Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay examples -- English Literature E

Sir Gawain and the gullible KnightSir Gawain and the Green Knight is a poetry written during the medieval period about the Arthurian legend. Although the author is anonymous, it is apparent that the dialect of Sir Gawain points to an origin in provincial England, and it represents the cultural centers which remote from the royal court at London where Geoffrey Chaucer spent his life (Norton, 200). This poem is considered one of the best works of Middle English literature. One reason is that the author was able to ingeniously combine two different plots, folklore and romance, into one literary work. The other reason is the authors elaborate, but brilliant usage of alliterations and rhymes. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is about a Green Knight, a figure that umteen consider to be an immortal, who challenges Arthurs court. Sir Gawain, the most courageous and noble knight of the court, accepts the Green Knights challenge for the sake of King Arthurs reputation. believe that he is acting on behalf of the king, Sir Gawain does not know that it is really a test of his own chivalry. The following passage that I will analyze introduces and describes the Green Knight. Here, I will talk about the importance of the knights attitude, size, and his greenish color. All these are significant elements, as you will see, that help to border his condemnation of the court. The author begins by telling us how the Green Knight breaks into the dining hall as everyone is about to be served their main course, there hurtles in at the hall-door an unknown rider (Norton, 205). Although this behavior is very rude, we must be able understand why the Green Knight acts this ... ...g-like Dame Ragnell is not initially Gawains true love, he still shows his full respect for her as a wife and lives up to his responsibility as a husband. Upon her transformation to her fine self, Gawain does not regret his decision to allow her to choose f or him. As a matter of fact, as noble as he is, even if Dame Ragnell had remained a hag, he would still treat her the best. According to the story, although their marriage lasts for only five years, and Gawain has many other wives afterward, he still loves her the best because of her uniqueness. CitationsLiteraturesAbrams, M.H., The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Sixth Edition, Vol. 1. refreshing York W.W. Norton & Co. Inc., 1993.The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell. In Middle English Verse Romances. Ed. Donald B. Sands. New York Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1966. 323 - 347.

Internet, Extranet, Email in companies Essay -- essays research papers

The ever-changing world of technology is making the world kick the bucket diminutiveer e truly day. Businesses and organizations be taking advantage of the advances in technology to improve their organizations. Technologys influence reaches beyond improving relations indoors an organization to enhancing an organizations ability to service its customers. But even more than that technology is influencing the shape of the organization itself. In order to realize the affect of technology on business organizations, the following paper will focus on how organizations use technology within an organization (intranet, e institutionalise), how organizations use technology to transfer with and service clients or customers, and finally how organizations are using the current technology to train both employees and customers. How are businesses utilizing technology with their organizations? Email Many businesses at the very least are taking advantage of the current technology to implement e mail systems. Email systems, in addition to tralatitious methods of communication including telephones, voice mail and face-to-face interactions are increasing the ease of communication amidst sight in an organization. Through the use of email, hatful are open to send messages on a one-to-one basis, or to send broadcast messages to an entire organization, or to send messages to a specific group or department.Email provides an alternative to the traditional face-to-face or telephone communication that is necessary in business. With the increased productivity and demands that accompany day-to-day operations, people are al shipway looking for ways to do more in less time. A written message sent via email can be short concise and to the point, eliminating whatever of the small talk that would normally take place in a face-to-face or telephone interaction. Another advantage of email is that people are able to respond when it is convenient for them. In a society where time is of the essence, people are able to sort through messages and to prioritize which ones should be addressed first. Furthermore, some people prefer sending email messages instead of face-to-face interactions because they are more likely to be intimidated by face-to-face communication. Email gives those types of people the freedom and the opportunity to say exactly what is on their mind.Electronic messaging systems are also a great asset to a manager... ...that studies to measure differences in student performance should go beyond just grades. Therefore, additional studies have included outcomes including student involvement, and participation, cognitive engagement, technology self-efficacy, attitudes toward the technology employed, the usefulness of the technology, attitudes toward technology-mediated distance teaching and the relative advantage and disadvantage of distance learning . In order to achieve learning most effectively, methods should include the use of rich media, interaction b etween students and instructors, and instructors who project positive attitudes.As technology bears to advance, distance learning will continue to become more like traditional classroom training. More people are looking for alternative means for continuing education. Continuing education in organizations is becoming the rule, not the exception. In all areas, internally and externally organizations are embracing technology to get in touch with their workers and the world. The dynamic nature of technology will continue to push organizations in new directions and will continue to play a role in defining and shaping the organizations themselves.

Clockwork Orange Essay -- essays papers

Clockwork Orange In all of my reading, I have come to the conclusion that Anthony Burgess is unity of the greatest literary geniuss of the twentieth century. His masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange, is unrivaled in obvious depth, insight, and innovation. The novel is a work of such quality, such perfection, that it seems to be genuinely written by a literary demigod. The novels main theme deals with free choice and spiritual freedom. More specifically, The ethical promise that A man who cannot rent ceases to be man can be taken as both the explicit and implicit themes of the novel (Morgan 104). Anthony Burgess expresses his view that no matter how good one and only(a)s actions are, unless one has free moral choice, he is spiritually damned. The novel revolves around one criminally minded teen, Alex, whose world consists of rape, murder, and ruthless violence. Alex is eventually setup by his droogs (friends) and is arrested and jailed. aft(prenominal) some time in jail, Alex is placed in a new rehabilitating program that uses electro-shock therapy, new medicines, and exposure to violent film. The program breaks all that Alex holds dear and builds him up with a new artificial conscience. This part of the novel presents the reader with a new, reformed Alex, an Alex without free will or freedom of choice, an Alex who has become a dupe Burgess considers this lack of freedom to be spiritually murderous and terribly wrong. Burgess knows that it is better to choose to be evil, than to be forced to be good. Alex is excruciate by his new state of oppression. He is incapable of making any choice he must always do what is good. Alex is then taken chthonian the wing of a writer who is fighting the oppressive government. The writer... ...a way that appears to distance it. Stanley If this occurs it may be because the story both in the novel and the film is told by Alex, and everything that happens is seen through his eyes. Since he has his own rather special way of seeing what he does, this may have some effect in distancing the violence. Some mess have asserted that this made the violence attractive. I think this view is totally incorrect.BibliographyCoale, Samuel, Anthony Burgess (1981) Mathews, Richard, The Clockwork Universe of Anthony Burgess (1978).Kagan, Norman, The Cinema of Stanley Kubrick (1989) Nelson, Thomas Allan, Kubrick Inside A Film Artists Maze (1982) Phillips, Gene, Stanley Kubrick A Film Odyssey (1975) Walker, Alexander, Stanley Kubrick Directs, rev. ed. (1972).English to Russian Dictionary (1996). A Clockwork Orange (1963) Burgess, Anthony

Comparing George Orwell’s 1984 and Our World Today Essay -- airstrip on

George Orwells dystopian novel, 1984, set in Airstrip One, originally named Great Britain, is a fictional story that describes a time where England is overruled by English Socialism. The storys point of view is through the main character, Winston Smith, who is an intelligent member of the middle class. The audience is walked through the ulterior stages of his life, where his intellectual thought is most prominent. Throughout the book, Winston goes through all(prenominal)day life, as well as visits many places that be described in great detail. both(prenominal) place he goes has varying effects on him and other individuals surrounding him. The place that has them most effect on Winston is his family unit in the Victory Mansions, which ironically, are just apartments. This particular space affects how he walks, talks, and even thinks. Fortunately, in comparison to our world today, we dont have to be as precautious about our every move. In Winstons home, there is a telesc reen, which is actually in every residents home. This device is embedded with a surveillance camera that watches every move made, and can hear every sound made. This is how Big Brother (BB) is always watching, and if someone does something that BB doesnt approve of, they have the ability to arrest and solely erase their existence. Winston has to be careful in his own home and cant make any sudden movements that may attract negative attention. hence Winston is very delicate in his movements just so he can avoid any trouble. In a particular scene, all the citizens had to participate in morning exercises, while the instructor watched from the screen. All of a sudden, Smith 6079 Smith W Yes, you Bend lower please You can do better than that. Youre not trying. Lowe... ...hough we have the freedom of speech, we should still be wary of how we say or write things to avoid any unnecessary trouble. In conclusion, Winstons home made him a very cautious and careful person, who felt the need to sneak to do anything. This is a very scary feeling to have in ones own home, because a home is normally where someone has the right to relax, sit back, and enjoy their freedom. In Winstons situation, it is the complete opposite stage setting he is nervous, peace less, and has feelings of entrapment, except for the little area that provides him with some form of liberation. Luckily this isnt the circumstance for our society and hopefully it will never be the circumstance. We gratefully have been granted amendments that give us many rights to live and thrive freely amongst the world.Works Citedhttp//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Orwell/1984

Technology in the film Tron Essay -- Film Movie Tron Technology Essays

Technology in the pullulate Tron Introduction The purpose of my project is to discover how engineering is represented within the film Tron. To answer this look question, I viewed and analyzed the movie and incorporated information from the text and various websites. While studying this film, I took into consideration factors such as images and language used, how technology is related to society, and what symbols the creator used to convey certain qualities of technology. In this research paper, I go away begin by explaining the significance of this project and my beas of research. I will then relay the focus of my investigation, the methods I employed to gain my research, analyze the film, and discuss the implications of my analysis. I will conclude with a summary of the main points. precept and focus A film such as Tron, with a plot that centers on science and technology, is an important artifact to study because it demonstrates our capabilities and understandings of technology in 1982, when the film was released. It also illuminates societal views of technology in the 1980s, and possible debates over proper uses of technology. It serves as an example of the manner in which technology was communicated to the public at that especial(a) time.In my Rhetoric and Public Life class I learned that artifacts such as Tron are part of our social construction of reality. I contract learned that popular culture and the film influence each other. I now have an overall understanding of how technology was represented in the movie. I first prepared for this project by researching the movie on the Internet. I found that Tron has several websites dedicated to it, one of which is maintained by a devotee named Guy Gordon. From this si... ... symbols the creator used to convey certain qualities of technology, I discovered that technology is represented in this movie as a threat to society. By incorporating course concepts, I realize that people often have this reaction wh en encountering a new medium. I have also learned that there are many benefits, as well as drawbacks to this medium, but it is neither the destroyer of civilization nor the savior of impending doom. It is important to understand how it fits into our lives. ReferencesAdams, Tyrone and Clark, Norman, (2001). The Internet Effective Online Communication. Harcourt College Publishers.Gordon, Guy, (2002). The Tron Page. Retrieved February 20, 2002 from the human race Wide Web www.Tron-movie.com. Mcoran-Campbell, Adrian, Tron. The Unorthodox Reel. Retrieved March 26, 2002 from the World Wide Web http//www.un-reel.co.uk/Tron.htm.

child development :: essays research papers

Video ReflectionPlayv Importancev Indoors Playv Levels of Play v accessible Skillsv Intellectual Playq ImportanceGrowing up my mother encouraged her four youngsterren to wreak hard. We were allowed the space to work off or steam by playing dirty in the mud. Or being allowed to jump into a pile of leaves. Her basic motivates and comments to us were always that the clothing could be washed, we could take a bath but enjoy be a sister. In the video Play, it is discussed as a way for children to be allowed to let go of their emotions. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, Play is described a crucial stage in the development of the child. It allows the child to develop their sensor motor skills.q Indoor PlayWhen a child plays indoor, they are in the process of developing a greater since of their physical skills. They can learn hand eye coordination also, problems solving skills will be enhanced. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, it is important for the children have the ability and space to gain a deeper understand of who they are how they can function indoors. q Levels of PlayTo watch a child play is to watch a world being created before your eyes. Children have the ability to experience freedom and love at its best. Yet, even the nature has laws and different levels of interaction. in that respect are different forms of play associated with how children will interact. Functional play is when children can explore using senses to figure out what they can do. structural play is used by children of all ages. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, the different levels of play allow the child to develop a sense of there own personality. q Social SkillsAs children learn how to play and interact with each other, they learn social skills. They learn how to cooperate with each other, in order to accomplish what they need. Play allows them the ability to release a lot of so cial tension. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, learned social skills are important in the d evelopment of the child. These are the first steps that the child will need to take to eventually take their place in the society.

child development :: essays research papers

Video ReflectionPlayv Importancev within Playv Levels of Play v Social Skillsv Intellectual Playq ImportanceGrowing up my mother encouraged her four sisterren to embolden hard. We were allowed the space to work off or steam by playing dirty in the mud. Or being allowed to jump into a pile of leaves. Her fundamental motivates and comments to us were always that the clothing could be washed, we could take a bath but enjoy be a child. In the video Play, it is discussed as a way for children to be allowed to let go of their emotions. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, Play is described a crucial stage in the widenment of the child. It allows the child to develop their sensor motor skills.q Indoor PlayWhen a child plays indoor, they are in the process of developing a greater since of their physical skills. They throw out set hand eye coordination also, problems solving skills will be enhanced. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, it is serious for the children have the ability and space to gain a deeper understand of who they are how they can function indoors. q Levels of PlayTo watch a child play is to watch a world being created before your eyes. Children have the ability to experience granting immunity and love at its best. Yet, even the nature has laws and different levels of interaction. There are different forms of play associated with how children will interact. Functional play is when children can explore victimisation senses to figure out what they can do. Constructive play is used by children of all ages. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, the different levels of play allow the child to develop a sense of there own personality. q Social SkillsAs children learn how to play and interact with each other, they learn social skills. They learn how to abet with each other, in order to accomplish what they need. Play allows them the ability to release a lot of so cial tension. In chapter 15, Enhancing Creativity, learned social skills are important in the development of the child. These are the first steps that the child will need to take to eventually take their place in the society.

The History of Volleyball

In 1895, a man gaind William Morgan wanted to create a new game requiring less physical contact than basket roll. He determined to blend elements of basket screwb either, tennis, handball, and baseball resulting in the game of Volleyball (at the time called mintonette). Morgan took a tennis net and raised it 6 ? feet he required the players to hit the ball back and forth over it, keeping it from hitting the ground. During a demonstration, someone stated that the players seemed to be volleying the ball back and forth over the net, and the new name volleyball was born.The send-off game of volleyball was played at Springfield College in 1896. Four years later, in 1900, a special ball was k todaying for the sport. Volleyball was presented, in 1907, at the Playground of America convention as one of the most popular sports. In 1916, an offensive style of passing the ball was introduced one player passes the ball high in the air to be struck by another teammate as it comes back down whi ch is now known as set and spike. In 1920, the rule only allowing the ball to be hit three times per side was set into place.The first YMCA national championships were held in Brooklyn, NY in 1922. It was clear that tournaments and rules were needed, so USA Volleyball was formed. Over the next 27 years, volleyball became a worldwide sport and was introduced to the exceptional Games in Tokyo in 1964. The U. S. won their first Olympic medals in 1984 in Los Angeles, the women won Silver, and the men won Gold. Two-person beach volleyball was introduced as an Olympic Sport in 1996. In 2001, Kerri Walsh and Misty May became a team.Together, these two women competed in the Olympics 3 times. They won 3 Olympic gold metals, winning all 21 Olympic run intoes, only losing one set. They became known as the worlds greatest womens beach volleyball team, holding the world record for consecutive match wins 90 victories. The sport of volleyball has been nigh for 118 years, with little changes to rules and regulations. It is a young sport, but has become one of the most popular sports played all around the world.

Balagtasan Essay

The Dynamic encrustation, dry landquakes and the globes nationalWhy is the globes sauciness constituted as being dynamic?Crust- solid rock show uper zone of EarthThe freshness is part of the geosphere.The Earths crust is dynamic which means unendingly changing. quakesVolcanoesCrustal impactments along fault zonesOther consequence indicates that parts of the Earths crust have been moving to different locations for billions of years. pass pieces of evidence that suggest fry changes in the Earths crust. Displaced & Deformed Rock StrataSedimentary rocks appear to form in horizontal layers. However, observations of the Earths egress indicate that the victor formations of rock have changed through past movements. TiltingEarth movement resulting in a change in the position of rock layers, rocks at an angleFolded Strata deflection in the rock layers produced during the mountain building process FaultingMovement of rock along a crack (fault) in the crustDisplaced FossilsDi splaced means moved.Marine fossils- the Great Compromiser or imprints of once living nautical organisms such as coral, fish, etc. nominate in aqueous rock Marine fossils found in layers of sedimentary rock in mountains, often thousands of feet above sea level. These marine fossils found at high elevation suggest past uplift of rock strata. change posture or settling of rock strataRock layers that have been moved.Horizontal Displacement (Faulting)Earth shifts side appearances along a diversify fault in the crustVertical Displacement (Faulting)Portion of Earths grow is either uplifted or subsides along a fault or crack. Benchmark eternal cement or brass marker in ground indicating a measured elevation.IsostasyCondition of balance or equilibrium in Earths crust.Since the upper mantle acts wish well a in truth dense fluid, the crustal casings float on top of it. Any change in one part of the crust is offset by a corresponding change in anformer(a) part of the crust. Example of I sostasyIf a piece of crust loses some of its material receivable to erosion, it becomes lighter and floats higher in the mantle. When the eroded material gets deposited, the crust is weighted down ca use that argona to sink lower into the mantle. some other isostatic example.The deposition of 2 miles thick ice on NY during a glacial ice maturate caused the ara to subside slightly. This forced other areas to rise higher in rejoinder to the settling under the ice. Later after the ice receded or melted, the region responded with gradual uplift causing minor unstable activity or quakes. fracture examples of crustal activity and explain where the zones of crustal activity are located. Areas of Crustal ActivityCrustal activities such as earthquakes and volcanoes occur for the most part in specific zones or regions of the Earth. These regions are usually along the borders of classics and oceans. These zones mark boundaries or edges of ample pieces of the Earths crust called cr ustal boundaries. ESRT p.5What is an earthquake? Explain the difference amongst an epicenter and a focus of an earthquake.Describe properties of the 3 types of earthquake drifts and tell the difference between a seismograph and a seismogram. I. EarthquakesSudden trembling or shiver of ground usually caused by movement along a break or a fault releasing built up stress When an earthquake occurs, seismic waves are created and move out in all directions from the focus or point of origin. The earthquakes focus or point of origin is usually deep below the Earths surface. The point on the Earths surface directly above the focus is called the epicenter. Describe properties of the 3 types of earthquake waves and tell the difference between a seismograph and aseismogram. II. Earthquake WavesSeismograph Instrument that detects and records seismic waves. Earthquakes generate several kinds of seismic waves that can be detected by a seismograph. 3 types of seismic waves are p, s, & l waves.L wavesLong wavesDo not pass through the Earth.Ripple along the surface of the EarthCreate the damage associated with earthquakesP wavesPrimary wavesAlso called compressional because they cause the material through which they pass to vibrate back and forth (compress) in the same direction as the wave is change of location. Called immemorial because they move quickly through the Earth with a greater velocity than secondary waves and therefore are the first waves to reach a distant location. S wavesSecondary wavesAlso called shear waves because they cause the material through which they pass to vibrate at right angles (up & down) to the direction in which the wave is expeditioning III. Velocities of WavesWhen traveling in the same material, primary waves travel at a greater velocity than secondary waves. So a seismograph will read the primary waves forward the secondary waves arrive. A single seismogram showing the arrival eons of p & s waves whitethorn be used to determine the dis tance to the earthquake and its time of origin. The greater the difference in arrival propagation of the primary and secondary waves, the greater the distance to the earthquake epicenter. Finding the Distance to an Earthquakes epicentreTo suffer out how far an epicenter was out from a location, a seismograph reading or seismogram is necessary that shows the arrival of both p and s waves. find the Exact Location of an Earthquakes Epicenter Epicenter location is found by the comparison of differences in travel time of p &s seismic waves. Knowing the separation time between arrival of both p & s waves gives the distance to the point on the Earths surface directly above the earthquake called the epicenter. Since simply the distance to epicenter and not direction is known, a circle is drawn with the radius equal to the distance. The epicenter is on the circle.To find the actual location of the epicenter you must find the distance from 3 different seismograph post. Why not 2? Draw 3 circles somewhat the 3 seismograph stations and where they intersect is the earthquakes epicenter. The earthquake occurred at a point somewhere below the epicenter and that internal point is called the focus. Scientists deficient to improve accuracy of finding the true epicenter will find the distance from more than 3 seismograph stations. canvass and contrast the 2 scales for determining the medium of an earthquake. a) The Modified Mercalli ScaleBased upon the damage inflicted by an earthquake.This intensity scale ranges from I to XII with I being felt by few stack to XII resulting in total devastation. Modified Mercalli Scale ContinuedAlthough this scale is still used, it is not very precise. Why? Damage inflicted by earthquakes depends on numerous factors besides the strength of the earthquake such as location, type of land, building design & structure, etc. b) The Richter ScaleA order scale used to describe the amount of naught released by an earthquake. Richter scale o rder of magnitudes range from 0 to 9.Each number step up the scale indicates a release of 32 times more energy than the previous step. Earthquakes that are less than 2.5 are not usually felt by people. Approximately 20 major earthquakes in the magnitude 7.0-7.9 occur every year and each 5-10 years an earthquake of 8.0 or more will devastate a portion of Earth. Give examples of dangers to humans from volcanic and earthquake activity. Dangers to Humans from Earthquakes and VolcanoesTell at least 4 of these hazards.Fires (Ruptured gas or power lines)Collapsing buildings/Falling DebrisBroken bridges and lanesTsunamis (Seismic ocean Waves)Lava menstruums melt and burnVolcanic ash & poisonous gases make it difficult to breathe Large submarine (under water) earthquakes or those that occur along a coastline whitethorn result in tsunamis or seismic sea waves. Describe differences between p and s wave transmission through the Earth and how it creates a hind end zone. VII. Transmission of E arthquake WavesThe velocity of an earthquake wave varies according to density of the material through which it is traveling. The greater the density of the material, the greater the velocity. As seismic waves travel through materials of different densities, the velocity of the seismic waves will change. This change in velocity of the wave causes the wave to be bent or refracted. Since the density of the Earth gradually increases with depth, seismic waves tend to increase in their velocity and continually refract (bend) as they travel down into the Earth. Difference in P and S Wave TransmissionCompressional or p waves are transmitted through all phases of matter solid, liquid or gas. However, shear or s waves are only transmitted through solids. This difference provides valuable information for scientists about the composition and interior structure of the Earth. S waves that penetrate the Earth to the depth of the outermost core disappear. Since these waves are not transmitted by t he outer core, the material of the outer core is assumed to be liquid. Earthquakes generate p & s waves that move out from the earthquake through the Earth in all directions. Seismographs that are located within 102 degrees from the epicenter record both p & s waves. Those seismograph stations that are farther away than 102o do not record any s waves because they are not transmitted through the core. A band that runs or so 102o to 143o away from the epicenter records neither p nor s waves. Describe a model of the Earths crust and interior. Describe characteristics of both the crust and interior. Crust & Interior PropertiesThere are 4 major Earth zones, three solid ones and one liquid. The 3 solid zones are the crust, mantle and inner core.The only liquid zone is the outer core.See ESRT p.10Crustal ThicknessThe crust of the Earth compared to other zones is relatively thin, only a few kilometers in average depth. The average thickness of the Continental crust is greater than the aver age thickness of the oceanic crust. Crustal CompositionThe continental crust is composed mainly of felsic perfervid rock like granite that is low in density. The oceanic crust is composed mainly of mafic eruptive rock like basalt that is high in density. Interior StructureCrust sits on top of mantle.Mantle accounts for the greatest part of the volume of the Earth. The crust-mantle boundary is called the Mohorovicic Discontinuity or the Moho. Below the mantle is the liquid outer core and the solid inner core. Interior CompositionEvidence from the behavior of seismic waves and metallic meteorites suggests that the inner portion of the Earth is a high density combination of the metallic elements iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni). Characteristics of Earths InteriorThe density, temperature and bosom of the Earths interior increases with depth. (ESRT p.10). The density ranges from 2.7g/cm3 for the continental crust and 3.0g/cm3 for the oceanic crust to 12.7 g/cm3-13.0g/cm3 for the inner core. Compare theories of continental drift and plate tectonics. Give evidence that support the idea that continents have moved. I. Plate Tectonics TheoryTheory that Earths lithosphere is do of a number of solid plates that move in relation to each other. ESRT p.5Continental DriftTheory that continents are now, as well as in the past, shifting positions. Wegener noted that the present continents appear to fit together as fragments of an originally larger landmass, much the same way the pieces of a scroll saw puzzle fit together. This is especially true if the edges of the continental shelves are used as the boundaries. However, over the years new evidence has been collected that indicates that approximately cc million years ago, the major continents were connected and since that time the continents have been moving generally apart. The following diagrams show the Inferred Positions of the Continents over the last 458 million years. Label the geologic Period for each diagram. Diagrams fo und in ESRT on page 9. Evidence to Support Idea that Continents Have MovedMany rock layers and fossils can be correlated across ocean basins. Rock types along with mineral composition and the fossils found in those rocks match up. A good example of this are rocks and fossils found on the east coast of South America match those found along the west coastline of Africa. Diamonds found in eastern Brazil are very similar to those found in western Africa. More Evidence for Continental MovementSome mountain chains appear to be continuous from continent to continent. Example Appalachians and CaledonianMore Evidence for Continental MovementRock and fossil evidence indicates ancient climates much different from those of today. Examples glacial deposits in tropical regions or coal deposits in Arctic More Evidence for Continental MovementRocks of the ocean basins are much younger than continental rocks. The most conclusive evidence comes from the ocean basins.Explain evidence for sea floor spr eading from both igneous ocean rocks and the reversal of magnetic polarity. Evidence to Suggest Sea radix SpreadingThere is much evidence to indicate that the ocean floors are spreading out from the mid-ocean ridges. The both major pieces of evidence are related to the age of igneous ocean materials and the reversal of magnetic polarity. a) Igneous sea RocksThe ocean crust is made up mainly of basalt that is formed when magma (molten rock) rises, cools, solidifies and crystallizes into igneous rocks of the mid-ocean ridges. Evidence shows that igneous rocks along the center of the mid-ocean ridge is younger (more recently formed) than the igneous rock found farther from the mid-ocean ridge. The age of igneous rock has been accurately determined using radioactive dating techniques. This suggests that as new ocean crust is generated at mid-ocean ridges, the ocean floor widens. Reversal of Magnetic PolarityThe strips of basaltic rock that inhabit parallel to the mid-ocean ridge sho w matched patterns of magnetic reversals. Check out this animation Over thousands of years, the magnetic poles of Earth reverse their polarities. The magnetic north pole changes to the magnetic south pole and vice versa. When the basaltic magma flows up in the middle of the ridge and begins to cool, crystals of magnetic minerals align themselves with the Earths magnetic field. This alignment of minerals in the rock leaves a recording of magnetic polarity for the Earth at the time of rock formation. When the Earths magnetic field is reversed, the new igneous rocks formed during the reversed polarity period have their minerals aligned in an opposite direction from the previously formed rocks. These changes in magnetic orientation are found in rock on both sides of the mid-ocean ridge, indicating that the development of the ocean floor is form the center of the mid-ocean ridges outward. Describe the 3 types of plate motion. Identify plate boundaries. Lithospheric Plates and Plate Bound ariesThree kinds of plate motion are associated with plate boundaries convergent, divergent and transform. a) Convergent Plate BoundariesConvergent Plate Boundaries- plates collide with each other Ocean Plate Meets Continental PlateIf an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser ocean plate made of basalt dives down (subducts) into the mantle forming a subduction zone with an ocean trench formed at the surface. At the subduction zone, old crust is consumed by the mantle to create more molten material. The overriding continental plate made of granite forms mountains. An example isthe Andes of South America. Ocean Plate Meets Ocean PlateIf two oceanic plates converge, the older, denser plate will subduct also forming a trench on the surface along with a chain of islands called an island arc. An example of this convergent subduction zone is the Northern and Western boundaries of the Pacific Ocean. Continental Plate Meets Continental PlateIf a continental plate collide s with another continental plate, the edge of both plates are crumpled up forming folded mountains. An example of this type of convergent boundary is the Himalayas of India. b) diverging Plate BoundariesDivergent Plate Boundaries- plates move apartA divergent boundary allows heat and magma to flow up from below forming parallel ridges made of new crustal material. An example of a divergent plate boundary like this is any mid-ocean ridge. c) Transform Plate BoundaryTransform Plate Boundary- plates grind slowly past each other At this type of boundary, crust is neither formed nor consumed. An example is San Andreas Fault in California.Shallow focus earthquakes are very common at transform boundaries. Plate Tectonic Map (ESRT p.5)Although plate motion is only a few centimeters a year, the interactions of the boundaries result in earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain building on a grand scale showing that the Earth is a dynamic system. Explain how mantle convection cells are opinion to b e the method for moving crustal plates. Mantle Convection CellsAlthough forces cost within the Earth that are powerful ample to move the lithospheric plates, the scientific community is not in total agreement on the specific apparatus (method) involved. Convection cell- menses of heated material that is moving due to density differences Evidence suggests that convection cells exist within a part of the mantle called the asthenosphere because of the occurrence of heat flow highs in areas ofmountain building and heat flow lows in areas of shallow subsiding basins. These convection cells may be part of the driving force which causes continents to move. What are impetuous spots? How are they formed?Hot SpotsHot Spots- places on Earths surface with unusually high heat flow most hot spots occur along active plate margins but some are found within the plates. Hot spots are thought to be caused by magma rising up from the mantle producing sites of active volcanism. Wow That was Dynamic Prepare for Chapter TestGood Luck* EartHquakes* Sub-topics* How strong is an earthquake?Do you live near an active fault?Earthquake and tsunamiWhat is inside the earth?* What is an Earthquake?* An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the sudden gap and movement of large sections (tectonic plates) of the earths rocky outermost crust. The edges of the tectonic plates are marked by faults (or fractures). Most earthquakes occur along the fault lines when the plates playground slide past each other or collide against each other. * The shifting masses send out shock waves that may be powerful enough to alter the surface of the Earth, thrusting up cliffs and opening great cracks in the ground and cause great damage collapse of buildings and other man-made structures, mortified power and gas lines (and the consequent fire), landslides, snow avalanches, tsunamis (giant sea waves) and volcanic eruptions. * How strong is an Earthquake* Earthquakes are measured in two different ways1.) Magnitude2.)Intensity* Earthquake magnitude* Earthquake magnitude is a measure of the energy released by an earthquake, or its size. Because earthquakes vary a lot in size, earthquake magnitude scales are logarithmic. For a one-step increase in magnitude the amount of energy released increases about 32 times. So a magnitude 7 earthquake is 32 times bigger than a magnitude 6 earthquake, and a magnitude 8 earthquake is 1000 bigger. * Earthquake intensity* Earthquake intensity describes how much ground shaking occurred, or how strong an earthquake was, at a particular location. Earthquake waves wishy-washyen as they travel away from the earthquake source, so an earthquake generally feels less strong the further away from the source you are. * Earthquake intensity* The intensity of an earthquake is determined by observing the effects of the earthquake in different places. Houses, buildings, and other structures are inspected. People are interviewed about what they saw (the cabi net fell over), how they felt (I was frightened), or what they did (I ran out of the house). * The Modified Mercalli (MM) intensity scale* MM 1Not felt.* MM 2Felt by peeple at rest on upper floors of buildings. * MM 3Felt indoors, like a delicate truck passing hanging objects swing slightly. * MM 4Felt indoors by many, like a heavy truck passing hanging objects swing, windows rattle. * MM 5Felt outdoors, sleepers awakened, handsome objects and pictures move. * MM 6Felt by all, crockery breaks, furniture moves, weak plaster cracks. * The Modified Mercalli (MM) intensity scale* MM 7Difficult to stand, noticed by car drivers, furniture breaks, weak chimneys break at roof line, plaster, loose bricks and tiles fall. * MM 8Driving is difficult, ordinary masonry is damaged, chimneys and towers fall, some liquefaction. * MM 9General panic, poor masonry destroyed, ordinary masonry and foundations damaged, liquefaction and landslides. * MM 10Most masonry structures destroyed. Some well-buil t wooden structuresand bridges destroyed. Dams and embankments damaged, large landslides. * MM 11Few buildings left standing.* MM 12Damage nearly total.* FAULTS* What is a fault?* A fault is a break in the rocks that make up the Earths crust, along which rocks on either side have moved past each other. * The direction of movement along the fault plane determines the fault type. * 3 Major Faults* Normal* Reverse* Strike-slip* Do You Live Near an Active Fault?* An active fault is one that has moved in the past and is judge to move again. Put in another way, an active fault has generated earthquakes before and is capable of causing more in the future. * Scientists use different ways to find out if a fault is active. One is by checking the countrys historical records. Historians always write about destructive events such as earthquakes. * Another is by studying the vibrations, past and present, that come from faults. Still another way is by observing the surroundings. For example, a fa ult may cross a road and because of that, the road is displaced. * Do You Live Near an Active Fault?* Or a fault may cut across a stream and the stream channel is then shifted. Or a fault may slice through mountains and form cliffs. This is not to say that anyone can spot an active fault. Scientists pauperisation a lot of training to do that. * But along some faults, the effects may be dramatic. Suppose a house was built on a fault. As the ground shifts little by little, parts of the house will be affected. The floor will crack, doors will not close, and the roof may start to leak. * Obviously, it is important to know the location of active faults. As far as possible, no important structures should be built near or on them. Tsunami* What is a tsunami?* A tsunami is a series of waves usually caused by an undersea earthquake that displaces the ocean floor. But a tsunami is not really a wave that moves up and down its actually the ocean moving sideways as a massivesurge or a wall of w ater. Its also knownas a tidal wave. The Japanese word tsunami means harbor wave.A tsunami can generate waves for 12 to 24 hours. And the first wave is not always Japan, 2011 The capital of Massachusetts Globe the biggest A tsunami travels across the open ocean at over 500mph, the speed of a jet airplane. As it reaches shallower water and approaches shore, it slows down but grows in height. A tsunami can happen at anytime of day or year. How do earthquakes generate tsunamis?* Tsunamis can be generated when the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the lie water. Tectonic earthquakes are a particular kind of earthquake that are associated with the earths crustal deformation when these earthquakes occur beneath the sea, the water above the distorted area is displaced from its equilibrium position. Waves are formed as the displaced water mass, which acts under the influence of gravity, attempts to regain its equilibrium. When large areas of the sea floor elevate or subs ide, a tsunami can be created. * What is a Tsunami Earthquake* A tsunami earthquake is an earthquake that triggers a tsunami of a magnitude that is very much larger than the magnitude of the earthquake as measured by shorter-period seismic waves. Such events are a result of relatively slow rupture velocities. They are particularly dangerous as a large tsunami may arrive at a neighbouring coast with little or no warning. a tsunami earthquake is that the release of seismic energy occurs at long periods (low frequencies) relative to typical tsunamigenic earthquakes. Earthquakes of this type do not generally show the peaks of seismic wave activity associated with ordinary events. A tsunami earthquake can be defined as an undersea earthquake. * What is inside the Earth?* Earths Layers* CrustThe crust is the first layer of the earth. It is split up intotwo parts the continentalcrust, and the oceanic crust.* MantleThe mantle is the second layer of the earth. It is split up into two differe nt parts, the lithosphere (which is the top part) and the asthenosphere (which is the bottom part). * Earths Layers* Outer coreThe outer core is a liquid made up of iron and nickel. The depth of the outer core is 2, 890. This is one of thethree layers that is putting pressure on the inner core. * Inner coreThe Inner crust is the second thinnest layer. The inner core is hotter than the surface of the sun. The inner core is made out of iron and nickel. It is 5159 to 6378 km thick. * Earths Layers* The Earth is formed of three concentric layers the core, the mantle and the crust these are separated by transition zones called discontinuities. * Mohorovicic discontinuity* Gutenberg discontinuity* How the seismic waves travel* The shaking starts from the focus and spreads out. You can get an idea of how this happens by throwing a pebble into a pond. See the ripples that move out in circles? The vibrations from the focus are something like that. * The vibrations are more properly called se ismic waves. As seismic waves travel through the body of the Earth, they behave in different ways, depending on what they encounter along way

Interracial Marriage

Introduction An racial unification is a marriage among members of polar melts, known as as Mixed marriage marriage of two plurality from diverse races or diametric religions or different civilizations. Miscegenation reproduction by p argonnts of different races (especi onlyy by white and non-white soulfulnesss). Exogamy marriage to a person belonging to a tribe or group varietyer(a) than your own as required by custom or law. Multiracial made up of or involving or acting on behalf of various races, and Biracial consisting of or combining two races.mixed marriages be heretofore a exploitation c erstwhilern in the society. all over the time, the add up of sundry(a) marriage has been multiplied to a large number. After all these years, miscellaneous marriage is close up considered as a taboo according to approximately religious and heathen reason. Where at the selfsame(prenominal) time, it is very universal in some cultures, only when whatever the situation whit ethornbe, sundry(a) marriage has twain pros and cons. sundry(a) marriage is the term used to describe marriages that take place amid mass who are from different racial or ethnic groups.Intercultural marriages are defined as marriages between plenty who come from two different cultural backgrounds. A marriage between a woman from China, whose culture emphasizes the needs of the family over the needs of the individual, and a man from the United States, whose culture emphasizes individual autonomy, would be an example of a intercultural marriage. Whereas relationships between people from different ethnic and cultural groups are becoming increasingly common, there are substantial increases in the number of individuals engaging in interracial or intercultural marriages.However, even though the number and societal acceptance of interracial marriages is growing, little has been written around these marriages, the reasons for their increase, or their strengths and liabilities. inter racial marriages prevail a hard go at it. They suffer non only from the prejudice of others, but also from inherent problems of differences between their respective cultures which comply with those already present in a marriage. Ethnic groups tote up variety and richness to a society by introducing their own ideas and springer.Interracial marriages introduce much(prenominal)(prenominal) variety. In a perfect world, everyone should celebrate this. However, the world does not look at all marriages as love between two people without move to their race. The Three Stages of Marriage Regardless of the race of the parties involved in a marriage, the marriage usually undergoes three distinct phases. These three phases either aid the rival in developing a stronger bond or the stages manifestly run to weakening or conflagrateing the marriage.The phases whitethorn be distinguished by the chase categories the honeymoon stage, the setting-in phase, and the resolution phase. The firs t stage of marriage is the honeymoon stage. This is the stage when everything is new and wonderful. Both parties are optimistic and confident near their future together, they guess they can overcome any obstacle. They value their differences, and they work together to try to make the most out of everything and anything. In this stage interracial twins are at ease with each other, they face minimal if any problems between themselves.Unfortunately, this stage must and does end. This stage ends with the intrusion of an orthogonalr who strains both persons. The outsider is usually soul in the immediate family. If there is no outside intruder, then the marriage moves into the second phase when the individuals in the marriage stop valuing each others differences and begin to adopt their differences as obstacles. The couple begins to realize what each difference means in terms of spending their lives together. The second stage of marriage is the setting-in phase.In this phase both me mbers of the marriage expose their behavior. The politeness between the couple is reduced and the couple finds it constantly arguing because they have begun to defend their own ideas, and disregarding the ideas of their partner. The different typecasts of qualities the individuals bring to the marriage are visible to each person during this stage. There is a revelation of love vs. compatibility in this stage, which relates to differences vs. similarities. The to a greater extent differences the less compatibility, the much than similarities the more love.In this stage interracial couples face more obstacles than couples of the same race, because there are more elements that need to be discussed. This is the stage where couples either make it or break it. The third phase in the marriage is called the resolution. In this stage couples have either mutually agreed to stay together and ignore each others differences as well as each other, or they pretend nothing is wrong, or they are in a constant state of anger towards each other and the resolutions they face. legion(predicate) nterracial marriages dont make it past the end of stage two and the beginning of stage three, unless they make arrangements that they can both understand and respect. Pros of Interracial Marriages There are plenty of benefits that accrue from an interracial marriage. The first and foremost is that the children of this relationship are possible to be better global citizens than those born from marriages/ relationships of the same race. There is more tolerance towards the diversity of religion because the partners learn to respect the differences and nuances of each religious tradition they follow.Their children would grow with a broad outlook on God and the richness of religion. Again, this is the need of the day. More people have died as a result of religious hatred than all the wars put together. Religious tolerance and sensitivity is painfully needed in todays world. One of the mos t positive aspects of this type of marriage is that each of the partners gets the opportunity to learn and experience another culture and racial aspects, which other people are deprived of. Interracial marriages also provide an opportunity to know other cultures and learn how similar most of the races and cultures are.Many times a person from an interracial marriage finds it easier to get adjusted with his or her in-laws, compared to his or her family, race or culture. Another positive thing about interracial marriage is that children born out of this marriage are tending to be healthier, which is an evidence of increase genetic diversity. Cons of Interracial Marriages There are dominance pitfalls in any marriage whether the couple is interracial or not but there have been some common trouble sight that interracial couples have identified in their marriages.Some of the common trouble spot include values, eating habits, sex, gender roles, friends, in-laws, and raising children. Some of these issues overlap, but there are some specific distinctions between each. Although these are potential trouble spots for any type of marriage, the degree to which they affect interracial marriages is greater. time value is what is seen as slap-up or bad, right or wrong, true or false, important or unimportant. Values tell us a lot about who a person is.Couples from the same racial group sometimes have different value systems, and couples from different racial groups almost always have different value systems. Value differences cause disagreements and misunderstandings between the couple, which may lead to umpteen interlockings. In order for interracial couples to overcome value differences, there needs to be tolerance from both parties. It helps when there are more similarities than differences in their value systems. regimen and drink also lead a problem in some interracial marriages.Food and drink does not only consists of what is spill to be consumed, it also ta kes into account how the meal is prepared, what time the meal is served, where the meal is eaten, and how it is eaten. People from different races usually choose different types of nutriments, even people from the same race who are from different locations have a problem with food, imagine what people from different races go through. How would an American tone of voice about eating tortillas with all their meals, or how would a Mexican feel about eating rice with all his meals? Eating customs from different races can cause problems.In some races the time a woman takes to prepare a meal is significant of how much she loves her cooperator, and in other races the spouse wont care if the wife picked up the meal at the drive through as long as he gets fed. So if food is really the way in to a mans heart, what is a woman to do when the man does not like her specific choices of meals, and she doesnt like his, should she sacrifice herself and eat what he prefers? For some races mealtime is family time, yet for some others mealtime may just be whatever time the person gets hungry.If the person is used to eating at specific times during the day and making a feast out of every meal, they may find themselves in trouble when the spouse is eating at random times of the day, not in the dinner table, but on the sofa watching TV, or the spouse simply does not eat at home but instead takes it on the go because his busy schedule does not permit him time to sit down and eat with the family. What if the couple does not share the same manners or etiquette at the dinner table, who is to say which one is the correct form, and how will the argument be settled?For some eating is a common and non-threatening event of their daily lives, for others, especially interracial couples, eating can draw a form of pitfall in the relationship. Even sex can become an issue in interracial marriages. Some of the issues that arise in sex matters are contraception, menstruation, masturbation, numb er and importance of children, virginity and chastity, family honor, machismo and femininity, hygiene, premarital relations, marital fidelity, sexual practices, homosexuality, incest, dating, dancing, romance, holding hands, victimisation cosmetics, and the way an individual dresses.One of the biggest reasons that sex can become an issue in interracial marriages is because the young couples dont expect it to be an issue, so they dont discuss many of the previously mentioned issues before marriage. If anything they are both under the sentiment that sex will be one of the few things they wont have problems with. Unless the racial couple holds the same moral values the topic of sex will usually become an issue. Gender roles will cause problems when each individual holds different beliefs about how the other person should behave.In western societies women are given more liberties and freedoms, but in non-western societies the female is heavily expected to serve the man. When the race s from these different societies unite some problems arise, especially if the man of a western society is following a woman of a non-western society and he is under the impression that she is going to serve him when no other women from his same race would do this, and the woman from the non-western society is adopting him because she deals he is going to offer her more liberties and freedoms, like no other man in her race can offer.Usually men and women motive to take on the roles from the other race that they benefit from, and this becomes the problem. outside expectations and pressures from family members can contribute to the problems. If a man from a non-western society marries a woman of a different race from a western society and accepts her liberties and freedoms, his family will usually become judgmental of the circumstances until they convince him to be different and thus he begins to have problems with his wife, and the womans family may find it rare for their daughter to become a handmaiden to the man.The gender role expectations and pressures from outsiders have a great influence on the decisions and actions of each individual in an interracial couple it helps lead the couple into conflict and problems. Last but not least, in-laws are a frightening issue in any marriage. Disapproving in-laws are an issue in the volume of interracial marriages. The problem with in-laws is that depending on their race they hold different views regarding what rights they have over their children, even after their children get hitched with.In some races the parents believe their children are owners of their flavor and have the right to decide anything for themselves once they embrace or turn a certain age. In other races parents hold the belief that since they raised and took care of the children when they were young, the children owe them eternal respect and gratitude, part of this respect and gratitude is conceived as parents having the authority over their c hild and the spouse of the child. Patriarchal authority becomes an issue if one person holds customs where their parents do not have any say in their childrens married conduct.Interracial families find it beneficial to move away from both of their families to avoid this type of problem. Distancing themselves from the family may help alleviate the in-laws problem, but it can also contribute to issues of separation from a main source of support. Couples need to take into consideration the pros and cons of world away from the in-laws before they make the final decision to move away. Types of People Who Choose to Marry Interracially There are many types of people who chose to marry interracially.The most common people who choose to marry interracially share the following traits highly educated, professional middle class or working class, marry at an older age, similar status, other interracial marriages exist in their family, and they are people who have been married before. Many of t he people who marry interracially are placed into a category to try to explain their reasoning for marrying interracially. The types of categories include but are not limited to outcasts, rebels, mavericks, compensators, adventurers, escapists, and unstable.The outcasts are those people who do not feel comfortable with their race because they dont agree with the norms. They are often questioning why they have to do certain things, and are not talented because they dont fit in with the social groups of their race. The outcast will usually find a culture within another race that appeal to their needs. This provides the outcasts with the opportunity to marry interracially and begin a family within a different racial context. The rebels are those people who disagree with the basic values, beliefs, and politics of their race.For them marrying outside of their race is not only a form of a long-life commitment to another person, but it is also a long life commitment to a form of protest. They disagree with one or more aspects of their race and they dont care what anyone around them might think if they marry outside of their race. The maverick may be seen as the non-conformist. People in this group are usually independent. Although the people within their race usually accept them, they would rather not belong to the in group. For the majority of the time these people are sufficiently detached to the different aspects of their race that they are happier not belonging to it, much less belonging to the in group. Marrying interracially allows the maverick to feel freed of the pressures to join and conform to the values, beliefs, politics, etc. of a race that they do not accept. The compensator is the person who is always looking for their other half. These are the people who feel incomplete by themselves, who do not want to be alone, and long for a loving relationship.This may not sound exclusively for people who marry interracially, but it is because this type of comp ensator is under the belief that they can only find what they need with a partner from a different race. The compensator attributes the deficiencies in their life to their race. Many times the compensator belongs to a broken family where neither of the parents is present, physically nor emotionally. The compensator is not negative about their own race they are just under the impression that someone from a different race can provide what they feel they are missing.The adventurer is the person who is always daring to be different. Adventurers marry interracially because they need the excitement from those who are different to them. They are risking their life with a race that is unknown to them, they dont want a predictable relationship instead they want a marriage that will stimulate their life and make them feel special. Many adventurers cross all boundaries race, class, religion, age, etc. Each additional difference makes the marriage and their life more exciting.The escapist is th e person who marries outside of their race in order to improve the quality of their life. The escapist may be marrying a different race to move up the social or economic ladder, they marry for the benefits. The majority of interracial marriages include some type of trade off between the parties involved. Unstables can be described by deviance. They marry outside of their race to defy authority. The authority they are usually trying to defy is their parents. Once they marry outside of their race the family will consider them to be abnormal and unstable people.Not many people marry under this type of circumstance, but it does happen. Outside of these seven categories where people can be placed to explain why they choose to marry interracially, exists love. Some people do marry outside of their race because they have simply fallen in love. Love can sometimes become a problem because in the cultures of many races, romantic love is simply not a valid reason to join lives in matrimony an d begin a family. Yet love is usually all it takes for many people to undergo marriage.Are People Still Marrying Interracially? Yes, people are still marrying interracially. Actually interracial marriages are in an increasing state of being. Over the last few centuries interracial marriages have more than multiplied. Between 1970 and 1994 the number of interracial marriages increased from 310,000 to 1. 3 million. Of the 1. 3 million interracial marriages of 1994, 296,000 were Blacks with Whites. Although these numbers may reckon significant they are less than 3 percent of the total marriages population in the U. S.But they are evidence of a changing America. The reasons interracial marriages have gained ordinaryity include an increasing social acceptance, as well as an increase in interactions between the different races, family influences, and the media. Social acceptance began to grow once laws against interracial marriages were abolished and people began to understand that what matters are how people feel and not how people look. Increase in interactions has developed through many institutions the most popular is college or the educational sector.A decrease in family or outside influences has also been recorded, which alleviates some of the problems interracial couples may face. The media is an important source of information in our society, and it has also played and important role in the development of interracial marriages or relationships. A wider acceptance of interracial relationships has been registered in the media through their advertising. Advertising is commonly known for depicting couples of the same race, especially if they are addressing the issue of romance. Yet depicting interracial couples in advertising is gaining popularity.Some well known brands who are gaining popularity for depicting interracial couples include Diesel, Club Monaco, Ikea, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Perrier. With the growth of interracial relationships t here has been the development of interracial support groups. These support groups have started all across the country, and since they even out a community in the making, their outlook on survival is very optimistic. Examples of these interracial support groups include the following Kaleidoscope at the University of Virginia, Students of Mixed Heritage at Amherst College, Interracial Family Club in Washington D.C. , Half and Half at Bryn Mawr, and Mixed Plate at Grinnell. These are definitely not the only ones, and many more are in development. The growth of interracial marriages is slowing among U. S. -born Hispanics and Asians. Still, disgracefuls are substantially more likely than before to marry whites. The number of interracial marriages in the U. S. has risen 20 percent since 2000 to about 4. 5 million, according to the latest census figures. While still growing, that number is a marked drop-off from the 65 percent increase between 1990 and 2000. somewhat 8 percent of U. S. arriages are mixed-race, up from 7 percent in 2000. The latest trend belies notions of the U. S. as a post-racial, assimilated society. Demographers cite a steady flow of recent immigration that has given Hispanics and Asians more ethnically similar partners to choose from while creating some social place from whites receivable to cultural and language differences. Although the numbers of interracial marriages in the United States have increased steadily since the arrogant Court struck down bans against them in 1967, they are still far from commonplace. According to the U. S. enumerate Bureau, Black-White marriages have increased from 65,000 in 1970 to 422,000 in 2005. When considering all racial combinations, less than 10% of all marriages in the United States today could be considered interracial. Mississippi had the fastest growth in mixed marriages from 2000-08, a sign of closer ties between blacks and whites though it still be second to last in overall share of mixed marria ges. Mixed marriages jumped from 2. 25 million to 3. 7 million, or 65 percent, from 1990-2000, as such unions became more broadly recognized in Southern states. Among U. S. -born whites, about 0. percent married blacks in 1980 that figure rose to about 1 percent in 2008. About 0. 3 percent of whites married Asians in 1980 and about 1 percent in 2008. About 2 percent of whites married Hispanics in 1980, rising to about 3. 6 percent in 2008. Conclusion The main problem among interracial marriages is not their history, their race, their marriage, or their children, the problem is society. If society were not so judgmental and relate with race, people would live more happily. Relations among groups would be easier to develop if they didnt have to face the strains from society.Many things still have to be done throughout the immaculate world to allow race relation in the world, especially among marriages, to take another path, a positive path. Bibliography Websites http//zebratalesbyh elenwillis. blogspot. com/2010/06/pros-and-cons-of-interracial-marriage. html http//www. hubbynet. com/interracial_marriage. htm http//weddinghopes. com/Interracial-Marriage. php Book Weve Heard This Before The legacy Of Interracial Marriage Bans and The implications For Todays Marriage Equality Debates by Greg JohnsonInterracial MarriageInterracial Marriage Interracial marriages have been a growing issue in our society. Some think that interracial marriages and relationships are socially wrong. Some believe that it harms children of mixed races because of the stares, discrimination, and being criticized. One should not have to feel the pain from being stared at or criticized, or discriminated against because of the color of skin or being with the one they love of a different race. The marriages and relationships that are interracial have multiplied within the past century. It is hard to believe that there used to be laws that banned interracial marriages.In years to come, interrac ial marriages and relationships will credibly only become accepted in the world. Although laws have changed, interracial dating and marriages are still a controversial issue. In the past, fear and mistrust of such unions were more openly criticized, but in todays culture where political correctness is more of a concern, people tend to hide their discrimination. Interracial marriages have become more socially accepted. However, some think it is completely wrong and that one should marry within their own race. Interracial marriages were illegal until the Supreme Court made them legal on June 12, 1967(Head).One could have been imprisoned for mating outside of white race. Laws against interracial marriages were overturned because they were ruled unconstitutional. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, black and white marriages increased from 65,000 in 1970 to 422,000 in 2005(U. S Census Bureau). In America today 35 percent of Americans have a family member or close relatives in a differe nt race relationship (Talbot). Interracial marriages have become more common as the years have foregone by, but there are still plenty of problems that people have with interracial marriages.Religious beliefs make some people think that interracial marriage is wicked and unbiblical. Black men marry outside their race at a far higher rate than black women. The opposite is true of Asians women marry outside the race at a higher rate than Asian men. Hispanics and Asians are the top ranking intermarriages. Blacks and Hispanics who marry outside of their race are most likely to receive college degrees, and make the most income out of diverse groups of marriage (Maxwell). Many interracial marriages face problems of racism. Couples in interracial relationships tend to face stares, criticism, and discrimination in housing.They also have a harder time when trying to find a job. People against interracial marriages believe that they corrupt cultures and ethics. Numerous people still believe that interracial marriages are unacceptable and should be made illegal again. Based on The Huffington Post an online reading site, many mixed-raced couples in the South are still struggling to feel safe and be accepted in their communities (Lai). There are potential pitfalls in any marriage whether the couple is interracial or not but there have been some common trouble spots that interracial couples have identified in their marriages.Some of the common trouble spots include values, eating habits, sex, gender roles, friends, in-laws, and raising children. Some of these issues overlap, but there are some specific distinctions between each. Although these are potential trouble spots for any type of marriage, the degree to which they affect interracial marriages is greater. Mixed race children are at risk for identity crisis such as, not knowing who is judge of their race or what crowd to hang out with is a struggle for many mixed-race children in todays society.Mixed-race children fa ce not being accepted by both races that they are but instead a stranger in both worlds. For instance, if a child is mixed with White and Hispanic they may not speak Spanish so they do not fit in with many Hispanics. This could be the case with other races as well. There is still too much racism in the world For a mixed-race child this can be more difficult because they want to be accepted by each race they are a part of, and yet in many situations they stand apart from both.Depending on the location this could be more of an issue than other places. If the location is in an area where there is not a lot of diversity it would be much harder than big cities where there is a gigantic diverse population. Children normally do not know how to handle racism so it is much worse on them than it is on the adults that deal with it, because children do not get to choose their race. Racial identity, a product of racial prejudice, is something these kids have to deal with.Everyone is equal and s hould have the same rights however this is not the case in todays world. One benefit being in an interracial marriage is the opportunity to explore another culture. Mixed-race children tend to be healthier due to an increase in genetic diversity. The children have an opportunity to learn about two entirely different cultures, which in turn can make a difference in their everyday knowledge. According to The advanced York Times interracial couples are more likely to live in the West because concentration of immigrant minority groups there (Saulny).The fear and prejudices of the older generations have given way and have made young people believe that they has the right to marry anyone if theyre in love with each other. Some people have not accepted the fact that race should not be an issue in marriages or relationships. In todays society there are always going to be people who dont agree with the things that people do in their everyday lives. In the world today the younger generation tends to have more friends of different ethnic or racial groups. They are also more willing to be in relationship with a different race.Television has a big effect on the younger generation, with movies that make interracial interaction seem to be normal and not something wrong to do. Acceptance is not only difficult in our families but many members of our own cultures tend to offer some of the most damaging opinions. The main problem among interracial marriages is not their history, their race, their marriage, or their children, the problem is society. Having difficulties in interracial marriages makes the marriage hard, but a strong willed couple who has faith in their love for each other can overcome many of the obstacles they face.Not fitting in because of the person one plans to spend the rest of their life with can be hard, but also knowing how certain people or establishments are, are a definite eye opener to seeing how many small minded people there are in the world. Nobody should have to be worried about if the person they choose to fall in love with or laws that could separate them. The children of interracial marriages will eventually blend with the other children of mono-racial families. Works Cited Head, Tom. Interracial Marriage Laws History. About. com. N. p. , n. d. Web. 19 Feb. 2013. . Interracial Tables. U. S Census Bureau. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. Lai, Jennifer. Interracial Marriage. Huffington Post 3 Nov. 2012 n. pag. Print. Maxwell, Lesli A. Marriages across Racial Ethnic Lines on Rise. Education Week 16 Feb. 2012 n. pag. Print. Saulny, Susan. Interracial Marriage Seen Gaining Wide Acceptance. New York

Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty-eight

I STOPPED BREATHING. WED each had our own blankets, and yet in the middle of summer, the temperature had dropped during the night. Dimitri, in his sleep, had rolled over once against me, merging our blankets into angiotensin converting enzyme pile and resting his head on my chest. His body lay against mine, warm and familiar, and he even snuggled a little closer.He was more exhausted than Id completed if he was doing this in his sleep. After all, this was the guy who slept with one eye open. barely his guard was downcast now, his body unconsciously followking what? Simple warmth? Me? anathematise it. Why had I asked Sonya my question? Why couldnt I keep going with my easy role as Adrians female childfriend and Dimitris friend? Because honestly, I wasnt doing a very(prenominal) good job at either one right now.Tentatively, fearfully, I shifted slightly so that I could vomit one arm or so Dimitri and chicken out him closer. I k new-fashioned it was a risk, one that might wake him and break this spell. save it didnt. If anything, he wait onmed to relax more. Feeling him like that cave ining him it churned up a legion of emotions within me. The ache I had felt since his loss burned within me. At the same epoch, holding him like this also seemed to fill that ache, as though a piece of me that had been missing was now restored. I hadnt even realized that piece was missing. Id blocked it all out until Sonyas words had shaken my fragile new acceptance of life.I dont cope how long I stayed like that with Dimitri. It was long enough that the rising sun began to illuminate the tents translucent fabric. That was all the light my look needed to now see Dimitri, to see the finely carved lines of his face and softness of his hair as he lay against me. I wanted so badly to touch that hair, to see if it felt like it utilize to. That was a silly sentiment, of course. His hair wouldnt collect changed. Still the urge was thither, and I finally gave in, piano running my fingers over both(prenominal) stray locks. They were smooth and silky, and that barest touch sent chills done me. It also woke him up.His eye opened, instantly alert. I expected him to jump external from me, only if instead, he only assessed the situationand didnt move. I left my hand where it was on the side of his face, still stroking his hair. Our gazes locked, so much passing between us. In those moments, I wasnt in a tent with him, on the run from those who regarded us as villains. in that location was no murderer to catch, no Strigoi trauma to overcome. There was beneficial him and me and the timbres that had burned between us for so long.When he did move, it wasnt to take up away. Instead, he lifted his head so that he looked down at me. just now a few inches separated us, and his eyes betrayed him. He wanted to kiss meand I wanted him to. He leaned over me, one hand resting against my cheek. I readied myself for his lipsI needed themand then he froz e. He pull uped choke off and sat up, exhaling in frustration as he looked away from me. I sat up as well, my breathing rapid and shallow.Wh-whats wrong? I asked.He glanced hold at me. Pick. There are lots of choices.I ran a finger along my lips. So close. So, so close. I know I know things assimilate changed. I know you were wrong. I know you flush toilet feel love again. His mask was back up as he formulated his answer. This isnt about(predicate) love.The last minute replayed in my head, that perfect connection, the way hed looked at me and made my heart feel. Hell, Sonya claimed we even had some mystical connection. If its non about love, then what is it about? I exclaimed.Its about doing the right thing, he give tongue to quietly.The right thing? Right and wrong had been unfailing topics at St. Vladimirs. I wasnt eighteen. He was my teacher. We were slated to be Lissas guardians and had to give her our full attention. All of those were arguments for why staying apart h ad been necessary back then. But those had long since fallen by the wayside.I would have questioned him moreif someone hadnt scratched at our door.Both of us sprang up and apart, reaching for the stakes wed slept honest. Grabbing my stake was instinct because I knew there was no Strigoi out there. But lately, Strigoi had been the least of our worries. roseate? Dimitri?The phonate was barely audiblebut familiar. Relaxing slightly, I unzipped the tents entrance and revealed Sonya kneeling in front of it. handle us, she wore the same clothes from earlier, and her auburn hair was messy. Otherwise, she seemed to have escaped her pursuers unscathed. I scooted aside so that she could enter.Cozy, she said, glancing roughly. Youve got the farthest spot out on the campground. Took me forever to go out the car you draw.Howd you get here? I asked.She winked. Youre non the only ones who can steal cars. Or, in my case, get people to willingly lend them.Were you followed? asked Dimitri. He was all earnestness again, with no sign of what had passed moments ago.Not that I could tell, she said, shifting into a cross-legged position. A couple guardians followed me back in the neighborhood, but I lost them a while ago. Most of them seemed more interested in you two.Imagine that, I muttered. Too bad victor was long gonehe might have taken priority.He didnt stamp out a queen, she said ruefully. Wed had to eventually tell her why Victor was wanted and that hed been the one Sonya had sensed was stalking Lissa back at St. Vladimirs. But the good news is I know where theyre at now.Where? asked Dimitri and I in unison.A small, knowing smile came to her lips at that. West Michigan, she said. They overlyk off in the opposite direction from Court.Damn, I muttered. Dimitri and I had gone southeast from Ann Arbor, clipping the Detroit suburbs and just crossing into Ohio. Wed picked the wrong direction. But you saw Jill? Is she okay?Sonya nodded. Fine. Scared, but fine. She describe d enough landmarks that I think we can locate their motel. I found her in a dream a couple hours ago they had to rest. Victor wasnt feeling well. They might still be there.Then we need to conduct now, said Dimitri, instantly in action. Once theyre moving, Jill will be awake and out of contact. We packed up our campsite with amazing speed. My ankle felt better but was still sore. Noticing my limp, Sonya called a halt just in the beginning we got in her car.Hang on.She knelt before me, examining the swelling ankle that was easily exposed by my torn dress. Taking a deep breath, she rested her hands on me, and a surge of electricity shot through with(predicate) my leg, followed by waves of heat and cold. When it was over and she stood up, the pain and swelling were gone, as were the scrapes on my legs. Probably the cuts on my head too. Spirit users had healed me so often that youd think Id be used to it, but it was still a little startling.Thank you, I said. But you shouldnt have do ne that shouldnt have used the head game You need to be in peak condition, she said. Her gaze drifted from me, look off at the trees. And the magic well, its hard to stay away from.Indeed it was, and I felt guilty that she was utilise it on meand moving closer to insanity. Roberts restoration had healed her mind a little, and she needed to take advantage of that. This was no time for a lecture, though, and Dimitris expression told me he too thought it best I get back in shape.We took off toward where Sonya told us Jill was, and this time, her directions were as specific as she could use up them. No more vagueness or binding promises. We stopped once to acquire a new car and get a map. The info Sonya had gleaned from Jill led us to a town called Sturgis. While it was in the western half of Michigan, it was also southmeaning the distance wasnt quite as long as wed expected. Nonetheless, Dimitri drove chisel at least fifteen miles per hour over the speed limit the whole time.The re, said Sonya, as we rolled into downtown Sturgiswhich wasnt much of a downtown. We were near a modest- flavor motel on a side street. Thats what she described. The Sunshine Motel.Dimitri pulled into the lot behind the building, and we all sat there, staring at the motel, which didnt look as cheerful as its name. desire me, I presumed my companions were trying to figure out how to approach this. Jills dream info had gotten us here, but Sonya had nothing else to help us find their styleif they were even still here. They certainly wouldnt have checked in under real names. I was going to suggest we just walk past the doors and consent Sonya would sense Robert when she suddenly pointed.Thats their car, she said. Theyre here.Sure enough. There was the CR-V wed taken to Jills house. Talk about karma. Id swiped Victors keys, and hed repaid the favor by winning ours. None of us had thought much about his escape vehicle in the ensuing chaos.Sloppy, murmured Dimitri, eyes narrowed though tfully. They should have switched cars.Thats Sydneys, I pointed out. Its not technically stolen, so its not on any practice of law lists. Besides, something tells me Victor and Robert arent hot-wiring pros like some people are. Wed left a string of stolen cars across the Midwest.Dimitri nodded, like Id actually just complimented him. Whatever the reason, it helps us.How do we find them? asked Sonya. I was about to suggest the aura plan but dismissed it. Robert would sense Sonya at the same moment, giving him brief warning. Plus, when we found the brothers, thered likely be a fight. Doing it in the motel would attract attention. This parking lot was in back, away from the main road.We wait, I said. Its amazing enough that they even stopped this long. If they have any sense, theyll forget soon.Agreed, said Dimitri, catching my eyes. Souls in sync. The memory of that near-kiss returned, and I looked away, fearing what my face would betray. The lots easy to defend too. Not much room f or escape. It was true. The motel flanked one side, a concrete environ the other. There werent many other buildings nearby either.He moved our car to the farthest spot he could in the lot, providing us with a full visible horizon of it and the motels exitbut keeping us semi-concealed. We considered sitting in the car, but Dimitri and I decided we should wait outside, giving us more mobility. We left Sonya inside. This wasnt her fight. rest behind the car with Dimitri, in the shadow of a leafy maple, I became acutely aware of his proximity and fierce warrior stance. He might be missing his duster, but I had to admit I liked the view of him I got without the coat.I dont suppose, I said softly, that were going to talk about this morning?Dimitris eyes were fixed so hard on the CR-V that he might have been trying to make Jill and the brothers materialize inside it. I wasnt fooled. He was just avoiding looking at me. Theres nothing to talk about.I knew youd say that. Actually, it was a toss-up between that and I dont know what youre talking about.Dimitri sighed.But, I continued, there is something to talk about. Like when you al some kissed me. And what did you mean about the right thing?Silence.You wanted to kiss me It was hard to keep my voice low. I saw it.Just because we want something doesnt mean its right.What I said its true, isnt it? You can love, cant you? I realize now that right after the transformation, you really didnt think you could. And you probably couldnt. But things have changed. Youre getting yourself back.Dimitri gave me a askant look. Yes. Things have changed and some havent.Okay, Mr. Enigma. That doesnt help explain the right thing comment.Frustration filled his features. Rose, Ive done a lot of bad things, most of which I can never fix or find redemption for. My only choice now, if I want to reclaim my life, is to go forward, stopping evil and doing whats right. And what is not right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and re spect. Ill steal cars. Ill break into houses. But there are lines I will not cross, no matter what IThe motels back door opening jolted us to attention. It was no wonder my love life was so messed up when the most profound and intimate moments were always being interrupted by dire situations. It was just as well because I had never, ever seen that line coming What is not right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and respect. New drama took precedence. Victor stepped outside, with Robert and Jill walking side by side behind him. Id half expected to see her tied up and was surprised that she accompanied them so calmly. Too calmly, I soon realized. It wasnt natural. There was an close to robotic feel to her movements she was being compelled into docility.Compulsion, said Dimitri quietly, recognizing it as well. Go for Victor. Ill get Robert.I nodded. Jill will run as soon as the compulsions stone-broken. I hope. I didnt put it past her to join our fight, which could caus e more harm than good. Wed find out soon enough.Mercifully, no one else was around. It was still fairly early in the morning. Dimitri and I sprang out from our hiding spots, crossing the distance of the parking lot in a matter of moments. Two healthy dhampirs could outrace two old Moroi any day. And as crafty as they might be, the brothers hadnt expected us.In my periphery, I just barely saw Dimitri kicking into warrior god mode, fierce and unstoppable. Then, I focused but on Victor, throwing my full weight at him and knocking him to the ground. He hit hard against the asphalt, and I pinned him down, slamming my fist into his face and making his nose bleed. Well done, he gasped out.Ive been abstracted to do that for a very long time, I growled.Victor smiled through the pain and the blood. Of course you have. I used to think Belikov was the savage one, but its really you, isnt it? Youre the animal with no control, no higher reasoning except to fight and kill.I clenched his shirt and leaned him over him. Me? Im not the one who anguished Lissa for my own benefit. Im not the one who turned my daughter Strigoi. And Im sure as hell not the one who used compulsion to kidnap a fifteen-year-old girlTo my disgust, he kept that maddening smile on his face. Shes valuable, Rose. So, so valuable. You have no idea how much so.Shes not an object for you to manipulate I cried. Shes aahhThe ground suddenly rolled up beneath me, a mini- earthquake centered around us. The asphalt bucked up, giving Victor the leverage to push me off. It wasnt a laborious push, and I could have easily recovered my balance if not for the ground rippling and surrounding me, rolling like ocean waves to knock me over. Victor was using his earth magic to control the area where I stood. Faint cries of surprise told me others were feeling a little of it, but the magic was clearly focused on me.Not without cost, though. Victor was an old manan old man Id just shoved onto asphalt and punched. Pain and fa tigue were all over him, and his labored breathing told me wielding magic this powerfulsomething Id never seen an earth user dowas pushing every ounce of strength he had left. whiz good punch. That was all I needed. One good punch would knock him down and take him out of this fight. Only, I was the one being taken down. Literally. Try as I might, my personal earthquake got the best of me, knocking me to my knees. I was still in that stupid dress too, meaning my newly healed legs got scraped again. And once I was down, the asphalt rose around me. I realized Victor was going to ensnare me by creating a stone prison. I couldnt let that happen.All that brawn for nothing, gasped out Victor, sweat move off his face. It does you no good in the end. Real power is in the mind. In cunning. In controlling Jillian, I control Vasilisa. With Vasilisa, I control the Dragomirs, and from therethe Moroi. Thats power. Thats strength.Most of his smug tirade went over me. But part of it stuck In contro lling Jillian, I control Vasilisa. Lissa. I couldnt let him hurt her. I couldnt let him use her. In fact, I couldnt let him use Jill either. Lissa had given me a chotki, which was kind of a cross between a bracelet and a rosary. It was a Dragomir heirloom, bestowed upon those who protected the family. That was my duty to protect all the Dragomirs. The old guardian mantra rang in my mind They come first.With skill I didnt know I possessed, I coat up the shaking ground and attempted to stand again. I made it, practically dancing in that parking lot. And as I stared at Victor, I felt what Sonya had warned about the catalyst. The spark that would ignite the darkness Id gathered and gathered from Lissa. In looking at him, I saw all the evils of my life in one man. Was that entirely accurate? No, not exactly. But he had hurt my best friendnearly killed her. Hed toyed with Dimitri and me, complicating what was already a mess of a relationship. He was now trying to control others. When wou ld it end? When would his evil stop? Red and black tinged my vision. I heard a voice call my nameSonyas, I think. But in that moment, there was nothing else in the world but Victor and my hate for him.I sprang at him, fueled by rage and adrenaline, bouncing out of the epicenter of shaking ground that threatened to seize me. Once more, I threw myself at him, but we didnt hit the ground. Wed shifted position slightly, and instead, we hit the concrete besiegewith just as much force as I might have thrown a Strigoi. His head bent back at the impact. I heard an odd cracking sound, and Victor slumped to the ground. I immediate dropped down, grabbing his arms and shaking him.Get up I screamed. Get up and fight me But no matter how much I shook him or yelled, Victor would not stand. He wouldnt move on his own.Hands grabbed me, trying futilely to pull me away. RoseRose Stop. Stop this.I ignored the voice, ignored the hands. I was all anger and power, wanting no, needingVictor to face me on ce and for all. Suddenly, a fantastic sensation crept along me, like fingertips across my skin. Let him go. I didnt want to, but for half a second, it seemed like a reasonable idea. I loosened my hold slightly, just enough for those hands to jerk me away. Like that, I snapped out of the haze and realized what had happened. The person whod pulled me was Sonya, and shed used a tiny piece of music of compulsion to get me away and let go of Victor. She was strong enough in her power that she didnt even need eye contact. She held onto me, even though she had to know it was wasted effort.I have to stop him, I said, wriggling from her grasp. He has to pay. I reached for him again.Sonya gave up on physical restraint, appealing to words instead. Rose, he has Hes dead. fecest you see that? Dead. Victors deadNo, I didnt see thatnot at first. All I saw was my blind obsession, my need to get to Victor. But then, her words broke through to me. As I cargo areaped Victor, I felt the limpness i n his body. I saw the eyes that looked blankly at nothing. That crazy, churning emotion in me faded, transforming into shock. My grip slackened as I stared at him and truly understood what she had said. Understood what I had done.Then, I heard a terrible sound. A low wailing broke through the frozen horror in my mind. I glanced back in alarm and saw Dimitri standing with Robert. Roberts arms were pinned behind his back as Dimitri effortlessly held him, but the Moroi was doing everything in his powerand failingto break free. Jill stood nearby, looking uneasily at all of us, confused and afraid.Victor VictorRoberts pleas were muffled by sobs and as useless as my own efforts to get Victor up. I dragged my gaze back down to the body before me, barely believing what I had just done. Id thought the guardians had been crazy in their reaction to Eddie killing a Moroi, but now, I was starting to understand. A monster like a Strigoi was one thing. But the life of a person, even a person whoG et him out of hereSonya was so near me that the unexpected exclamation made me wince. Shed been kneeling too but now jumped to her feet, turning toward Dimitri.Get him out of here As far as you canDimitri looked surprised, but the powerful command in her voice drove him to instant action. He began dragging Robert away. After a few moments, Dimitri simply opted to toss the man over his shoulder and cart him off. I would have expected cries of protest, but Robert had fallen silent. His eyes were on Victors bodytheir gaze so sharp, so focused that they seemed like they could burn a hole through someone. Sonya, not having my fanciful impression, thrust herself between the brothers and dropped to the ground again, covering Victors body with her own.Get him out of here she called again. Hes trying to bring Victor back Hell be shadow-kissedI was still confused and upset, still appalled at what Id done, but the danger of what she said hit me hard. Robert couldnt be allowed to bring back Vic tor back. The brothers were touch-and-go enough without being bonded. Victor couldnt be allowed to summon ghosts the way I could. Victor had to stay dead.Doesnt he have to touch the body? I asked.To slay the bond, yes. But he was wielding tons of spirit just now, calling Victors soul back and keeping it around, she explained.When Dimitri and Robert were gone, Sonya told me to help her move the body. Wed made too much noise, and it was a wonder no one had come out yet. Jill joined us, and I moved without really being aware of what I was doing. Sonya found the keys to the CR-V on Victor and flattened the backseats to increase the rear cargo space. We crawled into it, the three of us having to hunch down to stay out of sight. We soon heard voices, people coming to see what had happened. I dont know long they were in the parking lot, only that they mercifully didnt search cars. Honestly? I had few coherent thoughts at all. That rage was gone, but my mind was a mess. I couldnt seem to get a hold of anything concrete. I felt sick and just followed Sonyas orders, staying low as I time-tested not to look at Victors body.Even after the voices were gone, she kept us in the car. At last, she exhaled a deep breath and focused on me. Rose? I didnt answer right away. Rose?Yeah? I asked, voice cracking. Her voice was soothing and cajoling. I felt that crawling on my skin again and a need to please her. I need you to look at the dead. Open your eyes to them.The dead? No. My mind felt out of control, and I had enough sense to know bringing ghosts here would be a bad idea. I cant.You can, she said. Ill help you. Please.I couldnt refuse her compulsion. Expanding my senses, I let down the walls I kept around me. They were the walls that blocked me from the world of the dead and the ghosts that followed me around. Within moments, translucent faces appeared before me, some like normal people and others terrible and ghastly. Their mouths opened, wanting to speak but unable to.Wha t do you see? asked Sonya.Spirits, I whispered.Do you see Victor?I peered into the swarm of faces, seeking anyone familiar. No.Push them back, she said. Put your walls back up.I tried to do as she said, but it was hard. I didnt have the will. I felt outside encouragement and realized Sonya was still compelling me. She couldnt make the ghosts disappear, but feelings of support and determination strengthened me. I shut out the restless dead.Hes gone then, Sonya said. Hes either completely consumed by the world of the dead or is wandering as a restless spirit. Regardless, any lingering threads to life are gone. He cant come back to life. She turned to Jill. Go get Dimitri.I dont know where he is, said Jill, galvanize.Sonya smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. Close, Im sure. And watching. Go walk around the motel, the block, whatever. Hell find you.Jill left, needing no compulsion. When she was gone, I buried my face in my hands. Oh God. Oh God. All this time, I denied it, but its tru e I am a murderer.Dont think about that yet, said Sonya. Her take-charge attitude was almost comforting. Almost. It was easier to take orders than fend for yourself. patronage with your guilt later. For now, we have to get rid of the body.I uncovered my eyes and forced myself to look at Victor. Nausea welled up within me, and those crazy feelings spun even more out of control. I gave a harsh laugh. Yes. The body. I wish Sydney was here. But we dont have any magic potions. The sun wont destroy him. Weird, isnt it? Strigoi are harder to kill harder to kill, easier to clean up. I laughed again because there was something familiar about my rambling it was like Adrian in one of his weird moments. Or Lissa when spirit had pushed her to the edge. This is it, isnt it? I asked Sonya. The outflow the flood you warned me about. Lissa escaped spirit, but it finally defeated me just like Anna just like the dream oh God. This is the dream, isnt it? But I wont wake up Sonya was staring at me, her blue eyes wide with fear? Mockery? Alarm? She reached out and took my hand. Stay with me, Rose. Well push it back.A knock at the window startled us both, and Sonya let Jill and Dimitri in.Wheres Robert? asked Sonya.Dimitri glanced down at Victor and then promptly looked away. Unconscious, hidden in some bushes around the corner. Charming, said Sonya. Do you think thats modishness? Leaving him?He shrugged. I figured I shouldnt be seen carrying an unconscious guy in my arms. In fact yes, I think we should just leave him there. Hell wake up. Hes not a fugitive. And without Victor, hes well, not harmless. But less harmful. We cant keep dragging him with us anyway.I laughed again, that laugh that seemed unhinged and hysterical even to me. Hes unconscious. Of course. Of course. You can do that. You can do the right thing. Not me. I looked down at Victor. An animal, he said. He was right. No higher reasoning I enwrapped my arms around myself, my fingernails digging into my sk in so hard they drew blood. Physical pain to make the mental pain go away. Wasnt that what Lissa had always said?Dimitri stared at me and then turned to Sonya. Whats wrong? he demanded. Id seen him risk his life over and over, but never, until now, had he truly looked afraid. Spirit, said Sonya. Shes pulled and pulled for so long and managed to hold it back. Its been waiting, though. Always waiting She frowned slightly, maybe realizing she was starting to sound like me. She turned to Jill. Is that silver?Jill looked down at the heart-shaped locket around her neck. I think so.Can I have it?Jill undid the clasp and passed it over. Sonya held it between her palms and closed her eyes a moment, pursing her lips. A few seconds later, her eyes opened, and she handed me the locket. Put it on.Just touching it gave me a strange tingling in my skin. The heart I looked at Dimitri as I fastened the clasp. Do you remember that? Wheres the heart? you asked. And here it is. Here it I stopped. Th e world suddenly became crisper. My jumbled thoughts slowly began to move back together, forming some semblance of rationality. I stared at my companionsthe living onestruly seeing them now. I fey the locket.This is a healing charm.Sonya nodded. I didnt know if itd work on the mind. I dont think its a permanent fix but between it and your own will, youll be okay for a while.I tried not to focus on those last words. For a while. Instead, I tried to make sense of the world around me. Of the body in front of me.What have I done? I whispered.Jill put her arm around me, but it was Dimitri who spoke.What you had to.