Week 4 Forum Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 4 Forum - Assignment Example It is what Edmondson says that â€Å"American popular music is a story of fusion, after fusion after fusion.† meaning that jazz and Blues have had their participation in the American society. For example, many pop stars have borrowed heavily from the blues dimension as Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry among others. The years between the 1930’s and 1940’s were marked by renewed efforts by the African Americans in a push for their rights. This is because they wanted equal rights with the Whites who were the majority and were oppressing them. They were demanding for services like unbiased and fulltime employment, right to join workers’ union, financial integrity, safe and cheap housing, equitable health care and education among other needs. There were efforts over the years meant to achieve the needs which later gave rise to the Civil Rights Movement in the said period. They mainly resolved in non-violent ways of airing their grievances though at times ended in the death of some of them. Their leaders played a prominent role in bringing the people together. The inclusion of African Americans in the World War II helped better the relations between the two races. It made them realize how much they needed each other (Krieger, 15). Popular culture was changing, and notable contri bution can be seen through music like Jazz and

Contemporary Issues in Business (Individual Report) Essay

Contemporary Issues in Business (Individual Report) - Essay Example Over long periods of geological time, the earth’s climate has been constantly changing in response to the tilt and shape of the earth’s orbit as it moves around the sun, the strength and intensity of the sun coupled with the composition of the earth’s atmosphere, the basic shape and position of the continents. There has been strong evidence that some human activities such as the use of fossil fuels are responsible for the constant emission of harmful greenhouse gases that are now causing an increase in the earths temperate in addition to other changes in climate (Richter 2010). Greenhouse emissions are currently projected to increase significantly within the next few decades which will cause an increase in global temperatures and subsequently put to great risk the human society and natural environment worldwide (Pedersen and Nordic Council of Ministers 2000). Climate Change and the Greenhouse Effect The temperature on the surface of the earth is largely determine d by the balance between the energy that is constantly re-radiated to space from the earth mostly in the form of infra-red radiation and the energy that comes from the sun which is seen to be in the form of visible radiation (sunlight). When the sunlight passes through the earth’s atmosphere, it has relatively very little warming effect but when it finally manages to come into contact with the earth’s surface, it warms it and the earth in turn warms the atmosphere by both convection and via emission of infra-red radiation which are absorbed by the greenhouse gases (R.I.C. Publications 2007). The greenhouse gases eventually return some of the infra-red radiation back to the earth’s surface which ends up further warming the earth’s surface. An analogy of this chain of events is often made with reference to greenhouses which generally allow sunshine to pass through their clear plastic or glass which in turns stop the heat that is inside the green house from escaping into the atmosphere and hence the use of the term â€Å"greenhouse effect† (R.I.C. Publications 2007). Fossil Fuels and the change in Climate System Fossil fuels are formed when the bodies of living organisms die and remain compressed and heated over extremely long periods of time to form natural gases, oil and coal. When burned, fossil fuels are seen to produce significant amounts of energy a factor which causes them to be considered as an extremely valuable energy source. However, the burning of these fossil fuels produces the emission of carbon dioxide, resulting in the introduction into the carbon cycle of carbon that would have otherwise still remained trapped in the earth’s geosphere (Downie, Brash and Vaughan 2009). It is currently estimated that the burning of fossil fuels is responsible for adding to the atmosphere an estimated 3.2 billion metric tons of carbon. Because the earth’s carbon cycle is unable to absorb all of this excess carbon bein g released into the atmospher

Mexican Immigration Essay Example for Free

Mexican Immigration Essay People from Mexico during the years 1900-today influenced life in the USA in a positive manner. These people emigrated because of economic opportunity and brought their culture with them. The community into which they moved responded with both positive and negative opinions. Short term influences include Mexican food, Mexican events like Cinco de Mayo, Mexican music, and many other things from their culture. 2nd generation immigrants influence the amount of cheap labor filled up in the country, and Mexican culture being accepted into the mainstream such as entertainment. Long term impact of these immigrants may result in general acceptance of Mexican immigration, a backlash against the Mexican immigration, or possibly easier ways to move to This essay will show an analogy of the human body to be compared with Mexican immigration. The head being the thoughts and feelings of people in America based on Mexican immigration, the arms being the Mexicans contributions to arts and entertainment, the hands being the immigrants work ethic and their effect on the American economy, the heart being Mexican immigrations effect on religion, holidays, and traditions, the gut being Mexican immigrations contribution to culinary influences, the legs being how the borders have been crossed in terms of transportation and such, and the feet being the foundation of Mexican immigrants in the country. With relation to the head, in the United States, the arrival of Mexican immigrants has mostly harbored negative feelings. Of course, the cry of U. S citizens has been Theyre taking our jobs! which is somewhat true, but that will be discussed later on in this paper. Americans havent exactly reacted well to the movement of Mexicans into the country legally or illegally, but it seems that there is a new wave of acceptance of Mexicans in the country, with Mexican culture, entertainment, food, and humor in much of the mainstream. Of course, many of the second generation Mexican American citizens in the US provide an acceptance of the Mexican immigration, with many people trying to spread awareness of the good that Mexican immigration does and how their ancestors came in the past and gave them a better life than what they would have had in Mexico. In the future, I predict that the US population will accept Mexican immigration as acceptable and will not be so biased against Mexican immigrants. In relation to the arms, one of Mexican immigrations most positive aspects is the bringing of Mexican culture and entertainment into the US. Ever since Mexicans started moving into our country, their art, entertainment, and other aspects of their culture have seeped their way into the American lexicon. Mexican art is of course a big influencer in the South in states like Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Many houses in these regions are adorned with Mexican art or carry on a Mexican style. Of course this most likely wouldnt be possible without people coming from Mexico into America. There is also a huge rush of Mexican culture all over media. Lately, there have been many television shows starring Mexican actors where the theme of being Mexican in America and doing well has prospered. Shows like George Lopez where he constantly mentions the fact that hes Mexican and makes many jokes based on his heritage. Many shows like this, along with Mexican musics influence on different types of music have shown that Mexican immigration has been very positive based on its cultural impact. With relation to the hands, Mexican immigrants have had a long record of outstanding work ethic when it comes to arriving in the country and finding work. Mexican immigrants have been able fill up an incredible amount of so-called cheap labor and have had a positive effect on the US economy. It has been shown that Mexicans arriving from Mexico usually acquire jobs upon their arrival, and the amount of Mexicans receiving welfare is very low. Of course, theres always the American cry of Theyre taking our jobs! but actually, Mexican immigrants have created more jobs than theyve taken. The immigrants mostly take lower level jobs that have trouble being filled, which create many more managerial positions and supervisor positions, and those are mostly the jobs that Americans have been known to want. So Mexican immigrants may take jobs, but they also create more for the country, and thats very positive. In relating to the heart, Mexicans have been a large influencing factor in traditions and holidays. Of course, the immigrants from Mexico practice the traditions and holidays they did in their native country. In doing this, many people around them caught on to some of the things they were practicing such as Cinco de Mayo and fiestas. These practices caught on in the rest of the country and became very popular. Just like how in every bar and grill in the country, Cinco do Mayo is celebrated by half priced margaritas and Mexican dishes are discounted. In religion, Mexicans are mostly Roman-Catholic and are able to practice their religion easily. With relation to the gut, Mexican influence in food is outstanding. In every town and city across the country, theres usually at least one Mexican restaurant. In fact, the US is the country that has the most Mexican food, which is actually very ironic. Mexican food has been a true staple of cuisine in America for a long time now, and is incredibly popular. This has been the leading cause of acceptance for Mexican immigration mostly, because Americans seem to love Mexican food. The successes of Mexican restaurants like Taco Bell, Taco Johns, and On the Border have shown how positive Mexican immigration and influence can be. In relation to the legs, Mexican people have arrived in many ways. Along the border there are about 29 ports to access to be able to get into the country from Mexico, which the Mexican immigrants use to legally enter the country. They first enter there and then apply for green cards, visas, and American citizenship. Then theres always the illegal way of getting into the country. Many people go over the border by being smuggled inside a truck into the country, entering the country where they are no border police or personnel, bribing a guard to let them in the country, or somehow climbing one of the very tall barb wire fences along the border and running as fast as you can. Of course none of those ways are easy, being that on an average day, 3,000 people try to illegally cross the border and only an estimated 800 are able to make it through. It is hard to illegally enter the country, but of course many people do. Most people tend to think that most Mexican immigrants enter in illegally, but only 1 in 5 Mexican immigrants have illegally entered the country and not received documentation of their arrival. With relation to the feet, Mexican immigrants have a strong foundation in this country. There is a large Mexican population now in the US and it has a very large basis of culture and influence. Mexicans are beginning to be accepted more into the mainstream of America and have become an integral part of our country. There are many second generation Mexicans in government and politics as well as entertainment and the arts. Now in America, the Mexican people are widely accepted by US citizens and racism against them is beginning to cease. They have become a very important race of people to our country and our people. Overall, Mexican immigration is very positive. It brings many things to the country that wouldnt be here if Mexican people didnt move here. With their contribution to the arts, entertainment, cuisine, traditions, and the economy, Mexican people have become a great asset. I believe that more people will finally accept Mexican immigration as a positive occurrence and will greet new Mexican people with open arms. As the Mexican immigration continues, the country will only get better.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: Causes and Treatment

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: Causes and Treatment Overview In a normal heart, the electrical impulses that signal the heart to beat only flow in one pathway, which begins in the sinoatrial node, or SA node, located in the right atrium. When the SA node fires, the single is spread through the right and left atria causing the chambers to contract. The impulses then travel through the atrioventricular node, AV node, which is the bridge that allows the impulses to flow from atria to the ventricles. The AV node slows down the electrical signal before sending it to the ventricles. This slight delay allows the ventricles to fill with blood. When electrical impulses reach the muscles of the ventricles, they contract, causing them to pump blood either to the lungs or to the rest of the body. When the electrical signal reaches the ventricles, the chamber them to contract. In wolf-Parkinson-white syndrome, also known as WPW, an extra conduction pathway to the ventricles reaches the chambers quicker the normal. This is because impulses travel through the extra pathway as well as the normal AV node system. The impulses travel in a circular pattern. This circular pattern causing the heart to beat unusually beating patterns called arrhythmia. The arrhythmias are conserved an electrical abnormalities called pre-excitation syndromes, and they are in many forms. In Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the most common form of arrhythmia is known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Many people with WPW also experience atrial fibrillation, an irregular rapid heart rhythm. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is present at birth, but the first symptoms often first appear in teens. WPW is one of the most common causes of fast heart rate in infants and children. The syndrome affects about 1 to 3 people in 1,000 people worldwide, but many do not everyone experience symptoms. IN China 70 percent of cases of abnormal heart, rhythm is due to WPW. The extra electrical pathway in the heart doesnt necessarily cause a fast heartbeat. However, this condition makes it possible for other processes to increase the heartbeat, including: Looped electrical impulses, Disorganized electrical impulses Looped electrical impulses. The problem with a fast heartbeat usually occurs in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome because electrical impulses travel down one pathway and up the other one, creating a loop of signals. This condition, called AV reentrant tachycardia, sends impulses to the ventricles at a very rapid rate. The ventricles, as a result, pump very quickly. Disorganized electrical impulses. If electrical impulses dont begin correctly in the right atrium, they may travel across the atria in a disorganized way, causing them to beat very quickly and out of step with each other. This condition is called atrial fibrillation. These disorganized signals also increase the pumping rate of the ventricles to some extent. If theres an extra electrical pathway, as with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the ventricles can beat even faster. The ventricles dont have time to fill up with blood and dont pump enough blood to the body. This less common condition can be life-threatening. History In 1930, Wolff, Parkinson and White described a distinct electrocardiograph (ECG) pattern in healthy young people with short bursts of tachycardia. In 1933, other doctors noted the reason for this irregular rhythm was a faster passage of impulses traveling through the ventricles. In 1944, doctors confirmed the presence of extra pathways. Causes The extra electrical pathway of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is present at birth. Little known to why the extra pathway delopes, but can be caused by sporadic occurrence, and is linked abnormal gene and inheritance, which accounts for a small a small percentage of cases. In most cases, the cause of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is unknown. Most of WPW occurs randomly in the general population, occurring in about 0.1 to 3.1 per 1,000 persons. men have a higher incidence of WPW than women do, for uknown reasons A small percentage of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is caused by a mutation of the PRKAG2 gene. The mutation of the gene is also linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that enlarges and weakens the cardiac muscle of the left ventricle. The PRKAG2 gene codes for a protein that is part of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme. AMPK is believed to be involved in the development of the heart before birth, as well helps mangae the energy demands within the heart. Researchers are uncertain how PRKAG2 mutations lead to the development of WPW, but is due to the altered activity of AMP-activated protein kinase in the heart. It is unclear if the changes cause overactivate enzyme or reduce enyme activity. It is know though that the AMPK mutation allows glycogen to build up abnormally within cardiac muscle, as well as being related to changes in the regulation ion channels in the heart, which play critical roles in maintaining the hearts normal rhythm. Most cases of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome occur in people with no apparent family history of the condition, and accounts for only a small percentage of all cases of this condition. The inheritory disorder typically has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Some cases of WPW are inherited. Parents who have accessory pathways may pass them on to their children. Research has indicated that incidence of preexcitation in first-degree relatives could be as high as 5.5 per 1,000 persons. About 7 to 20 percent of patients with WPW also have congenital defects within the heart. Symptoms The extra connection in the heart, called an accessory pathway, that allows electrical signals to bypass the atrioventricular node and move from the atria to the ventricles faster than usual. The accessory pathway also can transmit electrical impulses abnormally from the ventricles back to the atria, causing an additional contraction of the atria, leading to an abnormally fast heartbeat, called tachycardia and other arrhythmias. About 80 percent of people with symptoms first have them between the ages of 11 and 50. Complications of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can occur at any age, although some individuals born with an accessory pathway in the heart never experience any health problems associated with the condition. Resulting symptoms of the arrhythmias are dizziness, a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest called palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, and rarely associated with cardiac arrest and sudden death. Some people have WPW without any symptoms at all. The most common arrhythmia associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. A person experiencin an tachycardia episode will have heart rate greater than 230 beats per minute and normal blood pressure. An episode of a tachycardia begin suddenly and last for a few seconds or several hours, and often happen during exercise. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome often occurs with other structural abnormalities of the heart or underlying heart disease. The most common heart defect associated with the condition is Ebstein anomaly, which affects the valve that allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle (the tricuspid valve). Additionally, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can be a component of several other genetic syndromes, including hypokalemic periodic paralysis (a condition that causes episodes of extreme muscle weakness), Pompe disease (a disorder characterized by the storage of excess glycogen), and tuberous sclerosis (a condition that results in the growth of noncancerous tumors in many parts of the body). Treatments Treatments for WPW depends on the type , frequency, and associated symptoms of the arrhythmias experienced. tachycardia may correct itself, but often needs treatment. The goal of treatments for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is to slow a fast heart rate when it occurs and prevent future episodes. Ways to slow your heartbeat include: Vagal maneuvers. Medications, and surgerys. Whether a person will be treated with medication or with an ablation procedure depends on several factors. These include the severity and frequency of symptoms, risk for future arrhythmias and patient preference. Vagal maneuvers affect the vagus nerve, which is the same nerve that regulate heartbeats, and is usally the first treatment tried. Vagal maneuvers, which include coughing, bearing down as if you are having a bowel movement, and putting an icepack on your face, are often performed during an episode of a fast heartbeat. These actions sometimes resulting in slowed conduction of electrical impulses through the AV node. If vagal maneuvers do not stop the fast heartbeat, often medicine is needed. Often an injection of an anti-arrhythmic medication, such as adenosine, or pill versions of drugs, such as flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol), may be percribed to be taken in response to episode of a fast heartbeat that doesnt respond to vagal maneuvers. Anti-arrhythmic medications may prevent a fast heart rate all together when taken regularly. Medications are usually given to people who experience frequent arrhythmias who cannot, or do not want to undergo surgery. In people with WPW, whose heart rate can not be controlled with medications, ablation can improve symptoms and cure the abnormal arrhythmias. The most common procedure used to interrupt the abnormal pathway is radiofrequency, also known as or catheter ablation. This procedure involves inserting a catheter in an incision in the groin area and running the catheter to the heart area. Electrodes at the catheter tips are heated to damage (ablate) the extra electrical pathway and prevent it from sending electrical signals. When the catheter reaches the heart, the extra electrical pathway is destroyed using radiofrequency. This procedure is highly effective with a success rate for the procedure ranges between 85 95%, and complications which can include heart injury or infection are uncommon. Successful ablation ends the need for medication. Another procedure done to elevate the symptoms of Wolff-parkinson-white syndrome is cardioversion. cardioversion is a procedure where a shock is delivered to your heart through paddles or patches on your chest. The current affects the electrical impulses in your heart and restores a normal rhythm. Its typically used when maneuvers and medications arent effective. When all other forms of treatments have not worked open-heart surgery is almost 100 percent. However, because radiofrequency catheter ablation is almost as effective and less invasive, surgery for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is now rare. However, surgery is usually done only if the patient must have surgery for other reasons. Social implications A person with WPW have several Social implications they must deal with. Since Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome often occurs with other structural abnormalities of the heart or underlying heart disease, a person monitor there heart health carefully. In Addition to this several other genetic syndromes, including hypokalemic periodic paralysis (a condition that causes episodes of extreme muscle weakness), Pompe disease (a disorder characterized by the storage of excess glycogen), and tuberous sclerosis (a condition that results in the growth of noncancerous tumors in many parts of the body) must be monitored. Common day substances of Caffeine, Tobacco, Alcohol, and Pseudoephedrine which can contribute tachycardia episoides. This makes the person monitor there exposure to these substances and avoid places of smoking if tobacco causes symptoms. With the relatively new ohio smoking ban helps eliminate this social issue with smoking. References http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4785 http://www.medicinenet.com/wolff-parkinson-white_syndrome/page2.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000151.htm http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/electric/wpw.aspx http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome/ds00923

BIG Brother and the Internet Essay -- Web security Internet Essays

'BIG Brother' and the Internet The Internet invention has most certainly opened many doors for a faster, more efficient educational medium. One can find information about almost everything, discussions range from daily issues to highly academic and scientific issues. It has indeed helped this generation to be much more productive and efficient. The vast web of electronic media that connects us is heralding a new age of communications. New digital networks offer a tremendous potential to empower individuals in an ever-overpowering world. However, these communications networks are also the subject of significant debate concerning governance and jurisdiction. While the free flow of information is generally a positive thing, serious problems arise when information flows free, problems such as: How to protect children and undesiring adults from exposure to sexually explicit or potentially offensive materials? How to protect intellectual property rights? How to determine which country's laws have jurisdiction over a medium that is nowhere and everywhere at the same time? How best to protect privacy and protect our values? How to ensure that legislators, access providers, and network users do not stifle disagreeable speech? While well-established legal principles and cultural norms give structure and coherence to uses of conventional media, the new digital media do not fit so easily into existing frameworks. The Internet might be helpful in making lives much more dynamic and resourceful, but we also hear hundreds of horror stories related to the Internet. Some people argue that it also has the potential of destroying our generation by exposing it to "pornography" and other "indecent" material readily available on the Intern... ...plamem.html>" (March 28, 97). 4: Biskupic Joan "Exploring the Frontiers of Internal Freedom" (March 17, 97) Document. "<http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/wplate/1997-03/17/037l-03179- idx.html>" (April7, 97). 5: Burton, Scott "The Indecency of the Communication Decency Act" Document."<http://www.isc.rit.edu/~sab0276/stv/cda.html>" (March 28, 97). 6: Fena, Lori , and Godwin, Mike. "Your Constitutional Rights have been Sacrificed for PoliticalExpediency" "<http:www.eff.org/pub/Alerts/cda_020296_eff.statement>" (March 28, 97). 7: Press Release. "Reno v. ACLU: The Road to the Supreme Court" (October 31, 96) Document. <http://www.aclu.org/news/n103196b.html>" (March 28, 97). 8: Webmaster. "ClariNet files suit over Communication Decency Law" Document. "<http://www.clarinet.com/suitepage.html>" (March 28, 97).

Bilingual Education in American Schools Essay -- Argumentative Persuas

Suppose your child has been moved to China. Your child does not speak Chinese; is it the school system's responsibility to teach your child in English? Or should your child be expected to learn in the country's language and perhaps get extra help on the side? Why should a school district spend money on bilingual classes rather than on reducing class sizes? In the United States of America we have become a large melting pot of ethnic and cultural peoples. Along with these peoples have come many different languages and alphabets. However the US has been seen as a mostly English speaking country. Yet many of this country's newcomers do not speak English. Adults and children alike come into the US speaking and writing only their native tongue. This poses a huge gap in communication. If the adults are unable to teach their children English, then it becomes the school districts' responsibility. However to make learning easier on the child, many school districts choose to teach the child in their native language, while they receive English lessons on the side. The debate now is whether there is sufficient studies proving the effectiveness of Bilingual education and the need to continue it in many states. In 1998 Los Angeles County passed Proposition 227 to create bilingual education programs. (LA Times October 23.1998) Because of the passing of this bill many students were left in limbo waiting for teaching plans to be made. As well as the budget to be reformed to accommodate the extra expenses of a bilingual education programs, books, and to hire the proper teachers and aids to assists in the new bilingual classes. Often there are only a few children in a classroom being taught in their native language whil... ...etter spent in helping all children attending schools. Teachers who want to teach should not be discriminated against for their English only abilities and all the students in a classroom need to be given an equal chance to succeed. Works Cited: "A Boomtown Of Education", L.A Times, May, 25th 1998 (Front Page) http://www.onenation.org/0598/052598c.html A Mass News Exclusive "Bilingual Education in Massachusetts": A Troubled Program. http://www.massnews.com/sch13.htm "Hundreds Wait for Bilingual education", L.A Times Oct. 23, 1998 http://www-rcf.usc.edu/~cmmr/NEWS/L.A.Times_Oct23.html Padilla, Amado.   "Bilingual Education: Issues and Perspectives." From Community to College, New York, St. Martin's Press 1992 PBS Online Forum "Language and Education" Sep. 29, 1997 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/forum/september97/bilingual_9-29.html

Night World : Huntress Chapter 13

The kiss was warm and sweet. Not frightening. Jez felt herself relax in Morgead's arms before she knew what she was doing. His heart was beating so fast against hers. She felt dizzy, but safe, too; a wonderful feeling. But the approach of his mind was another thing. It was just like the first time: that terrible, irresistible pull trying to suck her soul out and mix it with Morgead's until they were both one person. Until he knew her every secret and she had no place to hide. And the worst thing Was that she knew it wasn't Morgead doing it. It was that outside force doing it to both of them, carrying them along helplessly. Whether we want it or not. And we don't want it, Jez told herself desperately. We both hate it. Neither of us wants to share our souls†¦. But then why was he still holding her, still kissing her? And why was she letting him? At that instant she felt his mind touch hers, reaching through the smoke-screen of protection she'd thrown around herself to brush her thoughts as lightly as a moth's wing. She recognized Morgead's essence in it; she could feel his soul, dark and bright and full of fierce emotion for her. He was opening himself to her; not trying to fight this or even holding back. He was going farther than the pull forced him to, giving himself to her freely†¦. It was a gift that sent her reeling. And she couldn't resist it. Her mind flowed out of its own accord to touch his, tendrils of thought wrapping around his gratefully. The shock of pleasure when she let it happen was frightening-except that she couldn't be frightened anymore, not now. And then she felt him respond, felt his happiness, felt his thoughts enfolding hers, holding her mind as gently as his arms held her body. And white light exploded behind her eyes†¦. Jez! Morgead! What's wrong with you two? The thought was foreign, cold, and unwanted. It broke into Jez's warm little world and rattled around annoyingly. Jez tried to push it away. Hey, look; I'm just trying to help. If you guys are alive, then, like give us a sign, okay? Morgead made a sound like a mental groan. It's Vol. I have to kill him. I'm going to help, Jez told him. Then something occurred to her. Oh-wait. Where are we†¦ ? It was a good question. A weird but necessary question. It took them a moment to untangle their thoughts from each other and rise back to the real world. Where they seemed to be sitting under the ruins of a redbud tree, arms around each other, Jez's head on Morgead's shoulder, Morgead's face pressed into Jez's hair. At least we weren't still kissing, Jez thought abstractedly. She could feel herself flushing scarlet. The rest of the gang was standing around them, looking down with worried expressions. â€Å"What do you guys want?† Morgead said brusquely. â€Å"What do we want?† Raven leaned forward, dark hair swinging. Jez actually saw both her midnight blue eyes underneath. â€Å"You three jumped off the roof just as the fire got out of control. We put it out and came down to see if you were still alive- and then we find you here hanging on to each other and totally out of it. And you want to know what we want? We want to know if you're okay.† â€Å"We're fine,† Morgead said. He didn't say anything more, and Jez understood. Neither of them had any desire to talk about it in front of other people. That could wait until they were alone, until it was the right time. They didn't need to express this to each other. Jez simply knew, and knew that he knew. â€Å"What about her?† Thistle pointed to Iona, still asleep on the sidewalk. Jez was already moving to the child. She checked the little body over, noted the even breathing and the peaceful expression. â€Å"She's fine, too,† she said, settling back. She held Thistle's gaze. â€Å"No thanks to you.† Thistle's cheeks were pink. She looked angry, embarrassed, and defensive. â€Å"She's just a human.† â€Å"She's a kid!† Morgead yelled, shooting up to his feet. He towered over Thistle, who suddenly looked very small. â€Å"Which you're not,† he went on unsym-pathetically. â€Å"You're just a-a sixteen-year-old Shirley Temple-wannabe.† â€Å"All right, both of you!† Jez said sharply. She waited until they shut up and looked at her before continuing. â€Å"You-be quiet and let me take care of things,† she said to Morgead. â€Å"And you-if you ever try to hurt a kid again, I'll knock your head off.† This to Thistle, who opened her mouth, but then shut it again without speaking. Jez nodded. â€Å"Okay, that's settled. Now we've got to get this girl home.† Val stared at her. â€Å"Home?† â€Å"Yeah, Val.† Jez picked the child up. â€Å"In case you missed something, she's not the Wild Power.† â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Val wriggled his broad shoulders uncomfortably and looked at Morgead. â€Å"You mean you were wrong?† â€Å"There's a first time for everything, right?† Morgead glared at him. â€Å"But, then-who is the Wild Power?† Raven put in quietly. â€Å"Who knows?† It was the first time Pierce had spoken, and his voice was low and distantly amused. Jez glanced at him. His blond hair glinted in the red light of the sunset, and his dark eyes were mocking. I really don't think I like you much, she thought. But of course he was right â€Å"If this kid isn't the one-well, I guess it could have been anybody at the scene,† she said slowly. â€Å"Anybody worried enough to want to save her. One of the firefighters, a neighbor-anybody.† â€Å"Assuming the blue flash on the tape really was evidence of a Wild Power,† Pierce said. â€Å"I think it was.† Jez glanced at Morgead. â€Å"It sure looked like blue fire. And it certainly was some kind of Power.† â€Å"And Grandma Harman dreamed about the Wild Power being in San Francisco,† Morgead added. ‘It all fits too well.† He looked at Jez slyly. â€Å"But it couldn't have been anybody at the scene, you know.† â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"Because of what you said about that line in the prophecy. ‘Born in the year of the blind Maiden's vision.' That means it has to be somebody born less than eighteen years ago. Before that, Aradia couldn't have visions because she wasn't alive.† Goddess, I'm slow today, Jez thought. I should have thought of that. She gave him a wry nod of respect and he returned it with a grin. Not maliciously. â€Å"It's still not much to go on,† Raven said in her pragmatic way. â€Å"But don't you think we should go back inside to discuss it? Somebody's going to come along eventually and see us with an unconscious kid.† â€Å"Good point,† Jez said. â€Å"But I'm not going up with you. I'm taking the kid home.† â€Å"Me, too,† Morgead said. Jez glanced at him; he had his stubborn expression on. â€Å"Okay, but just us. Two motorcycles are going to be conspicuous enough.† She turned to Raven. â€Å"The rest of you can do what you want tonight; try to figure out who the Wild Power is or whatever. Well meet again tomorrow and see what we've come up with.† â€Å"Why wait?† Val said. â€Å"It's only dusk. We could meet tonight-â€Å" Tm tired,† Jez cut in. ‘It's enough for the day.† And Goddess knows how I'm going to explain being gone this long to Aunt Nan, she thought wearily. Not to mention missing school. Pierce was watching her with an odd expression. â€Å"So you'll have to report to Hunter that we failed,† he said, and there was a probing tone in his voice that Jez didn't like. â€Å"Yeah, I'll tell him you screwed up,† she said heavily. â€Å"But that we still have some options. Unless you'd rather I just tell him that you're all idiots and not worth giving a second chance.† She kept looking at Pierce until he looked away. When she turned to Morgead he was scowling, but he didn't say anything. He silently started toward their bikes. They couldn't talk while they were riding. Jez was too full of her own thoughts anyway. She was finally free to consider those last minutes with Morgead. It had been†¦ amazing. Electrifying. But also enlightening. She knew now what had happened to them, what was happening. He had been right. It was the soul-mate principle. So we're soulmates. Morgead and I. After all our fighting and challenging each other and everything. It's so strange, but in a way it makes sense, too†¦. And it's really a pity that even if we both survive the next week or so, we're never going to see each other again. The thought came from some deep part of her that was utterly heartless and practical and saw everything in the cold light of truth. Because unfortunately the universe had picked the wrong person for Jez to be soulmates with. It had picked one that would hate her and want to kill her once he realized what she really was. Bad mistake, universe, Jez thought, biting down on a laugh. She realized, dimly, that she was verging on being hysterical. It had been such a long day, and she was so tired, and so hurt, and she'd failed in her mission, and now Morgead was in love with her, but there was just no hope. Small wonder she was punchy and an emotional wreck. She was lucky not to be railing off her bike. There really was no hope. Even in that last encounter, even when Morgead had been revealing his soul to her, Jez had managed to keep her own secrets buried. He didn't know. He had no idea that the girl he was in love with was vermin. Was working with Circle Daybreak. Was lying to him to steal the Wild Power out from under his nose and end the hopes of the vampires for a world without humans. He was ambitious, she had always known that. All he'd ever cared about was climbing higher and getting more power. She'd promised him a position in the new world order-while all the time she was working as hard as she could to make sure that the new world order never came. He would never forgive that deception. He would never even be able to understand why she had done it. So you have to forget about him, the cold-and-practical part of her mind said quietly. And there was nothing inside Jez that even tried to argue. It was dark by the time they reached the Marina district. As they approached the housing project, Jez saw flashing lights ahead. Police car lights. Well, that wasn't unexpected. Iona's mother would have notified them by now. Jez just hoped she wasn't too worried†¦. Idiot! her mind said sarcastically. How worried do you expect her to be, with it getting dark and her eight-year-old missing? She turned into an alley and Morgead followed her. â€Å"Well have to do a drive-by,† she said over the thrum of the engines. â€Å"Drop her by the police cars and then shoot out of there. They'll probably chase us. Are you up for it?† He nodded. â€Å"We should go separate ways. That'll make it harder for them to catch us.† â€Å"Right. You go on home once you lose them. So will I.† She couldn't see his features clearly in the dark alley, but she knew he was looking at her. â€Å"So will you? Go home?† â€Å"I mean I'll go to the place where I'm staying.† She expected him to ask about that, try to find out where it was, what she was doing. He didn't Instead he said, â€Å"Do you have to?† She bunked at him, startled. Then she frowned. â€Å"Yes, I have to. I want to. I'm tired, Morgead, and anyway I'm not ready to be spending the night with a guy.† â€Å"I didn't mean that-â€Å" Jez waved a hand. â€Å"I know. I'm sorry. But I'm still tired, and-† And I've got other responsibilities that you don't understand. And if I stick around you any longer, while I'm this tired, I'm afraid that you're going to find out what they are. â€Å"And you're still mad,† he said bleakly. Tm not mad-â€Å" â€Å"Or disgusted or whatever.† What was he talking about? Tm just tired,† she said firmly. â€Å"Now let's drop the kid off, and I'll see you tomorrow.† â€Å"I-† He let out his breath violently. â€Å"All right.† Jez didn't waste any more time. She unzipped her jacket, which had been holding Iona firmly against her. Then she sped out into the street. One block, two blocks. And now she was right beside the dark and deserted playground, and now she was almost level with the police cars. There were several officers standing around talking, and several other bystanders who might be neighbors. Jez targeted one of the neighbors. She swooped in toward the woman, who was on the outside edge of the sidewalk. She came up fast, then hit the brakes. â€Å"Hey,† she said. â€Å"Here.† The woman turned around and her jaw dropped. Jez didn't hesitate, just bundled Iona into her arms. The woman grabbed the child's weight automatically. â€Å"Give her to her mom, okay?† And then Jez was roaring out and away. She could hear Morgead behind her, and shouts from the housing project. Then a police siren. She glanced back. Morgead was just turning on a side street. He waved once at her, and then he was speeding off. Jez could hear more sirens now. She twisted the throttle and headed for the Bay Bridge. At least a pursuit was something she could enjoy. When she finally shook the police cars tailing her, she turned toward Clayton. She would have been worried about what her aunt and uncle were going to say if she hadn't already been too worried about Iona. She'll be all right, she told herself. She shouldn't remember anything, and her mom will take care of her. But Jez couldn't help but feel guilty†¦ and just plain sad. There was some sort of bond between her and the child. She felt-responsible for her, and not just because she'd kidnapped and terrorized her. Nobody should have to grow up in that kind of place. I may have run around on the streets when I was little, but at least I had Uncle Bracken, and a nice home to go to if I wanted. Iona-she doesn't even have a safe playground. I should do something for her, but what can I do that would matter? I don't know; maybe I can visit her sometime. Maybe I can buy her a plant†¦. There weren't any easy answers, and she was drawing up to a neat yellow frame house. Home. Time, Jez thought, to face the music. Uncle Jim and Aunt Nan and nasty little Claire. She just hoped they left enough of her alive so that she could call Hugh afterward. She pulled her motorcycle into the garage, climbed off, and went inside. â€Å"†¦ at all is bad enough, But to do it the day after you make us a promise-well, what are we supposed to think? How are we supposed to trust you again?† Jez was sitting on the blue floral couch in the living room. The Goddard living room didn't get used much, only for very formal occasions. This was one of them. It was a court martial. And there wasn't really a thing that Jez could say to the humans she lived with. She certainly couldn't give them any excuse that would make sense. â€Å"First, ditching Claire even though you swore to us that you'd let her drive you to school.† Aunt Nanami was ticking items off on her fingers. â€Å"Second, ditching school after you swore to us you weren't going to skip again. Third, going off some place you won't even tell us about. Fourth, not even calling to let us know you were still alive. Fifth, getting home at almost ten o'clock at night-â€Å" Uncle Jim cleared his throat. â€Å"Nan, I think we've been over this already.† A couple of times, Jez thought. Oh, well, at least Claire is enjoying it. Her cousin was standing at the entrance to the living room, openly listening. When she happened to catch Jez's eye she smiled brilliantly, her small face actually glowing with smug satisfaction. Aunt Nan was shaking her head. ‘I just want to make sure she understands, Jim. I thought she understood last night, but obviously†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She threw her hands up. â€Å"Well, the thing is-† Uncle Jim cleared his throat again and looked at Jez. He looked uncomfortable; he wasn't very good at discipline, but Jez could see that he'd reached his limit. â€Å"The thing is that we can't just keep yelling at you. We have to do something, Jez. So we've decided to lock up your motorcycle. You can't ride it anymore, not until you learn to be more responsible.† Jez sat stunned. Not her bike. They couldn't take her bike from her. How would she get anywhere? She had to be mobile. She had to get to Morgead tomorrow-she had to get to Hugh sometime. She had to be able to track down the Wild Power. And she couldn't do any of that without transportation. But she could see from Uncle Jim's face that he was serious. He'd finally decided to put his foot down, and Jez had gotten caught underneath it. She let out her breath. Part of her wanted to yell and storm and rage about this, to lose control and make a big noisy fuss. But it wouldn't do any good. Besides, she'd managed to keep her temper for almost a year with these people, to live her double life as a student and vampire hunter and make it all work. To blow that now would be stupid. And another part of her was scared that she was even verging on losing control. That was what even a day with Morgead did to her. It cut through all her careful discipline and changed her back into a raving barbarian. Morgead†¦ she couldn't think about him now. â€Å"Okay, Uncle Jim,† she said out loud. â€Å"I understand. You do what you have to.† â€Å"If you can just show us that you're learning to be responsible, then you can have the bike back. You have to learn to take life more seriously, Jez.† That forced a tired snort out of her. She was laughing before she knew it, and her aunt and uncle were looking shocked and displeased. I'm sorry,† she said. ‘I'll try harder.† And I'll just have to take public transportation tomorrow, she thought when the lecture was over and she was free to go to her room. Even though that's a lot more dangerous. I could get hunted down so easily. . . . â€Å"You messed with the wrong person, you know?† Claire said as Jez reached her door. â€Å"You shouldn't have dumped me like that. You shouldn't make me mad.† â€Å"Yeah, Claire; well, now I know better. I'm terrified.† â€Å"You're still not taking things seriously, are you?† â€Å"Claire-† Jez rounded on the smaller girl. Then she stopped dead. â€Å"I don't have time for this,† she muttered. â€Å"I have to make a call. You just run along and harass somebody else.† She shut the bedroom door in Claire's face. Which, she realized later, was a mistake. At the time, though, she was too tired to think about it. She was too tired to think properly at all. Tired and distraught, with the feeling that everything was closing in and happening too fast. And so when she picked up the phone to dial Hugh she hardly noticed the little click on the line, and she didn't stop for even a second to consider what it meant.