Examples About Different Aspects of Development Can Affect One Another Essay

Below are some examples of how different aspects of development can affect one another: 1. Sebastian is 6 years old and has just moved from Italy and has very poor English. He’s moved to a school where there are only children in the class with good level of English. Sebastian may be scared, confused and anxious about moving to another country with a different language. There will be a language barrier between the other children, the teachers and Sebastian. He may be quiet, subdued and moody and it could affect him in playing and understanding the teacher. Other children may bully him, as he is different from them in language. Language barrier (through a foreign language as their first one) may stop other children from playing or talking to Sebastian. That can lead to lower self esteem and make him feel as an outsider, which may affect his social and behavioural development. 2. Victor is 3,5 years old and he has a newborn baby brother in the family. Before that Victor had full parent’s attention and he doesn’t know how to share feelings and toys. Victor’s mum spends more time with the newborn, so Victor doesn’t understand why he needs to share his mum’s attention with his new brother. As result of that Victor feels let down, angry and isolated which can lead to problems in his emotional, social and behavioural development. This can affect his interaction with other children in the nursery. He will also find it hard to form friendships. The other children may try to avoid Victor because he is unable to share. This may affect Victor’s emotional and social development, as he feels lonely and neglected and even abandoned. 3. Michael is a 13 years old boy who attends secondary school, but he is less developed in reading. When it comes to children having reading time at school, he may feel uncomfortable and unable to form friendships due to  embarrassment and low self-esteem. This will then affect his language and social development. This can cause Michael to feel lonely and angry with himself because he is not at the other children’s level of learning. 4. Brian is 17 years old boy and he has not developed his gross motor skills because of a disability. This can affect his physical, social and intellectual development. He suffers socially as he may not be able to join in activities or sports like other children for example football. He may lack confidence and may not have as many friends. His self-esteem may be low as well. But on the other hand he may spend more time learning and that will positively affect his intellectual development.

Hy Dairies, Inc. Essay

Analysis Rochelle Beauport an assistant brand manager for HY Dairies and is one of the few women of color in brand marketing management. She played a prominent role in increasing the organization’s sales volume, and market share by improving sagging sales of their popular gourmet ice cream. This achievement did not go by un-noticed; Rochelle’s boss, Syd Gilman the vice president of marketing promptly offered Rochelle a promotion to a lateral position of market research coordinator. Syd justified assigning the role of market research coordinator to Rochelle because it gives her broader experience, and access to high profile work, which would enhance her career. Syd took the same path to the office of vice president of marketing; Rochelle thought this promotion was a demotion in â€Å"job status† and not a route to top management, and an implied assumption of racial inequality. Syd obviously overestimated Rochelle’s belief of moving to market research coordinator wou ld be the same as his, and now Syd’s false â€Å"consensus effect† has threatened Rochelle’s values and dedication to HY Dairies. Concept Complexity Complexity is the distinct role or identity that people perceive about themselves; to this point Syd did not see himself as stereotyping Rochelle because he did not view the promotion as a negative but rather a preparation for her future with the company. The lack of communication in this case study shows everyone has their perception of things and if you do not open the lines to effective communication you can cause issues within the organization. Self Concept Self-concept has a more varied effect on behavior and performance; Rochelle  defined herself as a person who overcomes challenges, specifically her role controlling a product that directly affected HY Dairies’ profitability. This â€Å"opportunity† resonated as a restriction in career growth and not an advance in her career in brand management. Ms. Beauport views this new job that could hurt her career. Without clarity on the position from Syd, Rochelle now examines her self-concept and defines herself as a â€Å"black woman with no future in brand management.† Recommendations Syd and HY Dairies must be aware of perceptual biases, and to do that, HY Dairies must know that it exists. In Syd’s and Rochelle’s situation, it is obvious that diversity awareness a necessary requirement. This process if implemented, attempts to minimize discrimination, this makes employees aware of systemic discrimination. Awareness of perceptual biases reduces biases by making employees more mindful of their thoughts and actions. HY Dairies should also minimize perceptual biases by increasing self-awareness; from this insight, employers have an enhanced understanding of biases in their decisions and behavior. If Syd used self-awareness when considering offering the promotion to Rochelle, he would have displayed authentic leadership and able to explain to Rochelle his vision of her in the role of market research coordinator. Discussion Questions Apply your knowledge of stereotyping and social identity:  Within this case study both stereotyping and social identity came into play. The employee identified herself as a minority, feeling as if the job offer was a negative due to her skin color and gender. The employee further felt she was being stereotyped for being a woman due to the lack of communication from the vice president. If the vice president took the time to explain the reasons for the new job offer and where he saw his employee’s future, it could have eliminated the feelings his employee felt. What other perceptual errors are apparent in this case study: Perceptual errors that are apparent in this case study is the employee felt she was being discriminated against due to an experience at her previous employer. She made the assumption that the job offer was a negative when in fact it was a positive. Another perceptual error was the vice president felt he communicated the promotion  well to the employee, when in fact he was very vague in the job offer. He could have explained the reasons behind the promotion, further explaining his previous position and his future goals for her within the organization. What can organizations do to minimize misperception in these types of situations: In order to minimize misperception in stereotyping situations an organization must implement effective communication throughout the organization. Implementing programs such as diversity training for all employees, with additional training for supervisors to learn ways to maintain fair employment practices where employees feel comfortable. It is important that all employees are held accountable and if anyone, regardless of position, violates a policy that there are consequences to ensure employees have faith in the organization and its leadership.

Analysing Delegation In Transition To Professional Practice Nursing Essay

Analysing Delegation In Transition To Professional Practice Nursing Essay Newly registered nurses or nurses re-entering the workforce face many challenges. One of these issues is delegation. In this essay you are required to develop an in depth and detailed understanding of delegation and how it apply to you as a newly registered nurse. You will need to critically analyse the literature to: Define delegation and how it applies to the registered nurse in the clinical setting Analyse the role of the registered nurse in relation to the responsibility of delegation Analyse the relationship between accountability and delegation Discuss how delegation is different to patient allocation Analyse how professional competence impacts on delegation with specific reference to clinical effectiveness Discuss the interpersonal relationships of team members when delegating within a team Introduction Being a newly Registered Nurse entails a lot of challenges, how we deal with our clients and effectively communicating what their needs are in a multi-cultural setting gives u s these difficult tasks of rendering proper and appropriate health care. RNs (Registered Nurses) are known to provide care from womb to tomb, without preference to age, gender, race, religion and status. RNs need to understand the importance for them to know by heart, what are the tasks they can delegate to their co-workers because problem could arise if tasks are delegated inappropriately and clients would be the one to suffer the consequences. Delegation of activities will be relied more heavily due to decreasing workforce and increasing workload that’s why nurses should understand fully the different guidelines on how one can appropriately apply delegation in their professional practice. The role of RN in the delegation process takes unprecedented importance. The independent licensee of the RN imposes a legal accountability on the part of the nurse to the patient/recipient of care. This becomes a primary responsibility, with the accountability to other disciplines or the e mployer being secondary. Because the RN is responsible for the practice of other lesser skilled licensed or unlicensed nursing personnel (i.e., Enrolled Nurses and Unlicensed Health Care Worker), it is imperative that registered nurses understand the guidelines and parameters set for delegation and training. All RNs and midwives must be willing to accept accountability and responsibility when undertaking activities within their individual scope of practice after considering: legislation or restriction of practice, professional standards of practice, current evidence for practice, individual knowledge skill and competence and contextual/organizational support for practice [Nursing Board of Victoria (NBV) 2007]. The responsibility of the RN prevails whatever the employment setting or status of employment and that legal accountability cannot be removed or assumed by another individual or by the employer. We can never work alone, thus we are always a part of a multidisciplinary healthca re team and this is where the issues of delegation come into place. I. Definition of delegation and application in clinical setting The Queensland Nursing Council (2005) defined delegation as ‘conferring of authority on a person to a person to perform activities. In the same way, delegation is conferment of authority to an individual who is not authorized to perform a particular task autonomously but can do so under direct or indirect supervision (Nursing & Midwifery Board of South Australia 2005). Direct supervision means that the RN is actually present during performance of the delegated task, observing and guiding the person who is being supervised while indirect supervision is provided when the RN does not directly observe the person performing the delegated task but should be easily contactable by phone or electronic devices when the need arises [Royal College of Nurses, Australia (RCNA) 2005].

English 101 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

English 101 - Essay Example I simply explore the library and discover the myriad books, magazines, papers, and documents that I would never have known existed. I find one at random, locate a quiet corner, and spend some time getting acquainted with my new discovery. I have encountered 200-year-old books that were written about the history of the local area. I have also found magazines from the late 1800s that I always find interesting. One particular magazine was a late 1800s Science magazine that had an article that was written by Charles Darwin, the father of the Theory of Evolution. Wherever I look, the books that I accidentally discover always pleasantly surprise my curiosity. While I enjoy simply visiting the library, it is also an excellent place to study. I not only have a well-lit and quiet area to work, I have the entire library available to answer any questions I have, or provide the reference material I may need. I often consider the library my second home away from

5 pro's & cons for common law marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

5 pro's & cons for common law marriage - Essay Example By living together, people are often forced to drop most of the social courtesies they use when dating and therefore give each other a chance to know each other as they really are, ‘warts and all’. Because there aren’t any legally binding contracts, if things don’t work out, the couple can just go their separate ways and not have to incur numerous legal and other fees as part of the breakup. By living together rather than getting married, each member of the couple can also keep separate finances, further making a future split more amenable. If marriage is part of the future goals, living together can help a couple save money for the wedding or honeymoon or help them purchase a house sooner. However, there are also many reasons why living together before or instead of marriage is not a good idea. For people who have deep religious beliefs, this often conflicts with family or personal convictions causing unnecessary tension in the relationship. Because there are no binding contracts, there remains a high degree of uncertainty in the relationship, creating a situation in which getting to know each other is impossible as each struggles with issues of unnecessary insecurity. Should a child be born to the relationship, issues of whether marriage is precipitated by the child or by love can add unnecessary confusion and should death of a partner occur, there are no securities or automatic benefits granted the survivor. Finally, unmarried couples are not eligible for many tax breaks offered to married persons which can add up to significant money wasted. These are just a few of the pros and cons of living together before or instead of getting married. The factors that will be most applicable to a given situation will, of course, be contingent on the individuals involved but it remains clear that the decision to co-habitate must be made with some thought as to the repercussions to the individuals,

Discussion on Genetic Engineering Research Paper

Discussion on Genetic Engineering - Research Paper Example ). GE is emerging as the most rapidly progressing branch of biology and manipulation of genes is becoming a routine act or play. GE works because conservation of genes is observed throughout the evolution. GE encompasses insertion of a particular genetic sequence isolated from any species into some different animal or plant or bacteria and hence monitoring the expression of the genetic sequence. Advances in technology has generated ease in the manipulation of genetics of the organisms and hence the gene manipulation by means of genetic engineering is paving its way in every aspect of human endeavour. Through genetic engineering, human genes are inserted into sheep, the motive of this insertion is to secrete alpha-1 antitrypsin in the milk, a useful product to treat lung disease. On the other hand with the help of genetic engineering, four legged chickens, without wings were created (Genetic Engineering: What is genetic Engineering?). This implies that genetic engineering has empowere d humans to modify the very existence of natural forms of life i.e. animals, plants or humans on earth. GE has allowed the expression of genes from different group of animals namely fish, mouse, human, insect or plants in one organism, violating the laws of nature. Ethically it is unacceptable to alter the natural forms of life. ... of human existence, may it be in the form of genetically engineered food products, genetically engineered fruits, genetically modified vegetables, bakery items, genetically modified animals to yield high quantity of milk and dairy items, genetically modified poultry animals, genetic engineering has now paved its way in cosmetics, wearable, treatment of diseases, manufacturing industrial products that are designed to enhance the production, GE is engrossing every parameter of human existence which one can think of, manipulation of genes can be performed with the skill, knowledge and precise technology to fulfil the desire of the imagination (50 Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods). As genetic engineering is moving at much faster pace and establishing new paradigms rapidly it is essential to have a check on the basis of ethical considerations to prevent the permanent loss of identities of natural life forms. There is a certain set parameters in moral philosophy which inv olves, regulating the right behaviour, defending the appropriate conduct and advocating the concept of understanding to discriminate between right and wrong. Based on this issue ethical theories are categorized into metaethics- dealing with religion, normative ethics- deals with practical task based on moral values to discriminate between correct and incorrect involves virtue theories, duty theories, consequentialist theories (Types of Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism and Social Contract Theory); applied ethics encompass explicit controversial issues encompassing, environmental issues, abortion etc (Ethics). In Genetic Engineering, virtue ethics find wider application, provides a lesser amount of prominence on learning rules and emphasise on developing better approach based on morals as

Addiction Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Addiction - Research Proposal Example The problem of gambling is bigger than the individual, social group or a community. Understanding and preventing it, is therefore important for the society as well as for the country. Before one can write about gambling, one must understand the nature of its addiction. Addiction according to Henderson is "a complicated condition, with biological, physiological, psychological, behavioral and spiritual aspects. For this reason it is best to think of...addiction as multifaceted disorders, only one of which is the compulsive use of the addicting substance." (3) Individuals who are addicted (whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex etc.) demonstrate particular behavior such as loss of control over the behavior, and continue to engage in the addiction despite negative consequences (Henderson 4). From a behavioral perspective addiction according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition) can be defined as an abuse or dependency which has negative consequences and interferes with important obligations, and causes noticeable distress or significant impairment in functioning. The criteria for dependence also include those that indicate physiological dependence as well as a loss of control as evidenced b repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down." (Henderson 6). Gambling, according to Collins, is a sequence of activities which involve two or more parties willing to place at risk something of value known as the stakes. They engage in this activity in the hope of wining some of greater value called the prize. The winner or loser is determined by the outcome of events that is known as the result. Gambling by definition does not make the gambler addict. This is because it is essentially a game in which the participants may undertake the activities commercially or in private situations (Collins 15). Gambling is an addiction for some people. Addicted gamblers tend to be

Gambling Regulations among Different Sports Organizations Essay

Gambling Regulations among Different Sports Organizations - Essay Example Gambling has strong roots in the history as it could be found among the emperors of china 6000 years ago and common people who made betting their habit. Anthropologists have found evidences which prove gambling in the dark ages. Dice more than 4,000 years old have been discovered inside the Egyptian pyramids. Horse racing is more than 2,000 years old. The Christian bible contains a number of references of gambling which includes the roman soldiers "casting lots" (probably stones or shells) to divide up Jesus' clothes after his crucifixion. Nowadays the betting on sports is very common amongst the sports fans of all classes and nationality. Sport betting is generally the activity of predicting the results of a sports event by making a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. This kind of gambling is permitted in most of the civilized countries such as UK and USA. In United States, the professional and amateur sports protection act of 1994 has made betting and gambling illegal except for the states of Nevada, Oregon and Delaware. Despite of gambling's practice and long history, gambling is often considered a controversial issue with strong advocates on both sides. Legalized gambling authorities argue that for most people it is a harmless diversion which makes individuals, free to spend their money as they wish. The most common arguments are related to economic benefits, especially in poorer communities that use gambling to attract investments and jobs. Civilized cities and states can use legalized gambling to generate tax revenue that supports specific public services, such as education. Supporting jury of the fact, also argues that gambling attracts tourism, and that restrictions simply divert the potential tax revenues to illegal gambling operations where the practice is legal. According to the research, gamblers sometime turn to criminal and non ethical activities to support their habits. Violent crime rates can also rise in some cases when gambling is legalized. Corruption of government and law enforcement officials is another issue associated with gambling. The gambling industry often contributes heavily to political campaigns in the hopes of influencing legislation and expanding operations in those areas. Every issue has some pros & cons. some of the pros comprise that due to gambling a vital contribution of tax is generated for the national exchequer. If a state does not allow gambling then people may go else where, many people go to Las Vegas each year. New casinos are 'democratic'. The wealthy and aristocratic have always been able to gamble in exclusive clubs and casinos. Why not let ordinary people enjoy the same freedom. As per for the cons, new casinos are dragging people into addiction. Damage done to individuals and families by gambling addiction is catastrophic. Lives are ruined; everything possible should be done to discourage such a dangerous habit. there are many outlets already (some would argue too many) for people who like to bet - from betting shops on high streets to the national lottery and the football pools. Gaming is morally wrong and saps ambition. When gambling and money come to a sport, it ruins the glory and passion. When

The American Red Cross (Ethics) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The American Red Cross (Ethics) - Essay Example These include blood services, food, blankets, cots, emergency and disaster relief services, health and safety services, and dozens of other goods and services provided to people in need. Their ethics document is highly developed, including standards for the sharing of biomedical knowledge, protocols for behavior in war, compliance with the law, avoidance of conflicts of interest, confidentiality and rules governing gifts (Red Cross). This makes ethical breaches especially troubling: The ARC is not only a leader in relief efforts and humanitarian work, but has clear issues and protocols for dealing with and managing ethical issues. It is important to note that recent problems with the ARC have not prevented it from doing good work on the ground for hundreds of thousands of people. Ongoing relief efforts continue. Yet the breaches could jeopardize that work. Executive turnover at the top, from Elizabeth Dole to Bernadine Healy to Mark Everson, not only occurred under inauspicious circu mstances (Healy's failure to adequately respond to 9/11, Everson's sexual dalliances and abuse of authority), but threatened the contiguity of leadership important to managing an organization as big and diverse as the ARC (Ferrell and Ferrell, 2011, p. 503). Embezzlement in many state chapters occurred, one of the most shocking being a Pennsylvania manager who stole money for crack cocaine! Congressional mandates have only stemmed, not stopped, the reports of embezzlement and impropriety. Hurricane Katrina also reflected badly on the ARC, though here most of the blame and attention was placed upon FEMA and the Bush administration's inadequate response (Ferrell and Ferrell, 2011, p. 505). Yet the ARC did make many miscalculations, such as using felons, diverting relief supplies, and poor tracking and distribution (Ferrell and Ferrell, 2011, p. 506). The issue is that, as a charitable organization beholden not only to contributors but also to policy-maker, agencies and taxpayers, the ARC's ethical issues threaten its ability to market, gain contributions, and remain trustworthy as a leadership force in humanitarian aid. As noted, the ARC has an extensive moral code. This is not simply a statement of principles, though those principles are well-established and complex. ARC care providers are supposed to be, in a sense, nurses and doctors for the world. They are, for many, a one-stop shop for needs: People in poverty-stricken, disaster-stricken or crisis areas, refugees and other recipients of aid get everything from medical care to clothes and blankets. The ARC attempts to avoid partisanship and nationalism: They seek to serve all of mankind (Red Cross). Again, most of the problems that have plagued the ARC have been leadership, not rank-and-file, issues: Embezzlement by managers and poor executive decisions are damning, true, but there is no evidence that the people actually providing aid have declined one iota in their ethical standards, belief in the ARC's cor e principles, or have ceased to provide a useful service. None of the four major organizational ethical philosophies can justify the ARC's current lapses, but what philosophy do they generally operate under? Between denotative, relativistic, deontological and consequentalist frameworks, the ARC's traditional

Is technology a blessing or a curse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Is technology a blessing or a curse - Essay Example He describes how and older tool such as a rake can be more efficient and beneficial to the health of the user through the physical exercise he gets when he uses it. In contrast, he states that the leaf blower, although technologically more advanced, is not really that beneficial to the user and even goes as far as to suggest that it may be harmful to him because it makes an awful lot of noise and does not exert the person using it physically meaning that the opportunity for the little exercise he could have gotten from using the rake is lost. Bell uses this example of such a simple task as moving leaves to discuss the greater issues brought about by indiscriminate use of technology. His idea is that we should only use the pieces of technology that we really need and that are beneficial to us both physically and mentally, and that we should discard those that have no real benefit for us (Bell 470-473). One would agree with Bell’s argument that we use technology indiscriminately and that we rarely distinguish between its good uses from its bad ones. We tend to focus more on using the latest technological advancements and not on their benefits to us. There are times when it is better to use the so called old technology such as the rake rather than use new technology like the leaf blower which have little or no benefit to us. We should take every opportunity we have to get some physical exercise and there is no better way to do so than using technology that is physically exerting. The modern world has seriously changed our lifestyles and we are slowly moving from a lifestyle of physical exertion to one of dormancy due to the advancement of technology. However, all technology has its good and its bad sides and it is this in mind that we shall be discussing the following: the automation of industrial and household processes; changes in the modes of transport; reduction of risk to human life; data and information management; and the impact of technology on entertainment and advertising (Bell 470-473). The automation of critical industrial and household processes has reduced the amount of labor that was previously required to perform these processes. It is claimed that electronic gadgets rescue their users from the burden of performing chores. The performance of chores is one of the most basic things that a human being can do and not doing them breeds a culture of laziness among people which results in the growing cases of obesity especially in young people. There is a further claim that a lot of time is saved because these electronic gadgets do work faster. This being the beginning of the age of robotics, machines have been designed which can learn to do things with near human efficiency. Technology has led to a change in the modes of transport from the previously slow modes to the much faster ones that are used today. The creation of the automobile industry and its evolution has enabled the development of faster means of transport unlike in the previous age when animals used to be the only means of transport. If a person from the current world were uprooted and placed in the world of the early twentieth century, he would be surprised at the extremely slow means of transport that existed at that time. The invention of automated aircraft has increased the speed of travel with distances which previously used to be covered in days or even months are now being covered in a matter of minutes or hours. The risk to human life has been reduced by the use of technology and the mundane jobs once done by human workers are now being taken over by machines and this has the effect of making human labor redundant and if this trend is not stopped soon, and with the growing human population, then the

How to Write a Good Speech Essay Example for Free

How to Write a Good Speech Essay Writing a good speech isnt the same as writing a good essay. It can be achieved by considering a few extra necessary but simple points. The audience needs to be engaged and thinking about what you’re talking about. A good way to do this is to ask a question the audience hadnt considered, and force them to think of the only obvious answer. This is called a rhetorical question. Rhetorical questions arent meant to be answered, but still allow the audience to think about the question and relate to what you’re talking about. These questions are great to use as an introduction to your speech and can never be overused throughout the rest of your speech. Using complicated language in essays is fine. If the reader misreads or doesnt understand, they can just track back a few words or do a quick Google search of the phrase in question. This is the opposite in a speech. Hammering your audience with a few clauses in one sentence can cause you to lose your audience very quickly. Use simple language that you can read and the audience will understand well. This can be achieved by reading your speech aloud a few times before presenting it. Reading speeches aloud allow you to filter out those confusing statements. It helps a lot if you have a test audience to tell you when there is something a bit too tricky for them. It’s a good idea to replace the trouble sentence with one or two extra sentences, spreading the information out giving the audience more time to think. Don’t drag the speech on for too long. It’s good to end when your information starts to seem irrelevant or repetitive. If possible, don’t just keep the most interesting or important information at the beginning of the speech. If the audience thinks that your information is unnecessary or repetitive, they’ll stop paying attention to what you’re saying. Don’t include a personal introduction or farewell in the written speech. For instance don’t include â€Å"Hi, my name is Ashneil and I’ll be talking about soup standards across Australia†. You should always introduce yourself on the spot because this prevents reading line by line of your speech. Basically, to write a great speech, it’s important to use rhetorical questions to engage the audience, avoid complicated language and lengthy speeches to keep the audience’s attention, and not include a personal introduction in your written speech to keep yourself from reading line-by-line.

Effects of Type 1 Diabetes on Pregnancy

Effects of Type 1 Diabetes on Pregnancy Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a serious endocrine disorder caused by a deficiency or diminished effectiveness of the hormone insulin and is categorized into two sub-categories, type 1 and type 2, together with the lesser known variant gestational diabetes (Burden, 2003, pp30-32). Type 1 diabetes is thought to be a genetically controlled autoimmune disorder that presents in childhood and is also know as juvenile onset diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in older, obese individuals; however, this type of diabetes is becoming increasingly more common among children and adolescents. Debatably, this is because of the increase in childhood obesity because of the sedentary lifestyle some children are adopting in today’s society. There is also an hereditary predisposition to type 2 diabetes. If one or both parents have type 2 diabetes the offspring is at an increased risk of getting the condition (Rosenbloom et al, 1999, pp345). It is important to note that g estational diabetes that is a complication of pregnancy is different from the pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy that will be discussed in this essay. It is thought that approximately three to five percent of pregnancies are complicated by type 1 diabetes. During pregnancy diabetes mellitus can have a damaging detrimental affect on both maternal and foetal health. Conversely, diabetes is affected by the physiological changes that take place during pregnancy (Bewley, 2002, pp47-48). This essay will examine the effects of type 1 diabetes on a seventeen year old (Carol) that is six weeks pregnant. The essay will start by investigating the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in order to acquire a global picture of the disease. The aetiology and physiology of type 1 diabetes will then be discussed. This essay will then go on to consider the signs and symptoms of the condition and its effects on Carol now and in the future. Next the complications of diabetes in general and during pregnancy will be discussed, considering the effects on Carol and her unborn child. The effects of type 1 diabetes on the developing embryo, foetus and mother will be addressed. Finally, the hereditary link for type 1 diabetes will be considered and the essay will then be concluded. Epidemiology Diabetes mellitus is a growing global and public health problem. The World Health Organisation (2006, p1) estimates that the problem could escalate to an estimated three hundred million people by 2025. It is thought that approximately one and a half million people in the United Kingdom have diabetes mellitus. Type 1 accounts for approximately twenty percent of cases of diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than eighty percent of cases with more than one million people diagnosed in the United Kingdom (Burden, 2003, pp30-32). The aetiology and physiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus This section focuses on the causes of disease and the biological aspects of diabetes mellitus. As mentioned type 1 diabetes results from the complete absence of the hormone insulin that is involved in glucose metabolism. It is thought that it is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans that are embedded in the tissues of the pancreas (See diagram 1). Diagram 1, this shows the islets of Langerhans that are deeply embedded with the tissues of the exocrine pancreas (http://cal.man.ac.uk/student_projects/2000/mnby7lc2/pancreas.htm). Diagram 1 The pancreas has two functions the exocrine cells produce digestive fluids and the endocrine cells produce hormones. It is the endocrine insulin producing beta cells that are important in the role of diabetes mellitus. The beta cells (see diagram 2) make insulin and when the body’s immune system attacks it results in the destruction of these cells. As the cells die insulin production stops and the consequences of this are impairment in function of, and damage to many of the organs in the body. Diagram 2 shows the insulin producing beta cells that are found in the islets of Langerhans (http://cal.man.ac.uk/student_projects/2000/mnby7lc2/pancreas.htm). Diagram 2 It is not known exactly what triggers this immune attack, but susceptibility to the disease might be inherited. The autoimmune attack may be triggered by reaction to a virus infection. The attack is thought to be carried out by the T cells of the immune system (Waugh and Grant, 2001, p234). In Diabetes mellitus there is too much glucose in the blood. When carbohydrates are eaten they are broken down into glucose. This process is known as gluconeogenesis and occurs in the liver and kidneys. The level of glucose in the blood is regulated by the naturally occurring hormone insulin. Insulin promotes transport and entry of glucose into the body’s cell and tissues. Glucose is essential to the production of energy within the cells and without it cellular death will occur (Tortora and Grabowski, 2003, p627). Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus This section will examine the signs and symptoms that Carol would have exhibited before diagnosis and during the course of the condition. The initial clinical indication of untreated diabetes relates to elevated blood sugar levels, and loss of glucose in the urine. When there are excessive amounts of glucose in the urine, water is taken out of the body in large amounts by the process of osmosis (Waugh and Grant, 2001, p235). This results in polyuria (increased urine output) and that leads to dehydration. Dehydration causes polydipsia (increased thirst) leading to increased fluid consumption. The inability to utilise glucose energy eventually leads to weight loss despite excessive hunger (polyphagia). Dramatic weight loss would have been a clinical sign exhibited by Carol. Some patients also complain of fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Patients with diabetes are prone to developing infections of the bladder, skin, and vaginal areas; this is because hyperglycaemia can disrupt the action o f phagocytes that are help to fight infection. The immune system in diabetes sufferers is suppressed and this limits the body’s ability to resist invasion by bacteria or viruses. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can lead to blurred vision and extremely elevated glucose levels can lead to lethargy. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious medical condition resulting from uncontrolled diabetes. Ketoacidosis is caused by lack of insulin and occurs when the body uses fat as an energy source and ketones build up in the blood. Ketoacidosis starts slowly and builds up to a life-threatening condition that can result in coma and possible death (Burden, 2003, pp30-32). Carol may have exhibited all or some of these symptoms when first diagnosed and she is exhibiting symptoms of weight loss, tiredness and mood changes at present. Debatably, this is because here blood glucose levels are uncontrolled due to her pregnancy. Having said this however, research has found that adolescents (in particularly girls) are not vigilant in all aspects of managing their condition. Having a certain level of hyperglycaemia will enable a person to eat, yet remain thin. In today’s society that is obsessed with thinness teenage girls might undertake such an action (Carson, 2000, pp36-37). Complications of diabetes mellitus in general and during pregnancy There are many long-term clinical complications of diabetes that affect various systems and organs of the body. Having diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing irreversible microvascular or macrovascular disease. Microvascular diseases include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy and macrovascular diseases include ischemic heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. These disease are all a result of poor glycaemic control (Donnelly et al., 2000, pp1062-1066). Diabetic retinal and renal disease will be discussed in more detail as pregnancy can result in further complications and poor pregnancy outcome. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that can lead to blindness. The longer a person is diabetic, the higher the chances are of developing the condition. It is thought that prolonged periods of hyperglycaemia cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinal disease can deteriorate during pregnancy and poor glycaemic control in the first trimester is associated with the progression of retinopathy (Hill, 2004, p40-44, Donnelly et al, 2000, pp1062-1066). Carol should have her retinas examined at the start of her pregnancy to establish if she has pre-existing retinopathy. If retinopathy is diagnosed than Carol will need to have regular eye tests to monitor the condition. Continuous good glycaemic control will stop the condition from progressing. Diabetic renal disease or nephropathy is again caused by hyperglycaemia resulting in damage to the capillaries in the kidneys. The kidneys are then unable to undertake filtration of amino acids and this leads to hypertensive disease. Women who have pre-existing nephropathy are at an increased risk of poorer pregnancy outcomes. This is because high blood pressure as a direct result of nephropathy can cause pre-eclampsia. This in turn can cause premature delivery and maternal death (Donnelly et al, 2000, pp1062-1066, Hill, 2004, pp40-44). It is important therefore, that Carol’s blood pressure is monitored throughout her pregnancy as hypertension is a sign of pre-eclampsia (Bewley, 2002, p50). Effects of type 1 diabetes on the developing embryo, foetus and mother It is suggested that type 1 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy puts the foetus and the developing baby at far greater risk than is imposed on the mother. Various, potentially damaging problems can arise from foetal reactions to maternal glucose levels. Therefore, if a mothers glucose levels are high, the foetus will have correspondingly high levels (Bewley, 2002, p51). If a mothers blood glucose levels are continuously high (hyperglycaemia) during the first-trimester there is an increased risk of congenital anomalies such as neural tube defects that include spina bifida, abnormalities of the heart and anatomical abnormalities of the bones (Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health, CEMACH, 2005, p37). Neural tube defects are major birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine. They happen when the neural tube (that later turns into the brain and spine) does not develop in a correct anatomical manner resulting in damage to the brain or spine (Tortora and Grabowski, 2003, p1073). This happens within the first few weeks that a woman is pregnant, often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. Another condition that is attributed to maternal diabetes is that of Polyhydramnios. This is the medical condition of too much amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. Polyhydramnios is generally due to maternal diabetes and is thought to be caused by increased foetal urination. This is caused by the elevated amount of glucose in the mothers blood that cross the placenta and makes the blood of the foetus hyperglycaemic. This results in increased urine output from the foetus. In pregnancies affected by Polyhydramnios, approximately twenty percent of the neonates are born with a congenital anomaly of some type. There are a number of risks that are increased in polyhydramnios including cord prolapse, placental abruption and perinatal death (Pilu Nicolaides, 2006) Other adverse neonatal conditions that are attributed to maternal diabetes are neonatal mortality, premature birth, hypoglycaemia and an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (Bewley, 2002, p51). There is also an increased risk of macrosomia that can lead to an augmented possibility of shoulder dystocia and an assisted delivery. Macrosomia is related to maternal hyperglycaemia and is characterised by larger-than-normal birth weight in a newborn at over 4500 grams (10 pounds). High levels of glucose in the mothers blood readily pass through the placenta to the developing baby stimulating insulin production in the baby. Insulin is a potent growth hormone and so fat is deposited which can result in a large baby. This can cause shoulder dystocia and birth trauma because the baby will not easily fit through the birth canal. Postpartum, the newborn continues to produce excessive quantities of insulin that can result in the infant being hypoglycaemic.The mother has an increased pr evalence of pre-eclampsia, postpartum infection, postpartum bleeding, and caesarean section (Reece et al, 2004, p169) . It appears from the research indicated that Carol needs to have optimum glucose control for her own health and for that of her baby. Women with type 1 diabetes should have a pre-conception glucose level within normal limits that is an HbA1c of below 7 percent. The management of pregnancies complicated by pre-existing diabetes mellitus should begin prior to conception (Reece et al, 2004, pp481). However, at seventeen it is quite possible that Carol’s pregnancy was unplanned. Is type 1 diabetes mellitus hereditary? It is thought that there may be a genetic or inherited susceptibility to diabetes. If a parent has type 1 diabetes, the chance that their children will be affected is about twenty-five to forty percent. In the instance of type 1 diabetes various genes have been indentifyed that might predispose an individual to the disease. Therefore, it is suggested that this genetic mutation might incline an individual to diabetes. It is debated that a genetic element is not, in itself enough to cause autoimmunity. It is suggested that external influences such as a viral infection are thought to trigger the disorder. It can be said that type 1 diabetes is an immunological disease that has a genetic background cause (Littorin, 2001, pp1033-37). It is possible therefore, that Carol has inherited a genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes from her mother, but environmental factors might activate the actual disease. Conclusion Diabetes is an increasingly common disease that if not controlled can cause a number of disabling lasting complications that can have a destructive influence on both quality and quantity of life. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disease that leads to the complete destruction of the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed to help glucose enter the cells of the body. Glucose is required in the cells to produce energy for normal cell function. It is possible that there is an hereditary link that predisposes an individual to the condition. As Carol was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at the age of seven and she has had difficulty in controlling her blood glucose levels, she is at an increased risk of developing diabetic complications. It appears that her pregnancy will also intensify the effects of some of the complications affecting both her own health and that of her baby. It is suggested that Carol needs to attain good glycaemic control for her own health and for the health of her baby. Bibliography Bewley C (2002) Diabetes in pregnancy. Nursing Standard, 16, 25, 47-52. Burden M (2003) Diabetes: signs, symptoms and making a diagnosis. Nursing Times, 99, 1, 30-32. Carson C (2000) Managing adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Nursing Times, 96, 45, 36-37 Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health: Pregnancy in Women with Type 1and Type 2 diabetes in 2002-03, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. London: CEMACH; 2005. Diagram 1 and Diagram 2 http://cal.man.ac.uk/student_projects/2000/mnby7lc2/pancreas.htm, date accessed 23/11/2006. Donnelly R, Emslie-Smith AM, Gardner ID and Morris AD (2000) Vascular complications of diabetes. British Medical Journal, 320, 1062-1066. Hill J (2004) Identifying and managing the complications of diabetes. Nursing Times, 100, 34, 40-44. Littorin B (2001) Family Characteristics and Life Events Before the Onset of Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes in Young Adults: A nationwide study. Diabetes Care, 24, 1033-1037. Pilu G and Nicolaides KH (2006) The 18-23 week scan: Polyhydramnios. http://www.fetalmedicine.com/18-23scanbook/Chapter14/chap14-03.htm, date accessed 23/11/2006. Reece EA, Coustan DR and Gabbe SG (2004) Diabetes in Women: Adolescence, Pregnancy and Menopause. 3rd edition, Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Rosenbloom AL, Young RS, Joe JR and Winter WE (1999) Emerging Epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth. Diabetes Care, 22, (2), 345-354. Tortora GJ and Grabowski SR (2003) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 10th edition, New Jersey, John Wiley Sons, Inc. Waugh A and Grant A (2001) Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 9th edition, London, Churchill Livingstone. World Health Organisation (2006) Diabetes. Fact sheet NÂ °312, September 2006, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/ date accessed 23/11/2006.

Comparison of Chicken Feed Effects on Development

Comparison of Chicken Feed Effects on Development All six significant domesticated agricultural animals today chicken, cow, goat, horse, pig and sheep had been domesticated in Eurasia by 5000 BP. (Thompson, 2002) The earliest evidence of domestication of chickens relies on interpretation of archaeological discoveries of bones and artefacts. (Crawford, 2003) Archaeological discoveries in China indicate that chickens had been domesticated by 5400 B.C. (Crawford, 2003) People of Cishan Culture (Neolithic Yellow River culture in northern China) had chickens then, but it is not known whether these birds made much contribution to modern domestic fowl. (Crawford, 2003) The jungle fowl (G. gallus), has without a doubt been a major contributor to domestic fowl (Crawford, 2003). The chicken (Gallus, gallus or Gallus domesticus) is generally considered to have evolved from the jungle fowl (G. gallus). (Kennth Kriemhild, 2000) The jungle fowl (G. gallus) ranges throughout the area between eastern India and Java. (Kennth Kriemhild, 2000) There are four key steps to domesticating poultry which were that in early stages of domestication poultry had to forage on their own. (Crawford, 2003) They had to be able to reproduce in captivity (Crawford 2003) the ability to imprint was important in initial taming. (Crawford 2003) and the species had to have a social order that allowed the keeping of large numbers of individuals. (Crawford, 2003) The main role of chickens now is to produce eggs and meet for the market. In 2004/2005 the gross value of production in Australia for the chicken meat and egg industries was estimated at approximately $1.3 billion. (Department of Primary Industries, 2008) Poultry meat is now the most consumed meat in Australia. . (Department of Primary Industries, 2008) Although chickens are strongly associated with egg production, they also have very different associations. (Kennth Kriemhild, 2000) In much of Southeast and East Asia they have been bred both for fighting and as a decoration. (Kennth Kriemhild, 2000) There are four different types of poultry enterprises: broilers (production of chicken for meat), layers (birds producing table eggs), rearing farms (production of point of lay pullets) and breeder farms. (Department of Primary Industries, 2008) The layout of the shed and type of housing differs between the types of poultry operation. (Department of Primary Industries, 2008) The aims of this experiment are to monitor and assess the development of chickens on different feeds using a feed conversion ratio, and to observe and describe their physical and behavioural development over time. On appointed days chickens were to be fed and given water on a daily basis. Excess foods were weighed and recorded so ratios could be calculated and obtained. Chickens were weighed on a weekly basis, on Wednesdays, so that the calculation of growth rate could be put monitored and observed. Along with this observations were made of chickens on various days, if not everyday for behavioural studying purposes. It was hypothesised that chickens fed on broiler feed would have a greater weight gain than chickens fed on layer feed over the 5 week period. METHODS The chickens were obtained from a poultry farm known officially as Wagners Poultry Enterprises. The chickens given were White Leghorn cross New Hampshire at the age of one or two days old. The chickens were divided into groups of six and student groups of approximately sixteen students were assigned to one group of chickens each. Chickens were placed in pens and in turn students were assigned to the pens where the chickens were kept through out the five week duration. The chickens pens located at La Trobe Universitys Agricultural Reserved housed a total of twelve chicken pens. The type of feed given to the chickens was decided by the group number the pen was given. Groups assigned to even number pens were to feed their chickens broiler feed, brand named Brastoc Turkey and Meat Chicken Starter, and odd numbered pens were to feed their chickens layer feed, Barastoc Pullet Starter. The pens were isolated, self-contained and about 1 x 1 x 2 m in size. The floor of the pens was concrete which was covered in black lining and contained a sawdust base. The top of the pen had a plastic mesh over it to prevent escape. The chickens were provided with heat lamps, feeders and water dispensers all attached to a chain and hooked to a pole above the mesh. The feeders and water dispensers along with the heat lamps were adjusted in accordance with the chickens age. Observations were carried out as much as possible, sometimes even twice in the one day, but generally all days except Tuesday was observed in accordance with the students university timetable and their availability. The duration of the observations under went intervals of fifteen minutes, where all aspects of behaviour and development were documented. Observations were done under the least amount of outside influence as possible, in respect to this only two students were allowed in the shed where the chicken pens were being kept and students were encouraged to keep noise to a minimum. As the weeks went on chickens behaviour that was recorded included those such as grooming, resting, drinking, interacting, alarming, ambulatory and aggressive. Above all the behavioural and developing attributes the hierarchy if any of chicken formation was also documented. All observations were recorded and documented into a plain exercise book by each student of the group, with clear indication of whom the observations were done by. Chickens were feed every second day, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with enough food given on each day to last the chickens for days not fed and on Fridays for the weekend. Initially a total of 240g were placed in the feed dispensers to accommodate the 20g required for each individual chicken and to compensate for the day the chickens would not be fed. The amount given to the chickens on feeding days was adjusted to accommodate for their growth further along in the project. Along with accommodating for the size of chickens the amount of feed to be given to chickens in further weeks was also based upon amount of feed offered and refused, all of which was weighed and kept a record of. Food was weighed on an electric scale in a container provided. The amount of food given and refused was always recorded on a sheet given to us indicating the date and feed given and refused. The sheet was stored along with our observation book, hooked onto a nail on the outside of the allocated chicken pen. Chickens were checked on a daily basis and were given fresh water daily if needed, except for weekends, providing the chickens with fresh drinking water. Replenishment of water was recorded alongside on the same sheet of paper where the feed record was being kept. Table 1. A timetable showing jobs carried out each day over the 5 week period Monday Feed, water check and observations Tuesday Water and chicken check Wednesday Feeding, weighing, water check and observations Thursday Observation, chicken and water check Friday Food, water and observation RESULTS Table 2. Composition of feeds Composition:Â  Crude Protein (minimum) (%) Layer feed:Â  19.5 Broiler feed:Â  22 Composition:Â  Crude Fat (minimum) (%) Layer feed:Â  2.5 Broiler feed:Â  2.5 Composition:Â  Crude Fibre (minimum) (%) Layer feed:Â  6 Broiler feed:Â  5 Composition:Â  Salt (maximum added) (%) Layer feed:Â  0.3 Broiler feed:Â  0.3 Composition:Â  Copper (added) (mg/kg) Layer feed:Â  0.8 Broiler feed:Â  8 Composition:Â  Selenium (added) (mg/kg) Layer feed:Â  0.1 Broiler feed:Â  0.3 Composition:Â  Calcium (minimum) (%) Layer feed:Â  1 Broiler feed:Â  1 Table 2. Shows that layer and broiler feed had the same amount of crude fat, salt and calcium. Broiler feed has more crude protein, copper and selenium than layer feed, whereas Layer feed has more crude fibre than broiler feed. DISCUSSION The results support the hypothesis that chickens fed on broiler feed would have a greater weight gain than chickens fed on layer feed over the 5 week period, as table 3 and figure. 1 show that chickens fed broiler feed had a higher average weight gain then chickens fed on layer feed. The aims of this experiment to monitor and assess the development of chickens were carried out over the five weeks and observations were made describing their physical and behavioural development over time. The experiment was carried out on chickens with different feeds and a feed conversion ratio was calculated. We also provided the chickens with clean drinking water, sufficient food amounts of food according to their age and feed refusal and a suitable environment in which they could grow and develop certain behaviours. The broiler chickens had a higher growth rate, as shown by table 3 and fig. 1. By the end of the 5 weeks, the broiler chickens reached a live-weight of 467 ÂÂ ± 58 where as chickens who consumed the layer feed for the duration of the experiment reached a live-weight of 429 ÂÂ ± 61. The difference between the growth rates of the broiler and layer chickens is closely related to live-weight. Through out the process, beginning in week one, chickens being fed broiler as opposed to layer maintained a higher growth ratio and remained heavier that the chickens being fed the layer product. In respect to this broiler chickens are capable of higher growth rates and greater weight gain than layer chickens. In the poultry industry, broiler chickens are selected for their carcass processing characteristics and meat density, whereas layer chickens are genetically bred to achieve smaller body weights than those of the broilers (Department of Primary Industries, 2009). Another factor of the growth and weight gain in chickens could also be the composition of the feeds. As seen in table 2 the broiler feed contained 2.5% more crude protein, 7.2 mg/kg more copper and 0.2 mg/kg more selenium than the layer feed. All these factors couldve influenced the growth in chickens and could be why chickens fed broiler feed would gain more live-weight as well as maintain a higher growth ratio. The increase in growth rate found within broiler chickens has been found to be linked to an increase in the deposit of fats and the use of energy. (Geraert et al 2006) All ingredients fond within the chickens feed contributes some part to their growth and weight gain. Coppers influence on health and growth within a chicken is present as the antimicrobial properties found within Cooper help to improve an animals performance such as; increase growth in poultry, improved growth rate, feed intake and feed efficiency (Forbes Shariamatdari 1993). Crude protein also influences the diet energy of a chicken when they are still young (Hayashi et al 2000) as well as their metabolic ability. (Hayashi et al 2000) From the experiment as show in table 4, it shown that broiler chickens have a slightly better feed conversion ratio of 1.5 ÂÂ ± 0.129 g but also maintain a higher feed intake 3889 ÂÂ ± 534 g than that of layer chickens, whose feed conversion ratio is similar to that of the broiler chickens at 1.52 ÂÂ ± 0.051 g and less of a feed intake at 3549 ÂÂ ± 247 g. Calcium levels also differ between that of the layer and broiler feeds. Layer feed has 0.5% more calcium than broiler feed. Calcium ratio plays a vital role in the quality of an egg produced, (Department of Primary Industries) As the chickens grew and developed more, so too did their behavioural characteristics. To begin with the chicks were hardly active at all being under the heated lamp majority of the time, however after a fortnight the chickens activity level was significantly higher, showing signs of flapping wings and a lot more running around within the pen. This behaviour of flapping of the wings is a mechanism known as break used by chickens. (Rogers 2006) Within the second week it was observed that chickens were preening one another, this type of behaviour was commenced whilst the chickens were flocked together in a group always near a wall. Preening aids in the removal of lice and is done using the beak (Gush 2006). As the chickens progressed with age in the 4th week a lot of the time was spent sitting perched up above the food and water dispensers. This type of behaviour is normal and is to be expected after four weeks of age. (Rogers 2006) Through out the five week period and supported by table 6 interactions was the most common behaviour during the experiment. Among these interactions were behaviours such as pecking and scratching, which were major contributors to the interaction database. The behavioural interaction of pecking and scratching are present during all ages of a chicken (Rogers 2006) and are the major ways in which chickens interact and assimilate with their surroundings. (Gush 2006) Through out the 5 week period no formal hierarchical establishment appeared to be present. However there was the mild sign of aggression where chickens would kick at each other within the third week but this type of behaviour was rare and unseen after later dates. A hierarchy within chickens is not formed up until about the sixth week or onwards within domestic chickens (Rogers 2006) and thus no aggressive behaviour was present either as aggression is derived from the sequence of the hierarchy. (Rogers 2006) It was found that roosters were among the chickens which were handed out to us. Roosters in general like male and female humans tend to be heavier than that of their female counter. The inclusion of roosters within the results could be erroneous to the over all weight gain results. This experiment could be improved by regulating the gender of the two strains of chickens being introduced to the artificial environment thus giving more accurate and reliable end results and will nullify the problem of genetic variability.

Ransom Written by Lois Duncan Essay -- Ransom Lois Duncan Essays

Ransom Written by Lois Duncan Setting:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story takes place in New Mexico Time:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story occurs during the winter. Characters:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Buck is one of the three people who are kidnapping the children. He is tempered easily. He doesn’t really care for others much. Rita is Buck’s wife. She is not very pretty and gets drug into schemes by Buck. She feels he will leave her if she doesn’t follow directions. Juan is the other kidnapper who does more of the dirty work. He is the one who calls the parents for the money. He’s the one who shot the bus driver. Glenn is one of the boys who were kidnapped. He’s very popular and has friends and thinks that nobody dislikes him. He’s handsome and very athletic. Glenn’s brother Bruce is into more technology stuff. He is not very handsome and looks up to his brother a lot. He is physically challenged because his body is underdeveloped. Dexter doesn’t have a mother or father. He lives with his bachelor uncle who’s always away on business trips. He is liked fairly well. He is happy with his li fe. Jesse is new to everyone. She moves around the world quite a lot. She’s very mature compared to the others. Marianne has two brothers. Her parents are divorced and her mother remarried another man. She thinks that her real dad still loves her and will rescue her and doesn’t care much for her new father. Conflict:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The group’s main problem is that they are being held ransom and they don’t know whether they’ll ever be rescued. The group is concerned that their parents won’t be able to get the whole amount of money so they are faced with the fact of having to runaway in order to escape their kidnappers. Plot:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The kids are getting on the bus to go home after another ordinary day at high school. They noticed they had a substitute bus driver. He missed a couple of stops so Bruce volunteered to show him the way. When only the five kids who live on Valley Gardens are left, the bus driver drives past their subdivision without stopping. The kids complain and he tells them to shut up. The bus pulls off to the side of the road next to a waiting car. He orders them to get off the bus and into the car. By this time the kids realized they were being kidnapped. A woman is in the car, whose name is Rita. She drives them to a cabin about two hours away. When they arrive, the kids are fed stew. The boys were sent... ...ased the brakes until coming to a complete stop. Juan and Glenn, knowing where they were going, went to the door leaving the dad alone to get the money. Upon entering the cabin, Juan asked him for the money. He replied quickly that first he needs to see his daughter. The children came out. There was a sudden movement by Glenn which attracted the attention on him long enough for Marianne’s father to pull out the pistol. He pistol whipped Juan and held the gun towards Rita. Rita suddenly started screaming in Spanish asking where Buck was. They told her he was dead and ordered her to put her hands above her head. He handed the gun to Glenn motioning him to stay here and watch the two as he went for the cops and took the others. Evaluation:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I thought the book was very exciting and suspenseful like her other books. The book had very good detail and an interesting plot. I liked the twist when Juan and the girl’s father came upon Glenn walking down the road. I also liked how the author described the action in great detail. It made me feel like I was right there seeing it all happen firsthand. I don’t think that the author could’ve made this book any better than she did already.

The Story Stuff Essay -- Environment, Corporations, Consumerism

In the essays that we have been reading, there is a consist theme that has been occuring. This consist theme has been that there are people who are in power, and that their conscience has been covered by hot iron, becuase their minds are being controlled by their love for money, and that they have screwed up the way that the world works in the pursuit of money. The first assignment that we had was to watch the â€Å"Story of Stuff† and then had to talk about it. In the â€Å"Story of Stuff†, the main idea was that corporations cared about one thing and one thing only, making the most money, even if that meant destroying human lives and destroying the planet. In the next assignment, we had to read Naomi Klein’s essay â€Å"No Logo†, in which she tells us that the corporations found that they could make money without making any products, instead they made something called â€Å"brands†, which were nothing but concepts that did not require them to make the actual products. So instead they had several companies that treated their workers without any respect, but could make the products for the corporations at cheap costs. And in the essay â€Å"Iron Maiden† written by Jacobson and Mazur, the authors tell us about how the media has created an environment in which women honestly believe that only when they buy â€Å"brands† and torture their bodies to the horrors of unnecessary cosmetic surgery. And all of this is because there is a group of people, who have their morals controlled by their love of money, and that they have a race for who can own the most things and that nothing can get in their way, and all of this is shown by the essays that we have been studying. In the first assignment that we did as a class,which was watching the movie "The Story of Stuff", ... ...ke unneccary surgey that "may cause immune-system and death"(Jacobson and Mazur 214). And why is the media telling women this evil image of the "Iron Maiden", it is becuase of their love for money and the fact that their consciences have been sealed shut with a piece of hot iron, and because they have fallen for their own lie. The lie that "if you don’t own or buy a lot of stuff,you don’t exist"(Leonard 4). In conclusion, everything that we have learned this quarter has shown the truth about the current state of consumerism. That it is a state that has been created by a lie, and has grown with lies, and it is a state of existance that stomps on the human race each day with a huge iron toe boot. And I believe that this state will be changed into a perfect state of being, a state that will not view humans as expendable resources, but as living and breathing people. The Story Stuff Essay -- Environment, Corporations, Consumerism In the essays that we have been reading, there is a consist theme that has been occuring. This consist theme has been that there are people who are in power, and that their conscience has been covered by hot iron, becuase their minds are being controlled by their love for money, and that they have screwed up the way that the world works in the pursuit of money. The first assignment that we had was to watch the â€Å"Story of Stuff† and then had to talk about it. In the â€Å"Story of Stuff†, the main idea was that corporations cared about one thing and one thing only, making the most money, even if that meant destroying human lives and destroying the planet. In the next assignment, we had to read Naomi Klein’s essay â€Å"No Logo†, in which she tells us that the corporations found that they could make money without making any products, instead they made something called â€Å"brands†, which were nothing but concepts that did not require them to make the actual products. So instead they had several companies that treated their workers without any respect, but could make the products for the corporations at cheap costs. And in the essay â€Å"Iron Maiden† written by Jacobson and Mazur, the authors tell us about how the media has created an environment in which women honestly believe that only when they buy â€Å"brands† and torture their bodies to the horrors of unnecessary cosmetic surgery. And all of this is because there is a group of people, who have their morals controlled by their love of money, and that they have a race for who can own the most things and that nothing can get in their way, and all of this is shown by the essays that we have been studying. In the first assignment that we did as a class,which was watching the movie "The Story of Stuff", ... ...ke unneccary surgey that "may cause immune-system and death"(Jacobson and Mazur 214). And why is the media telling women this evil image of the "Iron Maiden", it is becuase of their love for money and the fact that their consciences have been sealed shut with a piece of hot iron, and because they have fallen for their own lie. The lie that "if you don’t own or buy a lot of stuff,you don’t exist"(Leonard 4). In conclusion, everything that we have learned this quarter has shown the truth about the current state of consumerism. That it is a state that has been created by a lie, and has grown with lies, and it is a state of existance that stomps on the human race each day with a huge iron toe boot. And I believe that this state will be changed into a perfect state of being, a state that will not view humans as expendable resources, but as living and breathing people.

Lord of the Flies :: essays research papers

Lord of the Flies William Golding I. England II. Protagonist- Ralph is a rational boy who was elected the leader by the other boys. He tries to keep them civilized and plans to get them rescued. Antagonist- Jack is Ralph’s rival. He wants to be chief, so he gathers a group of boys and forms his own tribe. The boys are taught to b hunters and they act like wild animals. III. A plane carrying a group of schoolboys has crashed on an island. Ironically, the boys were escaping a nuclear war and being flown to freedom. Upon reaching this island they are overwhelmed by the fact that there are no adults and no rules. Ralph, a boy of twelve, is encountered with several male survivors. Him and the others decided to go in search of any other potential survivors. A boy named Jack and his troop then meets them. The two different groups don’t really seem to like one another and they are very different in matters of life. The boys are then faced with many obstacles and try to learn how to deal with it. At this point Jack does not like the way Ralph handles things and forms his own tribe. Ralph as the leader, does not feel that he has much control over the boys and that is why Jack formed his own tribe of hunters. Only two of the boys stayed and showed support to Ralph. Because of all the chaos Ralph no longer wants to be the chief and he knows that he can not change the way the other boys think or act. He doesn’t know what to do at this point and feels that he can’t make anyone civilized. Piggy and Simon are the two boys who stayed back with Ralph and because they chose to stay with him Jack’s group kills them. Everything just seems to be falling apart and no one is thinking straight. Through everything that has happened, Ralph struggles for survival against the â€Å"Lord of the Flies†, the other boys. There was an out-of-control fire meant to kill Ralph, but he did not die. He is then encountered with the boys and at this point they come to realize that they have to get a hold of themselves and move forward. The end of the novel shows that Ralph and the others are relieved by the fact that they no longer should act the way they did.

Blood Promise Chapter Seven

It was like Christmas morning. I wasn't usually big on God or fate, but now I was seriously reconsidering. After I'd passed out, Sydney had apparently made some frantic calls, and someone she knew in Baia had driven to us-risking the darkness-to rescue us and take us back where I could be treated. That was no doubt why I'd had vague sensations of being in a car during my delirium; it hadn't all been part of the dream. And then, somehow, out of all the dhampirs in Baia, I had been taken to Dimitri's mother. That was enough to make me seriously consider that there might truly be forces greater than me at work in the universe. No one told me exactly how it happened, but I soon learned Olena Belikova had a reputation among her peers for healing-and not even any sort of magical healing. She'd had medical training and was the person other dhampirs-and even some Moroi-went to in this region when they wanted to avoid human attention. Still. The coincidence was eerie, and I couldn't help but think there was something going on that I didn't understand. For now, I didn't worry too much about the hows and whys of my current situation. I was too busy staring wide-eyed at my surroundings and its inhabitants. Olena didn't live alone. All of Dimitri's sisters-three of them-lived in the house too, along with their kids. The family resemblance was startling. None of them looked exactly like Dimitri, but in every face, I could see him. The eyes. The smile. Even the sense of humor. Seeing them fed the Dimitri withdrawal I'd had since he'd disappeared-and made it worse at the same time. Whenever I looked at any of them out of my peripheral vision, I'd think I was seeing Dimitri. It was like a house of mirrors, with distorted reflections of him everywhere. Even the house gave me a thrill. There were no obvious signs that Dimitri had ever lived there, but I kept thinking, this is where he grew up. He walked these floors, touched these walls†¦ As I walked from room to room, I'd touch the walls too, trying to draw his energy from them. I'd envision him lounging on the couch, home on break from school. I wondered if he'd slid down the banisters when he was little. The images were so real that I had to keep reminding myself that he hadn't been here in ages. â€Å"You've made an amazing recovery,† Olena noted the next morning after I'd been brought to her. She watched with approval as I inhaled a plate of blini. They were ultra-thin pancakes stacked and layered with butter and jam. My body always required a lot of food to keep its strength up, and I figured as long as I wasn't chewing with my mouth open or anything, I had no reason to feel bad about eating so much. â€Å"I thought you were dead when Abe and Sydney brought you in.† â€Å"Who?† I asked between bites of food. Sydney sat at the table with the rest of the family, hardly touching her food as usual. She seemed clearly uneasy at being in a dhampir household, but when I'd first come downstairs this morning, I'd definitely seen some relief in her eyes. â€Å"Abe Mazur,† said Sydney. Unless I was mistaken, some of the other people at the table exchanged knowing glances. â€Å"He's a Moroi. I†¦ I didn't know how badly you were injured last night, so I called him. He drove down with his guardians. He was the one who brought you here.† Guardians. Plural. â€Å"Is he royal?† Mazur wasn't a royal name, but that wasn't always a sure sign of someone's lineage. And while I was beginning to trust Sydney's social networking and connections to powerful people, I couldn't imagine why a royal would go out of his way for me. Maybe he owed the Alchemists a favor. â€Å"No,† she said bluntly. I frowned. A non-royal Moroi with more than one guardian? Very odd. It was clear she wasn't going to say anything else on the matter-at least not for now. I swallowed another mouthful of blini and turned my attention back to Olena. â€Å"Thanks for taking me in.† Dimitri's older sister, Karolina, sat at the table too, along with her baby girl and son Paul. Paul was about ten and seemed fascinated by me. Dimitri's teenage sister, Viktoria, was also there. She appeared to be a little younger than me. The third Belikov sister was named Sonya and had left for work before I woke up. I'd have to wait to meet her. â€Å"Did you really kill two Strigoi all by yourself?† Paul asked me. â€Å"Paul,† chastised Karolina. â€Å"That's not a nice question to ask.† â€Å"But it's an exciting one,† said Viktoria with a grin. Her brown hair was streaked with gold, but her dark eyes sparkled so much like Dimitri's when he was excited that it tugged at my heart. Again, I had that taunting sensation of Dimitri being here but not here. â€Å"She did,† said Sydney. â€Å"I saw the bodies. Like always.† She wore that comically tormented expression of hers, and I laughed. â€Å"At least I left them where you could find them this time.† My humor suddenly dimmed. â€Å"Did anyone†¦ any other humans notice or hear?† â€Å"I got rid of the bodies before anyone saw,† she said. â€Å"If people heard anything†¦ Well, backwoods places like that are always filled with superstitions and ghost stories. They don't have factual evidence of vampires, per se, but there's always sort of this belief that the supernatural and dangerous are out there. Little do they know.† She said â€Å"ghost stories† without any change of expression. I wondered if she'd seen any of the spirits last night but finally decided she probably hadn't. She'd come outside near the tail end of the fight, and if past evidence was any indication, nobody else could see the spirits I saw-except Strigoi, as it turned out. â€Å"You must have had some good training then,† said Karolina, shifting so the baby leaned against her shoulder. â€Å"You look like you should still be in school.† â€Å"Just got out,† I said, earning another scrutinizing look from Sydney. â€Å"You're American,† said Olena matter-of-factly. â€Å"What in the world could bring you out here?† â€Å"I†¦ I'm looking for someone,† I said after a few moments' hesitation. I was afraid they were going to press for details or that she too would have blood whore suspicions, but just then, the kitchen door opened and Dimitri's grandmother, Yeva, walked in. She had poked her head in earlier and scared the hell out of me. Dimitri had told me that she was a witch of sorts, and I could believe it. She looked like she was a gazillion years old and was so thin, it was a wonder the wind didn't blow her away. She barely stood five feet tall, and her hair covered her head in patchy gray wisps. But it was her eyes that truly frightened me. The rest of her might be frail, but those dark eyes were sharp and alert and seemed to bore into my soul. Even without Dimitri's explanation, I would have taken her for a witch. She was also the only one in the household who didn't speak English. She sat down at one of the empty chairs, and Olena hastily jumped up to get some more blini. Yeva muttered something in Russian that made the others look uncomfortable. Sydney's lips twitched into a small smile. Yeva's eyes were on me as she spoke, and I glanced around for translation. â€Å"What?† I asked. â€Å"Grandmother says you're not telling us the whole truth about why you're here. She says the longer you delay, the worse it will be,† Viktoria explained. She then gave Sydney an apologetic look. â€Å"And she wants to know when the Alchemist is leaving.† â€Å"As soon as possible,† said Sydney dryly. â€Å"Well, why I'm here†¦ it's kind of a long story.† Could I be any vaguer? Yeva said something else, and Olena retorted with what sounded like a chastisement. To me, she spoke gently: â€Å"Ignore her, Rose. She's in one of her moods. Why you're here is your own business-although I'm sure Abe would like to talk to you at some point.† She frowned slightly, and I was reminded of the earlier looks at the table. â€Å"You should make sure you thank him. He seemed very concerned about you.† â€Å"I'd kind of like to see him too,† I mumbled, still curious about this well-protected, non-royal Moroi who had given me a ride and seemed to make everyone uneasy. Eager to avoid more talk of why I was here, I hastily changed the subject. â€Å"I'd also love to look around Baia. I've never been in a place like this before-where so many dhampirs live, I mean.† Viktoria brightened. â€Å"I can definitely give you a tour-if you're sure you're feeling okay. Or if you don't have to leave right away.† She believed I was passing through, which was just as well. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was doing anymore, now that it seemed likely Dimitri wasn't in the area. I glanced at Sydney questioningly. She shrugged. â€Å"Do whatever you want. I'm not going anywhere.† I found that a little disconcerting too. She'd brought me here as her superiors had told her to do-but now what? Well, that was a concern for later. As soon as I finished my food, Viktoria practically dragged me out the door, as if I was the most exciting thing that had happened around here in a while. Yeva hadn't taken her eyes off me for the rest of the meal, and even though she'd never said anything else, her suspicious look clearly told me she didn't believe a word I'd said. I invited Sydney along on the outing, but she declined, choosing instead to lock herself away in a bedroom to read about Greek temples or make world-controlling phone calls or do whatever it was she did. Viktoria said downtown wasn't far from where they lived and was easy to walk to. The day was clear and cool, with enough sun to make being outside pretty pleasant. â€Å"We don't get a lot of visitors,† she explained. â€Å"Except for Moroi men, but most don't stay long.† She added no more, but I wondered about her implications. Were these Moroi men off to find some action with dhampir women? I'd grown up thinking of these women, dhampirs who chose not to become guardians, as disgraceful and dirty. The ones in the Nightingale had certainly met the blood whore stereotype, but Dimitri had assured me that not all dhampir women were like that. After meeting the Belikovs, I believed him. As we approached the center of town, I soon discovered another myth shattered. People always talked about blood whores living in camps or communes, but that wasn't the case here. Baia wasn't huge, not like Saint Petersburg or even Omsk, but it was a real town with a large human population. Hardly a rural camp or farm settlement. The whole setting was astonishingly normal, and when we reached downtown, lined with small shops and restaurants, it too seemed like any other place in the world people might live. Modern and ordinary, just with a slight village feel. â€Å"Where are all the dhampirs?† I wondered aloud. Sydney had said there was a secret dhampir subculture, but I saw no signs of it. Viktoria smiled. â€Å"Oh, they're here. We have a lot of businesses and other places that humans don't know about.† While I could understand dhampirs going unnoticed in big cities, it seemed remarkable to pull that off here. â€Å"And lots of us just live and work with humans.† She nodded over toward what looked like a drugstore. â€Å"That's where Sonya works now.† â€Å"Now?† â€Å"Now that she's pregnant.† Viktoria rolled her eyes. â€Å"I'd take you to meet her, but she's grumpy all the time lately. I hope the baby's early.† She left it at that, and I again wondered about the dynamics of dhampirs and Moroi here. We didn't mention it again, and our conversation stayed light and even teasing. Viktoria was easy to like, and in only an hour, we'd clicked as though we'd known each other forever. Maybe my connection to Dimitri bound me to his family, too. My thoughts were cut off when someone called Viktoria's name. We turned to see a very cute dhampir guy crossing the street. He had bronze hair and dark eyes, his age falling somewhere between mine and Viktoria's. He said something chatty and conversational to her. She grinned at him and then gestured to me, giving my introduction in Russian. â€Å"This is Nikolai,† she told me in English. â€Å"Nice to meet you,† he said, also switching languages. He gave me a quick assessment in the way guys often do, but when he turned back to Viktoria, it was clear who the object of his affections was. â€Å"You should bring Rose to Marina's party. It's Sunday night.† He hesitated, turning a bit shy. â€Å"You're going, aren't you?† Viktoria turned thoughtful, and I realized she was completely oblivious to his crush. â€Å"I'll be there, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She turned to me. â€Å"Will you still be around?† â€Å"I don't know,† I said honestly. â€Å"But I'll go if I'm still here. What kind of party is it?† â€Å"Marina's a friend from school,† explained Viktoria. â€Å"We're just going to get together and celebrate before we go back.† â€Å"To school?† I asked stupidly. Somehow, it had never occurred to me that the dhampirs out here would be in school. â€Å"We're on break right now,† said Nikolai. â€Å"For Easter.† â€Å"Oh.† It was late April, but I had no clue what day Easter fell on this year. I'd lost track of the days. It hadn't happened yet, so their school must have their break the week before Easter. St. Vladimir's took its vacation afterward. â€Å"Where is your school?† â€Å"It's about three hours away. Even more remote than here.† Viktoria made a face. â€Å"Baia's not so bad,† teased Nikolai. â€Å"Easy for you to say. You'll eventually leave and go see new and exciting places.† â€Å"Can't you?† I asked her. She frowned, suddenly uncomfortable. â€Å"Well, I could†¦ but that's not how we do it here-at least not in my family. Grandmother has some†¦ strong opinions about men and women. Nikolai will be a guardian, but I'll stay here with my family.† Nikolai suddenly gave me a new appraisal. â€Å"Are you a guardian?† â€Å"Ah, well.† Now I was the uncomfortable one. Viktoria spoke before I could come up with anything to say. â€Å"She killed two Strigoi outside of town. By herself.† He looked impressed. â€Å"You are a guardian.† â€Å"Well, no†¦ I've killed before, but I'm not actually sworn.† Turning around, I lifted up my hair to show them my neck. In addition to all my regular molnija marks, I also had the little star-shaped tattoo that meant I'd been in a battle. They both gasped, and Nikolai said something in Russian. I let my hair drop and looked back. â€Å"What?† â€Å"You're†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Viktoria bit her lip, eyes contemplative as she groped for what she wanted to say. â€Å"Unpromised? I don't know the English word.† â€Å"Unpromised?† I said. â€Å"I guess†¦ but technically, aren't all the women here?† â€Å"Even if we aren't guardians, we still get marks showing we completed our training. No promise mark, though. For you to have killed so many Strigoi and have no loyalties to a school or the guardians†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Viktoria shrugged. â€Å"We call it being unpromised-it's a strange thing.† â€Å"It's strange where I come from too,† I admitted. Unheard of, really. So much so, that we didn't have a term for it. It just wasn't done. â€Å"I should let you two go,† said Nikolai, his lovesick eyes back on Viktoria. â€Å"But I'll see you at Marina's for sure? Maybe sooner?† â€Å"Yes,† she agreed. They said their farewells in Russian, and then he loped off across the street with the kind of easy, athletic grace guardians often acquired with training. It reminded me a bit of Dimitri's. â€Å"I must have scared him off,† I said. â€Å"No, he thinks you're exciting.† â€Å"Not as exciting as he thinks you are.† Her eyebrows rose. â€Å"What?† â€Å"He likes you†¦ I mean, really likes. Can't you tell?† â€Å"Oh. We're just friends.† I could tell from her attitude that she meant it. She was completely indifferent to him, which was too bad. He was cute and nice. Letting poor Nikolai go, I brought up the guardians again. I was intrigued by the different attitudes around here. â€Å"You said you can't†¦ but do you want to be a guardian?† She hesitated. â€Å"I've never really considered it. I get all the same training at school, and I like being able to defend myself. But I'd rather use it in defense of my family than Moroi. I guess it sounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She paused again to think of the right word. â€Å"†¦ Sexist? But, the men become guardians, and women stay at home. Only my brother left.† I nearly tripped. â€Å"Your brother?† I asked, keeping my voice as steady as possible. â€Å"Dimitri,† she said. â€Å"He's older than me and has been a guardian for a while. He's over in the United States, actually. We haven't seen him in a long time.† â€Å"Huh.† I felt horrible and guilty. Guilty because I was keeping the truth from Viktoria and the others. Horrible because apparently no one from back home had bothered to pass the news on to his family yet. Smiling at her own memories, she didn't notice my change in mood. â€Å"Paul actually looks exactly like he did at that age. I should show you pictures of him-and some recent ones, too. Dimitri's pretty cute. For my brother, I mean.† I was sure seeing pictures of Dimitri as a little boy would rip my heart out. As it was, the more Viktoria began to talk about him, the sicker I felt. She had no clue about what had happened, and even though it had been a couple of years since she'd seen him, it was clear she and the rest of the family loved him like crazy. Not that that should be a surprise. (And really, who couldn't love Dimitri?) Being around them just one morning had shown me how close they all were. I knew from Dimitri's stories that he was crazy about all of them, too. â€Å"Rose? Are you okay?† Viktoria was peering at me with concern, probably because I hadn't said anything in the last ten minutes. We had circled around and were almost back at her house. Looking at her, at her open, friendly face and eyes that were so much like Dimitri's, I realized I had another task ahead of me before I could go after Dimitri, wherever he was. I swallowed. â€Å"I†¦ yeah. I think†¦ I think I need to sit down with you and the rest of your family.† â€Å"Okay,† she said, the worry still in her voice. Inside the house, Olena was bustling around the kitchen with Karolina. I thought they were making plans for tonight's dinner, which was startling considering we'd just finished a huge breakfast. I could definitely get used to the way they ate around here. In the living room, Paul was building an elaborate racetrack out of Legos. Yeva sat in a rocking chair and appeared to be the world's most stereotypical grandmother as she knit a pair of socks. Except most grandmothers didn't look like they could incinerate you with a single glance. Olena was talking to Karolina in Russian but switched to English when she saw me. â€Å"You two are back earlier than I expected.† â€Å"We saw the town,† said Viktoria. â€Å"And†¦ Rose wanted to talk to you. To all of us.† Olena gave me a look as puzzled and concerned as Viktoria's. â€Å"What's going on?† The weight of all those Belikov eyes on me made my heart start thumping in my chest. How was I going to do this? How could I explain something I hadn't spoken about in weeks? I couldn't stand to put them-or myself-through it. When Yeva scuttled in, it made things that much worse. Maybe she'd had some mystical sense that something big was about to go down. â€Å"We should sit,† I said. Paul stayed in the living room, for which I was grateful. I was pretty sure I couldn't handle saying what I had to with a little kid-one who looked like Dimitri, apparently-watching me. â€Å"Rose, what's wrong?† asked Olena. She looked so sweet and, well†¦ motherly, that I nearly cried. Whenever I'd been angry with my own mother for not being around or doing a good job, I'd always compared her to some idealized image of a mom-a mom who seemed a lot like Dimitri's, I realized. Dimitri's sisters looked equally worried, like I was someone they'd known forever. That acceptance and concern made my eyes burn even more, seeing as they'd just met me this morning. Yeva wore a very strange expression, however-almost like she'd been expecting something like this all along. â€Å"Well†¦ the thing is, the reason I came here, to Baia, was to find you guys.† That wasn't entirely true. I'd come to search for Dimitri. I'd never thought much about finding his family, but now, I realized that it was a good thing I had. â€Å"You see, Viktoria was talking about Dimitri earlier.† Olena's face brightened when I said her son's name. â€Å"And†¦ I knew-er, know him. He used to be a guardian at my school. My teacher, actually.† Karolina and Viktoria lit up as well. â€Å"How is he?† asked Karolina. â€Å"It's been ages since we've seen him. Do you know when he's going to visit?† I couldn't even think about answering her question, so I pushed forward with my story before I lost my courage in front of all those loving faces. As the words came out of my mouth, it was almost like someone else was saying them and I was simply watching from a distance. â€Å"A month ago†¦ our school was attacked by Strigoi. A really bad attack†¦ a huge group of Strigoi. We lost a lot of people-Moroi and dhampirs, both.† Olena exclaimed in Russia. Viktoria leaned toward me. â€Å"St. Vladimir's?† I halted in my story, surprised. â€Å"You've heard of it?† â€Å"Everyone's heard of it,† said Karolina. â€Å"We all know what happened. That was your school? You were there that night?† I nodded. â€Å"No wonder you have so many molnija marks,† breathed Viktoria in wonder. â€Å"And that's where Dimitri's at now?† asked Olena. â€Å"We lost track of his latest assignment.† â€Å"Um, yeah†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My tongue felt thick in my throat. I couldn't breathe. â€Å"I was at the school the night of the attack,† I reaffirmed. â€Å"And so was Dimitri. He was one of the leaders in the battle†¦ and the way he fought†¦ he was†¦ he was so brave†¦ and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My words were breaking up, but by this point, the others were catching on. Olena gasped and again murmured in Russian. I picked out the word for â€Å"God.† Karolina sat frozen, but Viktoria leaned toward me. Those eyes that were so like her brother's stared at me intently, as intently as he would if pushing me to tell the truth, no matter how awful. â€Å"What happened?† she demanded. â€Å"What happened to Dimitri?† I looked away from their faces, my eyes drifting to the living room. On the far wall, I caught sight of a bookcase filled with old, leather-covered books. They had gold-embossed lettering on the spines. It was totally random, but I suddenly remembered Dimitri mentioning those. They were these old adventure novels my mother collected, he'd told me once. The covers were so beautiful, and I loved them. If I was careful, she'd let me read them sometimes. The thought of a young Dimitri sitting in front of that bookcase, carefully turning the pages-and oh, he would have been careful-almost made me lose it. Had that been where he'd developed his love of western novels? I was losing it. I was getting distracted. I wasn't going to be able to tell them the truth. My emotions were growing too powerful, my memories flooding me as I fought to think about something-anything-that didn't involve that horrible battle. Then I glanced at Yeva again, and something about her eerie, knowing expression inexplicably spurred me on. I had to do this. I turned back to the others. â€Å"He fought really bravely in the battle, and afterward, he helped lead a rescue mission to save some people that the Strigoi had captured. He was really amazing there, too, only†¦ he†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped again and realized tears were running down my cheeks. In my mind, I was replaying that awful scene in the cave, with Dimitri so close to freedom and taken by a Strigoi at the last minute. Shaking that thought away, I took another deep breath. I had to finish this. I owed it to his family. There was no gentle way to say it. â€Å"One of the Strigoi there†¦ well, he overpowered Dimitri.† Karolina buried her face in her mother's shoulder, and Olena made no effort to hide her own tears. Viktoria wasn't crying, but her face had gone perfectly still. She was working hard to keep her emotions in check, just as Dimitri would have. She searched my face, needing to know for sure. â€Å"Dimitri is dead,† she said. It was a statement, not a question, but she was looking to me for confirmation. I wondered if I'd given away something, some hint that there was still more to the story. Or maybe she just needed the certainty of those words. And for a moment, I considered telling them that Dimitri was dead. It was what the Academy would tell them, what the guardians would tell them. It would be easier on them†¦ but somehow, I couldn't stand to lie to them-even if it was a comforting lie. Dimitri would have wanted the whole truth, and his family would too. â€Å"No,† I said, and for a heartbeat, hope sprang up in everyone's faces-at least until I spoke again. â€Å"Dimitri's a Strigoi.†