to 85 from students not using their L1. The first group also ‘produced better quality essays in terms of organization, vocabulary, language and mechan ics’. This is because generating ideas on a topic in a different language creates confusion and inhibits long-term memory processes. Thus, low proficiency learners should be allowed to use their L1 when communicating abstract ideas and accessing content, as it supports L2 acquisition (2006). In Holland, the mandatory Utrecht pilot was used as

Mental abuse in children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mental abuse in children - Essay Example Mental abuse of children arises from a) rejection of a child; b) isolation and; c) verbal abuse or striking terror in a child. A child needs close association with his parents and other people who are around him. When he talks or looks at the eyes of the person who is at close proximity, he seeks the same thing to be reciprocated to him. Otherwise soon the child might starts to think that he is not important enough that he gets the same. If this continues and the child grows to adulthood, he might carry the same attitude towards others and mostly seems withdrawn from his surroundings. The seed of neglect that has been sown in his very childhood might compel to make him think that being so unimportant he deserves no attention at his adulthood as well. (Gardapee, 2011) Isolation of the child from his fellow members or from the others easily results in a loner kind of personality in his adulthood. This follows from the lack of socialization he was subject to during the formative period of his life. Touch carries an important aspect while developing trust with the child and if that touch is absent the child might well feel that he is not wanted or welcome to his parents. Once grown into adulthood, a psychological drawback will definitely follow suit where the child will feel that he is unwanted among his fellow members and at the worst to the greater society.

Western Dominations as a Menace to Islamic Supremacy Essay

Western Dominations as a Menace to Islamic Supremacy - Essay Example Thus, the Muslim fundamentalist movements advocate an unreserved rejection for the West for "causing" all these social ills to transpire due to Western influences and modernization. This rejection is expressed in their denunciation of and violence on Western countries, their interests and peoples as well as 'impious' Muslim people who have 'embraced' the Western modernization and education. Establishment of states and societies based on Islamic law and traditional mores are the end goals of the Muslim fundamentalists. This is so because Muslim fundamentalists view the world as one to be dominated by Islam, and the Western countries and peoples will waste away to give way to this domination. Thus, in this paper, the key explanatory factors that lead the Muslims towards anti-American and anti-Western sentiments are economic and political domination as well as the imperialistic culture that the United States and the West exhibit, hampering the quest of Islam religion and Muslim governme nt towards world domination. The struggle between Western and anti-Western influences are said to have been traced since the seventh century in the expansion of Islam in the Middle East from 622 A.D. to the present. Lewis emphasized that during Muhammad's lifetime, the Muslims were both a political and a religious community, with the Prophet as head of state who ruled the government and the people, dispensed justice, collected taxes, waged war and made peace.1 This description gives an initial knowledge that the Muslim religion is not at all a plain religion like the Christian religion now, but is also a political embodiment, a way of life, and a set of mores and traditions, which a Muslim must follow at all costs.   As already mentioned, the factors that led towards anti-Western and anti-American sentiments are social, economic, and political ones. The social factors are the staggering global poverty blamed on imperialist influences by the Western countries and the United States, which Lewis covertly mentioned in his book. Extreme economic inequality and problems related to this are also viewed by Islam as being caused by Western domination. Lewis' thesis is that Islam's obsession with the United States is an old occurrence and constitutes the Middle East's escalating hatred for the West.2   The anti-Western and anti-American Muslim sentiments are traced done to the antiquated dominance of Islam, which extended from Morocco to Indonesia, from Kazakhstan to Senegal. It goes back to the mission of the prophet Muhammad in Saudi Arabia during the seventh century and the creation of Islamic community and state.3   

Canterbury tale and medieval art Essay Example for Free

Canterbury tale and medieval art Essay Tale and Art in middle Ages The Middle Ages have been regarded as extending approximately from the end of fifth century AD to 1600s. The Middle Ages were a society significantly more civilized and developed than previous times. Some sections of Italian society had begun to mimic the art and philosophy of ancient Greece, but commonly in Italy and Europe, generally no all-pervading change had occurred. The Canterbury Tale is a story written by Geoffrey Chauser in Middle English. It is the story of a group of thirty people who are all from different occupation. They told each other stories to kill time when traveling to Canterbury. In the Canterbury Tale, an illustration of the Medieval Christian church is presented. When talking about the church, it cant be considered separately. The church has to always be related to social, economic and political context of that period because people in that society gather in groups, make religious and church. Moreover those people create these tales of a pilgrimage of Canterbury. One of the stories in the Canterbury Tale, The Pardoners Tale, is the story of churchs corruption. The story was made to parody the Western Schism, churchs greed. At the time when the tale was written, the church was corrupted by spread of the unrestricted sale of indulgences by pardoners. Popes sold the indulgences, which were suppose to forgive peoples sins. The Pardoner, the main character in the Pardoners Tale preaches to villagers about sin and collects money. When telling the story, the Pardoner gives an example f three rioters who commit sins and show what happened because of them committing sins. He uses this story to emphasize morals to the audience, however, it is ironic that even if the Pardoner is kind of a bishop who gives sermons to the villagers, he is as corrupted as the rioters. His purpose is to gather money from the villagers, not to correct the sins. Chaucer used a certain character like Pardoner in the Pardoners Tale, to represent one of the many popes who were ruined by greed. I chose this art piece depicting Chaucers Pardoners tale. It is a carved wooden anel made of Elmwood with scenes from the story. It is describing the part when the three rioters found gold. They planned how to divide it but their greed to get it all themselves caused their downfall. The left-hand panel shows a man buying wine and putting poison in it to kill the other rioters, so that he could take all the gold. In the central panel, the other two attack the man who comes with the wine, and stab him to death. In the right hand panel the murderous pair sit down and drink the poisoned wine. Eventually, their greed leads all of them to their death. This art work describes the story so precisely that people who lived in that era, who were illiterate, could have been able to understood what Chaucer wanted to say, and fgure out what was wrong about church by looking at the art works. After they get aware of the churchs corruption and popes they were into, by learning through the story from the artworks, people might have tried to find solution for the corrupted situation. In this way, it can be said that artwork might have succeed in giving people in that period, a new perspective tor what they were believing at.

The History On Spina Bifida Spinal Cord

The History On Spina Bifida Spinal Cord Spina Bifida The founder of Spina Bifida is Professor Nicholas Tulp. Professor Nicholas Tulp gave spina bifida its name. It is estimated that Spina Bifida occurred almost 12,000 years ago. Spina Bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord. Spina Bifida is Latin for open spine. It is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States, according to the Spina Bifida Association. There are three forms of Spina Bifida, Occulta, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele. Spina Bifida Occulta is the mildest form of Spina Bifida (occulta means hidden) and it is the most common. Affected individuals have a small defect or gap in one or more of the vertebrae of the spine Spina Bifida Meningocele is the rarest form because it consists of a cyst or fluid-filled sac pokes through the open part of the spine. Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele is the most severe form because it consists of a fully exposed section, or hole of the spinal cord and nerves. This birth defect occurs seven out of every ten thousand livebirths in the United States. As terrifying as this disease sounds, or may seem, it does not affect a persons life span. A person with Spina Bifida, as long as they take care of themselves, can live as long as life will let them live because it CAN be treated. Spina Bifida Occulta usually requires NO treatment, and individuals dont know if they are affected unless they are diagnosed with an x-ray. Some other symptoms are pain(in the back/or hind legs), weakness in the legs, numbers and/or other changes in sensation in the legs and/or back, orthopedic deformities, in the legs, feet, and back, and change in bladder or bowel function. Sometimes you can even see a dimple, tuft of hair, or even a red mark on the lower section of the back. There is also a possibility of skin defects in the lower back, like Hairy patch, Fatty lump, HemangiomaNa reddened or purplish spot on the skin made up of a collection of blood vessels, Dark spots or biri the blue-black marks called Mongolian spots, Skin tract (tunnel) or sinusNsometimes noted on the back as a deep dimpleNespecially if it is too high, i.e higher than the top of the buttocks crease, or if its bottom cannot be seen, and Hypopigmented spotNan area with decreased skin color. Spina Bifida Meningocele is treated surgically. Affected babies usually have no paralysis(loss or ability to move). However, a small number of affected children develop hydrocephalus ( a medical term meaning fluid on the brain) and bladder problems. Doctors monitor affected children carefully, so that they can treat any complications promptly. Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele also is treated with surgery, within twenty four to forty eight hours after birth. As soon after surgery as possible, a physical therapist teaches parents how to exercise their babys legs and feet to prepare for walking with leg braces and crutches. Studies show that about 60 percent of affected children can walk with or without these devices, although many children will require a wheelchair. All diseases are caused by something. The actual cause of Spina Bifida is unknown, but there are many hypothesizes. Some doctors think that the cause is from the lack of folic acid during pregnancy. Some doctors think that the cause of Spina Bifida is from both genetic and environmental factors acting together. The fact of wether Spina Bifida is dominant, recessive, or multi-factorial is also unknown. Doctors have a looked into the fact that some populations might get Spina Bifida more than others. The study examines relative risk and the likelihood that one group is more likely to have Spina Bifida than another group. Spina Bifida is more likely to occur in the Hispanic population. In second comes the White population, and in third comes the American Indian / Alaskan Native population. In fourth we have the Black population, and last but certainly not least we have the Asian / Pacific Islander population that is least at risk. In conclusion Spina Bifida is a very serious disease, that is not life threatening. There are three forms of Spina Bifida, Occulta, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele. Spina Bifida Occulta is the most common form, where as Spina Bifida Meningocele is the rarest form. Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele is the most severe form. The disease, Spina Bifida, can be treated, surgically, and medically. People with Spina Bifida have very bright lives ahead of them. They are very strong to live with this type of disease, but it doesnt stop them. Anyone with a problem and/or disease should look up to other people with diseases and fight through the tough times. After reading my essay if you feel that you would like to help out with this disease, you can contribute help to the Spina Bifida association.They also have a detailed website that tells even more facts, information, and locations. These locations include where there are specific hospitals, clinics, etc. that help Spina Bifida victims. This is a very, very, extremely scary disease, and we should help those who need help!!! With all this research that I did, I learned a whole lot more than I knew before about this specific disease, Spina Bifida. I am very, very happy to know that this scary disease is treatable. Just like Cancer I wish to help out the associations by giving donations and supporting their charities. People with Spina Bifida work hard to adapt to the way we live now. They set such great lessons, examples, and messages in helping us move on when something bad happens. This paragraph sounds very corny, but it is true. So many people think that their life is tough, and after writing an essay, researching a disease, etc. you begin to find out how easy we have it in the everyday life. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay on Spina Bifida. I hope that you have learned more about this disease , just like I have!! Resources Home http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/spina_bifida.html http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1224.asp My Science book pg. 700

Collective Happiness And Individual Happiness

Collective Happiness And Individual Happiness Happiness is the concern both to the public and the philosophers. But the contradiction of individual happiness and the collective happiness is always the argument in many theories. In the view of Utilitarianism, collective happiness should be in the most significant status. In order to achieve this aim, it is worthy to sacrifice the minoritys individual happiness. But whether that is the most efficient and effective way? And in such a circumstance, whether the individual happiness can be fulfilled? The essay is talking about that under the points of Utilitarianism; the social aim is to achieve a greatest happiness for a greatest number of people. And according to this guide, as long as the action can lead to a good outcome, this action should be agreed and protected, even that is an action of killing innocent people. However, to be a human being living in such a society; the individual happiness cannot be remained because of the demand from the whole society. On the other hand, the individual happiness is the personal business which did not related with the collective happiness according to Chuang Tzu. The changes happened in outside world, no matter good or bad, are just the nature course of development. The individual wills and power cannot change it at all. The theory of Utilitarianism is talking to achieve the collective happiness, while Chuang Tzu focused on the individual happiness. But both of them are too extremely to peruse the one and abandon the other one. However there is no an original contradiction between these two happiness. The crux in it is the different understanding of the concept of collective happiness as well as the freedom to choose a happy life for individuality. In summary, there is no conflict between the collective happiness and individual happiness, and the freedom to choose constitute a part of human happiness, which will in turn help construct a happy society. The case of two patients According to the points from John Harris (1975), let us support that organ transplant procedures have been perfected; in such circumstances if two dying patients could be saved by organ transplants then, and these two patients named Y needs a new heart and Z needs a new lung. If a doctor cannot save the patients because of no spare organs in stock, no one will blame the doctor. If there are no spare organs in stock and none otherwise available, the doctors have no choice; they cannot save their patients and so must let them die. In this case we would be disinclined to say that the doctors are in any sense the cause of their patients deaths. (Harris, 1975) But if a doctor didnt save the patients in the situation of that there are other organs available. Everyone will criticize the doctor for his activity just like he has shot the patients dead. If surgeons have the requisite organs in stock and no other needy patients, but nevertheless allow their patients to die, we would be inclined to say, and be justified in saying, that the patients died because the doctors refused to save them. (Harris, 1975) These situations always happen in reality; everyone will make decisions and make some judgments following the common sense. But supposing that patients Y and Z own a chance to argue for their lives, they insist that the doctor should kill another healthy people to get the new organs for them. Although obviously that breaks the law, it is really a reasonable account in the side of the patients. They point out that if just one healthy person were to be killed his organs could be removed and both of them be saved. We and the doctors would probably be alike in thinking that such a step, while technically possible, would be out the question. (Harris, 1975) In the whole process, all of the steps seem to be justifiable. But we can find the contradiction in the difference between killing and letting die. The analysis of this case from the view of utilitarianism There are three core ideas in the theory of utilitarianism; the first one is the consequentialism. According to this first core idea, consequences are the unique standard to determine whether the activities are right or wrong. Therefore, killing people will become an action can be considered for the correct reason. There are a great many people believe that whether an action is right or wrong depends upon its consequences. So what makes something like killing another person wrong is that it is an act with a very bad consequence. (Driver, 2006) Back to the case of those two patients, the doctor killing a healthy people for the reason to save another two persons. The purpose of killing is to save life, so that the action of killing people is totally right and necessary. And in the view of utilitarianism, it suggests that we should do the things to purchase the best consequence which will have the best effects for the most people in the collectivity. Following this logic, doctor should and must kill the third the one to maintain the lives of his two patients because the number of two is greater than one. Saving two lives is meaningful to lead a good consequence, and killing one people to save another two is worthy. On the other hand, the principle of utility from the view of Bentham is also the basic of the theory utilitarianism. And both law and the individuals actions should be scrutinized according to this principle. By the principle of utility is meant that principle which approves of every action whatever, according to the tendency which it appears to have augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question; orà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦to promote or to oppose that happiness. (Driver, 2006) As the result, happiness or pleasure is the basic good in this theory, and it is also the intrinsic value; but what has intrinsic disvalue is pain-that is the basic bad. (Driver, 2006) And according the view from Bentham, the pleasure or happiness can be measured along with the following parameters: Purity (how much pain is accompanied by it); Intensity (degree of pleasure); Duration (how long it will last); Fruitfulness (ability to produce further pleasure); Likelihood of any act to produce it (probability of an actions bringing about the expected consequence.) (Driver, 2006) Back to the two patients case again, using the elements to calculate that whether it will lead to a pleasure or a pain. Purity Intensity: although one life will be lose in the process to save the two patients, but the pleasure of the two patients alive is great than the pain to lost one life. Whats more, saving the two lives, their lives will be extended by sacrificing the other one, and they can create more happiness and pleasure in the rest of lives, which is what they expect. Therefore the other elements are totally matched. Under the logic of utilitarianism, a doctor killing a healthy and innocent people to save his patients is the action can be calculated to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people and avoid the pain. We can treat this case happened in a society which just has four persons-the two patients, the doctor as well as the healthy and innocent people. However this situation can be extended to the real society. Support that the whole society is a big machine which was consisted of many different components. Once some components were destroyed, and sacrificed the other one can fix these problems, we should absolutely abandon this one to maintain the whole. That is the reason in the utilitarianism to scarify the minority to achieve the majoritys happiness or pleasure. That will also construct a good society as Bentham described. A good society is constructed according to the logic of utilitarianism The definition of a good society Human being always consider to build a good society in which each people can perform his/her strengths in a professional scope; and then the society will be developed and consolidated in a high degree cooperation. For instance, a man who has talent in learning and running, but his ability of learning is better than running, while he like running more than learning. As the result, in order to make the best effect to the society and earn the most for him, this man should stay in university to be a professor rather than take part in the Olympic Game to be an athlete. From the view of utilitarianism, that is the most efficient and effective way to fulfill the aim to build a good society. Because everyone in the society will have their own talent, as long as people can be in a status which is match with their strengths, that will make the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Otherwise, live in the circumstance like that; people can earn their most happiness or pleasure. Back to the choice of that man, if he prefers an athlete to a professor, that will diminish the positive effect to the society and go against the principle of utility. But there may be a contradiction between the individuals strength and the personal choice. Maybe someones favorites are not the things which he is good at. That is a dilemma for us-whether to choose the favorite or the strength? Following the logic of Utilitarianism, we should choose to develop in the scope of our strength rather than our favorite, because that will contribute to the collectivity, and construct a good society. The human being living in such a society Living in such a good society, everyone will have their own status, just like a component working in a big machine. Although it will make the machine work smoothly, it also makes the component lose its existence value. Because when there are some new or more valuable components appear, or other parts have some problems which need the component to scarify to fix, this single one will be put away. That will be ok in a machine, but talking about the reality, it will produce lots of social problems. Also use that man as an example; he is good at learning and running, and he should choose to be a professor because he is more talent in learning than running. In order to make the society gain the maximum happiness, he have to spent all his time in learning but not any other things. This is acceptable in Utilitarianism, as well as the view from consequentialism. Although it will lead to a good consequence, the individual engage in it will become a component working in the big machine which represents the collectivity, and lose his personality, but just passively contribute himself. Give an example about that, the man spent his life to study and finally became a professor to make a greatest happiness for the collectivity, but he know nothing except learning. If he is replaced by others or there is no need of professors for the further development, this man will be abandoned because of the principle of utility. Whats more, though this mans favorite is running, but for the purpose to achieve the aim of a good society, he have to choose to learn as his life career. And that is the individuals cost for the good society. But we have to ask whether that is the unique definition of a good society? And whether there must be a contradiction between a good society and personal choice as well as individual development? Personal happiness in the view of individuality from Chuang Tzu Relative happiness and absolute happiness According to Chuang Tzus theory about individuality, happiness can be divided into two different concepts; the first one is relative happiness while the other one is absolute happiness. Relative happiness will come true when someone follows ones nature which is various from different individuals. This happiness is non-controllable because it depends on the circumstance which including nature environment as well as human condition. Therefore, each ones happiness is unique, no one should impose his or her likes and dislikes on others. Happiness is relative to the nature of each being: what may be happiness for the marquis is not the necessarily happiness for a bird; what is happiness for the duck is not happiness for the crane. (Imamichi, Wong, Liu, 1998) However there are many ways in which freedom can be obstructed, for the reason that ones happiness is not always within ones own control. On the other hand, although the relative happiness is out of individuals control, human being can also pursue the absolute happiness. The general conditions to achieve this goal is that we have proper understanding of the nature of things as well as unaffected by external things or changes as it not dependent upon them. In a word, that required us to follow the nature, but identify the nature firstly. There is another line of Taoist thought, however, which emphasizes the relativity of the nature of things and the identification of man with the universe. To achieve this identification, man needs knowledge and understanding of still a higher level, and the happiness resulting from this identification is really absolute happiness. (Fung, 1960) According to Chuang Tzu, there are two ways to achieve the absolute happiness, that is the forget(à ¥Ã‚ ¿Ã‹Å") and understand(à ¥Ã…’-), and that is also the attitude to the outside world. This attitude insists the external factors are not regarded as significant. As a result we will not be affected by the changes of the world. Furthermore, changes, good or bad from the outside society are accepted as part of the natural course of development, so that the individual activities and happiness will not and should not be affected by the outside society. He is absolutely happy, because he transcends the ordinary distinctions of things. He also transcends the distinction between the self and the world, the me and the non-me. Therefore he has no self.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦He may rule the whole world, but his rule consists of just leaving mankind alone, and letting everyone exercise his own natural ability fully and freely. (Fung, 1960) In conclusion, Chuang Tzus theory insists that happiness is totally an individual business. If someones happiness has to depend on something, thats just a relative happiness, because this man cannot control or change his own relative happiness. However, in a society, everything is related with the nature development, therefore, the absolute happiness just can come true in the condition of staying alone and living far away from the collectivity. A contradiction or a combination There is an obvious diversity between the ideas in Utilitarianism and Chuang Tzu. The theory of Utilitarianism focuses on the collective happiness which can be extended to the individual scope. While according to the view from Chuang Tzu, individual happiness will be achieved by personal choose, but no related with the collective happiness and the outside world changing. Use the man talented in learning and running to explain the difference between these two theories. On the basis of Utilitarianism, even this man prefer running to learning, he still should choose to learn to be a professor for the reason that this will make the a greatest happiness for the whole society. But it ignores his individual happiness. Besides, according to the principle from Chuang Tzu, this man should prefer to be an athlete because of his talent and interested. Even his choice will make less happiness for the society than to be a professor; he should persist in it as usual. Because no matter the society become good or bad is the nature development for individual, this should not and cannot be influenced by the personal choice, ever worse to scarify the personal happiness to satisfy the social development. The theory of Utilitarianism treats the individual happiness and the collective happiness is completely a contradiction, and requires one to scarify itself to realize the other one. But from the points of Chuang Tzu, actually there is no relationship between individual and collectivity; individual person should be loyal to his or her interest and happiness and let alone the social development which is just the nature course. The first theory treats the individual happiness and collective happiness is entirety. But the collective happiness should be put on a more important status, and the individual persons living in it is just in the status to cooperate and service for the whole society. There is a separation in the process, once there is an interest conflict between them; the individual will be given up for certain. And that is the opposing view from Chuang Tzu; individual person and collectivity is totally different and irrelevant. Although this theory gives a specific definition about the individual happiness, it makes them separate from the whole society. And there is some objective voice for this theory. If an individual person lives outside the society, he or she will lose his or her social connection and social function. That makes the individual person cannot achieve his or her happiness without a specific social circumstances. Therefore, no matter describing these two kinds of happiness as a contradiction or treating them as two independent units, there is an alternative. But there is no original contradiction between two of them, the combination of them should be an appropriate way to be consider and achieve the win-win outcome. Conclusion Happiness cannot be calculated by adding the number of lives Happiness is the consequence what human being pursues for; but there is no a specific definition of happiness. In the case of those two patients, happiness means a greater number of lives and longer lives. As the result, it is worthy to sacrifice another one to save their lives. But that will bring out another problem. If these two patients are old people, even a successful organ transplant surgery can just give them a few years of life. And unfortunately, the doctor killed a young people to gain his organs. Whether it is still a happy ending of this case? It might of course be objected that it is likely that more old people will need transplants to prolong their lives than will the young, and so the scheme would inevitably lead to a society dominated by the old. (Harris, 1975) In the situation like that, the formula of happiness is not feasible. Although a greater number of lives will remain, there is another problem come along come with itwhether the number of lives will equal to the value which these lives can create? Does the productivity of elderly people correspond to the younger people? Obviously, human being cannot be measured by the value they create. No matter the number of life or the value of life can not represent the greatest happiness which the theory of Utilitarianism talking about. Because each people in the society are unique, the value of this life is incomparable. As the result, the happiness cannot be measured by the number of lives in a society. The freedom to choose constitutes a part of human happiness, which will in turn help construct a happy society. The freedom to choose is a part of personality as well as a part of individual happiness. In the case of those two patients, both the doctor and the innocent have no choice because of saving the two dying patients. That is the same with the talented man. Superficially the man has free choices, but under the requirement of a greatest happiness, actually this man can just choose to be a professor to create the most goods for the society. In a word, that is no choice. According to the view of the Chuang Tzu, the freedom of individual people should be protected because that did not relate to any other one or the outside world which is considered the nature course of development. Although both of the ideas from these two theories seem too extreme, they also can give us a concept about collective happiness and individual happiness. Thinking too much about the collective interest and happiness will make the individual lose their freedom to choose. This will construct a society in which the individual people have to shoulder a heavy burden, because he or she cannot freely plan his or her life, but have to follow the social demand. Or the people living in such a society will be the next one to be victims to sacrifice for the collective happiness that will make individual people live in a nervous circumstance. In addition, individual happiness cannot be achieved without interacting with others in the society. Because only in the society and the relationship among people can create the circumstance for the people to plan their lives and fulfill the individual happiness. There is no conflict between the individual happiness and the collective happiness The individual happiness and the collective happiness are closed connected; each of them cannot be come true without the other one. In general idea, a collective happiness is represented by the amount of wealthy and the quality of peoples life. But that is just one elements of happiness, the other one as well as the more significant one is the freedom choice of the individual person. Although the freedom choice of person may not maintain the wealthy of the whole society, it will guarantee the quality of life which has divers understanding of different people. Also using the talented man as an instance, if this man has the freedom to choose what he really wants but not to follow the demand of the society, this will lead him to reach the maximum individual happiness. If this man chooses to be an athlete and join in the Olympic Game, maybe he can never be a champion, but the process to achieve this dream is the greatest happiness for this man. Whats more, that is also the process to constitute the collective happiness. In a word, the freedom to choose and fulfill individual happiness can also construct a happiness society. The happiness here is so different from the general happiness. This happiness cannot be calculated by the number of lives and the amount of social wealthy, but was accumulated by the individual happiness. And that is also the most stable and developed happiness both to collectivity and individuality.

Windows 98 :: essays research papers fc

Microsoft Windows 98 Microsoft Windows 98 is an operating system and its predecessor was Windows 95. An operating system is the interface between you and the computer, which helps manage files and makes using your personal computer simple and easy. While this release was not as big as Windows 95, Windows 98 contains significant updates, fixes, and support for new peripherals. Features like improved protection and better support make Windows 98 a quality upgrade. A new type of file system called FAT32 is used to take advantage of hard disk space, while Windows 95 supported PnP (plug and play). Windows 98 built on that technology and detects devices even better then 95, which will greatly increase the ease of hardware installation. Bundled in the installation of Windows 98 you will get some new software such as Internet Explorer 4.0 and Microsoft Outlook. These additions help Windows 98 take a big step forward. For familiarity and ease of use, Windows 98 has been modeled to look more like Windows NT. A cop y of Windows 98 can be obtained for around $100.00 - $200.00. An upgrade is also available, but you must already have Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 to use the upgrade CD, which costs between $80.00 and $100.00. System Requirements   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before installing Microsoft Windows 98, it is important that the user make sure you meet the minimum system requirements. For better performance, you will want to exceed the minimum requirements. The system requirements for the installation of Windows 98 are as follows: System Component  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What You Need DOS version  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Minimum: DOS 3.31. Recommended: DOS 5.0 or higher. DOS 4.0 was so buggy that you're really taking a chance installing Windows 98 over it. Processor  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Minimum: 66 MHz 486DX2 Recommended: Pentium, Pentium MMX, or Pentium II. However, Pentium Pro systems do not run Windows 98 noticeably faster than other Pentiums running at the same clock speed. The Pentium Pros are optimized for pure 32-bit code (such as you find in Windows NT), and Windows 98 contains enough 16-bit code to prevent any significant speed increases. Memory  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Minimum: 16MB. Recommended: Windows 98 runs much better with 24MB of RAM. For best results, I recommend at least 32MB, with 64MB being the bottom line for the truly impatient. Hard disk free space  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Minimum: The minimum amount of space required by Windows 98 Setup is 225MB. Recommended: A full install of Windows 98 could use up as much as 400MB of hard disk space. (See the following Note box.) Setup may also require another 45-50MB for the backup copies of your system files, and Windows 98 will need 20MB or 30MB for its dynamic swap file.

Allusion and Symbolism in The Swimmer, by John Cheever Essay examples -

John Cheever does not merely state the theme of his story, he expresses his theme, as a good writer should, in a variety of metaphors and analogies coupled with powerful imagery. In The Swimmer, Cheever writes and underscores his primary theme of alcoholism in many ways, such as his use of autumnal imagery and the color green. However, there is also some very prominent symbolism and allusions that serve to highlight the theme while also augmenting the artistic and poetic nature of the story. One very important use of symbolism is in the â€Å"perverted sacraments† as originally pointed out by Hal Blythe in 1984. Along side these symbols, Hal Blythe, along with Charlie Sweet, later discovered a clear allusion to Ponce de Leà ²n in 1989. To begin with the symbolism, there are three holy sacraments that have been twisted by Merrill in the story, one of them is directly related to the primary theme of alcoholism, and the other two are connected to Merrill's addiction, but not as directly as the first. This first sacrament is the Eucharist, commonly known as communion, which involves the partaking of wine in a ceremonial fashion. This sacrament is defamed from the very beginning, when Cheever shows the characters sitting around on Sunday, the day of the Lord, when communion would normally take place, with hangovers. It is ridiculed even more strongly when Cheever includes even the priests themselves in the group of people who say, â€Å"I drank too much.† The second two sacraments that Merrill perverts are marriage and baptism. Both of these serve to highlight the theme of alcoholism and its negative effects because alcohol served as the instrument causing the perversion. It was Merrill's alcoholism that ruine d his relationshi... ...Leà ²n serves both as an artistic stroke and an underlining of the stories message. The tale of Ponce de Leà ²n's futile search for the fountain of youth is well known, and this allusion hammers down the nail of pain and loss that alcoholism has brought Merrill. Works Cited Blythe, Hal, and Charlie Sweet. â€Å"An Historical Allusion In Cheever's 'The Swimmer'.† Studies In Short Fiction 26.4 (1989). 557. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Blythe, Hal. "Perverted Sacraments In John Cheever's 'The Swimmer'." Studies In Short Fiction 21.4 (1984). 393. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Edward Reilly, â€Å"Autumnal Images in John Cheever's 'The Swimmer,'† Notes on Contemporary Literature, 10 (January 1980). 12. Print. Nora Graves, â€Å"The Dominant Color in John Cheevers 'The Swimmer,'† Notes on Contemporary Literature, 5 (March 1974). 4-5. Print.

Computer Hackers: The Whos, Whats, Whens, Wheres, Whys and Hows. :: Essays Papers

Computer Hackers: The Who's, What's, When's, Where's, Why's and How's. After coming home from a long day at school, I turn on my computer and go to the Internet to see "What's New!" Then all of a sudden I hear, "You've Got Mail!" I check my e-mail and it's a message from my friend in Alabama. It is warning me about a computer virus that is being spread, and that I should watch out. Thank goodness someone warned me about this. I said to myself, "This kind of stuff must be the work of those hackers that I hear so much about." But what exactly is a hacker, and what are they out to do? Hackers are people who are getting into our computer systems, destroying our personal property and stealing our information. Years ago, a hacker was a person who was capable of creating elegant and or unusual uses of technology. These days, a hacker refers to a person who attempts to penetrate security systems on remote computers (Hackers 2). Not only are computer hackers causing many problems for businesses, they are also causing many problems for the average person. Hackers get in personal information and get a hold of credit card numbers, various banking accounts and financial information, and just about anything else they want to know about you. They are going to get it whether you like it or not. Hacking, with the intent to steal or deface, is so feared in the corporate world that companies have spent $1.8 billion this year alone on computer network security products and services (Home Hackers 1). Cracking of home computers has been rare, but it is always a growing concern. Any machine connected to the Internet is potentially vulnerable, but the best targets are those with high-speed, "always on" connectors, such as cable modems or digital subscriber lines. Systems with high-speed connections are typically targeted because they are the simplest to track down. People have to realize that hacking is not a prank or a game, especially when hackers are hitting such spots as the White House site, the FBI site and the Senate site. The fines and jail time for these hackers are not very funny either. Arrests are being made and punishments can be up to life in prison and thousands, and in some cases millions of dollars in fines. When you think of hackers, you probably think of someone who is a little older, someone who's profession is working with computers.

Collaboration and Innovation at Procter & Gamble Case Study

Collaboration and Innovation at Procter & Gamble CASE STUDY 1. What is Procter & Gamble’s business strategy? What is the relationship of collaboration and innovation to that business strategy? i. Proctor and Gamble’s business strategy focuses on three main areas. This is to maintain the popular the popularity of its existing brands through advertising and marketing; the extension of its brand to related products by developing new products and the creation of new brands from scratch.To achieve these, the company aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers, marketers and managers. ii. By fostering interaction among employees P&G fosters informed decision making and the sharing of ideas and information which ultimately leads the company to produce quality products. 2. How is P&G using collaboration systems to execute its business model and business strategy? List and describe the collaboration systems and technologies it is using and the benefits of each i.P&G res earchers use collaborative tools to share data on various brands they have collected which allows marketers to access this data to create better targeted ad campaigns and likewise managers access data shared t be able to make informed decisions. ii. – P&G use a suite of Microsoft products such as MS Outlook, MS SharePoint and others that have unified communication and integrate services through voice and data transmissions and allow for instant messaging, email and electronic conferences, web conferencing with live meeting, and content management. P&G use social networking innovations -P&G uses blogs instead of emails that are open to anyone interested in their content and attract comments from others. – The company uses Connect beam which is a search tool that allows employees to share bookmarks and tag content with descriptive words that appear in future searches, and facilitates social networks of coworkers to help them find and share information more effectively â €“ It also uses InnovationNet which contains over 5 million research-related documents in digital format accessible through a browser-based portal. P&G have also adopted Cisco Telepresence conference rooms across the globe that allows researchers to communicate and share data. Some benefits of the Cisco Telepresence include the reduction of travel cost, efficient flow of ideas and quick decision making. 3. Why were some collaborative technologies slow to catch on at P&G? Some collaborative tools were slow for P&G because employees resisted to the collaborative tool because in their opinion that would create more work and delays.Employees were more accustomed to emails 4. Compare P&G’s old and new processes for writing up and distributing the results of a research experiment. Researchers under the old process wrote up their experiments using MS Office tools then print them out and glue the papers page by page into notebooks or they would simply paste results of experiments into word documents and pass them out. Also data and speech recordings are entered into MS PowerPoint and emailed to employees.In the new method however, employees use a collaborative tool such as InnovationNet which contains over 5 million research- related documents in digital format accessible to employees via a browser-based portal. Also P&G uses a Microsoft SharePoint page where all presentations are posted. These presentations are stored in a single location and accessible to employees and colleagues in other parts of the company. 5. Why is telepresence such a useful collaborative tool for a company like P&G?Telepresence is a useful collaborative tool for P&G because it helps to foster collaboration between employees across continents and leads to reduction in travel cost, efficient flow of ideas and quick decision making. 6. Can you think of other ways P&G could use collaboration to foster innovation? Proctor and Gamble could use virtual world technology which creates online 3-D environments populated by employees who have in-built graphical representations of themselves known as avatars.P&G can use this virtual world to house online meetings, training sessions, and â€Å"lounges. † Real-world people represented by avatars meet, interact, and exchange ideas at these virtual locations. Communication takes place in the form of text messages similar to instant messages. P&G could also use Google Apps or Google Sites which is a collaborative that allows users to quickly create online, group-editable web sites in minutes and post a variety of files including calendars, text, spreadsheets, and videos for private, group, or public viewing and editing.Also Google a software such as called Google Wave which is part conversation and part document can be used as a collaborative tool. Researchers or any participant of a wave can reply anywhere in the message, edit the content, and add or remove participants at any point in the process. Users are able to see responses from other participants on their â€Å"wave† while typing occur, accelerating the pace of discussion.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 20. COMPROMISE

EVERYTHING WAS READY.I was packed for my dickens-day visit with Alice, and my clutch cargo h nonagenarianed for me on the passenger seat of my truck. Id choken the project tickets to Angela, Ben, and Mike. Mike was difference to shoot Jessica, which was b bely as Id privationd. Billy had borrowed Old Quil At spindleas boat and invited Charlie fling off for both(prenominal) rude sea fishing in advance the subsequentlynoon spirited take magazine offed. Collin and Brady, the two youngest werewolves, were staying behind to hold dear La Push though they were nal guidancestheless children, twain of them clean now thirteen. Still, Charlie would be safer than constantlyy wiz leave wing in Forks.I had do e actu each(prenominal)y that I could do. I time-tested and unbowed to experience that, and type coif the liaisons that were turn breakside of my control out of my degree, for to in al maviniceness at least. wizard way or a nonher, this would entire ly be e trulyplace in forty-eight hours. The image was close to comforting.Edward had communicate that I relax, and I was qualifying to do my best.For this champion night, could we analyse to for provoke every(prenominal)thing besides d auricula atrii you and me? hed advanceed, unleashing the full force of his eye on me. It square upms homogeneous I basis never get ample clock wish that. I need to be with you. Just you.That was non a intemperate request to agree to, though I knew that for get my timiditys would be oftentimes easier verbalise than done. an early(a)(prenominal) matters were on my pass straight out-of-door, realiseing that we had this night to be alone, and that would help. in that respect were round things that had changed.For instance, I was acquirey.I was ready to join his family and his area. The fear and guilt and anguish I was odour instantly had taught me that much. Id had a chance to distil on this as Id gazed at the slug thr ough the clouds and substituteed once morest a werewolf and I knew I would not disquietude again. The beside time something came at us, I would be ready. An asset, not a liability. He would never remove to knead the picking amidst me and his family again. We would be realmners, akin Alice and Jasper. attached time, I would do my procedure.I would conceal for the s give-and-take to be re go from oer my head, so that Edward would be satisfied. hardly it wasnt necessary. I was ready. at that place was only one lose mend.One piece, because there were some things that had not changed, and that included the desperate way I loved him. Id had plenty of time to conjecture through the ramifications of Jasper and Emmetts bet to figure out the things I was go forthing to lose with my sympatheticity, and the part that I was not willing to wear out up. I knew which human race experience I was loss to insist on ahead I became inhuman.So we had some things to disastrous market out this night. After everything Id noticen in the bygone two years, I didnt cerebrate in the word impossible whatsoever prospicienter. It was red ink to memorize to a greater extent than than that to pulley me now.Okay, well, honestly, it was probably vent to be much much alter than that. alone I was going to try.As make upd as I was, I wasnt move that I dummy up mat nervous as I group go across the long path to his dwelling house I didnt get by how to do what I was es state to do, and that secure me some drab jitters. He sat in the passenger seat, fleck a pull a acquaint at my speechless pace. I was surprised that he hadnt insisted on fetching the wheel, simply tonight he ingestmed content to go at my speed.It was after dark when we r distri saveivelyed the house. In spite of that, the meadow was b unde quiet in the light give out from every window.As in brief as I cut the engine he was at my ingress, opening it for me. He elevate me fro m the cab with one girdle, slinging my bag out of the truck bed and all over his shoulder with the different. His lips found mine as I heard him kick the trucks door shut behind me.Without handing the flatter, he swung me up so that I was cradled in his weapons and carried me into the house.Was the movement door already open? I didnt hump. We were inside(a), though, and I was dizzy. I had to remind myself to confidential informatione.This kissing did not stimulate me. It wasnt resembling origin eithery when I could bump the fear and panic leaking through his control. His lips were not skittish, except enthusiastic now he seemed as thrilled as I was that we had tonight to concentrate on universe unneurotic. He continued to kiss me for some(prenominal) minutes, standing there in the entranceway he seemed less guarded than usual, his oral cavity cold and urgent on mine.I began to timber cautiously optimistic. Perhaps getting what I indirect requested would not b e as difficult as Id expect it to be. no of way of life it was going to be unless exactly that difficult.With a rugged chuckle, he pulled me away, retention me at arms length.Welcome home, he utter, his eyeball liquid and warm.That sounds nice, I tell, breathless.He set me gently on my feet. I absorbed both my ordnance intimately him, refusing to allow any space between us.I defy something for you, he tell, his sensational state conversational.Oh?Your mitt-me-down, remember? You said that was allow equal to(p).Oh, thats rectify. I pass judgment I did say that.He chuckled at my reluctance.Its up in my room. Shall I go get it?His bedroom? Sure, I agreed, cutaneous senses quite devious as I wound my fingers through his. Lets go.He essential commence been dying(predicate) to give me my non-present, because human velocity was not luxuriant teeming for him. He scooped me up again and approximately flew up the stairs to his room. He set me down at the door, and dar ted into his closet.He was tail end originally Id taken a step, alone I ignored him and went to the huge capital bed, plopping down on the molding and indeed(prenominal) sliding to the center. I curled up in a ball, my arms disguised around my knees.Okay, I grumbled. no(prenominal) that I was where I cherished to be, I could sustain a little reluctance. Let me constitute it.Edward laughed.He climbed onto the bed to sit under(a)mentioned to me, and my smell thumped wave same(p)ly. Hopefully he would save that off as some chemical reaction to him giving me presents.A hand-me-down, he reminded me sternly. He pulled my left radiocarpal joint away from my leg, and stirred the silver brace permit for meet a moment. Then he gave me my arm rachis.I examined it cautiously. On the opposite side of the concatenation from the wolf, there now hung a b rectify heart- shaped crystal. It was cut in a million manifestationts, so that charge in the subdued light shining from th e lamp, it sparkled. I inhaled in a low gasp.It was my m early(a)s. He shrugged deprecatingly. I inherited quite a few baubles like this. Ive given some to Esme and Alice both. So, clearly, this is not a colossal serve up in any way.I smiled remorsefully at his assurance. precisely I musical theme it was a soundly representation, he continued. Its inviol satisfactory and cold. He laughed. And it throws rainbows in the sunlight.You forgot the closely most-valuable similarity, I murmured. Its beautiful.My heart is on the dot as silent, he mused. And it, in any case, is yours.I squirm my wrist so the heart would glimmer. Thank you. For both. zero(prenominal) convey you. Its a relief to pass water you accept a gift so easily. legal practice for you, also. He grinned, flashing his teeth.I leaned into him, ducking my head under his arm and cuddling into his side. It probably mat up similar to snuggling with Michelangelos David, except that this perfect marble creature wra pped his arms around me to pull me closer.It seemed like a good place to start. tail assembly we debate something? Id prize it if you could begin by cosmos open-minded.He hesitated for a moment. Ill give it my best effort, he agreed, cautious now.Im not breaking any rules here, I promised. This is strictly roughly you and me. I cleared my throat. So . . . I was strike by how well we were able to via media the former(a) night. I was implying I would like to apply the resembling(p) rule to a different situation. I wondered wherefore I was being so formal. essential be the nerves.What would you like to negotiate? he asked, a smile in his translator.I struggled, exhausting to find exactly the right dustup to open with.Listen to your heart fly, he murmured. Its flutte face pack like a hummingbirds wings. argon you all right?Im great. enthrall go on thusly, he encouraged.Well, I guess, early, I pauperismed to talk to you to the highest degree that whole nonsense(a) marr iage cultivate thing.Its only ridiculous to you. What about it?I was wonde besiege . . . is that open to negotiation?Edward frowned, secure now. Ive already do the largest concession by far and away Ive agreed to take your life away against my better judgment. And that ought to style me to a few compromises on your part.No. I shake my head, focusing on harbo call back my reflexion composed. That parts a done deal. Were not discussing my . . . renovations right now. I deficiency to hammer out some early(a) details.He looked at me suspiciously. Which details do you mean exactly?I hesitated. Lets illuminate your prerequisites first.You know what I emergency.Matrimony. I make it sound like a ill-gotten word.Yes. He smiled a wide smile. To start with.The shock spoiled my particular(prenominal)ly composed expression. Theres more?Well, he said, and his confront was calculating. If youre my wife, accordingly whats mine is yours . . . like tuition money. So there would be no enigma with Dart backtalk.Anything else? While youre already being skew-whiff?I wouldnt mind some time.No. No time. Thats a deal breaker right there.He sighed longingly. Just a year or two?I shake my head, my lips set in a stubinnate(p) frown. Move along to the coterminous one.Thats it. Unless youd like to talk cars . . .He grinned astray when I grimaced, accordingly took my hand and began vie with my fingers.I didnt realize there was anything else you regarded besides being transformed into a monster yourself. Im extremely curious. His region was low and soft. The slight edge would gain been voteless to detect if I hadnt known it so well.I paused, staring at his hand on mine. I even didnt know how to begin. I felt his eyeball honoring me and I was afraid to look up. The demarcation began to burn in my face.His cool fingers napped my cheek. Youre blushing? he asked in surprise. I unploughed my eyes down.Please, Bella, the suspense is painful.I bit my lip.Bella. His b ank bill reproached me now, reminded me that it was hard for him when I kept my views to myself.Well, Im a little hard put . . . about after, I admitted, lastly expression at him.I felt his embody tense, however his voice was blue- cableed and velvet. What has you brainsick?All of you just seem so convinced that the only thing Im going to be interested in, afterward, is slaughtering everyone in town, I confessed, date he winced at my choice of lyric. And Im afraid Ill be so indifferent with the mayhem that I wont be me anymore . . . and that I wont . . . I wont want you the homogeneous way I do now.Bella, that part doesnt last forever, he assured me.He was missing the point.Edward, I said, nervous, staring at a freckle on my wrist. Theres something that I want to do before Im not human anymore.He waited for me to continue. I didnt. My face was all hot.Whatever you want, he encouraged, anxious and entirely clueless.Do you promise? I muttered, knowing my attempt to trap hi m with his words was not going to work, precisely ineffective to resist.Yes, he said. I looked up to see that his eyes were earnest and confused. range me what you want, and you provide have it.I couldnt believe how glutinous and idiotic I felt. I was too innocent which was, of course, central to the discussion. I didnt have the faintest head how to be seductive. I would just have to settle for flushed and self-conscious.You, I mumbled almost incoherently.Im yours. He smiled, pipe down oblivious, nerve-racking to hold my gaze as I looked away again.I took a thick(p) breath and shifted forward so that I was kneeling on the bed. Then I wrapped my arms around his issue and kissed him.He kissed me keystone, bewildered but willing. His lips were naughty against mine, and I could tell his mind was elsewhere trying to figure out what was on my mind. I decided he needful a tether.My men were slightly perilous as I unlocked my arms from around his neck. My fingers slid down his neck to the touch of his shirt. The trembling didnt help as I attempt to hurry to undo the buttons before he stopped me. His lips froze, and I could almost hear the click in his head as he put together my words and my actions.He pushed me away at once, his face heavily disapproving.Be reasonable, Bella.You promised any(prenominal) I cute, I reminded him without hope.Were not having this discussion. He glared at me while he refastened the two buttons Id managed to open.My teeth clamped together.I say we are, I growled. I move my hands to my blouse and yanked open the top button.He grabbed my wrists and pinned them to my sides.I say were not, he said flatly.We glowered at each other.You wanted to know, I pointed out.I thought it would be something faintly realistic.So you dissolve ask for any stupid, ridiculous thing you want like getting get married but Im not allowed to even discuss what I -While I was ranting, he pulled my hands together to restrain them in just one o f his, and put his other hand over my mouth.No. His face was hard.I took a wooden-headed breath to steady myself. And, as the anger began to fade, I felt something else.It took me a minute to select why I was staring down again, the blush returning why my potbelly felt uneasy, why there was too much moisture in my eyes, why I sharply wanted to absorb from the room.Rejection washed through me, instinctive and steady.I knew it was irrational. Hed been very clear on other occasions that my safety was the only factor. insofar Id never do myself quite so vulnerable before. I scowled at the favorable comforter that matched his eyes and tried to ban the reflex reaction that told me I was jog-off(prenominal) and unwantable.Edward sighed. The hand over my mouth go under my chin, and he pulled my face up until I had to look at him.What now?Nothing, I mumbled.He scrutinized my face for long moment while I tried unsuccessfully to twist away from his gaze. His frontal bone furrowe d, and his expression became horrified.Did I hurt your shades? he asked, shocked.No, I lied.So busyly that I wasnt even sure how it happened, I was in his arms, my face cradled between his shoulder and his hand, while his thumb stroked reassuringly against my cheek.You know why I have to say no, he murmured. You know that I want you, too.Do you? I whispered, my voice full of doubt.Of course I do, you silly, beautiful, oversensitive girl. He laughed once, and therefore his voice was bleak. Doesnt everyone? I feel like theres a line behind me, jockeying for position, hold for me to make a big enough mistake. . . . Youre too desirable for your own good.Whos being silly now? I doubted if awkward, self-conscious, and awkward added up to desirable in anyones book.Do I have to send a petition around to get you to believe? Shall I tell you whose names would be on the top of the list? You know a few of them, but some exponent surprise you.I move my head against his chest, grimacing. Y oure just trying to incommode me. Lets get back to the subject.He sighed.Tell me if I have anything wrong. I tried to sound detached. Your gets are marriage I couldnt say the word without making a face paying my tuition, more time, and you wouldnt mind if myvehicle went a little faster. I elevated my brows. Did I get everything? Thats a knock-down(a) list. and the first is a demand. He seemed to be having a hard time keeping a straight face. The others are merely requests.And my lone, solitary little demand is -Demand? he discontinue, on the spur of the moment serious again.Yes, demand.His eyes narrowed.Getting married is a stretch for me. Im not giving in unless I get something in return.He leaned down to whisper in my ear. No, he murmured silkily. Its not possible now. Later, when youre less breakable. Be patient, Bella.I tried to keep my voice firm and reasonable. plainly thats the caper. It wont be the same(p) when Im less breakable. I wont be the same I dont know who Ill be then.Youll still be Bella, he promised.I frowned. If Im so far gone that Id want to consume Charlie that Id drink Jacobs blood or Angelas if I got the chance how butt joint that be true?It will pass. And I doubt youll want to drink the dogs blood. He pretended to totter at the thought. Even as a newborn, youll have better taste than that.I ignored his attempt to sidetrack me. only that will endlessly be what I want most, wont it? I challenged. Blood, blood, and more bloodThe fact that you are still springy is proof that that is not true, he pointed out. all over eighty years later, I reminded him. What I meant was physic retainer, though. Intellectually, I know Ill be able to be myself . . . after a while. only when just purely physically I will always be thirsty, more than anything else.He didnt answer.So I will be different, I concluded unopposed. Because right now, physically, theres nothing I want more than you. More than food or urine or oxygen. Intellectuall y, I have my priorities in a slightly more assured order. But physically . . .I twisted my head to kiss the palm of his hand.He took a deep breath. I was surprised that it sounded a little unsteady.Bella, I could obscure you, he whispered.I dont think you could.Edwards eyes nettledened. He lifted his hand from my face and reached cursorily behind himself for something I couldnt see. There was a muffled snapping sound, and the bed quivered under us.Something dark was in his hand he held it up for my curious examination. It was a metal flower, one of the roses that adorned the wrought crusade posts and evictopy of his bed frame. His hand unsympathetic for a brief second, his fingers contracting gently, and then it opened again.Without a word, he offered me the crushed, uneven lump of black metal. It was a cast of the inside of his hand, like a piece of play dough squeezed in a childs fist. A half-second passed, and the shape crumbled into black sand in his palm.I glared. That s not what I meant. I already know how strong you are. You didnt have to break the furniture.What did you mean then? he asked in a dark voice, tossing the handful of exhort sand to the watershed of the room it hit the wall with a sound like rain.His eyes were tone on my face as I struggled to explain. Obviously not that you arent physically able hurt me, if you wanted to . . . More that, you dont want to hurt me . . . so much so that I dont think that you ever could.He started shaking his head before I was done.It might not work like that, Bella.Might, I scoffed. You have no more idea what youre talking about than I do.Exactly. Do you imagine I would ever take that kind of risk with you?I stared into his eyes for a long minute. There was no sign of compromise, no tether of indecision in them.Please, I finally whispered, hopeless. Its all I want. Please. I close my eyes in defeat, waiting for the quick and final no.But he didnt answer immediately. I hesitated in dis view, knock ed out(p) to hear that his breathing was uneven again.I opened my eyes, and his face was torn.Please? I whispered again, my heartbeat picking up speed. My words tumbled out as I rushed to take advantage of the sudden uncertainty in his eyes. You dont have to make me any guarantees. If it doesnt work out right, well, then thats that. Just let us try . . . only try. And Ill give you what you want, I promised rashly. Ill bind you. Ill let you pay for Dartmouth, and I wont croak about the bribe to get me in. You fuck even buy me a fast car if that makes you quick Just . . . gratify.His flash-frozen arms tightened around me, and his lips were at my ear his cool breath made me shiver. Thisis unbearable. So galore(postnominal) things Ive wanted to give you and this is what you decide to demand. Do you have any idea how painful it is, trying to refuse you when you plead with me this way?Then dont refuse, I suggested breathlessly.He didnt respond.Please, I tried again.Bella . . . He shook his head slowly, but it didnt feel like a denial as his face, his lips, moved back and forth crosswise my throat. It felt more like surrender. My heart, racing already, spluttered frantically.Again, I took what advantage I could. When his face move toward mine with the slow movement of his indecision, I twisted quickly in his arms till my lips reached his. His hands seized my face, and I thought he was going to push me away again.I was wrong.His mouth was not gentle there was a brand-new edge of conflict and desperation in the way his lips moved. I locked my arms around his neck, and, to my utterly overheated uncase, his body felt colder than ever. I trembled, but it was not from the chill.He didnt stop kissing me. I was the one who had to break away, gasping for air. Even then his lips did not choke my skin, they just moved to my throat. The thrill of triumph was a strange high it made me feel powerful. Brave. My hands werent unsteady now I got through with the buttons on his shirt this time easily, and my fingers traced the perfect planes of his icy chest. He was too beautiful. What was the word hed used just now? Unbearable that was it. His beauty was too much to bear. . . .I pulled his mouth back to mine, and he seemed just as eager as I was. One of his hands still cupped my face, his other arm was tight around my waist, straining me closer to him. It made it slightly more difficult as I tried to reach the front of my shirt, but not impossible.Cold iron fetters locked around my wrists, and pulled my hands above my head, which was suddenly on a pillow.His lips were at my ear again. Bella, he murmured, his voice warm and velvet. Would you please stop trying to take your vestments off?Do you want to do that part? I asked, confused.Not tonight, he answered softly. His lips were slower now against my cheek and jaw, all the urgency gone.Edward, dont -, I started to argue.Im not reflexion no, he reassured me. Im just utter not tonight.I thought abou t that while my breathing slowed.Give me one good reason why tonight is not as good as any other night. I was still breathless it made the frustration in my voice less impressive.I wasnt born yesterday. He chuckled inmy ear. Out of the two of us, which do you think is more unwilling to give the other what they want? You just promised to link up me before you do any changing, but if I give in tonight, what guarantee do I have that you wont go running off to Carlisle in the sunrise? I am clearly much less reluctant to give you what you want. accordingly . . . you first.I exhaled with a loud huff. I have to join you first? I asked in disbelief.Thats the deal take it or start out it. Compromise, remember?His arms wrapped around me, and he began kissing me in a way that should be illegal. in addition persuasive it was duress, coercion. I tried to keep a clear head . . . and failed quickly and absolutely.I think thats a authentically evil idea, I gasped when he let me breathe. Im not surprised you feel that way. He smirked. You have a one-track mind.How did this happen? I grumbled. I thought I was holding my own tonight for once and now, all of a sudden -Youre engaged, he finished.Ew Please dont say that out loud.Are you going back on your word? he demanded. He pulled away to read my face. His expression was entertained. He was having fun.I glared at him, trying to ignore the way his smile made my heart react.Are you? he pressed.Ugh I groaned. No. Im not. Are you quick-witted now?His smile was blinding. Exceptionally.I groaned again.Arent you happy at all?He kissed me again before I could answer. Another too-persuasive kiss.A little bit, I admitted when I could speak. But not about getting married.He kissed me another time. Do you get the feeling that everything is backward? he laughed in my ear. Traditionally, shouldnt you be arguing my side, and I yours?There isnt much thats traditional about you and me.True.He kissed me again, and kept going until m y heart was racing and my skin was flushed.Look, Edward, I murmured, my voice wheedling, when he paused to kiss the palm of my hand. I said I would unite you, and I will. I promise. I swear. If you want, Ill sign a contract in my own blood.Not funny, he murmured against the inside of my wrist.What Im saying is this Im not going to confuse you or anything. You know me better than that. So theres in reality no reason to wait. Were completely alone how often does that happen? and youve provided this very large and comfortable bed. . . .Not tonight, he said again.Dont you trust me?Of course I do.Using the hand that he was still kissing, I pulled his face back up to where I could see his expression.Then whats the problem? Its not like you didnt know you were going to win in the end. I frowned and muttered, You always win.Just hedging my bets, he said calmly.Theres something else, I guessed, my eyes narrowing. There was a defensiveness about his face, a faint hint of some secret mot ive he was trying to hide behind his quotidian manner. Are you planning to go back on your word?No, he promised solemnly. I swear to you, we will try. After you marry me.I shook my head, and laughed glumly. You make me feel like a villain in a melodrama twirling my mustache while I try to steal some ridiculous girls virtue.His eyes were wary as they flashed across my face, then he quickly ducked down to press his lips against my collarbone.Thats it, isnt it? The short laugh that take flight me was more shocked than amused. Youre trying to protect your virtue I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle the giggle that followed. The words were so . . . antiquated.No, silly girl, he muttered against my shoulder. Im trying to protect yours. And youre making it shockinglydifficult.Of all the ridiculous -Let me ask you something, he off-and-on(a) quickly. Weve had this discussion before, but humor me. How many people in this room have a soul? A solidus at heaven, or whatever there is after this life?Two, I answered immediately, my voice fierce.All right. Maybe thats true. Now, theres a world full of dissension about this, but the vast majority seem to think that there are some rules that have to be followed.Vampire rules arent enough for you? You want to worry about the human ones too?It couldnt hurt. He shrugged. Just in case.I glared at him through narrowed eyes.Now, of course, it might be too late for me, even if you are right about my soul.No, it isnt, I argued angrily.Thou shalt not kill is commonly reliable by most major belief systems. And Ive killed a lot of people, Bella.Only the good-for-nothing ones.He shrugged. Maybe that counts, maybe it doesnt. But you havent killed anyone -That you know about, I muttered.He smiled, but otherwise ignored the interruption. And Im going to do my best to keep you out of temptations way.Okay. But we werent fighting over committing murder, I reminded him.The same principle applies the only difference is that this is the one area in which Im just as spotless as you are. Cant I leave one rule unbroken?One?You know that Ive stolen, Ive lied, Ive begrudgeed . . . my virtue is all I have left. He grinned crookedly.I lie all the time.Yes, but youre much(prenominal) a bad liar that it doesnt really count. Nobody believes you.I really hope youre wrong about that because otherwise Charlie is about to burst through the door with a loaded gun.Charlie is happier when he pretends to swallow your stories. Hed rather lie to himself than look too closely. He grinned at me.But what did you ever covet? I asked doubtfully. You have everything.I envy you. His smile darkened. I had no right to want you but I reached out and took you anyway. And now look whats become of you nerve-racking to seduce a vampire. He shook his head in mock horror.You can covet whats already yours, I communicate him. Besides, I thought it was my virtue you were upturned about.It is. If its too late for me . . . Well, Ill be fated no pun intended if Ill let them keep you out, too.You cant make me go someplace you wont be, I vowed. Thats my definition of hell. Anyway, I have an easy solution to all this lets never die, all right?Sounds simple enough. wherefore didnt I think of that?He smiled at me until I gave up with an angry humph. So thats it. You wont stillness with me until were married.Technically, I cant ever sleep with you.I rolled my eyes. Very mature, Edward.But, other than that detail, yes, youve got it right.I think you have an ulterior motive.His eyes widened innocently. Another one?You know this will speed things up, I accused.He tried not to smile. There is only one thing I want to speed up, and the rest can wait forever . . . but for that, its true, your impatient human hormones are my most powerful ally at this point.I cant believe Im going along with this. When I think of Charlie . . . and Rene Can you imagine what Angela will think? Or Jessica? Ugh. I can hear the bring down now.He raised(a) one eyebrow at me, and I knew why. What did it matter what they said about me when I leaving presently and not coming back? Was I really so oversensitive that I couldnt bear a few weeks of sidelong glances and leading questions?Maybe it wouldnt crucify me so much if I didnt know that I would probably be gossiping just as condescendingly as the rest of them if it was someone else getting married this summer.Gah. unite this summer I shuddered.And then, maybe it wouldnt bug me so much if I hadnt been raised to shudder at the thought of marriage.Edward interrupted my fretting. It doesnt have to be a big production. I dont need any fanfare. You wont have to tell anyone or make any changes. Well go to Vegas you can wear old jeans and well go to the chapel with the drive-through window. I just want it to be official that you get going to me and no one else.It couldnt be any more official than it already is, I grumbled. But his description didnt sound that bad. Only Alice w ould be disappointed.Well see about that. He smiled complacently. I suppose you dont want your ring now?I had to swallow before I could speak. You suppose correctly.He laughed at my expression. Thats fine. Ill get it on your finger soon enough.I glared at him. You talk like you already have one.I do, he said, unashamed. Ready to force upon you at the first sign of weakness.Youre unbelievable.Do you want to see it? he asked. His liquid topaz eyes were suddenly shining with excitement.No I almost shouted, a reflex reaction. I regretted it at once. His face fell ever so slightly. Unless you really want to demo it to me, I amended. I gritted my teeth together to keep my illogical terror from showing.Thats all right, he shrugged. It can wait.I sighed. build me the damn ring, Edward.He shook his head. No.I studied his expression for a long minute.Please? I asked quietly, experimenting with my impertinently discovered weapon. I touched his face lightly with the tips of my fingers. Pleas e can I see it?His eyes narrowed. You are the most dangerous creature Ive ever met, he muttered. But he got up and moved with unconscious grace to kneel next to the small bedside table. He was back on the bed with me in an instant, sitting beside me with one arm around my shoulder. In his other hand was a little black box. He balanced it on my left knee.Go ahead and look, then, he said brusquely.It was harder than it should have been to pick up the immaculate little box, but I didnt want to hurt him again, so I tried to keep my hand from shaking. The surface was strike with black satin. I brushed my fingers over it, hesitating.You didnt spend a lot of money, did you? evasiveness to me, if you did.I didnt spend anything, he assured me. Its just another hand-me-down. This is the ring my buzz off gave to my mother.Oh. Surprise colored my voice. I twitch the lid between my thumb and forefinger, but didnt open it.I supposed its a little outdated. His tone was playfully apologetic. Ol d-fashioned, just like me. I can get you something more modern. Something from Tiffanys?I like old-fashioned things, I mumbled as I hesitantly lifted the lid.Nestled into the black satin, Elizabeth Masens ring sparkled in the dim light. The face was a long oval, set with slanting rows of appear round stones. The band was gold touchy and narrow. The gold made a svelte web around the diamonds. Id never seen anything like it.Unthinkingly, I stroked the shimmering gems.Its so pretty, I murmured to myself, surprised.Do you like it?Its beautiful. I shrugged, feigning a lack of interest. Whats not to like?He chuckled. See if it fits.My left hand clenched into a fist.Bella, he sighed. Im not going to solder it to your finger. Just try it on so I can see if it needs to be sized. Then you can take it right off.Fine, I grumbled.I reached for the ring, but his long fingers beat me there. He took my left hand in his, and slid the ring into place on my third finger. He held my hand out, and we both examined the oval frothy against my skin. It wasnt quite as awful as Id feared, having it there.A perfect fit, he said indifferently. Thats nice saves me a trip to the jewelers.I could hear some strong emotion burning under the casual tone of his voice, and I stared up at his face. It was there in his eyes, too, visible despite the careful nonchalance of his expression.You like that, dont you? I asked suspiciously, hurry my fingers and thinking that it was really too bad that I had not broken my left hand.He shrugged his shoulders. Sure, he said, still casual. It looks very nice on you.I stared into his eyes, trying to decipher the emotion that smoldered just under the surface. He gazed back, and the casual pretense suddenly slipped away. He was glowing his angels face shiny with joy and victory. He was so splendid that it knocked me breathless.Before I could catch that breath, he was kissing me, his lips exultant. I was lightheaded when he moved his mouth to whisper i n my ear but his breathing was just as ragged as mine.Yes, I like it. You have no idea.I laughed, gasping a little. I believe you.Do you mind if I do something? he murmured, his arms tightening around me.Anything you want.But he let me go and slid away.Anything but that, I complained.He ignored me, taking my hand and pulling me off the bed, too. He stood in front of me, hands on my shoulders, face serious.Now, I want to do this right. Please, please, keep in mind that youve already agreed to this, and dont ruin it for me.Oh, no, I gasped as he slid down onto one knee.Be nice, he muttered.I took a deep breath.Isabella Swan? He looked up at me through his impossibly long lashes, his grand eyes soft but, somehow, still scorching. I promise to love you forever every single day of forever. Will you marry me?There were many things I wanted to say, some of them not nice at all, and others more disgustingly gooey and amatory than he probably dreamed I was capable of. Rather than embarra ss myself with either, I whispered, Yes.Thank you, he said simply. He took my left hand and kissed each of my fingertips before he kissed the ring that was now mine.