The Major Media Types for Advertising Essay Example for Free

The Major Media Types for Advertising Essay Advertising Advertising Advertising is any paid form of nonpersonal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods, or services by an identified sponsor. There are three goals of advertising. These goals are to: Inform, Persuade, and Remind. The major media types for advertising are: Newspapers, Television, Direct mail, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Outdoor (billboards, blimps, etc. ), Yellow pages, Newsletters, Brochures, and Telephone The traditional conceptual model for creating any advertising or marketing communications message is the AIDA Model: get Attention, hold Interest, arouse Desire, and then obtain Action. The AIDA Model John Caples, one of the greatest copywriters of all time, provides us the following principles (although he was talking about direct response marketingmore about that laterthe wisdom is directly relevant to all forms advertising) when it comes to communicating an advertising message: Caples Principles: * Get attention * Hold attention * Create desire * Make it believable * Prove its a bargain * Make it easy to buy * Give a reason to buy now An even newer paradigm, according to some, is Interrupt, Engage, Educate and then Offer. In any of these models, the first step is to somehow get a persons attention. It should be noted, however, that there is a growing trend of consumers being more resistent to advertising messages and less open to marketers communicating with them without their expressed permission. As such, advertising models are continuously evolving due to an explosion in media outlets and shifting public opinion. As new communications channels expand at a fast rate, advertisers are exploring the new media options at a rapid pace and exploring new ways to reach an often fickle target audience. How do we do that? In my opinion, there is one overriding rule that should guide all advertising: Tell omebody something helpful to them and make sure they are receptive to your message in the first place. Also, do not underestimate the importance of strong copy or content and do not overestimate the importance of graphic design/creative. Whether writing copy for print ads, a website, a Youtube video or writing a script for television, radio, or multi-media presentations, a strong headline is the most important element of the advertisement. This is the element of the message that needs to quickly connect with people and pre-communicate some benefit that is reasons. The headline: * Attracts attention Communicates a strong benefit * Appeals to the self-interest of the reader. It answers the question, Whats in it for me? * Sets the tone for the offer * A headline acts like a marquee does for a movie theater and selects the right audience. Advice to copywriters: When you are assigned to write an ad, write a lot of headlines first. Spend hours writing headlines or days if necessary. If you happen to think of a headline while walking down the street or while riding the bus, take out pencil and paper and write it down. John Caples On the average, five times as many people read the headlines as read the body copy. It follows that, unless your headline sells your product, you have wasted 90 percent of your money. David Oglivy Once the headline has done its Job, then prospects are so engaged in what we have to say that we can educate and inform them about the benefits of what we offer so that they cant wait for us to tell them what next step they should take to learn more or get the product or service. Most advertising today falls short. Too much energy is spent on glitzy art or cool graphic design and the resulting ads absolutely fail in the first step of interrupting and capturing attention. Various Advertisement Exampl es

An Introduction To Dialog Telekom Ltd Business Essay

An Introduction To Dialog Telekom Ltd Business Essay Dialog Telekom PLC (The Company) operates Sri Lankas largest and fastest growing telecommunication network Dialog GSM. Dialog Telekom is one of the largest companies listed under the Colombo Stock Exchange. It is a subsidiary of the Axiata Group Berhad. Due to Dialog the Sri Lankan mobile industry has achieved new heights and has come at par with the developed world. The telecom company operates 2G, 3G and 3.5G mobile services, supporting the current trends in mobile internet and multimedia services, as well as international roaming. Dialog Telekom accounts for more than 50% of Sri Lankan mobile phone subscribers. Along with the mobile telecommunication business Dialog Telekom operates a wide portfolio of international telecommunication services including retail and wholesale international voice and data services. Dialog Broadband Networks Pvt. Ltd. (DBN) is an owned subsidiary of the Company, and is an important player in Sri Lankas ICT infrastructure sector. DBN was also the first service provider in Sri Lanka to introduce high-speed broadband internet services based on Wi MAX technology. Dialog Television Pvt. Ltd. (Dialog TV) is another subsidiary of Dialog Telekom PLC. It operates Dialog Satellite TV, a Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite TV service. Dialog TV supports a wide range of international and local television channels. Regarding the structure of the company, Dialog Telekom Ltd. has got a Hybrid structure which is a combination of Matrix structure as well as Modular structure. As in each Strategic Business Unit (SBU) works independently and every function of each SBU has communication linkages with one another. Top down as well as bottom up communication is available and it uses worldwide resources and technologies. MICRO ANALYSIS THROUGH SWOT Analysis Strengths 1. Dialog has the first mover advantage of GSM technology in Sri Lanka. 2. Due to its strong infrastructure it has got one of the best and far reaching mobile telecommunication coverage. 3. Relationship with a telecommunication tycoon in the same region; Telekom Malaysia Group. 4. Extension in collaborations maintaining good relations with other Telecom companies has enabled Dialog to have a global approach with services such as and Satellite Coverage high roaming. 5. Dialog Telekom has got a very aggressive marketing strategy which enables it to have a good and stable Brand Equity. 6. Companys financial analysis proved excellent stability in financial statements regarding investments. 7. Strong Public Relationship that has been built up over the years. 8. Expanded CSR initiatives increased the social value of the firm. 9. High quality technical innovations has made dialog market leader in Sri Lanka. 10. Constant rise in the share prices has gained the confidence of the investors leading to value increment. 11. Strong distribution network spread throughout the entire island.. 12. Well managed customer care support techniques has increase the level of customer satisfaction. 13. Wide variety of products. 14. Management Team is efficient and hard-working. 15. High level of corporate business knowledge retention through low employee turnover Weaknesses 1. Though the investment on advertising and value addition through technical innovation is high, there is no clear aim and idea of a broader market 2. Poor performance as on ISP. 3. Compared to its competitors Dialog lags behind in innovations related to pricing strategies. 4. The head office in Colombo is of a distributed nature due to non-expandability of the current location. 5. The level of motivation of internal employees is decreasing. 6. Due to the rapidly growing customer base the trends in Quality of Service are going down by the day. 7. In the front-office employee turn-over is high. Opportunities 1. Telecom is one of the fastest growing sectors in Sri Lankas 19.5million people 2. As per estimations 4.5million users would have mobile phones by the end of 2006 3. The communication industry is growing rapidly. 3. Fixed line penetration is low. 4. The approval and acceptability of the Value Added Services (VAS) by the users has increased the probability and success of any new VAS initiative. 5. The strategic partnership of Dialog Telekom with Vodafone UK. 6. Dialog has got the potential to gain benefits of Value Chain Convergence. 7. Technology advancements especially in mobile multimedia technologies and the advent and use of the next 3G mobile communications. Threats 1. The existence of all the other three GSM Mobile service providers pose a big threat to Dialog Telekom. 2. Indias Bharti Airtel Ltd. has got the license to be the fifth mobile operator in Sri Lanka and launch the 2G and 3G services in 2007. 3. The three existing CDMA service providers also pose a different kind of threat. 4. Strongest Competitor of Dialog, the Mobile wing of fixed line telecom giant SLT is focused on cost-cutting strategy through its low cost pre-paid products in the market. 5. Rapid changes in the political, social and economic conditions as well as the laws and regulations. 6. Changes in currency exchange rates and high inflation which is inversely affecting the global business. 7. Rapid change in customer preferences and their growing needs due to high level of customer awareness. 8. Constant changes in technology. 9. Dialog had to switch off all base station in northern-province during the last few months due to military operations by the Sri Lankan Govt. forces. Thus there is an uncertainty due to the growing counter terrorist campaigns. PESTEL Analysis Political Sri Lanka has very positive foreign investment policies. However though Sri Lanka identified importance of liberalization early as in 1977, due to political interventions bureaucratic attitudes inherited from colonial reign and poor governance, the country as a whole and specifically the industry has not grown as it was foreseen at the time of liberalization. During the past two decades, terrorist activities have remained constant as well. Economical Unstable macro-economic environment and trade policy regime has a negative impact on the industry. The fall of the exchange rate over the years happened on a gradual pace. Since the inception of liberalization policy it has undergone massive reforms in this sector. However Sri Lanka lags dynamics incorporated by India to attract foreign direct investments. The attitude towards foreign direct investments needs to be improved. Socio-Cultural Sri Lanka has better social conditions for example literacy rate is high, infant mortality rate is low and life expectancy is long. The country also has an educated and trainable work force. Nevertheless Sri Lankans inherit a bureaucratic attitude from the colonial administration that results in inefficiencies and discrimination. Technological Sri Lanka depends on technology transfers from foreign direct investments. However TRCSL encourages local research and development. The country comparatively has not performed well enough to adapt technological changes on a timely manner. For example the shift from analogue to digital and the adoption of CDMA technology materialized in a slow pace. Ecological Legal TRCSL the regulatory body takes up multidimensional roles. It ensures fair enforcement of Govt. policy, hold operators accountable for performance, address consumer issues, monitor changing industry needs and provide feedback to the policy making units. However TRCSL has been criticized over the years for information asymmetry, inefficiency and discrimination. Porters Five Forces 1. Threat of New Entrants a. Indias Bharti AIRTEL has got the fifth mobile operator license in Sri Lanka b. As per TRCSL, no more licenses would be awarded c. Thus it creates an entry barrier for all others to the market 2. Bargaining Power of Customers a. Consumer protection groups are almost non-existing b. As compared to the west, consumers are not that strong in their demands c. Quality standards and supports are comparatively not major concern if they exist at a basic level d. Low switching costs e. Customers are highly cost conscious 3. Threat from Substitutes a. Almost negligible b. Alternatives are fixed line and the more recent CDMA connectivity c. This is a much smaller market as compared to the huge total market 4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers a. Local and International suppliers for Dialog b. Depends on SLT, MTT and a few other VSAT operators to access the national backbone c. Thus these particular suppliers are extremely powerful d. Acquisition of MTT and the creation of the new subsidiary known as Dialog Broadband Network 5. Rivalry Among Competing Firms a. Very high competition with constant pricing wars b. Dialog certainly has an edge because of their Value Added Services and differentiation strategy and the huge customer base c. Value Added Services are becoming very popular among the consumers Strategic Groups Adopted by the Company Dialog strategies are visible in the companys corporate, business and functional levels. They have already diversified their business across many areas during the last few years. For instance, by acquiring MTT, Dialog managed to strengthen its transmission backbone. Also recent past it has acquired CBNSAT, a satellite TV transmission company, and DERANA TV Channel with a long term objective of a value chain convergence. In addition to reach the customer, Dialog has created many alliances with other business corporations. Cargills-Dialog alliance to allow Cargills customers to settle Dialog bills is just one such example. The business plan is formulated at the beginning of the year considering main objectives of the company. The progress of each project is monitored in a monthly basis through different strategic committee meetings. On the other hand, Dialog tries to introduce latest technologies into the market considering global mega trends through its comprehensive Research and Development wing. Services Year of Implementation Remarks 01 Introduction of GSM Technology 1995 1stin South Asia 02 Short Messaging Service (SMS) 1998 1stin South Asia 03 Automatic International Roaming (AIR) 1997 1stin South Asia 04 WAP (Mobile Internet) 2000 1stin South Asia 05 General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) 2001 1stin South Asia 06 Location Based Services (LBS) 2003 1stin Sri Lanka 07 Missed Call Alert 2003 1stin Sri Lanka 08 Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) 2003 1stin South Asia 09 Trial 3G Service 2004 1stin South Asia 10 Call Home Service for Outbound Roamers 2004 1stin Sri Lanka 11 EDGE Service 2004 1stin Sri Lanka Among them, the Dialogs initiative to setup the Dialog Research Lab at the University of Moratuwa is of importance because it effectively enabled Dialog to provide tailor made solutions to the local market. Nokia phones with Sinhala language support and Tsunami warning system for mobiles are just to name a few such examples. These technology initiatives can be considered as a strategy used to capture the market by effectively staying ahead from the competition in the technology and innovation sphere. Structure The Companys business and operations are managed under the supervision of the Board of Directors comprising of 5 non-executive directors and 1 executive director. The Board has the power to appoint executive directors including the CEO. Divisional structure can be identified in company level but performances of the divisions are measured through different strategic committees. Systems Apart from the technical backbone, Dialog uses several systems to execute their business strategies successfully. For example- SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) This was launched in 2006 January to integrate identified key process in the company. CCBS (Customer Care Billing System) Currently existing billing system is going to be migrated into a new system to provide more customer centric services. HRIS Used for Human Resource Management and all the day to day functions are carried out through this system. Style The management style always depends on targets and objectives. Strict deadlines are imposed while performance and progress are very closely monitored at all levels of the organizational structure. Rewards and benefit schemes are in line for the top performers and better achievements. All the employees will have a number of recreational opportunities such as trips, get-together, sports etc. to take some time off from busy work schedules. Staff The Company currently employs a workforce of 2500 who in turn are considered pivotal to the organizations growth and success. Annual manpower planning and recruitment is carried out in parallel with the business plan preparation. The capabilities required by potential employees are based on the requirements of the business plans applicable to respective departments of the company in any given year. Recruitment to the Company is governed by several policies. The core policy on filling vacancies spells out the Companys intention to attract the best with the aim of exploiting the individuals potential while providing career development opportunities irrespective of communal or gender differences. 7% of the total HR cost is devoted to training and development. The training needs for individuals and teams are identified from the competency requirements arising from the Companys business plan and employees annual performance review. Subordinate Goals All individuals with different backgrounds, different ethnics and nations are teamed up and driven towards a common set of goals and objectives at Dialog Telekom. The company has been successful in focusing the entire team towards a single vision by incorporating all individuals goals and personal objective together. Skills Dialog team consists of number of individuals with distinctive capabilities and competencies from top to bottom. Dialog is proud to have a very energetic and talented CEO in the caliber of Dr. Hans Wijesuriya. In addition to that Dialog is served by a team of top class individual in the Sri Lankan industry with lot of talent and exposures. Different Strategies Adopted by Dialog Telekom Corporate Strategy Considering the current performance, the key success factors and the SWOT analysis the directional strategy alternatives would be the following Growth strategy to expand the activities of Dialog Telekom further would be the first alternative. Since the current product lines have real growth potencial concentration of resources on those would be ideal. In concentration Dialog Telekom can follow the vertical growth strategy to take the benefit of the value chain convergence opportunity that is existing in Sri Lankan context. Stability strategy to continue with current activities without any changes to the direction would be the second alternative. Here Dialog Telekom can utilize pause/proceed with caution strategy to have only incremental improvements while the weaknesses stated are overcome. It can use this time to stabilize the organization due to the changes took place due to multiple strategies it adopted earlier such as acquisitions and investing on innovative developments, which will help to get back the loosing internal employee motivation. The first alternative will move Dialog Telekom further away from the competition and create a monopoly temporarily for converged industries of telecommunication, content, media and retail. However unfocused highspeed growth to capture the market without stabilizing the existing acquisitions can disassemble everything. The second alternative will give Dialog Telekom and its employees much needed breathing space. The recommendation would be to implement the second alternative initially to stabilize the organization without any other drastic change in the direction. And after some time they can adopt their long term beneficial value chain convergence option depicted in first alternative. Business Strategy The business strategy alternatives available for Dialog Telekom to improve the competitive position in the industries it operates would be The first alternative for the competitive strategy would be to improve on the current strategy of differentiation. It can improve this by having unique Value Added Services for each of its current strategic business units DBN, CBNSAT and Dialog Telekom itself. This can improve the customer loyalty and thereby can charge a reasonable premium rate than competitors. Second alternative which Dialog Telekom can try to implement is cost leadership to overcome the threat of lower rates provided by competitors, Mobitel. Since the VAS are less in Mobitel the switching from Dialog to Mobitel is not much in urban people who use these VASes. But people who are using purely as a voice/sms only are shifting as most of them are cost conscious and there is not much of a difference in coverage. Hence if Mobitel improves on its VASes it would become a serious threat at a stage at which only the rates would decide the attraction of that segment of the market. Typically the differentiation strategy is more likely to generate higher profits than low cost strategy. However differentiation strategy implementation may involve higher investment than low cost strategy. Competitive scope is an important factor when considering competitive strategies. The recommended alternative depends on the competitive scope in this situation. Considering both alternatives and the pros and cons of each most ideal would be to have culmination of both differing from the segment of the market. Dialog Telekom should have a focused differentiation strategy in the market where people are valuing the VASes and cost focus in the market where usage is purely for voice/SMS. Simultaneously Dialog Telekom should look at strategic alliances as a corporate strategy to gain competitive advantage by working with other organizations. Currently they have stated this with some banks and some supermarket chains as mentioned earlier. However this can be vastly improved to include alliances with insurance companies, stock brokers, popular food chains etc.

The Human Genome Project Essay -- Genetics Science Technology Papers

The Human Genome Project Almost every aspect that makes a person unique is due to genetic factors, from the color of an individual's eyes to the functions of white blood cells. The one thing that makes an individual's unique characteristics the hardest to understand is the fact that it is all composed of four bases in different patterns. These patterns of adenine, thiamine, guanine and cytosine are the only things that differ one human from the next. This genetic code is contained in every cell that is found in the human body. Gregor Mendel first discovered the foundations of inheritance in the nineteenth century. His discovery was the basis that has now made it possible for humans to learn more about the genetic code. Mendel's discovery has now turned in to a multi-billion dollar project. This project is known as the Human Genome Project (HGP). Brief History The HGP began as a joint effort between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Department of Energy's initial reason for entering the project was to was to gain a better understanding of the potential health risks that were involved in energy use and the production of energy, especially the risks involved with radiation. Two years after the DOE proposed the idea of sequencing the entire human genome the NIH joined in the effort. The foundations of the project were laid and two years later, in 1990, the project was begun. The project was originally laid out to be a fifteen-year program that would have a budget estimated at three billion dollars (1). The DOE and the NIH established five major goals for the HGP. The first goal is to identify all of the genes in human DNA. This goal is phenomenal when it is co... ...GR Announce Formation of New Genomics Company." Obtained from the WWW: http://www.tigr.org/new/press_release_may98.html 6) Website #6: Human Genome Project Information. "Facts About Genome Sequencing." Obtained from the WWW: http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/faq/seqfacts.html 7) Website #7: "Tools of the Trade." Obtained from the WWW: http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/publicat/tko/05_tools.html 8) Website #8: "Exploring the Genomic Landscape." Obtained from the WWW: http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/publicat/tko/04_exploring.html 9) Website #9: DOE Human Genome Program Report. "Capillary Array Electrophoresis." Obtained from the WWW: http://www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/publicat/97pr/04g_sequ.html 10) Karanjawala, Zarir E. "Genetics in the Context of Medical Practice." The Journal of the American Medical Association. Nov. 4 1998, v280n17, p1533. Student Essay List

The True Meaning Behind That Layer Of Blue Nail Polish :: essays research papers

The True Meaning Behind that Layer of Blue Nail Polish When the red-based shades such as pink and orange were the only type of nail polish females dared to wear, I remember wondering if in the near future they'd dare switch to completely new shades such as blue or green. Now that day and age has come when all different shades of blue can be seen painted on teens' nails. Yet, this new choice of blue isn't just another craze of the moment. Rather, it symbolizes something slightly deeper. This latest trend of â€Å" blues† not only broke the barrier of â€Å"reds only†, but broke the limits of society each girl felt she had when it came to choosing a simple shade of nail polish. Before, the â€Å"rebels† and the â€Å"freaks† were the only ones who had the guts to wear what it took to get attention and to shock the world. For them shades of nail polish whether they were blue, black, or glitter have never been an issue of inappropriateness. Those who were less eccentric when it came to expressing their exterior image stayed with the â€Å"acceptable† red tones. Now that blue nail polish is the latest manicurean craze, both the tamest and the wildest adolescents together are donning the shade. When asked why they choose to wear this latest cerulean shade of nail polish, many give back similar responses such as: â€Å"It looks cool†; â€Å"If I wore red I would just feel like another ordinary person, but if people see your blue nail polish, they do a double-take†; â€Å"It's a little new, something different†. Unfortunately, many youths have been raised in a society where they have been conditioned to fear doing anything that will have them come across as a freak to others. In today's society, nail polish is one of the few things that come between the limits of someone who may be considered a â€Å"dull dresser† or a â€Å"freak-show†. It is understandable why the more all-around fashion-conscious youths might be attracted to a new trend of accessory. A theory can evolve, however, from the other kind of youths who don't express their inner-selves fully through their apparel. It is possible that these girls may feel more at ease leaking out their wild streak through the most subtle way they know how - nail polish. You can dress normally and still wear wild nail polish, yet no one will consider you a freak because of your flashy nails. â€Å"My parents hate it.† This factor alone may be an invitation for youths to wear blue nail polish.

The Pros and Cons of Agribusines Essay -- Agribusines

I. Introduction Agriculture has long been a topic of interest and will continue due to the necessity of farming to supply a basic fundamental need – food. Farming is considered a stable economic activity as it provides products, jobs, and supplies to the local community as well as supporting the global infrastructure. The recent global economic conditions have caused an array of structural changes within the global infrastructure. These structure changes have directly impacted banking institutions, housing, lending processes, farming sectors, and privatization. The declining housing market, corrupt banking/financial institutions, and decline in stable investments have increased the need to find economically viable ways to invest. Investors look at markets for sustainability and lucrative return on investments (ROI) while attempting to minimize risks. Naturally – food and water have become commodities but investors are still interested in returns and farming losses are often offset by federal subsidies and crop insurance (Lynch & Bjerga, 2013). Corporate investment, government regulations, and privatization become issues while trying to improve ROI. The recent water wars are evidence of control issues and an attempt to purchase natural resources. Investors are now looking at ways to promote diversity and sustainability to their clients while countries are grappling to ensure food security. Farmland investments involving large-scale acquisitions are lucrative for investors. Large-scale acquisitions of farmland in Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and Southeast Asia are now being sought by international investors and have garnered global attention (Cotula, Vermeulen, Leonard, & Keely, 2009). Farming, agriculture,... ...ences (continued) Laxman, L. & Abdul, A. H. (2011). GMOs, safety concerns and international trade: developing countries’ perspective. Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, 10 (3), 281-307. doi: 10.1108/1477002111116553L Lynch, D. J. & Bjerga, A. (2013, September 9). Taxpayers turn U.S. farmers into fat cats with subsidies. Bloomberg. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-09/farmers-boost- revenue-sowing-subsidies-for-crop-insurance.html Lynch, D. J. (2013, September 11). Fraud stealing $100 million shows flaws in U.S. crop insurance. Bloomberg. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-11/fraud-stealing-100- million-shows-flaws-in-u-s-crop-insurance.html Sherrick, B. J., Mallory, M. L. & Hopper, T. (2013). What’s the ticker symbol for farmland? Agricultural Finance Review, 73(1), 6-31. doi: 10.1108/00021461311321285

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 4. GESTURE

The wedding flowed into the reception party smoothly – proof of Alice's flawless planning. It was just twilight over the river; the ceremony had lasted exactly the right amount of time, allowing the sun to set behind the trees. The lights in the trees glimmered as Edward led me through the glass back doors, making the white flowers glow. There were another ten thousand flowers out here, serving as a fragrant, airy tent over the dance floor set up on the grass under two of the ancient cedars. Things slowed down, relaxed as the mellow August evening surrounded us. The little crowd spread out under the soft shine of the twinkle lights, and we were greeted again by the friends we'd just embraced. There was time to talk now, to laugh. â€Å"Congrats, guys,† Seth Clearwater told us, ducking his head under the edge of a flower garland. His mother, Sue, was tight by his side, eyeing the guests with wary intensity. Her face was thin and fierce, an expression that was accented by her short, severe hairstyle; it was as short as her daughter Leah's – I wondered if she'd cut it the same way in a show of solidarity. Billy Black, on Seth's other side, was not as tense as Sue. When I looked at Jacob's father, I always felt like I was seeing two people rather than just one. There was the old man in the wheelchair with the lined face and the white smile that everyone else saw. And then there was the direct descendant of a long line of powerful, magical chieftains, cloaked in the authority he'd been born with. Though the magic had – in the absence of a catalyst – skipped his generation, Billy was still a part of the power and the legend. It flowed straight through him. It flowed to his son, the heir to the magic, who had turned his back on it. That left Sam Uley to act as the chief of legends and magic now___ Billy seemed oddly at ease considering the company and the event – his black eyes sparkled like he'd just gotten some good news. I was impressed by his composure. This wedding must have seemed a very bad thing, the worst thing that could happen to his best friend's daughter, in Billy's eyes. I knew it wasn't easy for him to restrain his feelings, considering the challenge this event foreshadowed to the ancient treaty between the Cullens and the Quileutes – the treaty that prohibited the Cullens from ever creating another vampire. The wolves knew a breach was coming, but the Cullens had no idea how they would react. Before the alliance, it would have meant an immediate attack. A war. But now that they knew each other better, would there be forgiveness instead? As if in response to that thought, Seth leaned toward Edward, arms extended. Edward returned the hug with his free arm. I saw Sue shudder delicately. â€Å"It's good to see things work out for you, man,† Seth said. â€Å"I'm happy for you.† â€Å"Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me.† Edward pulled away from Seth and looked at Sue and Billy. â€Å"Thank you, as well. For letting Seth come. For supporting Bella today.† â€Å"You're welcome,† Billy said in his deep, gravelly voice, and I was surprised at the optimism in his tone. Perhaps a stronger truce was on the horizon. A bit of a line was forming, so Seth waved goodbye and wheeled Billy toward the food. Sue kept one hand on each of them. Angela and Ben were the next to claim us, followed by Angela's parents and then Mike and Jessica – who were, to my surprise, holding hands. I hadn't heard that they were together again. That was nice. Behind my human friends were my new cousins-in-law, the Denali vampire clan. I realized I was holding my breath as the vampire in front – Tanya, I assumed from the strawberry tint in her blond curls – reached out to embrace Edward. Next to her, three other vampires with golden eyes stared at me with open curiosity. One woman had long, pale blond hair, straight as corn silk. The other woman and the man beside her were both black-haired, with a hint of an olive tone to their chalky complexions. And they were all four so beautiful that it made my stomach hurt. Tanya was still holding Edward. â€Å"Ah, Edward,† she said. â€Å"I've missed you.† Edward chuckled and deftly maneuvered out of the hug, placing his hand lightly on her shoulder and stepping back, as if to get a better look at her. â€Å"It's been too long, Tanya. You look well.† â€Å"So do you.† â€Å"Let me introduce you to my wife.† It was the first time Edward had said that word since it was officially true; he seemed like he would explode with satisfaction saying it now. The Denalis all laughed lightly in response. â€Å"Tanya, this is my Bella.† Tanya was every bit as lovely as my worst nightmares had predicted. She eyed me with a look that was much more speculative than it was resigned, and then reached out to take my hand. â€Å"Welcome to the family, Bella.† She smiled, a little rueful. â€Å"We consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am sorry about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such. We should have met you sooner. Can you forgive us?† â€Å"Of course,† I said breathlessly. â€Å"It's so nice to meet you.† â€Å"The Cullens are all evened up in numbers now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate?† She grinned at the blonde. â€Å"Keep the dream alive,† Kate said with a roll of her golden eyes. She took my hand from Tanya's and squeezed it gently. â€Å"Welcome, Bella.† The dark-haired woman put her hand on top of Kate's. â€Å"I'm Carmen, this is Eleazar. We're all so very pleased to finally meet you.† â€Å"M-me, too,† I stuttered. Tanya glanced at the people waiting behind her – Charlie's deputy, Mark, and his wife. Their eyes were huge as they took in the Denali clan. â€Å"We'll get to know each other later. We'll have eons of time for that!† Tanya laughed as she and her family moved on. All the standard traditions were kept. I was blinded by flashbulbs as we held the knife over a spectacular cake – too grand, I thought, for our relatively intimate group of friends and family. We took turns shoving cake in each other's faces; Edward manfully swallowed his portion as I watched in disbelief. I threw my bouquet with atypical skill, right into Angela's surprised hands. Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter at my blush while Edward removed my borrowed garter – which I'd shimmied down nearly to my ankle – verycarefully with his teeth. With a quick wink at me, he shot it straight into Mike Newton's face. And when the music started, Edward pulled me into his arms for the customary first dance; I went willingly, despite my fear of dancing – especially dancing in front of an audience – just happy to have him holding me. He did all the work, and I twirled effortlessly under the glow of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras. â€Å"Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?† he whispered in my ear. I laughed. â€Å"That will take a while to get used to.† â€Å"We have a while,† he reminded me, his voice exultant, and he leaned down to kiss me while we danced. Cameras clicked feverishly. The music changed, and Charlie tapped on Edward's shoulder. It wasn't nearly as easy to dance with Charlie. He was no better at it than I was, so we moved safely from side to side in a tiny square formation. Edward and Esme spun around us like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. â€Å"I'm going to miss you at home, Bella. I'm already lonely.† I spoke through a tight throat, trying to make a joke of it. â€Å"I feel just horrible, leaving you to cook for yourself – it's practically criminal negligence. You could arrest me.† He grinned. â€Å"I suppose I'll survive the food. Just call me whenever you can.† â€Å"I promise.† It seemed like I danced with everyone. It was good to see all my old friends, but I really wanted to be with Edward more than anything else. I was happy when he finally cut in, just half a minute after a new dance started. â€Å"Still not that fond of Mike, eh?† I commented as Edward whirled me away from him. â€Å"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He's lucky I didn't kick him out. Or worse.† â€Å"Yeah, right.† â€Å"Have you had a chance to look at yourself?† â€Å"Urn. No, I guess not. Why?† â€Å"Then I suppose you don't realize how utterly, heart-breakingly beautiful you are tonight. I'm not surprised Mike's having difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am disappointed that Alice didn't make sure you were forced to look in a mirror.† â€Å"You are very biased, you know.† He sighed and then paused and turned me around to face the house. The wall of glass reflected the party back like a long mirror. Edward pointed to the couple in the mirror directly across from us. â€Å"Biased, am I?† I caught just a glimpse of Edward's reflection – a perfect duplicate of his perfect face – with a dark-haired beauty at his side. Her skin was cream and roses, her eyes were huge with excitement and framed with thick lashes. The narrow sheath of the shimmering white dress flared out subtly at the train almost like an inverted calla lily, cut so skillfully that her body looked elegant and graceful – while it was motionless, at least. Before I could blink and make the beauty turn back into me, Edward suddenly stiffened and turned automatically in the other direction, as if someone had called his name. â€Å"Oh!† he said. His brow furrowed for an instant and then smoothed out just as quickly. Suddenly, he was smiling a brilliant smile. â€Å"What is it?† I asked. â€Å"A surprise wedding gift.† â€Å"Huh?† He didn't answer; he just started dancing again, spinning me the opposite way we'd been headed before, away from the lights and then into the deep swath of night that ringed the luminous dance floor. He didn't pause until we reached the dark side of one of the huge cedars. Then Edward looked straight into the blackest shadow. â€Å"Thank you,† Edward said to the darkness. â€Å"This is very†¦ kind of you.† â€Å"Kind is my middle name,† a husky familiar voice answered from the black night. â€Å"Can i cut in?† My hand flew up to my throat, and if Edward hadn't been holding me I would have collapsed. â€Å"Jacob!† I choked as soon as I could breathe. â€Å"Jacob!† â€Å"Hey there, Bells.† I stumbled toward the sound of his voice. Edward kept his grip under my elbow until another set of strong hands caught me in the darkness. The heat from Jacob's skin burned right through the thin satin dress as he pulled me close. He made no effort to dance; he just hugged me while I buried my face in his chest. He leaned down to press his cheek to the top of my head. â€Å"Rosalie won't forgive me if she doesn't get her official turn on the dance floor,† Edward murmured, and I knew he was leaving us, giving me a gift of his own – this moment with Jacob. â€Å"Oh, Jacob.† I was crying now; I couldn't get the words out clearly. â€Å"Thank you.† â€Å"Stop blubbering,Bella. You'll ruin your dress. It's just me.† â€Å"Just? Oh, Jake! Everything is perfect now.† Hesnorted. â€Å"Yeah – the party can start. The best man finally made it.† â€Å"Now everyone I love is here.† I felthis lips brush my hair. â€Å"SorryI'm late, honey.† â€Å"I'm just so happy you came!† â€Å"That was the idea.† I glanced toward the guests, but I couldn't see through the dancers to the spot where I'd last seen Jacob's father. I didn't know if he'd stayed. â€Å"DoesBilly know you're here?† As soon as I asked, I knew that he must have – it was the only way to explain his uplifted expression before. â€Å"I'm sure Sam's told him. I'll go see him when†¦ when the party's over.† â€Å"He'll beso glad you're home.† Jacob pulled back a little bit and straightened up.He left one hand on the small of my back and grabbed my right hand with the other. He cradled our hands to his chest; I could feel his heart beat under my palm, and I guessed that he hadn't placed my hand there accidentally. â€Å"I don't know if I get more than just this one dance,† he said, and he began pulling me around in a slow circle that didn't match the tempo of the music coming from behind us. â€Å"I'd better make the best of it.† We moved to the rhythm of his heart under my hand. â€Å"I'm glad Icame,† Jacob said quietly after a moment. â€Å"I didn't think I would be. But it's good to see you†¦ one more time. Not as sad as I'd thought it would be.† â€Å"I don't want you to feel sad.† â€Å"I know that. And I didn't come tonight to make you feel guilty.† â€Å"No – it makes me very happy that you came. It's the best gift you could have given me.† He laughed. â€Å"That's good, because I didn't have time to stop for a real present.† My eyes were adjusting, and I could see his face now, higher up than I expected. Was it possible that he was still growing? He had to be closer to seven feet than to six. It was a relief to see his familiar features again after all this time – his deep-set eyes shadowed under his shaggy black brows, his high cheekbones, his full lips stretched over his bright teeth in the sarcastic smile that matched his tone. His eyes were tight around the edges – careful; I could see that he was being very careful tonight. He was doing all he could to make me happy, to not slip and show how much this cost him. I'd never done anything good enough to deserve a friend like Jacob. â€Å"When did you decide to come back?† â€Å"Consciously or subconsciously?† He took a deep breath before he answered his own question. â€Å"I don't really know. I guess I've been wandering back this direction for a while, and maybe it's because I was headed here. But it wasn't until this morning that I really started running. I didn't know if I could make it.† He laughed. â€Å"You wouldn't believe how weird this feels – walking around on two legs again. And clothes! And then it's more bizarre because it feels weird. I didn't expect that. I'm out of practice with the whole human thing.† We revolved steadily. â€Å"It would have been a shame to miss seeing you like this, though. That's worth the trip right there. You look unbelievable, Bella. So beautiful.† â€Å"Alice invested a lot of time in me today. The dark helps, too.† â€Å"It's not so dark for me, you know.† â€Å"Right.† Werewolf senses. It was easy to forget all the things he could do, he seemed so human. Especially right now. â€Å"You cut your hair,† I noted. â€Å"Yeah. Easier, you know. Thought I'd better take advantage of the hands.† â€Å"It looks good,† I lied. He snorted. â€Å"Right. I did it myself, with rusty kitchen shears.† He grinned widely for a moment, and then his smile faded. His expression turned serious. â€Å"Are you happy, Bella?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Okay.† I felt his shoulders shrug. â€Å"That's the main thing, I guess.† â€Å"How are you, Jacob? Really?† â€Å"I'm fine, Bella, really. You don't need to worry about me anymore. You can stop bugging Seth.† â€Å"I'm not just bugging him because of you. I like Seth.† â€Å"He's a good kid. Better company than some. I tell you, if I could get rid of the voices in my head, being a wolf would be about perfect.† I laughed at the way it sounded. â€Å"Yeah, I can't get mine to shut up, either.† â€Å"In your case, that would mean you're insane. Of course, I already knew that you were insane,† he teased. â€Å"Thanks.† â€Å"Insanity is probably easier than sharing a pack mind. Crazy people's voices don't send babysitters to watch them.† â€Å"Huh?† â€Å"Sam's out there. And some of the others. Just in case, you know.† â€Å"In case of what?† â€Å"In case I can't keep it together, something like that. In case I decide to trash the party.† He flashed a quick smile at what was probably an appealing thought to him. â€Å"But I'm not here to ruin your wedding, Bella. I'm here to .. .† He trailed off. â€Å"To make it perfect.† â€Å"That's a tall order.† â€Å"Good thing you're so tall.† He groaned at my bad joke and then sighed. â€Å"I'm just here to be your friend. Your best friend, one last time.† â€Å"Sam should give you more credit.† â€Å"Well, maybe I'm being oversensitive. Maybe they'd be here anyway, to keep an eye on Seth. There are a lot of vampires here. Seth doesn't take that as seriously as he should.† â€Å"Seth knows that he's not in any danger. He understands the Cullens better than Sam does.† â€Å"Sure, sure,† Jacob said, making peace before it could turn into a fight. It was strange to have him being the diplomat. â€Å"Sorry about those voices,† I said. â€Å"Wish I could make it better.† In so many ways. â€Å"It's not that bad. I'm just whining a little.† â€Å"You're†¦ happy?† â€Å"Close enough. But enough about me. You're the star today.† He chuckled. â€Å"I bet you're just loving that. Center of attention.† â€Å"Yeah. Can't get enough attention.† He laughed and then stared over my head. With pursed lips, he studied the shimmering glow of the reception party, the graceful whirl of the dancers, the fluttering petals falling from the garlands; I looked with him. It all seemed very distant from this black, quiet space. Almost like watching the white flurries swirling inside a snow globe. â€Å"I'll give them this much,† he said. â€Å"They know how to throw a party.† â€Å"Alice is an unstoppable force of nature.† He sighed. â€Å"Song's over. Do you think 1 get another one? Or is that asking too much?† I tightened my hand around his. â€Å"You can have as many dances as you want.† He laughed. â€Å"That would be interesting. I think I'd better stick with two, though. Don't want to start talk.† We turned in another circle. â€Å"You'd think I'd be used to telling you goodbye by now,† he murmured. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but I couldn't force it down. Jacob looked at me and frowned. He wiped his fingers across my cheek, catching the tears there. â€Å"You're not supposed to be the one crying, Bella.† â€Å"Everyone cries at weddings,† I said thickly. â€Å"This is what you want, right?† â€Å"Right.† â€Å"Then smile.† I tried. He laughed at my grimace. Tm going to try to remember you like this. Pretend that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"That what?That I died?† He clenched his teeth. He was struggling with himself – with his decision to make his presence here a gift and not a judgment. I could guess what he wanted to say. â€Å"No,† he finally answered. â€Å"But I'll see you this way in my head. Pink cheeks. Heartbeat. Two left feet. All of that.† I deliberately stomped on his foot as hard as I could. He smiled. â€Å"That's my girl.† He started to say something else and then snapped his mouth closed. Struggling again, teeth gritted against the words he didn't want to say. My relationship with Jacob used to be so easy. Natural as breathing. But since Edward had come back into my life, it was a constant strain. Because – in Jacob's eyes – by choosing Edward, I was choosing a fate that was worse than death, or at least equivalent to it. â€Å"What is it, Jake? Just tell me. You can tell me anything.† â€Å"I – I†¦ I don't have anything to tell you.† â€Å"Oh please. Spit it out.† â€Å"It's true.It's not†¦ it's – it's a question. It's something I want you to tell me† â€Å"Ask me.† He struggled for another minute and then exhaled. â€Å"I shouldn't. It doesn't matter. I'm just morbidly curious.† Because I knew him so well, I understood. â€Å"It's not tonight, Jacob,† I whispered. Jacob was even more obsessed with my humanity than Edward. He treasured every one of my heartbeats, knowing that they were numbered. â€Å"Oh,† he said, trying to smother his relief. â€Å"Oh.† A new song started playing, but he didn't notice the change this time. â€Å"When?† he whispered. â€Å"I don't know for sure. A week or two, maybe.† His voice changed, took on a defensive, mocking edge. â€Å"What's the holdup?† â€Å"I just didn't want to spend my honeymoon writhing in pain.† â€Å"You'd rather spend it how? Playing checkers? Ha ha.† â€Å"Very funny.† â€Å"Kidding, Bells. But, honestly, I don't see the point. You can't have a real honeymoon with your vampire, so why go through the motions? Call a spade a spade. This isn't the first time you've put this off. That's a good thing, though,† he said, suddenly earnest. â€Å"Don't be embarrassed about it.† â€Å"I'm not putting anything off,† I snapped. â€Å"And yes I can have a real honeymoon! I can do anything I want! Butt out!† He stopped our slow circling abruptly. For a moment, I wondered if he'd finally noticed the music change, and I scrambled in my head for a way to patch up our little tiff before he said goodbye to me. We shouldn't part on this note. And then his eyes bulged wide with a strange kind of confused horror. â€Å"What?† he gasped. â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"About what†¦ ? Jake? What's wrong?† â€Å"What do you mean? Have a real honeymoon? While you're still human? Are you kidding? That's a sick joke, Bella!† I glared at him. â€Å"I said butt out, Jake. This is so not your business. I shouldn't have†¦ we shouldn't even be talking about this. It's private – â€Å" His enormous hands gripped the tops of my arms, wrapping all the way around, fingers overlapping. â€Å"Ow, Jake! Let go!† He shook me. â€Å"Bella! Have you lost your mind? You can't be that stupid! Tell me you're joking!† He shook me again. His hands, tight as tourniquets, were quivering, sending vibrations deep into my bones. â€Å"Jake – stop!† The darkness was suddenly very crowded. â€Å"Take your hands off her!† Edward's voice was cold as ice, sharp as razors. Behind Jacob, there was a low snarl from the black night, and then another, overlapping the first. â€Å"Jake, bro, back away,† I heard Seth Clearwater urge. â€Å"You're losing it.† Jacob seemed frozen as he was, his horrified eyes wide and staring. â€Å"You'll hurt her,† Seth whispered. â€Å"Let her go.† â€Å"Now!† Edward snarled. Jacob's hands dropped to his sides, and the sudden gush of blood through my waiting veins was almost painful. Before I could register more than that, cold hands replaced the hot ones, and the air was suddenly whooshing past me. I blinked, and I was on my feet a half dozen feet away from where I'd been standing. Edward was tensed in front of me. There were two enormous wolves braced between him and Jacob, but they did not seem aggressive to me. More like they were trying to prevent the fight. And Seth – gangly, fifteen-year-old Seth – had his long arms around Jacob's shaking body, and he was tugging him away. If Jacob phased with Seth so close†¦ â€Å"C'mon, Jake. Let's go.† â€Å"I'll kill you,† Jacob said, his voice so choked with rage that it was low as a whisper. His eyes, focused on Edward, burned with fury. â€Å"I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!† He shuddered convulsively. The biggest wolf, the black one, growled sharply. â€Å"Seth, get out of the way,† Edward hissed. Seth tugged on Jacob again. Jacob was so bewildered with rage that Seth was able to yank him a few feet farther back. â€Å"Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon.† Sam – the bigger wolf, the black one – joined Seth then. He put his massive head against Jacob's chest and shoved. The three of them – Seth towing, Jake trembling, Sam pushing – disappeared swiftly into the darkness. The other wolf stared after them. I wasn't sure, in the weak light, about the color of his fur – chocolate brown, maybe? Was it Quil, then? Tm sorry,† I whispered to the wolf. â€Å"It'sall right now,Bella,† Edward murmured. The wolf looked at Edward. His gaze was not friendly. Edward gave him one cold nod.The wolf huffed and then turned to follow the others, vanishing as they had. â€Å"All right,† Edward said to himself, and then he looked at me. â€Å"Let's get back.† â€Å"But Jake – â€Å" â€Å"Sam has him in hand. He's gone.† â€Å"Edward, I'm so sorry. Iwas stupid – â€Å" â€Å"You did nothing wrong – â€Å" â€Å"I have such a big mouth! Why would I†¦ I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?† â€Å"Don't worry.† He touched my face. â€Å"We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence.† I shook my head, trying to reorient myself. Before someone noticed? Had anyone missed that? Then, as I thought about it, I realized the confrontation that had seemed so catastrophic to me had, in reality, been very quiet and short here in the shadows. â€Å"Give me two seconds,† I pleaded. My insides were chaotic with panic and grief, but that didn't matter – only the outside mattered right now. Putting on a good show was something I knew I had to master. â€Å"My dress?† â€Å"You look fine. Not a hair out of place.† I took two deep breaths. â€Å"Okay. Let's go.† He put his arms around me and led me back to the light. When we passed under the twinkle lights, he spun me gently onto the dance floor. We melted in with the other dancers as if our dance had never been interrupted. I glanced around at the guests, butno one seemed shocked or frightened. Only the very palest faces there showed any signs of stress, and they hid it well. Jasper and Emmett were on the edge of the floor, close together, and I guessed that they had been nearby during the confrontation. â€Å"Are you – â€Å" Tm fine,† I promised. â€Å"I can't believe I did that. What's wrong with me?† â€Å"Nothing is wrong with you† I'd been so glad to see Jacob here. I knew the sacrifice it had taken him. And then I'd ruined it, turned his gift into a disaster. I should be quarantined. But my idiocy would not ruin anything else tonight. I would put this away, shove it in a drawer and lock it up to deal with later. There would be plenty of time to flagellate myself for this, and nothing I could do now would help. â€Å"It's over,† I said. â€Å"Let's not think of it again tonight.† I expected a quick agreement from Edward, but he was silent. â€Å"Edward?† He closed his eyes and touched his forehead to mine. â€Å"Jacob is right,† he whispered. â€Å"What am I thinking?† â€Å"He is not.† I tried to keep my face smooth for the watching crowd of friends. â€Å"Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly.† He mumbled something low that sounded almost like â€Å"should let him kill me for even thinking †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Stop it,† I said fiercely. I grabbed his face in my hands and waited until he opened his eyes. â€Å"You and me. That's the only thing that matters. The only thing you're allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?† â€Å"Yes,† he sighed. â€Å"Forget Jacob came.† I could do that. I would 60 that. â€Å"For me. Promise that you'll let this go.† He stared into my eyes for a moment before answering. â€Å"I promise.† â€Å"Thank you. Edward, I'm not afraid.† â€Å"I am,† he whispered. â€Å"Don't be.† I took deep breath and smiled. â€Å"By the way, I love you.† He smiled just a little in return. â€Å"That's why we're here.† â€Å"You're monopolizing the bride,† Emmett said, coming up behind Edward's shoulder. â€Å"Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush.† He laughed loudly, as unaffected as he usually was by any serious atmosphere. It turned out there were actually lots of people I hadn't danced with yet, and that gave me a chance to truly compose and resolve myself. When Edward claimed me again, I found that the Jacob-drawer was shut nice and tight. As he wrapped his arms around me, I was able to unearth my earlier sense of joy, my certainty that everything in my life was in the right place tonight. I smiled and laid my head against his chest. His arms tightened. â€Å"I could get used to this,† I said. â€Å"Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?† â€Å"Dancing isn't so bad – with you. But I was thinking more of this,† – and I pressed myself to him even tighter – â€Å"of never having to let you go.† â€Å"Never,† he promised, and he leaned down to kiss me. It was a serious kind of kiss – intense, slow but building†¦. I'd pretty much forgotten where I was when I heard Alice call, â€Å"Bella! It's time!† I felt a brief flicker of irritation with my new sister for the interruption. Edward ignored her; his lips were hard against mine, more urgent than before. My heart broke into a sprint and my palms were slick against his marble neck. â€Å"Do you want to miss your plane?† Alice demanded, right next to me now. â€Å"I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight.† Edward turned his face slightly to murmur, â€Å"Go away, Alice,† and then pressed his lips to mine again. â€Å"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?† she demanded. I wasn't really paying much attention. At the moment, I simply didn't care. Alice growled quietly. â€Å"I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will.† He froze. Then he lifted his face from mine and glared at his favorite sister. â€Å"You're awfully small to be so hugelyirritating.† â€Å"I didn't pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted,† she snapped back, taking my hand. â€Å"Come with me, Bella.† I tugged against her hold, stretching up on my toes to kiss him one more time. She jerked my arm impatiently, hauling me away from him. There were a few chuckles from the watching guests. I gave up then and let her lead me into the empty house. She looked annoyed. â€Å"Sorry, Alice,† I apologized. â€Å"I don't blame you, Bella.† She sighed. â€Å"You don't seem to be able help yourself.† I giggled at her martyred expression, and she scowled. â€Å"Thank you, Alice. It was the most beautiful wedding anyone ever had,† I told her earnestly. â€Å"Everything was exactly right. You're the best, smartest, most talented sister in the whole world.† That thawed her out; she smiled a huge smile. â€Å"I'm glad you liked it.† Renee and Esme were waiting upstairs. The three of them quickly had me out of my dress and into Alice's deep blue going-away ensemble. I was grateful when someone pulled the pins out of my hair and let it fall loose down my back, wavy from the braids, saving me from a hairpin headache later. My mother's tears streamed without a break the entire time. â€Å"I'll call you when I know where I'm going,† I promised as I hugged her goodbye. I knew the honeymoon secret was probably driving her crazy; my mother hated secrets, unless she was in on them. â€Å"I'll tell you as soon as she's safely away,† Alice outdid me, smirking at my wounded expression. How unfair, for me to be the last to know. â€Å"You have to visit me and Phil very, very soon. It's your turn to go south – see the sun for once,† Renee said. â€Å"It didn't rain today,† I reminded her, avoiding her request â€Å"A miracle.† â€Å"Everything's ready,† Alice said. â€Å"Your suitcases are in the car – Jasper's bringing it around.† She pulled me back toward the stairs with Renee following, still halfway embracing me. â€Å"I love you, Mom,† I whispered as we descended. Tm so glad you have Phil. Take care of each other.† â€Å"I love you, too, Bella, honey.† â€Å"Goodbye, Mom. I love you,† I said again, my throat thick. Edward was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I took his outstretched hand but leaned away, scanning the little crowd that was waiting to see us off. â€Å"Dad?† I asked, my eyes searching. â€Å"Over here,† Edward murmured. He pulled me through the guests; they made a pathway for us. We found Charlie leaning awkwardly against the wall behind everyone else, looking a little like he was hiding. The red rims around his eyes explained why. â€Å"Oh, Dad!† I hugged him around the waist, tears streaming again – I was crying so much tonight. He patted my back. â€Å"There, now. You don't want to miss your plane.† It was hard to talk about love with Charlie – we were so much alike, always reverting to trivial things to avoid embarrassing emotional displays. But this was no time for being self-conscious. â€Å"I love you forever, Dad,† I told him. â€Å"Don't forget that.† â€Å"You, too, Bells. Always have, always will.† I kissed his cheek at the same time that he kissed mine. â€Å"Call me,† he said. â€Å"Soon,† I promised, knowing this was all I could promise. Just a phone call. My father and my mother could not be allowed to see me again; I would be too different, and much, much too dangerous. â€Å"Go on, then,† he said gruffly. â€Å"Don't want to be late.† The guests made another aisle for us. Edward pulled me close to his side as we made our escape. â€Å"Are you ready?† he asked. â€Å"I am,† I said, and I knew that it was true. Everyone applauded when Edward kissed me on the doorstep. Then he rushed me to the car as the rice storm began. Most of it went wide, but someone, probably Emmett, threw with uncanny precision, and I caught a lot of the ricochets off Edward's back. The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers along its length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen shoes – designer shoes that looked brand-new – dangling behind the bumper. Edward shielded me from the rice while I climbed in, and then he was in and we were speeding away as I waved out the window and called â€Å"I love you† to the porch, where my families waved back. The last image I registered was one of my parents. Phil had both arms wrapped tenderly around Renee. She had one arm tight around his waist but had her free hand reached out to hold Charlie's. So many different kinds of love, harmonious in this one moment. It seemed a very hopeful picture to me. Edward squeezed my hand. â€Å"I love you,† he said. I leaned my head against his arm. ‘That's why we're here,† I quoted him. He kissed my hair. As we turned onto the black highway and Edward really hit the accelerator, I heard a noise over the purr of the engine, coming from the forest behind us. If I could hear it, then he certainly could. But he said nothing as the sound slowly faded in the distance. I said nothing, either. The piercing, heartbroken howling grew fainter and then disappeared entirely.

Analysis Of Desalination Use In South Australia Environmental Sciences Essay

Another method that is used in desalinization is electrodialysis. This method is a batch more expensive because it uses more energy. When salt dissolves in H2O, it splits up into charged ions. The method electrodialysis uses membranes to pin down the ions go forthing purified H2O on the other side. To make this the salt H2O is placed into a container with a negative electrode and positive electrode at either side of the container. The ions are attracted to the electrodes and acquire stuck in the membrane which leaves a supply of desalinated H2O. Distillation ( or vaporization ) is besides a method used for sublimating H2O in desalinization workss. The seawater is heated in one container to do the H2O evaporate, so go forthing the salt behind. The vapor is so condensed in a separate container to organize purified H2O. However it was found that the distillment was limited for H2O supply because of the fuel costs involved in change overing salt H2O to vapour. Modern engineering has developed to more efficient distillment units utilizing solar energy alternatively of fuel. The units have little capacities so hence their public-service corporation is restricted to how much H2O they can condense at a clip. Benefits and Restrictions of Desalination Benefits of a desalinization works: Desalination workss can provide up to 500 million liters of fresh purified H2O a twenty-four hours, which will decidedly work out South Australia ‘s H2O supply deficit They are ever in usage as there is ever sea H2O in the sea, therefore it can be used all twelvemonth unit of ammunition ( every season ) It is an limitless beginning of H2O If the Murray River or any dikes run out of H2O the desalinization works can work as a backup and make full up the dikes once more Restrictions of a desalinization Plant: It costs $ 1.37 billion dollars to pay for a desalinization works, which is an expensive option. If this option is used people ‘s revenue enhancements will travel up in order to pay for this works, where some are sublimating their ain H2O and so hence should n't hold to. Desalination produces concentrated seawater, which is to a great extent concentrated salt H2O that gets pumped back out to see and can impact the marine life in the ocean. ‘Dr Bolton, one of five South Australians who wrote to the province authorities warning it of the dangers of desalinization when so small was known about its long term effects on marine life. ‘[ 1 ] Releases more nursery gas emanations in the ambiance, hence more pollution They require a batch of energy and electricity to run ( as shown in diagram 3 ) hypertext transfer protocol: //www.lenntech.com/desalination/general/desali6.jpg Diagram 3 How desalinization affects us economically and environmentally: Research has shown that desalinization is really expensive in footings of money wise and the sum of energy that is needed ( shown in diagram 3 ) . There are much cheaper options to sublimate South Australia ‘s H2O nevertheless they may non be the best quality of picks. If South Australia gets a desalinization works it will be about $ 3.7 billion dollars to construct it. The province authorities will so hold to raise the revenue enhancement in order to pay back this money that has been spent on something that non everyone will most decidedly usage. This will so hold an consequence on us politically ; it will raise a great argument and a large statement. Desalination has a large consequence on the environment. In order to sublimate salt H2O utilizing the desalinization works procedure you have to stop up with a concentrated salt solution that has to be pumped back out to sea. This will hold a large impact on the marine life as the salt in the ocean will increase the temperature. Not merely will it hold an impact on the marine life it will hold an impact on the wet in the dirt, which will slowly acquire more salty and have an impact on the workss. Desalination besides has an consequence on planetary heating. This is because most methods ( rearward osmosis, distillment ) use unsafe chemicals that are so released into the air, produce waste ( concentrated seawater ) and foul the local environment. To keep the desalinization workss from a cloggy physique up, cleaning agents are used. These are normally chlorine, alkalic solutions and chemical germicides. Chimneies are besides needed in desalinization workss to acquire rid of all the wast e merchandises that are n't needed, these normally creates unsafe chemical clouds. Decision In decision, desalinization could decidedly be a possibility to work out South Australia ‘s H2O deficit. However there are many other different ways to sublimate H2O that would n't impact the environment or be excessively expensive to run and utilize excessively much energy. A better solution would be storm H2O recycling. This is because it will be cheaper to construct a stormwater recycling works than a desalinization works and the H2O will acquire recycled approximately four times, hence intending less H2O demand to be found from other beginnings. All systems have a defect though ; with stormwater recycling and the idea of imbibing H2O that has been flushed down a lavatory can set some people off.