Monday, September 16, 2019
Auditor’s Legal Liability to Third Parties
Increased liability of other professionals to nonprofits users of their services II. Lack of fairness of Imposing the burden of economic loss on Innocent financial statement users Ill. Assumption that expanded liability will cause auditors to improve their auditing procedures v. Auditors have the ability to obtain liability insurance v. Increased audit and insurance premium costs can be passed on to the client 4. Reasonably foreseeable third parties (used by MS, NJ, WI) a. Ore expansive definition regarding the legal standing of who can sue the auditor I. Allows broader class of (stockholders or stockbrokers, for example) might say regarding accuracy of financial reports Reflection While WI, NJ and MS have a very expansive definition of who ought to be able to have legal standing to sue auditors for audit reports of financial statements if the auditor appears to have been negligent or committed fraud, there must be some balance struck to protect both auditors and third parties that m ay rely on audit reports.The Restatement Standard, as used by most states, appears to strike that balance, holding auditors accountable for potential negligence or fraud, while still allowing them to obtain liability insurance to limit their exposure to legal claims. Chapter 20, problem 20-27 a. What elements must be established by Musk to support a cause of action based on negligence?Since state law applicable to this action follows the Ultramarine decision, which sets the standard for auditor negligent liability by a third party according to priority, in which a contract or specific agreement exists between the two parties, Musk would need to show that a contract existed between Apple and Musk to have legal standing to bring a suit against Apple. B. What elements must be established by Musk to support a cause of action based on a Rule lob-5 violation?If Musk has established that it can sue under Section II(b), it must prove the following: 1 . Apple made a material, factual misrepr esentation or omission 2. Musk relied on the financial statements . Musk suffered damages as a result of reliance on the financial statements 4. Sciences (Apple acted with intent to deceive, defraud, or with knowledge of a false representation) c.Is Apple's assertion regarding lack of priority correct with regard to Musk's causes of action for negligence or fraud? Regarding negligence, Apple's assertion regarding Musk's lack of priority is correct according to the standard set by the Ultramarine decision. There was no contract between Apple and Musk. However, regarding the fraud charge, the priority requirement does not apply. If the plaintiff an show gross negligence or fraud, the auditor can still be held liable for damages.As stated in the problem, Apple was aware that Astor was selling inventory at prices substantially less than cost, so it should have known that the inventory valuation provided by Astor should not have been trusted, and should have conducted its own valuation o f inventory. While the application of the Ultramarine decision will make it difficult to hold Apple liable for negligence under common law, that decision does not hold weight when considering fraud or gross negligence. In that case, Musk may be able to collect damages on the basis of Rule bib-5.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Ambition in Macbeth
Ambition is often the driving force in oneââ¬â¢s life. It can have an extremely dominant impact on not only yourself, but also many people in your surroundings. You have the ability to control if the outcomes either have a lasting negative or positive effect. When a goal requires determination and hard work to complete, personal morals often take a back seat to the aspiration of accomplishing the goal. In Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Macbeth, it is clear that like many other great leaders, Macbeth exemplifies the necessary leadership virtue of ambition.Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition does not just drive him to do great things. It in fact controls him. The playwright explores the idea of how an individualââ¬â¢s ambition can cause them to deceive others, make irrational decisions, and cause internal turmoil. Ambition, along with the influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth, causes Macbeth to deceive his peers in order to attain position as king. The first time the reader sees Macbethââ¬â¢s ambit ion causing him to be deceitful, is when him and his wife invite the current King of Scotland into their home for a dinner, with the soul intent of killing him.After receiving news of Macbethââ¬â¢s new honor, she holds greater ambitions for Macbeth and pushes him to the edge to achieve the personal goals that she has set for him. To achieve the main goal of becoming king, Macbeth must deceive Duncan in way that will allow him to take over the throne. He must do this by taking action when ââ¬Å"The bell invites [him]. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell. That summons thee to heaven or to hell. â⬠(Act II, scene i) This visibly demonstrates how Macbeth deceived his friend into trusting him, when clearly his wife and he had different intentions all along.This proves how an individualââ¬â¢s ambition has the capability to consume ones personal morals and values for the worse. The impacting role of ambition in Macbethââ¬â¢s life also causes him to make quick, remorseful, irrational decisions. One of these decisions that he made was hiring murderers to execute Banquo. Macbeth believes in the witches prophesy that Banquo will be the father of a king, making Fleance, Banquoââ¬â¢s son, a definite threat to Macbethââ¬â¢s current position as king. He wants to carry on his legacy as ruler of Scotland, so it appears to him that he has no other options but to eliminate his opposition.Caught up in the moment and his recently developed ambition drove him to do whatever it takes to stay in power. Macbeth realizes that ââ¬Å"It will have blood; they say, blood will have bloodâ⬠(Act III, scene iv), but what he is unaware of is his guilty conscience that is slowly beginning to creep over himself. Due to his thrill to kill and illogical decision making, Macbeth begins to have second thoughts about his actions. These decisions cause a great disturbance and uncertainty for Macbeth, soon c à Macbethââ¬â¢s ambitious drive to become king causes him t o have internal conflicts.These issues have been forced upon him by his wife, and have fully consumed his mind and led him to hallucinate. Internal turmoil-ghost, dagger. A strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Desire and determination to achieve success Desire, aspiration, ambition In Macbeth, ambition is presented as a dangerous quality. It causes the downfall of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and triggers a series of deaths in Macbeth. Ambition is therefore the driving force of the play.Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition is driven by a number of factors including: Prophesy: The Macbeth witches prophesize that Macbeth will become King. Macbeth believes them and the various prophesies are realized throughout the play. However, it is unclear whether these prophesies are preordained or self fulfilling. Lady Macbeth: his wife is the driving force that encourages Macbeth to overcome his strong sense of guilt and take action on the prophesie s. Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition soon spirals out of control and forces him to murder again and again to cover up his previous wrongdoings.Macbethââ¬â¢s first victims are the Chamberlains who are blamed and killed by Macbeth for the murder of King Duncan. Banquoââ¬â¢s murder soon follows once Macbeth fears that the truth could be exposed. Ambition is often the driving force in oneââ¬â¢s life. It is supposed to be the motivating factor that drives one towards success. Society also deems ambition a necessary quality of their leader. It can be said that Macbeth exhibits this quality of ambition. He is the strong, valiant warrior who has won in battle and brought victory to Scotland.However, Macbethââ¬â¢s quest to acquire more power-his ambition-ultimately leads to his tragic demise. How can one allow himself to be destroyed by such a thing? Before Duncanââ¬â¢s murder, Macbeth questions and second guesses his ambitious tendencies and actions. Despite his anxiety, he succumbs to these tendencies and finds himself in an increasingly precarious situation, with his back against the wall and growing ever closer to his almost inevitable end. It is obvious that Macbeth has ambition, as most people who are in power do.In fact, ambition is often a necessary quality of people in such high standing as Macbeth is. However, Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition does not just drive him to do great things. It in fact controls him Through all these things, one can clearly see that Macbeth is headed on a path for disaster; a path started, and forcefully driven, by his ambition. His ambition drove him to kill Duncan so he could acquire the throne. His ambition then drove him to order the murders of Banquo and Fleance. Through that process alone, one could say that Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition did lead to his downfall.However, even more disastrous than the external consequences of his ambition were his internal consequences. Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition was constantly putting him in a stru ggle between right and wrong. Macbeth finally lost this battle, and succumbed to the evil side of his ambition. Being the successful, proud, and noble warrior that he was, maybe this loss of what was good inside of him was the root of Macbethââ¬â¢s insanity. One will never know, but it can be said that Macbethââ¬â¢s ambition, whether through his actions or through his own internal degradation, did ultimately lead to his demise.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
The Golden Lily Chapter 14
ââ¬Å"OH, LORD,â⬠I SAID. ââ¬Å"What's wrong?â⬠asked Brayden. ââ¬Å"Is everything okay?â⬠ââ¬Å"Hard to say.â⬠I put the phone back in my purse. ââ¬Å"I hate to do this, but I have to go take care of something outside. I'll be back as quickly as I can.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you want me to go with you?â⬠I hesitated. ââ¬Å"No, it's okay.â⬠I had no idea what to expect out there. It was best if Brayden wasn't subjected to it. ââ¬Å"I'll hurry.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sydney, wait.â⬠Brayden caught hold of my arm. ââ¬Å"Thisâ⬠¦ this is the song you requested, isn't it?â⬠The one we'd been dancing to had just ended, and a new one was on ââ¬â or, well, an old one. It was about thirty years old. I sighed. ââ¬Å"Yes. It is. I'll be fast, I promise.â⬠The temperature outside was pleasant, warm but not oppressively so. We were allegedly due for a rare bit of rain. As I walked toward the parking lot, some of Wolfe's lessons came back to me. Check your surroundings. Watch for people lurking near cars. Stay in the light. Make sure to ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Adrian!â⬠All reasonable thoughts vanished from my head. Adrian was lying on my car. I ran over to Latte as fast as the dress would allow me. ââ¬Å"What are you doing?â⬠I demanded. ââ¬Å"Get off of there!â⬠I automatically checked for dents and scratches. Adding insult to injury, Adrian was actually smoking as he lay on the hood and stared up at the sky. Clouds were moving in, but a half-moon could occasionally be seen. ââ¬Å"Relax, Sage. I won't leave a scratch. Really, this is surprisingly comfortable for a family car. I would've expected ââ¬â â⬠He turned his head toward me and froze. I had never seen him so still ââ¬â or so quiet. His shock was so thorough and intense that he actually dropped his cigarette. ââ¬Å"Ahh,â⬠I cried, springing forward, lest the burning cigarette damage the car. It landed harmlessly on the asphalt, and I quickly stamped it out. ââ¬Å"For the last time, will you get off of there?â⬠Adrian slowly sat up, eyes wide. He slid off the hood and didn't seem to leave any marks. Obviously, I'd have to check it later. ââ¬Å"Sage,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"What are you wearing?â⬠I sighed and stared down at the dress. ââ¬Å"I know. It's red. Don't start. I'm tired of hearing about it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Funny,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it.â⬠Those words drew me up short, and a rush of heat went through me. What did he mean? Was I so outlandish-looking that he couldn't stop staring at the crazy spectacle? Surelyâ⬠¦ surely he wasn't implying that I was prettyâ⬠¦ I promptly got back on track, reminding myself that I needed to think about the guy inside, not out here. ââ¬Å"Adrian, I'm on a date. Why are you here? On my car?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sorry to interrupt, Sage. I wouldn't have been on your car if they'd let me into the dance,â⬠he said. A little of his earlier awe had faded, and he relaxed into a more typical Adrian pose, leaning back against Latte. At least he was standing and less likely to do damage. ââ¬Å"Yeah. They generally frown on letting twenty-something guys into high school events. What did you want?â⬠ââ¬Å"To talk to you.â⬠I waited for him to elaborate, but the only response I received was a brief flash of lightning above. It was Saturday, and I'd been around campus all day, during which he could've easily called. He'd known the dance was tonight. Then, inhaling the smell of alcohol that hung in the air around him, I knew nothing he did should really surprise me tonight. ââ¬Å"Why couldn't it have been tomorrow?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Did you really have to come here tonight and ââ¬â â⬠I frowned and looked around. ââ¬Å"How did you even get here?â⬠ââ¬Å"I took the bus,â⬠he said, almost proudly. ââ¬Å"A lot easier getting here than to Carlton.â⬠Carlton College was where he took art classes, and without his own transportation, he'd come to rely heavily on mass transit ââ¬â something he'd never done before in his life. I'd been hoping Sonya or Dimitri had dropped him off ââ¬â meaning they'd pick him up again. But of course that wouldn't happen. Neither one of them would have brought a drunken Adrian here. ââ¬Å"So I guess I have to take you home then,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Hey, I got myself here. I'll get myself home.â⬠He started to take out a cigarette, and I gave him a stern headshake. ââ¬Å"Don't,â⬠I said sharply. With a shrug, he put the pack away. ââ¬Å"And I have to take you home. It's going to storm soon. I'm not going to make you walk in the rain.â⬠Another flash of lightning emphasized my words, and a faint breeze stirred the fabric of my dress. ââ¬Å"Hey,â⬠he said, ââ¬Å"I don't want to be an incon ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Sydney?â⬠Brayden came striding across the parking lot. ââ¬Å"Everything okay?â⬠No, not really. ââ¬Å"I'm going to have to leave for a little bit,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I have to give my brother a ride home. Will you be okay waiting? It shouldn't be that long.â⬠I felt bad even suggesting it. Brayden didn't really know anyone at my school. ââ¬Å"Maybe you could find Trey?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure,â⬠said Brayden uncertainly. ââ¬Å"Or I can come with you.â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said quickly, not wanting him and drunken Adrian in the car. ââ¬Å"Just go back and have fun.â⬠ââ¬Å"Nice toga,â⬠Adrian told Brayden. ââ¬Å"It's a chiton,â⬠said Brayden. ââ¬Å"It's Greek.â⬠ââ¬Å"Right. I forgot that was tonight's theme.â⬠Adrian gave Brayden an appraising look, glanced over at me, and then turned back to Brayden. ââ¬Å"So. What do you think of our girl's ensemble tonight? Pretty amazing, huh? Like Cinderella. Or maybe a Greek Cinderella.â⬠ââ¬Å"There's really not much about it that's truly Greek,â⬠said Brayden. I winced. I knew he didn't mean to be insensitive, but his words stung a little. ââ¬Å"The dress is historically inaccurate. I mean it's a very nice dress, but the jewelry's anachronistic, and the fabric's nothing that ancient Greek women would have had. Certainly not that color either.â⬠ââ¬Å"What about those other Greek women?â⬠asked Adrian. ââ¬Å"The flashy smart ones.â⬠His forehead wrinkled, as though it were taking every ounce of his brain to come up with the word he wanted. And, to my astonishment, he did. ââ¬Å"The hetaerae.â⬠I honestly hadn't believed he'd retained anything from our conversation in San Diego. I tried not to smile. ââ¬Å"The hetaerae?â⬠Brayden was even more astonished than I was. He gave me a scrutinizing look. ââ¬Å"Yesâ⬠¦ yes. I suppose ââ¬â if such materials were hypothetically possible in that era ââ¬â that this is something you'd expect to see find on a hetaera instead of the average Greek matron.â⬠ââ¬Å"And they were prostitutes, right?â⬠asked Adrian. ââ¬Å"These hetaerae?â⬠ââ¬Å"Some were,â⬠agreed Brayden. ââ¬Å"Not all. I think the usual term is courtesan.â⬠Adrian was completely deadpan. ââ¬Å"So. You're saying my sister's dressed like a prostitute.â⬠Brayden eyed my dress. ââ¬Å"Well, yes, if we're still speaking in hypothetical ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"You know what?â⬠I interrupted. ââ¬Å"We need to go. It's going to rain any minute now. I'll take Adrian home and meet you back here, okay?â⬠I refused to let Adrian continue to play whatever game he had going to torment Brayden ââ¬â and, by extension, me. ââ¬Å"I'll text you when I'm on my way back.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure,â⬠said Brayden, not looking very sure at all. He left, and I started to get into the car until I noticed Adrian trying ââ¬â and failing ââ¬â to open the passenger side door. With a sigh, I walked over and opened it for him. ââ¬Å"You're drunker than I thought,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"And I thought you were pretty drunk.â⬠He managed to get his body into the seat, and I returned to my own side just as raindrops splashed on my windshield. ââ¬Å"Too drunk for Jailbait to feel,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"The bond's numb. She can have an Adrian-free night.â⬠ââ¬Å"That was very thoughtful of you,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Though I'm guessing that's not the real reason you were hitting the bottle. Or why you came here. As far as I can tell, all you've accomplished is to mess with Brayden.â⬠ââ¬Å"He called you a prostitute.â⬠ââ¬Å"He did not! You baited him into that.â⬠Adrian ran a hand through his hair and leaned against the window, watching the rapidly unfolding storm outside. ââ¬Å"Doesn't matter. I've decided I don't like him.â⬠ââ¬Å"Because he's too smart?â⬠I said. I remembered Jill and Eddie's earlier comments. ââ¬Å"And unmemorable?â⬠ââ¬Å"Nah. I just think you can do better.â⬠ââ¬Å"How?â⬠Adrian had no answer, and I had to ignore him for a bit as my attention shifted to the road. Storms, while infrequent, could come up fast and furious in Palm Springs. Flash floods weren't uncommon, and the rain was now pouring down in sheets, making visibility difficult. Fortunately, Adrian didn't live that far away. That was a double blessing because, when we were a couple blocks from his apartment, he said: ââ¬Å"I don't feel so well.â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I moaned. ââ¬Å"Please, please do not get sick in my car. We're almost there.â⬠A minute or so later, I pulled up at the curb outside his building. ââ¬Å"Out. Now.â⬠He obeyed, and I followed with an umbrella for myself. Glancing over at me as we walked to the building, he asked, ââ¬Å"We live in a desert, and you keep an umbrella in your car?â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?â⬠He dropped his keys, and I picked them up, figuring I'd have an easier time unlocking the door. I flipped on the nearest light switch ââ¬â and nothing happened. We stood there for a moment, together in the darkness, neither of us moving. ââ¬Å"I have candles in the kitchen,â⬠said Adrian, finally taking a few staggering steps in that direction. ââ¬Å"I'll light some.â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I ordered, having visions of the entire building going down in flames. ââ¬Å"Lie on the couch. Or throw up in the bathroom. I'll take care of the candles.â⬠He opted for the couch, apparently not as sick as he'd feared. Meanwhile, I found the candles ââ¬â atrocious air freshening ones that smelled like fake pine. Still, they cast light, and I brought a lit one over to him, along with a glass of water. ââ¬Å"Here. Drink this.â⬠He took the glass and managed to sit up long enough to get a few sips. Then, he handed the glass back and collapsed against the couch, draping one arm over his eyes. I pulled up a nearby chair and sat down. The pine candles cast fragile, flickering light between us. ââ¬Å"Thanks, Sage.â⬠ââ¬Å"Are you going to be okay if I leave?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"I'm sure the power will be on by morning.â⬠He didn't answer my question. Instead, he said, ââ¬Å"You know, I don't just drink to get drunk. I mean, that's part of it, yeah. A big part of it. But sometimes, alcohol's all that keeps me clearheaded.â⬠ââ¬Å"That doesn't make sense. Here,â⬠I prompted, handing the water back to him. As I did, I cast a quick look at my cell phone's clock, anxious about Brayden. ââ¬Å"Drink some more.â⬠Adrian complied and then continued speaking, arm back over his eyes. ââ¬Å"Do you know what it's like to feel like something's eating away at your mind?â⬠I'd been about to tell him I needed to leave, but his words left me cold. I remembered Jill saying something similar when she was telling me about him and spirit. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said honestly. ââ¬Å"I don't know what it's likeâ⬠¦ but to me, well, it's pretty much one of the most terrifying things I can imagine. My mind, itâ⬠¦ it's who I am. I think I'd rather suffer any other injury in the world than have my mind tampered with.â⬠I couldn't leave Adrian right now. I just couldn't. I texted to Brayden: Going to be a little longer than I thought. ââ¬Å"It is terrifying,â⬠said Adrian. ââ¬Å"And weird, for lack of a better word. And part of you knowsâ⬠¦ well, part of you knows something's not right. That your thinking's not right. But what do you about that? All we can go on is what we think, how we see the world. If you can't trust your own mind, what can you trust? What other people tell you?â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't know,â⬠I said, for lack of a better answer. His words struck me as I thought how much of my life had been guided by the edicts of others. ââ¬Å"Rose once told me about this poem she'd read. There was this line, ââ¬ËIf your eyes weren't open, you wouldn't know the difference between dreaming and waking.' You know what I'm afraid of? That someday, even with my eyes open, I still won't know.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, Adrian, no.â⬠I felt my heart breaking and sat down on the floor near the couch. ââ¬Å"That won't happen.â⬠He sighed. ââ¬Å"At least with the alcoholâ⬠¦ it quiets the spirit and then I know if things seem weird, it's probably because I'm drunk. It's not a great reason, but it's a reason, you know? At least you actually have a reason instead of not trusting yourself.â⬠Brayden texted back: How much longer? Irritated, I answered back: Fifteen minutes. I looked back up at Adrian. His face was still covered, though the candlelight did a fair job of illuminating the clean lines of his profile. ââ¬Å"Is thatâ⬠¦ is that why you drank tonight? Is spirit bothering you? I meanâ⬠¦ you seemed to be doing so well the other dayâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He exhaled deeply. ââ¬Å"No. Spirit's okayâ⬠¦ in as much as it ever is. I actually got drunk tonight becauseâ⬠¦ well, it was the only way I could bring myself to talk to you.â⬠ââ¬Å"We talk all the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"I need to know something, Sage.â⬠He uncovered his face to look at me, and I suddenly realized how close I was sitting. For a moment, I almost didn't pay attention to his words. The flickering dance of shadow and light gave his already good looks a haunting beauty. ââ¬Å"Did you get Lissa to talk to my dad?â⬠ââ¬Å"What? Oh. That. Hang on one second.â⬠Picking up my cell phone, I texted Brayden again: Better make that thirty minutes. ââ¬Å"I know someone got her to do it,â⬠Adrian continued. ââ¬Å"I mean, Lissa likes me, but she's got a lot going on. She wouldn't have just thought one day, ââ¬ËOh, hey. I should call Nathan Ivashkov and tell him how awesome his son is.' You got her to do it.â⬠ââ¬Å"I've actually never talked to her,â⬠I said. I didn't regret my actions at all but felt weird at being called out on them. ââ¬Å"But I, uh, may have asked Sonya and Dimitri to talk to her on your behalf.â⬠ââ¬Å"And then she talked to my old man.â⬠ââ¬Å"Something like that.â⬠ââ¬Å"I knew it,â⬠he said. I couldn't gauge his tone, if it was upset or relieved. ââ¬Å"I knew someone had to have prompted her, and somehow I knew it was you. No one else would have done it for me. Not sure what Lissa told him, but man, she must have really won him over. He was crazy impressed. He's sending me money for a car. And upping my allowance back to reasonable levels.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's a good thing,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Isn't it?â⬠My phone flashed with another text from Brayden. The dance will nearly be over by then. ââ¬Å"But why?â⬠Adrian asked. He sat down on the floor beside me. There was an almost distraught look to him. He leaned closer to me and then seemed shocked as he realized what he was doing. He leaned back a little ââ¬â but only a little. ââ¬Å"Why would you do that? Why would you do that for me?â⬠Before I could answer, another text came in. Will you even be back in time? I couldn't help be annoyed that he wasn't more understanding. Without thinking, I typed back: Maybe you should just leave now. I'll call you tomorrow. Sorry. I flipped the phone over so I wouldn't see any other messages. I looked back at Adrian, who was watching me intently. ââ¬Å"I did it because he wasn't fair to you. Because you deserve credit for what you've done. Because he needs to realize you aren't the person he's always thought you were. He needs to see you for who you really are, not for all the ideas and preconceptions he's built up around you.â⬠The power in Adrian's gaze was so strong that I kept talking. I was nervous about meeting that stare in silence. Also, part of me was afraid that if I pondered my own words too hard, I'd discover they were just as much about my own father and me as Adrian and his. ââ¬Å"It should have been enough for you to tell him who you are ââ¬â to show him who you are ââ¬â but he wouldn't listen. I don't like the idea of using others to do things we can do ourselves, but this seemed like the only option.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠Adrian said at last. ââ¬Å"I guess it worked. Thank you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Did he tell you how to get in touch with your mother?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. His pride in me apparently didn't go that far.â⬠ââ¬Å"I can probably find out where she is,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Orâ⬠¦ or Dimitri could, I'm sure. Like you said before, they must let letters in.â⬠He almost smiled. ââ¬Å"There you go again. Why? Why do you keep helping me?â⬠There were a million answers on my lips, everything from It's the right thing to do to I don't know. Instead, I said, ââ¬Å"Because I want to.â⬠This time, I got a true smile from him, but there was something dark and introspective about it. He shifted closer to me again. ââ¬Å"Because you feel bad for this crazy guy?â⬠ââ¬Å"You aren't going to go crazy,â⬠I said firmly. ââ¬Å"You're stronger than you think. The next time you feel that way, find something to focus on, to remind you of who you are.â⬠ââ¬Å"Like what? Got some magic object in mind?â⬠ââ¬Å"Doesn't have to be magic,â⬠I said. I racked my brain. ââ¬Å"Here.â⬠I unfastened the golden cross necklace. ââ¬Å"This has always been good for me. Maybe it'll help you.â⬠I set it in his hand, but he caught hold of mine before I could pull back. ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠he asked. He looked more closely. ââ¬Å"Waitâ⬠¦ I've seen this. You wear this all the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"I bought it a long time ago, in Germany.â⬠He was still holding my hand as he studied the cross. ââ¬Å"No frills. No flourishes. No secret etched symbols.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's why I like it,â⬠I told him. ââ¬Å"It doesn't need embellishment. A lot of the old Alchemist beliefs focused on purity and simplicity. That's what this is. Maybe it'll help you have clarity of mind.â⬠He had been staring at the cross, but now he lifted his gaze to meet mine. Some emotion I couldn't quite read played over his features. It was almost like he'd just discovered something, something troubling to him. He took a deep breath and, his hand still holding mine, pulled me toward him. His green eyes were dark in the candlelight but somehow just as enthralling. His fingers tightened on mine, and I felt warmth spread throughout me. ââ¬Å"Sage ââ¬â ââ¬Å" The power suddenly came back on, flooding the room with light. Apparently, with no concern for electrical bills, he'd left all the lights on when he went out earlier. The spell was broken, and both of us winced at the sudden brightness. Adrian sprang back from me, leaving the cross in my hand. ââ¬Å"Don't you have a dance or a curfew or something?â⬠he asked abruptly, not looking at me. ââ¬Å"I don't want to keep you. Hell, I shouldn't have bothered you at all. Sorry. I assume that was Aiden texting you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Brayden,â⬠I said, standing up. ââ¬Å"And it's okay. He left, and I'm just going to go back to Amberwood now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠he repeated, moving toward the door with me. ââ¬Å"Sorry I ruined your night.â⬠ââ¬Å"This?â⬠I nearly laughed, thinking of all the crazy things I contended with in my life. ââ¬Å"No. It'd take a lot more to ruin my night than this.â⬠I started to take a few steps and then paused. ââ¬Å"Adrian?â⬠He finally looked directly at me, once again nearly knocking me over with his gaze. ââ¬Å"Yeah?â⬠ââ¬Å"Next timeâ⬠¦ next time you want to talk to me about something ââ¬â anything ââ¬â you don't have to drink to work up the courage. Just tell me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Easier said than done.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not really.â⬠I tried for the door again, and this time, he stopped me, resting a hand on my shoulder. ââ¬Å"Sage?â⬠I turned. ââ¬Å"Yeah?â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you know why I don't like him? Brayden?â⬠I was so astonished he'd gotten the name right that I couldn't voice any answers, though several came to mind. ââ¬Å"Because of what he said.â⬠ââ¬Å"What part?â⬠Seeing as Brayden had said many things, in great detail, it wasn't entirely clear which Adrian was referring to. ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËHistorically inaccurate.â⬠ââ¬Ë Adrian gestured at me with his other hand, the one not on my shoulder. ââ¬Å"Who the hell looks at you and says ââ¬Ëhistorically inaccurate'?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Technically it is.â⬠ââ¬Å"He shouldn't have said that.â⬠I shifted, knowing I should move awayâ⬠¦ but I didn't. ââ¬Å"Look, it's just his way.â⬠ââ¬Å"He shouldn't have said that,â⬠repeated Adrian, eerily serious. He leaned his face toward mine. ââ¬Å"I don't care if he's not the emotional type or the complimentary type or what. No one can look at you in this dress, in all that fire and gold, and start talking about anachronisms. If I were him, I would have said, ââ¬ËYou are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.'â⬠My breath caught, both at the words and the way he said them. I felt strange inside. I didn't know what to think, except that I needed to get out of there, away from Adrian, away from what I didn't understand. I broke from him and was surprised to find myself shaking. ââ¬Å"You're still drunk,â⬠I said, putting my hand on the door knob. He tilted his head to the side, still watching me in that same, disconcerting way. ââ¬Å"Some things are true, drunk or sober. You should know that. You deal in facts all the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, but this isn't ââ¬â â⬠I couldn't argue with him looking at me like that. ââ¬Å"I have to go. Waitâ⬠¦ you didn't take the cross.â⬠I held it out to him. He shook his head. ââ¬Å"Keep it. I think I've got something else to help center my life.â⬠The Golden Lily: A Bloodlines Novel
Friday, September 13, 2019
To what extent was there a step change in Britains relationship with Essay
To what extent was there a step change in Britains relationship with the EU in 1997 - Essay Example Unfortunately, half a century later, the EU term does not consist of all European states. The EU is a supranational organisation, this means that it is made up of other countries. Countries that choose to become members make a major sacrifice to forego some of their national sovereignty in order to agree on social, political and economic policies which are of common interest.2 At this juncture it would be prudent to note that the EU is more superior to its member states. This is evidenced by the member statesââ¬â¢ laws and national policies which are equally bound by the EU institutions and regulations. Ironically though, the theoretical basis for the EU was provided by the then British Conservative Prime Minister Winston Churchill yet it is them who have lagged behind in actualising European integration3. Due to the countryââ¬â¢s historical, traditional and institutional background, it has found it extremely difficult to link both its domestic and European policies. Since time in memorial, Britain was never keen on intergrating with other countries in Europe. It always isolated itself and even in the 1950s while other European countries such as Italy, France and Germany, joined into a single market in coal and steel, which was then termed the Common Market. This is the modern day European Union (EU). Britain however succumbed to the insurmountable pressure and eventually joined, this was in 1973. Their decision to join was however due to being forced by circumstances. Europe seemed to be where the money was and not being a part of it was tantamount to cutting your nose to spite your face. The British are still yet to change their mentality over their inclusion in the EU, they view it as a marriage of convinience, as it helps them in carrying out their transactions. The Thatcher government for instance was opposed to the rapid integration of the European markets. She was also
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Week 7 posts 6330 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Week 7 posts 6330 - Assignment Example The fact that its goal is to educate the students shows that there is focus to the beneficiaries. The evaluation of the relationships at home and the workplace is important since these two are closely related. The post regarding the evaluation model you chose to educate registered nurses in the local hospice was very interesting. I support the fact that the hierarchical model you chose is useful in that it uses multiple aspects to form the evaluation. These aspects include the process, outcome, content, impact, and the program as a whole (Keating, 2011). The only proposal is to look for a wide range of feedback mechanisms to improve the efficiency of the evaluation. The formative evaluation model you chose is very impressive. This is because of the ready availability of the tools to measure input, processes, support systems and outcomes (Keating, 2011). The use of an accrediting agency review to improve this program quality increases its efficiency. This is good in that it helps to recruit the right faculty, and student
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
APPLIED DECISION METHODS CLASS; MOD4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
APPLIED DECISION METHODS CLASS; MOD4 - Essay Example As such, this canââ¬â¢t exactly be used as a basis on determining the overall relation betweenthe cost charged and the SATs scored. The model as from the computations is invalid meaning it canââ¬â¢t be used to assess the question given As computed, the correlation coefficient of the created model is a weak positive number of 0.17577. Thisshows a weakrelationship of the model. The overall significance of the model should be less than 0.05. In our case, our model gives a value of 0.547796. This shows the model isnââ¬â¢t statistically valid rendering our model inaccurate. Then again, the variability of the dependent variableas explained by the independent variable is 0.030895 which yields a percentage of 3.0895 which is a very weak number. Consequently, the variables arenââ¬â¢t statistically significant as they are close to 0.05. (0.049008). This can be estimated by multiplying the payroll with the strength of the relationship described by the model. We subtract 17.577% from 100% to get 82.423%.We then multiply this by the payroll spent by the team that is 82.433%/100% * 79 and we obtain roughly about 65 victories. Despite the moving average being an accurate method of forecasting sales, the weighted moving average is even more accurate as one can weigh the more recent periods a little heavier than the older
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Chapter 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3
Chapter 4 - Essay Example Most clients who are interested in different adverts online will depend on the information that is provided by these companies to float their adverts. The information provided gives them an opportunity to understand the regions and durations when the adverts should ne floated. There are a.lso cellular providers that have now gotten into data mining. The signals amongst the best stations and the cellular users can be used to market products that are directed to specific phone users. The calling records are projected to be one of the assets to various marketers. However, it will depend on the possibility of the customers browsing the web and accessing some sites to purchase products online. Analysis of the market is necessary given that the company finds an opportunity to understand what the customers are likely to consume and at what quantities and durations. There are four main users of data mining to marketers currently, which includes; acquisition of the customers, analysis of the basket market, analyze customer abandonment and finally to enhance customer retention and
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