Sunday, August 18, 2019
Colors of Slavery Essay -- History Slavery
When Americans think about slavery, they tend to think about "Africans" being brought to the New World against their will. Which upon their arrival were sold, the same as livestock, as permanent property to the white landowners. They may visualize in their minds a person of color shackled, chained, beaten, and forced to labor under the control of their white master. Their picture is that of chattel slavery; black and white. Americans have come to the assumption that slavery was imposed on people of one color or race. However, the Africans were not the only people force to endure the harsh and unjust enslavement by the white society. The Native Americans, as well as indentured servants were used as slaves in the New World. When slavery began in the New World, the color of a person's skin was of little significance. Slaves were white, red, and black. What mattered most was a labor force. Columbus discovered the New World (America) in 1492, soon after, many other European colonies followed and expanded. One Spanish conquistador stated, "that he and his kind went to the new World to serve God and his Majesty, to give light to those who were in the darkness, and to grow rich, as all men desire to do" (Parry, p.33). The majority of Europeans that would follow, desired the same. In order to achieve this goal the Europeans murdered, starved, enslaved, stole land, and brutalized people for centuries to follow. During Columbus second voyage to the New World, he had captured 1600 Native Americans, and enslaved 550. At this point, the Native Americans lives were changed forever. The Spaniards continue to explore the new world, leaving a wake of death and destruction in their path. Along with the Europeans came diseases that th... ...s not merely identified by color. By 1800 it is only an issue or race and only an issue of color" (Thomas Davis). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1i3048.html) . Works Cited (Thomas Davis). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1i3048.html) Quoted in J.H.Parry, The age of Reconnaisance: Discovery, Exploration, and Settlement, 1450 to 1640 (New York, 1963), p.33. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr5.html (equiano) Prescott, History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic, edition of 1838, i, p. 390; ii, p. 40. Witnessin America pg. 30 Gottleib Mittelberger Blight, D.W. A People and a Nation: A History of the United States. Houghton Mifflin Company; 6th edition (2000) Walsh, Robert, Notices of Brazil in 1828 and 1829 (1831). "Aboard a Slave Ship, 1829," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (2000).
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Online dating Essay
Online dating which allows individuals, couples and groups to make contact and communicate with each other over the Internet, usually with the objective of developing a personal romantic or sexual relationship. Around 30% of Americaââ¬â¢s 80 million baby boomers are single. Since 2003, several free dating sites, operating on ad based-revenue rather than monthly subscriptions, have appeared and become increasingly popular. These advertisements are nothing but merely deception. The way it works is impractical and unrealistic. Iââ¬â¢d say it is one of the most passive ways that some lonely person sitting on his couch all day can find the fantasy woman of his dreams. Advertisers use different methods to attract consumers in an effort to entice them to buy their products. E-Harmony, an online dating service, uses a form of deception to attract the consumer in an attempt to lure the person into signing up for their dating service. Their practice is not entirely deceptive, but is for the most part. The ad portrays two people, blissfully in love. With brightly lit smiles while gazing lovingly into each otherââ¬â¢s eyes, each person explains how he or she found their own true love by using this service. The e-Harmony success story continues as they explain how the person they are madly in love with is simply perfect for them in every way. Love and romance practically jumps out from the ad. The ad is somewhat deceptive because it makes it look like all a lonely person who is looking for a meaningful relationship has to do is go to e-Harmony, and he or she will instantly find true love. Yes, it is possible to find someone using this service but it is not realistic. People who use the service go through a longer process, meeting different potential partners, getting to know them and more than likely moving on to the next prospect. The ad makes it look too easy to find someone to be involved with in a serious relationship. By placing the entire focus on the ultimate goal, and exaggerating the potential end result (two people madly in love) plays on the viewerââ¬â¢s emotions. Someone who is in this situation may be vulnerable, so being subjected to the image of loverââ¬â¢s ultimate bliss, may cause him or her not to think rationally. That picture of two exceedingly happy lovers is what that viewer may yearn for to the point of believing what the ad sells, an expectation that is more than likely too high.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Macbeth’s Downfall Was Brought on by His Ambition
The tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare outlines how the lust for power can bring out the worst in people. This is evident through Macbethââ¬â¢s vaulting ambition to be king which ultimately leads to his downfall. Through Macbeth wrestling with his conscience about the prophesies of the witches he started to gain the trait of ambition. We also see his ambition continue to grow through the persuasion by his soul mate which is also shown through the 1961 CBC TV production of Macbeth.His want to stay king brought out the tyrant within him and shows the evil side of Macbeth, letting his ambition take over. His growth of ambition through the play leads to his tragic death. Macbeth was given a glimpse of prosperity through the witches prophesies. ââ¬Å"All hail Macbeth, thou art shalt be king hereafterâ⬠the use of the prophesises outlines foreshadowing within the play. The witches are telling Macbeth of his future and he is left to wrestle with his conscience.This is shown when Macbeth in his soliloquy says ââ¬Å"this supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good/ if ill why hath it given me earnest successâ⬠we see Macbeth wrestling with his conscience and his ambition starting to grow, he is starting to believe the witches and the seed of ambition is planted inside him, which is the first step leading to his demise. We see Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition continue to grow and lead to his death through the persuasion of lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth uses guilt to talk Macbeth into committing regicide and becoming king.This is shown through the quote ââ¬Å"wouldst thou have that which thou esteemst the ornament of life and live a coward in thine own esteem letting ââ¬Å"I dare notâ⬠wait upn ââ¬Å"I wouldâ⬠like the poor cat I thââ¬â¢adageâ⬠the simile ââ¬Å"the poor cat I thââ¬â¢adage outlines how Lady Macbeth uses guilt to talk Macbeth into killing the king by calling him a coward. This is also shown in the 1961 CBC tv p roduction of Macbeth when Lady Macbeth is using her feminism to persuade Macbeth, causing his ambition to grow even more.When you durst do it, then you were a man and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the manâ⬠this quote shows how Lady Macbeth uses guilt and calling Macbeth a coward to persuade him to commit regicide. The persuasion of Lady Macbeth causes Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition to continue to grow which another step is leading to his downfall. Macbethââ¬â¢s desire to stay king brings out the tyrant within him, his vaulting ambition causes wrath on anyone who stands in his path, even his closest friend.This is shown when Macbeth is planning to kill his best friend, Banquo, ââ¬Å"come seeling night/scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day and with thy bloody and invisible hand cancel and tear to pieces tgar great bond which keeps me paleâ⬠the use of dramatic irony in this quote shows us how much Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition has taken over, and how he is not even hesitatint to murder his bestfriend, he is wishing for the night to come when Banquoââ¬â¢s death finally happens so all his fears will be washed away and he will be able to remain king.Macbethââ¬â¢s desire to stay king causes him to kill his bestfriend, his ambition has taken over fully by this stage which is the final factor contributing to his death. We see Macbeths ambition start to grow when he is wrestling with his conscience about the witches prophesies. Furthermore , his ambition continues to grow through the persuasion of regicide from his soul mate and Macbeths desire to stay king unleashes his ambition, all these aspect contribute to Macbethââ¬â¢s vaulting ambition, thus leading to his tragic death. Macbethââ¬â¢s Downfall Was Brought on by His Ambition The tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare outlines how the lust for power can bring out the worst in people. This is evident through Macbethââ¬â¢s vaulting ambition to be king which ultimately leads to his downfall. Through Macbeth wrestling with his conscience about the prophesies of the witches he started to gain the trait of ambition. We also see his ambition continue to grow through the persuasion by his soul mate which is also shown through the 1961 CBC TV production of Macbeth.His want to stay king brought out the tyrant within him and shows the evil side of Macbeth, letting his ambition take over. His growth of ambition through the play leads to his tragic death. Macbeth was given a glimpse of prosperity through the witches prophesies. ââ¬Å"All hail Macbeth, thou art shalt be king hereafterâ⬠the use of the prophesises outlines foreshadowing within the play. The witches are telling Macbeth of his future and he is left to wrestle with his conscience.This is shown when Macbeth in his soliloquy says ââ¬Å"this supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good/ if ill why hath it given me earnest successâ⬠we see Macbeth wrestling with his conscience and his ambition starting to grow, he is starting to believe the witches and the seed of ambition is planted inside him, which is the first step leading to his demise. We see Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition continue to grow and lead to his death through the persuasion of lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth uses guilt to talk Macbeth into committing regicide and becoming king.This is shown through the quote ââ¬Å"wouldst thou have that which thou esteemst the ornament of life and live a coward in thine own esteem letting ââ¬Å"I dare notâ⬠wait upn ââ¬Å"I wouldâ⬠like the poor cat I thââ¬â¢adageâ⬠the simile ââ¬Å"the poor cat I thââ¬â¢adage outlines how Lady Macbeth uses guilt to talk Macbeth into killing the king by calling him a coward. This is also shown in the 1961 CBC tv p roduction of Macbeth when Lady Macbeth is using her feminism to persuade Macbeth, causing his ambition to grow even more.When you durst do it, then you were a man and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the manâ⬠this quote shows how Lady Macbeth uses guilt and calling Macbeth a coward to persuade him to commit regicide. The persuasion of Lady Macbeth causes Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition to continue to grow which another step is leading to his downfall. Macbethââ¬â¢s desire to stay king brings out the tyrant within him, his vaulting ambition causes wrath on anyone who stands in his path, even his closest friend.This is shown when Macbeth is planning to kill his best friend, Banquo, ââ¬Å"come seeling night/scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day and with thy bloody and invisible hand cancel and tear to pieces tgar great bond which keeps me paleâ⬠the use of dramatic irony in this quote shows us how much Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition has taken over, and how he is not even hesitatint to murder his bestfriend, he is wishing for the night to come when Banquoââ¬â¢s death finally happens so all his fears will be washed away and he will be able to remain king.Macbethââ¬â¢s desire to stay king causes him to kill his bestfriend, his ambition has taken over fully by this stage which is the final factor contributing to his death. We see Macbeths ambition start to grow when he is wrestling with his conscience about the witches prophesies. Furthermore , his ambition continues to grow through the persuasion of regicide from his soul mate and Macbeths desire to stay king unleashes his ambition, all these aspect contribute to Macbethââ¬â¢s vaulting ambition, thus leading to his tragic death.
A Review of a Beautiful mind and Its Depictions of Schizophrenia Essay
A Review of a Beautiful Mind and Its Depictions of Schizophrenia Introduction: In the year 2001 the movie A Beautiful Mind was released as a biography of the life of John Nash. As the movie flows, we can easily see how his condition, schizophrenia, interferes with his personal life as well as with his home life and social life. The movie does a good job in describing Nashââ¬â¢s experiences and some of the help that put him back on his feet, and that motivated him to stay strong. Plot Review: The movie A Beautiful Mind begins with an odd young mathematician by the name of John Forbes Nash Jr. who is attending Princeton University in 1948. There is where he meets his roommate Charles, which is his first hallucination, but we donââ¬â¢t know that until later on. While at Princeton, Nash discovers a mathematical theorem and becomes a professor at MIT. John soon gets married to one of the graduate students by the name of Alicia, but shortly after that is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Nash believes he is some sort of spy because one of his hallucinated agents told him he had to work for the government because his profile is very high. Nash believes his hallucinations are real and he has to be taken to special psychological hospital. Nash never loses the support from his wife Alicia. She does have a hard time, but she tries to deal with his condition because of the love she has for him. Alicia and his baby are the only ones that are there to motivate him, but he suddenly gives in once again and fails to demonstrate that he is completely in the real world; Nash parts from society and has many hallucinations once again with Charles, Charles niece, and William, which is the man that makes Nash believe he is working for the government. Nash decides to give it his all for the love of his wife and son, after realizing that William and his other hallucinations are not real life. Nash works with his condition by avoiding and ignoring Charles, the little girl, and William; although at first it seems very hard for him to do this, he manages to conquer the temptations he use to have to talk to his hallucinations. Nash, back in the real world again starts teaching in the 1970s and is awarded the Novel prize in economics in 1994. Schizophrenia Disease: Schizophrenia is a common disease in American life and it affects 4. 5 million of the adult population in the United States. This disorder ââ¬Å"Lasts for about six months and includes at least two of the following symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and decreased emotional expressionâ⬠(Plotnik & Kouyoumdjian, 2011, p. 538). Schizophrenia also brings in disorders of thought, disorders of attention, disorders of perception, motor disorders, and emotional disorders. There are three subcategories of schizophrenia; paranoid, disorganized, and catatonic schizophrenia. Paranoid schizophrenia, like Nash experienced is, ââ¬Å"Characterized by auditory hallucinations or delusions, such as thoughts of being persecuted by others or thoughts of grandeurâ⬠(Plotnik & Kouyoumdjian, 2011, p. 538). Disorganized schizophrenia is ââ¬Å"Marked by bizarre ideas, often about oneââ¬â¢s body, confused speech, childish behavior, great emotional swings, and often extreme neglect of personal appearance and hygieneâ⬠(Plotnik & Kouyoumdjian, 2011, p. 538). Catatonic schizophrenia is ââ¬Å"Characterized by periods of wild excitement or periods of rigid, prolonged immobility: sometimes that person assumes the same frozen posture for hours on endâ⬠(Plotnik & Kouyoumdjian, 2011, p. 538). There is no real cure for this illness. Depictions of the disease in the movie: In the movie, A Beautiful Mind, schizophrenia is well shown as it develops in Nashââ¬â¢s life and as it interferes with his social, personal, and home life. Nash is in Princeton University when his disease first starts to appear. In the movie we see a character by the name of Charles, which is Nashââ¬â¢s roommate. The movie makes us believe that Charles is real life a character until later on to better illustrate the condition that Nash has to face. We believe that Charles is real because the movie actually shows Charles; itââ¬â¢s as if we are Nashââ¬â¢s eyes because he actually sees Charles and that is what schizophrenia does to a person. Another character that we believe is real is William Parcher and the same thing happens with this character. Everything that William tells Nash to do feelââ¬â¢s so real and taunts Nash every day as his condition worsens. Nash doesnââ¬â¢t believe that his hallucinations are not real life and is very upset when Alicia tells him that everything is in his mind. This can happen to a lot of people that have schizophrenia because in their mind everything is actually happening and the hallucinations that they are seeing seem so real. Like Alicia, many people who have a relative with schizophrenia suffer and find it hard to believe that their relative has mental issues. Nash, diagnosed with schizophrenia had to start accepting the fact that he was ill from his mind. This not only affected his home life, but also his personal life, and his social life. Nash was at home most of the day so he didnââ¬â¢t really socialize with anyone, but his wife. He couldnââ¬â¢t even be responsible for taking care of his own baby because Alicia didnââ¬â¢t trust him that much. He lost his job and was not able to cooperate in the relationship like a normal person. In some cases, like in Nashââ¬â¢s case, a person with schizophrenia will be tempted to stop taking their medications and the hallucinations can reappear. Their hallucinations can impact their mind once again and their condition can worsen. Like it was shown in A Beautiful Mind, a family can slowly start to fall apart and the bond they use to have can slip away. Treatments for Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a disease or condition that still does not have a cure, but we do know that its factors are biological, neurological, and environmental. Like many other diseases, schizophrenia does not have a cure, but there are chances of recovery and medical treatments depending on the symptoms that are present within the person. Chances of recovery depend on the type of schizophrenia and their symptoms. Schizophrenia is classified as either schizophrenia type one, or schizophrenia type two. Type one, ââ¬Å"Includes having positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, which are a distortion of normal functions. In addition, this group has no intellectual impairment, good reaction to medication, and thus a good chance of recoveryâ⬠(Plotnik & Kouyoumdjian, 2011, p. 538). Type two, ââ¬Å"Includes having negative symptoms, such as dulled emotions and little inclination to speak, which are a loss of normal functions. In addition, this group has intellectual impairment, poor reaction to medication, and thus poor chance of recoveryâ⬠(Plotnik & Kouyoumdjian, 2011, p. 538). Drugs such as haloperidol can be given to reduce symptoms such as delusions. ââ¬Å"Neuroleptic drugs, also called antipsychotic drugs, are used to treat serious mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, by changing the number of neurotransmitters in the brainâ⬠(Downar and Kapur, 208, p. 541). The neurotransmitter that is affected by these drugs is dopamine. These drugs will reduce the symptoms of the person which most likely will help them recover faster and feel a little bit better. Inaccuracies in the portrayal of treatment measures: I believe that a lot of what was trying to help Nash was very accurate, but it didnââ¬â¢t look like he had enough support from anyone, but his wife. To me it seemed like motivation was the number one reason that he ââ¬Å"recovered. â⬠His wife told him, maybe itââ¬â¢s not in your brain, maybe itââ¬â¢s in our heart. â⬠Although motivation might have helped him, that isnââ¬â¢t a real form to get a person with schizophrenia to change fast. His medications and he beginning to socialize and teach again is what clearly helps him to start avoiding and ignoring his hallucinations. It almost looked like he did it all on his own, but a person with schizophrenia needs real attention. Conclusion A Beautiful Mind was very good at playing out demonstrating many actions and behaviors that a person with schizophrenia has to deal with. It showed in great details how such a disease change the life of a schizophrenic and their family. It portrayed schizophrenia type one and also some symptoms of type two. By watching this film I became a little more familiar with what the disease can do. Of course not everything about the disease can be learned from watching a movie, but this film does have many great scenes that help us become a little more familiar with the negative effects of the disease. The movie did a great job and is capable of at least getting people to have an idea of what schizophrenia is.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Not an Egselent day for eggs.
Last night at approximately 3am, the police alongside animal welfare organisations raided ââ¬ËEgg-sellent Eggs Limited' in the east of Sussex after a four month investigation of the cruelty and welfare of animals. Nicholas Thrushball, aged 44, founder and director of the company was arrested under the ââ¬Ëanimal welfare act 2006' in which it cogently enforces that animals should live in a suitable and humane environment. Owner of this nationally known company was allegedly beating, hitting and mistreating the chickens in his welfare as well as storing them in shocking, suffocating conditions. The four month investigation consisted of hiding and monitoring cameras placed around the site as well as taking hygienic tests within and around the premises. The cameras revealed disturbing videos of the hens being electrocuted resulting in to the bone melting to form the shell of eggs. Also it was recorded that the hens were laying five eggs per week, thats 300 per year. A hen living in the wild is expected to lay 20 in a year and 240 in their life time of an approximate 12 years. Miss S. Ellis, Director of the ââ¬ËRoyal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' stated after the raid ââ¬Å"Its horrific think that the most reputable egg company in the Midlands treats its hens in a way that literally make me feel sick!â⬠Miss Ellis later told the Guardian that Mr Thrushball made an annual turnover of à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½70,000 in 2009 as a result of storing 30 hens in 1 square metre of their premises compared to the recommended 10! Sainsbury's manager Chloe Simons, a Christian mother of two said, ââ¬ËI'm disgusted to know my supermarket sells ââ¬ËEgg-sellent Eggs' Ltd. There are many Christian consumers out there and they too shall be appalled about the news they have heard. In the Bible it clearly states that all animals need to be kept in humane conditions, clearly this is the opposite!â⬠Single mum of two said ââ¬Å"I have been eating ââ¬ËEgg-sellent Eggs' eggs since a very young age and I feel really disappointed and cheated on after knowing the conditions the hens had been living in. I shall not be buying my eggs from this company and shall be looking into buying free range and organic produce where I know the animal has suffered little pain.â⬠Organic produce and free range eggs are becoming increasingly popular in England and without a doubt, the world. Organic produce from animals as well as plants are ones of which no pesticides, antibiotics or hormones have been added to it. Free range eggs enable the hens and birds to roam around within the premises unlike the thronged factory farmed premises.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Succubus Revealed Chapter 6
Fortunately, no dictionaries or bats ever came into play, and Seth and I spent a pleasant night together. He sent me off that weekend in a good mood, and during the time I was with him, it was easy to believe this might all end well. Once I began the tedious parts of travel by myself, the doubts began to set in. The ride to the airport, security, safety instructions . . . all little things in and of themselves, but each one began to weigh on me. I just couldn't see Seth moving to Las Vegas ââ¬â not anytime soon, at least. That left long-distance dating, and it was hard to imagine us going through a trip like this every . . . hell, I didn't know how often. And that was another problem. What exactly did long-distance dating mean? Visits every week? Every month? Too-frequent visits meant the irritation of travel. Too few put us in danger of out-of-sight, out-of-mind complications. So, naturally, I was all worked up by the time my flight landed in Las Vegas. And strangely, I took comfort remembering Jerome's words, of all things. If Seth and I had survived the huge problem of immortal?Cmortal dating, then really, what was a two-hour plane ride compared to that? We could make this work. We had to. ââ¬Å"There she is!â⬠A familiar, booming voice startled me as I was waiting at the baggage claim. I spun around and found myself looking up at the tanned good looks of Luis, Archdemon of Las Vegas. I let him wrap me up in a giant hug, something he managed with remarkable delicacy, considering what a bear of a man he was. ââ¬Å"What are you doing here?â⬠I asked, once those muscled arms had released me. Realization hit me. ââ¬Å"You're not here to pick me up, are you? I mean, don't you have people who have people to do that kind of thing?â⬠Luis grinned at me, his dark eyes sparkling. ââ¬Å"Sure, but I couldn't trust an underling to pick up my favorite succubus.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, stop,â⬠I groaned. My bag came around the carousel, but when I went for it, Luis brushed me aside and easily lifted it up. As I followed him toward the parking garage, I couldn't even begin to picture Jerome doing something like this. ââ¬Å"You scoff, but most of the succubi around here bore me to tears. Hell, most of our staff here does,â⬠Luis said. ââ¬Å"You get a full range of personalities and talent levels with so many. The exceptional and the unexceptional. You, my dear, are exceptional.â⬠ââ¬Å"You don't have to try to sweet-talk me into the job,â⬠I said, smiling in spite of myself. ââ¬Å"Not like I have a choice.â⬠ââ¬Å"True,â⬠he agreed. ââ¬Å"But I want you to be happy here. I want everyone who works for me carrying stories about how awesome I am. It ups my cred at the annual company conference.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jerome's trying to up his by having us beat Nanette's employees in bowling.â⬠Luis laughed at that and led us out to a gleaming black Jaguar double-parked in the handicapped zone. Once he'd stowed my suitcase, he even went so far as to open the door for me. Before starting the car, he leaned over conspiratorially and whispered loudly, ââ¬Å"If you want to shape-shift into something else, now's your chance while we're still inside.â⬠ââ¬Å"Shape-shift into what?â⬠He shrugged. ââ¬Å"You're in Vegas. Live the lifestyle. No need to resign yourself to jeans and sensible shoes. Give yourself a cocktail dress. Sequins. A corset. I mean, look at me.â⬠Luis gestured grandly at himself, just in case it was possible to miss the gorgeous and undoubtedly custom Italian suit he was wearing. ââ¬Å"It's barely noon,â⬠I pointed out. ââ¬Å"Doesn't matter. I dress like this the instant I get out of bed.â⬠With a self-conscious look around the garage outside, I quickly shape-shifted out of my travel clothes and into a one-shoulder minidress that wrapped around me like a Grecian gown. The fabric glittered silvery when it caught the light just right. My long, light brown hair turned equally glam. Luis nodded in approval. ââ¬Å"Now you're ready for the Bellagio.â⬠ââ¬Å"The Bellagio?â⬠I asked, impressed. ââ¬Å"I figured I'd be shoved off to some crappy motel ten miles from the Strip.â⬠I amped up my makeup for good measure. ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠he said, backing the car out, ââ¬Å"that is actually what the normal budget allows for when it comes to new employee visits. I was able to pull some extra funds ââ¬â and dip into my own pockets ââ¬â to upgrade you a bit.â⬠ââ¬Å"You didn't have to do that,â⬠I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"I could have paid for my own room somewhere.â⬠Yet, even as I said it, I knew that if accruing funds over the centuries was easy for someone like me, it was a million times easier for someone with Luis's lifespan. The car and his suit were probably bought with pocket change from his income. He waved off my concerns. ââ¬Å"It's nothing. Besides, my car would probably get stolen if I parked it at one of the ââ¬Ëbudget-friendly' places.â⬠The car's readout told me the outside temperature wasn't that far off from Seattle's in December. The difference was in the light. ââ¬Å"Oh my God,â⬠I said, squinting out the window. ââ¬Å"I haven't seen the sun in two months.â⬠Luis chuckled. ââ¬Å"Ah, just you wait until high summer, when the temps hit triple digits. It cooks most people alive, but for someone like you, you'll love it. Hot and dry. Doesn't get below eighty at night.â⬠I loved Seattle. Even without Seth in the picture, I could have been happy there for many, many years. But, I had to admit, my one weakness with the region was the weather. Relative to the extremes of the East Coast, Seattle was a very mild climate to live in. That meant it didn't get very anything. Not very cold, and certainly not very warm. The hot weather we got in midsummer was fleeting, and then the mildness of the winter was marred with rain and clouds. By February, I was usually ready to start consuming entire bottles of vitamin D. I'd grown up on the beaches of the Mediterranean and still missed them. ââ¬Å"This is great,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I wish I were visiting while it was warmer.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, you don't have long to wait,â⬠he told me. ââ¬Å"Another month like this, and then the temperature will start going up. You can break out your bikini by March.â⬠I thought that might be kind of an exaggeration but returned his grin nonetheless. We were approaching the Strip and all its glory. The buildings became more flamboyant and expensive looking. Sidewalks and streets grew more crowded. Billboards advertised every form of entertainment imaginable. It was like an adult-oriented theme park. ââ¬Å"You seem pretty happy here,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Yup,â⬠Luis agreed. ââ¬Å"I lucked out. Not only is the place great, but I command one of the largest groups of Hellish servants in the world. When I saw your name come up, I thought, ââ¬ËI've got to get her in on this.' ââ¬Å" Something in his words put a crack in the rose-colored glasses I was viewing the wondrous sights around me through. ââ¬Å"When my name came up?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure. We get e-mails all the time about transfers, job openings, whatever. When I saw you were being moved out of Seattle, I tossed my hat into the ring.â⬠I turned toward the side window so he couldn't see my face. ââ¬Å"How long ago was that?â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, I don't know. A while ago.â⬠He chuckled. ââ¬Å"You know how long these things take.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠I said, trying to keep my voice light. ââ¬Å"I do.â⬠It was exactly what Roman and I had talked about: the painstakingly long time Hell took with personnel decisions. Roman swore the circumstances surrounding this transfer were suspicious and implied a rush. Yet Luis was behaving as though everything had gone along according to perfect procedure. Was it possible there really had just been some oversight with Jerome's notification about my transfer? It was also possible, I knew, that Luis was lying. I didn't want to believe that of him, but I knew that no matter how friendly and likable he seemed, he was still a demon at the end of the day. I couldn't allow myself to be lulled into complete trust by his charm. We had a favorite saying among my friends: How can you tell if a demon is lying? His lips are moving. ââ¬Å"I was surprised to be transferred at all,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I've been happy in Seattle. Jerome said . . . well, he said it was because I was a slacker employee. That I was being moved for bad behavior.â⬠Luis snorted and pulled into the driveway for the Bellagio. ââ¬Å"He did, huh? Well, don't beat yourself up, honey. If you want a reason for them pulling you out, my guess is that it has something to do with Jerome getting himself summoned and letting nephilim and dream creatures run rampant with his succubus.â⬠I had nothing to say to that, but fortunately, we reached the hotel's entrance and yielded the car to a valet driver who seemed familiar with Luis and his generous tips. Entering the Bellagio, I was soon awash in stimuli ââ¬â color and sound and life. A lot of the people moving in and out were dressed as glamorously as us, but plenty of average ââ¬Å"everydayâ⬠people walked through as well. It was a mixing of all social classes and cultures, all here and united in search of enjoyment. Equally overwhelming was the intense wave of human emotion. I didn't have any magic power to let me ââ¬Å"seeâ⬠emotion, exactly, but I was very good at reading faces and expressions. It was that same knack that had let me pick out the desperate and hopeless at the mall. This was the same, except magnified a hundred times. People swung the full gamut of hope and excitement. Some were joyous and eager, either high off of triumph or ready to risk it all for triumph to come. Others had clearly attempted it ââ¬â and failed. Their faces were full of despair, disbelief at how they'd ended up in this situation and sorrow over their inability to fix things. Just as obvious were the good marks. Some guys were so blatantly trolling for a hookup that I could have propositioned them then and there. Others were ideal succubus bait, guys who had come here saying they were going to keep themselves in line ââ¬â but who could easily step off the edge of temptation with the right finessing. Even with my heart tied up with Seth, I couldn't help but take in and thrive under all the admiring looks I got. I was suddenly glad I'd taken Luis up on his shape-shifting suggestion. ââ¬Å"So easy,â⬠I murmured, staring around as we waited for an elevator. ââ¬Å"They're just there like . . .â⬠ââ¬Å"Cattle?â⬠suggested Luis. I made a face. ââ¬Å"Not quite the word I wanted.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not much difference.â⬠An elevator opened, and a cute twenty-something guy gestured me forward. I smiled winningly at him, loving the effect I had. After he exited on his floor, Luis winked at me and leaned over to whisper in my ear. ââ¬Å"Easy to get used to, huh?â⬠Our floor came next, and Luis nodded to our right when the door opened. A few steps down the hall, I realized something. ââ¬Å"I have a suite?â⬠I asked, startled. ââ¬Å"That's a little much, even to make a good impression.â⬠ââ¬Å"Ah, well, that's what I didn't get a chance to tell you yet. You have a suite because it has more room. You have to share it with another new employee.â⬠I nearly came screeching to a halt. Here it was, the catch in what was otherwise a sugar-coated fantasy. I envisioned myself rooming with another succubus and immediately knew I'd be seeking other accommodations. Succubi forced into close proximity put reality show drama to shame. ââ¬Å"I don't want to impose on anyone's privacy,â⬠I said delicately, wondering how I could get out of this. Luis reached a door and took out a keycard. ââ¬Å"Nah, the place is huge. Two bedrooms and a living room and kitchen that go on forever.â⬠He unlocked the door and opened it. ââ¬Å"You could avoid each other all weekend if you wanted to. But somehow, I don't think you will.â⬠I was about to question that, but suddenly, there was no need. We'd stepped into a living room as expansive as Luis had promised, all sleek lines and modern furniture, colored in shades of gold and green with dark wood trim. A long window offered a sweeping view of the city, and a man stood in front of it, admiring the panorama. I couldn't see his face, and something told me that even if I could, I probably wouldn't recognize it. That didn't matter. I knew him by his immortal signature, the unique sensory markers that distinguished him from everyone else. I could scarcely believe it, even as he turned around and smiled at me. ââ¬Å"Bastien?â⬠I exclaimed.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
How global warming works Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
How global warming works - Essay Example Global warming occurs because carbon monoxide and additional chemical emissions become trapped under the ozone layer; as a result, the temperature of the Earth steadily increases. The impact of global warming has been researched extensively, and in addition to the extinction of plant and animal species, the human race itself may one day become extinct. It has been suggested that global warming will have far-reaching consequences for all life on Earth. In observing the possible crash on the environment (the blend of all living and non-living basics in a specified area), the extinction of animals and plants as well as land formations are most important. It is thought that more than 120 species of amphibians have already vanished forever because of global warming. The Golden Toad, for example, which was once mostly found in Monteverde, Costa Rica, was one of the first amphibians to become extinct. This reptile was last seen in 1989. Animals are not the only living organism in danger of extinction-plants are also being harmed by the effects of global warming. Several plant species have been confirmed extinct because of radical changes in weather patterns in a number of areas (Abarbanel p57). The Fern Gully in Jamaica is an... Another example of the way in which global warming affects landscapes and ecosystems is the coral reef. These are important parts of the ecosystems in which they live-the death of a coral reef will in turn contribute to the eventual extinction of countless plant and animal species which live in it. The Pew Centre on Global Climate Change issued a report on February 13, 2004, stating that global warming might very well further contribute to the extinction of coral reefs. The report goes further to state that in areas with large geographic ranges and extremely high latitudes, certain coral species are very vulnerable to the effects of global warming, and that there is no doubt that coral species in these types of areas are affected. Plants and animals are not the only species which will experience the devastating effects of global warming. It is expected that the human race will be even more severely affected. Global warming will have far-reaching and destructive consequences, with famine in areas where the climate has been devastated to the extent that growing food is no longer possible, mass migration of people from significantly affected areas, and perhaps even war. Approximately two hundred million people may be affected if the sea-level rises significantly: Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Egypt are on the top of the list. The consequences of a large increase in sea-level in such areas are likely to be severe: a dramatic change in climate, scarcity of resources in affected countries, and perhaps eventually mass migration of people out of affected countries, leading to scarcity of resources in the
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