Haroun and the Sea of Stories Closed Reading Essay

So Iff the Water Genie told Haroun about the Ocean of the Streams of Story, and even though he was full of a sense of hopelessness and failure the magic of the ocean began to have an effect on Haroun. He looked into the water and saw that it was made up of a thousand thousand thousand and one currents, each one a different colour, weaving in and out of one another like a liquid tapestry of breathtaking complexity; and Iff explained that these were the Streams of Story, that each coloured strand represented and contained a single tale. Different parts of the ocean contained different sorts of stories, and all the stories that had ever been told and many that were still in the process of being invented could be found here, the Ocean of the Streams of Story was in fact the biggest library in the universe. And because the stories were held here in fluid form, they retained the ability to change, to become new versions of themselves, to join up with other stories and so become yet other stories; so that unlike a library of books, the Ocean of the Streams of Story was much more than a storeroom of yarns. It was not dead but alive. (Rushdie 72) In Salmon Rushdie’s’, Haroun and the Sea of Stories various themes are explored presenting numerous arguments to the reader. One of the main themes within the novel is the importance of stories. Within the passage above Salmon Rushdie presents the changing nature of stories and their ability to become new versions of themselves, this is explored through the use of literary devices. These techniques allow interpretation of the themes, present Rushdie’s ideas and further engage the reader. Some of the techniques used within the above passage are; third person narrative, repetition, synonyms, sentence structure and metaphor. The above passage is key to Rushdie’s story, Haroun and the Sea of Stories and its themes as this is when Haroun is first introduced to the Sea of Stories. Haroun is challenged to make a decision between two wishes; to have his mother come back or for his father to regain his lost story telling ability. Failing to make either wish due to his eleven minute concentration, a result of his mothers departure, Haroun is possessed with a â€Å"sense of hopelessness and failure†(pg 72). These feelings foreshadow future angst Haroun will feel and overcome about the Sea of Stories and its potential destruction. The use of third person narrative can be seen throughout the novel and passage. This allows the reader to be an onlooker to the story, a gain a more informative view of the story, allowing them to see numerous points of view rather than just one. Within the passage third person is used to engage the reader and distance them from the immediate situation while still allowing them to observe the beauty described by Iff the Water Genie. Examples of third person within the passage are â€Å"Iff explained† and â€Å"Iff the Water Genie told Haroun. The passage portrays the nature of the sea and sets up the context for the oceans future with the use of repetition. The idea of change is presented; throughout the passage with the idea of stories being simple is challenged, uncovering their true complexity, detailing how the water is â€Å"made up of thousand thousand thousand and one currents, each of a different colour† (pg 72) and how stories have the ability to join up with one another and to become yet another story. This represents the idea that everything can change and nothing is susceptible to it, this can also be seen throughout the novel. Change can be seen through the repetition of the word ‘different’. The ‘different colours†, the â€Å"different sorts of stories† and the â€Å"different parts of the ocean†. The repetition of the word is used to present the reader with the full potential of the ocean and its changing magical ability. Within the novel the sea can be seen to change from something possessed with magic and beauty that inspired many to something toxic and sickly contaminated that affects numerous people and their health. Repetition of the ocean being alive and personifying the ocean, can be seen through the passage. The passage personifies the ocean by talking of its playful nature of the currents â€Å"weaving in and out of one another† and its ability to change, as it has a mind of its own. The last sentence within the passage states â€Å"it was not dead but alive† the use of short sentencing emphasised its point and indicates its importance. However this short verse changes the mood of the passage, the reader is confronted by the abrupt word â€Å"dead† this single word changes the tone of the sentence and explores that along with the capability to be alive there also is the capability to be dead. This foreshadows the next passage and the future of the ocean. Within the passage the metaphor of the ocean being a library is emphasised, it states that it is â€Å"the biggest library in the universe† this metaphor is used to try and example the extent of the sea and how many stories it possesses, connecting it to a familiar idea for the reader. However the metaphor is later contradicted renouncing the oceans likeness to a library of books due to the fluid form of the stories and their changing nature and ability to become new versions and to join up with other stories. It presents the ocean to be much more. This is revisited throughout the novel, exampling how the ocean is â€Å"much more† and how it is a health source to plentimaws fish, directly impacting them as the ocean becomes more toxic, as well as a way of life to all members of gup city. In the passage synonyms are used to help emphasis the key points an example of this is the synonym ‘change’ and ‘new versions of themselves’. These synonyms are used to indicate the importance of the oceans changing ability allowing the reader to assess how it is important. This concept is seen to be a key point of the passage and one of within the novel. The synonym of ‘not dead’ and ‘alive’ are used to stress the importance of the Sea of Stories, by stating its alive nature, the impact the sea has on others throughout the novel can be seen, to those who feed off it and keep it pure, for instance the plentimaw fish. The passage seen above is made up of four sentences; three extended and one truncated. The use of sentence structure is important as it seperates the ideas of the passage. Both the magic and splendor of the Sea of Stories and the realisation of it being â€Å"not dead but alive†(pg72) are seen within the passage. Extended sentences are used to describe the magic of the ocean an its ability to effect others, in the passage it is seen to effect Haroun, as he has a sense of hopelessness and failure however from the magic of the ocean Haroun is affected and changed. With the use of extended sentences the Sea of Stories is described by Iff the Water Genie. The reader is presented with the imagery of the water and its numerous colours, forever moving, weaving and how it is constantly changing into something new joining with other stories. This description paints a picture to the reader allowing them to imagine the true nature of the Sea. The second last sentence of the passage describes how the sea is ‘‘much more than a storeroom of yarns’’ as the stories are fluid form, holding the ability to become other stories, new stories. This allows the reader to interrupt the importance of the sea. The final sentence is made up of six words â€Å"it was not dead but alive† these few words hold great power as within the short sentence the reader is confronted with their meaning. Both the emotive words and change in tone, the reader is left questioning is there something more, with the words foreshadowing the future of the sea. The first and final sentences of the passage are seen to interlink as the effect the ocean has on Haroun creates a sense of obligation for him to help fight to fix the ocean and to keep it alive. Within the passage above form is seen to produce meaning. This is done through the use of literary techniques, the use of these devices allow the purpose of the text to be seen. The meaning of the passage is to example change, the good and bad, and to portray the importance if the Sea of Stories to the reader. The passage and its form also hold meaning the novel as it describes the sea and illustrates its magic.

Political Corruption

The main forms of corruption are bribery, fraud, embezzlement and extortion. These concepts do sometimes overlap, but through them, some of the basic characteristics of corruption can be identified.The reason why young people should fight corruption has to do with the fact that it destroys the system of values in society. Youth is part of civil society and carries the future in its hand and the fact that you are able to look at society in a refreshing way allows you to find alternative solutions for abstract problems. This part of the booklet is about concrete initiatives on how to fight corruption. In the whole world, there are many young people who stand firm and choose not take part of the vicious circle of corruption. But still too many young people are not well aware or think that they cannot make a difference. There are many success stories in fighting corruption: itis not an impossible thing! Of course we cannot expect it to disappear overnight, but every step we undertake con tributes to limit its harmful effects! In Hong Kong for instance, through a School Education Program, students are now better aware of the problem of corruption and do not tolerate it any longer.The International Youth Network against corruption (YNAC)This network links you to other young people worldwide and gives you the possibilities to air your concerns, to disseminate knowledge about corruption and to share ideas about the best ways to fight corruption. For its purposes, the Youth Network has a website with an interactive e-forum to discuss corruption related questions and to link together with youth from around world. This forum is openly accessible to everyone. The internet portal is designed for students and maintained by their input and content.2- Responsible organizations: In 2003, an international platform for youth was created in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The IACC12 Youth Forum integrates young people into the international movement for transparency and accountability in public and private spheres. In 2001, the Youth Network Against Corruption, YNAC, was founded in The Hague. Final declaration of the IACC Youth Forum: The participants of the IACC 2003 Youth Forum formulated a final declaration about their vision.After several days of workshops and discussions, they were able to identify the key issues concerning young people and to draw an Action Plan for their future commitment. Those young people envision â€Å"A World without Corruption† and are convinced of the need for an international youth anti-corruption movement. The Youth Action Plan drawn in Seoul includes among the main point that the organization of anti-corruption workshops, presentations and discussions have a predominant position.Sharing an action plan with other youth, developing the current website to conduct online surveys and share documents, approaching governments to ensure effective civic education programs and implementing the concepts of our network in local institut ions are other key issues. The participants also recommend the creation of a corruption index of educational institutions. Perhaps the most important point is the strong will to build linkages with other youth networks so as to be able to work together efficiently and to share experiences and ideas on fighting corruption.Together, the unique contribution and participation of young people will help enhance good governance through raising both local and global awareness. d- Youth for Good Governance, the World Bank Institute's nine modules Brief Description: During this distance learning program, students from various countries study important principles of political and economic organization and how those ideas relate to governance and anti-corruption strategies. The program highlights the important role that young people can play in improving governance in their countries.Ultimately, participants develop locally relevant and feasible plans of action that will enable them to apply th e knowledge and skills they acquire to their immediate society. Responsible organization: The World Bank Institute Implementation: The learning program was implemented in three phases between fall 2002 and the end of 2003. Schools in eight countries participated, namely: Ghana, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, Russia, Tanzania, Yugoslavia, and Zambia.

Tiziano Vecelli Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Tiziano Vecelli - Essay Example According to the essay "According to the research findings" findings, at the young age of 12, he was sent to apprentice as an artist under Gentille Bellini and later Giovanni Bellini who were the masters of art at that time. After Giovanni’s death, he ascended to be the king of painting in Italy, accumulating crowns amounting to 20 and being exempted from paying taxes for his unique talent. He was the undisputed master of painting in the Venetian painting school for 60 years. His final 26 years were spent for service to Phillip II where he was a portrait artist, and where his unique attribute of keeping paintings for long periods and retouching them from time to time was discovered. He died of fever in 1576 during the Venice plague. Some of the most famous paintings he did include The Assumption of the Virgin and The Venus of Urbino wherein this discussion will evaluate both. The Venus of Urbino painting is oil on canvas measuring 119.2 by 165.5 centimeters on a landscape plan . It is estimated to have been done around 1538 as a gift from the Duke of Urbino Guidobaldo to his wife. According to â€Å"Venus of Urbino by Titan† (2013), it represented eroticism, motherhood, and fidelity. The painting is that of a young maiden in her nude lying on her back facing the foreground. She lies on a maroon bed with dark patterns covered in a white sheet. On her right palm, she clutches a bouquet and her face is calm with bright eyes. Her golden hair, plaited at the ends straddles over her right should and her breasts point upwards and outwards from each other.

Latin America Politics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Latin America Politics - Research Paper Example The Economic circumstances declined quickly all through his management, the chief achievement of which, and determined public-works program, was attained by hovering huge loans overseas. A delayed period of fighting and strife followed Machado's defeat, with recurrent adjustments of government. All through this period the United States established a variety of measures, with abrogation of the Platt Amendment, in an attempt to calm the accepted conflict on the island. The dissemination in 1940 of a new establishment gave in further to the decrease of political anxiety. In December 1941 the Cuban government confirmed war on Germany, Japan, and Italy; as a result it became a charter member of the United Nations (UN) during 1945. (emayzine.com) The Cuban revolution initiated with the resistance for equality beside the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. A country whose financial systems with the political system were conquered by the US interests, the insurgency was also a fight back for democracy in the sagacity of endearing the right of the Cuban nation to act as an autonomous power and shape its own future. Unlike the case in other states, which invariably criticize Cuba for being autocratic, the voter turn-out in Cuba is soaring. (Cubasolidarity.org) Cuba has opposed The political development of Cuba: Cuba has opposed and will persist to oppose the power of those who have hoped to conquer the island nation for more than four and a half decades. In order to accomplish this, Cuba depends upon its olden times, civilization and culture, a little that is totally and neutrally dissimilar of the other nations, this in spite of the accessible internal situation that act as a propagation ground for the propagation of discordant and naughty exercises of the enemy. The fragmentation of the agreement of the Cuban community is the foremost purpose of the domain and its legislature. Alongside their ideological defence, now of a lot more strong nature, they proclaimed the emergency of Marxism, the ending of the history, and the demise of beliefs. They encouraged perceptions like human rights plus civil society, both of course in terms of their bourgeoisie perceptions. (Luz Marina, 2004) The Two mid consistent issues worry the board on politics: the trouble of democratic system, that is, its non-existence within Cuba; and the principle that Cuba's present government, its existing form of government, is not channelized, that it is temporary( Mauricio Solan , 1999)The economic development of Cuba over the years: Cuba has a twofold economy, with two different systems working side by side. The communist peso economy applies to most Cubans, providing them with free education, free health care, widespread employment, unemployment reward, disability and retirement settlement and the essential necessities of life: rations lodging, utilities and some entertainment at very little cost. The free-market polarized financial system functions within the tourist, worldwide and export divisions, and significantly maintains the Marxist economy. The Cuban Government persists to hold on to communist principles in systematizing its state-controlled financial system. Most of the resources of

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 28

Case Study Example In case of a burned pizza by the oven person or an employee mistake, the cost is supposed to be borne by the individual responsible. Due to peer pressure, the night manager seldom bills the erring worker. Instead, the company bears the loss, and the error remains undetected until inventories are taken at the end of the month. That is when the manager discovers that the percentage is high and that he will not be receiving a bonus. To make sure employees do not play a part in raising the percentage, the manager adopted some measures in the last 6 months. Previously, all workers were entitled to a free pizza, free salad, and unlimited soft drinks for every six hours six hours of work. The manager decided to raise this figure to twelve hours (from six). However, the employees had grown used to the six-hour benefits and therefore whenever they could they exploited the manager or his assistants’ absence to their benefit. Although the night managers are in complete control of all operations in the evenings, they are not as respected as the manager or his assistants. This is because they receive the same wages as regular employees, are realistically the same age or sometimes even younger than regular employees, and cannot reprimand other employees. As a result of this, apathy grew within the company in the last two months. There was a clear divide between the manager and his workers, and he decided that eithe r the workers who were discontented would resign or they would have to abide by the new rules. This culminated in a rash firing of employees, who were quickly replaced by new workers. The business suffered due to the loss of key personnel. Due to the large employee turnover the manager was compelled to take part in food preparation activities, which is a violation of company rules that required the manager to be a supervisor and nothing else. However, it has not taken long for the new personnel to be influenced by the

Construction management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Construction management - Essay Example The schedule may specify the specific roles for the unskilled and skilled. For instance, starting time can be set at 7am and ending at 5pm. Similarly, construction manager is required to consider the pay rate of overtime schedule. The major role of the unskilled workers involves preparation of construction material mix, timely. The superintendent is responsible in carrying out the activities as instructed by the construction manager and with the help of the project or center map. The function of the superintendent to perform close examination to ensure that, the laid daily schedule is followed such that, the set down period for the whole construction process can be adhered to. More over, the superintendent ensures that the specified ratio of the materials is followed to the latter. The superintendent, ensures that proper records of equipment is well taken especially when begging the daily schedule and at the end of every day. This practice is endeavored to ensure safety and availabil ity of such equipment as to when and where they are needed in the right condition. Labor situation The concept of labor requires the underlying principle of availability to be embraced. Te superintendent, under the construction manager’s instruction should ensure that, the adequate labor is sustained all through the construction period. The labor schedule depends on the schedule of each day. For instance, less sub supervisors may be required when more work requires the supervisors. The superintendent, who in turn reports to the construction manager, directly does all this labor adjustments with proper consultation of the supervisors. However, in some cases, the superintendent can deny the construction managers’ projected schedule if it appears untenable. A successful completion of this project entirely depended on the cordial and timely coordination of among the supervisors, superintendent and the construction. There should be continuous flow of correct information fro m top to down and vice versa. It should be observed that, the three levels of command have to coordinate all the activities in the site wit all aspects of professionalism and ethics. Construction ethics is necessary follow element because of its fundamental benefits attributed to it. The site and construction ethics ensures smooth coordination and reduced incidents of accidents. Start up considerations At the commencement of the center’s activities, numerous start-up considerations are critical for a good start. Some of these include the operation staff, which includes the management team and the ordinary staff, training of the employees, motivation and general maintenance of the center facilities. The considerations should be carried out with outmost honesty and professionalism, particularly when recruiting the staff to set a pace, which may form the company’s norm. Operations staff The owner of the DMD intends to carry out all the activities involving management recr uitment. These activities include advertisement for various job opportunities. Having been the district human resource manager at the department of Health and sanitation, he has apt experience in recruiting the required team, which will perform assigned duties in tandem with the dynamism in this industry. The center owner will have to select the appropriate

Why Cognitive Ability Testing is a good predictor of work performance Essay

Why Cognitive Ability Testing is a good predictor of work performance - Essay Example Without such tests, it would be impossible for organizations to hire individuals who are competent enough to ensure that they are able to achieve their missions without much hindrance. Therefore, cognitive ability testing is an essential part of making sure that the work performance of individuals can be predicted. One of the most useful aspects of cognitive ability testing is that it determines the ability of employees to learn and adapt to the work environment. This is an exceptionally essential characteristic for an employee to have because it ensures that he is able to learn about a given situation quickly and take the necessary action that is needed to solve it, especially if it is a crisis (Bertua, et al, 2005). Furthermore, it is in the interest of an employee to be tested since it allows for the development of a better understanding of oneself and this to such an extent that it helps them to take the necessary action needed to develop learning abilities. Moreover, it is helpful for employees to learn whether they are capable of adapting to new situations because there are instances where organizations tend to implement changes at such a fast pace that individuals within these organizations might end up not being capable of handling it properly (Guo, 2012). A result of such circumstance s is that an organization might end up in crisis, making it necessary for cognitive ability testing to be conducted to determine whether individuals who are employed are capable of handling change through adaptation. Employees who are capable of adapting to changes and new situations that come with them tend to be the most successful within the organization because not only is their job performance improved, but also their ability to take on new tasks is often guaranteed (Campitelli and Gerrans, 2014). In this way, employees end up being encouraged to improve their learning and adaptation abilities so that

Advertising principles and strategy Research Paper

Advertising principles and strategy - Research Paper Example This paper explores print advertisements for motor homes, caravans, and camping. In the exploration, the paper compares five different advertisements for the similar product in terms of research into the product, its competition, target audience, and relevance of presenting product and brand to their audience. Moreover, the paper would analyze each chosen advertisement by looking at the relevant of the idea of sustainability. The five advertisements identified in this paper would be analyzed and critiqued through their strategies by using the Bernbach’s ROI model. This model devotes itself to maintaining high standards of an advertisement (Horn 2006, p. 4). The print adverts explored in this paper are the caravan world magazine, the caravan world yearbook, camper trailer Australia, caravanning and motorhome magazine, and caravanning Australia magazine. Each of these print adverts has specific characteristics that distinguish it from the others. 2. Analysis a. Winnebago caravan This advert promotes caravans made by this company that could be used for hiking. The target audience of the advert is the group of individuals aged between 25 years and 50 years especially those with small kids. It does this through the notion of caravan parking at any place where the children and adults can have fun. For an advert to be effective, it has to be relevant to the target audience. The message in the advert is very relevant to the target audience. This is because it informs the audience on the strength of the product, which is the ability to be conveniently parked at any place. The advert has an inter mix of colors and natural features. According to Besser (2005, p. 3), pictures of natural features and other attractive sites unfolds unique history that can result to a distinguished form of attractiveness. However, attractiveness of features depends on the target audience. The color and features used in this advert is very relevant to the target audience. This is becaus e the group of people with the age bracket of 25 years and 50 years are highly attracted by colors and natural features. However, the advert fails in terms of originality and sustainability. The advert contains several features, varied groups of individuals, various font types, and a company logo. This makes the advert to be somehow confusing thus unsustainable and unoriginal despite its uniqueness. Moreover, it is large with a lot of words and statements. This makes the advert not to be memorable among the target audience despite have a message that resonates with the target audience. However, the advert is visually arresting due to its multi-featured and multi-colored nature. The advert can change the way consumers view the product although its impact is greatly hindered by unclearness. b. Winnebago tent This advert advertises a tent that can be used for adventurous camping. According to Consterdine (2005, p. 6), the essential strength of print media especially magazines in advert isement it the way readers chose and use the information they obtain. The target audience for the advert is the population of men and women aged between 18 years and 40 years through the notion of river bank camping. Information provided by the advert is somehow relevant to the target audience. However, the pictures on the advert and the colors used in the advert are ambiguous and not clear. It is somehow difficult for an individual in the target audien

Financial problem Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Financial problem - Assignment Example The mere affect of issuing share capital to general public would be fruitful as it solidifies the legal position of the Company by giving it the status of listed Company, if it chooses this option of finance. Furthermore, the dilution of control of the business would be shared as a result of share issuance to the general public who now become the owner of the Company. With respect to tax effects, the company would be more transparent as now it would directly come under the control of regulatory bodies of the country. However, as a listed Company, now the tax effects would be more on the Company’s part Another option available to meet the Company’s financial needs for business expansions is to acquire a long term loans from any banking or financial institutional channels. As, the company credit standing and financial position is quite strong enough to acknowledge the timely repayment of the loan principal and interest cost, thus, SMT could easily negotiate a loan and its terms from any well reputed financial institutions or banking channels. The legal status of the Company would not be affected as such due to such long term loans as these loans are meant to repay in the upcoming times. Moreover, the dilution of control would not be affected on account of these long term loan because of the same reason and lastly, the tax effects would be reduced on the part of Company as usually the tax authorities allows the interest cost as admissible expense in the tax income calculation. This option might result in huge cash inflows to C and C hydraulic, if considered to take into action. However, the disposal of any of its non profitable or loss incurring business assets would inject some of the cash flows towards the Company, which then strategically utilized to meet business expansion and growth requirements of the Company in an effective and efficient manner. There would be no possible implications on legal status and dilution of

The period 1870 to 1914 In Germany Essay Example for Free

The period 1870 to 1914 In Germany Essay How Successfully in the period 1870 to 1914 did the ruling elites of Germany cope with the consequences of social and economic change? Introduction The period 1870 to 1914 involved significant social and economic pressures for change, not least in Germany. This essay will analyse how both Bismarck and Wilhelm II responded to these pressures and will examine how successful their responses were in coping with this change. A key change was the rapid industrialisation that put Germany ahead of Britain as Europes leading industrial power by 1914. This was reflected in the soaring of coal production, steel production, and the railway network, for example. Coal production grew from 89 million tons in 1890 to 277 million tons in 1914. However, it could be argued that Bismarck did not play an active role in economic policy, but did use it to his advantage. Historians such as Bohme point out that Bismarck merely rode and steered on the waves of Germanys economic life. The economic expansion had great implications for social and political change, as for instance an increase in the industrial workforce lead to demands for better working conditions, and an increase in Trade Union membership. As noted by Culpin Henig, there were some 2.6 million German workers who were members of trade unions by 1914. Such developments had frightened Wilhelm, like Bismarck before him, as they saw such minority groups as enemies of the state. Bismarcks strategy to Change Economic Change Spurred on by unification and an abundance of natural resources such as iron ore, Germany saw its industrial production soar. With support from financial institutions, this transformed Germany from what had been a predominantly agrarian to a major industrial state. Iron ore production soared from 2.9 million tons in 1870 to 2.2 million tons by 1890, whereas in Britain production of iron ore was 14 million tons in 1870, and had not changed by 1890. Expansion of the railways coerced the industrial growth in Germany, rising from 19.5 km in 1870, to 43 km in 1890. Agriculture did still play a vital role, act as a stimulus, due agrarian mechanisation. Bismarck however took little interest in the economy. Culpin Henig argue that this is ironic, as it was economic change that provided the greatest challenge to the stability of the empire. Bismarck embraced these changes as an opportunity to gain co-operation from the National Liberal Party at first, (the largest party in the Reichstag at the time), and also to gain military advantage. The chancellor had no party of his own, had common aims with the liberals such as national unity. By offering the liberals piecemeal concessions that at least appeared to favour free trade for example, he was assured of their support. In fact Bismarcks relationship with the Liberals was not insignificant. The so-called liberal era as Geoff Eley puts forward, produced an impressive concentration of forward looking legislation [and] an elaborate framework of capitalist enabling laws, hence promoting further economic development. Blackbaul and Ely portray Bismarck as very liberalising: Germany benefits from Bismarcks liberal and modernising tendencies. However, by the end of the 1870s Bismarck wished to discontinue granting the liberals concessions. Also, as competition from foreign imports grew, Bismarck faced increased pressure by the landed elites (the Junkers) and the Industrialists to increase economic protectionism. Bismarck believed in Real Politik, or the politics of realism. He responded accordingly to the demands of the Junkers and Industrialists. The additional attraction was that Germany would receive extra income from tariffs and that the country would be more self-sufficient. This increase in protectionism effectively ended the liberal era of Bismarcks chancellorship. Together with the system of Cartels already flourishing in Germany, the benefits of mass production remained with the Junkers and Industrialists, and were not passed on to the consumer. Social Change These intensive changes in Germanys economy had a significant impact on the society. The massive influx of workers from rural areas to cities and towns, resulted in people discovering new freedoms. With this new found freedom came increased demands for better working conditions, for instance, which fuelled an increase in trade union membership. The very speed of this industrialisation meant that society was less able to adjust than in Britain. Pulzer points to the dissonance of the economic dynamism of the Reich and the relative stagnation of its social norms and political institutions. Industrialisation did not usually involve social mobility, but a stratification of existing structures as S. Lee notes. For instance, the working classes increased in number and strengthened their identity, but this simply aggravated the suspicion of the social elites. The Prussian Junkers in particular felt threatened by these social changes (due to the decreasing role of agriculture in the economy), but as noted above, Bismarck took a change in direction to economic protectionism in an attempt to preserve their position. The middle classes were caught up between the working classes and the social elites. They had pressures below them from the working classes and from the Industrialists and Junkers above them. Their main aim was to maintain their position. Unification had involved the imposition of Prussian ideologies throughout the newly united Germany, in which Prussia was the dominant state. This presented Bismarck with a number of problems, one of which he saw as the Catholics, whom he viewed as the enemies of the state, partly for their dislike of Bismarckian politics. The Kulturkampf, or struggle for civilisation, was supported by the May Laws in 1873, which included the severing diplomatic relations with the Vatican and the removal of Catholic influence from society. The campaign in the main failed and was abandoned at the end of the 1870s, as Bismarck turned his attention to what he viewed as the menace of socialism and sought an defensive alliance with Austria. As C Grant Robinson put it, Bismarck deliberately sacrificed victory in the Kulturkampf to victory in other issues, more important in his judgement. This change of direction has often been referred to as political opportunism. With this change of direction Bismarck in the main severed his alliance with the German Liberals. This alliance had not lived up to the expectations of several influential groups in the Reich, which prompted Bismarck to switch towards economic and political conservatism. Agatha Ramm describes these changes as a coherent and systematic revision of policy in relation to the economic, social and financial needs of the Reich. Bismarck, partly looking to the events of the Paris Commune, took on a very anti-Socialist stance, as he saw the Socialists as the new enemies of the state. He sought to repress the Socialist movement, but this only seemed to serve to increase the popularity of the Socialist Workers Party. Bismarck tried to curtail this growth by means of legislation, which included the banning of socialist newspapers and meetings in Germany. Bismarck, realising that socialism could not be conquered by repression alone, introduced a programme of state socialism, which included medical insurance and sick pay. W.M Simon argues that this did not convince the workforce and hence they gave their support to the left. However, AJP Taylor suggests that this was not the case, indicating that workers had taken on an understanding that the more they co-operated with the state, the more rewards they would receive: the workers seemed to have received social security as the price of political subservience. Political Change There were political implications from the social diversity of Germany. There was an intention to rally to lower orders, by promoting nationalism through patriotism rather than socialism through internationalism as S Lee puts it. The elites put pressure on Bismarck to pursue an active foreign and colonial policy to promote this stance, to turn the lower orders attention away from the domestic social problems. The elites did their utmost to impose constraints to curtail any political expansion to the lower orders. Overall, Bismarck did all he could to stifle the development of parliamentary democracy in Germany. Whilst the Reichstag could comment on legislation, Bismarck had the power to veto anything. The parties in the Reichstag were more like sectional pressure groups, with membership centred around social class origins. Max Weber supports this viewpoint, noting that the German political system was merely sham constitutionalism. AJP Taylor sums up Bismarcks stance to democracy very effectively, in stating that Bismarck lived in an age of democracy and German power and he devoted his life to making these forces as harmless as possible. This did not bode well for the future, as Weber comments, Bismarck left behind him as political heritage a nation without any political education. He also emphasised that the country was accustomed that the statesman at its head would look after all policy for it. Bismarck wanted to be aware of potential threats to the state he had created, and once himself stated when we have arrived at good harbour, we should be content to cultivate and hold what we have won. In order to protect what he had achieved in a unified Germany, and in response to European pressure, Bismarck used his unique negotiating skills to forge a number of alliances, in an attempt to ensure European peace and avoid war on two fronts. A number of alliances were attempted to preserve peace in Europe, beginning with the dreikeiserbund, or league of 3 emperors in 1873, (involving alliances with Russia and Austria), and later a separate dual alliance with Austria alone, with Italy coming into the Fray in the late 1880s. Whilst these alliances in the main failed to run smoothly, they did at least restore order in Europe and ensure that the changes taking place in Germany were not impeded by an outside conflict. Wilhelm IIs Strategy to Change Wilhelm II stated that he wanted to appeal to all elements of society, and in doing so he pursued a number of random, ad hoc policies that appeared to be ill thought out indicating, lack of central direction and did not necessarily harness change to his advantage. Economic Change The spectacular pace of industrialisation, aided by significant population growth, served to propel Germany to the status a major industrial power in the years to 1914. The population increased from 49 million in 1890 to 65 million by 1910. Coal production increased from 89 million tons in 1890 to 277 million tons in 1914, whilst steel production over the same period increased from 2.3 million tons to 14 million tons. Advances in the railway network, and new industries such as chemicals and electricity coerced this economic expansion. Overall income per capita increased substantially relative to European peers , increasing living standards as a result. However, this economic prosperity was not shared by German agriculture, which had to be supported by substantial internal tariffs just to keep the Junker farmers solvent. Conversely, Wilhelm promoted greater economic liberalism, under his first Chancellor Caprivi, reducing certain tariffs in an effort to bolster free trade, but upsetting the Junkers in the process by reducing their income from agricultural tariffs. Wilhelm II harnessed this growth in economic power to build up Germanys military might, which included the merchant navy, to make it comparable to Britains. Volker Berghahn notes that the development of the navy was more for popular, patriotic emotion, rather than as a strategic weapon in its own right, inciting that it promoted national unity. With economic expansion on such a massive scale, it was bound to have deep social and political implications, which the Kaiser failed to realise. Germany became increasingly in such a strong position that could have frightened other European countries into defensive alliances against it. Social Changes The population of Germany increased rapidly, rising from 49 million in 1890 to 65 million by 1914 and many people found themselves living in cities close to their new industrial workplaces. Anti-socialist laws were allowed to lapse under Wilhelm, but as the 1890s progressed, under the influence of Industrialists and Junkers, the Kaiser became concerned at the number of concessions Trade Unions were winning. Working conditions improved significantly as a result, with reforms such as restricted Sunday hours. The Socialists in Germany were comparatively moderate, as the German workforce enjoyed a relatively high standard of living, which continued to improve. For instance, over the period 18895 to 1907, wages increased by some 100 percent, whilst the cost of living only rose 22 percent in the same period. Hence real wages and disposable income were outstripping the cost of living, which served to dampen Trade Union demands. It was because of this increase in affluence that support for Socialists grew, it could be argued. By 1912, the Socialists were the largest party in the Reichstag, which served to increase the Kaisers paranoia. Wilhelm himself commented, following these elections, the German Parliamentarian becomes daily more of a swine. Wilhelms attempts to curtail Socialism reflected Sammlungs politik, which was a policy of bringing together. This policy involved the bringing together under a common set of ideas, all grouping in Germany, with the exception of Socialists, and also the use of an active foreign policy. The main exponent of Sammlung Politik was Chancellor Bulow, who upset groups in the Reichstag, such as the Progressives, which pushed such groups towards Socialism. The next Chancellor, Hollweg, tried to stop this trend of an increase in support for the Socialists, and used many means that were at his disposal, such as the army and civil service, but his success in this respect was very limited. All the changes convinced the ruling elite that Socialism was a danger, but historians are divided on this point. For instance, when World War One broke out, the Socialists offered support, not typical of a revolutionary behaviour. In addition, to what uses would German workers turn their power, should they win it? The Socialist Democratic Party (SPD) suffered from lack of political education, as was evident in the fact they did not remove the Kaiser. So the attempt by the regime to crush socialism was not well thought out, as it did not pose any serious threat. The Kaisers campaign against Socialism at the beginning of the century offered no political concessions and is this respect was likely to spark domestic conflicts. Wilhelms attitude to the working classes contrasted sharply from that of the Junkers and Industrial elites, whose pleas he was very receptive to. This seems very contradictory, as the Kaiser in 1894 had proclaimed that he wanted to be the King of Beggars. Political Changes In effect, none of the four Chancellors under Wilhelm held any significant power, as Wilhelm would interfere in the business of the state, as his second Chancellor pointed out: if I cannot get the Kaisers consent for measures I regard as necessary, then I have no authority. Politically, Wehlr has described Wilhelm as being at the mercy of navy league nationalists, Junkers and industrialists. Whilst it was recognised that the Kaiser made all the decisions, he was greatly influenced by the Junkers, the Industrialists, the civil service and the army. This was against a background of democracy pretence in the Reichstag, which was effectively and constitutionally a talking shop. The Reichstag was not central or integral to the policy making process. There was immense resistance to political change, particularly in moves towards democracy. Wilhelm embraced conservative ideas that were so right wing they were almost fascist. Whilst there were major economic and social changes taking place inside and outside Germany, the political structure remained static. However, as time progressed there is evidence that the Reichstag began to fight back, for instance in 1912 the Kaiser tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill, intended to jail anyone stopping any man from working, or encouraging strikes. This was not the first occasion that the Reichstag had refused to pass anti-socialist and anti-union legislation. Above all, the Kaiser wanted a place in the sun for the Germans. The problem was that there was very little room left for new colonisation in the early part of 1900. Bulow suggested that the pace of economic expansion forced the need for colonisation: Our need for national development, mainly in the industrial sphere, forced us to cross the ocean. In spite of the fact that Germany was planning colonisation very late compared to other powers, the Kaiser built up the German military machine and under the Tirpitz Plan, and built a naval fleet to rival that of Great Britain. The term saber rattler sums up his politics as well as his personality. Historian Barbara Tuchman put it appropriately when she referred to the Kaiser as possessor of the least inhibited tongue in Europe. The Kaiser clearly wanted a world role for Germany, but the physical results of Weltpolitik were somewhat meagre. Conclusion The reaction on the part of both Bismarck and Wilhelm to the increasing but modest demands for social and political reform was to try to repress the forces of change, as both saw socialism as a significant threat to the regime. The key difference between Bismarck and Wilhelm was that Bismarck realised that he could not defeat socialism by repression alone. Comparing the policy styles of Bismarck and Wilhelm, it appears that in spite of Bismarcks adherence to real politik, he still maintained a clearer sense of direction than Wilhelm, whose policies seemed ill thought out and lacking direction. As noted by Mosse, although Bismarck played his hand with great skill, it was a good one in the first place. Sturmer supports this argument by stating that Bismark was good at diplomatic games. It is clear then that when the regime fell into the hands of Wilhelm, who according to Rhal dreamt up policies, pursued and made a mess of policies, there were socio-political implications for Germany, which it seemed by 1914 could only be alleviated by a short, sharp, victorious war. Bibliography. Culpin, C Henig, R ( 1998). Modern Europe 1870-1945. Longman Advanced Hisory. Lee, S (19). Germany 1870-1918 Morris, TA, (1995). European History 1848-1945. University Tutorial Press Limited. German News Magazine, (1998). Otto Von Bismarck, Founder of the German Empire.

Influence of Climate Change on Eel Migration

Influence of Climate Change on Eel Migration Introduction Freshwater eel populations are experiencing a worldwide decline, mainly due to overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to migration (Bonhommeau et al. 2008).   However, an increasing body of work suggests that climate change poses a significant threat to eel recruitment, currently, and in the future (Bonhommeau et al. 2008, Knights 2003).   This should be an important consideration for eel management in New Zealand, and is partially explored in August and Hicks 2008 paper: Water temperature and upstream migration of glass eels in New Zealand: implications of climate change. The ecological, cultural and economic important of eels New Zealand is home to three main species of anguillid fresh-water eel, the endemic longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii), the shortfin eel (Anguilla australis), and the recently discovered Australian longfin (Anguilla reinhardtii) (Jellyman 2009).   Both populations have declined from commercial fishing and habitat degradation, but there is more concern for the longfin eel.   Aside from being exclusive to New Zealand, longfins are more slow growing and are more vulnerable to current environmental changes than shortfins because of their habitat preferences.   Their geographical distribution and abundance has declined over the past decades, prompting its ranking as an At Risk-Declining species by the New Zealand Threat Classification System (Goodman et al. 2014). The status of New Zealand eels are important to many stakeholders because both species have ecological significance and serve as valuable cultural and economic resources (Jellyman 2007, August and Hicks 2008).   Eels play a critical role in freshwater ecosystems as the apex predator.   As opportunist scavengers, they also serve to remove dead organisms, helping to recycle nutrients back into the system (Jellyman 2012).   Because they can prey upon nearly all other freshwater fish, eels have the ability to control other fish (and eel) populations, and even those of introduced species (Chisnall et al. 2003).   As an endemic New Zealand species and the largest freshwater eel found in the world, there is also much justification to protect the longfin eel and preserve the unique biodiversity of the country.   Eels are taonga (cultural treasure) to Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand).   Historically eels were an essential food source of Maori, and remain an significant component of Maori culture and beliefs (Jellyman 2007, Wright 2013).   Eels are integrated in their whakapapa (genealogy), mythology (eels are seen as spiritual guardians of waterways), and it is important for Maori kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to protect eels so as to restore the mauri (life force) of their rivers (Wright 2013). Both shortfin and longfin eels support commercial, traditional and recreational fisheries.   The commercial eel industry is not very large for New Zealand, with eel exports bringing in revenues of $5 million annually (Jellyman 2012).   Unfortunately, this commercial fishing industry has still greatly contributed to eel decline locally, prompting demands to reduce or ban commercial fishing of longfins (Wright 2013).  Ã‚  Ã‚      Eel decline: a vulnerable life history Part of the reason eels are so vulnerable is their extraordinary semelparous life history.   Mature eels migrate to oceanic spawning grounds (the exact location still unknown, but suspected to be northeast of New Caledonia) where they spawn and die (Jellyman 2009).   The larvae migrate back to New Zealand, and metamorphosise into glass, or unpigmented, eels.   They arrive at the coast, with peak arrivals in September and October, and migrate upstream through rivers and streams from late winter to early summer.   After spending many years, sometimes decades in freshwater, mature eels will then migrate back to their oceanic spawning grounds, continuing the reproductive cycle (Jellyman 2009). Unfortunately, this life history means that (1) eel recruitment is highly dependent on their successful upstream and downstream migration, (2) they take a relatively long time to reach reproductive age, (3) they only breed once per lifetime, and (4) they have limited habitat.   All these factors have made it even easier for humans to disturb eel populations.   Increased sedimentation in wetlands, lakes and rivers has further diminished available habitat, especially for longfins who prefer clean, clear waters (Wright 2013).   The construction of hydroelectric dams largely inhibits eel movement upstream and downstream (Jellyman, 2007).  Ã‚   Much of the management efforts concerning eels involves facilitating the upstream and downstream migration of eels and other native fishes using ladders, the temporary shutting down of hydroelectric dams, physically transporting glass eels over dams, etc (Jellyman 2007).     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While there are many localized threats to eel populations, it is also imperative to consider long term, overarching threats to eels populations.   A study by August and Hicks aimed to better understand the environmental factors influencing eel migration, and the findings of their study suggest that we may need to underline climate change on the growing list of eel threats (2008).  Ã‚   Purpose and methods of the experiment In their study, August and Hicks investigated the upstream migration of glass eels in the Tukituki River, in Hawke Bay, New Zealand (2008).   The purpose of their experiment was to see how environmental variables affected the number of migrants, and to survey the species composition, size, condition and pigmentation of the migrants (2008). They conducted this survey in the rivers lower tidal reaches by trapping glass eels most nights from September to late November in 2001, and until early December in 2002.   Eels were trapped using a mesh net, with mesh screens on either sides to prevent eels from moving past the net.   Fishing began an hour before sunset, and every 45 minutes, glass eels and bycatch were removed from the net, counted and recorded.   A subsample of glass eels was removed from the catch each night so the level of pigmentation and species could be identified in the lab later.   Fishing ended each night when the glass eel catch decreased over three successive trapping periods.   August and Hicks also measured water temperature at the sampling site and river mouth, river flow 10km upstream from the sampling site, wind, barometric pressure, and solar radiation.   Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze associations between the number and length (daily means of total length for each species) of migrants and the environmental variables, separated by species and year. Study results and discussion In total, the researchers caught 50,287 eels in 2001 and 19,954 in 2002, and they do not discuss reasons for this difference in eel numbers.   Out of the environmental variables measured, they found that river water temperature, sea water temperature and river flow were most associated with glass eel catch, though river and sea water temperatures were highly correlated.   Maximum eel numbers were found when river flow was low or normal (less than or equal to 22 m3 s-1), with fewer numbers at higher flows.     Ã‚   Migrating glass eels seemed to prefer moderate river temperatures; water temperatures below 12 °C and above 22 °C seemed to almost or completely suppress eel migration.   August and Hicks created a habitat suitability curve and proposed 16.5 °C as the optimum temperature for upstream migration of New Zealand glass eels (2008).   This relationship between may exist because water temperature can facilitate (or hinder) the swimming ability of fish, both by affecting the metabolism of the fish and the kinetic viscosity of water.   Moon phase, which has been historically associated with glass eel invasions, was sometimes associated with peak eel runs into the stream.   However, they found that moon phase was confounded by other variables, namely water temperature and tidal currents, and suggest that these factors, rather than the moonlight itself, may be the mechanism driving eel invasions during full and new moons.   This observation, while limited to the Tukituki River, may help to clarify the lunar association with eel migrations globally.   In both years, their catch was mainly shortfins (91% in 2001 and 93% in 2002), which is consistent with observations that shortfins dominate the North Island east coast.   However, this finding could be valuable for eel management since shortfin dominance may be reflect the pastoral development of the area and result from their superior tolerance to increasingly muddy waters.     Ã‚   They acknowledge some shortcomings of the study, including the fact that glass eel recruitment likely began before trapping.   They did not estimate trap efficiency, though visual observations suggested that no more than 5% of the migrating glass eels escaped entrapment. Significance of their findings While glass eel recruitment may be associated with various environmental factors, water temperature was the most strongly linked factor out of the measured variables.   This study thus supports the theory that water temperature is a cue for the start and intensity of the New Zealand upstream eel migration.   This has been observed for Anguilla rostrata   (American eels ) (Marin 1995), Anguilla anguilla   (European eels) (Edeline et al. 2006), and even experimentally for Anguilla japonica (Japanese eels) (Chen and Chen 1991), but had not been thoroughly explored in New Zealand eels.   Nevertheless, this study contributes further documentation of temperature thresholds for eel migrations, and puts forth an optimal temperature for New Zealand migrations.   In finding linkages between water temperature and lunar phases, their work may also help to clarify the supposed relationship between the moon and eel invasions globally.   Their finding of peak migrations during spring tides is consistent with previous studies (Jellyman 1979), and demonstrates how eels use flood tides to achieve passive upstream movement.   Findings from Jellyman et al.s 2009 study in the Waikato River system contradicted the results of August and Hicks study.   While Jellyman et al. also found that temperature had a significant relationship with the migration strength, their largest migrations occurred at much cooler temperatures, between 12.6 and 13.1 °C.   These temperatures are well below August and Hicks optimum temperature of 16.5 °C , and undermined their hypothesis that temperatures below 12 °C would suppress migrations.   These variations in the eel responses to temperature could result from the Waikato study site being further inland than August and Hicks study.   Aside from using different river systems with potentially very different ranges of temperatures, this meant that the eels sampled by Jellyman et al. were older and may respond to environmental factors differently.   Implications for climate change Given the predictions that climate change will lead to rising ocean temperatures, August and Hicks speculate that warming temperatures will negatively impact glass eel recruitment.   However, in the article, they do not discuss or predict in detail how rising water temperatures will impact eel migration, such as effects on the timing or numbers of migrants.   They maintain that the generality of the negative effects of high water temperatures on glass eel invasionsremains to be confirmed (August and Hicks 2008), which is a reasonable statement given the limited scope of their study.   However, the usefulness of this article could have been strengthened by analyzing, in more detail, the potential threat climate change poses to eels. This paper also lacked a discussion of whether eels could adapt to the projected increases in ocean temperatures.   These ocean temperature rises are expected to be relatively gradual, with warming in New Zealand between 0.7-5.1 °C, with a best estimate of 2.1 °C, by 2090 (Ministry of the Environment, 2008).   The Jellyman et al. 2009 study may actually provide evidence that eels are already adapting to warming ocean temperatures.   When they compared migration catch data between a 30 year interval, they found that the main migration period occurred several weeks earlier.   This suggests that eels may be compensating for increasing temperatures by migrating earlier in the season (Jellyman et al. 2009).   By shifting their migration times, or even by other adaptations in their physiology, eels may avoid the detrimental effects of climate change.   However, there is also the danger that as temperatures warm, the window of temperatures suitable for migration will grow smaller and smaller, which could still lead to declines in recruitment.   Moreover, it is already clear that eel recruitment has decreased both in New Zealand and globally, so it is unlikely that adaptation will allow eels to completely escape the effects of climate change.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Climate change may also be more strongly affecting eel recruitment through food availability, rather than through temperature increases.   One review of continental water conditions and the decline of American, European and Japanese eels found correlations between eel recruitment and sea surface temperature anomalies (Knights 2003).   They hypothesized that global warming trends will negatively impact eel recruitment by inhibiting spring thermocline mixing and nutrient circulation (Knights 2003).   Changes in the resulting food availability may be a significant contributor to the worldwide eel decline.   Despite several studies investigating the impact of large scale oceanic warming trends, we still very much lack an understanding of how much climate change will, and is currently, playing a role in eel populations.  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚   Implications for Eel Management This study was beneficial by informing the population composition of eels (specifically species and size) in the Hawke Bay region.   Knowing the size of migrations in 2001 and 2002 can allow ecologists to measure the health of eel populations in the future by using this data as a point for comparison.   This population information also gives resource managers some sense of what to expect from mature eel populations in the future.   Understanding how environmental variables affect eel recruitment can help eel managers predict migrations with greater precision and to understand why they are witnessing certain trends in eel populations.   By helping managers make predictions for when peak glass eel migrations will occur, this study can help inform ideal times to turn off hydroelectric dams or invest more efforts into eel transfers over upstream obstacles.   Even though this study makes an important step towards considering how ocean warming will affect eel recruitment, its ability to advance our understanding of eels and climate change is extremely limited.   Further experimental studies are needed to investigate the temperature preferences of eels and the effects of temperature.   Even then, studies researching the effects of warming temperatures on eels are inherently limited because they cannot consider species responses and adaptations on a timescale relevant to climate change.   Regardless, given our worldwide eel decline, and evidence that climate change may already be impacting eel populations, its clear that more research is needed to investigate the current and future threat of climate change for eels. Conclusion The August and Hicks study advanced our understanding of the abiotic factors controlling glass eel migrations in New Zealand.   They found a strong association between migrations and water temperature, which raised concerns that rising ocean temperatures will negatively impact eel recruitment.   While their predictions about the effects of climate change are largely limited by the scope and nature of the study, their findings demonstrate the need for further research on climate change and eels.   Such research is especially imperative given the context of local and global declines in eel recruitment and populations.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Word Count: 2,434 Works Cited August, S. M., & Hicks, B. J. (2008). Water temperature and upstream migration of glass eels in New Zealand: implications of climate change.  Environmental Biology of Fishes,  81(2), 195-205. Bonhommeau, S., Chassot, E., Planque, B., Rivot, E., Knap, A. H., & Le Pape, O. (2008). Impact   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of climate on eel populations of the Northern Hemisphere.  Marine Ecology Progress   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Series,  373, 71-80. Chen YL, Chen H-Y (1991) Temperature selections of Anguilla japonica (L.) elvers, and their   Ã‚  Ã‚   implications for migration. Austr J Mar Freshwater Res 42:743–750 Chisnall, B.L.; Hicks, B.J.; Martin, M.L. ( 2003). Effect of harvest on size, abundance, and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   production of freshwater eels Anguilla australis and A. dieffenbachii in a New Zealand   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   stream. P. 177–189. In: Biology, management, and protection of catadromous eels.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dixon, D.A. (Ed.). American Fisheries Society, Symposium 33. Edeline, E., Lambert, P., Rigaud, C., & Elie, P. (2006). Effects of body condition and water   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   temperature on Anguilla anguilla glass eel migratory behavior.  Journal of Experimental   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marine Biology and Ecology,  331(2), 217-225. Goodman, J. M., Dunn, N. R., Ravenscroft, P. J., Allibone, R. M., Boubee, J. A., David, B. O.,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   & Rolfe, J. R. (2014). Conservation status of New Zealand freshwater fish, 2013.  New   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zealand Threat Classification Series,  7, 12. Jellyman, D. J. (1979). Upstream migration of glass-eels (Anguilla spp.) in the Waikato River.   Ã‚  Ã‚   New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 13, 13–22. Jellyman, D. J. (2007). Status of New Zealand fresh-water eel stocks and management   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   initiatives.  ICES Journal of Marine Science: Journal du Conseil,  64(7), 1379-1386. Jellyman, D. J. (2009). Modelling Larval Migration Routes and Spawning Areas of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Anguillid Eels of New Zealand and Australia in Challenges for Diadromous Fishes in a   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dynamic Global Environment (1-934874-08-6, 978-1-934874-08-0), (p. 255).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bethesda: Amer Fisheries Soc. Jellyman, D. J., Booker, D. J., & Watene, E. (2009). Recruitment of Anguilla spp. glass eels in   Ã‚   the Waikato River, New Zealand. Evidence of declining migrations?.  Journal of Fish   Ã‚   Biology,  74(9), 2014-2033. Jellyman, D. J. (2012). The status of longfin eels in New Zealand – An overview   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of stocks and harvest. Report prepared for Parliamentary Commissioner for the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Environment. NIWA. Knights, B. (2003). A review of the possible impacts of long-term oceanic and climate changes   Ã‚   and fishing mortality on recruitment of anguillid eels of the Northern   Ã‚   Hemisphere.  Science of the total Environment,  310(1), 237-244. Martin, M. H. (1995). The effects of temperature, river flow, and tidal cycles on the onset of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   glass eel and elver migration into fresh water in the American eel.  Journal of Fish   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Biology,  46(5), 891-902. Ministry for the Environment (2008).  Climate Change Effects and Impacts Assessment. A   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Guidance Manual for Local Government in New Zealand. 2nd Edition.  Prepared by    Mullan, B; Wratt, D; Dean, S; Hollis, M. (NIWA); Allan, S; Williams, T. (MWH NZ   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ltd), and Kenny, G. (Earthwise Consulting Ltd), in consultation with Ministry for the Environment. NIWA Client Report WLG2007/62, February 2008, 156p. Wright, J. (2013). On a pathway to extinction? An investigation into the status and management of the longfin eel.  Wellington, New Zealand: Parliamentary Commissioner for the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Environment.   

Sexism in Sports Essay -- Sexism Sports Athletics Basketball Essays

Sexism in Sports In 1972 a policy known as Title IX was written and mandated into Federal policy. Title IX states â€Å"no person.....shall, on the basis of sex†¦.be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance† (Glenn Sacks, â€Å"Title IX Lawsuits are Endangering Men’s College Sports,† p. 3). Many high schools and colleges have not been able to comply with the Title IX standards mostly because of money. After more than 30 years since the beginning of Title IX, there is still no gender equality among men and women in sports. Passed in 1972 by United States President Richard Nixon, Title IX was supposed to open the door for women, but feminists have interpretated Title IX in a way to help strengthen women’s athletics (Sacks 1). During the Carter and Clinton administrations Title IX was converted into a weapon to enforce gender quotas, therefore abolishing as many men’s college athletic teams as possible (Phyllis Schlafly, â€Å"Supreme Court wrestles with Title IX,† p. 2). Over the years the words of Title IX author, former U.S. Republican Edith Green, must have been forgotten when he stated that the law is â€Å"exceedingly explicit so that the establishment of quotas would be prohibited (Schlafly 2)†. It has become obvious that quotas are the standard in 2005. Scholarships, spending and funding must somehow equal the ratio of 57% women - 43% men enrolled in college. Schools have been offered two options to meet Title IX – create new women’s teams or cut men†™s teams (Sacks 2). Has the question really been answered yet? Has Title IX changed anything? YES. Between 1972 and 1997, 3.6 male athletes were dropped from their programs. During the same period, female athletes increased by 5,800 while 20,000 male athletes were cut (Sacks 2). Women’s basketball programs are now allotted 15 scholarships, men’s 13.5; women tennis is allotted 8 scholarships, men’s 4.5. By April of 2002, over 350 NCAA men’s programs had been terminated since 1991, over 100 wrestling programs had been eliminated overall, and only 26 colleges still had male gymnastic programs (J.P. Hoornstra, â€Å"Title IX sends teams to grave,† p. 2). It seems to me that Title IX was created with all the good intentions, but it seems that nobody really ever thought it through. On the flip side, coaches for an average college women’s team earns, on av... ...ution is time. Society is still grounded in the old ideals of early Americans. Sexism is a problem that can distort a person’s thought process, young and old. This perception denies the skill, sacrifice, and passion of an athlete based on gender. True today, the female athlete is as celebrated as the male athlete is. And true, female athletes are becoming extremely competitive, but still there is a belief of â€Å"separate and unequal† in the realm of women’s sport. Reference List Egendorf, Laura K. (1999). Sports and Athletes: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. Geadelmann, Patricia L. (1977). Equality in Sport for Women. Washington: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Jacob, Michael Paul. (1993). College women athletes' knowledge and perceptions of Title IX. Iowa: Iowa State University Press. Messner, Michael A., McKay, Jim & Sabo, D. (2000) Masculinities, Gender Relations, and Sport. California: Sage Publications. www.movies.yahoo.com www.nba.com Prince-Blythewood, Gina (Director/Writer) & Kitt, S. & Lee, S. (Producers). (2000). Love & Basketball. [Motion Picture]. United States: New Line Cinema. www.wnba.com

ESL in DoDS Schools :: Free Essay Writer

Young Arzu Alp(not her real name), a ten-year-old military brat, is starting mid-semester at her third school in four years. Nervously standing before the American flag, she anticipates trouble understanding the teacher, hopes for just one new friend, and speaks English as a second language. Arzu need not fear. Her family has been stationed where the school she will attend instructs over 100 hundred English as a Second Language students by three specialized teachers and a competent faculty. Unlike her first year in the Department of Defense District School system when she spoke only Turkish, this semester she will test for Level Four and be very close to breaking her language barrier. She has seen others do this and excel in all other areas as well. The talented and gifted program at her new school is made up of 50% ESL students. In fact, the principal boasts that ESL students often finish high school as valedictorians or salutatorians. (M. Fidler, personal communication, June 9, 2001). Immersion of ESL students in mainstream classes has its advantages and disadvantages. Beginning with enrollment to testing through four levels of English comprehension to graduation, the potential obstacles are unique to ESL students. As we journey through Arzu’s experiences in the ESL program at her new DoDDS’ school, we will assess its productivity and describe its methods of success. One teacher at her new school feels that having ESL students learn side-by-side American, English-speaking only students creates an environment of cultural diversity. Multiple beliefs, traditions, and allegiances adds spice and enrichment to classroom interactions. (M. Fidler, personal communication, June 9, 2001). This is especially true at Arzu’s school where the different backgrounds pepper every classroom and there is no dominant one. Everyone is somewhat culture-bound. Within each culture, there is a unique coherence, integrity, and logic (Snowman, Biehler, 2000). These two statements and believing that one culture is not better or worse than the rest is the ideas on which cultural diversity, or pluralism, is based. One English/History/Humanities teacher articulates this attitude by commenting that relationships must be based on tolerance and mutual respect (M.Fidler, personal communication, June 9, 2001). In response to the question, â€Å"Do cultural differences cause problems in the classroom?† twelve out of twelve teachers and both the principal and vice principal agree that they do not.

The Complex Process of Selecting a Pair of Shoes Essay -- Research Ess

The Complex Process of Selecting a Pair of Shoes I plan to prove that the majority of people that invest money into footwear do so because of style. People usually don’t choose a pair of shoes because of comfort, color, or any other means at all. They usually base their decision of purchasing a pair of shoes on style. There are three tools that I will use during this experiment that will help me out. These tools will be comprised of surveys, interviews, and observations. Through survey’s I will have a sheet of paper with approximately eight questions on it. These questions range from the subjects personal preference when it comes to purchasing a pair of shoes. Whether they do it for comfort, style, color, work related, price, or even none of the above at all, to how many pairs of shoes that these individuals currently own. This will give me a general idea of what goes through peoples minds when they purchase a pair of shoes. Then I will use my observation skills. I plan to sit in the mall since it’s t he best public place for this experiment, and observe what brand, color, and style of footwear the general public wear. I will more than likely sit in front of Finish Line since they are one of the major footwear sales stores in the country. This will show me exactly what people choose to wear, but won’t tell me why. Since I wouldn’t know why they wear them I plan to interview a couple of volunteers to get their opinion. This plus the rest of my research will give me a good idea of what people choose to wear, and why. I’m going to pick a few individuals from the public that seem to keep â€Å"shoes† an important part of their lives. I will ask them the same questions that are on my survey plus a few more that will go int... ... and style go hand in hand. He said people prefer one brand name against another because of the way they look. On the other hand I interviewed a girl who said that she would buy any pair of shoes as long as it was cheap and looked nice. She said she had no real preference, and owned a lot of shoes. Price was her deciding factor and no matter how it looked, what the brand name was, or even the color, she wouldn’t purchase it unless the price wasn’t very high, or if it was on sale. I think my observations, surveys, and interviews prove my thesis to be correct. Even though not everybody uses style for their deciding factor, the majority of people that participated in my survey, and my interview with Rob the shoe salesman concludes that style usually is the number one factor in one way or another when a person purchases a pair of shoes.

Characteristic of an Effective Teacher Essay

1. A ‘Calling’ for the profession This is supposed to be the most important. And this is what is causing me the most headache at the moment. To accept the fact that someone might be doing this job as a job for the perks and the advantages without a real commitment is a real hindrance in achieving my aim of helping teachers become better professionals. How do you train teachers to develop a calling for the profession? Is this something I can possibly aim at? 2. Professional knowledge I tend to feel that a lot of what is considered professional knowledge is in easy-to-assess tests, like TKT or CELTA. Does he know the different kinds of assessments, and the present perfect? Yes, great, then he’s good. Professional knowledge is a matter of pride among teachers. Local teachers make a lot of effort to speak better English and expect ‘native teachers’ to explain random weird ideas they learnt 30-40 years before. I personally attribute little importance to this aspect. Long gone are the days when a clever teacher taught a stupid child about the big-big world. 3. Personal qualities Yeah, yeah. Here we go again: the teacher as the frustrated (failed) actor, the clown, the village idiot†¦ Well actually no, I think there are much more important personal qualities we tend to ignore these days and we shouldn’t: honesty, emotions, intelligence, reliability, enthusiasm, curiosity. These are all characteristics we use to define effective learners, but the more these qualities are shared by their teachers, the more likely it is that they get what they want. It’s always going to be more entertaining to watch Friends, or whatever it is teenagers watch these days, than to attend an English class. So, why compete? Establishing an efficient and mutually beneficial working environment is much more helpful I believe†¦. 4. With-it-ness (McEwan, E K 2002. How to survive and strive in the first three weeks of school) This is an exciting addition to the list. The essential skill of being able to envisage possible classroom and curriculum events. Planning with an awareness of the objectives and the conditions. This is definitely an acquired skill that you can get better with every new year, school and group. This is why every employer should be wary of teachers who do a year or so and then move on regularly. They will not have this understanding of their actions within the bigger picture. It’s arguable of course how important this is, but if we see education – especially public schools – as a continuum with precise expectations, it is important to have teachers who understand them. This is especially true if we want to liberate teachers from prescribed teaching materials and expect them to develop customised tasks for their students. 5. Instructional Effectiveness To be an effective teacher you have to teach well. Hard to argue. The interesting thing about this is that this demands again a very high level of flexibility and a wide range of expertise from the teacher, since something that may be a piece of cake with one group of students can prove to be an absolute nightmare with another. Even if I planned the same lesson for two different groups, they could and they should never be the same. So, this is again a hunch, not more. This seems to work with this group so let’s go with it, but heaven forbid I would try it with the other group. 6. Good communicator Well, this is pretty obvious, and necessary not only with students, but with teachers, managers and parents. Communication is not always direct, which is difficult. Other teachers and management hear about you from students and parents. It’s all a vicious circle, and to communicate your message well in all directions is a bit of a juggling act. 7. Street smart Know about who you teach. This is sometimes perceived as the great advantage of having local teachers or teachers who come from the same-similar context. While I admit that this has its advantages, I think it has just as many disadvantages. There is a false sense of mutuality between the local teachers and students against the foreign teacher in the school. All those dismissive nods from the colleagues and students are the same, really. Sometimes blowing up a little bit of a bomb with a completely innocent face can be very helpful. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with my students about respecting women and giving them rights and me doing the cooking and the washing up. I loved it. In many situations you are expected to be the foreigner. Embracing your foreignness is one way of being successful. You are not expected to be one of them. Why try? Clearly, you don’t want to be rude or hurt anyone but there are several stages between the extremes. Don’t do any thing that would offend you if it was the other way round but don’t expect them to eat the goulash as you serve it, what’s more, they can even be allowed not to like goulash. 8. Willing to go the extra mile This is closely linked to the first one. If you follow a calling, you will go the extra mile. Otherwise you won’t. There is no way of making someone do more than what they are paid to. 9. Lifelong learner The excitement of Amazon delivering yet another book about ELT, Russell Tarr recommending another mindboggingly good link. A conference near you, a conference on the web, all the tweets from last night. If you are still excited about any of these things, we’re talking about you. If you watch a movie and 2 minutes into the film you start thinking about how you could use this in class, this is about you. Most teachers start forgetting what they learn when they start their education, and will have forgotten why they are standing in front of a class by the time they have finished. They are the life-long forgetters. Heaven save students from them. This is not about the ‘best method’ the ‘best book’ ’the greatest author’, ‘the best publisher’, it’s about you and where you are in the wonderful process of your professional development 10 Life outside the classroom Your life outside the classroom is the bread and butter you bring to your students and re-contextalise to feed their learning appetite.

Michael Harper’s Discovery

Michael Harper’s poem, Discovery is a poem of love. It gives us a unique way of defining and realizing true love. Indeed the poem is narrative and has free verse – and it expresses an occasion where the narrator discovers the care which the other person, a female shows toward him/her- such is the significance of the title, Discovery. Yet love although universally defined as the â€Å"feeling of warmth and concern for other persons† must be qualified here. My reading of the poem suggests that it is a romantic kind of love that is expressed between two individuals; a male (the narrator) and a female (the narrator’s partner in the poem). Truly, the degree of love revealed in the poem is overwhelming which caused the narrator to ask why I in the fifth line. The ellipses used after that emphasizes on possible uncertainties, thoughts that the narrator pondered upon while in her cradle of affection. This being the case, the sentiment of enigma is pictured probably due to the relative bewilderment of the narrator to the beauty that is being showed by the woman despite the narrator’s imperfections. The setting is night time on bed (they laid together in the dark); the two are close to each other (the narrator could hear her breath); as presented by lines one and two. It is quite possible for lovers to sleep together and engage in an act like sex. Harper has thought of convincing the readers of the reality of the narrator’s emotion by attending to the facts, by way of description, that are happening while the narrator is sleeping. Just like love, it may or may not be seen, only felt. When love is true, the person does not wish for it to be recognized nor expect returns from act of pretense. Such is the beauty of love in the poem; it has been measured by the warmth of the light (bulb) – as it is common to metaphorically describe love through the sensations of warmth. The eyes have always been the window of our inner passion; and touch and kiss signify intimacy. The author rightly used the line; she was staring at me with her eyes, to demonstrate the act of looking over a loved one in the coldness of the night; and the line a little shaken as she stroked my skin and kissed nay brow, to literally project sweetness. Although the challenging night’s condition was not directly written in the poem, it is implied especially when line number eight says, her thigh warming mine. The line, her breasts still sturdy could be a depiction of an aged woman who despite the fading strength in the context of age and experience has shown vitality or could also mean a period of arousal which is demonstrated as a prelude to a more intimate encounter by a woman. The poem reveals more of the scene that takes place after their love making. People of today has a general belief that â€Å"sex† no longer possesses the same sanctity as before – that the act could be done with or without love. The poem defies the latter by showing that it is most enjoyable when at the end of the act it self, love and joy is felt. The line in the poem tells us that the lover aimed at analyzing his/her partner in the silence of the night while sleeping and unveils sincerity through simple acts of kissing the brows. The agenda of the poem is to make us understand why love remains a feeling that we have to discover. Other ways become tools for this detection; like the light turned on and the heat which would reveal how long the woman had looked and cared for the narrator. It is hot, burning hot meaning deep and true. The narrator discovers true love here which treats sex secondary only to the feeling of closeness, sincerity and care which are all metaphorically disclosed in the poem. It serves as a lesson for all of us on the virtue of love and the significance of sex. True love can sustain itself without sex, although as an expression of love, sex regains its necessity. The beauty of love making lies on the feeling of security after the act which the narrator felt in the end of the poem – security from threats of lies, infidelity and uncertainties.

Stefan’s Diaries: The Craving Chapter 17

The reception was held in a different grand hall. My brother, Lydia, Bridget, and I formed a receiving line by the entrance to thank and greet our guests. Damon put it on a bit, bowing and pretending to know people he didn't. Compelling them into thinking he was an old friend, no doubt. While Bridget showed off her ring, Lydia gave everyone warm kisses or handshakes or smiles, whatever their relationship dictated. She even laughed when Bram tried to snatch a â€Å"farewell† kiss. Bridget stood by her side, beaming with what looked like genuine joy. â€Å"Thank you for coming today,† I said time and time again, the words tasting like chalk on my tongue. â€Å"We're so glad you could come celebrate with us. My thanks for being here today. Pleased to meet you, thank you so much for being here.† â€Å"Stefan Salvatore?† demanded a matron in an almost unmoving thick gray silk dress and pearls, holding on to my hand for longer than was strictly necessary. She pronounced the e at the end of my last name and fixed me with an eye as stony as her skirts. â€Å"Yes, ma'am,† I said, giving her as warm a smile as I could. â€Å"Of the Florentine Salvatores? Prince Alessandro?† â€Å"I'm not rightly sure, ma'am,† I answered, trying to keep my smile. â€Å"When my father came to this country he declared himself an American. He didn't keep up with our old relations.† Her eyes widened and her grip on my hand became loose. â€Å"An immigrant. How charming.† She didn't smile and pulled her hand out of my grasp, moving on. Several hundred people later we finally got to sit down. The bride and groom's table was festooned with palm fronds and garlands of huge flowers, and was covered with every expensive delicacy you could want to eat – or show off that you could afford. There was a seafood appetizer of oysters and other delicacies including Scottish smoked salmon and Russian caviar. Then came a main course that consisted of an absolutely staggering number of dead animals: roast beef, quail, venison, pheasant, woodcock, duck, lamb, roast pork, hot and cold, braised and grilled, minced and sauteed, sliced and in pies. It was all crowned off by a wedding cake, five tiers of the finest fruitcake covered in fondant and decorated with scrolls, swoops, columns, and sugar birds. The black-jacketed waiters poured glass after glass of champagne, and everyone chatted gaily. But my muscles were tied in knots. The â€Å"wedding† was officially over. Damon and I were legally married into the Sutherland family. It was only a matter of time before he began the next phase of his plan – whatever that ended up being. â€Å"Darling, get me a glass of water, would you?† Lydia was asking my brother, touching him tenderly on the cheek. â€Å"In some ceremonies, it's the lady's place to love, honor, and obey. Shouldn't you be getting one for me, little wife?† he smiled, but in a way I didn't like. â€Å"Of course! Anything for you, dear,† Lydia said. â€Å"Water, wine†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Blood?† Damon prompted. Lydia laughed. â€Å"If you wish, it's my command.† Bridget didn't eat any of the expensive repast, leaping up from the table constantly to talk to her friends, holding out her hand and showing off her ring. I spent most of dinner nervously pushing very expensive food around a very expensive plate with a very expensive, very heavy silver fork, never taking my eyes off Damon. As dessert came out, Bram took pity on me and sat down in Bridget's place for a moment. â€Å"Congrats, old chap,† he said, shaking my hand. â€Å"You and Damon snagged two of the best New York has to offer.† I nodded miserably. â€Å"Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland are just terrific. And Margaret†¦ well, she's a spitfire, but I trust you'll be able to win her over eventually.† My head snapped up. â€Å"Have you noticed anything, er, odd about Margaret?† Bram had known the Sutherlands since he was born. Perhaps he had some insight into what made Margaret able to withstand Damon's charms. Bram scratched his floppy black curls. â€Å"Odd?† â€Å"Yes, she's different from the others. Stronger,† I said leadingly. Bram let out a rueful laugh. â€Å"That's for sure. One time when we were younger, I stole her favorite doll to use it as a nurse in a war game with my brother. I swear, the look she gave me! She didn't even have to touch me to send a painful shock through my entire body. Needless to say, I never played with her toys again.† â€Å"She was able to hurt you without touching you?† I pressed, trying to put the pieces together. But just then, Winfield tapped me on the shoulder and nodded toward a back room. Damon came with us, a mock-serious look on his face. As we quietly filed past the guests and down a side corridor, I strained to look out the windows. Through trees and towers I could see the mighty Hudson and the Palisades, a golden sun shining down on the sparkling river, the green forests, boats and barges parading slowly up and down the water. I almost did feel like a king surveying his countryside, since marrying into this family set me into the top of New York's highest society. We entered a dark-paneled smoking room, and Winfield immediately set about pouring some ruby-red sherry. Damon pulled out a silver flask and right there in front of Winfield spiked his drink with blood. Human blood. â€Å"To marriage eternal,† Damon said, raising his glass. Winfield agreed energetically. â€Å"To marriage.† I just nodded and tossed back the drink, hoping the cool liquid would sate my thirst. â€Å"There's a serious matter I need to talk to you lads about.† Winfield settled his frame into a large desk chair. Damon leaned forward expectantly. I tensed in my seat, ready for whatever would come next. â€Å"The matter of a dowry.† I squeezed my hands together. Damon grinned, exposing his gleaming canines. He threw himself on to a velvet couch. â€Å"Just what I was going to ask you about, Father. You don't mind me calling you that, do you?† â€Å"Not at all, my boy,† Winfield said, offering Damon a cigar. My brother took it, carefully trimming and lighting the end in a matter so professional I wondered where he picked up the habit. The two sat puffing for a moment, releasing large clouds of smoke into the tiny room. I coughed. Damon, enjoying my discomfort, took the effort to blow a smoke ring my way. â€Å"Now here's the thing. I want you two boys to be able to stand on your own two feet. My girls deserve real men, and if anything should happen to me, I want to make sure they're taken care of.† â€Å"Of course,† Damon said, out the corner of his mouth, around the cigar. â€Å"I have several mines in Virginia; one is gold. They could use some managing. And then there are the railway shares I've bought into†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My brother widened his eyes. I looked away, unable to bear watching him compel this poor man. â€Å"I would prefer cash,† he said. â€Å"All right, that seems reasonable,† Winfield said without pause or even blinking. â€Å"An annuity, then? A living salary?† â€Å"Up front. All of it,† Damon said pleasantly. â€Å"One twentieth of my estate, capital, and holdings, then?† Winfield asked politely. â€Å"More like a quarter.† An automaton, Winfield mindlessly agreed to everything Damon suggested. But I couldn't figure it out – would this keep Winfield safe? Would Damon just keep him around, ordering whatever he pleased out of him? â€Å"I'm glad you're so concerned about taking care of my girls in the manner to which they have been accustomed,† Winfield said, but his voice sounded hollow, as if somewhere some tiny part of his mind knew something was terribly wrong. The poor man drew out some checks and a pen. In a moment it was done, and Winfield presented me with a check with so many zeroes on it, it was barely readable. Damon bared his teeth in something that was less a grin than a rictus of victory. He stood up, holding his glass of blood-laced sherry next to me. The smell was intoxicating. It took every ounce of my strength not to leap up and drain the cup. And then Winfield said the most amazing, banal thing in the world. â€Å"Those checks will take a while to clear,† he apologized, unaware of how those eight words might have just saved his life. Damon glowered, thunderheads in his eyes. It was a look of angry frustration that was famous in Mystic Falls, and something no one wanted to be responsible for causing. It was a dangerous thing to disappoint my brother. He crumpled the check in his hands. â€Å"You didn't mention that before,† he growled, waving the sherry under my nose. I stiffened, my thirst making my fangs burn. â€Å"I'm going to have to sell a great deal of my estate, capital, and holdings to get the cash to back this,† Winfield answered so plaintively it made me sick. â€Å"So do it!† Damon ordered. But I was no longer paying attention. I had to get out of the room. My Power reacted to my hunger – to my anger – and I felt the beginnings of a change. â€Å"I have to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I didn't even bother making up an excuse. I pushed my way out of the room, past my evil brother and our sad father-in-law, out of the castle, and into the black night where I belonged.