Reading engagement article review Research Paper

Reading engagement article review - Research Paper Example The first article is titled Seven Rules of Engagement: What’s Most Important to Know about Motivation to Read by Linda B. Gambrell. In the article’s introduction, Gambrell argues against the relevance of instruction whose purpose is to provide students with decoding strategies and comprehension skills. She gives substance to her argument by citing a study carried out by the OECD in 2010 under the Program for International Student Assessment, which established that students with a high interest in reading recorded much better performance than children with little interest in reading (Gambrell, 2011). Gambrell simply corroborates what many teachers have already observed in their classrooms, that below grade level and struggling readers usually have little interest in reading activities due to lack of reading motivation. Gambrell, a professor of education at Clemson University in South Carolina, bases her article on research-based sources. She combines credible findings fr om studies carried out by institutions and organizations such as the International Reading Association, to research conducted by individual scholars, including those she carried out in collaboration with other researchers. For example, Essential Reading in Motivation, by Gambrell, Marinak, and Malloy provided the author with deep insights regarding the value of motivation in reading and literacy proficiency. The author goes a step further than most other authors have done when writing about the subject of reading motivation. She not only outlines evidence backing the importance of stimulating student motivation for reading in the classroom, but also provides simple strategies which teachers can use to help boost their students’ reading motivation. As a teacher with classroom experience, I recognize that there are numerous challenges marring the process of stimulating intrinsic motivation among disengaged readers. Teachers mostly learn methods of stimulating reading motivation through interaction with more experienced colleagues. However, they bear knowledge regarding only a handful of methods, of which they are not fully conversant (Guthrie, Wigfield & Von Secker, 2000). Therefore, Gambrell has lessened the burden teachers bear in this respect by outlining seven clearly explained evidence-based rules of boosting student reading engagement. Moreover, Gambrell, provides useful classroom tips of maximizing each of the seven rules of engagement (Gambrell, 2011). The second article that I selected which has high relevance to my case study topic is titled Putting the Fun Back into Fluency Instruction by Mary Ann Cahill and Ann E. Gregory. This article focuses on the value and strategies of using fun activities to enable lower grade students master fluency while reading. The article is not research-based, but derives content from observation of another teacher’s fluency teaching methods during a classroom session. However, the authors cite extensively f rom previous research in order to corroborate the methods applied by Mrs. Victoria in her class (Cahill & Gregory, 2011). I chose this article after noting that Mrs. Victoria’s method of stimulating reading fluency has a high potential for success for a number of reasons. Firstly, she takes time at the beginning of the process to ensure that her students gain a solid understanding of the true meaning of fluency. Mrs. Victoria recognized that merely

Introduction to Game Theory Essay Example for Free

Introduction to Game Theory Essay Nobel Prize Citation, 1994: Game theory is a mathematical method for analysing strategic interaction. Problem What is strategic interaction? (Singapore Management University) Introduction to Game Theory Fall 2012 2 / 18 An Example of a Game | Flat Tire Two SMU students, Al and Bob, very con dent about their midterm exam performance in ECON 206, decided to attend a party the weekend before the nal exam. The party was so good that they overslept the whole Sunday. Instead of taking the nal unprepared on Monday, they pleaded the professor to give them a make-up exam. Their excuse was a at tire without a spare and any help. The professor, surprisingly, agreed. On Tuesday morning, the professor placed them in separated rooms and handed them the test. The test had just one question: Which tire? (Singapore Management University) Introduction to Game Theory Fall 2012 3 / 18 The GPA Rat Race All of you are now enrolled in ECON 206 that will be graded on a curve. No matter how well you do in absolute terms, only 33. 3% of the students will get As, and only 33. 3% of the students will get Bs. Therefore, you must work hard, not just in absolute terms, but relative to how hard your classmates work. All of you are smart enough to recognize this, and after the rst lecture you all hold a secrete meeting where all of you agree not to work too hard. What will happen in the end? (Singapore Management University) Introduction to Game Theory Fall 2012 4 / 18 Why Are Professors So Mean? Many professors have rigid rules not to give makeup exams and NEVER to accept late homework assignments. Students might think the professors are so hardhearted to behave in this way. The truth is. Most professors are actually very kindhearted (for example. ) They are willing to give their students every reasonable break and accept every reasonable excuse But most professors also know that this is a slippery slope (for example, ) | if they set very exible rules, what may happen? (Singapore Management University) Introduction to Game Theory Fall 2012 5 / 18 Another Example | Strategic Interactions vs. Individual Decision Problems Underlying story: two students (Alice and Bob) are taking a course together. There are three e ort levels for each student: work hard (utility = 5), work sometimes (utility = 2), shirk (utility = 0). Consider the following two grade schemes. Grade Scheme A: A students nal grade only depends on her own e ort level | if a student works hard, she will get an A for sure (utility = 10); if she works sometimes, she will get a passing grade (utility = 5); while if the student shirks, she will fail the course for sure (utility = 0). Individual Decision Problem E ort Level Utility Disutility Net Work Hard 10 5 Work Sometimes 5 2 Shirk 0 0 (Singapore Management University)

Medicine Manufacturing: Steps Involved and Types

Medicine Manufacturing: Steps Involved and Types Introduction: There are various types of medicines ranging from veterinary to medicines for human usage. Over the course of time, conscientious and diligent research has been put into improving the quality and effectiveness of medicines. There are hundreds of thousands of medicines available today meant for different ailments but this galore of medicines can be divided into three basic categories Tablets Syrups Gel Every medicine available comprises of two main constituents: Active ingredient and Additives/Excipients. The main remedy is the active ingredient. Whereas, the additives are added to inculcate rigidity, to increase the quantity so that the raw materials can be easily processed and to dissolve certain active ingredients. All human medicines that are produced on industrial scale must go through extensive testing and if its deemed fit for human usage it is produced commercially. There are various standards that are set to test the quality of medicines such as: European directorate for the quality of medicine (EDQM) and U.S pharmacopeial convention (USP). Tablet Manufacturing: In order to make the process more intuitive a specific product (Aspirin) will be discussed. 1. Raw materials: Phenol Sodium hydroxide Carbon dioxide Acetic anhydride Hydrogen Corn starch Water 2. Weighing: The corn starch, the active ingredient, and the lubricant are weighed separately in sterile canisters to determine if the ingredients meet pre-determined specifications for the batch size and dosage amount. 3. Mixing: The corn starch is dispensed into cold purified water, then heated and stirred until a translucent paste forms. The corn starch, the active ingredient, and part of the lubricant are next poured into one sterile canister, and the canister is wheeled to a mixing machine called a Glen Mixer. Mixing blends the ingredients as well as expels air from the mixture. The mixture is then mechanically separated into units, which are generally from 7/8 to 1 inches (2.22 to 2.54 centimeters) in size. These units are called slugs. 4. Dry Screening: Next, small batches of slugs are forced through a mesh screen by a hand-held stainless steel spatula. Large batches in sizable manufacturing outlets are filtered through a machine called a Fitzpatrick mill. The remaining lubricant is added to the mixture, which is blended gently in a rotary granulator and sifter. The lubricant keeps the mixture from sticking to the tablet machine during the compression process. 5. Compression: The mixture is compressed into tablets by a punch machine. On single-punch machines, the mixture is fed into one tablet mold known as dye cavity by a feed shoe, as follows: The feed shoe passes over the dye cavity and releases the mixture. The feed shoe then retracts and scrapes all excess mixture away from the dye cavity. A punch of the size of the dye cavity descends into the dye, compressing the mixture into a tablet. The punch then retracts, while a punch below the dye cavity rises into the cavity and ejects the tablet. The feed shoe returns to fill the dye cavity again, it pushes the compressed tablet from the dye platform. 6. Coating: Tablets may be coated to reduce swallow difficulties or target specific part of the body where the coating will dissolve and take effect. Coating is done by adding desired coating solution to the drum along with the tablets. Blowers are used to rapidly dry the coated tablets and prevent sticking. 7. Testing: The compressed tablets are subjected to a tablet hardness and friability test, as well as a tablet disintegration test. 8. Packaging: The tablets are transferred to an automated bottling assembly line where they are dispensed into clear or color-coated polyethylene or polypropylene plastic bottles or glass bottles. The bottles are topped with cotton packing, sealed with a sheer aluminum top, and then sealed with a plastic and rubber child-proof lid. A sheer, round plastic band is then affixed to the circular edge of the lid. It serves as an additional seal to discourage and detect product tampering. Syrup Manufacturing: 1. General manufacturing procedure: Syrups should be carefully prepared in clean equipment to prevent contamination. Three methods may be used to prepare syrups. Solution with heat Agitation without heat Percolation Although the hot method is quickest, it is not applicable to syrups of volatile ingredients. When using heat, temperature must be carefully controlled to avoid decomposing and darkening the syrup. Syrups may be prepared from sugars other than sucrose (glucose, fructose), non-sugar polyols (sorbitol, glycerin, propylene glycol), or other non-nutritive artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin) when a reduction in calories properties is desired, as with the diabetic patient. The non-nutritive sweeteners do not impart the characteristic viscosity of syrups and require the addition of viscosity adjusters, such as methylcellulose. The polyols, though less sweet than sucrose, have the advantage of providing favorable viscosity, reducing cap-locking (which occurs when sucrose crystallizes), and in some cases acting as co-solvents and preservatives. 2. Cough syrup manufacturing process: Traditional cough mixtures are formulated around a syrup at 60-75% concentration which is made from sucrose, malt dextrin, glucose, invert syrup etc. The remainder is made up of thickening agents, stabilizers and active ingredients. Manufacturers of cough mixtures generally produce their own syrups as this offers greater control of product quality. The manufacturing process must achieve several functions: Dissolving of the sugars to form a syrup Hydration of powdered ingredients Blending ingredients of widely different viscosity Suspension or dissolving of active ingredients The end product must be smooth, agglomerate-free and homogeneous. High Shear mixer is used for mixing. Gel manufacturing Process: 1. Raw materials: Aluminium Acetate, Povidone Iodine, Propylene glycolCremophor RH 40, Lutrol F 127, Cetylstearyl alcohol, Cremophor A 6, Liquid paraffin, Parabene(s), Alpha-Bisabolol, Triethanolamine, Kollidon 30, Benzoyl peroxide, Betamethasone valerate etc. 2. Heating: The temperature should be high enough to ensure the intimate mixing of liquid phase and to prevent the premature crystallization and congealing of its components. Ointments preparation involves separate oil and water phases containing the required ingredients, heating each phase to between 60-70Â °C. 3. Mixing: Mechanical mixers, such as a steel jacketed kettle with agitator are commonly used to prepare semisolid preparations in pharmaceutical industry. The use of mechanical shear or a combination of fusion processes and mixing can be used to facilitate the dispersion or dissolution of the ingredients in the base to form a single-phase ointment. Time, temperature, and mechanical energy input are the three major variables in the manufacturing of semisolid preparations. 4. Emulsification: After the mixing process, the mixer is send to the emulsifier where the immiscible layers are forced to form an emulsion. 5. Cooling: Cooling rate can influence the final product quality. Different cooling rates after melting, mixing, and emulsification steps should be investigated as a process variable. The most important aspect of manufacture is to ensure all ingredients are fully dissolved and well mixed before packing and that the formulations contain suitable effective preservatives. Mixing is continued with cooling until the cream/gel is formed. 6. Packaging: After cooling, the gel is packed. In suspension, mixing of the bulk must be continued during packing to ensure even dispersion of the active ingredients at all times.

Scarface, Directed by Brian De Palma Essay -- Scarface Al Pacino

Scarface, Directed by Brian De Palma Tony Montana has taken just so much shit his whole life. He’s been oppressed and repressed and mocked and called a spic and turned on by his own country (Cuba) that he’s just not going to take any shit anymore. He’ll shoot someone just for pissing him off, which is almost admirable, or at the very least understandable. I’m not advocating violence; all I’m saying is that we all have our limits and if someone treated me the way Tony Montana had been treated his whole life – if they spit on me, and degraded me, and mocked me and doubted any power I might have, I might want to prove them wrong. Of course, it’s a movie, and we know it well; Scarface with Al Pacino as the Cuban immigrant turned drug lord with his mountains of coke and his beautiful but, basically dead, wife, Elvira, living what he believes is the American dream. Elvira, Tony’s wife, played perfectly by Michelle Pfieffer, is beautiful and so cool she’s ice cold, whose only job is to be an ornament, and who comes from somewhere in Baltimore, we’re told, and whose only goal, it seems, is to just be taken care of by all these rich and violent thugs. She doesn’t seem phased by all the guns and underworld thugs that hang around the house, but then, her nose is so packed full of coke that this is not really a surprise. Most of the time, she’s got this false cocaine-calm aloofness that lends itself to comparisons with a mannequin. Her power and her trump is that ultimately, we get the sense that it’s a role she’s chosen – not one that was ever put upon her. That it’s all within her control. Men like Tony Montana are brought to their knees by her cool beauty and icy aloofness. She’s like coke they can’t buy or trade or snort or get enough of, but surely as powerful . But ultimately, she’s just some middle-class chick form Baltimore who was probably really bored and moved to Miami for some excitement. She’s a bitch. As Tony says to her, â€Å"You got a look like you haven’t been fucked in a year.† And it’s true. Maybe she knows her power is in the withholding, but this can only last for so long; a tease works because ultimately, there has to be something at the end of it. If it’s all attitude and cock tease, after a while, that gets boring and the furthest thing from sexy. Something’s gotta give. Tony Montana wants, as he says, â€Å"what’s coming to me,† which is â€Å"t... ...e power of all this seduction so that at the critical moment we can say â€Å"No†. We choose power over fucking and engaging with another human being, and we do this because of fear. Because in this age of psychotherapy, were everything is a fucking issue (pun intended) as if our boyfriend cheating or leaving us would cause a complete breakdown, as it has and does for so many girls today. Girls today, with few exceptions, don’t get back out there like Carole King or Carly Simon and belt out our anger and pain in some healthy way in a song with scathing lyrics. Instead, young women today run for the shelter of pastel pills and their standby bottles of Xanax and Zoloft and frantic calls to their therapists and lock themselves in their Back Bay apartments with their cats because we’re all so fucking fragile. It’s pathetic. Carole King and Carly Simon and so many others went through the same heartache but they didn’t run away; they belted it out in songs like â€Å"You’re so Vain† or â€Å"Total Eclipse of the Heart† (sang by Bonnie Tyler by written by Meatloaf), and Abba and Fleetwood Mac who made a life-style of heartache and fucking – because that is life. These women seem a lot braver to me.

Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 15

â€Å"Come on, it's okay,† Thea said. She seemed to be aboutPoppy's age, but she had a gentle, sensible air that gaveher authority. â€Å"Sit down. Here.† She set Poppy on ashabby couch and extended her wrist. Poppy stared atthe wrist for an instant and then remembered. James, giving her blood from his arm. Thatwashow to do it. Friendly andcivilized. She could see pale blue veins under the skin. And that sight blasted away the last of her hesitation. Instinct took over and she grabbed Thea's arm. Thenext thing she knew she was drinking. Warm salty-sweetness. -Life. Relief from pain. It was so good that Poppy could almost cry. No wonder vampires hated humans, she thought dimly. Humansdidn't have to hunt for this marvelous stuff; theywere full of it already. But, another part of her mind pointed out, Theawasn't a human. She was a witch. Strange, becauseher blood tasted exactly the same. Poppy's every sense confirmed it. So witches are just humans, but humans with special powers, Poppy thought. Interesting. It took an effort to control herself, to know whento stop. But she did stop. She let go of Thea's wrist and sat back, a little embarrassed, licking her lips andteeth. She didn't want to meet Thea's brown eyes. It was only then that she realized she'd been keeping her thoughts shielded during the entire process.There had been no mental connection as there had been when she shared blood with James. So she'dmastered one vampire power already. Faster than James or Ash had expected. And she felt good now. Energetic enough to do theNetherlands skippy dance. Confident enough to smileat Thea. â€Å"Thank you,† she said. Thea smiled back, as if she found Poppy odd orquaint, but nice. She didn't seem suspicious. â€Å"It'sokay,† she said, flexing her wrist and grimacinggently. For the first time Poppy was able to look aroundher. This room was more like a living room than partof a shop. Besides the couch there was a TV andseveral chairs. At the far end was a large table withcandles and incense burning. â€Å"This is the teaching room,† Thea said. â€Å"Grandmadoes spells here and lets the students hang out.† â€Å"And the other part is a store,† Poppy said, cautiously because she didn't know what she was supposed to know. Thea didn't look surprised. â€Å"Yes. I know you wouldn't thinkthere'd be enough witches around here to keep us in business, but actually they come from all over the country. Grandma's famous. Andher students buy a lot.† Poppy nodded, looking properly impressed. Shedidn't dare ask more questions, but her chilly hearthad warmed just a tiny bit. All Night People weren'tharsh and evil. She had the feeling she could be friends with this girl if given the chance. Maybe she could make it in the Night World after all. â€Å"Well,thanksagain,† she murmured softly. â€Å"Don't mention it. But don't let Ash get you rundown like that, either. He's soirresponsible.† â€Å"You wound me, Thea. You really do,† Ash said.He was standing in the doorway, holding the beadcurtain open with one hand. â€Å"But come to think ofit, I'm feeling a little run down myself†¦.† He raisedhis eyebrows insinuatingly. â€Å"Go jump in Lake Mead, Ash,† Thea said sweetly. Ash looked innocent and yearning. â€Å"Just a littlebite. A nibble. A nip,† he said. â€Å"You have such apretty white throat†¦.† â€Å"Who does?† Blaise said, pushing her way throughthe other half of the bead curtain. Poppy had the feeling she was only speaking to focus attention onherself. She stood in the center of the room andshook back her long black hair with the air of a girlused to attention. â€Å"You both do,† Ash said gallantly. Then he seemed to remember Poppy. â€Å"And, of course, this littledreamer has a pretty white everything.† Blaise, who had been smiling, now looked sour.She stared at Poppy long and hard. With dislikeand something else. Suspicion. Dawning suspicion. Poppy could feelit. Blaise's thoughts were brightand sharp andmalicious,like jagged glass. Then suddenly Blaise smiled again. She looked atAsh. â€Å"I suppose you've come for the party,† she said.†No. What party?† Blaise sighed in a way that emphasized her lowcut blouse. â€Å"The Solstice party, of course. Thierry'sgiving a big one. Everybody willbe there.† Ash looked tempted. In the dim light of the teaching room his eyes gleamed dark. Then he shook hishead. â€Å"No, can't make it. Sorry. I'm going to show Poppythe town.† â€Å"Well, you can do that and still come to the partylater. It won't really get going until after midnight.†Blaise was staring at Ash with an odd insistence. Ashbit his lip, then shook his head again, smiling. â€Å"Well, maybe,† he said. â€Å"I'll see how things go.† Poppy knew he was saying more than that. Someunspoken message seemed to be passing betweenhim and Blaise. But it wasn't telepathic, and Poppy couldn't pick it up. â€Å"Well, have a good time,† Thea said, and gavePoppy a quick smile as Ash piloted her away. Ash peered ahead at the Strip. â€Å"If we hurry wecan watch the volcano erupting,† he said. Poppy gavehim a look, but didn't ask. Instead, she said, â€Å"What's a Solstice party?† â€Å"Summer solstice. The longest day of the year. It'sa holiday for the Night People. Like Groundhog Dayfor humans.† ?Why?† â€Å"Oh, it always has been. It's very magical, youknow. I'd take you to the party, but it would be toodangerous. Thierry's a vampire Elder.† Then he said, â€Å"Here's the volcano.† It was a volcano. In front of a hotel. Waterfallscrashed down its sides, and red lights shone from thecone. Ash double-parked across the street. â€Å"You see, we've got a great view right here,† hesaid. â€Å"All the comforts of home.† The volcano was emitting rumbling sounds. AsPoppy watched in disbelief, a pillar of fire shot outof the top. Real fire. Then the waterfalls caught fire.Red and gold flames spread down the sides of the black rock until the entire lake around the' volcanowas ablaze. â€Å"Inspiring, isn't it?† Ash asked, very close to herear. â€Å"Well-it's†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Thrilling?† Ash inquired. â€Å"Stimulating? Rousing?† His arm was creeping around her, and his voicewas sweetly hypnotic. Poppy didn't say anything. â€Å"You know,† Ash murmured, â€Å"you can see a lotbetter if you get over here. I don't mind crowding.† His arm was urging her gently but inevitably closer. His breath ruffled her hair. Poppy slammed an elbow into his stomach. â€Å"Hey!†Ash yelped-in genuine pain, Poppy thought. Good. He'd dropped his arm and now he was looking ather with aggrieved brown eyes. â€Å"What did you do that for?† â€Å"Because I feltlike it,† Poppy said smartly. She was tingling with new blood and ready for a fight. â€Å"Look,Ash, I don't know what gave you the idea that I'm your date here. But I'm telling you right now thatI'm not. â€Å" Ash tilted his head and smiledpainfully.†You justdon't know me well enough,† he offered. â€Å"When weget to know each other-â€Å" â€Å"No.Never. I'm not interested in other guys. If Ican't have James †¦Ã¢â‚¬ Poppy had to stop and steady her voice. â€Å"There's nobody else I want,† she saidfinally,flatly. â€Å"Nobody.† â€Å"Well, not now, maybe, but-â€Å" â€Å"Never.†She didn't know how to explain. Thenshe had an idea. â€Å"You know the soulmate principle?† Ash opened his mouth and then shut it. Openedit again. â€Å"Oh, no. Not thatgarbage.† â€Å"Yes. James is my soulmate. I'm sorry if it soundsstupid, but it's true.† Ash put a hand to his forehead. Then he started to laugh. â€Å"You're serious.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And that's your final word.† â€Å"Yes.† Ash laughed again, sighed, and cast his eyes upward. â€Å"Okay. Okay. I should have known.† He chuckled in what seemed like self-derision. Poppy was relieved. She'd been afraid he'd be disgruntled and huffy-or mean.Despite his charm, shecould always feel something cold running below thesurface in Ash, like an icy river. But now he seemed perfectly good-humored.†Okay,† he said. â€Å"So if romance isn't on the menu, let's go to the party.† â€Å"I thought you said it was too dangerous.† He waved a hand. â€Å"That was a little fib. To get youalone, you know.† He glanced sideways at her.†Sorry.† Poppy hesitated. She didn't care about a party. Butshe didn't want to be alone with Ash, either. â€Å"Maybe you should just take me back to your cousins' place.† â€Å"They won't bethere,† Ash said. â€Å"I'm sure they've gone to the party by now. Oh, come on, it'll be fun. Give me a chance to make things up to you.† Thin curls of uneasiness were roiling inside Poppy. But Ash looked so penitent and persuasive †¦andwhat other choice did she have? â€Å"Okay,† she said finally. â€Å"For just a little while.†Ash gave a dazzling smile. â€Å"Just a very littlewhile,† he said. â€Å"So they could be anywhere on the Strip,†James said. Thea sighed. â€Å"I'm sorry. I should have known Ashwas up to something. But hijacking your girlfriend†¦Ã¢â‚¬ She lifted her hands in a what-next gesture. â€Å"Forwhat it's worth, she didn't seem very interested inhim. If he's planning to put the moves on her, he'sgoing to get a surprise.† Yes, James thought, and so is she. Poppy was onlyuseful to Ash as long as Ash thought he could playwith her. Once he realized he couldn't†¦ He didn't want to think about what would happenthen. A quick visit to the nearest Elder, he supposed. His heart was pounding, and there was a ringingin his ears. â€Å"Did Blaise go with them?† he asked. â€Å"No, she went to the Solstice party. She tried to get Ash to go, but he said he wanted to show Poppythe town.† Thea paused, raising a finger. â€Å"Waityou might check at the party. Ash said he might stopin later.† James spent a moment forcing himself to breathe.Then he said, verygently, â€Å"And just who is giving this party?† â€Å"Thierry Descouedres. He always has a big one.†Ã¢â‚¬ And he's an Elder.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"Nothing. Never mind.† James backed out of theshop. â€Å"Thanks for the help. I'll be in touch.†Ã¢â‚¬ James†¦Ã¢â‚¬ She looked at him helplessly. â€Å"Do youwant to come in and sit down? You don't lookvery well†¦.† â€Å"I'm fine,† James said, already out the door.In the car he said, â€Å"You can get up now.† Phillip emerged from the floor of the backseatwhere he'd been hiding. â€Å"What's happening? Youwere gone a long time.† â€Å"I think I know where Poppy is.†Ã¢â‚¬ You just think?† â€Å"Shut up, Phil.† He didn't have energy for exchanging insults. He was entirely focused on Poppy.†Okay, so where is she?† James spoke precisely. â€Å"She is either now, or shewilll be later, at a party. A very large party, filled with vampires. And at least one Elder. The perfect placeto expose her.† Phil gulped. â€Å"And you think that's what Ash is going to do?† â€Å"I know that's what Ash is going to do.† â€Å"Then we've got to stop him.† â€Å"We may be too late.† The party was strange. Poppy was amazed at howyoung most of the people were. There were a few scattered adults, but far more teenagers. â€Å"Made vampires,† Ash explained obligingly. Poppyremembered what James had said-made vampiresremained forever the age of their death, but lamiacould stop aging anytime. She supposed that meantthat James could get as old as he wanted, while she would be stuck at sixteen eternally. Not that it mattered. If she and James were going to be together,they could both stay young-but apart, maybe he'd want to age. But it was odd to see a guy who looked about nineteen talking earnestly with a little kid wholooked about four. The kid was cute, with shiny black hair and tilted eyes, but there was something at onceinnocent and cruel in his expression. â€Å"Let's see, now that's Circe. A witch of renown.And that's Sekhmet, a shapeshifter. You don't want to get hermad,† Ash said genially.He and Poppy were standing in a little anteroom, looking down a level into the main room of the house. Of the mansion, rather. It was the most opulent private residence Poppy had ever seen–and she'd seen Bel Airand BeverlyHills. â€Å"Okay,† Poppy said, looking in the general?direc tion he was pointing. She saw two tall and lovelygirls, but she had no idea which was which. â€Å"And that's Thierry, our host. He's an Elder.† An Elder? The guy Ash was indicating didn't seemolder than nineteen. He was beautiful, like all thevampires, tall and blond and pensive. Almost sadlooking. â€Å"How old ishe?† â€Å"Oh, I forget. He got bitten by an ancestress ofmine a long time ago. Back when people lived incaves.† Poppy thought he was joking. But maybe not. â€Å"What do the Elders do, exactly?† â€Å"They just make rules. And see that people keepthem.† An odd smile was playing around Ash's lips. He turned to look directly at Poppy. With the black eyes of a snake.That was when Poppy knew. She backed away rapidly. But Ash came after her,just as rapidly. She saw a door on the other side of the anteroom and headed for it. Got through it. Onlyto find herself on a balcony. With her eyes, she measured the distance to the ground. But before she could make another move, Ash had her arm. Don't fight yet, her mind counseled desperately. He's strong. Wait for an opportunity. She made herself relax a fraction and met Ash's dark gaze. â€Å"You brought me here.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"To hand me over.†He smiled.†But why?† Ash threw back his head and laughed. It waslovely, melodious laughter, and it made Poppy sick. â€Å"You're a human,† he said. â€Å"Or you should be. James should never have done what he did.†Poppy's heart was racing, but her mind was oddlyclear. Maybe she'd known all along that this was what he was going to do. Maybe it was even the rightthing to do. If she couldn't be with James and she couldn't be with her family, did the rest really matter? Did she wantto live in the Night World if it wasfull of people like Blaise and Ash? â€Å"So you don't care about James, either,† she said.†You're willing to put him in danger to get rid of me.† Ash considered, then grinned. â€Å"James can takecare of himself,† he said. Which was obviously Ash's entire philosophy. Everybody took care of themselves, and nobody helpedanybody else. â€Å"And Blaise knew, too,† Poppy said. â€Å"She knew what you were going to do and she didn't care.† â€Å"Not much gets past Blaise,† Ash said. He startedto say something else-and Poppy saw her chance. She kicked-hard. And twisted at the same time.Trying to get over the balcony rail. â€Å"Stay here,† James said to Phil before the car had evenstopped. They were in front of a huge white mansionfringed with palm trees. James threw the door open,but took the time to say again, â€Å"Stay here.No matter what happens, don't go in that house. And if somebodybesides me comes up to the car, drive away.† â€Å"But-â€Å" â€Å"Just do it, Phil! Unless you want to find out aboutdeath firsthand-tonight.† James set out at a dead run for the mansion. Hewas too intent to really notice the sound of a cardoor opening behind him. â€Å"And you looked like such a nice girl,† Ash gasped.He had both of Poppy's arms behind her back andwas trying to get out of the range of her feet.†No-no, quit that, now.† He was too strong. There was nothing Poppy coulddo. Inch by inch he was dragging her back into theanteroom. You might as well give up, Poppy's mind told her.It's useless. You're done. She could picture the whole thing: herself being dragged out in front of all of those sleek and handsome Night People and revealed. She could picturetheir pitiless eyes. That pensive-looking guy wouldwalk up to her and his face would change and hewouldn't look pensive anymore. He'd look savage.His teeth would grow. His eyes would go silvery.Then he'd snarl–and strike. And that would be the end of Poppy. Maybe that wasn't the way they did it, maybe theyexecuted criminals some other way in the NightWorld. But it wouldn't be pleasant, whatever it was. And I won't makeiteasyfor you!Poppy thought. Shethought it directly at Ash, throwing all of her angerand grief and betrayal at him. Instinctively. Like akid shouting in a temper tantrum. Except it had an effect shouting usually didn't. Ash flinched. He almost lost his grip on her arms. It was only a momentary weakening, but it wasenough for Poppy's eyes to widen. I hurt him. Ihurthim! She stopped struggling physically in that same instant. She put all her concentration, all her energy,into a mental explosion. A thought-bomb. LET GO OF ME YOU ROTTEN VAMPIRE CREEP! Ash staggered. Poppy did it again, this time makingher thought a fire hose, a high-power jetstreambombardment. LET G000000000000! Ash let go. Then, as Poppy ran out of steam, hetried in afumblingway to reach her again. â€Å"I don't think so,† a voice as cold as steel said.Poppy looked into the anteroom and saw James. Her heart lurched violently. And then, withoutconsciously being aware of moving, she was in hisarms. Oh, James, how did youfind me? All he kept saying was Are you all right? â€Å"Yes,† Poppy said finally, aloud. It was indescribably good to be with him again, to be held by him.Like waking up from a nightmare to see your mothersmiling. She buried her face in his neck. â€Å"You're sure you're all right?† â€Å"Yes. Yes.† â€Å"Good. Then just hang on a moment while I kill this guy and we'll go.† He was absolutely serious. Poppy could feel it in his thoughts, in every muscle and sinew of his body.He wanted to murder Ash. She lifted her head at the sound of Ash's laugh.†Well, it ought to be a good fight, anyway,† Ashsaid. No, Poppy thought. Ash was looking silky and dangerous and in a very bad mood. And even if James could beat him, James was going to get hurt. Evenif she and James fought him together, there was going to be some damage. â€Å"Let's just go,† she said to James. â€Å"Quick.† Sheadded silently, Ithink he wants to keep us around untilsomebody from the party gets here. â€Å"No, no,† Ash said, in gloatingly enthusiastic tones.†Let's settle this like vampires.† â€Å"Let's not,† said a breathless familiar voice. Poppy'shead jerked around. Climbing over the railing of thebalcony, dusty but triumphant, was Phil. â€Å"Don't you everlisten?† James said to him. â€Å"Well, well,† Ash said. â€Å"A human in an Elder'shouse. What arewe going to do about that?† â€Å"Look, buddy,† Phil said, still breathless, brushingoff his hands. â€Å"I don't know who you are or whathorse you rode in on. But that's my sisterthere you're messing with, and I figure I've got the first right to knock your head off.† There was a pause while Poppy, James, and Ash all looked at him. The pause stretched. Poppy wasaware of a sudden, completely inappropriate impulse to laugh. Then she realized that James was fightingdesperately not to crack a smile. Ash just looked Phil up and down, then looked atJames sideways. â€Å"Does this guyunderstandabout vampires?† hesaid. â€Å"Oh, yeah,† James said blandly. â€Å"And he's going to knock my head in?† â€Å"Yeah,† Phil said, and cracked his knuckles. â€Å"What's so surprising about that?† There was another pause.Poppycould feel minute tremors going through James. Choked-back laughter.At last James said, admirably sober, â€Å"Philreally feelsstrongly about his sister.† Ash looked at Philonce more, then at James, andfinally at Poppy. â€Å"Well †¦ there are three of you,† he said. â€Å"Yes, there are,† James said, genuinely sober now. Grim. â€Å"So I guess you do have me at a disadvantage. Allright,I giveup.† He lifted his hands and thendropped them. â€Å"Go on, scram. I won't fight.† â€Å"And you won't tell on us, either,† James said. Itwasn't a request. â€Å"I wasn't going to anyway,† Ash said. He had onhis most innocent and guileless expression. â€Å"I knowyou think I brought Poppy here to expose her, but I really wasn't going to go through with it. I was justhaving fun. The whole thing was just a joke.† â€Å"Oh, sure,† Phil said. â€Å"Don't even bother lying,† James said. But Poppy, oddly, wasn't as certain as they were.She looked at Ash's wide eyes-his wide violeteyes-and felt doubt slosh back and forth inside her. It was hard to read him, as it had been hard allalong. Maybe because he always meant everythinghe said at the time he said it–or maybe because he nevermeant anything he said. No matter which,, he was the most irritating, frustrating, impossible personshe'd ever met. â€Å"Okay, we're going now,† James said. â€Å"We're goingto walk very quietly and calmly right through that littleroom and down the hall, and we're not going to stopfor anything-Phillip.Unless you'd rather go back downthe way you came up,† he added. Phil shook his head. James gathered Poppy in hisarm again, but he paused and looked back at Ash. â€Å"You know, you've never really cared about anyone,† he said. â€Å"But someday you will, and it's goingto hurt. It's going to hurt-a lot.† Ash looked back at him, and Poppy could readnothing in his ever-changing eyes. But just as Jamesturned again, he said, â€Å"I think you're a lousyprophet. But your girlfriend's a good one. You mightwant to ask her about her dreams sometime.† James stopped. He frowned. â€Å"What?† â€Å"And you, little dreamer, you might want to check out your family tree. You have a very loud yell.† He smiled at Poppy engagingly. â€Å"Bye now.† James stayed for another minute or so, just staringat his cousin. Ash gazed serenely back. Poppycounted heartbeats while the two of them stoodmotionless. Then James shook himself slightly and turnedPoppy toward the anteroom. Phil followed right on their heels. They walked out of the house very quietly andvery calmly. No one tried to stop them. But Poppy didn't feel safe until they were on theroad. â€Å"What did he mean with that crack about the family tree?† Phil asked from the backseat. James gave him an odd look, but answered with aquestion. â€Å"Phil, how did you know where to findPoppy in that house? Did you see her on the balcony?† â€Å"No, I just followed the shouting.† Poppy turned around to look at him.James said, â€Å"What shouting?† â€Å"Theshouting. Poppy shouting. ‘Let go of me yourotten vampire creep.†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Poppy turned to James. â€Å"Should hehave been ableto hear it? I thought I was just yelling at Ash. Dideverybody at the party hear?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"But, then–â€Å" James cut her off. â€Å"What dream was Ash talkingabout?† â€Å"Just a dream I had,† Poppy said, bewildered. â€Å"Idreamed about him before I actually met him.† James's expression was now verypeculiar. â€Å"Oh,did you?† â€Å"Yes. James, what's this all about? What did hemean, I should check my family tree?† â€Å"He meant that you-and Philaren't human after all. Somewhere among your ancestors there'sa witch.†

How to Share Customer Success Stories With Leila King [PODCAST]

How to Share Customer Success Stories With Leila King [PODCAST] Storytelling is one way to grow your business. It piques the interest of potential customers, draws them in, and is sometimes the catalyst that converts interest into a sale. You probably have your own story to tell, but you also likely have the stories of others that could hold an important position on your website. Today we are talking to Lelia King, the communications director at The Iron Yard, a software development school for adults. Lelia knows how to collaborate with others to find the stories that will inspire people to sign up for the programs. You can learn to harness the power of social proof to help your potential clients envision themselves finding success just like others have done. This is one episode you are not going to want to miss. The story behind The Iron Yard, who makes up the team, and what Lelia does there. The planning process when coming up with a lot of content with a relatively small team, as well as how Lelia uses scheduling to ensure that there is a variety of content available. How the Iron Yard team weaves newsworthy and time-sensitive content into a schedule that has already been planned out. Why agility is such an important part of a marketing strategy. Why it’s important for The Iron Yard to share student stories and how stories help others envision themselves in those students’ shoes. Tips on finding the stories that you want to include on your website or in your advertising materials. The process that Lelia uses when it comes to storytelling and why sometimes a framework or formula does not work. Lelia’s best advice for someone who wants to start incorporating customer storytelling into their marketing strategy. Links: Lelia King The Iron Yard Yes We Code Slack Feedly Asana Jobs to Be Done If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Content Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Leila: â€Å"It’s important really for anyone’s marketing strategy to be really flexible when it comes to creating and sharing content because you just never know when something’s going to come up.† â€Å"People see themselves in stories Humans are essentially storytelling animals and stories help to make sense of the world and help us figure out who we are.† â€Å"The beauty of storytelling is that there are tons of different ways to capture stories.†