Traditional And Utilitarian Approaches To The Euthyphro Dilemma Essay

Traditional And Utilitarian Approaches To The Euthyphro Dilemma In the Euthyphro, Plato describes the proceedings of a largely circular argument between Socrates and Euthyphro, a self-declared prophet and pious man, over the nature of piety and even of the gods themselves. The issues raised in this dialogue have been reinterpreted and extended to remain relevant even with a modern theological framework, so much so that the central issue is now known simply as ?the Euthyphro dilemma.? This is based on Socrates? two-way choice which he offers in the dialogue: "Consider this: Is the pious being loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is being loved by the gods?" (10a) In the context of the dialogue, this simply segues to a logical argument about the definition of piety, and the question is more or less rhetorical as Socrates asks it. When Euthyphro chooses the first option, the discussion moves on to his next point without further ado, and the implication that this limits the omnipotence of the gods is ignored, probably because the omnipotence of the pantheon of gods wasn?t an assumption of Greek theology (after all, as we read in the dialogue, the father and grandfather of Zeus were castrated; what kind of omnipotent being would allow that to happen to himself?). However, when read with a Judeo-Christian concept of God in mind, the dilemma becomes this: "Did God decide what goodness is? If so, then "good" is more or less the arbitrary decision of a frightening being to which we cannot relate, and that being could just as easily have made murder and stealing the ultimate moral actions without any contradictions. On the other hand, if God did not decide what goodness is, he cannot truly be omnipo... ...urry now, and it is time for me to go" (15e). Works Cited The Tanakh. Jewish Publication Society, 1917. Grisham, Jules. "Euthyphro, God's Nature, And The Question Of Divine Attributes." Third Mill Magazine Online, Volume 4, Number 20. 20 May 2002 <http://www.thirdmill.org/files/english/html/th/TH.h.Grisham.Simplicity.1.html> Macbeath, Murray. "The Euthyphro Dilemma." Mind, New Series, Vol. 91, No. 364. Oct.1982. 565-571. http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-4423%28198210%292%3A91%3A364%3C565%3ATED%3E2.0.CO%3B2-R> Plato. Five Dialogues. Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company, 2002. Rich, Gregory P. "Omnipotence And God's Existence." North Carolina Religious Studies Association, Wake Forest University. 20 November 2002 <http://www.wfu.edu/Organizations/ncrsa/papers/gregrich.pdf> Solomon, Norman. Judaism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford.

The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering :: essays research papers

The formal definition of genetic engineering given in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is â€Å"the directed alteration of genetic material by intervention in genetic processes†. Stated in another way, it is a scientific alteration of the structure of genetic material in a living organism. There are many different methods in genetic engineering, but the goal of all the methods is to manipulate the genetic material (DNA) of the cells in a living organism in order to either change it hereditary traits or to produce biological products. Genetic engineering techniques have been experimented with in many different areas including in bacteria, naturally produced drugs, plants, livestock, and laboratory animals. Much of the processes dealing with genetic engineering are still in the experimental stages. As a result of this, it is required that most genetically engineered products get approval from specific U.S. governmental agencies such as the FDA.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Genetic engineering has only become possible and more understandable very recently. Since scientists have been able to map out most of the gene locations in DNA, they have discovered ways to manipulate the genes. It is a very serious and controversial matter because it raises many ethical, legal, and moral issues, especially in dealing with genetic engineering in human beings. There are generally three methods used in the manipulation of human genes and they are cloning, somatic cell manipulation, and human germline manipulation. Very basically, cloning is creating exact copies of an organisms DNA and creating a new organism with this same DNA. The new organisms will be physically identical to the original organism. Somatic cell manipulation is simply injecting new genes into somatic cells in order to cure a disease such as hemophilia. Germline manipulation is altering the genes in sex cells that are passed onto offspring, so that the offspring will posses certain specific characteristics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the descriptions of these few processes, it can be seen why genetic engineering has become such a controversial issue. Genetic engineering deals with the very intricate, orderly, processes of human life. Genetics is so complex that it is extremely risky to be getting too far into the engineering without knowing the exact results of the actions. Unfortunately, experimentation is the only way to discover some of the outcomes. Some scientists argue that the medical benefits of genetic engineering could be so great, that the experimentation is worth it. There is the possibility that cures to life-threatening diseases could be found through genetic engineering in somatic cell manipulation, for example.

The Theme of Loneliness in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay -- Frank

  Ã‚   Mary Shelley's Frankenstein examines two phenomena of human nature, scientific curiosity and loneliness; the latter will serve as the focus of this essay. The very manner in which Frankenstein begins, that of the correspondence of an unattached explorer who longs for a companion on his voyage, with no one to write to but his sister, establishes the theme of loneliness immediately. Frankenstein's creation is a complex character whose true motives cannot be determined easily. Although one cannot excuse his actions, they should certainly not be viewed out of context. The creature is exposed to the painful reality of loneliness from the moment of his creation. "I had worked hard for nearly two years," Victor states, "for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body...but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room..." The moment Victor realizes what he has done, he is terrified, and flees. This cycle continues, each time isolating the creature further and further. He yearns constantly for some kind of human contact, but does not receive it because of the way in which Victor created his body. Victor meant for it to be a thing of beauty, but realized first that the gathering of pieces from various cadavers res ulted in an appearance that frightens at first sight. A barrier always exists before the creature, much like the wall that separated him from the cottage of the DeLaceys. The creature is touched by the love of the DeLacey family and feels that he is a part of their family. He wants desperately to be accepted by them, but is aware of how they will react if they se... ...excuse the creature's actions. But we can be more understanding of his situation and try to have some compassion. After all, as the creature said to Walton, "You hate me, but your abhorrence cannot equal that with which I regard myself." Works Cited and Consulted Bloom, Harold. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. New York: Chelsea, 1987. Botting, Fred. Making monstrous. Frankenstein, criticism, theory. Manchester University Press, 1991. Boyd, Stephen. York Notes on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Longman York Press, 1992. Mellor, Anne K. Mary Shelley. Her Life, her Fiction, her Monsters. Methuen. New York, London, 1988. Patterson, Arthur Paul. A Frankenstein Study. http://www.watershed.winnipeg.mb.ca/Frankenstein.html Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. Edited with an Introduction and notes by Maurice Hindle. Penguin books, 1992   The Theme of Loneliness in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Essay -- Frank   Ã‚   Mary Shelley's Frankenstein examines two phenomena of human nature, scientific curiosity and loneliness; the latter will serve as the focus of this essay. The very manner in which Frankenstein begins, that of the correspondence of an unattached explorer who longs for a companion on his voyage, with no one to write to but his sister, establishes the theme of loneliness immediately. Frankenstein's creation is a complex character whose true motives cannot be determined easily. Although one cannot excuse his actions, they should certainly not be viewed out of context. The creature is exposed to the painful reality of loneliness from the moment of his creation. "I had worked hard for nearly two years," Victor states, "for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body...but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room..." The moment Victor realizes what he has done, he is terrified, and flees. This cycle continues, each time isolating the creature further and further. He yearns constantly for some kind of human contact, but does not receive it because of the way in which Victor created his body. Victor meant for it to be a thing of beauty, but realized first that the gathering of pieces from various cadavers res ulted in an appearance that frightens at first sight. A barrier always exists before the creature, much like the wall that separated him from the cottage of the DeLaceys. The creature is touched by the love of the DeLacey family and feels that he is a part of their family. He wants desperately to be accepted by them, but is aware of how they will react if they se... ...excuse the creature's actions. But we can be more understanding of his situation and try to have some compassion. After all, as the creature said to Walton, "You hate me, but your abhorrence cannot equal that with which I regard myself." Works Cited and Consulted Bloom, Harold. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. New York: Chelsea, 1987. Botting, Fred. Making monstrous. Frankenstein, criticism, theory. Manchester University Press, 1991. Boyd, Stephen. York Notes on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Longman York Press, 1992. Mellor, Anne K. Mary Shelley. Her Life, her Fiction, her Monsters. Methuen. New York, London, 1988. Patterson, Arthur Paul. A Frankenstein Study. http://www.watershed.winnipeg.mb.ca/Frankenstein.html Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. Edited with an Introduction and notes by Maurice Hindle. Penguin books, 1992  

Communication Style Essay

Communication is a message conveyed with words, body language, vocal inflections, and personal space and the meaning understood by the recipient. Problems occur when the message received is not the message sent. What’s My Communication Style assesses and identifies a person’s dominate communication style. It outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the four styles: Spirit, Direct, Systematic and Considerate. Knowing which style you are comfortable with and which styles you need to improve upon will increase the effectiveness of your communication. This assessment was enlightening because I scored relatively close on three of the four styles. After reviewing the details of each style, I see myself in those three characteristics. I scored 8, 7, and 6 on Spirited, Considerate and Systematic respectively. Therefore, I maintain my dominate style is Enthusiastic and adapts based on my audience. The positive aspects of a spirited style are persuasiveness, enthusiasm and working at a fast pace. Similarly, the considerate style listens well, values relationships and builds trust. I think all of these qualities are essential in project management. For example, at work I always ask how people’s families are or how their weekend went before we start a planning meeting. I listen to what each department thinks is the most important needs and tasks to be addressed during the project. Above all though, I want to gather all the facts before we get started and then decide how we are going to proceed. When problems arise during the project, I listen to each responsible department to see what they think went wrong, make my own assessment and then make plans to correct and put the project back on plan. To strengthen my spirited style, I need to focus on including everyone better so they feel like a more substantial part of the team. One trouble spot that I would like to work on is my organization skills. I’ve noticed that I gloss over the less important details if they are not written down on my to do list. Glossing over the details usually means mistakes that need to be corrected. If I were more organized and detail oriented, we could reduce the number of errors during the project. Most of the time, my teams have all different types of communication styles. During meetings, I can usually tell which style they are most comfortable with based on how they structure their questions. I make a point to address their comments or concerns in their type of style, although I do it enthusiastically. This can be a problem for me when I have a teammate that is too emotional in a meeting. I get frustrated when the conversation has little substance. I want to get the facts and to the point so that we can create an action item list for the team. Similarly, I prefer to avoid addressing conflicts. When they get brought up, I always try to find a path that will appease the masses while still keeping our goals in sight. Because I am so enthusiastic, I like being around other spirited people. It is easy for me to connect with people that are similarly good story tellers, fast paced and high energy. I am drawn to them and feel encouraged to share my experiences. At work, however, I really value people who are articulate, factual, decisive and direct. When we have action items and a deadline, I am focused and want to surround myself with like-minded individuals. I am most challenged working with people that are extremely systematic. I’m currently working with a guy in our IT department who is very precise. He will correct you if you miss speak or have inaccurate facts. I find it difficult to connect with him on a personal level. I have to remember to be overly prepared and armed with details of our project when we have a meeting. During one particular proposal meeting, I really focused on the details and had all my facts. I had an answer for all of his questions. Because I was prepared, I had built that trust that I was trying to build by connecting with him personally. In this case, adapting to my audience was a success. In conclusion, this communication style assignment has been very educational. The assessment helped me identify which styles that I am comfortable with. The lesson taught me how best to identify and communicate with my team to be a better leader. The introspection has shown me my strengths and my trouble spots with areas to focus on.

Nanking

The signing of the Nanking treaty proved to be an important catalyst in the eventual shift of ideas and principles concerning colonialism. Such document proved to be the instigator for the change in political ideals that affected countries in East Asia in their view of Western powers. In the end, the image of these legal codes served as an instrument in creating and paving for colonialism in East Asia. It can be argued that there has been an evolution of ideas when the Nanking Treaty was signed. This was evident not only among Western ideals but also among countries in East Asia as well (Japan). One thing that can be argued here is the creation of these legal documents to promote the exploitation of natural resources which is brought about by one factor – colonialism. Here we see the creation of colonial knowledge’s that served as an instigator to promote colonialism, particularly in East Asia. Wagoner (2003) says that colonial knowledge is â€Å"forms and bodies of knowledge that enabled European colonizers to achieve domination over their colonized subjects around the globe.† One such example is legal codes inscribed in every treaty that gives privileges to states to practice such concept. The Nanking Treaty serves as one component in legitimizing the practice of colonialism in China. There are several provisions in the treaty that exhibits such idea and creates the grounds for exploitation. Treaty of Nanking (1842) provides that â€Å"it being obviously necessary and desirable that British subjects should have some port whereat they may [maintain] and refit their ships when required, and keep stores for that purpose.† Such idea raises the question of equality of application in the mentioned treaty. Looking at it, there seems to be an evident discrepancy in the area of equality as far as the treaty is concerned. The mentioned treaty provides more benefits to the winning side (Great Britain) and penalties for the losing faction (China). Treaty of Nanking (1842) says that â€Å"His Majesty the Emperor of China cedes to Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, &c., the Island of Hong-Kong, to be possessed in perpetuity by Her Britannic Majesty,† This created a different perspective in the political environment especially in China. Prior to the Opium wars and signing of the Nanking Treaty, Chinese status in the realm of World Politics was regarded to be of high regard. After the defeat from the British, Chinese grasp slowly diminished as it lost control over certain privileges enjoyed by the state. It is through this, that other Western states also used such weakness for their personal gains. Bond (2007) mentions that â€Å"Sensing blood France, Russia and the United States all piled in with similar treaties granting similar access.† Such legal codes proved to be an instrument for inequalities and semi-colonial relationships. Realizing its extent, it can be argued that such event created a shift in the societal level as people and other traits begin to exhibit traits comparable to their colonizers. Wagoner (2003) says that â€Å"indigenous intellectuals in reality contributed actively to the process, and that colonial knowledge was thus produced through a complex form of collaboration between colonizers and colonized, and an attendant process of epistemic confrontation and adjustment between European and indigenous knowledge systems.† Though such treaty may promote ‘equality before the law’, realistically it showcases a different treatment among Chinese counterparts. Treaty of Nanking (1842) stipulates â€Å"Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, &c., will appoint Superintendents, or Consular officers, to reside at each of the above-named cities or towns, to be the medium of communication between the Chinese authorities and the said merchants, and to see that the just duties and other dues of the Chinese Government,† Lastly, such issue created a justification for other rising powers to exhibit the same ideology promoted by Western States as far as colonialism is concerned. Japan, for one, evolved from its isolationist ways and started to practice and exhibit the colonialist ideals. To conclude, the Nanking Treaty proved to be a catalyst for political and economic changes in East Asia. These legal codes provided the justification for colonialism and exploitation as it greatly affected the way other states both in East Asia and the West perceive China. Work Cited Bond, David. Silk Road or Silver Road. 2007. accessed March 14, 2008 Wagoner, Philip B. Precolonial Intellectuals and the Production of Colonial Knowledge in ‘Comparative Studies in Society and History 2003 45 (UK; Cambridge University Press) pp.783-814 ‘Treaty of Nanking’ 1842 accessed March 14, 2008 from

Why Smoking Should be Banned

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States, and doing it in public is even worse because smokers not only harm themselves, but also those around them. I remember how my great uncle would always smoke in his house regardless of his surroundings. When his daughter visited him for a vacation, she brought her three year old daughter with her. The baby was healthy before coming to her grandpa's house, but in less than two weeks, she had developed ear infections and started to cough. When they went to the doctors' office to find out how she had gotten it, the doctor linked it back to the second hand smoke that she was breathing in. When my great uncle found out about it, he finally started to care about where he was smoking and who he was with, and decided that he would smoke in a secluded place where no one but him may be affected. Like my great uncle in the past, many smokers think they could do whatever they want because it is their body, but to me, their right ends where my health begins. I believe that smoking in public places should be banned at a federal level because even the smallest wisp of smoke can do a lot of damage to the people around them and the environment. Smoking has been proven to have many deadly effects on humans and the environment that it would make sense to ban people doing it in public. Cigarettes negatively affect the environment in many ways that not many people seem to realize. According to a study by Tree Hugger â€Å"more than 4. 5 trillion non-biodegradable filter-tipped cigarettes are thrown away annually somewhere in the world† (McLaren). Most cigarette butts are not thrown away properly because many can be easily found on the streets and even near bodies of water. â€Å"It takes about 18 months to 10 years for cigarette butts to decompose† (McLaren). It would make it easier for trash to keep on piling up, making the world a dirtier place. Not only does the trash make the environment look unattractive but it also affects animals. When a cigarette butt is thrown near a water source, it may contaminate an aquatic ecosystem. According to Tree Hugger, cigarette butts have been found inside the stomachs of birds and fishes (McLaren). It is horrible to know that some of the fishes that we have eaten may have been contaminated by cigarette butts. Though many smokers already know of the health risks that come with smoking cigarettes, but what most of them do not, is how secondhand smoking can affect other people. â€Å"Breathing in low doses of secondhand smoke can increase a person’s risk of heart attack† according to a study by Dr. Meyers, a professor of Cardiology and Preventive Medicine at University of Kansas (Sciencedaily. com). Smokers should not risk non-smokers for something that they do. In continuation of Dr. Meyers’ study is that, â€Å"secondhand smoking increases the likelihood of a heart attack by making the blood â€Å"sticky†, making it more prone to clotting, and reducing the amount of good cholesterol in the body† (Sciencedaily. com). Non-smokers should no t be worrying about paying more medical bills, especially in today’s economic situation. Many businesses provide health insurance to their employees. According to a statistical data collected by Live Strong, employers spend an extra $49 million in medical costs for employees who are exposed to secondhand smoking in their jobs (Nelson). Employers would be able to hire more people with the money that is being used to pay for medical bills that could be prevented. Smoking banned in public places may lead to less pollution, non-smokers not getting harmed, and employers saving money from unneeded medical bills that could be used to hire more employees. Whenever I ask a smoker why they smoke, many respond in something like, â€Å"It’s my own body; I can do whatever I want with it. † According to a report by Dr. Stillman, co-director of the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at Johns Hopkins University, says, â€Å"Inhaling the complex mixture of compounds in tobacco smoke can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung disease† (Shrieves). Though it is their own body, we all share the same air, and the smoke that cigarettes produce is contaminating our air, which may also harm a other people. Most people think that smoking and bars go together like two peas in a pod, and many think that by banning smoking in public places will lead to a decrease of revenue in some businesses. According to a report collected by the CDC, â€Å"a smoke-free indoor air ordinance that was passed in El Paso, Texas, proved that there were no statistically significant changes in restaurant and bar revenues after the smoking ban took effect† (CDC. gov). It is more beneficial to people to ban smoking seeing as there is no change in revenues and it would not affect the economy. Ban of smoking in public places in a federal level is much more favorable to non-smokers and makes no significant changes in revenues in businesses. Smoking in public should be banned at a federal level without question. Smoking negatively affects people, the environment and businesses. There are no logical reasons to allow smoking in public places and doing so does not benefit anyone but cigarette makers. Smokers should have secluded areas where they could smoke where no one may be harmed. The government should provide trash cans in these areas so smokers would not just throw their cigarette butts on the floor. Anyone caught smoking in public places and littering their cigarettes should be fined. Smoking endangers people who chose not to engage in the same reckless behavior, like my baby cousin who had gotten so sick because of my great uncle’s smoking. It also dirties our environment and harms other animals that are in search of food. Businesses who provide health insurance to their workers affected by second hand smoking are wasting money that could be used to hire more employees. Banning smoking in public may lead to a better way of life and a healthier place to live.

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 29

Damon and I ran at vampire speed through the streets of New Orleans. Unlike when we first arrived and Damon lagged reluctantly behind me, we ran side by side, the adobe and brick houses blurring past us like melting wax. Something had shifted between us in that arena, I felt it in my very being. Something had changed in Damons eyes as hed regarded me and refused to attack, even as the crowd jeered on. I wondered how the match would have ended had the tent not gone up in flames–would we have taken the humans one by one, or would one Salvatore brother have ended up dead and bloodied on the dusty floor? The image of the Mystic Falls church blazing like an oversize torch sprang to my mind. The town had burned down the church and the vampires trapped within it the night our father killed us–and the vampire Damon had loved. But Damon and I were still here, like phoenixes rising from the ashes of the vampires who came before us. Perhaps out of the fire of this circus in our new home city, a new kinship between us would spring to life–like the new life that arose in prairies after the previous years crops had been burned to the level of the soil. Damon and I continued to run, our feet slapping against the cobblestones in perfect unison, down the back alleys and streets Id learned so well in my few weeks of living here. But as we rounded the corner onto Dauphine, the same street where Lexi had taken me shopping, I stopped short. Affixed to the window of the tailors shop was a crude drawing of me and Damon, our fangs bared, both of us crouched low.The fight of the century, the posters read. I wondered if Callie had drawn them. Probably. Damon leaned in close, examining the poster. â€Å"That drawing makes you look a bit stocky, brother. Might be time to lay off the barmaids.† â€Å"Ha, ha,† I said dryly, looking around. Shouts sounded behind us, in the direction of the circus. We had a good head start, but if Callie had distributed these posters as widely as we had the posters for Damon, then we wouldnt be safe until we were inside. The spindly spire of a church rose in the distance–the church that was kitty-corner to Lexis place. â€Å"Come on!† I pushed Damon in the direction of the church, and we didnt talk until we reached the rickety white house. â€Å"This is where you live?† Damons lip curled as his eyes flicked up from the sagging, whitewashed porch to the dark windows. â€Å"Well, I understand that it may not measure up to your standards, but we all must make sacrifices every now and again,† I said sarcastically as I led him to the back door. The door swung open, allowing a triangular slice of light to pour out over the dark backyard. I put my hands up as Lexi appeared in the doorway. â€Å"I know you said no visitors, but–â€Å" â€Å"Come in. Quickly!† she said, locking the door the second we crossed the threshold. In the main room, candles were burning, and Buxton, Hugo, and Percy were all perched on the chairs and couches, as if they were in the middle of a meeting. â€Å"You must be Damon.† Lexi nodded to him slightly. â€Å"Welcome to our home.† I was aware of Damon watching her, and wondered what he saw. â€Å"Yes, maam,† Damon said with an easy grin. â€Å"And Im afraid that during our time in captivity, my brother somehow failed to mention you and your†Ã¢â‚¬â€œhis eyes flicked over Percy and Buxton–â€Å"family.† Percy bristled and half-rose from his seat, but Lexi put up a hand to stop him. â€Å"Im Lexi. And as Stefan is your brother, my home is your home.† â€Å"We escaped,† I started to explain. Lexi nodded. â€Å"I know. Buxton was there.† â€Å"You were?† I whirled around in surprise. â€Å"Were you betting for me or against me?† Damon let out a little snort. Lexi laid a hand on my forearm. â€Å"Be nice. He was there to help you.† My eyes widened. â€Å"You were going to help me?† Buxton leaned back in his chair. â€Å"I was. But then someone had the bright idea to burn down the whole place, so I left.† He crossed his arms over his chest, looking pleased at himself for being part of the action. â€Å"It was Callie. She lit the fire,† I said. Lexis eyes registered surprise. â€Å"I was wrong,† she said simply. â€Å"Its been known to happen.† â€Å"You must forgive my poor manners in interrupting, but do you have anything to eat?† Damon asked, not turning away from the portrait of an old woman that he was examining. â€Å"Ive had a rather difficult few weeks.† For the first time since we had escaped, I really looked at my brother. His voice was hoarse, as if he was unused to using it. Bloody gashes covered his arms and legs; his clothes were in tattered rags; and his shock of black hair was filthy and lank against his pale neck. Red rimmed his eyes, and his hands trembled slightly. â€Å"Of course. You boys must be starving.† Lexi tsked. â€Å"Buxton, take him to the butcher shop. Let him eat his fill. I doubt there are enough humans in New Orleans to quench his thirst. And tonight, at least, he deserves to eat like a king.† â€Å"Yes, maam,† Buxton said, bowing slightly as he raised his bulk from the chair. â€Å"Ill join him,† I said, heading toward the door. â€Å"No.† Lexi shook her head and grabbed my arm–hard. â€Å"I have tea for you.† â€Å"But † I protested, confused and annoyed. I could practically taste the pigs blood on my tongue. â€Å"No buts,† Lexi said sharply, sounding remarkably like my mother. Buxton opened the door for Damon, who wiggled his brow at me as if to say, â€Å"Poor boy!† If Lexi saw, she pretended not to notice, instead busying herself with the tea kettle while I slumped on one of the rickety chairs set up around the table, my head resting on my hands. â€Å"When you become a vampire, its not just your teeth and diet that change,† Lexi said as she stoked the fire in the stove, her back toward me. â€Å"What does that mean?† I asked defensively. â€Å"It means that you and your brother arent who you used to be. Youve both changed, and you may not know Damon as well as you think,† Lexi said, carrying two steaming mugs in her hands. â€Å"Goats blood.† â€Å"I dontlikegoats blood,† I said, pushing the mug away angrily. I sounded like a petulant toddler, and I didnt care. â€Å"And no one knows Damon better than I do.† â€Å"Oh, Stefan,† Lexi said, looking at me kindly. â€Å"I know. But promise me youll be careful. These are dangerous times–for everyone.† At the worddangerous, something clicked in my mind. â€Å"Callie! I have to find her!† â€Å"No!† Lexi pushed me back down on my chair. â€Å"Her father will not harm her, but hell kill you, given half the chance, and youre in no shape for a fight.† I opened my mouth to protest, but Lexi cut me off. â€Å"Callie is fine. You can see her tomorrow. But for now, drink the blood. Fall asleep. When you awaken, you will be healed, and you, Damon, and Callie will figure out everything then.† Lexi left the kitchen with a swish of her aprons and extinguished the lamp. Suddenly exhaustion fell over me like a heavy blanket, and the desire to fight Lexis advice drained from my body. With a sigh, I lifted the mug and took a small sip. The liquid was warm and velvety, and I couldnt help but admit that it was good. Lexi was right–I would see Callie tomorrow to say good-bye. But I needed rest. My entire body hurt, even my heart. At least you know you have one, I imagined Lexi saying, and I smiled in the darkness.