Beccarias Criminal Justice Theories

This paper examines the role Beccaria played in shaping criminal justice. This paper studies the life of Beccaria and his theories on criminal behavior and justice. It analyzes his work, Essay On Crimes and Punishments, and its influence in criminal justice systems throughout the world. The paper looks at how Beccaria viewed the criminal and the crime and its overall effect (damage) to society.From the paper: `This paper examines the contributions of Beccaria in the context of his own time, the lasting effect that they have had on the jurisprudential and penological systems of the modern Western world. After a general introduction to Beccarias ideas and his model of crime, this paper looks at the results of three contemporary studies that incorporate the ideas and models of Beccaria. This examination of current research will allow us to evaluate the ways in which Beccarias idea, born in such a different historical context, may still guide us in attempting to guide us in creating ever more just, more fair and more effective means of punishing criminals and allowing all of society (including criminals, victims, and the rest of us) to prosper.` Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Beccarias Life and Timesand Theoretical Underpinnings 3. Beccarias Classical Theory of Crime 4. Three Modern Studies 5. Conclusion

To explore the association between congestive heart failure (CHF) and Essay

To explore the association between congestive heart failure (CHF) and household income at the federal poverty level in individuals between the ages 20 and Up - Essay Example Once an individual is poor, equitable access to preventive and remedial health for congestive heart failure (CHF) becomes a challenge (He et al, 2001). The emergence of limited small scale programs which target the address of social and health needs like CHF of the poor individuals in the society is encouraging. However the commitment of the national, state, provincial and local levels supposed to implement the policies has been inadequate (Walsh & Warren, 1980). These organs have failed to dedicate resources and funds required to expand such individual level interventions into comprehensive programs which can integrate preventions and services as well as deliver sustainable programs especially to patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) of the federal poverty level in individuals from the age of 20 and above (Braveman, 2010). People below 20 years living with this condition often receive free medical interventions from bodies like UNICEF and WHO because they are classified as ch ildren. Hence, those living with the condition and are 20 years and above have to struggle to meet their medical bills. It becomes a challenge to those from poor households because they cannot afford the costs (Lang et al, 1997). The long term solutions supposed to address the connection between poverty and CHF lie in eradicating poverty and reversing the tendency of our health care systems which discriminate against those from federal poverty levels. The mortality rates of the poor with CHF are estimated to be 3-5 times greater as compared to those with good income earnings. CHF is a major cause of mortality in poor adults from the age of 45 to 64 years (Singh & Singh, 2008). The rate is three times higher in poor individuals aged 20 to 44 years when compared to an age-matched population from good income earning population. Increased CHF mortality rates among the poor can be attributed to a complex chain between unique and traditional rates. Some

Business and its Impact on Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business and its Impact on Society - Essay Example They are there to deliver the news to the general public. To keep the world connected; to keep the public updated and to communicate exactly what the public wants to hear, is what their function is all about. A few years back, it might not have been an industry but today it’s a business for many. Countless mediums of news media are now in action. Today, the news media has various mediums including the internet, broadcasting and the printed version. Just like in any other industry, there are different players in this field as well, fighting for the market share just like and willing to play dirty if they have to. But this industry has more at stake than in any other because it has a direct affect on the mentality and morale of the user. The players of this market now are even willing to go to an extent of being categorized as unprincipled due to their practices. Media is a very delicate medium of communication with the public. Whatever that is shown or communicated on the news media, becomes the public’s point of view. It can affect the thinking process and the perception of the community; leading them to prosperity or disaster, depending upon the way media portrays the happenings. This profession is something pious. It used to mean something to those who worked for it. They had strong and unwavering values on which they never compromised. But the development of it as a business industry has blown the whole sanctity of the profession. People have turned this profession into money machine, disregarding what affect it might have on public. The role of the participants in this industry is very vital. All the participants work together to put up the skeleton of the job. The public is the most vital participant because the news is about them and for them as well. Then, there are people who are working round the clock to get the news delivered on time and finally, there are those who in reality deliver the news to the public. Today’s era is ahead of the previous one; now people can even give their feedback. Public literally dictates the news media; if the public demands to remain in touch with all the bitter realties of their society, then the media would automatically present them with harsh truth. On the other hand, if the society wants to remain in their bubble of optimism, then their whole media would be in line with the cherry news. Management and journalists have always had a point of conflict on two main things. The first one being what sells the most. Secondly, how much of it is being backed up by the titans of the markets and society. The management looks for the benefits of the organization as a whole. They consider themselves as the profit making organizations, where as journalists believe that they are working for a better cause than just simple money. On this point, the management is even ready to mutilate the story as per required for the situation and the demands of the time. They can elaborate or hide the fac ts that can lead to severe consequences for some, out of plain need for finances for their organization. The management also looks forward to please the mighty in the society, be it the political gurus or business tycoons; they want to keep them in their good books for future needs. This might make them alter the truth, but the journalists want to provide the public with truth, without any sugar coating. In the 21st century, public controls the media. The public now, is highly aware. They want to hear the truth without any layers of sweetness over it.

Patient Satisfaction and Retention Strategies in Hospitals Thesis

Patient Satisfaction and Retention Strategies in Hospitals - Thesis Example This paper illustrates that the performance of any hospital is dependent on the patient satisfaction and retention strategies for hospitals. Studies have been conducted on how hospitals can improve their patient satisfaction and retention strategies, as well as, how hospitals can attract patients. However, the studies did not explain explicitly the tactics that can be implemented to help attract patients and retain them at the same time. Therefore, the need to understand and analyze various factors that can help in improving patient satisfaction and retention in hospital settings. Although studies have been conducted to establish why different hospitals perform better than others, employee satisfaction has always satisfaction has always been a very important tool for medical staff. Staffs who are content will be more productive than discontented staff and will also have the low turnover of staff. The question of why some hospitals perform better than others is asked by many and by co nducting a research on the patient satisfaction and retention strategies on Sheikh Khalifa some of the questions will be answered. Though sickness is not something that can be wished for it is foolish or naà ¯ve to ignore the fact that people fall ill. It is in this context that SKMC tries to understand that treating a patient does not necessarily mean he or she is satisfied with the services offered. SKMC was built in 2005 due to the merger of publicly managed health care providers in Abu Dhabi. It encompasses several ‘Centers of Excellence’ and it is run by the Cleveland Clinic. It functions as the leading institution in SEHAs system. It is overseen by its obligation to practice modern health care services to high standards as high as the world’s best medical facilities. SKMC’s broad healthcare services provide for the priorities of the people of Abu Dhabi. It ensures both the finest levels of patient satisfaction and care and promotes overall health th rough awareness and education. SEHA is standing for Abu Dhabi Health Services and Company. SEHA is the Arabic word for health. It was launched in December 2007 and it is owned and run by the Abu Dhabi government. SEHA was launched by the government has plans to reform the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi and represent a positive milestone in the provision of the best healthcare services in the world by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa.

Adequacy of Strong Improvement to Explain RAP

Adequacy of Strong Improvement to Explain RAP CASE STUDY OF APPROACH TO CONSIDER UNCERTAIN COMPONENTS FAILURE RATES IN SERIES-PARALLEL RELIABILITY SYSTEMS WITH REDUNDANCY ALLOCATION Abstract The principle reason for this review is to demonstrate the adequacy of strong improvement to explain RAP. The erlang distribution is used to implement robust optimization. The dynamic values attained by the failure rate is found to be a correct one. Another computation technique is introduced to consider dynamic qualities for failure rate in RAP. Also, because of complex redundancy Allocation Problem, two Simulated Annealing (SA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) calculations are intended to decide the strong framework regarding indeterminate qualities for parameters. Another presumption is that every subsystem can have dynamic excess systems. Keeping in mind the end goal to take care of this issue and demonstrate effectiveness of proposed calculations, an issue in writing is unraveled and talked about. INTRODUCTION of Articles The planning for a system to select the components simultaneously is called the Redundancy Allocation Problem. Here these components are joined by several types to maximize the system reliability including all the properties in the system which are obtained. The reliability range should be maximum for different products to design the best system for a problem. The series parallel system can be of three types such as reliability allocation, redundancy allocation, and reliability redundancy allocation. For the first type the reliability limit is reduced for the usage of the resources in components reliability. The other type contains the redundancy limit to increase the reliability of the system to maximize the system level constraints. The failure rate of every components is studied on the journal articles which were in a determinable surrounding. The failure rate is very difficult to determine to be a exact one in practical environment for various factors as it may vary. The failure rates under various factors are affected. The failure rates arent any specified values in this article. The robust optimization is used to solve the reliability allocation problem for failure rates. In this article, the robustness with the redundancy allocation problem is explained and the mathematical model is developed. There are two algorithms used to find the indeterminate qualities for the parameters. The Simulated Annealing and Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is used and tested by the problem. Nomenclature i : index of subsystems where i à ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ½1,2,,si . ni: number of components used in subsystem i . nià ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ­Ãƒ ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  :set of components used in all subsystems expect subsystem ri,zi (t) : reliability of component i z for subsystem i at time t à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¬i,zi, Ki,zi : scale and shape parameters for the Gamma distribution of component i z in subsystem i à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¬i,zi(ni, ni-) : function of robust failure rate for component i z in subsystem i . C,W : system level constraint limits for cost and weight, respectively. R(t; z,n) : system reliability at time t for designing vectors z and n . Explanation of the work presented in journal articles ROBUSTNESS DEFINITION IN RELIABILITY ALLOCATION PROBLEM To maximize the total reliability of a robust system the following assumptions are considered Components failure rate are changed as a result of change in system structure The constraints of the problem are predetermined for any changes in system structure. The total components in the subsystem is increasing when we consider the failure rate of this component The increase in the reliability of the component is caused by the decreased failure rate. THE ROBUST MODEL IN RELIABILITY ALOCATION PRROBLEM It is conceivable to execute two unique systems for parts of subsystems in Reliability allocation problem. The first is dynamic methodology in which every single repetitive part will begin to work at the same time from time zero. Interestingly, there are three unique variations of the cool, warm and hot methodologies rather for the second technique which is known as standby technique. In warm variation and in contrast with cool one, it would be more conceivable that segments flop before beginning to work on system. In the event that we utilize hot variation, it would not be essential that segments are working or they are sit and their failure rates will be consistent any way. As indicated by these definitions, we can create same numerical model for two unique techniques of hot standby and dynamic repetition. The repetitive parts are consecutively utilized as a part of the system at segment failure times and each repetitive segment in the standby system can be worked just when it is e xchanged on. At the point when the segment in operation falls flat, one of the excess units is changed on to proceed with the system operation. The 1, 2 and 3 equations are as follows 4 5 As per these derivations, a model is introduced in which failure rates will be computed in light of condition (5). This condition helps us to consider new failure rate values instead of steady ones. In addition, these new proposed qualities are more down to earth for genuine issues and will help fashioners to reduce existent crevices amongst hypothesis and practice. Then again, we cover the existent deficiencies which have never been focused on in the writing by building up another technique to compute failure rates. The robust relations are solved by the two algorithms Simulated and Ant Colony Optimizing for the redundancy allocation problem. Discussion of Contributions SIMULATED ANNEALING ALGORITHM FOR RAP Simulated Annealing is a standout amongst the most well-known probabilistic meta-heuristics to locate an adequate answer for advancement issues which was essential proposed by Kirkpatrick, Gelatt and Vecchi. This calculation depends on the relationship between the way toward tempering of solids and the arrangement philosophy of combinatorial advancement issues. One the most essential invaluable of the SA is keeping from rapidly focalizing to nearby ideal arrangement. This normal for SA is multiplied by tolerating better arrangements as well as the more regrettable neighbor arrangements with a specific likelihood to escape from a nearby ideal. It is observable that the likelihood of tolerating a more regrettable arrangement relies on upon the estimation of temperature; thus, while the temperature diminishes, the likelihood of tolerating a more terrible arrangement diminishes too. ANT COLONY OPTIMIZING ALGOROTHM FOR RAP Truly, ACO was firstly presented by Dorigo, Maniezzo and Colorni [3]. Key thought of subterranean insect frameworks depends on conduct of characteristic ants that prevail to discover most limited way from their home to nourishment sources by imparting by means of an aggregate memory that comprises of pheromone trails. Ants have a tendency to take after a way with a high pheromone level when numerous ants move in a typical range and they move arbitrarily when no pheromone is accessible. Then again, ants dont pick their bearings in light of level of pheromone only, but instead consider nearness of home and sustenance source, individually. Discussion of Dificiency and Potential Improvements The improvements to be made on this article are to solve large sized problems the heuristic algorithms were not developed and the flexible model to consider the dynamic values can be improved. An another development to be made is to show a robust model for selecting different types of parts simultaneously. The graphical theory could be used to develop by a new model Summary In this review, a nonlinear numerical model is produced for powerful arrangement parallel system with excess portion issue where, it has never been focused on strong enhancement approaches for this issue. In this model, we show another technique to compute part failure rates which is more versatile to genuine issues. Additionally, we create two reproduced tempering and insect province streamlining calculations which brought about proper arrangements, speedily. The last outcomes demonstrate that ACO calculation can bring about happier arrangements in contrast with SA calculation. There are three major advantages of robust model, The first is that utilizing this model will help us to create adaptable arrangements which are more functional to cover deficiencies amongst hypothesis and practice. The second one is that this model produces arrangements with higher framework dependability as opposed to those ones which have been displayed in writing. At last, the third one is that the created arrangements will be powerful and by changing the conditions, they can even now be proper arrangements which are near ideal arrangements. References [1]Ali Ghafarian Salehi Nezhada,*, Abdolhamid Eshraghniaye Jahromib, Mohammad Hassan Salmanic, Fereshte Ghasemid, an approach to consider uncertain components failure rates in series-parallel reliability systems with redundancy allocation.International Journal of Industrial Engineering (2016) [2] S. Kirkpatrick, C.D.J. Gelatt, M.P. Vecchi, Optimization by simulated annealing, Science. 220 (1983), pp.671-680 [3]M. Dorigo, V. Maniezzo, A. Colorni, Positive feedback as a search strategy, Technical Report. (1991). [4]D.W. Coit, A.E. Smith, Optimization Approaches to the Redundancy Allocation Problem for Series-Parallel Systems, Cited as Proceedings of the Fourth Industrial Engineering Research Conference. (1995).

Zen in the Art of Archery Essay -- essays research papers

Zen in the Art of Archery, by Eugen Herrigel describes the ritualistic arts of discipline and focus that the Zen religion focuses around. In this book, Herrigel describes many aspects of how archery is, in fact, not a sport, but an art form, and is very spiritual to those in the east. The process he describes shows how he overcame his initial inhibitions and began to look toward new ways of seeing and understanding. In the beginning of the book Herrigel tells us that he is writing about a ritual and religious practice, â€Å"whose aim consists in hitting a spiritual goal, so that fundamentally the marksman aims at himself and may even succeed in hitting himself.† (Herrigel p. 4) Through his studies, the author discovers that within the Zen ritual actions, archery in this case, there lies a deeper meaning. Herrigel explains throughout this book that it is not through the actual physical aspect of shooting arrows at targets that archery is Zen, but through the art and spiritual ity through which it is performed. It is not merely shooting an arrow to hit a target, but becoming the target yourself and then, in turn, hitting yourself spiritually. By meeting this spiritual goal, you will then meet the physical goal. The struggle then is, therefore not with the arrow or the target but within oneself. Archery, in this book, was the way that the author found his way into Zen Buddhism. One of the most important lessons that Herrigel’s master taught him was, to correctly master the art of ar...

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Seven

â€Å"Next time,† Stefan said quietly, â€Å"I won't leave.† Elena knew he meant it, and it terrified her. But just now her emotions were quietly coasting in neutral, and she didn't want to argue. â€Å"He was there,† she said. â€Å"Inside an ordinary house full of ordinary people, just as if he had every right to be. I wouldn't have thought he would dare.† â€Å"Why not?† Stefan said briefly, bitterly. â€Å"I was there in a ordinary house full of ordinary people, just as if I had every right to be.† â€Å"I didn't mean that the way it sounded. It's just that the only other time I've seen him in public was at the Haunted House when he was wearing a mask and costume, and it was dark. Before that it was always somewhere deserted, like the gym that night I was there alone, or the graveyard†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She knew as soon as she said that last part that it was a mistake. She still hadn't told Stefan about going to find Damon three days ago. In the driver's seat, he stiffened. â€Å"Or the graveyard?† â€Å"Yes†¦ I meant that day Bonnie and Meredith and I got chased out. I'm assuming it must have been Damon who chased us. And the place was deserted except for the three of us.† Why was she lying to him? Because, a small voice in her head answered grimly, otherwise he might snap. Knowing what Damon had said to her, what he had promised was in store, might be all that was needed to send Stefan over the edge. Then he'll never know, she promised herself. No matter what I have to do, I'll keep them from fighting each other over me. No matter what. For a moment, apprehension chilled her. Five hundred years ago, Katherine had tried to keep them from fighting, and had succeeded only in forcing them into a death match. Butshe wouldn't make the same mistake, Elena told herself fiercely. Katherine's methods had been stupid and childish. Who else but a stupid child would kill herself in the hope that the two rivals for her hand would become friends? It had been the worst mistake of the whole sorry affair. Because of it, the rivalry between Stefan and Damon had turned into implacable hatred. And what's more, Stefan had lived with the guilt of it ever since; he blamed himself for Katherine's stupidity and weakness. Groping for another subject, she said, â€Å"Do you think someone invited him in?† â€Å"Obviously, since hewas in.† â€Å"Then it's true about – people like you. You have to be invited in. But Damon got into the gym without an invitation.† â€Å"That's because the gym isn't a dwelling place for the living. That's the one criterion. It doesn't matter if it's a house or a tent or an apartment above a store. If living humans eat and sleep there, we need to be invited inside.† â€Å"But I didn't invite you intomy house.† â€Å"Yes, you did. That first night, when I drove you home, you pushed the door open and nodded to me. It doesn't have to be a verbal invitation. If the intent is there, that's enough. And the person inviting you doesn't have to be someone who actually lives in the house. Any human will do.† Elena was thinking. â€Å"What about a houseboat?† â€Å"Same thing. Although running water can be a barrier in itself. For some of us, it's almost impossible to cross.† Elena had a sudden vision of herself and Meredith and Bonnie racing for Wickery Bridge. Because somehow she had known that if they got to the other side of the river they'd be safe from whatever was after them. â€Å"Sothat's why,† she whispered. It still didn't explain how she'd known, though. It was as if the knowledge had been put into her head from some outside source. Then she realized something else. â€Å"You took me across the bridge. You can cross running water.† â€Å"That's because I'm weak.† It was said flatly, with no emotion behind it. â€Å"It's ironic, but the stronger your Powers are, the more you're affected by certain limitations. The more you belong to the dark, the more the rules of the dark bind you.† Stefan looked at her. â€Å"Yes,† he said, â€Å"I think it's time you knew. The more you know about Damon, the more chance you'll have of protecting yourself.† Of protecting herself? Perhaps Stefan knew more than she thought. But as he turned the car onto a side street and parked, she just said, â€Å"Okay. Should I be stocking up on garlic?† He laughed. â€Å"Only if you want to be unpopular. There are certain plants, though, that might help you. Like vervain. That's an herb that's supposed to protect you against bewitchment, and it can keep your mind clear even if someone is using Powers against you. People used to wear it around their necks. Bonnie would love it; it was sacred to the Druids.† â€Å"Vervain,† said Elena, tasting the unfamiliar word. â€Å"What else?† â€Å"Strong light, or direct sunlight, can be very painful. You'll notice the weather's changed.† â€Å"I've noticed,† said Elena after a beat. â€Å"You mean Damon's doing that?† â€Å"He must be. It takes enormous power to control the elements, but it makes it easy for him to travel in daylight. As long as he keeps it cloudy, he doesn't even need to protect his eyes.† â€Å"And neither do you,† Elena said. â€Å"What about – well, crosses and things?† â€Å"No effect,† said Stefan. â€Å"Except that if the person holding onebelieves it's a protection, it can strengthen their will to resist tremendously.† â€Å"Uh†¦ silver bullets?† Stefan laughed again shortly. â€Å"That's for werewolves. From what I've heard they don't like silver in any form. A wooden stake through the heart is still the approved method for my kind. There are other ways that are more or less effective, though: burning, beheading, driving nails through the temples. Or, best of all – â€Å" â€Å"Stefan!† The lonely, bitter smile on his face dismayed her. â€Å"What about changing into animals?† she said. â€Å"Before, you said that with enough Power you could do that. If Damon can be any animal he likes, how will we ever recognize him?† â€Å"Not any animal he likes. He's limited to one animal, or at the most two. Even with his Powers I don't think he could sustain any more than that.† â€Å"So we keep looking out for a crow.† â€Å"Right. You may be able to tell if he's around, too, by looking at regular animals. They usually don't react very well to us; they sense that we're hunters.† â€Å"Yangtze kept barking at that crow. It was as if he knew there was something wrong about it,† Elena remembered. â€Å"Ah†¦ Stefan,† she added in a changed tone as a new thought struck her, â€Å"what about mirrors? I don't remember ever seeing you in one.† There was nothing to do but hold on to him, and Elena did. â€Å"I love you,† she whispered. It was the only comfort she could give him. It was all they had. His arms tightened around her; his face was buried in her hair. â€Å"You're the mirror,† he whispered back. It was good to feel him relax, tension flowing out of his body as warmth and comfort flowed in. She was comforted, too, a sense of peace infusing her, surrounding her. It was so good that she forgot to ask him what he meant until they were at her front door, saying good-bye. â€Å"I'm the mirror?† she said then, looking up at him. â€Å"You've stolen my soul,† he said. â€Å"Lock the door behind you, and don't open it again tonight.† Then he was gone. â€Å"Elena, thank heavens,† said Aunt Judith. When Elena stared at her, she added, â€Å"Bonnie called from the party. She said you'd left unexpectedly, and when you didn't come home I was worried.† â€Å"Stefan and I went for a ride.† Elena didn't like the expression on her aunt's face when she said that. â€Å"Is there a problem?† â€Å"No, no. It's just†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Aunt Judith didn't seem to know how to finish her sentence. â€Å"Elena, I wonder if it might be a good idea to†¦ not see quite so much of Stefan.† Elena went still. â€Å"You, too?† â€Å"It isn't that I believe the gossip,† Aunt Judith assured her. â€Å"But, for your own sake, it might be best to get a little distance from him, to – â€Å" â€Å"To dump him? To abandon him because people are spreading rumors about him? To keep myself away from the mudslinging in case any of it sticks on me?† Anger was a welcome release, and the words crowded in Elena's throat, all trying to get out at once. â€Å"No, Idon't think that's a good idea, Aunt Judith. And if it were Robert we were talking about, you wouldn't either. Or maybe you would!† â€Å"Elena, I will not have you speaking to me in that tone – â€Å" â€Å"I'm finished anyway!† Elena cried, and whirled blindly for the stairs. She managed to keep the tears back until she was in her own room with the door locked. Then she threw herself on the bed and sobbed. She dragged herself up a while later to call Bonnie. Bonnie was excited and voluble. What on earth did Elena mean, had anything unusual happened after she and Stefan left? The unusual thing was their leaving! No, that new guy Damon hadn't said anything about Stefan afterward; he'd just hung around for a while and then disappeared. No, Bonnie hadn't seen if he left with anybody. Why? Was Elena jealous? Yes, Elena immediately deduced that Alaric Saltzman's eyes were hazel. She got off the phone at last and only then remembered the note she'd found in her purse. She should have asked Bonnie if anyone had gone near her purse while she was in the dining room. But then, Bonnie and Meredith had been in the dining room part of the time themselves. Someone might have done it then. The very sight of the violet paper made her taste tin at the back of her mouth. She could hardly bear to look at it. But now that she was alone shehad to unfold it and read it again, all the time hoping that somehow this time the words might be different, that she might have been mistaken before. But they weren't different. The sharp, clean block letters stood out against the pale background as if they were ten feet high. I want to touch him. More than any boy I've ever known. And I know he wants it, too, but he's holding back on me. Her words. From her diary. The one that had been stolen. The next day Meredith and Bonnie rang her doorbell. â€Å"Stefan called me last night,† said Meredith. â€Å"He said he wanted to make sure you weren't walking to school alone. He's not going to be at school today, so he asked if Bonnie and I could come over and walk with you. â€Å"Escort you,† said Bonnie, who was clearly in a good mood. â€Å"Chaperone you. I think it's terribly sweet of him to be so protective.† â€Å"He's probably an Aquarius, too,† said Meredith. â€Å"Come on, Elena, before I kill her to shut her up about Alaric.† Elena walked in silence, wondering what Stefan was doing that kept him from school. She felt vulnerable and exposed today, as if her skin were on inside out. One of those days when she was ready to cry at the drop of a hat. On the office bulletin board was tacked a piece of violet paper. She should have known. Shehad known somewhere deep inside. The thief wasn't satisfied with letting her know her private words had been read. He was showing her they could be made public. She ripped the note off the board and crumpled it, but not before she glimpsed the words. In one glance they were seared onto her brain. I feel as if someone has hurt him terribly in the past and he's never gotten over it. But I also think there's something he's afraid of, some secret he's afraid I'll find out. â€Å"Elena, what is that? What's the matter? Elena, come back here!† â€Å"Okay,† said Meredith loudly, â€Å"senior privilege. You!† She rapped on the only closed door. â€Å"Come out.† Some rustling, then a bewildered freshman emerged. â€Å"But I didn't even – â€Å" â€Å"Out. Outside,† Bonnie ordered. â€Å"Andyou ,† she said to the girl washing her hands, â€Å"stand out there and make sure nobody comes in.† â€Å"But why? What are you – â€Å" â€Å"Move, chick. If anybody comes through that door we're holding you responsible.† When the door was closed again, they rounded on Elena. â€Å"Okay, this is a stickup,† said Meredith. â€Å"Come on, Elena, give.† Elena ripped the last tiny shred of paper, caught between laughter and tears. She wanted to tell them everything, but she couldn't. She settled for telling them about the diary. They were as angry, as indignant, as she was. â€Å"It had to be someone at the party,† Meredith said at last, once they had each expressed their opinion of the thief's character, morals, and probable destination in the afterlife. â€Å"But anybody there could have done it. I don't remember anyone in particular going near your purse, but that room was wall-to-wall people, and it could have happened without my noticing.† â€Å"But why would anyonewant to do this?† Bonnie put in. â€Å"Unless†¦ Elena, the night we found Stefan you were hinting around at some things. You said you thought you knew who the killer was.† â€Å"I don't think I know; Iknow. But if you're wondering if this might be connected, I'm not sure. I suppose it could be. The same person might have done it.† Bonnie was horrified. â€Å"But that means the killer is a student at this school!† When Elena shook her head, she went on. â€Å"The only people at that party who weren't students were that new guy and Alaric.† Her expression changed. â€Å"Alaric didn't kill Mr. Tanner! He wasn't even in Fell's Church then.† â€Å"I know. Alaric didn't do it.† She'd gone too far to stop now; Bonnie and Meredith already knew too much. â€Å"Damon did.† â€Å"That guy was thekiller ? The guy thatkissed me?† â€Å"Bonnie, calm down.† As always, other people's hysteria made Elena feel more in control. â€Å"Yes, he's the killer, and we all three have to be on guard against him. That's why I'm telling you. Never, never ask him into your house.† Elena stopped, regarding the faces of her friends. They were staring at her, and for a moment she had the sickening feeling that they didn't believe her. That they were going to question her sanity. â€Å"Yes. I'm sure. He's the murderer and the one who put Stefan in the well, and he might be after one of us next. And I don't know if there's any way to stop him.† â€Å"Well, then,† said Meredith, lifting her eyebrows. â€Å"No wonder you and Stefan were in such a hurry to leave the party.† Caroline gave Elena a vicious smirk as Elena walked into the cafeteria. But Elena was almost beyond noticing. One thing she noticed right away, though. Vickie Bennett was there. Vickie hadn't been to school since the night Matt and Bonnie and Meredith had found her wandering on the road, raving about mist and eyes and something terrible in the graveyard. The doctors who checked her afterward said there was nothing much wrong with her physically, but she still hadn't returned to Robert E. Lee. People whispered about psychologists and the drug treatments they were trying. She didn't look crazy, though, Elena thought. She looked pale and subdued and sort of crumpled into her clothing. And when Elena passed her and she looked up, her eyes were like a startled fawn's. It was strange to sit at a half-empty table with only Bonnie and Meredith for company. Usually people were crowding to get seats around the three of them. â€Å"We didn't finish talking this morning,† Meredith said. â€Å"Get something to eat, and then we'll figure out what to do about those notes.† â€Å"I'm not hungry,† said Elena flatly. â€Å"And whatcan we do? If it's Damon, there's no way we can stop him. Trust me, it's not a matter for the police. That's why I haven't told them he's the killer. There isn't any proof, and besides, they would never†¦ Bonnie, you're not listening.† â€Å"Sorry,† said Bonnie, who was staring past Elena's left ear. â€Å"But something weird is going on up there.† Elena turned. Vickie Bennett was standing at the front of the cafeteria, but she no longer seemed crumpled and subdued. She was looking around the room in a sly and assessing manner, smiling. â€Å"Well, she doesn't look normal, but I wouldn't say she was beingweird , exactly,† Meredith said. Then she added, â€Å"Wait a minute.† Vickie was unbuttoning her cardigan. But it was theway she was doing it – with deliberate little flicks of her fingers, all the while looking around with that secretive smile – that was odd. When the last button was undone, she took the sweater daintily between forefinger and thumb and slid it down over first one arm and then the other. She dropped the sweater on the floor. â€Å"Weird is the word,† confirmed Meredith. Students crossing in front of Vickie with laden trays glanced at her curiously and then looked back over their shoulders when they had passed. They didn't actually stop walking, though, until she took off her She did it gracefully, catching the heel of one pump on the toe of the other and pushing it off. Then she kicked off the second pump. â€Å"She can't keep going,† murmured Bonnie, as Vickie's fingers moved to the simulated pearl buttons on her white silk blouse. Heads were turning; people were poking one another and gesturing. Around Vickie a small group had gathered, standing far enough back that they didn't interfere with everyone else's view. The white silk blouse rippled off, fluttering like a wounded ghost to the floor. Vickie was wearing a lacy off-white slip underneath. There was no longer any sound in the cafeteria except the sibilance of whispers. No one was eating. The group around Vickie had gotten larger. Vickie smiled demurely and began to unfasten clasps at her waist. Her pleated skirt fell to the floor. She stepped out of it and pushed it to one side with her foot. Somebody stood up at the back of the cafeteria and chanted, â€Å"Take itoff! Take itoff!† Other voices joined in. â€Å"Isn't anybody going to stop her?† fumed Bonnie. Elena got up. The last time she'd gone near Vickie the other girl had screamed and struck out at her. But now, as she got close, Vickie gave her the smile of a conspirator. Her lips moved, but Elena couldn't make out what she was saying over the chanting. â€Å"Come on, Vickie. Let's go,† she said. Vickie's light brown hair tossed and she plucked at the strap of her slip. Elena stooped to pick up the cardigan and wrap it around the girl's slender shou lders. As she did, as she touched Vickie, those half-closed eyes opened wide like a startled fawn's again. Vickie stared about her wildly, as if she'd just been awakened from a dream. She looked down at herself and her expression turned to disbelief. Pulling the cardigan around her more tightly, she backed away, shivering. The room was quiet again. â€Å"It's okay,† said Elena soothingly. â€Å"Come on.† At the sound of her voice, Vickie jumped as if touched by a live wire. She stared at Elena, and then she exploded into action. â€Å"You're one of them! I saw you! You're evil!† She turned and ran barefoot out of the cafeteria, leaving Elena stunned.