Burning a Nation’s Flag: Hate Crime

Burning a nation's flag: Hate Crime or Free Speech? A nation's flag is one of the most important things to a country. Citizens of a nation use it during special ceremonies, and a nation's flag is displayed all over that nation. A flag is an emblem shown as a symbol of unity. It symbolizes the pride and history of a nation. So what does burning a nation's flag mean? Is it considered a hate crime and illegal, or is it considered an act of free speech and protected by the First Amendment?For the purposes of this argument, a hate crime is defined as a crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, typically one involving violence (What Are Hate Crimes? ). I believe that burning a nation's flag is not a hate crime due to the fact that burning a nation's flag falls under a category that is protected by the First Amendment. In a hate crime, the targeted group could be categorized by not just race or sexuality, but religion and political beliefs or group as well. By burning a nation' s flag, we could easily categorize it as targeting a political group.When a person burns a nation's flag, he/she could be targeting the general people of that nation, the government of that nation, or to be even more specific, the leaders of that government. . In this case, we will say that the political group referred to is the government(to be more specific, the American government). Therefore, by burning a nation's flag, someone disagrees and takes a stand against a political activity or decision. In contrast to what a hate crime is, an act of free speech, protected by the First Amendment, is the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.An act of free speech does not necessarily mean saying something out loud. It could also mean expressing your opinions about something by using actions. Since burning a nation's flag suggests taking a stand against a political activity, it is a way of expressing your opinion. Similar to free speech, freedom of expression which is part of the Human Rights Act says that you have the right to hold your own opinions and to express them freely without government interference (Equality and Human Rights Commission).The government cannot arrest you or punish you for burning a nation's flag as long as no one gets physically hurt. Just like in almost every country around the world, America has its own Flag Code. The Flag Code is a guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes, but it does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States flag (US code 36). Each state has its own flag law, and penalty for misuse of the flag is up to the state. Criminal penalties for certain acts of vandalism of a flag were stated in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989.The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson held the statute unconstitutional, though. In Texas v. Johnson, respondent Gregory Lee â€Å"Joey† Johnson was convicted of an act of disrespect of a venerated object, which violates a Texas statute. During the 1984 Republican National Convention, Johnson protested the policies of the Reagan administration and Dallas-based corporation. During the protest, Johnson burned the American flag. No one was physically hurt or injured, but some witnesses felt severely offended by this.However, due to the First Amendment, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decided that the State could not punish Johnson for burning the flag in these circumstances. In addition, the Texas statute states that it is only illegal to burn a nation's flag when the act would result in a serious disturbance of peace. However, the flag burning in this case did not threaten such a reaction (Texas v. Johnson. ). It is true that showing your anger towards the government can be expressed in other ways besides burning the nation's flag.One could protest, write a book, or write a blog to take a stand against a political action. However, no matter which of these actions you decide to do, you are still doi ng it to achieve the same goal: express your opinion and make a change in the government. Citation Page â€Å"Texas v. Johnson. †Ã‚  Cornell University Law School. 21 Mar. 1989. Online. 12 Feb. 2013. ;http://www. law. cornell. edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0491_0397_ZS. html;. â€Å"What Are Hate Crimes? †Ã‚  SikhNet. Online. 12 Feb. 2013. ;http://fateh. sikhnet. com/s/HateCrimeInfo;. â€Å"Article 485†Ã‚  New York Laws. Online. 12 Feb. 2013.

Media Representation in Lgbt

Media and its representation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual (LGBT) themes has been prevalent throughout time. According to the collections of studies and stories by Meem, Mitchell and Jonathan (2010) concerning LGBT individuals, it is important to represent such themes because it is able to enlighten people on how our society as a whole, has become dynamic. The Media can be seen as a â€Å"central source† where negative perceptions can be created. As a result, stereotypes can be either created or perpetuated about this group, negative or otherwise. Media as a medium, therefore, is an extremely powerful tool in our society, and can be used to change or create people's perceptions about this particular segment of our world (LGBT). Stereotyping people can be harmful and have long lasting effects on us as a society, â€Å"It can transform slight assumptions on people and make them perceived realities† (Meem, Mitchell; Jonathan 2010). Such stereotypes are capable of perpetuating inequality and social prejudice in society. However, it is imperative to note that stereotyping through the media is sometimes inevitable. In the case of television, stereotyping occurs through advertisements, news bulletins and entertainment. For films, stereotyping has been used as a form of marketing. The stereotypical codes give television and film audiences a common and quick way of understanding a particular person. In most cases, stereotypical codes focus on ethnicity, social roles, sexual orientation, occupation, race and gender. Most often, the groups being stereotyped may not defend themselves. They are usually the minority and raising their voices may make little or no impact. However, there are some measures, which have been instituted to help reduce stereotyping. For instance, media campaign against this vice has become useful in reducing stereotypes in society. However, the vice is still rampant in some sections of the media. â€Å"There are those who have a common tendency of thinking that the way people think and can be uniform across the globe† (Carroll, 2009). This is not true people are diverse and their mindsets also vary. This is mostly applicable in homosexuality whereby gays and lesbians are viewed to be outside the mainstream or dominant culture. With the emergence of gothic culture, it is probable to categorize them as being weird or abnormal. The dominant culture in this case refers to marriage and love relationships between people of different gender. Same sex marriages and behavioral patterns are prevalent in virtually all cultures. As Carroll (2009) documents, â€Å"same sex behavior is found in every culture, and its prevalence remains about the same† (p. 290). The media is a viable source of information in society such that televisions and films are very influential due to both sound and visual effect. These two mediums of communication are crucial in symbolic annihilations of lesbians and gays. According to Vollmer (2003), films and TVs tend to avoid integrating gays and lesbians in their programs for fear of offending advertisers, target audiences as well as investors. This kind of portrayal is not desirable because it denies them their human rights. The fact that they belong to a new generation culture does not mean that they should not enjoy their rights. With their visual effects, the two mediums of communication cultivate a perception that homosexuals are bad elements in society. They should not be given a chance to be heard if they have views to express. Due to fear of loosing audience and revenues, these two mediums of communication edit their programs to extent that audiences place homosexuals under the category of abhorred people. This has extended even in the ways they are covered in television news. â€Å"The issue of sexual orientation has been used as an indicator of villainy and deviance in children’s movies† (Vollmer, 2003). If children were to be shown movies that portray homosexuals as bad characters in society, then, they would grow up hating them. A negative perception is cultivated in such children. Such kinds of stereotypes can instigate violence in society. For example, a gay male may not be welcomed in a party due to his sexual orientation. It is only a question of ethics. Homosexuals are also put as either victims or villains in movies. They are depicted as belonging to a weird or foreign culture that cannot be tolerated. It is rare to have a movie that has the main character being gay or lesbian. If a girl begins to demonstrate some signs of male characteristics, she is referred to as a ‘tom-boy’. It is like a taboo to show such kinds of signs in a girl. On the other hand, if a male does not have masculine features, he is seen as an outcast. All of these perceptions are obtained from the media, and especially televisions and movies. According to Mehta and Hay (2005), media houses have for a long time helped to construct and reinforce stereotypical ideas about masculinity and men. From what is portrayed in the media, it is possible for people to dismiss others on the basis of whether they have masculinity or are feminine (Ferrey, 2008). Televisions and movies through their visual effects help define ‘a real man’. During advertisements, there are some particular aspects of man that are portrayed. A man who fails to have certain forms of male features may not be shown on TV or may not be considered for a film (Cohen ; Hall, 2009). Moreover, the marketing companies have started to objectifying men in the same manner women have been objectified. The fitness of a man, his muscles and general outlook count a lot in determining whether he is to feature in a program or not. Men are so used to this behavior, they do not see the need to object. Therefore, the media will never stop giving what one considers ‘good or real’ men airplay. Forming a type of segregation. A research study titled, Attitudes toward stereotypical versus counter-stereotypical gay men and lesbians indicates that six hundred and sixty two confessed gays, lesbians and bisexuals had contended with victimization in the society (Cohen ; Hall, 2009). Of those, 20% reported to have been attacked or abused because of their sexual orientation. In the year 2005, Federal Bureau had reported 1,171 of hate crime offenses took place because of homosexual orientation. This is the kind of segregation that has existed in the society for centuries. The major problem is because media and mostly electronic media show homosexuals as people who have undertaken ‘abnormal’ directions of life. They are not part of the mainstream culture. The only solution is for governments to create institutions that can help people understand that everybody should enjoy unlimited human rights. Forums can also help eradicated the notions cultivated by the media, about gays and lesbians and institute a culture of tolerance. In summary, no particular person should be segregated or discriminated on the basis of their sexuality. However, gender pre-judgments are still present in all media, the best remedy to help integrate all people no matter their sexuality, is to spend resources on education. Young people need to be taught tolerance and understanding in order to accept all kinds of people, regardless of their sexual orientation and direction. References Carroll, J. L. (2009). Sexuality now: embracing diversity. Belmont: CengageBrain Learning. Cohen, T. R. ; Hall, D. L. (2009). Attitudes toward stereotypical versus counter-stereotypical gay men and lesbians. Retrieved on 17th November 2011 from http://findarticles. om/p/articles/mi_m2372/is_4_46/ai_n35656044/ Ferrey, P. A. (2008). Gender Stereotypes persist. Retrieved on 17th November 2011 from http://www. nytimes. com/inc_com/inc1211198677212. html Meem, D. T. , Michelle A. G. , ; Jonathan A. (2010). Finding Out: An Introduction to LGBT Studies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Mehta, V. P. ; Hay, K. (2005). A superhero for gays? Gay masculinity and green lantern . The Journal of American Culture, 28(4), 390-404. Vollmer, M. L. (2003). Gender transgression and villainy in animated film. Taylor ; Francis Journal, 1(2), 89-109.

Characters from Opposite Sides of the World in Two Kinds by Any Tan

Likewise, my parents were born in a culture opposite to the one I brought up. My father grew up in a rural village in Eastern Europe and my mother grew up in Central America. Like Jing - Mei, I have an impact on my daily life. This seems to have not changed at all from Americans. I think that it is easy to connect with the environment of Jingmei's family, whether it is through the existence of multiple languages ​​in the family, or through eccentric observation of parent's behavior. Two views in Amy Tan's short story Amy Tan shares her mother's attempt to control her daughter's hopes and dreams in her short stories Two Types and learns more about their relationship In order to use my daughter 's point of view. This girl is talking about her story that she grew up as a young woman and grew up with a family immigrated from China. - Tennessee Williams 'drama Glass Zoo and Amy Tan' s short Two has set four control themes through contact with the children. Amanda of William Amanda is the mother of overwhelming, delusive southern beauty. Laura who finds her little daughter's daughter is a suitable husband and decides her creativity, but how should his son Tom behave in his life? Amy Tan's two kinds and Julius Leicester's spear are two short stories showing the stress theme between the hero and the internal conflict related to their identity. Most people feel stressed in life, especially if they need a lot of stress. Some people are strong, please do not pressure. On the other hand, some people are in trouble, others have their own identities defined by others. There are many social forces that affect people. - The two mother-daughter relationships are not similar. After reading Alice Walker's everyday use and Amy Tan's two kinds, I noticed that these two stories have the same theme: mother-daughter relationship. These two stories show different cultures, generations and parenting methods. The two mothers behave differently, but eventually they are drive n by the same desire.

Change, School Reform And Curriculum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Change, School Reform And Curriculum - Essay Example I realized that everyone can â€Å"[get] an 'A'† and â€Å"a week later [not] even remember what the course is about† (Chomsky, 2002). And when students who appear to be failing or struggling get bad grades, the question always is: Would they have failed no matter what (in which case, they were in the wrong class or expectations were unrealistic), or did they fail because the material failed to be interesting? Approaches to curriculum design and reform must always take into account students' real, lived experiences and their networks of actual interests and beliefs to be effective. Education has to make itself relevant for students. This is especially true for curriculum reform for special education students in the field of language arts in middle school: Techniques have to be calibrated to their realistic ability levels and actual interests. A philosophy I adopt as a rubric or general organizing principle, culled from the Deweyan literature, is essentially, â€Å"You don't know if you try†. When any student arrives in any classroom, it is almost impossible to predict, even with all the knowledge about their educational background and relevant family and personal background (which is never available to teachers in toto anyways), how they might do and what they might like about the class. Institutions can either choose to err on the side of optimism, knowing in advance they will waste some resources on students not ready for, not interested in or not capable of handling the material; or they can err on the side of pessimism, knowing in advance that they will waste opportunity and potential. The cost of the latter is too high to imagine. Limited curricula that underestimate the abilities of some students, then, should be rejected. One of the most major questions for educational advocates as regards middle school Special Education students is whether and how much they are included in regular class. It is virtually impossible to tell if this po licy should be adopted in general: â€Å"Current legislation supports the concept of including students with disabilities in the general education classroom but leaves many wondering, 'Is this approach working?' Determining the effectiveness of this practice is a task not easily accomplished. The term...is not found in any law and is used inconsistently..Inclusive programs differ greatly from district to district... [A]mount and nature of support provided to the regular classroom teacher differ dramatically from district to district† (Hines, 2001). In general, the primary justification for this reform approach is one of justice. Disability students should be in classes with their able-bodied peers: It's a form of de jure segregation based on ability status if they're not. Legislators have embraced this reform influence whole-heartedly, which is a positive change from prior, less progressive views of students in general and Special Education students in particular. While this is a wonderful principle, and erring on the side of more inclusion and more optimism that they can participate meaningfully in the process given a chance is always good, the fact is that the analogy between racism and disability status is a poor one. Students with learning, mental, physical or educational disabilities have innate, not just social, roadblocks to academic success. Treating them exactly like their able-bodied peers is just as inappropriate as treating black or Latina/o students identically to white students with no

Criminal Case Proceedings; Russia vs United States Essay

Criminal Case Proceedings; Russia vs United States - Essay Example Interestingly, it only deals with constitutionality cases, interpreting the constitution and determining the legal aspect of proceedings regarding presidential impeachment. The court is limited to matters of constitutional law, and its ruling is final (Smith, 2006). Ruling from the court cannot change in any other court. Its facts are based on the Russian constitution and the international law; hence allowing it to implement democratic processes that are recognized globally. Arbitrazh courts were regulated by the Federal Constitution Law of 1995. They are mandated with the settling of both the Russian and foreign disputes relating to the property and other economic assets. In addition, they handle disputes arising between companies and legislation of corporations. They are divided into two; the first tier handles first-time cases while the second tier considers appeals of the first case decisions. Judicial courts are under the umbrella of the Federal Constitution Law of 1996. They are mandated to settle a number of disputes including all criminal cases and family issues. Judicial courts are divided into categories like military courts and the Supreme Court, which overlooks the rulings of other lower courts. Supreme Court also clarifies laws on the proceedings of the court (Smith, 2006). United States judicial system is divided into federal level and state level courts. Above the two courts is the Supreme Court. Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction. In addition, the Supreme Court is mandated with final interpretation of the United States Constitution. Federal and state courts handle first-time cases (Stacy, 2013). At state level, there are District County courts and State courts of Appeals. The Supreme Court was formed in 1790. Judicially, it is the highest and final arbiter of law in the United States and protects the constitution. It has the powers to overturn presidential decisions if they contradict

Development and underdevelopmint issues of measurment and defintion Research Paper

Development and underdevelopmint issues of measurment and defintion - Research Paper Example The concept of Human Development Index (HDI) is also covered in order to guide the developing countries on the essential factors that they should consider during the measurement of human development. The macroeconomics and microeconomics challenges that are faced by the developing countries have jeopardized the provision of basic services including education and health. Due to the lack of adequate resources as a result of inadequate technology and innovation, developing countries have continued to rely heavily on developed states both in terms of financial resources and human capital. Even though the financial assistance has reasonably addressed the economic challenges faced by the developing countries, the amount of international debts has gone up leading to more economic problems especially during economic crisis. Some of the major macroeconomics problems faced by the developing countries include high rate of unemployment, high taxes, decreased production of goods, poor infrastructure as well as misappropriation of financial resources among others. This paper seeks to discuss development and underdevelopment issues that affect developing countries Economics development entails the study of macroeconomics and microeconomics factors that leads to an economic growth. Other aspects that are covered when analyzing the economic development of a developing country include education, health and the conditions of the work places among other issues (Frans, 2002). In addition, economics development involves establishment of methods and policies that a developing country should adopt in order to increase the national economic output. The policies that are adopted both at the domestic and international levels, may involve qualitative and quantitative approaches. One of the major aspects that are essential in economic development as compared to other fields of economics is that it incorporates both political and social factors that affect the lives of

The Eighteenth-Century Piano Sonata In MLA Format Essay

The Eighteenth-Century Piano Sonata In MLA Format - Essay Example Looking at the list of musical directions today one may wonder why the subject of those listening to classical music is not brought up. The reason is that, as sad as it is, less and less people today are familiar with classical music and an even smaller number of people can distinguish between composers of the classical era. The eras I am going to deal with are the Baroque and Classical eras. In history, the period from 1600 to 1750 is known as the Baroque era. Dance, music, architecture, art - everything in the Baroque era was on a grand scale. It was a magnificent era that brought about smart, dignified, talented people and bright creations. What is remarkable is that during the Baroque era people's interest was drawn to instrumental music more than ever (Encyclopedia Britannica). The instruments that were mostly popular in this time period were the keyboard instruments counting the clavichord, harpsichord, piano, and organ (Brainrad). These clavichord instruments sweeped away the renaissance popularity of softer viol string instruments. The soft violin was replaced by the more rough, more aggressive and expressive violin, viola, and cello. These instruments were not only in use of composers. At the beginning of the eighteenth century when music played an everyday part in most people's lives, most of the citizens were capable of playing (Classical Music Pages). We must remember that during the Baroque period the foundations of music for the next centuries were given. Moreover, the idea of the modern orchestra and opera was born. Also, in the Baroque period composers came to be the servants of nobility and clergymen. According to Brairad, as music was very popular at that time it was used "to show off", thus the music grew "showy and complicated". While music during the epoch of Baroque can be described as bright, chaotic, unexpected, and frivolous, the music of the Classical era was very different. In my paper I am touching upon both Classical and Baroque era s because the composers I am going to talk about later composed at the turn of these two centuries, representing both eras equally. The Classical period started late in the eighteenth century and it focused on the opposite types of sounds that Baroque musicians paid strong attention to ((History of Classical Music). Classical music was arranged, organized, well-planned and accurate.  

Out of the comfort zone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Out of the comfort zone - Essay Example The decision maker’s cognitive process forms the basis of explanation on the choices of the subjects. Critics on these methods cite inherence of limitations attributed to the failure to investigate real world decision milieus. My concentration will be on the decision making of the blackjack players relative to the role of experience, customs, beliefs and socio-cultural context in decision making during gambling. I learnt that the term beliefs is used to imply the semantic content of the gambling players’ propositional beliefs that concerns the organization and dynamics of the games played within the casino milieu and the relevant strategies that can be applied to play them (Audretsch, David and Bonser, 1039). In essence, the player’s beliefs have immense strength in determining the outcome of the game upon applying a certain strategy. This aspect is fundamental for me, because I can be able to study and accommodate diverse beliefs of people be either the locals o r foreigners. The Casino experience on this aspect is critical in my â€Å"out of comfort zone† event. Understanding the diverse in beliefs of human race is an essential aspect in making decisions of real life experiences. In essence, comprehending diversity of beliefs is mind opener for numerous psychologists in their day-to-day decision-making (Audretsch, et al, 1043). On equal measure, the aspect of learning and experience in the context of a gambling activity implies to the distinctive subjective experience, which is attributed to the blackjack players as the fundamental development in terms of strategy and belief within the casino milieu. This learning experience may enshrine the dynamism that happen over time within the individuals and the blackjack playing associations (Audretsch, et al, 1043). In essence, it is a progressive trend realized by players over time

Thank you letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Thank you letter - Essay Example I am quite hesitant in writing this letter, but the urge of admission within me is pushing me ahead to explain my position. I'd like to emphasize here that I've always earned top scores in Mathematics including calculus I, II, III and pre calculus and algebra. I was able to secure an 'A' all through. Similarly English has also been one of my strengths. But, during the test of reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning there was something which prevented me from concentrating well on the subject. I was given two black markers from the testing center. By mistake, I left these markers open during the test and by the end of the second section these markers dried out. When I called for help couple of times, the testing instructor went out of sight for durations ranging from couple of minutes to about ten minutes. As time progressed, I became little tense as there was time constraint for the test, so I had to hurry up, which in all probability appears to have influenced my test score . You can ascertain the fact, if you could take a look at my past grade on those two subjects. So I'll be grateful to your goodself, if you could take a look at my individual score rather than the entire DAT test score. I am willing to sit for a retake DAT as soon as possible to prove my point.

Literature on Recruitment Essay Example for Free

Literature on Recruitment Essay 1.Ours and Ridder (1992) introduced a novel method to test the hypothesis that firms search sequentially based (in which applicants are screened as they show up) on the relationship between the number of (rejected) job applicants and the number of employees hired. The author used data compiled from filled vacancies for the Netherlands. Different types of search methods were distinguished. The results implied that when firms use advertising, private or 76 public employment agencies, which together cover about 45 per cent of filled vacancies, sequential search is rejected. For about 55 per cent of filled vacancies however, sequential search cannot be rejected. In line with theoretical considerations, when firms use search methods that rely on social networks, sequential search cannot be rejected. 2. Gorter, Nijkamp, and Rietveld, (1993) surveyed the Dutch labor market for recruitment channels and its impact on the vacancy duration. The authors found that labor market segmentation plays an important role in the choice of the recruitment channels; in particular, advertising appears to maximize the difference between expected costs and expected benefits when the vacancy concerned belongs to the primary segment of the labor market, while when it belongs to the secondary segment the preferred recruitment channel seems to be the labor exchange office. By using a piece-wise constant hazard rate, they argued that from the analysis of the time pattern of the hazard rate one may conclude that when advertising is used employers search non-sequentially, while if the informal channel is used employers tend to search sequentially. 3. While Gorter and Ommeren (1994) pushed the analysis one step further. The authors concluded that two main recruitment strategies can be identified: a sequential use of search channels, in which the first search channel chosen is usually the informal channel, and additional search channels are activated one after the other; and an â€Å"adding to the pool† strategy in which the first search channel chosen is basically advertisement and later one or more search channels are activated in order to enrich the pool of available applicants. 4. Redman and Mathews (1995) used eleven hundred cases to examine the effectiveness of recruitment advertisements. Findings showed that, in 1980s there was an increase in public sector recruitment advertising (from 20.8 per cent to 37.8 per cent) and a corresponding decrease in private sector (from 79.2 per cent to 62.2 per cent) over the decade. At the same time the authors mentioned two main problems of recruitment advertisement designers. First, with the supply in labour market in 1993, there was a need for limited and selective response from those readily available skills in order to minimise time and cost consumed by screening, short-listing and selection. Second, despite the general over supply of the labour market, skill shortages remained a problem in number of areas. 5. Mencken Winfield (1998) had explored the advantages and disadvantages of informal and formal recruiting practices in external labour markets. The data was analysed from 1981 Metropolitan Employer-Worker Survey (MEWS). Based on random-digit-dial telephone survey of 2,713 adults, the authors had constructed seven dichotomous dependent variables. The author found that cost made employment agencies less attractive to hiring managers for whom quality rather than volume was the primary concern. 6. Carroll, Marchington, Earnshaw and Taylor (1999) in their study on recruitment in small firms, aimed to find out how practices in small firms compare with the perspective â€Å"textbook† procedures; whether those were seen by small firms as appropriate to their needs; the recruitment problems small firms faced, and what strategies they had adopted to overcome them. 7. Kinder (2000) examined a new model for decomposing e-commerce. The paper suggested that use of the Internet in recruitment processes is likely to change the interface between internal and external labor markets for many firms. The paper predicted that the conceptions behind current research programs in labor market theory may require rethinking in the Internet era. 8. Weiss and Barbeite (2001) focused on reactions to Internet-based job sites. To this end, they developed a web-based survey that addressed the importance of job site features, privacy issues, and demographics. They found that the Internet was clearly preferred as a source of finding jobs. In particular, respondents liked job sites that had few features and required little personal information. Yet, older workers and women felt less comfortable disclosing personal information at job sites. Men and women did not differ in terms of preference for web site features, but women were less comfortable providing information online. 9. A study by Lockyer and Scholarios (2004) on selecting hotel staff, considered the nature of â€Å"best practice† for recruitment and selection. Data from Scottish hotels indicated a reliance on 79 informal methods, particularly in smaller hotels. In larger and chain hotels, structured procedures, including references, application forms and panel interviews, were evident, but, these methods were inadequate for dealing with recruitment and quality problems. 10. A research carried by Henkens, Remery and Schippers (2005) on recruiting personnel in a tight labour market aimed to analyse the instruments employers used to contact with potential workers and to find out, to what extent employers rely on traditional means like advertisement in the news paper or do they behave more actively using world wide web, visiting job fares etc. 11. A study conducted by Rafaeli, Hadomi, and Simons (2005) involved a plant located in Israel and focused on three recruitment methods: employee referrals, geographically focused ads (i.e., the local newspaper), and geographically unfocused ads (i.e., a national newspaper). They found that referrals generated more applicants, more hires, and a higher yield ratio (hires/applicants) than geographically focused ads which, in turn, outperformed unfocused ads on these three criteria. 12. A study conducted by Chand and Katou (2007) on the impact of HRM practices on organizational performance in the Indian hotel industry, investigated the affect of HRM systems on organizational performance in the hotel industry in India. A total of 439 hotels, ranging from three-star to five-star deluxe, responded to a self-administered questionnaire that measure 27 HRM practices. Factor analysis was performed to identify HRM systems, and correlation analysis was used to test the relation between HRM systems and organizational performance. The results indicated that hotel performance is positively related to HRM 80 systems of recruitment and selection, manpower planning, job designs, training and development, quality circles, and pay systems. 13. Breaugh (2008) had discussed employee recruitment and its important areas for future research, where he had reviewed research on recruitment topics that have received considerable attention (e.g., recruitment methods, realistic job previews). He had also addressed topics (e.g., targeted recruitment, the site visit) that have received relatively little attention but that have the potential to be quite important. The author suggested that, before making decisions concerning recruitment issues as what recruitment methods to use, an organization should thoughtfully establish its recruitment objectives.

The Extent and Causes of Tax Evasion in Pakistan

The Extent and Causes of Tax Evasion in Pakistan Molar and woodland (2004) investigated the efficiency of tax through tax optimality index. In their paper they measured the difference between the current tax structure and an optimal tax structure. They used the methodology was based on a small open economy and they constructed an equation on economys equilibrium to construct their tax optimality index including public goods. The model used to calculate the total optimality index had four variables three private and one public good. The tax optimality index came out to be 0.7972 which showed that the taxes where 79.7% efficient compared to the optimal tax index. The advantages of the tax were that it immediately told how efficient where the current taxes of a country with reference to an optimal model. Kemal (2007) discussed the extent of underground economy and tax evasion in Pakistan. He analyzed the main causes of increase in underground economy citing reasons such as intensity of regulations burden of tax and social transfers etc. The methodology he used was that he collected many micro and macro variables such as total number of bank deposits, interest rates, GDP, GNP, inflation etc in order to construct his equations to measure the extent of increase in underground economy. Years were ranging from 1973 to 2003. The equation developed was a regression equation, first legal money is calculated, and after that velocity of money is calculated by dividing the national income with legal money, lastly multiplying the velocity of money with illegal money gives the underground economy. Multiplying underground economy with total tax to GDP ratio gives tax evasion. Empirical results showed that both the size of underground economy and tax evasion increased significantly during these years. The increase was most predominant in 1990s. He also concluded that raise in underground economy poses many problems for policy makers. He also concluded that had there been no tax evasion budget balance could have been positive. Aslam (1998) measured the size of underground economy and tax evasion in Pakistan. His paper used Tanzis methodology with few changes made to the model. The range of the years was from 1960 to 1998. The modified model was of log to log specification with demand of currency assumed to me the main determinant of tax rate. The paper reinforced the presence of a large underground economy and huge tax evasion in Pakistan. Results showed the variation in underground economy is very sensitive and has significant impact on GDP. Further it showed that the Dollarization of economy is major problem because of significant involvement of underground foreign exchange. The limitation of this paper was that this paper could not be concluded as completely accurate and it does not tell about a remedy plan. Jayasinghe (2007) evaluated the components and sources of tax gap in Pakistan. Presence of significant tax gap forces a country to impose higher marginal tax rates of tax payers in order to collect additional revenue required to overcome a potential budget deficit. The model assumes that tax evasion in the economy is represented by a fully established hidden economy. Tax evasion is estimated through estimating the size of shadow economy through 1984-2004. A regression analysis is conducted in two specifications for comparisons. One specification is run by using total values of GDP while the other using per capita values for GDP. The size of the shadow economy estimated through both specifications, GDP and per capita GDP show an increasing trend. Results showed that size of underground economy has increased from 23% to 84% till 2004. Increasing trend in underground economy is followed by an increasing tax gap. Lastly, the paper argues that the source of declining government, revenue is growing tax gap. Hibbs and Piculescu (2005) proposed a model of how taxation and government regulations affect the productivity of private institution. The model proposed considers private firm with fixed capital (K) and variable labor requirements: Lo, labor in official while Lu labor employed in unofficial production. Wage is identical at (w) but wage cost varies: regarding the public sector, it is demand as potentially corruptible and markets for corruption would arise giving firms opportunity for evading taxes. The model also assumes that incentive to evade taxation depend on statuary tax rates. Regression equation is developed and regression tests are run to arrive at the conclusion. Empirical results in this paper are that markets for corruption arise due to perception of figures taxes as not worth paying. Dependency on how many and to what extent firms within a country have incentive to produce underground economy and evade taxation policies regarding taxation and employment conditions of enforcement bureaucrats may create tradeoffs between containment of tax evasion and overall level of economic activity. Goerke (2003) investigated the relationship between tax progressivity and the tax evasion. In this paper, the consequences of tax evasion upon employment opportunities are investigated. It relates that an increase in tax progressivity has no employment effect in the absence of evasion opportunities. The model has a fixed number of workers whose only source of income are wages (w) and who can evade income taxes a regression test is run and conclusion are drawn. The results are that employment effects more of progressive taxes in an efficiency wage economy has no employment consequences in the absence of tax evasion. The analysis has presumed a constant level of statuary tax payments at the initial wage level. Niepelt (2003) explored the dynamic of tax evasion. He analyzed the dynamics of tax evasion using a model in a continuous time. He developed an equation using the model and his assumptions based on the households in that model. The conclusion drawn in his paper is that risk aversion and endogenous detection probability play a central role in static theories of tax evasion. It concludes that in the presence of tax evasion, the statuary tax rate is an important policy instrument but an unpredictable indicator of the effective stance of fiscal policy. Ahmed and Ahmed (1995) estimated the extent and level of black economy in Pakistan through monetary approach. Researchers have termed the underground economy in various names such as (i) illegal economy (ii) unreported economy (iii) unrecorded economy (iv) informal economy. The method adopted for quantification of the black economy is that of Tanzi, with some modifications. The equation is of double Log specification. Tax GDP ratio sign is positive. Relationship between interest rate on time deposits and currency ratio is said to be negative. After estimation of equations through least square method results are obtained. It has been found that the black economy as a percentage of GDP has shown a fluctuating trend. Black economy and level of tax evasion have increased over the number of years, but black economy as a percentage of GDP has experienced a decline. The sizeable magnitude loss of revenue indicates that substantial revenue can be realized by reducing the extent of tax evasion in the economy. Crane and Nourzad (1985) analyzed the effect of inflation on aggregate tax evasion in the US over the period of 1947- 81. The methodology used is to construct an equation using major determination of evasion. The major determinants are derived with the following implicit evasion function Z= f(O, f, TR, V, P). Z is a measure of tax evasion, D is probability of detection, F is fine rate, TR is tax rate, Y is real true income and P is inflation rate. The equation derived comes out to be a logarithmic equation in Z. the most difficult variables to quantify is dependent variable itself, Z, measuring tax evasion. Probability of detection an independent variable is measure using moving averages over the period of 2 years. Tax rate is calculated using weighted average marginal tax rate. Inflation is calculated using CPI. Empirical results show that aggregate income tax evasion in both absolute and relative taxes is positively related to inflation rate. Aggregate evasion is risen in absolute terms but has fallen in relative terms when real true income has risen.

Thomas Paine and Common Sense :: essays research papers

Common Sense Published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January of 1776, Common Sense was an instant best-seller, both in the colonies and in Europe. It went through several editions in Philadelphia, and was republished in all parts of United America. Because of it, Paine became internationally famous. "A Covenanted People" called Common Sense "by far the most influential tract of the American Revolution....it remains one of the most brilliant pamphlets ever written in the English language." Paine's political pamphlet brought the rising revolutionary feeling into sharp focus by placing blame for the suffering of the colonies directly on the reigning British monarch, George III. First and foremost, Common Sense advocated an immediate declaration of independence, putting forward a special moral duty of America to the rest of the world. Not long after publication, the spirit of Paine's argument found importance in the American Declaration of Independence. Written at t he beginning of the Revolution, Common Sense became the leaven for the ferment of the times. It stirred the colonists to strengthen their resolve, resulting in the first successful anticolonial action in modern history. Little did Paine realize that his writings would set fire to a movement that had seldom if ever been worked out in the Old World: sovereignty of the people and written constitutions, together with effective checks and balances in government. Paine has been described as a professional radical and a revolutionary propagandist without peer. Born in England, he was dismissed as an excise officer while lobbying for higher wages. Impressed by Paine, Benjamin Franklin sponsored Paine's emigration to America in 1774. In Philadelphia Paine became a journalist and essayist, contributing articles on all subjects to The Pennsylvania Magazine.

Militant Monks Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Knights Templar, a military order of monks answerable only to the Pope himself, were founded in 1118. Their primary responsibility, at least initially, was to provide protection to Christians making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. They rose in power, both religious and secular, to become one of the richest and most powerful entities in Christendom. By the time of their disbandment in 1307, this highly secretive organization controlled vast wealth, a fleet of merchant ships, and castles and estates spanning the entire Mediterranean area. When the crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Muslims in 1099, the Church encouraged all faithful Christians to visit that holy city in order to affirm their faith. The area, however, was still subject to sporadic attacks from various non-Christian factions. A small group of knights, led by Hugh de Payens, vowed to protect the pilgrims. The group was granted quasi-official status by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, who allowed them quarters in a wing of the royal palace near the Temple of Solomon. It is from this initial posting that the order derived its name. They took the standard vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were bound to the rules of the Augustinian order. [Upton-Ward 1] The order languished in near-anonimity for several years, despite generous contributions from various European personages. In 1126, Count Hugh of Champagne, having donated his estates to Bernard of Clairvaux for use in building a monestary for the Cistercian order, arrived in Jerusalem to join the Templars. This action indirectly obligated Bernard to support the newly chosen advocacy of his benefactor. He wrote to the count, "If, for God's work, you have changed yourself from count to knight and from rich to poor, I congratulate you." [Howarth 49] In the year 1126, King Baldwin found two reasons for wanting official recognition of the order. First, he had, perhaps prematurely, bestowed upon Hugh de Payens the title of Master of the Temple. Second, the king had the opportunity to launch an attack on the city of Damascus, but he needed more knights. Papal recognition would allow open recruiting in Europe for the order. King Baldwin sent a letter to Bernard of Clairvaux, the order's primary patron, later known as Saint Bernard, asking him to petition the Pope for official recognition of the order. [Howarth 50-51] The King's letter ... ...ghts Templar. The final blow, however, was probably three-fold: a general unpopularity of the order among the European aristocracy, due in part to jealousy; a chronic shortage in the French treasury, despite heavy taxation; and Master de Molay's refusal to consider a merger of the Templars with the Hospitallers, as suggested by the Pope. The fact remains, however, that no evidence of heresy was ever found. [Burman/Templars 180] An order founded by nine knights in Jerusalem came to amass great wealth and power, which speaks well of their integrity and discretion. They became the "shock troops" of the Holy See. When they lost their original mission of protecting pilgrims upon the fall of Jerusalem, their downfall became inevitable. [Sinclair 37] Works Cited: Burman, Edward. The Inquisition. New York: Dorset, 1984. --. The Templars. Rochester, VT: Destiny, 1986. « Howarth, Stephen. The Knights Templar. New York: Dorset, 1982. Payne, Robert. The History of Islam. New York: Dorset, 1987. Robinson, John J. Born in Blood. New York: Evans, 1989. Sinclair, Andrew. The Sword and the Grail. New York: Crown, 1992. Upton-Ward, J. M. The Rule of the Templars. Suffolk: Boydell, 1992.

The Pleasure of Drugs Essay -- Pleasure Drug Abuse Essays

The Pleasure of Drugs The Oxford Dictionary defines pleasure. It is a feeling of satisfaction or joy. It is enjoyment. It is a source of pleasure or gratification. It is formally a persons will or desire. Finally they define it as sensual gratification. Now if we put these all together in one sentence, pleasure is something that brings an overall feeling of satisfaction and gratification while fulfilling desires. If that doesn’t sound good, what does? We have already determined that people naturally are drawn to altered states of consciousness. Its a fact that we are drawn to that which feels altered. It starts at a young age and hypothetically we realize the world of drugs and their ability to enhance normality by young adulthood. When we add in the pleasure principle to that already sought out feeling, you get something that feels so amazing, and is also potentially addictive. It is important to acknowledge the overpowering seductiveness and appeal of drugs. Because some drugs directly affect the way that the brain works and operates, the ecstasy that results can be overwhelming. This is exactly where society comes into play. If someone can only feel that sort of pleasure from the high of heroin or that calmness from a cigarette, why would they want to stop? What would their alternative be? It would be the pain of withdrawal and the numbness that they felt before they discovered the high. I can only liken my drug theory to a circle, because in reality there is no one who is really sober. There are things that make us all feel better. It can range from chocolate to caffeine to crack, but whether it be hard or soft, legal or illicit, a drug is something that makes us feel something other than â€Å"normal†. (Not that there is even a set normality.) The circle theory is that even if you are a heroin addict and get sober, the likeliness of you finding something else that makes you feel better than normal is high. It might not be heroin again, but chances are it will be something. It all comes back to the inherent human nature to find a plane of reality other than this one. We remember what feels good to us. It is something that our brain does for us. Because sex feels good, there is a natural desire to participate. We remember which foods we like best and how they make us feel when we eat them. It is a system i... ...ual. It has more to do with how our society dictates we should live. Everyone needs to be rich and own a BMW and marry a model and be happy all the time. For those who cannot live out that American Dream, there is an easy and more affordable dream: Drugs. We have to remember that they key to a healthy drug relationship is to use drugs in moderation, and not for the wrong reasons. It is important to keep in mind that drugs effect the body and the mind as well. Addiction is prevalent when the user can’t simple walk away from the drug and not miss it in some way or feel some type of withdrawal. We have to also understand that it is ok to feel the pleasure that drugs give to us. I will never condemn the use of drugs for recreational purposes, however we must each individually take responsibility for our own health and know when it is time to step away from a drug. Drug use does not always lead to addiction, but because pleasure is such a powerful drug within itself, it is easy to become dependent on something synthetic. Rather than relying on drugs for that pleasure high it is important to seek out other things besides drugs that induce the same types of pleasure. The Pleasure of Drugs Essay -- Pleasure Drug Abuse Essays The Pleasure of Drugs The Oxford Dictionary defines pleasure. It is a feeling of satisfaction or joy. It is enjoyment. It is a source of pleasure or gratification. It is formally a persons will or desire. Finally they define it as sensual gratification. Now if we put these all together in one sentence, pleasure is something that brings an overall feeling of satisfaction and gratification while fulfilling desires. If that doesn’t sound good, what does? We have already determined that people naturally are drawn to altered states of consciousness. Its a fact that we are drawn to that which feels altered. It starts at a young age and hypothetically we realize the world of drugs and their ability to enhance normality by young adulthood. When we add in the pleasure principle to that already sought out feeling, you get something that feels so amazing, and is also potentially addictive. It is important to acknowledge the overpowering seductiveness and appeal of drugs. Because some drugs directly affect the way that the brain works and operates, the ecstasy that results can be overwhelming. This is exactly where society comes into play. If someone can only feel that sort of pleasure from the high of heroin or that calmness from a cigarette, why would they want to stop? What would their alternative be? It would be the pain of withdrawal and the numbness that they felt before they discovered the high. I can only liken my drug theory to a circle, because in reality there is no one who is really sober. There are things that make us all feel better. It can range from chocolate to caffeine to crack, but whether it be hard or soft, legal or illicit, a drug is something that makes us feel something other than â€Å"normal†. (Not that there is even a set normality.) The circle theory is that even if you are a heroin addict and get sober, the likeliness of you finding something else that makes you feel better than normal is high. It might not be heroin again, but chances are it will be something. It all comes back to the inherent human nature to find a plane of reality other than this one. We remember what feels good to us. It is something that our brain does for us. Because sex feels good, there is a natural desire to participate. We remember which foods we like best and how they make us feel when we eat them. It is a system i... ...ual. It has more to do with how our society dictates we should live. Everyone needs to be rich and own a BMW and marry a model and be happy all the time. For those who cannot live out that American Dream, there is an easy and more affordable dream: Drugs. We have to remember that they key to a healthy drug relationship is to use drugs in moderation, and not for the wrong reasons. It is important to keep in mind that drugs effect the body and the mind as well. Addiction is prevalent when the user can’t simple walk away from the drug and not miss it in some way or feel some type of withdrawal. We have to also understand that it is ok to feel the pleasure that drugs give to us. I will never condemn the use of drugs for recreational purposes, however we must each individually take responsibility for our own health and know when it is time to step away from a drug. Drug use does not always lead to addiction, but because pleasure is such a powerful drug within itself, it is easy to become dependent on something synthetic. Rather than relying on drugs for that pleasure high it is important to seek out other things besides drugs that induce the same types of pleasure.

Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” Essay

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a story based on the traditional beliefs and customs of the Ibo tribe. Achebe portrays a realistic view of Africans, particularly the Ibo tribe, which opposes the view that a reader may have formed after reading other works, such as Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Although Achebe describes the fact that the tribe does not primarily consist of savages, the reader still needs to keep an open mind about the ideas that are presented. The reader may at first be appalled at some of the beliefs, but it should be brought into consideration that they are lead chiefly by traditions and customs. Many of these traditions and customs derive from their ideas on certain events, being patriarchal, and religion. The Ibo culture involves a number of celebrated events. The Week of Peace comes at the end of the relaxed season and before the harvest and planting season. This is a time where all members of this society shall live in complete peace no matter what the circumstances. If this peace is broken, it is to be called a great evil and consequently will be punished. Achebe provides a case in point, which will be discussed later in the essay. Another Ibo occasion is the Feast of the New Yam, which resembles Thanksgiving in the American culture. This feast is to honor their earth goddess, Ani, as the American holiday is celebrated to give thanks and honor our God. â€Å"Men and Women, young and old, looked forward to the New Yam Festival because it began the season of plenty-the new year†(page 36). This excerpt from the introduction of chapter five shows the significance of the occasion. Following the New Yam Festival is the popular wrestling match. This event is more of a tradition as it occurs annually on the second day of the new year. â€Å"There was no festival in all the seasons of the year which gave [Ekwefi] as much pleasure as the wrestling match†(39). This supports Achbe’s effort to express the excitement for the friendly competition. By these examples, the reader may infer that the Ibo tribe can be described as somewhat mundane, but Achebe also goes into detail about the people of the tribe. The Ibo tribe can be depicted as profoundly patriarchal. This is where the reader may begin to feel repelled as Achebe describes man as being venerated as leader and describes women as gentle, weak and obedient to their men. The  women’s job was in the house cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. The men’s job was out hunting, fighting, and raising difficult crops such as yam. The men were also allowed to beat their wives, who in return could not defend themselves. A prime example of this masculine dominance is the main character, Okonkwo. Okonkwo defies any sign of weakness, including the female race. The Ibo society defines a man who is weak or acts feminine as agbala, which means â€Å"woman†. â€Å"But [Okonkwo’s] wives and young children were not as strong, and so they suffered. But they dared not complain openly†(13). This quote reinforces Achebe’s idea of masculinity. Although the Ibo culture may express dominance in the male race, their power does not exceed that which is given to the many gods they worship. Religion in the Ibo culture can be illustrated as polytheistic. Their tradition has a God for every phenomenon. This society does not use kings or police to discipline its people, like many other societies, but instead they use spirits. Their highest spiritual and judicial authority is Egwugwu. There are not any written laws so the decisions on punishments rely on the gods. â€Å"Okonkwo broke the Week of Peace by beating his wife and was punished, as was the custom, by Ezeani, the priest of the earth goddess. Okonkwo was said to â€Å"have committed a great evil†(30). â€Å"The evil you have done can ruin the whole clan. The earth goddess whom you have insulted may refuse to give us her increase, and we shall all perish†(30). This shows how much the tribe respects and depends on their gods. The Ibo religion also comes with many superstitions. The largest of the superstitions is their personal chi, or Supreme Being. The chi is unique for each tribe member and allegedly determines his or her success and character. â€Å"Man could not rise beyond the destiny of his chi†(131). It would be of no value to challenge one’s chi. Other superstitions includes warning the children not to whistle on dark nights for fear of evil spirits. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is about the specific culture of Africans, in this case the Ibo tribe. It portrays an accurate analysis for those who may have believed Africans as being savages. The Ibo society value an adherence to their cultural traditions, as do other cultures, which makes them greatly  civilized. Although some of the traditions practice may seem quite shocking to the reader, the society cannot be described as mindless or barbaric. The Ibo tribe is a very complex society with unique values and meaning. Achebe fulfills his purpose in disclaiming the stereotype of ferocious Africans.

Big Time Toymaker Case Scenario Essay

1. At what point, if ever, did the parties have a contract? I do not think the two parties involved ever had a contract. In the scenario, the parties reached an agreement only three days before the end of a 90-day deadline set in the original negotiation contract. In the original negotiation contract, it states that there would be no distribution contract unless it was in writing. When the BTT manager sent the e-mail to Chou, he mentioned the terms of a distribution agreement, but it does not make the email a contract as neither party signed it. Only an oral agreement was reached. Without a legally binding draft and the signature of both parties present, no contract existed. 2. What facts may weigh in favor of or against Chou in terms of the parties’ objective intent to contract? BTT had paid Chou $25,000 for the exclusive negotiation rights to his board game which lead Chou to believe they were serious about coming to an agreement on a distribution contract. This is a fact that would weigh in favor of Chou. However, both parties only made an oral agreement, and not a written contract to show this fact. Since the contract was not drafted within the original 90-day period, the new management was not obligated to distribute the board game and therefore, had every right to turn Chou away instead of honoring the oral contract. 3. Does the fact that the parties were communicating by e-mail have any impact on your analysis in Questions 1 and 2 (above)? No, it did not have any impact on my analysis of the situation. E-mail is a form of electronic communication, not a written and signed contract. While both parties may have communicated their intentions and terms of the contract, they never printed and signed any form of a written agreement. This factor makes all of the difference when it comes to enforceable contracts. What BTT and Chou had was not a binding or enforceable contract. 4. What role does the statute of frauds play in this contract? Under the UCC, the statue of fraud applies to a contract for the sales of goods in excess of $500. The negotiations between BTT and Chou were over $500, so the statues of fraud would apply here. Under UCC laws, the statue of fraud applies when a contract cannot be fulfilled within one year’s time. Under these stipulations, the statute would apply. 5. Could BTT avoid this contract under the doctrine of mistake? Explain. Would either party have any other defenses that would allow the contract to be avoided? BTT would not be able to avoid this contract under the doctrine of mistake. A mistake is defined under contract law as the belief that is not in accord with the facts. A â€Å"mistake† was not defined anywhere within this scenario. BTT has only one real defense and that would be that no contract was ever reached in writing nor signed by both parties. The fact that no signatures on a contract ever existed would be a defense that Chou never agreed to the terms and conditions. Chou could argue that there was no existed agreement due to the time passed between communications of the two parties involved. 6. Assuming, arguendo, that this e-mail does constitute an agreement, what consideration supports this agreement? The fact that BTT gave a check for $25,000 for the exclusive negotiating rights shows that BTT intended to reach a contract with Chou. The two parties also reached an oral agreement, but oral agreements are hard to enforce in court. BTT had also sent Chou a fax asking him to send them a draft of a contract for the distribution agreements. At the end of the scenario, BTT states that it is not interested in distributing Chou’s new strategy game, Strat. Assuming BTT and Chou have a contract, and BTT has breached the contract by not distributing the game, discuss what remedies might or might not apply. Equitable remedies may have applied in this case. Chou would be able to seek compensatory damages for his losses. These losses could include out-of-pocket expenses and even loss of potential profits had BTT honored their portion of the contract.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 22. Promised

Thinking of Renesmee brought her to that center-stage place in my strange, new, and roomy but distractible mind. So many questions. â€Å"Tell me about her,† i insisted as he took my hand. Being linked barely slowed us. â€Å"She's like nothing else in the world,† he told me, and the sound of an almost religious devotion was there again in his voice. I felt a sharp pang of jealousy over this stranger. He knew her and I did not. It wasn't fair. â€Å"How much is she like you? How much like me? Or like I was, anyway.† â€Å"It seems a fairly even divide.† â€Å"She was warm-blooded,† I remembered. â€Å"Yes. She has a heartbeat, though it runs a little bit faster than a human's. Her temperature is a little bit hotter than usual, too. She sleeps.† â€Å"Really?† â€Å"Quite well for a newborn. The only parents in the world who don't need sleep, and our child already sleeps through the night.† He chuckled. I liked the way he said our child. The words made her more real. â€Å"She has exactly your color eyes – so that didn't get lost, after all.† He smiled at me. â€Å"They're so beautiful.† â€Å"And the vampire parts?† I asked. â€Å"Her skin seems about as impenetrable as ours. Not that anyone would dream of testing that.† I blinked at him, a little shocked. â€Å"Of course no one would,† he assured me again. â€Å"Her diet†¦ well, she prefers to drink blood. Carlisle continues to try to persuade her to drink some baby formula, too, but she doesn't have much patience with it. Can't say that I blame her – nasty-smelling stuff, even for human food.† I gaped openly at him now. He made it sound like they were having conversations. â€Å"Persuade her?† â€Å"She's intelligent, shockingly so, and progressing at an immense pace. Though she doesn't speak – yet – she communicates quite effectively.† â€Å"Doesn't. Speak. Yet† He slowed our pace further, letting me absorb this. â€Å"What do you mean, she communicates effectively?† I demanded. â€Å"I think it will be easier for you to†¦ see for yourself. It's rather difficult to describe.† I considered that. I knew there was a lot that I needed to see for myself before it would be real. I wasn't sure how much more I was ready for, so I changed the subject. â€Å"Why is Jacob still here?† I asked. â€Å"How can he stand it? Why should he?† My ringing voice trembled a little. â€Å"Why should he have to suffer more?† â€Å"Jacob isn't suffering,† he said in a strange new tone. â€Å"Though I might be willing to change his condition,† Edward added through his teeth. â€Å"Edward!† I hissed, yanking him to a stop (and feeling a little thrill of smugness that I was able to do it). â€Å"How can you say that? Jacob has given up everything to protect us! What I've put him through – !† I cringed at the dim memory of shame and guilt. It seemed odd now that I had needed him so much then. That sense of absence without him near had vanished; it must have been a human weakness. â€Å"You'll see exactly how I can say that,† Edward muttered. â€Å"I promised him that I would let him explain, but I doubt you'll see it much differently than I do. Of course, I'm often wrong about your thoughts, aren't I?† He pursed his lips and eyed me. â€Å"Explain what?† Edward shook his head. â€Å"I promised. Though I don't know if I really owe him anything at all anymore. . . .† His teeth ground together. â€Å"Edward, I don't understand.† Frustration and indignation took over my head. He stroked my cheek and then smiled gently when my face smoothed out in response, desire momentarily overruling annoyance. â€Å"It's harder than you make it look, I know. I remember.† â€Å"I don't like feeling confused.† â€Å"I know. And so let's get you home, so that you can see it all for yourself.† His eyes ran over the remains of my dress as he spoke of going home, and he frowned. â€Å"Hmm.† After a half second of thought, he unbuttoned his white shirt and held it out for me to put my arms through. â€Å"That bad?† He grinned. I slipped my arms into his sleeves and then buttoned it swiftly over my ragged bodice. Of course, that left him without a shirt, and it was impossible not to find that distracting. ‘Til race you,† I said, and then cautioned, â€Å"no throwing the game this time!† He dropped my hand and grinned. â€Å"On your mark †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Finding my way to my new home was simpler than walking down Charlie's street to my old one. Our scent left a clear and easy trail to follow, even running as fast as I could. Edward had me beat till we hit the river. I took a chance and made my leap early, trying to use my extra strength to win. â€Å"Ha!† I exulted when I heard my feet touch the grass first. Listening for his landing, I heard something I did not expect. Something loud and much too close. A thudding heart. Edward was beside me in the same second, his hands clamped down hard on the tops of my arms. â€Å"Don't breathe,† he cautioned me urgently. I tried not to panic as I froze mid-breath. My eyes were the only things that moved, wheeling instinctively to find the source of the sound. Jacob stood at the line where the forest touched the Cullens' lawn, his arms folded across his body, his jaw clenched tight. Invisible in the woods behind him, I heard now two larger hearts, and the faint crush of bracken under huge, pacing paws. â€Å"Carefully, Jacob,† Edward said. A snarl from the forest echoed the concern in his voice. â€Å"Maybe this isn't the best way – â€Å" â€Å"You think it would be better to let her near the baby first?† Jacob interrupted. â€Å"It's safer to see how Bella does with me. I heal fast.† This was a test? To see if I could not kill Jacob before I tried to not kill Renesmee? I felt sick in the strangest way – it had nothing to do with my stomach, only my mind. Was this Edward's idea? I glanced at his face anxiously; Edward seemed to deliberate for a moment, and then his expression twisted from concern into something else. He shrugged, and there was an undercurrent of hostility in his voice when he said, â€Å"It's your neck, I guess.† The growl from the forest was furious this time; Leah, I had no doubt. What was with Edward? After all that we'd been through, shouldn't he have been able to feel some kindness for my best friend? I'd thought – maybe foolishly – that Edward was sort of Jacob's friend now, too. I must have misread them. But what was Jacob doing? Why would he offer himself as a test to protect Renesmee? It didn't make any sense to me. Even if our friendship had survived†¦ And as my eyes met Jacob's now, I thought that maybe it had. He still looked like my best friend. But he wasn't the one who had changed. What did I look like to him? Then he smiled his familiar smile, the smile of a kindred spirit, and I was sure our friendship was intact. It was just like before, when we were hanging out in his homemade garage, just two friends killing time. Easy and normal. Again, I noticed that the strange need I'd felt for him before I'd changed was completely gone. He was just my friend, the way it was supposed to be. It still made no sense what he was doing now, though. Was he really so selfless that he would try to protect me – with his own life – from doing something in an uncontrolled split second that I would regret in agony forever? That went way beyond simply tolerating what I had become, or miraculously managing to stay my friend. Jacob was one of the best people I knew, but this seemed like too much to accept from anyone. His grin widened, and he shuddered slightly. â€Å"I gotta say it, Bells. You're a freak show.† I grinned back, falling easily into the old pattern. This was a side of him I understood. Edward growled. â€Å"Watch yourself, mongrel.† The wind blew from behind me and I quickly filled my lungs with the safe air so I could speak. â€Å"No, he's right. The eyes are really something, aren't they?† â€Å"Super-creepy. But it's not as bad as I thought it would be.† â€Å"Gee – thanks for the amazing compliment!† He rolled his eyes. â€Å"You know what I mean. You still look like you – sort of. Maybe it's not the look so much as†¦ you are Bella. I didn't think it would feel like you were still here.† He smiled at me again without a trace of bitterness or resentment anywhere in his face. Then he chuckled and said, â€Å"Anyway, I guess I'll get used to the eyes soon enough.† â€Å"You will?† I asked, confused. It was wonderful that we were still friends, but it wasn't like we'd be spending much time together. The strangest look crossed his face, erasing the smile. It was almost†¦ guilty? Then his eyes shifted to Edward. â€Å"Thanks,† he said. â€Å"I didn't know if you'd be able to keep it from her, promise or not. Usually, you just give her everything she wants.† â€Å"Maybe I'm hoping she'll get irritated and rip your head off,† Edward suggested. Jacob snorted. â€Å"What's going on? Are you two keeping secrets from me?† I demanded, incredulous. â€Å"I'll explain later,† Jacob said self-consciously – like he didn't really plan on it. Then he changed the subject. â€Å"First, let's get this show on the road.† His grin was a challenge now as he started slowly forward. There was a whine of protest behind him, and then Leah's gray body slid out of the trees behind him. The taller, sandy-colored Seth was right behind her. â€Å"Cool it, guys,† Jacob said. â€Å"Stay out of this.† I was glad they didn't listen to him but only followed after him a little more slowly. The wind was still now; it wouldn't blow his scent away from me. He got close enough that I could feel the heat of his body in the air between us. My throat burned in response. â€Å"C'mon, Bells. Do your worst.† Leah hissed. I didn't want to breathe. It wasn't right to take such dangerous advantage of Jacob, no matter if he was the one offering. But I couldn't get away from the logic. How else could I be sure that I wouldn't hurt Renesmee? Tm getting older here, Bella,† Jacob taunted. â€Å"Okay, not technically, but you get the idea. Go on, take a whiff.† â€Å"Hold on to me,† I said to Edward, cringing back into his chest. His hands tightened on my arms. I locked my muscles in place, hoping I could keep them frozen. I resolved that I would do at least as well as I had on the hunt. Worst-case scenario, I would stop breathing and run for it. Nervously, I took a tiny breath in through my nose, braced for anything. It hurt a little, but my throat was already burning dully anyway. Jacob didn't smell that much more human than the mountain lion. There was an animal edge to his blood that instantly repelled. Though the loud, wet sound of his heart was appealing, the scent that went with it made my nose wrinkle. It was actually easier with the smell to temper my reaction to the sound and heat of his pulsing blood. I took another breath and relaxed. â€Å"Huh. I can see what everyone's been going on about. You stink, Jacob.† Edward burst into laughter; his hands slipped from my shoulders to wrap around my waist. Seth barked a low chortle in harmony with Edward; he came a little closer while Leah retreated several paces. And then I was aware of another audience when I heard Emmett's low, distinct guffaw, muffled a little by the glass wall between us. â€Å"Look who's talking,† Jacob said, theatrically plugging his nose. His face didn't pucker at all while Edward embraced me, not even when Edward composed himself and whispered â€Å"I love you† in my ear. Jacob just kept grinning. This made me feel hopeful that things were going to be right between us, the way they hadn't been for so long now. Maybe now I could truly be his friend, since I disgusted him enough physically that he couldn't love me the same way as before. Maybe that was all that was needed. â€Å"Okay, so I passed, right?† I said. â€Å"Now are you going to tell me what this big secret is?† Jacob's expression became very nervous. â€Å"It's nothing you need to worry about this second___† I heard Emmett chuckle again – a sound of anticipation. I would have pressed my point, but as I listened to Emmett, I heard other sounds, too. Seven people breathing. One set of lungs moving more rapidly than the others. Only one heart fluttering like a bird's wings, light and quick. I was totally diverted. My daughter was just on the other side of that thin wall of glass. I couldn't see her – the light bounced off the reflective windows like a mirror. I could only see myself, looking very strange – so white and still – compared to Jacob. Or, compared to Edward, looking exactly right. â€Å"Renesmee,† I whispered. Stress made me a statue again. Renesmee wasn't going to smell like an animal. Would I put her in danger? â€Å"Come and see,† Edward murmured. â€Å"I know you can handle this.† â€Å"You'll help me?† I whispered through motionless lips. â€Å"Of course I will.† â€Å"And Emmett and Jasper – just in case?† â€Å"We'll take care of you, Bella. Don't worry, we'll be ready. None of us would risk Renesmee. I think you'll be surprised at how entirely she's already wrapped us all around her little fingers. She'll be perfectly safe, no matter what.† My yearning to see her, to understand the worship in his voice, broke my frozen pose. I took a step forward. And then Jacob was in my way, his face a mask of worry. â€Å"Are you sure, bloodsucker?† he demanded of Edward, his voice almost pleading. I'd never heard him speak to Edward that way. â€Å"I don't like this. Maybe she should wait – â€Å" â€Å"You had your test, Jacob.† It was Jacob's test? â€Å"But – ,† Jacob began. â€Å"But nothing,† Edward said, suddenly exasperated. â€Å"Bella needs to see our daughter. Get out of her way.† Jacob shot me an odd, frantic look and then turned and nearly sprinted into the house ahead of us. Edward growled. I couldn't make sense of their confrontation, and I couldn't concentrate on it, either. I could only think about the blurred child in my memory and struggle against the haziness, trying to remember her face exactly. â€Å"Shall we?† Edward said, his voice gentle again. I nodded nervously. He took my hand tightly in his and led the way into the house. They waited for me in a smiling line that was both welcoming and defensive. Rosalie was several paces behind the rest of them, near the front door. She was alone until Jacob joined her and then stood in front of her, closer than was normal. There was no sense of comfort in that closeness; both of them seemed to cringe from the proximity. Someone very small was leaning forward out of Rosalie's arms, peering around Jacob. Immediately, she had my absolute attention, my every thought, the way nothing else had owned them since the moment I'd opened my eyes. â€Å"I was out just two days?† I gasped, disbelieving. The stranger-child in Rosalie's arms had to be weeks, if not months, old. She was maybe twice the size of the baby in my dim memory, and she seemed to be supporting her own torso easily as she stretched toward me.Her shiny bronze-colored hair fell in ringlets past her shoulders. Her chocolate brown eyes examined me with an interest that was not at all childlike; it was adult, aware and intelligent. She raised one hand, reaching in my direction for a moment, and then reached back to touch Rosalie's throat. If her face had not been astonishing in its beauty and perfection, I wouldn't have believed it was the same child. My child. But Edward was there in her features, and I was there in the color of her eyes and cheeks. Even Charlie had a place in her thick curls, though their color matched Edward's. She must be ours. Impossible, but still true. Seeing this unanticipated little person did not make her more real, though. It only made her more fantastic. Rosalie patted the hand against her neck and murmured, â€Å"Yes, that's her.† Renesmee's eyes stayed locked on mine. Then, as she had just seconds after her violent birth, she smiled at me. A brilliant flash of tiny, perfect white teeth. Reeling inside, I took a hesitant step toward her. Everyone moved very fast. Emmett and Jasper were right in front of me, shoulder to shoulder, hands ready. Edward gripped me from behind, fingers tight again on the tops of my arms. Even Carlisle and Esme moved to get Emmett's and Jasper's flanks, while Rosalie backed to the door, her arms clutching at Renesmee. Jacob moved, too, keeping his protective stance in front of them. Alice was the only one who held her place. â€Å"Oh, give her some credit,† she chided them. â€Å"She wasn't going to do anything. You'd want a closer look, too.† Alice was right. I was in control of myself. I'd been braced for anything – for a scent as impossibly insistent as the human smell in the woods. The temptation here was really not comparable. Renesmee's fragrance was perfectly balanced right on the line between the scent of the most beautiful perfume and the scent of the most delicious food. There was enough of the sweet vampire smell to keep the human part from being overwhelming. I could handle it. I was sure. â€Å"I'm okay,† I promised, patting Edward's hand on my arm. Then I hesitated and added, â€Å"Keep close, though, just in case.† Jasper's eyes were tight, focused. I knew he was taking in my emotional climate, and I worked on settling into a steady calm. I felt Edward free my arms as he read Jasper's assessment. But, though Jasper was getting it firsthand, he didn't seem as certain. When she heard my voice, the too-aware child struggled in Rosalie's arms, reaching toward me. Somehow, her expression managed to look impatient. â€Å"Jazz, Em, let us through. Bella's got this.† â€Å"Edward, the risk – ,† Jasper said. â€Å"Minimal. Listen, Jasper – on the hunt she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time___† I heard Carlisle suck in a shocked breath. Esme's face was suddenly full of concern mingled with compassion. Jasper's eyes widened, but he nodded just a tiny bit, as if Edward's words answered some question in his head. Jacob's mouth screwed up into a disgusted grimace. Emmett shrugged. Rosalie seemed even less concerned than Emmett as she tried to hold on to the struggling child in her arms. Alice's expression told me that she was not fooled. Her narrowed eyes, focused with burning intensity on my borrowed shirt, seemed more worried about what I'd done to my dress than anything else. â€Å"Edward!† Carlisle chastened. â€Å"How could you be so irresponsible?† â€Å"I know, Carlisle, I know. I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in a safe zone before I set her loose.† â€Å"Edward,† I mumbled, embarrassed by the way they stared at me. It was like they were trying to see a brighter red in my eyes. â€Å"He's absolutely right to rebuke me, Bella,† Edward said with a grin. â€Å"I made a huge mistake. The fact that you are stronger than anyone I've ever known doesn't change that.† Alice rolled her eyes. â€Å"Tasteful joke, Edward.† â€Å"I wasn't making a joke. I was explaining to Jasper why I know Bella can handle this. It's not my fault everyone jumped to conclusions.† â€Å"Wait,† Jasper gasped. â€Å"She didn't hunt the humans?† â€Å"She started to,† Edward said, clearly enjoying himself. My teeth ground together. â€Å"She was entirely focused on the hunt.† â€Å"What happened?† Carlisle interjected. His eyes were suddenly bright, an amazed smile beginning to form on his face. It reminded me of before, when he'd wanted the details on my transformation experience. The thrill of new information. Edward leaned toward him, animated. â€Å"She heard me behind her and reacted defensively. As soon as my pursuit broke into her concentration, she snapped right out of it. I've never seen anything to equal her. She realized at once what was happening, and then†¦ she held her breath and ran away† â€Å"Whoa,† Emmett murmured. â€Å"Seriously?† â€Å"He's not telling it right,† I muttered, more embarrassed than before. â€Å"He left out the part where I growled at him.† â€Å"Did ya get in a couple of good swipes?† Emmett asked eagerly. â€Å"No! Of course not.† â€Å"No, not really? You really didn't attack him?† â€Å"Emmett!† I protested. â€Å"Aw, what a waste,† Emmett groaned. â€Å"And here you're probably the one person who could take him – since he can't get in your head to cheat – and you had a perfect excuse, too.† He sighed. â€Å"I've been dying to see how he'd do without that advantage.† I glared at him frostily. â€Å"I would never.† Jasper's frown caught my attention; he seemed even more disturbed than before. Edward touched his fist lightly to Jasper's shoulder in a mock punch. â€Å"You see what I mean?† â€Å"It's not natural,† Jasper muttered. â€Å"She could have turned on you – she's only hours old!† Esme scolded, putting her hand against her heart. â€Å"Oh, we should have gone with you.† I wasn't paying so much attention, now that Edward was past the punch line of his joke. I was staring at the gorgeous child by the door, who was still staring at me. Her little dimpled hands reached out toward me like she knew exactly who I was. Automatically, my hand lifted to mimic hers. â€Å"Edward,† I said, leaning around Jasper to see her better. â€Å"Please?† Jasper's teeth were set; he didn't move. â€Å"Jazz, this isn't anything you've seen before,† Alice said quietly. â€Å"Trust me.† Their eyes met for a short second, and then Jasper nodded. He moved out of my way, but put one hand on my shoulder and moved with me as I walked slowly forward. I thought about every step before I took it, analyzing my mood, the burn in my throat, the position of the others around me. How strong I felt versus how well they would be able to contain me. It was a slow procession. And then the child in Rosalie's arms, struggling and reaching all this time while her expression got more and more irritated, let out a high, ringing wail. Everyone reacted as if – like me – they'd never heard her voice before. They swarmed around her in a second, leaving me standing alone, frozen in place. The sound of Renesmee's cry pierced right through me, spearing me to the floor. My eyes pricked in the strangest way, like they wanted to tear. It seemed like everyone had a hand on her, patting and soothing. Everyone but me. â€Å"What's the matter? Is she hurt? What happened?† It was Jacob's voice that was loudest, that raised anxiously above the others. I watched in shock as he reached for Renesmee, and then in utter horror as Rosalie surrendered her to him without a fight. â€Å"No, she's fine,† Rosalie reassured him. Rosalie was reassuring Jacob? Renesmee went to Jacob willingly enough, pushing her tiny hand against his cheek and then squirming around to stretch toward me again. â€Å"See?† Rosalie told him. â€Å"She just wants Bella.† â€Å"She wants me?† I whispered. Renesmee's eyes – my eyes – stared impatiently at me. Edward darted back to my side. He put his hands lightly on my arms and urged me forward. â€Å"She's been waiting for you for almost three days,† he told me. We were only a few feet away from her now. Bursts of heat seemed to tremble out from her to touch me. Or maybe it was Jacob who was trembling. I saw his hands shaking as I got closer. And yet, despite his obvious anxiety, his face was more serene than I had seen it in a long time. â€Å"Jake – I'm fine,† I told him. It made me panicky to see Renesmee in his shaking hands, but I worked to keep myself in control. He frowned at me, eyes tight, like he was just as panicky at the thought of Renesmee in my arms. Renesmee whimpered eagerly and stretched, her little hands grasping into fists again and again. Something in me clicked into place at that moment. The sound of her cry, the familiarity of her eyes, the way she seemed even more impatient than I did for this reunion – all of it wove together into the most natural of patterns as she clutched the air between us. Suddenly, she was absolutely real, and of course I knew her. It was perfectly ordinary that I should take that last easy step and reach for her, putting my hands exactly where they would fit best as I pulled her gently toward me. Jacob let his long arms stretch so that I could cradle her, but he didn't let go. He shuddered a little when our skin touched. His skin, always so warm to me before, felt like an open flame to me now. It was almost the same temperature as Renesmee's. Perhaps one or two degrees difference. Renesmee seemed oblivious to the coolness of my skin, or at least very used to it. She looked up and smiled at me again, showing her square little teeth and two dimples. Then, very deliberately, she reached for my face. The moment she did this, all the hands on me tightened, anticipating my reaction. I barely noticed. I was gasping, stunned and frightened by the strange, alarming image that filled my mind. It felt like a very strong memory – I could still see through my eyes while I watched it in my head – but it was completely unfamiliar. I stared through it to Renesmee's expectant expression, trying to understand what was happening, struggling desperately to hold on to my calm. Besides being shocking and unfamiliar, the image was also wrong somehow – I almost recognized my own face in it, my old face, but it was off, backward. I grasped quickly that I was seeing my face as others saw it, rather than flipped in a reflection. My memory face was twisted, ravaged, covered in sweat and blood. Despite this, my expression in the vision became an adoring smile; my brown eyes glowed over their deep circles. The image enlarged, my face came closer to the unseen vantage point, and then abruptly vanished. Renesmee's hand dropped from my cheek. She smiled wider, dimpling again. It was totally silent in the room but for the heartbeats. No one but Jacob and Renesmee was so much as breathing. The silence stretched on; it seemed like they were waiting for me to say something. â€Å"What†¦ was†¦ that?† I managed to choke out. â€Å"What did you see?† Rosalie asked curiously, leaning around Jacob, who seemed very much in the way and out of place at the moment. â€Å"What did she show you?† â€Å"Srte showed me that?† I whispered. â€Å"I told you it was hard to explain,† Edward murmured in my ear. â€Å"But effective as means of communications go.† â€Å"What was it?† Jacob asked. I blinked quickly several times. â€Å"Um. Me. I think. But I looked terrible.† â€Å"It was the only memory she had of you,† Edward explained. It was obvious he'd seen what she was showing me as she thought of it. He was still cringing, his voice rough from reliving the memory. â€Å"She's letting you know that she's made the connection, that she knows who you are.† â€Å"Butrtowdidshedothat?† Renesmee seemed unconcerned with my boggling eyes. She was smiling slightly and pulling on a lock of my hair. â€Å"How do I hear thoughts? How does Alice see the future?† Edward asked rhetorically, and then shrugged. â€Å"She's gifted.† â€Å"It's an interesting twist,† Carlisle said to Edward. â€Å"Like she's doing the exact opposite of what you can.† â€Å"Interesting,† Edward agreed. â€Å"I wonder___† I knew they were speculating away, but I didn't care. I was staring at the most beautiful face in the world. She was hot in my arms, reminding me of the moment when the blackness had almost won, when there was nothing in the world left to hold on to. Nothing strong enough to pull me through the crushing darkness. The moment when I'd thought of Renesmee and found something I would never let go of. â€Å"I remember you, too,† I told her quietly. It seemed very natural to lean in and press my lips to her forehead. She smelled wonderful. The scent of her skin set my throat burning, but it was easy to ignore. It didn't strip the joy from the moment. Renesmee was real and I knew her. She was the same one I'd fought for from the beginning. My little nudger, the one who loved me from the inside, too. Half Edward, perfect and lovely. And half me – which, surprisingly, made her better rather than detracting. I'd been right all along. She was worth the fight. â€Å"She's fine,† Alice murmured, probably to Jasper. I could feel them hovering, not trusting me. â€Å"Haven't we experimented enough for one day?† Jacob asked, his voice a slightly higher pitch with stress. â€Å"Okay, Bella's doing great, but let's not push it.† I glared at him with real irritation. Jasper shuffled uneasily next to me. We were all crowded so close that every tiny movement seemed very big. â€Å"What is your problem, Jacob?† I demanded. I tugged lightly against his hold on Renesmee, and he just stepped closer to me. He was pressed right up to me, Renesmee touching both of our chests. Edward hissed at him. â€Å"Just because I understand, it doesn't mean I won't throw you out, Jacob. Bella's doing extraordinarily well. Don't ruin the moment for her.† â€Å"I'll help him toss you, dog,† Rosalie promised, her voice seething. â€Å"I owe you a good kick in the gut.† Obviously, there was no change in that relationship, unless it had gotten worse. I glared at Jacob's anxious half-angry expression. His eyes were locked on Renesmee's face. With everyone pressed together, he had to be touching at least six different vampires at the moment, and it didn't even seem to bug him. Would he really go through all this just to protect me from myself? What could have happened during my transformation – my alteration into something he hated – that would soften him so much toward the reason for its necessity? I puzzled over it, watching him stare at my daughter. Staring at her like†¦ like he was a blind man seeing the sun for the very first time. â€Å"No!†I gasped. Jasper's teeth came together and Edward's arms wrapped around my chest like constricting boas. Jacob had Renesmee out of my arms in the same second, and I did not try to hold on to her. Because I felt it coming – the snap that they'd all been waiting for. â€Å"Rose,† I said through my teeth, very slowly and precisely. â€Å"Take Renesmee.† Rosalie held her hands out, and Jacob handed my daughter to her at once. Both of them backed away from me. â€Å"Edward, I don't want to hurt you, so please let go of me.† He hesitated. â€Å"Go stand in front of Renesmee,† I suggested. He deliberated, and then let me go. I leaned into my hunting crouch and took two slow steps forward toward Jacob. â€Å"You didn't,† I snarled at him. He backed away, palms up, trying to reason with me. â€Å"You know it's not something I can control.† â€Å"You stupid mutt How could you? My babyf He backed out the front door now as I stalked him, half-running backward down the stairs. â€Å"It wasn't my idea, Bella!† â€Å"I've held her all of one time, and already you think you have some moronic wolfy claim to her? She's mine† â€Å"I can share,† he said pleadingly as he retreated across the lawn. â€Å"Pay up,† I heard Emmett say behind me. A small part of my brain wondered who had bet against this outcome. I didn't waste much attention on it. I was too furious. â€Å"How dare you imprint on my baby? Have you lost your mind?† â€Å"It was involuntary!† he insisted, backing into the trees. Then he wasn't alone. The two huge wolves reappeared, flanking him on either side. Leah snapped at me. A fearsome snarl ripped through my teeth back at her. The sound disturbed me, but not enough to stop my advance. â€Å"Bella, would you try to listen for just a second? Please?† Jacob begged. â€Å"Leah, back off,† he added. Leah curled her lip at me and didn't move. â€Å"Why should I listen?† I hissed. Fury reigned in my head. It clouded everything else out. â€Å"Because you're the one who told me this. Do you remember? You said we belonged in each other's lives, right? That we were family. You said that was how you and I were supposed to be. So†¦ now we are. It's what you wanted.† I glared ferociously. I did dimly remember those words. But my new quick brain was two steps ahead of his nonsense. â€Å"You think you'll be part of my family as my son-in-lawV I screeched. My bell voice ripped through two octaves and still came out sounding like music. Emmett laughed. â€Å"Stop her, Edward,† Esme murmured. â€Å"She'll be unhappy if she hurts him.† But I felt no pursuit behind me. â€Å"No!† Jacob was insisting at the same time. â€Å"How can you even look at it that way? She's just a baby, for crying out loud!† â€Å"That's mypointl† I yelled. â€Å"You know I don't think of her that way! Do you think Edward would have let me live this long if I did? All I want is for her to be safe and happy – is that so bad? So different from what you want?† He was shouting right back at me. Beyond words, I shrieked a growl at him. â€Å"Amazing, isn't she?† I heard Edward murmur. â€Å"She hasn't gone for his throat even once,† Carlisle agreed, sounding stunned. â€Å"Fine, you win this one,† Emmett said grudgingly. â€Å"You're going to stay away from her,† I hissed up at Jacob. â€Å"I can't do that!† Through my teeth: â€Å"Try. Starting now† â€Å"It's not possible. Do you remember how much you wanted me around three days ago? How hard it was to be apart from each other? That's gone for you now, isn't it?† I glared, not sure what he was implying. â€Å"That was her,† he told me. â€Å"From the very beginning. We had to be together, even then.† I remembered, and then I understood; a tiny part of me was relieved to have the madness explained. But that relief somehow only made me angrier. Was he expecting that to be enough for me? That one little clarification would make me okay with this? â€Å"Run away while you still can,† I threatened. â€Å"C'mon,Bells! Nessie likes me, too,† he insisted. I froze. My breathing stopped. Behind me, I heard the lack of sound that was their anxious reaction. â€Å"What†¦did youcall her?† Jacob took a step farther back, managing to look sheepish. â€Å"Well,† he mumbled, â€Å"that name you came up with is kind of a mouthful and – â€Å" â€Å"You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness Monster?† I screeched. And then I lunged for his throat.