Loneliness Debut Albums and Tim free essay sample

Loneliness A lonely breeze blew across the school compound, dispelling the scorching afternoon heat that filled the air. For a moment, dead leaves, dust and a plastic bag all rose together In a aerial waltz- the collapsed to the ground unceremoniously. Then, It was still and everything seemed lifeless. I still waited, my eyes fixed on a secluded spot lust outside the school building. It was sheltered by a wall and shielded on three sides by walls, the surrounding of It was laid with gravel so It was Impossible to sneak up on. Nothing stirred In the stillness of the afternoon. Till now.. . Crunch. I could hear the sound of the twig breaking and the sound of people stepping on the gravel. Peering out, I could see a group of 4 students sauntering briskly towards the spot. One of them, looked around to check If anyone has noticed them, seemed familiar to me. We will write a custom essay sample on Loneliness: Debut Albums and Tim or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They turned into a corner and were hidden from view to all except me. Then, there was a flash of flint, it came again. Several thin grey wisps floated from where they stood- my suspicions were confirmed. They were smoking. The class was having their lunch when I have found them.Placing a hand on Toms shoulder, I whispered, I need to tell u something. Without questioning, he got up and followed me out of the canteen. Tom was my best friend and a trustworthy person. I told him about what I had seen during recess, about the boys smoking and the most critical part was that Tim was with them. Tom was stunned, wide eyed. I probably knew how he was feeling. Tim was just an normal average quiet guy in class. He was likable, but did not have many friends. However, a change has seemed to have come over him over the past month.He became more outspoken and rude. People started shunning him but that only caused him to be more unbearable. He started disrespecting teachers and cutting class. We all suspected that he Joined a gang, but no one had any true evidence- till now. Tom broke the silence. We have to tell the teachers, they will know how to handle this I said,but what about Tim? He will also be expelled if they found out, We turned and started at each other. Despite how difficult it would be, we knew we had to get Tim to change, or he will have to face the consequences for his sections.After a few minutes of searching, we found Tim squatting at a stairwell. The smell of the pungent cigarettes clung onto him like a disease. Without acknowledging us, Tim started ahead blankly. We told Tim that we knew that he was smoking. He just glanced at us. Tom you are not going to stop, we will tell the teachers and you will be expelled, Suddenly, Tim rushed Tom and pinned him to the wall. Grabbing his collar, Tim snarled, You want to expel me? Go ahead! I sensed that the tension was escalating so I had to do something quick. I placed a hand on Times holder. No! We came here to tell you to stop because we are your friends. We dont want to see you being expelled! Tall retorted back, Friends? You guys are not even my friends. I never had friends In class. The people who I hang out with something about the way he said pierced through my heart. The three of us stood there until the bell rang. We apologized to Tim about not being there for him when he needed help. Tim breathed in deeply then released Tom and then walked away. Immediately, we told the teachers. The ensuing action was swift.Three days later, the boys were called up on stage. The discipline master walked up to the podium and announced that they were caught smoking within the school compound in a somber tone. Tim and I looked at each other. We heaved a sigh of relief when we did not find Tim there. But we were puzzled, thinking where was he. A few days later, Tim came back to class. He had been unwell that day before. We talked awhile to ask him if he was feeling better. He was happy and thankful that we gave him a second chance. I was glad that he forgave us and we could start over anew.

St. Patricks Day Creative Writing Prompts and Other March Ideas

St. Patricks Day Creative Writing Prompts and Other March Ideas Even though the first day of Spring occurs in March, it often still feels like winter in many parts of the country. The following writing prompts for each day of the month can be a great way to incorporate writing in the form of warm-ups or  journal entries. Feel free to use and modify these as you see fit. March Holidays Womens History MonthNational Craft MonthAmerican Red Cross MonthNational Nutrition MonthIrish-American Heritage Month Writing Prompt Ideas for March March 1 - Theme: Peanut Butter Lovers DayChunky or smooth? With or without jelly? How do you like your peanut butter, if you like it at all? In a few sentences, describe the experience of eating peanut butter without an accompanying drink. If you have never tasted peanut butter, then instead describe the experience of eating saltines without the benefit of a drink.March 2 - Theme:  Dr. SeussWhich is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? Why?March 3 - Theme: Alexander Graham Bells BirthdayHow would your life be different without the invention of the telephone?March 4 - Theme: Womens History MonthDescribe the most courageous woman you know. This can either be someone you have met or someone you have read about.March 5 - Theme:  Boston Massacre  and PropagandaPaul Reveres engraving of the Boston Massacre was an extraordinary piece of propaganda. Explain why should we be wary of eyewitness accounts of major news stories?March 6 - Theme:  Oreo CookiesWhat is your favorite way to eat an Or eo cookie? Do you separate them, dunk them, pop them whole in your mouth, or avoid them altogether? Explain why you answered as you did. March 7 - Theme: World Maths DayWorld Maths Day is the first Wednesday in March. What is your opinion about math? Do you like the subject or is it one you struggle with? Explain your answer.March 8 - Theme: National Craft MonthDo you consider yourself a crafty or artistic person? If so, whats your favorite type of craft? If not, why?March 9 - Theme: Barbies BirthdayIs Barbie a good role model for girls? Why or why not?March 10 - Theme: Genealogy DayDo you have an interest in learning about your familys heritage? Why or why not?March 11 - Theme: First Basketball GameWhat are your thoughts on basketball as a sport? Is it one you follow or one you dont care about at all? Explain your answer.March 12 - Theme: Role of the US President (Date of FDRs first fireside chat)During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt took to giving fireside chats as a way to help Americans connect with the presidency and the government. Today, whenever a national disaster or event of great significance o ccurs, the president makes a statement or gives a speech. In your opinion, how important is this for you as an American citizen? Explain your answer. March 13 - Theme: Uncle SamWhat do you think of Uncle Sam as a symbol of the United States? Do you think it serves a purpose to have a fictional character such as this as a symbol? Explain your answer.March 14 - Theme: Albert Einsteins Birthday and Pi DayAlbert Einstein  said, We cant solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. What do you think he meant by this statement? Do you agree with it?March 15 - Theme: Ides of March The tale of Julius Caesars warning to beware the ides of March  and his impending assassination was dramatized by William Shakespeare. What is your opinion of Shakespeares plays? Do you find them entertaining, confusing, or something else altogether? Explain why you have this opinion.March 16 - Theme: Freedom of Information DayDo you think that the government should share more information, even if it is possibly damaging to the presidency and Congress? Explain your answer.March 17 - Theme: St. Patricks DayWhat do you think of St. Patricks Day? Do you celebrate St. Patricks Day by wearing green? Do you have any ancestors from Ireland? If you dont celebrate it, why not? March 18 s of tall tales include Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill, and Paul Bunyan.March 19 - Theme: National Nutrition MonthWhat is your opinion of vegetables? Do you like eating them? What are your favorite vegetables? Why?March 20 - Theme: First Day of SpringWrite a short piece of prose or poetry about spring. Make sure to appeal to all five senses in your writing.March 21 - Theme: World Poetry DayGive your thoughts about poetry. Do you like to read it, write it or avoid it? Explain your answer.March 22 - Theme:  Artifical IntelligenceTechnology moves rapidly. We must consider the impact of artificial intelligence. What do you think are the benefits or concerns of artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of the world?March 23 - Theme: Patrick Henry and Liberty SpeechOn March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry made his famous speech that included the line, Give me liberty or give me death. Which of the freedoms that the US Constitution and Bill of Rights provide for do you feel is the most i mportant for preserving personal liberty? March 24 - Theme: Harry Houdinis BirthdayWhat do you think of magicians? Have you ever seen one perform? Describe that experience. If not, explain why you think people are so fascinated by magic shows.March 25 - Theme: National Waffle DayWhat is your favorite breakfast food? What do you like about it?March 26 - Theme: Make Up Your Own Holiday DayIf you were to create a holiday celebrating anything, what would it be? How would the celebrations include? Have fun and provide details.March 27 - Theme: Volunteering (American Red Cross Month)Explain what you believe the benefits of volunteering your time and talents would be to an organization of your choice.March 28 - Theme: Respect Your Cat DayWhich is the better pet? A cat or a dog? Maybe another pet? Or maybe no pet at all?March 29 - Theme: Coca-Cola InventedSome cities have tried to regulate the size of sodas sold for consumption. Do you think there should be laws to tell you what you can and cannot drink or eat in this manner? Defend your answer. March 30 - Theme: Game Shows (Jeopardy Premiered on NBC)If you were to appear on a television game show, which would it be? Why?March 31 - Theme: Summer PlansWrite a poem or a short piece of prose about your summer plans. Bonus: St. Patricks Themed Creative Writing Topics Here is a list of teacher-tested creative writing topics to use with your St. Patricks Day theme.   I found a pot of gold. What would you do if you came across a pot of gold?I found a four-leaf clover. What would you do if you found a found a four-leaf clover?Dear Leprechaun†¦ Write a letter to a leprechaun, tell him about yourself, and ask him any questions you may have.Do you have a good luck charm? Describe your lucky keepsake and how it brings you luck.The legend of the lucky leprechaun. Create a story about the lucky leprechaun.At the end of the rainbow, I found a†¦ Describe what you saw when you got to the end of the rainbow.What is your favorite lucky number? Why do you feel this number is lucky for you?A leprechaun visits your school and gives you a magical item. What is it? What happens to you when you touch it? What does your family do for St. Patricks Day? Do you eat anything special? Describe your family traditions.What would you do if you woke up and found that everything that you touched turned to green? Describe how you would feel and what everyone would say when they saw what you could do.If you could trap a leprechaun, how would you catch him? What would you do with him once you caught him? Would you let him go? Would you keep him? I feel lucky because†¦ Describe why you feel lucky.If a leprechaun gave you three wishes, what would they be?Once I gave a four leaf clover to my friend and they†¦ Describe what happened after your friend received a four leaf clover.I once had shamrock shoes and†¦ Describe what happened to you. Where did you get them? Were they magical shoes?Describe a typical day as a leprechaun. Pretend you are a leprechaun and describe all the things that you encounter.On your way to school, you see a rainbow and its close enough for you to touch. Describe what happens when you touch it. Do you go to another world? What happens?On your way to school, you see a leprechaun and he gives you a magical shamrock shake to drink. What happens to you when you drink it?Leaping Leprechauns   My leprechaun lost his magical powers! Describe how it happened and what you did about it.How to catch a leprechaun. Describe step-by-step how you plan to catch a leprechaun.

Aurora Leigh

The story of Aurora Lee Aurora Lee is the story of a fictitious poet. This story is the greatest achievement of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This is the first major poem in English literature, heroine is a female writer like a writer. This story is related to the aurora as an emerging poet of society, except for women who are artists. Because of the role of society, society imposes restrictions on women. Society basically defines women as imprisoned. In Aurora Leigh, Elizabeth Barrett Browning presents a refreshing role against Victorian norms. Furthermore, she created Aurora Lee's aunt as a character to show off the real feminist nature of Aurora. The idea of ​​a Victorian lady, Aurora Leigh's aunt, is all that she is not. Browning used a cold image to outline her aunt's appearance: Her forehead is slightly thin and knitted tight ... brown hair stabbed with gray / cold used in life. Draw on the ground (1181). Aurora Leigh's aunt looks like a living woman and a person's life. Lee stated, She lived in the past, I would say this is a harmless life, she calls it a benign life ... this is not life at all (1181). Aurora regarded her aunt's good life as restrictive and suffocating existence. Not only did my aunt often live an organized life, men asserted the traditional sex role (or rule) established by men in the male world. When Barrett Browning first came up with Aurora Leigh, she announced that she entered our conference and was hurried to the living room. Angels are afraid of trampling intention; - face-to-face communication, no mask, please wait for the human nature of the times (Knox 36). Fusing AuroraLeigh's novel with poetry, she thought of this. During this time Victorian people thought about this. Novels are suitable for female writers Poetry is limited to men Type classification is a perfect example of deep-seated gender restriction of the time, and in order to despise social prejudice by writing in two types, It is Barrett Browning that use s mature opportunities.

Banana supply chain Australia Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Banana supply chain Australia - Term Paper Example This is supported by the fact that almost the whole population has a banana at least a day. This is represented by over 95% of the general population. To meet this demand, there is need for mass production and an efficient supply chain in order to reach the consumers on time. Statistics indicate that the small scale farmers are the main suppliers of the bananas within the Australian market. North Queensland is the religion that is said to be very productive (Peckham 2011). It is the core region from where most of the bananas come from. Ingham is said to be one of the most productive region supplying the highest percent to the market. It is therefore imperative to note that most of the bananas are grown from the northern part of the country and have to be transported to the southern part. This is owing to the fact that most of the towns and population is found in the southern parts. For that reason, it is imperative to have an elaborate transport network that will ensure timely supply of products to the market. Supply chain It is indicated that the banana supply chain in Australia varies from place to place depending on the preference of the farmers (Nossal, 2009). One of the major supply chains however, is where there is the presence of an agent, who supplies to the wholesalers. The latter sell to the retailers who later sell the bananas in low quantities to the customers. The other common ones are from the farmers who sell directly to large wholesales, who also sell to the retailers. Finally, certain large retailers are also able to purchase directly from the farmers and then later to the customers. The latter is preferred by most marketers since there is little damage that is incurred during the transportation of the bananas to the market. This is owing to the fact that banana is a very delicate product and also very perishable. Big losses are incurred in the process of transportation especially where they have to be transported to large distances. For that r eason, there is a plan within the local market to bring the number of middlemen as low as possible. The main type of transportation network is the highway roads which connect directly from the farmers to the large markets in the southern parts of the market. Large trucks are loaded with the bananas and have to transport them over long distances. For instance, one of the longest distances is said to be 2,600km in order to reach the consumers (Nellemann 2009). This therefore indicates that there is need to have a reliable transport network that will not affect the supply of bananas. The price of bananas has been on the rise hitting as high as 5 dollars per kilogram. There are various factors that are said to contribute to this high prices ranging from weakening of the dollar as well as low supply. The latter is caused by among other factors poor weather conditions and effects on the roads (Nossal, 2009). Farmers also face losses owing to the adverse weather conditions that affect the countries from time to time. Most of the farmers who rely entirely on the rains may not produce enough or quality bananas that can compete favorably in the market. It is also indicated that some of the agents take advantage of the farmers by purchasing the bananas at low prices. This kind of exploitation denies most of the farmers enough capital to increase productivity. Factors affecting the supply chain The

TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR FIELD OF STUDY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR FIELD OF STUDY - Essay Example Mobile technology has greatly improved communication in today’s world. Mobile technology has made sending and receiving of information faster than ever before. In today’s world someone who is in a far country can call directly and talk to another who is in another continent within minutes. Today people can receive live news of what has happened all over the world faster than ever before (Barney, 2005). Very large texts can be sent across the world without the use of messengers and can be received by recipients located in different parts of the world. This has made it easier to communicate with these people, improving the time and speed of communication. Because of advances in communication technology, it is now possible for universities to offer long distance courses. All that a student needs is an access to computers, and internet connectivity. Long distance courses or classes are a popular method that universities use for purposes of reaching out on students who are in other countries. Some students also prefer to use long distance classes, because of time factors. Mobile technology has also increased efficiency and reliability in the methods and ways in which business leaders communicate with their employees. Due to the advancement of mobile technology, a business manager can now control his workers whichever place they are (Preston, 2001). It is not a must for the business manager or administrator to go to the location of his or her employee. They can use the mobile phones to request for information they need. Companies with large number of branches are able to give orders to be received immediately by their specific branches with a lot of ease. We can collaborate with co-workers no matter how spread out they may be. Any one who needs confirmation or approval of vital decisions can get them without waiting for the head of the organization to return from a trip in order to make approvals. Mobile technology has made doing

Out of Body Experiences Speech Essay Example for Free

Out of Body Experiences Speech Essay Do you ever feel as if you’re watching the World the same way you watch tv, that’s what an out of body experience is like. Today we are going to discuss what an out of body experience is, how they are believed to occur, and in labs how are they being tested. An out of body experience is when you watch the world from a location outside of your body. During this you can see your body and the way you behave, yet you aren’t controlling your movements. It is said that at least 5 to 35 people out of 100 experience this sometime in their life. British psychologist, Susan Blackmore, says the experience has many similarities as dreaming and very close relations with lucid dreaming. According to PHD Stephan LaBerge in his book, Nightlight, they are, â€Å"The human consciousness separating from the human body and traveling in a discorporate form in the physical world. † Another popular belief is that these are also hallucinations, but if that were true how would all the same people have the same delusion? Now that we’ve discussed what they are let’s move on to how they happen. These experiences are believed to have a connection with mind altering events. Such as traumatic events, drug use, or dehydration; still that isn’t the case 100% of the time. The majority of the people experiencing these also had neuroelectrical abnormalities, which is any disorder with the body’s nervous system. It distorts the brains ability to process information. Even though they were first heard of in the early 1940’s yet scientists still have no concrete explanation for it. Many experiments have been performed in explaining these experiences, Time Magazine explains how these lab controlled experiments take place. They hook up a video camera to a pair of goggles, the camera shows the subject what is going on behind them so they are able to have a view of their own backs. A scientist taps the Now that we have went over what out of body experiences are, how they occur, and how they are being test; the real question is, do you this these people are out of their minds, or out of their bodies?

stds :: essays research papers

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Essay written by: "pci" STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse with another domestic partner. Usually STD’s are transmitted through oral, anal, vaginal, or other sexually active bodily contact. Sexually Transmitted Diseases are 100% avoidable. There are many techniques, but the most effective way is to have sexual intercourse with only one partner in your whole life, making sure that your partner didn’t have sexual involvements with anyone else. Another method is a condom. A condom fits over the male erect penis, to protect both partners of any diseases that may possibly exist. It is also vital to buy the right kind of condom. Some condoms are porous, which means bacteria can travel through the holes as well as sperm. A good condom would be one with a small latex tip to avoid breaking of the condom. Overall, latex condoms are good ways to prevent STD’s and pregnancy, but they do break, so its not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregn ancy or disease. There are many methods out there, but the most effective method is to have sexual intercourse with one partner. Who thought that sex would be easy? It’s not. Nowadays we have tons of diseases, which are fatal. Only some of them are curable, and some can be slowed down. But all of them can be prevented. The most common sexually transmitted diseases are: Chlamidia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes(Simplex II), NGU(Nongonicoccal Urethritis), Vaginitis, Genital Warts, Pubic Lice/Scabies, AIDS, and Hepatitis. Chlamidia is a disease, which is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. If you had this disease, you would experience bleeding between menstrual periods, abdominal pain, and painful urination. There is another term for painful urination. It is called â€Å"urinary tract infection†. This group includes Cystititis or Urethritis caused by Gonorrhea or Chlamidia. Fortunately, this disease can be treated unlike many STDs. Actually treatment of Chlamidia is quite simple. Some antibiotics, doxycycline, tetracycline, or zithromax will cure the problem within a week – a month. If this disease is not handled, urination will be more complicated due to the enlargement of the prostate gland in a male, your reproductive organs will malfunction and get damaged, and this disease can be transmitted to the fetus when a woman is pregnant. Gonorrhea is usually the cause of heart trouble and abdominal problems. It is a treatable disease, which takes some time. Usually daily doses of antibiotics will cure this problem. stds :: essays research papers Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Essay written by: "pci" STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse with another domestic partner. Usually STD’s are transmitted through oral, anal, vaginal, or other sexually active bodily contact. Sexually Transmitted Diseases are 100% avoidable. There are many techniques, but the most effective way is to have sexual intercourse with only one partner in your whole life, making sure that your partner didn’t have sexual involvements with anyone else. Another method is a condom. A condom fits over the male erect penis, to protect both partners of any diseases that may possibly exist. It is also vital to buy the right kind of condom. Some condoms are porous, which means bacteria can travel through the holes as well as sperm. A good condom would be one with a small latex tip to avoid breaking of the condom. Overall, latex condoms are good ways to prevent STD’s and pregnancy, but they do break, so its not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregn ancy or disease. There are many methods out there, but the most effective method is to have sexual intercourse with one partner. Who thought that sex would be easy? It’s not. Nowadays we have tons of diseases, which are fatal. Only some of them are curable, and some can be slowed down. But all of them can be prevented. The most common sexually transmitted diseases are: Chlamidia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes(Simplex II), NGU(Nongonicoccal Urethritis), Vaginitis, Genital Warts, Pubic Lice/Scabies, AIDS, and Hepatitis. Chlamidia is a disease, which is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. If you had this disease, you would experience bleeding between menstrual periods, abdominal pain, and painful urination. There is another term for painful urination. It is called â€Å"urinary tract infection†. This group includes Cystititis or Urethritis caused by Gonorrhea or Chlamidia. Fortunately, this disease can be treated unlike many STDs. Actually treatment of Chlamidia is quite simple. Some antibiotics, doxycycline, tetracycline, or zithromax will cure the problem within a week – a month. If this disease is not handled, urination will be more complicated due to the enlargement of the prostate gland in a male, your reproductive organs will malfunction and get damaged, and this disease can be transmitted to the fetus when a woman is pregnant. Gonorrhea is usually the cause of heart trouble and abdominal problems. It is a treatable disease, which takes some time. Usually daily doses of antibiotics will cure this problem.

Twilight 6. SCARY STORIES

6. SCARY STORIES As I sat in my room, trying to concentrate on the third act of Macbeth, I was really listening for my truck. I would have thought, even over the pounding rain, I could have heard the engine's roar. But when I went to peek out the curtain – again – it was suddenly there. I wasn't looking forward to Friday, and it more than lived up to my non-expectations. Of course there were the fainting comments. Jessica especially seemed to get a kick out of that story. Luckily Mike had kept his mouth shut, and no one seemed to know about Edward's involvement. She did have a lot of questions about lunch, though. â€Å"So what did Edward Cullen want yesterday?† Jessica asked in Trig. â€Å"I don't know,† I answered truthfully. â€Å"He never really got to the point.† â€Å"You looked kind of mad,† she fished. â€Å"Did I?† I kept my expression blank. â€Å"You know, I've never seen him sit with anyone but his family before. That was weird.† â€Å"Weird,† I agreed. She seemed annoyed; she flipped her dark curls impatiently – I guessed she'd been hoping to hear something that would make a good story for her to pass on. The worst part about Friday was that, even though I knew he wasn't going to be there, I still hoped. When I walked into the cafeteria with Jessica and Mike, I couldn't keep from looking at his table, where Rosalie, Alice, and Jasper sat talking, heads close together. And I couldn't stop the gloom that engulfed me as I realized I didn't know how long I would have to wait before I saw him again. At my usual table, everyone was full of our plans for the next day. Mike was animated again, putting a great deal of trust in the local weatherman who promised sun tomorrow. I'd have to see that before I believed it. But it was warmer today – almost sixty. Maybe the outing wouldn't be completely miserable. I intercepted a few unfriendly glances from Lauren during lunch, which I didn't understand until we were all walking out of the room together. I was right behind her, just a foot from her slick, silver blond hair, and she was evidently unaware of that. â€Å"†¦don't know why Bella† – she sneered my name – â€Å"doesn't just sit with the Cullens from now on.† I heard her muttering to Mike. I'd never noticed what an unpleasant, nasal voice she had, and I was surprised by the malice in it. I really didn't know her well at all, certainly not well enough for her to dislike me – or so I'd thought. â€Å"She's my friend; she sits with us,† Mike whispered back loyally, but also a bit territorially. I paused to let Jess and Angela pass me. I didn't want to hear any more. That night at dinner, Charlie seemed enthusiastic about my trip to La Push in the morning. I think he felt guilty for leaving me home alone on the weekends, but he'd spent too many years building his habits to break them now. Of course he knew the names of all the kids going, and their parents, and their great-grandparents, too, probably. He seemed to approve. I wondered if he would approve of my plan to ride to Seattle with Edward Cullen. Not that I was going to tell him. â€Å"Dad, do you know a place called Goat Rocks or something like that? I think it's south of Mount Rainier,† I asked casually. â€Å"Yeah – why?† I shrugged. â€Å"Some kids were talking about camping there.† â€Å"It's not a very good place for camping.† He sounded surprised. â€Å"Too many bears. Most people go there during the hunting season.† â€Å"Oh,† I murmured. â€Å"Maybe I got the name wrong.† I meant to sleep in, but an unusual brightness woke me. I opened my eyes to see a clear yellow light streaming through my window. I couldn't believe it. I hurried to the window to check, and sure enough, there was the sun. It was in the wrong place in the sky, too low, and it didn't seem to be as close as it should be, but it was definitely the sun. Clouds ringed the horizon, but a large patch of blue was visible in the middle. I lingered by the window as long as I could, afraid that if I left the blue would disappear again. The Newtons' Olympic Outfitters store was just north of town. I'd seen the store, but I'd never stopped there – not having much need for any supplies required for being outdoors over an extended period of time. In the parking lot I recognized Mike's Suburban and Tyler's Sentra. As I pulled up next to their vehicles, I could see the group standing around in front of the Suburban. Eric was there, along with two other boys I had class with; I was fairly sure their names were Ben and Conner. Jess was there, flanked by Angela and Lauren. Three other girls stood with them, including one I remembered falling over in Gym on Friday. That one gave me a dirty look as I got out of the truck, and whispered something to Lauren. Lauren shook out her cornsilk hair and eyed me scornfully. So it was going to be one of those days. At least Mike was happy to see me. â€Å"You came!† he called, delighted. â€Å"And I said it would be sunny today, didn't I?† â€Å"I told you I was coming,† I reminded him. â€Å"We're just waiting for Lee and Samantha†¦ unless you invited someone,† Mike added. â€Å"Nope,† I lied lightly, hoping I wouldn't get caught in the lie. But also wishing that a miracle would occur, and Edward would appear. Mike looked satisfied. â€Å"Will you ride in my car? It's that or Lee's mom's minivan.† â€Å"Sure.† He smiled blissfully. It was so easy to make Mike happy. â€Å"You can have shotgun,† he promised. I hid my chagrin. It wasn't as simple to make Mike and Jessica happy at the same time. I could see Jessica glowering at us now. The numbers worked out in my favor, though. Lee brought two extra people, and suddenly every seat was necessary. I managed to wedge Jess in between Mike and me in the front seat of the Suburban. Mike could have been more graceful about it, but at least Jess seemed appeased. It was only fifteen miles to La Push from Forks, with gorgeous, dense green forests edging the road most of the way and the wide Quillayute River snaking beneath it twice. I was glad I had the window seat. We'd rolled the windows down – the Suburban was a bit claustrophobic with nine people in it – and I tried to absorb as much sunlight as possible. I'd been to the beaches around La Push many times during my Forks summers with Charlie, so the mile-long crescent of First Beach was familiar to me. It was still breathtaking. The water was dark gray, even in the sunlight, white-capped and heaving to the gray, rocky shore. Islands rose out of the steel harbor waters with sheer cliff sides, reaching to uneven summits, and crowned with austere, soaring firs. The beach had only a thin border of actual sand at the water's edge, after which it grew into millions of large, smooth stones that looked uniformly gray from a distance, but close up were every shade a stone could be: terra-cotta, sea green, lavender, blue gray, dull gold. The tide line was strewn with huge driftwood trees, bleached bone white in the salt waves, some piled together against the edge of the forest fringe, some lying solitary, just out of reach of the waves. There was a brisk wind coming off the waves, cool and briny. Pelicans floated on the swells while seagulls and a lone eagle wheeled above them. The clouds still circled the sky, threatening to invade at any moment, but for now the sun shone bravely in its halo of blue sky. We picked our way down to the beach, Mike leading the way to a ring of driftwood logs that had obviously been used for parties like ours before. There was a fire circle already in place, filled with black ashes. Eric and the boy I thought was named Ben gathered broken branches of driftwood from the drier piles against the forest edge, and soon had a teepee-shaped construction built atop the old cinders. â€Å"Have you ever seen a driftwood fire?† Mike asked me. I was sitting on one of the bone-colored benches; the other girls clustered, gossiping excitedly, on either side of me. Mike kneeled by the fire, lighting one of the smaller sticks with a cigarette lighter. â€Å"No,† I said as he placed the blazing twig carefully against the teepee. â€Å"You'll like this then – watch the colors.† He lit another small branch and laid it alongside the first. The flames started to lick quickly up the dry wood. â€Å"It's blue,† I said in surprise. â€Å"The salt does it. Pretty, isn't it?† He lit one more piece, placed it where the fire hadn't yet caught, and then came to sit by me. Thankfully, Jess was on his other side. She turned to him and claimed his attention. I watched the strange blue and green flames crackle toward the sky. After a half hour of chatter, some of the boys wanted to hike to the nearby tidal pools. It was a dilemma. On the one hand, I loved the tide pools. They had fascinated me since I was a child; they were one of the only things I ever looked forward to when I had to come to Forks. On the other hand, I'd also fallen into them a lot. Not a big deal when you're seven and with your dad. It reminded me of Edward's request – that I not fall into the ocean. Lauren was the one who made my decision for me. She didn't want to hike, and she was definitely wearing the wrong shoes for it. Most of the other girls besides Angela and Jessica decided to stay on the beach as well. I waited until Tyler and Eric had committed to remaining with them before I got up quietly to join the pro-hiking group. Mike gave me a huge smile when he saw that I was coming. The hike wasn't too long, though I hated to lose the sky in the woods. The green light of the forest was strangely at odds with the adolescent laughter, too murky and ominous to be in harmony with the light banter around me. I had to watch each step I took very carefully, avoiding roots below and branches above, and I soon fell behind. Eventually I broke through the emerald confines of the forest and found the rocky shore again. It was low tide, and a tidal river flowed past us on its way to the sea. Along its pebbled banks, shallow pools that never completely drained were teeming with life. I was very cautious not to lean too far over the little ocean ponds. The others were fearless, leaping over the rocks, perching precariously on the edges. I found a very stable-looking rock on the fringe of one of the largest pools and sat there cautiously, spellbound by the natural aquarium below me. The bouquets of brilliant anemones undulated ceaselessly in the invisible current, twisted shells scurried about the edges, obscuring the crabs within them, starfish stuck motionless to the rocks and each other, while one small black eel with white racing stripes wove through the bright green weeds, waiting for the sea to return. I was completely absorbed, except for one small part of my mind that wondered what Edward was doing now, and trying to imagine what he would be saying if he were here with me. Finally the boys were hungry, and I got up stiffly to follow them back. I tried to keep up better this time through the woods, so naturally I fell a few times. I got some shallow scrapes on my palms, and the knees of my jeans were stained green, but it could have been worse. When we got back to First Beach, the group we'd left behind had multiplied. As we got closer we could see the shining, straight black hair and copper skin of the newcomers, teenagers from the reservation come to socialize. The food was already being passed around, and the boys hurried to claim a share while Eric introduced us as we each entered the driftwood circle. Angela and I were the last to arrive, and, as Eric said our names, I noticed a younger boy sitting on the stones near the fire glance up at me in interest. I sat down next to Angela, and Mike brought us sandwiches and an array of sodas to choose from, while a boy who looked to be the oldest of the visitors rattled off the names of the seven others with him. All I caught was that one of the girls was also named Jessica, and the boy who noticed me was named Jacob. It was relaxing to sit with Angela; she was a restful kind of person to be around – she didn't feel the need to fill every silence with chatter. She left me free to think undisturbed while we ate. And I was thinking about how disjointedly time seemed to flow in Forks, passing in a blur at times, with single images standing out more clearly than others. And then, at other times, every second was significant, etched in my mind. I knew exactly what caused the difference, and it disturbed me. During lunch the clouds started to advance, slinking across the blue sky, darting in front of the sun momentarily, casting long shadows across the beach, and blackening the waves. As they finished eating, people started to drift away in twos and threes. Some walked down to the edge of the waves, trying to skip rocks across the choppy surface. Others were gathering a second expedition to the tide pools. Mike – with Jessica shadowing him – headed up to the one shop in the village. Some of the local kids went with them; others went along on the hike. By the time they all had scattered, I was sitting alone on my driftwood log, with Lauren and Tyler occupying themselves by the CD player someone had thought to bring, and three teenagers from the reservation perched around the circle, including the boy named Jacob and the oldest boy who had acted as spokesperson. A few minutes after Angela left with the hikers, Jacob sauntered over to take her place by my side. He looked fourteen, maybe fifteen, and had long, glossy black hair pulled back with a rubber band at the nape of his neck. His skin was beautiful, silky and russet-colored; his eyes were dark, set deep above the high planes of his cheekbones. He still had just a hint of childish roundness left around his chin. Altogether, a very pretty face. However, my positive opinion of his looks was damaged by the first words out of his mouth. â€Å"You're Isabella Swan, aren't you?† It was like the first day of school all over again. â€Å"Bella,† I sighed. â€Å"I'm Jacob Black.† He held his hand out in a friendly gesture. â€Å"You bought my dad's truck.† â€Å"Oh,† I said, relieved, shaking his sleek hand. â€Å"You're Billy's son. I probably should remember you.† â€Å"No, I'm the youngest of the family – you would remember my older sisters.† â€Å"Rachel and Rebecca,† I suddenly recalled. Charlie and Billy had thrown us together a lot during my visits, to keep us busy while they fished. We were all too shy to make much progress as friends. Of course, I'd kicked up enough tantrums to end the fishing trips by the time I was eleven. â€Å"Are they here?† I examined the girls at the ocean's edge, wondering if I would recognize them now. â€Å"No.† Jacob shook his head. â€Å"Rachel got a scholarship to Washington State, and Rebecca married a Samoan surfer – she lives in Hawaii now.† â€Å"Married. Wow.† I was stunned. The twins were only a little over a year older than I was. â€Å"So how do you like the truck?† he asked. â€Å"I love it. It runs great.† â€Å"Yeah, but it's really slow,† he laughed. â€Å"I was so relived when Charlie bought it. My dad wouldn't let me work on building another car when we had a perfectly good vehicle right there.† â€Å"It's not that slow,† I objected. â€Å"Have you tried to go over sixty?† â€Å"No,† I admitted. â€Å"Good. Don't.† He grinned. I couldn't help grinning back. â€Å"It does great in a collision,† I offered in my truck's defense. â€Å"I don't think a tank could take out that old monster,† he agreed with another laugh. â€Å"So you build cars?† I asked, impressed. â€Å"When I have free time, and parts. You wouldn't happen to know where I could get my hands on a master cylinder for a 1986 Volkswagen Rabbit?† he added jokingly. He had a pleasant, husky voice. â€Å"Sorry,† I laughed, â€Å"I haven't seen any lately, but I'll keep my eyes open for you.† As if I knew what that was. He was very easy to talk with. He flashed a brilliant smile, looking at me appreciatively in a way I was learning to recognize. I wasn't the only one who noticed. â€Å"You know Bella, Jacob?† Lauren asked – in what I imagined was an insolent tone – from across the fire. â€Å"We've sort of known each other since I was born,† he laughed, smiling at me again. â€Å"How nice.† She didn't sound like she thought it was nice at all, and her pale, fishy eyes narrowed. â€Å"Bella,† she called again, watching my face carefully, â€Å"I was just saying to Tyler that it was too bad none of the Cullens could come out today. Didn't anyone think to invite them?† Her expression of concern was unconvincing. â€Å"You mean Dr. Carlisle Cullen's family?† the tall, older boy asked before I could respond, much to Lauren's irritation. He was really closer to a man than a boy, and his voice was very deep. â€Å"Yes, do you know them?† she asked condescendingly, turning halfway toward him. â€Å"The Cullens don't come here,† he said in a tone that closed the subject, ignoring her question. Tyler, trying to win back her attention, asked Lauren's opinion on a CD he held. She was distracted. I stared at the deep-voiced boy, taken aback, but he was looking away toward the dark forest behind us. He'd said that the Cullens didn't come here, but his tone had implied something more – that they weren't allowed; they were prohibited. His manner left a strange impression on me, and I tried to ignore it without success. Jacob interrupted my meditation. â€Å"So is Forks driving you insane yet?† â€Å"Oh, I'd say that's an understatement.† I grimaced. He grinned understandingly. I was still turning over the brief comment on the Cullens, and I had a sudden inspiration. It was a stupid plan, but I didn't have any better ideas. I hoped that young Jacob was as yet inexperienced around girls, so that he wouldn't see through my sure-to-be-pitiful attempts at flirting. â€Å"Do you want to walk down the beach with me?† I asked, trying to imitate that way Edward had of looking up from underneath his eyelashes. It couldn't have nearly the same effect, I was sure, but Jacob jumped up willingly enough. As we walked north across the multihued stones toward the driftwood seawall, the clouds finally closed ranks across the sky, causing the sea to darken and the temperature to drop. I shoved my hands deep into the pockets of my jacket. â€Å"So you're, what, sixteen?† I asked, trying not to look like an idiot as I fluttered my eyelids the way I'd seen girls do on TV. â€Å"I just turned fifteen,† he confessed, flattered. â€Å"Really?† My face was full of false surprise. â€Å"I would have thought you were older.† â€Å"I'm tall for my age,† he explained. â€Å"Do you come up to Forks much?† I asked archly, as if I was hoping for a yes. I sounded idiotic to myself. I was afraid he would turn on me with disgust and accuse me of my fraud, but he still seemed flattered. â€Å"Not too much,† he admitted with a frown. â€Å"But when I get my car finished I can go up as much as I want – after I get my license,† he amended. â€Å"Who was that other boy Lauren was talking to? He seemed a little old to be hanging out with us.† I purposefully lumped myself in with the youngsters, trying to make it clear that I preferred Jacob. â€Å"That's Sam – he's nineteen,† he informed me. â€Å"What was that he was saying about the doctor's family?† I asked innocently. â€Å"The Cullens? Oh, they're not supposed to come onto the reservation.† He looked away, out toward James Island, as he confirmed what I'd thought I'd heard in Sam's voice. â€Å"Why not?† He glanced back at me, biting his lip. â€Å"Oops. I'm not supposed to say anything about that.† â€Å"Oh, I won't tell anyone, I'm just curious.† I tried to make my smile alluring, wondering if I was laying it on too thick. He smiled back, though, looking allured. Then he lifted one eyebrow and his voice was even huskier than before. â€Å"Do you like scary stories?† he asked ominously. â€Å"I love them,† I enthused, making an effort to smolder at him. Jacob strolled to a nearby driftwood tree that had its roots sticking out like the attenuated legs of a huge, pale spider. He perched lightly on one of the twisted roots while I sat beneath him on the body of the tree. He stared down at the rocks, a smile hovering around the edges of his broad lips. I could see he was going to try to make this good. I focused on keeping the vital interest I felt out of my eyes. â€Å"Do you know any of our old stories, about where we came from – the Quileutes, I mean?† he began. â€Å"Not really,† I admitted. â€Å"Well, there are lots of legends, some of them claiming to date back to the Flood – supposedly, the ancient Quileutes tied their canoes to the tops of the tallest trees on the mountain to survive like Noah and the ark.† He smiled, to show me how little stock he put in the histories. â€Å"Another legend claims that we descended from wolves – and that the wolves are our brothers still. It's against tribal law to kill them. â€Å"Then there are the stories about the cold ones.† His voice dropped a little lower. â€Å"The cold ones?† I asked, not faking my intrigue now. â€Å"Yes. There are stories of the cold ones as old as the wolf legends, and some much more recent. According to legend, my own great-grandfather knew some of them. He was the one who made the treaty that kept them off our land.† He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Your great-grandfather?† I encouraged. â€Å"He was a tribal elder, like my father. You see, the cold ones are the natural enemies of the wolf-well, not the wolf, really, but the wolves that turn into men, like our ancestors. You would call them werewolves.† â€Å"Werewolves have enemies?† â€Å"Only one.† I stared at him earnestly, hoping to disguise my impatience as admiration. â€Å"So you see,† Jacob continued, â€Å"the cold ones are traditionally our enemies. But this pack that came to our territory during my great-grandfather's time was different. They didn't hunt the way others of their kind did – they weren't supposed to be dangerous to the tribe. So my great-grandfather made a truce with them. If they would promise to stay off our lands, we wouldn't expose them to the pale-faces.† He winked at me. â€Å"If they weren't dangerous, then why†¦ ?† I tried to understand, struggling not to let him see how seriously I was considering his ghost story. â€Å"There's always a risk for humans to be around the cold ones, even if they're civilized like this clan was. You never know when they might get too hungry to resist.† He deliberately worked a thick edge of menace into his tone. â€Å"What do you mean, ‘civilized'?† â€Å"They claimed that they didn't hunt humans. They supposedly were somehow able to prey on animals instead.† I tried to keep my voice casual. â€Å"So how does it fit in with the Cullens? Are they like the cold ones your greatgrandfather met?† â€Å"No.† He paused dramatically. â€Å"They are the same ones.† He must have thought the expression on my face was fear inspired by his story. He smiled, pleased, and continued. â€Å"There are more of them now, a new female and a new male, but the rest are the same. In my great-grandfather's time they already knew of the leader, Carlisle. He'd been here and gone before your people had even arrived.† He was fighting a smile. â€Å"And what are they?† I finally asked. â€Å"What are the cold ones?† He smiled darkly. â€Å"Blood drinkers,† he replied in a chilling voice. â€Å"Your people call them vampires.† I stared out at the rough surf after he answered, not sure what my face was exposing. â€Å"You have goose bumps,† he laughed delightedly. â€Å"You're a good storyteller,† I complimented him, still staring into the waves. â€Å"Pretty crazy stuff, though, isn't it? No wonder my dad doesn't want us to talk about it to anyone.† I couldn't control my expression enough to look at him yet. â€Å"Don't worry, I won't give you away.† â€Å"I guess I just violated the treaty,† he laughed. â€Å"I'll take it to the grave,† I promised, and then I shivered. â€Å"Seriously, though, don't say anything to Charlie. He was pretty mad at my dad when he heard that some of us weren't going to the hospital since Dr. Cullen started working there.† â€Å"I won't, of course not.† â€Å"So do you think we're a bunch of superstitious natives or what?† he asked in a playful tone, but with a hint of worry. I still hadn't looked away from the ocean. I turned and smiled at him as normally as I could. â€Å"No. I think you're very good at telling scary stories, though. I still have goose bumps, see?† I held up my arm. â€Å"Cool.† He smiled. And then the sound of the beach rocks clattering against each other warned us that someone was approaching. Our heads snapped up at the same time to see Mike and Jessica about fifty yards away, walking toward us. â€Å"There you are, Bella,† Mike called in relief, waving his arm over his head. â€Å"Is that your boyfriend?† Jacob asked, alerted by the jealous edge in Mike's voice. I was surprised it was so obvious. â€Å"No, definitely not,† I whispered. I was tremendously grateful to Jacob, and eager to make him as happy as possible. I winked at him, carefully turning away from Mike to do so. He smiled, elated by my inept flirting. â€Å"So when I get my license†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he began. â€Å"You should come see me in Forks. We could hang out sometime.† I felt guilty as I said this, knowing that I'd used him. But I really did like Jacob. He was someone I could easily be friends with. Mike had reached us now, with Jessica still a few paces back. I could see his eyes appraising Jacob, and looking satisfied at his obvious youth. â€Å"Where have you been?† he asked, though the answer was right in front of him. â€Å"Jacob was just telling me some local stories,† I volunteered. â€Å"It was really interesting.† I smiled at Jacob warmly, and he grinned back. â€Å"Well,† Mike paused, carefully reassessing the situation as he watched our camaraderie. â€Å"We're packing up – it looks like it's going to rain soon.† We all looked up at the glowering sky. It certainly did look like rain. â€Å"Okay.† I jumped up. â€Å"I'm coming.† â€Å"It was nice to see you again,† Jacob said, and I could tell he was taunting Mike just a bit. â€Å"It really was. Next time Charlie comes down to see Billy, I'll come, too,† I promised. His grin stretched across his face. â€Å"That would be cool.† â€Å"And thanks,† I added earnestly. I pulled up my hood as we tramped across the rocks toward the parking lot. A few drops were beginning to fall, making black spots on the stones where they landed. When we got to the Suburban the others were already loading everything back in. I crawled into the backseat by Angela and Tyler, announcing that I'd already had my turn in the shotgun position. Angela just stared out the window at the escalating storm, and Lauren twisted around in the middle seat to occupy Tyler's attention, so I could simply lay my head back on the seat and close my eyes and try very hard not to think.

Childhood Memories and Adult Aspirations Essay

Back when I was younger I would spend countless hours playing in the sand box on warm, sunny days. Time was an irrelevant figure of which I knew or cared little about. The biggest problem I had to negotiate was how to construct the biggest and most complex sand castle possible. This type of scenario is something which is much more rare in the adult world. As an adult a person bares a great deal of responsibility and time means much more than in a childs world. Now that I am making the transition from simple childhood into the complex world of adulthood, I am reminded of the many things I will miss about being a kid. Though there are many things about childhood I will miss there are also many things about adult life that I greatly look forward to. One of the activities I will greatly miss about being a kid is going outside during the winter with my little brother and building a snow fortress. We would each take advantage of the snow piles which inevitably formed along the boarders of the driveway after each shoveling job. Therefore, almost immediately after there was a snowfall my brother and I would each build a fort and then proceed, after construction, to have snowball wars. Playing in the snow together brought us hours of fun and enjoyment. It is times like these where life is carefree and the only thing that matters is having fun. We always had a great time together during these moments. Another thing I will miss about being a kid is the recesses we were entitled to in elementary school. Every day class would seem to last an eternity as my friends and I would wait in anticipation of the recess bell. Collectively everyone would get together and decide upon a game which we could play. For example one day we would play soccer and the next day we would play Cops and Robbers. Each activity brought to us many laughs and hours of enjoyment. These periods of time provided us with a break from the day and I believe taught us a great deal about interacting with one another. Recess with all of my friends is something that I miss and will continue to miss for a long time. In the future and into adulthood I am looking forward to in adulthood is being able to have total independence. Independence is something great a person gets when he becomes an adult. Being able to make all of your own  decisions and having the privilege of being able to partake in activities which minors cannot is a great advantage to being an adult. I am looking forward to, for example, being able to go to the sports bar with my friends to watch hockey and football games. It is these privileges which appeal to me and make me exited to become an adult. Lastly being able to travel around the world with friends and family is something I also look forward to in adulthood. I hope to travel to many destinations with friends during and after university. Learning about different cultures, foods, ideas, ways of life, and histories is something I believe will be very enjoyable. Vacations, along with providing lots of relaxation and learning, also give people the chance to meet lots of new and different people. I believe that vacationing with friends provides lots of great experience and therefore posses as a great advantage to becoming an adult. The carefree hours of fun and games experienced as a child will always be something I fondly remember. Currently I accept the fact that those times are, for the most part, gone and am positively anticipating adulthood. The securities of childhood are great accept for the fact that they inevitably take away independence something most people need as they get older. In contrast, however, independence comes with the price of responsibility and therefore must be used wisely. I am greatly looking forward to adult life and will always fondly remember my childhood.

The Benin Empire

The Benin Empire The pre-colonial Benin Kingdom or Empire was located in what is today southern Nigeria. (It is entirely separate from the Republic of Benin, which was then known as Dahomey.) Benin arose as a city-state in the late 1100s or 1200s and expanded into a larger kingdom or empire in the mid-1400s.  Most of the people within the Benin Empire were Edo, and they were ruled over by a monarch, who held the title of Oba (roughly equivalent to king).   By the late 1400s, the capital of Benin, Benin City, was already a large and highly regulated city. Europeans who visited were always impressed by its splendor and compared it to the major European cities at the time. The city was laid out on a clear plan, the buildings were reportedly all well-kept, and the city included a massive palace compound decorated with thousands of intricate metal, ivory, and wood plaques (known as the Benin Bronzes), most of which were made between the 1400s and 1600s, after which the craft declined. In the mid-1600s, the power of the Obas also waned, as administrators and officials took more control over the government. The Transatlantic Slave Trade Benin was one of many African countries to sell slaves to European slave traders, but like all strong states, the Benin people did so on their own terms. In fact, Benin refused to sell slaves for many years. Benin representatives sold some prisoners of war to the Portuguese in the late 1400s, during the time when Benin was expanding into an empire and fighting several battles. By the 1500s, however, they had stopped expanding and refused to sell more slaves until the 1700s. Instead, they traded other goods, including pepper, ivory, and palm oil for the brass and firearms they wanted from Europeans. The slave trade only began to pick up after 1750, when Benin was in a period of decline. The Conquest of 1897 During the European Scramble for Africa in the late 1800s, Britain wanted to extend its control northwards over what became Nigeria, but Benin repeatedly rejected their diplomatic advances. In 1892, however, a British representative named H. L. Gallwey visited Benin and reportedly convinced the Oba to sign a treaty that essentially granted Britain sovereignty over Benin. Benin officials challenged the treaty and refused to follow its provisions in regard to trade. When a British party of officers and porters set out in 1897 to visit Benin City to enforce the treaty, Benin attacked the convoy killing almost everyone. Britain immediately prepared a punitive military expedition to punish Benin for the attack and to send a message to other kingdoms that might resist. The British forces quickly defeated the Benin army and then razed Benin City, looting the magnificent artwork in the process. Tales of Savagery In the build-up and aftermath of conquest, popular and scholarly accounts of Benin stressed the savagery of the kingdom, as that was one of the justifications for conquest. In referring to the Benin Bronzes, museums today still tend to describe the metal as being purchased with slaves, but most of the bronzes were created prior to the 1700s when Benin began to participate in the trade. Benin Today Benin continues to exist today as a Kingdom within Nigeria. It might best be understood as a social organization within Nigeria. All subjects of Benin are citizens of Nigeria and live under Nigerian law and administration. The current Oba, Erediauwa, is considered an African monarch, however, and he serves as an advocate of the Edo or Benin people. Oba Erediauwa is a graduate of Cambridge University in Britain, and prior to his coronation worked in the Nigeria civil service for many years and spent a few years working for a private firm. As the Oba, he is a figure of respect and authority and has served as a mediator in several political disputes.   Sources: Coombes, Annie, Reinventing Africa: Museums, Material Culture, and Popular Imagination. (Yale University Press, 1994). Girshick, Paula Ben-Amos  and John Thornton, Civil War in the Kingdom of Benin, 1689-1721: Continuity or Political Change? The Journal of African History 42.3 (2001), 353-376. Oba of Benin, Kingdoms of Nigeria web page.

Analyzing a Political Campaign Advertisement Essay

Analyzing a Political Campaign Advertisement - Essay Example In the video it is even stated that â€Å"No one has been more consistent† which suggests the very same. He has stuck to his guns for a long period of time and would not defer his stance to someone else. Ron Paul believes in good governance which can only be attained when there is unity of purpose and thought. The audience gets manipulated by the stance that has been manifested by Ron Paul. Argument The argument for this video campaign ad emanates from the fact that Ron Paul wants the audience to believe that whatever problems there are within America today are because of the leaders who have said one thing and gone about adopting a totally opposite route. Ron Paul firmly believes in the premise that now is the time to make amends and elect people like him who will bring a fresh change and new perspective to the fold. The advertisement seems credible due to its authentic use of the information and statistics. Also quotes have been made use of which provide credibility to the e ntire cause of the Ron Paul campaign. Ron Paul has added sources within the advertisement to show that he means business and that his opponents have failed to deliver within the thick of things. The advertisement concerns more on the opposition yet the candidate has made his representation clear as well. Ron Paul is a name to reckon with and he has shown this through his advertisement. What is most important is how well he has struck a contrast between himself and the opposition that exists around him. The image/persona that the candidate is trying to portray is that of a true and genuine leader who speaks the correct thing at all times. He is a visionary who believes in making his point clear through logic and sound reasoning. The best part about his image/persona is that he has stuck to what he thought in the past and carried it forward with the advent of time. The candidate Ron Paul is trying his best to appeal to traditional American values and for that he has taken a stance to stick to what he was preaching in the past as well. He does not want to build a new America as such but wants to change beliefs through solid actions and practical steps which remain significant on any given day. The facial expressions of the candidate are of pain and anguish. He has felt worse about the present day American affairs and these are demonstrated on his face. His emotions are therefore filled with sorrow but his eyes are focused on something good that is about to come for the Americans. The emotion of the advertisement gives the viewers the impression that if they choose Ron Paul, they will decide their better future and would see light at the end of the tunnel easily. As far as color aspects are concerned, the video makes use of the colors which depict the American flag more than any other colors to give a very subliminal message that Ron Paul believes in the American premise more than anything else. The montage gives a very personal look and feel about the candidate. This is because his past works and recollections are displayed in the montage and viewers have a fair enough idea regarding his past undertakings, actions and statements. The candidate is portrayed here through a direct contrast of the opponents and then what he suggested some years back to what he is saying in the present day and age. The emotional appeal of the video

Stanley Park Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Stanley Park - Essay Example   Large sections of the park were densely forested in the late 1800s and covered by half million trees that mainly occupied stand that was seventy-six meters, which is many centuries old. Numerous trees were lost and others were planted subsequent to the major windstorms that happened past one hundred years in the year 2006. An important effort was concentrated in the building of the near century-old Vancouver Seawall that mainly attracts numerous residents and corresponding visitors to the Stanley Park. Stanley Park also possesses features forest trails, Vancouver Aquarium, lakes, beaches, and children’s play locations.   The land where Stanley Park is situated was leased by the Vancouver’s City Council in the year 1886. The year 1908 federal government converted the lease of the Stanley Parkland by ninety-nine year. It was possess a lease that was continuously renewable by the park board in regard to the restitution. The park was officially opened in the year 1888 and named after Lord Stanley. Lord Stanley dedicated it to the utilization and enjoyment of the populace of all races, creeds and customs thus being named Stanley Park.   The building of the Lost Lagoon and the corresponding causeway of the Stanley Park took place amidst the year 1913 to corresponding 1916.The lake was built within a shallow section of the Coal Harbour and was named the Lost Lagoon because of its disappearance during low tide.   Moreover, the lake and corresponding causeway into the Stanley Park was designed by Thomas Mawson.  Ã‚