Monday, April 20, 2020

Nicholas Kein Essays - Walmart, Human Behavior, No Frills, Trade

Nicholas Kein Composition 1 Wedemeyer June 24 th , 2018 A song is a powerful thing, when you really think about it. It can invoke such a broad range of emotion s , and can catch you off guard if you are not careful. When one track stops and another one starts, you are practically placing your emotions in the hands of the playlist. The song I have chosen to write about for this essay is "Prayer of the Refugee, By Rise Against". This song makes me feel anger, and rebellion. In "Prayer of the Refugee", Rise Against uses visual examples along with lyrical depictions of exclusion, and victimization to shed light on widespread societal ignorance and lack of change pertaining to government and corporate social policy practices , such as child labor, fair trade, and others . This song has strong tones of distrust and disgust toward establishments such as the government , while at the same time proclaiming a simpler, and less dependent life to be a better one. L arge corporations tend to have a large amount of influence on how new bills and laws are introduced and passed in government. It seems that in Modern America, the middle, or working class is dwindling. The rich continue to get richer. The working class continue to be downtrodden on, and the people of high income, and low moral standing continue to have the advantage in life over lower income and high moral standing. In this essay, I will argue these opinions , and show you how I believe these points are being made throughout the song, and what lessons you can take away from listening to it . Through the entire song, "Prayer of the Refugee" gives a look at what it is like to be one of the 99 percent. Althoug h the song lyrics do not identify a specific entity that they are being persecuted by, it is clear in the visual representations throughout the song, and research, that they are speaking of big box stores, such as Walmart. The song starts off from the perspective of a father with his son. The father explains that the life that they left used to be simpler and better than where they find themselves currently. "Before we packed our bags and left all this behind us in the dust we had a place that we cold call home and a life no one could touch". To me, this portrays that a family left they're home and moved for opportunity elsewhere, where hope of a better life was all that they had to go on. They're old home may not have been glamorous, but it was theirs and that counts for something. Another portion of the song provokes the correlation of falling into line and complying with authority, and being downtrodden by bureaucracy. "We are the angry and the desperate, the hungry and the cold, We are the ones who kept quiet, And always did what we were told". But these people seem to be fed up with how they are being treated. Life may be harder for them, but that has made them stronger and more cunning. "But we've been sweating while you slept so calm in the safety of your home, We've been pulling out the nails that hold up everything you own". In my opinion, this references people slowly waking up, after being hypnotized by the propaganda that is being spewed at them around every corner. The nails represent the foundation of the society of the one percent. The one percent may be living the good life, but that very lifestyle is what makes them become lazy and complacent if they are not careful. The third stanza in the song describes how people are finally waking up from being oppressed and exploited. " So open yo ur eyes child, lets be on our way, broken windows and ashes are guiding the say. To me, this also states that not repeating history and learning from our mistakes is very important for survival. The broken windows and ashes are the examples of what not to do, and the path not to follow for happiness or success. Following the connections between

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Religious Christmas Quotes

Religious Christmas Quotes For many people, Christmas is a religious celebration. Devout Catholics attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve.  Many Christians create nativity scenes at home and shopping malls to bring alive the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite concern that the true meaning of Christmas is being lost in the gift-giving family holiday, many still celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. Bring joy to your fellow Christians by sharing these religious quotes with them.   Christmas Quotes Martin Luther King, Jr.Ah! Dearest Jesus, Holy Child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled; Within my heart, that it may be, A quiet chamber kept for thee. Calvin CoolidgeChristmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think  on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world. AugustineHe was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute. J.I. PackerThe Almighty appeared on Earth as a helpless human baby, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the Incarnation. Fulton J. SheenThe simple shepherds heard the voice of an angel and found their lamb; the wise men saw the light of a star and found their wisdom. Charles SpurgeonInfinite and an infant. Eternal and yet born of a woman. Almighty and yet hanging on a womans breast. Supporting a universe and yet needing to be carried in a mothers arms. King of angels and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things and yet the carpenters despised son. John MacArthurIf we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: God with us. We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth! Stuart BriscoeThe spirit of Christmas needs to superseded by the Spirit of Christ. The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal. The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural. The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christ is a divine person. That makes all the difference in the world. Agnes M. PharoWhat is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace. Rev Billy GrahamThe very purpose of Christs coming into the world was that he might offer up his life as a sacrifice for the sins of men. He came to die. This is the heart of Christmas.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Global warming Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global warming - Article Example Most of the remaining 70% is absorbed by the land and ocean and the atmosphere absorbs the remainder. Radiation takes place when the rocks, the seas, and the air get warm, thus forming energy that travels into the atmosphere and water vapor and gases like carbon dioxide and methane absorb most of the energy. Additionally, the absorption and radiation of heat by the atmosphere is important for life on earth as it provides a comfortable atmosphere as compared to the chilly atmosphere that would be caused by lack of green houses. Scientists argue that over the past 250 years, humans have increased significantly the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is mostly through burning fuels and cutting down forests that absorb carbon. Today, the atmosphere is filled with greenhouse gas molecules and the atmosphere absorbs the energy emitted. Lastly, due to the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, the earth’s atmosphere is becoming an efficient

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Annotated Bibliography Example The transition from the application of ratio analysis technique to other models of predicting bankruptcy, following the susceptibility of financial ratio analysis to financial difficulties, is advanced by the article, making it possible to trace the history of bankruptcy over a period of time. The article seeks to advance this study to include the evaluation of multi discriminant analysis (MDA) and Regression analyses, as suitable analytical techniques of evaluating the financial situation of a company, consequently displaying the bankruptcy risks involved. The article is relevant for this study, since it helps in tracing the evolution and advancement of corporate bankruptcy, with a focus on how corporate bankruptcy has been assessed over time. The use of bankruptcy as the recourse for individual and company debts is assessed under this study, with a focus on understanding how bankruptcy have been used to prevent individuals and companies from paying the debts. The article analyses the laws applicable in preventing the abuse of bankruptcy concept, evaluating how well they shield companies from facing bankruptcy suits. Notably, the article concentrates on evaluating how wealthy individuals and companies can use the bankruptcy concept as a loophole to help them have their debts discharged, and at the same time remain with their assets intact. Thus, the role of opportunistic debtors in advancing company bankruptcy in the history of corporate bankruptcy is evaluated. The concepts of involuntary bankruptcy and informal bankruptcy are also studied under the article, with the intention of unearthing the loopholes presented by these concepts, which can accelerate the abuse of bankruptcy. This article is relevant for this study, si nce it helps in creating awareness on various loopholes that have been applied to abuse bankruptcy in the history of company

Friday, January 31, 2020

Determinants of Students Academic Performance Essay Example for Free

Determinants of Students Academic Performance Essay It is a positive statement when one says that man of modern society is so advanced in education, both in the science and in technology, but won’t mind nor think about what steps he could make or trace what good he could do for his fellowmen. He does not live in terms of attitudes acceptable in the society where he lives. A man today is more conscious of his own personal upliftment, keeps innocent of knowing his worth which would be undeniably great if he is treading the right way. Everyone has a right in education. This is embodied in Article XIV Section I of the Philippine Constitution 1987: The state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education to all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. Schools, colleges, and universities have no work without student. Students are most essential assets for any educational institute. The social and economic development of the country is directly linked with student academic performance. The students performance place an important role in producing the best quality graduates who will become great leader and manpower for the country thus responsible for the country’s economic and social development. So the parents or guardians must do their responsibilities and roles to give what they need in education. Intelligence is not the only determinant of the academic performance of the student. Academic performance of a student is always associated with the many components of learning environment. Learning and teaching environment ought to implement six functions: inform, communicate, collaborate, produce, scaffold, and manage. The key to success in learning-teaching environment lies on people who use it. Hence, in the instructional system, the teacher is the main factor who can spell the difference between success and failure of a student. Another important determinant, which shouldn’t be neglected, is the family. Family is the primary social system for students for all cultures across the region. Religiosity as an aspect of the family environment is another independent variable possibly influencing academic performance. Higher-achieving students are likely to have the following characteristics: positive feelings about their school experiences, attribute their success in high school to such things as hard work, self-discipline, organization, ability, and high motivation, these characteristics vary from person to person and country to country. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM This study determined the related factors to the academic performance of Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, second year students at Cagayan State University. To attain the aforementioned objective, answer to the following research questions were sought. 1. What is the profile of the BSRT 1st year students in terms of: A. Personal Factors: a. 1. Sex a. 2. Parent’s occupation a. 3. Sibling number a. 4. Physical health a. 5. Student attitude a. 6. Religion or Ethnicity B. School Factors: b. 1. No vision b. 2. Lack of passion b. 3. Lack of personal/work/school/family balance b. 4. Lack of taking advantage of student resources b. 5. Attending the wrong college or university b. 6. Lack of maturity and discipline C. Community Factors: c. 1. School distance from home c. 2. Means of transportation D. Intrinsic Factors: d.1 . Interest d.2 . Ability E. Extrinsic Factors: e.1 Family Factor e.2 Peers F. Aspirations G. Needs A. What are the determinants of the academic performance of the BSRT 1st year students? B. Is there a relationship between the profile and the academic performance of the BSRT 1st year students? C. How do the teachers perceive the academic performance of the BSRT 1st year students? SCOPE AND DELIMINATION OF THE STUDY This research study is centered on the factors related to the academic performance and attitudes of the BSRT 1st year students at Cagayan State University, Andrew’s Campus. The profile of Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy 1st year students in the terms of personal, school and community factors were determined. Likewise, the teacher’s perceptions on the academic performance of the BSRT 1st year students were considered. Furthermore, the relationship between the BSRT 1st year profile and academic performance were also determined. Lastly, the variable that contributes to the variation of the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy 1st year students’ academic performance was established. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY It is with optimism that the findings of this study would contribute the development of macro educational system particularly at Cagayan State University in terms of the determinants related to the academic performance of BSRT 1st year students. Furthermore, it is hoped that feedback of data gathered would be used as clues for recommending changes for improvement in fulfilling practices, performance that are relevant and responsive to the demand of our educational system. Moreover, result of this study, would guide the teachers in improving their classroom management, instructional methods and strategies to equip their students the needed preparation for their future careers. Likewise, the parents would be made knowledgeable on determinants of academic performance of their child; therefore, they can suit a proper program of activities for their child for a better performance. It is also hoped that this study shall help the school maintain a harmonious relationship with the community in playing its vital role for the progress and development through people empowerment. Summing up, the findings of this study would contribute to the attainment of educational excellence and the national development goal, the conversion of the Philippines into a newly industrialized country. DEFINITION OF TERMS 1. Ability- CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Student academic performances are affected due to social, psychological, economic, environmental, and personal factors. The learning environment refers to the whole range of components and activities within which learning happens (Bahr, Hawks, Wang 1993). A. PERSONAL FACTORS The socio-economic status of students is directly proportional to their scholastic performance. 1. Parents Occupation According to Ruben as cited by Ramiro, (1996) that the effect of low income reflects lack of education or training, physical or mental disability or poor motivation. Students with parents who were both college educated tended to achieve at the highest levels. Income and family size were modestly related to achievement (Ferguson, 1991). Middle class parents tend to be college graduate although some only graduated from high school, and many only reached elementary. Bremberk (1996) found out that an increase in the percentage of parents with college degree and white collar job have a better effect on school performance. Parents’ educational attainment is related to the school achievement of the youth. 2. Sibling Number Children from large families maybe handicapped because they get relatively source of the family’s intellectual resources than those children from smaller families (Draig 1998). 3. Attitudes of the Student Performance and attitudes characteristics are strong determinants of academic achievement as cited by Marcos, (1998). According to Santrock, (1998) when our attitude is based on personal experience our behavior is more likely reflect our attitudes. When we have thought about our attitude towards something and have ready access it, the attitude behavior connection is strengthen. In the words of John Locke, â€Å"The actions of men are the best interpreter of their thoughts†. Ramiro, (1996) mentioned that habits of students are very much related to education. The relationship would contribute something substantial in the academic performance of student in their respective school and homes greatly affect their standing in school. B. SCHOOL FACTORS Education is a continuous process in which every parent aims to give it as a gift to their children for their future. Abracia, (1984) stated that schools was considered as a second home of learners because it is a plays where to know everything; wherein a teacher serves as their parents. 1. No vision According to Wollitkiewics,(1980) Some students do not have a clearly articulated picture of the future they intend to create for themselves. Thus, they may take programs of study without a clear career goal or objective. In essence, they choose the wrong major. 2. Lack of passion In a study conducted by Salinas, (1989) she emphasized that successful students work out of passion, a love for what they want to do, and recognize the importance of the benefit it will bring others as well as themselves. Without passion, study becomes a chore and not a method for achieving clearly defined goals. 3. Lack of personal/work/school/family balance Whatever is going on in a students personal life, will inevitably affect whats going on in school. Whatever is happening in school will affect whats going on in their personal life. A student needs time to be in class, and appropriate time for study. However, there must be time for family, friends, social activities, and time to just be alone. The key is keeping proper balance (Kalko, Elisabeth, K.V., et al. 2006) 4. Lack of taking advantage of student resources There is really no reason for academic failure. According to San Luis, (2003) every college and university has an academic learning center where students can receive peer and faculty tutoring, without charge. Many students fail to seek help. 5. Attending the wrong college or university Tylan, (1998) found that students accept admission into schools they are not familiar with. Thus, they become depressed with their surroundings. Student must be content with their school, its environment, and resources. This, in turn has a negative effect on their studies. 6. Lack of maturity and discipline Some students are just not disciplined and lack good organizational skills. They often fall under the pressure of their peers. (Corpus, 1999) Rather than using good discretion, they feel compelled to follow others (socially), when they really should be attending to their studies. C. INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC FACTORS Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself. It occurs when people are internally motivated to do something because it either brings them pleasure, they think it is important, or they feel that what they are learning is significant. Students are likely to be intrinsically motivated if they attribute their educational results to factors under their own control, also known as autonomy (http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/Motivation#intrinsic_and_extrinsic_motivation). Intrinsic means internal or inside of yourself. When you are intrinsically motivated, you enjoy an activity, course or skill development solely for the satisfaction of learning and having fun, and you are determined to be inwardly in order to be competent (http://www.livestrong.com/article/174305-the-difference-between-intrinsic-motivation-extrinsic-motivation). According to Dr. James Gavin, intrinsic motivation is derived from a self-concept, core beliefs, internal need and development opposed to extrinsic motivators which can undermine these motivations. Motives needs to be additive in effect, which means the more reasons you find to motivate yourself to engage in a behavior, the more likely you will continue with and persist in these behaviors. External motivators are typically not additive. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, means external or outside of yourself, this type of motivation is everywhere and frequently used within the society throughout your lifetime. When you are motivated to behave, learn, or do based on highly regarded outcome, rather than for fun, development or learning provided within an experience, you are being extrinsically motivated (http://www.livestrong.com/article/174305-the-difference-between-intrinsic-motivation-extrinsic-motivation). 1. Family Probably the strongest influence in our lives is the family we grew up. Our birth order, the personality of our parents, the way we were treated by our siblings, the socio economic status of the family and the place we lived. Besides these tacit influences, our parents taught us all the basics of proper behavior (â€Å"Family influence†.3rd ed. New York. Ronald M. Doctor, Ada P. Kahn 2008). Rollins and Thomas found that high parental control were associated with high achievement. Parents have a crucial role to make sure that every child becomes high achiever. Parental influence has been identified as an important factor affecting student achievement. Philips (1998) also found that parental education and social economic status have an impact on student performance. 2. Influence of Peers Peers groups play a powerful role in shaping identity because the desire to be accepted by one’s peers and â€Å"fit in† with one’s peers often becomes paramount concern for most adolescents. Peer groups are likely to impose negative sanctions upon those who violate what are perceived as established norms of behavior and who attempt to construct identities that deviate significantly from prevailing conceptions of racial and gender identity (http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/er/pntroub1.html). Peers refer to people who are of the same age, educational level, or have the same job or profession. According to Christine Adamec, (2008), a peer group can cause anxieties for an individual because it can arouse feelings of self concept, low self esteem, and other negative attitudes and behavior. CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter presents the research design, the locale of the study, the respondents and sampling procedure, the instrument and statistical tools used to treat the data collected. RESEARCH DESIGN Since this study will determine the academic performances of BSRT 2nd year students at Cagayan State University, the researchers will use the descriptive correlational method. Descriptive method often involves extensive observation and note-taking. It describes data and characteristics about the population or phenomenon being studied. The correlational method of research will also used to deal with their relationship between and among the input, transformation process and output variables. The researchers used this method since the condition and description of the subjects and variables at the time of the study will determine. LOCALE OF THE STUDY The College of Allied Health and Sciences was located at Cagayan State University, Tuguegarao. This was composed of two courses- Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. The researchers will only focus to the 2nd year BSRT students. RESEARCH INSTRUMENT The principal instrument used in collecting data needed was questionnaire. It is composed of structured questions regarding personal factors, school factors, community factors, intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors and students’ academic performance, each item will be provided with possible answer for the choices of the respondents. The academic performance of the students will be derived through documentary analysis.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Herman Melvilles Billy Budd - Captain Vere was Correct :: Herman Melville Billy Budd Essays

Captain Vere was Correct in Billy Budd Captain Vere makes the correct decision by executing Billy Budd. If CaptainVere lets Billy live the rest of the crew might get the impression that they will not be held accountable for their crimes. If the crew feels that they can get away with what ever they want then there is a chance that they might form a rebellion and have a mutiny. A mutiny would destroy the stability and good name of the ship and the crew. Captain Vere does not want to see this happen. There are three main reasons Captain Vere makes the right decision by executing Billy Budd. These reasons are that if Billy lives then a mutiny might occur, because the law states that a crime as severe as Billy's is punishable by death, and Captain Vere feels sorry for Billy and does not want Billy to suffer with guilt until a martial court could give a decision. If Billy is not executed then corruption might occur on the ship and cause a mutiny. Captain Vere knows that a mutiny might occur and does not want it to happen. Captain Vere could possibly be using Billy's execution for his crime of killing Claggart as an example for the rest of the crew. It shows the crew what will happen to them if they try to start a mutiny. After Billy's death CaptainVere obviously feels regret for executing Billy. Captain Vere's last words are "Billy Budd, Billy Budd" (p. 76) show an example of this. Those last words might symbolize that Captain Vere killed Billy for the wrong reasons. If CaptainVere uses Billy's death for an example to the rest of the crew then it might not necessarily be the wrong reason. CaptainVere has to decide between one life and the lives of the entire crew. No matter what Captain Vere's reasons are he does make the right decision. Another reason CaptainVere might of executed Billy Budd is because CaptainVere follows the law to the letter. The law states that mutiny is punishable to by death. Some readers might not see this accidental murder as mutiny, but killing a superior officer in the British navy is considered mutiny.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Part Five Chapter VI

VI Shirley showered and pulled clothes out of the wardrobe while Howard slept noisily on. The church bell of St Michael and All Saints, ringing for ten o'clock matins, reached her as she buttoned up her cardigan. She always thought how loud it must be for the Jawandas, living right opposite, and hoped that it struck them as a loud proclamation of Pagford's adherence to the old ways and traditions of which they, so conspicuously, were not a part. Automatically, because it was what she so often did, Shirley walked along the hall, turned into Patricia's old bedroom and sat down at the computer. Patricia ought to be here, sleeping on the sofa-bed that Shirley had made up for her. It was a relief not to have to deal with her this morning. Howard, who had still been humming ‘The Green, Green Grass of Home' when they arrived at Ambleside in the early hours, had not realized that Patricia was absent until Shirley had had the key in the front door. ‘Where's Pat?' he had wheezed, leaning against the porch. ‘Oh, she was upset that Melly didn't want to come,' sighed Shirley. ‘They had a row or something †¦ I expect she's gone home to try and patch things up.' ‘Never a dull moment,' said Howard, bouncing lightly off alternate walls of the narrow hallway as he navigated his way carefully towards the bedroom. Shirley brought up her favourite medical website. When she typed in the first letter of the condition she wished to investigate, the site offered its explanation of EpiPens again, so Shirley swiftly revised their use and content, because she might yet have an opportunity to save their potboy's life. Next, she carefully typed in ‘eczema', and learned, somewhat to her disappointment, that the condition was not infectious, and could not, therefore, be used as an excuse to sack Sukhvinder Jawanda. From sheer force of habit, she then typed in the address of the Pagford Parish Council website, and clicked onto the message board. She had grown to recognize at a glance the shape and length of the user name The_Ghost_of_Barry_Fairbrother, just as a besotted lover knows at once the back of their beloved's head, or the set of their shoulders, or the tilt of their walk. A single glimpse at the topmost message sufficed: excitement exploded; he had not forsaken her. She had known that Dr Jawanda's outburst could not go unpunished. Affair of the First Citizen of Pagford She read it, but did not, at first, understand: she had been expecting to see Parminder's name. She read it again, and gave the suffocated gasp of a woman being hit by icy water. Howard Mollison, First Citizen of Pagford, and long-standing resident Maureen Lowe have been more than business partners for many years. It is common knowledge that Maureen holds regular tastings of Howard's finest salami. The only person who appears not to be in on the secret is Shirley, Howard's wife. Completely motionless in her chair, Shirley thought: it's not true. It could not be true. Yes, she had once or twice suspected †¦ had hinted, sometimes, to Howard †¦ No, she would not believe it. She could not believe it. But other people would. They would believe the Ghost. Everybody believed him. Her hands were like empty gloves, fumbling and feeble, as she tried, with many a blunder, to remove the message from the site. Every second that it remained there, somebody else might be reading it, believing it, laughing about it, passing it to the local newspaper †¦ Howard and Maureen, Howard and Maureen †¦ The message was gone. Shirley sat and stared at the computer monitor, her thoughts scurrying like mice in a glass bowl, trying to escape, but there was no way out, no firm foothold, no way of climbing back to the happy place she had occupied before she saw that dreadful thing, written in public for the world to see †¦ He had laughed at Maureen. No, she had laughed at Maureen. Howard had laughed at Kenneth. Always together: holidays and workdays and weekend excursions †¦ †¦ only person who appears not to be in on the secret †¦ †¦ she and Howard did not need sex: separate beds for years, they had a silent understanding †¦ †¦ holds regular tastings of Howard's finest salami †¦ (Shirley's mother was alive in the room with her: cackling and jeering, a glass slopping wine †¦ Shirley could not bear dirty laughter. She had never been able to bear ribaldry or ridicule.) She jumped up, tripping over the chair legs, and hurried back to the bedroom. Howard was still asleep, lying on his back, making rumbling, porcine noises. ‘Howard,' she said. ‘Howard.' It took a whole minute to rouse him. He was confused and disorientated, but as she stood over him, she saw him still as a knight protector who could save her. ‘Howard, the Ghost of Barry Fairbrother's put up another message.' Disgruntled at his rude awakening, Howard made a growling groaning noise into the pillow. ‘About you,' said Shirley. They did very little plain speaking, she and Howard. She had always liked that. But today she was driven to it. ‘About you,' she repeated, ‘and Maureen. It says you've been – having an affair.' His big hand slid up over his face and he rubbed his eyes. He rubbed them longer, she was convinced, than he needed. ‘What?' he said, his face shielded. ‘You and Maureen, having an affair.' ‘Where's he get that from?' No denial, no outrage, no scathing laughter. Merely a cautious request for a source. Ever afterwards, Shirley would remember this moment as a death; a life truly ended.