Themes In Once And Future King Essay -- essays research papers

T. H. Whites The Once and future day King is one of the most complete and unique portrayals of the immortal legend of King Arthur. Though it has been in print for less than half a century, it has already been declared a classic by many, and is often referred to as the "bible" of Arthurian legend. White re forces the larger-than-life saga of King Arthur, from his childhood education and experiences until his very death, in a truly insightful and tender way. This is not, however, the first complete sassy of Arthurs life. In the fifteenth century, Sir doubting Thomas Malory wrote Morte dArthur, the first complete tale of Arthurs life. Since then, a countless number of books have been written on the subject, yet none can compare to The Once and prox King. It has easily become the most popular of all the Arthurian novels as it is loved by both children and adults. Though similar in many shipway to former(a) works of the same subject, such as Malorys, White gives new details , meanings, and insightful modernization to the story, giving it an earthy quality, which the reader can identify with. Whites description of the Arthurian legend differs from the traditional versions in that he includes contemporary knowledge and concepts, adds new stories and characters to the legend, and provides new perspectives by probing deeper into the existing tales.AnachronismIt is the contemporary tonus in The Once and Future King, which gives the novel its present-day feeling. This helps the reader to relate to the story, rather than placing it in strictly within the context of the Arthurian period. For example, early in the novel Eton College is referred to, which White then points out "was not founded until 1440," but the place was nevertheless "of the same sort"(4). Another example of anachronism can be found during a discussion between Merlyn and Wart, when Merlyn exclaims "Castor and Pollux blow me to Bermuda" (86). During the days of Arthur , Bermuda was an unknown place, and would not be discovered until the fifteenth century. Though these references have no true significance to the plot of the story, White uses anachronism as a device to aid the reader in association with the context. And, as in other of Whites novels, "the authors presence is apparent" (Fries 260), giving the feeling of an oral storytelling. These "almost too public histori... ... often" (28). This depiction of Merlyn shows his amusing and funny personality, which White exposes throughout the novel. The frequent use of comedy gives Whites novel a unique twist which cannot be found in the traditional versions of the story.When T. H. White decided to write The Once and Future King, he realized that his task would be an ambitious one. He faced the challenge of telling a tale which has been present for centuries, in a new way which would make it of interest to readers. His recreation of the Arthurian legend more than lives up to that c hallenge. The addition of new themes, anachronism, characters such as King Pellinore, and new adventures gives the novel a unique flair without straying too far from the traditional legend. The deeper interpretations of the characters and events in the story provide for a truth and authenticity not to be found in similar works, and the sense of humor gives Whites novel an individual touch. T. H. Whites The Once and Future King is one of the best retellings of the Arthurian legend, and his additions to the tale create an invigorating and entertaining combination, ranking it among the most popular and best read of all.

Applied Behavior Analysis Essay -- Autism Autistic Disorders Essays

Applied look Analysis What is Autism? Autism is a neurological disorder delaying overall schooling and functioning. Children with autism generally experience prominent delays in the development of language, non-verbal communication, cognitive abilities, adaptive functioning, and social interaction. Children with autism often exhibit self stimulatory behavior such as spinning, rocking, hand flapping, or other peculiar motor behaviors. ill children can also be characterized by repetitive behavior and obsession with routine. Wide ranges of severity exist among those affected, for example, communication development can be displayed by means of complex language acquisition or the child may demonstrate no form of communication at all. A Parents Perspective If you receive a diagnosis of Autism for your child, it can be devastating. Finding the appropriate help for your child can prove to be a painstaking endeavor. It is common for parents to receive conflicting, and/or erroneous information about the treatment of Autism from various professionals. The purpose of this pamphlet is to explain a mode of treatment known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its potential effectiveness. What is ABA? ABA is a comprehensive behavior program incorporating all aspects of a childs life. It is characterized by a systematic teaching program. Every learning neutral is broken down into the simplest form and taught to the child in a one-to-one (child/teacher) format. As skills are developed, complexity is added and generalization into all parts of the childs life is expected. The radical teaching method is known as discrete trial teaching. Discrete trial teaching occurs in a highly structured environ... ... 28 Nov. 2001. computerized axial tomography Families for Effective Autism manipulation. 7 Feb. 2002 <http//www.ctfeat.org/daversabafinal.htm Saffran, R. What is ABA?, Jul. 1997. ABA Resources for Recovery of Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia. 7 Feb. 2002 <http//m embers.tripod.com/Rsaffran/whatisaba.html Leaf, Ron, McEachin, John, Editors. A Work in Progress Behavior Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism. New York DRL Books, 1999. Early Behavior Intervention for Autism What Does Reserach Tell Us? by Green, G. as found in Behavior Intervention for Young Children with Autism, edited by C. Maurice, G. Green, S. Luce Roll Call of Recovered Kids, <http//home.san.rr.com/autismnet/rollcall.html provided through The Autism Network Resources for Physicians website, 2000-20001.<http//home.san.rr.com/autismnet/

Catcher In The Rye: Everybodys A Phony :: essays research papers

Everybodys A PhonyJ. D. Salingers novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is a very well known piece of the twentieth century. Its a story about a seventeen-year-old boy, Holden Caufield, who experiences some interesting things and people upon his being expelled from Pencey Prep. School. From having breakfast with a couple of nuns on a bus, to spending an change surface with a far from seraphic prostitute, Holden handles each situation the best way he can. However, most of the people Holden encounters, he deems innately phony Holden thinks almost everyone is a phony. Holden discusses how phony his headmaster at Elkton Hills, Mr. Haas, was when he was thereMr. Haas was the phoniest bastard I ever met in my life . . .. On Sundays, for instance, old Haas went around shaking work force with everybodys parents when they drove up to school. Hed be charming as hell and all. Except if some boy had little old funny-looking parents. . . . I mean if a boys mother was sort of fat or corny-looking or s omething, and if somebodys father was one of those guys that wear those suits with jumbo shoulders and corny black-and-white shoes, then old Haas would and shake hands with them and give half and hour with somebody elses parents (13-14).To Holden, it was blatantly clear that Mr. Haas was just putting on act to please the parents who showed up. He thought that everyone should be himself and not wear stupid facades. Holden Caulfield lived in the Ossenburger Memorial Wing in his dormitory. That student residence was only for juniors and seniors. The dorms were named after this person named Ossenburger who also went to Pencey Prep. School a long time ago. After Ossenburger got out of Pencey, he made a lot of notes in the undertaking business, and he gave a pittance to the school. That pittance is why the hall was named after him. Then the next morning, Ossenburger gave a speech to the students of Pencey Prep. about how he was never sheepish when he was in some kind of trouble, but he would get right down on his knees and pray to God, and that you should always talk to God wherever you are. Ossenburger said to think of God as your friend. Caulfield got a kick out of this speech thinking how he could Just see this phony bastard .

British Literature: Past and Present Essay -- essays research papers

British literature continues to be read and analyzed because the themes, motifs and controversies that people struggled with in the past are salve being managed today. The strongest themes that were presented in this course related to changing governments, the ponder about equity between blacks and whites, men and women and rich and sad, and the concern about maintaining ones cultural identity.The evolution of governments was a constant theme throughout the course, beginning with the lesson on the Introduction to Romanticism, where Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin debated the equity between rich and poor that was tearing France apart. The theme continued through the lesson about the jar of Industry.Burke was too close to his political sources to acknowledge the atrocities that were happening to Frances poor. He argued in favor of keeping the current political system, fearing that corruption would acquire the vacuum-clean of power if the monar chy was dissolved. This fear is still prevalent today after the United States ousted Iraqs Sadaam Hussain. In both situations, people are concerned with the vacuum of power, fearing that someone more corrupt than the current administration would fill the void.Wollstonecraft countered Burkes debate and trumpeted the plight of the poor. She argued that to turn a deaf ear to the inhuman treatment was a vote for tyranny.The rich and the weak, a numerous train, will certainly applaud your system, and clamorously celebrate your pious reverence for authority and establishments - they find it pleasanter to revel than to think to justify oppression than correct abuses (The Longman Anthology of British Literature, The Rights of Man, p. 82).She added that, They (the poor) ... .... David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. red-hot York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 1,060-1,068.Joel, Billy. We Didnt incision the Fire. Storm Front. 1989.Dylan, Bob. The Times They argon A Changin. Th e Times They Are A Changin.1964. Performed live by Joel, Billy. Kohuept. 1987.Equiano, Olaudah. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. London Stationers Hall, 1789. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 160-169.Prince, Mary, The History of Mary Prince, a westward Indian Slave. London F. Westley and A. H. Davis, 1831. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 169-174.Heaney, Seamus. The Singers House. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 2,893.Shaw, Bernard. Pygmalion. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 2,087-2,143. Briti sh Literature Past and Present Essay -- essays research papers British literature continues to be read and analyzed because the themes, motifs and controversies that people struggled with in the past are still being debated today. The strongest themes that were presented in this course related to changing governments, the debate about equity between blacks and whites, men and women and rich and poor, and the concern about maintaining ones cultural identity.The evolution of governments was a constant theme throughout the course, beginning with the lesson on the Introduction to Romanticism, where Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin debated the equity between rich and poor that was tearing France apart. The theme continued through the lesson about the Impact of Industry.Burke was too close to his political sources to acknowledge the atrocities that were happening to Frances poor. He argued in favor of keeping the current political system, fearing that corruption would fill the vacuum of power if the monarchy was dissolved. This fear is still prevalent today after the United States ousted Iraqs Sadaam Hussain. In both situations, people are concerned with the vacuum of power, fearing that someone more corrupt than the current administration would fill the void.Wollstonecraft countered Burkes debate and trumpeted the plight of the poor. She argued that to turn a deaf ear to the cruelty was a vote for tyranny.The rich and the weak, a numerous train, will certainly applaud your system, and loudly celebrate your pious reverence for authority and establishments - they find it pleasanter to enjoy than to think to justify oppression than correct abuses (The Longman Anthology of British Literature, The Rights of Man, p. 82).She added that, They (the poor) ... .... David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 1,060-1,068.Joel, Billy. We Didnt Start the Fire. Storm Front. 1989.Dylan, Bob. The Ti mes They Are A Changin. The Times They Are A Changin.1964. Performed live by Joel, Billy. Kohuept. 1987.Equiano, Olaudah. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. London Stationers Hall, 1789. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 160-169.Prince, Mary, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave. London F. Westley and A. H. Davis, 1831. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 169-174.Heaney, Seamus. The Singers House. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 2,893.Shaw, Bernard. Pygmalion. Rpt. in The Longman Anthology of British Literature. Ed. David Damrosch, et al. Vol. 2. New York Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2003. 2,087-2,143.

No Fixed Address :: essays research papers

No Fixed AddressIn Aritha Van Herks No Fixed Address, angiotensin converting enzyme key symbol surfaces many times. The main characters name is Arachne, which means spider, and sets the reader up to go steady the central symbol in the novelthe spider web. The reader sees several other instances of webs showing up throughout the novel. Arachnes dependence on the highway and her random operate is another form of web in No Fixed Address. To tie in Arachnes driving with webs, we see doubting Thomass maps as webs of sorts. The most important web that Arachne is seen to weave is that perverbial web of liesa person can never escape from that web. In the end, Arachne is indeed caught in her own web, and in the end, she is caught in it.Arachne, in mythological terms, is the master weaver the women who pitted herself against a god and lost, thus being turned into a spider. Arachne Mantea is more the same. She is constantly putting herself into categories that she doesnt belong in. Much o f her life, Arachne was certain that she was adopted. Her family seems to be poor, but Arachne could not fit herself into that social class. When she finally meets a family that is of a well-to-do class, she realizes whole-heartedly that she doesnt belong to that class either. Arachne seems to belong nowhere, almost as if she belongs to that race in the heavenliesthis is her first and most fatal lie. When Arachne ceases to belong to any particular group, she becomes fitted of anything. Cheating, stealing, and killing are no longer beneath her. If she doesnt belong where she is anyway, Arachne doesnt need to remember her past she doesnt need to cope with the things that live happened to her. Thus, Arachne forms lies of denial concerning her past and present actions. She represses the memories of a painful youth, while believing that her whoring around will never catch up with her. She begins to live a lie, and one that eventually gets her. Other aspects of her life mirror the leve l of lie that she is living. The manner in which she drives shows us more than any other. When Arachne is merely lying to herself, we see her driving in a relatively small area, and very predictably so. She drives a bus, and in doing so, Arachne has a defined route.

No Fixed Address :: essays research papers

No Fixed AddressIn Aritha Van Herks No Fixed Address, one key symbol surfaces many times. The main characters name is Arachne, which means spider, and sets the reader up to understand the aboriginal symbol in the novelthe spider web. The reader sees several other instances of webs showing up throughout the novel. Arachnes dependence on the road and her ergodic driving is another form of web in No Fixed Address. To tie in Arachnes driving with webs, we see Thomass maps as webs of sorts. The most important web that Arachne is seen to weave is that perverbial web of liesa person can never escape from that web. In the end, Arachne is indeed caught in her have got web, and in the end, she is caught in it.Arachne, in mythological terms, is the master weaver the women who pitted herself against a god and lost, thus being turned into a spider. Arachne Mantea is much the same. She is ever putting herself into categories that she doesnt belong in. Much of her life, Arachne was certain tha t she was adopted. Her family seems to be poor, but Arachne could not fit herself into that social class. When she finally meets a family that is of a rich class, she realizes whole-heartedly that she doesnt belong to that class either. Arachne seems to belong nowhere, almost as if she belongs to that race in the heavenliesthis is her first and most fatal lie. When Arachne ceases to belong to any particular group, she becomes capable of anything. Cheating, stealing, and cleaning are no longer beneath her. If she doesnt belong where she is anyway, Arachne doesnt need to remember her past she doesnt need to cope with the things that have happened to her. Thus, Arachne forms lies of disaffirmation concerning her past and present actions. She represses the memories of a painful youth, while believing that her whoring around will never catch up with her. She begins to live a lie, and one that at last gets her. Other aspects of her life mirror the level of lie that she is living. The m anner in which she drives shows us more than any other. When Arachne is merely lying to herself, we see her driving in a relatively small area, and very predictably so. She drives a bus, and in doing so, Arachne has a defined route.

Should we prohibit the development of the cyber command

Should we prohibit the development of the cyber command? BY kus09453 Cyber state of struggle Cyber warfare has been defined as any hostile measures against an enemy designed to discover, alter, destory, disrupt or transfer data stored in a calculator, manipulated by a computer or transmitted through a computer. Examples of hostile use include computer barrages on air traffic control systems, on oil pipeline flow systems and nuclear plants. Cyber Weapon Cyber weapons includes computer viruses and software that plunder be employ to penetrate enemy networks.Defining these tools as weapons, as opposed to systems or processes, allows the military to apply the same authorisation controls as they apply to conventional weapons such as guns and tanks. Cyber command Cyber command has been defined as a command for network which subordinate to the state. They check three undertakings, attack, defence and development. Lets use the first establishment of cyber command, the US Cyber play, to be an example to explain. US Cyber Command centralizes command of cyberspace operation and organizes existing cyber resources, these can help for the network developmant.In the defence side, US Cyber Command synchronizes justification of US military and the US government services networks, to comfirm that US exit be safe under any situations. In the attack side, it also include that the background why Cyber Command had aroused the world(prenominal) concern. In 2010, It has waged cyberwar. US Cyber Command postponed the development of nuclear weapon of Iran. It involves hacking and attack. This aggressive action had aroused international concern. Why We chose this topic because of Edward Joseph Snowden. He was an NSA system administrator.He was wanted by USA because he published th of the U. S. classified intelligence to public. He came to Hong Kong to publish these mystifying file. This action had aroused international concern, including us. He had published the PRISM projec t which U. S. is preparing to do. U. S. can through PRISM to get all the data about us, same e-mail, file, video, login information. Also, he said that U. S. has developed over 2000 cyber weapon to destroy computer system. We are interested in this because we think our privacy are not tho and our national security is threatened .This resentation will focus on whether we should prohibit the development of Cyber Command as a part of Cyberwarfare. Later on, Jacky will contend about cyber command in different perspective. Conclusion We disagree with prohibiting the development of Cyber Command but should be focus on the defensive purpose and the technology development. Since the offensive provocation could lead to real war, the offensive development should be prohibited. We think that enhancing the national cyber technology is very important. Cyber weapon meets an objective which would require blot or the use of force.Such actions include theft of data and destroy of data. Theft o f data or intellectual property, such as proprietary information of a business, classified information of a government or military. Destruction of data or programs on the system, less frequently, damage to the computer hardware, in the most natural case, damage to an electromechanical or process control system such that a serious industrial accident results in loss of life or major economic damages. To protect the citizens right and their life, to thwart the terrorist attack national computer systems, the development of Cyber Command s necessary.Predicted Future In the future, we predict that first, both countries will develop cyber command overtly or covertly, because we are in cyber era, it is necessary to have a cyber command to deal with the network security problem. second, cyberwar whitethorn lead to real war as mass mentioned. third, National security agencies and law enforcement agencies will promote cooperation, because they need to deal with the privacy problem. In the following time, I am going to analysis the problem in social interest perspective and national security perspective.But before that, I will talk about the development of cyber command first. In the past, Cyber Command in different countries were mainly focus on the defensive purpose. They Just want to alter the firewall, to improve their network security and thus to thwart cyber attack. But in recent years, they have been starting to change the focus to offensive purpose. They are actively to develop different cyber weapons and hacking others computer system to collect information. The U. S. Cyber Command has a monitoring program to collect data and to know someones whereabouts.Their targets are not only(prenominal) the important member of other countries, but also the citizens. The media in U. S. disclosed that they has been monitoring 9 Internet service providers user database, which including G-mail in google, yahoo email, skype, facebook etcetera What you have done in the computer is realizable to be monitored. Our personal privacy is infringed and it is the right of everyone. Therefore , in the social interest perspective, the development of Cyber Command should be stop. But, in the National security perspective, the US government explained that the onitoring program is used for against Terrorism.They hack in some database system and get the information about the terrorists in order to track them and thus to avoid terrorist attack. Besides that, developing Cyber Command can improve the guard of the national computer system. One ot the task ot the Cyber Command is to protect the whole countrys network by filtering some harmful website, e-mails. In other words, they protect the citizen computers from attacking by others. The citizen will be more save to do online shopping or something else. And also prevent the leak of national secret ocuments.As US government reported that they had been received several multiplication of attack by China, some of t he secret documents may be copied, which threaten the national security of US. An air force general asked why we should wait for the attack from others and take response to it? He then suggested an idea, Offense is the best defense and there is a term of this defense, we called active cyber defense. They has developed many cyber weapons and has been actively hacking other countries computer systems with the Defensive purpose. It is undoubtedly that it is effective for national security.The development of Cyber Command also help to enhance the technology level. The better hacking skills, stronger firewall is for better protection to the nation. But it is not Just benefit to the security aspect. The task of development of Cyber Command not Just the attack skill and cyber weapon, but also the advancement of both the speed, the memory size of computer, and the transmission speed of internet. It is benefit to the evolution of human technology level. I have mentioned many advantages if developing the Cyber Command, but there are some possible disadvantages to national security.First, the Cyber Command may threaten to the national security itself. Since whole national computer system is controlled by them, they can hack in the military system and then dominate the whole country. Second, we cannot completely control the action of hackers in the Cyber Command. If they attack the banking system so as to obtain benefit, we may not know who did it as they have the best hacking skills. Also, they may sell the secret national documents to other countries implicitly to obtain benefit. Then, Ken will discuss the problem in another perspectives. In political perspective, it is concerned the relations between countries.Firstly, prohibit the development of Cyber Command can substantiate world peace. If we do not prohibit this development, it will destroy partnership between countries. Cyber weapons mean monitoring computer system, stealing private information or destroying pr ogram system. When a government uses cyber weapons, it threatens other countries because they doubt their secret national documents have been divulged and blame the country which using cyber weapons. Also, hacking is a serious problem and may damage international relation. Due to hacking, the country which its system was hacked must stop the cooperation with the hacking country.If countries use cyber weapons more frequently, their distrust between countries must be increased. This provocation is possible to wage real war, the world peace is destroyed. However, the development of Cyber Command will be of benefit to a country. If a country can hold a strong cyber-military, it can strengthen international status. Besides, a country develops Cyber Command to steal other national secret information, they can clearly know other countries situations then it can enhance ore influence on the determinations in international affairs.Developing Cyber Command also protect interests and dignity o f nation. When a country can prevent cyber-attack from other countries, they protect their interests and dignity. The next is economic perspective. In this point of view, developing Cyber Command need to increase government expenditure because they must use super computer in Cyber Command. Oppositely, it can increase employment rate in I. T. industry because it need a lot of experts in computer to wage cyber-attack or defend hacking. Also, it can protect financial service.Many financial activities like stock market are controlled by computer system, if there is cyber-attack to these financial activities, it will groom a huge economic loss. Therefore, we need to develop Cyber Command for defending cyber-attack, it can avoid economic loss. Four perspectives on development of cyber command have been discussed. Now, I will talk the complexity on this topic. We find two dilemmas in developing Cyber Command, world peace versus national benefit and privacy versus security. I talk about w orld peace versus national benefit first.If we hope for world peace, we should not wage any types of war including cyber war. Even though cyber warfare will not make actual harm such as casualties, it will cause bad relation between different countries. Consequently, the real war occurs because relations between countries have been destroyed. But countries can get benefits in cyber war. On the other hand, some governments think monitoring is a good right smart to maintain national security. However, citizens do not agree that they are monitored by the government because they do not want to lose their freedoms and privacies.

Gwendolen and Cecily in the Importance of Being Earnest Essay

The Victorian age is considered to be one of the most prudent ages throughout of history. It is mainly based on your appearance. This means that the most important thing back then was to present as much as perfect as you can. It is authoritative for them to be re buty appreciated by other people. This age can be described as very hypocrite because no one is perfect so fraud and pretending in order to present as a saint is absurd but in that age it meant everything. This essay go forth discuss the subprogram of women in that age comp ard with this age.It will also show the vanity and insecurity of women and try to explain if that really remained even for like a shot. Miss Gwendolen Fairfax is a member of upper class society and a perfect example of a beautiful, rich lady who is most likely bored by her life but she will try to make her best to look good in front of everyone. She needs to stay in fashion Sugar? No, thank you. Sugar is non fashionable any more. She is in love with damn but in the beginning she is mostly concerned around his name because the name Earnest itself shows expectant honesty and decency.When she watchs out that he is really named Jack she has some doubts around him which is absurd because name has nonhing to do with the person itself and the love you show to severally other. Yet, it is another meaningless but in the Victorian age very important fact. Cecily Cardew, also a beautiful, young lady who is a guardian of Jack is a contrast to Gwendolen. She lives at the country and she is not that obsessed with appearance. She has good manners but when compared to Gwendolen the conclusion can be that she has a bit of the unreasonable side.She was very cheeky toward Gwendolen but it was all played in a polite way. Cecily thinks that she is in love with Jacks brother, so called Earnest because she perceive lots of stories about him which gave her an opinion that he is a very passionate and wicked person. This wickedness is what re ally attracts her which actually makes a distinction between her and Gwendolen she is not that obsessed with finding a virtuous husband. She thinks that Earnests recklessness is very attractive and high spirited.The most important thing above all is the name Earnest which is also in her case essential for starting a marriage. This is the main link between her and Gwendolen. There is call option called Its a mans world, and it was written and composed in 1966. It has been a long time since the Victorian era and it has also been a long time since this song was composed. The point is, although lots of things changed during the history one remained even for today women are still not equal with men but men will ceaselessly desire women. Men truly rule the world but only woman can give birth of even a better man. perhaps the men were afraid of the women so they were condemned on having a boring life (the lucky ones the aristocrats). Things started to change just after the Hastings in 1870s and petition for womens right to vote. Maybe it was not such a critical age for women when it is previewed from a different angle. Indeed, they had no rights, honesty and appearance, which was already mentioned as a crucial thing in the Victorian age, were important but they had also no high expectations of them. Women were treated as ladies. This term lady is much different than today.First, it has a title and aristocrat meaning but it also has a different meaning and it is women are fragile creatures which should be supplied with all goods and they deserve a comme il faut provider (husband) who will take care of them. Their only job is to be pure, always by their husbands side and to take care of their children. Women today are expected to be pure but also to provide money, take care of the children and there is that constant pressure of competing with men and trying to find their place in a mans world. How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes Where questions of self -sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us. The tensions between Cecily and Gwendolen are typical. Whenever woman incurs threatened by another womans presence and beauty she attacks. The argument between the two of them is displayed on a polite way because they are after all ladies and ladies do not start a fight like men do. It would maybe be colonized in a different way today because fashion in sugar, bread and butter seems trivial now but the concept is same.Women are each very friendly or they call each other every name in the book. ( ) they will be calling each other sister. Women only do that when they have called each other a lot of other things first. The conclusion of this essay is that women were not satisfied when they had no rights back then and they are also not satisfied in this age. It will never change. Also, it is in womans nature to judge other women just so she could feel safe. This remained until today.

Women Suceptability To Hiv Health And Social Care Essay

Holy Cross Hospital is a 240 bed item unrivalled infirmary located in the agrestic Pondoland of easterly Cape in the old Transkei, South Africa. It serves a population of about 50,000 around Flagstaff, Lusikisiki, Mkambathi and Bizana. There argon 153 members of the infirmary staffs. The bulk of the plain people atomic number 18 hapless and as such, affections associated with poorness ar general among the people TB, malnutrition and human immunodeficiency virus/ help. The infirmary is divided into diametrical units among them is the human immunodeficiency virus Clinic where bulk of patient on the life salvaging ART roll up their medicines.Fig 6 Number of employees at Holy Cross Hospital, Eastern Cape. Man suppuratement 10, Professionals 56, Clerical 22, Unskilled 65In the rural community where big(a) effeminates argon the objects of societal force like colza, domestic assault and belabor affected by poorness, they butt joint merely be subjugated by the harrying effects of human immunodeficiency virus. There atomic number 18 other parts that could be attributed to the preponderance of the disease among the braggy feminines rural inhabitants. Female venereal mutilation although non a bulwark in South Afri tramp societies, this could non be wholly ruled out in the rural communities where a batch of activities on traveling ar netherreport due to hapless media coverage. In another scenario, the act of masochism is in like panache a fuelling factor- a male rife society.LITERATURE REVIEWIn the planetary, national and local reappraisals of human immunodeficiency virus/ support incidence and prevalence, it has ever been that braggy females are at high proportion. Even in the events of related decease, bighearted females are at the greater loss. There must be factors responsible for such properties. In a related comparing, prenatal attendants in South Africa look at greater Numberss of the virus than the mean population. Here, the ground is ob vious to be pregnant meant unprotected intimate intercourse. Different reappraisals of one-year prenatal studies in South Africa as conducted byUN help, AIDS pestiferous update, 2009 ( hypertext transfer protocol //www.unicef.org/factoftheweek/index_53596.html )the gay Sciences Research Council ( HSCR ) has ever shows a greater per centums than the national human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS prevalence. This is besides the same in galore(postnominal) an(prenominal) other states of the universe. Although, the virus was foremost discovered in 1981 among homo sex activityual cipher forces in the United States of America, the displacement in the paradigm is a apparent movement for concern. This epidemic unluckily remains an epidemic of adult females. Michel Sidibe , Executive Director of UNAIDS. At the terminal of 2009 it was estimated that out of the 33.3 million grownups world-wide populating with human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS, more than half are adult females. It is suggested that 98 per centum of these adult females live in developing states. The AIDS epidemic has had a alone impact on adult females, which has been exacerbated by their berth within society and their biological exposure to HIV infection.A Generally adult females are at a greater accident of heterosexual contagion of HIV. biologically adult females are twice more likely to go septic with HIV through unprotected heterosexual intercourse than work forces. In m any(prenominal) states adult females are less likely to be able to negociate rubber usage and are more likely to be subjected to non-consensual sex.Additionally, 1000000s of adult females bugger off been indirectly affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Women s child lasting function means that they progress to to postulate with issues such as mother-to-child transmittal of HIV. The art of caring for AIDS patients and orphans is besides an issue that has a greater consequence on adult females ( Avert, 2010 ) 1.State200 1 prevalence %2002 prevalence %2003 prevalence %2004 prevalence %2005 prevalence %2006 prevalence %2007 prevalence %KwaZulu-Natal33.536.537.540.739.139.137.4Mpumalanga29.228.632.630.834.832.132.0Free State30.128.830.129.530.331.133.5Gauteng29.831.629.633.132.430.830.3North West25.226.229.926.731.829.029.0Eastern Cape21.723.627.128.029.528.626.0Crocodile river14.515.617.519.321.520.618.5Northern Cape15.915.116.717.618.515.616.1Western Cape8.612.413.115.415.715.112.6National24.826.527.929.530.229.128.0Estimated HIV prevalence among prenatal clinic attendants, by state ( hypertext transfer protocol //www.avert.org/safricastats.htmAgeMale prevalence %Female prevalence %2-143.02.015-192.56.720-245.121.125-2915.732.730-3425.829.135-3918.524.840-4419.216.345-496.414.150-5410.410.255-596.27.760+3.51.8Entire7.913.6Estimated HIV prevalence among South Africans, by age and sex, 2008 ( hypertext transfer protocol //www.avert.org/safricastats.htm )There are diverse distinctive features to the e pidemic of HIV/AIDS in different societies, but the common features globally are the larger adult females exposure. However in the context of Africa, the prevalent poorness, female gender misdemeanor and the alarming in incidences of colza instances in the rural South Africa, male dominated society, unemployment, and illiteracy are some of the prevailing fortunes increasing the exposure to the virus.In the scientific localisation, adult females still take greater proportion of PLWHA. The open countries of female venereal piece of land are greater than male and vaginal mucosal are more crumbly which effect easy bruised with harsh sex. For every brush of heterosexual intercourse, adult females are at greater hazard of reaching HIV ( WHO, 2010 ) . The same rule besides applies to the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Womans have been known to bear the greater load.Access to in miscellaneaation is besides another important factor that is missing among adult females. Many of w hich are uneducated and as such, the Numberss of adult females in the places of power and authorization are slender. To do informed pick and cognition of turn out of HIV/AIDS is rather neglecting. Lack of instruction and economic security affects 1000000s of adult females and misss, whose literacy degrees are by and large lower than work forces and male childs . Many adult females, concomitantly those populating with HIV, lose their places, heritage, ownerships, supports and even their kids when their matchs die. This forces many adult females to follow survival schemes that increase their opportunities of catching and distributing HIV. Educating misss makes them more equipt to do safer sexual determinations ( WHO, 2010 ) .Crime target is another spotlight to the spread of HIV/AIDS. This act of force makes adult females to be the objects of onslaughts. In the local communities across South Africa, gender force is prevailing attitude. It was late reported that British twosom e tourers were abducted in the rural community of Khayelitstha in Cape Town. The adult female was said to hold been raped and in the end killed by the rural goons. The act of this societal force is merely non against the local adult females once more, it has transcended beyond the local communities. The narrative became a planetary sensationalistic narrative. A 26-year-old adult male has been charged with commandeering the auto of a British twosome who were honeymooning in Cape Town at the weekend and slaying the bride, police force said Wednesday.The adult male from Khayelitsha, the sprawling township on the outskirts of Cape Town where Anni Dewani s organic structure was found, was charged within hours of being taken into constabulary detention on Tuesday ( Afro News 24, 2010 ) .The common local believe in South Africa is that HIV/AIDS is curable by holding sexual intercourse with virgin or somebody old who has abstain from sex for long clip. This is a re trademarkable facto r announcing the up-surge in the colza instances in the state. Of fork the traditional physicians ( Sangoma ) frequently metres indoctrinate immature work forces populating with the virus to hold sex with virgin in order to be remedy. Statistically, South Africa has the largest go into of PLWHA worldwide than any other state. And with the local believe, the present state of affairs would hold been expected.Another misnomer is the tradition of adult females submissiveness. A good adult female is rather frequently viewed by the local communities as submissive to her hubby, non oppugning her hubby about his sexual life, ready to give sex anytime without dialogue and must bear many kids. This attitude frequently endangers adult females life and possibly the unborn kids in state of affairs where the adult male of the house engages in cooccurring multiplex sexual partnerships. A recent study in a local community in a South Africa neighboring state, Botswana found that 62 % of work fo rces have eng ancient in multiple sexual partnerships in the old three months ( New York State, 2010 ) . This is merely what happens in a state non infamous for high incidence of force against adult females. Then, the state of affairs could be far making in the rural South African communities.OPERATIONAL DEFINATIONS AND HYPOTHESISHIV/AIDS prevalence is greater among Womans?HIV as normally known is Human Immunodeficiency virus while AIDS is the terminal phase of HIV infection. AIDS is Acquired Immune lack Syndrome. In most instances, HIV infection depending on the immune position of the septic persons can quickly come on to AIDS in a years clip without medical intercession. However, there were records of people that have lived more than 20 old ages on ART after(prenominal) despite the virus4. The commonest manner of transmittal of the virus in sub-Sahara Africa is through heterosexual intercourse.Prevalence is an epidemiological parametric quantity evaluation the distribution of dis ease status in a population at a peculiar clip. While incidence focal points on the happening of new form of a disease status. Prevalence encompasses both(prenominal) the new and the bing diseased in a population. In the events of HIV/AIDS, new instances of HIV conduce be considered as incidence and both the new instances and those that have AIDS are expressed as the prevalence of the disease.Prevalence = entire Numberss of people with disease status A- 100entire insert of the populationThe age of consent for expiration of gestation ( pull in ) in South Africa was one time said to be 12 old ages. However, this has late been reviewed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa ( HPCSA ) ( HPCSA, 2010 ) . Presently, there is no age limitation for TOP. Amongst many other things brewing the ceaseless addition in the figure of adolescent gestation and childhood HIV/AIDS is this reviewed ethical comity of age of consent for TOP. Therefore, anybody that is 12 old ages old or mo re and pregnant are considered as female parent and the fable of muliebrity applies. In contrast, the same definition of been a adult female is considered after the age of adolescence ( after 18 old ages ) for non pregnant females. This regulation besides applies for work forces after adolescence.Testing the hypothesis, it a widely believed that HIV/AIDS is a gender related disease status and that the status is at higher prevalence among adult females. There are different statements that could be put frontward to back up this misnomer in the society. For case, HIV/AIDS and STI prevalence is higher among female commercial-grade sex workers. They serve as reservoir of infection in the community. This form could be acceptable as different people sleep with workers whose HIV and STI position are non verified. This may account for a greater incidence among adult females. However, it is merely a handful Numberss of adult females that engages in commercial sexual activities and this can non be generalised for all.Cultural patterns are the ways of people which has been over clip been accepted as norm in the society. Africans have several norms and patterns that are assisting to fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS. But are at that place any cultural believe that make HIV/AIDS adult females heritage? Polygamy and multiple sexual partnerships are accepted among many African civilizations. Work force are frequently seen as the dominant factors in most African societies and the strength of his domination is frequently designated by how many adult females he could hold sex with. The work forces are even sometimes adored with particular fears holding multiple sexual spouses as the nature of work forces, they need to hold frequent sex as to keep back tantrum and healthy and multiple sexual partnerships denote suppressing adult females. Are these defects in our modern society? Another ground ascribed to adult females higher HIV/AIDS prevalence?In the outcome of HIV/AIDS pandemic, the usage of barrier method of HIV bar was among the initial intercessions to control the spread of HIV. Male rubbers were so introduced and later the female rubbers. It is known facts that have been proved over times that condoms prevent HIV spread efficaciously. However, to utilize rubber in each sexual brush is non a exclusive duty, collaborative attempts is needed. In the society where adult females are already subdued by the social norms, regulations and ordinances, negociating sex with rubber is regarded as act of insubordination. concordant and right usage of rubbers for adult females in heterosexual relationships is frequently compromised. Dry sex is another common demand of local African work forces from adult females. They claim that it gives work forces intense sexual satisfactions. Womans whose venereal mucosal are easy bruised are the object of mark for HIV and STI.In the most of these concerns lay above, adult females are at the disadvantage. The survey below looks a t the epidemic among adult females, prenatal attendants and work forces in the rural Pondoland.RESEARCH QUESTIONSa? What is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adult females and work forces touchstone Holy Cross Hospital, Eastern Cape for medical intervention?a? HIV/AIDS is more prevailing among adult females than work forces?a? For the Antenatal attendants, do they hold higher HIV prevalence than other two groups as depicted in the South African prenatal HIV prevalence?a? What are the cause ( s ) of higher HIV/AIDS among adult females in the rural Pondoland?Analysis OF HIV/AIDSWomans are the critical nutriment of our communities, yet most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This needs an pressing intercession. The disease status has all its tentacles in all expression of life of both rural and urban South African inhabitants. It has crippled many family of fountain of support and as such many rural fatherlands are being headed by kids. This is the coupled factor to increased Numberss of orphan kids in Pondoland.Purpose OF THE STUDYThe causal relationships of the virus and higher prevalence among adult females are critically reviewed with the target of find precise and curious intercession schemes in the rural Pondoland. Although most rural African communities do hold common antiquity, the schemes conveying relieve from HIV/AIDS epidemic may be expressed to each community. This is an effort to concentrate on such schemes.Importance OF THE RESEARCH STUDYIn the world, we do non cognize precisely how many people that are populating with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The national and prenatal prevalence are extrapolations and tax write-offs. This study allow be a study to cognize how many of Holy Cross Hospital grownup patients live with virus. The causes of such septic grownups and the necessary intercession to control the spread of the virus.THE RESEACH methodology ( HIV/AIDS prevalence is greater among adult females? A infirmary ground survey )The design of the survey beq ueath be randomised prospective survey of adult females, Antenatal attendants and work forces measuring Holy Cross Hospital, Eastern Cape, South Africa for medical interventions. The research is traveling to be questionnaires based with arranger available to interpret and explicate inquiries to the participants in the survey. The translator leave behind be chosen among the infirmary volunteered nurse for the interest of uniformity of linguistic communication interlingual interpretation and consequence government issue. It is known fact that many of the grownup members of Pondoland rural community are non huge with usage of English linguistic communication.The point distribution of the questionnaires lead be at the outpatient section, exigency unit and at the antenatal clinic which takes topographic point every Thursdays. These are the first points of contact for any patient measuring the infirmary for the first clip. The survey will be conducted over the initial period of 1 ( o ne ) twelvemonth from January boulder clay December 2011. The mark figure of the participants will be capped as 500. There will be three groups of the participants ( 1 ) adult females go toing outpatient and exigency sections for medical intervention, ( 2 ) work forces go toing outpatient and exigency sections for medical intervention and ( 3 ) adult females go toing prenatal clinic.The age group that will be included are adult females and work forces between 18-65 old ages old and pregnant adult females more age 12. As the survey is divided into three groups and to be conducted in three infirmary section, the form of questionnaires distribution will be stratified. The first four months of 2011 ( January till April ) , both the principal research worker ( for my portion ) and the helper, we will merely concentrate on patient go toing exigency unit, May till August 2011 in the outpatient section and September through December in the prenatal unit.The method of everyday attack will be that at every contact with the participants, the research aims and concentrate will be explained and the voluntaries are selected based on age standards will be tested for HIV. For every participant, voluntary guidance and proving for HIV will be conducted by the principal research worker and written consent will be documented for every participant. Note, all information will be hardened with confidential and consequence of the research will non be linked to the participants. A rapid showing HIV proving kit for HIV 1 and 2 ( ELISA 1 and 2 ) will be used throughout the survey. Every consequence will be read after 30 proceedingss. For those proving positive for HIV, they will be offered medical aid for further research lab trials ( CD4 counts, viral tonss, full blood counts and liver map trial ) and necessary medical intervention. Each participant will be allowed satisfactory clip to make full in the questionnaires but should be return before go forthing the infirmary premises. The construction of the inquiries will be in different subdivisions with the initial portion turn toing the demographic informations, cognition about HIV/AIDS, behavioral hazard factors for HIV/AIDS, measuring hazard of societal force and halt scheme for HIV/AIDS. The inside informations of the questionnaire are as followsDemographic DataAge ( a ) 12 25 old ages ( B ) 26 35 old ages ( degree Celsius ) 36 45 old ages ( vitamin D ) 46 55 old ages ( vitamin E ) 56 65years ( degree Fahrenheit ) more than 65 old ages sexual activity ( a ) Male ( B ) FemaleOccupation ( a ) non-skilled worker ( B ) semi-skilled worker ( degree Celsius ) skilled worker ( vitamin D ) immigrant workermarried Status ( a ) Single ( B ) life partnership ( degree Celsius ) Married ( vitamin D ) DivorcedReligion ( a ) Christian ( B ) Muslim ( degree Celsius ) TraditionalRace ( a ) Black ( B ) White ( degree Celsius ) Coloured ( vitamin D ) IndianMonthly Income ( a ) roentgen 500.00 Roentgen 3000.00 ( B ) Roen tgen 3001.00 Roentgen 10, 000.00 ( degree Celsius ) R 10,001.00 Roentgen 20, 000.00 ( vitamin D ) greater than R 20, 000. 00 ( vitamin E ) unemployedKnowledge about HIV/AIDS1. HIV is the abbreviation of Human Immunodeficiecy Virus Y N D2. Sexual activity intercourse with multiple sexual spouses increases the hazard of geting HIVY N D3. Transfusion of unscreened HIV infected blood can take to HIV infection Y N D4. sharing nutrient with AIDS patient can take to HIV infection Y N D5. venereal diseases are risk factors for HIV infection Y N D6. Terbium is an illustration of timeserving infection Y N D7. HIV infected individual should non unwrap his/her position because of stigma Y N D8. HIV/AIDS is a godly penalty for unfaithfulness Y N D9. PLWHA should non be employed because they are underproductive and weakY N D10. HIV is passed on by sneezing, manus shingle, caressing, and kiping togetherY N D11. HIV/AIDS is entirely big disease and the young person should non be concerned.Y N D12 . HIV bar instruction should merely be a precedence in schools and collegesY N DAdapted from ( hypertext transfer protocol //unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001270/127076eo.pdf ) Y = Yes, N = No, D = Do nt cognize, FBO = Faith Based Organisations, PLWHA = People Living with HIV/AIDSBehavioural Risk Factors for HIV/AIDSMake you smoke coffin nail, if yes, how many per twenty-four hours?Make you engage alcohol? If yes, how many bottles per twenty-four hours?Do you hold more than one sexual spouse? If yes how many?Has any of your sexual spouse ( s ) been treated for STI in the past three months?Make you cognize sexual spouse ( s ) HIV position? If yes, what is it?Are you in polygamous relationship? afford you been sexually been abused by your spouse or mistreat your sexual spouse in the past three months?What is your sentiment about dry sex? fork over you portion needle and endovenous drug with your friend before? If yes when was it?Make you prosecute or patronize commercial sex workers ?If employed, does your occupation maintain you off from your place more than two hebdomads or more?Are you or your male spouse circumcised?Measuring hazard of societal forceHave you of all time been sexually abused by opposite gender?Have you been sexually abused by your spouse ( s ) or abused your sexual spouse in the past three months?If yes, when was the first maltreatment? And how terrible was it?Does your spouse have fire arm? And if yes, does he/she endanger to kill you before?Have you of all time sustain any signifier of physical or emotional harm from spouse force?Does your spouse respects your sentiment if you are non in the temper of holding sex?How can you depict the last three sexual brushs with your spouse ( s ) ?Make you cognize if your spouse has been reported as violent to any other individual?Is your spouse of all time been arrested by constabulary for societal force or drink-driving?Does your spouse have job with choler direction?Measuring Preventive Strategies of HIV/AIDSWhich HIV/AIDS bar schemes do you cognize?Make you see utilizing HIV bar if you are non certain of the HIV position of your spouse?If your spouse is HIV positive, will you see utilizing rubber during intercourse? If yes, why?Make you utilize any signifier of HIV preventative step during your last three sexual intercourse? If yes, which one or province them.If condom explosion during sex, what is the immediate note you should take?If employed, what are the schemes in topographic point of your work guaranting bar of HIV?What is your sentiment about male Circumcision and HIV bar?If HIV and pregnant, will you take ART to forestall HIV transmittal to the unborn babe?What option ( s ) are available for HIV positive spouses to forestall transmittal of HIV to unborn babe?Have you been treated for genital disease in the past three months?What is the nexus between genital disease and HIV?POPULATION SAMPLING AND RESULT ANALYSESWhat inform the entire sampling population is the immense figure the infirmary serves, 50,000. 1 % of that is tantamount of 500. Although this is a little figure in associating to the entire population measuring the infirmary, but associating to the chief research worker and the helper, it is tremendous. That is why the survey would hold been conducted throughout a twelvemonth period. The heading of the age distribution chosen was to affect grownups entirely in the survey nevertheless, adolescent gestation is a rampart happening in South African communities. That is why pregnant adult females from age 12 are portion of the proposed survey.There are five constituents of the questionnaire and three groups of participants involved in the survey, the consequences will obtained severally for each group and interpreted utilizing Microsoft excel. The usage of Chi square trial will be employed the hypothesis Hiv is higher among adult females than work forces.Expected RESULTS FROM THE STUDYThe survey is expected to conform to the present form of the virus epidemic in South Africa. HIV/AIDS is more prevailing among female grownups under the age of 40 in about all age groups. Approximately 4 in every 5 people with HIV/AIDS aged 20-24 are adult females, and merely one tierce of people with HIV/AIDS aged 25-29 are work forces. Although prevalence is higher among adult females in general, merely 1 in every 6 HIV/AIDS infected people with multiple sex spouses are adult females ( Wikipedia, 2010 ) . Although some divergences are expected, could these be peculiar to the rural Pondoland community? South Africa adult females who have been disempowered revealed the high degree of colza and domestic maltreatment, a societal misnomer brewing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state ( Avert, 2010 ) .The National HIV and Syphilis Antenatal Sero-prevalence Survey, 2005 and 2007, the per centum of pregnant adult females with HIV per twelvemonth was as follows ( Wikipedia, 2010 ) Year19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200 42005200620072008Percentage0.71.72.24.07.610.414.217.022.822.424.524.826.527.929.530.229.128.0These one-year studies of HIV among the pregnant adult females are higher than the national prevalence of 10.8 % , though the incidence is higher among adult females 13.3 % than in work forces 8.2 % ( HSCR, 2005 ) . The same result is besides envisaged as above. Possibly there are disparities, they will be noted and a farther study may be needed.EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY TO THE HOSPITALSouth Africa higher HIV/AIDS national statistic is higher than any other state, that is what has geared the exceeding government attempts in other to undertake the disease tendency. The robust attempts of the authorities are the largest HIV/AIDS strategy in the universe ( All Africa.com, 2010 ) . The tendency of the disease needed to be known exactly in Pondoland. The result of the survey could be presented to the regional wellness authorization for amendment of HIV/AIDS authorities intercession at the infirmary.Critical reappraisals of different diaries have shown that HIV/AIDS has unprecedented rise among adult females ( UNICEF, 2009 ) , the result of the survey is expected to be in conformance. However, if the consequences show greater proportions of adult females than expected, it could spell a readjustment in the infirmary planning scheme to turn to direction of HIV/AIDS among adult females.The local untypical causes of rise in HIV/AIDS will be known if there is any. The illation will be surmised from the response of adult females proving positive for HIV in the survey. Therefore local epidemiological form of HIV in Pondoland will be verified.The result of this survey could name for more survey in HIV/AIDS and other local indigenous disease in the infirmary. A rural infirmary where academic research is seldom conducted, this will be an oculus opener. It will be a beginning of inspiration particularly for the freshly graduated medical physicians and druggists in the infi rmary set abouting their rural community service.DecisionFor effectual intercession to come into drama in the direction of the increased HIV/AIDS disparities among adult females and work forces, the specific factors responsible have to be outlined and schemes to battle these could be sourced. In the aftermath of HIV/AIDS in the 80s, the epidemic was rather rampart among homosexual in the USA and equal intercessions were ensued as reflected in the state HIV/AIDS statistics. Africa needed to larn from this.The basic nutriment of any community is the valued lives of the household members. Womans who are the beginning of generational continuity are in hazard in our society. Didactic and pressing attack should be instituted in the rural and all African communities to halt the harness effects of HIV/AIDS. Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV transmittal, handiness of free rubbers in public establishments, adult females empowerment and wellness instruction should parts of focus authorities an d NGO agendas to readdress HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.

How can buyer attitudes about products country of origin affect marketing strategy Essay

A number of researches charter been done on the effect of the county of personal line of credit (COO) on the acceptance of a harvest-time. There has been close related studies examining locations within a estate towards imported goods ground on the evaluation of their sylvan of store. Although most of the studies acquit revolve arounded on consumer from the generateed country, it has been shown that even consumers in the developing nations have developed authoritative attitudes on returns found on their country of origin.There argon some countries which atomic number 18 associated with noble note products while there atomic number 18 others which are associated with low feel products. The attitude of the consumers about a product based on their country of origin affect the merchandiseing strategy of the commodity since the merchandise strategy will concentrate on creating a positive attitude on the products in the markets where customers have a negative attitude. Compared to other marketing make fors, country-of-origin has a lesser effect on the process of consumer decision making except it affects the boilers suit acceptance of the products depending on the level of influence in the market. (Daser 1997, p.53)The concept of Country-of-originCountry of origin is an important factor that affects the consumer acquire decision making and manufacture secures. The country of origin in combination with other marketing characteristics has great influences on the cognizance of the product in the market. This is based on the concept o superiority or inferiority.Most of the studies conducted on the issue assert there are few stereotypical images that are consisted across a number of nations. For moral the image of robustness of Gernamn products, the luxurious products from France, the cheap products from Korea, the substandard products from china, and many others. There are similarly positive stereotypical images that have also been upheld. F or example the Persian pistachios and rugs, vegetable from Poland, Oranges from Israel, Coffee form Columbia, French perfume, Silk from china, Leather from Italy, electronics from Ja pan out, and Rum from Jamaica. (Cattin 1992, p. 244)These stereotypes have not been based on emptiness. They have either been based on hearsay, acquaintance or just a myth. At the same time is has been shown that customers will react different from country of origin cues. For example, Japanese goods are highly rated by consumers completely in all over the world., in china western products which retail at more than triad times the domestic products are in relatively high demand, in Russia the country of origin of the product is more important than then the brand name of the product which pus product from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and others still suspicious in the country, Australian like French perfume tho thy will not buy French cameras of French wine, and othersMost of the studies conducted on the evaluation of the Japanese and American consumers have shown that Japanese products are considered to be of high quality and therefore they are favourite(a) by the consumer to product from other countries. This same effect has also been ground in studies conducted in several other areas on the world. Studies conducted in other areas in the world like Saudi Arabia and Bahaarian, Nova Sotia, Finland, South East Asia, Peoples majority rule of China, Hong Kong, and other have all rated Japanese products as superior to other product in the world as far as it relates to service, promotion, and delivery.With the increasing front line of foreign products in the domestic markets, there have been increase studies in the last one decade about the perception of these productions the market and the taste of consumers when purchasing them. The country of origin cue has become an important factor in the market as consumer tend to mensurate imported goods differently than the way they evaluate domestic make waterd goods.Most of the studies have been carried out in American and have shown that American consumes have a predilection to certain products from some countries. They tend to purchase products from some countries as compared to others. This has shown a national stereotyping phenomena which is not limited to the US only but has been observed in other countries. The same findings have been found in England, Finland, Canada, New Zealand, France, and Singapore. (Howard 1994, p. 92)Consumer attitudes and perception of important from various(a) countries usually vary from one country to another. What the consumers of country A will perceive product from country X is not the same way consumer in Country B will view the same products. Although it has been shown that the relationship between the devil countries is an important factor, the boilers suit reputation of the production the market is a major factor affecting the consumer perception.It has also been found out that even consumers writing the same country whitethorn have different views of the same product with show individual variance within the same country. Consumers attitude about the product from a particular country can also vary with time as the rate of development and pace of industrialization changes. Change in market development in the gardening and lifestyle in that particular country can also affect the perception of the product. (Akaah 2003, p. 78)A country at its initial pace of development whitethorn accept cheap product from a country while this may change rapidly as the country develops its own industries. This varies with the levels of disposable income which signify the gussy up of a middle class in any country. As a middle class emerge in a country, it may have an influence in the perception of a product from country which may influence market trends.Early studies on consumer attitudes and preference of domestic and imported produces tend to focus on just o ne cue instead of a number of cues that could show the market influences. However the trend have chanced in the last three decades with most studies focusing on multiple cues which have been designed to use tangible products rather that description of the products.According to these early studies, the effects of Country of origin were shown to have a direct effect on the existing beliefs of eh consumers. The past experience on the product is also an import factors that influence the attitude that a consumer may have on the product from a certain country. Other studies have shown that it may necessarily be the same product that the consumer may have had an earlier experience with but it may be another product which will affect the construction about the product from that particular country. (Loureiro and Umberger 2002, p. 59)To create a certain perception about products from a certain country, consumer use evaluation based inference to reason about the image of that product. This mea ns that it will evaluate factor of quality value, styling, and others and correlate them with the country of origin. This is known as the halo effect where a belief about a trait of a certain products which in this case is the country of origin of the product produces a certain belief structure on traits that are not known to the customer but which are congruent with the traits that have already been experienced by the consumer.The willingness of any consumer to purchase a product is based on the characteristics of the country of origin of the product and its people. The perception about the country of origin may also be affected by the comparison that the consumer makes about the similarities and differences between their country and the country of origin of the product. This comparison may be do in wrong of the economic development, political status, the social culture climate, and other factors which may crate differences and similarities between the two nations. (Dougla and No naka 1995, p. 350)Therefore it shows the country of origin is one factor that embraces so many other factors inside it. There are other market considerations that are made about the country of origin that ultimately determine consumer perception of the products. In this case there are several factors that we can identify that influence the boilers suit consumer perception of the country and the products. Some of these factors include the following Quality Technology Features of the product Brand recognition Perception of value Advertising images Perception of retailers and disseminationThese are some of the factors that may affect consumer perceptions of the products based on the country of origin. There are many other factors that a customer takes into considerations but these are the main ones. Let us look closely at each of these factors.(i) Perception of qualityThe quality of the product is important to the consumer as it is used to develop descriptive and inferential beliefs about the product and service. The actual consumer choice of a product can be as a direct function based on these medicating beliefs. This shows the quality evaluation is important factor in the overall decision making process of the consumers. If the consumer develops a positive quality attitude towards the product, they are apt(predicate) to increase their agency on the product evaluation before giving their final choice. There are several studies that have documented that quality is second to price in the consumer choice of product from foreign countries.(ii) Technology sophistication perceptionSophisticated technology can be defined as technology which involves a high level of operation using complex material and equipment. It is also as production process that uses high level of skills to cast and develop products. In this case we can take the examples we had given earlier bout Japan. It ahs been argued that products from Japan have been receiving a high rating and increase d preference in different parts of the world owing to the high level of technology that is used to produce them. It has also been shown that American consumers have shown increased preference to German made products owing the capability of German to produce high technology products. Contrary to this a study carried out in Austria showed that they preferred products from Euro pan compared to other products outside Europe due to the high level of technology used to produce goods in Europe. (Crodel 2003, p. 53)(iii) Features of a product as suited to the marketThe features of a product compared to other in the market are an important factor that determines the overall product perception and choice preference. Simple features like annotate of the product, has been shown to be an import factor in the purchase of product like boodle as compared to price and nutritional aspect of the bread. Yellow coloured bread which appears to have been prepared with a lot of eggs is mostly preferred c ompared to white bread by consumers in the market. A study carried out in New Zealand showed the colour of the automobiles was important in the overall effect of purchase of automobiles.(iv) Recognition of the brandConsumers have shown increased preference of well known brands compared to unsung brands owing to its prestige. It has also been shown that preference of favourite brands is a way of reducing risk in the purchase decision. Brand recognition is an important factor that helps the consumer confidence in the purchase of branded products. A country with a portfolio of well known brands will create a positive attitude towards the consumers and they are likely to purchase other products from the same country event without preference to quality of the product. In this case country branding is very important in influences the overall consumer perception of products from that country.If we take a contemporary example of Japan and China, we will find the both of them are emerging m arkets in the world. While Japan is reputed for its quality in and durable products, china on the other hand is known for cheap low quality products. Apparently china accounts for more than 70% of all the counterfeited products in the world. Therefore it would be difficult to convince a consumer from a country that china which is reputed with cheap low quality products can actually produce high quality products. It has also been found out that consumer have an increased preference toward branded produces rather than unbranded products. A study carried out in Britain showed the American and French brands were preferred by British retail managers as they were more recognized compared to the domestic brands. (Bannister and Saundrsm 1998, p. 60)(v) Perception of valuesThe perception of values involves the overall consumer assessment of the use of a product based on the consumer will give in monetary values and what they expect to receive in terms of quality. This is a kind of a balance equation that the consumer makes regarding the products that they wish to purchase. The past research that have been carried out on the perception of values have shown that compared to all countries in the world, Japanese products were low priced while at the same time they were considered to be of high values and therefore the consumes preferred to buy them because they got an acceptable product values for the amount of monetary sacrifice they made for that particular product. A recent study has also shown that Japanese products are likely to be preferred to the US products even without so much concession on the price of the products.(vi) Advertising imageThe adverting strategies that are used in the market can modify the image of the products and therefore increase the consumer preference of the product. There has been a reported relationship between advertising influence, that attitude toward a brand, and consumer preference in the marketing of the product. In the early emergenc e of the Japanese products, they were shown to receive a low key in the market because they were not well advertised and their low prices created a negative consumer perception. After some years, Japanese product recorded increased sales in Canada, US, Britain, Hungary, and others where they had recorded low sales after an aggressive and fitting advertising that changes consumer perception.(vii) Distribution and retailing perceptionThe realties influence the consumer preference and decision to purchase a product through their promotional efforts. Retailers makes particular efforts to promote the products to in the market through merchandise offering, merchandise display, reliable dissemination of information, and through many other efforts. The retailer can also influence the consumers by presenting a higher credibility for a product and an apparent warranty and guarantees which increase consumer confidence in that particular product. Consumer perception of a products has partly be en linked to various level of activities carried out by the retailers in creating their awareness about that product in the market. Weak promotion activities have a negative effect on the consumer perception of quality and preferences to purchase that particular product. (Cheung and Dention 1995, p. 55)There are the main factors that influence the perception of a product from a country. This shows that country of origin is influenced by the above factors. Consumer perception is not a condition that is created at once but it is an after thought which comes after interplay of the above factors. Country of origin perception is not a condition that is crated overnight and does not evaporate overnight but it is a perception that may last for some time and may be difficult to deconstruct.

Alan Paton Style Analysis Essay

Authors often make an impact on the reader through imaginative story telling and carry to life intriguing and compelling characters in their stories. Alan Paton non only succeeds in doing this, but further raises the bar by fully immersing his readers by making them not only learn about the characters, but actually instills a sense of caring about their well being. Throughout the novel Paton makes it clear just how practically adversity and suffering his character, Stephen Kumalo, must have endured. He utilizes resounding words such as doubt and suffering in the passage chosen.The tone throughout the passage appears to have somber and melancholy quality to it. Kumalo is shown enduring constant tragedy all around him yet he continues to persevere. Patons unconventional techniques of negotiation is shown often in this passage. Patons dialogue never identifies who is speaking to encourage the reader to pay attention, also he does not use quotation attach like most authors and just bypasses it completely.Paton uses limited omniscient point of view to tell the story. It not only takes us into the stories but stirs emotion within the reader. He allows us to be put in Stephens shoes while still left wondering what is really going on. Character development is real apparent throughout the passage. Kumalo started out in the story as a pastor whose faith was strong in God, but at times had doubts, sometimes he would doubt his son for committing atrocities, yet in the end he found forgiveness for his family.Stephan is the epitome of overcoming adversity no matter what perils he came across.

Oilwell Cable Company Case Study Essay

1. If average chooses to go ahead with the microprocessor conversion on the machinery with step up passing it by the squad, what atomic number 18 the potential conflicts that might arise? What are the advantages of such a move? The biggest potential problem here is that the production team might scent slighted as their opinions were not considered in this major ending, and it may affect their current strong feeling of nurse hat they have with the companionship. Essentially if feeling of value is affected then productivity leave behind be affected, as Steve Cooper a contributor to Forbes points out studies show that companies that effectively appreciate employee value love a return on equity & assets more than triple that experienced by firms that dont. (Cooper, 2012) The advantage of such a move would be fulfilling the employees wishes of upper management making the tougher decisions not the team also it would not only eliminate the three day clumsinesss that usually preced e the teams decision but it would also meet the employees desire of less(prenominal) time spent in team meetings.2. If Norm decides to put the decision to the appropriate production team, what are the potential problems? What would be the advantages? Here the potential problems is the deliberation period normally associated with team decisions, as this means a loss in productivity as these deliberations happen on company time. It could also affect morale, as employees already have a desire for less team meetings adding more to reach a decision will result in loss of confidence in upper management. Additionally, this decision based on the org chart, will then have to be approved by upper management which results in additional lost time as these decisions are already a struggle for them. On the twinge side advantages here is that it would handgrip high value alive, as the employees would see that their opinions are truly valued when decisions affect the entire business also it would be a great opportunity for upper management to gather thoughts and feedback from their employees who live the day to day process of the excogitate. Finally when employees can connect value to their job productivity and implementation go smoothly because they each own it.3. If the production team chooses to approve and implement this microprocessor conversion childbed, what form of project organization will this represent? Functional organization, as the production team is the functional division of the company as our text points out that has the most interest in ensuring this projects success or can be most helpful in implementing it. (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 pg.177)4. Given the size of this organization and the number of projects they deal with, would it make reason to institute a Project Management Office? Is there another arrangement that might be a good alternative? I imagine a PMO makes sense, as our text makes clear, a project management office (PMO) can provide criticall y important services for all projects. The skill with which the PMO organizes, administers, and carries out its responsibilities will have a major impact on the ability of projects to meet their objectives. (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 pg.177) This is vital as the company will be able to keep track of project progress and decisions can be made quicker, possibly eliminating the current double deliberation periods. Alternatively as projects arise if project teams of the unavoidable parties could be quickly formed and headed by an assigned company PM or the best suited yet most qualified individual from upper management for the job this may also work to the companys advantage.5. How much impact might microprocessors have on production be? read that variable overhead represents the same percentage of costs as fixed overhead. Find the net present value if the microprocessors cost $25,000 and their installation runs another $5,000. require a 10% margin. Here the impact of the microproces sors on production will not be high as the variable and fixed overhead costs are the same percentages, meaning that both fixed costs that are unchanged based on production and those costs that vary by output signal are equal percentages. Additionally net present value impact in a year would be $30,300 based on the total sign start up cost here to see a true balance it would be best for Norm to also investigate the financialbenefits (cut time, less scrap, and overall profit).6. Compare Norms recollection of the divisions productivity gains between 1995 and 1999 to Exhibit 2. Explain the inconsistency. Here human recollection versus in reality data results makes it clear why data should be collected and inform on versus relying on memory. The consistency could be due to the fact that in 2000 the company was hit hard by the recession and productivity took a serious negative hit, therefore as productivity rose and eventually surpassed its pre-recession numbers Norm simply was remind ed of the good old days of high productivity.7. What would you recommend that Norm do? I would recommend that a PMO be implemented for the task of bear witness and enforce good project management processes such as procedures for bidding, risk analysis, project selection, progress reports, executing contracts, and selecting software. Also, collect and disseminate information, techniques, and lessons learned as reported in project evaluations that can improve project management practices. (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 pg.194-195) If thats not currently feasible, I would suggest that Norm first runs the decision by upper management as there are many benefits with the planned implementation of microprocessors once agreed upon this decision should be conveyed to the employees, then the production team should be allowed to voice their opinions and suggestions on the decision. This approach will avoid any animosity the team may feel towards upper management, while avoiding the unnecessary deli beration process that results in lost time.ResourcesCooper, S. (July 30, 2012). Make More Money By Making Your Employees Happy. Forbes. Retrieved from http//www.forbes.com/sites/stevecooper/2012/07/30/make-more-money-by-making-your-employees-happy/Meredith, J.R., & Mantel, S.J, Jr. (2012). Project management A Managerial come along (8th ed). Hoboken, NJ John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Effects of Children Essay

Children put on a big impact on a relationship and the communicating between two parents. Adding children into any relationship takes change and communication on both ends. It can be harder depending on the different relationship situations. Children change not only your personal relationship but also the relationships you have with friends and family. I asked three different parents that I know the same three questions.The questions were 1. What change was least expected after your baby was born? 2. How did communication with your partner in crime and others change after having a baby? . How did having a child affect your marriage or relationship? Each of the answers I received was similar. All of the parents uttered that their lives and relationships changed a lot after having children. Their relationship with friends and with their partner became a challenge. Two out of the three said they expected the challenges while one said she didnt expect so many issues to arise with her p artner. A big issue that was mentioned by all three was the fact that the time between them and their partner was trend down drastically.That became a relationship breaker for one. She chose her daughters needs over the needs of her relationship. The communication patterns described by the parents did not follow the Guidelines for Effective Communication in Families. They differed because the communication and equity was not followed. One parent chose her time and energy needed to be focused on her child and put her relationship on hold. This in the end broke up her relationship. The other two followed the guidelines to an extent but not completely.Communication is tampered no matter what way you look at it. Men and woman look at parenthood different and that may be the main reason why children have such an effect on relationships. Communication is key in any relationship. There has to be a level of understanding and respect from both ends to balance any kind of friendly relationsh ip or intimate relationship. Children can change a lot of things in our lives. If two people are not on the same page in a relationship or about the choices that have to made with children it can ruin the relationship all together.

Stefan’s Diaries: Origins Chapter 22

The week of the Founders Ball came with a cold term of enlistment that settled into Mystic Falls and refused to leave. Ladies walked roughly t gull got in midafternoon in wool coats and shawls, and the evenings were cloudy and starless. emerge in the field, workers fretted about an early frost. Still, that didnt s occur people from as far away as Atlanta coming into town for the ball. The boarding-house was full, and the entire town had a carnival- want air in the days prima(p) up to the event.Damon was plunk for at Veritas, his mysterious tenure with the brigade over. I hadnt told him that Katherine and I were attention the Founders Ball, and he hadnt asked. Instead, Id busied myself with work, feeling renewed vigor about winning over Veritas. I wanted to prove to beginner that I was serious about the estate and about growing up and assuming my place in the world. Hed been giving me more responsibility, allowing me to look over the ledgers and even encouraging me to go to R ichmond with Robert to attend a livestock auction. I could infer my life, ten long time from now. Id run Veritas, and Katherine would run the inside of the home, hosting parties and playing the occasional(a) card game at night with Father.The night of the ball, Alfred knocked on my door. Sir? Do you require any(prenominal) assistant? he asked as I swung the door open.I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I was get dressed in a black long-tailed coat and tie, with my hair slicked back. I looked older, more confident.Alfred followed my gaze. Looking smart, sir, he allowed.Thank you. Im ready, I said, my heart fluttering in excitement. Last night, Katherine had teased me mercilessly, not giving me any clues as to what she was going to wear. I couldnt wait to see her. I knew shed be the most beautiful young lady at the ball. More important, she was mine.I headed down the stairs, relieved that Damon was nowhere to be found. I wondered whether he was attending the Founders Ball w ith some of his forty friends or perhaps one of the towns girls. Hed been distant lately, impossible to find in the morning and at the tavern at night.Outside, the horses were pawing at the drive. I entered the waiting passenger car, which clip-clopped its way to the carriage house.I glanced out the nihilityow, and noticed Katherine and Emily standing at the front door. Emily wore a simple black silk dress, but Katherine I had to press my back into the carriage seat to keep from jumping out of the moving coach. Her dress was emerald green, glacial in at the waist dress was emerald green, nipping in at the waist before silky over her hips. The bodice was low and tight and showed off her creamy white skin, and her hair was pulled back on the top of her head, exposing her graceful, swan-like neck.The second Alfred pulled back on the horses reins, I opened the door of the coach and hopped out, smiling broadly as Katherines eyes caught mine.Stefan Katherine breathed, lifting her ski rts slightly as she glided down the stairs.Katherine. I gently kissed her cheek before I offered my arm to her. Together, we turned and walked toward the carriage, where Alfred stood with the door open.The road to Mystic Falls was filled with unfamiliar coaches of all shapes and sizes, leading to the Lockwood augury on the far end of town. I matte a thrill of anticipation. This was the first time Id forever escorted a girl to the Founders Ball. In all previous years, Id spent most of the evenings playing poker with my friends. constantly some sort of disaster happened. Last year, Matthew Hartnett had gotten drunk on whiskey and had accidentally unhitched the horses from his parents coach, and two years ago, Nathan Layman had gotten into a fistfight with Grant Vanderbilt, and both ended up with broken noses.We slowly book our way up to the mansion, finally reaching the front walk. Alfred stopped the horses and let us out. I laced my fingers breadths with Katherines, and unneu rotic we walked through and through the open doors of the mansion and headed toward the dining room.The high-ceilinged room had been cleared of all furniture, and the candle flame lent a warm, mysterious glow to the walls. A band in the corner played Irish reels, and couples were already beginning to dance, even though the night was young. I squeezed Katherines hand, and she smiled up at me.Stefan I whirled about and byword Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright. I dropped Katherines hand immediately.Mrs. Cartwrights eyes were red, and she was positively gaunt compared to the last time I saw her. Meanwhile, Mr. Cartwright seemed to have aged ten years. His hair was snow-white, and he was walking with the aid of a cane. Both wore discolour sprigs of vervaina tuft stuck out of Mr. Cartwrights breast pocket, and the flowers were woven into Mrs. Cartwrights hatbut other than that, they were draped entirely in black, for mourning.Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I said, my stomach clenching with guilt. I n truth, Id nearly forgotten that Rosalyn and I had been engaged. Its good to see you.Y could have seen us sooner if youd comeou to call on us, Mr. Cartwright said. He could barely embrace the contempt in his voice when his gaze landed on Katherine. But I understand you must have been in deep grief as thoroughly.I will come now that I know youre taking visitors, I said lamely, tugging at my collar, which suddenly felt quite tight around my neck.No need, Mrs. Cartwright said icily as she reached into her sleeve to pull out a handkerchief.Katherine clasped Mrs. Cartwrights hand. Mrs. Cartwright looked down, an expression of reverse on her face. A wave of apprehension ran through me, and I fought the urge to step between them and buckler Katherine from their anger.But then Katherine smiled, and amazingly, both Cartwrights smiled back. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I am so sorry for your loss, she said warmly, holding their gazes. I lost my parents during the Atlanta siege, and I know how hard it is. I didnt know Rosalyn well, but I do know she will never be forgotten.Mrs. Cartwright blew her nose noisily, her eyes watering. Thank you, dear, she said reverentially.Mr. Cartwright patted his wife on the back. Y thank you. He turned to me, compassiones, replacing the scorn that had occupied his eyes honourable moments earlier. And please take take of Stefan. I know hes suffering.Katherine smiled as the couple rejoined the crowd. I gaped in amazement. Did you accommodate them? I asked, the word tasting bitter in my mouth.No Katherine laid her hand over her heart. That was good, ex kindness. Now, lets dance, she said, tugging me toward the large ballroom. Luckily, the dance ditch was a crush of bodies and the lighting was low, so it was almost impossible to make out specific people. Flower garlands hung from the ceiling, and the marble floor was waxed to a sheen. The air was hot and cloying, with the lift of hundreds of competing perfumes.I put my hand on Kath erines shoulders and tried to relax into the waltz. But I still felt jumpy. The conversation with the Cartwrights had stirred my conscience, making me feel vaguely disloyal to Rosalyns memory, and to Damon. Had I betrayed him somehow by not telling him that Katherine and I were at the ball together? Was it wrong that Id been grateful for his prolonged absences?The band stopped, and as women adjusted their dresses and grasped their partners hands again, I headed toward the refreshment table in the corner.Are you all right, Stefan? Katherine asked, gliding up beside me, worry lines creasing her lovely forehead.I nodded, but I didnt break my stride. Just thirsty, I lied.Me too. Katherine stood expectantly as I ladled the dark-red punch into a crystal crimper. I passed the glass to her and watched as she drank deeply, wondering if that was what she looked like when she drank blood. When she placed the glass on the table, she had the slightest trace of red liquid around her mouth. I cou ldnt help it. With my index finger I wiped the drop off the side of her bow-shaped mouth. Then I put my finger in my own mouth. It tasted sweet and tangy.Are you sure youre all right? Katherine asked.Im worried about Damon, I confessed as I poured myself a glass of punch.But why? Katherine asked, genuine confusion registering on her face.Because of you, I said simply.Katherine took the tumbler from me and led me away from the refreshment table. Hes like a brother to me, she said, touching my brow with her icy fingers. Im like his little sister. Y knowou this.But all those times when I was sick? When you and he were together? It seemed like It seemed like I needed a friend, Katherine said firmly. Damons a flirt. He doesnt want to be tied down, nor would I want to be tied to him. Y ou are my love, and Damon is my brother.All around us, couples swirled in the semi- darkness, dipping in time to the music and laughing gaily at private jokes, seemingly without a care in the world. They, t oo, had to worry about attacks and the war and heartbreak, but they still laughed and danced. Why couldnt I as well? Why did I always have to doubt myself? I glanced at Katherine. A dark roster had come loose from her updo. I tucked it behind her ear, relishing the silky feel of the strands between my fingers. appetite coursed through me, and as I stared into her deep brown eyes, all feelings of guilt and unease vanished.Shall we dance? asked Katherine, taking my hand and pressing it to her cheek.Through the crowded dance floor, I spotted Father, Mr. Cartwright, and the rest of the Founders whispering furiously in a far corner.No, I whispered huskily. Lets go home.I grabbed Katherines shoulder, and we whirled around the dance floor until we reached the kitchen, where servants were busily preparing refreshments. Hand in hand, we tore through the kitchenmuch to the confusion of the servants and exited at the back of the house.We sprinted into the night, heedless to the cold air, th e shrieks of laughter from the mansion, and the fact that wed just run out on the social event of the season.The coach was tied near the Lockwoods stable. Alfred was no doubt playing craps with the other servants. After you, my lady, I said, lifting Katherine by the waist and placing her in the passenger seat. I hoisted myself up to the drivers seat and cracked the whip, which immediately caused the horses to start clip-clopping in the direction of home.I grinned at Katherine. We had an entire evening of freedom in front of us, and it was intoxicating. No having to pinch into the carriage house. No skirting the servants. Just hours of uninterrupted bliss.I love you I yelled, but the wind stole the words as soon as they left my mouth. I imagined them traveling with the breeze, floating through the entire world until every person in every town knew of my love.Katherine stood up in the coach, her curls jaunty wildly around her face. I love you, too she shouted, and then collapsed int o giggles on the seat.By the time we got back to the carriage house, we were both sweaty and red-cheeked. The second we reached Katherines chambers, I pulled the dress off her slim frame and, seized by my passion, gently ran my teeth against her neck.What are you doing? She stepped back and stared at me sharply.Im just What was I doing? Playacting? Trying to seem as if Katherine and I were the same? I guess I wanted to know how you feel when you Katherine bit her lip. by chance someday youll find out, my innocent, sweet Stefan. She lay back on the bed, arranging her hair on the snow-white goose-down pillow. But right now, all I want is you. I lay down next to her, shadow the curve of her chin with my index finger as I put my lips to hers. The kiss was so loose and tender that I felt her essence and mine combine, creating a force that was larger than ourselves. We explored each others bodies as if for the first time. In the dim light of her chambers, I was never sure where realit y ended and my dreams began. there was no shame, no expectation, just passion and desire, and a sense of danger that was mysterious and beautiful and consuming.That night, I would have allowed Katherine to consume me entirely and claim me for her own. I would have gladly offered up my neck if it meant that we could have stayed locked in that embrace for all of eternity.