The Importance of Characterization

Characterization is the process by which the author brings a character to life. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses exceptional characterization throughout the novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. There are four methods of characterization which can be revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization. The most common method of characterization is the narrator’s direct description of a character. This is a very important method as it enables the reader to have a vivid picture in their mind. The method of the character’s own words and actions or the method where the character’s reveals their own feelings allows the reader to become engulfed in the novel. The fourth and final method is how the other characters react to him and what they say about him. This allows the reader to interact with the other characters as well. Sir Henry, Mr. Barrymore and Mr. Stapleton are excellently characterized throughout the novel. Characterization is a method used by an author to develop a character. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle explicitly uses characterization to describe Sir Henry Baskerville. The reader can clearly visualize Sir Henry when the author uses the narrator’s direct description. â€Å"The latter was a small, alert, dark-eyed man about thirty years of age, very sturdily built, with thick black eyebrows and a strong, pugnacious face† (Doyle 40). The reader can sense the grief put upon Sir Henry as the author uses characterization to describe the character’s own feelings. â€Å"He walked slowly back the way he had come, his head hanging, the very picture of dejection† (123). The author’s technique of using the method of how other characters react to him and what they say about him enables the reader to understand how others feel about himâ€Å" Our friends title, his fortune, his age, his character, and his appearance are all in his favour, and I know nothing against him, unless it be the dark fate which runs in his family† (126). Sir Henry is thoroughly described using the methods of characterization. Mr. Barrymore is also accurately described using characterization. Mr. Barrymore is a trustworthy individual which is demonstrated by the character’s own words and actions. â€Å"It is my business, and not yours. I will not tell† (131). Mr. Barrymore is vividly described using the narrator’s direct description. â€Å"The man is a striking-looking fellow, very well equipped to steal the heart of a country girl† (118). It is made obvious to the reader how one character reacts to another using the fourth method of cha racterization. â€Å"It seemed to me that the pallid features of the butler turned a shade paler still as he listened to his master’s question† (87). Sir Arthur Conan Doyle described Mr. Barrymore to the exact degree using characterization. Mr. Jack Stapleton is described precisely using many methods of characterization. Mr. Stapleton is a secretive man and kept his opinions to himself. This is demonstrated by using the method of the character’s own feelings. â€Å"Stapleton was guarded in his replies, but it was easy to see that he said less than he might, and he would not express his whole opinion out of consideration for the feelings of the baronet† (109-110). It was evident that Mr. Stapleton was a naturalist using the narrator’s direct description of the man. â€Å"A tin box of botanical specimens hung over his shoulder and he carried a green butterfly-net in one of his hands† (90). The reader can clearly sense Dr. Watson’s reaction to Mr. Stapleton using the reactive characterization. â€Å"The words took away my breath for an instant but a glance at the placid face and steadfast eyes of my companion showed no surprise was intended† (92). Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is genuinely able to describe Mr. Stapleton by using characterization. Characterization generates a plot and is revealed by actions, speech, thoughts and other characters’ thoughts. All four distinct characterizations are used throughout the novel. Sir Henry, Mr. Barrymore and Mr. Stapleton are excellently characterized in the novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles. All four methods of characterization are equally important to produce a bestsellin g novel. Characterization is essential in all novels as it aids the reader to visualize a character to their fullest potential.

Effects of alcohol in human body

Alcohol is the most abused drug in most countries. The consumption of alcohol is more intense than any other drug due to its availability, and the laws governing its consumption which does not prohibit its consumption unlike other drugs, for example, hard narcotic drugs such as Marijuana.Although the law of different countries restrict the drinking age, which is 18 years and 21 years in some states, there is increased consumption of alcohol among the young people below the recommended age.The effects of alcohol are numerous and vary with the amount of alcohol consumed as well as the personal characteristics such as body weight, nutrition status, age, period of consumption and gender among others. This paper aims at analyzing the various effects in a human body attributing from alcohol consumption.Alcohol leads to deposition of fatty plaques in the inner walls of the arteries hence they become narrowed, as a result blood supply becomes insufficient. The insufficiency of blood in the b rain leads to stroke while into the heart leads to heart attack.However, evidence in recent research has shown that alcohol may lower heart diseases’ risks. According to the research, the consumption of one to two standard drinks of alcohol per day in middle aged and above (35 years and over), offers some protection against heart disease. (Glen et al, 2005)BrainAlcohol causes damage to the brain cells which leads to memory loss; an individual becomes confused and suffers hallucinations. Alcohol is regarded as a downer due to its direct effects on the brain cells. The damage can be fatal or lead to insanity if alcohol is taken in large amounts or taken along with other hard drugs such as narcotics over a long period of time.Alcohol cuts the supply of oxygen to the brain, a situation which kills thousands of brain cells each time a person takes alcohol. This may lead to hyper alertness to normal situations such as perceiving sound to be louder than normal or light too bright th an in the real situation (that is augmentation).The drinker may develop alcohol influenced behavior (learned behavior syndrome) which   stops after the person quits drinking and it can only be re-learntThe central nervous system (CNS)The brain, spinal cord and nerves originating from it form the Central nervous system. The transmission of sensory impulses and motor impulses pass from the CNS. Alcohol affects the CNS leading to intoxication hence affecting emotional and sensory function, memory, judgment as well as decreased learning capabilities.The smell and tenses are impaired and the ability to withstand pain increases with increase in Blood Alcohol Level (BAL). The long term effects of consumption of alcohol on the CNS causes tolerance, dependency and brain irreversible damages. The functioning of the nervous system deteriorates in every drinking episode that leads to intellectual dysfunction; disturbances in the sensory and motor control follow. (Haven and Gerald, 1996 pp. 19 8-256)BloodAlcohol causes blood sludging, a situation whereby the red blood cells bunch together causing the small blood vessels to block up, starve the tissues of oxygen causing the death of cells. In the brain this death of cells is more severe and often goes unnoticed. Due to increased pressure, the capillaries break, leading to red eyes in the morning, or the red, blotchy skin which appears on the face of a heavy drinker.Hemorrhage or death may occur when Blood vessels break in the stomach and esophagus. Alcohol effects on the blood can also cause: anemia, sedation of the bone marrow (this reduces the white and red blood count, and weaken the bone structure lowering the body’s resistance to infection. (Raymond et al. 1996 pp. 43-213)

Indian Removal Act Essay

Known as having adopted an Indian child as his son, Andrew Jackson was quite fond of the Indian race; however, with pressure to expand westward, he needed to transfer the Indians farther west and soon became their worst enemy. Andrew Jackson’s Indian Policy was to move the Indians westward as peacefully as possible, for the tribes that stayed in the East Coast were annihilated. Also, moving them West will help them live longer, and there is a fair exchange for the tribes moving. Another important component is the gain of Western lands and the addition of American power; this will add on to America’s size and increase America’s authority. Jackson validates his actions by saying he will pay for the land the Indians inhabit, pay for their long journey West, also known as the Trail of Tears, and support them a little while their settling in. President Jackson also said if they move west, they will enjoy sovereignty forever. Jackson made the point that with the Indians gone there will be less conflict between them and state governments, it will allow for prosperous populations and cities to flourish, and the free land will add another line of defense for America. President Jackson’s attitude toward the Indians in his speech reveals that he wants the Indians gone so America can gain land and grow stronger. He uses words like â€Å"Red Men† and â€Å"Savages† to describe them, so they seem like outcasts. He makes it sounds like the Indians are a nuisance and if they move, they will prosper as a people. Jackson says, â€Å"†¦perhaps cause them gradually†¦to cast off their savage habits and become an interesting, civilized, and Christian community.† Overall, Jackson wants the Indians gone for his own benefit. He refers to them as uncivilized, uninteresting, and having savage habits, and was proving that he is just looking for a gain for his country, not the native people who have lived there forever.

Indian Horse Essay

â€Å"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.† Adversity implies difficulties, trouble and misfortune as it tests the potential of man and strengthens his spirit of self confidence. In the novel Indian Horse written by Richard Wagamese there are many circumstances where the main character Saul is forced to overcome the adversity in which once shattered his human spirit and made him feel worthless. The ideas of adversity such as being beaten at residential schools and the racism he faced while playing hockey, demonstrates Saul’s constant inner struggle and his desire to become a more powerful individual. Throughout the novel Saul is exposed to many painful experiences that leave him little to no identity and an unimaginable outlook on life. We quickly learn that when Saul was a child, he was taken away from his family and forced into an Indian Residential School where he wit nessed and experienced abuses at the hands of the school’s educators. â€Å"They called it a school but it was never that†¦.There were no tests or examinations. The only test was our ability to survive.†(Pg.79) The emotions present in the quote represent the pain and agony he endured when being forcibly taught the ways of the white people. The school he is referring to is St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School; which many described as â€Å"Hell on earth†. Saul is rapidly thrown into a world of extreme emotional and physical abuse brought on by the hands of the nuns and priests that are assimilating the children. â€Å"They took me to St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School. I read once that there are holes in the universe that swallow all light, all bodies. St. Jerome’s took all the light from my world. Everything I knew vanished behind me with an audible swish, like the sound a moose makes disappearing into spruce.†(Pg.43) The vivid detail of this quote alone gives more clarity to the impact Residential Schools had on people and shows the injustice suffered by the First Nations People. The many beatings, suicides and sexual molestations shattered many children’s human spirit and created a sense of life that wasn’t worth living. â€Å"When your innocence is stripped from you, when your people are denigrated, when the family you came from is denounced and your tribal ways and rituals are pronounced backward,  primitive, savage, you come to see yourself as less than human. That is hell on earth, that sense of unworthiness. That’s what they inflicted on us.†(Pg.81) The quote represents how they were stripped from everything they had ever know, such as their language, rituals, traditions and even choice of food. Over a short period of time, the beatings and threats belittled the children and instilled them with continuous fear. When taken all together, the horror of attending this Residential School stripped not only Saul’s, but all the children’s innocence, traditions and identity. Aside from the horrible experiences while attending the Residential School, Saul was forced to overcome many adversities while engaging in his passion for hockey. In the beginning Saul discovers that his love for hockey serves as a mean of escape. â€Å"I kept my discoveries to myself and I always made sure that I left the surface of the rink pristine. For the rest of the day, I’d walk through the dim hallways of school warmed by my secret. I no longer felt hopeless, chill air around me because I had Father Leboutilier, the ice, the mornings and the promise of a game that I would soon be old enough to play.(66) Throughout the quote it demonstrates how hockey gives him a sense of hope . It is through hockey that Saul can escape from his reality and fin what was stolen from him: friendships, family and a sense of self. Although as Saul’s future seems to point towards contending for a position within the National Hockey League, the constant racism and shunning from  "the white man’s game† crumbles his faith in the one thing that gave him life outside of the Residential School. â€Å"But there were moment when you’d catch another boy’s eye and know that you were both thinking about it. Everything was contained in that glance. All the hurt. All the shame. All the rage. The white people thought it was their game. They thought it was their world.†(136) This quote reveals how Saul’s passion for hockey is crushed by ‘the white people’ who feel that Indians can’t play hockey. What once was his salvation proves to be just another thing that belongs to the white man. They feel as if the game of hockey only belongs to the white people and should only be played by people of the same race. The many setbacks Saul had faced from fans diminishing his ability to play hockey, and the harsh verbal abuse constantly bellowed at him because of his skin color, quickly weakened his human spirit and built up enough anger that he could hardly contain. â€Å"During one game the fans broke into a ridiculous war chant whenever I stepped onto  the ice†¦.When I scored, the ice was littered with plastic Indian dolls..† This quote is referring to wh en Saul joined an all white man team and how he was most hated for breaking their tradition of â€Å"the white man’s games†. Overall, Saul’s love for hockey that once allowed him to gain freedom and escape was now stolen from him due to his distasteful fans and the theory of â€Å"the white man’s game†. Through the beatings within the Residential School and the racism he faced while playing hockey, we are able to see how Saul was affected both internally and externally. With every sentence and every chapter you become familiar with the incredible will of a boy who has had to endure more than anyone should in a lifetime. At such an early age, Saul was forced to face various types of adversity and his worst fears which created long lasting effects on his life. The author conveys that staying true to your roots is what will get you through life’s obstacles despite temptations which may veer you from finding your true self. This novel illustrates that hockey is not merely a sport, but has the capacity to bind us together. No matter what colour your skin or where you come from, itâ⠂¬â„¢s the love of the game that shows us that we really are not that different after all.

Succubus Blues CHAPTER 13

Carter picked up a book and leafed through it lazily. His stringy blond hair had been stuffed under a backward baseball cap, and his flannel shirt appeared to have seen better days. â€Å"Looking for altar supplies?† he asked me without glancing up. â€Å"Or maybe here to brush up on your astrology?† â€Å"It's none of your business why I'm here,† I snapped back, too flustered at the sight of him to think of anything funny or even plausible. The gray eyes looked up. â€Å"Does Jerome know you're here?† â€Å"It's not his business either. Why? Are you going to tattle on me?† My words came out boldly, though part of me kept thinking if Carter really was the one behind the attacks, I'd have a lot more to worry about than Jerome's wrath. â€Å"Maybe.† He closed the book, holding it between his palms. â€Å"Of course, I suspect the long-term entertainment value will be greater for me if I just keep quiet and let your schemes proceed uninterrupted.† â€Å"I don't know what ‘schemes' you're talking about. Can't a girl go shopping without getting the third degree? You don't hear me grilling you about why you're here.† The truth was, I burned to know what he was doing. It didn't surprise me that he knew Erik – we all did – but finding him here in light of everything that had happened lately only furthered my suspicions. â€Å"Me?† He held up the book he'd been glancing through. Teach Yourself Witchcraft in 30 Days or Less. â€Å"I need to make up for lost time.† â€Å"Cute,† I acknowledged. â€Å"Commendation from a master. I'm honored. Have I given you sufficient time to come up with an equally cute alibi?† He set the book down. â€Å"Miss Kincaid.† Erik shuffled into the room before I could answer. â€Å"I'm so pleased to see you. My friend just dropped off the earrings you asked for.† I stared, momentarily puzzled, and then I remembered the pearl necklace, as well as the earrings I'd offhandedly requested. â€Å"I'm glad he was able to do it so quickly.† â€Å"Nice recovery,† conceded Carter in an undertone. I ignored him. Erik opened a small box for me, and I peered inside. Three tiny strands of freshwater pearls, just like the ones from the necklace, dangled from the delicate copper wires of each earring. â€Å"They're beautiful,† I told him. I meant it. â€Å"Thank your friend. I have a dress these will look great with.† â€Å"That must be a relief,† noted Carter, watching Erik ring the earrings up at the counter. â€Å"Proper accessories, I mean. Cody tells me you're doing a lot of dating these days. I don't suppose you read the book I sent you.† I slid my credit card over to Erik. Cody had seen my male entourage at the dance lesson, but I'd only told him about my subsequent date with Roman yesterday. â€Å"When did you talk to Cody?† â€Å"Last night.† â€Å"Funny, so did I. And here you are today. Are you following me around?† Carter's eyes danced merrily. â€Å"I was here first. Maybe you're following me around. Maybe you're starting to get into this dating thing and want to find a cunning way to come on to me.† I signed the credit card slip and handed it back to a quiet, listening Erik. â€Å"Sorry. I like my men to have a bit more life in them.† Carter chuckled quietly at my joke. Sex with other immortals gave me no energy payoff. â€Å"Georgina, sometimes I think you might be worth following around, just to hear what you'll say next.† Erik looked up. If he felt discomfort at being in the crossfire of two immortals, he did not show it. â€Å"Then perhaps you'd like to join us for tea, Mr. Carter? You were going to stay, weren't you, Miss Kincaid?† I gave Erik one of my better smiles. â€Å"Yes, of course.† â€Å"Mr. Carter?† â€Å"Thank you, but no. I've got things to do, and from the way I understand it, Georgina operates best one man at a time. It was nice seeing you as always, Erik. Thanks for chatting. As for you, Georgina†¦ well, I'm sure I'll be seeing you very soon.† Something in those words chilled me. It took every ounce of my resolve to sound calm as I called out to him. â€Å"Carter?† His hands touched the door. Pausing, he glanced back at me and arched an eyebrow in acknowledgment. â€Å"Does Jerome know you're here?† A slow, sly smile spread across the angel's face. â€Å"Are you going to tattle on me now, Georgina? And here I thought we were making such progress. Perhaps we should have drawn out the small talk a bit more. You could have asked me if the weather would change soon, I might have commented how pretty you looked today, etc., etc. You know how it goes.† I blinked. His words this time invoked the note on my door. You are a beautiful woman, Georgina. Beautiful enough, I think, to even tempt angels into falling†¦ Was he leaving me more clues? Toying with me in the way Cody had suggested? Or was I reading too much into this? Was he still just annoying Carter, bane of my existence, tormenting me like always? I honestly didn't know, but I still believed of all angels to be taking down evil immortals in the city, Carter had the most opportunity. â€Å"How pretty am I then?† My voice caught slightly. â€Å"Pretty enough to fall for?† The angel's lips twitched. â€Å"I knew you were coming on to me. See you later, Georgina, Erik.† He opened the door and left. I stood there, watching his retreating figure. â€Å"What was he doing here?† Erik set a tray with two cups down on the small table. â€Å"Come now, Miss Kincaid. I keep your secrets. You can't expect me to do any less for him.† â€Å"No, I suppose not.† Nor, I thought as the old man went to get the teapot, did I want to risk endangering him by getting him caught up in immortal affairs. Well, at least caught up more than he already was. He returned shortly and poured for us. â€Å"I had just put this on before you came in. I'm glad you're here to share it.† I tasted it. Another herbal blend. â€Å"What's this one called?† â€Å"Desire.† â€Å"Fitting,† I observed. Angels and conspiracies aside, I still hungered for Roman. â€Å"Did you find out anything?† â€Å"I'm afraid not. I asked around but learned nothing more about vampire hunters, nor did I get any indication of one in the area.† â€Å"That doesn't surprise me.† I sipped the tea. â€Å"I think something else is going on.† He said nothing, prudent as ever. â€Å"I know you won't tell me why he was here, and I understand that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I trailed off, determining how best to phrase my words. â€Å"But what do you†¦ what do you think of him? Carter, that is. Has he done anything weird or seemed, I don't know, suspicious? Secretive?† Erik gave me a droll look. â€Å"Begging your pardon, but I have a number of customers – yourself inclusive – who fit that description.† No doubt that was an understatement. â€Å"Well, then, I don't know. Do you trust him?† â€Å"Mr. Carter?† Surprise registered across his features. â€Å"I've known him longer than I have you. If any of those ‘suspicious and secretive' customers can be trusted, he is certainly first among them. I'd place my life in his hands.† No surprise there. If Carter could fool Jerome, he could surely fool a mortal as well. Shifting gears, I asked: â€Å"Do you know anything about fallen angels?† â€Å"I would think you are already familiar with that topic, Miss Kincaid.† I wondered if he referred to the company I kept or the old myth that succubi were demons. For the record, we aren't. â€Å"Never ask a practitioner if you want to learn about a religion's history. Save those questions for outside scholars.† â€Å"Very true.† He smiled, thinking as he brought the cup to his lips. â€Å"Well. Surely you know that demons are angels who turned away from the divine will. They rebelled, or as it is commonly referred to, ‘fell.' Lucifer is generally accredited as being the first, and others left with him.† â€Å"That was in the beginning, though, right? One mass migration to the other side.† I frowned, still wondering about the technicalities of when angels fell. â€Å"What about later? Was that the only time it happened? Just that once?† Erik shook his head. â€Å"My impression is that it can happen still and has happened in the past. There are even documents suggesting – â€Å" The door opened, and a young couple walked in. Erik rose and smiled at them. â€Å"Do you have any books on tarot?† the girl asked. â€Å"For beginners?† Did he ever. Erik had a whole wall of them. The interruption frustrated me, but I didn't want to disrupt a chance for him to do some business. I gestured him toward the couple, drinking the rest of my tea. He led them to the appropriate section, energetically explaining certain titles and questioning their needs in further detail. I picked up my coat and purse, along with a box of the Desire tea. Erik watched me set a ten-dollar bill on the counter. â€Å"Keep the change,† I told him. Pausing from his discussion with the couple, he remarked to me, â€Å"Check†¦ let's see, I believe it's the beginning of Genesis 6†¦ verse 2 or 4 perhaps? There might be something to help you in there.† â€Å"Genesis? Like in the Bible?† He nodded, and I glanced around the book-lined shelves. â€Å"Where is it?† â€Å"I don't stock it, Miss Kincaid. I suspect your own resources will be more than adequate.† He returned to his customers, and I left, marveling at a man who could pull up biblical verses by number but not have a copy on hand. Still, he was right about me having ample resources, and my shift started soon anyway. I drove back to Queen Anne and found the street parking full. Digging my permit out from the glove box, I hung it on my rearview mirror and pulled into the tiny, private parking lot bordering an alley behind the bookstore. So many employees wanted to use the lot, I generally tried to avoid it when I could. As I walked toward the store, I caught sight of two cars pulled hood to hood and a redheaded figure leaning over them. Tammi. I liked the teenager a lot, but she also had a tendency to chat. Not wanting to delay my biblical search, I stepped into some shadows and shape-shifted into a nondescript man she wouldn't know. I then walked on past her, barely getting a second glance as she jumped the car. I changed back to my normal body once I was out of sight again. A momentary sense of windedness hit me, gone just as quickly as it had arrived. Cross-gender shape-shifting always took a bite out of me, which was why I had resisted Peter's silly haircut-modeling suggestion. I had probably just lost a few days' worth of my Martin-induced energy surplus. That left me with a couple weeks at least, but I felt the succubus feeding need stir slightly within me anyway, no doubt agitated by my perpetual longing for Roman. The bookstore hummed with normal weekday business when I arrived. Immediately, I sought out our religion section. I had directed people to it on a number of occasions; I had even pulled select titles from it. What I had not done was pay close attention to just how many Bibles existed. â€Å"Jesus,† I muttered, staring at the various translations. There were Bibles for women and men respectively, Bibles for teens, illustrated Bibles, large-print Bibles, gold-embossed Bibles. At last I caught sight of the King James Version. I knew little about it, but at least I recognized the title. Pulling it off the shelf, I flipped to Genesis 6 and read Erik's passage: And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, ‘My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.' There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Well. That cleared everything up. I reread the passage a few more times, hoping to get something more out of it. I finally determined Erik must have given me the wrong chapter number. He'd been distracted, after all. This passage, by my estimation, had nothing to do with angels, falling, or even the cosmic battle of good and evil. What it did seem to be about, however, was human procreation. It didn't take a biblical scholar to figure out what â€Å"the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men† meant, especially when children followed in the next phrase. Sex had sold books back in the old days, just as it did now. I wondered if Erik had given me the passage number as a joke. â€Å"Are you finding religion?† I looked up first into a Pac-Man T-shirt, then into Seth's inquisitive face. â€Å"Found and lost it a long time ago, I'm afraid.† I shut the book as he knelt down beside me. â€Å"Just looking up something. How are Cady and O'Neill today?† â€Å"Making good progress on their latest case.† He smiled fondly, and I found myself studying the amber-brown of his eyes. I'd had a few more e-mail exchanges with him in the last few days and enjoyed my mininovels, though our spoken conversation had seen little improvement. â€Å"I just finished a chapter and needed to take a break. Walk around, get something to drink.† â€Å"No caffeine, I presume.† I had learned Seth didn't drink caffeinated beverages, which I found both frightening and unnatural. â€Å"No. No caffeine.† â€Å"You shouldn't knock it. It might increase your writing output.† â€Å"Ah yes, that's right. You don't think my books come out fast enough.† I groaned, remembering the day I'd met him. â€Å"I think my own words came out a little too fast that first day.† â€Å"No way. You were brilliant. I'll never forget it.† His quizzical mask slipped briefly, just as it had at the dance lesson, and I once again saw male interest and appreciation cross his features. Crouching beside him, I again had a momentary sense of naturalness, like I normally had with Doug or one of the immortals. Something friendly and soothing. Like Seth and I had known each other forever. Maybe I had, in a manner of speaking, through his books. And yet, at the same time, being this close to him proved disconcerting as well. Distracting. I began noticing things like the lean muscles in his arms and the way his messy brown hair framed his face. Even the gold sheen of light hitting his facial hair and the shape of his lips held my attention. Turning away, I felt the base thirst for life energy twitch in me, and I repressed the urge to reach out and touch his face. The outside shape-shifting had caused more damage than I realized. I still didn't really require a true refill of energy, but the succubus instinct was getting irritable. I needed to squelch it soon, but certainly not with Seth. I stood up hastily, still holding the Bible, wanting to get away from him. He rose with me. â€Å"Well,† I began awkwardly when neither of us said anything for a few moments, â€Å"I need to get to work here.† He nodded, the interest in his face turning to apprehension. â€Å"I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hmm?† Swallowing, he looked away briefly then back to me, his eyes now focused with determination. â€Å"So, I'm going to this party on Sunday, and I wondered if maybe†¦ maybe if you weren't busy or weren't working, you could maybe, that is, maybe you'd want to come with me.† I stared, speechless. Had Seth Mortensen just asked me out? And hadn't†¦ hadn't we just had a coherent conversation for once? Combined with me suddenly noticing how attractive he was, the very world seemed to be turning on its side. Worse still, I wanted to accept. Something about Seth suddenly felt natural and right, even if it wasn't like the rollercoaster of excitement I felt with Roman. Somewhere in this bizarre, awkward relationship, I'd grown to genuinely like the writer independent of his novels. But I couldn't accept. I knew I couldn't. I cursed myself for my initial flirtation; it had apparently stuck with him, despite my efforts to undo it and stay platonic. Part of me felt dismayed, part of me pleased. All of me knew what I had to do. â€Å"No,† I answered bluntly, still stunned. â€Å"Oh.† I had no choice. No way could I have Seth attracted to me. No way could I risk anything but an arm's-length friendship with my favorite books' creator. Realizing how rude I had sounded, I attempted a hasty recovery. I should have simply said I had to work, but instead, I found myself babbling on with a variant of what I had used on Doug over the years. â€Å"You see†¦ I'm not really interested in dating right now or getting involved with anyone. So, it's nothing personal, I mean, the party sounds great and all, but I just can't accept. I don't ever accept things like that, actually. Like I said, it isn't personal. It's just easier not to get involved. To not date. Um, ever.† Seth studied me for a long time, considering, and I was suddenly reminded of that first night when he looked much the same way while I explained my five-page rule with his books. Finally, he said, â€Å"Oh. Okay. But†¦ aren't you dating that guy? The really tall one with black hair?† â€Å"No. We're not dating. Not really. We're just, uh, friends. Sort of.† â€Å"Oh,† Seth repeated. â€Å"Friends don't go to parties together, then?† â€Å"No.† I hesitated, suddenly wishing I had a different answer. â€Å"They can maybe have coffee sometimes. Here in the bookstore.† â€Å"I don't drink coffee.† There was a sharpness to his voice. I felt like I'd been slapped. We stood there then in what was quite possibly among the top five most uncomfortable moments of my life. The silence stretched out between us. At last, I repeated my lame exit excuse: â€Å"I have to get back to work.† â€Å"Okay. See you around.† Just friends, just friends. How many times had I used that line? How many times had the lie been easier than facing up to the truth? I'd even used it on my husband so long ago, again hiding from the reality of a matter I didn't want to admit to when things had turned sour between us. â€Å"Just friends?† Kyriakos had repeated, dark eyes staring at me. â€Å"Of course. He's your friend too, you know. He just keeps me company when you're gone, that's all. It's lonely without you.† But I never told my husband how often his friend Ariston came to visit or how we always seemed to be finding excuses to touch each other. A casual brush here and there. His hand to help me up. Or the one day that still burned in my memory, when he had reached over me to grab a bottle, and his hand had grazed my breast. I'd given an involuntary gasp, and he'd lingered for a heartbeat before carrying on with his task. And I didn't tell Kyriakos that Ariston made me feel like I had in the early days of my marriage, like I was clever, beautiful, and desirable. Ariston lavished me with the attention Kyriakos once had; Ariston loved the sharp wit that had once gotten me into trouble as an unmarried maiden. As for Kyriakos†¦ well, I assumed he loved those things too, but he didn't show it so much anymore. His father was making him work longer and longer hours, and when he finally got home, he would collapse into bed or seek the solitude of his flute. I hated that flute†¦ hated it and loved it. I loathed that it seemed to hold his attention more than I did. Yet, on some nights, when I sat outside and listened to him play, I felt awed at his skill and that ability to create such sweetness. But that didn't change the fact that I slept untouched more often than not. When I told him I'd never get pregnant that way, he'd laugh and tell me we had all the time in the world for children. This troubled me because I honestly – and irrationally – believed that having a baby would somehow fix everything between us. I ached for one, missing the way my little sisters had once felt in my arms. I loved the honesty and the innocence of children and liked to think I might help guide one into becoming a good person. Nothing seemed so sweet to me in those days as cleaning cuts, holding small hands, and telling stories. Furthermore, I had reached a point where I needed to know that I could have a baby. Three years of marriage was a long time to go without a child in those days, and I'd seen the way others were starting to whisper that poor Letha might be barren. I hated their simpering and sickeningly sugared pity. I should have told Kyriakos everything that was on my mind, every last detail. But he was so sweet and worked so hard to provide for us, I couldn't bear it. I didn't want to shake the contentment that ostensibly filled our household just for my own self-gratification and need for attention. Besides, it wasn't like he always neglected my body. A bit of coaxing, and I could sometimes get him to answer my desire. We'd come together in the middle of the night then, his body moving in mine with the same passion he used in his music. Yet, looking at Ariston some days, I had the feeling he wouldn't need any coaxing at all. And as empty days without Kyriakos passed, that started to mean something. Just friends, just friends. Standing there in the bookstore, watching Seth walk away, I half wondered how anyone could still use that line. But I knew why, of course. It was used because people still believed it. Or at least they wanted to. When I returned downstairs – feeling sad, angry, and idiotic all at the same time – I stumbled upon a scenario guaranteed to make my day even weirder: Helena from Krystal Starz stood there in front of the registers, gesticulating wildly to the cashiers. Helena here. On my turf. Swallowing my confusion over Seth, I strode over in my best managerial way, still carrying the Bible. â€Å"Is there something I can help you with?† Helena spun around, making the crystals around her neck tinkle as they hit each other. â€Å"It's her – she's the one. The one who stole my staff.† I glanced behind the counter. Casey and Beth stood there, looking relieved to see me. Tammi and her friend Janice must have been somewhere else in the store, for which I was grateful. Best to keep them out of this. I kept my voice cool, ever-conscious of the customers observing. â€Å"I'm sure I don't know what you mean.† â€Å"Don't start that with me! You know exactly what I mean. You walked into my store, made a scene, and then lured away my staff. They left without notice!† â€Å"People have recently applied for jobs here,† I responded blandly. â€Å"I can't really keep track of where they used to work. As assistant manager, however, I can empathize with the inconvenience of employees who leave without giving notice.† â€Å"Stop that!† Helena exclaimed, hardly resembling the cool, collected diva from last week. â€Å"Do you think I can't see through your lies? You walk in darkness, your aura wreathed in fire!† â€Å"What's on fire?† Doug and Warren walked up, obviously attracted by the mounting spectacle. â€Å"Her,† Helena proclaimed, pointing at me, using the New Age raspy voice. Warren eyed me curiously, as though actually assessing for flames. â€Å"Georgina?† â€Å"She stole my employees. Just came in and took them like that. I could sue, you know. When I tell my lawyers – â€Å" â€Å"Which employees?† † Tammiand Janice.† I cringed, waiting to see what this new development would unleash. Despite his many shortcomings, Warren did have a smooth sense of customer service and professionalism. I worried what might ensue if my poaching received further investigation. He frowned, trying to match faces with names apparently. â€Å"Wait†¦ didn't one of them jump my car today?† † Tammidid.† He snorted dismissively. â€Å"We're not giving them back.† Helena turned beet red. â€Å"You can't – â€Å" â€Å"Ma'am, I am sorry for your inconvenience, but I can hardly pass back workers who have signed employment papers with us and are unwilling to work for you anymore. There's always turnover in retail. I'm sure you'll find someone soon.† She turned on me, still pointing. â€Å"I won't forget this. Even if I can't get you back for this, the universe will repay your cruel and twisted nature. You will die miserable and alone. Unloved. Friendless. Childless. Your life will have amounted to nothing.† So much for New Age love and kindness. I hardly feared her comments about dying, but the other adjectives dug in a little. Miserable and alone. Unloved. Friendless. Childless. Warren, however, felt no such concerns for me. â€Å"Ma'am, Georgina's the last one I'd accuse of having a ‘cruel' nature or leading a meaningless life. She holds this place together, and I trust her judgment implicitly – including the hiring of your former employees. Now unless you would like to make a purchase, I must ask you to leave before I'm forced to call the authorities.† Helena spouted off more curses and woes to us, no doubt entertaining the customers waiting in line. To my surprise, Warren continued holding his ground. He usually went out of his way to smooth customer relations and put our best foot forward, even at his employees' expense. Today he didn't apparently feel like humoring anyone. It was refreshing. When Helena left, he retreated to his office without another word, and Doug and I stood there, astonishment quickly giving way to amusement. â€Å"The things you cause, Kincaid.† â€Å"What? Don't peg that one on me.† â€Å"Are you kidding? Freaky witch women never showed up before you started working here.† â€Å"How would you know? I started before you.† Checking my watch, I turned thoughtful. â€Å"You're still here for a while today, aren't you?† â€Å"Yup. Lucky for you. Why?† â€Å"No reason.† I left him there and walked to the back offices. Instead of turning left for my office, however, I turned right into Warren's. He sat at his desk, packing his briefcase, preparing to leave now that his car was ready. â€Å"Don't tell me she's back.† â€Å"No.† I closed the door behind me. This made him look up. â€Å"I just wanted to thank you.† Warren eyed me shrewdly. â€Å"Kicking irrational customers out is part of my job.† â€Å"Yeah, but last time I didn't get praised. I had to apologize.† He shrugged, thinking of an incident from a year ago. â€Å"Well, that was different. You called an old woman a hypocritical, pathological Nazi neophyte.† â€Å"She was.† â€Å"If you say so.† His eyes still watched my every move. I walked over to him, setting the Bible down on his desk. Climbing onto his chair, I straddled his lap, making my tight red skirt ride up considerably, revealing the lace-covered tops of black thigh-highs underneath. I leaned in to kiss him, at first just running my teeth tauntingly over his lips, and then suddenly pressing my mouth in hard. He returned the kiss with equal fervor, hands automatically sliding up the backs of my thighs to cup my ass. †Christ,† he breathed when we broke apart slightly. One of his hands moved to my face, the other toyed with the thong I wore under my skirt. His fingers ran along its lacy edge and then pushed upward inside me, at first just delicately probing and then sliding up the full length. I was already wet from a sudden desire and breathed deeply as I savored those long, smooth strokes. Warren watched me with approval. â€Å"What's this all about?† â€Å"What's what? We do this all the time.† â€Å"You never initiate it.† â€Å"I told you, I'm grateful.† That was true, actually. I had found his defense rather endearing. Also, still burning with Roman-lust and now maybe Seth-lust, I suddenly found Warren convenient in the wake of my grouchy succubus hunger. The hand by my face wound up a lock of hair, and he turned pensive, although he didn't stop what he was doing between my legs. â€Å"Georgina†¦ I hope†¦ I hope you know what we do here in no way affects your job. You have no obligations – no danger of losing your position here if – â€Å" I laughed out loud, surprised by this oddly considerate side. â€Å"I know that.† â€Å"I mean it – â€Å" â€Å"I know that,† I repeated, biting his lower lip with my teeth. â€Å"Don't go soft on me all of a sudden,† I growled. â€Å"That's not what I'm here for.† He didn't interrupt again, and I let myself sink into the pleasure of contact. The feel of his tongue in my mouth, his hands brazenly exploring my body. After a long morning of sexual frustration, I just needed it from someone – anyone. He unbuttoned my blouse and tossed it to the floor, where it rested in a black, silken pile. My skirt and thong followed, leaving me only in thigh-highs, bra, and heels. All black. He shifted his body, still in the chair, so that I could pull his pants off. Seeing him there – long, straight, and hard – made me move his hand out of me. Fingers no longer satisfied me. I wrapped my legs more tightly around his hips, as much as the chair would allow. Then, without further warning, I thrust my body down, plunging him inside me. I arched my body so that I could take him deeper, then moved in steady, repeated thrusts. Looking back down, I watched him glide in and out. There was no sound in the room save that of flesh on flesh and our heavy breathing. With penetration came a flood of feeling and sensations from him – different from the physical ones. As a less noble soul, his energy and presence did not knock me across the room like Martin's had. Succubi absorption depended on the victim's character. Strong, moral souls yielded more to the succubus and took a huge bite out of the guy. Corrupt men lost less and consequently gave less. Regardless of his energy or moral fiber, I did catch snippets of Warren's thoughts and emotions as I rode him. This was normal. They came through with his life force. Desire certainly was foremost in his mind. Smug pride at being with a younger, attractive woman. Excitement. Surprise. He had little remorse about cheating on his wife – contributing to the lower energy yield – and even the brief fondness for me he'd displayed earlier gave way to raw lust. So fucking hot. So wet. Love the way she rides me. Hope she comes and comes on top of me†¦ I did, as it turned out. My movements becoming harder and fiercer as our bodies slapped together. My leg muscles clenching. Neck arched back again. Breasts hot and sweaty from where he'd clutched them. The orgasm reverberating through me. Spasms of pleasure growing fainter and fainter as my breathing slowly returned to normal. And the energy fix wasn't bad either. It had leaked into me slowly throughout our building passion, starting off as fine glittering threads. Near the end, however, it had become strong and bright, pouring into me, reinvigorating my own life, fueling my immortality in a glorious climax that rivaled the physical one. When we both had our clothes back on, I made moves for an exit. Small energy loss or no, Warren always felt exhausted and worn after we'd been together. He thought it was the result of his age going up against a younger, more active woman. I did nothing to change his attitude but usually tried to discretely leave, so he wouldn't feel self-conscious around me in his fatigue. I knew it bothered him to think he couldn't keep up with me. â€Å"Georgina?† he called as I moved to the door. â€Å"Why are you carrying a Bible? You aren't trying to convert customers, are you?† â€Å"Oh. That. Just researching something for a friend. It's applicable, actually. All about sex.† He wiped sweat off his brow. â€Å"After years and years of church, I think I'd remember any good sex scenes.† â€Å"Well, it's not so much a scene as a clinical description of procreation.† â€Å"Ah. Lots of those.† On impulse, I walked over to him and opened up Genesis 6. â€Å"See?† I pointed to the appropriate verses. â€Å"All these mentions of men taking women. They say it, like, three times.† Warren studied the book with a frown, and I remembered that he had not opened this place without a substantial background in literary study. â€Å"Well†¦ it's repeated because here when it says ‘men began to multiply on the face of the earth,' it's referring to human men.† I looked up sharply. â€Å"What do you mean ‘human'?† â€Å"Here. The ‘sons of God' aren't human men. They're angels.† â€Å"What?† If I'd been holding the book, I would have dropped it. â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"Positive. Like I said, years of church services. They use this term throughout the Bible.† He flipped to Job. â€Å"See? Here it is again. ‘Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.' It's referring to angels – fallen angels in this case.† I swallowed. â€Å"What†¦ what were they doing in Genesis then? With the ‘daughters of men'? Were†¦ were the angels having sex with human women?† â€Å"Well, it says the women were ‘fair.' Hard to blame them, huh?† He gave me an admiring sweep as he spoke. â€Å"I don't know. This isn't a point discussed a lot in church, as I'm sure you can imagine. Mostly we emphasized human sin and guilt, but I ignored that.† I continued to stare at the book, dumbfounded, yet suddenly ablaze with ideas and theories. Warren eyed me curiously when I didn't respond to his joke. â€Å"Does that help you any?† â€Å"Yes,† I said, recovering myself. â€Å"It helps a lot.† I surprised him with a soft kiss on the lips, took the Bible, and left.

Was Chivalry in Decline During the 14th and 15th Centuries

Far from disappearing, chivalry during the 14 and 15th centuries it was actually going through somewhat of a revival, some historians even go as far to say it was experiencing a â€Å"renascence† in the late middle ages albeit an imperfect one. Even though it appears in this period of medieval history that chivalry was becoming all the more popular, fashionable even, the meaning and spirit behind chivalry that were so important during the first crusades were dilapidated, therefore one can see why it can be viewed that chivalry was in decline in the 14th 15th century. This is especially apparent seeing as Chivalry became a tool to be wielded by those privileged enough to have the money and influence to use it. Furthermore despite the large amount of bravado surrounding chivalry in the later medieval period, this just underlines the fact that chivalry in the 14th and 15th centuries was a hollow shell of what it had been in the time of the crusades. Kilgour indentifies chivalry in the early medieval period as the â€Å"First heroic age† where a â€Å"fusion of military glory and religion† was achieved for the first time. In his description of the glory of chivalry in its early days Kilgour only stresses the devaluation of chivalry in its time of decline in the 14th and 15th century. The writings of J Huizinga in which he describes the return of chivalry as †a rather artificial revival of things long dead, a sort of deliberate and insincere renascence of ideas drained of any real value† offer a clear analysis of chivalry and its decline as an ideal with any real meaning during the 14th and 15th century. Even though to a large extent he is certainly right to view chivalry as a hollow shell of what it was, his statement is slightly implausible because by no means were there no chivalric deeds performed that would not have seemed out of place some 200 years earlier during the crusades, for example: â€Å"A knight of the nation of Hainault named Sir Loys de Robessart. One day it happened that his enemies found him in a village with few of his people with him. There they attacked him and staged a fine skirmish. And although his enemies where great in numbers and much stronger he drove them out of he village. Thereupon a great force of his enemies renewed the attack, and although he sighted them at a distance, all the same he disdained to flee or to show any signs of fear. But with very steady, noble and virtuous courage sallied forth and in order to uphold the honour of this order of chivalry and of himself he determined to hold his ground, and there he died gloriously, for before he di ed when he saw he could not hold he made his men withdraw to the castle, for which act he was greatly praised both by his enemies and his own men. † From this example it is apparent that there were cases in which chivalric actions were not completely selfless, suggesting to one that chivalry was not in decline. Never the less mindful of Maurice Keens remark that the value of chivalry signified by the heroic ideals of the earlier romances has been lost to sight in a quest for imitative decoration, it is thus easy to see that perhaps even the most selfless cases of chivalry recorded by historians like the tale of Roberssart just suit to underpin the inherent flaws in late medieval chivalry with their â€Å"quest for imitative decoration. There is however one issue in the early medieval period that is conceivably the defining factor in best determining if there was a decline in chivalry in the 14th and 15th century, one that is not explored by Huizinga or Kilgour. It is whether the state of chivalry in its â€Å"first heroic age† was any different in its ideals and value before it had collapsed into a â€Å"mad, exaggerated display. One aspect that might prove this conclusion to be correct is raised by Maurice Keen who observes that some of the evidence describing chivalry, although being less plentiful in the 12th century is remarkably similar to what is being said two or three hundred years later. This example is enough to convince one that there was little difference in the spirit of chivalry at its beginning in the 12th and 13th centuries, suggesting that there was not a decline in chivalry due to it losing its meaning because that meaning was unchanged in some two hundred years. Despite her argument there is some evidence which disproves Maurice Keen’s notion of a chivalric spirit unchanged over two hundred years, which apart from being implausible, is proved to be inaccurate due to the evolution of chivalry as a tool to be used for selfish ends further undermining the ideals for which chivalry stands. The best illustration of chivalry being used as a tool is when it started to be harnessed for means of propaganda. This can be seen most prominently at the Vow of the Pheasant and the banquet held at Lille in 1445, in which the banquet was used to lavishly display a sense of chivalry with the intention of trying to gain the adequate support to initiate a crusade along the Mediterranean. However this was no excessive imitation of the past but was a calculated move by King Philip the Good, a move which perfectly illustrates the decline of chivalry in the late Middle Ages. What one also needs to understand is that this was not an isolated case. Chivalry was used as a tool in other ways as well. For example many Dukes’ Counts and court officials hoped that by exploiting the genuine respect for chivalrous values and conduct they could â€Å"solidify† respect for their rather â€Å"shaky† ducal authority. This point is interestingly supported by Maurice Keen who despite her previous argument explains that â€Å"chivalry was something secular princes could exploit† mainly because it was taken so seriously by â€Å"a very important sector of people. What makes her statement even more plausible is that it is reinforced by Raymond Kilgour, whose view is that an event such as these pageants evolved without a â€Å"deeper value to society† such was the extent to the dilapidation of chivalry, and its decline in the 14th and 15th centuries Despite much evidence to prove that chivalry was in decline in the late medieval period of the 14th and 15th centuries, some events just do not lend themselves to be interpreted it in this way. Especially when taken into account that a definition of the word decline is â€Å"the period when something reaches its end† this is particularly interesting as there are some documents which raise the question whether chivalry actually ever reached a period of definite decline at all in the 15th and 14th centuries, despite its withering spirit. One such piece of evidence that supports this view is a table listing all books printed in Venice in reference to military affairs. This specific document is useful because of all the works devoted to military affairs or dealing with them, the most prevalent category of book published was that of the laws of war and chivalry. The fact that this table lists books on chivalric warfare as being so popular this late on in the 1400’s must denote that chivalry was not in decline, for if it was going through a tangible Decline it would surely not have been such a popular subject for publishing. However if we are to take Huizinga’s view that chivalry was nothing more than â€Å"a rather artificial revival of things long dead† this would explain why even though chivalry exercised a â€Å"disastrous† affect on wars in this period of late medieval period it was still so wrote about. Another interpretation which supports Huizinga’s view is that litterateurs of the time where probably trying to capitalize on chivalry as a popular subject, similar to the way that secular princes used chivalry as a tool as Maurice Keen pointed out. Chivalry in practise was obviously not in decline in the late medieval period however in spirit it was, a perfect exhibition of this is shown through the disastrous effect chivalry had on the outcome of wars and on France itself. This was mainly the doing of King John the Good whose reign was â€Å"disastrous† to France because of his â€Å"chivalric prejudice†, as is pointed out by J Huizinga who rightly claims that it was King Johns â€Å"chivalric stubbornness† and carelessness which cost him the battle of Poitiers in 1356, as well as one of his most celebrated chivalric knights Geroffroi De Charny. This use of chivalry almost seems as though it’s being used to keep up appearances with what was fashionable at the time no matter the cost, and as a result underlines the decline in the spirit of chivalry and therefore the decline of chivalry itself. In conclusion the â€Å"cult† of chivalry as it is sometimes called in the later middle ages is generally considered by the majority of historians who deal with it indirectly or directly as meaningless, and therefore it has to be perceived as being in decline. Karl Brandi labelled the elaborate protocol at play in chivalric court as an â€Å"impressive, sumptuous yet wholly meaningless shell. † Similarly J Huizinga described chivalry as â€Å"naive† and â€Å"imperfect. † Raymond Kilgour on the other hand stated that chivalry was an â€Å"extravagant† illusion to try and maintain a feeling of â€Å"significance. † All these statements overwhelmingly point at a chivalry in a dire state of decline in the late medieval period, however in reality it was going through a revival. Despite this revival, chivalry was weak in spirit and had disastrous effects on society, the outcomes of war and on France itself. From this assumption it’s hard not to see that although chivalry in practise was not in decline in practise its meanings and ideals were, hence why one can see that chivalry was in decline in the 14 and 15th century.

Management Public vs Private Employee Research Paper

Management Public vs Private Employee - Research Paper Example This essay stresses that the HR managers need to ensure that prior to assigning the new tasks, the employee is equipped with adequate knowledge regarding his new roles and goals. The employees must be provided with the necessary tools such as manuals, computers and other related job aids so that the jobs can be completed effectively. This paper makes a conclusion that the employees in the public sector also demand career development opportunities and promotion after certain period of time for the purpose of personal development. By paying attention towards the career development of the employee force, the employee as well as the employer will be capable of managing change in the structure of the employment opportunities. It is through career development that the companies can attract and hence retain the best people with the organisation as it assists the employer to recognize and to respond to the individual needs of the employees. The public sector can avail the scope of superior performance from the employees if due attention is paid towards the career development of the employees. The employees of the modern times generally prefer taking challenges and therefore are motivated when they are provided with challenging job opportunities. Therefore, the public sector employers need to take these factors into consi deration and also focus upon timely promotion of the employees. It can also make use of other reward systems in an organization in order to motivate the employees to work for the achievement of the goals of the organization.

Budgeted Health Promotion Activity Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Budgeted Health Promotion Activity - Coursework Example Community based health promotion is the most effective away out to execute such programs. This is because; it gives community members the opportunity to change their health risk habits. It is also easy to execute, as it can be done through individual counseling, focused group discussions, leaflets distribution or local support groups. It is effective when community leaders take part in achieving the set program goals and objectives. This should be focused at culture level since it is the best predictor of health habit change. Behavior change starts at an individual level but, its effectiveness will be realized at community level. Those with information should be able to disseminate the same information to those who do not have it. This can be achieved through community discussion forums need to be organized on a regular basis. Their main theme will be making people practice healthy choices. To ensure that there is overwhelming support toward the newly initiated programs; the communit y should be involved in the planning and implementation phases of the project. The community needs to be enlightened that healthy practices are the key to disease prevention, disability and death. This should involve encouraging people to adopt lifestyles that are beneficial to their well-being, while trying to abandon those lifestyles which make them vulnerable to sickness. Table of fixed, variable, controllable and unrecoverable expenses Fixed expenses Amount ($) Staff Salaries Rent Consultants costs Insurance cover for employees Variable expenses Fuel costs Car Maintenance costs Space and equipment hiring fee Materials Delivery costs Controllable expenses Program curriculum materials Program publicity materials Training of program facilitators Postages costs Unrecoverable expenses Equipment Packaging costs Material Shipping costs Travel costs Material Storage costs Cost-benefit analysis By definition, cost benefit analysis refers to as the act of comparing the cost of setting up a project or a program with the expected outcome. This technique help in making decision on whether to take up a new opportunity or make a change on an ongoing project or programmed. It simply entails summing up the benefits of an intended course and subtracting related costs (Brent, 2009). According to Brent (2009), the most accurate and best common unit of measuring cost benefit analysis is the money value. Despite the fact that at times it becomes difficult to evaluate some services in terms of money, it still remains to be the standard unit of comparison between costs and benefits in any project or program. For this case, the money aspect comes in particularly when the beneficiary access the opportunity of getting free counseling on sexually transmitted infections and even treatment before being circumcised. This would mean they will use this money in solving other day to day problems that they might encounter. The project has several benefits, this range from job creation to re duction in the rate of prevalent rates of HIV/AIDS in the intended area. The reduction in the prevalent rates of the disease might be a long term benefit, which will be realized after a substantial duration of time. For instance, the most immediate benefit is job creation, where the locals will get job opportunities as, project facilitators, monitoring and

Prescription Drug Abuse and the Death of Flawed Diamonds Essay

Prescription Drug Abuse and the Death of Flawed Diamonds - Essay Example Their lifestyles are glamorous and set apart so much that they unintentionally put themselves in vulnerable situations, caused by exhaustion, less stable peers, destabilized relationships, irregular hours, identity issues, and efforts to deny mortality and the impermanence of social status. This paper will examine this issue through the celebrity porthole, and will consider the answers Confucius offers to the problem and how his teachings apply. As with most social issues, death by unintended drug poisoning, is contributed to by a number of factors. Some of those factors include accepting drugs from friends; securing multiple prescriptions; taking prescription drugs in combination with other drugs and/or with alcohol; Relying solely on drugs to relieve pain, gaining dependency; using prescription drugs for emotional support without making necessary life adjustments (Paulozzi, 2010); using drugs to maintain a certain social image when one’s true situation doesn’t fit the image. Another factor is profit that pharmaceutical companies make and, consequently, the ways they pressure doctors to prescribe particular drugs for their patients. Doctors are often too busy to notice what drugs their patients are still taking, and patients too often fail to dispose of excess medication (Paulozzi, 2010). Exposure to constant advertising is another significant factor. The most recent death of a celebrity, apparently due to a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol, driven by lifestyle irregularities and destabilization, is Whitney Houston, who just died at 48 years of age (Dolak, NG, & Vega, 2012). Her peers in the music industry referred to her as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth, a true original and a talent beyond compare, one of the most iconic voices of my lifetime (Marikar, 2012). Her regretful and untimely death is included in a long lineage of unintended deaths by prescription drug poisoning, alone or in combination with alcohol or other drugs. This lineage includes Marilyn Monroe (intentionality controversial), Dorothy Dandridge, Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Prinze, Elvis Presley, Keith Moon, Steve Clark, Rob Pilatus, Dana Plato, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Chris Penn, Gerald Levert, Anna Nicole Smith (and her son Daniel), Pimp C, Heath Ledger (Katie, 2009), Brittany Murphy, and Michael Jackson, among others. Speaking from the teachings of Confucius, I observe that a superior individual must be virtuous, educated and well-mannered, a combination of saint, scholar and gentleman (Shinn, 1997). Right conduct is of extreme importance, in honor to ancestors, for the satisfaction of doing right, and to avoid punishment by T’ien, the God of Heaven. T’ien often punishes those who do not have good conduct, with an early death (Shinn, 1997). Sincerity, benevolence, filial piety and propriety are basic principles of virtuous conduct (Shinn, 1997). The celebrities mentioned were people whose lives were extreme, liv ed in the context of the entertainment field. It is a field that discourages sincerity (replacing it with performance), benevolence (substituting competition), filial piety (substituting the constant reinvention of self and values), and propriety (replaced by partying, drugs, alcohol, loud behavior, and gaining attention). Alcohol, drugs, domestic battery, suicide attempts, promiscuity, heavy competition, betrayal, scandals and gossip,

Important assignment -527 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Important assignment -527 - Research Paper Example The capital city has a cold climate but is made colder by the nearness to Mount Kenya (Hornsby, 2012). The various inhabitants in Kenya are the Bantu, which takes the greatest percentage, followed by Notes. These put together, comprise of 97%. The coastal region is inhabited by European, who began exploring those areas and Arabs since the early times. Settlements began divisions when Kenya was colonized by the British Empire in 1985 and at around 1920, a clear way was prepared for their settlement. The Kenyan republic attained its independence in 1963, where it got the freedom to rule itself. It placed Nairobi to be its capital city that deals with commercial services with a great specialty in Agriculture. Kenya grows coffee and tea. The Swahili word came from the Bantus and was taken to be the mother language of the Swahili people in the coastal area. It became an official and national language for the country. Some vocabularies of Swahili got meaning from the Arabs time of the invasion in the coast, when they mingled with the Arabs who spoke Muslim and is a composition of some German, English, French and Portuguese (Steers, SaÃŒ nchez-Runde, & Nardon, 2010). The language was first spoken in the coast along Tanzanian border, before been made formal after independence by the then president of African Great Lakes region. The word then spread via fishermen in different coastal islands. Swahili began spreading along other regions from traders who dealt with cloves. During the trade time, they preferred the style as they maneuvered to other areas and in turn made people adopt. The word spread easily within the islands because the traders had established extensive contact with the people coming in and out of the coastal area. These made it a bit famous by the sixth century to Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania and most Kenyan regions. Currently, the biggest part of Kenya’s population is now in a position to speak Swahili. These are evidence where most

Group project (costco) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Group project (costco) - Essay Example This aspect includes the function of providing a particular product or a service. The key operations management issues include designing, planning and management of the system. Most of the problems associated with operations management at Costco include setting of the plan layout and structure, methods used in project management, selection and replacement of equipment. Specific operations issues at Costco involve equipment maintenance policies, traffic and material handling, quality control and inspection, inventory management and process scheduling. Some of these problems are associated with system design, system management and planning of the system Technology plays an important role in streamlining an organization’s operations. It increases efficiency, productivity, reduces energy, manufacturing and labor costs, enhances communication, and enables smooth integration of day-to-day activities. Costco has not been left out in using technology in its business operations. The company manages more than 300 warehouses that house brand name merchandise at low costs. In order for Costco to offer high quality products at cheap prices, it had to establish faster communication with thousands of vendors at any given moment. The company could no more tolerate long delays when trying to access common documents such as invoices, debit or credit memos or purchase orders. Prompt access to transaction documents was not available. Costco also stored and processed large volumes of paperwork, which needed to be accessed easily. All these hardships could only be solved with the appropriate technology. The initial solution was offered by Image Source executive team in 1992 (Collier & Evans, 2012). Costco also uses Oracle Imaging and Process Management software for file storage and retrieval. The company has also utilized technology for scanning images and barcode indexing processes. Initially, 50 Costco users scanned

Critical evaluation of a published paper Assignment

Critical evaluation of a published paper - Assignment Example Generally the primary aim of the research was to compare the potential impact of bundles of both collaborative and calculative human resource management. The analysis of the impact of the intermediary practices was more of a secondary interest (Gooderham, Parry and Ringdal, 2008, p. 2042). This paper critically evaluates the research design, strategies and methods used in the research article as well as their potential drawbacks to the research. Research design and approach Generally the authors have used a quantitative research method for their empirical study regarding the relationship between human resource management practices and firm performance. The research design used is primarily based on cross sectional data derived from a recent Cranet survey of human resource management in 16 European countries. The authors collected their data through survey questionnaire which were appropriately translated and mailed to the respective human resource managers of the selected sample nati onal firms in all the countries The resulted suggested that 5/6 of the calculative practices as well as two thirds of the intermediary practices had a significant impact on the performance. On the other hand, the analysis of the data further revealed that none of the collaborative practices had any impact on human resource management performance. ... On the hand, the independent variables used in the research were the various HRM practices that were obtained from a comprehensive literature review by the researchers. These variables were analyzed using SPSS and the results obtained were then used to support the hypothesis of the researchers. Benefits of the research design and approach There are a number of benefits of the research design that the authors used. For example, while the method use in data collection was too simple it provided the needed information to the researchers. One of the strengths of the research design used is that the literature review has offered a proper basis for the research as it clearly brings out principles and schools of thought that concern the research. For instance the review addresses some of the issues attributed to management system that aims to give the human resource new knowledge, information, motivation that results to a better workforce and commitment (Wright and Snell, 1998, p.764). To v alidate their findings, the authors have also used a comprehensive literature review in their study. A well outlined and detailed literature review with a detailed introduction to the research was a very good approach towards undertake of this research. The difference between calculative and intermediary HRM bundles and also collaborative HRM bundles has been well outlined. On the other hand, the method of analysis employed by the researchers included the use control variables that effectively provided a broad macrocontext of operation for the sample firms. Consequently this enabled the researchers to control the differences such as institutional settings and the variation in the economic conditions

Cultural Background And Belief In Astrology Research Paper

Cultural Background And Belief In Astrology - Research Paper Example Numerous studies claim that the existence of scientific validity to back the form of astrology common in the West is conspicuously absent. Moreover, sources purporting that there is empirical evidence to support the authenticity of astrology in the West lacks scientific verification. Because of this, the question as to why people still belief in astrology while reality indicates that there is no truth to it arouses enormous scientific curiosity. A possible approach to unraveling the enigma would be to examine the interplay of factors that define social inclinations that weigh on belief in astrology. In particular, there has been a considerably level of controversy with regard to belief in astrology and cultural backgrounds. Some previous studies have studied astrology and culture and reached intriguing conclusions. For example, Dambrun (2004) claimed a strong positive correlation between belief astrology and racial bigotry, sexism, and negative attitudes towards marginalized societal groupings. The cross-cultural research suggested that strong believers in astrology consequently had stronger ascriptions to societal stereotypes and social tagging. Other studies have put their focus in finding the interrelation between faith in superstition and cultural inclinations. This project seeks to study cultural effects on astrology using the Chinese and the Western culture. According to a study by Beck and Forstmeier (2007), superstition deserves treatment as an interesting subject of science. The observation was born of the realization that regardless of the little empirical basis for its validity, many people harbor strong beliefs in astrology, and continue to read their astrology profiles. For instance, a large proportion of people knows their astrological signs and read them on a regular basis (Rogers & Glendon, 2010). In the past, studies have successfully demonstrated that the belief is attributable to the fact that the astrology sign profiles appear believable to most people when they most echo their personalities. The phenomenon now also known as ‘the Barnum effect’, and has been validated in numerous interdisciplinary studies touching on the military, occupational, educational, and clinical aspects of psychology (Rogers & Soule, 2009). The belief in Barnum’s effect has won support of many researchers. For instance, the effect was also noticeable by studies by Hamilton (2000), which demonstrated greater acceptance of astrology when the descripti ons had higher favorableness. The choice of profile, negative or positive, affects to some extent the way the respondents feel towards astrology in general. However, the relationship is yet to undergo comprehensive empirical research, and further validates ‘the Barnum effect’. Ever since, the effect has been an inspiration in the context of cross-cultural studies on its claims for its worldwide applicability. Cross-Cultural differences and Belief in Astrology Overwhelming evidence implies that ‘the Barnum effect’ is a global phenomenon. Studies comparing the acceptance of ast

Operatint a Successful Restaurant Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Operatint a Successful Restaurant - Assignment Example These limits include procedures of delivery, storage and cooking (Alonzo, 2007). Thirdly, critical limits for the critical control points should be determined for every menu item. These limits must be adhered to so as to minimize any possibility of food poisoning. For instance, poultry storage and preparation should meet the appropriate temperature controls. Poultry should be cooked at temperatures above seventy-five degrees Celsius. On the other hand, beef should be cooked at temperatures above one hundred and sixty degree farenheight. Duration of cooking should also be definite so as to ensure appropriate cooking (Dismore, H., & Entrepreneur Press, 2006). Fourthly, the critical control points should regularly be monitored. The restaurant manager should monitor every food handler. They should ensure that appropriate procedures are followed. Fifth, corrective measures for a breach of any steps above shall be recommended. To cater for this, staff members should undergo refresher training on food safety, menu development and ensuring quality service. Corrective action may be necessitated due to various reasons. These reasons include unattractive food, complaints from customer, storage of out of date foods, and sighting of pests and unclean utensils (Alonzo, 2007). Sixth, system verification strategies should be implemented and verified. In adherence to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCPP) standards, the restaurant should ensure that the plan is developed. Availability of thermometers to ensure appropriate temperatures of food items should be ensured. Finally, appropriate record keeping procedures for the staff members would be necessitated. Daily corrective actions applied should be recorded in flow charts accurately. The HACCP demands that every restaurant keep checklists and time and temperature logs. Record keeping shall be considered for every stage in food handling and preparation (Alonzo, 2007). Guidelines

Discuss the definition and Sources of Christain Theology and how is Essay

Discuss the definition and Sources of Christain Theology and how is Systematic Theology related to Christain Ethics - Essay Example 578). The word theology is made up of two words that have a Greek origin: theosthat means God whereas logos means study. In brief, theology is the study that is aiming at knowing more about God. Systematic has a Greek origin; synistemimeaning to comprehend or in other word to organize. Therefore, systematic theology is the organization of the information about God (Webster, Tanner & Torrance 2007, p. 648). Systematic theology integrates many aspects of historical, biblical and philosophical theology. The aim of the systematic theology is to get clear knowledge of the Biblical teachings towards particular doctrines (McGrath 2001, p. 115). The theological disciplines that are in relation to the systematic theology are historical theology, apologetic theory, practical theology, exegetical theology, biblical theology and practical theology. Apologetical Theology deals with the questions arising from the Christian faith. The many questions that arise from the apologetics one being, how can they know if Christianity is right? Through a clear understanding of Christian apologetics, one can defend Christianity. The fact that the years use Before Christ (BC) and After Christ (AC) is a hint to show that Christ existed. It makes the Christian faith real (Grenz & Placher 2003, p. 283). The main agenda of the apologetics is to build a foundation that has the facts of theism. Through the systematic theology, one can gather the facts and organize them as evidence towards defending the Christian faith. It is a discipline that is focusing mainly on what the text says. It is an extensive subject that has several sub-disciplines. These are biblical languages, canonic, Biblical history and archaeology, textual criticism, exegesis proper and hermeneutics. Canonic discipline focuses on the 66 books of the Holy Bible where the New Testament has 27 books, and the Old Testament has

Must demonstrate the understanding of new learning in the field of Research Paper

Must demonstrate the understanding of new learning in the field of project management and how it relates to the Project Management Maturity Model - Research Paper Example Maturity model is a tool that enables businesses to measure the ability of an organization to maturely manage different projects. It thus identifies the level of maturity and the avenues within the business within improvement before a roadmap is developed. In this roadmap, different steps are outlined that enable the business to manage its projects within the maturity model and achieve its long and short-term goals (Brown, 2008). The adoption of the maturity model by businesses increases the potential for success and the attainment of the strategic goals within the time set out in the organization’s missions and goals. Through the adoption of the maturity model, an organization increases its ability to continuously improve and develop strategic approaches, which are essential to the success of an organization. Though applied to project management, maturity model was developed under the aegis of quality management and assurance in an organization (Caron, Ruggeri & Merli, 2013). As a result, it was used in the processes of improving the quality of goods and services produced by a given organization, a process that is critical in the success of the same. By adopting the maturity model, an organization links its processes to the continuous improvement goals through a process that involves the understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the same. As a result, avenues that can be improved through change can be identified through the adoption of the maturity model and this increases the success possibility of an organization (Brown, 2008). Within different organisations, there is an increasing need for the development of processes that capable of managing the variability has and obtain the desired results within the time set. Working towards achieving goals within the set budget and time constraint has remained the basic component of any project management plan. As a result, the maturity model has enhanced the management of projects especially within the

The Impact of E-Commerce Technology on the Air Travel Industry Essay

The Impact of E-Commerce Technology on the Air Travel Industry - Essay Example If I were the primary decision maker in these airline companies, I would come up with brilliant ideas to ensure that my airline company adopts a measure aimed at making it to enjoy a competitive advantage over its competitors. Having realized the inefficiencies of travel agents, I would ensure that I introduce the use of modern Information Communication Technology (ICT) in my company. This is a new innovation that would help us to realize a tremendous growth in our services. When all the activities are done in compliance with the new system, it would be much easier for the company to expand its client base and be able to reach a large number of potential clients than it could otherwise manage. In other words, I would advocate for the full adoption of SABRE system. This is an advanced technology that would be of much help to my organization. Once every activity is computerized, it becomes much easier for the airline to improve the quality of its services. At the same time, it would avail information to our clients wherever they are. Thus, it becomes much easier for them to plan their trips and make online reservations whenever they feel to do so. Automating our services would definitely put us in the right path of enjoying a competitive advantage over our rivals. Rather than advocating for the adoption of ICT, I would emphasize the role of novelty. Meaning, any changes to be effected would have to be novel and beneficial to the organization. They should be highly advanced to seal any loophole that might be experienced. If this happens, we would definitely be in the right path of out doing all our competitors before emerging as the best alternative airline in the market. In my opinion, the automation of airline services is commendable. It is a worthwhile initiative aimed at improving the quality of service delivery by the airline company. SABRE technology is one of its own kind. Meaning, it had to be

Slavery in Ancient Rome Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Slavery in Ancient Rome - Research Paper Example There were unskilled slaves many of who had been condemned to slavery as punishment, or had been captured in war, and these were given very hard tasks to perform such as working on farms, in the mines or at mills and their living conditions tended to be very brutal and this made their life expectancy very low. It can therefore be said that slavery in ancient Rome was a part of its everyday life and that this institution is one of the core pillars, which kept this state running. A large number of the slaves in the Roman state were acquired through the warfare made by its army that always brought back captives in their hundreds and thousands from each war that they went to fight. Many of these wars were wars of expansion in which the defeated enemies were captured as well as civil wars and these captives were often sold to slave traders who in turn took them to the market and sold them to the highest bidder. In addition to those slaves captured in war, a large number of them came throu gh the slave traffic of Thrace and perhaps the most famous Thracian importee was Spartacus, who years later would come to lead a great revolt against his new masters (Koester 766). Piracy was among the biggest contributors to the slave market because an increase in the activities of pirates also led to an increase in slavery in the Roman state because they ensured a large supply of slaves from the places they raided. Most slaves worked in unskilled jobs from prostitution and cleaning to mining, shepherding and manning oars. However, there are some who worked in relative comfort as secretaries and physicians (Bradley 477). In addition to the tasks, which they were given as their duties, slaves had very few rights and in fact, they were not allowed to refuse their masters anything, even if it was unwanted sexual advances. In the Roman state, the largest number of slaves was used for agricultural labor because the growing size of both the population and the empire needed plenty of food to sustain them. Therefore, it is true to say there tended to be more slaves in the rural areas than in the urban areas and these worked on the farms. Slaves used to be assigned to mines as punishment for perceived transgressions against their masters, and this was the same as sentencing them to death because the chances of surviving long in the mines were very slim. Farm slaves faired fairly well considering that they had plenty of food to eat where they worked as well as their work being seasonal unlike other slaves who had to work very hard throughout for their masters, while household slaves of the rich families of Rome enjoyed the highest standards of living among the slaves of this state. Moreover, it was very rare for them to be whims subject of their masters compared to other slaves because many of them had specialized duties, which they tended to carry out without being asked by their masters. Many of these household slaves had lodgings, which were far much better than tho se of some of the free Roman population were and in fact, they often did much better than the latter economically. These household slaves could be found doing very specialized jobs such as working as barbers, hairdressers, and even as teachers and

Code of Professional Ethics & Conduct (4) Essay

Code of Professional Ethics & Conduct (4) - Essay Example Therefore, it institutes ethical requirements for the CPAs who are expected to comply with all parts of the code. However, a breach in one or several of the code requirements leads to disciplinary action administered by the relevant bodies (Crawford & Loyd, 2008). Rule 102: Integrity and Objectivity Paul T. Fink of the Eagan, Minnesota was suspected of a breach in Rule 102, the integrity, and objectivity code. The case entailed the suspicion of a breach in conduct with respect to performance of professional services as controller and chief financial officer of a publicly held entity. According to the code, a CPA â€Å"knowing misrepresentations in the preparations of financial statements or records, or permits or directs another to sign, a document holding significantly false and deceptive information† (AICPA, 2012). Mr. Fink was guilty of participating in backdating several shipping documents meant to correct on expiring letters of credit whose terms had been defaulted. There were other discrepancies detected in the bill of lading in the year 1996 that did not tally with the inland bill of lading signed the same year. He also signed forms 10-QSB in the second and third quarter of 1996 in full knowledge of the inability of the firm regarding the fulfillment of the contract terms of sale. After the completion of the investigations, Mr. Paul Fink was also guilty of violating Rule 102 on integrity and objectivity. Following the scrutiny of the evidence by the Joint Trial Board, Mr. Paul membership with AICPA was terminated and his practice certificates revoked. The disciplinary action taken on Mr. Paul was justified. This is because the CPAs perform a fundamental role in society. All the members of AICPA should be consistent with the requirements of the body (AICPA, 2012). Failure to do so, Mr. Paul failed to take the responsibility of representing his professional ethics as required thus breaching the stakeholders trust towards the body and the business. T he AICPA can prevent this type of breach in the code of conduct by ensuring that the CPAs frequently observe their needed commitment to the code. The penalties administered should also be strict in order to curb further breach in the code. Rule 201: Professional Competence The code of professional competence requires a CPA to safeguard a clients’ data. Rule 201 states that â€Å"a member remains responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the services provided by third-party provider† (AICPA, 2012). Therefore, a CPA should provide professional services performed with professional competence and care. David Beck of Lexington allegedly violated the code in the year 2010 where he was accused of lack of professional services in relation with the audit of a business entity. In his practice, he failed to comply with the standards by failing to plan and conduct the engagement, failing to participate in the planning meetings and organizing the audit staffing (Rit tenberg, Johnstone & Gramling, 2010). In addition, he failed to record the necessary documents and details of his audit procedures. After consideration of all the presented evidence, the Joint Trial Board found Mr. David Beck guilty of a breach in rule 201, Professional Competence. Moreover, he violated an AICPA Bylaw for failing to cooperate with Ethics Charging Authority by providing a substantive response to the investigation. As

Disscussion question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Disscussion question - Assignment Example Effecting of sanctions and embargoes might do more harm than beneficial to a country for this reason; it should be done carefully after assessment of the possible aftermaths. America at one point had an embargo on almost all commodities excluding oil; this was because oil is one of their economies’ driving forces. The other strategy is through innovations which drive towards sustainable growth and quality jobs. Based on the idea that US economy is reliant on fossil fuels, it is tremendously valuable for the US government to protect consumers and businesses against harmful price shocks. Lovett, Eckes & Brinkman (2004) further explains that it has been the government’s role to assure continuous supply of strategic materials such as oil. For a long time, the U.S has left this task to the national defense stockpile which ensures that materials needed are available in time of war and this meant leaving it to the free market to guarantee supply for the industrial economy. In order to trim down US dependence on doubtful sources of supply of strategic materials need to be based on a combination of approaches (Lovett, Eckes, & Brinkman 2004). Through planned purchasing and procurement, the state ensures availability of strategic materials. When it is done by professional, it is termed as supply management. This makes sure that there is a constant supply of the strategic materials needed to the state and in a reasonable time so that there are no cases of deficit (Lovett, Eckes, & Brinkman (2004). As many would believe, US policy should be aiming at increasing trade. It is fascinating to note that, not all Americans are happy with the policy makers as the majorly dwell on business importance coupled with overwhelming goodwill that incorporate other priorities. Eckes (2000) argues that for a long time, now majority of American have been supporting the trade policy as they believe that it will improve trade. For instance, in 2001, poll

Analysis Paper on Komatsu, Ltd. (B) Profit Planning Product Costing Article

Analysis Paper on Komatsu, Ltd. (B) Profit Planning Product Costing - Article Example The fact that the remaining operations (construction, real estate, unit housing, chemicals and plastics, and software development) brought forward only 20% of the corporate revenues would have been considered the need for a change in planning It seems that the 3G† strategy of growth, globalization, and group diversification adopted in 1989, was able to make a financial progress by following correct processes of Profit Planning and Product Costing. The act that Komatsu’s profit planning process consisted of three major stages: policy making, profit planning, and evaluation to be a good starting point towards progress. Similarly, the decision to change/revise the Profit planning to be done on yearly basis, instead of the previous semi-annual practice, is a prudent move based on the given three reasons. It is true as it takes a lot of pre-preparation time, as everyone has to devote a substantial amount of their working time in preparing reports. This has been found out as counterproductive as it happens at the expense of their working time. It is also true, that semiannual report is based on a short-term perspective. Perhaps, it may not give the relevant picture as some of the processes take time to produce the expected outcome. It is also correct to understand that if allocations of fixed costs have to be changed based on the figures emanating from the semi-annual, it may not be realistic as well as too arbitrary to be me aningful. While analyzing the processes followed under Policy Making Stage, it can be clearly seen that they followed correct procedures, instead of taking arbitrary decisions by the policymakers. The fact that the development of the long-term plan began with the preparation of a preliminary long-term plan by the corporate planning and control department is an exemplary procedure to follow, which is ignored by most of the contemporary businesses. Their practice of submitting the approved preliminary long-term plan to each division is very practical and commendable.