Fox News Cable Network Analysis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fox News Cable Network Analysis - Case Study Example The case study "Fox News Cable Network Analysis" talks about the Fox News Cable Network, a general news cable network channel that broadcasts news events and is focused on business and financial news. By 2011, Fox News increased the use of interaction components in its broadcasting but was still not at par with its competitors such as CNN. As a resolving strategy, by 2011, Fox News focused on business and financial new as a manner to gain numbers. In addition to that, Fox News also incorporated financial news channels, although its competitors such as CNBC maintained their standards to still remain the better rivals in the cable network industry. Fox News came as a business changer when they entered the cable news network scene, their aim was to redefine business news for Americans who were faced with troublesome financial decisions; this is the gap that Fox business Network came into the market to fill. In addition to that, Chris Roush, a renowned professor in the field of journalism at the University of North Carolina added that Fox Business News intended to target Middle America. This involved people who are majorly faced with issues such as saving money or even the knowledge on market trends and which is the best and right time to partake investments. They "intend to target Middle America," said Chris Roush. The format that Fox News uses is also multidimensional. They focus on aspects of news such as hot seat debates, talk shows and political news, financial and also journalism news.

Function proposal Essay Example for Free

Function proposal Essay Thank you for your enquiry to hold a private function at aqua dining. A dinner is on a Sunday night only from 6.30pm11.30pm. We cater for both a 3 course sit down style or cocktail style event. The sit down menu allows your guests on the day or night to choose their meal from 3 entrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½es, mains and desserts. Both styles of functions can cater for all dietary needs whether they are vegan, vegetarian, coeliac, an allergy to seafood or just plain eaters. The current menus and beverage package are attached. The beverages, which are included within the package price, are served through out the duration of the function. To ensure the use of fresh seasonal produce the menus are subject to change. We have a list of preferred suppliers which can assist you in organising AV, flowers, chair covers, music and photography. We can set up your specific requirements for your use during your function at no additional cost. The price for a sit down function for 50 guests is $3700 $5500 (inclusive of room hire and beverage) with additional guests being $100 each. The price for a cocktail style event for 50 guests is $2500 $3350(inclusive of room hire and beverage) with additional guests being $80 each. Childrens meals (12 years and under) and service meals are $40 each. To make a booking we require a deposit of $1500 with the balance due 14 days prior to your function. A tentative booking will not be held without a deposit. Payments can be made by cheque, cash or credit card (credit card payments incur a 23% fee). Please note that this price is for functions held during 2008. The prices may be subject to change in 2009. Bookings cancelled within 3 months of the booking date incur loss of full deposit. The deposit less 10% will be refunded if the booking is cancelled 3 months or more prior to the booking date. If the booking is transferred more than a month prior to the date 10% of the deposit is withheld. If the transfer is less then a month prior to the booking 50% of the deposit is withheld. For further information or to make a booking contact our function manager Jo Beshara on 02 9999 1234 or email [emailprotected] Regards Meredith Armstrong General Manager 1. Venue Room Options and Cost (include GST) Corporate functions are welcome to create a room plan suited to your specific requirements. Patrons are of course encouraged to come down regularly and get a feel for the room prior to the event. The followings are suitable room for 50 guests. All packages include venue hire, in house tables chairs, table linen, glasses, crockery, cutlery and background music. If you want to discuss more how we can help make your event perfect, please call our Functions Coordinator Room One The Chandler Room With its ceiling mounted projector, hot red lounges and access to the roof top Zen garden, The Media Room is available for that event when you want it a little more casual and intimate. It is also the perfect room for sit down dinner of up to 50 people. * Room Hire $350 * Function Duration area reserved till midnight. After midnight the area will be open to the public * Room Facilities direct access to designated smoking area, bar area, male/female bathrooms, projector, audio visual, built in screen, built in microphones, speaker system dance floor if required * View river View Room Two The Grange Room The Green Room is a smaller more intimate boardroom with its floor to ceiling windows boasting expansive views that can be used for smaller parties, intimate dining of up to 50 people or corporately for meetings. * Room Hire $250 * Function Duration area reserved till midnight. After midnight the area will be open to the public * Room Facilities male/female bathrooms, bar area, audio visual, wall screen dance floor if required * View garden View 2. Floor Plan Banquet style is most suited for fund raising function. A large conference can be arranged in smaller groups seated around round or rectangular tables where group and workshop activities can be performed through the conference. The banquet style also encourages attendees to network with their immediate group at the conference. Room One The Chandler Room 1,200 sq. ft, 30 x 40, not include foyer area (A) (B) Room Two The Grange Room 1,100 sq. ft., 22 x 50, not include foyer area (A) (B) 3. Menu Suggestions and Cost 3.1 Set Menu Options (include GST) The following is a sample of a set dinner menu available for fund raising functions. Costs may vary depending on the type of menu selected. Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegetarian Options are also available on request. All Set Menus are subject to availability of the freshest seasonal produce and may change if not available. Set Menu One $34.95 per person Please choose from one of the following Entrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½e * Spicy marinated calamari rings, lightly crumbed served on a salad of roquette leaves, spanish onion parmesan cheese accompanied with lemon citrus caper aioli * Grilled Turkish bread brushed with garlic olive oil, served with a selection of inhouse dips Main * Grilled Atlantic salmon on wild mushroom soba noodle salad, topped with wasabi hollandaise sauce, served with lemon * Oven-baked chicken supreme filled with semi-dried tomato basil cream cheese topped with tomato avocado salsa, served with petit salad chips Set Menu Two $44.95 per person Please choose from one of the following Entrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½e * Spicy marinated calamari rings, lightly crumbed served on a salad of roquette leaves, spanish onion parmesan cheese accompanied with lemon citrus caper aioli * Grilled Turkish bread brushed with garlic olive oil and served with a selection of inhouse dips Main * Grilled Atlantic salmon on wild mushroom soba noodle salad, topped with wasabi hollandaise sauce, served with lemon * Oven-baked chicken supreme filled with semi-dried tomato basil cream cheese topped with tomato avocado salsa served with petit salad and chips * Eye fillet served with caesar salad chips with your choice of sauces Dessert * Flourless chocolate cake with double cream strawberries * Sticky date pudding with rum raisin ice cream * Pavlova with fresh fruit, chantilly cream and passion fruit pulp Set Menu Three $54.95 per person Served alternatively Entrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½e * Spicy marinated calamari rings, lightly crumbed served on a salad of roquette leaves, spanish onion parmesan cheese accompanied with lemon and citrus caper aioli * Tapas plate for one with roasted marinated vegetables, smoked salmon, marinated mussels fingers if Turkish bread European delicacies served with a selection of dips spreads * Plate of 6 natural oysters served on rock salt with lemon to taste Main * Grilled Atlantic salmon on wild mushroom soba noodle salad, topped with wasabi hollandaise sauce, served with lemon * Oven-baked chicken supreme filled with semi-dried tomato basil cream * Cheese topped with tomato avocado salsa ,served with petit salad chips * Fillet mignon grilled to a smoky flavour, served with caesar salad chips with your choice of sauces Dessert * Flourless chocolate cake with double cream strawberries * Sticky date pudding with rum raisin ice cream * Pavlova with fresh fruit, chantilly cream and passion fruit Pulp Vegetarian Options available with all Set Menus Entrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½e * Pesto bocconcini pizza bread * Chickpea battered vegetables served with accompanying dipping sauces Main * Slow roasted pumpkin baby spinach salad with pine nuts, artichoke hearts roasted capsicum with balsamic dressing * Flat field mushrooms topped with pesto, fetta cheese, semi-dried tomato basil, served with petit salad chickpea vegetable stack Note: All appropriate staffing is also included in the package price. 3.2 Cocktail Style Options (include GST) The following is a sample of cocktail style menu available for fund raising functions. Costs may vary depending on what you selected for canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s. Gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options are also available on request. Please inform us first. All dishes are subject to availability of the freshest seasonal produce and may change if not available. Cocktail Style One $35 per person Your selection of 3 hot 3 cold canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s Cocktail Style Two $42 per person Your selection of 4 hot 4 cold canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s Cocktail Style Three $48 per person Your selection of 5 hot 5 cold canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s + 1 substantial item Cold Canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s * Caramelised apple blue cheese crustini * Rare roast beef horseradish en croute * Smoked salmon wasabi cream cup * Chicken smokey paprika mayo fingers * Roasted eggplant fetta cigars * Greek spanokopita * Turkish bread with dhakka virgin olive oil * Sesame, shallot lime seared prawn in a spoon Hot Canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s * Thai chicken filo wrap * Long prawn wonton * Fetta roast pumpkin pie * Buttermilk chive pancakes * Indian vegetable Pakoras * Double smoked bacon cheese quiche * Tandoori chicken goujons * Breaded Italian style whiting fillets Substantial items (served in noodle boxes) Cold * Chicken caeser salad * Grilled Mediterranean vegetable salad Hot * Chicken harissa, pappadum fruit chutney * Singapore noodles Asian greens 4. Beverage Suggestions and Cost 4.1 Beverage Packages (include GST) For the duration of your 5 hours function unlimited consumption, these are different great option for a beverage that gives your guests to test two types of wines and non-alcohol drinks (juice, soft drink, coffee tea). Also, our staff will refresh your drinks if your guests desire. You may like to continue with waiter service of drinks or we can arrange a bar area for later. Our drinks are as follows. Please choose 1 white 1 red wine from each beverage packages. Standard Beverage Package $35 per person * Stephen John N.V. Blanc de Blanc, Clare Valley SA * Willow Bridge Chardonnay, Geographe WA * Willow Bridge Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Geographe WA * Willow Bridge Cabernet Merlot, Geographe WA * Willow Bridge Shiraz, Geographe WA * Hahn Premium Light, XXXX Gold, Tooheys Extra Dry + soft drink juice Deluxe Beverage Package $50 per person * Miceili Methode Champenoise, Mornington Peninsula VIC * Shottesbrooke Sauvignon Blanc, McLaren Vale SA * Shottesbrooke Chardonnay, McLaren Vale SA * Shottesbrooke Cabernet, McLaren Vale SA * Shottesbrooke Merlot, McLaren Vale SA * Hahn Premium Light, XXXX Gold, Tooheys Extra Dry + soft drink juice Note: To upgrade beers to Crown Lager Coronas add an extra $8.00pp. All appropriate staffing is also included in the package price. 4.2 Cocktails List (include GST) Cocktails are an additional price per guest as they are not included in the beverage package. Please choose a maximum of 2 cocktails to be served to your guests. In addition, fruit juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks and sparkling water will be available. Bellini Cocktails $10 per person * Peach Bellini * Lychee Bellini * Apricot Bellini Fresh fruit puree, Fruit liquor, Prosecco Long Cocktails $12 per person * Long Island Ice Tea Gin, Vodka, White rum, Cointreau, Tequila, Cola * Aqua Ice Tea Gin, Vodka, White rum, Cointreau, Blue curacao, Lemonade * Lynchburg Lemonade Jack Daniels, Lemon juice, Sugar, Lemonade Sour Cocktails $12 per person * Vodka Sours Fresh Lime, Sugar, Vodka * Whiskey Sours Fresh Lime, Sugar, Whiskey * Pisco Sours Fresh Lime, Sugar, Pisco Note: All appropriate staffing is also included in the package price. 5. Running Sheet Timing details is a very important aspect of running a function. Determining the appropriate times for the different stages of the function will ensure the food and beverage and technical arrangements can be timed and coordinated to coincide with the function timing requirements. Set menu function: Guests Arrival 6:30pm Pre-dinner Drinks 6:45pm Seated for dinner 7:05pm Entrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½es Served 7:15pm Speeches Presentations 7:50pm Mains Served 8:30pm Entertainments 9:30pm Desserts/Drinks 10:00pm Coffee 10:30pm Departure 11:30pm Cocktail function: Guests Arrival 6:30pm Pre-drinks 6:50pm Seated for dinner 7:10pm Cold canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s Served 7:20pm Speeches Presentations 7:50pm Hot canapà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s Served 8:30pm Entertainments (DJ,dance) 9:30pm Departure 11:30pm Note: The drinks provide through whole cocktail function. 6. Preferred suppliers à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Event Services Andrew Dudley 0422 206 353 www.eggnspoon.com.au à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Music Entertainment Bethanie Tobin 02 9419 4200 www.nhmentertainment.com.au à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Flowers and Table decorations Ria Gradon 0403 798 598 www.pollenflowers.net à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Chair covers Edna Reed 02 9871 1599 [emailprotected] à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Photography Graham Monroe 02 9960 4600

The History And Debate Of Euthanasia Philosophy Essay

The History And Debate Of Euthanasia Philosophy Essay Euthanasia has been a controversial issue for a very long time. The ancient Romans and Greeks supported euthanasia after the interpretation of the Hippocratic Oath that was written around 400 B.C. They believed that the persons life should not be preserved if this person has no interest in life. Hence, voluntary euthanasia was not banned in the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. However, committing Suicide as well as helping others to commit suicide was considered as a criminal act by the English jurisdiction during the 1300s. Euthanasia faced the first direct law against it in New York at the 1828 which was known as the Anti-Euthanasia law. Euthanasia like Abortion had become a major issue for debating in the following decades until the recent days .(Sandhyarani, 2001). Nowadays, all dictionaries and references define euthanasia as mercy killing of patients in severe incurable pain. Oxford dictionary for example, has defined euthanasia as: the painless killing of a patient suffe ring from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. The way these definitions were defined came from the origin of the word Euthanasia, where Euthanasia is a Greek word came from the 17th century to combine two words, Eu which means well and easy and Thanatos meaning death.(Oxford dictionary, 2010). Euthanasia nowadays can be categorized into many different forms and types, the first and most common one is the active voluntary euthanasia where the patient is mercifully killed with his own will and request, its also known as the assisted suicide. Other different form is known as the involuntary passive euthanasia that let the patients die without their own request, this kind is known for patients who are in comas or unable to talk or communicate with others.(BBC, 2009). With the current debates and developments in the world, euthanasia is being discussed globally, legalized in some countries and still discussed in others. Netherland was the first country in the world to legalize Euthanasia in 2002, followed by Belgium at the end of 2002 and some parts in the United States of America. Switzerland on the other hand allows the physician assisted suicide in special cases but the euthanasia is still not legal in this country. What must be known about the laws of these countries is that they are strictly standardized for euthanasia as euthanasia is being applied only to specific kinds of patients. Euthanasia is indeed one of the most controversial issues to date. Taking both sides, supporting and opposing euthanasia in the society, doctors and governments into considerations, the main question now centers on whether Euthanasia is the right act to consider on the cases with no cure and whether euthanasia should be legalized. The process of painlessly helping a terminally ill person to die should be legalized as its a merciful act that offers dignity and compassion at lifes cruel end. People who are euthanized are going to die anyway. However, by legalizing euthanasia, they can be saved from suffering terrible pain.(Friedman, 2010) Therefore, governments should not stand in the way of letting severely ill people with no chances in getting cured to end their lives legally by Euthanasia. The following research project will hereby focus on the reasons why euthanasia should be legalized, what we can prevent and gain by legalizing euthanasia, effects of euthanasia and its future. The time frame used in this research project is from 2000 till date, the research is showing the latest ideas and arguments presented in the world where euthanasia is still developing and arguments involved in this issue are leaning more towards legalizing euthanasia day after day. 2.0 Body of Content 2.1 Euthanasia is a Freedom of Choice: Just as I shall select my ship when I am about to go on a voyage, or my house when I propose to take a residence, so I shall choose my death when I am about to depart from life. Lucius Annaeus Seneca (Roman Stoic Philosopher, orator and statesman) Every person was born free and has the right to die free with his own will. Moreover, dignified death is one of the fundamental rights people are supposed to have as being part and parcel of the fundamental rights to life. According to the Daily Telegraph (2008), Chantal Sebire was a French woman diagnosed with a rare type of cancer (a malignant neoplasm of the nasal vault) in 2002, her tumor developed and reached a point where it cannot be stopped or cured, it made sever deformities in Sebires face taking away the senses of smelling, tasting and eventually sight from her. Moreover, Sebire was suffering from horrible pain; she said a normal human would not allow an animal to go through. She appealed to the French court asking for a permission to have an assisted suicide as she could not bear the pain anymore. However, her appeal was rejected as euthanasia is not legal in France. Two days later Chantal Sebire was found dead as she committed suicide in her house after her appeal was re jected. It can be seen from that case that this way of crossing into death was unfair as it was more scary and painful experience than a regulated euthanasia. In Sebires case as well as other similar cases where cure is not found for patients, patients are going through horrible pain and they are going to die anyway, governments should not stand in the way of those severely ill people with no cure or treatment to end their lives legally by assisted suicide. Therefore, the life of those patients is their choice and they have the right to continue living or die peacefully. The pursuit of happiness is the pursuit of relief from pain and suffering. (Cockeram, 2007). By having the superior power in keeping the lives of patients with no chance in getting well or having cure is not giving them relief or even happiness, it is like holding their lives, watching them suffer at the last moments of their lives and locking them in a life they are not having since they have lost their senses, feelings or even conscious. Opponents of euthanasia argue that euthanasia is a cruel act and a human enforcement to end other people lives without their permission. Lozano mentioned that the Vatican believes that ending lives of severely ill people even the premature babies who are gravely ill by euthanasia is an illicit act as well as act of cruelty. (CNA, 2006). Therefore, opponents believe that euthanasia would violate the Gods gift of life and enforce in ending lives of people who are not able to communicate with others. However, according to the article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 5 adds No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. If no one shall be subjected to torture, then why do we have to watch them suffer? (Euthanasia UK, 2007). Most of the people who choose euthanasia are those patients who suffer from diseases that cause a lot of pain and cannot be treated. If those patients choose not to bear the pain, they should have the right to do so. (Bose, 2011). It is the right of those patients with no cure to choose their own life and death. Other kind of brain dead patients who are in irreversible coma and cannot communicate have no chances in getting back to life or even getting well as in most cases their brains are damaged, it is in their favor as well as other patients favors with chances in getting cured to be euthanized, providing them with the mercy killing doesnt mean it is a cruel act against their will but it is ending their suffer, releasing their locked souls in no life and lowering the expenses their parents or relatives have to pay for hospitals only for keeping them alive but unconscious through machines. Euthanizing such patients can be by shortening the amount of oxygen or food given to them through machines and tubes. Therefore, euthanasia should not be considered as a cruel act but an act of mercy that gives patients and even their parents the right to choose life or death at the time of suffer and inevitable death.

The formation of friction ridge skin

The formation of friction ridge skin The formation of friction ridge skin and how it relates to the permanence of fingerprints A large part of the human body is protected by a layer of skin that is reasonably free from difficulties or impediments. Friction Ridges can be found on our fingers, the bottom of our feet and on the palms of our hands. They are called friction ridges is because one of their main functions is to help us easily take hold of objects (Girard, 2008). The friction ridges deposits things like sweat and other types of contaminants directly to any surface that it comes in contact with. The impression which is left behind is an exact reproduction of the part of friction ridge skin that touched the surface. A lot of times the impression cannot be seen with the naked eye so hence the reason why it is called a latent print, which means that the print is there but not clear to the vision (Keogh, 2001). During the third to fourth month of the development of a fetus fingerprints are distinguished. These fingerprints are made up of individual traits known as bifurcations, ridge endings, dots and many other ridge shape differences. Single kinship of individual distinguishing trait does not change throughout an individuals life, until the individual dies and the body decomposes (Keogh, 2001). After the fingerprint of the infant is formed, the growing ridges are a lot like taking a pen and drawing a face on a balloon then blowing up the balloon to see if the face will open up consistently in all different directions. Perverse alterations to fingerprints include cuts or injuries that are very deep and penetrating all layers of the outer epithelial layer of the skin and other diseases like leprosy (Girard, 2008). Except for if an individual has any type of cuts, or scarring on the fingers their prints never change and there is no similarity between two fingerprints. The lines on the hands and feet of all individuals have three characteristics (ridge endings, bifurcations and dots) which are evident in sequences that never recur on the feet and hands of any two individuals. A ridge ending is merely the end of a line (also known as an ending ridge). A split of an individual ridge that is shaped into two is known as a bifurcation. A short ridge that is similar to a dot is called a dot. Up until recently these two premises has been introduced as three propositions. The first is that before birth friction ridges are developed on the unborn. Secondly, there is no change of friction ridges as an individual age and throughout their lifetime with the exception for scars left permanently from an accident or serious injury. Thirdly, the patterns and details in areas that are very small on friction ridge s are unlike any other and are never recurring What is the scientific method, and how is this theory applied to fingerprint analysis? The scientific method also known as ACE-V is the abbreviation for the analysis or modified version of the scientific method that is followed by friction ridge examiners: Analyzing, Comparing, Evaluating, Verifying. The first time that ACE-V was used for physical evidence was in 1960 and ridge detail in 1980. Inspector Roy A. Huber, RCMP, developed the ACE-V process and Sergeant David Ashbaugh, RCMP, made this process popular among the friction ridge identification field. Analyze The first step which is analysis, compels the expert to test and dissect all variables that has an affect on the friction ridge characteristics in question. Once latent fingerprints are being tested there are quite a few factors that one has to be considered and probed into. Some of these factors are the material upon which the latent print has been placed, the process of development, pressure distortion, and elements on the outside like blood and grease. The amount and type of latent print ridges has an effect on the testers competence to carry out the next phase. The end of the analysis process determines whether there is sufficient information existing to go on to the next step (Jones, 2006). Compare The process of comparing bring into play the known model with which the latent print must be compared. At this particular point, there is also another aspect of analysis occurring. This analyzing is of the known model in an effort to bring about the suitability for achieving the end result set out in the information above. There is a possibility that the recognized model may have fingerprint images that had too much ink, or was smudged so therefore it was not reliable, stopping a comparison from being definitive. The process of comparison starts with determining the overall ridge circulation and fit in an effort to orient in a proper manner the latent print with an accompanying area of the known model fingerprint. This is usually followed by choosing key traits, understanding their position, trend and relationship and then showing the differences of this structure with the structure in the known models. The type and amount of this information directly affects how easy or di fficult the process is (Jones, 2006). Evaluate The conclusion of the comparing is the evaluating process or making a conclusion. The overall fingerprint society refers to the end result drawn as being one of three options. First, the two characteristics (the latent and the known print) were made by the exact finger of the same individual. Second, the latent characteristic has not been produced by any of the fingers of the model fingerprints. And thirdly, an ending of the comparing could not be accomplished, and this is due to the fact that there is not enough clarity or the lack of area to be compared in the known models. (Jones, 2006). Verify The final process is verification. The overall guide is that the process of establishing identity must be confirmed by another individual or expert who is qualified. This process of confirmation by a second examiner is a self governing test of both fingerprint characteristic (latent fingerprint and known model fingerprint) applying the scientific procedures of analysis, comparison and evaluation described above (Jones, 2006). There have been some recent challenges in New Hampshire vs. Richard Langill and Maryland vs. Bryan Rose. These two cases have pinpointed a couple of issues that are important for the latent print community: documentation and the rate of error. Each step of the ACE-V process or its equivalent needs better. In order to rebuild that analysis, enough documents are needed. By documenting the relevant information gathered during the analyzing, evaluating, and comparing of latent prints so the ground work for the conclusion (identifying, excluding, or inconclusive), the tester will produce a transparent record of the procedure and that way supply the courts with more information to determine how reliable that particular method is for a for a exact case. At present, examiners are not required to document, within a latent support, which features support both their reasoning and support.

Stephen Kings Influence On American Literature Essay -- essays researc

Stephen King is one of the most influential authors of today. His award-winning novels and short stories are known world -wide. His many awards and nominations have created a space for him in the literary world. King is a true â€Å"Horror King†, for his books, turned movies, have scared millions world- wide. Stephen King has helped bring America to prominence through his many books, essays and short stories. Stephen Edwin King was born on September 21, 1947 at the Maine General Hospital in Portland, Maine. His parents were Donald Edwin King and Ruth Pillsbury King. Stephen being the only natural born child in the family and his older brother David having been adopted at birth two years earlier. â€Å"The Kings were the typical, â€Å"nuclear† family of the fifties until one night when Donald King said he was stepping out for cigarettes and was never heard from again.† At this point Ruth took over raising the family with help from other relatives of the family. They traveled throughout many states over several years finally moving back to Durham, Maine in 1958. (P.R. 5 pg.1) Stephen King began his actual writing career in January of 1959 when David King and Stephen decided to publish their own local town newspaper named Dave's Rag. David bought a mimeograph and they created a paper that sold for five cents an issue. Stephen King attended Lisbon High School, in Lisbon, Maine in 1962. Collaborating with his best friend Chris Chesley, in 1963 they published a collection of 18 short stories called People, Places, and Things-Volume I. King's stories included "Hotel at the End of the Road", "I've Got to Get Away!† "The Dimension Warp", "The Thing at the Bottom of the Well", "The Stranger", "I'm Falling", "The Cursed Expedition", and "The Other Side of the Fog." A year later King's amateur press Triad and Gaslight Books, published a two part book titled "The Star Invaders". Stephen King made his first actual published appearance in 1965 in the magazine Comics Review with his story "I Was a Teenage Grave Robber." The story ran about 6,000 words in length. In 1966, Stephen King graduated from high school and took a scholarship to attend the University of Maine. Looking back on his high school days, King recalled that "my high school career was totally undistinguished. I was not ... ...p; In conclusion, Stephen King is not an easy person to write about. There are thousands of websites and books devoted to him and yet, none mention his international fame. Though my findings were slim, I feel that, given the information available, I have successfully proved that Stephen King has helped bring America into prominence through his writings. King is a dedicated writer and there is no end to his writing in site. â€Å"†¦And aside from being a force of nature, he’s a pretty good guy.† As said by Robert Parker, introducer of speakers at a benefit, Voices Louder Than Words, at Harvard. (P.R. 1 Pg. 161) 1. Beahm, George. America’s Best Loved Boogeyman Stephen King. Andrews McMeel Publishing Kansas City 1998. 2. Beahm, George. The Stephen King Story. Andrew’s McMeel Publishing Kansas City 1991. 3. â€Å"Accident Recovery Update.† Stephen King Official Web Presence. http://www.stephenking.com (30 Jan. 2000) 4. â€Å"Novel Database.† http:///www.geocities.com/Area51/Cavern/1947/kingworks.htm (10 Feb. 2000) 5. â€Å"Stephen King Biography.† http://utopianweb.com/king/bio.html (10 Feb. 2000) 6. King, Stephen. ‘Salems Lot. Doubleday and Company New York 1975.

How To Deal With A Person Who Essay -- essays research papers

How to deal with a person who is angry? We are taught to control our emotional feelings when we are young. We learn to be polite, patient, and hide our anger to people in everyday life. Most of us express our feelings indirectly: slamming doors, sullen silence, or snubbing others. Therefore, it is important to learn how to release anger in safe but effective ways. Unexpressed anger can smolder, causing stress and affecting physical health. After all, anger can escalate into violence. So, when we are dealing with a person who is angry, here are some strategies we can use: understand his/her anger, communicate with him/her, and help him/her to express the anger. First of all, when we are dealing with someone who is angry, try to understand what his/her anger is. If we are talking with an angry person, the first thing we have to do to control ourselves is not to be involved in his/her strong emotions. So, calm down, and ask why he/she is mad and listen to what he/she wants to say to us. Understanding the elements and the background that make this person angry makes it easier for us to communicate with him/her. Do not try to ask someone who is already angry to calm down; it is the same as asking someone who is sobbing not to cry. Secondly, try to communicate with him/her. It is possible to deal with anger by talking with someone. So, when we are trying to help an angry person, try to talk with positive manners. For example, avoid blaming, or accusing him by putting him on the ...

Twilight 15. THE CULLENS

15. THE CULLENS The muted light of yet another cloudy day eventually woke me. I lay with my arm across my eyes, groggy and dazed. Something, a dream trying to be remembered, struggled to break into my consciousness. I moaned and rolled on my side, hoping more sleep would come. And then the previous day flooded back into my awareness. â€Å"Oh!† I sat up so fast it made my head spin. â€Å"Your hair looks like a haystack†¦ but I like it.† His unruffled voice came from the rocking chair in the corner. â€Å"Edward! You stayed!† I rejoiced, and thoughtlessly threw myself across the room and into his lap. In the instant that my thoughts caught up with my actions, I froze, shocked by my own uncontrolled enthusiasm. I stared up at him, afraid that I had crossed the wrong line. But he laughed. â€Å"Of course,† he answered, startled, but seeming pleased by my reaction. His hands rubbed my back. I laid my head cautiously against his shoulder, breathing in the smell of his skin. â€Å"I was sure it was a dream.† â€Å"You're not that creative,† he scoffed. â€Å"Charlie!† I remembered, thoughtlessly jumping up again and heading to the door. â€Å"He left an hour ago – after reattaching your battery cables, I might add. I have to admit I was disappointed. Is that really all it would take to stop you, if you were determined to go?† I deliberated where I stood, wanting to return to him badly, but afraid I might have morning breath. â€Å"You're not usually this confused in the morning,† he noted. He held his arms open for me to return. A nearly irresistible invitation. â€Å"I need another human minute,† I admitted. â€Å"I'll wait.† I skipped to the bathroom, my emotions unrecognizable. I didn't know myself, inside or out. The face in the mirror was practically a stranger – eyes too bright, hectic spots of red across my cheekbones. After I brushed my teeth, I worked to straighten out the tangled chaos that was my hair. I splashed my face with cold water, and tried to breathe normally, with no noticeable success. I half-ran back to my room. It seemed like a miracle that he was there, his arms still waiting for me. He reached out to me, and my heart thumped unsteadily. â€Å"Welcome back,† he murmured, taking me into his arms. He rocked me for a while in silence, until I noticed that his clothes were changed, his hair smooth. â€Å"You left?† I accused, touching the collar of his fresh shirt. â€Å"I could hardly leave in the clothes I came in – what would the neighbors think?† I pouted. â€Å"You were very deeply asleep; I didn't miss anything.† His eyes gleamed. â€Å"The talking came earlier.† I groaned. â€Å"What did you hear?† His gold eyes grew very soft. â€Å"You said you loved me.† â€Å"You knew that already,† I reminded him, ducking my head. â€Å"It was nice to hear, just the same.† I hid my face against his shoulder. â€Å"I love you,† I whispered. â€Å"You are my life now,† he answered simply. There was nothing more to say for the moment. He rocked us back and forth as the room grew lighter. â€Å"Breakfast time,† he said eventually, casually – to prove, I'm sure, that he remembered all my human frailties. So I clutched my throat with both hands and stared at him with wide eyes. Shock crossed his face. â€Å"Kidding!† I snickered. â€Å"And you said I couldn't act!† He frowned in disgust. â€Å"That wasn't funny.† â€Å"It was very funny, and you know it.† But I examined his gold eyes carefully, to make sure that I was forgiven. Apparently, I was. â€Å"Shall I rephrase?† he asked. â€Å"Breakfast time for the human.† â€Å"Oh, okay.† He threw me over his stone shoulder, gently, but with a swiftness that left me breathless. I protested as he carried me easily down the stairs, but he ignored me. He sat me right side up on a chair. The kitchen was bright, happy, seeming to absorb my mood. â€Å"What's for breakfast?† I asked pleasantly. That threw him for a minute. â€Å"Er, I'm not sure. What would you like?† His marble brow puckered. I grinned, hopping up. â€Å"That's all right, I fend for myself pretty well. Watch me hunt.† I found a bowl and a box of cereal. I could feel his eyes on me as I poured the milk and grabbed a spoon. I sat my food on the table, and then paused. â€Å"Can I get you anything?† I asked, not wanting to be rude. He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Just eat, Bella.† I sat at the table, watching him as I took a bite. He was gazing at me, studying my every movement. It made me self-conscious. I cleared my mouth to speak, to distract him. â€Å"What's on the agenda for today?† I asked. â€Å"Hmmm†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I watched him frame his answer carefully. â€Å"What would you say to meeting my family?† I gulped. â€Å"Are you afraid now?† He sounded hopeful. â€Å"Yes,† I admitted; how could I deny it – he could see my eyes. â€Å"Don't worry.† He smirked. â€Å"I'll protect you.† â€Å"I'm not afraid of them,† I explained. â€Å"I'm afraid they won't†¦ like me. Won't they be, well, surprised that you would bring someone†¦ like me†¦ home to meet them? Do they know that I know about them?† â€Å"Oh, they already know everything. They'd taken bets yesterday, you know† – he smiled, but his voice was harsh – â€Å"on whether I'd bring you back, though why anyone would bet against Alice, I can't imagine. At any rate, we don't have secrets in the family. It's not really feasible, what with my mind reading and Alice seeing the future and all that.† â€Å"And Jasper making you feel all warm and fuzzy about spilling your guts, don't forget that.† â€Å"You paid attention,† he smiled approvingly. â€Å"I've been known to do that every now and then.† I grimaced. â€Å"So did Alice see me coming?† His reaction was strange. â€Å"Something like that,† he said uncomfortably, turning away so I couldn't see his eyes. I stared at him curiously. â€Å"Is that any good?† he asked, turning back to me abruptly and eyeing my breakfast with a teasing look on his face. â€Å"Honestly, it doesn't look very appetizing.† â€Å"Well, it's no irritable grizzly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I murmured, ignoring him when he glowered. I was still wondering why he responded that way when I mentioned Alice. I hurried through my cereal, speculating. He stood in the middle of the kitchen, the statue of Adonis again, staring abstractedly out the back windows. Then his eyes were back on me, and he smiled his heartbreaking smile. â€Å"And you should introduce me to your father, too, I think.† â€Å"He already knows you,† I reminded him. â€Å"As your boyfriend, I mean.† I stared at him with suspicion. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Isn't that customary?† he asked innocently. â€Å"I don't know,† I admitted. My dating history gave me few reference points to work with. Not that any normal rules of dating applied here. â€Å"That's not necessary, you know. I don't expect you to†¦ I mean, you don't have to pretend for me.† His smile was patient. â€Å"I'm not pretending.† I pushed the remains of my cereal around the edges of the bowl, biting my lip. â€Å"Are you going to tell Charlie I'm your boyfriend or not?† he demanded. â€Å"Is that what you are?† I suppressed my internal cringing at the thought of Edward and Charlie and the word boy friend all in the same room at the same time. â€Å"It's a loose interpretation of the word ‘boy,' I'll admit.† â€Å"I was under the impression that you were something more, actually,† I confessed, looking at the table. â€Å"Well, I don't know if we need to give him all the gory details.† He reached across the table to lift my chin with a cold, gentle finger. â€Å"But he will need some explanation for why I'm around here so much. I don't want Chief Swan getting a restraining order put on me.† â€Å"Will you be?† I asked, suddenly anxious. â€Å"Will you really be here?† â€Å"As long as you want me,† he assured me. â€Å"I'll always want you,† I warned him. â€Å"Forever.† He walked slowly around the table, and, pausing a few feet away, he reached out to touch his fingertips to my cheek. His expression was unfathomable. â€Å"Does that make you sad?† I asked. He didn't answer. He stared into my eyes for an immeasurable period of time. â€Å"Are you finished?† he finally asked. I jumped up. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Get dressed – I'll wait here.† It was hard to decide what to wear. I doubted there were any etiquette books detailing how to dress when your vampire sweetheart takes you home to meet his vampire family. It was a relief to think the word to myself. I knew I shied away from it intentionally. I ended up in my only skirt – long, khaki-colored, still casual. I put on the dark blue blouse he'd once complimented. A quick glance in the mirror told me my hair was entirely impossible, so I pulled it back into a pony tail. â€Å"Okay.† I bounced down the stairs. â€Å"I'm decent.† He was waiting at the foot of the stairs, closer than I'd thought, and I bounded right into him. He steadied me, holding me a careful distance away for a few seconds before suddenly pulling me closer. â€Å"Wrong again,† he murmured in my ear. â€Å"You are utterly indecent – no one should look so tempting, it's not fair.† â€Å"Tempting how?† I asked. â€Å"I can change†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He sighed, shaking his head. â€Å"You are so absurd.† He pressed his cool lips delicately to my forehead, and the room spun. The smell of his breath made it impossible to think. â€Å"Shall I explain how you are tempting me?† he said. It was clearly a rhetorical question. His fingers traced slowly down my spine, his breath coming more quickly against my skin. My hands were limp on his chest, and I felt lightheaded again. He tilted his head slowly and touched his cool lips to mine for the second time, very carefully, parting them slightly. And then I collapsed. â€Å"Bella?† His voice was alarmed as he caught me and held me up. â€Å"You†¦ made†¦ me†¦ faint,† I accused him dizzily. â€Å"What am I going to do with you?† he groaned in exasperation. â€Å"Yesterday I kiss you, and you attack me! Today you pass out on me!† I laughed weakly, letting his arms support me while my head spun. â€Å"So much for being good at everything,† he sighed. â€Å"That's the problem.† I was still dizzy. â€Å"You're too good. Far, far too good.† â€Å"Do you feel sick?† he asked; he'd seen me like this before. â€Å"No – that wasn't the same kind of fainting at all. I don't know what happened.† I shook my head apologeticallv, â€Å"I think I forgot to breathe.† â€Å"I can't take you anywhere like this.† â€Å"I'm fine,† I insisted. â€Å"Your family is going to think I'm insane anyway, what's the difference?† He measured my expression for a moment. â€Å"I'm very partial to that color with your skin,† he offered unexpectedly. I flushed with pleasure, and looked away. â€Å"Look, I'm trying really hard not to think about what I'm about to do, so can we go already?† I asked. â€Å"And you're worried, not because you're headed to meet a houseful of vampires, but because you think those vampires won't approve of you, correct?† â€Å"That's right,† I answered immediately, hiding my surprise at his casual use of the word. He shook his head. â€Å"You're incredible.† I realized, as he drove my truck out of the main part of town, that I had no idea where he lived. We passed over the bridge at the Calawah River, the road winding northward, the houses flashing past us growing farther apart, getting bigger. And then we were past the other houses altogether, driving through misty forest. I was trying to decide whether to ask or be patient, when he turned abruptly onto an unpaved road. It was unmarked, barely visible among the ferns. The forest encroached on both sides, leaving the road ahead only discernible for a few meters as it twisted, serpentlike, around the ancient trees. And then, after a few miles, there was some thinning of the woods, and we were suddenly in a small meadow, or was it actually a lawn? The gloom of the forest didn't relent, though, for there were six primordial cedars that shaded an entire acre with their vast sweep of branches. The trees held their protecting shadow right up to the walls of the house that rose among them, making obsolete the deep porch that wrapped around the first story. I don't know what I had expected, but it definitely wasn't this. The house was timeless, graceful, and probably a hundred years old. It was painted a soft, faded white, three stories tall, rectangular and well proportioned. The windows and doors were either part of the original structure or a perfect restoration. My truck was the only car in sight. I could hear the river close by, hidden in the obscurity of the forest. â€Å"Wow.† â€Å"You like it?† He smiled. â€Å"It†¦ has a certain charm.† He pulled the end of my ponytail and chuckled. â€Å"Ready?† he asked, opening my door. â€Å"Not even a little bit – let's go.† I tried to laugh, but it seemed to get stuck in my throat. I smoothed my hair nervously. â€Å"You look lovely.† He took my hand easily, without thinking about it. We walked through the deep shade up to the porch. I knew he could feel my tension; his thumb rubbed soothing circles into the back of my hand. He opened the door for me. The inside was even more surprising, less predictable, than the exterior. It was very bright, very open, and very large. This must have originally been several rooms, but the walls had been removed from most of the first floor to create one wide space. The back, south-facing wall had been entirely replaced with glass, and, beyond the shade of the cedars, the lawn stretched bare to the wide river. A massive curving staircase dominated the west side of the room. The walls, the high-beamed ceiling, the wooden floors, and the thick carpets were all varying shades of white. Waiting to greet us, standing just to the left of the door, on a raised portion of the floor by a spectacular grand piano, were Edward's parents. I'd seen Dr. Cullen before, of course, yet I couldn't help but be struck again by his youth, his outrageous perfection. At his side was Esme, I assumed, the only one of the family I'd never seen before. She had the same pale, beautiful features as the rest of them. Something about her heart-shaped face, her billows of soft, caramel-colored hair, reminded me of the ing? ¦nues of the silent-movie era. She was small, slender, yet less angular, more rounded than the others. They were both dressed casually, in light colors that matched the inside of the house. They smiled in welcome, but made no move to approach us. Trying not to frighten me, I guessed. â€Å"Carlisle, Esme,† Edward's voice broke the short silence, â€Å"this is Bella.† â€Å"You're very welcome, Bella.† Carlisle's step was measured, careful as he approached me. He raised his hand tentatively, and I stepped forward to shake hands with him. â€Å"It's nice to see you again, Dr. Cullen.† â€Å"Please, call me Carlisle.† â€Å"Carlisle.† I grinned at him, my sudden confidence surprising me. I could feel Edward's relief at my side. Esme smiled and stepped forward as well, reaching for my hand. Her cold, stone grasp was just as I expected. â€Å"It's very nice to know you,† she said sincerely. â€Å"Thank you. I'm glad to meet you, too.† And I was. It was like meeting a fairy tale – Snow White, in the flesh. â€Å"Where are Alice and Jasper?† Edward asked, but no one answered, as they had just appeared at the top of the wide staircase. â€Å"Hey, Edward!† Alice called enthusiastically. She ran down the stairs, a streak of black hair and white skin, coming to a sudden and graceful stop in front of me. Carlisle and Esme shot warning glances at her, but I liked it. It was natural – for her, anyway. â€Å"Hi, Bella!† Alice said, and she bounced forward to kiss my cheek. If Carlisle and Esme had looked cautious before, they now looked staggered. There was shock in my eyes, too, but I was also very pleased that she seemed to approve of me so entirely. I was startled to feel Edward stiffen at my side. I glanced at his face, but his expression was unreadable. â€Å"You do smell nice, I never noticed before,† she commented, to my extreme embarrassment. No one else seemed to know quite what to say, and then Jasper was there – tall and leonine. A feeling of ease spread through me, and I was suddenly comfortable despite where I was. Edward stared at Jasper, raising one eyebrow, and I remembered what Jasper could do. â€Å"Hello, Bella,† Jasper said. He kept his distance, not offering to shake my hand. But it was impossible to feel awkward near him. â€Å"Hello, Jasper.† I smiled at him shyly, and then at the others. â€Å"It's nice to meet you all – you have a very beautiful home,† I added conventionally. â€Å"Thank you,† Esme said. â€Å"We're so glad that you came.† She spoke with feeling, and I realized that she thought I was brave. I also realized that Rosalie and Emmett were nowhere to be seen, and I remembered Edward's too-innocent denial when I'd asked him if the others didn't like me. Carlisle's expression distracted me from this train of thought; he was gazing meaningfully at Edward with an intense expression. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Edward nod once. I looked away, trying to be polite. My eyes wandered again to the beautiful instrument on the platform by the door. I suddenly remembered my childhood fantasy that, should I ever win a lottery, I would buy a grand piano for my mother. She wasn't really good – she only played for herself on our secondhand upright – but I loved to watch her play. She was happy, absorbed – she seemed like a new, mysterious being to me then, someone outside the â€Å"mom† persona I took for granted. She'd put me through lessons, of course, but like most kids, I whined until she let me quit. Esme noticed my preoccupation. â€Å"Do you play?† she asked, inclining her head toward the piano. I shook my head. â€Å"Not at all. But it's so beautiful. Is it yours?† â€Å"No,† she laughed. â€Å"Edward didn't tell you he was musical?† â€Å"No.† I glared at his suddenly innocent expression with narrowed eyes. â€Å"I should have known, I guess.† Esme raised her delicate eyebrows in confusion. â€Å"Edward can do everything, right?† I explained. Jasper snickered and Esme gave Edward a reproving look. â€Å"I hope you haven't been showing off- it's rude,† she scolded. â€Å"Just a bit,† he laughed freely. Her face softened at the sound, and they shared a brief look that I didn't understand, though Esme's face seemed almost smug. â€Å"He's been too modest, actually,† I corrected. â€Å"Well, play for her,† Esme encouraged. â€Å"You just said showing off was rude,† he objected. â€Å"There are exceptions to every rule,† she replied. â€Å"I'd like to hear you play,† I volunteered. â€Å"It's settled then.† Esme pushed him toward the piano. He pulled me along, sitting me on the bench beside him. He gave me a long, exasperated look before he turned to the keys. And then his fingers flowed swiftly across the ivory, and the room was filled with a composition so complex, so luxuriant, it was impossible to believe only one set of hands played. I felt my chin drop, my mouth open in astonishment, and heard low chuckles behind me at my reaction. Edward looked at me casually, the music still surging around us without a break, and winked. â€Å"Do you like it?† â€Å"You wrote this?† I gasped, understanding. He nodded. â€Å"It's Esme's favorite.† I closed my eyes, shaking my head. â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"I'm feeling extremely insignificant.† The music slowed, transforming into something softer, and to my surprise I detected the melody of his lullaby weaving through the profusion of notes. â€Å"You inspired this one,† he said softly. The music grew unbearably sweet. I couldn't speak. â€Å"They like you, you know,† he said conversationally. â€Å"Esme especially.† I glanced behind me, but the huge room was empty now. â€Å"Where did they go?† â€Å"Very subtly giving us some privacy, I suppose.† I sighed. â€Å"They like me. But Rosalie and Emmett†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I trailed off, not sure how to express my doubts. He frowned. â€Å"Don't worry about Rosalie,† he said, his eyes wide and persuasive. â€Å"She'll come around.† I pursed my lips skeptically. â€Å"Emmett?† â€Å"Well, he thinks I'm a lunatic, it's true, but he doesn't have a problem with you. He's trying to reason with Rosalie.† â€Å"What is it that upsets her?† I wasn't sure if I wanted to know the answer. He sighed deeply. â€Å"Rosalie struggles the most with†¦ with what we are. It's hard for her to have someone on the outside know the truth. And she's a little jealous.† â€Å"Rosalie is jealous of me?† I asked incredulously. I tried to imagine a universe in which someone as breathtaking as Rosalie would have any possible reason to feel jealous of someone like me. â€Å"You're human.† He shrugged. â€Å"She wishes that she were, too.† â€Å"Oh,† I muttered, still stunned. â€Å"Even Jasper, though†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"That's really my fault,† he said. â€Å"I told you he was the most recent to try our way of life. I warned him to keep his distance.† I thought about the reason for that, and shuddered. â€Å"Esme and Carlisle†¦ ?† I continued quickly, to keep him from noticing. â€Å"Are happy to see me happy. Actually, Esme wouldn't care if you had a third eye and webbed feet. All this time she's been worried about me, afraid that there was something missing from my essential makeup, that I was too young when Carlisle changed me†¦ She's ecstatic. Every time I touch you, she just about chokes with satisfaction.† â€Å"Alice seems very†¦ enthusiastic.† â€Å"Alice has her own way of looking at things,† he said through tight lips. â€Å"And you're not going to explain that, are you?† A moment of wordless communication passed between us. He realized that I knew he was keeping something from me. I realized that he wasn't going to give anything away. Not now. â€Å"So what was Carlisle telling you before?† His eyebrows pulled together. â€Å"You noticed that, did you?† I shrugged. â€Å"Of course.† He looked at me thoughtfully for a few seconds before answering. â€Å"He wanted to tell me some news – he didn't know if it was something I would share with you.† â€Å"Will you?† â€Å"I have to, because I'm going to be a little†¦ overbearingly protective over the next few days – or weeks – and I wouldn't want you to think I'm naturally a tyrant.† â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"Nothing's wrong, exactly. Alice just sees some visitors coming soon. They know we're here, and they're curious.† â€Å"Visitors?† â€Å"Yes†¦ well, they aren't like us, of course – in their hunting habits, I mean. They probably won't come into town at all, but I'm certainly not going to let you out of my sight till they're gone.† I shivered. â€Å"Finally, a rational response!† he murmured. â€Å"I was beginning to think you had no sense of self-preservation at all.† I let that one pass, looking away, my eyes wandering again around the spacious room. He followed my gaze. â€Å"Not what you expected, is it?† he asked, his voice smug. â€Å"No,† I admitted. â€Å"No coffins, no piled skulls in the corners; I don't even think we have cobwebs†¦ what a disappointment this must be for you,† he continued slyly. I ignored his teasing. â€Å"It's so light†¦ so open.† He was more serious when he answered. â€Å"It's the one place we never have to hide.† The song he was still playing, my song, drifted to an end, the final chords shifting to a more melancholy key. The last note hovered poignantly in the silence. â€Å"Thank you,† I murmured. I realized there were tears in my eyes. I dabbed at them, embarrassed. He touched the corner of my eye, trapping one I missed. He lifted his finger, examining the drop of moisture broodingly. Then, so quickly I couldn't be positive that he really did, he put his finger to his mouth to taste it. I looked at him questioningly, and he gazed back for a long moment before he finally smiled. â€Å"Do you want to see the rest of the house?† â€Å"No coffins?† I verified, the sarcasm in my voice not entirely masking the slight but genuine anxiety I felt. He laughed, taking my hand, leading me away from the piano. â€Å"No coffins,† he promised. We walked up the massive staircase, my hand trailing along the satin-smooth rail. The long hall at the top of the stairs was paneled with a honey-colored wood, the same as the floorboards. â€Å"Rosalie and Emmett's room†¦ Carlisle's office†¦ Alice's room†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He gestured as he led me past the doors. He would have continued, but I stopped dead at the end of the hall, staring incredulously at the ornament hanging on the wall above my head. Edward chuckled at my bewildered expression. â€Å"You can laugh,† he said. â€Å"It is sort of ironic.† I didn't laugh. My hand raised automatically, one finger extended as if to touch the large wooden cross, its dark patina contrasting with the lighter tone of the wall. I didn't touch it, though I was curious if the aged wood would feel as silky as it looked. â€Å"It must be very old,† I guessed. He shrugged. â€Å"Early sixteen-thirties, more or less.† I looked away from the cross to stare at him. â€Å"Why do you keep this here?† I wondered. â€Å"Nostalgia. It belonged to Carlisle's father.† â€Å"He collected antiques?† I suggested doubtfully. â€Å"No. He carved this himself. It hung on the wall above the pulpit in the vicarage where he preached.† I wasn't sure if my face betrayed my shock, but I returned to gazing at the simple, ancient cross, just in case. I quickly did the mental math; the cross was over three hundred and seventy years old. The silence stretched on as I struggled to wrap my mind around the concept of so many years. â€Å"Are you all right?† He sounded worried. â€Å"How old is Carlisle?† I asked quietly, ignoring his question, still staring up. â€Å"He just celebrated his three hundred and sixty-second birthday,† Edward said. I looked back at him, a million questions in my eyes. He watched me carefully as he spoke. â€Å"Carlisle was born in London, in the sixteen-forties, he believes. Time wasn't marked as accurately then, for the common people anyway. It was just before Cromwell's rule, though.† I kept my face composed, aware of his scrutiny as I listened. It was easier if I didn't try to believe. â€Å"He was the only son of an Anglican pastor. His mother died giving birth to him. His father was an intolerant man. As the Protestants came into power, he was enthusiastic in his persecution of Roman Catholics and other religions. He also believed very strongly in the reality of evil. He led hunts for witches, werewolves†¦ and vampires.† I grew very still at the word. I'm sure he noticed, but he went on without pausing. â€Å"They burned a lot of innocent people – of course the real creatures that he sought were not so easy to catch. â€Å"When the pastor grew old, he placed his obedient son in charge of the raids. At first Carlisle was a disappointment; he was not quick to accuse, to see demons where they did not exist. But he was persistent, and more clever than his father. He actually discovered a coven of true vampires that lived hidden in the sewers of the city, only coming out by night to hunt. In those days, when monsters were not just myths and legends, that was the way many lived. â€Å"The people gathered their pitchforks and torches, of course† – his brief laugh was darker now – â€Å"and waited where Carlisle had seen the monsters exit into the street. Eventually one emerged.† His voice was very quiet; I strained to catch the words. â€Å"He must have been ancient, and weak with hunger. Carlisle heard him call out in Latin to the others when he caught the scent of the mob. He ran through the streets, and Carlisle – he was twenty-three and very fast – was in the lead of the pursuit. The creature could have easily outrun them, but Carlisle thinks he was too hungry, so he turned and attacked. He fell on Carlisle first, but the others were close behind, and he turned to defend himself. He killed two men, and made off with a third, leaving Carlisle bleeding in the street.† He paused. I could sense he was editing something, keeping something from me. â€Å"Carlisle knew what his father would do. The bodies would be burned – anything infected by the monster must be destroyed. Carlisle acted instinctively to save his own life. He crawled away from the alley while the mob followed the fiend and his victim. He hid in a cellar, buried himself in rotting potatoes for three days. It's a miracle he was able to keep silent, to stay undiscovered. â€Å"It was over then, and he realized what he had become.† I'm not sure what my face was revealing, but he suddenly broke off. â€Å"How are you feeling?† he asked. â€Å"I'm fine,† I assured him. And, though I bit my lip in hesitation, he must have seen the curiosity burning in my eyes. He smiled. â€Å"I expect you have a few more questions for me.† â€Å"A few.† His smile widened over his brilliant teeth. He started back down the hall, pulling me along by the hand. â€Å"Come on, then,† he encouraged. â€Å"I'll show you.†