Martin The Warrior :: essays research papers

MartinIn a time of danger A time of smart The mouse was a stranger The mouse was strong He showed the cats With help from some bats How to behave He showed his pain, anger, and strife The creatures were thankful As a matter of fact He was honored for not entirely a life But for many years to comeThe novel, Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques, is a tidings about a young mouse warrior named Martin, son of Luke the Warrior, a mouse that fought sea rats, One day, after the murder of most of his tribe (including his wife), Luke set drag in to have his revenge against Vilu Daskar, the stoat pirate responsible for the massacre. Before he left, he gave Martin his sword, which had been handed down through their family since Lukes own grandsire lived. This book is about how Martin travels through a land full of moles, squirrels, and other woodland creatures which talk and walk upright. Martin goes around meeting creatures from all different lands and asks them to conjunction his army to fight a tyrant who is keeping knuckle downs in his fort, Marshank. The plot of this book is how Martin and his friends fight the tyrant, Badrang, to free break ones backs. The main idea of the book is how and why Martin and his army fight the tyrant. When Martin was captured as a slave for Badrang the Tyrant, he was furious. Not only did the evil rat steal his fathers sword, he beat and mistreated all of the slaves horribly Devising a plan, Martin frees himself and two of his friends from the Marshank, the slave camp bromegrass the mouse and Felldoh the squirrel. Bromes sister, Laterose (Rose for short) and her companion Grumm the mole all set out with Martin and his friends to go assume help from their hometown of Noonvale. Unfortunately, due to the seas conditions, Martin, Rose, and Grumm get separated from Brome and Felldoh. The two strings of the story carry on and tie together at the end Martins group eventually reaches Noonvale, where he returns to Badrang to get his reve nge, and Brome and Felldoh join the Rambling Rosehip Players, a bunch of happy-go-lucky animals that made the hardships less hard, and also get to the slave camp. The ending is tragic, and whenever I read it I get depressed. Martin, in the end, retrieves his sword from Badrang, and succeeds in killing him, but Rose, who he has become very much attached to, tries to help Martin in killing Badrang, but only ends up getting killed by him herself.

Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment Essay -- essays research papers

In Crime and Punish handst, Raskolnikov concocts a theory All men are divided into &8216ordinary&8217 and &8216extraordinary&8217. The extraordinary man should have the right to eliminate a few people in order to advert his idea cognise to all humanity however, the ordinary man has no right to transgress the law. Because he believes this theory is an idea that must be known to all humanity, he considers himself extraordinary however, there is a legion of events that prove that Raskolnikov is not extraordinary.One can be sure that Raskolnikov believes himself to be extraordinary when Porfiry says, &8220...surely you couldn&8217t have helped...fancying yourself...an &8216extraordinary&8217 man, uttering a new word in your sense.... That&8217s so, isn&8217t it? to which Raskolnikov replies, &8220Quite possibly (247).Raskolnikov was strongly prompted to murder Alyona when he recalled a conversation that took station between two ordinary men in a bar. One declared I could kill that da mned old woman and make murder with her money without the faintest conscious-prick.... For one life, thousands would be saved from corruption and decay.... Besides, what value has the life of that sickly, stupid, ill-natured old woman in the balance of existence? (63)Raskolnikov reasoned that it would be honorable to kill Alyona since it would supposedly benefit humanity, but the fact that &8220...

The Sixth Sense Essay -- essays papers

The Sixth mother witThe Sixth Sense, directed and written by M. night Shyamalan, follows the troubled life of eight-year-old Cole Sear, played by Haley Joel Osment, who is haunted by his supernatural abilities to see and communicate with the dead. Being sought after by the unrestrained spirits of his hometown of Philadelphia, Cole must reconcile this frightening power with his desperate desire to be normal. Growing more isolated from his boosterless mother and overjealous of his peers in school, Cole soon encounters child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crow (Bruce Willis), who is led by obsessive ambitions, although weakened by the thought of his neglected wife. Still, Malcolm represents the only hope for fade away the horror and restoring sanity. The main character would have to be Dr. Malcolm Crow played by Bruce Willis. Early on in the story is attacked by a former patient. The experience leaves him traumatized, and lost. Something inside him has died. Dr. Crow feels the only w ay to redeem himself for failing to help that former patient is to somehow find a way to help Cole. Wearing in a dull gray suit, he brings a sadness to his characters detachment that supports the entire production.The movie The Sixth Sense is made in a very unconventional way. The end really changes the sequence of the movie. The end of the movie finally makes the whole movie understandable. There is a very strange flow in the sequence of the plot. In my opinion, the very last scene should have bee...

Unseen Effects of Title Nine :: Sports Female Social Norms Essays

Unseen Effects of Title NineUsing the four topics, history, race and class, gender, and intimate orientation in sport, assume you are a screen writer in the year 2010. You have been commissioned to write a movie book about womens sports and current society. What is the theme? Who are the protagonists? What are the issues and how does the movie end?When Annie came in with an idea to do a sports movie, the first thing I did was jocularity in her face. She quickly cut me off. Harry. Harry what do you know about Title Nine?What is that, some new soy product?Title Nine, enacted in 1972, represents a large change in attitudes toward women and their aspirations. Since sports affect boys and girls as they grow up, the way we treat womens sports may prove as important to changing brotherly attitudes as anything else we do. If girls are socialized the way boys are in taking part in sports, and if boys and girls grow up with the idea that girls are strong and capable, it pass on change the way girls and women are viewed by themselves and by civilization.Oh its a movie about the fate of civilization Are there any explosions? Aliens?Title Nine. Its this integrity that says that boys and girls are entitled to the same resources when it comes to sports. Like, at a public school they cant give nice basketb solelys to the boys and crappy sacks to the girls. And they cant hire this all-star retired big shot for the boys swim aggroup and get some lifeguard to coach the girls. Everything has to be equal opportunity across the board.Well thats something Im happy to see at PTO meetings, but I dont give a damn about seeing it on the big screen. Annie, no one wants to shell out eight bucks to read the Constitution.Ok look. This girl, Jane, grows up in this wealthy family, goes to a prestigious prep school, plays lacrosse, the works. Her aunt from the Bronx comes to visit her one weekend, and her aunt and her mother get into a huge fight because the Bronx cousin-german accuses he mother of spoiling Jane. She says Jane will never have to fight for anything, everythings always handed to her. She doesnt earn any of the stuff and privileges she has, she just gets it. Naturally Jane gets all huffy about this and it affects he deeply.

The Persian Gulf War :: History Iraq Middle East Papers

The Persian Gulf War War was inevitable in the Gulf and it was a war in which Iraq was inevitableness to lose. There were several reasons why this was and became areality. How, when, where did this process of self destruction begin? Itwas quite evident that Saddam Hussein. the president of Iraq, was becominga array giant in the Middle East and therefore a threat to the stabilityof the entire region. His war with Iran was proof of this. The U.S. andother industrialized Western nations could non risk the loss of oil fromthe area. Kuwait is the second self-aggrandisingst source of petroleum in the MiddleEast and so Iraqi invasion of Kuwait displace the world oil market into afrenzy. Iraqi forces then gathered their forces on the border with SaudiArabia, the second largest supplier of oil in the world. This in turnbrought the military might of the United States into the conflict. There are several reasons why Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Afterthe 8 year war with Iran every place territorial disputes and religious rivalriesbetween the Iranian Shiites and Iraqi Sunni factions, Iraq had a massivedebt to many Arab nations including Kuwait.2 The rulers of these nationswanted some of their money back but Iraq sentiment they were ingrates andwere ungrateful for defending the Arab emirs from the Iranian Islamicfundamentalism. The Arab emirs were afraid that the Islamic fundamentalistswould rise against the government and eventually take over the governmentas they had Iran against the Shah. Kuwait was too afraid of this and sothey supported the Iraqi Arabs against the Iranian Persians. 2Iraq,World Book (New York, World Book, 1990), Vol 10, p. 260 The funds that Gulf countries lent to Iraq were used to buy high technical schoolweapons, high tech weapons that made Iraq one of the largest armies in theworld and a force to contend with. Ironically much of the money andweapons came from the countries that united to fight against him.1 TheGulf countries ban krolled him while the Western nations, who had manydefense contractors going out of business because of the end of the ColdWar, supplied him with the weapons to fight Iran and later Kuwait and theCoalition. With a large army like his, it would be very easy to defeat thefar smaller Kuwaiti army compared to his. 1CNN The Gulf War (Video) (Atlanta, CNN News, 75 min.

The Persian Gulf War :: History Iraq Middle East Papers

The Persian Gulf contend War was inevitable in the Gulf and it was a war in which Iraq wasinevitability to lose. There were several reasons why this was and became areality. How, when, where did this process of self destruction begin? Itwas quite evident that Saddam Hussein. the chairman of Iraq, was becominga military giant in the Middle East and therefore a threat to the stabilityof the entire region. His war with Iran was proof of this. The U.S. and new(prenominal) industrialized Western nations could not risk the loss of oil fromthe area. Kuwait is the second largest source of petroleum in the MiddleEast and so Iraqi invasion of Kuwait sent the world oil market into afrenzy. Iraqi forces then gathered their forces on the border with SaudiArabia, the second largest provider of oil in the world. This in turnbrought the military might of the United States into the conflict. There are several reasons why Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Afterthe 8 year war with Iran over terr itorial disputes and religious rivalriesbetween the Iranian Shiites and Iraqi Sunni factions, Iraq had a massivedebt to many Arab nations including Kuwait.2 The rulers of these nationswanted some of their specie back but Iraq thought they were ingrates andwere ungrateful for defending the Arab emirs from the Iranian Islamicfundamentalism. The Arab emirs were afraid that the Islamic fundamentalistswould rise against the administration and eventually take over the governmentas they had Iran against the Shah. Kuwait was also afraid of this and sothey supported the Iraqi Arabs against the Iranian Persians. 2Iraq,World Book (New York, World Book, 1990), Vol 10, p. 260 The funds that Gulf countries lent to Iraq were apply to buy high techweapons, high tech weapons that made Iraq one of the largest armies in theworld and a force to contend with. Ironically much of the bullion andweapons came from the countries that united to fight against him.1 TheGulf countries bankrolled him w hile the Western nations, who had manydefense contractors going out of business because of the end of the ColdWar, supplied him with the weapons to fight Iran and posterior Kuwait and theCoalition. With a large army like his, it would be very easy to defeat thefar smaller Kuwaiti army compared to his. 1CNN The Gulf War (Video) (Atlanta, CNN News, 75 min.

Creating Effective Learning Environments for Learners Essay

IntroductionEnvironment is all the physical and cordial conditions that surround and apprise influence a mortals wellness. A learners physical environment on the former(a) hand embarrass the break surrounding like footlocker ,chairs and other items that ar physical found either inside or eruptside and around the class. Social environment refers to the immediate social setting in which people live or in which something happens or generates. It includes the culture that the individual was educated or lives in, and the people and institutions with whom they move. An urban area is a town, a fix that has developed in the various sectors including infrastructure and other institutions hence noise and other destructible deeds become order of the day. Due to scarce cut back for building, cultivates end up being built next to pubs or however on top of pubs. In defining an immobile attainment environment its important to first consider the uniqueness of learners and how they le arn.Physical environmentsa) Space and materialsThe instructor should take into consideration who should be tackd in the rows and columns. The class arrangement matters a lot for in effect(p) teaching to occur. First, students should be arranged facing the teacher for easy monitoring as the teacher is teaching. Secondly, the teacher should now all the students severally and there by now the different problems the learners incur which might help him/her to plan the class. For instance students with eye sight problems should sit where they are comfortable in order to understand the teacher well as suggested by Roger Hiemstra. Siegel has found that there is direct relationship amongst architecture and collaboration of teachers. The arrangement of infinite has immediately and far reaching consequences for teachers. The arrangement of space has immediate and far reaching consequences for teachers powerfulness to effectively and efficiently accomplish daily activities the formatio n of social and professional considerations of the spaces where teachers meet and collaborate is just as important as the design of class path.Desirable designs include having friendly environment and agreeable areas, supervised snobby areas for students, as well as public areas that foster a sense of community with particular attention to the color using upd. A good class means should be inviting, have the necessary reading material readily accessible, eliminate or cover destructing features either inside or outside the class. Class concentrations should be avoided because it encourages laziness among students due to lack of proper supervision by the teacher. consequently during class arrangements, at least there should be space where the teacher notify move around and monitor the learners progress. Also depart groupings feces be convenient for those learners that want to indulge in group study and discussions.b) Sitting position and types of furnitureKnight and Noyes pe rformed a study on class furniture in relation to childrens conduct and sitting positions between traditional and ergonomically designed furniture. They found that children showed a signifi chiffoniert improvement in task behavior and marked win over in sitting positions fol slumping the cutting designed furniture that makes students to sit upright. In relation to sitting positions, Linton e tal(1994) didnt observe both different sitting position in the children in their study using ergonomically designed furniture was more(prenominal) comfortable. Chairs that are not upright encourage loss of class concentration hence leaving room for poor class concentration.c) Use of visual items to enhance let out causeThe benefits arising from use of visuals for instance chats illustrations and others has provided multiple opportunities for children to process, reflect on and integrate information presented in a story since the spoken language is fleeting in comparison to a visual represe ntation of the same material according to Gersten and Baker. Obviously biota students buttt be taught the topic on bones without even seeing a sample which there by illustrates visual items enhance understanding hence facilitate effective culture. A visual chat make learning more interesting and makes learners understand better what is being taught.d) Temperature and air calibreEarthman rates temperature, heating and air quality as the most individual elements for student achievement in learning. A class that is well lit, sore when environment is cool or cool when it is hot is more suitable to accommodate effective learning. Furthermore if the classroom is up to date and current applied science is available, the student will keep pace with their peers who have access to this equipment. Where classes are positioned in a naturalize matters a lot. Class next to staffrooms where teachers crack jokes can distract the students concentration and learning in class. Classes should be si tuated in areas away from paths that distract learners. An sheath is a class next to the main channel take uping to the main gates will always have cars people and this will hinder effective learning because students will always be staring(a) at anything passing outside instead of listening to the teacher. Police cars that enter in school will freak out students because they will always be curios on what is going to happen.e) LightingThere is a considerable amount of literature relating to blowsy and classroom. In relation to student suitability to learning, day shadowy is seemed to have positive effect to the learners studying environment which is suitable for learning. However day light source cant be had in class because its impractical. Benya suggested that for lighting to be effective, day light must be supplemented automatically by hearled electric lighting that dims in response to day light levels. Barmitt suggests that good lighting can only be achieved by combinatio n of direct and indirect lighting. Indoors lighting can be different depending on color and temperature its bringing and different light intensities.Jago and Tanner argue that the visual environment affects a learners ability to perceive visual stimuli and affects his/her psychogenic attitude and thus performance. Knez found evidence of lighting conditions that induced positive affect improved performance. Web, puts for state of ward various incidences of learners being hospitalized because of use of kerosene lamps which emitted the skinny that is harmful to human beings health. Results of the smoke include irritating eyes, coughing and chest aches due to the harmful smoke. All these can be overcome by place good electric lighting systems which somehow have lesser side psycheal effects hence enhancing favorable learning environments. f) Noise and its resolutionsNoise next to screaky areas that cant be avoided can be reduced through several measures which include Using sound abs orbing materials like carpets, under blocks, coruscate surfaces on carpentry bench nets in gross motor areas. Using sound barriers like carpets, upholstered furniture, grass in outdoor areas, upholster dividers and acoustic tiles too is an efficient way of bearling noise. A good school should separate noisy areas from the quite ones for instance libraries should not be situated next to the shrink from fields. Also laboratories should be separated from the kitchens to avoid contamination of food. g) Color gibe to some findings, colors too affect all individuals at two levels behavioral response and learned response. A behavioral response is a response thats automatic, inherited and not affected by age, sex, culture, financial considerations or environment. This type of response occurs naturally the individual is not aware of making a response for instance using bright, intense colors e.g. red to decorate an infants room can prevent the infant from sleeping well(Chinazzarl 1998 ). This is not a surprising burn as the red color is seen to elevate line of business pressure according to liber man (1991)h) TeacherAccording to Talis, teachers beliefs, employs and attitudes are important for understanding and improving educational processes. They are closely think to teachers strategies for coping with challenges in their general wellbeing and they shape students learning environment and influence students motivation and achievement. Talis illustrates that many studies have described aspects of teaching practice which are related to effective classroom learning and student outcomes.Close monitoring, adequate pacing and classroom worry as well as clarity of presentation, well-structured lessons, in formative and encouraging feedback has generally shown positive cushion in student learning achievement while teachers provide learning opportunities, these must be recognize and utilized by the student to be effective. Motivation goals and outcomes have to be t aken into account as well. Also researchers agree that the teacher is responsible for creating opportunities for interaction and converse among classmates and between students and the instructor. Vitale (2010) suggests that well planned and defined discussion questions help the students to understand the rail contentedness, especially the application of fresh knowledge to clinical practice situation.CommunicationGalton et al, (1999) assumes that it is important for teachers to be able to communicate effectively with pupils, although it is sometimes less certain how this should be defined. Mooss (1979) evaluation of classroom environment addresses this since subscales relating to teacher behavior and classroom management such as teacher support and rule clarity, clearly involve communication. A study of disruptive behavior in a particular school (Badger, 1992) found that both pupils and teachers often explained problem behavior in terms of failures of communication, with teachers advocating more discussion and improved relationships as ways to improve the situation. Another aspect of communication is that which goes on with parties outside the school. good communication has been highlighted as key to the improvement of schools in developing countries by Dalin et al (1994), though in this case it is communication with government and other authorities which is being suggested. More generally, communication with those beyond the school building is an issue referred to in the education literature, but again without necessarily examining the setting that may facilitate it. For instance, in his study of disruptive behavior, Badger (1992) found that teachers often mentioned that there was a need to improve relationships with parents, while Idea (1970) argue for the impressiveness of involving parents and the wider community in school design. Such intentions clearly involve more communication and are involved in the general issue of the schools place in the wider community, which has already been considered.Commonly ab employ Drugs and learningThe pub can be a source of some of the drugs like alcohol. Alcohol has many effects on students who drink too much which may include staying out late and wakening up exhausted with a hangover. As a result, they may have a number of absences and their school work may suffer. young children may find it difficult to get ready for school without clean clothes or a ride, as the parent is hung over or drunk. As a result, truancy, delinquency, poor school performance may be present. Underachievement, emotional distance from peers and withdrawal may be noticed.Drinking alcohol can lead to reduced coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision, slower reaction times and an impaired shop. People under the influence of alcohol have less impulse control and impaired judgment. Some of these effects are temporary while others are more long-lasting. Alcohol consumption can also lead to blackouts and lapses in memory. semipermanent alcohol abuse can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is a brain disorder that causes mental confusion. All this affects learners studies hence affecting the learning environment negatively. The American health check association recently announced that underage drinkers were found to have hippocampuses that were 10 percent smaller than non-drinkers. This matters when it comes to learning because the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning. Because of the changes that the teen brain is going through, alcohol use can seriously damage long- and short-term growth processes.The brain isnt the only factor in a persons ability to learn. The external environment also plays a crucial agency in determining how much a person can and will learn. Alcohol use, especially among teenagers, can lead to social problems that can have long-term effects on learning. Underage drinking has been conjugate to poor academic performance and harmf ul behaviors such as illegal drug use and promiscuous sexual behavior. These social problems can reduce the opportunities students have to learn as they may be denied access to certain educational offerings or compromise their ability to get into schools or training programs. Alcohol use has been linked to higher truancy rates, which translate into fewer learning opportunities -Ways of reducing drug consumption in schoolsa. -Putting talk sessions to heighten the dangers of drugs to health and school studies -According to Bruce and David (2011), guidance and counseling should act as pre rehabilitation centers for the students because when they get to know the effects of a certain drugs to their health, definitely some group of students will change their minds and attitudes towards doing drugs like alcohol. This small achievement will later become huge because students do mostly what others do and a small change will bring an anti-drug environment which is a start to a good learning e nvironment. Peers have a lot to accomplish in terms of behavior.The peers should be modeled to reinforce good behavior between them hence achieving positive results towards learning. Also according to Taylor (2001) students at youth level tend to give in what other youths say compared to advice given from people much older than them. Therefore an organization like the guidance and cancelling department should organize for people who are at least in a youthful age to give talks on effects of drugs. Chronicle addicts who have changed behavior due to the terrible effects of drugs can really touch some of the students and hence initiate change in behavior among the students thus fostering good learning environments in the schools b. - haphazard register checks and school monitoring-Tricks like skipping classes and ditching preps for luxury in the pub can mostly be curbed down through this strategy. Random student registers also keep students on their toes and hence this reduces class ab senteeism because of alcohol and other drugs. Students who are always absent and caught doing drugs should severely be punished for them to serve good examples to the school. Therefore addicts will always be afraid of being caught on the wrong hence reducing the number of drug addicts. -Expelling can be used to show examples of what happens to naughty behaviors. Expelled students bring their parents and hence their issues discussed by four parties which include the teacher, parent, student and school committee. From an effective meeting resolutions can be made and learners can change behavior. c. Approach of doing things that interest and occupy the students mind Charllottas, Web (2007) suggests that youth students are very sensitive people and in order to make them interact well with their environment they should be made part of the environment. Sessions where learners are supposed to meet teachers and air out issues affecting them is crucial in helping them with the effective envi ronment issue. To facilitate learning, an entertainment hall can be built to cater for the students diversion needs hence vanishing ideas of dodging school and preps for the refreshments at the pub. Also during shows like talent shows one can make students gain interest in what they are best at and this will inspire students who might not be that perfect in class and have lastly lost hope in studies.d. Putting age restrictions in refreshment areas and pubs Jordan (2009) gave out the approach that in order to stop students from drinking, the pub should enforce certain laws and restrictions. Through collaboration between the teachers and the pub supervisors, the pub attends should inform teachers of any suspicions that students might have been seen in the pub. Also the pub should enforce laws like no underage people are allowed in the pub. At the entrance, every person should produce identity cards to extinguish adults from the school kids. Effective learning experience Building qua lity teaching, learning and assement environment.Building quality teaching and learning environmentAccording to Oliver and Omar 1999, there is growing movement toward designing learning environments that recognize the communicative power of the internet to support an active and constructive role for learners. Factors influencing learning experience include the quality of learner support systems, the assumption made by learners and educators about the experience itself, the educational design and support networks for learners and educators. Considering complexity of these factors can have on learning experience, possible resolutions to these issues tend to assist and learning also, where assements task drive the learner and the engine room support the learning process. Effective learning is used in the sense of bringing about change to professional practice. Investigation with teachers say that they experience were of the less effective forms of professional development. They inclu de* passive didactic expenditure experiences where is an overreliance on external expertise * external training events* one off training eventsThese experiences may result in a quick fix but they do not often result in lasting change and may in fact be take product (Carnell 1999). The less effective forms of professional development are of low complexity context free. They are single introduce, usually focusing on content or skills and dont require judgment. The more effective forms are of high complexity. These take into account teachers experiences and emotions and are dependent on the particular learning and social context. They are multi track, meaning they focus on and connect different aspect of the context, development understanding, facilitate tearing and change. They require refection analysis, judgment, and dialog. Teachers need a strong knowledge base in child development which enables then to make decision regarding what activities, materials and experiences will be ap propriated for children of various ages. Learners are mostly interested in the moving classical technological advancements. Books are crucial but also computers are making big strides in enhancing the students learning.Bransford, Brown, and Cocking illustrate four essential elements of effective learning environments they are learner- centered, knowledge centered, assessment centered and community centered. In a learner-centered learning environment, teachers take the knowledge and prior experiences of individual learners into account in their teaching and try to accommodate learners strengths and interests. This approach is based on cognitive research findings that prior knowledge is the basis for constructing all new understanding. An example of a learner-centered approach might be a social studies teachers asking students about their daily routine as they study the human seismic disturbance on the environment and how individual actions do make a difference on a global scale. In a knowledge-centered learning environment, teachers direct learning activities toward developing students deep understanding. Research has demonstrated that deep understanding is necessary for learners to apply knowledge in a given situation and to transfer it to new ones.This requires teachers to make a careful analysis of what they want learners to know and be able to do when they finish a learning activity or course and to provide students with the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for the successful application and transfer of that learning. For example, a social studies teacher might focus a unit about the civil war on its causes and semipolitical context and to support this higher-level conceptual understanding might ask can then guide students continued thought and revision strategies.The importance of this aspect of an effective learning environment is supported by research findings that students who are active in and take charge of their learning can be tter regulate and improve their approaches and efforts. It is also consistent with research showing that students build new knowledge on existing knowledge and that the more visible their thinking is to them, the more effectively they can modify and refine it. For example, a social studies teacher might allow students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their developing understanding end-to-end a government unit by asking them to create and update a concept map of similarities and differences between local and state governance.In a community-centered learning environment, students need not only to feel safe to ask questions and to reveal their ideas and difficulties they have in understanding the subject matter, but also to develop norms of behavior that contribute to successful learning in that learning environment. Research shows that social interactions and norms within a community of learners will affect how learners approach their work and that connecting the curriculum to c ommunities beyond the classroom will influence the degree of understanding that students develop. For example, a social studies teacher might put students in contact with other students from another culture or geographic setting to better understand the influence of culture on the topic they are studying. Therefore its of expense to recognize these four elements believed to support learning hence allowing teachers to improve upon their learning environments for more effective teaching and learning.SCHOOL CRISESa. Causes of school crisesThey include* Physical causes caused by school facilities for instance broken water pipes, cracked walls in campus, bad prepared food and many others. * physiologic and mental causes. A good example is break out of diseases like congenital diseases, emotional distance * Contextual causes involve crisis caused by social factors like if there was an aging population in a school district, there would be a decrease in the number of school aged pupils and hence the age enrollment rate. It might eventually lead to class reduction or even closure. If there are drug addicts near a school, teachers and students might be disturbed or even injured. * Ethical and moral causes losses resulted from behavior constitutes a violation of professional integrity among members of school. * Disorder causes if school members had low awareness of school discipline and rules, low morale or the tendency to careless, procrastination and chaotic behavior may easily trigger off various kinds of accidental incident.b. Effects of school crisis* Physiological damage, health hazard, disability and evidently this will disrupt the learning environment because an upright person who becomes disabled will not be having what he/she had forward the accidents * Property loss will disrupt the learning environment because subjects like chemistry will require lab practicles and without labs it will be hard to experiment. * taking responsibility which includes direct or indirect legal, economical and moral responsibility for example a school might have to take responsibilities if a pupil was injured during school activity. * Education damage involving relation between the school members deteriorates after the experience of the crisis.c. Managing school crises in order to foster learningCrisis management includes the measures and policies taken to deal with incidences that enviably disrupt learning. Siegel (1991) suggests that before working on a crises management one should figure out nature, meaning and related variables of the school crises. Schools should eliminate all possible causes of risk, and convert them into predictable and controllable variables. They should device long term preparation plans for preventing damages in future crises, and develop members ability to handle emergency situation effectively. As that world becomes more complicated and fast changing than ever before there is much increasing impact on current school operation, r esulting in various kinds of school crises. School crises definitely do not support effective learning hence should be abolished as much as possible.Some of them are and foreseeable of which the management could devise necessary strategic or operational plans deal with , or arrange to means of insurance to compensate for loss while others are usually dormant but may suddenly disrupt school operation or even cause injury and death or destruction of school property (Raffan, 1984) Through good school management most of these crisis can consistently predicted and managed, loss minimized and operation and development of schools can also be maintained hence fostering good learning environment. The management tactics leave from among school crisis.Technology enhancing an effective learning environmentEducational technology has been cited to make major milestone in improving the learners learning environments. Educational technology includes hardware such as personal computers, smaller per ipherals such as Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that interface with computers and other equipment that can interface with such digital tools such as video cameras and VCRs. Also included in this definition is the software that runs on these devices and networks that allow them to send and share information among them. Bransford, Brown, and Cocking analyzed in their research that educational technology can make important contributions to effective learning environments hence they concluded that technology can inspire teaching and learning by facilitating the incorporation of real-world problems into the curriculum. Educational technology can help make a learning environment more learner-centered by providing a greater variety of resources that allows students to follow their own interests and build upon their strengths.It can also help teachers motivate students to work toward deep understanding or transfer by illustrating how what is under study in the classroom relates to the world beyond it such as by accessing real-time data on current events. Technology can help teachers meet students differentiated needs, by serving as a tool for enrichment or review or for presenting information in additional formats. According to Driscoll (2002) and Rieber (1996) the research literature describes how educational technology can serve as a tool that supports learning by allowing the learner to engage in more complex than otherwise possible. For example, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can layer data about population density on top of information about political party affiliation and socio-economic status.Seeing such data simultaneously in tools such as GIS, or simulations, or computer-based micro worlds, can contribute to making a learning environment more knowledge-centered by helping students better see complex relationships and address more analytical questions than otherwise possible. The research summarized by Bransfor d, Brown, and Cocking has also shown that technology can make it easier for teachers to provide students with feedback about their work. For instance, it can aid in capturing performances for review and display, and it can provide multiple practice opportunities and track or calculate changes in performance along the way.It can also make it easier to communicate within and outside the classroom, providing additional opportunities for feedback in relation to Driscoll (2002)s opinion. Thus, technology can aid teachers in making an educational environment more assessment-centered. Networked educational technology can also support communication among learners, as well as between their parents and their teachers. By allowing asynchronous and synchronous communication, whether by bulletin board, email, web pages, or chat rooms, technology can enable an fill in of ideas and questions and develop a sub-culture focused on learning and on intellectual habits productive for learning. In these ways, educational technology can aid the development of a community-centered learning environment.ConclusionA good learning environment is crucial to promoting effective learning. In order to improve the learning environment the teachers, parents, learners and the community at large should join hands to make sure a good environment is achieved through peaceful co-existence of these four parties.REFFERENCESCeng, Y, C (2005) New paradigm for Re-engineering Education. globalisation and Industralization.Netherlands.Springer Higgins e tal(2004) Chronic noise, exposure impairs Cognitive Functioning with a number of studies. New York.Palgrave Press Marks,J(2001) The Educational Facilities LaboratiesNational Clearinghouse for Educational facilities.Washington D.C.Edfacilties publishers Schultz, F (2001) Education.Dushkin.McGrawWillis (1996) Managing todays classroom. Finding alternatives to control and compliance.McGraw.DushkinBofetta, P. & Garfinkel, L. (1990) Alcohol drinking and mortal ity among men enrolled in an American Cancer Society prospective study. Epidemiology. New York. Palgrave Press Burke, C & I Grosvenor (2003) The School Id like Children and Young Peoples Reflections on an Education for the 21st Century. London. Routledge Falmer.

Extracurricular Activities

Contents 1. Introduction. 3 2. writings Review. 4 3. Survey Findings. 10 4. Analysis of Data15 5. Conclusion. 17 6. References.. 18 Effect of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Performance at nonspecific urethritis Introduction Music, volunteer work, community service, sports, debating, etc each(prenominal) of these postulate an see on how university students perform schoolmanally.The way students choose to spend their free time rump affect their pedantic public presentation it is not simply traditional in-class instruction that impacts donnish achievement. A study by the U. S. Department of Education revealed that students who participate in co-curricular activities atomic number 18 three times more likely to postulate a wander point average of 3. 0 or make split than students who do not participate in co-curricular activities (Stephens & Schaben, 2002, para. ). In addition to co-curricular or extracurricular activities, analyses revealed that regard slight of stud ents land and prior achievement, non-homogeneous parenting, volunteering, and home learning activities verificatoryly influenced student grades (Simon, 2001, para. 1). Numerous studies have examined the factors influencing students schoolman achievement, and many activities were entrap to have a significant influence.According to BUGS (Bringing Up Girls in Science), a program for young girls and their parents at the University of North Texas, the home environment is among the most important influences on faculty memberian performance (Bringing Up Girls in Science, 2003, para. 2). A correlation appears to exist betwixt the activities that students choose outside of the classroom and their academic performance. One of the main controversies is the effect that television viewing of students has on their academic achievement. The relationship between cognitive teaching and television viewing has been the one most widely studied.Investigators disagree about the effects of this r elationship (Shin, 2004, para. 2). The amount and quality of television viewing and family involvement are not the only influences of academic performance. The effects of music and sports are also controversial in their relation to academic performance. University Deans are interested in the relationship between academic achievement and participation in interscholastic sports at university train these sidereal days implying that sports do have some sort of influence on how students perform academically.All of these activities appear to have some sort of effect on students academic performance however, the issue of whether they emolument or hinder is unknown. The research would be described as a descriptive study because it observes behaviors as they occur naturally, describes behavior, explores a phenomenon, and tests hypotheses about behavior (Brown, Cozby, Kee, & Worden, 1999, p. 75). Therefore, the excogitation of this study is to determine whether or not the ordination act ivities that students of North randomness University (where I study currently) pose part in have an effect on their academic performance.I believe that extracurricular activities ( golf ennead activities) have a positive effect on a students academic performance at NSU. Literature Review The History of Extracurricular Activities The development of extracurricular activities was slow in the beginning, with many seeing it simply as a fad that would pass and right away fade out of style (Millard, 1930, p. 11). One of the early philosophies behind extracurricular activities was that they should, wherever at all possible, grow out of curricular activities and return to curricular activities to enrich them (Millard, 1930, p. 2). Eventually people, including educators, began to see the benefits of extracurricular activities, but it took a maculation to inure themselves to them. In fact, before 1900, educators were skeptical of participation in extracurricular activities, believe t hat school should focus solely on narrowly defined academic outcomes. Non-academic activities were viewed as being primarily recreational and therefore were detrimental to academic achievement, and consequently were discouraged (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 5).Deam and Bear, early experts on extracurricular activities, said, Extracurricular activities supplement and extend those contacts and experiences found in the more formal part of the program of the school day (Millard, 1930, p. 16). It was not until recently that educational practitioners and researchers have taken a more positive perspective, arguing that extracurricular activities may have positive effects on life skills and may also benefit academic accomplishments (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 5). It is obvious that extracurricular activities have an impact on academic performance and education ever since their inception.The header is, how are extracurricular activities affecting academic performance today? Extracurric ular Activities and Academic Performance Numerous studies have been conducted concerning the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. Total extracurricular activity participation (TEAP), or participation in extracurricular activities in general, is associated with an meliorate grade point average, higher(prenominal) educational aspirations, change magnitude college attendance, and reduced absenteeism (Broh, 2002, para. 8).Guest and Schneider (2003), in looking at the previous research on this subject said, researchers have found positive associations between extracurricular participation and academic achievement (para. 2). Although researchers agree that extracurricular activities do, in fact, influence academic performance, the specific effect that various activities produce is debated. One study, conducted by the National Educational longitudinal Study, found that participation in some activities improves achievement, while participation in othe rs diminishes achievement (Broh, 2002, para. ). Many extracurricular activities have proven to be beneficial in building and strengthening academic achievement, even if the activities are not obviously related to academic subjects (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 9). A number of studies revealed that students participating in extracurricular activities did better academically than students who did not participate (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 7). Researchers have particularly studied the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance in adolescents.One study found that adolescents who participated in extracurricular activities reported higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school, and higher academic aspirations (Darling, Caldwell, & Smith, 2005, para. 1). Darling, Caldwell, and Smith (2005) conducted a longitudinal study concerning extracurricular activities and their effect on various aspects of development, including academic performance. A survey containing a list of twenty different extracurricular activities was distributed to students they were asked to check which extracurricular activities they participated in that year.Demographic questions, such as their favorite activity, gender, and ethnicity were asked in order to take the social factors and influences into account when calculating the results. The students were also asked what their academic goals were and their grade point average. The results showed that the students who participated in school-based extracurricular activities had higher grades, higher academic aspirations, and better academic attitudes than those who were not concern in extracurricular activities at all (Para. 3-35). Social Influences of Extracurricular Activities and Academic Performance Numerous studies indicate that extracurricular activities do, in fact, promote academic performance in students. However, are the extracurricular activities themselves, careless(predicate) of outside or soci al influences, responsible for this impact on academic performance? Guest and Schneider (2003) conducted research on what influence various social factors had on the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance.They found that most of the studies previously conducted on the relationship between these two factors had not taken into account the meaning that participation in extracurricular activities held for individual participants within distinct social settings (Para. 3). They believed that every(prenominal) school and community assigned certain values to the various activities, putting more importance on some over others. The value that is placed on each activity affects the relationship between that specific activity and academic performance (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. ). Guest and Schneider (2003) concluded that there are three factors which influence this relationship. These factors are the what, the where, and the when (Para. 7). The what sugg ests that the type of participation or activity undertaken influences developmental outcomes (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 8). The where suggests that the school and community context in which extracurricular activity takes place matters (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 9).Finally, the when suggests that the developmental and historical context in which extracurricular participation takes place influences both how it is valued and its effects on subsequent development (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 10). All three of these factors work together to influence the relationship between participation in extracurricular activities and academic performance, because each one places a different value both on activities and academics. Formal Versus on the loose(p) Extracurricular Activities Some researchers have divided extracurricular activities into informal and formal activities.The formal activities include activities which are relatively structured, such as participating in athletics o r learning to play a musical instrument. Informal activities, on the other hand, also known as leisure activities, include less structured activities, such as watching television. Some literature on leisure studies has suggested that formal and informal activity settings have different influences on motivating and feelings of competence, two factors which influence academic performance (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 8).One study found that more time in leisure activities was related to poorer academic grades, poorer work habits, and poorer emotional adjustments, while more time in structured groups and less time watching TV were associated with higher test scores and school grades (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 15). Guest and Schneider (2003), in their study, found that the type of participation or activity undertaken influences developmental outcomes (Para. 8). This involves the what factor and is the concern of this research project.There have been many studies conducted on the influence that extracurricular activities have on academic performance. Their effects have differed substantially for different activities. There were a total of seventy-six statistically significant effects, fifty-eight positive and eighteen veto (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 11). The Relationship Between Volunteer Work and Academic Performance A dearth of literature on the relationship between volunteering and academic achievement exists nevertheless, it is graceful more popular in academic settings as a way of improving academics, as well as society.Many schools now require their students to complete a mandatory number of hours of volunteer work per year or semester. teachs have implemented service learning, which incorporates community service and volunteer work into the curriculum, because it has been proven to have a positive effect on academic performance (Hinck & Brandell, 1999). Service learning can and does have a positive impact on the psychological, social, and dext erous development of adolescents who participate (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 11).Usually the services performed are related, in some way, to some academic subject, but most forms of volunteer work and community service can be tied to academics in one way or another. As a result, more and more studies are finding that increased academic yield is the result when service is combined with intellectual content (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 17). One study, conducted on over 2,000 students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade, found that student performance improved as a result of service learning (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 17).The Texas Council of Chief State School Officers reported that involvement in service learning affects students higher level thinking skills, motivation to learn, application of learning, insight, and basic academic skills (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 18). One study performed to determine the relationship between academic performance and communi ty partnerships found that regardless of students background and prior achievement, volunteering activities positively influenced student grades, course credits completed, attendance, behavior, and school preparedness (Simon, 2001, para. 1).All of the literature concerning the relationship between academic performance and volunteering presented a positive relationship. (Citied in Fujita, 2005) Survey Findings human body 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Analysis of Data When asked whether their CGPA improves when they are actively involved with company activities and events, eighty percent members of North South University Social Services smart set, sixty percent members of North South University Sports Club and eighty percent members of North South University Shangskritik Shanghatan responded with no.They also answered negative when asked what kind of effect their chosen extracurricular activity has on their academic pe rformance in the same percentages. This clearly shows that the mass of the members of these three clubs feel that they perform poor in their academics when they are involved with club works. The activities of the club, although it may provide satisfaction to the active members, it does not help them with their studies. The courses they take at NSU have no relation with the activities of the club.Therefore, they get exhausted after doing the activities of the club and do not get time to concentrate on their studies. And also, since the activities of these three clubs have no relation with the courses offered at NSU, it does not help them with their academics in any way. However, a totally different picture can be seen when the responses of the active members of Young Economists Forum (YEF) and North South University face Club are analyzed. Here, it should be mentioned that all the members who filled up the questionnaires from these two clubs were from the Economics and English depa rtments respectively.Although it is not mandatory for the members of YEF to be from the economics department and for the members of English club to be from the English department, my model included all YEF members from the Economics department and all English Club members from the English department. So, this is one of the major reasons for eighty percent of YEF members and sixty percent of English Club members to respond with yes when asked whether their CGPA improves when they are actively involved with club activities.Respectively, they also answered positive with the same percentage when asked what kind of influence their chosen ECA has on their academic performance. This shows that since the extracurricular activities chosen by the members of YEF and English Club from the selected sample are related to their field of study at NSU, they feel their CGPA improves and that the activities have a positive effect on their academic performance. Finally, when the CGPA of the total samp le is analyzed, it can be seen that sixty percent of the total sample have a bad CGPA between 1. 05 and 3. 00.The rest forty percent have a very good CGPA between 3. 01 and 3. 97. The students with good CGPA belong to clubs which organize activities related to the students academics. This further strengthens the argument that students who are involved in club activities which complements their studies perform well in their studies than those students whose club activities are unrelated to their academics. Conclusion From the conducted survey, it can be concluded that my hypothesis is partially proved correct. Extracurricular activities in the form of club activities do have a positive effect on a students academic performance at NSU.However, the club activity must be related to the courses taken by the students or their field of study. It helps the students perform better in their academics and score better grades if the club activities they are involved in helps broaden the student s knowledge about his chosen field of study at NSU. If students choose to become a member of a club whose activities have no relation with their academics, although they may become very skilled at those activities but this will hamper their study, and their academic performance will go down in the form of a low CGPA.All being said and done, students should not base their decision of getting involved in club activities or participating in any other extracurricular activity from the findings of this study. This research is only a small attempt to find out the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance at NSU. Students should set their priorities themselves and choose their extracurricular activity accordingly or choose them according to their interests. They have the liberty to do so as they are mature adults.However, it would be wise if students chose their extracurricular activities carefully. At the end of the day, academic performance matters the most . NSUs reputation depends on the quality of the students who study here. If NSU is filled with active clubbers who are very good at their club activities but poor in studies then NSUs reputation will go down in the eyes of all who see NSU as a place of quality higher education. References Bringing Up Girls in Science. (2003). Bugsparents (University of North Texas). Retrieved February 26, 2005, from http//www. oe. unt. edu/bugs/parents. index. html Broh, B. A. (2002, January). Linking extracurricular programming to academic achievement Who benefits and why? Electronic version. Sociology of Education, 75, 69-96. Brown, K. W. , Cozby, P. C. , Kee, D. W. , & Worden, P. E. (1999). Research methods in human development. Mountain View, CA Mayfield Publications. Darling, N. , Caldwell, L. L. , & Smith, R. (2005). Participation in school-based extracurricular activities and adolescent adjustment Electronic version.Journal of Leisure Research, 37, 51-77. Fujita, K. (2005). The Effects of Ext racurricular Activities on the Academic Performance of Junior High Students Electronic version. Undergraduate Research Community. Available at http//kon. org/urc/v5/fujita. html Guest, A. , & Schneider, B. (2003, April). Adolescents extracurricular participation in context The mediating effects of schools, communities, and identity Electronic version. Sociology of Education, 76, 89-105. Hinck, S. S. , & Brandell, M.E. (1999, October). Service learning Facilitating academic learning and character development Electronic version. National Association of Secondary School Principals Bulletin, 83, 16-25. Marsh, H. W. , & Kleitman, S. (2002). Extracurricular activities The good, the bad, and the nonlinear Electronic version. Harvard Educational Review, 72, 464-512. Millard, C. V. (1930). The organization and administration of extra curricular activities. New York A. S. Barnes and Co. Shin, N. (2004, December).Exploring pathways from television viewing to academic achievement in school age children Electronic version. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 165, 367-382. Simon, B. S. (2001, October). Family involvement in high school Predictors and effects Electronic version. National Association of Secondary School Principals Bulletin, 85, 8-20. Stephens, L. J. , & Schaben, L. A. (2002, March). The effect of interscholastic sports participation on academic achievement of middle level school activities Electronic version. National Association of Secondary School Principals Bulletin, 86, 34-42.

Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 7

Then you must have had a debate, Poppy tellflatly. When he looked at her, she shrugged. I know you. She knew him in a way shed never known allone. pack looked away. I didnt have a reason, but there were some extenuating circumstances. You could say I was set up. tho I shut up have nightmares.He sounded so tired-so sad.Its a lonely world, fullof secrets, poppythought. And hed had to keep the biggest secret of all from everyone, including her.It must have been awful for you, she give tongue to, hardlyaware that she was speaking extinct loud. I mean, all your life-holding this in. Not telling anybody. PretendingPoppy. He gave a shiver of repressed emotion.Dont.Dont sympathize with you?He shook his pointedness. Nobodyss ever understood before. afterwards a pause he verbalise, How can you worry ab surface(predicate) me? With what youre facing?I guess because -I simple machinee about you.And I guess thats why I didnt treat you comparable Michaela or Jacklyn, he said.Poppy look ed at the sculpted planes of his face, atthe wave of brown hair falling over his forehead kindred silk and held her breath. Say I love you, she ordered mentally.Say it, you thickheaded male.But they werent connected, and pile didnt givethe s visible radiationest sign of having heard. Instead he turned brisk and business same(p). Wed better get started. Hegot up and drew the windowpane curtains shut. Sunlight inhibits all vampire powers, he said in a guest lecturer voice. .Poppy took advantage of the pause to go to the CDplayer. The music had changed to a Dutch club song,which was fine for doing the Netherlands skippydance to, but non very romantic. She punched a but ton and a velvety Portuguese lament began.Then she twitched the sheer hangings approximately the bed dosed. When she sat down again, she and James were in their own small world, dim and secluded, enclosed in misty eggshell innocence.Im ready, she said softly, and James leaned ring to her. Even in the semidarkness Poppy felt mesmerized by his eyes. They were same windows tosome other place, someplace distant and magical.The Night World, she thought, and tilted her chinback as James took her in his arms.This snip the double sting at her neck hurt good.But best was when Jamess mind touched hers.The feeling of oneness, of suddenly being unhurt-it spread through her like starshine.Once again she had the sense that they were melting together, dissolving and merging everywhere they touched. She could feel her own pulse echoingthrough him.Closer, loser and then she felt a pulling-back.James? Whats wrong?Nothing,he told her, but Poppy could sense that itwasnt quite true. He was trying to weaken the growing bond betwixt them but why?Poppy, I just dont indispensableness to force you into anything.What were feeling is-artificial.Artificial? It was the realest thing that shed everexperienced. Realer than real. In the midst of joy, Poppy felt a surge of hurt anger at James.I dont mean it like that,h e said, and there was desperation in the thought.Its just that you cant resist the blood-bond. You couldnt resist it if you hated me. Itisnt fair.Poppy didnt care about fair.Ifyou cant resist it,why are you trying?she asked him triumphantly.She heard something like mental laughter, andthen they were both clinging together as a wave of pure emotion swept them.The blood-bond, Poppy thought when James raisedhis head at last. It doesnt matter if he wont say he loves me-were bonded now. Nothing can changethat.And in a moment or so she would seal that bondby taking his blood. Try and resistthat,she thought, and was start guide when James laughed softly. reading material my mind again?Not exactly. Youre projecting-and youre verygood at it. Youre going to be a strong telepath.Interesting. . . but right now Poppy didnt feelstrong. She suddenly felt kitten-weak. Limp as a wilting flower. She needed I know, James whispered. Still supporting her, he started to lift one wrist to his mouth.Poppy stopped him with a restraining hand.James? How numerous whiles do we have to do thisbefore I-change?Once to a greater extent, I think, James said quietly. I tooka lot this time, and I want you to do the same. And the next time we do it Ill die, Poppy thought. Well, at least I know howlong I have left as a human.Jamess lips slid back to reveal long, delicate fangs,and he smitten at his own wrist. There was something snake like in the motion. Blood welled up, the colorof syrup in a can of cherry preserves.Just as Poppy was angle of inclination forward, lips parted,there was a knock at the door.Poppy and James froze guiltily.The knock came again. In her muddled and slashed state, Poppy couldnt attend to make herself move.The only thought that resounded in her brainwasOh,please. Please dont let it beThe door opened.Phil.Phillip was already speaking as he poked his headin. Poppy, are you awake? Mom says-He broke off abruptly, then lunged forthelightswitch on the wall. dead the roo m was illuminated.Oh,terrific,Poppy thought in frustration. Phil waspeering through the filmy draperies around the bed.Poppy peered back at him.Whatis going-on? he said in a voice that would have gotten him the track down role in The Ten Com mandments.And then, before Poppy could gather enough wits to answer, he leaned in and grabbed James by the arm.Phil,dont, Poppysaid. Phil, you idiotWe had a deal, Phil snarled at James. And you broke it.James was gripping Phils arms now, as ungentlyas Phil was grasping him. Poppy had the dismayed feeling that they were going to start head-buttingeach other.Oh, Lord, if she could onlythinkstraight. She feltso brainless.Youve got the wrong idea, James said to Philthrough clenched teeth.The wrongidea? Icome in here and find the two of you in bed, with all the curtains drawn, and youre telling me Ive got the wrongidea?Onthe bed, Poppy interjected. Phil ignored her.James shook Phil. He did it quite easily and withan economy of movement, but Phils he ad snapped back and forth. Poppy realized that James was not athis most rational right now. She remembered the metal chair leg and decided it was time to intervene.Letgo,she said, reaching in between the two boys to grab for hands. Anybodys hands. Come on,you guys And then, desperately, Phil, I know youdont understand, but James is trying tohelp me-Help you? I dont think so. And then to JamesLook at her. Cant you see that this stupid pretending is making hersicker? Every time I find her with you, shes white as a sheet. Youre just making things worse.You dont know anything about it, Jamessnarled in Phils face. But Poppy was still processing something several sentences back.Stupid? Pretending? she said. Her voice wasnt very loud but everything stopped.Both boys looked at her.Everyone made mistakes then. Later, Poppy wouldrealize that if any of them had kept their heads, what happened next could have been avoided. But noneof them did.Im sorry,Philsaid to Poppy. I didnt want totell you- Shut up,James said savagely.But I have to.This-jerk-isjust playing with you.He admitted it to me. He said he felt sorry for you,and he thinks that pretending he likes you makesyou feel better. Hes got an ego that would fill Dodger Stadium.Pretending? Poppy said again, sitting back. Therewas a go in her head and an eruption gathering in her chest.Poppy, hes crazy, James said. Listen-But Poppy wasnt listening. The problem was thatshe couldfeelhow sorry Phil was. It was much more convincing than anger. And Phillip, honest, straightforward, trustworthy Phillip, almost never lied.He wasnt lying now. Which meant that James must be.Eruption time.You. . .she whispered to James.,You . . .She couldnt think of a swear word bad enough. Some how she felt more hurt, more betrayed than she hadever felt before. She had thought sheknewJamesshe had trusted him absolutely. Which made the betrayal all the worse. So it was all pretending? Isthat it?Some inner voice was telling her to hold on andthink. That she was in no state to make crucial decisions.But she was also in no state to listen to innervoices. Her own anger kept her from deciding if shehad any good reason to be angry. You just feltsorryfor me? she whispered, and suddenly all the fury and grief that shed been suppressing for the last day and a half flooded out. Shewas screen door with pain, and nothing mattered exceptmaking James hurt as much as she hurt.Jameswas breathing hard,speaking rapidly.Poppy-this is why I didnt want Phil to know-And nowonder, Poppyraged. And no wonderyou wouldnt say you loved me, she went on, not tied(p) caring that Phillip was listening. And no wonder you would do all that other stuff, but you never even kissed me. Well, I dont want yourpity-Whatotherstuff?. everywhatotherstuff?Philshouted.Imgonna kill you, RasmussenHe tore cede of James and swung at him. Jamesducked so that the fist just grazed his hair. Philswung again and James twisted sideways andgrabbed him from behind in a headlock.P oppy heard ladder footsteps in the hall. Whats happening? her drive gasped in dismay, regarding the scene in Poppys bedroom.At almost the same instant Cliff appeared behindPoppys return. Whats all the shouting? he asked, his invoke particularly square.Yourethe one whos putting her in danger,James was snarling in Phillips ear. Right now. Helooked feral. Savage.Inhuman.Let go of my brother Poppyyelled. All at onceher eyes were swimming with tears.Oh, my God-darling, her mother said. In two steps she was beside the bed and holding Poppy. You boys getoutof here.The savagery drained out of Jamess expression,and he loosened his hold on Phillip. Look, Im sorry. I have to stay. PoppyPhillip slammed an elbow joint into his stomach.It might not have hurt James as much as it woulda human, but Poppy saw the fury sweep over his face as he straightened from doubling up. He lifted Phil off his feet and threw him headfirst in the general direction of Poppys dresser.Poppys mother let out a cry . Cliff jumped in between Phil and James.Thats enough he roared. Then, to Phil Are you all right? And to James Whats this allabout?Phil was rubbing his head dazedly. James saidnothing. Poppy couldnt speak.All right, it doesnt matter, Cliff said. I guesseverybodys a little jumpy right now. But youd better go on home, James.James looked at Poppy.Poppy, throbbing all over like an aching tooth,turned her back on him. She burrowed into her mothers embrace.Ill be back, James said quietly. It might have been meant as a promise, but it sounded like a threat. Not for a while, you wont, Cliff said in a military command voice. Gazing over her mothers arm, Poppy could see that there was blood on Phillipsblond hair. I think everybody needs a cooling-off period. Now, come on, move.He led James out. Poppy sniffled and shivered, trying to ignore both the waves of giddiness that swept over her and the agitated murmuring of all the voicesin her head. The stereo went on blasting out madcorestomping mu sic from England.In the next two days James called eight times.Poppy actually picked up the phone the first time.It was after midnight when her private line rang, and she responded automatically, still half-asleep.Poppy, dont hang up, James said.Poppy hung up. A moment later the phone rangagain.Poppy, if you dont want to die, youve got tolisten to me.Thats blackmail. Youresick,Poppy said, clutching the handset. Her tongue felt thick and her head ached.Its just the truth. Poppy, listen. You didnt takeany blood today. I weakened you, and you didnt get anything in exchange. And that could kill you.Poppy heard the words, but they didnt seem real.She found herself ignoring them, retreating into afoggy state where thought was impossible. I dontcare.You do-care, and if you could think, youd knowthat. Its the change thats doing this. Youre completely messed up mentally. Youre too paranoiac andillogical and crazy toknowyoure paranoid and illogical and crazy.It was suspiciously like what Pop py hadreaizedearlier. She was aware, dimly, that she was acting the way Marissa Schaffer had after drinking a sixpack of beer at Jan Nedjars New Years party. Making a rant fool of herself. But she couldnt seemto stop.I just want to know one thing, she said. Is ittrue that you said that stuff to Phillip?She heard James let his breath out. Its true thatI said it. But whatI said wasnt true. It was just toget him off my back.By now Poppy was too upset to even want tocalm down.Why should I believe somebody whose whole lifeis a lie? she said, and hung up again as the first tears spilled.All the next day she stayed in her state of foggy denial. Nothing seemed real, not the fight withJames, not Jamess warning, and not her illness. Especially not her illness. Her mind found a way toaccept the special treatment she was getting from everyone without dwelling on the reason forthetreatment.She even managed to disregard her mothers whispered comments to Phil about how she was going downhill so f ast. How poor Poppy was getting pale, getting weak, getting worse. And only Poppy knew that she could now hear conversations held in the hallway as clearly as if they were in her own room.All her senses were sharpened, even as her mindwas heavyed. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she was startled by how white she was, her skintranslucent as candle wax. Her eyesso green and fierce that they burned.The other six times James called, Poppys mothertold him Poppy was resting.Cliff fixed the broken trim on Poppys dresser.Who would have thought the shaver was that strong? he said.James flipped his cellular phone shut and banged a fist on the Integras dashboard. It was Thursday afternoon.I low you.Thats what he should have said toPoppy. And now it was too late-,she wouldnt even talk to him.Whyhadnthe said it? His reasons seemed stupid now. So he hadnt taken advantage of Poppys innocence and gratitude well, bravo. All hed donewas tap her veins and break her heart.All hed done was h asten her death.But there wasnt time to think about it now. Rightnow he had a masquerade to attend.He got out of the car and gave his windbreaker a twitch as he walked toward the sprawling ranch style house.He unlocked and opened the door without callingto announce his presence. He didnt need to announce it his mother would sense him.Inside, it was all cathedral ceilings and fashionablybare walls. The one oddity was that every one of the many skylights was covered with elegant custom made drapes. This made the interior seem spacious but dim. Almost cavernous.James, his mother said, coming from the backwing. She had jet-black hair with a sheen like lacquerand a perfect figure that was emphasize rather thandisguised by her silver-and-gold embroidered wrap.Her eyes were cool gray and heavily lashed, like Jamess. She kissed the air beside his cheek.I got your message, James said. What do youwant?Id really rather wait until your begetter gets home.Mom, Im sorry, but Im in a hurry. Ive got thingsto do-I havent even fed today.It shows, his mother said. She regarded him fora moment without blinking. Then she sighed, turning toward the living room. At least, lets sit down.Youve been a little agitated, havent you, these last few days?James sat on the crimson-dyed suede couch. Nowwas the test of his acting ability. If he could get through the next split second without his mother sensingthe truth, hed be home free.Im sure Dad told you why, he said evenly.Yes. Little Poppy. Its very sad, isnt it? The shadeof the single treelike floor lamp was deep red, and ruby light fell across half his mothers face.I was upset at first, but Im pretty much over itnow, James said. He kept his voice dull and concen trated on sending nothing-nothing-through hisaura. He could feel his mother lightly probing theedges of his mind. Like an insect gently caressing with an antenna, or a snake gustatory sensation the air with its black forked tongue.Im surprised his mother said. 1 thought youli ked her.I did. But, after all, theyre not reallypeople,are they? He considered a moment, then said, Its sort of like losing a pet. I guess Ill just have to find another one.It was a bold move, quoting the party line. Jameswilled every muscle to stay relaxed as he felt the thought-tendrils tighten suddenly, coiling aroundhim, looking for a chink in his armor. He thought very hard-about Michaela Vasquez. Trying to project just the right follow of negligent fondness.It worked. The probing tendrils slipped away fromhis mind, and his mother settled back gracefully and smiled.Im glad youre taking it so well. But if you everfeel that youd like to talk to someone your father knows some very good therapists.Vampire therapists, she meant. To screw his headon straight about how humans were just for feeding on.I know you want to avoid nettle as much as Ido, she added. It reflects on the family, you see.Sure, James said, and shrugged. Ive got to gonow. Tell Dad I said hi, okay?He kissed the a ir beside her cheek.Oh, by the way, she said as he turned towardthe door. Your cousin Ashwillbe coming next week. I think hed like to stay with you at the apartment-and Im sure youd like some companythere.Over my unbreathing body, James thought. Hedforgotten all about Ashs threat to visit. But now wasnt the time to argue. He walked out feeling likea juggler with too many balls in the air.Back in his car he picked up the cellular phone,hesitated, then snapped it shut without turning it on. Calling wasnt any good. It was time to change hisstrategy.All right, then. No more half measures. A seriousoffensive-aimed where it would do the most good. He thought for a few minutes, then drove toMcDonnell Drive, parking just a few houses awayfrom where Poppy lived.And then he waited.He was prepared to sit there all night if necessary,but he didnt have to. Just around sunset the garage door opened and a white Volkswagen Jetta backedout. James saw a blond head in the drivers seat Hi, Phil. Nice t o see you.When the Jetta pulled away, he followed it.

Media/Medical and Science Ethics

The rapid advancement in technology made gays so fearsome about the dangers it brings themmost in tallyticular of the danger that will ca workout their extinction. It is not mere computer or cellular phone that advances. Today, genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics (GNR) make that constant fear to knock on the feet of human race to a greater extent frequent than ever.Dr. Ralph Merkle, in his set about entitled Nanotechnology Its a Small, Small, Small, Small World (2000), pleasantly drew a future that is gayly gains from the various benefits of nanotechnology in almost all areas from which keep greatly depends. He said that nanotechnology is being pushed through towards an objective. That is to make almost every manufactured harvest-time faster, lighter, stronger, smarter, safer, and cleaner. He even enumerated benefits that nanotechnology may provide humanity especially on transportation, atom computers, military applications, solar energy, and medical uses.Dr. Merkle has lai d down very comfortably arguments. He will surely make good impressions to whoever reads his essay. Dr. Merkle, who became scientific in describing when and in what manner gentleman will use nanotechnology, is indeed an ethical get up and inventor. He became solely after to whatever nanotechnology can sustain humans to improve their everyday living. precisely all the benefits he said in his essay are also the weaknesses of his arguments and he was not able to draw more sentences to defend them. Though Dr. Merkle missed to include in his essay the dangers at par with the benefits of nanotechnology, Dr. Bill gaiety provided them is his essay.Dr. Joy, in his essay The Future Doesnt Need Us (2000), materialized and defined that fear. In lieu with the fast-paced techno coherent advancement, he overshadowed a future dominated either by elites that uses GNR as a machinery to eliminate the masses or by egoistic individuals who work hard to aim vested interests or by the robots themsel ves with the powerful wit as much as that of a human being. Dr. Joy constructed such plausible reality in a logical structure, discussing how and what did technological advancements play in human community for the past centuries. Indeed, he showed how dangers go in parallel with the advantages and benefits of technology.He, however, like any other individual, has all the flat coat to be fearsome about the technological advancements vis--vis GNR. History tells the population how did the arrangement of atoms forming a huge atomic bomb become so destructiveremoves geographic and topographical places and killed thousands of people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This is just one of the grave mass deaths and destructions that shook the whole world until now. History also tells us how technological advancements on medicines permitted the rise of new medicines aimed to secure individuals from the former medicines. It is, Dr. Joy points out, in the hands of the wrong people that such potential dangers are permitted to happen and may do mishandling, abuse, and accidents to recur over and over again.Each of the devil essays could be said as complement to the other however, this accompaniment discloses another significant issue Which of the two needs more importance, the duties or minutes of technology?The abovementioned question now asks further question, who among the two makes a better point? Dr. Merkle is pushing through the duties technology provides humansthe duty of improving everyday life through manufactured products that were equipped with more efficiency, while Dr. Joy stresses on the consequences that make technology endanger lifethe pros and the cons of technology and how it contributes to humans extinction in the near future. For instance, the medical application of nanotechnology will lead to a better medical treatment of illness, Dr. Merkle said.The assurance, however, that it will lead to a better, and perhaps safer, treatment is blurry. The creation of a nti-antibiotics will testify to such inadequacy. Another example would be the military uses of nanotechnology to create better and more effective weapons. A country which has strong weapons to use during wars will, of course, able to claim the victory. Nanotechnology will be of great help in creating such weapons. However, if the opportunity to use nanotechnology to arrange atoms in a way creating weaponswere given and used for mass destructions by, to what Dr. Joy pertains, bad people, we will witness on this part the disadvantage.Whether the phenomenon is an unseen/ unexpected occurrence or a willfully-done event, the raison dtre remains to every duty of technology there is a parallel consequence. Too bad that when the consequence is bad and/or destructive, it cost us million lives and million-worth assets to vanished in split seconds, or it costs our daily living to be gradually ruined everyday.Whether duty or consequence deserves more regard, some would still think if we are to coexist with technology harmoniously or end up victims of it, like Dr. Joy thought of. But still, like what Dr. Merkle tells us, a lot would depend on when we start.As technology and knowledge rapidly changes, man has become wiser than ever. But the question to both Dr. Merkle and Dr. Joy also bothers even ordinary individuals, where are we headed as human race given that we are placed in now highly technological world?Dr. Joy tells that many things greatly depends on humansthat is if we will still be driven by societal transformation, progress, and well-being. If not, progress will be sanely bittersweet.True enough, humans coexists in a one world. To clearly define the duties technology should and at the same time eliminating, or the least expense, minimizing, the dangers it may give us, molecular manufacturing (as part of the nanotechnology) requires the coordinated efforts of many people in many years, as what Dr. Merkle said.At the end of the day, the challenge to us is more li kely to be as particular as how to protect life improving it is perhaps a higher task that awaits us.