Last Sacrifice Chapter Twelve

DIMITRI AND I BOTH FROZE as the shock of that name hit us. Sydney, glancing between our faces, gave us a dry smile. â€Å"I take it you know who that is?' â€Å"Of course,' I exclaimed. â€Å"She was my teacher. She went crazy and turned Strigoi.' Sydney nodded. â€Å"I know.' My eyes widened further. â€Å"Shes not †¦ she's not the one who had an affair with Lissa's dad, is she?' Oh dear God. That would be one of the most unexpected developments in the rollercoaster that was my life. I couldn't even begin to process the effects of that. â€Å"Not likely,' she said. â€Å"The account was opened several years before she was added as the beneficiary–which was right when she turned eighteen. So, if we're assuming the account was created around the time the baby was born, then she would have been way too young. Sonya's probably a relative.' My earlier astonishment was giving way to excitement, and I could see the same thing happening to Dimitri. â€Å"You must have records about her family,' he said. â€Å"Or if not, some Moroi probably does. Who's close to Sonya? Does she have a sister?' Sydney shook her head. â€Å"No. That'd be an obvious choice, though. Unfortunately, she has other family–tons of it. Her parents both came from giant families, so she has lots of cousins. Even some of her aunts are the right age.' â€Å"We can look them up, right?' I asked. A thrill of anticipation was running through me. I honestly hadn't expected this much information. True, it was small, but it was something. If Sonya Karp was related to Eric's mistress, that had to be something we could track. â€Å"There's a lot of them.' Sydney shrugged. â€Å"I mean, yeah, we could. It'd take a long time to find everyone's life history, and even then–especially if this was covered up enough–we'd have a hard time finding out if any of them is the woman we're looking for. Or even if any of them know who she is.' Dimitri's voice was low and thoughtful when he spoke. â€Å"One person knows who Jane Doe is.' Sydney and I both looked at him expectantly. â€Å"Sonya Karp,' he replied. I threw up my hands. â€Å"Yeah, but we can't talk to her. She's a lost cause. Mikhail Tanner spent over a year hunting her and couldn't find her. If he can't, then we're not going to be able to.' Dimitri turned away from me and stared out the window. His brown eyes filled with sorrow, his thoughts momentarily far away from us. I didn't entirely understand what was happening, but that peaceful moment in the library–where Dimitri had smiled and shared in the daydream of an ordinary life–had vanished. And not just the moment. That Dimitri had vanished. He was back in his fierce mode, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders again. At last, he sighed and looked back at me. â€Å"That's because Mikhail didn't have the right connections.' â€Å"Mikhail was her boyfriend,' I pointed out. â€Å"He had more connections than anyone else.' Dimitri didn't acknowledge my comment. Instead, he grew pensive again. I could see turmoil behind his eyes, some inner war. At last, it must have been decided. â€Å"Does your phone have reception out here?' he asked her. She nodded, reaching into her purse and handing him her phone. He held it a moment, looking like it caused him total agony to touch it. At last, with another sigh, he stood up and headed for the door. Sydney and I exchanged questioning looks and then both followed him. She lagged behind me, having to toss cash on the table and grab her laptop. I emerged outside just as Dimitri finished dialing a number and put the phone to his ear. Sydney joined us, and a moment later, the person on the other end of the line must have answered. â€Å"Boris?' asked Dimitri. That was all I understood because the rest was a string of rapid Russian. A strange sensation spread over me as he spoke. I was confused, lost because of the language †¦ but there was more than that. I felt chilled. My pulse raced with fear. That voice †¦ I knew that voice. It was his voice and yet not his voice. It was the voice of my nightmares, a voice of coldness and cruelty. Dimitri was playing Strigoi. Well, â€Å"playing' was really too gentle of a word. Pretending was a better way to describe it. Whatever it was, it was pretty damned convincing. Beside me, Sydney frowned, but I didn't think she was experiencing what I was. She had never known him as Strigoi. She didn't have those horrible memories. His change in demeanor had to be obvious, but as I glanced at her face, I realized she was focused on following the conversation. I'd forgotten she knew Russian. â€Å"What's he saying?' I whispered. Her frowned deepened, either from the conversation or me distracting her. â€Å"He †¦ he sounds like he's talking to someone he hasn't spoken to in a while. Dimitri's accusing this person of slacking off while he's been away.' She fell silent, continuing her own mental translation. At one point, Dimitri's voice rose in anger, and both Sydney and I flinched. I turned to her questioningly. â€Å"He's mad about having his authority questioned. I can't tell, but now †¦ it sounds like the other person's groveling.' I wanted to know every word, but it had to be hard for her to translate to me and listen at the same time. Dimitri's voice returned to normal levels–though still filled with that terrible menace–and among the flurry of words, I heard â€Å"Sonya Karp' and â€Å"Montana.' â€Å"He's asking about Ms. Kar–Sonya?' I murmured. She hadn't been my teacher for a long time. I might as well call her Sonya now. â€Å"Yeah,' said Sydney, eyes still on Dimitri. â€Å"He's asking–er, telling–this person to locate someone else and see if he can find Sonya. This person †¦' She paused to listen again. â€Å"This person he's asking about sounds like he knows a lot of people in the area she was last seen in.' I knew â€Å"people' in this context meant â€Å"Strigoi.' Dimitri had risen quickly in their ranks, asserting his will and power over others. Most Strigoi operated solo, rarely working in groups, but even the lone ones recognized threats and more dominant Strigoi. Dimitri was working his contacts, just as he'd said earlier. If any Strigoi had heard about his transformation–and believed it–they wouldn't have been able to pass the news quickly, not with their disorganization. As it was, Dimitri was already having to play leapfrog to find sources who knew other sources who might know Sonya's location. Dimitri grew loud and angry again, his voice becoming–if possible–more sinister. I suddenly felt trapped, and even Sydney looked scared now. She swallowed. â€Å"He's telling this guy that if he doesn't get answers by tomorrow night, Dimitri's going to find him and rip him apart and †¦' Sydney didn't bother finishing. Her eyes were wide. â€Å"Use your imagination. It's pretty terrible.' I decided then that I was kind of glad I hadn't heard all of the conversation in English. When Dimitri finished the call and returned Sydney's phone, that mask of malice melted from his face. Once again, he was my Dimitri, Dimitri the dhampir. Dejection and despair radiated off him, and he slumped against the cafe's wall, staring upward into the sky. I knew what he was doing. He was trying to calm himself, seize control of the emotions that had to be warring within him. He'd just done something that might give us clues we needed †¦ but it had been at a terrible cost to himself. My fingers twitched. I wanted to put a comforting arm around him or at least pat his shoulder so he'd know he wasn't alone. But, I held back, suspecting he wouldn't like it. At last, he turned his gaze back to us. He'd regained his control–at least on the outside. â€Å"I've sent someone to ask about her,' he said wearily. â€Å"It might not work out. Strigoi are hardly the type to keep a database. But they do occasionally keep an eye on one another, if only for their own self-preservation. We'll find out soon if there are any hits.' â€Å"I †¦ wow. Thank you,'I said, fumbling at the words. I knew he needed no thanks, but it felt necessary to me. He nodded. â€Å"We should get back to the Keepers †¦ unless you think this is a safe place to stay?' â€Å"I'd rather stay off civilized radar,' said Sydney, moving toward the truck. â€Å"Besides, I want my car keys back.' The ride back felt ten times longer. Dimitri's mood filled up the whole cabin, almost suffocating us with its despair. Even Sydney could feel it. She'd let him drive again, and I couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing. Would the road distract him from his Strigoi torment? Or would his agony distract him from the road and put us off in a ditch? Fortunately, we made it back safe and sound and found two of the Keepers waiting for us in the lot, a Moroi woman and a human guy who both looked fierce. I still couldn't shake the strangeness of both races being battle-ready. I wondered if these two were a couple. Back in the camp, we found the communal bonfire ablaze and people sitting out around it, some eating and some just socializing. I'd learned at breakfast that the fire was always there for those who wanted to bond but that plenty of families kept to their own households as well. We went back to Raymond's house, but only Sarah and Joshua were there. She was cleaning up dishes, and he sat restlessly in a chair. As soon as he caught sight of me at the door, he sprang up, radiant smile on high-beam again. â€Å"Rose! You're back. We were starting to worry †¦ I mean, not that anything had happened to you–not with your skills–but that maybe you'd just left us.' â€Å"Not without our car,' said Sydney, placing the truck keys on the table. The CR-Vs were sitting there already, and relief flooded her face as she snatched them up. Sarah offered us leftovers, which we declined, having stocked up on snack food at Rubysville's gas station. â€Å"Well,' she said, â€Å"if you're not going to eat, you might as well join the others out at the fire. Jess McHale might sing tonight if they can get her to drink enough, and drunk or sober, that woman has the finest voice I've ever heard.' I briefly met Dimitri and Sydney's eyes. I admit, I was a little curious to see how this wilderness group partied it up, even though moonshine and folk songs weren't really my first choice of entertainment. Dimitri still wore that haunted look from the phone call. I had a suspicion he would have been content to isolate himself in our room, but when Sydney said she'd go to the fire, his response came automatically: â€Å"I'll go too.' I knew instantly what he was doing. His Strigoi days tormented him. Talking to Strigoi tormented him. And maybe–no, certainly–he wanted to hide away and try to block it all out, but he was Dimitri. Dimitri protected those who needed it, and even if listening to fireside songs wasn't exactly life-threatening, it was still a semi-dangerous situation for a civilian like Sydney. He couldn't allow that. Plus, he knew Sydney would feel safer with both of us nearby. I started to say I'd join them, but Joshua spoke before I could. â€Å"Do you still want to see my cave? There's a little light left outside. You'll get a better view that way than if we have to use a torch.' I'd forgotten about my last conversation with Joshua and started to decline his offer. But then, something flashed in Dimitri's eyes, something disapproving. So. He didn't want me going off with some young, good-looking guy. Was it legitimate concern about the Keepers? Was it jealousy? No, surely not the latter. We'd established–many, many times–that Dimitri wanted no romantic connection with me. He'd even stood up for Adrian earlier. Was this some kind of ex-boyfriend thing? Back in Rubysville, I'd believed Dimitri and I could be friends, but that wouldn't happen if he thought he could control me and my love life. I'd known girls with exes like that. I wouldn't be one. I could hang out with whomever I wanted. â€Å"Sure,' I said. Dimitri's expression darkened. â€Å"I'd love to.' Joshua and I headed off, leaving the others behind. I knew part of my decision was to prove my independence. Dimitri had said we were equals, yet he'd made an awful lot of decisions in this escape plan without me. It was nice to feel like I had the upper hand for a change, and besides, I liked Joshua and was kind of curious to learn more about how his people lived. I don't think Sydney wanted me to leave, but Dimitri would look after her. As Joshua and I walked, we passed plenty of Keepers out and about. Just like earlier, I received a fair amount of stares. Rather than lead us down the road to where his father lived, Joshua took me around the small mountain. It was still good-sized, but after living near the Rockies, everything in the Appalachians seemed â€Å"small' to me. I guess I was a mountain snob. Still, the mountain extended quite a ways, and we moved farther and farther from the Keepers' main settlement. The forest grew thicker, the light growing scarce as the sun finally began sinking into the horizon. â€Å"I'm kind of on the outskirts,' Joshua said apologetically. â€Å"We keep growing and growing, and there's not much room in the town's center.' I thought â€Å"town' was an optimistic term but didn't say so. Yeah. I was definitely a snob. â€Å"But the caves keep going, so there's still space.' â€Å"Are they natural?' I asked. â€Å"Some are. Some are abandoned mining caves.' â€Å"It's pretty out here,' I said. I liked all the deciduous trees. I might be homesick for Montana, but the wide leaves here were a neat contrast to pine needles. â€Å"And hey, at least you get lots of privacy, right?' â€Å"True.' He smiled. â€Å"I figured you'd think it was †¦ I don't know. Too rustic. Or savage. You probably think we all are.' His observation startled me. Most of the Keepers had been so fiercely defensive of their way of life that I hadn't thought anyone would even think an outsider would question it–or that any Keeper would care if we did. â€Å"It's just different,' I said diplomatically. â€Å"A lot different from what I'm used to.' I felt a flash of homesickness for all the people and places I was now cut off from. Lissa. Adrian. Our other friends. Court. St. Vladimir's. I shook the feeling off quickly. I had no time to mope and could at least check on Lissa later. â€Å"I've been to human towns,' continued Joshua. â€Å"And other places the Tainted live. I can see why you'd like them.' He turned a bit sheepish. â€Å"I wouldn't mind electricity.' â€Å"Why don't you guys use it?' â€Å"We would if we could. We're just too far out, and no one really knows we're here anyway. The lily-people say it's better for hiding us.' It hadn't occurred to me that they simply endured these conditions because they were forced to in order to conceal themselves. I wondered how many of their choices came from clinging to the so-called old ways †¦ and how much was influenced by the Alchemists. â€Å"Here we are,' said Joshua, pulling me from my musings. He gestured to a dark hole at ground level. The opening was big enough for an adult to enter. â€Å"Nice,' I said. I'd noticed earlier that some of the caves were set higher into the mountains and had watched their residents either climb the rock bare-handed or use homemade ladders. An easy-access doorway seemed luxurious. Joshua looked surprised at my praise. â€Å"Really?' â€Å"Really.' We'd ended up losing too much daylight. He paused to light a torch, and then I followed him inside. We had to duck a little at first, but as we went deeper into the cave, the ceiling slowly expanded and opened up into a wide, rounded space. The floor was hard-packed dirt, the stone walls rough and jagged. This was a natural cave, but I could pick out the efforts made to civilize it. The floor had been cleaned and leveled, and I saw some stones and rocks in a corner that looked like they'd been gathered up to clear space. A couple pieces of furniture had already been moved in: a narrow wooden chair and a mattress that looked like it could barely hold one person. â€Å"You probably think it's small,' said Joshua. It was true, but it was actually bigger than my dorm room at St. Vladimir's. â€Å"Well †¦ yeah, but I mean, how old are you?' â€Å"Eighteen.' â€Å"Same as me,' I said. This seemed to make him pretty happy. â€Å"Having your own, um, cave at eighteen is pretty cool.' It would have been cooler still with electricity, Internet, and plumbing, but there was no need to bring that up. His blue eyes practically shone. I couldn't help but notice what a pretty contrast they made against his tanned skin. I dismissed the thought immediately. I wasn't here for a boyfriend. But apparently, I was the only one who believed that. Joshua suddenly took a step forward. â€Å"You can stay if you want,' he said. â€Å"The other Tainted would never find you here. We could get married, and then when we had kids, we could build a loft like my parents' and–‘ The word married had me moving toward the entrance as shocked and panicked as I would be by a Strigoi attack. Except, I usually had fair warning before those. â€Å"Whoa, whoa, slow down.' No. I hadn't seen a proposal coming. â€Å"We just met!' Thankfully, he didn't come closer. â€Å"I know, but sometimes that's how it is.' â€Å"What, marriages between people who hardly know each other?' I asked incredulously. â€Å"Sure. Happens all the time. And seriously, just in this short of time, I already know I like you. You're amazing. You're beautiful and obviously a good fighter. And the way you carry yourself †¦' He shook his head, awe on his face. â€Å"I've never seen anything like it.' I wished he wasn't so cute and nice. Having creepy guys profess their adoration was a lot easier to deal with than one you liked. I remembered Sydney saying I was a hot commodity here. Scorching was more like it, apparently. â€Å"Joshua, I really like you, but,' I added hastily, seeing hope fill his features, â€Å"I'm too young to get married.' He frowned. â€Å"Didn't you say you were eighteen?' Okay. Age was probably not a good argument around here. I'd seen how young people had kids back in Dimitri's home-town. In a place like this, they probably had child marriages. I tried another angle. â€Å"I don't even know if I want to get married.' This didn't faze him. He nodded in understanding. â€Å"That's smart. We could live together first, see how we get along.' His serious expression turned back into a smile. â€Å"But I'm pretty easygoing. I'd let you win every argument.' I couldn't help it. I laughed. â€Å"Well, then, I'm going to have to win this one and tell you I'm just not ready for †¦ any of it. Besides, I'm already involved with someone.' â€Å"Dimitri?' â€Å"No. Another guy. He's back at the Tainted Court.' I couldn't even believe I was saying that. Joshua frowned. â€Å"Why isn't he here protecting you then?' â€Å"Because †¦ that's not how he is. And I can take care of myself.' I'd never liked the assumption that I needed rescuing. â€Å"And look, even if he wasn't in the picture, I'm leaving soon anyway. It would never work out between you and me.' â€Å"I understand.' Joshua looked disappointed but seemed to be taking the rejection okay. â€Å"Maybe when you've got everything sorted out, you'll come back.' I started to tell him not to wait for me and that he should just marry someone else (despite how ridiculous it was at his age), but then I realized that was a pointless comment. In Joshua's fantasies, he could probably marry someone else now and then add me on to his harem later, like Sarah and Paulette. So, I just simply said, â€Å"Maybe.' Groping for a change in subject, I searched for anything to distract us. My eyes fell on the chair and a leafy pattern carved into it. â€Å"That's really neat.' â€Å"Thanks,' he said, walking over. To my relief, he didn't pursue the earlier topic. He ran his hand lovingly over the ornately carved wood. The design looked like braided leaves. â€Å"I did it myself.' â€Å"Really?' I asked in true surprise. â€Å"That †¦ that's amazing.' â€Å"If you like it †¦' His hand moved, and I feared there was a kiss or embrace coming. Instead, he reached into his shirt pocket and produced a finely carved wooden bracelet. It was a simple, sinuous design, the true marvel being how narrow and delicate it was to all be one piece. The wood had been polished to brilliance. â€Å"Here.' He handed me the bracelet. â€Å"This is for me?' I ran my finger along the smooth edge. â€Å"If you want it. I made it while you were out today. So you'll remember me after you leave.' I hesitated, wondering if accepting this would be encouraging him. No, I decided. I'd made my views on teenage marriage clear, and anyway, he looked so nervous, I couldn't stand the thought of hurting his feelings. I slipped it onto my wrist. â€Å"Of course I'll remember. Thank you.' From the happy look on his face, taking the bracelet made up for my earlier refusal. He showed me a few more details around the cave and then followed my suggestion to join the others at the fire. We could hear the music echoing through the trees long before we made it back, and while it was hardly my style, there was something warm and friendly about this community's way of life. I'd never been to summer camp, but I imagined this was what it'd be like. Sydney and Dimitri sat near the group's edge. They were quiet and watchful, but everyone else sang, clapped, and talked. Again, I was stunned at how easily dhampirs, humans, and Moroi could all be involved with one another. Mixed couples were everywhere, and one–a human and Moroi–were openly making out. Every so often, when he kissed her neck, he'd also bite and take some blood. I had to glance away. I turned back toward my friends. Sydney noticed me and looked relieved. Dimitri's expression was unreadable. Like always, the others' eyes followed my movement, and to my surprise, I saw open jealousy on some of the guys' faces. I hoped they didn't think Joshua and I had been off getting naked in the cave. That was hardly the reputation I wanted to leave behind. â€Å"I have to talk to Sydney,' I told him over the noise. I decided it'd be best to keep my distance before any rumors started, and truthfully, Sydney looked like she wanted me by her side. Joshua nodded, and I turned away. I'd taken two steps when a fist suddenly came right toward my face. I'd had no defenses up and just barely had the presence of mind to turn my head and catch the blow on my cheek, rather than end up with a broken nose. After the initial surprise, all my training kicked in. I quickly sidestepped out of the line of attack and put my body into a fighter's stance. The music and singing stopped, and I turned to face my attacker. Angeline. She stood in a way similar to my own, fists clenched and eyes completely honed in on me. â€Å"Okay,' she said. â€Å"It's time to find out how tough you really are.' What it was time for was someone–say, like, a parent–to come and drag her off and punish her for punching guests. Amazingly, no one moved or tried to stop her. No–that wasn't quite true. One person stood up. Dimitri had sprung to action the instant he saw me in danger. I expected him to come pull Angeline away, but a group of Keepers hastily moved to his side, saying something to him that I couldn't hear. They didn't try to physically restrain him, but whatever they said, it kept him where he stood. I would have demanded to know what they'd told him, but Angeline was coming at me again. It looked like I was on my own. Angeline was short, even for a dhampir, but her whole body was packed with strength. She was pretty fast too, though not fast enough to get that second hit in on me. I neatly dodged it and kept my distance, not wanting to go on the offensive with this girl. She could probably do a fair amount of damage in a fight, but there was a sloppy– no, more like rough–edge to it. She was a scrapper, someone who'd done a lot of brawling but without any formal training. â€Å"Are you insane?' I exclaimed, moving out of the way of another assault. â€Å"Stop this. I don't want to hurt you.' â€Å"Sure,' she said. â€Å"That's what you want everyone to think, right? If you don't actually have to fight, then they'll all go on believing those marks are real.' â€Å"They are real!' The insinuation that I'd faked my tattoos sparked my temper, but I refused to get drawn into this ridiculous scuffle. â€Å"Prove it,' she said, coming at me again. â€Å"Prove you're who you say you are.' It was like a dance, keeping away from her. I could have done it all night, and a few dismayed cries from the crowd demanded we â€Å"get on with it.' â€Å"I don't have to prove anything,' I told her. â€Å"It's a lie then.' Her breathing was heavy now. She was working a lot harder than me. â€Å"Everything you Tainted do is a lie.' â€Å"Not true,' I said. Why was Dimitri letting this go on? Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of him, and so help me, he was smiling. Meanwhile, Angeline was still continuing her tirade as she tried to hit me. â€Å"You all lie. You're all weak. Especially your â€Å"royals.' They're the worst of all.' â€Å"You don't know them at all. You don't know anything about them.' She might be able to carry on a conversation, but I could see her growing increasingly frustrated. If not for the fact I was pretty sure she'd hit me in the back, I would have taken the noble approach and simply walked away. â€Å"I know enough,' she said. â€Å"I know they're selfish and spoiled and don't do anything for themselves. They don't care about anyone else. They're all the same.' I actually agreed with Angeline about some royals but didn't like the generalization. â€Å"Don't talk about things you don't understand,' I snapped. â€Å"They're not all like that.' â€Å"They are,' she said, pleased to see me angry. â€Å"I wish they were all dead.' It was hardly enough to push me into offense mode, but the comment did cloud my thoughts enough that I let her get through my guard, just a little. I never would have let that happen with a Strigoi, but I'd underestimated this wild girl. Her leg snaked out just enough to hit my knee, and it was like tossing a spark into gasoline. Everything exploded. With that hit, I stumbled slightly, and she pushed her advantage. My battle instincts took over, and I had no choice but to strike back before she could hit me. People began cheering now that the fight was â€Å"really going.' I was on offense, trying to subdue her, meaning the physical contact had jumped up exponentially. I was still better than her, no doubt, but in trying to get to her, I put myself in her range. She landed a few blows on me, nothing serious, before I was able to tackle her to the ground. I expected that to be the end, but she pushed back against me before I could fully restrain her. We rolled over, and she tried to take the dominant position. I couldn't allow that and managed a punch on the side of her face that was a lot harder than the earlier one. I thought that would be the end of the fight. My hit had knocked her off me, and I started to stand, but then that little bitch grabbed my hair and jerked me back down. I twisted out of her hold–though I'm pretty sure she took some hair away with her–and this time managed to fully pin her, throwing all my weight and strength into it as I pressed down. I knew it had to be painful but didn't really care. She'd started it. Besides, this skirmish had gone beyond defense. Pulling someone's hair was just playing dirty. Angeline made a few more attempts to break away, but when it became clear she couldn't, those around us began whistling and cheering. A few moments later, that dark and furious look vanished from Angeline's face, replaced by resignation. I eyed her warily, not about to let down my guard. â€Å"Fine,' she said. â€Å"I guess it's okay. Go ahead.' â€Å"Huh? What's okay?' I demanded. â€Å"It's okay if you marry my brother.'

Fast Food Driven Society Essay

In a recent documentary film I’ve seen called, â€Å"Super-Size Me,† it was stated that in the past 20-25 years, obesity levels in America have doubled. Why you may wonder? Many factors contribute to the way we live in our society today, but the main reason for obesity levels being so high is the fast food industry and its effects on everyone it comes in contact with. Anyone who has ever had junk food in their life know its addicting features. Seeing it everywhere you go whether you are at a grocery store, fast food restaurant, or on TV doesn’t help stop the urges in anyone’s case. Fast food is convenient, cheap, and is what the average American family would choose to eat. Obesity is an ongoing problem in the United States today, and if it cannot be stopped, this problem could potentially be passed down from generation to generation. The reason America has allowed this to happen is because of the way society portrays how to live and eat in this world, how Americans have adapted in a way where they heavily rely on fast food for convenience purposes, and the individual’s lack of effort in living a healthy lifestyle. Every woman in America once in their lives has seen or bought a magazine. What do you see on the cover? A skinny, beautiful model or celebrity, and a tagline on how to lose more weight or how to eat healthier in order for you to look more like the picture. Everywhere you go society portrays a certain way woman should look that is acceptable in this world. I strongly believe that one of the reasons that obesity has struck America so negatively is because society has pushed the woman in this country over the edge on how they ‘should’ look. â€Å"For many women, compulsive eating and being fat have become one way to avoid being marketed or seen as the ideal woman: My fat says ‘screw you’ to all who want me to be the perfect mom, sweetheart, and maid. Take me for who I am, not for who I am supposed to be† (Orbach, pg. 452). This quote comes from the article, â€Å"Fat is a Feminist Issue,† and it heavily relates to why obesity is still an ongoing issue in the United States. Susie Orbach strongly explains how fat expresses a rebellion against how women feel powerless because of all of the pressure to look and even act a certain way. Society has even changed the way women should look over and over again throughout the years (pg. 452). This in my opinion puts more pressure on the women because they are constantly changing their image and even their body in order to fit in. This topic alone, has a huge impact on why a lot of people are overweight in the world. Now a days, people want to be what they want and not what society wants. Since society hasn’t given woman and everyone else a break on what they expect from them, obesity has increased and a rebellion on body image is its result. If society would stop stressing how to look and act, people might want to start to do things for themselves and not for the ‘betterment’ of society. In my experience, I can honestly say that being a women in society today is difficult. Yes I do eat what I want when I want, but I do watch my body image. Half of the reason is because it makes me feel better as a person when I look and eat healthy, but the other half is because I know society would qualify me as someone who would fit in. You could say that society has gotten to me, but I do feel great when I eat healthy and when I look healthy. In my nutrition class, I learned that junk food is very low in satiation value, this means that people don’t feel as full when eating them, which tends to lead to overeating. These two factors relate to why people choose to go to a fast food restaurant. Americans don’t realize the negative effects it has on their mind and body. Not only is that a factor, but the taste also plays a huge part too. A lot of great tasting foods are bad for you, which just happens to be the disappointing truth that many people disregard. All anyone wants is to find good food that is affordable in this world right? That is what makes fast food so convenient!! In the article, â€Å"Don’t Blame the Eater,† David Zinczenko makes a good point about fast food. â€Å"Lunch and dinner for me, was a daily choice between McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken or Pizza Hut. Then as now, these were the only available options for an American kid to get an affordable meal† (pg. 391-392). Everything he stated is true for the average American family, why wouldn’t you stop at a fast food restaurant if you are tight on money and time. When I was a kid, sports was a big part of my life†¦but time and money was also tight in my family because my two younger sisters also played sports. We stopped for fast food whenever was convenient for us on and off the road. At the time, it was almost like I was being treated when we stopped for fast food. Little did I know the only reason we got fast food was because it was affordable and reliable. Even now to this day, it is hard for me not to stop at a fast food restaurant every once in a while. I don’t go as much as I used to, but it is still convenient and it always will be. Just like Zinczenko was saying, whether we like it or not, fast food surrounds us and lures us into its traps. We have the choice to escape it or embrace it. The individual has this decision alone. Society plays its parts in luring, but it is ultimately your own decision in the end. In the article, â€Å"Food as Thought: Resisting the Moralization of Eating,† Mary Maxfield heavily stresses how it is the individual’s ultimate decision on what to eat and how much of it to eat. I could not agree more with her article, even though society does its job in persuading, it is the individual who is left with the decision because it is their body. Maxfield states, â€Å"†¦. what a person eats [rarely] takes primacy over how they eat it†¦.. in essence, we can eat as we always have- which includes eating for emotional and social reasons and still survive or even thrive† (pg. 445). What she is saying is that no matter what social interactions stand in someone’s way, they are the ones who decide what and how much to eat. You must trust yourself, trust your body and meet your own needs (Maxfield, pg. 446). Personally, there are days where I know I need to cut down on the junk food and focus on drinking water and eating foods with nutritional value. That is because I have the motivation and drive to do so. Many Americans do not have this motivation and drive. This is what is increasing the obesity levels in America. People do not know what is too much, and do not know when to stop. So in return, they are putting themselves more at risk for the chronic diseases that obesity has to offer. In the end, the individual has the power to decide what is best for them. If everyone started to make healthy life decisions, obesity levels could slowly start to decrease, and the world could have a more restored environment. We need to start by educating our children about the smart and healthy life alternatives they can make and continue to educate their parents as well. In turn, we can decrease the many factors that have led our country to where it is today†¦. a fast food driven, obese and lazy society.

Business and Professional munication Management

Reflection report helps analyse and develop particular skills in relation to a particular course. Any transfer of learning or skills gained is identified by thorough analysis of personal skills and knowledge level. The course that I attended was well designed that attends to future careers of students. Hence, this reflection journal helps understand the particular skill levels gained during the course work. There are three relevant areas of knowledge gained during the course, MAT10706, Quantitative methods with economic, MKT00075, Marketing principles and 00207 munication in Organization. A critical assessing of knowledge gained against each areas have been ascertained. While undertaking coursework during graduation there are several attributes that I have gained. The analysis of each attribute against each course and levels of expertise makes difference in relevant areas  (Burda & Wyploss, 2013). I have gained tremendous intellectual rigor in field of Quantitative methods with economic. I have b e capable in analyzing various scholarly articles and developing a critical review for the same. While the field of this discipline is vast I have learned the attributes from a large number of self-help books that was available in the library. This field of knowledge has given me ethical practice guidelines which made me adopt high ethical standards in professional and social practice.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The discipline of Marketing principles have provided me with several creative attributes, that allowed me to effectively respond to intellectual, professional and social challenges  (Blythe, 2008). I feel I have b e proficient in this domain from my practices of multiple case studies and real life situational analysis. There has been high transfer of learning pertaining to the discipline as well which allowed a smooth transition which contributed to munal and professional areas. Communication in organization is a necessary domain that needs to be learnt by each and every individual undertaking this course. munication forms the basis for personal and professional success. This domain has the attributes of providing life-long learning opportunities that enables individual capabilities to change  (DeVito, 2007). It e passes a reflective process through information literacy, self-managed learning and being autonomous. I have conducted self-analysis for this domain which reflects that I am a novice in the field. munication allows interacting with individual, teams and professional through munity settings. Being employed in a professional field in any organization allows for capability to attend to diversified cultural settings. munication will enable me to interact with Indigenous as well as other people from a varied background. Though I have made attempts to learn and develop my skills pertaining to all disciplines within my course but critical analysis reveals certain gaps in knowledge. For Quantitative methods with economics I have developed capabilities but I needs to further resort to self-help books and journals for a guided learning experience  (Baye, 2006). All professors in this course provided various important and versatile theories. But I have not been able to develop my knowledge and skill for this area of expertise. For Marketing Principles I have been highly proficient in multiple numbers of ways. I feel I have developed professional attitude with respect to the domain of marketing with highly creative skills. I feel I can easily develop this area of knowledge further to b e an expert in the domain  (Armstrong, 2014). I need to take help from my professors and friends who have excelled in these disciplines to guide me for developing relevant concepts related to marketing strategies. I can easily prepare marketing plans and analyse cases but I face difficulty in catering to diversified field of developing marketing strategies. Which can be easily be developed by means of learning ways, methods and procedures that contemporary organization use.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Communication is the most relevant field of study in personal as well as professional life. In order to develop my novice to being a proficient person in munication, I plan to undertake a small course in munication for professionals  (DiSanza, 2016). I will regularly maintain a journal and note my areas of improvements by means of feedback from friends and colleagues. This will allow me to develop my skills in an organized manner. Self-reflection is a way and method that enables addressing of short falls in areas of knowledge, skills and expertise. Through analysis of my own self I was able to diagnose area of expertise in which I lag and need to improve. The steps of improvements will be applied over the next month such that I am able to emerge as a professional in an organization. Through maintain of personal journal in areas of expertise and levels of experience I will reach my goals of developing an expertise knowledge and emerge as a highly professional executive. Armstrong, G. A. (2014). Principles of marketing. Pearson Australia. Baye, M. a. (2006). Managerial economics and business strategy (Vol. 5). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Blythe, J. (2008). Essentials of marketing. . Pearson Education. Burda, & Wyploss. (2013). Macroeconomics. Glassgow, Gret Britain: Bell&BrainLtd. DeVito, J. A. (2007). Interpersonal munication Book. The, 13/E. New York, NY: Pearson International. DiSanza, J. R. (2016). Business and professional munication: Plans, processes, and performance. Pearson.

Is American education only about competing to be the best or improving Research Paper

Is American education only about competing to be the best or improving citizen's future - Research Paper Example In this competition the exact motive of getting education has left behind and technologies have developed a battle field among different countries. (National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Future Technologies for Army Multimedia Communications - Technology & Engineering, 1995). This paper will describe how this race began and still progressing in world among different kingdoms. The evolution of modern education took place when John Eliot, a graduate from Jesus College, Cambridge arrived in Boston in 1633. He gave some ideas for improving education system by teacher training as a result of which evolution started. By the passage of time and changing conditions, the influences of this theory were appeared and the development starts from colonial period and continue up till now. Latin Grammar School transformed from secondary to modern high school. Later other normal schools also emerged as professional schools and the whole system get revolutionized. (Dickson A. Mungazi, 1999 p 121) In 1998, an international NGO group was established named as Global Nomads Group (GNG) that design interactive global programs for students focusing global issues. In these programs four types of videoconferences were held i.e. PULSE, current, innovation and Rapid Response. In these conferences students took active part, they learn and discuss issues arising around the world related to teachers and students. It develops a new creativity in the minds of students. All the programs that are held by GNG are directly related to school prospectus in addition to teachers training. The topics include civics, social and global studies, geography, world history, science, economics and politics. In the last ten years this group has organized programs in more than forty countries. Each year about ten thousand students take part in these programs and are awarded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation and United States Distance Learning Association. They are also

The united States Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The united States Constitution - Essay Example Following this amendment, bribery, false registration, false returns of votes and interference of voting processes were made illegal. The amendment also provided for the appointment of judges who would be present at the poling registration places. Their role would be to challenge a person who unlawfully registers or votes. The legislation to protect the right to vote in all elections whether state, federal or local has since been enacted (â€Å"CRS Annotated Constitution,† cornell.edu). In 1907, the congress passed a law referred to as the Tillman Act. This enactment prohibited the national banks from making any contributions towards federal elections. Another act that was put in place was the 1910 corrupt practice act; it was later replaced in 1925. These laws regulated contributions towards elections and other expenditures towards federal elections. Section 2, clause 1 of the legislation act vests the responsibility of the congress towards the establishment of voter qualification for the purpose of congress elections. Despite this, the Supreme Court held that the right for the members of the congress to vote is adopted from federal constitution. The court further expounded that the congress has the right to protect the suffrage against official and private abridgment (â€Å"CRS Annotated Constitution,† cornell.edu). The congress is mandated to provide protection to the right of an individual, in a case where a primary election is fundamental to the procedure of choice. The freedom from violence and intimidation is secured, but the bribery made to the voters, even though within the limit of the congressional power is taken not to be an interference of the rights provided by this section of the constitution. Under this clause, the congress may claim the statutes; it has the ability to punish election officials for violation of election

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 70

Assignment - Essay Example t of view which is used to express a characters feelings or attitude in a detailed manner, second person point of view, which is used mainly to attract the reader’s attention from the beginning and third person point of view which may be used to introduce a dual point of view from the author and characters of the piece. The author of shame, Dick Gregory, employs the use of the first person point of view. This perspective is effective in creating an intimate relationship with the reader since all emotions and attitudes expressed in the narrative are from the author’s point of view. This technique is quite flexible and subjective because it allows the author to portray a stream of consciousness while conducting an interior monologue. However, this point of view is impaired because the opinions in the narrative are from a particular individual. The author of Propaganda Techniques in Today’s Advertising, employs the use of a third person point of view. She gives the readers insight into what she believes are propaganda fed to citizens by advertising mediums. This technique, allows the author to express her opinion while also expressing the opinion of other individuals on the same topic. This is a convenient and trustworthy way of passing information through an unbiased point of view. It also provides the author with great flexibility when writing the article. The author employs the use of an omniscient narrator, who is well aware of all the information required in describing the article. This perspective is employed when a certain degree of objectivity is required. It is also quite efficient in directing the reader’s attention to the idea being

Foreign film report Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Foreign film report - Movie Review Example The story is a series of flashbacks that tackled their struggles and triumphs during their college life. Rancho, Fahran and Raju were labeled idiots by the dean whom the students call Virus like the computer virus. The dean had several attempts to break their friendship by calling in Fahran and Raju’s parents telling them that Rancho is a bad influence to the two, blackmailing them and several others that had constantly failed. There was one part in the story that really made an impact, it was when Raju’s dad, the postmaster, was rushed to the hospital, after that they had to take an exam. All three were worried that they will fail the exam and when results were released, Raju and Fahran were the last two on the list that passed. Initially they had thought that Rancho failed but then it turned out that he topped the exams. And it continued to be like that for until they graduated. Their friendship was tested when Raju jumped off the third floor or the building because V irus has blackmailed him into choosing whether to tell on Rancho and he would be off the hook or he would keep his silence and he would be the one expelled. He chose to jump off the building therefore putting him on a comatose for a period of time. Rancho and Fahran did everything to make him wake up and succeeded. The story ended with the two finding their long lost friend and finding out that he had become a scientist. I liked the movie since it had emphasized the value of education, the importance of friends and that excellence comes from doing what you love the most. It is sometimes hard to find a film that can both inspire and make you laugh at the same time. And the film brought a greater understanding of the Indian culture. There were points of the film that it would just simply inspire one to excel, appreciate the triumphs and failures that are part of college life. It also shows that real friends are the rare and must valued. The film can also boast of a lot of moral lesson s in the film that are sometimes unexpected since a lot of segments in the movie shows the mischief that the three has gotten themselves into. The simplicity of the movie made it very entertaining. In the movie what struck me as different from the movie is the fact that there are parts of the movie that they had musical segments in it. There would be intervals in the movie wherein there would be a musical or a song to express the thought or to make a point. In the film, Rancho was the odd one; he doesn’t conform to the normal standards of the school. He would always be an outcast, the one always misunderstood because he views things in a different way. And when it comes to their family, what I have observed is that they follow whatever their parents want. It seemed like disobeying them is somewhat a grave offense so even if they are forced to the course that they do not have any interest in, they would do it just to obey their parent’s wishes. The time flow in the movi e seemed slow at first, but after the first few minutes, it became very much interesting that one wouldn’t notice how long the movie really is. There was a lot of humor put into the story and a lot of lessons from life that one would simply be unaware of

Income Taxation Research Project Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Income Taxation Project - Research Paper Example He is thinking on the various aspects and benefits of loan like tax implications, deductions, and alternative minimum tax (AMT) etc. He wants to be wise in taking the loan, so that he doesn’t miss any of the tax benefits. He is also seeking further tax advice on this and wants to know if the tax deductions for house owners will cause him to pay more AMT than which he normally pays because of his high income. 2. Mr. Block can avail tax benefits on as per the regulations specified in IRS Publication 936 Main Content. This includes mortgage interest, mortgage interest premiums etc. He can also detect the payments made during purchase such as Real Estate Taxes (IRS Publication 530, Main content). If he prepays the interest for mortgage that interest can also be deducted as mortgage interest as per Topic 504, Home Mortgage Points. 4. The amount of loan Mr. Block requires is greater than $100,000. In that case, he will not be able to deduct all the interest he pays towards the loan. This is present in Topic 504, Home Mortgage points. The loan period also plays a major role in the deductions he can avail. He can avail benefits if the loan period is not greater than 30 years. Also, Mr. Block can reduce the interest only if the debt is a secured debt. Further details can be obtained from IRS Publication 936 Main Content. 5. Mr. Block should also be concerned about the various Fraud practices and schemes such as property flipping, more than one settlement statement for the same house etc. as mentioned in the IRS Mortgage and Real estate Fraud section. 1. Does his earlier investment or salary have any impact on the maximum loan amount that he can get? What will be the case if he does not have a steady income and investment? Will he be able to buy the house? Generally, home mortgage interest is any interest you pay on a loan secured by your home (main home or a second home).

How the epic poem Iliad influenced Alexander the Great Research Paper

How the epic poem Iliad influenced Alexander the Great - Research Paper Example The paper "How the epic poem Iliad influenced Alexander the Great" states the influence of Iliad to Alexander the Great. To a great extent, Iliad’s world was a world of heroism for Alexander. Homer’s heroes -especially, Achilles- had influenced the young mind of Alexander in his youth. But this world also taught him morality and courage to a considerable extent. It was the courage of Achilles’ courage -to go against Agamemnon’s tyrannous, unreasonable and despotic behavior- that inspired Alexander to raise his voice often against his father’s royal policies. Though he inherited much of the war-tactics and the wisdom of fighting and winning a war from his father Philip of Macedon, textual evidences from the â€Å"Iliad† show that a significant part of Alexander’s war-tactics had been induced and modulated by the war-tactics of Homeric heroes. This paper will explore into how Alexander had been influenced by Homer’s epic poem â₠¬ËœIliad’. Alexander’s real-life activities will be compared with the textual evidences in the poem. During the formative years of his early life Alexander had been greatly influenced by the â€Å"Iliad†. Since his time, he has turned into a legendary personality. He appears to one of the most influential historical personalities who tamed the world by their courage. But this legendary personality himself has been inspired tremendously by the Greek mythologies and legends. During the early years of his life, Alexander studied the ‘Iliad’. The courage and heroism of the Greek heroes.... The courage and heroism of the Greek heroes in the story were greatly shaping the young mind of Alexander. Especially the Homeric hero Achilles attracted him so much that he decided to imitate him in his real life. Till his death, the Achillean motivation to fight in a war has haunted Alexander’s mind. This Achillean motivation is best described in the following speech of Achilles: â€Å"If I hold out here and I lay siege to Troy, / my journey home is gone, but my glory never dies. / If I voyage back to the fatherland I love, / my pride, my glory dies. . . .†1 The famous Historian Plutarch comments that being pleased by Alexander’s passion for Achilles, Aristotle himself prepared an annotated copy the ‘Iliad’ and gave it to the young boy. This annotated copy of the Iliad accompanied Alexander till the last day of his life. He even slept with it under his pillow, as Chris Whitten says in this regard: â€Å"Emulating the famous hero was apparently enc ouraged by his teacher, the great philosopher Aristotle†¦.Aristotle personally annotated a copy of the Iliad for Alexander. Alexander kept it with him throughout all his later travels, even sleeping with it under his pillow.†2 Another event in Alexander’s life inspired him to mould his life after Achilles. His mother, Olympias, had been able to convince young Alexander that he was the descendant of Achilles and Hercules. Though Olympias’s story seems to be a sheer fantasy, it shook Alexander’s young mind vehemently and prepared him mentally to keep the fantasized Achillean heroic family tradition intact. Iliad’s Role on Alexander’s Conflict with Philip II From the very beginning of his career in the Macedonian Army, Alexander began to react against

Veronica Aunsionwu Essay Example for Free

Veronica Aunsionwu Essay Veronica Aunsionwu, founder of The Lord’s Word on Healing Ministry and author of several books on overcoming infertility, would like to announce the creation of her newest website, Beautifulandpregnanant. com. This website promotes her new books, Woman, You Are Not Infertile, volumes one and two. These books give practical advice from the Word of God about difficulties becoming pregnant, and what one can do to overcome these difficulties through trust and prayer. Ms. Aunsionwu feels called by God to share what she has learned through years of study and self-experience regarding problems in reproduction and the miracles God can bring to people who will believe in Him and call on His name for a child of their own. In addition to the announcement of the two new books by Ms. Aunsionwu, there is also an announcement of a five-part e-course that can be ordered for free from beautifulandpregnant. com. This course will go over the basics of the two new books, and it will give all those who are interested a glimpse of the information that Ms. Aunsionwu has so carefully complied for those who so desperately desire a child of their own. Beautifulandpregnant. com is full of excerpts from the two new books, and it also offers pertinent Bible verses and stories of success to inspire and encourage all visitors to the site. As both volumes of Woman, You Are Not Infertile are e-books, they can be bought and downloaded from beautifulandpregnant. com in mere minutes. If one does choose to download the volumes, there is a special offer of four dollars off when both are purchased together, and there are two free gifts available as well. These free e-books will help with naming your baby and feeling your best during pregnancy. There is a 60-day guarantee with purchase, and the free gifts are yours to keep. Come, let Ms. Aunsionwu’s interpretation of God’s Word encourage and strengthen you on your quest to bear a child. Beautifulandpregnant. com is well worth your visit!

Ethyl Acetate Properties

Ethyl Acetate Properties Ethyl acetate is the most popular ester from ethanol and acetic acid. It is manufactured on a large scale for use as a solvent. Ethyl acetate is a moderately polar solvent that has the advantages of being volatile, relatively non-toxic, and non-hygroscopic. Ethyl Acetate is an organic compound which also known as, ethyl ethanoate, commonly abbreviated EtOAc or EA. Below is the table of Ethyl Acetate general data and physical properties: FORMULA CH3COOCH2CH3 MOLECULAR WEIGHT 88.10 MELTING POINT -83.6 °C BOILING POINT 77.15 °C INDEX OF REFRACTION nd20 1.372 DENSITY d20 0.902 g/mL SPECIFIC HEAT (20 °C) 0.459 kcal/kg. °C LATENT HEAT (bp) 88 kcal/kg VISCOSITY (20 °C) 0.455 cP EA SOLUBILITY IN WATER (20 °C) 7.7 wt.% WATER SOLUBILITY IN EA (20 °C) 3.3 wt.% Table 1.1 : Physical Properties of Ethyl Acetate Ethyl acetate can dissolve up to 3% water and has a solubility of 8% in water at room temperature. At elevated temperature its solubility in water is higher. It is unstable in the presence of strong aqueous bases and acids. Ethyl Acetate can be manufactured by several types of process such as esterification, Tishchenkos reaction and Advanced Acetates by Direct Addition (AVADA) technology. In 1985 it was approximately 400000 tones in tons were produced yearly in Japan, North America, and Europe combined. The commercial Ethyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, sweet smell odor and has a minimum purity of 99.8%, with water and ethanol not exceeding 0.03%. Historical Review of Ethylbenzene Processes Ethyl Acetate is primarily produced by direct esterification of ethyl alcohol (e.g ethanol) with acetic acid, a process which involves mixing acetic acid with excess of ethyl alcohol and adding a small amount of sulphuric acid. This mixture contains about 65% of ester (EA). Then the EA is separated and purified by distillation in order to achieve commercial specification. This process considers as exothermic and safe where the heat of reaction is -0.0114kJ/mol with no danger of decomposition. Other methods that often use in manufacturing ethyl acetate are based on Tishchenkos reaction. This reaction is by combining two equivalents of acetaldehyde in the presence of an alkoxide base as catalyst. This way is a commercial method of producing ethyl acetate. Due to the observation and experiment by Tishchenko, the result shown that the obtainable yield of ethyl acetate by adding aluminum ethoxide to acetaldehyde at -20oC is 61%. In addition, new and interesting process of manufacturing ethyl acetate is Advanced Acetates by Direct Addition (AVADA) technology. This reaction used the reaction of ethylene, acetic acid and water with the presence of heteropoly acid (HPA) catalyst. It then will undergo reaction at vapor phase before being fed into the separation section where the major product and by-product being separated. This process can produce ethyl acetate at 99% concentration. The Uses of Ethyl Acetate Ethyl acetate is used as solvent in a wide range application especially in industries. It is one of the most popular solvent that used in surface coating and thinners manufacture such as nitrocellulose lacquers, varnishes and thinners. It exhibits high dilution ratios with both aromatic and aliphatic diluents and is the least toxic of industrial organic solvents. Pharmaceuticals also required ethyl acetate as an extraction solvent for the concentration and purification of antibiotics. Manufacturing of various drugs also used ethyl acetate as an intermediate. High purity product can be used as a viscosity reducer for resins used in photoresist formulations in the electronics industry. Besides that, ethyl acetate acts as a solvent in the preparation of synthetic fruit essences, flavors and perfumes. On the other hand, the extensive amounts of ethyl acetate are used in the manufacture of flexible packaging and in the manufacture of polyester films and BOPP films. It is also used in the treatment of aluminium foils. Ethyl acetate is used as solvent to dissolve the resin, control the viscosity and modify the drying rate in inks for flexographic and rotogravure printing. Based on ICIS article that has been updated April 2008, the global demand is predicted to grow at 3-4%/year because of strong demand for surface coatings and as a replacement for restricted solvents. China and Southeast Asia are largest demand while Western Europe is developed markets. Southeast Asia and China are expected to become the most popular for ethyl acetate production and consumption. The Southeast Asian paints and coatings market is expected to grow at 5-6%/year. Japans Daicel Industries is converting an acetic acid plant in Otake, Hiroshima to produce ethyl acetate by using bio-ethanol as the raw material. It will have a capacity of 50,000 tonnes/year with production expected to start in spring 2009. The global demand growth for US is about 2%/year to 2009. According to ICIS Chemical Business (ICB), US demand increased from 88,500 tonnes in 2005 to 95,300 tonnes in 2009. Around 60% of ethyl acetate is consumed in US as a solvent in a variety of coating formulations. These coatings are used for wood furniture and fixtures, agricultural, construction and mining equipment, containers and closures, auto refinishing, and maintenance and marine applications. Around 20% of the ethyl acetate is used as solvent-based architectural coatings for both exterior and interior use. This sector has been growing at approximately 6%/year. However, in industrial coatings the usage of ethyl acetate is decline because of environmental constraints has largely been completed and future growth in the US is estimated to be a healthier 2.5%/year up to 2009. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) solvent-based coatings have been declining slowly in the US. The OEM sector, however, is the largest and represents 58% of ethyl acetates coatings use demand. The remaining sector, specialty coatings, which includes marine coatings, has held steady. The European market is reported to be balanced with big supply and steady demand. However, future demand is expected to be flat and or even contract slightly as consumption by local paints and inks sectors shrinks as production moves eastwards. In the UK, INEOS has acquired BPs ethyl acetate business including a 250,000 tonnes/year plant in Hull. Future consolidation is seen as possible in Europe as ethylene-based producers struggle to compete against more competitive ethanol-based production. Europe could also become more reliant on imports. PROCESS BACKGROUND Esterification Esterification is a chemical reaction process between alcohol and carboxylic acid in the presence of catalyst that formed ester. This mixture converts to ester about 65% at room temperature. The commonly concentrated sulphuric acid is acting as a esterification catalyst to enhance the reaction. The sulphuric acid removes water to help shift the equilibrium towards forming more ester product. Water is a by- product and must be removed in order to get the equilibrium in the desired direction. This process is a simple process, well known reaction, and moderately exothermic where the heat or reaction, H is -0.0114kJ/mol with no danger of decomposition reaction. The optimum temperature for this reaction is in the range of 363 K 400 K while the optimum pressure is in the range of 20 bar 40 bar. Ethanoic Acid + Ethanol Ethyl Acetate + Water CH3COOH + C2H5OH CH3C02C2H5 The reaction between acetic acid and ethanol to produce ethyl acetate in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid. This process is released a few amount of heat to the surrounding and classified as exothermic reaction. This reaction is called a homogeneous liquid phase. Water is formed in the reaction is removed continuously to ensure maximum conversion of acetic acid. The catalyst can be heteregenous and homogeneous. There are two categories of catalyst that can be used in this reaction, mineral acid catalyst and para toluene sulphonic acid or ion exchange resins can serve as heterogenous catalyst. Process Description Ethanol and acetic acid together with crude ethyl acetate is fed into the reactor in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid to produce ester and water. Then, the products are fed into the distillation column (DC1) to separate water and ester (ethyl acetate). The bottom product of DC1 is water and the overhead product is ethyl acetate. This part are taken by dehydration and azeotropic distillation of ethyl acetate and water. The overhead product is passed to the decanter to separate the organic phase and aquase phase. The upper layer known as organic phase while lower layer known as aqueous phase. partially of organic phase is fed into the reactor and another potion of organic phased is passed into the second distillation column (DC2). The second column is a purify process where to give the pure ethyl acetate (bottom product). The top product is a mixture that consists of ethyl acetate, water and ethanol. this mixture is separated after cooling process and the light phase is fed back to DC2 and the rest is transferred to the second decanter where its process is same as the first decanter to separate the organic and aqueous phase. Pipeline is used to combine the aqueous phase from the both decanters and distilled in the third column to give waste water at the bottom product and again ester, water and alcohol. This stream is recycled into the reaction column. Raw Material Ethanol: Ethanol is one of the material that is being used in the esterification process. it is also known as ethyl alcohol. ethanol is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid. Ethanol can be obtain by fermentation of plants. Ethanol is relatively non-toxic and dissolve in water. It is a renewable energy source and it has less harmfull effects on the environment. However, ethanol will also give an impacts to the environment. The use of ethanol is a problem for conventional air pollutants. Ethanol used will increase the emission of chemicals that lead to the production of ozone. Ethanoic acid: One of the raw material needed to complete the reaction. Ethanoic Acid is one of the simplest carboxylic acid. it is a colourless liquid with an unpleasant pungent odour. ethanoic acid is produced by the oxidation of ethanol. Ethanoic acid is highly corrosive to the metals and it is also potentially harmful to our health. Sulphuric acid (catalyst): Sulphuric acid is chosed as homogeneous catalyst in this reaction. this catalyst is very effective mineral acid catalyst. however, this sulphuric acid is strongly corrosive and leaves sulfate residues. besides that, it is also generates large amount of heat. Tishchenkos Reaction Tishchenkos reaction is a reaction that need the presence of an alkoxide base while two equivalents of acetaldehyde is combining. This way is becoming commercial method of producing ethyl acetate in Europe since acetaldehyde become important intermediate on the basis of acetylene. Due to Tishchenko, the obtainable yield of ethyl acetate by adding aluminum ethoxide to acetaldehyde at -20 °C is 61%. The reaction is expressed by, [catalyst; alkoxide base (e.g Aluminum Ethoxide)] 2CH3CHO CH3COOCH2CH3 (Acetaldehyde) (Ethyl Acetate) Figure 1.3: Tishchenkos process Process Description For the process of Tishchenkos reaction, acetaldehydes will be introduced to the catalyst solution continuously. The catalyst is first need to be prepared by dissolving granular Aluminium in an ethanol-ethyl acetate mixture in the presence of aluminium chloride and small amount of zinc chloride. This catalyst (basicly Aluminum Ethoxide) is prepare uncontinuosly. In reactor, while acetaldehyde contact with the prepared catalyst, the ratio of the reaction partner must be adjust in order to obtain 98% transformation of acetaldehyde in one passage. A further 1.5% transformation is achieved in stirring vessels. Consecutively to make sure the reaction temperature is kept to 0 °C, brine with normally -20 °C will be used as the cooler. This reaction takes approximately 1 hour to completely mix before being transfer to residue separation. Next, separator is needed to remove the residue that contain in the mixture. The distillable products are removed by evaporation. For the economic issue, the residue is treated with water to regain ethanol. For the residual slurry, it can either be given to biological degradation plant or it can be burned together with other organic waste products. Subsequently, the distillable products need to be purifying in so that it can achieve commercial purity which is approximately 99.8%. Therefore, distillation column is used. For the 1st series of distillation column, light end are separated and this steam is further distilled to take non-converted acetaldehyde, which is returned to reactor. Then ethanol that contain ethyl acetate is separated for reuse in catalyst preparation. The bottom of 1st column give the high quality or grade of ethyl acetate that only will obtain at the head of the next column due to the need of separation of high boiling condensation products in mixture with ethyl acetate which will be remove at the bottom. In addition, further small column is needed to recover another part of pure ethyl acetate to isolate acetaldehyde diethyl acetal. Hence, after purification is done the recover product can used as an important intermediate or hydrolyzed in an acid medium to give reusable acetaldehyde and ethanol. Raw Material Acetaldehyde It is also known as ethanal. Acetaldehyde is one of the most important aldehyde and is being produced in a large scale industrially. This substance can be produced by the oxidation of ethylene. Although it is not a costly substance and it is very easy to get, acetaldehyde is a very toxic substance. It can give harm to living organisms and toxic substance is not an environmental friendly. It is an air pollutant resulting from combustion. Advanced Acetates By Direct Addition (Avada) In AVADA process, ethyl acetate is produced by reacting ethylene with acetic acid and water in the presence of heteropoly acid catalyst. The amount of water being used is in range from 1-10 mole% based on the total ethylene and acetic acid. The presence of water can reduce the amount of unwanted by-product that formed by the reaction. The mole ratio of ethylene to acetic acid in the feed stream is in range of 6.0 to 12.2, while for ethylene to water, the mole ratio is between 8.0 to 17.0 and the mole ratio of acetic acid to water is from 1.25 to 1.40. Heteropoly acid CH2 = CH2 + CH3C02H CH3C02CH2CH3 (ethylene) (acetic acid) Water (ethyl acetate) The reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature in the range from 160 °C to 195 °C while the preferably pressure is between 1200 kPa to 1500 kPa. The catalyst used must consist at least one heteropoly acid salt of a metal such as litium, cuprum, and magnesium which supported on a carrier. The heteropoly acid used is phosphotungstic acid while the carrier is silica. Heteropoly acids usually have a high molecular weight in the range of 700 8500 and include dimeric complexes. They have high solubility in polar solvents such as water or other oxygenated solvents. In order to achieve optimum performance, the carrier should free from metals or elements which can affect the catalytic activity of the system. To prepare the carrier, firstly the heteropoly acid is dissolved in distilled water, demineralised water, alcohols or other non-aqueous solution. Then the carrier is soaked in the acid solution for several hours with periodic manual stirring. After that it is filtered using Buchner funnel to remove any excess acid. The wet catalyst is then placed in an oven at elevated temperature for several hours to dry. Lastly it is allowed to cool to ambient temperature in desiccators. Now this supported catalyst is ready to be used in esterification process. BASIC FLOW DIAGRAM OF ETHYL ACETATE PRODUCTION BY AVADA The basic flow diagram of the unit is shown in the above figure. The unit consist of feed section, reaction section, and product and by-product separation section. The basic flow diagram of the unit is shown in the above figure. The unit consist of feed section, reaction section, and product and by-product separation section. The fresh feed which contain ethylene, acetic acid and water are fed into the vaporiser. Vaporiser is used to change the liquid phase feed into vapour phase as the reaction is preferably carried out in the vapour phase. It also includes a recycle system for both unreacted feeds and all the major by-products. The combined feed vapour stream is fed to a reactor train comprising of four fixed bed reactors in which each reactor already filled with catalyst. The reactants are passed over the catalyst suitably at a GHSV (Gas Hourly Space Velocity) of 300 to 2000 per hour. The first three reactors are fitted with acid/water injection to the exit streams. This is to facilitate independent control of reactor inlet temperatures and to maintain the desired ethylene to acid ratio. The fourth reactor functions as finishing reactor where the final conversion of ethylene and acetic acid to ethyl acetate is achieved. There are four by-product formed from the reaction which are 2-butanone, acetaldehyde, ethanol and diethyl ether. The crude product stream exiting the last reactor is cooled before entering the flash drum where the separation of non-condensable (gas) and condensable (liquid) phases occurs. The recovered gas is recycled back to the vaporiser while the liquid stream enters the product separation and purification system. In this system, series of distillation columns designed to recover and purify the final product. It is also to recover the unreacted acetic acid, water, ethanol and light ends streams for recycling back to the vaporiser. Advantages and Disadvantages of AVADA The AVADA process is superior to other additional processes in terms of environmental protection. This is because AVADA uses a solid acid catalyst. Therefore, there are fewer requirements for the treatment and disposal of aqueous effluent compared to traditional esterification reaction that produces as much water as ethyl acetate. Since AVADA process eliminates the intermediate esterification steps and the need for ethanol, it save about 20% on energy cost compare to conventional routes. The AVADA process produces high purity (more than 99%) which reduces the production of by-products. Undesirable by products such as 2-butanone and acetaldehyde may be controlled by careful adjustment of feed composition and reaction temperatures while maintaining acceptable ethyl acetate yields. The production of c4 unsaturated hydrocarbons is significantly reduced. Therefore, the catalyst lifetime can be extended. The disadvantages of AVADA process is rapid catalyst deactivation thus disturbing the quality of the product. However, this problem can be solved using a bed porous silica beads with the heteropolyacid impregnated in the pores. PROCESS SELECTION There are three methods found in the production of ethyl acetate which are Tishchenko, Esterification and Advanced Acetates by Direct Addition (AVADA). By considering all of the advantages and disadvantages of each process, the Acetates by Direct Addition (AVADA) was chosen as the best alternative to produce ethyl acetate. The main reason AVADA was chosen are because the catalyst used is environmental friendly. TICHSHENKOS ESTERIFICATION ADVANCED ACETATE BY DIRECT ADDICTION (AVADA) RAW MATERIAL Acetaldehyde Ethanol Acetic acid Ethylene Acetic acid Water CATALYST Alkoxide base (e.g aluminium ethoxide) Produced large amount of aluminium residue which is not easily separated Produce large amount of wastewater Acid catalyst (e.g Sulphuric acid) Very corrosive Produce sulphate residue Heteropolyacid (e.g phosphotungstic acid) The catalyst lifetime can be extended Using solid catalyst- waste free and less requirement for treatment OPERATING CONDITION 0 °C 1 hour reaction 90 0C 127 °C 20 bar 40 bar 160 °C 195 °C 1200 kPa 1500kPa PURITY Crude ethyl 61 % purity Crude ethyl 55 % purity Crude ethyl 99 % purity NUMBER OF EQUIPMENT USE 5 equipments ( distillation column, feed surge drum, reactor, separator, mixer) 3 equipments (reactor , decanter, distillation column) 5 equipments (vaporizer, reactor, flash drum, distillation column, compressor) REACTION 2Acetaldehyde Ethyl Acetate ethanol + ethanoic acid ethyl acetate Ethylene + acetic acid Ethyl acetate AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIAL Produce in large scale in Europe due to the importance of acetaldehyde as intermediate on the basis ofacetylene Easy to get in china Table 1.2: Comparison between all processes PROCESS ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES AVADA (Advanced Acetates By Direct Addition) Undesirable by products such as 2-butanone and acetaldehyde may be controlled by careful adjustment of feed composition and reaction temperatures while maintaining acceptable ethyl acetate yields. The production of c4unsaturated hydrocarbons is significantly reduced. The catalyst lifetime may be significantly extended. The process economics are improved by a reduced requirement to operate process purge streams to reduce the recycle of undesirable by-products and by the ability to de-bottleneck the product purification system. Very high purity (>99%). Avoid environmental hazards by using heteropolyacids (environmentally friendly). More energy efficiency save ~20% on energy costs. Using solid catalyst waste free and less requirement for treatment and disposal of aqueous effluent. Rapid catalyst deactivation thus disturbing the quality of the product. Esterification Well known reaction. Moderately exothermic reactions with no danger of decomposition of reactions. The reaction also exhibit second order ractions when no strong acid is present and a kind of autocatalytic behaviour when the acid is introducespurification system. Acidic feedstocks Concentrated sulphuric acid is a harmful chemical reagent. Generates large amount of heat. Tishchenkos Reaction The raw materials are produced in large quantities. The price of the raw material is not very costly. It is an alternative way due to expensive price of ethanol. Produce large amount of aluminium residue which is not easily separated due to the use of aluminium ethoxide as a catalyst . The use of the catalyst can create a large amount of wastewaters and thus extra cost is needed to treat the waste. The raw material, acetaldehyde is a very toxic substance. Table 1.3 : Advantages and disadvantages of each processes