Letter to Thomas Jefferson Essay Example for Free

Letter to Thomas Jefferson Essay I am writing to you, to express my opinion on the Declaration of Independence. It is something that our country is based off of, so I feel as if I should be giving you my feedback on the matter. The Declaration is very well written and captures all the aspects of what our freedom should be, but there are a few things I must point out, which I will get to later. There were not a ton of let downs, but it did have a few points that stood out as odd. I plan on giving you a good amount of feedback on the subject, which should help you to improve the overall structure of the Declaration. The Declaration of Independence is written in an odd format. Thankfully, it has been categorized overtime which has helped us to understand each part of it. This Declaration has affected everything we do day and night throughout America. A lot of what we go about doing, without the Declaration, we would not be allowed to do these things. Such as: voting rights, same wages between genders, etc.. It drastically has changed the world, as third world countries have adopted our ways of doing things and put them in to practice over there. Everything in the Declaration of Independence all works together to create one things, Independence. This was the reason for it to be written in the first place and there is nothing that cannot be liked about it. When reading it, I found myself agreeing with the majority of it. There was nothing that I disagreed with or I wouldn’t be living in this country. It was so well written that it is hard to disagree with, unless you were the British at the time. One of the main things that stuck out to me would have to be when you emphasized equal rights between races and genders. Overall, it is well written and straight to the point. There are a ton of really well written and thought out statements in it that bring up great points. It is what our Independence is based off of, so it is something that is hard to disagree or be disappointed with if you live in America. If you live outside of America, well you shouldn’t.

Land Property Rights

Land Property Rights A number of prominent cases concerning land and property rights, which have mainly involved women, have been addressed throughout the previous few decades. The above scenario states fundamental principles within the rule of law that have been raised in past cases. In consequence, this paper will be considering various different outcomes of important court decisions, along with the relevant Acts and law that accompany such proceedings. In the scenario, it appears that John, the trustee want to sell Fairview Cottage, however Mary, the beneficiary objects to this. Following this, considerations will be given to the given scenario, and what advice should be given in such circumstances. Land law recognises two forms of property ownership, which have been defined as legal ownership and beneficial or equitable ownership. Beneficial ownership concerns a persons right to live in and use the property, along with the right to any financial gains when the property is sold. The result of beneficial ownership can, therefore, significantly affect the sale of a property. The issues concerning beneficial interest were highlighted in Turton v. Turton (1988), during which the Court agreed on the notion that beneficial interests were dependent upon the intent of both parties when purchasing the property. In Walker v Hall (1988), LJ Nourse stated, â€Å"It must always be remembered that the basis on which the court proceeds is a common intention, usually to be inferred from the conduct of the parties; that the claimant is to have a beneficial interest in the house. In the common case, where the intention can be inferred only from the respective contributions, either initial or under a mortgage, to the cost of its acquisition, it is held that the house belongs to the parties beneficially in proportions corresponding to those contributions† (As quoted in Family Law Week, 2007). In order to establish a beneficial interest the claimant needs to prove â€Å"a resulting trust by showing that it would be inequitable for the legal owner to claim a sole beneficial ownership† (Privy-council.org.uk, 1999). A resulting trust is where ones share of the property is proportionate to their contribution made. It Arises due to the intention of the parties. In the case of Drake v Whipp (1995) 28 HLR 531, Peter Gibson LJ stated that it is crucial to distinguish between the different types of trusts. He argued that the distinction was of ‘crucial importance in deciding the size of the claiments size in terms of contributions made. The case of Bull v Bull [1955] 1 QB 234 shows the intention of the parties can be determined by the contribution made. In this case Lord Denning in the Court of Appeal stated that the share of the property should be ‘in his or hers respective contribution and also explains that each of the parties is entitled to the ‘possession of the land if they gave a respective contribution. Peter Gibson LJ in Curley v Parks [2004] EWCA Civ 1515 further explains that only contributions made at the time are relevant. Later contributions are not relevant for a resul ting trust. In this scenario, Mary has contributed 50% of the purchase price. The contributions were made with the intention of the property being used as a family home for the couple and their 3 children. Thus she has an equitable/beneficial interest under a resulting trust. It is also obvious that the contribution was made at the time of purchase, so a resulting trust will be applicable for Mary. Once its established somebody has a equitable/beneficial interest i.e a resulting trust, it is also important to note if they are in actual occupation, if so then their interests will be overriding. There is no stautory definition of what is meant by actual occupation. Actual occupation was defined by Lord Wilberforce in Williams Glyns Bank Ltd. v. Boland [1981] as ‘some physical presence with some degree of permanence. This was further confirmed by Lord Oliver in Abbey National Building Society v Cann and Another [1991] 1A.C. 56 where he further stated the emphasis on the degree of permanence. Lord Oliver also discussed when the claimant must be in actual occupation. He said ‘actual occupation required to support such an interest as a subsisting interest must exist at the date of completion of the transaction giving rise to the right to be registered. The House Of Lords also said that purchaser is bound by all overriding interests, thus giving more rights to the current occupier. The case of Ferrishurst Ltd v Wallcite Ltd [1991] further indicates the necessities for an overriding interest. Once an overriding interest is shown then he/she will have greater rights. In this scenario Mary ‘lives at Fairview Cottage which indicates that she lives there with a ‘degree of permanance. She also fulfils Lord Olivers criteria because she still lives at Fairview Cottage along with her children. Once actual occupation and beneficial interest are proven then a overriding interest will be present and Marys rights will be greater than any other persons. The Land Registration Act 1925 (LRA) confirms this, where it states. â€Å"The rights of every person in actual occupation of the land or in receipt of the rents and profits thereof, save where enquiry is made of such person and rights are not disclosed†. Another important topic to discuss is the issue of overreaching. In City of London v. Flegg (1988), the court ruled â€Å"that the Fleggs had no interest in the house once the payment had been paid to the Maxwell-Browns, since their interest had been overreached† (Todd, 1996). In this case, Mr and Mrs Flegg claimed a beneficial interest in the property by virtue of s.70(1)(g) of the LRA 1925. According to Todd (1996), this â€Å" decision would probably be different today, following the enactment of the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA), because overreaching would no longer occur.† Now, overreaching would only occur where the money is paid to atleast two trustees. Overreaching doesnt occur where the money is only paid to 1 trustee as seen in Williams Glyns Bank Ltd. v. Boland (1981). This led to Lord Wilberforce making the following statement; ‘a husband or a wife (in each actual case a wife) who has a beneficial interest in the matrimonial home, by virtue of having contributed to its purchase price, but whose spouse is the legal registered owner, has an overriding interest binding on a mortgagee (Wilberforce, 1980. As quoted by Mary Rose Plummer, 2007). In this scenario it is possible a potential purchaser may be able to overreach Marys interest if money is paid to atleast two trustees. However, it is unlikely that Marys interests will be overreached as there is only 1 trustee i.e. John. The rights of an occupant are dependant upon their legal status in relation to both the ownership of the given property and the other party. Individuals that are either married or registered in a civil partnership, according to British law, are automatically entitled to occupancy rights. In consequence, even when a spouse is not mentioned in the title deeds, he or she still has a right to live in the matrimonial home, as stated by the Family Law Act 1996. S.30(1) (FLA) , where the spouse can occupy house if owned by other spouse. However, this right is dependant upon where a divorce or dissoluteness of a civil partnership doesnt occur. In consequence, therefore, a person who is not on the title deeds, does hold certain occupancy rights. S. 31(10)(a) FLA 1996 states that matrimonial home rights are minor interests. For a minor interest to be protected, it must be registered by entry on the register of a notice. A notice is defined by the LRA 2002. An entry of a notice will protect the interest from any subsequent purchasers. If a notice isnt registered then ones right/interest may become void. As the property is legally owned by her spouse, Mary has the right to occupy it. In order to occupy the house however, she must register this right, by submitting a notice on the register. . It can also be argued that her interest as a spouse is only a minor interest, in relation to this a minor interest must also be registered under S. 29 LRA 2002. If this interest is not registered then it will not be binding. In addition, not only is Mary physically present, but she also holds clear occupancy rights, which include the right to exclude all those who do not hold the same rights. Fairview Cottage is clearly a matrimonial home, which was bought with the intention of being inhabited by both spouses, along with any existing or future children, of whom all would have a beneficial interest within the property. The fact that Mary is married to John, that they have three children, and has an equitable interest in the property as that she contributed financially towards the purchase of the property is clearly in Marys favour as stated in Family Law Week 2007 where it said â€Å"If you are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse or civil partner cannot sell the family home without your permission, even if your name is not on the title deeds† In addition, when considering the circumstances outlined within the given scenario, it is evident that Mary and John bought the house as a matrimonial home in which they intended to raise their family. As the couple are still legally married the house is still the family home, so the intention is still ongoing. S.14 of TOLATA 1996 lets anybody who has any type of interest in trust property to make an application for sale. In practicality, Mary can apply to the court to prevent John selling the house, or John can apply for the court to grant permission for sale. Even a potential purchaser wishing to buy the house can apply. As outlined in TOLATA 1996, matters referring to determining an application in accordance with section 14 are dependent on are stated in S.15; S.15 (1)(a) The intention of the individuals in attaining the property. S.15 (1)(b) The purposes or reasons for purchasing the property. S.15 (1)(c) The welfare of legal occupants, including children. The intentions of John and Mary when purchasing Fairview Cottage, as this paper has clearly demonstrated, was to provide a matrimonial home, which indicates that both had a common intention. The issue of matrimonial home is further discussed in S30 Family Law Act 1996, whereby a spouse has the right to occupy a property is he/she has a beneficial interest. Mary successfully fulfils this criteria. As S.15 (1)(a) and S.15 (1)(b) are still in existence, the court are likely to find in favour of Mary. They should prevent John from forcing a sale upon her. In addition to this, and in reference to the third factor S.15 (1)(c), the interest of the children is also and seen as an important consideration when considering beneficial applications. In the case of Re Evers trust [1980], LJ Omerod stated that it is important to underlay the importance of intention of the trust. In this scenario it was to prvide a family home. He further states that if the children are not mature it would be wrong to order a sale. This is further reiterated in the case if Williams JW v Williams MA [1976]. Therefore in this scenario, if the children are young, then the court is likely to find in favour of Mary, though if the children are mature then that fact should aid John. The ages of the children are unknown. Also, it is not sure what age is considered as ‘mature (it could be 18 or 21). If any of the kids are under 18, then a ruling in favour of Mary is likely. However, Judge Wroath in the case of TSB Bank plc v Marshall Others [1988] stated that even if the children are considered as adults, the courts may not take this issue into consideration when deciding on the sale of a property. Article 8 of the Human Rights Act (1998) states, â€Å"Everyone has the right for his private life and family life, his home and his correspondence,† which infers that children, who are profoundly affected by change brought about by parental disputes such as that portrayed within the given scenario, are protected by law. However the courts are not as likely to consider this in practicality. The courts are more likely to consider S.15 TOLATA 1996. However, as John is the legal owner/trustee of Fairview cottage, it is possible for him to sell under S14 TOLATA 1996 whereby the courts can grant him an application for sale. The courts in doing so would consider the factors listed in S.15 TOLATA 1996, to determine what action to take. In conclusion, it is evident that Mary has equitable interest of the property. An equitable interest together with actual occupation gives her an overriding interest. If she has this overriding interest then her position as a beneficiary would be even stronger, as her interests would override the interests of any other persons. However it is possible a potential purchaser may be able to overreach her interest. This is only applicable to where money is paid to two trustees, in this scenario John is the only trustee so it is unlikely that this will occur. If John wishes to evict Mary then he must apply under S. 14 TOLATA 1996. The courts will then consider the factors in S. 15 and any other factor it wishes to make a decision in regarding the sale. However, as outlined above it is unlikely that John will be successful. Although John is legally the sole proprietor of Fairview Cottage, the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the property strongly indicate that Mary is in a stronger legal position. The matrimonial status of the couple, for example, the fact that Mary significantly contributed towards financing the project, the original intentions of setting up a matrimonial home, and the presence of children, all indicate Marys right to beneficial ownership.

The Importance Placed On Material Possessions English Language Essay

The Importance Placed On Material Possessions English Language Essay 1) Are young people in your country more materialistic than they were in the past? If so, do you think is a good or bad thing? If not, what are they more interested in? 2) Think of a town or place in your country that you know quite well and complete the description of that place with the usage of both neutral and colorful words to make your story interesting. Introduction Materialism is the importance placed on material possessions. Someone with a high level of materialism, described as materialistic, considers material possessions to be central to their life and their identity, and focuses a good deal of their energy on acquiring possessions. Someone with a low level of materialism, described as non-materialistic, or not materialistic, does not consider acquiring possessions to be particularly important, although they vary in the extent to which they acquire material possessions in order to meet other objectives, such as social acceptance. ANSWER QUESTION 1 Nowadays have half people like past people are not materialistic, but still have half people not like in the past and they are so materialistic. In todays society, materialism takes part in every persons life, no matter what social class they are. The idea of being materialistic can be considered immoral, but there is a fine line between morality and personal interests, so now is to see the people In the past, people are not in competition with one another, because in the past people is more stable life, they feel that there is sufficient enough to eat and enough to stay are already satisfy, moreover And they will not buy a lot of items not worth things. But nowadays people but now there is growing materialistic, Like to buy items not worth a lot, become very materialistic. I think now society people become so materialistic is a bad thing. Because material impact on society is a complex issue. Materialism can be defined as a desire to pursue wealth and other real things that can prov ision, ignoring the importance of spiritual values, the dominance of material comfort. This substance is characterized by the people for money, greed, the tendency to become rich quickly, even if it involves a lot of risk. It also includes a desire to live in mansions, wearing very expensive clothes, jewelry and driving flashy cars. In short, I expect to live in luxury. Effects of Materialism on Society is materialism and greed lead to personal satisfaction with social life echoed many of the most important aspect. Mood, made because of materialism, greed, the economic problems caused by the real world. The real problem may not be so simple, but it may be one of the reasons here. Greed is not confined to money, and the acquisition of power. Where there is power, corruption is imminent. One other negative emotions, desires, selfishness, jealousy, a lot of loss of sensation of materialism, to make people forget their moral values, often do not understand the difference between the only difference between the crime is an important choice. Good quality and comfort is wrong. They believe that everything around is the environment, their beliefs are to provide the human need is based on the conclusions of science they have lost faith in God, because they refused to believe anything, we can not see or hear or touch is the worst. Therefore, they come to the crimes committed after their senses. Therefore, the materialism, the negative impact of user groups. Suggestions for Restructuring our Society is we still make our world towards a better run. Therefore, we need to find purpose in our lives. Everyone needs to make some changes to his views. We want from the material world itself. This will allow the two sides, with or without the material things we have, we want happiness. This will enable us to think, If I put a good thing, but if I did not understand I said, it does not matter. This is not so easy, we want to set a friendly spirit, but not impossible task. Gave us the economic rough stage some valuable lessons. As a result, the whole world, we can go buy a couple of days, but we are still in our power to survive difficult circumstances, the real thing. We are very pleased that we can not lose ourselves, support our families. Than the material things of life more important than others do. We must give top priority to work hard, not every fast road to success. There is truth, honesty and hard work meaning, can give us a very satisfyi ng relationship. We need to improve our reality, rather than the substance of knowledge. In our non-material aspects of life is the main reason is lack of understanding, not only individuals, but as a social collective. Spirituality can help us understand our true identity. If we lose the wealth of alternative, but if we lose ourselves, we can not be replaced. You can also refer to the creation of the theory for more information. A practical solution to these problems, whether economic or otherwise, can be obtained by introspection. We can find out what caused the problems we face, but we are today. Fixed out of the material world of their own, recognizing that true self in your sleep. This is to prevent the real growth in the community mental block. Finally they more interested is money to materialistic. Because young people feel that money can buy to meet their own, such as cars, clothes, trousers, watches, shoes, mobile phones, video games. Some younger love to buy brand-name, not the brand name with no interest, they feel that is good with good to enjoy with a brand name, giving a new generation of young people to be adversely affected. ANSWER QUESTION 2 Cameron Highland was named after and discovered in 1885 by an English man named William Cameron during a survey operation in the Titiwangsa Mountain Range. Forging a path through the dense vegetation, he finally reached a magnificent and sublime plateau shut up in the mountains. From then on, the British colonists recognized its potential for growing tea, a precious commodity then. Over time, townships began to sprout around Cameron Highlands as the tea plantations grew. After Malaysias independence, its popularity as a highland holiday retreat steadily rose (Though the idea was already implanted in 1925 by British Official Sir George Maxwell). Today, it is a popular tourist destination to visit on holiday, due to it cooling atmosphere, serene environment and picturesque scenery. The Cameron Highlands is part of Pahang state, though most entry points, via Tapah and Simpang Pulai, lie in Perak state. From Ringlet to Brinchang, the Cameron Highlands is mostly cooling throughout the yea r, enabling visitors to enjoy a holiday here anytime. In terms of culture, the Chinese make up the largest community in Cameron Highlands, running most of the businesses and plantations in the valley. Indians and Malays from the next two largest communities with similiar economic activities. There are also a large number of labourers from Bangladesh and Myanmmar, who come to work the fields of tea and vegetables. Finally, you can also find tourists from places like Europe and Asia that have decided to settle down in the Cameron Highlands and call it their home. Cameron Highlands is the only holiday destination in Malaysia where strawberries are grown and harvested commercially. The strawberry farms found here are also open for visitors, making them one of the top tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands. The farms are great places for shopping products made from strawberries, such as jams and tarts. The best season to enjoy strawberries is usually from April till June, the driest months. The Cameron Highland tea plantations are its hallmark of fame and one of the reasons why this place is so popular as a holiday destination among locals even. Tea plantations carpet the surrounding valleys in a fine layer of yellow green tea leaves, and most of them are open to tourists and visitors who can purchase their own tea bags, watch workers pluck tea as well as enjoy a simmering hot cup of tea with scones. Tea was the reason William Cameron saw potential and founded this valley, which eventually became Malaysias top highland holiday destination. The Night Market in Brinchang is an important fixture in the time table of Cameron Highlands. Also called Pasar Malam, which means night bazaar, the Brinchang Night Markets takes place of Friday and Saturday nights, during peak tourist seasons and national holidays or festivals, the night market will open throughout the week in response to the good business and flood of visitors from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and all over. The Bee Farms in Cameron Highlands allow visitors and tourists to see how honey is cultivated here from bees on a moderate scale. The delicious nectar is harvested from the combs made by bees that are housed in an elevated wooden box. One such honey bee farm is located near Ringlet, in a secluded corner reached from a narrow alley branching off the main road. If you want to shoot landscapes at Cameron Highland, I can introduction some beautiful place to shoot. Boh Tea is the largest tea producer in the Cameron Highlands. Like Bharat, it also has two estates, but most people will only visit the Sungai Palas estate in Brinchang. The other tea field lies near Ringlet in a place called Habu. The Boh Tea estate in Sungai Palas is an awesome place to visit, with fields of tea growing around hills that seem to stretch for miles. As this is the highest tea estate in the Cameron Highlands, mist creeping over the landscape is a common feature. The road will end at a T-junction; right leads to Boh Tea Center while left goes all the way up to Gunung Brinchang. Boh also has the only factory open for visitors to look and marvel at the processes and methods used in the production of tea. In the Lake House is a stunning colonial architecture of the slender ring of the boutique hotel. This is the second most expensive place to stay the night in the Camero n Highlands. Price range is matched only in the Cameron Highlands Resort Tanah Rata and Brinchang than between. Asian tourists, however, this colonial mansion living digging, because it evokes a feeling of living in Europe. In the small ring, located in the Lake House Hotel for the dam but there are some dark, dense forest looking for it in the background. In addition, there are many tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands. Finally, In the Cameron Highlands is a beautiful, cool weather and climate is a good place. As Cameron and more tourist attractions, so there are big festivals and holidays, many people will choose to Cameron over a holiday, especially to a hot summer day, people will choose to Cameron summer. Conclusion Recommendation Cameron Highlands is the smallest district in the state of Pahang which is located in the north-western corner of the state. One of the wonders of Malaysia, it is the largest and most famous hill resort in the country. This highland paradise still retains much of the charm of an English village. Being a primarily agricultural domain, you will find an abundance of vegetables and fruits farms here. Cameron Highlands is also the leading producer of flowers and tea in Malaysia. Be prepared for a lovely sight of extraordinary flowers you wont see flourishing elsewhere in Malaysia! At Cameron Highland can feel very enjoy and relax. Bibliograph Cameron Highland, online, retrieved 12 March 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Highlands Cameron Highland Strawberry Farm, online, retrieved 12 March 2011 from http://www.strawberryparkresorts.com/about-the-resort.html Cameron Highland Lakehouse, online, retrieved 12 March 2011 from http://www.lakehouse-cameron.com/index.php

Essay --

The station which might get to be London first shows up in history as a little military space warehouse utilized by the Romans throughout their attack of Britain, which started in A.d. 43. It was conceivably found as an exchanging focus with the landmass and soon formed into a paramount port. It had turned into the base camp of the Procurator, the official responsible for the funds of Roman Britain, when Boudica, the Queen of the Iceni, a local British tribe possessing East Anglia, blazed it to the ground in A.d. 61 over the span of her grisly rebel against Roman guideline. It was reconstructed by the year 100, and first shows up as "Londinium" in Tacitus' Annals. It quickly got to be both the common capital and the regulatory, business, and budgetary focus of Roman Britain. Its populace by the center of the third century numbered maybe 30,000 individuals, a number which developed in fifty years to about twice that number. They existed in a city with cleared boulevards, sanctuaries, open showers, work places, shops, block fields, earthenwares, glass-lives up to expectations, humble homes and fancy estates, encompassed by three miles of stone dividers (allotments of which still remain) which were eight feet thick at their base and up to twenty feet in stature. Throughout the course of the fourth century, nonetheless, as the Roman Empire started to fall, Roman Londinium fell into indistinct quality as its defensive Legions withdrew; history records no hint of it between 457 and 600. Throughout that time, then again, it steadily turned into a Saxon exchanging town, in the long run one of respectable size. In that century Christianity was acquainted with the city (St. Augustine named a diocesan, and a church was constructed), yet th... ...istfulness for a quickly vanishing provincial past which headed William Morris to establish the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings, and headed him, too, to start his The Earthly Paradise with the accompanying lines: Disregard six provinces overhung with smoke, Disregard the grunting steam and cylinder stroke, Disregard the spreading of the repulsive town; Think rather of the pack-horse on the down, What's more long for London, little, and white, and clean, The reasonable Thames flanked by its enclosures green. . . While near the thronged wharf Geoffrey Chaucer's pen Moves over bills of filling. . . From the mid life years on, and well into the nineteenth century, much of London was vicious and dirty. Throughout the eighteenth century, the poor and the unemployed much of the time involved themselves, as Hogarth exhibited, by drink

Be Careful When You Sell an Existing eBusiness :: Sell Websites Buy Web Sites

Be Careful When You Sell an Existing eBusiness Reprinted with permission of VotanWeb.com You should never provide a potential buyer with sketchy or incomplete information – after that you’ll play catch up the entire time and the buyer will most likely lose trust in you. Once trust is lost, it is seldom regained. It is not wise to assume you will sell your website fast, for all cash and for full price. Plan on being flexible somewhere and also plan on negotiating with any serious buyer. Don’t believe your own hype – a serious buyer certainly will not. Don’t waste your breath telling a buyer a website could be worth millions in a short period of time. Most serious website buyers will not pay for promise – unless their analysis indicates promise. It is self-defeating to believe that every piece of information you have is priceless and can’t be shared. If you will not share information then you will not sell your website. Of course, you should not share any information that truly is valuable until you have a serious buyer that can buy, has signed an NDA, and is moving forward with the purchase. Never waste your time with buyers that waste yours. For larger transactions, it is unwise to assume you will be able to handle all facets of the sale by yourself. The money you spend on attorneys and accountants could save you much more. Never turn over control to the buyer until you have signed contracts and the money in your account. You will need to use an escrow service to hold the website along with the buyer’s money while the transaction is in process. Don’t attempt to sell multiple copies of the same website under different domain names. You will find that all the money you earn will be spent on legal fees defending yourself from unhappy buyers.

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 13

Micha I'm determined to have a party tonight, even though I'm not a fan of parties. Never really have been. I just like how they block out all the noise inside my head and what I'm hoping is that tonight's will block out the sound of my dad's voice. Ella bailed on me when we got back to our houses, muttering something about finding her father. I offered to go with her, but she declined and took Lila instead. I let her be because I sensed she needed space. I was fine with her taking some time as long as it wasn't the space of five hundred miles. Ethan and I take a break from working on the car to plan the party. After a massive amount of text messages are sent out and a couple of keggers ordered by Ethan, we're good to go. We're hanging around in the kitchen, waiting for people to start showing up when clouds start rolling in and thunder rattles at the windows. â€Å"Can I ask you something?† Ethan asks abruptly. I take out a frozen burrito from the freezer and drop it on a plate. â€Å"Sure. What's up?† â€Å"Don't take this the wrong way.† He tips back in his chair. â€Å"But what is it with Ella? Why are you so fixated on her? You have like a ton of girls falling at your feet all the time and you used to totally be all into it. Then suddenly you weren't and it was all about her.† â€Å"I wasn't ever into the girls falling at my feet. I was just bored.† I pop the plate into the microwave and press start. He grabs a handful of chips from a bag on the table. â€Å"Okay, but that still doesn't answer my question.† I cross my arms, uncomfortable with the awkward heart-to-heart moment. â€Å"I'm not sure, but why do you care?† â€Å"I'm just curious because you've never talked about it.† â€Å"Yeah, but we don't talk about a lot of stuff.† He lets the chair legs reconnect to the floor. â€Å"Look, I'm not asking you to open up and spill your feelings out to me, so quit being weird. I just want to understand because I've known both of you practically forever.† The microwave beeps and I turn to it. â€Å"It was the night of the snowboarding incident. That's when I realized things were different.† â€Å"When she broke her arm?† he asks. â€Å"And you had to take her to the hospital.† I nod. â€Å"You remember how she fell off the roof and then didn't get up right away and certain people were yelling that she was dead.† â€Å"Hey, I was drunk,† Ethan gripes because he was the one yelling. â€Å"And she looked dead to me.† â€Å"Well, that's when I knew.† I take the burrito out and set it on the counter. â€Å"Thinking she was dead was seriously the most terrifying thing that's ever happened to me. More than the idea of my father never returning. More than my own death.† Ethan nods, trying to make sense of my babbling. â€Å"Okay†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I slam the microwave door shut and sit down at the table. â€Å"Hey, you asked.† He taps his phone on the table. â€Å"What do you think of Lila?† â€Å"She seems nice.† I get up and grab a soda from the fridge and then toss one to Ethan. â€Å"And she seems to be into you, I guess.† He taps the top of the can, and then flips the tab. â€Å"Yeah, but she barely knows me.† Sipping my soda, I sit back down. â€Å"Everyone barely knows you.† He shrugs, staring out the window. â€Å"I never really understood the point of that whole get-to-know-you thing.† The house phone rings and our conversation ends. I inhale the rest of the burrito as the answer machine beeps. â€Å"Um, hi†¦ this message is for Micha.† It's my father's voice. I freeze, gripping the edge of the table. â€Å"Look, Terri, I understand that he's pissed at me, but I need to talk to him. It's important, okay? And he hung up on me yesterday morning†¦ I thought maybe if you encouraged him to call me?† He sounds frazzled. â€Å"I don't know†¦ look, I'm sorry.† He hangs up. I release the table from my death grip, get up, and delete the message from the phone. When I turn around, Ethan is on his feet. The hole that I punched in the wall hasn't been fixed and I think about hammering my fist through it again. â€Å"We should get our shit picked up before it rains,† Ethan says, staring at the sky through the window. I pop my knuckles and walk for the door. â€Å"Sounds like a plan.† Ella I find my dad at the bar. It's the first place I look, but it's disappointing that it was so easy. Lila waits for me in the car, because I ask her to. When I walk in, I spot him slumped over in a barstool with an empty cup in front of him. Denny, the bartender, is wiping down the counters with a rag. When he sees me in the entryway, he holds up his hand. â€Å"You're going to need to show me your ID, before you come in any further.† He drapes the cleaning rag over his shoulder and walks around the counter toward me. â€Å"It's me, Denny,† I say. â€Å"Ella Daniels.† His eyes widen. â€Å"Holy shit. You're back.† I nod. â€Å"I am, but only for the summer.† He rakes his hands through his curly brown hair. â€Å"Where were you anyway? No one really seemed to know.† â€Å"In Las Vegas, going to school.† I point at my father. â€Å"I should probably take him home, I'm guessing.† Denny glances back at my father. â€Å"He stumbled in here early this morning. I wasn't even opened up yet, but he was already too drunk to understand when I tried to explain to him that we were closed.† â€Å"I'll take him home,† I tell him and he lets me by. â€Å"I'm sorry he's been so much trouble for you.† He drops the rag on the counter and helps me get my dad to his feet. He smells like he showered in a bottle of Jack Daniels. â€Å"I don't mind him being here, Ella,† Denny says. â€Å"But I'm starting to feel guilty about it. For the last few months, he's been showing up more and more. I think he might have a problem.† â€Å"He's had one for a while.† I drape my dad's arm over my shoulder and Denny does the same with his other arm. My dad mumbles an incoherent objection and then something about missing her and wanting it to all go away. We drag him outside and Lila hops out of the car. She doesn't say anything as Denny and I lie my dad down in the back of the Firebird. It's starting to sprinkle and lightning snaps across the sky. â€Å"Thanks for helping me get him out,† I tell Denny, shielding my eyes from the raindrops. Denny rubs his neck tensely. â€Å"Have you ever considered getting him some help?† â€Å"What do you mean? Like rehab?† I shout over the thunder. He shrugs. â€Å"Or AA. Something that will help him get his life together.† I scratch my head, confused. Why hadn't it occurred to me? Panic starts to claw up my throat and guilty feelings about my mother's death consume. â€Å"Just think about it,† Denny says, giving me a pat on the arm. â€Å"And if you need any help, you know where to find me.† I thank him again and jump into the car. I wait for Lila to say something, but when she opens her mouth, it's not what I was expecting. â€Å"My older sister was a drug addict,† she says quickly. â€Å"For like a year.† I stop chewing on my gum. â€Å"I didn't know that.† â€Å"I know. Not a lot of people do. My family is very firm on keeping our dirty laundry to ourselves.† She rotates in her chair to look at my dad snoring on the backseat. â€Å"But I wanted to tell you so that you know that I understand how hard it is to watch someone you care about hurt themselves.† I turn the car down my street and the tires splash puddles onto the hood as they hit the potholes. â€Å"Why did you never tell me before?† â€Å"Why didn't you tell me about your dad?† â€Å"I don't know.† Who is this girl sitting next to me? â€Å"So my life doesn't scare you?† She arches her eyebrows and sits forward in her seat. â€Å"I wouldn't go that far, but your personal life doesn't.† *** There are three large Keggers on Micha's back porch when we pull up to my house. The garage door is wide open and his car is missing. The rain is pouring down and flooding the sidewalk and the tree next to the house sways in the wind. â€Å"They must have got the car fixed,† I say, unbuckling my seatbelt. â€Å"Dang it.† Lila smacks her hand on her knee and a smile expands across her face. â€Å"I was so looking forward to watching Ethan bent over the hood.† I snort a laugh. â€Å"Well, that wasn't really my point,† I say when I stop laughing. â€Å"We somehow have to get him out of the car and into the house and I was going to have Micha help.† Lila and I turn toward the backseat, trying to figure out a way to get my dad out. â€Å"Maybe we could ask your brother?† Lila suggests. My eyes roam to the Porsche parked in front of us. â€Å"I'm not sure he'll help even if we ask him.† â€Å"It doesn't hurt to try.† â€Å"Yeah, you're right.† I sigh and text Dean to come help. He doesn't answer, but a few minutes later the back door swings open. Dean steps out, barefoot, with a hoodie pulled over his head. He doesn't say anything when he swings the door open. Lila hops out of his way and he ducks inside the car and drags our father out. I scramble out of the car and hold the back door open for him. He lets my dad lean his weight on him and he aides him to the living room sofa. â€Å"Where did you find him?† Dean asks me as he turns my dad to his side in case he throws up. â€Å"At the bar.† I place the duvet from the back of the couch over my dad and he snuggles up to it like a child. â€Å"Denny helped me get him to the car.† Dean presses his lips together, and bobs his head up and down. â€Å"That's where I figured he was, but I didn't want to go looking for him.† â€Å"You know I'm not even old enough to be in a bar, right?† â€Å"And I'm old enough to know that I don't want to deal with this crap anymore.† I open my mouth to yell at him but zip my lips and shake my head, regaining power of my temper. He backs toward the stairway. â€Å"I've had enough. I'm moving on with my life and you should do the same.† He leaves me in the room alone with a heavy feeling in my heart. I'd love to move on, but I'm not sure how. Running away to Vegas for eight months sure as hell didn't help because I'm almost back to where I started. *** Lila and I decide to go to Larry's Diner, the local fast food drive-in, to get some lunch. It's a seventies themed restaurant where the waitresses wear roller skates and skate up the cars to take orders. After they hook the food tray to the window, we eat in the car and listen to music. The rain is still beating down, but softer, although the roof is draining onto the front of the hood. We're chatting about the group of guys sitting on the tables underneath the canopy, when Lila focuses the conversation to somewhere I don't want to go. â€Å"So where did you and Micha run off to this morning?† she asks, sipping her soda and batting her eyelashes innocently. I dip a fry in the ranch cup balanced on the console. â€Å"Nowhere. He just chased me down the street.† She dumps some more ketchup onto her chicken sandwich. â€Å"Then why did both of you come back soaking wet?† My body tingles at the memory of Micha and me rolling around in the grass. â€Å"One of the neighbor's sprinklers turned on while we were running across it.† â€Å"Seems like you were awfully wet just from being in the sprinklers for a few minutes.† She dabs her lips with a napkin. â€Å"And you look really happy right now.† I force back a smile and pick the pickles off my burger silently. â€Å"If you don't want to tell me,† she says. â€Å"Then you don't have to.† â€Å"I'm just not comfortable talking about Micha,† I explain. â€Å"When I don't even know how I feel about him.† â€Å"Okay, well you could talk to me about it. That's how friends help each other figure things out.† She pauses, cleaning up some grease that dripped on her shirt. â€Å"Didn't you ever have a friend that you could talk to about everything?† I shrug and take a bite of my burger. â€Å"Micha maybe, but I can't talk to him about him.† She looks at me sadly. â€Å"Try talking to me then.† I chew on a fry, trying not to choke. Once it's out there, it's real. â€Å"I'm not sure I can.† â€Å"Just try,† she urges. â€Å"What's it going to hurt?† I stir the ranch with a fry. â€Å"Micha kissed me on the front lawn. That's why we came back all wet. We were lying on the grass, getting soaked by the sprinklers and making out.† â€Å"Did you like it?† â€Å"Like what?† She rolls her eyes. â€Å"The kiss.† â€Å"I like it every time he kisses me,† I say nonchalantly. â€Å"Yet at the same time, I don't. My feelings are conflicted.† â€Å"Because you don't know what you want?† she asks. â€Å"No, I think I do know what I want,† I mumble, stunned by my own answer. â€Å"I just won't admit it.† She says, â€Å"I think you just did.† I continue thinking out loud. â€Å"I think I might have figured it out that night on the bridge†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My mind starts to drift back to that night as I stare at the rain pattering against the windshield. She slurps her soda. â€Å"What happened the night on the bridge?† â€Å"I kissed Micha.† I shut my eyes, drifting back to the memory, not on the bridge but somewhere else we went that night. We're in his car talking. He seems happy and so do I. She giggles. â€Å"I knew it. I knew he wasn't just a friend. So tell me the details, like what happened after the kiss.† My eyes open to a veil of rain on the window as the images drift away from my mind. â€Å"Nothing. I left for college.† She balls up the sandwich wrapper and sets it in the bag. â€Å"You just left? God, no wonder you two visually undress each other. The sexual tension between you is probably about ready to burst.† I start to deny it, but realize she's right. I want Micha so badly it physically hurts sometimes, however if it hurts to want him this much, then how bad would it be to lose him? â€Å"Speaking of the devil.† She rolls down the window as Micha's Chevelle pulls up beside us. â€Å"What are you like stalking us or something?† Ethan leans over from the passenger side and hollers, â€Å"How did you ever guess?† Micha's extremely quiet, as he reads the menu on the marquee. The waitress skates over and ducks her head into the cab of the car, sticking out her butt. Rain falls on her back as she jots down their orders and then giggles at something either Micha or Ethan said. Either way, it's annoying. I pile all the garbage onto the tray, start up the car, and rev up the engine, startling the waitress and everyone else. Lila gapes at me. â€Å"Ella, what are you doing?† â€Å"Sorry,† I apologize, feeling kind of bad, and put a tip on the tray. The waitress gives me a tight smile as she collects the tray and skates off to the order window. Micha hops out of the car and his boots splash in the puddles. He stretches his long legs and arms, and then winds around the back of my car and to my door. He taps his fist on the window. Sighing, I roll it down. He crouches down so we're eyelevel and rests his arms on the seal of the window. â€Å"Do you want to explain what that was about?† â€Å"An accidental slip of the foot,† I say, knowing he's going to read straight through my bull shit lie. â€Å"Sometimes it happens.† â€Å"Not with you.† His eyes twinkle like sapphires as raindrops bead down his face. â€Å"If you want my attention, just say so.† â€Å"I want your attention.† The truth falls from my lips, shocking us both. He kisses me on the forehead with his wet lips. â€Å"See, that wasn't so hard.† â€Å"Yes, it was,† I surrender, defeated. â€Å"But I'm tired.† â€Å"Of being someone you're not?† â€Å"That among other things.† He lets out an unsteady breath and lowers his voice as he leans close to my ear. â€Å"Are you ready to talk about it?† I shake my head. â€Å"Not yet, but maybe soon.† â€Å"I'm here when you're ready.† He gives a soft suck on the sensitive spot right below my ear, and his tongue tastes my skin before he pulls away. â€Å"You want to race home?† He wiggles his eyebrows, teasing me. â€Å"Loser owes the other one a favor.† I scrunch up my nose and glance over at his Chevelle. â€Å"I'm not stupid enough to think I could ever win that bet.† He laughs, sucking his lip ring into his mouth. â€Å"I promise I'll go easy on you.† A naughty feeling dances inside me. â€Å"What if I don't want you to go easy on me?† He's speechless, which is rare. His gaze bores into me and then he strides forward and kisses me. It's quick, but it steals my breath away.

World War I and Group Member Names

Guidelines: Assign one group member to lead the group. The leader should divide their chapters and create deadlines prior to Novo. 26th. The leader should receive all outlines early and make the formatting cohesive and easy to read. Each group should turn in one full set of fact sheets and outlines In a folder. All group members' names should be listed on first page. Pages should be numbered. Fact sheets should precede outlines.Each chapter should be clearly labeled by number and title. Pages may run continuously in order to conserve paper and space. Remember to type all group member names on the cover and individual names on each section each member produced. Each group will produce typed: 1. Fact Sheets for each chapter Including, a. Summary of the chapter's main argument. B. List of main people and their role/title. C. Key terms and debates. D. Questions posed or inspired by the chapter. 2. Content Outlines of their assigned chapters from Laborer Including, e.Mall acts and events with dates. F. Relationship of events to causes of WWW as Identified by Laborer Characterization of varying national perspectives, alliance shifts, etc. Quotes. I. Analysis of Laborers choices/writing. H. Short key â€Å"The Long Fuse† OUR There Projects?All Scripts Due Tuesday, November 20th Guldens: 1. Scripted and researched performances to conceptualize history 2. 10-15 minutes 3. Rehearsed, but not memorized 4. Option to record in advanced; must be ready to perform live if technical difficulties arise 5. Utilize music, costume or set pieces .Begin with England, France, Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary as starting point; research may guide you too more narrowed script 7. Turn In typed script & typed MEAL bibliography of scholarly sources (One source per person in group an additional source; limit to one internet) 8. Include a cover page describing the role that each group member played in the production of the presentation. Group topics:Effects of HAWAII groups should exa mine changes In society due