Strategic Management and Leadership Report on Apple Inc Essay

Strategic Management and Leadership Report on Apple Inc - Essay Example The researcher of this paper tells that the initial years of the company exhibited great prospects for Apple Computer, Inc., but soon the company had massive declining sales. This was primarily because of the technological failures more than any other reason. During this period Apple Computer produced microcomputers as a way forward from the computers that were produced by the IBM’s mainframe computers. Though the Apple I started off well, in the early years of 1980s, the sales for Apple Computers drastically reduced, as the platform (Macintosh) of the Apple was not compatible with the prevalent computers of the time. In the mid-1980s after continuing to experience declining, the sales company founder Steve Jobs was fired from his own organization. During Job’s absence the company was negatively affected by the introduction of competitor Microsoft’s DOS operating system. Soon, the market leadership of Apple was a thing of past, as Microsoft was more user friendly . Steve Jobs would eventually rejoin the company and call for a series of new ideas. The company placed new emphasis on innovation and produce items like the iPhone, iTunes, iPod and iPad, all of which became immensely popular across the globe. From Apple Computers, the company shifted to the name Apple, Inc. as it enabled buyers to understand that the company also produced other items apart from computers. ("Apple computer, inc.," 2011). Today Apple, Inc. is recognized as the world’s leading technology company and has a ubiquitous international presence. When one examines the financial figures from the time Jobs returned, the results are truly staggering. Essentially, he brought an organization from the brink of bankruptcy to one annually generating $25 billion dollars in net income and a stock valuation exceeding $400 ("Apple," 2011). Currently Apple competes in a variety of market sectors: mp3 players, smart phones, personal computers, tablets, and they are rumored to be e ntering into the television market (Elmer, 2011). It follows that the organization has a variety of competitors, including Microsoft operating systems, a glut of mp3 and

Company G 3 Year Marketing Plan Essay Example for Free

Company G 3 Year Marketing Plan Essay XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices. Introduction With two decades of innovative and award winning design, Company G has grown to be a market leader in consumer electronics. The Company enjoys unparalleled brand recognition and is highly rated and trusted by consumers worldwide. Company G’s products are known for their original design, durability and use of innovative technology. Company G’s brands enjoy both high consumer desirability and high consumer loyalty. With a reputation as a trend setter, many of Company G’s mobile electronic products are sought-after as â€Å"Status Symbols† purchases. Some of the Company’s products benefit from a cult like following among early adopters and some serve as industry bench-marks against similar products. With the introduction of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway, the Company plans to continue to strive to be the first to market in the consumer electronic market segments that it enjoys competing in. The Company will also maintain the practice of extending products life cycles and promoting their market positions by offering novel peripheral products such as the XG Wi-Fi Gateway timed to support and broaden the market interest and appeal associated with other existing XG products. Mission Statement â€Å"We combine beautiful design and intuitive functionally to provide consumers with desirable products that enhance the quality and convenience of their lives.† The Product The new XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices allows consumers to easily manage which Wi-Fi enabled mobile device can assess their secured home Wi-Fi network. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is a peripheral product of the Company’s popular XG Wireless Router series. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is industry compliant with North America and Euro Zone wireless communication standards and is compatible with other manufacturer’s routers. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices allows a consumer to manage their secure home Wi-Fi network through any other device designated as the â€Å"Administrator†. When a new Wi-Fi enabled device attempts to access the home Wi-Fi network through the XG Wi-Fi Gateway, an alert message is sent to the administrator. The administrator can choose several pre-set network access options as well as select from their own custom rules allowing or limiting network access to specific devices. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices is a 3 inch by 3 inch by 1/3 inch pad that links to the home router via a 2.0 USB plug. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices can also connect directly to any router with the additional purchase of a USB to Ethernet converter cable. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices has a minimal footprint. Once connected, the consumer does not have to interact with or manipulate the devices and it can be hidden or placed out of the way behind a computer or router. The administrator interacts with the XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices through the Wi-Fi Gateway application. The software is provided and compatible with desktop and laptop computers running Windows, OS X and Chrome operating systems. A free Wi-Fi Gateway application can also be downloaded, installed and run on smart phones and tablets using iOS, Android and Windows Mobile. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices is also compatible with the Xbox360 and PS3 gaming consoles. Consumer Product Classification The consumer product classification for the XG Wi-Fi Gateway for mobile devices falls under a shopping product. Additionally it should be considered with a sub-classification of unsought products. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway extends the functionality and security of modern router, thus the separate, pre-purchase of a router is required. Consumers have ample information available to make decisions regarding purchase decisions for routers; however, they have limited knowledge of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway peripheral or add-on. Consumers will require education and persuasion during the buying process. This is seen as a unique product, currently, there are no other devices or substitutes that offer the functionality of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway. Target Market Majority of our consumers will be males, head of household age 25-54, in a home with a wireless router. The household has multiple computers, smart phones or tablets. Our consumer expresses interest in electronic gadgets and considers themselves to be a â€Å"tech savvy† buyer. The target consumer is conscious about online security threats and has purchased or upgraded anti-virus software in the last 24 months. Our shopper is engaged with online social networks and media with most news delivered to the household digitally. Purchases of electronic products are heavily influenced by the favorable opinions and reviews from friends and colleagues. They are also strongly influenced by negative reviews of products by tech blogs and consumer comments in social media. Household income of our target consumer is $32,000- $70,000 annually with at least one child living in the home. Analysis of Competitive Environment Threat of new competition The threat of new competition is high. Our belief is the technologies associated with the XG Wi-Fi Gateway could be replicated by any of the other leading manufacturers of wireless routers. Company G hold proprietary technology in the design of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway and will fight to protect its interests and rights, however other manufactures could adopt their own existing patents and processes to compete. We feel these other established brands with distribution channels could generate a competitive rivalry if they choose to enter this market. Threat of substitute products or services The threat of a substitute product is low. Consumers determine if they have a need for the features offered by the XG Wi-Fi Gateway or they choose to forgo those features and service. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway has a high level of product differentiation. Consumers attempting to replicate the services of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway will find it technologically challenging and cost prohibitive to duplicate. Bargaining power of consumers Consumers have moderate bargaining power. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is a discretionary purchase. The consumer has to desire the enhanced control of their home Wi-Fi network and or the additional security offered by the product. Buyers who have suffered a loss from a network breach will be less price sensitive than those only looking to enhance their level of control. We expect downward price pressure due to demand to bundle and discount the XG Wi-Fi Gateway with other XG routers. Bargaining power of suppliers Threats from suppliers are low. While our product is new, most of the individual components are already mass produced or can easily be produced on existing manufacturing lines requiring only minimal retooling. Key proprietary components can be produced by several of Company G’s subsidiaries. Suppliers and materials are plentiful and available globally. Intensity of competitive rivalry Rivalry is low. Currently there are no competing products for the XG Wi-Fi Gateway market. Company G enjoys significant brand recognition and brand loyalty. The XG lines also profits from a history of positive consumer reviews and ratings and benefits from higher perceived value when compared to similar products in the market. Outlays are kept low by utilizing existing manufacturing facilities and distribution channels. Costs, such as RD, marketing, engineering and packaging design are allocated and shared across the whole XG catalog of products. SWOT Analysis Strengths 1.Company G and the XG Brand have high consumer loyalty and are recognized for innovative product design and functionality. 2.The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is the first of a kind to market. 3.The XG Wi-Fi Gateway received positive reviews from influential tech blogs and media. Support 1.Company G has carefully nurtured and reinforced its company brands. Company G has invested a considerable amount of resources promoting and showcasing the various products in the XG line. XG branded products benefit for the loyalty and familiarity consumers have with the existing line thus helping to lower overall new consumer acquisitions costs. We consider this strength to be a core competency. 2.As a first of a kind to market, Company G can maintain a higher price point by controlling the amount of products available without fear of lost of market share to competition. Company G can operate as a monopoly until others enter the market. First to the market also helps reinforce the XG brand’s reputation as a leader in providing cutting edge technology to consumers. We consider this strength to be a core competency. 3.Our target market reads and is influenced by tech blog reviews. Tech blog reviews are a valuable cost neutral resource for increasing product awareness and help raise consumer sentiment and increase product differentiation. Weaknesses 1.The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is a secondary purchase or upgrade after the initial purchase of a router. 2.Low target consumer awareness of product. 3.Target consumer requires educated before purchase. Support 1.Consumers are resistant to making an additional secondary purchase after deciding to buy a router. Consumers realize the enhanced services the XG Wi-Fi Gateway offers are not essential to a secure home network and may postpone a purchase until a demonstrated need is established. 2.As a first of a kind to market, consumers are not aware of the product. The target market is highly sought after and regularly bombarded with sophisticated marketing campaigns. The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is a peripheral product and does not command the spotlight associated with a flagship product launch. 3.Our target consumer will do research prior to making a purchase. Company G will have to put forth assessable information through multiple media outlets for the consumer to find and review. Additionally, sales persons and other trusted sources will need to be introduced to specifications and features of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway to be credible and persuasive. Opportunities 1.The XG Wi-Fi Gateway can be developed for commercial and retail use. 2.Integration into other manufactures’ routers through licensing agreements. 3.Add versatility with the incorporation with NFC (near field communication) chips. Support 1.The technology in the XG Wi-Fi Gateway could be upgraded to provide a solution in commercial spaces (coffee shops, restaurants stores) that want to control, monitor or monetize their Wi-Fi bandwidth service. This would expand the XG line into a new market. 2.Company G could increase revenues by licensing the XG Wi-Fi Gateway technology to other router manufactures. By providing completive licensing agreements, it reduces the incentive of the competition from developing rival technology. 3.Near field communication (NFC) chips are an emerging technology with potential to disrupt retail checkout/payment process. The inclusion of NFC could help broaden the market for the XG Wi-Fi Gateway as the technology becomes more widely available in the retail industry. Threats 1.Shifts in technology away from Wi-Fi protocols and services. 2.A low cost competitor enters and disrupts the market. 3.A widespread security breach or software flaw could be catastrophic for the product. Support 1.The pace of change and innovations in technology is ever quickening. Consumer sentiment tends to move towards the newest standard. Wi-Fi technology is well established, reliable and widely taken for granted, it is the old guard. Some modern countries have already shifted away from Wi-Fi services in favor of cellular protocols or Super Wi-Fi, which functions in the TVWS bandwidth. Any shift away from the Wi-Fi protocol would require retooling of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway with new technology which may be prohibitive due to IP rights or development costs. 2.If a low cost competitor enters the market, Company G would have to spend additional marketing resources defending its market share. Company G would also have to engage in completive pricing to maintain its market position. Lower pricing and increased marketing efforts will have a negative impact on the XG Wi-Fi Gateway’s profits. 3.A security breach could permanently tarnish the XG Wi-Fi Gateway’s reputation. A major flaw or breach could kill the product’s viability in just a few days. Any breach would be an embarrassment to Company G, could result in lower share prices and expose the company to additional liabilities and lawsuits. Marketing Objectives Product Objective Provide our target consumer with an innovated and desirable product that is friendly and enhances their online activities with ease of use, technological compatibility and upgradeability resulting in annual sales of 1.5 million units in the first year, 3 million by the second year and 5 million by the third. Price Objective Pricing for a stand along XG Wi-Fi Gateway will start at $34.99. Company G will also offer up to a 20% savings premium when retailers order, bundle and promote the XG Wi-Fi Gateway with other XG products. Place Objective The XG Wi-Fi Gateway will utilize existing Company G online and retail distribution channels throughout North America and Europe. Additionally, the XG Wi-Fi Gateway will be carried and offered by the 3 leading cable companies in North America when selling optional residential broadband internet services. 100 days post launch, Company G will also introduce the XG Wi-Fi Gateway into ATT and T-Mobile retail stores and kiosks in North America along with Vodafone retail outlets in the UK and Movistar retail outlets in Spain. Company G will continue to utilize its proprietary predictive algorithms to ensure global product availability. Promotion Objective We expect to increase our target consumer awareness of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway by 25% in the first six months and by 33% by each year post launch. Catching the attentions of our target consume and demonstrating the XG Wi-Fi Gateway’s unique features will be critical to the product’s success. Company G will leverage its name recognition, reputation and media relationships along with its vast distribution channels to ensure the target consumer has ample opportunities to learn about and interact with the XG Wi-Fi Gateway prior to purchase. These Marketing Objectives are crafted to provide the optimal return for all of Company G’s stakeholders. Marketing Strategies Product Strategies †¢Compatibility The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is compatible with all major router equipment sold in North America and Europe. Our target consumer will be assured that The XG Wi-Fi Gateway will work will even previously purchased equipment regardless of the manufacture. †¢Friendly, Ease of Use The XG Wi-Fi Gateway is a plug and forget it device. The software is multi-operating system compatible. The user interface has been extensively reviewed and focuses group tested to ensure an appropriate and intuitive workflow. †¢Longevity, Durability The XG Wi-Fi Gateway hardware has no moving parts and is incased in a durable vinyl covering. The hardware has a life expectancy, with normal use, of 5 to 8 years. Software upgrades are pushed to the device as needed, no interaction is required from the consumer. Given current trends in Wi-Fi technology, Company G expects the software to be compliant with FCC and EU regulators for 10 or more years. Price Strategies †¢Skimming Model Company G will use Skimming Model for the first 100 days. Leading up to The XG Wi-Fi Gateway’s launch, marketing efforts will target the less price sensitive â€Å"early adopters† portion of our consumer group. †¢High-low Pricing High-low pricing will be utilized for the XG Wi-Fi Gateway after 100 days post launch. Special offers will be presented through online and traditional retailers when they bundle other Company G products with the purchase of a The XG Wi-Fi Gateway. Company G will also offer a rebate program in secondary markets coinciding with â€Å"back to school† activities. †¢Psychological Pricing Psychological pricing will be used to have an encouraging psychological influence on our target consumer. The consumer is well educated and well connected and knows what his peers have paid for other similar products. This pricing model will ensure he feels satisfied with the decision leading up to his purchase and comfortable sharing that information with his peer group. Place Strategy †¢Strategic Channel Alliances Company G will utilize strategic channel alliances to get the XG Wi-Fi Gateway in to areas where our target consumers live, work and play. We are partnering with recognized industry leaders to cross promote their compatible products with the XG Wi-Fi Gateway. This strategy allows consumers to see how the product works with other devices and gives them the opportunity to realize an immediate benefit of ownership. †¢Intensive Distribution Model Company G will also unitize an intensive distribution model. We will maximize our current distribution network to deliver the XG Wi-Fi Gateway to all available channels our target consumer may wish to utilize to make a purchase. †¢Pull Strategy Since our consumer desires product specifications in order to make a purchasing decision, Company G will take that â€Å"teaching† opportunity and convert it in to a desire to, at a minimum, interact with the physical product. We will run a campaign to persuade consumers to â€Å"give it a try yourself at your local electronics retailer†. This pull strategy should help Company G entice retailers to provide the XG Wi-Fi Gateway a more prominent position in their outlets as consumers ask to interact with the device. Promotion Strategies †¢Trade Shows Trade Shows are an important and ideal location to introduce the XG Wi-Fi Gateway to our target consumer. He regularly attends trade shows and often shares part of his experience on social media. If our consumer does not attend a show, he often seeks out opinions or stories from friends that have attended. The trade show environment allows us to craft the best possible informational and presentation opportunity outside of the consumer’s own home. This strategy is important because our consumer tends to make multiple electronics purchase within three months after attending a Consumer Electronics Show. †¢Product Placements Seeing the XG Wi-Fi Gateway in use is important to our target consumer. We are identifying their popular movies, television and web series and negotiating subtle placement of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway in to the main story’s setting. Company G used this strategy successfully for several of its mobile products. The overall return for this strategy was better than that of a 30 second commercial buy on a similar type show. Our consumer pays attention to their favorite show and interprets the commercials as interruptions. †¢Trade Allowances Company G will provide advertising and promotion allowances in targeted markets. Trade allowances will be based on a matrix consisting of ratings for the importance of market, the retailer’s foot traffic, sales volume and ad placement and media buy. Retailers can determine how to use the allowance within the terms and conditions of the trade allowance agreement. This strategy demonstrates that Company G values the retailer’s understanding of how to capitalize on the unique marketing challenges in their local market. Tactics and Action Plan Product Action Plan †¢Compatibility oTactic: Test and adjust all XG Wi-Fi Gateway components to ensure the final unit meets all FCC and EU regulations. Test and rate for compatibility against all targeted compatible products. Make adjustments and updates when identified. oDue Date: 6 months before launch then ongoing every 6 months throughout the products life cycle. oResponsible Party: A team made-up of members for the software development group, components and hardware group, competitor intelligence group and the product management team. †¢Friendly, Ease of Use oTactic: Ensure the XG Wi-Fi Gateway is user friendly and offers an intuitive user interface. oDue Date: 9 month ahead of launch. Review will also be conducted before the release of any update that may impact the user interface. oResponsible Party: A team made up of members from market research, software development, public relations and the product management team. †¢Longevity, Durability oTactic: Only high quality components from Company G selected suppliers will be utilized in the manufacturing of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway. All parts are randomly selected for quality assurance and destructive testing throughout the assembly cycle. oDue Date: Continuous once components arrive for assembly. oResponsible Party: Quality control team as well as independent 3rd party auditors. Price Action Plan †¢Skimming Model oTactic: Capitalize and maximize revenue on consumer interest and desire to own a cutting edge product. oDue Date: Initial pricing to be finalized 90 days prior to launch and monitored for the first 100 days post launch oResponsible Party: Financial analysts, accounting, channel marking managers and product management. †¢High-low Pricing oTactic: To maximize the revenue opportunities by providing incentives for retailers and consumers by making special offers by bundling Company G products or offering appropriate rebates. oDue Date: Special pricing, bundling offers and rebate programs will be finalized at launch then reviewed every 3 months. oResponsible Party: Marketing managers, financial analysts, channel marking managers and product managers. †¢Psychological Pricing oTactic: Ensure our target consumer is persuaded that the perceived value is greater than actual retail price. oDue Date: 90 days prior to launch then every 3 months. oResponsible Party: Marketing managers, public relations team, consumer research team, independent 3rd party consumer survey team Place Action Plan †¢Strategic Channel Alliances oTactic: Partner with non-retail partners to introduce the XG Wi-Fi Gateway in unique and impactful locations and situations to our target consumer. oDue Date: 1 year prior to launch then every 3 months. oResponsible Party: Marketing team, channel marking managers and product managers. †¢Intensive Distribution Model oTactic: We will engage all of our distribution and retail partners throughout the entire product cycle. oDue Date: 1 year prior to launch then continuous. oResponsible Party: channel marking managers and distribution management team †¢Pull Strategy oTactic: Entice consumers to ask their local retailers about the XG Wi-Fi Gateway oDue Date:90 days prior to launch then continuously for the first 100 days oResponsible Party: Marketing team and public relations team Promotion Action Plan †¢Trade Shows oTactic: Secure prominent floor space at CESs and Home Shows in major and secondary markets oDue Date:1 Year prior to product launch oResponsible Party: Marketing team, product management team †¢Product Placements oTactic: Identify and secure placement opportunities on targeted media outlets/shows oDue Date: 9 months before launch and through the first year oResponsible Party: Marketing team and media relations team †¢Trade Allowances oTactic: Provide strategic retailers marketing and promotional resources to increase awareness of the XG Wi-Fi Gateway in the local markets they serve. oDue Date: 3 months prior to launch then ongoing. oResponsible Party: Marketing team and channel marking managers Monitoring Procedures To ensure the Product and Marketing Teams meet the XG Wi-Fi Gateway meets Company G’s financial performance goals: Monitoring Activity: Regular review of ongoing product performance and benchmarking. Due Date/Frequency: Weekly meetings.

Selfishness Among Characters :: essays research papers

Characters in the stories we have read so far this semester have been faced with a multitude of problems, emotions and impulses to work through. It seems that from three stories the characters carry out very different actions, but they all have an underlying bond, selfishness and the desire to be something there not. It also seems that they are judged in the eyes of the narrator, as either succeeding or failing due to the way they carried themselves throughout the story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the short story, 'A Pair of Silk Stockings';, by Kate Chopin, the main character, Mrs. Sommers, after finding fifteen dollars plans do things with it for her kids, and her family. However, this all changed after, buying a pair of expensive silk stockings for herself. She just totally forgets about all the nice things she was going to do with the money for her kids, for instance buy them new cloths for once in their lives. Once she put those silk stockings on, she received a small taste of the good life, and the greed and selfishness set in. She wanted more of it. So, she goes off and treats herself to things of a higher class, deep down knowing that she didn't belong where she was, for example, in the theater or going to a nice restaurant for lunch. At the end it seems that she has no recollection of her life before this day had begun. She was so wrapped up in assuming the identity of a wealthy person under false pretenses. The way that the narrator was telling the story, the main character Mrs. Sommers, both Succeeds and fails at the same time. She succeeds in the sense of fooling people and also herself into believing that she is a member of the upper class, at the same time failing in her responsibilities to her family of being a responsible mother.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the second story, we read by Kate Chopin, 'Regret';, the main character, Mamzelle Aurelie, has a selfishness to her, that to me was a somewhat a good kind of selfishness, unlike Mrs. Sommers. She was a strong woman who never really had a man in her life, probably because she had her own ways of doing things and didn't want a man telling her how to live her life. I believe that this is the reason she turned down the proposal, of marriage, earlier on in her life.

Crooklyn

Afro American Film & Achieves Crooklyn â€Å"Crooklyn† is a black feature film made in 1994. It was written by Spike Lee, along with his brother Cinque Lee and sister Joie Lee. This is not your typical â€Å"Spike Lee Joint. † It’s not, in your face, or edgy, and does not address any racial, controversial, or sexual issues. The film shows the lighter side of Spike Lee because it is actually a family film. Crooklyn is semi autobiographical because it is loosely based on the childhood of Spike and his brothers and sister. The film shows them growing up in the lower middle class, racially mixed Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn during the 1970s, showing the good times and the bad times. It’s not the typical Brooklyn film with gangs, violence, and drugs backed by rap and hip-hop beats. The family is very believable. The father, Woody Carmichael, played by Delroy Lindo, is a struggling jazz musician who would rather stay true to his art form and produce pure jazz, even though he is not making any money, than play guitar for a few rock groups to bring in an income. The mother, Carolyn Carmichael, played by Alfre Woodard, is a school teacher taking care of the house and the children, struggling to pay all the bills with her sole income. The children, four brothers: Clinton (Carlton Williams), Wendell (Sharif Rashed), Nate (Christopher Knowings), Joseph (Tse-Mach Washington), and one sister, Troy (Zelda Harris), are growing up and doing what kids normally do: learning, playing, and getting into trouble. Crooklyn† starts with recreated Brooklyn neighborhood, showing kids at play on the street, playing games reminiscent of a simpler time like hop scotch, double dutch, skully, stick ball, and steal the bacon. Then it moves onto the typical family scene, with the Carmichael family setting the table to eat dinner. Lee does a good job of showing them as a genuine family, complete with spats and squabbles between the siblings and parents. In the scene that follows, which was most likely one of Lee's family memories, Carolyn asks the children to cl ean the kitchen before she comes home from work. When she comes home and finds a dirty kitchen, she rouses all the children from their beds, marches them down to the kitchen, and makes them clean it up, showing her as a mother and disciplinarian. When Clifton says he'd rather have a father than a mother any day, Carolyn chases him around the table, making the scene even more hilarious. At first the film seems to be a recollection of old memories with no real plot as more neighborhood scenes are shown. We see the real â€Å"danger† in the neighborhood. Spike Lee makes a funny cameo as Snuffy, along with Right-Hand Man, as the neighborhood glue sniffers. They â€Å"terrorize† the neighborhood, stealing money so they can get more glue. We also see some altercations between the Carmichael family and their neighbor Tony Eyes, played by David Patrick Kelly, who keeps a filthy house and throws trash on their steps. Carolyn also throws Woody out the house after an argument over him bouncing checks turns into a family fight, involving everyone, even the children. These scenes, as well as the others that follow seem like real memories, even though the Lees said the film should not be interpreted as an autobiography. As â€Å"Crooklyn† went on, I began to see Troy more and more. Troy is seen with her friends, shoplifting from the stores, and spending a lot of time in front of the bathroom mirror, wishing she had breasts. Gradually I realized that the film was mainly about her, and that I was supposed to be seeing the film through her eyes. Troy goes to stay down south with her Aunt Song, played by Frances Foster, and cousin Viola, played by Patriece Nielson, for a few weeks over the summer. Troy hates the experience because Aunt Song, who is very religious, finds something wrong with everything she does, makes fun of her, and seems like she is trying to take Troy's black identity away. Aunt Song also seems to love her dog more than her adopted daughter. When the film switched from the streets of Brooklyn to the South, I noticed something was wrong with the picture. At first I thought something was wrong with my laptop. Then I thought the video must have messed up. So I disregarded it and kept watching the movie. But when it showed a scene from Brooklyn, the picture was fine. Then when it went back to the south, the picture was distorted again. I later learned that this was done on purpose. Lee shot the scenes down south in wide screen without anamorphically adjusting the image. This was supposed to show that the south was a weird, warped place where Troy felt lost and alienated. Now that I know why the picture was warped, I understand its significance, but I, like most people, was confused because idid not get it when I was watching the film. When Troy returns home, she learns a tragedy has struck her family. Her mother is sick in the hospital. Later the family finds out that Carolyn has cancer. All of Troy's brothers break down and cry, but Troy doesn't shed a tear. In the scene that follows, the family is preparing for their mother’s funeral. Troy doesn't want to go, but after her father talks to her she agrees to go. After the funeral, everyone gathers in the house for a celebration of Carolyn's life. Troy is sitting on a couch, and Clifton goes over comforts his sister the best way he knows how. The takes her hand and intertwines their fingers. It’s the first time we see Clifton show any real compassion for his sister in the whole film. Its a real moment between a brother and sister, and shows they are on their way to reconciliation. In the next scene, Troy is having a nightmare. When she wakes up, she hears her mother and father arguing, so she runs down the stairs to find them. But when she gets to the kitchen calling for her mother, she just sees her father yelling, trying to kill a rat. Her father tells her that her mother is gone. Troy runs to the bathroom and throws up, and it finally hits her that her mother is gone. She says to father, â€Å"Mommy was in a lot of pain, wasn't she? †, to which he replies â€Å"Yes she was. † Troy says, â€Å"Then it’s good she died, so she wouldn't have to suffer. † I think Troy already knew it would happen, but she also knew that it was for the best. In the next scene, we see Troy combing her little brother's hair, assuming the role of her mother. â€Å"Crooklyn† is a great movie, with a strong message of family. It’s not a cheap family movie with the generic happy ending. It was raw, showing real life, and real issues. The children still have much growing up to do, and life is out there waiting for them. Spike Lee did a great job with this movie. I give a lot of credit to Spike, Joie, and Cinque for writing a great film. But no matter how great a movie is, it still has some flaws. One thing I noticed was there was no real direction or plot line in this film. It was mainly a lot of events going one after the other. Kind of like organized chaos. Another thing was that the film relied too much on the music. There was a song in almost every scene of â€Å"Crooklyn. † It was like memories put to music. While they do help you connect with the movie, I think that you wouldn't get the same effect if you were to watch the film again with only half or none of the music in it. The cast of the â€Å"Crooklyn† was excellent. Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo did an outstanding job of portraying the parents. But the best acting would go to Zelda Harris. Not once did I see her act in the whole film. She really made me believe that she was Troy. The children all acted like real siblings as well. The film also celebrates the black culture of the 1970's with everything from the afros, clothing, tv shows, the neighborhood, and music. The songs were personally chosen by Spike himself, and fit the movie perfectly. I also like the direction Lee chose for this movie. Most films about Brooklyn show the stereotypes: violence, drugs, gangs, and angry black people. Spike showed the real side of Brooklyn, with caring people and family. I also like this movie because it showed me the way Brooklyn was before me. Spike's version of Brooklyn is very different from the Brooklyn I grew up in, but there are also some of the same characteristics in each. The worst thing in his neighborhood were glue sniffers and little kids causing trouble. My neighborhood is different from his, and we face more problems but its nice to relate. It good to know that even back then, people faced some of the same problems we do now, and do some of the things we still do now as well. I enjoyed â€Å"Crooklyn† and would recommend the movie to anyone.

How reliable are the narrators in the novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and the fiction novel Great Expectations of Charles Dickens Essay

A reliable narrator is one who is factual, trustworthy, and competent in relating the story. Generally, there are two types of narrators. The first person narrator focuses in-depth on only one character, which could be his or her character, and the impact of other characters on this sole character. Third person narrators provide a comprehensive picture of the different characters and the situations unfolding in the story. While third party narrators receive greater regard for reliability due to omniscience, a first or third person narrator could be reliable or unreliable depending on the character of the narrator and the intention of the novel. The novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a frame narration, which means the story lies within a story. To achieve this end, there are two narrators. The first narrator is unknown and provides an introduction of the character of the second narrator, Charlie Marlow. The narration describes Marlow as having deep-set cheeks and yellowish complexion but straight-backed indicating he is not heavily built but not frail either. The unknown narrator, by representing the views of the other people on board the ship in describing Marlow as non-conventional or atypical because of his tendency to weave stories and recount tales introspectively, expresses the reliability of his assessment of Marlow. This puts into question the factual manner of Marlow’s narration. In Marlow’s accounts of his trip along the Congo River to fetch Kurtz, an ivory trader trapped in an African village, the focus is more of his interpretation of people and events without much recount of who these people are and the context of the situation. Marlow is clearly against colonialism but do not recount in detail the situation in Africa that makes colonialism repulsive to him and what are the solutions. The trustworthiness of Marlow as a narrator is not clear-cut. Marlow is a decent person but his actions do not always reflect his views. He is against the exploitative nature of the colonial explorers in Africa and feels burdened by the situation but his character is complicit about the situation. He has limited interaction with the natives and does not express their views. Marlow is a competent narrator but only for himself. His accounts do not reflect the experiences and perspectives of the other people he talks about such as the villagers of the communities he visited or the colonial communities in Africa. In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the narrator is Pip, who is also the main character of the novel. Pip’s narrative is factual because he tells not only about his good side such as helping people and becoming a gentleman but also of his bad side such as his mistaken impression about Magwich and his embarrassment of Joe’s uneducated ways. Pip is a protagonist in the novel, an orphaned but kindhearted boy, who although frightened to steal food for a thief, causing him guilt, and although yielding to the initial class-based prejudices wrought by society, ended up making things right. The nature of the character of Pip as trustworthy and sensible makes his accounts reliable. Pip is an eyewitness narrator. The novel is a semi-biographical work, which means that Pip is telling his life story according to his own experiences and perspectives. This finds expression in some of the chapter titles such as ‘The Convict Frightens Me’, ‘I Execute My trust’, and ‘My State of Mind’. Pip is also the main character. This means that he is competent to narrate his story and the story of the people around him whom he witnessed. This makes his accounts reliable because of first hand experience and view. Although a first person narrator, the trustworthy character of Pip makes him a reliable storyteller of his own life and the life of the people around him. Heart of Darkness and Great Expectations include first person narrators. Although, there is general reservation towards the reliability of first person narrators, the reliability of these narrators also depend on character, plot and intention of the story. Based on the criteria of a reliable narrator, the narrator in Great Expectations is more reliable because of his factual account and trustworthy character while the narrator in Heart of Darkness is not very factual or trustworthy. The third person narrator in Heart of Darkness attests to the atypical character of the first person narrator.

21 Part Time Jobs That Pay More than $20 Per Hour

21 Part Time Jobs That Pay More than $20 Per Hour Need a side gig? Or maybe just a flexible schedule to accommodate your family or other projects, so you can bring in some bacon? You don’t have to settle for a sub-par hourly wage, we promise.   Here are 21- that’s right, 21- part time jobs that pay more than the usual $20 per hour. You can also skip the list, sign up with TheJobNetwork right here to receive the newly posted part time job openings in your location. 1. Freelance Writing: Average ~$26/hrYou can easily make freelance writing a full-time job, or you can take advantage of the good compensation and flexibility and use it as a part-time gig. Start with sites that pay per post if you need a little primary inspiration.2. Landscaping: Average $20+/hrIf you like getting your hands dirty and spending a day doing physical work outside, this can be for you. Start with local one-off gigs on Craigslist, then try to build a word-of-mouth reputation. If you can work specialized machinery, you can make much more- just b e careful to get the necessary licenses and insurance if you start building this into a business.3. Graphic Design: Average $22/hrYou need great computer skills and a keen eye for design, but it’s a great gig if you’ve got what it takes. Make yourself a portfolio of sample work and then make sure you have a website showcasing it, plus any recommendations and rave reviews you’ve won.4. Massage Therapy: Average: $60/hrStrong hands? A desire to help people? Get yourself your Certified Massage Therapist license and start raking in the dough. Work on your own or through health clubs, massage studios, and spas.5. Interpreting/Translating: Average: $23.71/hrIf you’re bi- or multi-lingual, this can be a great way of making some relatively easy money. Work on an on-call basis or by contracting steadier gigs.6. Sign Language Interpreting: Average: $36.50/hrIf you know ASL or another sign language, you can work interpreting in event venues, courtrooms, or classrooms - or even smaller environments like mediations and meetings.7. Tutoring: Average: up to $75/hrBone up on your science and math, specialize in the trickiest of subjects, and you’ll make tons of money. But even vocab and test prep will get you well over $20/hr.8. Test Prep Instruction: Average: $21-$32/hrDepending on the test you’re qualified to teach, this can be a great way to make some extra cash. Work with the SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE or GMAT, and more.9. Personal Shopping: Average: up to $33/hrYou’ll need a decent background in fashion, and a great eye for style, but you’ll make good money and probably have a great time making it.10. Etsy: Depends on what you sell.Are you crafty? Selling your wares on Etsy can be enough to earn a full-time living. Your compensation will depend on what you make, how long it takes you to make what you make, and how much you charge. But the sky’s the limit.11. App Design: Average: $6k/monthAs long as you have the skills and knowledge to develop this kind of software, it can be incredibly lucrative and very flexible work.12. Nannying: Average: $20-$25/hrLove kids? Work daily, weekends, evenings, on-call, you name it- parents have the need and you pocket the cash.13. Personal Chef: Average: $20-$45+/hrStart with pals and friends of friends, and build a reputation by word-of-mouth. Have steady weekly gigs, or cook batches of freezer meals in bulk. If you’re good on the pots and pans, the cold, hard cash is out there for you.14. Catering: Average: $20+/hrIf you don’t mind working evenings and/or weekends, this is a great way to pick up loads of extra money. And good gigs usually open doors for more.15. Bartending: Average: $26/hr (plus tips)You may need certification in your state, and you’ll definitely need skills making cocktails or pouring shots and beer, but no matter what you do, you can make a ton of money if you find the right place and hit on the right schedule. Star t small, rake in the tips.16. Personal Assisting: Average: $25/hrAre you super organized? Don’t mind doing the adult-ing, logistics, and errands for someone else and then getting paid? As long as you’re responsible, discrete, and reliable, this is a great and lucrative gig.17. Serving: TIPSDepending on the volume and the prices of the place, you can make a huge amount of money in tips in relatively few hours. Get your foot in the door and always have this as a fall back side-gig when you need cash fast.18. Yoga Instruction: Average: $24.37-$49+/hrYou’ll need to invest in a Teacher Training series, which takes at least 200 hours and a final assessment, but then you’ll get paid to exercise! You’ll be fitter and richer.19. Fashion Consulting: Average: $50-$500/hrThis is one of those fabled super-high-paying gigs, but if you have a superb eye for fashion and can court the high end clients, it might be for you.20. Dog Walking: Average: $20+/hrFreelance or work with a dog walking company. Get outside, get some exercise, spend time with cute dogs, and†¦ get paid? Start advertising at local pet places- groomers, boarders, vets, pet stores, etc.21. Make-up: Average: $23.50/hrGet brides and celebs and party-goers gussied up for the big event. Have fun while you work. As long as you’re good enough at what you do to keep getting the gigs!

King James 1

King James 1 Free Online Research Papers King James I, full name James Charles Stuart, was born to Mary Queen of Scots on June 19, 1566 at Edinburg Castle located in Scotland. James’ father Henry Stuart Lord Darnley was killed in February 1567 when James was eight months old. Many historians believe that Mary Queen of Scots arranged the murder of her husband. In July of 1567 James’ mother had to abdicate the throne in favor of James. Five days later James was crowned King James I at the young age of 13 months. Mary was imprisoned by her cousin Queen Elizabeth of England and in February 1587 (19 years later) she was executed for being part of a plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth. Because James was so young when his mom imprisoned he never knew either of his parents. James married Anne of Denmark and enjoyed hunting with her. One day during a hunting trip Anne accidently shot James’ favorite hunting dog Jewell. Anne was so upset over killing James’ dog that James felt bad for her a bought her gi ft to show that it was all okay. King James did not have many political accomplishments. One of the only political accomplishments was becoming the first King to be king of both Scotland and England. In 1603 Queen Elizabeth died and appointed James as king. James was now King James I of Scotland and King James VI of England. At that point James had been King of Scotland for 36 years. Even though James did not have many political accomplishments he was able to keep both England and Scotland out of war. King James was extremely lingual; he could speak Greek, Latin, English and Scots fluently and was taught some Italian and Spanish. Because of his wide variety of languages he nearly never needed a translator which helped make other rulers respect him more. From when James was a young boy he had George Buchanan as a tutor. Buchanan was 64 when he started teaching James and taught him to love and understand literature. Some believe that because of Buchanan James was the most schooled and curious person to sit on any throne. With his teaching James wrote Basilicon Doron (The Kingly Gift). This 153 page document was not meant for the public. There was only supposed to be seven copies made, but since there was so many forged versions of the document James had it published for everyone to read and it became a best seller in Welsh, Latin, French, Swedish and German for over 50 years. The Basilicon Doron was meant for his oldest son Prince Henry to teach him how to rule in his footsteps because James had many assassination attempts. There are three volumes in the Basilicon Doron. The first of the three volumes is â€Å"A Kings Christian Duties Towards God†. King James was a really big Catholic, and because of this many puritans were afraid of him. James did one thing that helped boost the catholic religion immensely. He created the first ever full translation of the bible, known as the Authorized King James Version of the Bible. James believed that the Holy Bible was the best gift he could give his subjects because it would save them with the â€Å"Word of God†. In July of 1604 James appointed 54 men to the task of translating the bible. The Authorized Version of the bible is respectively the greatest religious literary work in the world. In 1612 King James suffered a major loss, his son and successor Price Henry died. Four years later his wife Anne of Denmark died. Six years later on March 27, 1625 at the age of 59 King James died. King James died in peace with his subject and the outside world, unlike many other Scottish monarchs and passed his power on to an adult son. King James I of England and VI of Scotland was buried at Westminster Abbey. Research Papers on King James 1Bringing Democracy to AfricaQuebec and CanadaComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThe Fifth HorsemanPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyCapital Punishment

Beware of Buzzword Bingo

Beware of Buzzword Bingo Beware of Buzzword Bingo Beware of Buzzword Bingo By Mark Nichol Far back in the mists of Internet time (that would be the 1990s), a couple of wags at a computer company called Silicon Graphics created a subversive game that filled a need. You’ve been there, perhaps: a company meeting at which executives or tech geeks unironically launch volleys of absurd marketing catchphrases or tech jargon. Well, these two fellows brainstormed some of the most egregious examples, created bingo-type cards with each box in the grid containing a term, and passed them around to select colleagues. The idea was that whenever you heard a buzzword, you’d mark the pertinent box (surreptitiously, of course). As in bingo, you strove to be the first person to mark five boxes in a row. In this version, however, it was not advisable to leap to your feet and shout â€Å"Bingo!† Instead, you would, without interfering with the official proceedings, either silently and stealthily notify your fellow participants or, if you were bold enough, ask a question of the presenter that somehow, in the context of the discussion, employed the use of the word bingo and hope that neither you nor your competitors would lose it and bust a gut. So, what does this have to do with DailyWritingTips.com? Don’t be that person who inspires a rousing game of buzzword bingo, or perpetuates the need for the game. If your employer or client requires you to use more than a couple of selections from the following word list in writing or speech, you have my permission to cry. (No honest person will deny having used at least one.) You also have permission to delete the term from your word-hoard and employ a handy little language called English. Here are 24 terms enough for one card (with a Free spot in the middle of a 5 x 5 grid): 2.0 (n.): the next generation action item (n.): high-priority issue bandwidth (n.): attention span, or ability to devote resources (such as brainpower) benchmark (n.): standard best practice (n.): a standard, proven strategy bleeding edge (n.): an intensifier of bleeding edge; denotes innovation circle (v.): check back with deep dive (n.): an intensive exploration of detail dialogue (n., v.): talk going forward (v. and adv.): from now on (but with the implication that the period before going forward was marked by going backward ass-backward, that is) granularity (n.): fine detail helicopter view (n.): overview incentivize (or incent) (v.): to motivate leverage (n., v.): power (n.), enhance or exploit (v.) metrics (n.): measurements mindshare (n.): expression of a thought paradigm (n.): model low-hanging fruit (n.): the simplest option push(ing) the envelope (verb phrase): exert(ing) maximum effort synergy (n.): compatibility take (blank) offline (verb phrase): discuss something later team player (n.): someone who is collegial and cooperative think(ing) outside the box (verb phrase): to produce, or producing, unorthodox ideas touch base (verb phrase): to meet for a status report value-added (adj.): accompanied by an additional benefit (also used in noun form: value add) For an inspired, brilliant skewering of the buzzword mentality, go to this column from the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFGate.com (scroll down past the usually droll columnist’s uncharacteristic rant to â€Å"In other news†). Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Possessive of Proper Names Ending in SList of Greek Words in the English Language35 Synonyms for Rain and Snow

Promotion of Violent Commotion through Video Games Essay

Promotion of Violent Commotion through Video Games - Essay Example Various platforms (devices that allow a videogame to operate) are generated in enormous numbers year after year. The types of games which are introduced range from arcade to adventure and from educational to racing. There would be hardly anyone let it be a child, a young adult or an grown-up who would be unaware of videogames, which is why Berger states â€Å"Most Americans are well aware of the existence of video games.† (4) The most talked upon controversy which is being discussed and debated upon and which is spreading like fire all around the social media is whether video games promote violent activity or not. Different beliefs are held by different people; similarly various researches show various results. Some perspectives have indicated that videogames cast an extremely negative effect on people who play them, while other outlooks show that videogames do not cast any sorts of negative effects on their players. There are standpoints that point out that some videogames al so shed constructive effects on the people who play them. Hence, for the clarification of this controversy all the sides have been provided and presented objectively for the formulation of the readers own opinion, as the viewpoints provided are completely valid and applicable. From the early period when home computers were a vogue word, to today’s in progress consoles, people have been playing games after games, due to which video games have been tagged as one of the most well-liked type of amusement in the world within the past few decades. Hence, several of video games are developed and introduced; these genres of videogames include action, shooter, action-adventure, adventure, role playing, strategy and stimulation games. Besides these genres there are many other noble games which include educational and informational video games. The question which pops up in our minds is ‘but how would games promote violence?’ or ‘how would such games cast a positive e ffect?’ The answer to these questions is that just because it is a â€Å"Video Game† does not actually mean that its significance shall be avoided. Children or adults are both affected by video games whether in a positive or a negative way similar to the way we they are influenced by television or novels, even though the latter is being spontaneously pushed far into the cupboard. Viewing the first outlook which verifies that videogames endorse violent activity amongst its players we can bring in light Dulan’s statement that authenticates that â€Å"Unfortunately, video games promote violence because after shooting, blowing up and running over a bunch of gangsters, zombies, etc., you win the game and all is well for you.† (309) Therefore, the fact that the negative effects are casted by all the shooting and spurting games cannot be closed the eyes to. Violent video games have become popular amongst the boys specifically and the popularity of such games has reached extraordinary scope. Stoff, Breiling and Maser stated that â€Å"Video games also have become a focus of concern due to the high level of violence they contain and the fact that children are active participants in violence.† (186) The relationship between brutal video-game play and aggression can be studied by viewing the notional line of reasoning that puts forward this relationship. This line draws on

Managing organisational behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing organisational behaviour - Essay Example As a result of developing and implementing management practices to successfully manage human resources is critical for organizational achievement. The highly competitive global environment of the 21st Century demands managers to use proactive practices and methods to managing behavior for the purpose of creating a competitive advantage (Bhattacharya & Wrights, 2005). Theoretically the science of managing organizational behavior has the responsibility of using human resources to fulfill an organization’s goals and objectives. This premise and the development of the capability of the human resources aids in accomplishment of goals. Certainly not without challenge managing people (human resources) effectively is the process of comprehending human behavior, knowing how to motivate, and enable others to become what he or she is capable of becoming with the intention of fulfilling the group’s strategic objectives. The purpose of this paper is to offer suggestions as to the at tributes and necessary skills an effective manager/leader needs to proactively manage human resources. ... is not a release of control and power by management, but is a method in which management gains additional control over behavior in the organizational culture as a result. Organizational Behavior Understanding organizational behavior enables managers to use human capital and other resources more effectively. The ability to understand his or her relationship with workers and the significance of the interaction is foundational in understanding how to effectively manage organizational behavior. The interaction between managers and workers in the culture directly influences the outcomes of behavior within the culture. Schermerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn (2003) assert â€Å"Organizational behavior (OB) is the study of individuals and groups in organizations† (p. 4). Kreitner and Kinicki (2003) declare â€Å"Organizational behavior is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to better understanding and managing people at work; organizational behavior is both research and application oriented † (p. 12). The two descriptions or definitions include the understanding of coordinating people in structured settings for the purpose of accomplishing specific goals. Kreitner and Kinicki (2003) offer that the task of managing people requires knowledge and the ability to apply the principles of the social disciplines of psychology, management, sociology, statistics, economics, human stress management, and others (p. 13). The list of disciplines reaffirms the depth of knowledge of human behavior that is necessary for managers to manage successfully. Effective managers comprehend how to interpret human behavior applying the appropriate principles from the tools of the applicable social science. By using the tools managers are able to resolve conflict within the environment, motivate workers to higher

Academic journal review Literature Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Academic journal - Literature review Example The core issues discussed in this article are related to the quest of work and leisure balance for an employee. The author discusses how the balance between work lives and personal lives of employees can be maintained in the contemporary world. The author also explains the ways in which work life balance can be maintained in the most proportionate way while at the same time ensuring that the productivity and performance quality of the employees are not compromised with. The key rationale included in the article is that the changing work commitments and lifestyles in the modern day world coupled with other influential external environment factors such as economic, political, social and technological constructs have made it difficult for people to include leisure as a part of their daily life. However, leisure is an important part of life and is necessary to ensure proper physical and mental health of a human being (Taneja, 2013). Keyes and Haidt (2003) also appraise the way in which t he author discusses how the inclusion of adequate amounts of leisure activities and maintenance of the most optimum balance between the personal and professional lives can actually lead to higher productivity, engagement and motivation of the employees in their respective job roles (Keyes and Haidt, 2003). The main purpose of the article was to evaluate the primary and secondary aspects in the domain of work schedule and their impacts on organizations and the employees working in these organizations. The core issues like work leisure conflict, the need and importance of leisure, the solution of work issues in relation to the leisure management, the perspective of time and leisure as commodities and the need for making major changes in the way work and leisure are balanced in any organization are identified and discussed in this

Regression Analysis Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Regression Analysis - Statistics Project Example The GDP of the UAE is the dependent variable, Y while the Exports and the imports of the UAE will be the dependent variables in the analysis (X1 and X2 respectively). The Pearson’s analysis of the relationship between the GDP and the Exports of the UAE (at 0.05 significant level) reveals that the Pearson’s correlation index, Ï =0.713. Comparing Ï  (Correlation index) to the significance level formulated during the analysis reveals that Ï Ã‹Æ'0.05. This infers that the correlation is not statistically significant. The statistical inference that can be made from the data used in this study thus reveals that the fact that imports in UAE have a positive relationship with the GDP occurred simply by chance. The sample data used in the reflection of the GDP of the country versus the indices of the experts do not reflect the occurrence when the whole â€Å"population data† was used. At a statistical level of 0.05, the analysis of the two variants, the GDP, and the imports of UAE reveals that Ï  is greater than the significance level, 0.05. When Ï Ã‹Æ' 0.05 (Statistical significance level) it infers that the correlation between the two variables is not statistically significant. This assertion means that the observation from the samples analyzed (the data from World Development Index) does not explicitly outline the relationship between the imports of the UAE and the GDP of the UAE. The multiple regression analysis estimates the coefficients of the linear equation especially in the cases where more than one independent variable exists.

Constitutional Freedoms in the Law Enforcement Workplace Essay

Constitutional Freedoms in the Law Enforcement Workplace - Essay Example n that constitutional freedoms of law enforcement officials may reside in conflict with their job roles and responsibilities at times undermining or overpowering each other. Accordingly, framers of the US constitution comprehended that dividing powers, both vertically and horizontally, would help in safeguarding individual liberty within the nation, which were further used to frame the job roles and responsibilities in the law enforcement workplace. This republican theory helped in ensuring that individual rights were safeguarded from each and every type of government abuse, but lacked in ensuring or guaranteeing the same for officials or public employees working in the law enforcement workplace. This particular supposition undoubtedly raises many questions on the US constitutional feature to articulate the fundamental commitments for US citizens, including ‘democracy’, ‘liberty’ and ‘equality’ as its basic principles to meet both individual and national security requirements2. As can apparently be observed, the degree of confusion and debates eyeing the constitutional freedoms applicable in the law enforcement workplace demands a rigorous analysis of the context, elaborating on the limits imposed by constitutional freedoms and on circumstances when job responsibilities in the mentioned working environment overpowers individual constitutional freedom. This particular notion will form the base for the discussion undertaken in this study. Defining constitutional freedom can be referred as both simple and complex. On a simple note, constitutional rights refer to the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution of the country to its citizens. To be precise, it intends to protect them from potential but unreasonable harm from the operations of the constitution for a greater interest, i.e. to ensure national security at every dimension of the community. On the broader context, these freedoms encompass political, civil as well as personal rights entitled to a

Review paper for electron portal imaging system Article

Review paper for electron portal imaging system - Article Example this outcome is supported by mathematical computations and evaluations of the results. The paper also outlines and identifies potential advancements in the field such as the implementation of aSi-based EPIDs that can play a critical role in developing and aiding EPI systems in the near future. 1. Introduction The treatment of cancer by the means of radiation or exposure to a radioactive element requires further research to allow for the achievement and enhancement of pivotal objectives behind radiotherapy. According to Kirby and Glendinning (2006: pS50) advancements in radiotherapy must occur to explore solutions through which the dose that is aimed towards the target volume is enhanced such that the impact of high radiation on adjoining tissue, which is in a healthy state is lessened to a substantial extent. Pouliot et al. (2003: p862) state that in determining the exact location of the target volume the electron beams must be pointed in a precise direction to satisfy the requiremen ts of a consistent dosimetric exposure. Piermattei et al. (2006) have presented a procedure which allows for the in vivo determination of the focal point of radiation that is tested on the target volume of pelvic regions. With regards to the accomplishment of aforementioned objectives and aims, enhancements in electronic portal imaging systems can play a critical role. Portal imaging essentially assists the geometric substantiation of field position (Kirby and Glendinning 2006: pS50) thereby, diminishing the possibility of geometric ambiguity (Pouliot et al. 2003: p862). According to Pouliot et al. (2003), the process of portal imaging aims to employ the assistance of bony landmarks to establish the placement and setup of the patient that is relative to the focal point of radiation, however, further considerations into the subject are required to direct researchers into the application and implementation of portal imaging systems in radiotherapy when discussing target volumes in sof t tissue tumors of the prostate. The paper aims to discuss the advancements in portal imaging systems over the decades by assessing comprehensive literatures presented by Kirby and Glendinning (2006), Pouliot et al. (2003), Baker et al. (2005) and Piermattie et al. (2006), the primary focus of this assessment rests upon evaluating the technological innovations and developments in electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). Dedicated sections in the paper also discuss the use of radiopaque markers in the accurate visualization of the prostate via portal imaging to depict the accuracy of its placement throughout the procedure of radiotherapy by the means of a study conducted on a sample size of 11 patients. In conclusion the paper reviews and appraises the advancements in the development of electronic portal imaging systems by assessing the literature under review and stating that the developments in e

Constitutional Freedoms in the Law Enforcement Workplace Essay

Constitutional Freedoms in the Law Enforcement Workplace - Essay Example n that constitutional freedoms of law enforcement officials may reside in conflict with their job roles and responsibilities at times undermining or overpowering each other. Accordingly, framers of the US constitution comprehended that dividing powers, both vertically and horizontally, would help in safeguarding individual liberty within the nation, which were further used to frame the job roles and responsibilities in the law enforcement workplace. This republican theory helped in ensuring that individual rights were safeguarded from each and every type of government abuse, but lacked in ensuring or guaranteeing the same for officials or public employees working in the law enforcement workplace. This particular supposition undoubtedly raises many questions on the US constitutional feature to articulate the fundamental commitments for US citizens, including ‘democracy’, ‘liberty’ and ‘equality’ as its basic principles to meet both individual and national security requirements2. As can apparently be observed, the degree of confusion and debates eyeing the constitutional freedoms applicable in the law enforcement workplace demands a rigorous analysis of the context, elaborating on the limits imposed by constitutional freedoms and on circumstances when job responsibilities in the mentioned working environment overpowers individual constitutional freedom. This particular notion will form the base for the discussion undertaken in this study. Defining constitutional freedom can be referred as both simple and complex. On a simple note, constitutional rights refer to the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution of the country to its citizens. To be precise, it intends to protect them from potential but unreasonable harm from the operations of the constitution for a greater interest, i.e. to ensure national security at every dimension of the community. On the broader context, these freedoms encompass political, civil as well as personal rights entitled to a

Religious Movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Religious Movement - Essay Example Within this concept is the idea of what Wallace calls a â€Å"revitalization movement† in the structure of the religions society. According to Bartleby’s definition of a revitalization movement, a revitalization movement can be defined as: political-religious movements promising deliverance from deprivation, the elimination of foreign domination, and a new interpretation of the human condition based on traditional cultural values, common in societies undergoing severe stress associated with colonial conquest and intense class or racial exploitation. Thus, within this concept, a religious culture undergoing this type of transition would experience the stages of a steady state, a period of increasing individual stress, a period of cultural distortion, revitalization, routinization, and then a new steady state. By taking a close look at how the religion of Christianity developed, we can see these transitions through the stages of revitalization in action, and can hence gain a better understanding of Wallace’s theory. Christianity, like every other religion, has passed through these stages and experienced these transitions. The first stage of this process that applies to Christianity is the steady state. When the birth of Christianity first took place, it occurred during the Roman steady state period. Rome was the strongest Empire in the world at the time, and thus, was undergoing a period of prosperity. The Empire was increasingly expanding, becoming more powerful, and winning even greater conquests. The power of the Romans, at the time, was vast and limitless, and as they continued to conquer, they continued to gain. At the time, it seemed like the Roman power force would be never-ending, and Rome was perhaps the greatest Empire of all time. This would perhaps even put Rome beyond the point of the actual steady state. At the same time, another country affected

The Australian and American Free

The Australian and American Freedom Rides Essay This essay briefly discusses the similarities and differences of the ‘Australian and American Freedom Rides’ history. Throughout the essay, there is a discussion on what the reasons were for the protest of the Freedom Rides. It also points out the duration of the protest and the major locations where they were held. The essay also shows the different reactions to the protest and the influential behaviour it results in. The American Freedom Rides were motivated by the ‘Journey of Reconciliation’ in 1947, â€Å"led by civil rights activists Bayard Rustin and George Houser†1. The Freedom Rides in America involved riding a bus opposing the segregation of black and whites riding together in buses2. Racial segregation was made illegal after the Boynton v. Virginia case, especially in major public places such as â€Å"restaurants and waiting rooms in terminal serving buses that crossed state lines†3 . After the case, the Freedom Riders defied racial segregation by seeing whether the Boynton v. Virginia case law was followed. The Australian Freedom Rides were inspired by the Freedom Rides of the ‘African American Civil Rights Movement. ’ The reason for the Freedom Rides in Australia (as in America) was to protest against the cruel behaviour of white people towards black people who were living in country towns4. The Freedom Rides in Australia also involved riding a bus just like America, into New South Wales country towns and protesting in sections where Aboriginal people were rejected; such as being â€Å"often refused service in shops, made to stand aside while others were served, confined to their own section in cinemas, banned from clubs and pubs, and excluded from public swimming pools†5. The Freedom Rides in America consisted of riding into â€Å"segregated southern United States†6, it started off at Washington D. C. , on May 4, 1961 and planned to reach New Orleans on May 17, â€Å"but they never reached New Orleans†7. The Freedom Rides passed through Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, finished with a gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana8. The duration of the American Freedom Rides occurred mainly in May 1961. Unlike in America, the Freedom Rides in Australia took place later on the 12th February 19659; when the University of Sydney students rode into the â€Å"towns in northern New South Wales which contained large Aboriginal populations†10. One of the main towns mentioned was at Moree; where they protested in swimming pools, attracting a lot of violence. The Freedom Rides also passed through Wellington, Gulargambone, Lismore, Bowraville and Kempsey. The duration of the Australian Freedom Rides occurred mainly in February 1965. In America, the reaction to the protest was very intense. Throughout the protest, the Freedom Riders came across violence and the reaction of the protest was ruthless. While having to delay their journey to change a slashed tire, â€Å"one bus was firebombed and the Freedom Riders were beaten (by a white mob). The second bus was similarly attacked and the passengers beaten†. 11 In America, there was a Freedom Ride accompanied by the State Highway Patrol, taking their journey headed for Montgomery; but when â€Å"local police failed to protect them, they were again beaten†12. Similar to America, the Freedom Rides in Australia â€Å"gained publicity when the students were set upon by angry crowds and placed under police protection†13. The students pressed into the entrance of the Moree swimming pool, at the same time a furious crowd â€Å"booed and catcalled†14. The dilemma continued after â€Å"27 young men and women from Sydney University tried to escort six Aboriginal children into the baths†15. This was one of the reactions of the Freedom Riders drew attention towards, the segregation at local swimming pools. Both the American and Australian Freedom Rides protested against the segregation of black and white people; along with racial discrimination that black people experienced. Both of the Freedom Rides took place around the 1960s which was a time of great social and cultural significance. Both of the Freedom Rides resulted with violent behaviour and the general public becoming aggressive. In conclusion, the Freedom Rides were a memorable event in history which argued that racial discrimination should be banned and everyone in society should be accepted.

Love and Hate Depicted in Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Essay

Love and Hate Depicted in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice is a play both about love and hate. Shakespeare illustrates the theme of hate most prominently through the prejudices of both Christians and Jews and their behaviour towards one another. The theme of love is shown amongst the Christians, in the love of friendship and marital love. The themes are emphasised in the settings of the play, Belmont symbolising love and Venice symbolising hate. As well as this the immorality of various characters can be seen in their motives for love and hate. The entire play is centred around racial prejudices between Christians and Jews and their hate for one another. In The Merchant of Venice Shylock, the Jew, is characterised as the scapegoat, just as the Jewish have been throughout history. Shylock's prejudice and dislike for the Christians is largely based on their mistreatment of him: "Signior Antonio, many a time and oft in the Rialto you have rated me about my moneys and my usences: still have I borne it with a patient shrug, for sufferance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog. And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, and all for use of that which is mine own." (Shylock- 1,3,102-9) Shylock feels the wrath of an unequal society and is frustrated by it: "Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? Fed with the same food, hurt with the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is?" (Shylock- 3,1,54-60) Shylock's hatred for the Christians is what causes him to pursue his revenge on Antonio. This action is very significant as Shylock's business is usance and in his pursuit for reven... ...ll and is only interested in her for her wealth: "In Belmont is a lady richly left, and she is fair, and, fairer than that word, of wondrous virtues: sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages: her name is Portia; nothing undervalu'd to Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia; nor is the world ignorant of her worth, for the four winds blow in from every coast renowned suitors." (Bassanio- 1,1,161-9) The Merchant of Venice is a play both about love and hate. This can be seen through the Jewish and Christian prejudices, the relationships between the characters and the two settings for the play, Belmont and Venice. Shakespeare often incorporated the themes of love and hate in his plays, either as the main plot, or a sub plot as such in The Merchant of Venice. Love and Hate are the backbone of the main plot, collectively they hold the story together.

Wolff’s View on Feminine Sexuality in Chopin’s The Awakening :: Chopin Awakening

Wolff’s View on Feminine Sexuality in Chopin’s The Awakening In her essay â€Å"Un-Utterable Longing: The Discourse of Feminine Sexuality in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening† Cynthia Griffin Wolff sees the lack of a language—for Edna Pontellier’s sexual desires in particular and female sexuality in general—as the main theme in Chopin’s novel. She particularly looks at how issues of sexuality remain unsaid in the novel, or how they are expressed in a different way, because of the lack of a language of feminine sexuality. As Ross C Murfin points out in his introduction to this essay, Wolff combines several theoretical perspectives such as feminism, gender studies, new historicism, psychoanalytic criticism, and deconstruction (376). Wolff introduces her thesis in her initial discussion of the opening passage of The Awakening stressing the fact that the parrot has no language of its own. She remarks that â€Å"there is a sense of enigma (or fraud) about this bird who seems able to communicate but is not† (376). Similarly the main character Edna Pontellier can’t communicate her needs. The first part of Wolff’s essay is a six-page assessment of the image of women current at the end of the nineteenth century showing the lack of a language for intimacy and sexuality. She looks specifically at the work of William Acton, an author widely read at the time. According to him women didn’t have sexual feelings of any kind; hence he saw no reason to talk about those issues. Wolff criticizes that this false image of women as a-sexual beings created by writers such as Acton also mislead the men of that time in their perception of women. Wolff argues that a â€Å"vernacular of ‘motherhood’† (386) replaced the missing language of intimacy and sexuality. In this context she refers to the passage when Là ©once comes home, Edna rejects his advances, and instead of reproaching her of neglecting her marital duties, he blames her for not taking care of the children. Là ©once turns the disappointment of the rejection into a reproach of neglected moth erly duties. According to Wolff, the true subject of Chopin’s novel, â€Å"may be less the particular dilemma of Mrs. Pontellier than the larger problems of female narrative that it reflects; and if Edna’s poignant fate is in part a reflection of her own habits, it is also, in equal part, a measure of society’s failure to allow its women a language of their own† (388).

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Strategy and Implementation Summary Since our company Is the commercial agent for selling different band mike power and mike within deliver goods. Therefore, has focuses on selling the mike power for the family which has a newborn baby and some family which always drink mike every day. Want to deliver the different famous band of mike power and mike around Hong Kong. It hope to save the time of customers for going to buy different mike power and mike in market. Also, some mike powers is not easy to find in Hong Kong. For example, Hole, Optimal, Whacko etc†¦The second strategy focuses on educating the benefits of drinking mikes. Provide the different kinds of mike products such as high calcium, low fat for different customers. For example, elder may drink the mike which has the high calcium for avoiding astronomical. 5. 1 SOOT Analysis Strengths: 1 . The customer of Hong Kong can deliver goods to the customers free at certain time. Delivery is free on orders over $500, or it is c harged for an extra $20, exceptions will be noted In the website of our company. 2. Provide different band of mike power and mike which are not easy to buy In HongKong. For example, Hole, Optimal, Whacko etc†¦ We know that some customers like the band are come from different countries. It is a specific for our company. 3. Have a big freight house for storing a lot of goods. When customers send a order to buy mike power , we will conduct the mike power provider and report the order how many mike power the customer need. Then we will help the customer store the mike power In the freight house before delivery goods. Also, we store some different band mike power in our freight house for avoiding insufficient supplies.Weaknesses 1 . Mike power provider may have the quota for supplying the mike power. Since some mike powers are come from different countries, the mike power may supply the mike powers In their countries firstly. That may let the order from customer cannot request immed iately before the mike power provider have enough mike power. 2. A lot of fresh mikes cannot be store longer time. The period of store of the fresh mikes normally is one month. So f we need to provide some fresh mike from other countries. We may need the refrigerator for store the fresh mike. 1 .Nowadays, the parents are usually buy the mike power from different country, such as, Japan, Unite state, Australia . Also, some brands are not easy to buy in Hong Kong. Therefore it is an opportunities for selling some different brand of mike power. 2. Some families or parents are busy at work. If we can deliver the mike power and mike product to customer house. Also, some parent have the newborn baby who is need more time for taking care are also our focuses customers. It can save the time from customers and then they have a lot of time to take care their baby. Threats

Critically Analysis Of Professional Development Education Essay

Committed to a certain criterions of behavior is called the professionalism. This declaration is force us more productive as a whole. This professional cognition that people see you in your manus as a messenger of their Company, section, concern, community, etc. It is Professional ‘s duty to act in the ways that brings recognition to themselves and more significantly to the organisation. If we think about the features of communicating. Communication is important in my definition of professionalism because, communicating is frequently the solution of all jobs. In order to be deafening in concern everyone has to be satisfied with their occupation and atmosphere. Communication gives workers the chance to province their sentiments, concerns, or encouragement. It helps people work more expeditiously as section, therefore doing concerns blossom. Many qualities make up a individual ‘s character. Equally good as Honesty is really of import in portraying good character because it helps a individual to derive the trust of others. In a good working environment people have to number on each other for many things, and being an honest individual makes it a batch easier. Once trust is lost, it is difficult to derive back. Assurance is a key to being a professional. A confident individual who has the ability to manage every thing is non afraid to take a hazard and at the terminal of the twenty-four hours do a batch of money. Some hazards need to be taken particularly when the wages outweighs the hazard. Confident people climb the societal ladder and adapt to what needs to be done in different countries. Assurance is frequently an property found in leaders and every company needs a leader. Respectfulness is something that should be nowadayss everyplace. Peoples should acknowledge their higher-ups and handle them with the extreme respectful manners. Respect should be given to your seniors, because you would anticipate the same has to be done from your juniors. Performance wise I am bit weak of as Cyril o houle ‘s demands as he is reference that in his public presentation features: cognition and accomplishment base pattern for the personal development which can besides depict in pattern of your profession: a adult male should be command of theoretical cognition which is come be experience ; to work out the jobs easy ; so usage of practical cognition which I learnt in my yesteryear by sing the easy and difficult undertakings in my past life or by the professional surveies ; in the terminal he said self enhancement harmonizing to the professional by take parting the cognition base activities. For case, reading books, listserv treatment groups, newspapers etc. Continue professional instruction besides heighten the sense of professional association and individuality. Basically we are following the demands: in other words every one is in race of demands, holding evolved over 10s of 1000s of old ages. So I would wish to demo the maslow ‘s hierarchy of demands motive theoretical account which is still valid in all over the universe since 1940's-50 ‘s. This theoretical account explains how these demands motivate us all. It shows us how we must hold to fulfill each demand in bend, get downing with the first, which deals with the most obvious demands for endurance itself. If lower order demands of physical and emotional wellbeing are satisfied so we need to worry about with the higher order demands of influence and personal development.3. Mention from old undertakingHarmonizing to my 1st undertaking of my assignment I had explained my formal professional development in the signifier of my analyzing in Bachelorette grade in calculating I did that in twelvemonth 2005, every bit good as in informal developments of my life. It helps me a batch in my life, to alter my life manner and nearing manner every bit good as how to manage the jobs more expeditiously and efficaciously. But I have n't had any practical cognition in IT field but still I am seeking to acquire the higher degree of my professional abilities in information engineering wh ich I will able to acquire by utilizing these techniques are below. Which I have found them in my Professional development category, these are really first-class for a professional ‘s if they will use on his practical life.Reflected surveies:What is contemplation or reflected surveies?As we know contemplation is an every twenty-four hours procedure as we interact with series of job which we face every twenty-four hours in our life. By snaping these inquiries: What went good? What did n't? Why? How do I experience about it? It merely happens as interior feelings, ideas and emotions about something by and large. To undertake the jobs we think possibly we can take to make something otherwise, or non, as a consequence of reflecting, but contemplation is basically a sort of loose processing of ideas and feelings about an event. Any event or experience at all. Contemplation can be a more structured manner of processing in order to cover with jobs. This type of contemplation may take topographic point when we have had clip to be stand back from something, or speak it through, as in: as on one contemplation, I think you might be right ‘ , or on the 2nd ideas, I realised he was more disquieted than me. ‘ If we deliberately reflect as portion of the function, there would be a unsmooth patterned advance of ‘How did it travel? What went good? Why? What did n't? Why? What next? ‘ Examples might be of a cricket manager reflecting after a lucifer, a instructor reflecting on a lesson, or merely a parent believing about how best to cover with a adolescent. In this sort of contemplation, the purpose is to look profoundly at what happened, kind out what is truly traveling on and research in deepness, in order to better, or alteration something for following clip.3.2 Key Necessities of a contemplation1. Understanding of an event: We do n't ever larn from experiences. Contemplation is where we critically analyse our experiences. 2. Standing back technique: It could be hard while standing back but it is good technique with that you will gain or could acquire the hitter position of a state of affairs. 3. Repeat: Contemplation involves making one thing once more and once more to make a broader position of the incident to carry through accurately. Or it could assist you to look into the mistakes to change them in right manners. 4. Endeavoring after truth: we acknowledge the truth of any state of affairs by endeavoring or delving deeper in the incident. 5. Reviewing activities: Contemplation can convey greater lucidity, if you see the same incident in same for your chance for case, seeing events reflected in a mirror. This can assist at any portion of planning, reexamining activities. 6. Learning ability: Contemplation is about larning and life long learning and understanding in deepness of any thing. This includes deriving valuables knowledge that can non be merely ‘taught ‘ . 7. Decisions: Contemplation is as constructing blocks of any incident for pulling decisions in order develop an attack, scheme or motion. Contemplation is a type of believing associated with deep idea, aimed to accomplishing better understanding. It contains a mixture of some necessities:3.3 Reflecting on your acquisition:It can assist you take an nonsubjective position of your advancement and see what is traveling good and what needs to be emend or needs to alter for the following clip it is about future planning. 3.4 Key inquiries to believe about as practising contemplation acquisition: 1. How did it travel? How do I experience about it? 2. What went good, or OK? Why? 3. What was non so good? Why? 4. How could this have been done otherwise? 5. What should I alter or work on for following clip? What would be the first measure?3.5 Advantages of contemplation acquisition:You will experience that instantly so you would n't travel in front you will wait until every thing is all right, it helps you see what went good and give you spotlight on the positive side of an action every bit good as the more negative side of the action or event. Helps you to develop a problem-solving attack, instead than stand back believing about troubles. For case, it is really helpful to reflect when you receive feedback of on your assignment, as a manner of utilizing the feedback to alter or develop your attack.3. DecisionManner I have n't learnt decently? What were the hindered in my life?Writing merely for me means I can compose freely, ideas and feelings are expressed in a relaxed and informal manner. I can do leaps in my thought and research connexions between ideas this composing a originative procedure that encourages me to develop new thoug hts. Writing on a regular basis in a diary helps me to develop and experiment with my ain authorship manner. Puting thoughts into words is a important academic authorship accomplishment. It takes pattern to develop a manner you feel comfy with, and a diary is a good topographic point to take some hazards and seek out different ‘voices ‘ . You do n't hold to compose a batch at one time, but it does assist to compose small and frequently, if possible every twenty-four hours. It helps your assurance to look back over a diary and see advancement, how you have dealt with troubles, and how your thoughts have moved on. Develop your composing manner ; composing on a regular basis in aid you develop and experiment with your ain authorship manner. Puting thoughts into words is a critical academic authorship accomplishment. It takes pattern to develop a manner you feel comfy with, and a general is a good topographic point to take some hazards and seek out different ways. You do n't hold to compose a batch at one time, but it does assist to compose small and frequently, sooner every twenty-four hours. It helps your assurance to look back over authorship and see advancement, how you have dealt with troubles, and how your thoughts have moved on. It is really utile to hold a note of issues and questions you might desire to raise with a coach or other pupils. A general authorship is an of import record for look intoing back, and can assist you plan following stairss.

Blood Promise Chapter Ten

Everyone had hit it off so well at lunch with Avery that the group had gotten together again that evening and had kind of a wild time. Lissa was thinking about that as she sat in her first-period English class the next morning. They'd stayed up late last night, sneaking out past curfew. The memory brought a smile to Lissa's face, even as she stifled a yawn. I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of jealousy. I knew Avery was responsible for Lissa's happiness, and that bothered me on a petty level. Yet†¦ Avery's new friendship was also making me feel less guilty about leaving Lissa. Lissa yawned again. It was hard to concentrate on The Scarlet Letter while fighting a slight hangover. Avery seemed to have a never-ending supply of liquor. Adrian had taken to this right away, but Lissa had been a little more hesitant. She'd abandoned her partying days a long time ago, but she'd finally succumbed last night and drunk more glasses of wine than she really should have. It wasn't unlike my situation with the vodka, ironically enough. Both of us overindulging, despite being miles and miles apart. Suddenly, a high-pitched wail pierced the air. Lissa's head shot up, along with everyone else's in the class. In a corner of the room, a small fire alarm flashed and shrieked its warning. Naturally, some students started cheering while some pretended to be scared. The rest just looked surprised and waited. Lissa's instructor also looked a little caught off guard, and after a quick examination, Lissa decided this wasn't a planned alarm. Teachers usually had a heads-up when there were drills, and Ms. Malloy didn't wear the usual weary expression teachers had when trying to figure out how much time the drill would cut from their lessons. â€Å"Up and at 'em,† said Ms. Malloy in annoyance, grabbing a clipboard. â€Å"You know where to go.† Fire drill procedure was pretty standard. Lissa followed the others and fell in step with Christian. â€Å"Did you set this up?† she teased. â€Å"Nope. Wish I had, though. This class is killing me.† â€Å"You? I have the worst headache ever.† He gave her a knowing grin. â€Å"Let that be a lesson to you, Little Miss Lush.† She made a face in return and gave him a light punch. They reached their class's meeting spot out on the quad and joined in the semblance of a line the others were trying to form. Ms. Malloy arrived and checked everyone off on her clipboard, satisfied no one had been left behind. â€Å"I don't think this was planned,† said Lissa. â€Å"Agreed,† said Christian. â€Å"Which means even if there's no fire, it might take a while.† â€Å"Well, then. No use waiting around, huh?† Christian and Lissa turned around in surprise at the voice behind them and saw Avery. She wore a purple sweater dress and black heels that seemed totally out of place on the wet grass. â€Å"What are you doing here?† asked Lissa. â€Å"Figured you'd be in your room.† â€Å"Whatever. It's so boring there. I had to come liberate you guys.† â€Å"You did this?† asked Christian, slightly impressed. Avery shrugged. â€Å"I told you, I was bored. Now, come on while it's still chaotic.† Christian and Lissa exchanged glances. â€Å"Well,† said Lissa slowly, â€Å"I suppose they did already take attendance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hurry!† said Avery. Her excitement was contagious, and, feeling bold, Lissa hurried after her, Christian in tow. With all the milling students, no one noticed them cutting across the campus-until they reached the outside of guest housing. Simon stood leaning against the door, and Lissa stiffened. They were busted. â€Å"Everything set?† Avery asked him. Simon, definitely the strong-and-silent type, gave a swift nod as his only answer before straightening up. He stuffed his hands into his coat pockets and walked off. Lissa stared in amazement. â€Å"He just†¦ he just let us go? And is he in on it?† Simon wasn't on campus as a teacher, but still†¦ that didn't necessarily mean he'd let students skip out on class because of a faked fire drill. Avery grinned mischievously, watching him go. â€Å"We've been together for a while. He's got better things to do than babysit us.† She led them inside, but instead of going to her room, they cut off to a different section of the building and went somewhere I knew well: Adrian's room. Avery beat on the door. â€Å"Hey, Ivashkov! Open up.† Lissa slapped a hand over her mouth to smother her giggles. â€Å"So much for stealth. Everyone's going to hear you.† â€Å"I need him to hear me,† Avery argued. She kept pounding on the door and yelling, and finally, Adrian answered. His hair stuck up at odd angles, and he had dark circles under his eyes. He'd drunk twice as much as Lissa last night. â€Å"What†¦?† He blinked. â€Å"Shouldn't you guys be in class? Oh God. I didn't sleep that much, did I?† â€Å"Let us in,† said Avery, pushing past. â€Å"We've got refugees from a fire here.† She flounced onto his couch, making herself at home while he continued staring. Lissa and Christian joined her. â€Å"Avery sprang the fire alarm,† explained Lissa. â€Å"Nice work,† said Adrian, collapsing into a fluffy chair. â€Å"But why'd you have to come here? Is this the only place that's not burning down?† Avery batted her eyelashes at him. â€Å"Aren't you happy to see us?† He eyed her speculatively for a moment. â€Å"Always happy to see you.† Lissa was normally pretty straitlaced about this kind of thing, but something about it amused her. It was so wild, so silly†¦ it was a break from all her recent worries. â€Å"It's not going to take them that long to figure it out, you know. They could be letting everyone in right now.† â€Å"They could be,† agreed Avery, putting her feet up on the coffee table. â€Å"But I have it on good authority that another alarm is going to go off in the school once they open the doors.† â€Å"How the hell did you manage that?† asked Christian. â€Å"Top secret.† Adrian rubbed his eyes and was clearly amused by this, despite the abrupt wake-up. â€Å"You can't pull fire alarms all day, Lazar.† â€Å"Actually, I have it on good authority that once they give the all-clear on a second alarm, a third's going to go off.† Lissa laughed out loud, though a lot of it was due more to the guys' reactions and less to Avery's announcement. Christian, in fits of antisocial rebellion, had set people on fire. Adrian spent most of his days drunk and chain-smoking. For a cute society girl like Avery to astonish them, something truly remarkable had to happen. Avery looked very pleased at having outdone them. â€Å"If the interrogation's over now,† she said, â€Å"aren't you going to offer your guests any refreshments?† Adrian stood up and yawned. â€Å"Fine, fine, you insolent girl. I'll make coffee.† â€Å"With a kick?† She inclined her head toward Adrian's liquor cabinet. â€Å"You have got to be kidding,† said Christian. â€Å"Do you even have a liver left?† Avery wandered over to the cabinet and picked up a bottle of something. She held it out to Lissa. â€Å"You game?† Even Lissa's morning rebelliousness had limits. The wine headache still throbbed in her skull. â€Å"Ugh, no.† â€Å"Cowards,† said Avery. She turned back to Adrian. â€Å"Well then, Mr. Ivashkov, you'd best put on the pot. I always like a little coffee with my brandy.† Not long after that, I faded away from Lissa's head and drifted back into my own, returning to the blackness of sleep and ordinary dreams. It was short-lived, however, seeing as a loud pounding soon jerked me into consciousness. My eyes flew open, and a deep, searing pain shot through the back of my skull-the aftereffects of that toxic vodka, no doubt. Lissa's hangover had nothing on mine. I started to close my eyes, wanting to sink back under and let sleep heal the worst of my pain. Then, I heard the pounding again -and worse, my whole bed shook violently. Someone was kicking it. Opening my eyes again, I turned and found myself staring into Yeva's shrewd dark eyes. If Sydney had met many dhampirs like Yeva, I could understand why she thought our race were minions of hell. Pursing her lips, Yeva kicked the bed again. â€Å"Hey,† I cried. â€Å"I'm awake, okay?† Yeva muttered something in Russian, and Paul peered around from behind her, translating. â€Å"She says you're not awake until you're actually out of bed and standing up.† And with no more warning, that sadistic old woman continued kicking the bed. I jerked upright, and the world spun around me. I'd said this before, but this time, I really meant it: I was never going to drink again. No good ever came from it. The covers looked awfully tempting to my agonized body, but a few more kicks from Yeva's pointy-toed boots made me shoot up off the bed. â€Å"Okay, okay. Are you happy now? I'm up.† Yeva's expression didn't change, but at least she stopped with the kicking. I turned to Paul. â€Å"What's going on?† â€Å"Grandmother says you have to go with her.† â€Å"Where?† â€Å"She says you don't need to know.† I started to say that I wasn't following that crazy old wench anywhere, but after one look at her scary face, I thought better of it. I didn't put it past her to be able to turn people into toads. â€Å"Fine,† I said. â€Å"I'll be ready to go once I shower and change.† Paul translated my words, but Yeva shook her head and spoke again. â€Å"She says there's no time,† he explained. â€Å"We have to go now.† â€Å"Can I at least brush my teeth?† She allowed that small concession, but a change of clothes was apparently out of the question. It was just as well. Each step I took made me feel woozy, and I probably would have passed out doing something as complicated as dressing and undressing. The clothes didn't smell or anything either; they were mostly just wrinkled from where I'd fallen asleep in them. When I got downstairs, I saw that no one else was awake except Olena. She was washing leftover dishes from last night and seemed surprised to see me up. That made two of us. â€Å"It's early for you, isn't it?† she asked. I turned and caught sight of the kitchen clock. I gasped. It was only about four hours after I'd gone to bed. â€Å"Good God. Is the sun even up?† Amazingly, it was. Olena offered to make me breakfast, but again, Yeva reiterated our time crunch. My stomach seemed to simultaneously want and loathe food, so I couldn't say if abstaining was a good thing or not. â€Å"Whatever,† I said. â€Å"Let's just go and get this over with.† Yeva walked into the living room and returned a few moments later with a large satchel. She handed it to me expectantly. I shrugged and took it, hanging it over one shoulder. It clearly had stuff in it, but it wasn't that heavy. She went back out to the other room and returned with another tote bag. I took this one too and hung it over the same shoulder, balancing both of them. This one was heavier, but my back didn't complain too much. When she left for a third time and returned with a giant box, I started to get irate. â€Å"What is this?† I demanded, taking it from her. It felt like it had bricks in it. â€Å"Grandmother needs you to carry some things,† Paul told me. â€Å"Yes,† I said through gritted teeth. â€Å"I sort of figured that out fifty pounds ago.† Yeva gave me one more box, stacking it on top of the other. It wasn't as heavy, but by this point, it honestly didn't matter. Olena shot me a sympathetic look, shook her head, and returned silently to her dishes, apparently not about to argue with Yeva. Yeva set off after that, and I followed obediently, trying to both hold the boxes and not let the bags fall off my shoulder. It was a heavy load, one my hungover body really didn't want, but I was strong enough that I figured it wouldn't be a problem to get into town or wherever she was leading me. Paul ran along at my side, apparently there to let me know if Yeva found anything along the road she wanted me to carry too. It seemed like spring was charging into Siberia far faster than it ever did into Montana. The sky was clear, and the morning sun was heating things up surprisingly fast. It was hardly summer weather, but it was definitely enough to notice. It would have made very uncomfortable walking weather for a Moroi. â€Å"Do you know where we're going?† I asked Paul. â€Å"No,† he said cheerfully. For someone so old, Yeva could move at a pretty good pace, and I found myself having to hurry to keep up with her with my load. At one point, she glanced back and said something that Paul translated as, â€Å"She's kind of surprised that you can't move faster.† â€Å"Yeah, well, I'm kind of surprised that no one else can carry any of this.† He translated again: â€Å"She says if you're really such a famous Strigoi killer, then this shouldn't be a problem.† I was filled with great relief when downtown came into sight†¦ only we kept walking past it. â€Å"Oh, come on,† I said. â€Å"Where the hell are we going?† Without giving me a backward glance, Yeva rattled off something. â€Å"Grandmother says Uncle Dimka never would have complained so much,† Paul said. None of this was Paul's fault; he was just the messenger. Yet, every time he spoke, I kind of wanted to kick him. Nonetheless, I kept carrying my burden and didn't say anything else for the rest of the walk. Yeva was right to a certain extent. I was a Strigoi hunter, and it was true that Dimitri would have never complained about some old lady's crazy whims. He would have done his duty patiently. I tried to summon him up in my mind and draw strength from him. I thought about that time in the cabin again, thought about the way his lips had felt on mine and the wonderful scent of his skin when I'd pressed closer to him. I could hear his voice once more, murmuring in my ear that he loved me, that I was beautiful, that I was the only one†¦ Thinking of him didn't take away the discomfort of my journey with Yeva, but it made it a little more bearable. We walked for almost an hour more before reaching a small house, and I was ready to fall over in relief, soaked in sweat. The house was one floor, made of plain, weatherworn brown boards. The windows, however, were surrounded on three sides by exquisite, highly stylized blue shutters overlaid with a white design. It was that same sort of flashy use of color I'd seen on the buildings in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Yeva knocked on the door. At first there was only silence, and I panicked, thinking we'd have to turn right around and head back. Finally, a woman answered the door-a Moroi woman. She was maybe thirty, very pretty, with high cheekbones and strawberry-blond hair. She exclaimed in surprise at seeing Yeva, smiling and greeting her in Russian. Glancing over at Paul and me, the woman quickly stepped aside and gestured us in. She switched to English as soon as she realized I was American. All these bilingual people were kind of amazing. It wasn't something I saw very often in the U.S. She pointed to a table and told me to set everything there, which I did with relief. â€Å"My name's Oksana,† she said, shaking my hand. â€Å"My husband, Mark, is in the garden and should be in soon.† â€Å"I'm Rose,† I told her. Oksana offered us chairs. Mine was wooden and straight-backed, but at that moment, it felt like a down-filled bed. I sighed happily and wiped the sweat off my brow. Meanwhile, Oksana unpacked the things I'd carried. The bags were filled with leftovers from the funeral. The top box contained some dishes and pots, which Paul explained had been borrowed from Oksana some time ago. Oksana finally reached the bottom box, and so help me, it was filled with garden bricks. â€Å"You have got to be kidding,† I said. Across the living room, Yeva looked very smug. Oksana was delighted by the gifts. â€Å"Oh, Mark will be happy to have these.† She smiled at me. â€Å"It was very sweet of you to carry these that whole way.† â€Å"Happy to help,† I said stiffly. The back door opened, and a man walked in-Mark, presumably. He was tall and stockily built, his graying hair indicating an age greater than Oksana's. He washed his hands in the kitchen sink and then turned to join us. I nearly gasped when I saw his face and discovered something stranger than the age difference. He was a dhampir. For a moment, I wondered if this was someone else and not her husband, Mark. But that was the name Oksana introduced him with, and the truth hit me: a Moroi and dhampir married couple. Sure, our two races hooked up all the time. But marriage? It was very scandalous in the Moroi world. I tried to keep the surprise off my face and behave as politely as I could. Oksana and Mark seemed very interested in me, though she did most of the talking. Mark simply watched, curiosity all over his face. My hair was down, so my tattoos couldn't have given away my unpromised status. Maybe he was just wondering how an American girl had found her way out to the middle of nowhere. Maybe he thought I was a new blood whore recruit. By my third glass of water, I began to feel better. It was around that time that Oksana said we should eat, and by then, my stomach was ready for it. Oksana and Mark prepared the food together, dismissing any offers of help. Watching the couple work was fascinating. I had never seen such an efficient team. They never got in each other's way and never needed to talk about what needed doing next. They just knew. Despite the remote location, the kitchen's contents were modern, and Oksana placed a dish of some sort of potato casserole in the microwave. Mark's back was to her while he rummaged in the refrigerator, but as soon as she hit start, he said, â€Å"No, it doesn't need to be that long.† I blinked in surprise, glancing back and forth between them. He hadn't even seen what time she'd selected. Then I got it. â€Å"You're bonded,† I exclaimed. Both looked at me in equal surprise. â€Å"Yes. Didn't Yeva tell you?† Oksana asked. I shot a quick look at Yeva, who was again wearing that annoyingly self-satisfied look on her face. â€Å"No. Yeva hasn't been very forthcoming this morning.† â€Å"Most everyone around here knows,† Oksana said, returning to her work. â€Å"Then†¦ then you're a spirit user.† That made her pause again. She and Mark exchanged startled looks. â€Å"That,† she said, â€Å"is not something that's widely known.† â€Å"Most people think you haven't specialized, right?† â€Å"How did you know?† Because it was exactly how it had been for Lissa and me. Stories of bonds had always existed in Moroi folklore, but how bonds formed had always been a mystery. It was generally believed they â€Å"just happened.† Like Oksana, Lissa had generally been regarded as a non-specializing Moroi-one who didn't have any special ability with one element. We realized now, of course, that bonding only occurred with spirit users, when they saved the lives of others. Something in Oksana's voice told me she wasn't really all that surprised I knew. I couldn't figure out how she'd realized that, however, and I was too stunned by my discovery to say anything else. Lissa and I had never, ever met another bonded pair. The only such two we knew about were the legendary Vladimir and Anna. And those stories were shrouded by centuries of incomplete history, making it difficult to know fact from fiction. The only other leads we had to the world of spirit were Ms. Karp-a former teacher who went insane-and Adrian. Until now, he had been our biggest discovery, a spirit user who was more or less stable-depending on how you looked at it. When the meal was ready, spirit never came up. Oksana led the conversation, keeping to light topics and jumping between languages. I studied her and Mark as I ate, looking for any signs of instability. I saw none. They seemed like perfectly pleasant, perfectly ordinary people. If I hadn't known what I did, I would have had no reason to suspect anything. Oksana didn't seem depressed or unhinged. Mark hadn't inherited that vile darkness that sometimes seeped into me. My stomach welcomed the food, and the last of my headache faded away. At one point, though, a strange sensation swept through me. It was disorienting, like a fluttering in my head, and a wave of heat and then ice coursing through me. The feeling disappeared as quickly as it came on, and I hoped it'd be the last of that demon vodka's ill effects. We finished eating, and I jumped up to help. Oksana shook her head. â€Å"No, there's no need. You should go with Mark.† â€Å"Huh?† I asked. He dabbed at his face with a napkin and then stood up. â€Å"Yes. Let's go out to the garden.† I started to follow, then paused to glance back at Yeva. I expected her to chastise me for abandoning the dishes. Instead, I found no smug or disapproving looks. Her expression was†¦ knowing. Almost expectant. Something about it sent a shiver down my back, and I recalled Viktoria's words: Yeva had dreamed of my arrival. The garden Mark led me to was much bigger than I expected, enclosed in a thick fence and lined with trees. New leaves hung on them, blocking the worst of the heat. Lots of bushes and flowers were already in bloom, and here and there, young shoots were well on their way to adulthood. It was beautiful, and I wondered if Oksana had had a hand in it. Lissa was able to make plants grow with spirit. Mark gestured me over to a stone bench. We sat down side by side, and silence fell. â€Å"So,† he said. â€Å"What would you like to know?† â€Å"Wow. You don't waste time.† â€Å"I don't see any point in it. You must have lots of questions. I'll do my best to answer.† â€Å"How did you know?† I asked. â€Å"That I'm shadow-kissed too. You did, right?† He nodded. â€Å"Yeva told us.† Okay, that was a surprise. â€Å"Yeva?† â€Å"She can sense things†¦ things the rest of us can't. She doesn't always know what she's sensing, however. She only knew there was a strange feel to you, and she'd only ever felt that around one other person. So she brought you to me.† â€Å"Seems like she could have done that without me having to carry a household's worth of stuff.† This made him laugh. â€Å"Don't take it personally. She was testing you. She wanted to see if you're a worthy match for her grandson.† â€Å"What's the point? He's dead now.† I nearly choked on the words. â€Å"True, but for her, it's still important. And, by the way, she does think you're worthy.† â€Å"She has a funny way of showing it. I mean, aside from bringing me to meet you, I guess.† He laughed again. â€Å"Even without her, Oksana would have known what you are as soon as she met you. Being shadow-kissed has an effect on the aura.† â€Å"So she can see auras too,† I murmured. â€Å"What else can she do? She must be able to heal, or you wouldn't be shadow-kissed. Does she have super-compulsion? Can she walk dreams?† That caught him off guard. â€Å"Her compulsion is strong, yes†¦ but what do you mean, walk dreams?† â€Å"Like†¦ she'd be able to enter someone else's mind when they're asleep. Anyone's mind-not just yours. Then they could have conversations, just as if they were together. My friend can do it.† Mark's expression told me that was news to him. â€Å"Your friend? Your bondmate?† Bondmate? I'd never heard that term. It was weird-sounding, but it made sense. â€Å"No†¦ another spirit user.† â€Å"Another? How many do you know?† â€Å"Three, technically. Well, four now, counting Oksana.† Mark turned away, staring absentmindedly at a cluster of pink flowers. â€Å"That many†¦ that's incredible. I've only met one other spirit user, and that was years ago. He too was bonded to his guardian. That guardian died, and it ripped him apart. He still helped us when Oksana and I were trying to figure things out.† I braced myself for my own death all the time, and I feared for Lissa's. Yet it had never occurred to me just what it would be like with a bond. How would it affect the other person? What would it be like to have a gaping hole, where once you'd been intimately linked to someone else? â€Å"He never mentioned walking dreams either,† Mark continued. He chuckled again, friendly lines crinkling up around his blue eyes. â€Å"I thought I would be helping you, but maybe you're here to help me.† â€Å"I don't know,† I said doubtfully. â€Å"I think you guys have more experience at this than we do.† â€Å"Where's your bondmate?† â€Å"Back in the U.S.† I didn't have to elaborate, but somehow, I needed to tell him the whole truth. â€Å"I†¦ I left her.† He frowned. â€Å"Left as in†¦ you simply traveled? Or left as in you abandoned her?† Abandoned. The word was like a slap in the face, and suddenly, all I could envision was that last day I'd seen her, when I'd left her crying. â€Å"I had things to do,† I said evasively. â€Å"Yes, I know. Oksana told me.† â€Å"Told you what?† Now he hesitated. â€Å"She shouldn't have done it†¦ She tries not to.† â€Å"Done what?† I exclaimed, uneasy for reasons I couldn't explain. â€Å"She, well†¦ she brushed your mind. During brunch.† I thought back and suddenly recalled the tickling in my head, the heat rolling over me. â€Å"What does that mean exactly?† â€Å"An aura can tell a spirit user about someone's personality. But Oksana can also dig further, reaching in and actually reading more specific information about a person. Sometimes she can tie that ability into compulsion†¦ but the results are very, very powerful. And wrong. It's not right to do that to someone you have no bond with.† It took me a moment to process that. Neither Lissa nor Adrian could read the thoughts of others. The closest Adrian could come to someone's mind was the dream walking. Lissa couldn't do that, not even for me. I could feel her, but the opposite wasn't true. â€Å"Oksana could feel†¦ oh, I don't know how to explain it. There's a recklessness in you. You're on some sort of quest. There's vengeance written all over your soul.† He suddenly reached over and lifted my hair up, peering at my neck. â€Å"Just as I thought. You're unpromised.† I jerked my head back. â€Å"Why is that such a big deal? That whole town back there is filled with dhampirs who aren't guardians.† I still thought Mark was a nice guy, but being preached to always irritated me. â€Å"Yes, but they've chosen to settle down. You†¦ and others like you†¦ you become vigilantes of sorts. You're obsessed with hunting Strigoi on your own, with personally setting out to right the wrongs that whole race has brought down upon us. That can only lead to trouble. I see it all the time.† â€Å"All the time?† I asked, startled. â€Å"Why do you think guardian numbers are dwindling? They're leaving to have homes and families. Or they're going off like you, still fighting but answering to no one-unless they're hired to be bodyguards or Strigoi hunters.† â€Å"Dhampirs for hire†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I suddenly began to understand how a non-royal like Abe had gotten his bodyguards. Money could make anything happen, I supposed. â€Å"I've never heard of anything like that.† â€Å"Of course not. You think the Moroi and other guardians want that widely known? Want to dangle that in front of you as an option?† â€Å"I don't see what's so wrong with Strigoi hunting. We're always defensive, not offensive, when it comes to Strigoi. Maybe if more dhampirs set out after them, they wouldn't be such a problem.† â€Å"Perhaps, but there are different ways of going about that, some better than others. And when you're going out like you are-with a heart filled with sorrow and revenge? That's not one of the better ways. It'll make you sloppy. And the shadow-kissed darkness will just complicate things.† I crossed my arms over my chest and stared stonily ahead. â€Å"Yeah, well, it's not like I can do much about that.† He turned to me, expression surprised once more. â€Å"Why don't you just have your bondmate heal the darkness out of you?†