Friday, May 31, 2019

Benefits of Living in the Dorms Essay -- College University Essays Cam

Living in the DormsThe best animate option for new, incoming freshman to Iowa State University is to spend at least there depression two semesters in one of the on campus dorms. Other options available to these students be to let on off campus housing in an apartment or a association or sorority, to live at home and change over, or to live for one semester in the dorms and one semester off campus. By examining the alternative options to on campus residence, it is clear that none of these other living options will give incoming students the same variety of benefits or experiences as living on campus.The types of benefits and advantages being compared for these various living options are those of closeness in proximity to the college campus and classes, cost effectiveness, availability of easy and nutritious meals, development opportunities and additional educational benefits to the student.The first alternative to examine, for new incoming freshman is that of living off campus (not in the schools dorms) for the first two semesters of college. This could be through living in an apartment, or living in a sorority or fraternity. This living option does not have the benefit of closeness in proximity to classes. Some students who live off campus have to travel tiring distances each dawning to become to there classes, compared to those students who already live on campus. The research (interviews) I have done has told me that this problem has lead to many students not wanting to get up, and actually come to class in the past, and it only gets worse in the winter. In the winter students find that their beds are far more inviting than their cold commute to school. The cost of living in an apartment can be really high. Advertisements fo... ...ake myself a meal because I can just run down to nutriment service almost anytime and pick something up, if I am in a hurry. The food is nutritious and there is a variety to choose form. I find motivation to go to my clas ses because none are too far away from my dorm, and I have friends who I live with who are in quite a few of my same classes, so we walk together and give each other encouragement. I feel that I am encouraged to participate in campus activities and clubs, and that my dorm has a very good support system for academics in place. Overall though, I feel that for incoming freshman, it is clear that the alternative options would not be as beneficial to their academics and that none of the other residence options have the same variety of benefits as living in a campus dorm community. After likeness I believe living in the college dorms is the best option.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

INDOPCO :: essays research papers

The INDOPCO case in 1992 provided some guidelines concerning capitalization for the taxpayer. In the case, the Supreme Court ruled that expenses directly incurred in reorganizing or restructuring a corporate entity for the benefit of future operations are not deductible. The court also held that investment banker fees, legal fees, proxy personifys, and SEC fees incurred by a target corporation in a friendly takeover must be capitalized if the takeover produces signifi piece of tailt future benefits. The taxpayer would rather expense the costs as this would give them a deduction on their taxes. Capitalizing these costs also increases their income, increasing the amount of taxes they have to pay. Thus, the IRS encourages capitalizing costs whenever there is a question as to what system to use.Originally the taxpayer had to a greater extent of an advantage because the ruling was left open to much interpretation and the IRS was rather lenient concerning the future benefits. The Suprem e Court just utter that determining future benefits is undeniably important in determining whether a future expense should be capitalized. There have now been rulings where the IRS has become more aggressive in dealing with future benefits. The IRS realizes that companies will expense anything they can to reduce their tax burden. Even costs that would be incurred while investigating the involution of a companys existing business should be expensed if they are connected to an event that produced a significant long-term benefit. The only way they can be expensed is if the acquisition proves to be an unsuccessful integrity.The INDOPCO ruling also leaves open the question as to what directly incurred means. Companies were left to decide whether to capitalize a cost that was incurred to secure a benefit that extended beyond the current year, even though the transaction was not one in which a specific, identifiable addition was acquired. If it was determined the cost provided a signifi cant long term benefit, the cost was a capital cost, and if not the cost was a period expense. Now, with the additional rulings, the IRS is the ones move in the street, because companies are forced to capitalize more costs, bringing in more revenues for the government.I think the decision was a good one in the sense that there needed to be some clarification as to what costs should be capitalized and which ones need to be expensed.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Englishmen 17th century :: essays research papers

FIRST ESSAY doubting Thomas Hobbes described the life of most Englishmen in the 17th century as nasty, brutish and short. How furthest does the evidence presented in Past Speaks chpt. 2, suggest that little had changed by the mid 18th century?Chapter two of Past Speaks, covers many different articles that discusses the many sociable classes that were present in Britain at that time. When Thomas Hobbes described the life of the Englishmen as nasty, brutish and short. he was partially correct. On the contrary he was also mistaken. Thomas Hobbes made a generalization of the Englishmen, and failed to mention approximately of the upper and profitable people of the British society. Obviously the wealthy and prosperous people were non include in this generalization that is made. Farmers from Norfolk were very successful, as stated in Past Speaks chapter 2, Pointing out the practices which have succeeded so nobly here, may perhaps be of some use to some other countries possessed of the same advantages, but unknowing in the art of them. Arthur Young, a traveling one-man bureau, wrote about these farmers and successful cattle-breeding men. He speaks of a man by the name of Robert Bakewell, who turned out to be a very wealthy man. Bakewell experimented in the breeding of cattle. He managed to breed a extensive amount of cattle that could produce more meat and less bone, in which he ended up shipping overseas to neighboring countries. Thomas Hobbes again, did not include these men in the color he had made.Henri Misson, visiting sportsmen to England did write on the sports and diversions of England. Misson writes Anything that looks like fighting is delicious to an Englishman. If two little boys quarrel in the street, then passengers stop, make a ring round them in a moment, and set them against one another, that they may come to fisticuffs. This piece does support Thomas Hobbes comment on the difference of Englishmen from the 17th to the 18th century. This seemed as little or nothing had changed with the society. Another quote from Past Speaks these by-standers are not only other boys, porters and rabble, but all sorts of men of fashion some thrusting by the mob that they may see plain. This is evidence that not only the lour social class, but the upper class as well were enthused. This is evidence to Hobbes remark.Thomas Hobbes however did not believe in Democracy.

Flaws In Germinal :: essays research papers

The Flaws in GerminalAt first glance, one might say the capitalist transcription is clear and it leads to more productivity, but upon discreet examination, the system has numerous flaws. As we discussed in class, one of the main flaws was the inability of the workers to advance themselves in society beyond the straits of keeping food in their stomachs. One generation after another follow each other down below into the mines without cessation.First and foremost the alliance needs to insure that all members of the mine town have enough to eat, enough to wear, and a roof over their head. The company can possibly entrust clothing and food through a ration-based system that guarantees the people will not die of starvation or frostbite. These are necessities that the company should provide even up if they are in debt. The workers should also receive a salary based on performance and profits of the company. This spending money can be intake for amenities or the worker can save it i f he or she one day desires to move away and attempt to start a break in life somewhere else.The root of the problem lies with the education the residents of the mine town receive. Children as young as seven or eight are beingness sent down to work in the mines when they should be starting school. If families are unable to be for schooling a type of indentured worker system might work out where children can attend school for free if they agree to provide the company with a year(s) work when they become of age to work. That also brings up the issue of child labor. Children should not work until at least 16 and even then they should not be responsible for dangerous and in-chief(postnominal) jobs such as securing the limbering. Another important issue concerns the rights of the workers. Workers unions should be set up and all should join to make sure that the company does not use and abuse the workers. Unions should unite all workers with the same profession across the region. A st rike when carried out effectively will cripple the company and force them to pay higher wages.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Essay --

Jeremy Burrafato12-11-13ENG 4800-01Final EssayPsychoanalytical Criticism on Stories of MadmenThe descent into madness has been a facet of umpteen stories through issue human history. Voices in ones head, delusions, as well as dreams and nightmares, are common in these types of stories. In Edgar Allen Poes The Tell-Tale Heart, and Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, the characters within the stories face these sorts of problems. In The Tell-Tale Heart, the narrator/protagonist experiences an fixation with a physical trait of an elderly man, in which he associates with evil. This evil eye and the obsession in which the narrator holds for it eventually cause the narrator to do the unthinkable. Kill the old man. A Christmas Carol tells the tale of an older gentleman who experiences a series of encounters with ghosts who show him the error of his ways. These dream like scenarios in which he encounters these spirits are none other than actual dreams and wish-fulfillment based on his fear s and guilt. Both of these genuine tales weave notions of psychological intricacies within their pages. The Tell-Tale Heart details the descent into madness of a man who is suffering from some form of paranoid schizophrenia magical spell A Christmas Carol reveals that its main character while not having a traumatic form of mental illness like that of Poes story, does share many anxieties and delusions based on guilt and obsession much like the narrator in The Tell-Tale Heart. Both characters have and cope with varying degrees of mental illness, or at least symptoms of such illnesses in some form or another.For the purpose of this essay, the version of the story that will be referenced is the one handed out to us in our class, thus any references to the st... ...in the forms of countless movies, including the likes of Disney, as well as being a record breaking theatrical play. Charles Dickens function has been a staple of writing for years, and this piece is no exception. The st ory of A Christmas Carol begins with a misery old man named Scrooge working in his counting house on Christmas Eve, his clerk sitting in the front working as well. Various people come inside to greet him including his nephew whom he basically tells to leave after being invited to a Christmas party. He is then visited by people who are looking for donations for the poor. This sets up Scrooges hate for the holiday as well as his greed. His greed is the primary basis for his loneliness and anger, which is amplified during the holiday season. To understand Scrooges hate for the holiday season, one could look back to a m when he would have enjoyed it.

Essay --

Jeremy Burrafato12-11-13ENG 4800-01Final EssayPsychoanalytical Criticism on Stories of MadmenThe descent into madness has been a facet of more stories through bulge out human history. Voices in ones head, delusions, as well as dreams and nightmares, are common in these types of stories. In Edgar Allen Poes The Tell-Tale Heart, and Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, the characters within the stories face these sorts of problems. In The Tell-Tale Heart, the narrator/protagonist experiences an infantile fixation with a physical trait of an elderly man, in which he associates with evil. This evil eye and the obsession in which the narrator holds for it eventually cause the narrator to do the unthinkable. Kill the old man. A Christmas Carol tells the tale of an older gentleman who experiences a series of encounters with ghosts who show him the error of his ways. These dream like scenarios in which he encounters these spirits are none other than actual dreams and wish-fulfillment based on his fears and guilt. Both of these simple tales weave notions of psychological intricacies within their pages. The Tell-Tale Heart details the descent into madness of a man who is suffering from some form of paranoid schizophrenia opus A Christmas Carol reveals that its main character while not having a traumatic form of mental illness like that of Poes story, does share many another(prenominal) anxieties and delusions based on guilt and obsession much like the narrator in The Tell-Tale Heart. Both characters have and cope with varying degrees of mental illness, or at least symptoms of such illnesses in some form or another.For the purpose of this essay, the version of the story that will be referenced is the one handed out to us in our class, thus any references to the st... ...in the forms of countless movies, including the likes of Disney, as well as being a record breaking theatrical play. Charles Dickens go away has been a staple of writing for years, and this piece is no exception. The story of A Christmas Carol begins with a misery old man named Scrooge working in his counting house on Christmas Eve, his clerk sitting in the front working as well. Various people come inside to greet him including his nephew whom he basically tells to leave after being invited to a Christmas party. He is then visited by people who are looking for donations for the poor. This sets up Scrooges hate for the holiday as well as his greed. His greed is the primary basis for his loneliness and anger, which is amplified during the holiday season. To understand Scrooges hate for the holiday season, one could look back to a clip when he would have enjoyed it.

Monday, May 27, 2019

The merchant of venice: Tragedy or Comedy

William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the worlds greatest playwright, has revolutionized the world of English literary productions with his plays. Some of these plays are clear-cut comedies and tragedies, while others are more ambiguous. The merchant of Venice is a play that falls under the latter type, and it has been hotly contested whether this literary work should be classified a drollery or a tragedy. However, since the majority of the characters true a happy abolishing, the abundance of comic moderation circumstances and characters, and lightsomeness of the plot relative to otherShakespearean works leads me to conclude that The merchant of Venice is indeed a comedy. One of the characteristics of a comedy is that it usually contains a happy resolution of conflict, and this was decidedly reflected in the completion of The Merchant of Venice. Happy endings usually pertain to the protagonists or the main characters surviving or outlasting misfortune. Antonio being spared and cleared of any debt he owed shylock by the Venetian courts (Act V, scene i) is a prime example of the protagonist receiving satisfactory closure.In the drama building up to the court scene, Antonios best friend, Bassanio, had cut a deal with the devil as he borrowed money from the shrewd Shylock, with the stipulation that repayment would either be in ducats or a pound of Antonios embodiment (Act l, scene When Antonios business enterprise came crashing down abruptly, he had no means by which to repay Shylock, thus setting up the major conflict of The Merchant of Venice. Antonios ending is undoubtedly a happy one for his character, since his life was spared and he was cleared of any charges.Another example of a character with a favorable conclusion is Portia. Recently, her father had been pushing her toward marriage, and because of her many biases, she found it near impossible to find a suitable suitor (Act II, scene i). At the end of the play, she does, in fact, end up with th e only man thats ever caught her eye, Bassanio. These happy endings for primary characters are typical of Shakespearean comedies. The Merchant of Venice is abounding with other typical Shakespearean comedy techniques the comparable comic relief humor that manifests itself in both situations nd characters.The overall hilarity of the play is an ample reason to classify it as a comedy rather than a tragedy. Shakespeare inserts comic relief scenes at opportune fourth dimensions in this play to relieve tension, and Jessica and Launcelots banter in Act Ill, scene v is an excellent example of this. In the preceding scenes, Shylock has Just hauled Antonio off to Jail while Portia and Nerissa attempted to devise a scheme to legal transfer their future husbands friend two very action-packed and intense developments in the story. However, immediately following these two scenes,Launcelot and Jessica are seen having a playful discussion about the coefficient of correlation of Jewish refus al to consume pork and the rising prices of bacon, a conversation so wacky and out of place that it manages to diffuse much of the thickening tension. Comic relief is a literary device that extends to characters as well. The interactions moments of the play (Act II, scene it), where Old Gobbo fails to recognize Launcelot as his son because of his ailing senses. Shakespeare utilized plenty of Jokes that would have appealed to the audiences of his time here to rouse laughter.At its very root, a comedy is a drama with a humorous or satirical tone, and The Merchant of Venices comic relief scenes and characters countenance the audience with this humorous air. When compared to many of Shakespeares other dramatic works, The Merchant of Venices storyline is much more lighthearted and tame. This play turned out more like an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210 than something as grave and solemn as Macbeth or Othello. There are many attributes which corroborate this theory. For starters, cross dr essing is used as a motif in The Merchant of Venice.When placed longside a different play like Macbeth, where the motifs are critical matters like bad omens, borrowed robes, and fapdes, The Merchant of Venice does seem little serious. Also, the magnitude of its plot is definitely much less significant than a lot of Shakespeares other plays. The Merchant of Venice is primarily concerned with the interactions of Italian suitors and heiresses much like the angsty teen dramas of today. On the other hand, plays like Julius Caesar revolve around recanting the epic downfalls of tyrannical politicians.Though not to undermine its literary significance, I m convinced that The Merchant of Venice is a less serious, more whimsical play than some of Shakespeares other works a feel that comedies are supposed to have. Plays can be like characters in that their real nature can be very ambiguous. The Merchant of Venice is heralded as a fine example of a comedy by some, while asserted to be a trage dy by others. This play can be clearly categorized as a comedy, because the majority of the characters received favorable conclusions, comic relief is in abundance, and the lighthearted, quirky nature of the plot.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Direct & Indirect Cost in Retail Essay

What is an confirming personify? In acquit costs represent the expenses of doing business that atomic number 18 non readily identified with a discovericular proposition grant, contract, project function, or activity, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the conduct of activities it performs. In theory, costs like heat, light, accounting, and personnel might be charged directly if little meters could record minutes in a cross-cutting manner. However, this is not practical therefore cost allocation plans or collateral cost rates are used to distribute those indirect expenditures. Typically, salaries and expenses for auditing, budgeting, payroll, personnel, purchasing, etc. are examples of costs that are considered to be indirect costs.What is the indirect cost rate? The indirect cost rate is the maximum percent of dollars the territorial dominion can expend from resign and federal grants for administrative costs. Indirect cost rates (limits) ensure that state and federal moneys are expended for intended uses and for allowable costs, including expenditures directly traceable to the program (direct expenditures) plus a limited allowance for overhead or indirect expenditures. A refractory with carry-forward indirect cost rate is reason for each district for all of its restricted federal grants and another fixed with carry-forward indirect cost rate is calculated for all of its unrestricted federal grants. Rates are individually computed for each district and are unique to each district.What does fixed with carry-forward mean? A fixed with carry-forward provision is a rate computed and fixed for a specified future period based on an estimate of that periods level of operations. However, when the actual costs of that period become known, the difference between the estimated costs and the actual costs is carried forward as an adjustment to a subsequent period for which a rate is established. Indirect rates calculated on the 06-07 F-196 were used in 08-09 (2 year lag). Therefore, if a districts rate on the 06-07 F-196 was 5.4%, the district could have used a maximum 5.4% indirect rate during the 08-09 instill year. But, if at the end of FY 08-09, the rate calculated on the F-196 was only 4.2%, the subsequent indirect rate will be adjusted for the difference and the district will use the adjusted rate for the 2010-11 school year. The rate calculated on the 08-09 F-196 is the rate your district will use in 2010-11. This is the rate provided to iGRANTS.How can a grantee distinguish between a direct cost and an indirect cost? There is no universal rule for classifying costs as direct or indirect. Generally speaking, a direct cost is one that is incurred specifically for one activity. Indirect costs are more general in nature and are incurred for the benefit of several activities. one time a grantee makes an election and treats a given cost as direct or indirect, it must apply that treatment consistently and ma y not change during the fiscal year.What does organization-wide costs mean? Generally, direct administration costs differ from indirect charges in that the indirect charges are considered organization-wide costs. This means costs which are related to maintaining operations as a business concern but not costs that finance the delivery of services that provide a part of its specific mission. The regulations describe accounting, payroll, and personnel management as examples of organizational disciplines that every grantee or any organization must have. When making a finale as to whether a cost is organization-wide, the question to be answered is Is this cost incurred for general management purposes or does the cost further functions that are the mission of the organization?

Saturday, May 25, 2019

English Composition Essay

The term young delinquent is best defined as young defender, or a wrongdoer. A person who transgresses moral or civil law. (Audioenglish. net) There be many different theories on the causes of crime and bad behavior. Youth crime is a major issue and receives a great amount of attention from the news media and many politicians today. A juvenile delinquent is one who continuously commits crimes. Usually a juvenile will sometimes commit the same crimes that were done to them to others. An example would be bullying in school.Maybe the juvenile was bullied as well. They also sometimes present mental disorders or behavioral disorders. Students who experience excessive suspension and expulsion ar more(prenominal) likely to be muster up part of the school to prison melodic line (Fenning & Rose, 2007). Now being examined is the issue of the school to prison pipeline and trying to understand how students who drop out (or are pushed out) of high school are more likely to enter the priso n system (Fine, 1991). Students feel pushed out of school because of actions or barriers define up by their school.The student may end up feeling like they dont belong in school, or do non fit in, or they are not smart copious to be in school. This then pushes them towards the streets and into bad behavior that leads them to becoming a juvenile delinquent. According to Brownstein, the zero tolerance is a failed approach. This policy is used to ordinance predetermined consequences for rule infractions, regardless of the circumstances its initially aimed at making schools safe. The best way to prevent serious violence at school, the hypothesis went, was to ban any and all weapons of threats of violence, and accept no excuses. Browstein, 2010).Zero tolerance policies may be contributing to teen violence. Suspensions and expulsions in public schools have change magnitude dramatically. Between 1974 and 2006, the post at which U. S. students were suspended and expelled from school roughly doubled from 3. 7% of students in 1974 to &. 1% of students in 2006. It is estimated that over 100,000 students were expelled and 3,300, 000 students were suspended at least once in the 2005-2006 school year which is an 8% increase in suspensions and a 15% increase in expulsions since the 2001-2001 school year. Brownstein, 2010) Today schools are getting carried away with the zero tolerance policy somewhat.Instead of helping to resolve a simple conflict in which they would call home for, they are right away calling law enforcement. Too many school incidents that can be handled by the school are now being taken care of by the police and courts. ( Brownstein, 2010) An example given in the article talked about how a Columbus, GA teen student was expelled for violating school rules by talking to his mother whom he had not spoken to in thirty days, on his cell sound while at school.His mother was on deployment as a soldier in Iraq. It is common sense that the choice of discipl inary action was extremely uncouth. There is no way to justify expelling this student given the circumstances of the phone call. Therefore, this example surely helps you to see exactly how this zero tolerance policy is indeed helplessness our children. Trying to get you to understand that yet the policy is put in place to protect the school faculty and other students from violent behavior from certain students, it is also being used in incidents that do not need to be presented to law enforcement.Expulsion and suspension disciplinary action is not making our schools safer or more academically sound. In fact, schools with high rate expulsion and suspensions usually have less satisfactory school ratings according to the American Psychological Association. This suggests to me that it also contributes to children becoming juvenile delinquents due to harsh penalty and the things that they are currently dealing with in their personal lives. I will point out how African American student s are suspended at nearly three times the rate and expelled at 3. times the rate of white students, according to the U. S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights. Latino students are 1. 5 times as likely to be suspended when compared to white peers. It seems that the white students get referred to the office at a higher rate than students of colouration for offenses such as smoking, vandalism, leaving without permission, and obscene language.African-American and Latino students are referred for discipline at a higher rate than their white peers for disrespect, excessive noise, and loitering. Brownstein, 2010) These behaviors you would call in would seem to rely on subjective judgment on the part of educators. Maybe this is part of the reason why most students of color are failing in school and become juvenile delinquents somewhere along the line. They are hardly allowed the chance to stay in class if they are consistently train harshly over fairly minor infractions that can be handled by the parents and teacher alone. Educators need to take the time out to think about what they are disciplining a student for, and how they are disciplining them and the consequences that lie ahead if you are too harsh.It is the same way when it comes to a parent raising children. You must know when you are being too excessive when it comes to punishment. Conclusion Promote the students positive behavior more and maybe the outcome will be different. Behavior begins at home. Parents come first when it comes to making sure your child/children act accordingly in public. It is a group effort also if you are taking on the obligation of teaching someones child. You cant just give up on the child, or take the easiest route such as harsh discipline.There has to be a system put in place in the home and in the schools to turn around bad behavior to lift our children being introduced to the jail system turning them into juvenile delinquents. There also must be a system put in place in the home and school to look at certain incidents that happen in school not all in the same light. How we raise our children will be the result you get out of the situation. Strive to raise them the right way, and educators should stop relying on law enforcement to handle what can be handled between themselves, the student and the parents.

Friday, May 24, 2019

Religious Tradition Depth Study †Christianity Essay

Significant People and Ideas1. The contribution to the Naz areneianity of star material person OR train of thought, other than messiah, drawn from Martin Luther apologise the contribution to the development and expression of Christianity of ONE brandificant person OR school of thought, other than Jesus, drawn from Martin LutherFaith altogether, approval al one and only(a) and book of account aloneHe was born in 1483 in Germ few(prenominal), a German monk, priest and University Professor in Theology. Led way for the reclamation in 1517 by nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg duomo. Luthers Theses ch aloneenged perform service corruption eccentricicularly the doctrine of indulgences as well as the work outs relating to the ascendence of the Pope. The invention of the opinion press allowed mint to read his Theses on a wide spread basis. His contribution to Christianity led to the development of his own agnomen indoors Christianity the formation of the L utheran church in 1530. After posting his 95 Theses, the pope ordered Luther the bull of Excommunication in 1520. However, he gained support from many Germans. His posting of the cargonen questioned the authority of the church service and Pope finished academic discussion of the legitimacy of indulgences was damned as a heretic. He made the Ten commandments, the Apostles Creed, the Lords Prayer, baptism and the Last Supper all easy to understand by means of his writing of the Large Catechism in 1529. It has earned a reputation as a model of wee-wee religious teaching, as did his translation of the Bible to make it accessible to everyday Germans.His motives go shaped the hi study of Christianity, changed the expression of Christianity. Without the clarification from him and reforming of basic principles, corruption would still riddle Christianity. The reformation changed Christianity by causing questioning, supposeiveness and re new-fangledal whichresulted in a more vibran t and personal faith for Christians. It is his writings that show his contribution in a simplified manner.2. The effect of that person OR school of thought on Christianity die the impact of this person OR school of thought on ChristianityThe c drop away obvious and major effect of Luthers efforts to reform the church building was the disordered or Reformation which occurred in Western Christianity dividing it into Catholics and Protestants and resulting in centuries of religious intolerance, often tended to(p) by wars, violence and bloodshed. Division did non only occur between Protestants and Catholics but, as other Protestant sects developed, dissension and disunity occurred amongst them also.Luther spoke up when he truism a wrong existence in the perform. He didnt set out to challenge the Christian belief system, but he was concerned that people were being cheated by greed, getting the wrong view about divinity fudges grace. He cause questioning, construction and substi tute which resulted in a more vibrant and personal faith for Christians It was his speaking out that influenced the Council of Trent in 1545 to reform the ways of the church service. His thought that salvation may only be achieved through faith alone has remained an definitive factor to the Christian faith today. Faith alone can also take way in charitable works, almsgiving, and obeying the gospel teachings. He believed the church was not needed for salvation, he questioned its relevance in the process of salvation the only thing that was needed for sprightliness as a Christian. He believed the church was irrelevant as it placed a distance between itself and the people, there was minimal contact to the worshippers, the congregation could not relate to the teachings of the Church.He believed in the unfathomed teachings of Christ which is that salvation is an act of grace by deity, and only leadance and faith was needed. Not only did Luther believe, but he supported his belief w ith action. He accepted the grace of beau ideal not just as a process, but as all that a Christian needed. It was not something that could be bought or sold by the Church. He exhibited bravery and courage in disagreeing with the Papal authorities. He utilize hisgifts to further his beliefs. He presented his beliefs through words and hymns and in his sermons and actions. He was active in thought as an evangelist for this faith. Luthers impact on Christianity is well known. Protestantism is also well-known with its beginnings in the Reformation and owes its birth to Martin Luther. Lutheranism got its foundations from Luthers Babylonian Captivity rendering all the sacraments but baptism and eucharist, irrelevant.Luthers impact changed the way Christianity was divided. Instead of just the Western and Eastern Churches, he formed Protestantism, which split the Western Church. His writing let his church allow the marriage of clergy, singing of the congregation and the democratic nature o f the Church.Martin Luther was born in 1483 in Wittenberg in Germany and he was a German monk, priest and University Professor in Theology. Martin Luther was a pregnant person who made a large contribution to Christianity. Martin Luther led the Reformation in 1517 by nailing his 95 Theses (his attitudes or objections against the church) to the door of the Cathedral in Wittenberg, Germany. Luthers theses challenged church corruption particularly the doctrine of indulgences as well as the practices relating to the authority of the Pope. The invention of the printing press allowed people to read his Theses thus his writings spread quickly around Saxony. His contribution to Christianity led to the development of his own denomination within Christianity the formation of the Lutheran church in 1530.Martin Luther was a renowned and well-known person in Christianity for his contribution to Christianity nailing his 95 Theses onto the door of a Cathedral in Wittenberg, Germany. He led the Reformation in 1517 and influenced other reformers of the time. Martin Luther was a person who was not afraid to speak out against the church he was not afraid to challenge the authority of the church or the Pope. After his nailing of his 95 Theses and burning the Papal bill, the Pope excommunicated (expelled) him from the church. Martin Luther gained support from many Germans, mainly the German Princes and the smashed middle class. Martin Luther created a massive impacton the development of Christianity as his objections and contributions to Christianity led to the reformation on 1517 and also led to the formation of the Lutheran Church which was established in 1530.Today, there are many Lutheran followers originationwide due to the impact of his development of Christianity. In Australia, the majority of Lutheran adherents stop in South Australia where the German population of Australia sustain. The Lutheran church is part of the Protestant denomination in Christianity. Theref ore through Martin Luthers contributions to the development of Christianity, he has clearly had a large impact as there are now around 300 million Protestant adherents worldwide who can give thanks their main founder Martin Luther for the creation and spread of Protestant Churches worldwide.Martin Luther is one of the most famous/ distinguished figures in the history of Christianity and has had more books written about him than any other Christian except for Jesus. Martin Luther was one of the catalysts and instigators of the Reformation in Christianity. The Reformation changed Christianity by causing questioning, reflection and renewal which resulted in a more vibrant and personal faith for Protestants and Catholics alike. Whatever Luther learned he preaches and whatever he preached he printed thus he published many books on his beliefs and teachings. He also translated the Latin Bible into German so that more Christians could read and interpret the Bible. Therefore through his c ontributions, he has had a mysterious impact upon Christianity. Luther founded the Lutheran branch of Protestantism and established the Lutheran church of Germany in 1530. He also limited the 7 sacraments to 2 Baptism and the Eucharist. Luther also produced the 4 pillars of the Reformation in the Church Christ alone, Faith alone, Bible alone and Grace alone. 11 years after his decease, Charles V allowed the German Princes to choose whether their states should be Catholic or Lutheran. morals3. ONE of the following areas of ethical teaching in Christianitybioethics surroundingsal ethicssexual ethicsDescribe and explain Christian ethical teachings on environmental ethicsChristian biblical impost provides real guidance in the field of environmental ethics however, until recent times there has been little make by the Christian Churches in the field of environmental ethics as it has not been a prominent concern for Christians overall. In recent times, there have been many significa nt instructions and other initiatives developed by Church leaders two within Australia and internationally, however, there is still an absence of widespread interlocking at the grass roots levels of Church communities. While most Christian communities tacitly recognise the importance of environmental ethics, it is yet to become a major accent of day to day life for most Christians and their local Church communities.Mainstream Christian thinking has, only in recent times, embraced environmental ethics as a prominent issue acknowledging the relationship between macrocosm and the environment because both are created by God. Both homophileity and nature reflect the glory of God and convey the image of God. They also recognize that God commanded human being beings to live in fruitful relationship with the land and that world has a requirement of stewardship of the earth e.g. Genesis 215 states, Then God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till and keep it. In retro spect, Christians look at the theological work/insights of historical figures/prophetic voices such as Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals and the environment), Hildegard of Bingen (German abbess, naturalist, philosopher and more) and Pierre Teillhard de Chardin (philosopher, Jesuit priest and paleontologist).In poorer parts of the world, there is wide engagement of Christian communities on environmental issues. This is because for Christians in these parts of the world environmental degradation is an issue which is affecting them in a very serious and genuine way through a lack of clean drinking irrigate, rising sea levels, damage to crops etc. People in richer countries are largely insulated against these challenges, although it is clear that this insulation is a temporary thing and that within decades moreaffluent countries will be faced with similar environmental disasters.In the present clime of increased environmental apprisedness there remains a wide range of si ghts among the Churches. Liberal members of the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Churches are generally very aware of teaching on environmental ethics and are often active in retort to the issues raised. Conservative members of these same denominations are less likely to be engaged in environmental issues in a significant way. Some of the fundamentalist and evangelical Churches have been reluctant to place significant emphasis on environmental concerns as any form of transformative social action is seen as a low priority in comparison to evangelisation in the light of the pass judgment return of Jesus and the end of the world.RelationshipMainstream Christian thinking acknowledges that there is a special relationship between humankind and the environment because both humankind and rest of the created world are created by God. They acknowledge that both reflect the glory of God and convey the image of God. They also recognise that God commanded human beings to live in fruitful rela tionship with the earth and that humankind has a requirement of stewardship of the earth.ChallengeThus, it is ostensible that there is richness in the tradition of Christian teaching on environmental ethics and a clear rhetoric calling for action in recent times. However, there remains a considerable challenge in education and action to engage significant numbers of local Christian communities in major environmental actions. This challenge is particularly evident in Western industrialised countries where Christian communities enjoy high standards of living which depend on significant and often negligent use of the worlds re ascendants.There are many Copernican theologians and activists who are working in the field of environmental ethics calling on the Churches to act urgently and more decisively in the field of ecology. They are critical of the Churchesfor their tardiness in taking serious steps in responding to environmental issues and strongly challenged the Christian tradition as a whole. Examples of these areSallie McFague from the liberal protestant traditionMcFague is a feminist theologian that sets out to construct a new righteousness of nature and of God She connects God with the human process rather than distances God from creation which emphasized the need to develop a new metaphor for God which recognises that the world is the sensible expression of God not a separate product of God She states, in her novel Life Abundant, that The glory of God is every creature full alive and, therefore, we live to give God glory by loving the world and everything in it.Thomas Berry, Catholic theologian born in 1914 was a member of the Passionist Order of Priests Berry espoused a mystical approach to ecology. He has argued that God made the world and therefore God is deep related to it and if we lose our smack of the splendor of the natural world then we also lose our sense of the divine Berry suggested that human beings must see themselves in perspective i.e . only existing for about 60,000 years in a conception as much as 15,000,000,000 years old the cosmos is to be seen as an ongoing energy event rather than a sudden creation at a specific point in time. He stresses that human beings as creatures are not separate from the rest of creation who can be valued over and against the rest of creation. He says that we need to develop a new creation story (myth) which takes into account our now more developed sense of awareness of the human impact on the environment and the growing sense of profound unity with the environmentMatthew Fox was a Catholic theologian (now an Episcopalian) born 1940 He was a member of the Dominican Order of Priests before ultimately being expelled by his order after long running disputes with Rome has now been accepted into the Episcopalian church Fox proposes a mystical approach to the environment known now as Creation tickeruality. He proposes the idea of passkey pardon i.e. an quaint notion that the cosmos h as been continually state of grace ( establishing life to) human beings since their evolution.This idea stands in contrast to the idea of original sin which Fox identifies as a very recent ideaSean McDonagh is a Catholic heraldic bearingal Priest member of the Columban order of Priests worked extensively in the Philippines McDonagh focuses on the relationship between justice and ecology approach is called eco-justiceMcDonagh identifies the type of greed and exploitation which is at the heart of injustice to be the same factors which are at the heart of environmental degradation. He identifies that significant amounts of environmental degradation take place through the exploitative action of the rich and the practices which are forced upon the poor, particularly in the need to meet debt repayments McDonagh has been a strong critic of the lack of involvement of the Church in environmental issuesSample responsesIdentify modern Christian theology in environmental ethicsThere are a nu mber of appear Christian theologies about the environment. The theologies are attempts to understand the place of God in a modern society that utilises scientific reasoning to explain creation. The theologians attempt to control the distance between human beings and the rest of creation and to include all of a creation in an interconnected and interdependent dynamic. The theologies are a response to the increasing environmental problems and ecological imbalance that exists. The theologies include mystical approaches, eco-feminist theology, creation spirituality and eco-justice perspectives. The person theologians who are living in the contemporary world are often critical of the Christian Church and its slowness in being proactive about the environmental crisis and for not exercising strong, decisive leadership in environmental ethics. Describe modern Christian theologians responses to environmental concerns. A number of Christian theologians have responded to environmental conce rns amongst them Thomas Berry and Sallie McFague.Thomas Berrys theology evolved from a mystical awareness of the cosmos as infinitely older than human beings who are relative newcomers in evolution. Whilst basing his beliefs about the evolution of the cosmos on modern scientific theory he encourages humanityto envision themselves as part of an ongoing creation event that the creator God is profoundly involved in. He encourages bringing current knowledge of the environmental impact of human beings into a new creation story to heal and restore the planet. Sallie McFagues eco feminist theology looks at the ways in which patriarchy has dominated women, society and the earth itself and calls for a new more balanced understanding of creation. She evinces a theology of connectedness utilising the Gaia and Chaos theory as ideas that explain the interconnectedness of all creation. She uses metaphors of the earth as the ashes of God and seeks to overcome the body soul dichotomy caused by the patriarchal hearset of Church fathers.Evaluate the contribution of emerging Christian theology to the environmental ethics. The contribution of emerging Christian theology to environmental ethics is laborious to measure as the Christian Church is diverse and different denominations have a variety of interpretations and understandings of revelation and scripture in relation to the environment. Just as in secular society there are undivideds and groups that recognise the urgency of applying ethics to the environment so it is within Christianity. For Christians working in countries where the environment is in crisis and is linked directly to the cycle of poverty of the people the issue of environmental ethics is important. Sean McDonaghs eco justice theology is one that con confronts the materialism of developed countries and challenges Christians to become aware of the immediate and obvious link between exploitation of the environment and greed.Significant practices in the life of adherents4. ONE significant practice within Christianity drawn fromBaptismMarriage ceremonySaturday/Sunday worshipBaptism is a sacramental water ceremony which invites and person into the Christian church community. Literal to wash away with waterFigurative washing away of sin, purification, rebirth, new spiritual life, cleansing of soulDescribe ONE significant practice within Christianity drawn from BaptismInitiation ceremonyBaptism used in most Christian denominationsSignifies initiation into the beliefs and practices of the Christian community Has significance as a statement of a persons beliefs in the Christian tradition Necessary element for salvation Baptism allows Christians to share in the death and resurrection of Christ Cleanses people from their sins The redemption Army and The Society of Friends (Quakers) are examples of Christian groups which do not practice baptismInfant baptismFor the majority of Christians today Baptism carried out when they were infants Commo n practice in the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity Parents and God parents make commitments on behalf of the child Agree to nurture the child in the Christian faithIn other Christian groups such as the Baptist and Pentecostal Churches the baptism of infants is not accepted Members would be expected to choose to be baptised as adults having made their own decision to repent and be born againImmersionIdea of baptism stems from the sense of being immersed in water Symbolises being surrounded by and imbued with the beliefs and practices of the Christian community Ritual is normally carried out in the ChurchOften contained within or celebrated adjacent to the main form of Sunday worship Majority of baptisms celebrated in the Anglican and Catholic branches of Christianity involve the disperse or pouring of water on the head of the child In Orthodox Churches the child is immersed briefly in water on three occasions Adults who are baptised in Churches such as Baptis t and Pentecostal Churches are often fully immersed in waterVarious aspectsVariety of aspects include in baptism across different denominationsCoreelements are the baptism with water and the profession of faith Anglican Sacrament of BaptismBaptism in the Anglican Church may incorporate the rite of Confirmation and/or the rite of saintly Communion. Begins with a gathering hymn, psalm or anthemPriest or Minister greets and welcomes the congregationThe Collect of the Day is prayed, followed by the lessons from the Scriptures A sermon is preachedThe presentation and examination of the candidates takes place Baptismal Covenant is prayed and prayers are offered for the candidates Prayers of thanksgiving and blessing are then prayed over the water Prayers of consecration are prayed over the petroleums of ChrismThe Baptism takes placeThe Lords prayer is prayedA concluding prayer is prayedCatholic Sacrament of BaptismBaptism is often incorporated into the celebration of the Eucharist In pa rticular the celebration of the Easter VigilBegins with a welcome and greeting from the Priest or Deacon Questioning of the parents and God parents to confirm their wish for Baptism Priest or Deacon and the parents and God parents trace the sign of the cross on the childs forehead The liturgy of the word followsIncludes readings from the bible and a homily from the Priest or Deacon Homily is followed by the rite of exorcism and the take with oil Waters of the baptismal font are then blessedThose present make a profession of faith, including a renunciation of sin on behlaf The Baptism follows, usually involving a pouring of water on the babys head The child is then clothed in a white baptismal primpParents and God parents receive a baptismal candlePriest or Deacon prays the prayer of Ephphatha asking that the childs ears will be pass on to receive the word of God and that their mouth will be open to proclaim the Gospel The Our Father is then prayed followed by a finalblessingOrth odoxOrthodox Churches celebrate the sacrament of Baptism within a wider rite of initiation Also includes Chrismation (anointing) and EucharistBaptism involves the full immersion of the child three times in the baptismal font The triple immersion parallels the belief in the TrinityPrayers coinciding with the immersion invoke the Father, Son and aim Baptism is followed immediately by the anointing of the body with oils and the proclamation of the seal of the Holy Spirit This is known as ChrismationChild receives Eucharist immediately afterAdult BaptismAll Christian denominations which practice baptism incorporate a rite for the baptism of adults Among the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox Churches the majority of people are baptised as children Among some Protestant Churches infant baptism is not practiced at all These Churches believe that baptism should be conferred only after a person has made a conscious decision to believe in Jesus Christ Churches such as the Baptist Church and mo st Pentecostal Churches such as Assemblies of God practice adult baptism Also known as believer baptismBaptism in the spritChurches which exclusively practice adult or believer baptism generally do not accept the validity of an infant baptism in some other(prenominal) Christian denomination Require a second baptism or a confirmation of baptism sometimes referred to as baptism in the Spirit. Baptism is regarded as an ordinance in Baptist ChurchesIt is some that has been ordered or required of them by Jesus as indicated in the bible Baptist traditionIn the Baptist tradition, believer baptism would normally be held as part of the Sunday worship service Most Baptist Churches are designed with abaptismal area to allow for the full immersion of believers Usually at the front of the Church and adjacent to enclosed areas to allow those being prepare by dressing in a baptismal garment and also to change from the blotto garment after the baptism The Baptist service often includes a testimon y by the person being baptised who publicly declares their faith in Jesus. Pentecostal churchesIn Pentecostal Churches there are few set patterns or rites Baptism is usually done through full immersion legion(predicate) Pentecostal groups will agree out baptisms in public places such as beaches, rivers and lakes where full immersion can be practiced May also decide to use a swimming pool for the riteSample Response (Describe 3 Marks)Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for people wishing to espouse the Christian community. The core elements of the rite of baptism are the immersion in water or the sprinkling or pouring of water and the profession of faith by, or on behalf of, the person being baptised.While there is considerable variety in the forms of baptism used by various Christian denominations, the core elements of baptism of water and a profession of faith are evident across the spectrum of Christiani ty.Other elements that are frequently included are readings from the bible, a sermon or homily from the presiding minister, the tracing of the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person being baptised, anointing with oil, prayers for the candidate, clothing in a white garment and presentation of a lighted baptismal candle.The most common form of baptism involves the baptism of infants, however, some Christian denominations do not accept this practice and will only baptise adults who have made a conscious decision to follow the Christian faith. (184)Demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity quaint originsOrigins of the practice of baptism are ancientPre-date Christianity itselfSome Judaic groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. bathroom the Baptist had baptism as the hallmark of his ministry (Mark 14). Jesus baptismJesus accepted the baptism of John (Mark 19)Gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his buil d (Matthew 2819) Baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition Expresses a number of important beliefs.Water as a central symbolWater as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and humankinds dependence on God Calls to mind images of the waters of chaos from the Genesis accounts of creation (Genesis 12) The destructive power of the flood in the story of Noah (Genesis 7-8) The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea in the accounts of the Exodus (Exodus 14) Image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit in Johns Gospel (John 3) This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit The holy trinityReconciles adherent with trinity baptised in name of trinity Make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 2818-20)RepentanceChristian understanding o f baptism contains a sense of the repentance highlighted in the ministry of John the Baptist The act of repentance announced in Johns baptism expresses the idea of turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or renouncing sin and diabolic and turning in a positive way to live the life of the Spirit Repent and be baptised every one of you (Acts238)Rise and be baptised and wash away your sins (Acts 2)Spiritual purification which allows adherent to open self to God in good conscience (1Peter 321)Body of Christ salvationBaptism also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1213)Christians are baptised into the Church, which is the body of Christ As a consequence of becoming part of this body the believer is able to experience more fully the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate through t he body of Christ in the whodunit of Jesus dying and rising All were name into Christ Jesus were baptized into his deaththereforejust as Christ was raised from the dead and through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 63-4)Promise of eternal life to walk in the newness of life (Romans) No one can enter the demesne of God without being born of water and the Holy Spirit John 33-5 Early churchEarly Church community as portrayed in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 238) Sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forbearance from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism Symbols and ritualsSymbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the Christian tradition Sign of the cross is used in a number of places in the rite this childlike symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith WaterWater is another important symbol and links to many ideas in the Christian tradition Water reflects the belief in rebirth and in cleansing from sin which are at the heart of the Christian gospel AnointingOil is a traditional symbol for healing and strengthAlso used in the sense of mandating or setting someone aside for a purposeSeen in the anointing of a king such as the anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 101-3) Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus White garmentThis symbolises the purity of the baptised personExpresses the idea that in baptism the singular is cleansed from original sin Baptism is therefore a new beginning for ChristiansBaptismal candleIt brings to mind notions of Jesus being the light of the world (John 812) The word of God being a guiding light for people to follow (Psalm 119105) Symbolises the conflict between good and abominationLight dispelling the dark in and through the ministry of Jesus (John 14-6) Expresses the idea of the gifts bestowed on the soulfulness and their responsibility to use these gifts in service to others (Matthew 516) Sample response ( test 6 Marks)The practice of baptism is an important rite in most denominations of Christianity. It holds a central place as a rite of initiation and expresses many significant beliefs of the Christian tradition.The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and humankinds dependence on God. It calls to mind images of the accounts of creation (Genesis 12), the flood (Genesis 7-8) and the Exodus. (Exodus 14).The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit in Johns Gospel (John 3). This imagery of thi s story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit.The early Church community as pictured in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 238).The act of repentance proclaimed in baptism expresses the idea of turning away from sin which is integral to the practice of baptism. Christians believe that in baptism they are turning away from or renouncing sin and evil and turning in a positive way to live the life of the Spirit.The practice of baptism in the Christian tradition also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1213). In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate through the body of Christ in the mystery of Jesus dying and rising.The symbols used during the rite of baptism also express significant beliefs of the Christian tradition. The most obvious of these is the sign of the cross which is used in a number o f places in the rite. This simple symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God which is at the heart of the Christian faith.The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol. Oil is a traditional symbol for healing and strength. In baptism, Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus. The use of a white garment symbolises the purity of the baptised person and expresses the idea that in baptism the psyche is cleansed from original sin. (374 words)Analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian communitySignificance of baptism for IndividualIntroDefine baptismDifferent teachings but common importanceThe individual is formally accepted into community share in mission of Church, a rite of passage signifying maturity and conscious commitment to Christ (where adult baptism is concerned)The individual is invited to share in the rich heritage of the sacrament P arallels with great flood, exodus through the Red Sea new life, regeneration, freedom from slavery (1 Corinthians 10) Jesus baptized then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptised by him(Matthew 3)The individual repents and is able to receive salvationRecognition of inherently sinful nature and need for forgiveness Repent purifies individual as a symbolic act of internal change This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you also not the removal of scandal from the bodybut it saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 321 Relationship with God premise for eternal life Romans dialogue of being baptised into eternal life so individuals can walk in newness of life All were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his deaththereforejust as Christ was raised from the dead and through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 63-4)Significance for CommunityAffirms the responsibility of the Christian community to support and enc ourage one another in spiritual development Reinforces importance of roles of parents, godparents/sponsors etc Expands the spiritual signal of God But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women (Acts 812) this encourages other Christians to compensate spreading word Adherents become living stones to be built into the house of God (Deuteronomy 25)Cohesion of witness after Sunday worship so whole congregation can witness Some churches annually baptise whole congregations renewal of baptismal promises and recital of Creed Sample response (Explain 6 Marks)Baptism is a significant practice followed by most Christian denominations. It is used as a rite of initiation for people wishing to join the Christian community. The rite of baptism is significant adherents of Christianity in a number of ways.Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christ ian communities and indeed with Jesus life and ministry itself. Secondly, it can be regarded as significant for the theologicalreflection that if offers to both the individual and the community. Thirdly, it has grand significance in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally, it has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual and the community.The fact that baptism is an ancient ritual is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earliest days of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples.The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. The richness of this reflection is very significant for the individual. There are abundan t opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite of baptism. For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal. that significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. This is significant for the individual who, through their baptism, receives the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of the community. It marks both their growth through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage, for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and faith. The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the tas k of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community. (401 words)Sample response (Outline purpose and measure out significance 20 Marks)Baptism is clearly a most significant practice for most Christian denominations. It has profound significance for the person who is baptised and is also important for the Christian community as a whole. The significance can be viewed from a number of different perspectives.Firstly it can be regarded as significant because of its ties with the earliest Christian communities and indeed with the life and ministry itself. Secondly it can be regarded as significant for the theological reflection that if offers to both the individual and the community. Thirdly it has enormous significance in the saving action of God and the formation of a Christian community. Finally it has all the significance of an authentic rite of passage for both the individual and the community.Baptism is an ancient ritual. It has belonged in the life of t he Christian community since its inception and indeed predates the Christian movement in the context of Judaism. It seems apparent that some Jewish groups were practising baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 14).Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 19) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew 2819). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.For the earliest Christians baptism was a profoundly significant event and for Christians today, the possibility of sharing in an event of such ancient significance is rich and rewarding. It is significant for the individual because they walk the same path and share the same rite that has been practiced among Christians since the earlie st days of the Church. It is also important for the Christian community as a whole because in celebrating each rite of baptism they are perpetuating the ancient tradition and honouring the intention of Jesus and the early disciples. The rite of baptism has great possibilities for theological reflection. There are images of deathand new life which call to mind the death and resurrection of Jesus.There are also Images of creation and renewal which convey an understanding about the great saving actions of the God of Israel. Further aspects of the rite of baptism allow reflection on the struggle between good and evil in the images of light and darkness. Other images call for reflection on the idea of repentance and forgiveness as well as cleansing and renewal. Indeed it is difficult to find significant aspects of Christian theology which are not captured in the tradition, the symbols and the ritual actions associated with the practice of baptism.The richness of this reflection is very s ignificant for the individual. Whether it be for the candidate preparing for their own baptism or a parent or God parent preparing for a childs baptism, there are abundant opportunities for prayerful reflection and spiritual development in the rite of baptism. Many Churches invite candidates to prepare for baptism or to prepare for their role as parents or God parents through zesty in a preparation course which helps them make connections between theological themes and their own experience.For the community, the theological richness provides a source of constant reflection and renewal. Many Christian communities invite congregations to renew their own baptismal promises on the occasion of baptisms in the local Church community. These occasions challenge the members of the community to constantly reflect on their vocation as Christians and the significance of their own baptism. The involvement of the community in assisting candidates prepare for their baptism and praying for those i nvolved is yet another dimension of the significance for the community.Further significance of the practice of baptism can be seen in the theological dimension of its place in the economy of salvation. The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 238). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin and that itallows for the coming of the Spirit are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.This is significant for the individual who through their baptism receives the assurance that they have received the forgiveness of the sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism they are now a member of the body of Christ. The rite of baptism is a profound marker in the life of th e community. It marks both their growth through the new member of the community and also is witness to their mission to bring the gospel to others.Baptism is also an authentic rite of passage. It marks the transition of the individual from one stage or state in life onto the next. In terms of the Christian community it marks the transition of a person from being outside of this community to becoming a fully initiated.Thus for the individual there is significance in the sense of belonging experienced, the sharing with a community of common mind and faith. For the community, the process of supporting a person through their preparation and welcoming them into the community through baptism is also highly significant. The community is invigorated when it is engaged in the task of the gospel and enriched by the presence of a new member of the community.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Ways to better your presentation

Technology has changed peoples life in many different ways just not always for the best or even to improve their life but to do badly in the world. Like they say that a somebody can change behind closed doors so can peoples ethics. As for example the No Electronic Theft (NET) Act in 1997, how many of us sometimes are will wait for a CD or movie to come out and when we think about going to buy it or even see it the movie n theater, especially if we hand a normal size family of people.There easy could be a hundred dollars for a transit to the movie but when there might be a place where you know they sell black market or even a website online. That where the No Electronic Theft (NET) Act in 1997 comes in place for people make or even reproduce or share copies of copyrighted work. onwards this law people would sell and copied software programs, movies, games and even songs for profit gain. It carries a maximum anally of three years and a huge fine of 250,000.But if it shows that pers on was doing it for non-profit-making gain they could face no chargers or minimum penalties but still if we sit down and realize where the ethics are. The other law that caught my eye during the cooking assignment was Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCP), 1991 since right after working in a call center for two years after my lavishly school day with all honestly I didnt seem to know what was important that our personal honestly ND ethics is more important than the companies and if that fraternity doesnt have the honest ethics maybe isnt the right place for someone.I know that sometimes be get call by telemarketer all day and sometimes we tell them we want to be on the Do Not Call Registry. Because of the problem with telemarketing that they call to early or two late they have rules and its where the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCP), 1991 comes in two place where if you telemarketer you want on the Do Not Call List and from there on it pee-pee 31 days from the date you asked to be on the list for it in order to be removed and it have a 5 year understand .

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Brand Promotion of Nestle Essay

Nestle has a wide market for infant feed in India. Nestle India enjoys a monopolistic position in baby foods Nestle has about 80% of market sh atomic number 18 in the baby cereal grass segment alone which is a promising segment in future. Some of the Infant foods of approach includes Lactogen, Cerelac, Good Start, NAN, Nido etc. And all the infant foods except Nido deign in different and innovative tastes according to the stages and growth of the children. Sauces and Ketchups Nestle India introduced versatile types of sauces and ketchups according to the taste buds of Indian consumers under the brand name Maggi.There are numerous varieties of sauces which range from usual Tomato sauces, tangy ones, sour ones, continental ones, to the recent tamarind sauce which is yet to be introduced in some of the localities in India. Breakfast cereals Nestle International has already taken up the breakfast segments of the International consumers. There is no doubt that Nestle India would also take up the Indian markets in its hands by the wide range of breakfast cereals. Some of the cereals include Nesquik which is targeted towards the kids, Cheerios towards Adults and Cookie Crisp for all age groups.Milk and dairy farm products Milk The largest segment of nestle is Milk and dairy farm products. Nestle India focused and involved closely in this sector for the last 3 decades, also in the process of developing strong relationship with more than 85,000 farmers country wide. As a result Nestle has the best quality milk in India. Dairy products Nestle is known for its dairy products especially, Milkmaid which has an unbeatable taste and other dairy products of nestle includes fresh and natural curd, light curd, and fruit flavored curdFamous chocolates of nestle includes Nestle Milk Chocolate, Nestle Milky bar, Nestle Munch, Nestle Kitkat, Nestle Bar One, and Polo. All these chocolates come in different flavors. indorsement Food and planning Aids Noodles Nestle Indias Ins tant noodles Maggi is preferred by 80% of the consumers around the nation and the brand Maggi provides lots of attractive and tasty noodle soma targeting the kids and the adults especially office going people. Maggi is the largest and the most loved brand of Nestle India presently Maggi comes in 9 different and innovative flavors.Cooking Aids An Indian Masala powder for cooking for enhancing the taste of the food we cook. Maggi Bhuna Masala is the magical powder which increases the taste of Indian food. Bottled piddle Nestle has launched its packaged drinking water Pure life history which is an upcoming water brand o nestle sure to hit the markets of India. Nestle India Market Leader Nestle India is the market leader of Infant food, Instant coffee, and Milk Maid, the greatest market leader in Instant noodles Maggi. Case Studies of Nestle IndiaSocial Impact of Nestle Global Water saving initiatives held in India Nestle India conducted a water saving campaign in Moga, Punjab wher e the brand has the largest milk districts. The campaign was about the water scarce and how scarce in water affects the production of milk. Happy Day in New Papua Guinea Joining hands with the ministry of health in New Papua Guinea, Nestle conducted a Personal hygienics program initiating the nutritive values and health ailments faced due to the nutrition deficiency.Awareness campaign in North Africa Nido Nestle in North Africa conducted an sentiency program regarding their launch of Nido in the markets of North Africa. Focusing on feeding mothers and infants. Nestle also conducts various awareness programs in different regions instructing the importance of water and the benefits of the purity and innovation of Nestles Water. Products of Nestle in India (Pictorial Representation) Infant Formula Sauces and Ketchups

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Natural Disasters and Catastrophes Essay

From researching online databases of my city, Ive found that we be focused on planning ahead for disasters such as hurricanes, or redden different forms like terrorism for example. The city acknowledges this strategic planning needed, as strong as grammatical construction public awareness and the development of hazardous mitigation and emergency response plans. According to the mayor, these plans are at completion and ready for use when or if the time ever comes. It was also found that all of this cookery has been keeping the citys homeland security team completely busy for the past a few(prenominal) years as the city stresses necessary training, new equipment and education and the growing development of the new companionship tweak Response Team. If you are to draw any evidence from these actions of my city, it is that the key stress is maximum homework and planning which isnt a bad emphasis when youre dealing with innate disasters. AgenciesOne theatrical performance in th e city of westernmost Haven in regards to emergency preparedness is the Medical Reserve corps or MRC. They are actually sponsored by the office of the U.S. Surgeon General. As a community base volunteering ne iirk, they are organized to support the liveing public health structure during emergencies and even non-emergency events. The responsibilities include managing natural disasters, illnesses, man-made emergencies and community health events. Member positions range from medical practitioners, nurses, mental health captains as well as miscellaneous volunteering roles.Another agency with emergency preparedness in my city is the Community Emergency Response Team or CERT. On September 23, 2006 CERT was launched in West Haven with thirty two volunteers. The theory behind the development of CERT is actually quite obvious but some places might never put this into perspective sadly. In major emergencies its a fact that emergency services are overloaded instantaneously. With CERT creat ed it gives ordinary civilians the training opportunity they need to be prepared in emergency circumstances. This opens up the opportunity for a more independent societywith less of a need to seek professional emergency officials help in a time of crisis. Every area in our world faces the nemesis of earthquakes and tornadoes and the most common disasters we face are severe storms and floods. Essentially CERT is needed everywhere whether people see it or not, its just whether or not the location acknowledges this. GeographyWest Haven has a total of 11 square miles of which 0.2 square miles is peeing and the remainder of space is land. Containing 3.5 miles of publicly accessible beaches, West Haven is bound in the sulfurwest by The Oyster River, northwest by the town of Orange, north by New Haven, northeast by The West River, to the east is New Haven Harbor and to the south there is Long Island Sound which is separated by a break wall. With so much water lining the city it is qui te vulnerable to water hazards like flooding and property damage during the some(prenominal) storms or hurricanes we get over the years. I myself have seen lots of homes on the water cease to exist because of these hurricanes in the past few years. In addition to that, there has also been much sand wearing on our beaches within the past few years. Literally half of the distance from our road to the water that was cover with sand now lies there.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Of Mice and Men Essay

The disc Of Mice and Men focuses on the friendship of ii unsettled workers in California at a time when approximately of the work was done by heap and non by machines. George was a small man who acted worldly and wise. Lennie was a huge man that had the encephalon of a child. Together George and Lennie would bounce from job to job with no money in their pockets and only the inspiration of someday owning a place of their own to keep them going.The two men were non able to lodge in one place too long because Lennie would get into trouble and George would consecrate to get the two of them out of the self-aggrandizing situation and find a new place to work until the next bad amour would happen. Why would George continue to complicate his manner by dragging Lennie around? Why wouldnt George entirely set off on his own and make his life a whole batch easier? It was obvious when I read through the book that Lennie could not ease up survived in the world without psyche lik e George watching out for him.As the story unfolded I had to ask myself, Did George need Lennie as oftentimes as Lennie needed George? Two men traveling together the way George and Lennie did was not genuinely commons during this time. Slim said to George on page 39, Hardly none of the guys ever travel together. I hardly never seen two guys travel together. You know how hands are, they just come in and get their beat out and work a month, and then they quit and go out alone. Never seem to give a damn about nobody. Why did George and Lennie travel together then?It is easy to answer that question when look at it from Lennies point of view. Lennie needed soulfulness to protect him. Lennie had the mind of a small child and would not have been able to find work, feed himself or stay out of trouble if not for somebody like George. The earth why George traveled with Lennie on the other hand is a little collation more complicated. One reason whitethorn have been George made a pro mise to the person who took caveat of Lennie before George that he would. Does this mean that George is such a stand up person that he would not go plunk for on his word?Maybe but I dont destine it is the main reason he put up with Lennie and all the trouble that came with him. Another reason George may have unploughed Lennie around was that Lennie was such a great worker that it made Georges life much easier always working alongside of him. A third reason why George may have continued to travel with Lennie was that George liked the fact that he was in charge of Lennie, similar to how a come was in charge of what his son does. George had so little in his life that maybe having Lennie around to regulate what to do all the time made him feel needed or important. Jus tell Lennie what to do an hell do it if it dont take no figuring.He cant speculate of nada to do himself, but he sure can take orders George tells Slim on page 39. A fourth reason George kept Lennie around is maybe Lennie made George feel smart. George seemed like the kind of person that liked to feel he was smart. The last reason I can think of and probably the biggest reason was that George needed the company. I dont think that George could even imagine living how he lived and not having anybody to share anything with, including his ideas and his dreams.Ultimately, I think all of these reasons played some role in why George kept Lenny around but fear of being alone was probably the biggest reason. Something good is gained by both parties in every successful relationship and the relationship that George and Lenny have was no exception. Lenny of course received protection and a person to take care of him. Those are two things he could not have survived without. I think what George gained most from the relationship was becoming a better person. On page 41, George says to Slim, I aint got no people.I seen guys that go around on the ranches alone. That aint no good. They get wantin to postulat e all the time. George meant he didnt have any family at all. George was afraid if he lost Lennie, he would never have somebody close to him again, he would be all alone and turn mean. That is what George got most out of the relationship, the friendship he believed made him a better person. I think George proved just how much he cared about Lennie at the end of the story when he shot Lennie in the back of the head by the creek.George made the ultimate sacrifice in cleanup spot Lennie and putting himself in the locate that he feared the most which is being along. George knew if anybody else found Lennie, especially Curley, they would have made Lennie suffer to pay for killing Curleys wife. It was interesting what happened earlier with Old glass and his dog being put to sleep. Old Candy seemed just as upset about not shooting the dog himself as losing the dog. I should have done it myself, Old Candy said near the end of the book. Maybe George learned from that.George believed the right thing was for somebody who cared about Lennie to end his life no matter how much it hurt. Of Mice and Men is a book about relationships with the relationship between two very different people, George and Lennie, at the forefront. Early on it seemed very obvious that Lennie got the most benefit from their friendship. As the story unfolds, its not so obvious. In the end, I believe that George benefitted as much or even more than Lennie from their strange friendship. George believed that Lennie made him a better person.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 15

As soon as Elena spoke Calebs name, the person on the dip began to pul back away of their line of sight. After a moment of hesitation, dull took by running pel -mel up the path toward where theyd known him.It should confound been sil y, Elena thought, the way they al reacted as if theyd been threatened. Anyone had a skillful to hike the trails at Hot Springs, and Caleb if it was Caleb hadnt done anything unless peer down all over the edge of the cliff at them. But nevertheless, there had been fewthing ominous ab bulge the figure hovering so watchful y in a higher place them, and their reaction didnt feel sil y. decent gasped and her body relaxed as she came forth of the trance.What happened? she asked. Oh, gosh, not again.Do you remember anything? Elena utter. middling shook her head mournful y.You say, He complimentss you, Elena, verbalise Celia, examining Bonnie with a clinical y spirited glint in her eye. You dont remember who you were talking about?I guess if h e treasured Elena, it could pay been anyone,Bonnie said, her look narrowing. Elena stared at her. Had there been an uncharacteristic catty edge to Bonnies tone? But Bonnie grinned rueful y back at her, and Elena decided the comment had just been a joke.A few minutes later, Matt came back down the path, shaking his head.Whoever it was just vanished, he said, his forehead crinkled in confusion. I couldnt see anyone on the trail in either direction.Do you think hes a werewolf, kindred Tyler was? Bonnie asked.Youre not the first person whos asked me that, Elena said, glancing at Stefan. I just dont sock. I dont think so, though. Caleb seems fundamental y nice and recipe. Remember how wolfy Tyler was even before he became a werewolf?Those big clean teeth and his sort of animalness? Calebs not like that.Then why would he spy on us?I dont know, Elena said again, frustrated. She couldnt think about this now. Her mind was stil swimming with the question Could Damon be alive? What did Caleb guinea pig, compared to that? perchance he was just hiking. Im not even sure it was Caleb. It could have been some other guy with curled blond hair instead. Just a random hiker who got scared off when Matt went charging up the hil toward him.Their discussion went in circles until eventual y Alaric took Meredith off to the hospital to have a doctor support out her ankle. The rest of them adjourned to the top of the fal s to gather up the picnic stuff.They al nibbled at the chips and brownies and fruit, and Matt made himself a hot dog on the hibachi gril , but the joy had gone out of the day.When Elenas phone rang, it was a wel stick to relief. Hey, Aunt Judith, she said, forcing a cheerful note into her representative.Hi, Aunt Judith said hurriedly. Listen, I have to go to the auditorium to help do al the girls hair and makeup, and Robert already wil have to leave sue early to get to the drill on time. Would you do me a favor and pick up some flowers for Margaret on you r way over? Something sweet and bal erinaish, if you know what I mean.No problem, Elena said. I know hardly what you mean. Il see you there. She wanted to forget for a while forget mystery hikers and near-drownings and her constant alternating feelings of trust and despair about the appearance of Damons name. Watching her little sister twirl around in a tutu sounded just about right.Terrific, said Aunt Judith. thank you. Wel , if you are al the way up at Hot Springs, youd better start heading home soon.Okay, Aunt Judith, Elena said. Il get way out now.They said good-bye, and Elena hung up and started gathering her things together. Stefan, can I take your car?she asked. I need to get to Margarets saltation recital. You can give him a ride back, right, Matt? Il cal you guys later and wel work on figuring this out.Stefan got to his feet. Il spot with you.What? said Elena. No, you need to stay with Celia and get to the hospital to take care of Meredith, too.Stefan took her arm. Don t go, consequently. You shouldnt be alone now. no(prenominal) of us are safe. Theres something out there hunting us, and we need to al stick together. If we dont let separately other out of our sight, then we can al protect one another.His leaf green eyes were clear and ful of anxiety and love, and Elena felt a pang of regret as she tugged her arm gently out of his grasp. I need to go, she said quietly. If I spend al my time being scared and hiding, then the Guardians might as wel have let me stay dead. I need to be with my family and live as natural a life as I can.She kissed him gently, lingering for a moment against the softness of his lips. And you know they havent targeted me yet, she said. Nothings spel ed out my name. But I promise Il be careful.Stefans eyes were hard. What about what Bonnie said? he argued. That he wants you? What if that means Caleb? Hes hanging around at your house, Elena He could come afterward you at any timeWel , Im not going to be there. Il be at a dance recital with my family beside me, Elena pointed out. Nothing wil happen to me today. Its not my turn yet, is it?Elena, dont be stupid Stefan snapped. Youre in danger.Elena bristled. Stupid? Stefan, no calculate how stressed or anxious, had never treated her with less than total respect. Excuse me?Stefan reached for her. Elena, he said. Let me come with you. Il stay with you until nightfal and then keep watch outside your house tonight.Its real y not necessary, Elena said. treasure Meredith and Celia instead. Theyre the ones who need you.Stefans facial gesture fel , and he looked so devastated that she relented a little, adding, Please dont worry, Stefan. Il be careful, and Il see you al tomorrow.His chew clenched, but he said nothing more, and she turned to make her way down the trail, not flavor back. Once they were back at the boardinghouse, Stefan couldnt relax.He couldnt remember ever, in al his long life, feeling so edgy and uncomfor evade in his own body. He itche d and ached with anxiety. It was as if his skin were rack upted too tightly over his bones, and he moved irritably, tapping his fingers against the table, cracking his neck, shrugging his shoulders, shifting back and forth in his chair. He wants you, Elena. What the hel did that mean? He wants you.And the sight of that dark, hulking figure up on the cliff, a shadow blotting out the sun, those golden curls glossy like a halo above the figures headStefan knew he should be with Elena. Al he wanted to do was to protect her.But she had dismissed him, had metaphorical y, at least patted him on the head and told him to stay, unaired guard dog that he was, and watch over someone else. To keep someone else safe. No matter that she was clearly in danger, that someone some he wanted her. Stil she didnt want Stefan to be with her right now. What did Elena want? Now that Stefan stopped to think about it, it seemed that Elena wanted a host of incompatible things. To have Stefan as her loya l knight. Which he would always, always be, he asserted to himself, clenching his fist tightly.But she also wanted to clutch pedal on to the memories of Damon, and to keep that part of her she had shared with him private and pristine, separate from e preciseone else, even from Stefan.And she wanted so often more, too to be the savior of her friends, of her town, of her world. To be loved and admired. To be in control.And to be a normal girl again. Wel , that normal life she had lived had been destroyed forever when she met Stefan, when he made the choice to let her into his world. He knew it was his fault, al of it, everything that fol owed after that, but he couldnt be sorry that she was with him now. He loved her too frequently to have any agency for regret. She was the center of his world, but at the same time, he knew it wasnt the same for her.A hole inside him gaped with longing, and he moved restlessly in his chair. His canine teeth lengthened in his mouth. He couldnt reme mber the last time he had felt so wrong. He couldnt get the movie of Caleb out of his head, looking down at them from the top of the cliff, as if checking to see whether whatever violence hed hoped to make up had come to pass.More tea, Stefan? Mrs. Flowers asked him softly, breaking into his furious thoughts. She was leaning forward over a little table with the teapot, her wide blue eyes watching him from behind her glasses. Her face was so compassionate that he wondered what she could see in him. This elderly, wise woman always seemed to perceive so much more than anyone else perhaps she could tel how he was feeling now.He realized she was stil waiting civilly for his answer, the teapot suspended in one hand, and he nodded automatical y. Thank you, Mrs. Flowers, he said, offering forth his cup, which was stil half-ful of cold tea. He didnt real y like the taste of normal human assimilates he hadnt for a long time now, but sometimes drinking them made him fit in, made the other s relax a bit more around him. When he didnt eat or drink at al , he could guts Elenas friends prickling, the hairs on the back of their necks rising, as some subconscious voice in them noted that he was not like them, adding it to al the other little differences he couldnt control, and thereby concluding he was wrong.Mrs. Flowers fil ed his cup and sat back, satisfied. Picking up her knitting something pink and puberulent she smiled. Its so nice to have al you young raft gathered together here, she commented. Such a lovely group of children.Glancing at the others, Stefan had to wonder whether Mrs. Flowers was being gently sarcastic.Alaric and Meredith had returned from the hospital, where her injury had been diagnosed as a mild-mannered sprain and taped up by the emergency room nurse. Merediths usual y serene face was tight, probably at least partial y because of the pain and her irritation at knowing shed have to stay off her foot for a couple of days.And partial y, Stefan s uspected, because of where she was sitting. For some reason, when Alaric had helped her hobble into the living room and over to the couch, he had parked her directly next to Celia.Stefan didnt consider himself an expert on romance after al , hed lived for hundreds of years and fal en in love only twice, and his romance with Katherine had been a disaster but even he couldnt miss the tension between Meredith and Celia. He wasnt sure whether Alaric was as oblivious to it as he seemed or whether he was pretending obliviousness in the hope that the situation would blow over. Celia had changed into an charming white sundress and sat flipping through a journal titled Forensic Anthropology, looking cool and composed. Meredith was, in contrast, unusual y grimy and smudged, her beautiful features and smooth olive skin marred by weariness and pain. Alaric had taken a chair next to the couch.Celia, ignoring Meredith, leaned across her toward Alaric.I think you might find this interesting, sh e said to him.Its an article on the dental patterns in mummified bodies found on an island quite near Unmei no Shima.Meredith snap bean Celia a nasty look. Oh, yes, she said quietly. Teeth, how fascinating. Celias mouth flattened into a line, but she didnt reply.Alaric took the magazine with a polite murmur of interest, and Meredith frowned.Stefan frowned, too. Al the tension humming between Meredith, Celia, and Alaric and now that he was watching, he could tel that Alaric knew exactly what was going on between the two young women and was flattered, irritated, and anxious in equal parts was interfering with Stefans Powers. piece of music hed sat and sipped his first cup of tea, reluctantly fol owing Elenas command to stay, Stefan had been sending out tendrils of Power, difficult to sense whether Elena had made it home, whether anything had stopped her on her way. Whether Caleb had stopped her. But he hadnt been able to find her, even with his senses prolonged to their utmost. O nce or twice, hed caught what felt like a fleeting impression of what might be the very specific sound, scent, and aura that unmistakably meant Elena, but then it slipped away from him.Hed blamed the fact that he couldnt rank her on his weakening Powers, but now it was clear to him what was keeping him from finding her. Al the emotion in this room the pounding hearts, the flushes of anger, the acrid scent of jealousy.Stefan pul ed himself back, tried to quel the rage rising within him. These people his friends, he reminded himself were not purposely interfering. They couldnt help their emotions. He took a swig of his rapidly cooling tea, trying to relax before he lost control, and winced at the taste. Tea wasnt what he was craving, he realized. He unavoidable to get out to the forest soon and hunt. He needed blood. No, he needed to find out exactly what Caleb Smal wood was up to. He stood up so abruptly, so violently, the chair rocked unsteadily below him.Stefan? Matt asked in a n alarmed voice.What is it? Bonnies eyes were enormous.Stefan glanced around the circle of distracted faces, now al watching him. I have to go. Then he turned on his heels and ran.