The poem begins with a statement on the nature of change. The speaker suggests that change is not dramatic, easily recognised. Instead the is a natural, gradual, gentle change;

Things do not explode

They fail, they fade.

The use of “explode”, the rejection of that same idea, the confident tone of the poems opening line and the use of the alliterative “fail” and “fade” present the reader with a strong, persuasive declaration. The following four couplets then offer examples that illustrate the premise or proposition. This is an effect rhetorical technique. One such example of how things end can be found in the way

Sunlight fades from the flesh

Or

The foam drains quick in the sand

These lines represent snapshots. This cinematography gives a greater insight into the movement and colour that represent change. These attractive images enhance the senses of the reader. The repetitive F sounds - fail, fade, fades, flesh, foam - and the repetition of “they” and “as” contribute to the poems musical quality.

In the third couplet the word “even” announces another and stronger instance of the speakers belief in the nature of things:

Even love's lightning flesh

Has no thunderous end

Here there is the recognition of loves exciting nature - it's “lightning flash” - and also, it's fading away petering out, its ending without drama. This is due to the emotion “dies” slowly over a long period of time. The transient nature of life. Walcott presents the death of love as a truly distressing thing. The vacuum and silence after the slow fading of love is represented with a truly haunting image.

It dies with the sound

Of flowers fading like the flesh

The image of fading flowers is a familiar one. No flower explodes and the fact that nature fades away is a very effective reminder of the truth that things “fail” and “fade”. We know it, the poet says, from our noticing of the gradual fading away of flesh when wee use a pumice stone.

From sweating pumice stone

The speaker presents us with the final, intriguing couplet

Till we are left

With the silence that surrounds Beethoven's head.

The image of Beethoven brings alive an image of brilliance, genius, music, and creativity. The poem's final image reminds us of Beethoven's mind and his imagination expressed through his masterful music. This last stanza perhaps contradicts the first 5, as it can be interpreted that the work of art, in this instance music, can live beyond death, beyond the silence. However it can also be interpreted that even a great man such as Beethoven, will eventually “fail” and “fade”. It becomes a striking image of Endings.

The bond between Huck and Jim displays fraternal elements. The component of brotherly protection and care shows itself when Huck defends Jim from the men on the raft by telling them that no black men are with him.

"'Is your man white or black?' I didn't answer up prompt. I tried to, but the words wouldn't come. I tried for a second or two to brace up and out with it, but I warn't man enough--hadn't the spunk of a rabbit. I see I was weakening; so I just give up trying, and up and says: "He"s white'" (Twain 89).

The magnificent level of trust within a fraternal connection is reflected in Huck and Jim's relationship when Huck assures his companion that he will not tell anyone about Jim running away. "Well, I did. I said I wouldn't, and I'll stick to it. Honest injun, I will" (43). The repetition of the promise that Huck will not tell anyone and keep Jim's secret, further emphasizes the trust between the two and the genuineness of their brother-like relationship.

The anti-institutional boy and the runaway slave's affiliation exhibit some father-son features. The quality of eternal love present in a paternal relationship comes through when Jim describes his feelings when Huck was lost out in the river. "When I got all wore out with work, en wid de callin' for you, en went to sleep, my heart wuz mos' broke bekase you wuz los', en I didn't k'yer no' mo' what become er me en da raf'" (85). Jim uses a common image of a "broken heart" to describe the emotional tear he felt throughout this confusion. The image of the "broken heart" is a powerful one and the love behind it could only be expressed in a paternalistic correlation. The protection and safety sought out by fathers for their sons is a magnificent part of any fatherly relationship. Jim mocks this struggle to keep Huck safe when the two come across a dead body in the floating house. Jim tries to protect Huck from the sight of the body, fearing Huck's emotional and psychological disposition just like a real father. "It's a dead man. Yes, indeedy; naked, too. He's ben shot in de back. I reck'n he's ben dead two er three days. Come in, Huck, but doan' look at his face--it's too gashly" (50). These elements of a paternal relationship are present and shown within the relationship of Huck and Jim.

The interracial connection between Huck and Jim is nothing like that of the time, as both Huck and Jim are tolerant toward each other at the least. The reverse of societal rolls as master and slave reverses when Huck "humbles himself" to Jim. At this time in history, a white male no matter how old would never feel this way towards a black person. Huck essentially states that he cares about Jim no matter what color his skin is. "It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and I warn't every sorry for it afterward neither" (86). Also within the same passage, Huck mentally apologizes to Jim and feels sorry for the emotional stress Huck put over Jim. "I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd "a" knowed it would make him feel that way" (86). Huck realizes that Jim was very scared and detached over Huck' trick; Huck is sorry for the grief and states that he would have never done it if he knew Jim would feel this way. Huck's simple, guilt-stricken thoughts toward Jim reflect the tolerance the two show toward each other's skin color. The generalization and common ethics of society do not influence the way Huck and Jim feel about each other.

Different types of relationships, fraternal, paternal, and tolerant, show through in the close bond between Huck and Jim. Many may argue that the relationships between Huck and Jim go only as far as that of two traveling companions escaping to the same place and nothing deeper. However, Jim graciously fills the absence of a true friend and an authoritative, paternal figure throughout Huck's life and the runaway slave is perfect for the missing characters. Jim, lacking a brother and a trusted friend in his life, unites well with Huck because the two desperately need each other. Their relationships are mutual; the two men give each other exactly what the other needs most.

New Moon had trouble keeping my attention, and wasn't as positive as Twilight.

     If you had any trouble reading Twilight cover to cover, it will only be worse with New Moon. Mainly, I didn't get through it very quickly, because nothing very interesting happened until it got about halfway through the book, although, on a positive note, it did get very interesting after that. The reading has sent some more sensitive readers into a bit of a depression, until they finished the book.

There are some good characters introduced to New Moon that only appeal to some people.

     When the reader gets to a certain point in the book, one of the minor characters from Twilight becomes a major character in New Moon. In my opinion, this character was a good replacement for the other character that's out of the book at the time (I can't say who, or I'd spoil the surprise!), although some people didn't like him. He became one of my favorite characters, because I found it easy to relate to him, because I've been in his place before (being hopelessly in love with someone who only wants to be best friends).

New Moon's plot moves more slowly than Twilight's, but it's still worth reading to the end.

     While it did take me awhile to read through this book, I thought it was worth it for the ending. If you're the type of reader who gets a little depressed by the book, it's important to read it to the end.

New Moon can be either happy, or sad.

     While some people have fallen into a bit of a depression reading the book, others have thoroughly enjoyed it, and been very hopeful that it would end happily. I still enjoyed it, because although there was a lack of real action, I got to learn about a new "species". There was more drama than the last book, and a little less romance, but I still liked it.

So overall.....

     While New Moon was a good deal more dramatic than Twilight, I would still give it a seven on a scale of one to ten. It had an interesting new character, with more and more revealed about him as the book progresses. I still like Stephenie Meyer's writing style, and she continues to use many literary devices, with alot of similes, and metaphors. So overall..... I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes drama, or enjoyed reading Twilight.

Twilight has plenty of love, drama, and action, and it's kept well-balanced.

     While some people may claim Twilight is a "girl book", it's actually not hard for a guy to get through. Being a guy myself, I personally had no problem getting interested in the book, because it's kept suspenseful, and there's not TOO much passionate, mushy stuff, although it is a love story.

     The book does get a little dramatic at times, when the protagonist (who IS a girl) talks about the other main character... the one she's in love with, although it doesn't get too extreme. While the author does use ALOT of similes, metaphors, and does get very descrpitive when describing things, it doesn't get out of hand, and the plot is advanced quickly enough to keep most readers interested.

     Although this book is mainly a love-story, it does have a bit of action. Some of the main characters are actually supernatural characters, and it's very interesting to hear about their amazing abilities. The book isn't action-packed, like some books I've read, which keeps it balanced, and helps it appeal to members of both sexes.

Twilight is a major page-turner, but only at some points

     Another reason I liked Twilight is because it's just suspenseful enough for the reader to stay initerested, without getting lost or confused. Various things about the characters are revealed at good times throughout the book, so most readers would stay interested long enough to make it to the good parts. This is where the book appeals a little bit more to the feminine sex, though, because it uses many passionate, descriptive words, similes, and metaphors, but because of this, it can be a bit slow-paced for a guy with a short attention span. Admittingly, at times I did get a little bored with the book, though I did finish it, and like it.

Twilight's characters are all well-developed, and all interesting in their own way

     Twilights characters all vary greatly, (I can't go into great detail without spoiling the book) and they're all interesting in their own special ways. From the mysterious Edward, to the puppy-like Mike, to the young Jacob, back to clumsy Bella, all of the characters are very interesting, and much more is learned about them through the book. There is a great twist dealing with one of the characters (again, can't go into detail), and it really fills in alot of blanks in the book!

So overall.....

On a scale of 1-10, I would give this book a solid 8. It keeps the reader interested for the most part, but does lose one's attention at times. Still, everything taken into account, this is one of my favorite books, and I would reccomend it highly to just about anyone with an at least average attention span!

For those of you who have already read Twilight, then check out my review on it's sequel, New Moon

Some people, especially women, stayed being single and miserable because of these major reasons:

• Wrong beliefs we have got from the religious leaders.
• Insane principles we have got from friends and family.
• Nutty ideas we have got from the media.

Things would possibly change if we take the responsibility to ourselves to move forward.

Summary:

According to Bo Sanchez, here are the eight steps to fulfill on how to find your one true love:

1. Take responsibility for finding your one true love: You cannot blame God if you have the wrong choice since it is your choice.  But, you should know first the God's will for your life.  Discerning God's will is not about consulting to an oracle.  It is about making decisionss in perfect timing by trusting God.
2. Know what is stopping you insided: Identify first your internal hindrances and fears. If you find a breakage from them, then you have to move on to the next step.  you must have a high self-esteem before expecting anyone to love you.
3. Talk to lots of guys: Do not hide yourself inside your shell.  You are about to meet new people and explore new things beyond your interests.  It will boost-up your self-esteem if you talk to a lot of people.
4. Have as many friendly dates as humanly possible: In engaging friendly dates, you will know the personalities of these guys, and it would be fun because there are many to choose from.
5. Be attractive: Wear your modest clothes.  Take care of your hygiene.  Be respectful to yourself.
6. Know what you want in a spouse: What do you really want in a spouse? That is a key question here.  And, how do you want your future spouse treat you? Would you like to be treated like a queen or a punching bag? Another key question, isn't it?
7. Enter into courtship: This is an exclusive relationship that will prepare you for marriage. There should be love, responsibility, and commitment.  In this stage, you should explore more time to get to know each othe better.  And, your relationship will be tested through the trials of fate. Perhaps changes of circumstances would occur.
8. Trust God and enjoy life: Becoming an attractive person, you have to work a lot on your character.  If you do not find the one that is right for you, then you should enjoy your life more, explore and learn new skills.  Marriage would not complete a man or a woman because we are already complete.  To appreciate God is to be happy.  Be grateful that we are humans and alive.

Conclusion:

What is true love? In order to have a true love for the right person is you are willing to make a firm decision that you will choose to love him forever.  Here is nother point on choosing the right man.  Judge him by the measure of his committed love towards his parents, siblings, God, and himself.  This is how he will love you in the future.

I asked her why is she so eager to know the price difference, she said she have read it online through e-books in the internet but she still wants to acquire the four books of Stephenie Meyers' Twilight collection before the first movie of the same title opens in the big screen this coming 21 of November 2008. Silly but I didn't mind researching for her on where to buy these books. I went to some book stores here and I also checked online. When I've seen the collection of the books at ebay online which costs $45 dollars only, I grabbed the opportunity and bought these books for her and be delivered at home. When she received it, she was jumping for joy and very thankful. She said it's the best Christmas gift she has received. With her words of thankfulness, I got interested to these books and started downloading a copy through the net and then I say the rest is history.

Twilight is a story about a vampire Edward and a human being Bella who fell in love with each other. I just started with the first book and got engrossed to it completely. The idea of falling for a vampire was quiet unusual but it could be possible. This love story speaks of the sacrifices even common human beings can encounter. In this book I have known that good vampires exist who prefers to drink animal blood then human blood. They even go to school to acquire the most recent knowledge the world is offering. But through the love that they've shared trials are inevitable same as other relationships especially with their big differences. Edwards' fear on the thought the he might kill Bella since she has a very good scent of blood flowing through her veins that vampires can't resist even though he opt not to since it's their nature and that he can't grow old but Bella will eventually. The bad vampires are not absent in the story, they are the ones who believe that living with humans without hurting them is not possible.

The story didn't bore me at all; it has certain lessons and analogies same as the normal human life. I don't consider being in love with a vampire but just compare it to similar instances like being with someone who has different beliefs as you are. A person whom you love that has far beyond intelligence and ideas than you had. Similar situations that tests relationships on how strong they are and on how patient they are on not giving up even with sacrifices.

I am now starting to read the second book and looking forward for the movie that is going to be shown. I give credits to Stephenie Meyer for her creativity in putting this book together. It changed my whole perspective in reading same type of books, it's not actually a waste of time but it could serve as an inspiration and you get to learn from it that is applicable in our daily lives.

There are 3 super states in the whole world.  Oceania, East-Asia, and Eur-Asia.  The story takes place in Oceania.  Winston works in the Ministry of Truth.  There are 4 ministries that are the government.  There Is the Ministry of truth, the Ministry of Love, the Ministry of Peace, and the Ministry of Plenty.   The Ministry of truth works with entertainment, news, education, and fine arts.  The Ministry of Love consists of maintaining the law and order.  The ministry of peace worked with war, and the Ministry of Plenty was responsible for economic affairs.  The citizens in Oceania are treated poorly.  There are the Proles who are like lower class people in the book and in present time now.  There are also the Party Members who were not wealthy (some were) but they made more money and had better living conditions than the Proles.  The Party Members worked in the different sections in the ministries.  Then there was Big Brother.  He was on Posters everywhere!  No one had actually seen him in real life so they did not know if he was an actual person or not but if they doubted that then they could most likely been vaporized or thrown in a labor-camp.  All Party members wore blue jumpsuits. 

Winston’s part in the Ministry of Truth was to take documents and alter them so that they were correct.  Winston loved his job.  It made him think and he liked making up stories when he had to for some articles such as when he makes up a person so he can make an article true.  During his job there was a thing called the 2 minutes hate which is when Goldstein (the supposed “bad guy” who tries to sabotage Oceania) gets on the Telescreen and talks and shows his army killing people from Oceania.  The Telescreen is in every building o every wall and it allows the government to watch and listen to your every move so that they can monitor that you aren’t doing anything wrong or trying to betray the government.  Anyways during the 2 minutes hate one day Winston has 2 things happen.  He catches O’Brien’s eye and somehow he tells Winston through the eye contact that he to hates the government.  O’Brien is a higher ranking person in the Ministry.  The second of which is when he sees a young girl in her 20s that is seated next to him and at first he hates he and wants to kill her in many ways and rape her but then afterwards he finds that he is in love with her. 

One day as Winston Is going to the bathroom the Girl is walking in the same direction as he and trips.  Winston helps her up by grabbing her hand and as she did this she handed him a slip of paper.  Winston later reads and finds out that she said that she “Loves him.”  They meet one day and talking through clenched teeth so it appears as though they aren’t talking to each other they make a meeting place on Sunday out in the country.  Winston goes to meet her    and they fall in love.  They kiss and hug and then have sex.  They meet each other occasionally having a couple of weeks where they are to busy with work to meet.  Then as a month or so passes they start renting the attic of a Prole’s shop who knows what is going on but is fine with it and says he won’t rat them out.  One night as Winston is going to work O’Brien meets with him and as they walk he O’Brien make up an excuse for Winston to come to his penthouse and meet him.  Winston and Julia (his beloved partner) go and see O’Brien.  They find out that O’Brien is the leader of the brother hood that wants to tear down the government.  They receive a book made by Goldstein himself and is to read it to fill there minds with the knowledge about the governments.  One Morning as Winston and Julia wake up from staying in the attic of the Prole’s house they are told to get on the ground and to not move.  Then a Telescreen pops out from behind a picture and they hear a bold Strong voice coming from it.  Then the thought police come up the stairs and arrest them.  The prole who owned the little antique shop comes walking up the stairs in a thought police suit.  He had been spying on them for months and they hadn’t even known.  In fact they had been spying on Winston for 7 years! 

   They torture Winston and Julia but they never see another during the time they spent in The Ministry of Peace.  During the time being tortured Winston finds out that O’Brien is the one torturing him.  After around 2 years of being tortured they let Winston go.  He then got a new, higher paying job, and sits in the Chestnut Tree Café all day drinking gin and playing chess with himself.  In the end he loves Big Brother.

Have you ever wondered if animals have a soul? If you could speak and understand their language, what would they say? If you could hear their heart beats in harmony with the universe, would it change your life forever?

Who would have thought that birds can be poets? Read this poem written by Laguna, a macaw in the book The Birds in My Life, a #1 best seller on Amazon.com:

People call Her Supreme Master Ching Hai

Because She comes from the Most High.

But She is our loving Mom

We winged children know Her by.

Her hair is like golden feathers,

Her voice chimes like a bird’s.

When She sings us lullabies,

The music lifts us to the highest heavenly worlds.

She comes from a place full of light,

And She brings it to earth for our great delight.

Our house is full of love,

Lots of laughter, good food and sunshine from above.

She is the colors of the rainbow,

The fragrance of a flower.

She is the blessing rain,

The softness of the summer hour.

She is the universe we know so well,

Resting in Her bosom we will never all.

How can we leave east, west, north and south?

She is them all!

And She is our Mom, above all!!!

It isn’t just the poem that would move and touch your heart - it was everything about the book – the content, the colorful pages, the characters, the gentle poetic rhythm, and the hidden messages.

There is also a certain magical quality about it once you begin to flip through the pages. The Birds in My Life is a book about 24 birds that have been adopted and rescued by Supreme Master Ching Hai, a humanitarian, artist, writer, and spiritual guru. Through the colorful and vibrant pages, the life story, the thoughts, and the heart of each bird are revealed. They each have their own name, an adorable personality, and feelings and thoughts that are so very human. And oftentimes, their story will move you to tears.

Take the story of Azure, a tiny little bird that loves her human Mom absolutely. On one occasion she could not be taken with Supreme Master Ching Hai on her travels. Missing her human Mom so much, Azure plucked her feathers! Even after the reunion with the author, Azure didn’t want those feathers to grow back, “she plucks them as soon as they appear, maybe to remind me never to leave her again!” Heartwarmingly, through the pages of the book, we get to “hear” the inner thoughts of this loving bird:

I, Azure the beauty

Accept your bouquet and apology

I love you too much

To ever hold a grudge. (page 40)

One is never alone anyway:

There’s always flowers and trees,

And sun, and moon, and stars for company!

And above all: her love,

My human friend’s loyalty.

The “real face of yesterday” … (page 53)

Then there is the story of Cheery, a hawk head who was too old to be sold at the pet store, doomed to a caged life “just to make a shop looks like plenty.” She had a friend who was sold and was left all alone, heartbroken, until Supreme Master Ching Hai came and brought her home. In the words of the author:

I named her Cheery in the hope of cheering her up. She got better each day with TLC. She loves to lie on her back and let you play around, tickling her wings, scratching her tummy…. She loves to “help me” clean up the dried leaves from the trees by chewing them off. Feeling proud doing her job every time!"

How can one not be moved by these stories? Any one of us can empathize with the feelings of rejection, abandonment, and lost love, and the courage that comes from the struggle to continue on, to make the best with what life has to offer. Such tiny frames, yet so humanlike!

Have you ever wished that you have psychic power in order to improve your life? At one time or another, all of us wish that we can read the minds of our loved ones and others so we can solve problems peacefully.  Well, animals are psychic beings! According to the author, one of the birds, Rainbow, is the most psychic of all. He tells her many useful things, including information about the flock. How marvelous! Animals are truly friends and helpers of human beings.

They have so much love in their tiny little bodies. Take Gentino, a Molucan cockatoo, for example. When he was given away by his former human “parent,” Gentino became very sad, but he also knew he was not wanted anymore. With his courageous little heart, he learns to love again and to express his affection for his new human Mom, “Whenever my car comes home, no matter how late, he is the first to say, ‘Hallo,’ ‘How are you,’ ‘I love you,’ ‘Come here.’” And he has such a hilariously adorable personality – he loves dog! He loves to kiss them, “comb” their hair, and chases after them, cooing, “Come here, wou wou, good boy, good boy.”

How can we say animals don’t have a soul? They probably have more love than most humans, a love that sees no boundaries or limitations between species, a love that is given freely and generously. Take Luvy, a bird that always has a sunny disposition and always expresses his love by saying, “I love you” to his human Mom, kissing her all the time, and displaying his joy and appreciation for every little thing. Even the coldest of human hearts would be melted by this open and unconditional display of love and affection. We can even identify with the fear, desperation, and courage that Luvy has after experiencing a traumatic experience:

One day while he was in a covered terrace, somehow he landed on the floor, and separated by a curtain, he couldn’t get out. But he stayed there and talk to himself, as if to keep calm while the wind kept beating the curtain against his head, till I heard and found him!

Then he clung to my finger desperately, and said non-stop: “I love you, I love you, I love you”…..

I placed him onto my chest and caressed him, he became still and drifted into his dream soon after.

What amazing strength of character, and how incredibly lovable. How many of us could survive an ordeal like that, staying calm in the face of such a terrifying experience? Imagine being stuck on an overhang of a cliff with the possibility of never being found? How can we, as readers, not be moved by his fortitude?

As human beings, we know how precious it is to have a loving family who loves us unconditionally. Some of us also know what it feels like to be abandoned and cast out, rejected by those whom we love most. The feelings of betrayal, the depression, and the mind-numbing disbelief and self hatred that is no fault of our own.  In the world of birds, it’s no different. When we come upon the story of Sunny, a blue and gold macaw, we can’t help but cry for his fate, and thank God that he finally recovered and have a loving family he truly deserves.  Sunny was sold to the author because his former Mom and Dad didn’t have time for him anymore. Heartbroken, he had a hard time adapting to his new home and environment. He cried a lot and refused to eat. When he saw that his former cage that was brought back in the hope of making him feel better, he screamed in anguish, “Dad, Dad!” My God! How can we not shed tears seeing his plight like this!

One day I told him after so much effort of trying to console him without success: “Stop it! That family didn’t want you. That’s why you are here!” – At this remark, he cried heartbrokenly. I was so sorry, I cried so much too, and apologized profusely.

It was unconditional love that finally healed his wounds. Now, Sunny is happy and knows that he is truly loved.

The Birds in My Life will make you experience a whole range of emotions. It will make you smile, laugh, and cry. It touches your heart in so many different ways. Though it is written very simply, The Birds in My Life conveys some profound concepts. Throughout the book, we feel and experience the message of love: the love for God, the love between species, and the love beyond the limitations of the physical frame, one that sees only the love inside each individual being. On each page is the message of peaceful coexistence, a message of sharing, and loving kindness. There seems to be an indescribable sense of joy for the natural world, and a deep respect for the life of every living being. It is a book that speaks to the inner heart of every human being, one that appeals to our noble virtues.

The Birds in My Life is a must read, and it’s suitable for all ages. And to borrow the words of the author, The Birds in My Life will adorn your face with smiles and brighten your daily coexistence with the world.

The experiment basically consists in “trying to synthesize an artificial bacterium in the lab - for scientists to create life from non-living chemicals”. The scientists implicated in the experiment agreed that they would not proceed to start with this experiment until a publicly open debate about the moral and ethical side of the issue is discussed, and also until all the consequences that the same could bring to the whole world are taking into account and consideration; as said by Dr Craig Venter, the founder of Tigr and now head of the Celera Genomics Corporation: "We are not going to carry out this experiment until there has been a broader debate on the issue." But when interviewed, he also admitted the following to the BBC News Channel: "Will we eventually get to a molecular definition of life? I hope that will happen, yes,”

The connection between these two works of literature and writing is very transparent. They are both at the same time proof and an example of that curiosity humans have demonstrated to have throughout history. One might call it a thirst for knowledge. Trying to discover the unknown. Looking for the explanation of why do we exist, or more exactly how do we exist. We have come up with different believes through the years regarding our creation, such as the Big Bang, and all the different religious believes as well. But still, we don't yet know what exactly is it that gives us life. What is it that makes our organism function? What makes us think and have feelings? Some call it spirit, and others call it soul. But no matter what you call it, and regardless of religions or believes, it exists. It's in you, it's in me, and it's nature. It's part of the world, and for me that all that there is to it. But for others, well I guess humanity will have to just wait and see. See what experiments like this one leads science to. See where books like “Frankenstein” leads literature to. See where they both lead cultures and humanity to. And until then just keep thinking, writing, discovering and living.