Business Concept Rice Husk Electricity Production Environmental Sciences Essay

Business Concept Rice Husk Electricity Production Environmental Sciences Essay Most of us dont think much about organic refuse once disposed off. It is important to realize the importance of waste recycling, especially for power generation because it will pave way for preservation of the fast depleting natural resources. Organic materials from farm waste can very easily be treated to produce renewable energy. Biomass technologies make use of combustion processes for power generation and therefore can be harnessed at anytime unlike solar or wind energy which is dependent on natures whims. Ethanol can be extracted from crops which in turn is used to fuel cars powered by bio fuel and can also be used in producing electricity. Rice husk is generally used as solid fuel in combustion process by rice mills but around 50% still go waste. Many countries including Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Philippines use rice husk to produce electricity. These rise husks are used as fuel in small power generators that can be installed near factories and run by a small team. In Pakistan there are about 560 listed rice mills producing a large amount of waste in the form of rice husk which can be converted to producer gas by adapting simple technology of gasifiers and the equipment necessary for operations is cheap and can be easily procured locally. Hence, we are proposing the establishment of a business that will provide electricity by using rice husk that would otherwise be burned in the open air or left to decay. Biomass gasification system is being employed in order to generate electricity. Biomass gasification power generation  system adopts the draft-down fixed bed gasification furnace which saves electricity and operation is also convenient. Biomass gasification is a simple and relatively old process, in which biomass is heated to very high temperatures in an atmosphere of less than 1% oxygen. Under these conditions, it does not burn in flames, but turns into a producer gas. Next to the gasifier are four filters for cleaning tar and dust from the gas, and a generator in which the producer gas is used to drive a turbine and create electricity. Thats it. The plant proposed price is $1200 per KW. But the second hand plant is available at $600 per KW and $200 per KW is being charged to cover installment, structural changes etc. The total cost of building 200 KWH plant including set-up will be approximately Rs. 16 million. In 1st year the biomass gasifier plant is operated at average 70% capacity level. The projected cost of producing 1,176,000 KW/ year electricity will be approximately Rs 11 million that will yield income around Rs. 1,341,100. This project is very important from the Pakistan perspective. Pakistan has been facing an unprecedented energy crisis since the last several years. The problem becomes severe during the summers. Large numbers of users have to be disconnected from the energy supply system to prevent overloading the generating stations (load shedding). On occasions the urban dwellers had to suffer load shedding of 8-10 hours every day. During the same time rural consumers suffered it for up to 20 hours at a stretch. Such projects not only solve electricity problems, creates employment opportunities but also pave the way towards development. Throughout the world m of energy. It is a basic requirement for economic development and for an adequate standard of living. As a countrys population grows and its economy expands its demand for electrical energy multiplies. If this demand is not met adequately a shortage in supply occurs. 2.0 Introduction Every person is in the state of failure. Whether it is child who fails to get good marks in test or employee who has failed to achieve his target and get abominated by his boss whose business is suffering from losses. All this is happening in Pakistan because of one reason only, that is the electricity outages. Each day dozens of people are protesting on roads, outside the parliament, governor house, WAPDA, PEPCO to demand electricity round the clock. The role of electricity cannot be undermined in uplifting the economy of a country and improving the standard of living of its people. However many developing countries like Pakistan have been facing acute deficiency in electricity. Currently Pakistan is going through the crises of power outages causing destruction to our economy and increasing frustration amongst the people. At present, there is a dire need to explore alternative energy resources that are indigenous, cost effective, environmental friendly and quick to implement rather than just relying on dams that require long term construction process and heavy investments. The availability of heat and electricity forms an essential ingredient of a living society. The need for energy is ever increasing due to technological revolution occurring all over the globe. Hence, there is a pressing need to generate additional energy to bridge the supply demand gap. This calls for technologies, which is cost-effective and require less gestation period from conception to realization. Biomass is one such energy source that offers solutions matching the above requirements. Biomass has several aspects of utility in the society and there is substantive residue left unutilized after the societal needs are met with. Biomass is organic material, which has stored solar energy from sunlight in the form of chemical in the plants through the process called photosynthesis. Biomass fuels include agricultural wastes; crop Residues, Wood, Woody Waste Organic wastes etc. Unlike fossil fuels Biomass does not add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as it absorbs the same amount of carbon while growing. It is the cheapest, eco-friendly, renewable source of energy. Here we have a business plan to use indigenous alternate energy sources to generate electricity which is cost effective and quick to implement. Pakistan is a country of diverse ecology. Northern areas have rich reserves of pine trees littering their needles and foliage the years around and covering vast land with thick biomass. The cultivable plans of Punjab and Sindh are producing crops with biomass like rice husk, cotton waste, corn empty combs, shells of peanuts, almonds, apricot and dates, even household garbage which is thrown away. 2.1. Potential Benefits of Biomass: Reducing carbon emissions if managed (produced, transported, used) in a sustainable manner Enhancing energy security by diversifying energy sources utilizing local resources Reduced problem of biomass waste management Possible additional revenues for the agricultural and forestry sectors Biomass (plant matter) used to generate electricity with steam turbines and gasifiers or produce heat by direct combustion is a substitute for fossil fuels and has environmental and social-cost benefits. Combustion of waste has been used for many years as a way of reducing waste volume and neutralizing many of the potentially harmful elements within it. Combustion can only be used to create an energy source when heat recovery is included. Heat recovered from the combustion process can then be used to power turbines for electricity generation. The role of biomass in electricity production is very important by using wastes. According to Indian company the distribution and installation cost by using rice husk is around $1/W, one of the lowest in the world and replaces around 42,000 liters of kerosene and 18,000 liters of diesel per year. The company also claims that it plans to save about $50 million in two years by providing an alternative to kerosene and diesel. 2.2. Business Concept: RICE HUSK ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION Pakistan is an agricultural country producing large amount of agricultural residues annually from bagasse, rice husk, palm oil and wood waste, which have a high electricity potential. If these unexploited residues are utilized, the total potential of biomass fuel sources and also power production capacity of the nation would be doubled. Based on this forecast we are proposing to start a business that will generate electricity by means of rice husk- biomass. Rice is more than a staple for Pakistanis. It has a prominent place in most of rituals from the wedding to the funeral. To produce rice in milling process, rice husk is removed when passing through the process. Rice husk is the outer cover of rice that accounts for about 20% by weight of the rice. Rice husks, which are a waste product of the rice crop and found aplenty in villages, has been used as fodder for cattle and to make particle boards by a few wood-based companies. In the past, rice husk was mostly dumped as waste that caused waste disposal problem for the mills. Also, when rice husk is fermented by microorganisms, methane is emitted contributing to global warming problem. Rice husk is a fine and light particle and can cause breathing problems. Rice husk is generally used as solid fuel in combustion process by rice mills but around 50% still go waste. Many countries including Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Philippines use rice husk to produce electricity. These rise husks are used as fuel in small power generators that can be installed near factories and run by a small team. In Pakistan there are about 560 listed rice mills producing a large amount of waste in the form of rice husk which can be converted to producer gas by adapting simple technology of gasifiers and the equipment necessary for operations is cheap and can be easily procured locally. Hence, we are proposing the establishment of a business that will provide electricity by using rice husk that would otherwise be burned in the open air or left to decay. In order to avoid failure, the business will be started at the small scale by producing electricity for rice mill using rice husks. If we get successful we will extend our boundaries and use every biomass to generate electricity and make the country a self sufficient electricity generation country. This development will most certainly improve the living conditions of people, allowing them to experience better standards of living, and possibly giving them the chance to develop better sources of livelihood. It involves the construction and operation of a new rice husk power plant with approximately 200 KWh. The process allows rice husks to be substituted for fossil fuel. This novel way of producing electricity will provide a reliable supply and is cheaper than alternatives, translating to a savings of million liters of fuel oil per year and precious foreign exchange. Taking advantage of biomass also decreases air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the quantity of fossil fuel burned 3.0 Description of venture We are proposing the establishment of a firm that will provide electricity at affordable price to industries and nearby residential areas. We are providing cheap electricity from rice husk at low rate. Rice husk is wasted in Pakistan but we can utilize it in producing electricity and its further waste (rice husk ash) can also be used in In rubber industry as reinforcing agent In cement industries Cosmetics In tooth pastes as anti-caking agents In water purifier as purifier The nature of our business will be partnership. Three principals would be involved each with their own share and contribution. The principals of this venture are fresh graduates of Management Sciences Department of Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. 3.1. Size of business The firm aims to start up its business at small scale catering only one region i.e. Gujranwala, Pakistan with a startup capital of 20 million. The small physical plant would be able to accommodate a small setup and the initial finance would be able to facilitate a small venture like this. After gaining success we can further try to provide electricity to different regions at low rates. 3.2. Plant equipment and personnel Our equipment divided into three parts Biomass gasifier Biomass purification system Generator 3.3. Availability of rice husk About 600 million tonnes of rice paddy was produced all over the world out of which an estimated 5.5 million tonnes was grown in Pakistan in 2005-06. Rice husk is the outer covering of the rice grain that is removed as a result of milling process on rice kernel. On average 20% of rice paddy is husk places the global estimate of the rice husk at 120 million tonnes. This means that in Pakistan alone, about 1.1 million tonnes of rice husk was generated in year 2005-06 [Bronzeoak Ltd, 2002 and Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan]. The amount of rice husk available depends on season and rice production capacity of the rice mill. If sometimes there are not enough rice husks from the Rice mill to meet the requirement, the power plant will buy from others rice mills within the province 3.4. Vision To lighten the ordinary peoples life 3.5. Mission Want to brighten peoples lives by providing affordable, local and sustainable energy solutions and promoting productive uses of agricultural wastes with the help of inimitable workforce 3.5. Objectives To provide cheap and environmental friendly energy solutions to the homes and industries of Pakistan To upgrade simple energy technology of rice husk in order to improve productivity of industries To reduce energy costs by substituting agricultural waste rice husk as bio fuel instead of costly fossil fuel 3.6. Keys to  success Following keys to success have been identified, that if they are followed, the likelihood of sustainable business and success will significantly increase: To offer products that are demanded by consumers To provide electricity at affordable prices To ensure 100% customer satisfaction by working 24/7/365. 4.0 Product Description Generating electricity from rice husk that is a outer cover of rice. The electricity we provide will be at lower rates than WAPDA. 4.1. Competitive Analysis The rice processing industry, through the implementation of plant can operate 24 hours a day, 346 days a year. The use of rice husks for fuel does not create competition with food crops since the rice husks would otherwise be agricultural waste 4.2. Environmental Friendly Biomass can be used for reduce greenhouse effect because trees absorb CO2 as they grow and this carbon is released when the biomass is combusted. Thus, the net amount of CO2 added to the atmosphere during energy production through the use of biomass over the entire life cycle is nearly zero. Also its combustion temperature is lower than fossil fuel combustion, it is anticipated that there will be lower NOx emissions. Since biomass contains little sulphur compared to coal, it is also expected that there will be lower SOx emissions. 4.3. Production Plan Biomass gasification plant is being employed in order to generate electricity. The production process starts with the continuous conveying of rice husks in a sequential order as follows: from the storage yard to the indoor storage, to the grinder, to the service silo and finally to the furnace chamber of a boiler. The process of gasification involves controlled burning of the biomass to produce a particular cocktail of gases, called the producer gas. This gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and a little bit of methane. Producer gas is a combustible gas. It is fed into a gas engine, which drives an alternator to produce electricity. Next to the gasifier are four filters for cleaning tar and dust from the gas, and a generator in which the producer gas is used to drive a turbine and create electricity. The design of the plant involved a lot of research and development, especially regarding the fuel feeding, combustion regulation and ash removal. Raw a nd hot producer gas could be used for meeting thermal needs or could be cooled and cleaned, and used in reciprocating engines or gas turbines for power generation. Biomass gasification power generation  system adopt the draft-down fixed bed gasification furnace which saves electricity and convenient. The engines and generator, electrical equipment should be arranged indoor, but other equipment can be arranged outdoor. The area of building for each 200KW generator unit is approximately 40-50m2. Through the above process, biomass gasification power generation converts various kinds of wastes into electricity, reducing pollution due to waste disposal and making better use of energy. 4.4. Feasibility Study According to analysis done by Southern Brazilian Rice Processing Cooperative Agriculture return on investment through Payback, or return on invested capital (one of the simplest indicators of investment that considers the time at which the project will pay the initial investment) is 3.86 years if they install micro power system. Rice husk electricity generation project is really successful in India. According to Indian website rice husk is burnt to produce enough energy for powering a turbine and producing electricity. As of now, there are 60 mini-rice husk powered electricity plants that light 25,000 households in different parts of the country. According to them production cost will be Rs. 2/K Wh. Any industry persons would be ready to have power at Rs. 2/KWh. India who has built its first plant in Bihar has extended his netwok in various villages. Moreover, Golden Rice Cambodia has invested $2 million in a rice-husk electricity plant in order to power local rice mills. In Thailand a pilot plant project of capacity 9.8 MW is installed and is successful. The project has been established since July 2000. In Thailand, a large portion of the electricity production is from fossil fuels causing concern for energy security as well as environmental emissions of CO2, SO2 and NOX. Biomass has been proposed as one of the alternative (renewable) energy sources of energy which can, to extent, offset the use of fossil fuels. Experts said that Pakistan has great potential to produce electricity from rice husk because it holds important place in rice producing countries (The nation, 8th June 2009). The use of husk power allows cheap electricity to reach homes without relying on expensive and polluting electricity imported from China. He also advised the rice mills to build up biomass power plants, which can be fuelled by rice husk and get output ranging from 100kw to 1.2MW for each unit of equipment. By utilizing of waste heat, the millers can get much steam that is useful for a rice mill, he maintained. The secret lies not in the biomass gasification system, which is so simple that even a person who cannot read and write can operate it with a little bit of training, (Indian website source) 5.0 Market Analysis 5.1. Industry Analysis WAPDA is the sole producer of electricity in Pakistan. It is providing electricity to the commercial as well as the residential areas. But unfortunately WAPDA performance is not good in the last two decades. According to Pepco, nationwide demand went beyond 16,337MW but the company could not manage more than 10,261MW leaving a shortfall of 6,070MW.Earlier, PEPCO had claimed that load shedding will be carrying out according to schedule. However, no schedule has been released so far and load shedding is carried out for 7 to 10 hours in the cities and for up to 15 hours in rural areas. Because of which industries are suffering loss and our economy is also going down and our exports are becoming less which further decreases balance of payments. Moreover, after frequent intervals the per unit price also increases that increases the cost of production and ultimately producer increase their prices and shifts their burden to consumers. 5.2. Market Segmentation The market segmentation for biomass gasifier electricity plant will provide electricity to the: Commercial areas Industrial zones The areas where are initially targeting is Gujranwala. The rationale of choosing this region is that Gujranwala possesses many rice mills that make availability of rice husk around the clock. Moreover, if in any year rice production decreases we can easily import rice husk from Narowal and Kasur where there are availability of rice mills. 5.3. Target market Nowadays in Pakistan the electricity consumption has been surpassed and supply of electricity is insufficient to meet the demand. Many industries have been shut down causing unemployment due to this critical situation. These industries use more amount of electricity due to which provision of electricity to households also affects badly. Industries should have their own separate setup for electricity generation instead of depending on government to provide them electricity. So the major targeted areas where we can provide electricity through rice husk are: Industries Households Commercial areas Industries: Industries especially the rice mills can get electricity at a very affordable price through biomass power production without relying on fossil fuel combustion. The small scale power plant will help to meet the needs of power of the specific factory. It will assist Pakistan sustainable growth to keep up with the industrialized world. Households: As the major source of electricity in Pakistan is WAPDA. Citizens cant do anything when the light has gone so all the routine and lifestyle of citizens get disturbed by this situation. Thats why by using biomass production plant we produced electricity so households also enlightened their houses and do their work freely. Commercial areas: Biomass production plant is able enough to provide electricity to majority of people. Commercial areas such as main bazaars, small outlets are also affected by the deficiency of electricity as their business stuck by the deficiency of electricity. So by producing electricity through rice husk we can make this situation better. Hence our target market is meeting the criteria of effective targeting which includes the following characteristics: The characteristics of the segments targeted are identifiable. The target market is sizeable enough to generate reasonable profits. Our target market is stable in terms of life styles and consumption patterns. Our market is accessible in an economical way. 5.4. Marketing Mix PRODUCT The company aim to produce electricity by using rice husk biomass gasifier plant. The conversion of plant material into energy takes place inside a biomass gasifier. So through this process more electricity will be produced. PRICING STRATEGY Cost pricing strategy will be used that is after determining the cost, profit will be added to decide at which price per unit electricity will be sold. We will charge different prices to residential and commercial areas. Rs. 9.90 per unit will be charged to residents and Rs. 13.90 per unit to industries. PLACE The power plant will be besides the rice mill so that transportation cost will be minimal. The areas where are initially targeting is Gujranwala. The rationale of choosing this region is that Gujranwala possesses many rice mills like Adil company, Agroman Crystal rice mill, Ahsan rice mill, Al Fajar rice mill, Al haidi rice mill, Al hameed rice mill, Al Riaz rice mill, Al Shauq Rice and processing mill etc. that make availability of rice husk around the clock. Moreover, if in any year rice production decreases we can easily take rice husk from Narowal and Kasur where there are availability of rice mills. So, availability of rice husk will not be a problem in this region. PROMOTION The basic marketing challenge is to come up with a cohesive campaign to attract rice millers to take electricity from our company. This can be achieved by a giving them a solid value proposition, that they can get reliable energy for substantially lower rates. We will make them see the comparison of prices between rice husk electricity and the alternatives that they have. 5.5. Analysis of competitors In Pakistan, WAPDA enjoys the monopoly in producing electricity at such a big scale. The main problem with WAPDA is that it has a high demand for electricity but its supply to its users is low. Because of its failure in providing electricity around the clock and continual increase in per unit electricity prices at frequent intervals many industries has built up their own power set-ups like Bahria town. But they arent our direct competitors. The primary reason is that our target market is different. We are targeting those areas that are getting electricity from WAPDA at high rates. We will provide them electricity at not only at cheaper rates but also the availability of electricity will be ensured around the clock. 5.6. Assessment of risk Main risk will be continuous supply of biomass and Climatic conditions. This can be mitigated by carrying out an in depth survey of the biomass availability in the area and ensuring that the plant can use a variety of biomass. 5.7. Internal Analysis Strengths The resources used for rice husk energy technology are mainly by-products that result minimal cost for the raw materials in electricity production. Rice husk technology is more reliable than the alternative energy sources. Unlike wind turbines and dams, it is not dependent on geographic areas Rice husk is also more strategic than other forms of biofuel because it does not take away materials that are still edible, unlike in corn or wheat fuel. A source of revenue is the sale of ash, a waste- product that emerges by using rice husk technology. Having this secure source of raw materials supports Pakistan to become more energy-independent Weaknesses: Shortage of raw material Low production of rice due to floods Latest technology not being used in Pakistan No government support. 7.0 Management Summary The organization will be led by three principals. 7.1. Authority of principals There will be equal authority among the principals. The signatures of at least 3 members would be required to take any decision financial or otherwise. 7.2. Roles and responsibilities of members of organization Mubeena Farasat will deal in accounting and finance Ayesha Aleem will deal in marketing Abeera Pervaiz will deal in technical and production 8.0 Financial Analysis 8.1. Statement of financing needed The amount of Rs. 20 million is used as a start up finance. This amount will cover the initial financial requirement for setting up a small production plant. The costs relating to the purchase of machinery and the setup; the physical place for operation; the contract with the firms for the regular supply of rice husk, fuel to burn the rice husk will be the major cost; also the hiring of human resource for operating the machinery is the cost that would be borne at the end of the month. Composition of Capital Plant and Machinery Purchase of machinery is the major decision as it requires heavy financing. Because of capital shortage manual feeding of rice husk is done instead of purchasing belt conveyor that can convey the material to the gasifier furnace. Our equipment is majorly divided into three parts, biomass gasifier, biomass purification system and generator. Major machinery may includes feeding machine, gas tank, gasifier furnace, purifier, filters, pipeline network etc The major supplier is Mr. Muhammad Duja, owner of Ducon Energy Management System having office at DHA Karachi. His proposed price is $1200 per KW. But the second hand plant is available at $600 per KW and $200 per KW is being charged to cover installment, structural changes etc. The total cost of building 200 KWH plant including set-up will be approximately Rs. 16 million (800ÃÆ'-100ÃÆ'-200). Capacity of plant The installed production capacity of the proposed unit would be 200 KWH eggs. However, the capacity utilization of 70% and 80% is envisaged during the first two years. Capacity utilization Per day Capacity 100% 70% 80% Electricity production 200 KWH 140 KWH 160 KWH Rice Husk 1680 tons 1176 tons 1344 tons Land A plot of around 3 kanal will be sufficient as the built-up area requirement is not more than 16 mrlas. Building would be taken on rent at Rs. 60,000 per month that will be around 720,000 lacs per annum or 0.72 million. Accessories Necessary furniture like tables, chairs, desks, storage cupboards; a small amount of stationary; water coolers, split a/cs in the office are required that will take approximately Rs. 5 lakhs for its arrangements. Vehicles Carriage Vans will be needed to bring rice husk to the desired location. Second hand vehicles will be purchased that will approximately cost Rs. 6 lakhs. 8.3. Manpower Requirement In order to execute the work, employees, labors are required. Particulars Quantity Rs Operation Manager 1 60,000 Machine Operators 2 40,000 Skilled workers 2 30,000 Unskilled workers 10 60,000 Guard 3 26,000 Clerks 4 26,000 Cost of Goods Sold RICE HUSK ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION Projected C0st of Services sold As of year ended 31 Dec, 2012 2012 2013 2014 Merchandise inventory opening 26,000 66,700 99,000 Add: Purchases 7,644,000   8,064,000 10,080,000 7,056,000   8,130,700 10,179,000 Add: Wages (116,000*12) 1,392,000 1,670,400 1,770,400 Rent expense (50,000*12) 720,000 720,000 720,000 Fuel charges 1,200,000   1,600,000 1,700,000 Miscellaneous 300,000 255,000 275,000 Cost of goods available for sale 10,668,000   12,376,100 14,644,400 Less: Merchandise inventory closing 66,700   99,000 127,000 Cost of goods sold 10,601,300   12,277,100 14,517,400 EXPLANATION In 1st year the biomass gasifier plant is operated at average 70% capacity level. So total rice husk needed in the first operating day will be 4 tons that will be purchased at a price of 26,000.The total rice husk purchased in the year will be around 7,644,000 (1176 tons ÃÆ'- Rs 6,500 per ton) needed in the year. Direct expenses may include the wages given to the labors that are breaking eggs and operating machines, rent that will be available at Rs. 60,000 p.m., fuel charges that will be outsource. Miscellaneous includes the transportation charges, cl

Power in Frankenstein :: essays research papers

Most people agree that Victor Frankenstein holds the most power in the text. In creating the monster, he not only has the power to create life but also the power to, indirectly, save or destroy others lives. Critics of his character speculate that Justine could have been saved had be only confessed his actions in Ingolstadt. However, the creature also holds considerable power. For example, he held power over Justine’,s fate when he incriminated her with the necklace. He holds some power over the De Lacy family, as it is his actions in collecting firewood that decide whether or not Felix must work as heavily during the day. In turn, the De Lacy family hold power, unbeknownst to them, over the creature, so much so that he commits himself to living in what is little more than a wooden box for a year. The creature’,s hopes for the future lie entirely on this family, and power of this nature is perhaps the strongest type of power anybody could exert over another being. This is due to the fact that the one who is controlled, ie, the creature, does not realize this and so will never attempt to free themselves from the hierarchy they find themselves in. But it is also evident that someone, or something, exerted great control over the De Lacy family, as they are living an impoverished, isolated lifestyle. The creature’,s account of the family’,s history discovers this fact to the readers, that was in fact the French government. Given the time period, 17--, this is presumably patriarchal to the extreme. While for a while it could be supposed that Felix held power over the government, as he assisted in Safie’,s father’,s jail break, but the latter caught up with him and ultimately ruined him and his family. On this train of thought, Felix’,s family hold power over Safie’,s father, but only while he is imprisoned. Once he is freed, the tables turn, and he breaks his promise to Felix of his daughters hand in marriage. Coming form an Eastern society that is suggested to be even more patriarchal than the Western European culture, a power struggle ensues between Safie, who wishes to marry Felix, and her father, who wants her to return home with him. What is most interesting is the fact that it is Safie, with the assistance of another woman, who eventually gets her own way.

Is There More Than One Message in an Ad? :: essays research papers

Is There More Than One Message In an Ad?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The personal ads can reveal a message about the author that is not intended to be put in the ad through ink. To find this type of information you have to look a little deeper to find these kind of messages. The author might not mean to, but in the form of their writing they send out bits of personal information that is not intended to be noticed. As in the ad of Woman Seeking Man, I find that the woman has been hurt in the past and that is why she is being a little mysterious and vague in her ad.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The woman in the ad crosses me to be hurt. It seems that maybe in some past relationships things might not have gone her way and she ended up with the short end of the stick. She lists so many qualities that the perfect man could have; it seems as if she is talking from things she learned from bad past experiences. For instance, she states that the man cannot have any dependents or baggage from the past. As if in her last relationship, her mate might have been dealing with an ex-girlfriend or wife. It might have even ruined her relationship to the point to where she does not want the guy to even be associated with an ex. She might be talking about children that the man might be committed to. She acts though as if the only children that she wants in her relationships are the ones that belong to her and her partner. She might be trying to suggest that she already have children that she is having to deal with and she does not want anymore to have to handle. She also puts a one-woman man at the beginning of the sentence that follows that sentence that takes up most of the article. As if to apply emphasis to it so that the guy gets the picture that she does not put up with a man that cheats or is a little to friendly with the ladies like a flirt. She could be emphasizing one-woman man because she has dealt with a cheater before and it has ruined a relationship or two in the past. She also keeps referring to the man needing good manners. She states that he should be well-mannered, mature, expert in the art of courtship, and always puts the toilet seat down, but she spreads them through out the passage so that the reader does not forget the point.

Melting Glaciers are Devastating for Wetlands Essay example -- Geology

Melting Glaciers: Great News for Titanic, Devastating for Wetlands Overview This essay is dedicated to the importance of wetlands and the impending danger of rising sea levels due to global warming. Historically we humans have taken for granted the numerous vital roles played by wetlands in our ecosystem and viewed them only as unpleasant and undesirable. So we have destroyed much of our wetlands, and now that we finally see how important they are we are going to lose what little wetlands remain to rising sea levels. What are wetlands? Wetlands are, quite simply wet lands. The word â€Å"wetlands† is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas. Here in Florida, wetlands are quite abundant. They can also be found in nearly every county and climactic zone in the United States. However, more than half of America's wetlands have been destroyed by man and his historically negative view of the vital waters. In general, wetlands are not very pleasant to humans to be around. Not only do they lack the beauty and grandeur of lakes, oceans and waterfalls, but they are also home to mosquitoes, flies, unpleasant odors and disease. Furthermore, wetlands tend to cover a large area that would be desirable to developers and farmers. Thus, wetlands were popularly and quickly drained and converted to farmlands or filled for housing developments and industrial facilities. Also, flood control levees and navigation channels have prevented fresh water, nutrients and sediment from reaching wetlands. This has converted many to open water. Some wetlands were even used as dumping sites for the disposal of household and industrial wastes! Today, both scientists and the government recognize the ma... ..., enhanced sedimentation, and enhanced peat formation. These measures must be taken seriously and immediately before we and our animals are paying the horrible price for our own irresponsibility! Back to Contents Resources Information from the following articles and web sites was used in writing this site: EPA Global Warming Site http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/ Facts About Wetlands http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/ facts.html GLY 1073 Electronic Tutor http://ess.geology.ufl.edu/ NASA Fact Sheets http://pao.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/service/gallery/ fact_sheets/earthsci/green.htm Titus, J.G., Sea Level Rise and Wetland Loss: An Overview http:// www.epa.gov/oppeoee1/globalwarming/reports/pubs/ sealevel/index.html Wetland Processes and Values http://h2osparc.wq.ncsu.edu/info/ wetlands/funval.html Melting Glaciers are Devastating for Wetlands Essay example -- Geology Melting Glaciers: Great News for Titanic, Devastating for Wetlands Overview This essay is dedicated to the importance of wetlands and the impending danger of rising sea levels due to global warming. Historically we humans have taken for granted the numerous vital roles played by wetlands in our ecosystem and viewed them only as unpleasant and undesirable. So we have destroyed much of our wetlands, and now that we finally see how important they are we are going to lose what little wetlands remain to rising sea levels. What are wetlands? Wetlands are, quite simply wet lands. The word â€Å"wetlands† is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas. Here in Florida, wetlands are quite abundant. They can also be found in nearly every county and climactic zone in the United States. However, more than half of America's wetlands have been destroyed by man and his historically negative view of the vital waters. In general, wetlands are not very pleasant to humans to be around. Not only do they lack the beauty and grandeur of lakes, oceans and waterfalls, but they are also home to mosquitoes, flies, unpleasant odors and disease. Furthermore, wetlands tend to cover a large area that would be desirable to developers and farmers. Thus, wetlands were popularly and quickly drained and converted to farmlands or filled for housing developments and industrial facilities. Also, flood control levees and navigation channels have prevented fresh water, nutrients and sediment from reaching wetlands. This has converted many to open water. Some wetlands were even used as dumping sites for the disposal of household and industrial wastes! Today, both scientists and the government recognize the ma... ..., enhanced sedimentation, and enhanced peat formation. These measures must be taken seriously and immediately before we and our animals are paying the horrible price for our own irresponsibility! Back to Contents Resources Information from the following articles and web sites was used in writing this site: EPA Global Warming Site http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/ Facts About Wetlands http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/ facts.html GLY 1073 Electronic Tutor http://ess.geology.ufl.edu/ NASA Fact Sheets http://pao.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/service/gallery/ fact_sheets/earthsci/green.htm Titus, J.G., Sea Level Rise and Wetland Loss: An Overview http:// www.epa.gov/oppeoee1/globalwarming/reports/pubs/ sealevel/index.html Wetland Processes and Values http://h2osparc.wq.ncsu.edu/info/ wetlands/funval.html

Diffusion, Dialysis Essay

In Diffusion, Dialysis And Osmosis lab, we discovered that we were going to observe and understand the conditions under which diffusion, dialysis, and osmosis occur. Then we constructed models of diffusion, dialysis, and osmosis. We predicted that the direction of change would be from the membrane to the beaker. We understood how these processes affected the selectivity of the cell membrane. The second part of the lab was dealing with dialysis. In this part we studied starch and sodium chloride for dialysis activity. In Part A We hypothesized that NaCl existed in 1-3 and AgNO existed 2-4. In Part B We hypothesized that there will be more changes in the cell then outside the cell. In Part C We hypothesized that there will be a difference due to the different environments that are provide to help change the appearance of a molecule. Procedure A. Qualitative testing for sodium chloride and starch We got 6 clean test tubes and number them 1-6. Test tubes 1&2 had 5ml of 10% sodium chloride (NaCl). Test tubes 3&4 had 5ml of starch. Test tubes 5&6 had 5ml of distilled water. We added 2-3 drops of silver nitrate (AgNO )to 1,3,5. We added 2-3 drops of iodine solution to 2,4,6. B. Dialysis of a starch/sodium chloride mixture Get one dialysis tube and tie one end. Fill the bag with 5ml of 10% Sodium chloride solution and 5ml of starch solution from Part A. then tie the tube and place it in a beaker of distilled water. Leave the tube for 30 minutes. Afterwards test for the presence of starch and sodium chloride. Then split the solution into to test tubes and 2-3 drops of iodine into one test tube and 2-3 drops of AgNO in the other test tube. C. Osmosis using dialysis tubing as a model of the cell membrane Obtain 5 beakers and label them 1-5. Fill beakers 1-4 halfway with distilled water. And beaker 5 with 30% sucrose halfway. Obtain 5 dialysis tubes that will be filled with 10ml of different solutions. Tube 1 has distilled water, Tube 2 has 10% sucrose, Tube 3 has 20% sucrose, Tube 4 has 30% sucrose, and Tube 5 has distilled water. Tie the tubes and weigh each of them before placing them in there respected beakers. Every 15 minutes weigh the tubes to record the change. In Part B we found that outside test tube; salt existed and not sugar. But inside the test tubes both the starch and the salt existed in the two different tubes. In this part there weren’t any problems and we were successful in gathering the necessary results to move to the next section. This helping prove our hypothesis right because it meant that there would be more changes inside the cell than outside the cell. In Part C we found that Beaker 1 had no changes in weight. In Beaker 2 there were changes that ranged from 0-1. 1. In Beaker 3 there were changes that ranged from 0-2. 1. In Beaker 4 there were changes that ranged from 0-4. 8. In Beaker 5 there were changes that ranged from -2. 7-0. This is the results that my group gathered from another group that did well because our results were way off and inconsistent. So we were forced to use better results to find better explanations. We understood that the conditions under which osmosis is possible and to what degree it occurs. There were three different types of temperate environments. This helping prove our hypothesis right because it meant that different environments help change the appearance of a molecule.

Swot Analysis Ebay Asia

eBay: Expanding into Asia John Kozloski BUSN412 Business Policy June 16, 2011 Case Analysis eBay: Expanding into Asia Company: eBay: Expanding into Asia Industry: Online Auction Industry Company Website: (www. ebay. com) COMPANY BACKGROUND: The founder of the online auction site â€Å"eBay† is a computer programmer Pierre Omidyar in San Jose, California, established on September 3, 1995. The primary function of eBay is online auctions and uses to reach a wide range of individuals all over the world.The website took off quit quickly so Omidyar hired Jeffery Skolls as president to handle the day to day operations. The former president of eBay’s Marketplaces, John Donahoe is the current president and CEO. Donahoe joined the company in 2005 and managed to double the profits and revenues for his unit. The company is posting a net income of $1. 78 billion and revenue of $8. 54 billion for 2008, which is up from the posting of 2007 that are a net income of $348 million and rev enue of $7. 6 billion (Dess, 2010). Since its beginning in 1995, eBay has enjoyed strong revenue growth and was a dominate player in the online auction industry (Dess, 2010). † SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths: There are three main strengths to how eBay has been successful: products, sense of community, and aggressive expansion. â€Å"eBay had an array of product categories and trading platforms that offered a range of pricing formats, such as fixed pricing (Dess, 2010). A sense of community, a trust between buyers and sellers is the primary means to all of eBay sites and platforms.Third is its ability to aggressively expand â€Å"to compete effectively and create a global trading platform (Dess, 2010). Weaknesses: One of eBay’s major weaknesses is its inability to expand and compete in certain international markets (Dess, 2010). One example of this is their ability to expand into the Asian market place; eBay has yet to understand the Asian population and also has I failure t o compete with firms that are already there. Opportunities: eBay has plenty of opportunities; the biggest being their ability to purchase firms that enhanced the overall appeal of eBay.Like PayPal, Rent. com, and Skype are just a few which brought opportunities to them. Threats: The biggest threat to eBay is its competition. Some of their biggest competitors are Amazon and Yahoo. Also eBay’s has other threats aboard especial in Asia where they are currently trying to expand with little success. This is due to their primary competition in Asia is well established. PORTER’S FIVE FORCES MODEL: Threats of New Entrants: As pointed out in Chapter 2, technology will always have a huge impact this industry.Since its establishment in 1995 technology has changed, it has broadened and expanded creating the everlasting threats of new entrants. Bargaining Power of Buyer: The buyer power is high when there is a high concentration of buyers relative to suppliers (Dess, 2010). This co uld go either way for ebay. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is greater when the threats may raise prices or reduce the quality of purchased goods and services (Dess, p. 59). This is hard to say since the organization is solely based as an auctioneer website.Substitute Products/ Services: As other firms try to develop substitutes, it will be hard for eBay to uphold their aggressive advantage. Intense Rivalry: As stated in the chart in our text book page 63, rivalry is intense when competition is high and growth rate of the industry is slow. STAGETY: eBay has some basic strategies that it follows to make it successful throughout the industry. First it has no time limitations; a bid can be placed at any time. Second there is no geographical restriction; sellers and buyers can partake from anywhere.Last they have a large network economy; having one of the largest number of bidders and sellers (Dess, 2010). ISSUES AND CHANLLENGES FACING THIS COMPANY: A co mpetitive advantage eBay has is the fact they been around for some time and are well established. One of the major challenge that eBay is facing is their inability to be successful in the Asian market place. It has had numerous attempts to penetrate this market and failing every time. They also have some competition from firms like Amazon and Yahoo. As well as Asian based markets places, GMarket and Taobao.COURSE OF ACTION RECOMMENDED: The problem that eBay will always have is that technology is never ending. They will continue to see the market share develop and change. Here is some course of actions I would take to continue to be successful: 1. Creating options and targeting distinct market niches would enable eBay to distinguish itself from competitors (Dess, 2010). 2. I would start to develop a department that would specialize in Asian affairs. 3. I would also advice the purchasing of one of the Asian firms. OPINION: I found this case study interesting and easy to grasp.I am a b ig supporter of eBay and use it daily. I believe they have found their niche here in the states. However, I did find it interesting how they are struggling in the Asian markets. Developing the Porters Five Forces Model and looking at ways to develop strategies to gain momentum to be successful. I can see where companies of a similar firm would be easy to start and constantly be a thorn in their side. References Dess, G. , Lumpkin, G. , & Eisner, A. (2010). Strategic Management (5th ed. ) New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Twilight 13. CONFESSIONS

13. CONFESSIONS Edward in the sunlight was shocking. I couldn't get used to it, though I'd been staring at him all afternoon. His skin, white despite the faint flush from yesterday's hunting trip, literally sparkled, like thousands of tiny diamonds were embedded in the surface. He lay perfectly still in the grass, his shirt open over his sculpted, incandescent chest, his scintillating arms bare. His glistening, pale lavender lids were shut, though of course he didn't sleep. A perfect statue, carved in some unknown stone, smooth like marble, glittering like crystal. Now and then, his lips would move, so fast it looked like they were trembling. But, when I asked, he told me he was singing to himself; it was too low for me to hear. I enjoyed the sun, too, though the air wasn't quite dry enough for my taste. I would have liked to lie back, as he did, and let the sun warm my face. But I stayed curled up, my chin resting on my knees, unwilling to take my eyes off him. The wind was gentle; it tangled my hair and ruffled the grass that swayed around his motionless form. The meadow, so spectacular to me at first, paled next to his magnificence. Hesitantly, always afraid, even now, that he would disappear like a mirage, too beautiful to be real†¦ hesitantly, I reached out one finger and stroked the back of his shimmering hand, where it lay within my reach. I marveled again at the perfect texture, satin smooth, cool as stone. When I looked up again, his eyes were open, watching me. Butterscotch today, lighter, warmer after hunting. His quick smile turned up the corners of his flawless lips. â€Å"I don't scare you?† he asked playfully, but I could hear the real curiosity in his soft voice. â€Å"No more than usual.† He smiled wider; his teeth flashed in the sun. I inched closer, stretched out my whole hand now to trace the contours of his forearm with my fingertips. I saw that my fingers trembled, and knew it wouldn't escape his notice. â€Å"Do you mind?† I asked, for he had closed his eyes again. â€Å"No,† he said without opening his eyes. â€Å"You can't imagine how that feels.† He sighed. I lightly trailed my hand over the perfect muscles of his arm, followed the faint pattern of bluish veins inside the crease at his elbow. With my other hand, I reached to turn his hand over. Realizing what I wished, he flipped his palm up in one of those blindingly fast, disconcerting movements of his. It startled me; my fingers froze on his arm for a brief second. â€Å"Sorry,† he murmured. I looked up in time to see his golden eyes close again. â€Å"It's too easy to be myself with you.† I lifted his hand, turning it this way and that as I watched the sun glitter on his palm. I held it closer to my face, trying to see the hidden facets in his skin. â€Å"Tell me what you're thinking,† he whispered. I looked to see his eyes watching me, suddenly intent. â€Å"It's still so strange for me, not knowing.† â€Å"You know, the rest of us feel that way all the time.† â€Å"It's a hard life.† Did I imagine the hint of regret in his tone? â€Å"But you didn't tell me.† â€Å"I was wishing I could know what you were thinking†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I hesitated. â€Å"And?† â€Å"I was wishing that I could believe that you were real. And I was wishing that I wasn't afraid.† â€Å"I don't want you to be afraid.† His voice was just a soft murmur. I heard what he couldn't truthfully say, that I didn't need to be afraid, that there was nothing to fear. â€Å"Well, that's not exactly the fear I meant, though that's certainly something to think about.† So quickly that I missed his movement, he was half sitting, propped up on his right arm, his left palm still in my hands. His angel's face was only a few inches from mine. I might have – should have – flinched away from his unexpected closeness, but I was unable to move. His golden eyes mesmerized me. â€Å"What are you afraid of, then?† he whispered intently. But I couldn't answer. As I had just that once before, I smelled his cool breath in my face. Sweet, delicious, the scent made my mouth water. It was unlike anything else. Instinctively, unthinkingly, I leaned closer, inhaling. And he was gone, his hand ripped from mine. In the time it took my eyes to focus, he was twenty feet away, standing at the edge of the small meadow, in the deep shade of a huge fir tree. He stared at me, his eyes dark in the shadows, his expression unreadable. I could feel the hurt and shock on my face. My empty hands stung. â€Å"I'm†¦ sorry†¦ Edward,† I whispered. I knew he could hear. â€Å"Give me a moment,† he called, just loud enough for my less sensitive ears. I sat very still. After ten incredibly long seconds, he walked back, slowly for him. He stopped, still several feet away, and sank gracefully to the ground, crossing his legs. His eyes never left mine. He took two deep breaths, and then smiled in apology. â€Å"I am so very sorry.† He hesitated. â€Å"Would you understand what I meant if I said I was only human?† I nodded once, not quite able to smile at his joke. Adrenaline pulsed through my veins as the realization of danger slowly sank in. He could smell that from where he sat. His smile turned mocking. â€Å"I'm the world's best predator, aren't I? Everything about me invites you in – my voice, my face, even my smell. As if I need any of that!† Unexpectedly, he was on his feet, bounding away, instantly out of sight, only to appear beneath the same tree as before, having circled the meadow in half a second. â€Å"As if you could outrun me,† he laughed bitterly. He reached up with one hand and, with a deafening crack, effortlessly ripped a two-foot-thick branch from the trunk of the spruce. He balanced it in that hand for a moment, and then threw it with blinding speed, shattering it against another huge tree, which shook and trembled at the blow. And he was in front of me again, standing two feet away, still as a stone. â€Å"As if you could fight me off,† he said gently. I sat without moving, more frightened of him than I had ever been. I'd never seen him so completely freed of that carefully cultivated facade. He'd never been less human†¦ or more beautiful. Face ashen, eyes wide, I sat like a bird locked in the eyes of a snake. His lovely eyes seem to glow with rash excitement. Then, as the seconds passed, they dimmed. His expression slowly folded into a mask of ancient sadness. â€Å"Don't be afraid,† he murmured, his velvet voice unintentionally seductive. â€Å"I promise†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He hesitated. â€Å"I swear not to hurt you.† He seemed more concerned with convincing himself than me. â€Å"Don't be afraid,† he whispered again as he stepped closer, with exaggerated slowness. He sat sinuously, with deliberately unhurried movements, till our faces were on the same level, just a foot apart. â€Å"Please forgive me,† he said formally. â€Å"I can control myself. You caught me off guard. But I'm on my best behavior now.† He waited, but I still couldn't speak. â€Å"I'm not thirsty today, honestly.† He winked. At that I had to laugh, though the sound was shaky and breathless. â€Å"Are you all right?† he asked tenderly, reaching out slowly, carefully, to place his marble hand back in mine. I looked at his smooth, cold hand, and then at his eyes. They were soft, repentant. I looked back at his hand, and then deliberately returned to tracing the lines in his hand with my fingertip. I looked up and smiled timidly. His answering smile was dazzling. â€Å"So where were we, before I behaved so rudely?† he asked in the gentle cadences of an earlier century. â€Å"I honestly can't remember.† He smiled, but his face was ashamed. â€Å"I think we were talking about why you were afraid, besides the obvious reason.† â€Å"Oh, right.† â€Å"Well?† I looked down at his hand and doodled aimlessly across his smooth, iridescent palm. The seconds ticked by. â€Å"How easily frustrated I am,† he sighed. I looked into his eyes, abruptly grasping that this was every bit as new to him as it was to me. As many years of unfathomable experience as he had, this was hard for him, too. I took courage from that thought. â€Å"I was afraid†¦ because, for, well, obvious reasons, I can't stay with you. And I'm afraid that I'd like to stay with you, much more than I should.† I looked down at his hands as I spoke. It was difficult for me to say this aloud. â€Å"Yes,† he agreed slowly. â€Å"That is something to be afraid of, indeed. Wanting to be with me. That's really not in your best interest.† I frowned. â€Å"I should have left long ago,† he sighed. â€Å"I should leave now. But I don't know if I can.† â€Å"I don't want you to leave,† I mumbled pathetically, staring down again. â€Å"Which is exactly why I should. But don't worry. I'm essentially a selfish creature. I crave your company too much to do what I should.† â€Å"I'm glad.† â€Å"Don't be!† He withdrew his hand, more gently this time; his voice was harsher than usual. Harsh for him, still more beautiful than any human voice. It was hard to keep up – his sudden mood changes left me always a step behind, dazed. â€Å"It's not only your company I crave! Never forget that. Never forget I am more dangerous to you than I am to anyone else.† He stopped, and I looked to see him gazing unseeingly into the forest. I thought for a moment. â€Å"I don't think I understand exactly what you mean – by that last part anyway,† I said. He looked back at me and smiled, his mood shifting yet again. â€Å"How do I explain?† he mused. â€Å"And without frightening you again†¦ hmmmm.† Without seeming to think about it, he placed his hand back in mine; I held it tightly in both of mine. He looked at our hands. â€Å"That's amazingly pleasant, the warmth.† He sighed. A moment passed as he assembled his thoughts. â€Å"You know how everyone enjoys different flavors?† he began. â€Å"Some people love chocolate ice cream, others prefer strawberry?† I nodded. â€Å"Sorry about the food analogy – I couldn't think of another way to explain.† I smiled. He smiled ruefully back. â€Å"You see, every person smells different, has a different essence. If you locked an alcoholic in a room full of stale beer, he'd gladly drink it. But he could resist, if he wished to, if he were a recovering alcoholic. Now let's say you placed in that room a glass of hundred-year-old brandy, the rarest, finest cognac – and filled the room with its warm aroma – how do you think he would fare then?† We sat silently, looking into each other's eyes – trying to read each other's thoughts. He broke the silence first. â€Å"Maybe that's not the right comparison. Maybe it would be too easy to turn down the brandy. Perhaps I should have made our alcoholic a heroin addict instead.† â€Å"So what you're saying is, I'm your brand of heroin?† I teased, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled swiftly, seeming to appreciate my effort. â€Å"Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin.† â€Å"Does that happen often?† I asked. He looked across the treetops, thinking through his response. â€Å"I spoke to my brothers about it.† He still stared into the distance. â€Å"To Jasper, every one of you is much the same. He's the most recent to join our family. It's a struggle for him to abstain at all. He hasn't had time to grow sensitive to the differences in smell, in flavor.† He glanced swiftly at me, his expression apologetic. â€Å"Sorry,† he said. â€Å"I don't mind. Please don't worry about offending me, or frightening me, or whichever. That's the way you think. I can understand, or I can try to at least. Just explain however you can.† He took a deep breath and gazed at the sky again. â€Å"So Jasper wasn't sure if he'd ever come across someone who was as† – he hesitated, looking for the right word – â€Å"appealing as you are to me. Which makes me think not. Emmett has been on the wagon longer, so to speak, and he understood what I meant. He says twice, for him, once stronger than the other.† â€Å"And for you?† â€Å"Never.† The word hung there for a moment in the warm breeze. â€Å"What did Emmett do?† I asked to break the silence. It was the wrong question to ask. His face grew dark, his hand clenched into a fist inside mine. He looked away. I waited, but he wasn't going to answer. â€Å"I guess I know,† I finally said. He lifted his eyes; his expression was wistful, pleading. â€Å"Even the strongest of us fall off the wagon, don't we?† â€Å"What are you asking? My permission?† My voice was sharper than I'd intended. I tried to make my tone kinder – I could guess what his honesty must cost him. â€Å"I mean, is there no hope, then?† How calmly I could discuss my own death! â€Å"No, no!† He was instantly contrite. â€Å"Of course there's hope! I mean, of course I won't†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He left the sentence hanging. His eyes burned into mine. â€Å"It's different for us. Emmett†¦ these were strangers he happened across. It was a long time ago, and he wasn't as†¦ practiced, as careful, as he is now.† He fell silent and watched me intently as I thought it through. â€Å"So if we'd met†¦ oh, in a dark alley or something†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I trailed off. â€Å"It took everything I had not to jump up in the middle of that class full of children and -† He stopped abruptly, looking away. â€Å"When you walked past me, I could have ruined everything Carlisle has built for us, right then and there. If I hadn't been denying my thirst for the last, well, too many years, I wouldn't have been able to stop myself.† He paused, scowling at the trees. He glanced at me grimly, both of us remembering. â€Å"You must have thought I was possessed.† â€Å"I couldn't understand why. How you could hate me so quickly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"To me, it was like you were some kind of demon, summoned straight from my own personal hell to ruin me. The fragrance coming off your skin†¦ I thought it would make me deranged that first day. In that one hour, I thought of a hundred different ways to lure you from the room with me, to get you alone. And I fought them each back, thinking of my family, what I could do to them. I had to run out, to get away before I could speak the words that would make you follow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He looked up then at my staggered expression as I tried to absorb his bitter memories. His golden eyes scorched from under his lashes, hypnotic and deadly. â€Å"You would have come,† he promised. I tried to speak calmly. â€Å"Without a doubt.† He frowned down at my hands, releasing me from the force of his stare. â€Å"And then, as I tried to rearrange my schedule in a pointless attempt to avoid you, you were there – in that close, warm little room, the scent was maddening. I so very nearly took you then. There was only one other frail human there – so easily dealt with.† I shivered in the warm sun, seeing my memories anew through his eyes, only now grasping the danger. Poor Ms. Cope; I shivered again at how close I'd come to being inadvertently responsible for her death. â€Å"But I resisted. I don't know how. I forced myself not to wait for you, not to follow you from the school. It was easier outside, when I couldn't smell you anymore, to think clearly, to make the right decision. I left the others near home – I was too ashamed to tell them how weak I was, they only knew something was very wrong – and then I went straight to Carlisle, at the hospital, to tell him I was leaving.† I stared in surprise. â€Å"I traded cars with him – he had a full tank of gas and I didn't want to stop. I didn't dare to go home, to face Esme. She wouldn't have let me go without a scene. She would have tried to convince me that it wasn't necessary†¦ â€Å"By the next morning I was in Alaska.† He sounded ashamed, as if admitting a great cowardice. â€Å"I spent two days there, with some old acquaintances†¦ but I was homesick. I hated knowing I'd upset Esme, and the rest of them, my adopted family. In the pure air of the mountains it was hard to believe you were so irresistible. I convinced myself it was weak to run away. I'd dealt with temptation before, not of this magnitude, not even close, but I was strong. Who were you, an insignificant little girl† – he grinned suddenly – â€Å"to chase me from the place I wanted to be? So I came back†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stared off into space. I couldn't speak. â€Å"I took precautions, hunting, feeding more than usual before seeing you again. I was sure that I was strong enough to treat you like any other human. I was arrogant about it. â€Å"It was unquestionably a complication that I couldn't simply read your thoughts to know what your reaction was to me. I wasn't used to having to go to such circuitous measures, listening to your words in Jessica's mind†¦ her mind isn't very original, and it was annoying to have to stoop to that. And then I couldn't know if you really meant what you said. It was all extremely irritating.† He frowned at the memory. â€Å"I wanted you to forget my behavior that first day, if possible, so I tried to talk with you like I would with any person. I was eager actually, hoping to decipher some of your thoughts. But you were too interesting, I found myself caught up in your expressions†¦ and every now and then you would stir the air with your hand or your hair, and the scent would stun me again†¦ â€Å"Of course, then you were nearly crushed to death in front of my eyes. Later I thought of a perfectly good excuse for why I acted at that moment – because if I hadn't saved you, if your blood had been spilled there in front of me, I don't think I could have stopped myself from exposing us for what we are. But I only thought of that excuse later. At the time, all I could think was, ‘Not her.'† He closed his eyes, lost in his agonized confession. I listened, more eager than rational. Common sense told me I should be terrified. Instead, I was relieved to finally understand. And I was filled with compassion for his suffering, even now, as he confessed his craving to take my life. I finally was able to speak, though my voice was faint. â€Å"In the hospital?† His eyes flashed up to mine. â€Å"I was appalled. I couldn't believe I had put us in danger after all, put myself in your power – you of all people. As if I needed another motive to kill you.† We both flinched as that word slipped out. â€Å"But it had the opposite effect,† he continued quickly. â€Å"I fought with Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper when they suggested that now was the time†¦ the worst fight we've ever had. Carlisle sided with me, and Alice.† He grimaced when he said her name. I couldn't imagine why. â€Å"Esme told me to do whatever I had to in order to stay.† He shook his head indulgently. â€Å"All that next day I eavesdropped on the minds of everyone you spoke to, shocked that you kept your word. I didn't understand you at all. But I knew that I couldn't become more involved with you. I did my very best to stay as far from you as possible. And every day the perfume of your skin, your breath, your hair†¦ it hit me as hard as the very first day.† He met my eyes again, and they were surprisingly tender. â€Å"And for all that,† he continued, â€Å"I'd have fared better if I had exposed us all at that first moment, than if now, here – with no witnesses and nothing to stop me – I were to hurt you.† I was human enough to have to ask. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Isabella.† He pronounced my full name carefully, then playfully ruffled my hair with his free hand. A shock ran through my body at his casual touch. â€Å"Bella, I couldn't live with myself if I ever hurt you. You don't know how it's tortured me.† He looked down, ashamed again. â€Å"The thought of you, still, white, cold†¦ to never see you blush scarlet again, to never see that flash of intuition in your eyes when you see through my pretenses†¦ it would be unendurable.† He lifted his glorious, agonized eyes to mine. â€Å"You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever.† My head was spinning at the rapid change in direction our conversation had taken. From the cheerful topic of my impending demise, we were suddenly declaring ourselves. He waited, and even though I looked down to study our hands between us, I knew his golden eyes were on me. â€Å"You already know how I feel, of course,† I finally said. â€Å"I'm here†¦ which, roughly translated, means I would rather die than stay away from you.† I frowned. â€Å"I'm an idiot.† â€Å"You are an idiot,† he agreed with a laugh. Our eyes met, and I laughed, too. We laughed together at the idiocy and sheer impossibility of such a moment. â€Å"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he murmured. I looked away, hiding my eyes as I thrilled to the word. â€Å"What a stupid lamb,† I sighed. â€Å"What a sick, masochistic lion.† He stared into the shadowy forest for a long moment, and I wondered where his thoughts had taken him. â€Å"Why†¦ ?† I began, and then paused, not sure how to continue. He looked at me and smiled; sunlight glinted off his face, his teeth. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Tell me why you ran from me before.† His smile faded. â€Å"You know why.† â€Å"No, I mean, exactly what did I do wrong? I'll have to be on my guard, you see, so I better start learning what I shouldn't do. This, for example† – I stroked the back of his hand – â€Å"seems to be all right.† He smiled again. â€Å"You didn't do anything wrong, Bella. It was my fault.† â€Å"But I want to help, if I can, to not make this harder for you.† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He contemplated for a moment. â€Å"It was just how close you were. Most humans instinctively shy away from us, are repelled by our alienness†¦ I wasn't expecting you to come so close. And the smell of your throat.† He stopped short, looking to see if he'd upset me. â€Å"Okay, then,† I said flippantly, trying to alleviate the suddenly tense atmosphere. I tucked my chin. â€Å"No throat exposure.† It worked; he laughed. â€Å"No, really, it was more the surprise than anything else.† He raised his free hand and placed it gently on the side of my neck. I sat very still, the chill of his touch a natural warning – a warning telling me to be terrified. But there was no feeling of fear in me. There were, however, other feelings†¦ â€Å"You see,† he said. â€Å"Perfectly fine.† My blood was racing, and I wished I could slow it, sensing that this must make everything so much more difficult – the thudding of my pulse in my veins. Surely he could hear it. â€Å"The blush on your cheeks is lovely,† he murmured. He gently freed his other hand. My hands fell limply into my lap. Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. â€Å"Be very still,† he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat. I was quite unable to move, even if I'd wanted to. I listened to the sound of his even breathing, watching the sun and wind play in his bronze hair, more human than any other part of him. With deliberate slowness, his hands slid down the sides of my neck. I shivered, and I heard him catch his breath. But his hands didn't pause as they softly moved to my shoulders, and then stopped. His face drifted to the side, his nose skimming across my collarbone. He came to rest with the side of his face pressed tenderly against my chest. Listening to my heart. â€Å"Ah,† he sighed. I don't know how long we sat without moving. It could have been hours. Eventually the throb of my pulse quieted, but he didn't move or speak again as he held me. I knew at any moment it could be too much, and my life could end – so quickly that I might not even notice. And I couldn't make myself be afraid. I couldn't think of anything, except that he was touching me. And then, too soon, he released me. His eyes were peaceful. â€Å"It won't be so hard again,† he said with satisfaction. â€Å"Was that very hard for you?† â€Å"Not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be. And you?† â€Å"No, it wasn't bad†¦ for me.† He smiled at my inflection. â€Å"You know what I mean.† I smiled. â€Å"Here.† He took my hand and placed it against his cheek. â€Å"Do you feel how warm it is?† And it was almost warm, his usually icy skin. But I barely noticed, for I was touching his face, something I'd dreamed of constantly since the first day I'd seen him. â€Å"Don't move,† I whispered. No one could be still like Edward. He closed his eyes and became as immobile as stone, a carving under my hand. I moved even more slowly than he had, careful not to make one unexpected move. I caressed his cheek, delicately stroked his eyelid, the purple shadow in the hollow under his eye. I traced the shape of his perfect nose, and then, so carefully, his flawless lips. His lips parted under my hand, and I could feel his cool breath on my fingertips. I wanted to lean in, to inhale the scent of him. So I dropped my hand and leaned away, not wanting to push him too far. He opened his eyes, and they were hungry. Not in a way to make me fear, but rather to tighten the muscles in the pit of my stomach and send my pulse hammering through my veins again. â€Å"I wish,† he whispered, â€Å"I wish you could feel the†¦ complexity†¦ the confusion†¦ I feel. That you could understand.† He raised his hand to my hair, then carefully brushed it across my face. â€Å"Tell me,† I breathed. â€Å"I don't think I can. I've told you, on the one hand, the hunger – the thirst – that, deplorable creature that I am, I feel for you. And I think you can understand that, to an extent. Though† – he half-smiled – â€Å"as you are not addicted to any illegal substances, you probably can't empathize completely. â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His fingers touched my lips lightly, making me shiver again. â€Å"There are other hungers. Hungers I don't even understand, that are foreign to me.† â€Å"I may understand that better than you think.† â€Å"I'm not used to feeling so human. Is it always like this?† â€Å"For me?† I paused. â€Å"No, never. Never before this.† He held my hands between his. They felt so feeble in his iron strength. â€Å"I don't know how to be close to you,† he admitted. â€Å"I don't know if I can.† I leaned forward very slowly, cautioning him with my eyes. I placed my cheek against his stone chest. I could hear his breath, and nothing else. â€Å"This is enough,† I sighed, closing my eyes. In a very human gesture, he put his arms around me and pressed his face against my hair. â€Å"You're better at this than you give yourself credit for,† I noted. â€Å"I have human instincts – they may be buried deep, but they're there.† We sat like that for another immeasurable moment; I wondered if he could be as unwilling to move as I was. But I could see the light was fading, the shadows of the forest beginning to touch us, and I sighed. â€Å"You have to go.† â€Å"I thought you couldn't read my mind.† â€Å"It's getting clearer.† I could hear a smile in his voice. He took my shoulders and I looked into his face. â€Å"Can I show you something?† he asked, sudden excitement flaring in his eyes. â€Å"Show me what?† â€Å"I'll show you how I travel in the forest.† He saw my expression. â€Å"Don't worry, you'll be very safe, and we'll get to your truck much faster.† His mouth twitched up into that crooked smile so beautiful my heart nearly stopped. â€Å"Will you turn into a bat?† I asked warily. He laughed, louder than I'd ever heard. â€Å"Like I haven't heard that one before!† â€Å"Right, I'm sure you get that all the time.† â€Å"Come on, little coward, climb on my back.† I waited to see if he was kidding, but, apparently, he meant it. He smiled as he read my hesitation, and reached for me. My heart reacted; even though he couldn't hear my thoughts, my pulse always gave me away. He then proceeded to sling me onto his back, with very little effort on my part, besides, when in place, clamping my legs and arms so tightly around him that it would choke a normal person. It was like clinging to a stone. â€Å"I'm a bit heavier than your average backpack,† I warned. â€Å"Hah!† he snorted. I could almost hear his eyes rolling. I'd never seen him in such high spirits before. He startled me, suddenly grabbing my hand, pressing my palm to his face, and inhaling deeply. â€Å"Easier all the time,† he muttered. And then he was running. If I'd ever feared death before in his presence, it was nothing compared to how I felt now. He streaked through the dark, thick underbrush of the forest like a bullet, like a ghost. There was no sound, no evidence that his feet touched the earth. His breathing never changed, never indicated any effort. But the trees flew by at deadly speeds, always missing us by inches. I was too terrified to close my eyes, though the cool forest air whipped against my face and burned them. I felt as if I were stupidly sticking my head out the window of an airplane in flight. And, for the first time in my life, I felt the dizzy faintness of motion sickness. Then it was over. We'd hiked hours this morning to reach Edward's meadow, and now, in a matter of minutes, we were back to the truck. â€Å"Exhilarating, isn't it?† His voice was high, excited. He stood motionless, waiting for me to climb down. I tried, but my muscles wouldn't respond. My arms and legs stayed locked around him while my head spun uncomfortably. â€Å"Bella?† he asked, anxious now. â€Å"I think I need to lie down,† I gasped. â€Å"Oh, sorry.† He waited for me, but I still couldn't move. â€Å"I think I need help,† I admitted. He laughed quietly, and gently unloosened my stranglehold on his neck. There was no resisting the iron strength of his hands. Then he pulled me around to face him, cradling me in his arms like a small child. He held me for a moment, then carefully placed me on the springy ferns. â€Å"How do you feel?† he asked. I couldn't be sure how I felt when my head was spinning so crazily. â€Å"Dizzy, I think.† â€Å"Put your head between your knees.† I tried that, and it helped a little. I breathed in and out slowly, keeping my head very still. I felt him sitting beside me. The moments passed, and eventually I found that I could raise my head. There was a hollow ringing sound in my ears. â€Å"I guess that wasn't the best idea,† he mused. I tried to be positive, but my voice was weak. â€Å"No, it was very interesting.† â€Å"Hah! You're as white as a ghost – no, you're as white as me!† â€Å"I think I should have closed my eyes.† â€Å"Remember that next time.† â€Å"Next time!† I groaned. He laughed, his mood still radiant. â€Å"Show-off,† I muttered. â€Å"Open your eyes, Bella,† he said quietly. And he was right there, his face so close to mine. His beauty stunned my mind – it was too much, an excess I couldn't grow accustomed to. â€Å"I was thinking, while I was running†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He paused. â€Å"About not hitting the trees, I hope.† â€Å"Silly Bella,† he chuckled. â€Å"Running is second nature to me, it's not something I have to think about.† â€Å"Show-off,† I muttered again. He smiled. â€Å"No,† he continued, â€Å"I was thinking there was something I wanted to try.† And he took my face in his hands again. I couldn't breathe. He hesitated – not in the normal way, the human way. Not the way a man might hesitate before he kissed a woman, to gauge her reaction, to see how he would be received. Perhaps he would hesitate to prolong the moment, that ideal moment of anticipation, sometimes better than the kiss itself. Edward hesitated to test himself, to see if this was safe, to make sure he was still in control of his need. And then his cold, marble lips pressed very softly against mine. What neither of us was prepared for was my response. Blood boiled under my skin, burned in my lips. My breath came in a wild gasp. My fingers knotted in his hair, clutching him to me. My lips parted as I breathed in his heady scent. Immediately I felt him turn to unresponsive stone beneath my lips. His hands gently, but with irresistible force, pushed my face back. I opened my eyes and saw his guarded expression. â€Å"Oops,† I breathed. â€Å"That's an understatement.† His eyes were wild, his jaw clenched in acute restraint, yet he didn't lapse from his perfect articulation. He held my face just inches from his. He dazzled my eyes. â€Å"Should I†¦ ?† I tried to disengage myself, to give him some room. His hands refused to let me move so much as an inch. â€Å"No, it's tolerable. Wait for a moment, please.† His voice was polite, controlled. I kept my eyes on his, watched as the excitement in them faded and gentled. Then he smiled a surprisingly impish grin. â€Å"There,† he said, obviously pleased with himself. â€Å"Tolerable?† I asked. He laughed aloud. â€Å"I'm stronger than I thought. It's nice to know.† â€Å"I wish I could say the same. I'm sorry.† â€Å"You are only human, after all.† â€Å"Thanks so much,† I said, my voice acerbic. He was on his feet in one of his lithe, almost invisibly quick movements. He held out his hand to me, an unexpected gesture. I was so used to our standard of careful non-contact. I took his icy hand, needing the support more than I thought. My balance had not yet returned. â€Å"Are you still faint from the run? Or was it my kissing expertise?† How lighthearted, how human he seemed as he laughed now, his seraphic face untroubled. He was a different Edward than the one I had known. And I felt all the more besotted by him. It would cause me physical pain to be separated from him now. â€Å"I can't be sure, I'm still woozy,† I managed to respond. â€Å"I think it's some of both, though.† â€Å"Maybe you should let me drive.† â€Å"Are you insane?† I protested. â€Å"I can drive better than you on your best day,† he teased. â€Å"You have much slower reflexes.† â€Å"I'm sure that's true, but I don't think my nerves, or my truck, could take it.† â€Å"Some trust, please, Bella.† My hand was in my pocket, curled tightly around the key. I pursed my lips, deliberated, then shook my head with a tight grin. â€Å"Nope. Not a chance.† He raised his eyebrows in disbelief. I started to step around him, heading for the driver's side. He might have let me pass if I hadn't wobbled slightly. Then again, he might not have. His arm created an inescapable snare around my waist. â€Å"Bella, I've already expended a great deal of personal effort at this point to keep you alive. I'm not about to let you behind the wheel of a vehicle when you can't even walk straight. Besides, friends don't let friends drive drunk,† he quoted with a chuckle. I could smell the unbearably sweet fragrance coming off his chest. â€Å"Drunk?† I objected. â€Å"You're intoxicated by my very presence.† He was grinning that playful smirk again. â€Å"I can't argue with that,† I sighed. There was no way around it; I couldn't resist him in anything. I held the key high and dropped it, watching his hand flash like lightning to catch it soundlessly. â€Å"Take it easy – my truck is a senior citizen.† â€Å"Very sensible,† he approved. â€Å"And are you not affected at all?† I asked, irked. â€Å"By my presence?† Again his mobile features transformed, his expression became soft, warm. He didn't answer at first; he simply bent his face to mine, and brushed his lips slowly along my jaw, from my ear to my chin, back and forth. I trembled. â€Å"Regardless,† he finally murmured, â€Å"I have better reflexes.†