Interview about American Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Interview about American Culture - Essay Example The first opposition was based on the fact that college students are most of the times not responsible individuals and having such a dangerous weapon with them is the worst idea ever. John tells me a brief story of how when he was in his freshman year he attended a fraternity party which he was curious to know what it was about and if he could fit or not. The only thing present other than numerous girls in semi-nude states were the many bottles of beer, cans and jugs of the beer as well as numerous drugs being smoked openly and being passed around. To cut the story short, fight erupted over a girl and beer bottles flew all over but what was vivid was the unmistakable sound of a gun and a body flying into the air and blood sputtering everywhere. Three students had been shot and one died. This was a drunken mistake which is the order of the weekend and sometimes even weekdays for the college students. They drink and their thinking becomes impaired and hence cannot comprehend the magnitude of having such a weapon at hand. According to him fatalities or serious injuries are bound to be the order of the day for the college administration to clean up. They will shoot their opponents or those who anger them in a drunken mistake that cannot be undone when one sobers up. The other reason that makes him oppose such a moral issue in America is the intensity in which aspiring student leaders’ campaign to be elected. These elections are so intense and tension as well as temper rises. It is not uncommon for fights to erupt between supporters of these opponents where minor injuries occur. He explained that if students are allowed to carry concealed weapons no matter what restrictions may be applied, they are bound to appear in such demonstrations and campaign and people are bound to get hurt in the long run. He insists that the states that have already authorized such a

Compare and contrast how do TV ads and Google Ads target customers, Research Proposal

Compare and contrast how do TV ads and Google Ads target customers, and what's their own advantages and disadvantages in that - Research Proposal Example The nature of the product is very important because there are some products and services which can only be advertised on TV because of their common use. Though the use of internet is increasing very much but still we can say that there are many old age people or many other ones who are not interested in the internet based technological world. For those customers the companies may have to revise their marketing strategies. For this kind of targeted part of market the companies may have to focus on the television as the advertising media for the promotion of their products and services. With the help of this research study we will try to provide a deep insight about the development of internet advertising as a tool. Despite the above mentioned part of market that is not interested in the online activities and thus not affected by the Google ads, the other maximum part of the target market is really affected by the internet advertisements. The use of internet is widely increased in the past few years. The research study shows that in the past decades the television advertising is the main source of product promotion for the companies (Lowrey, McCarty & Shrum 2004). But now the preference has been changes and the people are now more focused on the internet ads. The reason behind the change in the behavior is that now the internet is involved in maximum of the activities of the people. They are spending most of the leisure time on internet or on social media. Focusing on the interests of the people companies take advantage of this technology and start using internet a s the tool of advertising. And this strategy is very much famous now for most of the companies or businesses. This research paper will provide an overview of the online and TV advertisements and also the evaluation of both of them so that anyone can easily assess the level of

MICROECONOMIC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MICROECONOMIC - Essay Example For the person who smokes cigarettes, it is a good commodity. Hence, the Price Consumption curve would be downward sloping one as in the figure above. But the slope will be a flat one because although the price goes up, the consumption does not get reduced at the same rate. Answer 2 The difference between a young smoker and an adult smoker is that the former can reduce the level of smoking as it is not a habitual activity for him hence cigarettes will be treated as a normal good for him. So when the price of the cigarette increases the young consumer can reduce the consumption. Hence the demand curve would be an elastic one (Gottheil, 2013, p.101). On the other hand, for an adult smoker cigarette consumption would not vary with changes in the prices because it would be an addiction for him and hence even if the price is high he would not be able to reduce the consumption of cigarettes. The demand for cigarettes for an adult would be inelastic. In the above figure, the producers of ci garettes face a perfectly inelastic demand curve from the adult smokers but a relatively more elastic demand curve from the young smokers. Now if the price of Cigarette increases the adult smokers will continue to buy the amount Qa but the young ones would adjust their consumption as per the prices. Since the quantity demanded of cigarette decreases for the young smokers, the demand for other good increases. But this does not happen in case of the adult smokers. Whatever be the prices of the cigarettes, they will continue consumption of the same amount .Hence the demand for other goods will remain constant or increase marginally. The above graph applies for the young smokers whose demand fluctuates with the changes in the prices. The initial demand for cigarettes is Q1 and the price is P1. The initial demand curve for other goods was D1. Now due to increase in the prices, the new quantity demanded would be less amount i.e. Q2. Thus the demand for other goods increases to D2. This ch ange does not happen for an adult smoker. He does not change the quantity and is ready to pay the price differential. Thus the demand curve for other goods remains constant. Answer 3 Though tobacco as an addictive consumption cannot be explained by the general economics laws of demand and supply, it has to be kept in mind that there are social costs as well as time costs associated with the continuous use of tobacco. Economic Research has provided evidence of the fact that the demand for cigarettes does decrease with an increase in the prices of cigarettes (McGowan, 1995, p.113). The income levels of the individual smoker also have an effect on the demand for cigarettes. Studies across the world has shown that the demand due to an increase in the prices of cigarettes have fluctuated more in the underdeveloped countries than in the developed countries. This proves that the people of these countries are more price sensitive than their developed counterparts. But addiction of cigarette happens irrespective of the level of income hence an increase in the tax rate may appear to be regressive because it may affect the poorer segment of the population. The consumption habits of the past also influence the consumption habits of the future. Hence the people who have a record of consuming cigarettes more in the past tend to consume even more in the future. Thus if anti

Compare and contrast how do TV ads and Google Ads target customers, Research Proposal

Compare and contrast how do TV ads and Google Ads target customers, and what's their own advantages and disadvantages in that - Research Proposal Example The nature of the product is very important because there are some products and services which can only be advertised on TV because of their common use. Though the use of internet is increasing very much but still we can say that there are many old age people or many other ones who are not interested in the internet based technological world. For those customers the companies may have to revise their marketing strategies. For this kind of targeted part of market the companies may have to focus on the television as the advertising media for the promotion of their products and services. With the help of this research study we will try to provide a deep insight about the development of internet advertising as a tool. Despite the above mentioned part of market that is not interested in the online activities and thus not affected by the Google ads, the other maximum part of the target market is really affected by the internet advertisements. The use of internet is widely increased in the past few years. The research study shows that in the past decades the television advertising is the main source of product promotion for the companies (Lowrey, McCarty & Shrum 2004). But now the preference has been changes and the people are now more focused on the internet ads. The reason behind the change in the behavior is that now the internet is involved in maximum of the activities of the people. They are spending most of the leisure time on internet or on social media. Focusing on the interests of the people companies take advantage of this technology and start using internet a s the tool of advertising. And this strategy is very much famous now for most of the companies or businesses. This research paper will provide an overview of the online and TV advertisements and also the evaluation of both of them so that anyone can easily assess the level of

Muscular endurance Essay Example for Free

Muscular endurance Essay 20 shuttles running to the bleeps and the bleeps gradually get faster this shows you how well your endurance is in your muscles and your cardiovascular system. You can improve this by doing circuit training. Other tests which can be done are Cooper run which involves you running around a 400 meter track for twelve minutes to see how far you can run. This also measures your muscular endurance and how well you cardiovascular system is. The other test is the Harvard step test which is thirty steps per minute. You use your pulse to assess your fitness levels. Here are some other tests which can test the components of fitness: Muscular endurance Sit-ups, press ups and circuit training Muscular strength Bench press, chin ups, grip strength and decimetre. Flexibility Sit and reach, hyperextensions and stretches Body composition Pinch test which callipers biceps and triceps. The tests out of there that I will do is the muscular endurance and muscular strength tests. The principles of training that I might use in the six weeks are:- Specificity Which means Ill be working on specific areas. Especially areas that I am weak at. Overload This means I do more than my body can do with ease and increase the intensity of the exercise. Reversibility (if injured or ill for a long period of time) If I am out of training for a certain period of time. My bodies final result in training declines. To prevent this from occurring you need to keep training otherwise you may have reversibility. Here are some Methods of training which I could use in my six week programme. Continuous (for aerobic system). In the continuous training you walk, jog, cycle or swim at a steady pace, without rest. To overload, increase the time, distance, speed or frequency. The advantages of this method of training is its great for aerobic fitness. You dont need special equipment and its good for burning off body fat. The disadvantages of this method of training is it can be boring and it doesnt improve spring speed, which is needed for a lot of sports. It is more suited for long distance runners. The other method of training is Fartlek training. This is mainly for sprinters because of the change of speed. You can use it in many ways for example on a bike, running and skiing. Overload by increasing times, or the difficulty of the terrain. You could run up hills or threw sand or mud. The advantages of Fartlek training is good for a lot of sports because of the change of speed. You can change the mix of fast and slow work to suit your sport. The changes of pace makes it intense. The disadvantages are the coaches cant tell how hard an athlete is training. You could argue that the athlete should try his/her hardest to get more out of their training. An its easy to skip the tough buts so you need a lot of determination. Interval training In the interval training you do fast and then slow work. A good example of this is running. You can do a 30 meter sprint and then a 30 second jog. This is good for running and swimming. Each repetition of the pattern is called a rep. You must do a set of these before you can rest. This is also done in weights. You do reps in weights and you do different speeds (push the weight up fast and bring it down slow). You overload the interval training by doing more reps or sets or both or you could set less time on slow work and resting. In weights you usually increase the weight but do less reps. The advantages of this is you can mix both anaerobic and anaerobic work. It is also easy to see when you are giving up. The disadvantages are its hard t keep going and you need lots of determination. Also if you overload you increase the chances of injury because of the sudden changes. The training equipment that I will be using on my training is a weight bar with weights on the end. The bar itself ways about 10kg so whatever weights I put on the end I have to add 10kg because of the bar. I usually do my weight training with my partner Hollie. Shes a 18 year old girl and is about my level in all training that we do. I will use her as my motivation. For my sprint training I will be using a sports hall which has a lot of grip on it. This allows me to turn and change direction quickly (agility) which is the use of speed and muscular strength.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Unani Formulation in Rats

Hepatoprotective Effect of Unani Formulation in Rats A study of hepatoprotective effect of unani formulation (Qurs Rewand) in rats. ABSTRACT Aim of study: To evaluate hepatoprotective effect of Unani formulation (Qurs Rewand). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on adult Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 150-200 g. Animals were divided into five groups of 6 animals each – I (Plain control), II (Negative control–CCl4 treated group), III (Sylimarin treated group), IV and V (UPF treated groups). Hepatotoxicity was induced by single administration of CCl4 (2ml/ kg I.P., 1:1 in liquid paraffin) in group II, III, IV V on 7th day of treatment. The UPF was administered in a dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, once daily, orally for 7 days in group IV and V respectively. Silymarin was administered orally in the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, once daily for 7 days in III group and served as standard control. On the 8th day all the animals were sacrificed and the blood was collected. Serum was separated for biochemical estimations. The serum was estimated for ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, total protein and TBARS. Histological study of liver was done. Results: The mean serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and TBARS were decreased significantly as compared to CCl4 treated group.While total protein was increased significantly as compound with CCl4 treated group. The histological study showed signs of recovery and regeneration in damaged liver cells as compared to CCl4 treated group. Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant hepatoprotective activity of Qurs Rewand (Unani Polyherbal formulation). Key words: Unani Polyherbal formulation, carbon tetrachloride, hepatoprotective activity and Silymarin Introduction Qurs-e-Rewand is a Unani polyherbal preparation (Table-1)[1] frequently prescribed by the physicians of Unani medicine in the management of liver diseases such as infective and other hepatitis.[2,3,4] Rubia cordifolia Linn (Rubiaceae) and Agrimonia eupatoria Linn. (Rosaceae) have been scientifically evaluated for their hepatoprotective effect[5], but the compound as a whole has not been studied for its described properties. Therefore present study has been undertaken to investigate its hepatoprotective effect against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The damage produced by CCl4 is described to be similar to the pathological changes seen in infective hepatitis and in many other liver diseases.[6] The liver function test was used to assess the extent of liver damage and the protection induced by the test drug. Since CCl ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­4 is reported to damage the hepatocytes mainly by inducing lipid peroxidation, therefore thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) test wa s employed to study the antioxidant property of the test drug with a view to underline its mechanism of action.[7] Silymarin (100 mg / kg) was used as the standard hepatoprotective agent to confirm the integrity of the test system and also to compare the efficacy of the test drug as, it has been used in the treatment of chronic or acute liver disease, as well as protecting the liver against toxicity.8] The hepatoprotective properties of Silymarin have been related to the inhibition of lipid peroxides formation or scavenging of free radicals.[9] Histological study was conducted to observe the structural status of cell matrix liver. Materials and Methods The study was conducted in the Department of Ilmul Advia, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU in collaboration with the Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, after obtaining permission from Institutional Ethics Committee. Test drug procurement and identification: All the ingredients of UPF were procured from Dawakhana, Tibbiya College, AMU, Aligarh and were identified by comparison for its macroscopic and microscopic characters with authentic specimens of above mentioned at Department of Ilmul Advia, Ajmal Khan Tibya College, A.M.U. Aligarh, U.P. India.(Voucher specimen No. are given below). Botanical NameVoucher specimen No. Rheum emodi Wall Sc-0098/09 Rubia cordifolia Linn Sc-0097/09 Creteria lacca Sc-0096/09 Apium graveolens Linn Sc-0095/09 Feoniculum vulgare Mill Sc-0094/09 Agrimonia eupatoria Linn Sc-0093/09 Preparation of extract: All the ingredients (Table 1) were coarsely powdered before subjection to extraction. The hydro-alcoholic extract of all the ingredients was prepared using by Soxhlet apparatus, in which they were continuously extracted for 6 hours. The extract was filtered by Whatman No. 1 filter paper and evaporated on water bath at 40 600C until it dried completely. The prepared extract was stored in the refrigerator for further use. The dose of the test compound formulation for albino rats were calculated by multiplying its clinical doses described in Unani literature with conversion factor 7.[10] Drugs and Chemicals CCl4, n-butanol, acetic acid (Thomas Baker Pvt. Limtd. Mumbai), sodium dodecyle sulphate, thiobarbituric acid (Otto Kemi Mumbai), 1, 1, 3, 3-tetraethoxypropane (Sigma USA), Silymarin (Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), Folin’s reagent (CDH, Mumbai), AST, ALT, Billirubin, Alk.Phos. and Total Protein estimation kits (Span Diagnostic Ltd, Surat). Animals Thirty Wistar albino rats of either sex, weighing 150-200 g were divided into five groups of 6 animals each. The animals were kept under standard laboratory conditions. Commercial diet pellets and water were given ad libitum. The room temperature was maintained at 25  ± 10 C. Treatments Group I (Plain Control): Distilled water orally in the dose of 1ml /kg, daily for 8 days. Group II (Negative Control): Distilled water orally in the dose of 1ml /kg, daily for 7 days. Group III (Standard): Silymarin in dose of 100 mg / kg daily for 7 days. Group IV V (Test Groups): Extract of Qurs-e-Rewand in the dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg respectively suspended in distilled water daily for 7 days. On the 7th day the animals of all groups except those in group I were administered carbon tetrachloride i.p. along with their routine treatment and 24 hours later (on 8th day) all the animals including in group I were sacrificed.[11] Collection of Samples The blood was collected and was kept for 30 minutes without disturbing. The serum was separated by centrifugation for 15-20 minutes at 5000 rpm. The sera of each animal of all groups were estimated for, ALT AST [12], bilirubin[13], alkaline phosphatase[14], total protein[15] and TBARS[16], which are index of lipid peroxides.[17] Histological Examination The liver of rats of all groups was removed immediately and fixed in 10% formalin.[18] The tissue was processed and sections were cut. The slides were prepared and stained with haematoxyline and eosin stain and the histological changes were observed by photomicroscope under high power magnification. Statistical analysis The results are presented as means  ± S.E.M. The data were statistically compared for determining significance of difference by one-way ANOVA test, followed by pair-wise comparison of various groups by LSD. The analysis was carried out by using the software of the website, www. analyseit.com. P Results Biochemical Parameters A highly significant increase in levels of serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase was observed in CCl4 treated rats while total protein was found significantly decreased as compared to control group. There was significant reduction in all biochemical parameters and significant increase in total protein after oral administration of test drug at two different doses (P4 treated group (P Histological Examination Group I: There were central blood vessels and radiating cords of hepatocytes as well as the vascular sinusoids with no evidence of fatty changes, necrosis or inflammation. (Fig.1) Group II: There was centri-lobular (acidophilic) necrosis and vascular congestion. (Fig.2) Group III: There was mild vascular congestion and peri-vascular infiltrate of mono nuclear cells and fibroblast. No fatty degeneration was observed. (Fig.3) Group IV (50 mg/kg): There was vascular congestion and peri-lobular hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes (In high magnification only vascular congestion). (Fig.4) Group V (100mg/kg): The slides showed well preserved hepatic architecture. There was no fatty degeneration, only mild vascular congestion and peri-vascular infiltrate of mono nuclear cells and fibroblast and regenerating hepatocytes were observed. The hepatic architecture was found similar to that observed in group III. (Fig.5) Discussion The findings of the present study demonstrated that the test drug (Unani formulation) lowered the biochemical markers of liver function as well as the lipid peroxide towards normal. The histological findings also indicated protective response by bringing the derangement of liver cell matrix to very near to normalcy. Thus the remarkable reduction in CCl4 intoxicated biochemical markers by test drug extract, supplemented by commensurate histopathological findings of rat liver sections indicated hepatoprotective effect of this herbal formulation. The likely mechanism of hepatoprotective response appears to be the anti-oxidant property. Carbonterachloride has been widely used for inducing hepatic damage due to free radical formation during its metabolism by hepatic microsomes.[19] The clinical features of carbontetrachloride induced hepatic damage resemble that of acute viral hepatitis.[20] The mechanism of producing hepatic damage by CCl4 depends on reductive dehalogenation of CCl4 catalyzed by cytochrome P450 in the liver cell endoplasmic reticulum leading to the generation of unstable complex of CCl4 radical. This trichloromethyl radical reacts rapidly with O2 to yield trichloromethyl peroxy radical which is reported as a highly reactive species. Qurs-e-Rewand appers to exert its hepatoprotective effect by inhibiting lipid peroxidation mediated by CCl4, due to its antioxidant activity as it decreased the lipid peroxide significantly in TBARS test. The test drug further appears to exert hepatoprotective effect due to its effect against cellular leakage and loss of functional integrity of the cell membrane in hepat ocytes i.e. they possess membrane stabilizing property, indicated by significant decrease in AST, ALT, Alk. phosphatase and lipid peroxidation. The biochemical as well as histological observations demonstrated dose dependent protective action of the extract against the liver damage. The extract in dose of 100mg/kg caused greater response. The biochemical markers were found significantly lower and retention of hepatic architecture, reduction in fatty degeneration and necrosis were more marked in this group than the group treated with 50mg/kg. The overall hepatoprotective effect produced by the 100mg/kg was sientifically equal to standard drug Silymarin. Further, quite interestingly the animals treated with Qurs-e-Rewand showed regeneration of hepatocytes, which provide an indication of high clinical and therapeutic value. The protective effect demonstrated with regard to liver function (Biochemical markers), lipid peroxidation and structure (Histological study) provides conclusive proof that the test drug possesses hepatoprotective activity. The present study provides scientific support and validation to the Unani claim regarding the hepatoprotective activity of the test drug. The study also provides the interesting information that Qurs-e-Rewand promotes hepatocellular regeneration, so it may be useful in diseases where liver damage is extensive such as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Conclusion: it can be concluded that both the doses of test drug (Qurs Rewand) possess significant hepatoprotective activity against acute hepatic damage induced by CCl4. Further, the mechanisms and activities of compound drug require more study to understand the hepatoprotective mechanism. REFERENCES Table 1: Ingredients of Qurs-e- Rewand Botanical Name (Family) English Name Quantity (in gm) Rheum emodi Wall (Polygonaceae) Rhubarb 17.5 gm Rubia cordifolia Linn (Rubiaceae) Indian Madder 10.5 gm Creteria lacca (Coccoidea) Lac 10.5 gm Apium graveolens Linn (Apiaceae) Celery 3.5 gm Feoniculum vulgare Mill (Umbelliferae) Fennel 3.5 gm Agrimonia eupatoria Linn (Rosaceae) Agrimony 3.5 gm Table 2: Effect of test drug (Q.R) and Silymarin on biochemical parameters of liver function in CCl4 induced toxicity. Values are Mean à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ± SE; n = 6; x = against plain control, y = against CCl4 (2 ml/kg), z = against standard (Silymarin) (100 mg/kg); a = against Q.R. single dose (50 mg/kg), b = against Q.R. double dose (100 mg/kg); 1 = P Group I Fig. 1: Section of rat liver showing central blood vessels and radiating cords of hepatocytes as well as the vascular sinusoids (H E stain High power) Group II Fig. 2: Section of liver showing centrilobular (Acidophilic) necrosis, and vascular congestion and marked congestion of portal vessels (H E stain, High power) Group III Fig. 3: Section of liver showing mild vascular congestion and peri-vascular Infiltrate of mono nuclear cells and fibroblast (H E stain, High power) Group IV Fig. 4: Section of liver showing vascular congestion (H E stain, High power) Group V Fig. 5: Section of liver showing mild vascular congestion and peri-vascular infiltrate of mono nuclear cells and fibroblast and regenerating hepatocytes (H E stain, High power)

A Promise Is A Promise :: Personal Narrative Death Friendships Papers

A Promise Is A Promise The room was ridiculously cold and my skin was damp against the sheets. No matter how extreme the temperature, I am addicted to the calming lull of the air conditioner as I sleep. It’s what they call my â€Å"white noise.† The afternoon sun was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds as its rays snuck in through the blinds. The muscles in my neck and shoulders were throbbing. I was still trying to get used to my awkward dorm room bed. A muffled voice traveled through the paper-thin brick wall and the sound of familiar music took center stage in my dreams. At first, I was pissed off because my new neighbor was interrupting my precious nap, but I soon realized that I had a special attachment to the song she was singing. It instantly reminded me of an old friend. As I drifted back to sleep, I began to dream about a childhood memory. I remember feeling as if the day was never going to end. Even now as an adult, my concentration still seems to plummet as the weekend approaches. At that time in my life, the degree of patience I could sustain had only been maturing for ten short years. I made that particular school day even more unnecessarily dramatic than usual since I knew it wasn’t just an average Friday. Instead of going to my house after school as usual, I was going home with my best friend. After hours of literally twiddling my thumbs (like I said, I was a dramatic child), we were finally standing outside at the parent pick-up location with the other eager elementary students. My book bag was light on my back, which meant there was no homework in store for me tonight. All I had to look forward to was a sleepover filled with PG-13 movies, a nauseating amount of Reese’s Pieces and Mountain Dew, and prank phone calls to random boys who were also in Mrs. Webb’s fifth grade class. I loved prank phone calls. As I bent down to tie my shoelace, a slippery raindrop slithered down my lightly freckled cheek. Before I had the chance to look up at the silver sky, the clouds exploded like champagne flowing over the edge of a bottle. Renee grabbed my hand, and we darted off as fast as our little legs could run. As I hopped into the middle of the backseat, the scent of the brand new car continued to saturate my already moist pores. A Promise Is A Promise :: Personal Narrative Death Friendships Papers A Promise Is A Promise The room was ridiculously cold and my skin was damp against the sheets. No matter how extreme the temperature, I am addicted to the calming lull of the air conditioner as I sleep. It’s what they call my â€Å"white noise.† The afternoon sun was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds as its rays snuck in through the blinds. The muscles in my neck and shoulders were throbbing. I was still trying to get used to my awkward dorm room bed. A muffled voice traveled through the paper-thin brick wall and the sound of familiar music took center stage in my dreams. At first, I was pissed off because my new neighbor was interrupting my precious nap, but I soon realized that I had a special attachment to the song she was singing. It instantly reminded me of an old friend. As I drifted back to sleep, I began to dream about a childhood memory. I remember feeling as if the day was never going to end. Even now as an adult, my concentration still seems to plummet as the weekend approaches. At that time in my life, the degree of patience I could sustain had only been maturing for ten short years. I made that particular school day even more unnecessarily dramatic than usual since I knew it wasn’t just an average Friday. Instead of going to my house after school as usual, I was going home with my best friend. After hours of literally twiddling my thumbs (like I said, I was a dramatic child), we were finally standing outside at the parent pick-up location with the other eager elementary students. My book bag was light on my back, which meant there was no homework in store for me tonight. All I had to look forward to was a sleepover filled with PG-13 movies, a nauseating amount of Reese’s Pieces and Mountain Dew, and prank phone calls to random boys who were also in Mrs. Webb’s fifth grade class. I loved prank phone calls. As I bent down to tie my shoelace, a slippery raindrop slithered down my lightly freckled cheek. Before I had the chance to look up at the silver sky, the clouds exploded like champagne flowing over the edge of a bottle. Renee grabbed my hand, and we darted off as fast as our little legs could run. As I hopped into the middle of the backseat, the scent of the brand new car continued to saturate my already moist pores.