Collagen and Extraskeletal Disorder

Osteogenisis imperfecta (OI) is a r ar familial dis station of collagen synthesis associated with broad spectrum of musculoskeletal problems, some notably prow and fractures of the extremities, muscle weakness, ligamentous laxity, and spinal deformities. (Binder, 386). Other collagen-containing extraskeletal tissues, such as the sclerae, the teeth, and the heart valves be in any case touch to a variable class. OI has a common feature of bony fragility associated with defective formation of collagen by osteoblasts and fibroblasts. (Smith, 1983, 13)This illness, involving defective development of the connective tissues, is usually the result f the autosomal dominant gene, only when endure alike be the result of the autosomal recessive allele gene. Spontaneous mutations are common and the clinical presentation of the disease remains OI is nigh commonly referred to as brittle mug up, yet former(a) names include fragilitas ossium, hypolasia of the mesenchyme, and osteopsath yrosis.Osteogenisis imperfecta is still not completely understood, and spell at that place have been advances in diagnosing the disease, Osteogenisis imperfecta is the result of mutations In the round the bend dominantly inherited form of OI ( eccentric I), a non-functional allele for the alpha 1 (I) mountain chain halves ollagen synthesis, (Smith, 1995, 169) and is largely responsible for the inheritance. Single base mutations in the codon for glycine causes deadly (type II) OI by wrecking the formation of the collagen triple helix. faces collar and IV are the less dram- atic outcomes of similar glycine mutations in either the alpha 1 (I) or the alpha 2(I) The clinical signs rotter be caused from defective osteoblastic action mechanism and defective mesenchymal collagen (embryonic connective tissue) and its derivatives, such as sclera, attires, and ligaments. The reticulum fails to differentiate into shape up collagen or the collagen develops b normally. This causes immat ure and coarse fig up formation The signs and symptoms of OI vary greatly depending on the type.The most commonly used classification is the instance I is the mildest form of OI and is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The sclerae(middle coat of eyeball) is intelligibly blue. token I is broken down into IA and IB the difference universe whether dentinogenesis is present. IA has a life expectancy nearly the same as the general public. The natural activity is contain, and whitethorn start to have no disability at all. The bones have a mottled or wormian appearance, forming small islands. Type II is lethal in utero or shortly there after(prenominal)birth.The survivors put up from just a few hours to several months. The kayotypes of parents are usually normal. This type is broken down into three subgroups IIA is characterized by a broad, crumpled femora and continuos roast beading, IIB by minimal to no rib fractures, and IIC by a fragile femora and ribs with ex ecst asysive fracturing. While in the uterus, there is forgetful fetal movement, little fetal weight, poor ossification of the fetal skeleton, hypoplastic lungs, the foresighted bones of the stop number and lower limbs are shortened or deformed, and the head is soft.Intrauterine fractures ccur, and parinatal wipeout is usually from intracranial hemorrhage due to vessel fragility or respiratory di sieve from pulmonary hypoplasia. The bones and other tissues are spicyly fragile, and massive injuries occur in utero or delivery. The ribs appear beaded or broken and the long Type III and IV are negociate in severity between types I and II. Type III differs from I in its greater severity, and from IV in that it increases in severity with age. It can be inherited as either a autosomal recessive or dominant trait.The sclerae is only slightly bluish in early electric shaverhood and white in adulthood, although the average life xpectancy is 25 years. Type IV is always dominant. With types III and IV multiple fractures from minor physical stress occurs leading to progressive and severe deformities. Kyphoscoliosis may cause respiratory stultification and predisposition to pulmonary infections. Popcorn-like deposits of mineral appear on the ends of long bones. The symptoms of OI tarde (types I, III and IV) can appear when the boor begins to walk, and lessens with age. The tendency to fracture decreases and often disappears after puberty.Later in life, affairicularly during pregnancy and after menopause, more than fractures occur. The bones are usually slender with short, thin cortices and trabeculae (fibers of framework), only if can excessively be unusually thin. (Smith, 1983, 136) Narrow diaphysis of the long bones contri onlyes to the fractures and bowing deformities. Scoliosis is common. The haversian cells are poorly developed. The bones lack minerals necessitate to form bone matrix. Epiphyseal fractures (end of the bone) results in deformities and stunted growth (dwarfism). Osteopenia, the decrease in bone mass, is symptomatic.Other signs of OI include hyperextensibility of the joints double-jointedness and unnaturally thin, translucent skin. Discolored (blue-gray or yellow-brown) and malformed teeth which break easily and are cavity prone are ensnare in patients Patients with OI have a triangular-shaped head and face, a bilaterally change shape skull, and prominent eyes with a wide distance between the blase region. Hearing loss by the age of 30-40 is the result of the pressure on the auditory nerve because of the deformity of its canal in the skull, and the development of otosclerosis. recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds), bruising and edema (especially at the sight of fractures), difficulty tolerating high temperatures and mild hyperpyrexia are other symptoms. Thoracic deformities may impair actors assistant expansion and the ability to effectively breath deeply and cough. (Loeb, 755) Patients are also more susceptible to infect ion. In assessing a patient data is needed about the genetic history and birth of the child, as well as a complete development assessment from birth. Vital signs are taken, and periods of increase heart and respiratory rate and elevated body temperature are note- worthy. jumble should be examined for color, elasticity, translucency, and signs of edema and bruising. A description of position and appearance of a childs trunk and extremities and facial characteristics should be noted. The height of the child in terms of judge growth, signs of scoliosis or laxity of ligaments, and range of work of the joints are all important. Sight and hearing should be tested since there are sensory problems associated with OI. The appearance of the sclerae and tympanic membranes and defects of primary teeth and gums are important. (Jackson, X-rays usually reveal a decrease in bone density. in that respect is no consensus, however, as to whether the diagnosis can be made by microscopy of bone specim ens. (Isselbacher, 2112) DNA sequencing and incubating skin fiboblasts are two ways inspection and repair diagnose OI. Prenatal ultrasonography is used to detect hard affected fetuses at about 16 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnosis of the lethal type II by ultrasound during the second trimester of pregnancy is by the identification of fractures of the long bones. Compression of the fetal head is seen by ultrasound probe, and low echogeneity of the cranium can be signs of skeletal dysplasia (faulty development of the tissues).Diagnosis is confirmed by postmortem examination including radiography and biochemical studies of cultivated fibroblasts from the fetus. (Berge, 321) Diagnosis by analyzing DNA sequencing can be carried out in chronic villa in that respect is no known treatment of OI at this time. Treatment therefore is predominantly bindive and educational. Because of multiple fractures and bruising, it is important to diagnose this disease in order to prevent Treatment of fra ctures is often challenging because of abnormal bone social organization and laxity of the ligaments. Splinting devices are used to stabilize the bones and to protect against special fractures.Treatment aims to prevent deformities through use of traction and/or immobilizing in order to aid in normal development and rehabilitation. weapon system deformities and repeated fractures can e corrected by intramedullary rods telescoping rods that elongate with growth. subsequently surgical placement of the rods, extensive post- operative care is required because greater amounts of blood and fluid are lost. (Loeb, 755) It should be noted that the healing of fractures appear to be normal. (Isselbacher, 2112) Braces, immobilizing devices and corporeal therapy is important in the treatment of OI. debone fracture density in unfractured bone is decreased when compared with age-matched controls due to take a hoped exercise, so it is essential to stay as sprightly as possible. Physical the rapy is also used for attitudeening muscle and reventing disuse fractures with exercises with light steadfast dental visits are necessary to monitor the ogists for vision and audiologits for hearing is also essential. Radiologists need to examine the structure and density of the bones, and an orthopedist is needed to congeal fractures and take care of other bone related problems.Counseling and steamy support is needed for both the patient and the family. It is important not to limit a child because of his/her disabilities, and to realize that many victims of this disease live favored lives. Debrah Morris, a successful business woman, and active fighter for isability rights and supportering other patients of OI, says, If I had the choice to be anyone in the world, I would be incisively who I am. The people I have met, the challenges I have faced, the opportunities that I have been presented all are directly related to dealing with being a little person with brittle bones. (Ka sper, 53)Many of the symptoms of OI can be confused with those of a battered child. X-rays are used to show render of old fractures and bone deformities to distinguish the difference. The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) has is a national support group that offers assistance to families in this osition and to increase public awareness. The OIF has a aesculapian advisory council, chapters, support groups, regional meetings, biennial national conferences, and parent contacts to help families feeling alone and helpless.They also publish a newsletter, provide literary works and videos about OI, and sponsors a fund to support research. Magnesium oxide can be administered to decrease the fracture rate, as well as hyperpyrexia and constipation associated with this condition. (Anderson, 1127) A high-protein, high-carbohydrate, high-vitamin diet is needed to promote healing. A growth hormone has also been dministered during childhood, and is shown to substantially increase growth. Treatment with bisphosphorates and related agents has been discussed to decrease bone loss, but no controlled studies have been done. Isselbacher, 2113) Since there is no cure for oseogenesis imperfecta, appropriate and powerful timed rehabilitation intervention is of the utmost importance to ensure that the child is able to function to the take up of his/her ability in society. A ten year study that was submitted in 1992 proves this. 25 of 115 children with severe OI were sight since birth or infancy at the National Institutes of Health, MD and the pinched Dysplasia Clinic at the Childrens National Medical Center in D. C. bingle was Type I, two Type II, nine Type III, and thirteen Type IV.They were classified by physical characteristics and functional Group A consisted of those who were severely dwarfed with large heads and marked bowing , contractures, and weakness of extremities. The highest functional skill expected was independent sitting. Group B was growth deficient, but with a normal sized head. Femoral bowing, scoliosis, and contractures of the hip flexors were characteristics. they were expected to stand and/or walk with braces. Group C were less growth deficient, and had broad(a) strength, but poor endurance.They had marked joint laxity and poorly aligned lower intent joints, but Group A patients were the most severely involved. Most were fundamentally sitters. The majority were totally dependent in their self care. Group B had the potential to become at least short-distance ambulators. These patients had acquired the ability to move to sitting, but had transitional moving problems, such as sitting to standing. ially independent in their self care. Group C had antigravity strength and 50% had good strength in their extremities. All were physically active and age-appropriately independent, but none were good long-distance walkers. Binder, 387-388)Progressive rehabilitation of these groups all included mold exercises and active range of motio n and strengthing exercises. Group B had additional ROM and posture exercises, as well as Developmental exercises. Group C added coordination activities. Conclusion, trouble of patients with OI should address the childs functional needs. Even though the degree of disability may be severe, management should not be particular to orthopedic procedures and bracing. Treatment lanning should be considered, but not totally ground on genetic, anatomical, and biochemical abnormalities.Our ence suggests that clinical grouping based in part on functional potential can be useful in the appropriate management of children with OI. (Binder, 390) Independence was stressed in this study, and even patients with special(a) sitting ability, upper extremity function can be modify to at least minimal independence in self-help skills. Potential ambulators should be helped because, although their ability might not progress past indoor ambulation, paseo will make them more independent and may result i n ncreased bone mineralization.Poor joint alignment, poor balance, and low endurance can all be improved with persistent, individualized physical and occupational therapy. For best results, therapy should be started as soon after birth as possible. Mainstreaming take aged children is also important. All of this together leads to age-appropriate social development and markedly improved independence and quality of life in the majority of Osteogenesis imperfecta is the most common genetic disorder of the bone. It occurs in about 1 in 20,000 live births, and is equally prevalent in all races and both sexes.The Type I OI has a population frequency of about 1 in 30,000. Type II has a birth incidence of about 1 in 60,000. Types III and IV are less common and may be as high as 1 in 20,000. (Isselbacher, 2111) The fact of OI in families with no history or blue sclerae is about 1 in 3,000,000 births. (Smith, 1995, 171) The recurrence risks in families is estimated to be 6 to 10%, but is onl y estimated because most couples choose not to have any more children. 15 to 20% of patients with OI do not carry the gene for abnormal collagen, making many wonder if there is yet another genetic problem undiagnosed at this time.

Representation Of Wolves

Question Comp are and contrast the representations of wolves in Angela Carters The c entirelyer of Wolves and animate being Alice. How successful do Carters literary appropriations demythologise gender stereotypes.IntroductionIn The Bloody Chamber (1979), Angela Carters short stories took a especi ally ultraconservative genre and radically subverted it for libber purposes, interpreting and demythologizing gender stereotypes in a very creative manner. Fairy-tales were always a very traditionalist and antique literary form, first recorded by aristocratic writers in the s steadyteenth and 18th Centuries as moralistic and cautionary stories for children.Politically, their agenda was the exact foe of Carter, whose feminist views were forged in the new social movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, n unmatched of her young-bearing(prenominal) person heroines follow these traditional gender roles of being passive dupes or the sex objects of men. In wolf Alice, the nameless d istaff heroine was increase by wolves and was therefore on outcast in adult male society, unable to postulate the passive and home(prenominal) gender roles expected of her, while in The order of Wolves, the Little Red Riding ceiling character is depicted as self-sustaining and fearless rather than a typical female victim of the werewolf.At the end of both stories, the females also voluntarily enter into affinitys with the monsters, claiming control everywhere their own sexuality in defiance of the traditional gender roles. cleaning womanly characters like these could only exist in a modern feminist or post-feminist context, and stand out as extremely divergent from the norm in society. Body Wolf Alice incorporates some(prenominal) of the elements of Snow White, Alice in Wonderland and viewer and the Beast. Carter was always interested in the beat-marriage stories of the original fairy-tales, and to the elements of beastliness in all forms of sexuality (Makinen 1992).Sh e was not simply portraying all males as beasts, rapists and monsters simply rather do a often feminist statement that woman should take control over their sexual desires and re-appropriate it as part of themselves (Makinen 1992). Alice was raised by wolves and therefore could not speak, ran on all fours and preferred the wickedness over day. In these characteristics, she retained all the instinctual nature of her foster family even after she has been sent to live with the nuns (Walker 77).As the nun-narrator explains nothing about her is human further that she is not a wolf (Wolf Alice 119). She is not even aware that she casts a reflection in the mirror, but believes it is another person. After teaching her some limited skills for nine days, the nuns decide that she really potbellynot be transformed corroborate into a human, so they send her to the Dukes castle. He is a nocturnal creature as well, who lives alone and feeds on the living and dead more like a ghoul than a wer ewolf or vampire.Alice performs domestic tasks for him, sweeping and making the bed, and knows no better than to do his chores (Wolf-Alice 120). Only with her geological period does she begin to awaken to the fact that she is a female, since she knew nothing about these matters and the nuns surely did not explain sexuality to her. At this time, she also becomes aware that her breasts are getting larger and begins to wear the old, discarded gowns that belonged to the Dukes grandmother, although she could not flush so fast on two legs in petticoats (Wolf Alice 124).After the Duke is injured during one of his nighttime forays, she begins to kiss his wound and thus transforms him back into a human as if brought into being by her soft, moist, gentle tongue (Wolf Alice 126). In The Company of Wolves, Carter subverts the Little Red Riding Hood tale by having the female hero willingly join in a sexual relationship with the werewolf. In the traditional versions of the story, of course, th e monster is killed by the heroic male hunter, and as Carter describes the legends being circulated in the village, this was the normal fate of werewolves.In Carters alternative reality, though, the heroine becomes a partner in seduction (Walker 77). Even before she met the werewolf, she was slowly wake to her sexuality and her breasts had incisively begun to swell (Company of Wolves 113). She had heard all the stories about werewolves from the villagers and the dangers of manner of walking alone in the forest, but she has her knife and is afraid of nothing (Company of Wolves 113). To be sure, the werewolf is also described as young, handsome and seductive, so much so the even the grandmother notices his unusually large penis just before he kills and eatsher.Carter was well-aware of the mixture of sexuality and violence in this creature, and writes that the last thing the old lady saw in all the world was a young man, look like cinders, naked as a stone, approaching her bed (Com pany of Wolves 117). When Little Red Riding Hood enters the cottage, they engage in the expected dialogue about his big eyes and teeth, but she was not a passive victim and laughed at his threats, wise(p) that she was nobodys meat (Company of Wolves 118).At the very end of the story, she goes to sleep amidst the tender paws of the wolf that has just devoured Granny (Company of Wolves 118). Conclusion In Wolf Alice and The Company of Wolves, Angela Carter completely subverted and revised the traditional female stereotypes and gender roles, making her women characters courageous, autonomous and sexually aware. Not all of her leftist and feminist critics concur with this, however.She was also so frank in her depiction of raw female power and sexuality that in in 1987, the New Socialist asseverate that Carter was the high-priestess of post-graduate porn (Makinen 1992). Patricia Duncker. Aneis Lewellan and other feminist scholars thought that she had been unable to revise the conserv ative form of fairy-tales and turn them into feminist literature (Makinen 1992). On the other hand, Charley bread maker was correct in arguing that Carter was always exploring ways in which women can retain control and defy the systems of oppression that attempt to place them in the role of passive victim (Baker 76).Similarly, Charlotte Crafts found that Carters intention was to deconstruct myths about femininity contained within the tales and challenge the patriarchal structures of fairy-tale from within (Crafts 54-55). Wolf Alice and Little Red Riding Hood were fully autonomous and independent women, who be spend a pennyd in ways that not even the monsters could have expected. Contrary to traditional gender roles and stereotypes they were never passive victim and sexual objects, but kind of chose to become involved in relationships with the creatures.To put it mildly, these would most definitely not have been considered appropriate actions for women in the traditional fairy-tales , and both of Carters female characters stand completely apart from conventional society for that reason. From a semipolitical viewpoint, such a recasting of this ultra-conservative and patriarchal genre would only have been possible in feminist era in which liberated and sizable female heroines actually became conceivable for the first time in history.

Human Nature and Power Essay

During the Renaissance, earthy brilliant philosophers ready explored the opinion of human race being tempera handst. The question, what motivates humanity has been taken into consideration in the composure of well-nigh e very nightspot. By establishing that premise, many went on to puddle an nousl order with the intention of developing that thought. Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas more be outstanding representatives among them. In two more thans Utopia and Machiavellis The Prince, perfect societies be constructed. However, much and Machiavelli have different opinions about the human nature in semblance to the role of military unit and situation.Thomas to a greater extent optimistically describes human nature. He depicts that man by nature is good- bringed and conforming. He believes that human nature finish be improved. Therefore, if the governing power is to be removed wherefore man would be a less hostile force. Niccolo Machiavelli, on the opposite hand, des cribes human nature negatively. Man is untrustworthy, ungrateful, voracityy and lying. Machiavelli suggests that man will never channelize and that one will forever and a day attempt to overcome the other. Power and liberty is implied in the very essence of Machiavellis work.It is tied in with the greed and selfishness. to a greater extent believed human nature to be good, created by God, and susceptible to dandy improvement if social, political, and economic conditions were reformed so that human misery were eliminated and that fundamental frequency human justice were in that locationby liberated and nurtured. More believed in socialist economy insofar as it would eliminate private property, which he saw as the root of evil. He believed that when private property exists, and when money occults all other considerations, then it is hardly ever possible for a commonwealth to be governed justly or happily. More believes that justice simply can non exist when the welt citizens own the best things, or where property is limited to a few. In such a situation, those who have so much atomic number 18 always uneasy, fearing they will have it taken, and those who have so little are dead wretched (More 38). Where thither is no justice, people will believe that there is no reward for virtue, which will result in people behaving tally to their lowest standards, rather than according to their highest.In Utopia, Thomas More see of human nature is far more positive than negative. While he certainly shows an awareness of the flaws in human beings, he attri thoes those flaws more to the environment, and political and socioeconomic factors, than to the nature of humanity. In other words, More shows that human nature can be altered by altering the environment. If the environment is improved, importation socially, politically and economically, then the behavior of human beings will be improved, convey out the best in human nature.So in Mores view, if the governing power and authority is to be removed then man would be a less hostile force. Machiavelli expresses his view of the canonic lack of goodness in human nature. He believes that in general, nearly people have a primary interest in themselves, and are motivated by their financial greed. Men are mainly come to with their property and honor. When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men merry content If he wishes to profess goodness at all quantify he must fall to ruin among so many who are not good. If he wishes to carry on his power, he must learn how not to be good, and to use it or not according to necessity (Machiavelli 127). Machiavelli, envisions caller as one that turns to power and satisf follow up of vices as seen through The Prince. Machiavelli advises that to maintain power one must learn to be corrupt. This advice is given imputable to the idea that one who knows not corruption and believes in truth is confront with those who use manipu lation as part of the job. Machiavelli also sees pursuing virtue as an act that leads to ruin, while serving vice will plait life.Human nature is one that tends to be drawn to pleasant, satisfactory things. If there is no benefit to the self for actions performed, motivation to perform such actions will be low or nonexistent. As seen throughout history, many actions have been taken in order for people to gain power, dismantle if that action is genocide. Men are willing to step over men in order to have power and make an enjoyable life for hisself. such occurrences can be seen multiple times, being unprompted and completely by choice of the power hungry.According to the different point of view of human nature from More and Machiavelli above, we can understand how More and Machiavelli view power and the role of power and authority. In the Prince, the authority is in either monarchy or dictatorship. Machiavelli focuses on the manipulation of the people to maintain power. The import ance lies in the fact that in a monarchy or dictatorship, one person has the power in a society and all the rest serve only to conform him. Starkly different is Mores creation.His society is a accepted communist one and it could also beargued that it is also a democracy. Leaders are elected by the people, who make their owndecisions freely. Nothing, not even power, is owned in that society by an individual. The power is distri preciselyed, thus empowerment. The capitalism of Machiavellis world, the idea strongly ties in with this contrast. it was written for the use of one man to dominate over and control his kingdom, it was obviously not meant for lesser mortals. It in itself is a tool of power which could be used for only the good of the prince who uses it.Whether or not the people are empowered does not matter, it is irrelevant. It only matters that theprince uses it to maintain his own power. In contrast, Utopia is a fantasy written by More tosuggest an alternative way of life for the people. He focuses very little on the doings of the princein his ideal society what matters in Utopia is the actions of the people. One might even say thatthe people are empowered, but the ideals that truly run the society, are empowered. Mores truefocus does not even lie in power, but in the seeking of ideals.The Utopian society highlights the unwritten laws of morality that adult male possess if they are raised in a society that promotes honesty and virtue. However, Machiavelli argues that men are evil and inherent selfishness, no matter how pleasant a society raises them. Peoples natural dip to lie, cheat, and skid swells up without any restrictions, destroying not only their own community but also their government. It is implied that the treatment of criminals is harsh and strict. In Utopia, More describes how this ideal society punishes its criminals and it is obvious that they are mild and gentle.Since vice is not only destroyed, and men preserved, but they are tre ated in such a modality as to make them see the necessity of being honest (Utopia, 14). Although More and Machiavellis opinions differ greatly in their view of human nature, both works are unbelievably intriguing in that each of the societies would leave an incredible mark in history. The visual given through Mores Utopia portrays society an optimists view. More believes that when given all suitable opportunities and provisions, people will lead a virtuous, unselfish life.People will work for the benefit of other people in order to create an equal and pleasant society. People only turn to corruption when approach with shortages or vanity in believing some deserve more than others. So in Mores Utopian world, the governing authority is removed and the power is distributed. However, in the Prince, Peoples natural tendency to lie, cheat, and steal swells up without any restrictions, power and authority is implied in the very essence of Machiavellis work. It is tied in with the greed and selfishness. So Machiavelli focuses on the manipulation of the people to maintain power.

Applicability of Lean Management in Nursing

Nurses also bring added advantages to the role of inclination of an orbit leader-an uncompromising commitment to enduring c atomic number 18 and the natural ability to view hospital yester through the electron lens of the forbearing. The second literature run away Management in Med/Surge By Barbara Mercer talks ab by the pros and cons of be given Management as Tracy Galilee, MBA, URN, has developed a professional and personal investment in the victory of the organization- one after tutorships argument facilitators. extend counseling principles are derived from the manufacturing industry, specifically from Toyota Motor Corporation, which espouses continuous improvement and heed for people. Sounds like a great idea to incorporate into healthcare, wouldnt you think? The be for Healthcare Improvement (III) agreed. The His 2005 White Paper Going extend in Healthcare was based on expert presentations from the HI Calls to Action Series.Among the experts was prank Toasting, MD, president and CEO at Teacher, who was integral to bringing ply solicitude to the organization. The white papers executive summary briefly explained the purpose and goals of go prudence as they would relate to healthcare The Institute for Healthcare Improvement believes that angle of dip principles underside be indeed, already are being successfully utilize to the deliin truth of health care. persist thinking begins with driving out abandon so that all work adds value and reverse the customers needs.For those unfamiliar with work guidance practices, Galilee did not take over as a dietetical counselor instead, she assisted nursing cater to cut the fat from perfunctory act upones that stand in the way of the most efficient practices and the best feasible outcomes for patients. Now the business unit manager of the med/surge unit, Galilee continues to assist ply in employing lean principles in a developing community of authorize problem-solvers. (2) The last literat ure to be reviewed is an article that spoke against the implementation of Lean ManagementDont Lean on Me, infirmary Workers Say by Alexandra Bradbury August 1 5, 2013. Part of the lean ethos is getting workers to participate in their own exploitation. Some hospitals offer nurses a pressurise of pay and status for championing a lean project. Hospitals are very a lot successful at co-opting natural leadership, Mencken said. What can the union do? offset printing is to educate members to see through managements hype-?what labor educator Charley Richardson called the tricks and traps designed to quieten you into believing you and management urinate the same concerns at heart.These include articulation brainstorming, win-win rhetoric, and trust exercises. One strategy is to try to get your people onto the lean team-?but they probably wont be picked, and its a slippery slope, Sheridan-Gonzalez said. Union members on Joint committees should treat every meeting as if it were a barg ain session, with two opposing sides. They can say, We dont accept your framing. We see this as a potential for harm, Mencken recommends. And the usual union tactics can be utilize against lean, too petitions, forms that document unsafe staffing, button/ sticker days, and marches on the boss to resist speed-up. 3) Study Population Nurses have served as leaders of 2 very successful Lean initiatives at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital ( brace). Founded in 1884, RUSH is a Magnet hospital that is the principal article of faith hospital of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jerseys Robert Wood Johnson medical examination School. separately year Rushs 1300 physicians and 1500 nurses care for more than 200 000 patients. The first guinea pig study-OR Lean-details the Lean transformation of Rushs operating room (OR).The second case study describes the remodeling of Rushs emergency department (DEED) with Lean principles and practices. Monsoons et al,2012) While nu rses in Interiors Medical Center, New York and California Pacific Medical Center have iced out the disadvantages of Lean Management in their respective hospitals. Sources of info A firsthand source data was utilized in this study. Lean management as cited in journals, articles and blobs and are mostly Internet based were employ and ack todayledged.Some of these Journals and articles are From Toyota to the Bedside Nurses Can Lead the Lean Way in Health commission Reform by Joyce E. Johnson, Amy L. Smith and Kari A. Master (Nursing Administration Quarterly,September 2012 ,Volume 36 come up 3 ,Pages 234 242), Lean Management in Med/Surge By Barbara Mercer, and Lean Management Dont Lean on Me, Hospital Workers Say by Alexandra Bradbury August 1 5, 2013 among others. Data Analysis As stated in the researchs sources 2 data clearly evolved and both(prenominal) stating favor and opposition towards lean management.The 2 cases in RUSH that favor lean management has the following resul ts from their studies case study 1 OR LEAN The need for improved efficiency in OR scheduling has been although the number of Lean interventions in the OR reported in the literature is relatively small when compared with interventions in other hospital departments. most recently in 2011, Violence reported a 20% ontogeny in OR productivity and capacity n a Canadian hospital that adopted Lean methods.The electronic paperwork to discharge a patient is eight pages of clicks, said Betsy Prescott, a leader in the Massachusetts Nurses Association. despoil get spoken to if you miss one thing. well-nigh of these floors can have 15-19 discharges a day, she said. Mires not taking care of the patient, youre documenting. (Bradbury,2013 ) Standardization is a parole of lean management. Nurses at SST. Charles Medical Center in central operating room were Justly proud of their Rapid Response Team-?it had saved lives. But that didnt incumbrance the administration from announcing plans to end t he team.The rationale? Other hospitals dont have one. Most hospitals now use computers to set staffing. You enter the number of patients on the unit today, and the software package spits out how m whatsoever nurses and nursing assistants are needed. Employers claim they factor in the severity of patients conditions-?but Mortally none of them do, Burros said. (Bradbury,2013 ) Strengths and Weaknesses of the Study The strengths of this study can be summarized as the following lean management was applied to a advantageously known and prestigious hospital Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RUSH).Founded in 1884, RUSH is a Magnet hospital that is the principal teaching hospital of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jerseys Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and with well documented evidences that lean management worked for them. Other credible articles as to the pertinency of lean management were also cited and gave a good argument to the bid that lean management c an work for the healthcare sector. So in terms of credibility, accurate accumulation and evidence based arguments both for and against lean management were well presented.On the other hand, it is very clear that the main impuissance of the study is its very limited scope and hence the uncertain coating as to whether lean management is applicable or not in nursing management. Conclusion It is very clear that the study has a very limited scope but we will summarize below both arguments for and against lean management in regards to its applicability in Nursing management. As shown in the results of the 2 case studies in order for lean management to succeed it must be Leadership is searing for successThe literature exclamatory the central role of committed leadership in the success of Lean work. According to Doss and Orr, leadership is an integral part of the Lean in operation(p) System, not an afterthought. The support of leaders, they suggest, can make the difference between foo tling attempts at implementing Lean-where the tools and techniques are evident, but the behaviors havent changed-and full transformational deployments where the entire organization embraces Lean from the bottom up and the top down. Monsoons et al,2012) Lean work is outlines work In their 2010 review, Macho and Litter emphasized that Lean work is a solely yester strategy that cannot be done piecemeal and that no single argent bullet solution, such as a new computer ashes or automated equipment, can achieve the same results. Systems thinking, the discipline of see wholes and inter- relationships, is certainly not new. As Sense suggested more than 20 old age ago, the systems perspective is badly needed in a world overwhelmed by rapid technological change, changing demographics, shifting borders, and increasing complexity. 5)(6) Monsoons et al,2012) Communication is critical to success From the outset of our Lean work, we knew that communication was the key to the horn-term and lo ng-term success of our work. As we had done with past quality improvement efforts, we regularly reminded the staff to keep the vision of the future state in mind because, as the anticipatory principle suggests, the image of the future is what guides the current behavior deep down an organization. Monsoon et al,2012) As for the argument of those who are against lean management, the following reasons are cited Lean management according to critics does not consider human factor for it stresses no downtime, Just in time staffing, emphasis on the use of engineering to monitor staffs performance, among others. Standardization is an emphasis of lean management that also go alarm bells among employees who do not yet have a holistic appreciation for lean. In lean, first you standardize, then you improve. Improving a non-standard process is like remodeling a house built on quicksand.It wont do you lots good in the long run. (Bait, 2010 ) If we continue to standardize work in hospitals witho ut accounting for the variety nurses and hospitals get from patients we will make things worse for patients, nurses, doctors and the bottom-line. The system needs to be redesigned almost the work by management, ruses, doctors and others working unitedly to improve the system. This all begins by management changing their thinking around the design and management of work. Once management understands by seeing the legal injury of their thinking in a normative way can original changes impact the work. Bait,2010 ) Now, to answer our query whether lean management is applicable or not in Nursing management, we say it is still remain to be seen. Learning from both sides of the argument of for or against lean, it is safe to conclude that lean management is applicable but not to all types of health care institution and setting. As much as success of lean management s well documented in the ROUGH, we have to remember this is a Magnet accredited hospital and employees are expected to get us ed to high standard work and compliance to a strong administrative leadership and management.Lean management is also about culture change and protection will be expected so those who oppose have some valid points in which management has to seriously consider. After all for any system or management to work, peoples satisfaction and cooperation should be addressed foremost and not to be ignored or taken for granted. Otherwise, what is the use of introducing a promising system such as lean management when in he process it will lead to dissatisfied and tired staff?

Game Theory †Descriptive, Normative or Prescriptive Essay

Going with heart we often be surprised by the different ways how throng think, make ratiocinations and interact. We believe that most of us argon rational charitable beans (to some extent) and, so, our findings should be grounded in analysis of the situation, our experience and intuition. Therefore, the human look tail end be seen as an incredibly complicated machine that runs serial of theoretical simulations of possible situations (often subconsciously) to find the most optimal course of action, taking into status the possible strategies of others.When the conclusions are important to us and the reasoning go bad on is conscious, we engage in strategical thinking. It has always been tempting to develop a guess that would in sureity explain and predict the human interaction ground on strategic thinking, in that locationfore reservation the strategic decision making more(prenominal) effective to both parties and without risk to going into worst fortune scenar io. Therefore ideally juicyyy surmisal should c all over the questions how the decisions should be make in order to maximize the gains, what reasoning does it imply, how to make the best survival of strategy and what leave alone the pay-offs be for both parties.What questions does halt speculation rattling answer this is how the topic of this experiment might be rephrased. In this essay the discussion leave be focused on the question whether biz speculation is a descriptive, prescriptive or prescriptive surmise. First, a outline explanation of different events of theories should be given as wholesome as the definition of patch possibleness and the development in this academic bowl of study as fountainhead as the practical applications. Then the base of the author will be defined and supporting as well as contradicting jobs based on dissimilar academic articles will be presented and discussed.The last part of the essay will sum up the discussed ideas and h old the final conclusions and remarks. To start with the necessary in-depth understanding of the essay topic, the distinction between normative, descriptive and prescriptive theories should be clarified. As it is kat erstn, normative theory deals with how things should be what ought to be in context of the specific field of study.Descriptive theories are touch with explaining the way things happen (people behave) in veritable ife, moreover the prescriptive theories aim to suggest how things should happen (or how people should react) and this could be just on theoretical level or the likes ofwise connected with the existing sustenance (therefore not provided giving ethical drugs on how to act but likewise the predictions on the future situations). Joseph B. Kadane and Patrick D. Larkey in their paper The Confusion of Is and Ought in gamy Theoretic Contexts from 1983 reflects on the essay topic and distinguishes between different types of normative and positive theories Amo ng positive theories, we distinguish three types.Descriptive theories are come to with empirical phenomena, but stop with a description. Explanatory theories go merely by addressing why questions. Finally, predictive theories discuss what behaviour will be. We as well as distinguish between both types of normative theory, both concerned with what behavior should be. Speculative statements are nonoperational usually consisting of a remnant or criterion (e. g. , maximize utility or profit) with no precise instruction manual on how one might accomplish the goal or try for the criterion.Prescriptions are operational in that they give both a goal (or criterion) and feasible procedures (an algorithm) for accomplishing it. From this quotation it flock be edifyly seen what theory distinctions in back up theory context are made. The essay author will adopt this deliberate and within normative theories take into consideration both speculative and prescriptive types of theories, wi thin descriptive theories include both descriptive and explanatory types and within prescriptive theories look at predictive and prescriptive (for real life situations) types.After clarifying the different types of theories in club with grainy theory, the short description of back up theory and development of mod spirited theory will be given. In the Oxford English lexicon the definition of game theory is as follows the branch of mathematics concerned with the analysis of strategies for dealings with competitive situations where the outcome of a participants choice of action depends critically on the actions of other participants. Game theory has been applied to contexts in war, business, and biota.From the definition we see the important factors are the numerical analysis, different strategic options with different outcomes (pay-offs) and the interdependence of the players. Therefore it indeed looks like the so desired theory described in the introduction of the essay, howev er, what does it actually deliver, that is the main focus of this essay. Modern game theory has been developing outright for more than 50 years since the book Theory of Games and Economic manner by John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern was published in 1944.However, it must be noted that some important efforts in explaining the strategic choices strategic decision making has been done also before, for example by Zermelo. Konong, Kalmar and Borel. Game theory has evolved considerably since the publication of von Neuman and Morgensterns book and what is interesting the theory has positive far beyond its initial mathematical boundaries. This is due in a large part to contributions in the 1950s from John Nash (1950, 1951).However, it was in the seventies that game theory as a way of analysing strategic situations began to be applied in all sorts of diverse areas including economics, politics, international relations, business and biology (Chermichael, 2005). By having established t he understanding about the subject of the essay, the arguments contribute instantly be presented. The author believes that the game theory at the stage of development it is now in is a descriptive and prescriptive theory concerning strategic decision making, however with some limitations.Argument 1 Strategic decision making implies / do not imply rational thinking The foremost contra argument discussed will be about the assumption of game theory that the players are rational. It can be argued that this indeed does not reflect real life as people often make irrational choices and therefore game theory is not describing the real gentleman nor giving prescriptions on how to act in real situations but is indeed a normative theory. What needs to be emphasized here is that the essay author argues that game theory is a prescriptive theory when dealing with strategic decision making.Strategic decision making involves long term commitments from an organization and therefore it will be calculatedly analyzed and discussed before the final decision, in order to be sure that the chosen course of action will deliver the highest possible results. Following this thought it can be cerebrate that the players will act rationally, as they are aware of the huge restore of the decision and have certain decision making skills (which can be assumed as they are high in the organizational power structure that they are the ones making strategic decisions).Argument 2 Game theory does / does not describe predict the real world situations Strong followup regarding the interpretation of game theory is verbalised by Rubinstein (1991) There exists a widespread myth in game theory, that it is possible to achieve a miraculous prediction regarding the outcome of interaction among human beings using only data on the order of events, combined with a description of the players preferences over the feasible outcomes of the situation. .. The mystical and vague word rationality is used to p rovide our hopes of achieving this goal.I fail to see any possibility of this being accomplished. Overall, game theory accomplishes only two tasks It builds models based on intuition and uses deductive arguments based on mathematical knowledge. As we see from this quotation, Rubinstein is critical regarding the game theory having any descriptive or prescriptive characteristics. However, he states that what is abstracted for it to be a descriptive (and following that prescriptive theory), is the data describing the help of reasoning adopted by the players when they analyze a game.Since this article more than 10 both scientific and empirical articles have been written immediately dealing with the problems mentioned in this article therefore the interpretation has evolved as well as the game theory itself. Moreover, game theory has been used passim the years by companies and has been proven to be a usable implement for strategists. Camerer in his article Does strategy research ne ed game theory? (1991) comes to a conclusion that a common criticism that game-theoretic models assume as well as much rationality is often wrong because first, some games require myopic rationality to compute equilibria and second, players may reach an equilibrium by communicating, adapting or evolving to it rather than by calculating it. Indeed, the author agrees that the interpretation of the games needs careful attention, however, the theory can be used as a descriptive theory for strategic decisions and by studying it strategists can come to a get out decisions therefore evolving in a prescriptive theory.Another unembellished point enhancing the previously stated is the evolution of game theory now including cooperation, asymmetric schooling and other factors which are present in real life situations. Hutton (1996) describes game theory as an intellectual frame incline for examining what various parties to a decision should do given their possession of inadequate informati on and different objectives. Here we see that in later works game theory is seen as a more sophisticated theory dealing with various situations not only basic theoretic models.The paper of Kadane and Larkey from 1983 states two suggestions in order to clear the is and ought confusion. First, a Bayesian perspective should be adopted, second, more attention should be given to the model validation. The Bayesian behold of games clarifies the proper, respective roles of prescriptive and predictive theory. Taking the Bayesian norm as prescriptively compelling for my play leads me to want the best description I can find of my partner/opponents play. Thus both prescription and description have important roles to play in the Bayesian view of games.Therefore, we see that through Bayesian approach the descriptive and prescriptive characteristics of game theory are enhanced. From authors research for relevant literature concerning the question what type of theory is game theory, it can be seen that most papers concerning these questions are around 1980s and the beginning of 1990s. Later papers on game theory, however, are more concerned of empirical applications of game theory as well as in depth analysis of the theory. The empirical work in such fields as auctions, M&A, price strategy, market strategy etc. as been applying undefeatedly the principles of game theory, therefore beef up the statement that Game theory is indeed now a descriptive and prescriptive type of theory. Argument 3 Game theorist work has been internationally recognized as applicable to real life and lots efficacious to make better strategies and strategic decisions Another strong argument supporting the statement of the author is the work of recent Nobel Prize winners in economics, in 2007 and in 2012 the winners are game theorists Leonid Hurwicz, Eric Maskin, Roger Myerson and LloydShapley, Alvin Roth respectively. (Nobel Prizes in economics also was awarded to game theorists in 1994, 1995 and 2005). Leonid Hurwicz, Eric Maskin and Roger Myerson won the 2007 Nobel Prize for their work in chemical mechanism design theory, a branch of game theory that extends the application of game theory to how different types of rules, or institutions, align individual incentives with overall brotherly goals. Their work on allocation mechanisms has had a significant impact on the design of uctions, social welfare systems and umpteen organizations. As the theory can be applied successfully to real fields of business and real organizations, it can be concluded that game theory must be a prescriptive and therefore also descriptive theory.Moreover, the Nobel Prize in 2012 to Shapley and Lloyd was awarded for the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design the creation of the impinging from theory to practice. BBC article (15. 10. 012) regarding the winners of 2012 Nobel Prize in economics by Stephanie Flanders, the BBC economic science Editor, states The work of Lloy d Shapley and Alvin Roth reminds us that economics can be both deep mathematical and abstract, and deeply practical not to say hugely useful to public and private organizations all over the world. .. In the past 50 years, game theorists and micro-economics in general have genuinely made the world a better place. Either they have helped to solve practical real-world problems or, where there is no solution, they have helped us to understand the issues more clearly.So once again we see that game theory when applied correctly can help to solve real life problems and therefore is a prescriptive and descriptive theory. Working on the essay the author read through many articles on game theory including the classic papers of Nash (1950,1951) where the theory is explained in detail but applications explained are indeed rather round-eyed and not that applicable to complex real world situations, however, very useful for simple situations.Looking at the research papers written in late 199 0s and 2000s, the empirical applications can be seen more clear and grounded in real life. The critique on game theory expressed by researchers in early 1990s have been taken into consideration therefore help the game theory to evolve ad fuck off descriptive and prescriptive theory that can be applied to many fields.Moreover, practitioners are indeed using game theory, for example highly successful consultancy company McKinsey is using game theory to help managers make better decisions and foresee the different possible risks of different courses of action (Hagen Lindstadt and Jurgen Muller, 2009). The author believes that the game theory has evolved from being more a normative theory to normative prescriptive theory, then by applying these rules to real world descriptive theory has been developed, and now in hand of a masterful strategist game theory is indeed a predictive and prescriptive theory helping to make better strategic decisions.

Music in Nature Essay

medicamentWhen medication sounds, gone is the earth I know,And all her lovely things even lovelier growHer flowers in vision flame, her forest treesLift burdened branches, stilled with ecstasies.When melody sounds, out of the water riseNaiads whose beauty dims my waking eyes,Rapt in strange dreams pricks each enchanted face,With solemn echoing stirs their dwelling-place.When music sounds, all that I was I amEre to this haunt of Brooding form I cameAnd from whiles woods break into distant formThe swift-winged hours, as I cause along.In the first stanza, Music renders nature beyond flowers into vision flame, trees that Lift burdened branches, stilled with ecstasies. The word stilled could wet instilled which has some motion, and is shortened to stilled to accommodate the rhythm. Or it could mean stilled, as in held in suspension.The second stanza, mythical Naiads, a type of nymph who presided everyplace fountains, wells, springs, streams, and brooks, argon evoked by musics s ounds. But they are Rapt in strange dreams. Burns each enchanted face. is a suggestive image. A Flushed face looks like it is burning. Women may kicking when embarrassed, perhaps, in de la Mares time, from the stimulation being in the company of a man she desires. But her echoing, which implies reflection, and could extend to a reflection of our own feelings, is solemn. Sad, perhaps unrequited, longing and desire burn in her strange dreams and show on her enchanted face.The third stanza literally refers to the author, but also the reader. Music exposes the very spirit of our-self, all that I was before I came to this body (haunt of brooding dust), I now am, understanding through the reflection of the music our ex-corporeal selves. From Times woods, from eternitys history, including all past and in store(predicate) human emotions, swift-winged hours break into distant song as I hasten along. Music fills the fast passing hours of our lives, and offers a connection to, the vacate of infinity, history, memory.

Differences In Formal And Informal Learning Techniques Education Essay

When an teacher enters into a category room, he or she moldiness bed the learning abilities of his/ her pupils. That is how they seek nurture, how they process information and how the information can go meaningful to them. The first shell by(p) of this sight discuses the acquirement and development avoidance and differences in positive and in clod encyclopedism manner in item. This study withal includes quad encyclopaedism manner in Honey and Mumford supposititious account in item.The 2nd portion of the study consists of motive possibility called Maslow s pecking order of need Theory. This study outlines the five tiers of leads that atomic number 18 physiological prays, securety demands, societal demands, toy with demands and self-importance acknowledgement demands. At the remnant in that location is a unfavorable judgment on the theory and its entailment on HR patterns that top direction can utilize Maslow theory to prompt their employees.Table of Conte nt4Learning and Development Strategy4Differences in established and informal prenticeship techniques5Honey and Mumford acquisition manner5Militants5Reflectors5Theorists6Pragmatists7Activities that form portion of the acquisition and development7Case look into7On the vocation supply7Maslow s pecking order of Needs Theory8Psychological demands8Safety demands8Social demands8 regard as demands8Self realization demands9Critical analysis of Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs Theory9Criticism on Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs Theory9Deduction of Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs Theory11BibliographyPart ALearning and Development StrategyLearning and development is fundamentally say towards the alliance of preparation demands and calling development of an employee. The basic intent of the acquisition and development scheme is that you advance an employee accomplishments and recognition in such a manner that leave behind assist in acquiring his bloodline through with(p) and finally to manoe uver to overall organisation earth manifestation. Uniting some(prenominal) developing and development schemes, you in truth make a nexus between them. That is you really actuate employee to get word those accomplishments which will assist them in executing their occupation. inherent elements of get winding and development scheme atomic number 18How a learner will larn the information?Which signifier of information input will a student prefer?How a pupil will pluck significance from the original information?What will be the preferable learning manner of the scholar?Differences in formal and informal acquisition techniques cosy acquisitionFormal acquisitionIn informal acquisition there is no formal teacher involved in it.In formal acquisition you are straight directed by the teacher to larn a curious thing.In formal acquisition has no pre fixd objects and pole consequences.Before the start of the formal acquisition, you return some aims that clearly define the ground and consequence of the acquisition.Informal acquisition does non take topographic maculation deep down a structured environment. Rather it is more of self-generated nature. Informal larning normally happens with the frequence of experiencesFormal acquisition takes topographic point within a particular agreement within an organisation.In informal acquisition you do nt acquire either acknowledgment or certification for larning that cognition or accomplishmentIt consequences in accomplishment of particular grade or certification that really certified that the receiver of this has learned a peculiar accomplishment or cognition.Informal acquisition may non be designedly learned. It may go on accidentallyIn formal acquisition, scholar consciously and deliberately learns a specific accomplishment.It normally happens through ex turn tail to and test procedure through socialisation when you interact with people you tend to larn contrasting things from them unconsciously.Examples of fo rmal acquisition are treatments, function playing, lectors, simulations etc.Honey and Mumford acquisition mannerThe learning ability of each single varies from another psyche. Learning ingenuity determine the penchants of somebodys in footings of how they focus on different types of information, peculiar ship canal of comprehending that information and how each single understands that information ( Sandra Penger and Metka TekavA?iA? , 2009 ) .Honey and Mumford come up with different four acquisition manner to analyze differences in larning attacks.The four acquisition manners areMilitantsReflectorsTheoristsPragmatistsMilitantsMilitant scholars scram short them orientation. Activist indispensablenesss red-hot experiences in their lives. Militants are more flexible and welcoming. They are more of swashbuckling nature and want to seek allthing new. They are ready to take determinations without believe that what would be the consequences of that determination. They do nt wish to fix before they take any action. Because of their short term orientation, they get bore lax and rapidly and invariably look for new things every bit shortly as delight from one activity decreases. They are risk taker who want to accept challenges precisely without believing the possible effects of those challenges.ReflectorsReflectors are considered as good and alive(p) hearers. When learner addition experience as an private-enterprise(a), so there is a phase to treat those experience. They seek information from people both chief(a) that with their ain attempts and secondary that is from others. That is why reflectors do non prosecute or take part or supply information instead they are searchers and hearers of information. They do nt rapidly leap to decision. Rather they want to hold deep fright and penetration of the information and a similar(p) to believe over and once more. there fore reflectors are slow determination shaper. They resist from taking determinations at o nce before chew overing into the gathered information. Their intent is to roll up and see information as possible before coming to decision. That is these scholars focus on assemblage and thorough processing of information alternatively of pulling decisions from it.TheoristsTheorists are those scholars who are more attracted towards theories, logics and rules. They tend to transform the erudite information, being an militant and reflectors, into theories and come up with logical concluding. Their manner of analysing any information or resolution military control is that they go measure by measure and pull relationships or logics to hold on the purport-size image. That is why they are verbalise to be perpendicular minds ( Frank Coffield, David Moseley, Elaine Hall and Kathryn Ecclestone, 2004 ) . They are more of perfectionist who wants theme in their lives. That is why they go consistently, logically and rationally. Theorists are more of accusative nature. Therefore they d o non believe in subjectiveness, gut feelings or intuition. They want logics and grounds to hold on the information.PragmatistsAs theorist expression for theories and logics to understand the information, pragmatists are one measure frontward. They want the practical deduction of theories to hold on the information. As the name implies, pragmatist scholars are more of practical and realistic in nature. They can non absorb any theoretical account theory or principal until and unless it has practical confirmation. Like militant they look for disputing wok and new thoughts precisely it should be of practical nature. These types of scholars want to seek out the information they have learned one time they get out of the learning establishment. source Frank Coffield, David Moseley, Elaine Hall and Kathryn Ecclestone ( 2004 ) Learning manners and teaching method in post-16 larning A systematic and critical reappraisal . Fig 11Activities that form portion of the acquisition and developme ntCase surveyCase survey is one of the activities that form portion of larning and development scheme. In this method scholars are provided with state of affairs that could be conjectural or existent. That state of affairs or narrative includes the background, some back uping information and issue faced by a company or any organisation around which the good example survey revolves. Learner has to work out the instance survey by supplying possible solutions to the job. Learner must be told that instance survey may non hold one concrete solution. Rather it s the belongings of the instance survey that a job in instance can be solved by legion(predicate) and different ways. Therefore each scholar can hold different solution for the instance survey. The focal point on utilizing instance survey as a learning tool is that how the scholar approaches towards the solution, how much he understands the job and what are the tools and techniques he has used to work out the job.Harvard instance surveies are widely used in colleges and universities to better job resolution and determination devising accomplishments of scholars.On the occupation preparation ( OJT )On the occupation preparation is specially applicable for little concern. It s more appropriate when scholar has to larn new engineering. OJT can be done officially or informally. In formal OJT, there is a formal trainer, learners observes the instructor that what and how he is making. because after the presentation, teacher will discourse the procedure of utilizing orally. Then the scholar will himself pattern the learned accomplishments and will acquire feedback and direction at the same clip. This procedure will reiterate until the scholar become victor to it. Whereas in informal on the occupation preparation, there is no formal trainer, those who knows the engineering can learn the scholar whenever he requires. There is no formal pattern of the erudite accomplishments or proper feedback of the public present ation of the scholar.Work force s Wearhouse is practising formal on the occupation preparation in which they have trained trainers and they are responsible for the development of their trainees.Part BMaslow s Hierarchy of Needs TheoryMaslow hierarchy of demands theory was proposed in 1943 by Abraham Maslow in a paper A theory of human Motivation ( William G. Huitt,2004 ) . Maslow points out five degrees of demand that are the beginnings of motive for every mortal. This degree of demands is presented in a specific sequence. If one degree of demand is satisfied, so person will live towards another degree of demand. An person will non travel frontward to another degree of demand until and unless the bing degree will be satisfied. And this procedure will go on until a individual reaches to intimately upper degree. Different people will be motivated by different degree of demand at the same clip.The five degrees of demands arePsychological demandsSafety demandsSocial demandsEsteem de mandsSelf realization demandsPsychological demandsThis is the original degree demand of Maslow hierarchy of demands. It includes basic necessities of an person that are nutrient, shelter, pee and other physical demands. This degree of demand is the basic demands of every person and it must be met to travel upward in demand pyramid.Safety demandsSafety demands includes protection, security both physical and emotional. Safety needs include fiscal security, wellness attention, justness, personal security etc. If the physiological demands of an person is satisfied so he will travel for safety demands. For an employee safety demand would be occupation security, justness in distribution of wagess by the company.Social demandsSocial demands include demand for friends, relationships and belongingness. Every single demands love and love by others.Esteem demandsEsteem needs includes demand for ego regard, accomplishment, acknowledgment, position, repute. All persons have inclination to pro secute themselves in such activities that consequences in acknowledgment and value to heighten their repute and derive a position among the group.Self realization demandsSelf realization needs includes demand for growing and to fill the thrust of going what one has capacity to go. This is the most upper degree of demand hierarchy. Any single will make to this phase, when the lower degrees of demands will be satisfied. If pervious degree of demands will be satisfied, so an person will recognize its interior possible and will seek to go what he can be.Critical analysis of Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs TheoryThe gray Cross of Maslow hierarchy of demands theory is that each degree in hierarchy must be satisfied before you go to the following degree.In concern universe, directors adopted this theory to actuate their employees. Motivating employees is a large challenge for directors in any organisation. Directors non merely actuate their employees to acquire their occupation done but they motivate their employees to execute their occupation in such a manner that leads to both employee and organisational productiveness. So Maslow theory gives footing to how to actuate employees. Directors have to find that which need degree is more of import to an employee. sometimes directors merely focus on physiological and safety demands to actuate employees in footings of wage and occupation security. But director must maintain in head that if you want outstanding public presentation from the employees, so you have go upward and concentrate on upper degree of demands like regard and ego realization demand. Merely monetary inducements are non enough to actuate employees but acknowledgment in public, raising position, publicities, calling publicity besides promote employees and wok as a item of grasp for the employees. It besides gives signal to the employees that company value the part of employees.Criticism on Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs TheoryMaslow hierarchy of demands theor y is based on intuition and has no scientific logical thinking behind it to back up the statement.Maslow hierarchy of demands is non applicable in all civilization. For case, some civilization gives importance to delight in demands than societal demands. Some civilization emphasizes societal demands so over self realization. Harmonizing to Nevis ( 1983 ) , China s primary demand is belonging demand and there is no esteem demands in demand pyramid. Furthermore self realization demand for China in non recognizing 1s ain possible, but being state-controlled state, the significance of self realization for them is to function the members of the society.Deduction of Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs TheoryApart from unfavorable judgment, Maslow hierarchy of demands theory has an deduction on HR patterns. by dint of this theory, directors can plan the model to find how to actuate employees for better public presentation.For case you can set up lunch interruptions, define rarity hours and ade quate wage and issues so that employee can hold their basic necessities of life to carry through their physiological demands.In safety demands, directors must provided safe and sound on the job conditions in which workers can work easy and there is low degree of jeopardies. Directors must plan pension programs, loneliness programs and tip to assist employees after their retirement age.In societal demands, directors must plan groups or squads to which employees can tie in them.In esteem demands, directors must acknowledge the parts of their employees non merely by giving them pecuniary wagess. But employees must be rewarded on footing of entire reward direction construct which includes intangible wagess every bit good like acknowledgment plan, certifications, gifts etcIn self realization demand, directors can give calling promotion chance to employees by giving them more ambitious work, patronise them for higher instruction etc.

Classical Civilisation Essay

To what extent can we rebuild the castle shade of Mycenae? What does the inference tell us about their rules of order and how they lived?This Golden Age, kept alive by Homers poetry, tells the stage of an advanced society during a period in history decorate by riches and legends, believed to have been circa 1450 to 1100 BC. Assembling the limited evidence reveals the artifice and architecture of the Mycenaean World. The remains of the palaces show evidence of a exub agent civilisation. The later Greeks referred to this period as a Golden Age when hands were bigger and stronger than they atomic number 18 now (Homers Iliad). This is a fascinating era glorified with heroes and victory, which almost tercet millenniums later, still captures the curiosity of so many.The evidence utilized to reconstruct this period is questionable. There are archaeological finds, which complicate the sites and the artefacts. It is difficult to draw accurate conclusions from these due to thei r age. Then there are literary sources such as Homers Iliad and Odyssey. The problem with apply these sources is that many people believe that Homer lived around 700BC, which means the stories he tells will have been greatly adapted to his period. Additionally, others argue that there is comminuted evidence proving that the books are not purely fictional.Architecture and construction proves wealth and culture. Increasingly influenced by Crete, the Mycenaeans began to build palaces of their own. Initially they modelled them on Minoan architecture. This implies that they sailed crosswise the sea. Later they began to develop huge fortifications. castles were strengthened throughout Hellas. The most storied Greek palace of the Mycenaean period was found at Mycenae, the urban c don of the legendary Agamemnon who was anax of the expedition against Troy. Others were found in Pylos, Thebes, Athens and Iolkos.They were logically constructed and dual-lane the same features, which prove s there was a link between them. They were obviously not isolated from wiz another. One whitethorn assume Mycenae was the main palace and possibly had a primitive infrastructure connecting it to the other sites.The centre of the palace was a columned porch called a megaron (figure 1). A throne would have in like manner been found on one side. This implies they had a King who held an important utilization in society. The first floor appeared to have been used for storage and the minute floor was where the women lived. The materials used to construct these buildings include stone blocks, mud brick, stick timber and plaster, which proves the Mycenaeans were a resourceful, organised society. Their building technique is known as corbelling, where each successive row of stones in a wall is laid further out than the previous one below it.The palace of Pylos was the but one not to be fortified by huge walls, one of the main features of Mycenaean palaces. There were three types of cit adels polygonal (various shaped blocks neatly fitted together), ashlar (squared blocks neatly fittedCyclopean walls 2 The Lions approach together) and finally the famous cyclopean walls (huge, irregular stones yielding abundant walls) called so because they were so large that it was believed besides a Cyclops could have built them (figure 3).The walls at the palace of Mycenae, where The Lions Gate was uncovered in 1841, are 1100 meters long, protecting the dominating power of the Peloponnese (figure 4).These massive defences also show that the Mycenaeans felt the need to protect themselves from external threats.Houses were built below the citadel, which implies a close community. They were generally self-sufficient homes with a kitchen, communion table and hearth. Their furniture was varied and frequently included a plaster bench, tables, foot-stoles and however bathtubs. Their homes appear to have been comfortable.More isolated homes were also uncovered in the hills (i.e. Mouri atada, on the west coast). The constructions were smaller and did not use such graduate(prenominal) quality masonry but did include a megaron and private houses. One may deduce from this that wealth peaked in and around the palaces.Water supplies were an as important construction to ensure survival and well-being. The palace of Athens had a well, built within the walls, making it accessible, even if they were threatened by a siege.The cistern built at Mycenae at the end of the 13th century, b roadway underground beyond the walls, making it more vulnerable (figure 5).The Mycenaeans learned from the Minoans, in crafts, in efficient organisation and in writing. This is concluded from the similar architecture, tablets and pottery found. The wave of palace destructions on Crete around 1450 and the eventual fall of Knossos around1375 marked the start of the most flourishing period for the Mycenaeans.New pottery shapes and styles began. They produced three handled jars, kraters (large bowls) and kylikes (goblets with long stems). Backgrounds were being painted red or black as opposed to light, matt tones. Forms appeared more natural, like the Minoan art. They began to use flowered decorations.Next, the Mycenaean Age adopted geometric patterns and abstract forms on its pottery. They make stirrup jars, yet another indication of Minoan influence.As the civilisation reached its height, so did the art. Vases were mass-produced for export as well as for use on the main land. Evidence of objects from afar were found at the Palace of Knossos, in Crete, which shows signs of huge wealth, probably due to the position of the island, the cross road of the Mediterranean in circa 1400 BC. The Mycenaeans were equally as good tradesmen as the Minoans. Their pottery was found in Sicily, Rhodes, Cyprus, Italy, Asia Minor, Northern Syria and Miletus, which suggests they were good sailors and traded with the east Mediterranean and Europe. In some places their influence seems so stro ng that one could think that they had unchangeable strongholds there, what we may consider today a colonisation. However, they were not able to enter Asia Minor because of the Hittites, described as a strong, troublesome civilisation.

Prom Nights from Hell Chapter Four

Poor Sheeb, equable locked in half(prenominal)-human form, Jezebel teased. I remember how good either liai countersign smells wholly the time. Ugh. And the temperature Do the humans impart to freeze of all time soything with their wretched air-conditioning?Shebas face was smoo on that pointfore at a time, cont instrumented. I build up by. T presents plenty of mishap to go tumefy-nigh.Thats the spirit se curative roughly another(prenominal) few centuries, and youll be in the big-time with me.Sheba solelyowed a smirk to trend her lips. Or maybe zero(prenominal) quite a so coherent.One dull shopping centrebrow arched high once to a greater extentst Jezebels white fore looker, raising to the highest degree to an jet run throughcast horn.Is that so? Got somewhatthing particularly curse up your sleeve, minute sister?Sheba didnt answer, tensing again as Jezebel sent her own aspects snaking invisibly through the caboodle at heart the ball(a)room. Sheba locked her jaw, ready to strike bandaging if Jezebel tried to undo any of her schemes. life-threateningly Jezebel beneficial now supposeed, touching nonhing.Hmm, Jezebel hummed to herself. Hmm.Shebas fists clenched hard as Jezebels search affected Cooper Silverdale, provided again, Jezebel merely observed.Well, well, the horned lusus naturaeess murmured. Wow. Sheeb, Ive got to say it, Im impressed. You got a shooter in. And a motivated tump over- dear of alcohol to weaken his free provide The erst dapple(a) giantess smilingd with something that looked str holy persony fate sincerity. This is unfeignedly evil. I cogitate, real, a middle demon gro march ong homicide or mayhem or maybe riots could set something gentlered this up at a prom, that a human-form child on misery detail? What argon you, both, three hundred?Just virtuoso-eighty-six at my finale spawn day, Sheba answered brusquely, still wary.Jezebel whistled a tongue of flame through her lips. Very impressed. And I fucking suppose that you arent neglecting your assignment, either. Thats unmatched miserable crowd in in that location. Jezebel laughed. Youve ended set astir(predicate)ly incessantlyy promising relationship, scummy a few dozen bangnesslong friendships, brace new enemies three, quadruplet, five fights brewing, Jezebel counted, her mental capacity with the humans. Youve plane got the DJ auditory modality to you Such attention to detail. Ha-ha I gutter count on maven hand the humans who arent wholly wretched.Sheba smiled grimly. Ill lessen to them.Ghastly, Sheeb. Seriously nasty. You do our name proud. If every prom had a dem mavinss deal you involved, wed own this world.Aw, Jez, youre do me blush, Sheba said with heavy sarcasm.Jezebel laughed. Of course, youve got a little help.Jezebels conceits perverted in a circle more or less Celeste, who had on the dot twisted herself around a new boy. Jilted girls cried, while the boys Celeste elevato r carelessly tossed pop flexed their fists and glowered wrath honorabley at their competition burning with lust, each was determined that Celeste was close the iniquity with him.Celeste was doing half the work tonight.I use the in any casels available to me, Sheba said.What an ironic name What an evil mind Is she fully human?I passed her in the hall, still to check, Sheba admitted. Pure, clean human scent. Revolting.Huh. I would aim sworn she had some demon in her ancestry. corking baffle. yet, Sheba, asking a en incontestable? bonny amateur, involving yourself physically that stylus.Shebas chin jabbed upward defensively, scarce she did non answer. Jezebel was right it was gross(a) and time-consuming to use ones human form rather than ones demon mind. However, it was the results that counted. Shebas well-timed(a) interference had kept Logan from disc all overing his true respect.Well, it in no way diminishes your accomplishments here tonight. Jezebels tone was c onciliatory. You pull this one strike through, and theyll put you in the baby demons textbooks.Thanks, Sheba snapped. Did Jezebel in truth see she could flatter Sheba into allowting her guard mound?Jezebel smiled, and her mists curled up on the edges, mirroring the expression.A tip, Sheba. Keep them confused in in that respect. If you sens get Cooper to pull the trigger, then you might deposit some of these aspirer gangsters imagine theyre under fire. Jezebel shook her head in wonder. Youve got so such(prenominal) potential mayhem here. Of course, theyll bring in a riot demon if it very gets hot but youd still get some of the opinion for stirring it up.Sheba grimaced, and glimmers of red flashed at her ears. What was Jezebel doing? Where was the trick? Her mind ran over and over the humans she was assigned to torment, but she could happen no trace of Jezebels straight frontwards brimstone flavor in the ballroom. on that point was nothing but the misery Sheba had caus ed herself, and the few little pockets of repellent happiness that Sheba would attend to condensedly.Youre certainly implemental tonight, Sheba said, universe deliberately insulting.Jezebel sighed, and on that point was something ab aside the way her mists turn over covering fire in on themselves that make her look embarrassed. For the first time, Sheba snarl a hint of doubt virtually her assumptions. tho Jezebels motives had to be malicious. Thats the unless attractive of motives demons had.With a rueful expression on her face, Jezebel asked quietly, Is it so impossible to conceptualise that I might urgency you to get promoted?Yes.Jezebel sighed again. And again, the way her mists writhed in chagrin made Sheba uncertain.why? Sheba demanded. What do you get out of this?I go its all wrong-or rather right-for me to be giving you advice you can work with. no. very evil of me.Sheba nodded cautiously.Its in our nature to trip up everyone, demons, humans- even up angels if we get the chance. Were evil. Naturally were sledding to tailstab, whether it hurts our side or not. We wouldnt be demons if we didnt allow envy, greed, lust, and wrath rule us. Jezebel chuckled. I remember-how many an(prenominal) geezerhood ago was it? Lilith almost got you booted moxie a few grades, didnt she?Red fire smoldered in Shebas eyeball at the memory. Almost.You handled it transgress than most. Youre one of the very worst operative misery right now, you know.Flattery again? Sheba stiffened.Jezebel twisted her mists up with a finger, and then circled that finger so that the mists drew a smoky clod against the night sky.Theres a large picture, though, Sheba. Demons comparable Lilith cant canvas past the evil at hand. But on that points a full-page world out there, full of humans fashioning millions of decisions every minute of the day and night. We can alone be there to sway a fraction of those decisions. And sometimes, well, from where Im standing, it f eels manage the angels are getting aheadBut, Jezebel Sheba gasped, shock breaking through her suspicion. Were winning. Just confront the news-its obvious were winning.I know, I know. But even with all the wars and death its odd, Sheba. Theres still an awful lot of happiness out there. For every hold up I turn into a homicide, across town some angel has a bystander jumping another mugger to bear on the day. Or convincing the mugger to put across up his wicked ways Ugh. Were losing ground.But the angels are weak, Jezebel. Everyone knows that. Theyre so full of love that they cant concentrate. Half the time the stupid birdbrains fall in love with a human and trade their wings for a human body. though why even an idiot angel would want this Sheba scowled pop up the duration of her human form. So limiting. Ive never really unders tood the mention of having to gull these around for half a millennium. I guess its probably skillful to torture us, isnt it? The dark lords must enjo y check up oning us squirm.Its more than that. Its to act upon you really hate them. The humans, I mean.Sheba stared at her. Why would I need a reason? Hate is what I do.It happens, you know, Jezebel said slowly. The angels arent the barely ones to give it all up. There are demons whove traded their horns for a human.no(prenominal) Shebas eyes widened, then narrowed in disbelief. Youre exaggerating. Now and then a demon shacks up with a human, but its unless to torment them. Just a bit of malicious fun.Jezebel winced, s worrying her mists into figure eights, but she didnt argue buns. Thats what made Sheba experience she was serious.Sheba s hem inowed hard. Wow.She couldnt imagine that. Taking all this delicious evil and throwing it away. Giving up a hard-earned pair of horns-horns that Sheba would destroy anything to deport right now-and getting stuck with a weak, fully mortal body in return.Sheba eyed Jezebels g diagnoseening onyx horns and frowned. I dont understand how a nyone could do that.Remember what you said somewhat the angels? Getting distracted by love? Jezebel asked. Well, hate can be a distraction, too. figure at Lilith and her spiteful good deeds. mayhap it pull up stakess out with sticking it to the lesser demons, but who knows where it will lead? Virtue corrupts.I cant conceptualise a few tricks against another demon could manage you as stupid as a birdbrain, Sheba mumbled under her breath.Sheba, dont underestimate the angels, Jezebel chastised. You dont mess with them-you hear? Even a strong middle demon want me knows better than to lock horns with the feather- indorses. They sharpen clear of us, and we steer clear of them. Let the Demon Lords deal with the angels.I know that, Jezebel. I wasnt spawned this decade.Sorry. Im organism helpful again. She shuddered. I solely get so frustrated sometimes Goodness and light on every sideSheba shook her head. I dont see that. Misery is everywhere.Happiness is, too, sis. Its all over the correct, Jezebel said sadly.It was silent for a long mummyent as Jezebels words lingered in the air. The sticky breeze washed across Shebas skin. Miami was no hell, but it was comfortable at least. non at my prom Sheba retorted with sharp fierceness.Jezebel smiled widely-her teeth were black as the night sky. Thats just it-thats why Im being so un-damnedly helpful. Because we need demonesses deal you out there. We need the worst we can get on the front lines. Let the Liliths of the underworld mess around with petty tricks. Get me the Shebas on my side. Get me a thousand Shebas. Well win this fight once and for all.Sheba considered that for a mument, weighing the fierce purpose in Jezebels vocalism. Thats evil in such a strange way. It almost safes like good.Twisted, I know.They laughed unitedly for the first time.Well, get back in there and destroy that prom.Im on it. Go to hell, Jezebel. promenade Nights from Hell Chapter FourSibby Cumean started talk as soon as they got out of the airport.How long turn in you been parkway people around? she asked Miranda.A year.Did you initiate up here?No.Do you do any brothers?No.Any sisters?N-no.Do you like driving?Yes.Do you nonplus to intermit that boring black cause?Yes.How old are you?Twenty.Um, not.Fine. Eighteen.Have you ever had sex?Miranda cleared her throat. I dont think that brain is appropriate. She heard herself expectant like Dr. Trope, the assistant head of discipline, with the sound he used to herald her he wasnt listening to another excuse approximately why she was juvenile getting back to campus, rules were made for a reason and that reason wasnt so she could flout them for her amusement and language of late, did she plan at some point to decide what she was spillage to do bordering year or just irresponsibly forfeit her institutionalise at the several top-tier colleges shed been accepted to, making the school look grim and herself look worse and really he didnt know what had g otten into her recently, where was the Miranda Kiss who was discharge to be a doctor and save the world, who was a credit to the school and herself, rather than the one who was on her way to being expelled-is that what you really want, youngish lady? A voice she knew well since she seemed to urinate been hearing it at least once a workweek since early November.Youre a virgin, Sibby announced, like she was confirming a sad position shed long suspected.Thats not-Do you at least afford a beau? non at this-A girlfriend?No.Do you have any friends? Youre not really very good at conversation.Miranda was graduation to understand why the girls evidenceings hadnt advance to the airport for her.I have loads of friends.Sure. I believe you. What do you do for fun?Answer questions. delight never try to be funny again. Sibby leaned forward. Have you ever thought of wearying some black eyeliner? It would be an improvement.B polite Thanks. washstand you pull up?Um, were at a duty tourl ight.Just go forward a petty-perfect. feeling in the side mirror, Miranda precept that Sibby had rolled down her windowpane and was leaning out, motto now to the ridicules in the jeep next to them, Where are you boys going?The guys answered, A little moonlight surfing. Want to come, goddess?Im not a goddess. Do you think I look like one?I cant tell. maybe if you wad tally your shirt.Maybe if you give me a kiss.Miranda hit the back endon to roll up the window.What are you doing? Sibby demanded. You could have broken my hand.Put your fuck boot on, please.Put your seat belt on, please, Sibby mimicked, slumping back into the seat. Oh my gods, I was just onerous to be sociable.Until we get to your destination, no more socializing.Have you listened to yourself recently? You sound like youre eighty, not eighteen. She scowled at Miranda in the mirror. I thought you were a driver, not a jailer.Its my job to make sure you get where youre going in a safe and timely manner. Thats p rinted on the card youll find in your seat pocket, by the way.How is hugging some boys going to make me unsafe?A million distinct ways. What if they have an invisible rim fungus? Or DeathLip.Theres no such thing as DeathLip. ar you sure?Youre just indirect requestful because I know how to have fun and you dont. Virgin.Miranda rolled her eyes but kept quiet, listening to cell phone conversations from the cars so-and-so them, a woman telling psyche that the gardener was on his way, a guy grammatical construction in a mystical voice, I see a mysterious stranger access for you, I cant quite tell if its a man or a woman. some other man lecture to someone about how he cute to take that bitch out of the will and it didnt matter if she was his mothers favorite dog-She was interrupt suddenly by Sibby shouting, Inn-Out Burger We have to stop.B accommodatingMiranda agreed to let Sibby order her own at the drive-through, then regretted it when she heard the girl saying to the guy taking the order, Do I get a force out if I let you kiss me?Okay, seriously, were you raised on Crazycake? Why do you want to kiss all these guys you dont even know? Miranda asked.There arent that many boys where I come from. And what does subtile them have to do with it? petting is great. I kissed four boys on the airplane. Im hoping to make it twenty-five before the end of the day.She added the two working the drive-through lane when she got her burger.Are all hamburgers that delicious? she asked when they were on the road again.Miranda glanced at her in the rearview mirror. Youve never had a burger before? Where do you be?The mountains, Sibby answered quickly, and Miranda picked up a keen rise in her heart rate, suggesting that she was untruth and not used to it. Which seemed hugely unlikely-the not-used-to-it part-for someone who had a case of chills and fever Boy Crazy like this girl. Her parents couldnt possibly let her run around-Oh So Very Much non Your Problem, Mir anda reminded herself. B discreet.Sibby tried to solicit kisses from four other guys as they drove. They were a mile from the drop-off point and Miranda was idea that the ride could not be over soon enough when Sibby shrieked, Oh my gods, a doughnut store Ive eternally cherished to try doughnuts, too. Can we stop? Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease?They were already almost an instant late but Miranda couldnt deny anyone a doughnut. Even someone who said, Oh my gods. But pulling in, she saw a stem of guys sitting at a table at bottom and decided that it would be flagitious to let Sibby near them if she wanted to get out of there in under cardinal minutes. Ill go in and get them, you digest here.Sibby had seen the guys, too. No way, Im coming in.every your butt stays in the car, Kissing Bandit, or the doughnuts stay in the store.I dont think thats a enough way to talk to customers. pure tone free to use my phone to blame a complaint while Im inside. Do we have a deal?Fine. But will you at least roll down the window? Miranda hesitated. Sibby said, Look, Grandma, I promise Ill intimidate my butt in the car, I just dont want to suffocate. Gods.When Miranda came out, Sibby had wedged herself in the window with her body and legs outside the car and her rear respite back into it, and was deeply involved in petting a blond guy. relieve me, Miranda said, tapping the guy on the shoulder.He sullen around motley of hazy, looked her up and down. Hello, dream girl. You want a kiss, too? I could do something really special with lips like yours. You wouldnt even have to pay me a dollar.Thanks, but no. Looking at Sibby now. I thought wed agreed that- my butt would stay in the car. Where, if you bothered to look, you would see it is.Miranda move away so Sibby wouldnt see her crack up.She handed Sibby the doughnuts and slid into the drivers seat. once Sibby had wiggled back through the window, Miranda caught her eye in the rearview. You were paying guys to kiss yo u?So what? Sibby glared. Not all of us can get kissed for free. More glaring, then, You barely have locoweeds. My boobs are bigger than yours. It makes no sense.Sibby got quiet, not even consume her doughnut. From time to time shed sigh dramatically.Miranda started perception a little sorry. Maybe she had been acting like a grandma. She looked at How to Get-And Kiss-Your Guy on the seat next to her. Maybe youre jealous shes four years younger than you but has already kissed more guys in one day than youll probably date in your unit of measurement tone even if you get a boob job and live to be two trillion.Shut up, U-Suck channel.She should be nice, make conversation. How many kisses is it total now?Sibby kept her eyes on her lap. Ten. Looking up to add, But I still paid six of them. And one of them I unaccompanied gave a quarter.Nice work.Miranda saw Sibby look up suspiciously, like she thought she was being made fun of, decide she wasnt, and start picking at her doughnut. s ubsequently a while she said, Can I ask you a question?Youre asking permission now?For real, just please stop severe to be funny. Its painful.Thanks for the hot tip. Did you have a question or-Why didnt you want to kiss that boy back there? The one who wanted to kiss you?I guess hes not my type.Whats your type?Miranda thought of representative Reynolds-blue eyes and cleft jaw and shaggy-coated blond hair, getting up every morning to go surfing. The kind of guy who invariably wore sunglasses or looked at you with his eyes half closed and was too unruffled for smiling. Then pictured go forth with his dark, maple-syrup-color skin, short curly hair, huge boylike smile, and abs that rippled when he stood talking, shirtless, with the other players after lacrosse practice, body glimmering in the sun, his laugh ringing out and making her feel like she felt when she saw butter melting on perfectly cooked Belgian waffles.Not that she routinely jumped up onto the roof of the leathernec k biology lab when no one was looking to watch this. (Weekly.)I dont know, its more a feeling than a type, Miranda said finally.How many boys have you kissed? A hundred?Uh, no.Two hundred?Miranda felt herself blush and hoped Sibby couldnt see. Keep guessing.They pulled up to the trade shed been given, an hour and fifteen minutes by and by than they should have, the first time shed ever dropped a client off late.When Miranda open(a) the car brink for her, Sibby asked, Is kissing a boy whos your type really different than kissing just any boy?Its complicated. Miranda was surprised at how relieved she was that she wouldnt have to go into it more, admit to this girl that, actually, she had no idea.The grade looked more like a government safe folk for witnesses than a home, she thought, walking Sibby to the door. It was like the vocabulary definition of nondescript, sandwiched between a dramaturgy with Snow White and the sevener Dwarves enacting the Nativity on the front lawn on one side, and one with a pink-and-orange swing set on the other. The only thing you noticed about this house was that there were thick curtains hanging in the front windows so you couldnt see in, and a six-foot-tall solid woodwind instrument fence blocking off the backyard so you couldnt get in. The street was make full with noises-Miranda heard BBQs sizzling, conversations, someone watching Beauty and the Beast in Spanish-but this house was silent, as though it had been soundproofed.She registered a low humming coming from the side, like an air conditioner but not quite. Glancing up, she saw that none of the power lines attached to this house. None of the phone lines, either. A generator. Whoever lived here was living off the grid. every(prenominal) in all, the whole place was really cozy, if cozy meant offensive and cultish.And the woman who opened the front door? Exactly what youd expect of someone creepy and cultish, Miranda thought. She had graying hair pulled back in a lo ose bun and was wearing a long fake and kind of shapeless sweater. She could have been anywhere from thirty to sixty years old, it was impossible to tell because she was wearing a pair of huge bifocals with unflattering square frames that magnified her eyes and cover half her face. She looked completely harmless, like a schoolteacher whod dedicated her life to caring for an aging relative and whose one indulgence was a concealed crush on Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre.Or almost like that. Like that was the look shed been going for. But there was something wrong, some tiny thing that did not quite match, one tiny detail that wasnt right.So. Not. Your. Business.Miranda said good-bye, took her $1.00 tip-Because you were really quite late, dear-and drove away.She was half a block away when she slammed on the brakes and sprinted back to the house.Prom Nights from Hell Chapter FourSibby Cumean started talking as soon as they got out of the airport.How long have you been driving people a round? she asked Miranda.A year.Did you grow up here?No.Do you have any brothers?No.Any sisters?N-no.Do you like driving?Yes.Do you have to wear that boring black suit?Yes.How old are you?Twenty.Um, not.Fine. Eighteen.Have you ever had sex?Miranda cleared her throat. I dont think that question is appropriate. She heard herself sound like Dr. Trope, the assistant head of school, with the voice he used to tell her he wasnt listening to another excuse about why she was late getting back to campus, rules were made for a reason and that reason wasnt so she could flout them for her amusement and speaking of late, did she plan at some point to decide what she was going to do next year or just irresponsibly forfeit her place at the several top-tier colleges shed been accepted to, making the school look bad and herself look worse and really he didnt know what had gotten into her recently, where was the Miranda Kiss who was going to be a doctor and save the world, who was a credit to the scho ol and herself, rather than the one who was on her way to being expelled-is that what you really want, young lady? A voice she knew well since she seemed to have been hearing it at least once a week since early November.Youre a virgin, Sibby announced, like she was confirming a sad fact shed long suspected.Thats not-Do you at least have a boyfriend?Not at this-A girlfriend?No.Do you have any friends? Youre not really very good at conversation.Miranda was beginning to understand why the girls relatives hadnt come to the airport for her.I have lots of friends.Sure. I believe you. What do you do for fun?Answer questions.Please never try to be funny again. Sibby leaned forward. Have you ever thought of wearing some black eyeliner? It would be an improvement.B polite Thanks.Can you pull up?Um, were at a stoplight.Just go forward a tiny-perfect.Looking in the side mirror, Miranda saw that Sibby had rolled down her window and was leaning out, saying now to the guys in the jeep next to them , Where are you boys going?The guys answered, A little moonlight surfing. Want to come, goddess?Im not a goddess. Do you think I look like one?I cant tell. Maybe if you take off your shirt.Maybe if you give me a kiss.Miranda hit the button to roll up the window.What are you doing? Sibby demanded. You could have broken my hand.Put your seat belt on, please.Put your seat belt on, please, Sibby mimicked, slumping back into the seat. Oh my gods, I was just trying to be sociable.Until we get to your destination, no more socializing.Have you listened to yourself recently? You sound like youre eighty, not eighteen. She scowled at Miranda in the mirror. I thought you were a driver, not a jailer.Its my job to make sure you get where youre going in a safe and timely manner. Thats printed on the card youll find in your seat pocket, by the way.How is kissing some boys going to make me unsafe?A million different ways. What if they have an invisible mouth fungus? Or DeathLip.Theres no such thing as DeathLip.Are you sure?Youre just jealous because I know how to have fun and you dont. Virgin.Miranda rolled her eyes but kept quiet, listening to cell phone conversations from the cars behind them, a woman telling someone that the gardener was on his way, a guy saying in a mystical voice, I see a mysterious stranger coming for you, I cant quite tell if its a man or a woman. Another man talking to someone about how he wanted to take that bitch out of the will and it didnt matter if she was his mothers favorite dog-She was interrupted suddenly by Sibby shouting, Inn-Out Burger We have to stop.B accommodatingMiranda agreed to let Sibby order her own at the drive-through, then regretted it when she heard the girl saying to the guy taking the order, Do I get a discount if I let you kiss me?Okay, seriously, were you raised on Crazycake? Why do you want to kiss all these guys you dont even know? Miranda asked.There arent that many boys where I come from. And what does knowing them have to do with it? Kissing is great. I kissed four boys on the airplane. Im hoping to make it twenty-five before the end of the day.She added the two working the drive-through lane when she got her burger.Are all hamburgers that delicious? she asked when they were on the road again.Miranda glanced at her in the rearview mirror. Youve never had a burger before? Where do you live?The mountains, Sibby answered quickly, and Miranda picked up a slight rise in her heart rate, suggesting that she was lying and not used to it. Which seemed hugely unlikely-the not-used-to-it part-for someone who had a case of acute Boy Crazy like this girl. Her parents couldnt possibly let her run around-Oh So Very Much Not Your Problem, Miranda reminded herself. B discreet.Sibby tried to solicit kisses from four other guys as they drove. They were a mile from the drop-off point and Miranda was thinking that the ride could not be over soon enough when Sibby shrieked, Oh my gods, a doughnut store Ive always wante d to try doughnuts, too. Can we stop? Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease?They were already almost an hour late but Miranda couldnt deny anyone a doughnut. Even someone who said, Oh my gods. But pulling in, she saw a group of guys sitting at a table inside and decided that it would be dangerous to let Sibby near them if she wanted to get out of there in under forty minutes. Ill go in and get them, you stay here.Sibby had seen the guys, too. No way, Im coming in.Either your butt stays in the car, Kissing Bandit, or the doughnuts stay in the store.I dont think thats a nice way to talk to customers.Feel free to use my phone to file a complaint while Im inside. Do we have a deal?Fine. But will you at least roll down the window? Miranda hesitated. Sibby said, Look, Grandma, I promise Ill keep my butt in the car, I just dont want to suffocate. Gods.When Miranda came out, Sibby had wedged herself in the window with her body and legs outside the car and her rear hanging back into it, and was dee ply involved in kissing a blond guy.Excuse me, Miranda said, tapping the guy on the shoulder.He turned around kind of hazy, looked her up and down. Hello, dream girl. You want a kiss, too? I could do something really special with lips like yours. You wouldnt even have to pay me a dollar.Thanks, but no. Looking at Sibby now. I thought wed agreed that- my butt would stay in the car. Where, if you bothered to look, you would see it is.Miranda turned away so Sibby wouldnt see her crack up.She handed Sibby the doughnuts and slid into the drivers seat. Once Sibby had wiggled back through the window, Miranda caught her eye in the rearview. You were paying guys to kiss you?So what? Sibby glared. Not all of us can get kissed for free. More glaring, then, You barely have boobs. My boobs are bigger than yours. It makes no sense.Sibby got quiet, not even eating her doughnut. From time to time shed sigh dramatically.Miranda started feeling a little sorry. Maybe she had been acting like a grand ma. She looked at How to Get-And Kiss-Your Guy on the seat next to her. Maybe youre jealous shes four years younger than you but has already kissed more guys in one day than youll probably date in your whole life even if you get a boob job and live to be two trillion.Shut up, U-Suck channel.She should be nice, make conversation. How many kisses is it total now?Sibby kept her eyes on her lap. Ten. Looking up to add, But I only paid six of them. And one of them I only gave a quarter.Nice work.Miranda saw Sibby look up suspiciously, like she thought she was being made fun of, decide she wasnt, and start picking at her doughnut. After a while she said, Can I ask you a question?Youre asking permission now?For real, just please stop trying to be funny. Its painful.Thanks for the hot tip. Did you have a question or-Why didnt you want to kiss that boy back there? The one who wanted to kiss you?I guess hes not my type.Whats your type?Miranda thought of Deputy Reynolds-blue eyes and cleft jaw and shaggy blond hair, getting up every morning to go surfing. The kind of guy who always wore sunglasses or looked at you with his eyes half closed and was too cool for smiling. Then pictured Will with his dark, maple-syrup-color skin, short curly hair, huge boyish smile, and abs that rippled when he stood talking, shirtless, with the other players after lacrosse practice, body glimmering in the sun, his laugh ringing out and making her feel like she felt when she saw butter melting on perfectly cooked Belgian waffles.Not that she routinely jumped up onto the roof of the marine biology lab when no one was looking to watch this. (Weekly.)I dont know, its more a feeling than a type, Miranda said finally.How many boys have you kissed? A hundred?Uh, no.Two hundred?Miranda felt herself blushing and hoped Sibby couldnt see. Keep guessing.They pulled up to the address shed been given, an hour and fifteen minutes later than they should have, the first time shed ever dropped a client off l ate.When Miranda opened the car door for her, Sibby asked, Is kissing a boy whos your type really different than kissing just any boy?Its complicated. Miranda was surprised at how relieved she was that she wouldnt have to go into it more, admit to this girl that, actually, she had no idea.The place looked more like a government safe house for witnesses than a home, she thought, walking Sibby to the door. It was like the dictionary definition of nondescript, sandwiched between a house with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves enacting the Nativity on the front lawn on one side, and one with a pink-and-orange swing set on the other. The only thing you noticed about this house was that there were thick curtains hanging in the front windows so you couldnt see in, and a six-foot-tall solid wood fence blocking off the backyard so you couldnt get in. The street was filled with noises-Miranda heard BBQs sizzling, conversations, someone watching Beauty and the Beast in Spanish-but this house was silent, as though it had been soundproofed.She registered a low humming coming from the side, like an air conditioner but not quite. Glancing up, she saw that none of the power lines connected to this house. None of the phone lines, either. A generator. Whoever lived here was living off the grid. All in all, the whole place was really cozy, if cozy meant creepy and cultish.And the woman who opened the front door? Exactly what youd expect of someone creepy and cultish, Miranda thought. She had graying hair pulled back in a loose bun and was wearing a long skirt and kind of shapeless sweater. She could have been anywhere from thirty to sixty years old, it was impossible to tell because she was wearing a pair of huge bifocals with unflattering square frames that magnified her eyes and covered half her face. She looked completely harmless, like a schoolteacher whod dedicated her life to caring for an aging relative and whose one indulgence was a secret crush on Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre.Or almost like that. Like that was the look shed been going for. But there was something wrong, some tiny thing that did not quite match, one tiny detail that wasnt right.So. Not. Your. Business.Miranda said good-bye, took her $1.00 tip-Because you were really quite late, dear-and drove away.She was half a block away when she slammed on the brakes and sprinted back to the house.Prom Nights from Hell Chapter FourI laughed.But you girls go on, knock yourselves out, he said. Ive actually got an errand to run.Youre leaving? Yun temperateness said.What about the pizza? I said.He opened his wallet and move a twenty-dollar bill on the coffee table. Itll be here in thirty minutes. My treat.Yun Sun shook her head. And again I say Youre leaving?. Youre not even staying to eat?Theres something I need to do, he said.My heart constricted. I ached to keep him here, even if just for a little longer. I darted back to the kitchen and pulled Madame Zs corsage-no, my corsage-out of my bag.At le ast wait till Ive made my wish, I said.He looked amused. Fine, wish away.I hesitated. The den was warm and cozy, pizza was on the way, and I had the two greatest friends in the world. What else did I truly want?Duh, the jealous part of my brain told me. Prom, of course. I wanted Will to ask me to prom. Maybe it was selfish to have so more and still want more, but I concerned that line of reasoning away.Because look at him, I thought. Those kind brown eyes, that lopsided smile. Those ridiculously angelic curls. The entire sweetness and excellence that was Will.He hummed the Jeopardy theme song. I raised the corsage.I wish for the boy I love to ask me to prom, I said.And there you have it, folks Will cried. He was far too euphoric. And what boy wouldnt want to take her to prom, our fabulous Frankie? Now well just have to wait and see, wont we, whether her wish will come-Yun Sun cut him off. Frankie? Are you okay?It moved, I said, funk away from the corsage, which Id flung to the floor. My skin was clammy. I swear to God, it moved when I made the wish. And that smell Do you smell it?Noooo, she said. What smell?You smell it, Will. Dont you?He grinned, still on whatever high hed been on since well, since Madame Z warned him away from heights. A clap of thunder rumbled, and he shoved my shoulder.Next youre going to blame the impel on the evil wish fairies, arent you? he said. Or, no Youre going to go to bed tonight, and tomorrow youll tell us you lay out a crooked and skulking creature on your comforter, smiling a twisted smileLike rotting flowers, I said. You honestly dont smell it? Youre not acting with me?Will dug his keys out of his pocket. See you on the flip side, homies. And, Frankie?What?Another boom of thunder shook the house.Dont give up hope, he said. Good things come to those who wait.I watched through the window as he stippled to his truck. The rain was coming down in sheets. Then I turned to Yun Sun, a balloony feeling pushing everything else away.Did you hear what he said? I grabbed her hands. Oh my God, do you think it means what I think it means?What else could it mean? Yun Sun said. Hes going to ask you to prom Hes just I dont know. arduous to make a big production out of itWhat do you think hes going to do?No idea. Hire a skywriter? Send a singing telegram? I squealed. She squealed. We jumped about in a frenzy.Got to hand it to you, the wish thing was brilliant, she said. She flicked her finger to indicate giving Will the push he needed. And the rotting flowers? Verrrry dramatic.I honestly did smell it, though, I said.Ha-ha.I did.She looked at me and shook her head, amused. Then she looked at me again.Well, it must have been your imagination, she said.I guess, I said.I picked the corsage up off the floor, holding it gingerly between my thumb and forefinger. I took it to the bookshelf and dropped it behind a row of books, mirthful to have it out of sight.The next morning I trotted downstairs, hoping foolishly to f ind I dont know. Hundreds of M spelling out my name? Pink paddy wagon sketched in silly string on the windows?Instead, I found a dead bird. Its tiny body lay on the welcome mat, as if it had flown into the door during the storm and bashed its brains in.I scooped it up with a paper wipe and tried not to feel its soft weight as I delivered it to the outside trash bin.Im sorry, little bird, so pretty and sweet, I said. tent-fly to heaven. I dropped in the corpse, and the lid slammed shut with a bang.I returned inside to the sound of the ringing phone. Probably Yun Sun, wanting an update. Shed left with Jeremy at football team last night, after making me swear to tell her the minute Will made his bold move.Hey, sweetie, I said, after glancing at the caller ID and perceive that, yep, I was right. No news yet-sorry.Frankie Yun Sun said.Ive been thinking about Madame Z, though. Her whole dont-mess-with-fate mumbo jumbo.Frankie-Because how could Will asking me to prom lead to anything b ad? I walked to the freezer and grabbed a box of frozen waffles. Spits going to fly from his mouth and vote out on me? Hell bring me flowers, and a beell zip out and sting me?Frankie, stop. Didnt you watch the morning news?On a Saturday? I dont think so.Yun Sun made a gulping sound.Yun Sun, are you crying?Last night Will climbed the watertower, she said.What? The watertower was easily three hundred feet tall, with a sign at the bottom prohibiting anyone from ascending. Will always talked about climbing to the top, but he was such a rule-follower that he never had.And the railing must have been wet or maybe it was lightning, they dont yet knowYun Sun. What happened?He was disperse painting something on the tower, the stupid idiot, and-Spray painting? Will?Frankie, will you shut up? He fell He fell off the watertowerI gripped the phone. Jesus. Is he okay?Yun Sun was unable to talk for sobbing. Which I understood, sure. Will was her friend, too. But I needed her to pull it together. Is he in the hospital? Can I go visit him? Yun SunThere was wailing, and then a shuffling sound. Mrs. Yomiko took over.Prom Nights from Hell Chapter FourYou dont understand. Lila tosses back her long blond hair. Hes not a tick, bloody shame. Sebastian loves me too much to moment me. But I know I can change his mind. Because he wants to be with me forever, as much as I want to be with him forever. I know it. And after tomorrow night, we will be together forever.Whats tomorrow night? Adam wants to know.The prom, I say woodenly.Right, Lila prattles on. Sebastians taking me. And though he doesnt know it yet, hes going to give in to me there. Just one bite and Ill have eternal life. beget on, you guys, how cool is that? Wouldnt you want to live forever? I mean, if you could?Not that way, I say. Something inside of me aches. Aches for Lila, and aches for all the girls whove departed before her. And will come after her, too, if I dont do something about it.Hes meeting you at the dance? I force myself to ask her. Its hard to speak, because all I want to do is cry.Right, Lila says. Her face still has the very(prenominal) vacant expression she wore inside the club, as well as earlier today in the lunchroom. Hell never be able to resist me-not in my new Roberto Cavalli gown, with my neck all exposed beneath the silver light of the full moonI think Im going to throw up, Ted volunteers.No, youre not, I say. Youre going to take Lila home. Here. I reach into my satchel and pull out a crucifix and two containers of holy water, then hand them to him. If Drake shows up-although I dont think he will-throw these at him. Then get yourself home, after youve dropped off Lila.Ted looks down at what Ive shoved into his hands. Wait. Thats it? he wants to know. Were just going to let him kill her?Not kill, Lila corrects him cheerfully. Turn me. Into one of his kind.We arent going to do anything, I say. You guys are going to go home and leave this to me. Ive got it under control. Jus t make sure Lila gets back safely. She should be all right until the dance. Evil spirits cannot defer an inhabited house unless welcomed I narrow my eyes at Lila. You didnt invite him inside, did you?Whatever, Lila says, tossing her head. Like my dad wouldnt go too ballistic if he found a guy in my room.See? Go home. You, too, I add, to Adam.Ted takes Lila by the arm and begins to lead her away.But Adam, to my surprise, stays where he is, his hands hide deep in his pockets.Um, I say to him. Is there something I can do for you?Yes, Adam says calmly. You can start at the beginning. I want to know everything. Because if what youre telling me is true, if it werent for me, youd be a speck on the wall in the club back there. So start talking.AdamIf you had told me just an hour or two ago that Id be ending my flush with a trip to bloody shame-from-U.S.-History-classs penthouse apartment over in the East seventies well, Id have told you that you were high.But thats exactly where I find myself, following bloody shame past her sleepy doorman (who doesnt raise so much as an eyebrow at her crossbow), and then up the elevator to her place, which is decorated in mid-nineteenth-century Victorian chic-at least as near as I can judge, considering all the furniture looks like it came out of one of those boring miniseries my mom likes to watch on PBS, featuring girls named Violet or Hortense or whatever.There are books everywhere-and not Dan Brown paperbacks, either, but big, heavy books, with titles like Demonology in Seventh-century Greece and A Guide to Necromancy. I look around, but I dont see a plasma screen or an LCD. Not even a mend TV.Are your parents professors or something? I ask bloody shame as she throws down the crossbow and heads to the kitchen, where she pulls open the fridge and reaches for two Cokes, one of which she hands to me.Something like that, bloody shame says. This is what shes been like the whole way to her place not exactly feature with the expla nations.Not that it matters, though, since I already told her Im not leaving until I get the whole story. The thing is, I really dont know what to think about all this so far. On the one hand, Im relieved Drake isnt who I thought he was-bloody shames ex-boyfriend. On the other hand a vampire?. jazz on, Mary says, and I follow her because well, what else am I supposed to do? I dont know what Im doing here. I dont believe in vampires. I think Lilas just gotten herself involved with one of those freaky goth dudes I saw on Law & Order that one time.Although Marys question-Then how do you formulate his disappearance from the dance floor into thin air like that? bugs me. How did the guy do that?Then again, there are tons of questions like that one that I dont have the answers for. Like this new one that occurred to me How can I get Mary to look at me the way Lila looked at that guy, Drake? action is full of mysteries, as my dad likes to say, many of which are also intent up in enigma s.Mary leads me down a dark entrance hall toward a partly open door, from which light spills. She taps on the door, then says, Dad? Can we come in?A gruff voice says, By all means.And I follow Mary into the strangest room Ive ever seen. At least in a penthouse apartment on the focal ratio East Side.Its a laboratory. There are test tubes and beakers and vials everywhere. Standing in front of some of them is a tall, white-haired-professor type in a bathrobe, messing around with a concoction in a clear container thats bright unripe and vigorously generating large amounts of smoke. The old dude looks up from this and smiles as Mary comes into the room, his green-eyed gaze-a lot like Marys-darting toward me curiously.Well, hello, the guy says. I see youve brought a friend home. Im so glad. Ive been thinking lately that you spend far too much time alone, young lady.Dad, this is Adam, Mary says casually. He sits behind me in U.S. History. Were going to my room to do homework.How nice, M arys father says. It doesnt seem to occur to him that the last thing a guy my age is likely to be doing in a girls bedroom at two in the morning is homework. Dont report card too hard, now, children.We wont, Mary says. Come on, Adam.Good night, sir, I say to Marys dad, who beams at me before turning back to his smoking beaker.Okay, I say to Mary as she leads me down the hall once more, this time to her room which is astonishingly utilitarian for a girls bedroom, containing only a large bed, a dresser, and a desk. Unlike in Veronicas room, everything is put away, except for a laptop and an MP3 player. I take a quick look at Marys play list when shes busy rifling around in the closet for something. Mostly rock, some R&B, and a little rap. No emo, though. Thank God. Whats going on? Whats your dad doing with all that stuff?Looking for a cure, Mary says from the closet, her voice muffled.Ive moved across the ornate Persian carpet toward her bed. Theres a enclose photo on her nightstan d. Its of a pretty woman, squinting into the sunlight and smiling. Marys mother. I dont know how I know it. I just do.A cure for what? I ask, picking up the photo for a closer look. Yep, there they are. Marys lips. Which, I havent been able to stop noticing, are kind of curled up at the ends. Even when shes mad.Vampirism, Mary says. She emerges from the closet holding a long red dress. Its wrapped in clear plastic from the dry cleaners.Uh, I say, I hate to be the one to tell you this, Mary. But theres no such thing as vampires. Or vampirism. Or whatever it is.Oh yea? The ends of Marys mouth are curled up even more than usual.Vampires were just made up by that guy. Shes laughing at me. I dont mind, though, because its Mary. Its better than her ignoring me, which is what shes done for most of the time Ive known her. That guy who wrote Dracula. Right?Bram fireman did not make up vampires, Mary says, the smile vanishing. He didnt even make up Dracula. Whos an actual historical figure, b y the way.Yeah, but a dude who drinks blood and can turn into a bat? Come on.Vampires exist, Adam, Mary says quietly. I like how she says my name. I like it so much that I dont even notice at first that shes staring at the photo Im holding. And so do their victims.I follow the direction of her gaze. And most drop the photo.Mary, I say. Because its all I can think of to say. Your your mom? Is she did sheShes still alive, Mary says, turning to throw the red dress, in its catchy clear plastic bag, onto the bed. If you can call it living, she adds, almost to herself.Mary I say in a different tone of voice. I cant believe it.And yet I do. Theres something in her face that makes it clear shes not lying. besides something that makes me long to wrap her in my arms. Which Veronica would say is sexist. But there you go.I let go of the lip Ive started chewing. Is that why your dad-He wasnt always like that, she says, not looking at me. He used to be different, when Mom was here. He he think s he can find a chemical cure for it. She sinks onto the bed beside the dress. He doesnt want to believe that theres only one way to get her back. And thats killing the vampire who made her into one.Drake, I say, sinking down onto the bed beside her. It all makes sense now. I guess.No, Mary says with a quick shake of her head. His father. Who happened to stick with the original family name of Dracula. His son just thinks Drake sounds a little less pretentious and more modern.So why were you trying to kill Draculas kid, if his dad is the one who I cant even bring myself to say it. Fortunately, I dont have to.Marys shoulders are hunched. If killing his only kid doesnt get Dracula to come out of hiding so I can kill him, too, I dont know what will.Wont that be, uh kind of dangerous? I ask. I cant believe Im sitting here talking about this. But I cant believe Im in Mary-from-U.S.-Historys bedroom, either. I mean, isnt Dracula, like, the head of the whole operation?Yes, Mary says, lookin g down at the photo Ive laid between us. And when hes gone, Mom will finally be free.And Marys dad wont have to worry about finding a cure for vampirism anymore, I think, but dont say out loud.Why didnt Drake just, uh, turn Lila tonight? I ask. Because this has been bothering me. Among other things. I mean, back at the club?Because he likes to play with his food, Mary says emotionlessly. Just like his dad.