Human resorces Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human resorces - Case Study Example Considering myself in the place of Joan, as director of scientific computing, I need to take Fred into confidence that I won’t let him down in my next appraisal recommendation for yearly hike. The difference in the salary would be compensated by offering a better yearly appraisal in salary to Fred than it would be offered to Bob. It would certainly reduce the difference and from there onwards, both the employees would be advised not to share their salary details, as it would tantamount to breach of the contract with the company. The bank needs to provide the related documents of the white employee who has not been reporting for work the same duration of time as has been on leave Ruth Wittman. The bank would also have to provide details of the white worker who was permitted to go outside the bank compound to verify the causes offered by the white employee for taking a break from the working hours so that the bank could prove the genuineness on its part by not permitting Ruth for the same. The bank also needs to provide the record of the employee who was not given heavy packets of checks for processing to prove that white employee was attending the training program and the training period of that white employee was yet to finish. If I were the EEOC District Director, I would take a decision in support of Ruth Wittman. My explanation for such a decision would be based on the issues highlighted by Ruth, indicating the practice of racial discrimination by the manager. Ruth gave three arguments, wherein she has stated color as the cause of giving Ruth a rough and biased treatment by the bank. The concerned bank did not present the specific records before the EEOC District Director to prove its argument; in stead the bank preferred to give reference of the policy and procedure and ignored the need to present some hard evidence against the blame of Ruth. Jack Otto should bring it to the notice of Bob Hill by calling him in his cabin and

Happiness Found in Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde Essay Example for Free

Happiness Found in Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde Essay Most heroism deals with promotion of virtue and reproach of vice. Sloughing off from such a hackneyed, yet widely used frame of thought, the novel ‘The Happy Prince’ (1888) by Oscar Wilde connects heroism with compassion. With a subconscious reminiscent between ‘courage’ and ‘hero’, compassion is generally not a primary association with a strong image of a hero. Oscar Wilde however, through utilization of ‘the happy prince’ as a mechanism, conveys the idea of compassion and sacrifice which consists of happiness and beauty under a plot of heroism. The compassion felt by the Happy Prince can be distinguished in two levels of analysis: on himself and on the poor. The Happy Prince, once a real prince who lived within absolute extravagance, had a life far from poverty, hunger or servility. Upon encountering the inferior reality of civilian faces after becoming a statue, the Happy Prince expresses his compassion on himself by saying: â€Å"My courtiers called me the Happy Prince, and happy indeed I was, if pleasure be happiness. (5)This distinction indicates the realization of the Happy Prince on the difference between aesthetic happiness and materialistic pleasure. It also foreshadows the displacement of the Happy Prince’s compassion from his own past self to the poor, which causes heroic action by the Happy Prince. The jewels sent by the Happy Prince to the poor in the novel are not just simple sapphires or gold. Rather, they are ‘true’ jewels resulted from self compassion. Such open-mindedness of the Happy Prince allows him to be penitent for his past misdeeds and sacrifice himself to supplement such faults, which resulted in promotion of the common good. History tells us that those who are titled as ‘leaders’ sacrifice themselves for others. Regardless of how much sacrifice they burden, all leaders have a certain extent of private loss to yield common welfare. Similarly, the story ‘The Happy Prince’ also depicts heroism based on sacrifice. In the novel, the Happy Prince, having beauty as a single reason for its production, sacrifices himself to the non haves on the streets by distributing his jewels through the help of a sparrow. Since the purpose for its existence diminishes, the mayor of the city eventually destroys the statue of the Happy Prince. The point Oscar Wilde makes at this part is that action for others with sincerity and truthfulness overwhelms the loss one gets through such action. As Erich Fromm, a German philosopher wrote in his book, ‘To Have or To Be’, property without purpose loses the value of it and absence with a purpose is more valued than its presence. Having firm belief on his action, the Happy Prince was able to practice his heroism. Mother Theresa said she lived a happy life. Her ‘happy life’, Mother Theresa said, seems to overlap with the life the Happy Prince lived as a statue. They both gave everything they had for others and earned happiness as exchange. Compassion and sacrifice may be a true key to opening a treasure box full of happiness and beauty.

The Confederate Flag Essay -- Flag Argumentative Persuasive Paperes

The Confederate Flag On January 1992 the NAACP put in affect a boycott on South Carolina to pressure the state to remove the Confederate flag off of its Statehouse in Columbia. The boycott is what initially brought life to this issue. The NAACP’s removal request is based on the fact that they, the anti-flag groups, claim that the meaning of the Confederate flag is one of hate and discrimination. On the other hand, there are other groups that believe differently whom are called the pro-flag groups. They claim that the Confederate flag is a sign of heritage and should stay on South Carolina’s Statehouse. Anti-flag articles are more likely to be found published in well-known Liberal magazines, when credible pro-flag articles were hard to find. The main issue of the debate, which is a definition argument, includes one that argues the meaning of the Confederate flag and what it stands for, and from it many arguments stem that make up the intense debate about the Confederate flag. The Civil War being about slavery is one of the first things addressed in both types of articles. Within this argument, the pro-flag groups claim that many blacks fought for the Confederacy. Then the Confederate flag’s connection with racism is then argued. An anti-flag argument to prove that the Confederate flag is connected to slavery is that it was raised in response to the civil rights movement that was going on in 1961. Another anti-flag argument is that the Confederate flag does not represent the State as a whole and for that reason should not be flown on South Carolina’s Statehouse. An even amount of pathos and logos is used among the opposing groups, but the anti-flag articles tend to have more ethical appeal and fewer flaws in their a... ...ision by figuring out which side has the strongest one and therefore the more justified cause. Work Cited Eric Foner. â€Å"Rebel Yell.† The Nation. 270.6 (February 14, 2000): 4. James F. Barker. â€Å"Clemson History Offers Perspective for Flag Debate.† The State. December 3, 2000. Stuart Taylor Jr. â€Å"The Confederate Flag and the Cost of Pandering.† National Journal. 32.4 (January 22, 2000): 215. Walter E. Williams. No: â€Å"Critics of the flag are Counting on a General Ignorance of History to Make Their Case.† Symposium. March 14, 2001. http://www.insightmag.com/archive/200002064.shtml Quick, Steven. â€Å"Lynching Lee† The Opinions. 2/27/2001 Http://www.palmetto.org/noprint.htm Amy. â€Å"Even more on the confederate Flag vs. the â€Å"Xian† usage debates.† Parentsplace.com. February 02,2000 wysiwyg://4http://boards2.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppcurrentdebates63/26.html

Opium and Dreams in the Romantic Period Essay -- essays research paper

During what is generally defined as the Romantic period, many poets, scientists and philosophers were greatly intrigued by dreams. Southey kept a dream journal, as did Sir Hymphry Davy, a close friend of Coleridge’s; Thomas Beddoes wrote of dreams from a medical perspective in Hygeia and dreams were often a hot topic of conversation at the dinner parties of those who kept company with poets and the like (Ford 1998:5). There were many contradictory theories on the importance, interpretation and origin of dreams, at this time. Some believed that dreams were a form of divine inspiration, others that they were caused by spirits that temporarily possessed the body of the sleeper, while there were those who thought that dreams were a manifestation of the body’s physical condition. De Quincey and Coleridge were two writers who both held an exceptional interest in dreams, each with their own ideas on the subject. In this essay I propose to examine De Quincey’s and Coleri dge’s ideas on dream and daydream, and to show that opium was a profoundly influencing factor in their lives, works and dreams. I shall start by briefly outlining some of De Quincey’s and then Coleridge’s ideas on dreams; I shall then move on to ask what was the effect of opium on their creativity, dreams and imagination, before looking at how dream and daydream are distinguished in their ideas. Finally I wish to include a brief section on the anticipation of Freud, and to close with the question of how important opium was to the writing of my chosen authors. Since dreams and opium are so intertwined in both Coleridge and De Quincey I feel it is appropriate to consider the two subjects alongside each other.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Thomas De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, dreams and opium are considered simultaneously because he records the largest effect of his opium-eating to have been on his dreams. He first became aware of the effects by a re-awakening of a faculty generally found in childhood: I know not whether my reader is aware that many children, perhaps most, have a power of painting, as it were, upon the darkness, all sorts of phantoms; in some, that power is simply a mechanic affection of the eye; others have a voluntary, or a semi-voluntary power to dismiss or summon them†¦In the middle of 1817, I think it was, that this faculty became positively distressing to... ...a fashion that had started long before; and there has only ever been written the one Kubla Khan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  De Quincey wrote that men are ‘disguised in sobriety’, so opium and dreams serve to expose the true mind of man and perhaps the unconscious mind. Whatever the effect of opium on Coleridge and De Quincey; on their philosophies, on their dreams and on their lives; one cannot truly know the depth or extent of it, but to take opium and go through the experience personally. It is certainly undeniable that it was an influence and an extremely important one that continues beyond the present: furthering the exposure of mans’ psychology through the portal of dreams. Bibliography Coleridge, S. T., Poems, Everyman’s Library, London, 1999. Coleridge, S. T., Biographia Literaria, William Pickering, London, 1847. De Quincey, T., Confessions of an English Opium-Eater and Other Writings, Oxford World’s Classics, Oxford, 1996. Ford, J., Coleridge on Dreaming, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1998. Hayter, A., Opium and the Romantic Imagination, Faber and Faber, London, 1968. Marcus, T., Opium in Literature and London, Issue 3. Zembla Magazine, London, 2004.

Mass Media and Younger Generation Essay

The media can definitely change your perception of intimacy, as well as alter your ability to be intimate. As the media displays false images of the human body and makes false descriptions of what humans desire sexually. There are too many subjects and issues to go on about here, but a small example of the two issues i mentioned before are in magazines the pictures of the models are airbrushed to display, what most call a â€Å"flawless† body and in movies and sitcoms the most desired people are medium height, and very slender and so on. Giving the receivers of this idea the false realization that’s what you have to have to be sexually attractive. which would cause embarrassment of their own bodies or thinking some thing is wrong if they are attracted to some one that’s 4 foot and heavy.Possibly leading them to involvement with someone they are not sexually attracted to and embarrassed to take their clothes off in front of. This is definitely, in my opinion, going to cause intimacy issues and is an excellent description of proof how mass media plays a role in shaping your meaning of intimacy. the mass media, including TV, radio, newspapers have a great influence on people and especially on the younger generation. It plays an important role in shaping the opinions and position of the younger generation. Argue for or against this statement. The peril from Mass media In the present, the younger generations are influenced by the mass media, including TV, radio, and newspapers. They think this is the model for them because in daily life is necessary for everyone therefore it is not unusual that it have a great influence on the people and especially on the younger generation. .It plays an important role in shaping the opinions and position of the younger generation. The younger imitate by the mass media and it has impact for younger that is impact for dressed, language, and behavior. Nowadays the younger or teen have been sensitive because the younger is the people who has been 13-18 years old and they want to find something for them that is their dream, acceptance from other people so they want to find inspiration and don’t have limited. So the mass media are important for the younger that they want to be the same the star or some thing when they think is good for them. If they were persuaded by vice maybe they will be scoundrel. Some of people are think it is unsuitable dressed. Although the younger want to be one that who are the modern of them. Some of people think it is suitable but the younger can not consider. The stars are good dress but adult think it is unsuitable. The mass media have good or bad but we do not know so we must warn you child before late time. However it has impact for family because when the younger use the mass media be the model neither it bad nor it not bad I think it is directly for the younger especially language. It was influenced by younger because when the stars are speaking, the younger are listen it I think they copy the speech from the stars if it is bad I think it is not good.

How to Write Women’s #038; Gender Studies Term Paper

How to Write Women’s #038; Gender Studies Term Paper Students who take courses in Women’s Gender Studies typically have to complete a certain number of writing assignments and a term paper is one of them. A term paper is the most extensive written assignment and is a result of a thorough investigation on a specific topic. The process of writing a term paper for college can be stressful, especially if you don’t know how to start. So, if you have no idea on how to approach your challenging Women’s Gender Studies term paper, read this article where you will find some useful advice on how to successfully cope with this complex task. We will offer you a step-by-step gender studies term paper guide. We will give you some easy tips on revising, editing, and proofreading. Besides, you will find here some interesting Women’s Gender Studies term paper topics that can serve you as a source of inspiration for choosing great term paper topics on your own. But first, let’s discuss what Women’s Gender Studies term paper is and what approaches you should use when writing this type of college paper. What Is Women’s Gender Studies Term Paper? Women’s Gender Studies program allows students to take a number of classes in a variety of college disciplines that focus on gender and deal with the experiences of women. This program is a good choice for male and female students who want to pursue their interest in social justice and gender equity and develop the skill that will help them succeed on the dynamic and ever-changing job market and meet the requirements of competitive graduate programs. Being an interdisciplinary program, Women’s Gender Studies allow students to understand how gender shapes lives, institutions, and worlds through its connections with class, race, national location, and sexuality. When writing a term paper in Women’s Gender Studies, you need to demonstrate your analytical and critical thinking skills. You also need to prove your ability to integrate and apply knowledge across a variety of disciplines. To succeed in completing this assignment, you need to examine women, gender, and sexuality from a historical and cross-cultural perspective, using the methodology and analytical tools of various disciplines such as political science, psychology, sociology, philosophy, history, anthropology, literature, and others. The structure of a term paper may differ depending on your topic – you can use a literature review style or rely on the scientific report style. Here is a general format of a term paper in Women’s Gender Studies which typically consists of the following sections: Abstract Introduction Methodology Results Discussion and conclusions References/Bibliography But in general, when choosing a format for your term paper, you have to follow your instructor’s guidelines. You can include different sections but the necessary ones are the introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. Tips from Our Writers on Choosing Great Women’s Gender Studies Term Paper Topics The process of discovering a good researchable topic is very important for the success of your academic project and requires a serious approach to it. Here are some easy gender studies term paper tips on how to do it right: Try to find a great topic that you are truly interested in; Try to find your own way to approach your topic; Talk to your classmates and your instructor about your topic and ask their advice on how to cover some specific issues; A good idea is to pose your research paper topic as a problem that should be solved or as a question that has to be answered. It’s important to narrow down the topic you have chosen to make it manageable within the word count of your Women’s Gender Studies research paper. For example, if you are interested in writing about science, gender, and social inequality in the developing world, you can choose such issues as the relationship of scientific progress to colonial expansions and aspirations of nationalists or explore how technology and science have affected developing societies. To help you get started, here we have made a short list of impressive Women’s Gender Studies term paper topics. Maybe you’ll be able to find a good topic for writing your own project. The Difference Between Women’s Literature and Feminist Literature Gender and Health Inequality Violation of Human Rights in Human Trafficking Gender Roles in The Classical Civilizations The Gender Gap in Crime The Ethics of Assisted Reproduction Technologies Gender Inequality in the Workplace Women and Leadership Roles in Business Women and Transformation of Traditional Values What Roles Do Women Play in the Development of Technology? The History of Women in Science and Engineering Gendered and Racialized Language In Contemporary Media International Women’s Issues and Globalization Feminist Film Theory Technology and New Gender Relationships How to Do Effective Research for Your Gender Studies Term Paper The main goal of writing a term paper in Women’s Gender Studies is to prove your ability to conduct an effective research on your topic and provide a critique of scholarly sources through a written project. Remember that you should demonstrate that you are able to synthesize multi-disciplinary approaches to the subject of your term paper and examine social and cultural issues from the gender perspective, taking into consideration other differences between people as well. When doing a research, you should consider relevant primary and secondary sources on your subject as well as artifacts. You should use articles from scholarly journals and critical books that are related to Women’s Gender Studies as well as general and interdisciplinary ones. Check your university library and electronic databases to find good sources for your term paper. Your instructor can provide you with a list of possible sources as well. Besides this, you need to find good primary sources related to women’s history to provide convincing evidence for your argument – letters and diaries, newspapers and magazines, photographs and documentary films, original texts written by women etc. You should look for such sources in archives. As you read, you should write some useful notes that you can use for writing your term paper and keep track of all your sources. This information will help you to properly cite your references and create a bibliography page. You can keep your notes on separate pieces of paper, cards or in a spreadsheet. How to Organize the Writing Process When you have gathered enough relevant materials, you should plan your writing. You have to define a working thesis and organize your ideas. You can use different techniques to plan your writing: Make an outline; Create a cluster or a diagram; List supporting arguments; Identify the pros and cons. Create an Outline You can choose any technique you like, but the best way to organize the writing process is to create a detailed working outline that will help you develop a logical and coherent structure for your term paper. In this way, you can ensure that you will stay focused when writing and save a lot of time when translating your ideas into words and sentences. When you have an outline, you can actually start writing your Women’s Gender Studies term paper from any section because you’ll have a clear picture of what to include in your paper and it will also help you at the revising stage. Here is what you should do to make an outline for your term paper. First, create a strong thesis statement that will summarize the main point of your paper and preview the supporting points as well. The thesis statement presents the major idea that you will argue in your term paper and will guide your writing. If you fail in creating a well-thought thesis statement, your term paper is likely to look jumbled and will not have a clear purpose. For example, if your term paper is dedicated to ethical issues of assisted reproductive technologies, your thesis statement can be like this one: ‘Assisted reproductive technologies that are used to treat infertility can raise complicated ethical issues for human participants, health care professionals, and the whole society.’ Next, you should think about the key points that you’ll need to include in your paper to support your thesis statement. These key points will be sub-headings in your outline. You need to organize all the information that you have gathered under these sub-headings. Keep in mind that you have to include only relevant information that supports your argument and fits the framework of your Women’s Gender Studies research paper outline. Write a Draft When you have planned your ideas, you need to start writing the first draft of your academic paper. At this stage, you should refer back to your notes and the outline but don’t be afraid to make changes when needed. You should get your ideas to paper and concentrate on organizing all your information logically. You don’t have to think about grammar and spelling too much. It’s the first draft and you’ll need to do several revisions to improve the content. You will check grammar and spelling mistakes when you finish the final draft. Now your task is to develop the topic of your Women’s Gender Studies term paper with enough detail for your purpose and audience. When writing an introduction, you should grab your audience’s attention and make your readers want to read the rest of your term paper. Here is what you can include in your introductory section: A description of the problem, a statement of the purpose of your paper, questions that need to be answered, and your thesis statement; A broader context for your specific topic; A review of the existing literature in the field; Explanation of terms and definitions. The structure of the main body depends on your objective. There are no general rules to determine how many chapters your Women’s Gender Studies term paper should include and which specific aspects you have to consider. You should build your paper around the points you want to make and integrate the sources into your discussion. Here are some tips on how you can do it: Divide your text into sections/subsections. Each section has to present the main point in the argument and the relevant information; Make sure that each chapter has a clear structure; Develop a convincing argument step-by-step and do it in a comprehensive manner; Don’t just report your sources but summarize, explain, analyze, and evaluate each source; Back your arguments with quotations and make sure you explain and each quotation; Present your own opinion and give reasons for all your ideas; Provide references to all literature. In the conclusion, you may summarize the argument of your paper for your readers. You can also explain the significance of your findings and consider limitations and strengths of your work. Besides, you can make suggestions for further research. In general, your conclusion should leave your audience with a feeling that it was worthwhile to read your piece of writing and stimulate further thinking. The style of your writing should be objective and precise and you should avoid repetitions and passive constructions. Revising, Editing, Proofreading When your first draft is finished, you need to review it and make changes to improve the content and the logic of your Women’s Gender Studies term paper. Actually, revision is done to ensure that your argument is logical and clear and that they can easily follow it. You should check the overall organization of your paper and organization of all paragraphs: a logical flow of the introduction, coherence of the discussion in the main body, sequence of ideas in the paragraphs, use of transitions in the paragraphs and between them. During editing, you need to improve the sentence structure and the word choice and correct grammar and spelling. When your final draft is ready, you need to proofread it – fix minor grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors and check documentation – consistent use of one citation style, appropriate use of references in text, and accuracy of a list of works cited.

Free Essays on Personal Narrative

My father and I moved to Georgia 4 years ago for reasons pertaining to my father’s job, yet I seemed to look at it like fate had a great deal to do with it. I couldn’t understand why, and it didn’t come to me until much later. It seemed like such a bad thing at the time, I lost all my friends and moved so far from everything I knew, and seemed as if nothing good would occur. Even though at first I hated everything about Georgia, my attitude coincided with that fact and caused me to have problems with the â€Å"Locals†. I thought that everything in Georgia was so backwards and obtuse that I didn’t talk to all of them right off and act outgoing, this resulted in my coming across to them as if I thought I was better than them. Yet the truth being that I was just shy and so lost in this new place, which seemed so far from the world I once knew. After some time had gone by I realized it wasn’t so much the fact that I hated Georgia or the people in it, but rather that I missed where I previously had lived and all of the many things that went with it. I missed my family, friends, house, and basically everything of which my life was composed. But by this time the damage had been done, or so I had assumed. But now that I look back at the situation, I may have overreacted and caused myself more trouble than the situation warranted. The only reason I acted the way I did was because of how I spent my last day before leaving my hometown. One hot summer’s day I found myself inside an Allied freight truck, which was sweltering over 110 degrees, loading boxes of tightly packed personal items from my bedroom. As I was stacking boxes one on top of the other, I heard someone calling my name from afar. I exited the truck out of the side door, which was at least 8 feet tall, and walked down the long steel ramp into the yard. There I found my best friend, Tanner Sharp, standing in the yard with our little group of friends yelling one of his usua... Free Essays on Personal Narrative Free Essays on Personal Narrative My father and I moved to Georgia 4 years ago for reasons pertaining to my father’s job, yet I seemed to look at it like fate had a great deal to do with it. I couldn’t understand why, and it didn’t come to me until much later. It seemed like such a bad thing at the time, I lost all my friends and moved so far from everything I knew, and seemed as if nothing good would occur. Even though at first I hated everything about Georgia, my attitude coincided with that fact and caused me to have problems with the â€Å"Locals†. I thought that everything in Georgia was so backwards and obtuse that I didn’t talk to all of them right off and act outgoing, this resulted in my coming across to them as if I thought I was better than them. Yet the truth being that I was just shy and so lost in this new place, which seemed so far from the world I once knew. After some time had gone by I realized it wasn’t so much the fact that I hated Georgia or the people in it, but rather that I missed where I previously had lived and all of the many things that went with it. I missed my family, friends, house, and basically everything of which my life was composed. But by this time the damage had been done, or so I had assumed. But now that I look back at the situation, I may have overreacted and caused myself more trouble than the situation warranted. The only reason I acted the way I did was because of how I spent my last day before leaving my hometown. One hot summer’s day I found myself inside an Allied freight truck, which was sweltering over 110 degrees, loading boxes of tightly packed personal items from my bedroom. As I was stacking boxes one on top of the other, I heard someone calling my name from afar. I exited the truck out of the side door, which was at least 8 feet tall, and walked down the long steel ramp into the yard. There I found my best friend, Tanner Sharp, standing in the yard with our little group of friends yelling one of his usua...

Cómo preparar entrevista remoción condiciones greencard

Cà ³mo preparar entrevista remocià ³n condiciones greencard La entrevista para la remocià ³n de las condiciones de la tarjeta de residencia es un requisito fundamental para convertir en definitiva la green card provisional del cà ³nyuge de un ciudadano estadounidense. Cabe destacar que dicha entrevista solo es necesaria en aquellos casos en los que el migrante recibià ³ la tarjeta de residencia con carcter condicional porque se le aprobà ³ cuando llevaba casado con el ciudadano americano menos de 2 aà ±os.   Esta residencia tambià ©n se conoce con el nombre de CR-1. En otras palabras, esto quiere decir que si los cà ³nyuges ya llevaban 2 aà ±os de casados cuando el esposo/o extranjero recibià ³ la residencia, dicha green card fue ya definitiva y no es necesario hacer este trmite. Entrevista remocià ³n condiciones de green card Solo los cà ³nyuges de ciudadanos estadounidenses que recibieron su green card antes de cumplir dos aà ±os de casados deben solicitar la remocià ³n de condiciones para convertir su tarjeta de residencia en definitiva.La entrevista a los cà ³nyuges por parte de un oficial migratorio es una pieza fundamental en el proceso de remocià ³n de dichas condiciones. La finalidad es convencer al oficial de que se trata de un matrimonio real y no de uno de conveniencia por los papeles.Si la pareja ya se ha divorciado o se ha separado las opciones para que el cà ³nyuge extranjero obtenga la green card definitiva se reducen notablemente, pero hay algunas posibilidades.  ¿Cà ³mo se inicia la remocià ³n de las condiciones de la green card? Debe solicitarse la remocià ³n de las condiciones 90 dà ­as antes de que expire la green card condicional, que tiene fecha de expiracià ³n de dos aà ±os a contar desde la fecha de su aprobacià ³n. Para ello el trmite se inicia completando la planilla I-751. Durante este proceso una de las piezas fundamentales es la entrevista ante un oficial migratorio y a la que deben acudir ambos cà ³nyuges.  ¿Quà © se puede hacer si la fecha de la cita para la entrevista resulta inconveniente? En determinadas circunstancias, Inmigracià ³n puede admitir un cambio en la fecha. Estas son las reglas sobre cà ³mo solicitarlo si no se puede acudir a la cita con el USCIS.  ¿Cunto dura la entrevista para la tarjeta de residencia por matrimonio? La entrevista por parte de un oficial de inmigracià ³n al matrimonio formado por un ciudadano/a americano/a y su esposo o mujer extranjero dura, de media, de diez a quince minutos. Se debe responder de manera concisa a las preguntas. Es altamente recomendable no hablar de asuntos sobre los que no se ha preguntado, entre otras cosas, para evitar problemas por hablar en exceso. Si el oficial  de inmigracià ³n necesita una aclaracià ³n o ms datos, asà ­ lo dir.  ¿Hay algà ºn tipo de preguntas estndar para la entrevista para la green card por matrimonio? En realidad, no existe un listado de preguntas estndar, aunque siempre se pregunta por la fecha de la à ºltima entrada a Estados Unidos por parte del cà ³nyuge extranjero. Asimismo, son tà ­picas las preguntas sobre dà ³nde se conocieron, el nombre de los hermanos de ambos y ciertas cosas personales, sin entrar en la intimidad de la pareja ni tampoco asuntos rebuscados. Tambià ©n pueden preguntar sobre el hogar familiar, las familias respectivas, etc. Este es un ejemplo de 65 preguntas que pueden hacer en la entrevista, pero el oficial migratorio puede preguntar cualquier cosa que estime pertinente y que le sirva para determinar si se trata de un matrimonio de buena fe.  ¿Quà © documentacià ³n debe llevarse a la entrevista? Para ingresar al edificio donde tendr lugar la entrevista es necesario llevar un I.D. oficial emitido por el gobierno. En el caso del ciudadano estadounidense puede ser la licencia de manejar, pasaporte, identificacià ³n militar, etc. En el caso del cà ³nyuge extranjero se admite su pasaporte, aunque està © expirado. Adems, es necesario llevar el original de toda la documentacià ³n de la que se envià ³ fotocopia cuando se realizà ³ la aplicacià ³n. El fin es que el oficial de inmigracià ³n pueda comparar el original con la copia. Asimismo, debe llevarse original y fotocopia)de documentos que no existà ­an en el momento en el que se envià ³ la solicitud de tarjeta de residencia para el cà ³nyuge extranjero. Por ejemplo, ya que se trata de un matrimonio, puede suceder que hayan sido padres de un nià ±o o una nià ±a despuà ©s de la solicitud. Entonces debe llevarse copia oficial del acta de nacimiento y fotocopia de la misma. Tambià ©n deben llevarse al dà ­a la documentacià ³n sobre pago de impuestos, ingresos, etc. Asimismo, llevar fotocopias en color de las fotografà ­as de la pareja colocadas en grupos de dos o tres en una misma hoja, seà ±alando los nombres de los que aparecen en las mismas, fecha en la que fueron tomadas y lugar. Es muy recomendable que alguna de ellas tenga como objeto reuniones familiares. Se puede llevar el lbum de bodas, pero no hay que fotocopiarlo.  ¿Quà © puede suceder tras la entrevista? Es posible que se notifique justo despuà ©s de la entrevista que ha tenido lugar la remocià ³n de ls condiciones, pero es ms comà ºn es que el oficial de inmigracià ³n decida notificar por correo. Tambià ©n puede ocurrir que se solicite ms documentacià ³n. En este caso entregar a la pareja una hoja con el listado de documentos que faltan y el plazo mximo para enviarlos. Para evitar problemas es recomendable enviarlos por correo certificado en la que quede constancia de la fecha. Y por supuesto que el oficial de inmigracià ³n puede negar la peticià ³n de la tarjeta de residencia porque cree que puede tratarse de un fraude, en otras palabras, un matrimonio falso para conseguir los papeles. En este caso, puede haber consecuencias legales, adems de no obtener la green card.  ¿Quà © sucede cuando la pareja se separa antes de la entrevista? Por razones varias, el matrimonio puede separarse o divorciarse antes de que la tarjeta de residencia se convierta en definitiva. En la mayorà ­a de los casos eso significar que el migrante se quedar sin la tarjeta de residencia y deber abandonar Estados Unidos a menos que cuenta con otra cobertura legal que le permita mantener un estatus migratorio legal en el paà ­s. Sin embargo, cabe destacar que en determinadas ocasiones hay opciones para el cà ³nyuge extranjero para que pueda obtener una tarjeta de residencia definitiva. a pesar del divorcio, si se cumplen una serie de requisitos. A tener en cuenta: ventajas e inconvenientes de matrimonio con ciudadano Los cà ³nyuges de ciudadanos americanos pueden solicitar la ciudadanà ­a por naturalizacià ³n a los tres aà ±os de convertirse en residentes permanentes. A diferencia de lo que ocurre con el resto de los inmigrantes, que deben esperar cinco aà ±os. Por otro lado, casarse con un estadounidense no garantiza ni parar un procedimiento de deportacià ³n ni que se pueda sacar  la green card. La situacià ³n es complicada en los casos en los que el cà ³nyuge extranjero ingresà ³ a EE.UU. cruzando ilegalmente la frontera. Tambià ©n tienen un problema serio los migrantes que han sido condenados por alguna felonà ­a. En estos casos, lo recomendable es asesorarse con un buen abogado migratorio y ver si se podrà ­a calificar para un perdà ³n provisional o, si no es posible, cules son las posibles opciones. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Adam as the Hero of Paradise Lost Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Adam as the Hero of Paradise Lost - Essay Example It is a mistake to suppose that he could ever have been intended for the popular personification of evil’ (Shelley). This view of Satan is debatable and needs to be discussed in detail. Satan has remained the most dynamic character of the epic but Adam personifies the values and traits that far exceed that of Satan who needs to plot against him to remain in good books of God in the Paradise. Satan is portrayed as a headstrong, confident and brave person but his vanity about his own powerful stature and his ambition to become God brings about his downfall. He challenges the God’s son ascendancy and incites other angels ‘[B]y what best way†¦Whether of open war or covert guile,/We now debate; who can advise, may speak’ (ll. 40-42). In fact, Satan’s character is highly anti-hero primarily because despite having commendable personality and traits, his failure to cash on his good qualities is frequently displayed through his shrewd planning and deceit. He uses subterfuge and tempts Eve with apple so that Adam can also commit the action that would make him fall from God’s grace. Satan’s continued revolt against God’s decision is highly critical aspect of Satan’s character and reveals his flaws that promote chaos and therefore, do not let him become the hero of the epic. ‘Th’ Infernal Serpent; he it was whose guile / Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived / The mother of mankind, what time his pride / Of rebel angels, by whose aid aspiring / To set himself in glory above his peers / He trusted to have equaled the Most High’ (I. 35-40). The cunning and ambiguity of character diminish his more heroic traits. Satan is also shown to possess vanity and would rather prefer hell to heaven if he can be a ruler there! ‘Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven’ (Book I, l. 263). Despite his bitterness, he accepts hell so that he could remain in the commanding position. His ego and his ambitious goal to become the heir of God encourage

Employee's Role in Employee Development Assignment

Employee's Role in Employee Development - Assignment Example Because the subject of employee development is a shared responsibility, it cannot be expected that there will be a single person within the organization who will take the whole responsibility for ensuring that the objectives that are set are met (Ellis, K. (2004). This means that the responsibility of ensuring the achievement of the objectives must be shared between employees and the management. Whiles employees are expected to act as direct respondents to the objectives set, the management has a responsibility of acting as facilitators of the objectives. This situation is actually expected to apply for both short term and long term objectives. As facilitators, the management is expected to provide employees with every needed resource to fulfill the objectives. In terms of the measurability of the objectives also, shared responsibility is expected to be shared between employees and management. Based on previous experience, it has always been the case that whereas employees want easier objectives, managers look for more challenging objectives. To strike a balance, it is always important that there will be an effective liaising system between employees and managers so that each side will understand the other in terms of accounting for measurable

Religious Education Resource Package Speech or Presentation

Religious Education Resource Package - Speech or Presentation Example It is essential for a teacher to be aware of what to teach during RE classes and why to teach it. In most Catholic schools, RE is accounted for in timetables and programs for teaching for over two hours every week. For the time spent in RE classes, the students will learn about the life of Jesus Christ and about Catholic traditions. Learning about the seven sacraments and practicing them will aid the students in exploration of the traditions of the Catholic Church and the way it works in their lives. Christian life should be about the seven sacraments (Holy Spirit Interactive, 2009). For this reason, the seven sacraments have a vital place in all Christians’ lives, which necessitates teaching them to young Christians. In the Christian journey of faith, the seven sacraments act as the signs of the presence of God (Bausch, 2003). Therefore, the community, parents, and teachers of Catholic communities must play their role and be responsible for the provision of opportunities to l earn and engage in these sacraments to Catholic K-2 level students. Sacrament of Conversion allows Catholic Christians to renew their baptism and follow Jesus Christ’s example. ... Sacraments are Jesus Christ’s extensions because they are symbolic of Jesus’ actions and extensions of the actions of God. These actions are an oath via which Catholic Christians seek witnessing and verification from God. Catholics ask for verification and witnessing that all they do is good and true, which is what the Sacraments call Christians to do (Crowe, 2005). Every Sacrament is a dispensation of life in the comprehension that we are born, or renew our Christian beliefs and life through the Sacrament (Fosarelli, 2012). The Sacrament of Conversion’s importance comes through the effect that it has on individuals. According to the Catholic Church’s Catechism, the Sacrament of Penance has several effects including (Williams, 2008); Reconciliation with the Catholic Church Reconciliation with God Increasing of spiritual strength required in the battle of Christianity Spiritual consolation and serenity and peace of conscience Reconciliation with God’ s Church Partial remission of temporal punishment that comes from sin Remission of God’s eternal punishment because of mortal sin Resources for Background Knowledge Books White, J. D., & White, A. A. (2004): Teach it: Penance and reconciliation. This book is especially meant to be used in RE programs for teachers. It follows the teachings of the Catholic Church and is based on the Bible and the Catholic Church Catechism. In addition, the authors dwell in their introduction on the role that teachers and parents have to play in preparing the children for their first and subsequent Sacrament of Penance, while also including practical ways that seek to involve teachers and parents more in the RE program. Majority of the activities in this book are easy to

Ethics and Goverance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethics and Goverance - Coursework Example For gaining global competitive advantage, its expansion to different areas of the world is essential and hence the selling of its stake to Coco-Cola is highly justified. 2. Innocent Ltd. will have advantage of getting some critical inputs form the giant company like Coco-Cola in the crisis time. For example, it may get some benefit in the form of management techniques in dealing human resources and also in the form of strategic management. In addition, the products of Innocent Ltd. can be sold even in remote pockets where ever Coco-Cola has establishments. 3. It may have a collaboration with the Coco-Cola for opening new branches in areas where Coco-Cola has already established its branches and can very much maintain that its quality policy would be maintained as good as that of earlier period. The founders of the company would still lead from the front and hence, the quality of the products would be well maintained in terms of environmental and health safety and customer satisfactio n. 4. The people’s awareness about Coco-Cola products is far higher than that of Innocent Ltd. and hence the higher number of customers would be in a position to taste Innocent products after the collaboration. 5. As Coco-Cola has already established branches in several areas, with out spending any additional expenditure, the Innocent can sell its products through these branches which certainly results in cost minimization and profit maximization. Disadvantages 1. The credibility of Innocent Ltd. among its customers has been its main strength till now which has driven the business. The company is well known for its commitment and dedication for manufacturing or producing healthy fruit juice products which contain socially and environmentally aware ingredients that are free from environmental pollution and health hazards and for better packaging techniques (Sweney, 2009). The customers prefer the products from this company for this quality consciousness and ethical standards. But, due to selling of its stake to Coco-Cola company which is known for producing non healthy

Principles of Project Management Prince 2 Essay

Principles of Project Management Prince 2 - Essay Example LU Case Study Analysis The method is beneficial in project management for several reasons. For instance, the methodology is product-focused and hence all the activities are organized in a way to increase product quality. Moreover, method requires segmentation of the project in to distinct stages that are easily manageable (Hinde, 2012). The method will help the LU team to maintain focus and deliver an excellent outcome of the project at hand. PRINCE2 methodology also enhances communication among the project team members as well as other stakeholders thereby promoting effective control of the project. This is important in ensuring that all the actions undertaken in project implementation are understood by all project team members to avoid misperception and promote ownership of the project goals, which is necessary to ensure that everyone strives to achieve a common purpose. More stakeholders are allowed to contribute to the project decision making since they are at all times offered a ccess to information consistently through reports (David, 2009). With the application of PRINCE2, it is possible to make improvements in the project implementation process because of the continuous monitoring and control. Weaknesses can be detected once they emerge and solutions identified early enough to deter them from causing failure in the implementation of the project plan. The method is flexible to a great extent such that the necessary changes can be made as the project progresses (Archibald et al. 2013). Where the changes during run-time are likely to affect the project timetable, PRINCE2 ensures that the effect is curtailed. The method allows the project team members to acquire time management skills as well as cost effective ways of utilizing project resources due to the high level of organization and control, thereby ensuring that the overall project cost is lowered (Rothaermel, 2012). However, PRINCE2 methodology is not without limitations. It has a relatively high level of inflexibility due to the adherence to a step by step process. Moreover, it is likely that only the project managers may have the full knowledge of PRINCE2, meaning other project players are likely to find it complicated thereby getting discouraged or they might fail to get the best out of its application. Its application in the project will therefore necessitate training of all staff who will be involved in the project to promote competence (Seegers & Hedeman, 2009). Ten days training will be enough to sensitize the project team members and take them through practical examples of applying PRINCE2, as well to demonstrate that the method is applicable to this particular project. It should be conducted by knowledgeable professionals who have applied PRINCE2 methodology successfully in other projects. This will save time and resources during the project implementation. To support strategic and tactical decision-making on the project, it is necessary to include information that will enable successful directing of the project, which takes in to account the actions that allow the project board to make sure the project implementation plan is followed from beginning to project closure. These actions are in all the stages of project implementation. It is necessary to include in the business case the required resources for the project, the people who will

Ethics and Goverance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethics and Goverance - Coursework Example For gaining global competitive advantage, its expansion to different areas of the world is essential and hence the selling of its stake to Coco-Cola is highly justified. 2. Innocent Ltd. will have advantage of getting some critical inputs form the giant company like Coco-Cola in the crisis time. For example, it may get some benefit in the form of management techniques in dealing human resources and also in the form of strategic management. In addition, the products of Innocent Ltd. can be sold even in remote pockets where ever Coco-Cola has establishments. 3. It may have a collaboration with the Coco-Cola for opening new branches in areas where Coco-Cola has already established its branches and can very much maintain that its quality policy would be maintained as good as that of earlier period. The founders of the company would still lead from the front and hence, the quality of the products would be well maintained in terms of environmental and health safety and customer satisfactio n. 4. The people’s awareness about Coco-Cola products is far higher than that of Innocent Ltd. and hence the higher number of customers would be in a position to taste Innocent products after the collaboration. 5. As Coco-Cola has already established branches in several areas, with out spending any additional expenditure, the Innocent can sell its products through these branches which certainly results in cost minimization and profit maximization. Disadvantages 1. The credibility of Innocent Ltd. among its customers has been its main strength till now which has driven the business. The company is well known for its commitment and dedication for manufacturing or producing healthy fruit juice products which contain socially and environmentally aware ingredients that are free from environmental pollution and health hazards and for better packaging techniques (Sweney, 2009). The customers prefer the products from this company for this quality consciousness and ethical standards. But, due to selling of its stake to Coco-Cola company which is known for producing non healthy

Nursing, current health developments to improve the risk of deep vain Essay

Nursing, current health developments to improve the risk of deep vain thrombosis for patients in hospital - Essay Example They are reliable in their field of practice and in researches related to their field of practice. The research is valid in terms of ethical processes, especially in ensuring that the research gathering process is voluntary and gained through informed consent (Hucker, 2001). The research is paid for by the authors, not by any private corporations. Hence, the validity of the results are not overshadowed by private funding (Friedman, 2004). Most of the materials used present unbiased and reliable results (Davies and Dodd, 2002). This study is significant in terms of establishing the importance of adopting and prioritizing preventive measures for DVT. Dennis, M. (2009) Effectiveness of thigh-length GCS to reduce DVT after stroke. 2518 patients Quantitative/experimental Outcome-blinded, randomised controlled trial Non-significant absolute reduction in risk of 0.5% (95% CI -1.9% to 2.9%). Skin breaks, ulcers, blisters, and skin necrosis were significantly more common in patients allocated to GCS than in those allocated to avoid their use. Results do not support use of thigh-length GCS in patients admitted to hospital with acute stroke. The author is a highly qualified expert in the field of medicine, most especially in cardiovascular medicine and in the clinical management of thrombus issues. He is reliable in his field and has carried out different researches in related studies (Williams, 2010). The research is valid in terms of the statistical processes applied, and different methodology applied (Strauss and Corbin, 1990). The research has been paid for by the author, not by any private corporation. The analysis and data results are based on thorough analysis of results (Glesne and Peshkin, 1992). No logical fallacies are seen from the author’s conclusions (Ethridge, 2004). This study is significant because it reviews the use of which length GC stockings in patients at risk for DVT Falanga, A (2005) To review the clinical significance of VTE in patients wit h cancer and the strategies for management of VTE in these patients, including the potential role of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). 49 studies Quantitative Clinical review The use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) therapy instead of VKAs may be beneficial in patients. This agent offers an effective alternative to VKAs in the long-term management of VTE, that is free from the practical problems associated with the use of VKAs and without increasing the risk of bleeding. Alternative means of managing DVT among cancer patients present with advantages which assist in their long-term care. These alternatives must be considered for patients. The author is also a highly qualified expert in the field of medicine, specifically in oncology and cardiovascular diseases. She has published several studies in cardiovascular diseases and in cancer management. She is highly respected in her field and has published numerous researches on cancer management, including thrombus management. This makes her a highly reliable author (Williams, 2010). The methods applied truly measure what they intend to measure (Joppe, 2000). The authors in the reviewed studies outline some of their methodology which is within ethical parameters of reliability and

Spies Essay Example for Free

Spies Essay Michael Frayn uses a unique style of writing in the novel Spies, dual narration. So in this essay there will be an investigation into this distinctive style of writing that magnetises the audience, as it makes the audience feel part of the story. Stephen and Stefan versions of accounts vary, this appeals to the audience as it leaves you guessing too many unanswered questions during the plot. Dual narration has many positives to contribute to the novel, for example numerous independent viewpoints. However during this novel not entirely independent view points, as the narrators remain the same individual in two separate time periods. The older character Stefan has the benefit of hindsight whilst remember the events of that summer in the 1940’s. Whilst Stephen as the enthusiasm of a typical young lad. The two accounts vary as memories are forgotten or Stefan hasn’t remembered the events in the correct chronological order. (Frayn, Spies, p. 32) So this essay will look into the effect that dual narration has upon on the reader throughout the novel. Michael Frayn is capable of using dual narration to such an impressive extent during Spies because he as an author is able to connect with the character Stephen and Stefan. The reason as to why these connections can be made is because Michael Frayn would have grown up as a child during the same time period as we see Stephen growing up in the novel, World War 2. (literature. britishcouncil. org/michael-frayn). This also indicates that Frayn would have same ability to remember certain events and recall the memories in the same manner as what Stefan does. The nature of the dual narration in this novel can become frustrating for the reader. (Hudson, everything is as it was, but everything has changed) The slow progression through the story generates complacency, as the reader wants to advance to the significant events, before the story arrives at them. As you seem to progress quicker than Stephen is able to, because of the hints and clues Stefan has informed you off prior to Stephen’s narrating. Even when Stephen finally describes the event, many of the questions you find yourself asking do not get answered. However the tension and anxiety that Frayn is capable of creating whilst leaving many questions opened and unanswered can entice the reader further into the depth of the novel. (Holtsberry, 2004). This effect gets the readers mind thinking about the possibilities and directions the story could precede and conclude in. Nevertheless you do find yourself bemused when the story continues in an opposite direction as to the one you had expected it to follow. During Spies dual narration is capable of portraying how an individual’s outlook can change over a period time. The memories can be forgotten, they can be missed interpreted, or the memories Stefan possesses may not even be his memories, instead they maybe what he wanted to happen instead. (Frayn, Spies, P. 233) This specific passage of the text indicates that Stefan is capable of remembering and realising how significant certain childhood memories are, even though he did not realise the importance or even consider the possible outcomes at the time as a child’s memory is an innocent one. It’s only with hind sight that Stefan is capable of understand the importance of Stephens memories. (Lancaster, the New York Book Review). The reader is allowed to accept and believe in Stephens’s memories and recollection of events only for Stefan to later on correct the series of events. This can also get extremely confusing for the reader, because Stefan and Stephen at various points with in the Novel have a conflict or memories. The way in which Michael Frayn has used the dual narration technique to write Spies has made the novel one of mystery and suspense. It engages the reader into the depth of the Novel. This leaves many readers having to restart certain chapters, or even rereading the entire novel to obtain and figure out the answers to the questions Frayn has cleverly left opened. The way in which in the novel flows from past to present also engulfs the reader, as you are always trying to figure out Stephens next move through the narrative of Stefan. As a reader this absorbs you into the novel as you feel as though you’re a character in the novel alongside Stephen in his childhood.

Marxism Concepts of Art | An Analysis

Marxism Concepts of Art | An Analysis The nineteenth century was significant in Europe because it spawned or brought to the forefront revolutionary new forms of culture and theology. Among these movements were feminism, Marxism, the romantic period of music, and the impressionist period of art. Marxism has been critically acclaimed for its adherence to the popular utopian traditions of past ages and its determination to exterminate the inequities of the feudal class system. Marxism was a nineteenth century behemoth, its shadow influencing not only social and political thought but also provoking minds around the world. Critics of ideologys influence on art harangue the latter as a restrictive form of interpretation, one whose hold over arts beholder evokes themes that override those intended by the artist. However, art created in the impressionist period was created on the basis of the artists perception, and if no one can recall exactly what the artist intended, then using ideologies of the time remains a logical basis o f interpretation. Marxism promotes the involvement of all aspects of society in its ideology. However, when used as an exclusive method of art, Marxism can be quickly dismissed as stringent and a useless art method. In his Theory and Philosophy of Art, Meyer Schapiro contends that ideology constricts the freedom of artistic expression. Schapiro insists that philosophers using ideologies in artistic interpretation forgo the artists rendering and draw their own conclusions, therein ignoring the prevailing themes and purposes behind the artists creation. Through intense speculation of an object, the philosopher has [deceived] himself in assertions which are not sustained by the picture itself but rather in his own social outlook (Schapiro 1994, p. 134). For example, Japanese aesthetics value the imperfect, almost deifying the worn and blemished. A rusty spade in a tool shed would be perceived by classical Japanese aesthetics as beautiful because of its natural state. The traditional Japanese artist would have painted the shed to exemplify its imperfections and the subtleties of its presentation. A Marxist contention might be that the artist presented the spade as a token of the working class, a tribute to the agrarian utopia sought after by many of the period. By making these assumptions, the individual perceiving the Japanese spade would be detracting from the paintings meaning; though agrarian utopia is a beautiful image, it is ultimately deviant from the artists purpose and casts the painting in a whole new light. Using a school of thought such as Marxism endeavors people to [imagine] everything and [project] it into the painting, causing them to experience both too little and too much in [their] contact with the work (Schapiro 1994, p. 138). Schapiro and his contemporaries are concerned with the nature of the work, not the beholders perception. Arts grandeur is in its presentation, which if misinterpreted bypasses the artists intentions, altering the state of art. Recurrent themes might be based on philosophy, but the concept of [the] metaphysical power of art remains a theoretical idea (Schapiro 1994, p. 139). It is irrelevant that there may exist a hidden message within the subject perceived. What is of consequence is rather what the object portrayed means to the artist. Projection and personal interpretation negates the fundamental aspect of the artists presence in the work, and metaphysical integration in interpretational method stints the potential of arts full meaning (Schapiro 1994, p 139). Marxism specifically denigrates the self in favor of the whole, therein detracting from art as a representation of the artist himself or herself. As a means of interpretation, Marxism is useless as the art becomes solely focused around the objective nature of the subject. Painters such as van Gogh and Monet did not popularize the impressionist movement because their objects were more true to reality than others of the age; they popularized the movement because their interpretations were revolutionary and unlike that of their contemporaries. In effect, all art becomes a piece from a self-portrait; the subject is turned to the spectator as a part of the artist, not an instrument of political ideology (Schapiro 1994, p. 140). Schapiro describes shoes as a recurrent theme in van Goghs paintings to solidify his argument. The focus of several paintings, van Goghs worn shoes are a portion of the self, a revealing theme (Schapiro 1994, p. 140). They do not signify the work ethic of a communist, nor does the weathered nature of the shoe imply the subject had anything to do with attaining an agrarian utopia. For van Gogh, the shoes were a memorable piece of his own life, a sacred relic (Schapiro 1994, p. 141). Paintings of the shoes were brilliant because of what they meant to van Gogh. The virtuosity of van Goghs style and presentation make him unique; shoes by themselves mean nothing without the artists rendering. What makes a painter unique is his or her ability to present him or herself, manifesting personality into unconventional objects in such a way that an audience can connect and relate to the emotion evoked. The object presented means nothing without the artists intimation. A shoe, for example, is mere ly a protective covering in the real world. It does not exist to testify to the greatness of Marxism and its superiority over other ideologies. In art, objects do not exist to signify metaphysical forms or ideas, but to serve the artists meanings. The efficacy with which an object portrays the artist is what makes it extraordinary. Theology is useless as an interpretive method of art history because of its constrictive nature on the purpose of art; Marxism is particularly inhibiting because of its emphasis on the nature of being and the individuals position in society. If a painter were to create a work solely to advertise Marxist doctrine, the artistic creation itself would be impeded. Practical aims, rules methods, [and] fixed notions of style hamper virtuosity and the artistic process (Schapiro 1994, p. 202). Schapiro continues, stating, the creation of art has rested on the activity of self-directed [people] who regard their work as a free expression of their natures (Schapiro 1994, p. 204). Ideologies are not naturally occurring in society as a whole; they are indoctrinated and therefore are alien concepts. Marxism is not a natural conclusion, but rather one that had to be indoctrinated into the bourgeois, who in turn had to give up their advantageous statuses in order to better society. Because Marxism is forced by nature, it cannot be a viable art method in Schapiros system of interpretation. Though Schapiros passion for the personal and physiognomic on behalf of the artist is commendable, it too easily dismisses the possibility that social ideology played a part in the artists choice of subjects (Schapiro 1994, p. 139). Marxism changed the way men and women viewed society, and hence altered individual perception. Empiricism, or the theory that all knowledge is based on experience, is a testament to artistic presentation. Theoretically speaking, van Gogh may have painted his shoes because he was an avowed Marxist and chose to present a commonplace object in a Marxist light. Those testifying otherwise can prove their points only by having known the artist themselves, or by proving through communications relayed by the artist suggesting the contrary. Marxism, like other ideologies, is not an impossible basis of inspiration. For example, the twentieth-century composer Dmitri Shostakovich chose to proclaim his disdain with Soviet Russia through music. Political ideologies suc h as Marxism are revolutionary because they alter perception and opinion. As an inspirational method, Marxism is very useful. Ideologies and social movements lend form and base to art; whether they positively or negatively affect an artist, ideologies are an inspirational basis for many works. Marxism does not necessarily diminish art as a form of self-portrait in inspirational form. It molds and manipulates the course of the art. Though it changes the direction of interpretation (possibly detracting from the artists meaning), it is feasible as part of the subject if determined to be a prevailing theme of the work in question. Schapiro describes the philosopher Martin Heidegger and his interpretation of a painting as an [illustration of] the nature of art as a disclosure of truth (Schapiro 1994, p. 135). Contrary to Schapiros contentions of arts theoretical metaphysical implications, Heidegger purports art is metaphysical in nature. The artist is therefore presenting the object from a different vantage. The nature of art is metaphysical in its individuality, so ideology is not to be dismissed as a viable method of art history. Marxism in particular has the capacity to be an effective method of art solely because of its paradigm shift in the concept of individuality. Marxism, like other ideologies, is an irrevocable aspect of society, especially in nineteenth century art. Society is part of what makes an artist individual; it is the lifeblood of creativity and influence. Movements such as impressionism are themselves fashioned by society and altered interpretations. Schapiros stance is that society is constraining and the ideologies of which it is comprised imperil [artistic] liberty (Schapiro 1994, p. 201). Marxism is only constraining, however, when applied to capitalist societies. It is impossible for a human being to be completely unbiased and unaffected by ideologies as every human being has some affiliation with a school of thought. Marxism has the ability to inspire just as much as it has the ability to constrict and limit artistic freedom. Though Heidegger may ignore what those shoes meant to van Gogh himself, he may have also suggested a new side of van Gogh, one that is revealed in a new light just as van Gogh presented shoes in a new light (Schapiro 1994, p. 147). Marxism further may serve as a basis of ideas and concepts. Schapiro himself admits, a disciplined classic style needs a source of ideas, a continuously renewed energy of concept ionotherwise [art] is a sterile routine (Schapiro 1994, p. 201). Ideology, by nature, is a set of conglomerated beliefs and observations. Why, then, does Schapiro assume it to such an inefficacy as a method of art history? Schapiros conclusions border on myopic as he fails to consider the possibility that ideologies can also serve as inspirations, as a possible source of ideas rather than the only source. All ideologies become constrictive if used exclusively. More constrictive on the artistic process is the elimination of ideology as a viable method; by consciously restraining interpretive vehicles, art is stinted and the liberty Schapiro so treasures becomes finite. As far as impressionism is concerned, Marxism is as effective as any other method of art history. The word impression refers to the objective, what the mind itself perceives. The very nature of impression is derived from the illusory rather than reality. Speculation, when observed within moderate means, is the purpose behind an object. Using an ideology such as Marxism does not impede interpretation so long as it is not used exclusively. Schapiro describes Heideggers speculative method as detracting and self-serving, purporting that he conjectures that his reader could imagine himself wearing [van Goghs] old leather shoes (Schapiro 1994, p. 149). The speculative approach to impressionism is its very basis. Had van Gogh intended to portray the shoes as part of his history, perhaps he would have painted himself wearing them. That he chose to focus on still life and not a self-portrait insinuates the possibility that van Gogh wanted to portray the shoes as open to outside interpretation as well. Marxist interpretations would not be indicative of useless method in the aforementioned perception so long as the interpretations outside the obvious are secondary in nature. To further his argument against ideologies such as Marxism as viable methods of art history, Schapiro addresses the opinions of French philosopher Denis Diderot. He describes Diderots preoccupation with freedom, considered in its inner and outer circumstances (Schapiro 1994, p. 201). If utilizing Marxism is a transgression on freedom, then it is a safe assumption to make that no artist will ever be free. All forms of thought are constrictions so long as they are regarded as limiting the abstract. Artistic production is reliant on the power of suggestion. The power to create is reliant on the power to envision, and the power to envision is subsequently dependent on the power of suggestion. Schapiro, however, takes Diderots stance that the artists inner freedom is the impulsive, unaccountable flow of the pencil an d brush, of images and ideas; verve, enthusiasm, spontaneity, and naturalness are its outward signs and without that flow, there is no authentic art (Schapiro 1994, p. 201). Marxism, therefore, would erstwhile be an obstacle in the artistic process. However, impulses are drawn from ideas, and spontaneity requires inspiration, both of which may be derived from ideologies. Schapiro supports this contention, writing that the conditions most favorable to the flow in art are not only a matter of temperament but are also social (Schapiro 1994, p. 201). Art history reveals that social ideologies such as Marxism are not only viable methods, they are also intrinsic in the creation of art. Diderot anticipated a dilemma of artists: they wish to be free creators, unconfined by any goal external to art but also wish to participate in the most advanced consciousness of their society and to influence it by their work (Schapiro 1994, p. 207). If ever there was an ideology that encapsulated total social involvement, it was Marxism. So if artists participate in the most advanced consciousness of their society, how can they be truly free by Schapiros standards? Is it because they have made a conscious decision? Their choices, however, are influenced by their desire to be a part of something larger. In effect, they are limited by their desires, which are concrete aims and goals. Marxisms all-encompassing doctrines are a reflection of scientific method, designed with multiple factors and social tenets in mind. Stephen Eisenman presents Marxism as a useful method of art in his Nineteenth Century Art, presenting evidence that certain critics consider the scholarly (scientific) method and subject matter [of art] perfectly merged (Eisenman 1994, p. 9). Marxism is based on a single concept: total egalitarianism. To serve that end, Marxism lists several factors and instructions. Art is similar, centered on a singular subject or theme. Different details delineate and instigate thought on the aforementioned subject, drawing further parallels between art and ideology. Eisenman furthers his contentions opposite that of Schapiro by stating outright how empiricism has dominated studies of nineteenth century art but has rarely been explicitly acknowledged as a methodology, whether inspirational or interpretive in nature (Eisenman 1994, p. 10). In defining true expression, many scholars reject the purist tyranny of abstract and absolutist systems such as those defined previously by Schapiro, insisting t hat art historians should be as flexible, various, and comprehensive as possible in their approaches, and be willing to consider anything from the history technology to the abiding mysteries of genius and psychology as potentially illuminating their ever more vast subject (Eisenman 1994, p. 10). Therefore, Eisenman counters critics who lambast ideologies as limiting, stating that by closing interpretive doors on art methods, one further inhibits the freedom of expression. Separating artists from society alienates the artist from humanity, therein isolating the artist as potentially self-deprecating. Diderots dilemma of the artist seeking to be creatively free and yet still a driving force of society is a paradoxical query answered by Eisenmans assertions in favor of Marxism. Eisenman supports the statement that art history itself, especially art history of the nineteenth century, has been significantly transformed by the prevailing attitudes of radical scholars; Marxist philosophy has played a signal role in overturning the formerly prevailing confidence that art history could be told as a straightforward, descriptive narrative independent of the interests, politics, gender, or ideology of artists, audiences, and critics (Eisenman 1994, p. 10). The aspects listed by Eisenman encapsulate what drives artists to create. Marx postulates that while humans by their nature as humans have senses and perceptions, these are rude and unformed in the absence of their specific development and cultivation, which only occurs historically (Eisenman 1994, p. 11). In the Marxist school of thought, Diderots emphasis on creative freedom still remains paramount to artistic creation. However, Marx stipulates that the abstract is only given form by prevailing attitudes of the day. Eisenman supports Marxism as a method of art, writing, all the senses are differently developed according to the nature of the particular society in which the person lives: a capitalist society in which the sense of having dominates is clearly different in its sensual or perceptual capacities from a feudal or Communist society which does not subscribe to the concept of private property (Eisenman 1994, p.11). Ultimately, art methods are only viable given the freedom of interpretation they allow. Marxism is viable because it promotes inspiration on part of the artist, as well as affording an observing art beholder a unique avenue of interpretation. The only caveat to employing ideology as a method of art is its constrictive nature. When applied exclusively, any single art method exudes glaring inefficacy in the face of constricted artistic freedom. However, the singling of any art method as a useless art method lends itself to the practice of restriction, defeating the requisite observation of creative freedom, whether the artist or the one perceiving art practices that freedom. Marxism, in turn, is just as useful an art method as any other ideology, so long as it is utilized as one possible perception among many. Marx argued, the cultivation of senseswhether in the form of art, music, or literaturein its turn plays a significant role in the historical unfolding of a society, and it is an untenable fact that history plays a part in shaping art, whether in the form of ideology or any other aspect of humanity (Eisenman 1994, p. 11).

Contemporary Society Essay -- Australian Contemporary Society

Contemporary Society Name: Institution: Contemporary Society Social and political scientists have associated contemporary society with a myriad of characteristics which include rapid technological advancements, greater human interactions, promotion of gender equality, and respect for human rights (Halcli & Browning, 2000, p. 226). However, many obstacles have stood on the way to achieving a number of important social issues such as ensuring proper gender equity in various government and private institutions. The Australian contemporary society is no exception as recent developments in the military composition have revealed a gap in gender equity among other gender sensitive issues. The Australian Defense Force (ADF) is grappling with increasing cases of misconduct and violation of women’s rights following recent sex scandals involving military cadets as well as a very low number of women recruits. The revelations have sparked strong reactions among those involved in the leadership of the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) and the ADF in general. Apart from sexual predation, other issues which have been unearthed include alcoholism among male and female military personnel, and intimidation and bullying of female officers. In the midst of all these chaos within a highly regarded institution such as the ADF, the question arises as to whether the scenario reflects the contemporary Australian society. Therefore, this paper attempts to discuss these issues in light of the degree to which the culture in the ADF reflect contemporary Australian society. The latest most sensitive news regarding the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) have been nothing less of shocking. Evidence has pointed to cases of sexua... ...rather not be tempted to imply that female military personnel carry no taint of misconduct. According to (Packham, 2011), the first year cadet pleaded guilty to charges of drinking and being absent without leave. In addition, the sexual encounter was said to have been consensual. This culture of breaking the rules in the ADF reflect a society whereby alcoholism has played a major role in contributing to misconduct. Both genders are affected but it seems to be rampant among males. The current situation depicts a scenario whereby the question of gender is being handled on the basis of a struggle whereby women are engaged in a fight to be recognized and respected. This is happening under a strong cultural influence in which gender roles are finely defined and women are not expected to have an equal footing with men in certain areas.

Origin of Digital Species Essay -- Internet History Essays

Origin of Digital Species Lev Manovich1 and Simon Cook2 argue that the internet and digital culture should be understood as a product of late Victorian and Modernist visual forms, but it is the goal of this paper to show that the internet and digital culture, while heavily influenced by these visual forms, is not the sole product of them, and that the time period between 1930 and the present day must also be included when analyzing the history of the internet. The best illustration of this point is the similarity and yet fundamental difference between the cinematographic experiments of the Soviet Constructivist Dziga Vertov and the modern visual jockey artists known as the â€Å"NomIg Collective†. By analyzing the art forms that exist on the internet it is possible to see how they are related to the preceding forms of art that existed in the times from which Manovich and Cook claim the internet to be a product. Before the terms Late Victorian, Modernist and Post-modernist visual forms are used, it is important to define what is meant by each of these terms, and to explain how they are all in essence connected to each other. During the Victorian era the world was transformed. Starting with Darwin’s theory of evolution, the world of science crecendoed into a period of rapid discovery and accelerated advancement that was previously unknown. It was out of this boom in the intellectual world that man’s desire to possess all knowledge began to seem more of an achievable goal and less like medieval lore . It was around the Victorian period that all modern forms of classification are began to expand: Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Museums are Libraries -to name a few forms- started to grow into their modern form as common tool... ...tov the need to refer to the cinematographer and the camera as machines that can engineer a product as well as any other piece of machinery. However, NomIg makes no self references, there is no portrayal of the computer or the human as anything specific in their work, and so they leave out a basic tenet of the Modernist manifesto. When the internet and digital culture is analyzed through the types of art it inspires it becomes clear that while the foundations for computers and artistic technique are a inspired by and partly the product of late Victorian and Modernist visual forms, it is not possible to ignore the effect that postmodernism has had on these art forms. To understand digital culture, regard should be given to both the Modernists who created the scientific framework and the Postmodernists who created the subject matter to exist within that framework.

You Suck: A Love Story Chapter 21~22

Chapter Twenty-one Ladies and Gentlemen, Presenting the Disappointments He was the best one-handed free-throw shooter in the Bay Area, and that Christmas night he had sunk sixty-four in a row in his driveway hoop, shooting the new leather Spauldingball his dad had left under the tree for him. Sixty-seven in a row, without ever setting down or spilling his beer. His record was seventy-two, and he would have broken it, had he not been dragged off into the bushes to be slaughtered. Jeff Murray was not the smartest of the Animals, nor the most well-born, but when it came to squandering potential, he was the hands-down winner. Jeff had been a star power forward through his sophomore, junior, and senior years in high school, and he had been offered a full-boat ride to Cal, Berkeley – there had even been talk of his going pro after a couple of years in college, but Jeff had decided to impress his prom date by showing her he had enough vertical leap to clear a moving car. It was a minor misjudgment, and he would have cleared the car had he not drunk most of a case of beer before the attempt, and had the car's height not been eight inches enhanced by the light bar on the roof. The light bar just caught Jeff's left sneaker, and somersaulted him four times in the air before he landed upright in a James Brown split on the tarmac. He was pretty sure that his knee wasn't supposed to bend that way, and a team of doctors would later agree. He'd wear a brace forever and he'd never play competitive basketball again. Although he was a smokin' one-handed H.O.R.S.E. player, and he might have even been a champion if it weren't for that slaughtered-in-the-bushes thing. He liked the new leather ball, and he knew he shouldn't be using it on the asphalt, and especially this late at night, when the sound of his dribbling might disturb his neighbors. He lived in a garage apartment in Cow Hollow, and the fog was blowing in damp streams up his street, making the basketball sound lonely and ominous, so no one complained. It was Christmas – if all some poor bastard had was some hoops, then you'd have to be a special kind of heartless to call the cops on him. A car turned at the end of the street; blue halogens swept through the fog like sabers, then went out. Jeff squinted into the fog, but couldn't make out what kind of car it was, only that it had stopped a couple of doors down and it was a dark color. He turned to take his record-breaking shot, but distracted, he put a little too much backspin on the ball and it jumped out of the hoop. He ran it down at the junipers by the garage, but was only able to tip it, so that it went into the bushes. He set his beer down on the driveway and went in after it, and – well, you know†¦ Francis Evelyn Stroud answered the phone on the second ring, as she always did, as it was proper to do. â€Å"Hello.† â€Å"Hi, Mom, It's Jody. Merry Christmas.† â€Å"And to you, darling. You're calling rather late.† â€Å"I know, Mom. I was going to call earlier, but had a thing.† I was a thing, Jody thought. â€Å"A thing? Of course. Did you get the package I sent?† It would be expensive and completely inappropriate, a cashmere business suit, or something in a houndstooth or a herringbone, something worn only by matronly academics or matronly spies with stout poison-dart shoes. And Mother Stroud would have sent it to the old address. â€Å"Yes, I got it. It's lovely. I can't wait to wear it.† â€Å"I sent a leather-bound set of the complete works of Wallace Stegner,† Mother Stroud said. Fuck! Jody kicked at Tommy for making her call. He skipped out of range, waving a scolding finger at her. Of course. Stegner, the Stanford paragon. Mother was one of the first coeds to graduate from Stanford and she never missed an opportunity to point out that Jody hadn't gone there. Jody's father had also gone to Stanford. She was born to Stanford, and yet she had disgraced them by going to San Francisco State, and not finishing. â€Å"Yeah, those will be great, too. I guess they just haven't caught up with me yet.† â€Å"You've moved again?† Mrs. Stroud had lived in the same house in Carmel for thirty years. Carpet and draperies never survived more than two years, but she'd been in the same house. â€Å"Yeah, we needed a little more space. Tommy's working at home now.† â€Å"We? Then you're still with that writer boy?† Mom said ;writer; like it was a fungus. Jody scribbled on a Post-it at the counter: Note: Break Tommy's arms off. Beat him with them. â€Å"Yes. I'm still with Tommy. He's been nominated for a Fulbright. So, did you have a nice Christmas?† â€Å"It was fine. Your sister brought that man.† â€Å"Her husband, Bob, you mean?† Mother Stroud did not care for men since Jody's father had left her for a younger woman. â€Å"Well, whatever his name is.† â€Å"It's Bob, Mom. He went to school with us. You've known him since he was nine.† â€Å"Well, I had a smoked turkey delivered, and a lovely foie-gras-and-wild-mushroom appetizer.† â€Å"You had Christmas catered?† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"Of course.† Of course. Of course. It would never occur to her that by having Christmas dinner catered, she was making other people work on Christmas. â€Å"Well, I put my present in the mail, Mom. I'd better go. Tommy's being honored at a dinner tonight because of his massive intellect.† â€Å"On Christmas?† Oh, what the fuck. â€Å"He's Jewish.† She could hear the intake of breath on the other end of the phone. This is the light version, Mom, imagine how scandalized you be if I told you he was dead and that I killed him. â€Å"You didn't tell me that.† â€Å"Sure I did. You must be losing details. Gotta go, Mom. I gotta help Tommy get his penis piercing in before the dinner. Bye.† She hung up. Tommy had been dancing naked in front of her for most of the phone call. When she hung up he stopped. â€Å"Did I mention that I worry about your ethical equilibrium?† â€Å"Said the guy who was just playing buff the scrotum with my red scarf while I was making the merry Christmas call to my mother?† â€Å"Admit it. You're a little turned on.† Dr. Drew – Drew McComber, the Ohm-budsman, the resident pharmacist and medical adviser to the Animals, was afraid of the dark. The fear had crept up on him, like a hash brownie, and coldcocked him with an inescapable paranoia after four years on the night crew at the Marina Safeway. Thing was, he awoke in the evening, to the pervasive grow lights in his garage apartment in the Marina, then drove four blocks under the streetlights to the brightly lit Safeway, then got off work in the morning when the sun was well off the horizon, to return to his grow-lit apartment, to sleep with a satin mask in place. He encountered darkness so infrequently that it seemed like a menacing stranger when he did. On Christmas night, round midnight, Drew sat among a jungle of five-foot-tall pot plants in his living room, wearing sunglasses and watching a movie on cable about the special relationship between the lady of an English manor and her chimney sweep. (Because of his work schedule, and the constant demand to stay wasted, Drew found it difficult to keep a girlfriend. Until the Animals found Blue, his sex life had been a largely solitary affair, and (sigh) apparently had become so once again.) Each time the chimney sweep's sooty hand smacked the powdered bottom of the lady of the manor, Drew grieved a little – that dusky handprint on alabaster flank falling like a shadow on his erotic soul. There was arousal, but no joy. Sad and lonely wood did tent his hemp-fiber cargo pants. Then, as if scripted by Erecto, the Generously Endowed Pizza Delivery God of Improbable Trysts, there was a knock at Drew's door. Rather than answer the door directly, Drew adjusted himself and ambled through the ganja forest to a small video screen in his kitchenette – a video peephole. He'd installed it in the days before his doctor had given him the prescription that made him a quasilegal medical marijuana grower (patient complains that reality harshes his mellow – prescribe 2 grams cannabis every three hours by inhalation, ingestion, or suppository). Sure enough, as if he had called in an order, the video screen revealed a pale but pretty blonde standing on his doorstep in a conservative blue cocktail dress and heels. She might have just come from a party or a dinner out – her hair was pinned up with tiny blue bows. She might have shown up to audition for the role of the lady of the manor. Drew keyed the intercom. â€Å"Hi. Are you sure you have the right house?† â€Å"I think so,† said the girl. â€Å"I'm looking for Drew.† She smiled into the camera. Perfect teeth. â€Å"Jeez,† Drew said, then realizing that he had said it allowed, he cleared his throat and said, â€Å"I'll be right there.† He smoothed his erection down, pushed his hair behind his ears, and in five long strides he was through the forest and at the front door. At the last second he remembered the sunglasses, pushed them up on his head, smiled broadly, and threw open the door, releasing a wide beam of ultraviolet light into the night fog. The pretty blonde dropped her smile, then screamed as she burst into flames and leapt out of the light. Drew ran out into the dark to save her. Chapter Twenty-two Being the Chronicles of Abby Normal: Pathetic Nosferatu Noobsicle Well, except for the murder, Christmas was like a slow drag over broken glass – I now truly know the ennui of passing eternity in total boredom – eating and hurling to-furky all day, stuck with Ronnie and Mom until like six, when Jared came over. His father has a fresh family with little crumb-snatcher stepsisters, so they like forget about him as soon as the squealing and presents start in the morning. He spent the whole day rewatching The Nightmare Before Christmas disc in his room and smoking cloves. His room is totally sacrosanct since he told his ‘rents that he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't be masturbating to gay porn if anyone came in. (He's so lucky sometimes – I could stand on my head and flick the bean right there at the dinner table and my mom would be all, â€Å"Honey, Christmas is family time, we should be together† and make me finish in front of everyone.) So, we like watched The Nightmare Before Christmas disc with Mom and Ronnie until they fell asleep on the couch – then Jared and I drew some really cool tribal tattoos on Ronnie's shaved head with Magic Marker, but only like in red and black, so they look real. Then he was all, â€Å"We should go get some coffee – my aunt gave me a hundred-dollar Starbucks gift card for Christmas.† And I hate it when people brag about their Christmas presents, because it's completely shallow and materialistic. So, I was all, â€Å"Yeah, well, I'd love to, but I am now one of the chosen, so I have duties.† And he was all, â€Å"No way, you're Jewish?† And I was all, â€Å"No, I am nosferatu.† And he was all, â€Å"You are not.† And I was all, â€Å"Remember that sexylicious guy from Walgreens. It was him. Well, actually it's the Countess who brought me into the sacred circle of sanguinity.† And he was all, â€Å"You didn't even call me?† â€Å"I'm sorry, Jared, but you are of an inferior species now.† So he goes, â€Å"I know, I totally suck.† And I know he's going to go all tragico-emo on me. So I say, â€Å"Buy me a Mochaccino and I'll reveal to you our dark ways and stuff.† We leave a note saying that Jared has impregnated me and we're running off together to join a satanic cult, so my mother won't panic when she wakes up, because she's totalitarian about leaving notes. Then we head to the SOMA. But apparently, the entire fucking country shuts down on Christmas, slammed under the oppressive iron fist of the baby Jesus, so out of nine Starbucks we try, all are closed. And Jared is all, â€Å"Take me to meet them. I want to be in the dark fold, too.† And I was all, â€Å"No way, loser, your hair is totally flat.† Which it was. He only had the one spike in front, and his sculpting gel had like failed hours ago, so in his PVC raincoat, he kinda looked like a black lacquer coatrack like you see in Chinatown, but that wasn't why I couldn't take him to see the Countess and my Dark Lord. I just couldn't. I knew the Countess would freak out if she saw I was exploiting her exquisite gift to show off for a friend, so I was all, â€Å"It's very secret.† But Jared started to pout and brood at the same time, which he can totally pull off because he practices, so I started to feel like a malodorous soupà §on of mashed assholes, as Lautramont so aptly put it. (Shut up, Lily says it sounds more romantic in French.) So I let him come, but I told him he had to say outside across the street. But when we came around the corner of the Dark Lord's block, there was a guy in a yellow tracksuit standing in the middle of the street. Just standing there, with his hood up and his head down, looking like he was going to stand there forever. And he turned really slow in our direction. Jared was all, â€Å"Wanksta rappa,† in my ear, and he giggled that high-pitched little-girl giggle he does sometimes that's like violence catnip to other guys. (Which is why Jared has to carry a foot-long double-edged dagger in his boot, which he calls his Wolf-fang. Fortunately it doesn't give him any false confidence and he is still a total puss, but he likes the attention he gets when doormen take it away from him at clubs.) Anyway, I think my vampyre senses were, like, on edge, because I could just tell that this wasn't your normal hip-hop guy standing in the middle of a deserted street in a three-hundred-dollar tracksuit at midnight on Christmas night, so I grabbed Jared's arm and pulled him back around the corner. And I'm all, â€Å"Dude. Shields up. Creep. Stealth. Lowest profile.† So we peek around the corner, totally cloaked this time, and the tracksuit guy is like over by the door of the loft, and someone is coming out. It's the crusty old drunk guy with the huge shaved cat, and he has his unit out, like he's going to take a leak, which I could have gone another sixteen years without seeing. And Tracksuit grabs him like he's a rag doll and pulls his head back by the hair, and bites him on the neck. And when he does, I can see that it's not a hip-hop guy at all, but some crusty white vampyre, his fangs were like visible from space. So the huge cat guy is thrashing and screaming and spraying whiz all over the place and I can hear the huge cat hissing behind the door, and Jared grabs me by my messenger bag and starts pulling me away, down the street. So that's all I saw. And Jared was all, â€Å"Whoa.† And I was all, â€Å"Yeah.† And as soon as we got a few blocks away, I pulled out my cell and called the Countess's cell, but it went right to voice mail. So now we're at a special midnight showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas at the Metreon, drinking a huge Diet Coke to calm our nerves while we wait for a return call from my vampyre coven. (Jared forgot his inhaler and has been gasping since we saw the attack. It's so embarrassing. People are like looking, and I've moved a couple of seats over so they won't think I'm giving him a hand job or something.) I am totally overcome with dread and foreboding, and the time passes like a seeping infection on a bad eyebrow piercing. So we wait. I wish we had some pot. More later. Oh yeah, and Mom got me a green Care Bear for Christmas! I totally love it. â€Å"You're sure this is where you left it?† Jody was looking up and down the Embarcadero. There were no people out on the street – the performers and hustlers were long gone. She could hear the Bay Bridge humming in the distance, a foghorn started to low over in Alameda. A BART train burped out of a tunnel onto the street a block away, headed toward the ballpark, empty. A police cruiser turning out of Market Street strafed them with its headlights before heading past the Ferry Building toward Fisherman's Wharf. Tommy waved to the cops. â€Å"Yeah. I was right here and my watch went off. He weighed a ton. It would have taken a bunch of guys to move him.† Jody saw something shining on the bricks near her feet and crouched down to touch the source. Metal filings of some sort. She licked her finger and came up with a coating of yellowish metallic particles on her fingertip. â€Å"Unless someone cut it up.† â€Å"Who would do that? Who would cut a statue up and steal the pieces?† â€Å"Doesn't matter. Maybe thieves, maybe city workers. If someone cut that bronze shell, one of two things happened. If it was daytime, Elijah fried out here in the sun. If it was dark, he's free.† â€Å"It wasn't light, was it?† Jody shook her head. â€Å"I'm guessing no.† She saw a light pattern among the bricks a few steps away and crouched down again. There was a fine, grayish powder between the bricks. She pinched some between her fingers and shook her head. â€Å"For sure no.† â€Å"What? What is that?† She brushed her finger off on her jeans and dug into her jacket pocket. â€Å"Tommy, remember I told you that you didn't drink the whore dry because she wouldn't have been there if you had?† â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"Well, that's because when a vampire drains someone – when we drain someone, they turn to a fine gray powder. I can't explain why, but it looks like that. Feels like that.† She pointed to the mortar lines between the bricks. Tommy knelt down and touched the powder, looked up. â€Å"How do you know that?† â€Å"You know how I know that?† â€Å"You've killed people.† She shrugged. â€Å"Just a couple. And they were sick. Terminal. They were asking for it, sort of.† â€Å"So that's why you weren't upset about the hooker?† She pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket, then held it behind her back and twisted back and forth looking at her feet, like a little girl being interrogated about how Mommy's lamp got broken. â€Å"Are you mad?† â€Å"I'm a little disappointed.† â€Å"Really? I'm really sorry. You would have done the same thing if you'd been there.† â€Å"I'm just disappointed that you didn't feel that you could trust me.† â€Å"You were having a hard time with your change. I didn't want to bother you.† â€Å"But it wasn't sexual or anything, right?† â€Å"Absolutely not. Purely nutritional.† She didn't think it necessary to tell him about kissing the old man. It would just confuse things. â€Å"Well, I guess it's okay, then. I guess if you had to.† He stood and she ran to him and kissed him. â€Å"I can't tell you how glad I am to have that off my chest.† â€Å"Yeah, well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hang on.† She held up a finger and hit the power button on her phone. â€Å"Calling your mom to tell her she was right about your being a tramp?† â€Å"I'm calling the kid.† â€Å"Abby?† â€Å"Yeah. I need to tell her to stay away from our place. Elijah is going to start messing with us like before.† Jody watched as the little icons on her phone showed that it was searching for a signal. â€Å"But she said she wasn't coming by tonight. It's Christmas.† â€Å"I know she said that, but I think she may come by anyway.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Well, she has a thing for me, I think. I bit her last night.† â€Å"You bit Abby?† â€Å"Yeah. I told you, I was hurt. I needed – â€Å" â€Å"God, you're such a blood slut.† â€Å"I knew you'd be mad.† â€Å"Well, it's Abby, for fuck's sake. I'm her dark lord.† â€Å"Look, a voice mail.† Elijah Ben Sapir cast the twitching, pee-spraying alcoholic across the street, where he bounced off the metal garage door of the foundry and back out to the curb, where his head knocked the side mirror off an illegally parked Mazda. Then the vampire walked with exaggerated steps, his arms held out from his sides like a bad stage monster to try to keep the urine-sotted velour fabric of his tracksuit from contacting his skin. Although he had experienced all manner of filth and gore in his eight hundred years, and had, in fact, spent whole days hiding naked under loamy soil to escape the sun, he didn't remember being quite so put off as he was at being pissed on by his lunch. Perhaps it was that he only had one set of clothes now, and there was no luxurious yacht with a full wardrobe to retire to, or perhaps it was that he had spent the day between two urine-stained mattresses under an unconscious junkie while police searched the hotel around him. He'd just hit his limit, that's all. He'd known the desk clerk would give him up to the police, so as soon as he had gone to his room, the vampire had hidden his tracksuit in the corner of the closet, gone to mist, then slipped under the door into the next room and in between the mattress and box springs of a semiconscious junkie. He'd gone back to solid just as sunrise put him out for the day. At sundown, he was surprised at how elated he was to find the tracksuit still in the closet, after he fed off the junkie (just a sip) and snapped his neck. (Leaving more or less a greeting card to the homicide inspectors who had attacked him with the others at the yacht club.) Now his precious tracksuit was all covered in whiz and he was furious. He stalked over to where he'd thrown the bum and snatched him up by the ankle. Elijah was not tall by modern standards, but he found that if he held the bum's ankle high above his head, he could shake him sufficiently to get the job done. â€Å"You're not even her minion, are you?† Elijah banged the bum's head against the sidewalk to punctuate his question. â€Å"Please,† said the bum. â€Å"My huge cat – â€Å" Thud, thud, thud on the sidewalk. A little shake. Change, a few bills, a lighter, and a bottle of Johnny Walker rained out of the bum's pockets. â€Å"You're just her little moo cow, aren't you? I tasted her on you.† â€Å"There's a kid,† said the moo cow. â€Å"A spooky little girl. She takes care of them.† â€Å"Them?† Elijah flung the bum against the garage and proceeded to pick up the change and the bills on the sidewalk. The steel door next to the garage door opened and a burly bald man in overalls stepped out on the sidewalk, smacking a lead-tipped tire thumper on his palm. â€Å"You motherfuckers making enough noise out here?† Elijah bared his fangs and hissed at the biker, then leapt to the wall over the garage door and clung there, facedown, above the biker's head. The biker looked up at the vampire, down at the prostrate bum, then at the damaged Mazda. â€Å"Well, okay then,† he said. â€Å"I can see you fellas still have some shit to work out.† He slipped back into the foundry and slammed the door. Elijah dropped to his feet and headed up the street, not even bothering to stop to snap the moo cow's neck. How could he have been so stupid? He wasn't going to terrorize her by killing a food source. He needed to threaten her minion, just as he had with the boy. How could he have known that she'd actually betray him and choose the boy? Turn the boy? It wouldn't happen again. Amid all the anger, the hunger, and the excitement at having a purpose, Elijah Ben Sapir felt a twinge of heartache. He had begun this adventure thinking himself the puppet master; now he was all entangled in the strings. Making mistakes. No worry. He cocked his head and focused. Past the rasping breath of the moo cow, the buildings settling, the Bay Bridge humming, and a thousand hearts beating in the lofts around him, he could hear the retreating steps of the little girl and her friend.