Citibank Credit Card in Asia Pacific

Launching the Credit Card in Asia Pacific Ankit Bhardwaj Apaar Malik Neha Sharma Shashwat Bhanti Sidharth Shah Introduction ? ? ? ? ? ? Citibank, a major international bank, is the consumer banking arm of financial services giant Citigroup. Citibank was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, later First National City Bank of New York. Citibank has retail banking operations in more than 100 countries and territories around the world. Founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, ownership and management of the bank was taken over by Moses Taylor, a protege of John Jacob Astor and one of the giants of the business world in the 19th century. In the 1960s the bank entered into the credit card business The card, known as â€Å"The Everything Card†, was promoted as a kind of East Coast version of the Bank Americard. ?Products: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? CitiOne Account Mortgage Power Citibank Auto Loan Citibank Ready Credit CitiGold Service Citi Phone Banking ATM Business Banking Citibank NRI Business International Personal Banking Citibank ·s presence Africa Europe Middle East Central America South America North America Asia Citibank ·s Net Income till 2008 Citibank ·s Assets/Liabilities ratio *The company is financially strong Case Introduction Credit Card Functioning Years in which Citibank entered countries. Population statistics Economic statistics Manager ¶s Opinion. ? Credit Card Functioning Card holder makes purchase at merchant Merchant submits transaction to merchant bank or acquiring company Cardholder ($100) Merchant ($100) Merchant Bank or Acquiring Company ($97) Credit issuer bills card holder for total of Transactions made in month ($100) Card holder makes full or partial payment to the card issuer (minimum to $100) Merchant bank or acquiring company reimburses merchant less merchant service charge Interchange network reimburses merchant Bank for amount of Transaction less interchange fee($98. 50) Merchant bank or acquiring company submits transactions to interchange network ($100) Credit Card Issuer $98. 50 ($100) Interchange Network ? Years of Citi Bank ¶s Entry in Asian Countries Hong Kong (1902) Taiwan (1964) Australia (1965) The Philippines (1902) Guam (1969) Singapore (1902) India (1902) Malaysia (1904) Indonesia (1918) Thailand (1967) Korea (1967) Population Statistics 797 300 800 300 250 200 167. 7 150 Population(In Millions) Urban Population(In Millions) 100 69 50 16. 514 0 5. 6 5 42 31 16. 9 6 2. 7 3 19. 8 14 11 61. 9 55 Countries Economy 12 11 9. 7 9. 8 8. 7 8 8 7. 6 7. 37. 4 6. 8 6 4. 8 4 4 3. 8 Growth Rate(In percentage) Inflation(In percentage) 8. 1 7. 3 10. 8 10 2 2 1. 5 1. 2 0 Manager ·s Opinions Bob Thornton(Country Manager- Indonesia) -> History of poor consumer payment on installment debt. -> High levels of fraud in the financial sector. > Legal infrastructure in inadequate. -> Small market for card product but a potentially large population of 180 mio. ? Dave Smith(Country Manager- Singapore) -> Small 2 mio population. -> Saturated card market with American Express. -> Late entry may result in losing money. ? Jaitirth Rao(Country Manager- India) -> Very large country with poor infrastructure. -> It ¶s a dog and delay it. ? ? Jeannine Fa rhi(Recently moved from USA to Asia) -> Poor implementation may lead to huge losses. -> Asian countries suffering from inefficient postal services. Launching the Card Market Entry Cost Card Business Operation Economics Customer Acquisition Success Probability Dollar Vs Local Currency Central Data Processing Focus on Existing Business Direct Mail Infrastructure Problem Market Entry Cost Green Field Market Development Direct Mail Take-Ones Direct Sales ¶ force Bind-Ins Market Acquisition Facilitates quick entry into market. Easily leverage existing Operations infrastructure and Human Resources in order to consolidate the market share. Choosing of right bank very critical. Very critical to manage the acquired organization ¶s workforce to match up Citi bank ¶s standards. Very difficult to divest in case of calamity. Cost implications in trainings. Card Business Operation Economics Setting a proper business Joining Fee. ? Setting a proper business Annual Fee. ? Right price to be set for Citi Bank ¶s credit card. ? Options to maintain a balance between Joining Fee and Annual Fee. ? Customer Acquisition Success Probability Prospects Reached 300000 2000000 30000 3000000 5330000 Response Number of Qualified Rate(%) RespondantsRespondants Respondants 2 1. 5 50 1 6000 30000 15000 30000 81000 4000 10000 10000 10000 34000 Card Holders 3200 8000 8000 8000 27200 Channels Direct Mail Unit Cost($) 1. 5 Take Ones 0. 25 Direct Sales 18000/Sales force person Bind Ins Total 0. 15 Only 0. 51% of success rate Dollar Vs Local Currency Advantages of Dollar as currency ? Disadvantages of Dollar Dollar would strengthen against the local currency due to its global usage. ? Extra charges for currency conversion. ? Fluctuation of exchange rate each day will hurt customers free expenditure. ? It is a global currency which is accepted everywhere. ? It is easily convertible at any bank. ? Paying in Dollars is treated by some people as a status symbol. Existing systems using Dollar as base currency and replication will not be difficult in other countries. Central data Processing Would slow down system response. ? System developers will be cut off from local markets. ? Local resources could be upgraded instead of spending on a new Centralized System. ? Focus on existing business Managers Advice in Asia pacific Focus on Existing Business Since lack of talent poo l available in the region Lack of Infrastructure to support such IT enabled product. Direct Mail Infrastructure Problem Postal Services is the backbone for Card delivery. Postal Services in Asia Pacific experience not satisfactory. ? Poor Logistics will only lead to dissatisfied customers. ? Business Problems ? Citibank wondered whether they could adopt a mass-market positioning to acquire enough credit card customers and still maintain its upmarket positioning with the current upscale branch banking customers Pricing the card too low would conflict with Citibank ¶s stated positioning however pricing it too high might mean low customer acceptance Citibank ¶s management were concerned that consumers ¶ attitudes and credit card usage patterns differed by country ? Country Profiles Australia Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? Hold of Local Banks is very high. ?Austral ia is a saturated market Opportunity ? Western based developed economy ? AMEX and Diners club reputation is low ? High usage of credit card for travel and entertainment. Threat ? Hold of Local Banks is very high. ?Australia is a saturated market ? Lucrative offers already in market Hong Kong Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? Hold of Local Banks is very high. ?Hong Kong is a saturated market Opportunity ? AMEX and Diners club reputation is low ? Rapid Industrialization. ?High annual average income. ?Active use of credit card Threat ? Hold of Local Banks is very high. ?Lucrative offers already in market. ?Hong Kong is a saturated market India Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? 80% Population is in rural areas. ?Card acceptance is low. Political corruption is hi gh. ?Privatization not encouraged in 1980 ¶s. Opportunity ? Card considered as a prestigious owning. ?Higher income group will aspire. ?Credit Card penetration low. Threat ? Joining Fee and Annual fee low for local banks. ?Diners Club and AMEX already present with some market share. Indonesia Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? Large National Debts. ?Political corruption. ?Banking Fraud already prevalent in country. ?Per Capita income is only $500. Opportunity ? Card considered as a prestigious owning. Threat ? 3 Banks already eating up the market chunk. Malaysia Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? Politically unstable. ?Largely a rural country. ?Malaysian law very stringent towards credit card ownership. Opportunity ? Culturally acceptable to revolving credit. ?Large successful business population. ?Bank acquisition not very difficult. Threat ? AMEX with some handsome market share. ?AMEX already having a superior customer image. Foreign banks only were allowed 3 banks in Malaysia. Taiwan Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? No infrastructure for new products. ?Culturally not acceptable to people to owe money. ?before 1989, laws restricted credit card business Opportunity ? Deregulation of credit allowed re cently. Threat ? 50% market share with AMEX. ?It was mostly cash oriented society. Singapore Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? Minimum age requirements and income requirements. Opportunity ? Worlds largest centre for trading and services. ?High standard of living of people. ?Hold of Local banks very low. ?Card usage high in the country. Threat ? International banks having a good hold in the market. Philippines Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? Political corruption. ?People awareness is very low. ?Only local currency and transactions to be adhered with. Opportunity ? Credit Card market is under development. Customer acceptance toward revolving credit. Threat ? AMEX having handsome market share. ?AMEX already having a superior customer image. ?Foreign banks only were allowed 3 banks in Philippines. Thailand Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. ?Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? No infrastructure for new product s. Opportunity ? High consumer affluence and spending. ?Not many Credit Card company working. Threat ? 50% market share with AMEX & Diners club. Korea Strengths ? Citibank considered as a Global Bank. ?Citibank making profits worldwide. Strong Financial backbone to launch a new product. Weakness ? No infrastructure for new products. ?Strict government regulations regarding Revolving credit. ?Only local currency card can be issued. Opportunity ? Growth in the existing Diners club market already existing in Korea. Threat ? Existing companies experiencing huge financial losses and labor problems. Positioning the Card Positioning the Citi Silver ? Positioning the Citi Gold Target market to be Upper Middle and High income population. ? Premium features with attractive offers on Air Travel and Shopping available with a high credit limit. A separate relationship manager to tackle customer issues. ? Target market to be Lower and Middle income population. ? Standard features of shopping and a lower credit limit. ? Customer care to take care of customer issues. Customer Acquisition Cost Infra, S/W Development, Cost/Card of mailing, Total Cost incurred correspondence, in acquiring 1 mio Advertising Cust Support, Merchant Cost/ Customers Costs/Country Liaison Total Cost customer direct cost customers 250000 250000 250000 250000 1600000 35000000 12000000 12000000 12000000 36600000 12000000 12000000 12000000 72600000 146. 48 48 48 72. 6 6000000 78600000 Income from Card Holders Citi Silver Card % customers 70% Citi Gold Card 30% 32 9600000 40 12000000 33000000 60100000 27100000 Joining fee 25 Total Joining fee 17500000 Annual fee 30 Total annual fee 21000000 Grand total Break Even No. of Years Total Cost —————-Total Income = No. of years for Break Even 78600000 —————-60100000 = 1. 3 years ? For reaching the break even it will take approx 1. 3 years for any country. Recommendations Countries to ENTER ? Singapore ? Malaysia ? Philippines ? Thailand ? Hong Kong ? Australia Countries NOT TO ENTER ? India ? Indonesia ? Taiwan ? Korea Recommendations Citibank should focus on Acquisition of a local Bank. ? There should be very minimal or low joining fee and a moderate Annual fee charged. ? The Bank should keep local currency as the currency of exchange. ? There should be a central as well as a local data processing system. ?

Mass Media and National Identity

Gone are the days when the media used to exercise its power mainly through the radio and the newspapers. During that period, there was always time for free reflection on what it means to be an American. Today, the media merely thrusts its views on the viewer in a very powerful way. People are being exposed to a hugely expanded power of the media through the incessant television programs, movies and the internet.Like an invader who captures the minds of the weak, the American media is now in a position from where it can brainwash people into developing a media customized American identity. One of the more dominant images being circulated right now by American media is that to be American is to agree with the American President. All those who disagree are anti-American.Ever since the war on terrorism was launched during the aftermath of September 11, 2001, political leaders have used the media to seed the hearts and minds of Americans towards a new kind of patriotism. The Bush administ ration has, with the help of the media, widely propagated that this is the time when America needs to come together and support the President. The message is that unity and support for the President is more vital than having a healthy debate. This communication strategy has garnered a great deal of success in the United States as anti-war and anti-Bush policies have become equated with anti-Americanism.National identity of America was earlier derived from powerful figures of colonial America who imparted their daring visions, power, and energetic optimism to the American tradition. Among them are the explorer and colonial founder John Smith; the religious liberty advocate, Quaker, and colonial founder William Penn; the great Puritan intellectual Cotton Mather; and the astonishing 18th-century polymath Benjamin Franklin. Americans of the early 19th century were involved in the great controversy of whether slavery should be abolished or not.They were not afraid to fight wars for their causes and they also ensured that the republic achieved astonishing economic growth. Writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott helped in the development of a mature distinctive American literary and philosophical culture. There were great leaders like Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln who turned America into a great prosperous nation of sustained economic growth and they enabled the republic to stretch from ocean to ocean. America flowered as a land of great diversity with the advent of immigration in the mid-20th century. This was the time America grew to be a global leader and American character was exemplified through distinct American traits found in its great citizens.Some such distinct American traits that became part of American identity were lack of fatalism, energetic approach to problem-solving, faith in economic growth, dedication to education, devotion to religious liberty and belief in equality. There were many individuals who embodied these Americ an traits. Louisa May Alcott was a volunteer nurse in a Civil War hospital, where she contracted typhoid fever and was crippled for life from the mercury used to treat her. But that did not deter her from writing Little Women, a book that was hugely successful. Benjamin Franklin was the epitome of self confidence as he invented the Franklin stove to meet the firewood shortage in Philadelphia.Andrew Carnegie was a great industrialist who finally thought it best to focus on a single industry: the steel industry. Horace Mann was responsible for the creation of the universal compulsory school model. The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which Thomas Jefferson drafted in 1786 was the foundation stone for the rise of America as a nation that valued freedom in all aspects of life.   Every American shares a national identity with his fellow citizens and he is proud to known that values such as optimism, self reliance and belief in equality and justice are all part of this great Amer ican identity which has been shaped by a long history of political openness and change, tolerance of conflict, entrepreneurial energy, and cultural mix.The nobility that is enshrined in American national identity is slowing being eroded in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, race relations, crime, immigration, health care, euthanasia, gun control, and education and the erosion is more intense due to the focus of the media on such issues. Media expert David Domke feels has studied the government’s post-September 11 communication strategies in the war on terrorism as well as the media response and the impact on U.S. public opinion.After studying media reports and public responses from the period from September 11, 2001, to Bush's address to the nation about Iraq on March 17, 2003, he concluded that â€Å"government officials have consistently emphasized American core values and themes of U.S. strength and unity while simultaneously demonizi ng the enemy† (Whitworth Communications, 2003). His conclusion is supported by a study of media coverage and public-opinion polls. Words such as freedom, individualism, mobility, and pragmatism â€Å"speak to the American spirit.† It is through the use of such words that mass media is shaping the national identity on political issues.There are people such as think-tank researchers, interest-group leaders and academic experts who can offer analysis from a neutral platform. They are not people who are likely to sing chorus to the government’s song. But Domke and his colleagues have found that such intellectual people tend to get less media attention – for the simple reason they are not guaranteed supporters of the government.This finding shows that the media coverage under the blanket of patriotic press coverage, has served to shift the American national identity from one that allows every individual the liberty to have his or her own opinion on political is sues to one that supports the standing of a unified nation behind the President of the United States, no matter what decisions he takes.Apart from this negative shift, there are many positive ways in which mass media is helping to shape the national identity of Americans. Hollywood is one of the most influential media in America and has always played a huge role in creating a sense of national identity and pride. American values such as equality, liberty, love for the nation, freedom of expression, human right are emphasized in many movies.Popular movies such as Pearl Harbor; We Were Soldiers; The Quiet American; Behind Enemy Lines; Black Hawk Down; Kandahar; Collateral Damage; In the Bedroom; Minority Report and Fahrenheit 9/11 explore and help in shaping American identity with respect to morality, family, nation and globalisation.Television programs such as Apprentice and American Idol showcase the potential America offers to people with values, talent, skill and willingness to wo rk. They add a sense of pride and positive attitude to the national identity. Sports such as baseball and basketball as shown in the movies and television programs have become American symbols of competitiveness and professionalism.However, television advertisements seem to focus more on hawking a happier home and love-life, improved eating and drinking and appearance, better health, taste and smell, a more comfortable car, etc., etc. thereby polluting the national identity with a craving for materialism and self centeredness.Through the mass media, Mickey Mouse, Babe Ruth, screwball comedy, G.I. Joe, the blues, â€Å"The Simpsons,† Michael Jackson, the Dallas Cowboys, Gone With the Wind, the Dream Team, Indiana Jones, Catch-22 – these names, genres, and phrases from American sports and entertainment have become a powerful tools in sculpting the American identity. Through mass media, music has also played a huge role in shaping American identity. The first major compos er of popular music with a uniquely American style was Stephen Foster (1826-1864). Soon the music that was representative of America combined elements of European musical tradition with African-American rhythms and themes.Some of Foster's best songs are: â€Å"Oh! Susanna,† â€Å"Camptown Races,† â€Å"Ring the Banjo,† â€Å"Old Folks at Home†. Today, the inclusion of African music such as Reggai and rap, Latino rhythms, and the domination of global artists has made American music much more representative of its expanding scope of national identity. However, rock music remains the prevalent pop music of America because it is one genre that can assimilate almost any other kind of music, along with new varieties of outlandish showmanship, into its strong rhythmical framework – much as America assimilates different cultures and different races into its constitutional framework and national identity.Rangers in the Sequoia National Park report that the huge sequoia monarch trees in the forests, however huge and seemingly strong, one day simply tilt over and crash to the ground because of their weak roots (Sites, 2007). So also the American national identity built through mass media can crash if care is not taken to nourish the roots of that identity. Mass media should focus on the unique American history and resplendent traditions instead of favoring an almost total obsession with the clamorous present and the dubious lures of the unpredictable future.Bibliography:Whitworth Communications (2003). Political Communication Scholar to Present Whitworth Lecture on Challenges to Civil Discourse of ‘Post-9/11 Patriotism'. http://www.whitworth.edu/News/2002_2003/Spring/GreatDecisionsDomke.htmSites N. James. Inger: A Modern-Day Viking Discovers America. Published by Scan-Am Communications. Ashland. http://www.identityindependence.com/ingersites.html

Preparing to Conduct Business Research Essay

On September 12, 2012 the New York City Health Department voted eight-zero with one vote abstaining, to enact a city wide ban on sugar-sweetened beverages in containers over 16ounce in size (Susman, 2012). At the urging of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg the health department is hoping that this ban will have an impact on the growing obesity problem among New York citizens (Susman, 2012). Opposition to the ban was evident before the final vote by citizens believing violations of his or her freedom are occurring and vendors who see the choices in what he or she serve the customers under dictation from city hall. Perhaps the group with the most to lose is the beverage industry; the ban limits servings of sugar sweetened drinks to 16 ounces or less in the city’s 24,000 restaurants, delis, movie theaters, sports venues, and street carts (Petrecca, 2012). This means no 20-ounce bottles, no super-sized drinks, no monster drinks at the movie theater, the fact is most of these establishments consider a 16-ounce beverage a small or medium drink (Petrecca, 2012). So smaller drinks mean smaller profits; however, it may be possible that this is not the case. The ban does not limit the number of 16-ounce drinks a person may purchase; the possibility for additional sales does exist (Petrecca, 2012). Because only restaurants offer free refills, it is possible that the smaller size drinks will result in greater quantities of sales at the other locations. Business Research The CEO of the Coca Cola Company is communicating with Learning Team A, hiring Learning Team A to research potential issues and opportunities resulting from the ban on containers over the limit of 16 ounces of sugar sweetened beverages in the city of New York. Coca Cola is showing interest in learning what the consumer thinks of the ban; how the customers believe it will affect his or her recreational and dining experiences. Coca Cola is not only showing interest in this information as it pertains to New York City but also because the interest this ban is attracting from other large cities and what it would mean to the company if this became common practice in other locations (Koebler, 2012). Hypotheses Team A offers several hypotheses to the ban and the effects it will have on the citizens, vendors, and distributors of sugar sweetened beverages: ? Team A hypothesizes that the ban on sugar sweetened beverages will cause a decrease in beverage sales that contain sugar, costing the Coca Cola company millions of dollars in sales. ? Team A hypothesizes that the ban on sugar sweetened beverages larger than 16 ounces will cause consumers to purchase multiple quantities of beverages in replacement of what they use to purchase. Also the sale of sugar free beverages will rise; this will cause an increase in revenue for the Coca Cola Company. ? Team A hypothesizes that the public will be unreceptive to the ban and believes that the government body responsible for it has overstepped their bounds. The public will think that the removal of this choice goes against the constitutional rights every person has and that he or she will attempt to find a way around the ban. ? Team A hypothesizes that although there will be citizens upset in regard to the ban, the citizens will embrace the law proving a measurable difference on the obesity problem in New York City. Variables to Consider and Questions to Ask In an effort to offer to the Coca Cola Company the most complete information, the best recommendations, and a reliable foundation on which to base future changes it is necessary to research as many variables as possible. Variable questions to include in the research include: 1) â€Å"The various age groups of the consumers, and their drink preferences. † 2) â€Å"How the vendors plan on handling this new rule and will the vendor adjust the prices, add free-refills, implement buy one get one programs, and add additional drink dispensers to accommodate customers. 3) â€Å"How these bans encourage customers to leave the city limits and visit establishments in the suburbs? † 4) â€Å"How the consumer understands the reasoning behind the ban and the obesity issue with the removal of beverage choice? † 5) â€Å"Coca Cola currently holding a 70% market share in New York; this is a significant margin over the competition (Petrecca, 2012). It is important to research if the customer loyalty level will hold up to â€Å"deals† by the competition and how aggressive Coca Cola is going have to be with marketing and pricing. † 6) â€Å"Is Coca Cola willing to embrace this ban, explore ways to market their diet products and fruit juices as an alternate to the sugar sweetened beverages? † Ethical Considerations Ethics play a critical role in conducting research projects (Donald R. Cooper, 2011). It is critical to examine how the results of the research issue breach the rights of the citizens. In the case of the New York City law that limits the sales of sugar sweetened drinks there are several ethical questions that arise. The strongest being, â€Å"how will this state law infringe on an individual’s rights to choose the size of their desired beverage? † The motivation behind the law is the unhealthy factors of sugary drinks, targeting one unhealthy option. Supporters of the law believe that this law will help prevent obesity; however, opposition believes it is unfair to place the weight of this issue on one product. Also at question â€Å"Is it ethical to restrict a consumer’s right to choose what he or she wants to drink? † Along with sugar sweetened beverages there are other unhealthy products available that have proven effects on weight with no restrictions. Vendors and beverage makes can argue that the law shows bias and is discriminatory. This leads to another ethical issue; does the law give preference or competitive vendor advantage over consumer’s advantage. A consumer, who may wish to purchase a larger drink, may find the need to purchase multiple drinks, thereby increasing the sales of the company but yet not eliminating the risk of obesity. Also under consideration is the ethical question, â€Å"does the beverage company have a responsibility to their customers to reduce the chance of obesity, knowing that these beverages offer empty calories with no nutritional value? † Conclusion Moving into the future it is important to understand what difficulties a company will be facing. Knowledge from research projects provide companies the possibility to develop contingency plans and reduce the chance that the unknown will alter the course of a successful business plan. Earlier this month the New York City Health Department passed a law that has altered the way beverage makers and vendors conduct their business and altering the freedom consumers have in choosing something as simple as the beverage he or she drinks. The Coca Cola Company is looking to go forward armed with the knowledge they will need to maintain their superiority in the New York Market. This task has fallen on Learning Team A, as they will research and discover what the market and consumers will demand to remain customers of Coca Cola. References Donald R. Cooper, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods, Eleventh Edition. McGraw-Hill Company. Koebler, J. (2012, September 12). Experts: Courts Likely to Uphold New York Soda Ban. Retrieved September 20, 2012, from U. S. News: http://www.usnews. com/news/articles/2012/09/14/experts-courts-likely- to-uphold-new-york-soda-ban_print. html Petrecca, L. (2012, July 18). Coke, Pepsi, others launch assault against NYC beverage ban. Retrieved September 20, 2012, from USA Today: http://usatoday30. usatoday. com/money/industries/food/story/2012-07-09 /coke-pepsi-fight-soda-ban/56279302/1 Susman, T. (2012, September 13). New York City bans big sugary drinks in restaurants. Retrieved September 20, 2012, from LA Times: http://articles. latimes. com/2012/sep/13/nation/la-na-soda-ban-20120914.

IT Systems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

IT Systems - Assignment Example n back fire in the manner of damages in from of breach of privacy, leaking of important data, bugs in the system, downtime of software and network and various other factors that have a direct impact on the life of project and organization(Laudon & Laudon, 2011). One prime reason of being so fragile is nature is its characteristic attribute of directly in touch with outside forces and entities. Since it is a established fact that large number of malicious forces and programs exist that are direct threat towards the information systems, therefore they serve as the front line threats towards it safe working and existence . Another down side of information systems is its rapid paced transition and introduction of new trends in the arena. Since innovation and up gradation are bound to occur in information systems, this also serves as the vulnerability. Having identified the vulnerabilities that might arise in the information system atmosphere, there is a need for creating an effective protection and security layer, along with assigning responsibilities to the top management for ensuring the implementation of information system and its principles in its true spirit(Gibson, 2010)

Discussion 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Discussion 5 - Essay Example Their lifestyles are the subject of every news and media publication that is known to be saleable and universally appealing. The mentioning of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones’ wedding that amounted to â€Å"$1 million to entertain a guest list† (Rothman 192) was an example of this concept. Another relevant term is ‘class consciousness’ which is defined as a general awareness of distinctions in social classes that encompass knowledge on terms such as class awareness, class identification, class solidarity and class action (Rothman 207). As disclosed, the concept of class consciousness ranges from â€Å"the most basic and minimum acknowledgement that there is a hierarch of social classes to participation in overt action to enhance class-based shared interests† (Rothman 207). One strongly believes that class consciousness differs in level and scope of understanding depending also on the stratification of people in society. The information presented under the Quiet Millionaires written by Rothman (193) was likewise interesting and informative in terms of providing greater and significant insights on the lifestyles of a different segment of the rich and famous people, but those who opt to remain private and confidential in their respective endeavors. One of the noted personalities who exemplify this lifestyle was noted as Warren Buffet. As disclosed, â€Å"Warren Buffet, worth over $12 billion dollars, still lives in the same home he bought for $31,500 in 1958† (Rothman 193). The contents are highly indicative that not all rich and famous people lead an extravagant and a life of conspicuous consumption. There are also many who have returned and shared their riches through philanthropic endeavors, such as Bill and Melinda Gates, Michael and Susan Dell, and Ted Turner (Rothman 193) who had been noted to donate large sums of money for various noteworthy

Organization strategy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Organization strategy - Research Paper Example Facts and Problems: Issues on Leadership, Group Dynamics and Motivation At the moment, the leadership structure of the organization is non-functional. The Objectives and goals of the organization have no enforcing authority. Specifically, the human resource department and training and development department need deeper focus. All the workers are discouraged, without morale and have no clear sense of purpose in the organization. The organization functions in a particularly individualistic and divided manner with no sense of accountability whatsoever. This is seen by the fact that workers do not offer quality service and work in a hurry so that they can attend personal issues. Consequences and Analysis of that problem: The leadership gap has led to recklessness within the organization. Workers have no sense of accountability since people are free to do whatever they wish. Some departments are entirely non functional. The human resource management hires unqualified personnel. This has d estroyed the reputation of the organization. The ill motivated workers have no value for their work. Many keep on resigning because there is no reward management system. Those who are left have no valued for their work. This has resulted in the loss of lives, as reflected in the rise in mortality rates in cardiovascular related cases. The organization has not embraced teamwork. People are individualistic and work for their selfish gain. This has caused the organization to be fragmented and to lack a sense of purpose. No department co-works with another. The organization has no collaborations and its goes and objectives are unclear. The main aims To lift the position of the organization so that it can achieve that goals, missions and objectives that have been set. The leadership structure needs to be functional and productive. This includes being the leading organization in service delivery and high quality treatment. This shall entail a relook into the strategies, establishing a vib rant organizational image and a motivated workforce. These goals are achievable. Change is always met by a few barriers which need to be overcome. Every organization has a culture. This culture helps the organization in achieving its goals and targets. Culture is essentially the accepted ways of doing things in a particular organizational set up. The organization has a culture where people are not used to organize systematic and functional group. Therefore, every worker is a stranger to the colleague in terms of professionalism. Workers have accepted underperforming as part of their lives. This is so because there is not accountability within the hospital. This makes it hard to introduce changes. There are extreme barriers to change because the leadership at departmental level in incompetence. This indicates that they are incapable of dissecting or executing any meaningful changes within the departments of the hospital. Under the departmental leaders are ill trained employees who ar e not motivated. Employees who have no morale cannot spearhead or enact change, (Klubeckne & Padget, 2009). Employees follow the direction of their leaders. The departments have no working policies. Unfairness among the departmental heads leads to resentment and dysfunctional departments within the hospital. Employees go for long without training or refresher courses. The department involved with procurement is ill trained. This has caused

Enterprise business continuity and disaster recovery plan Essay

Enterprise business continuity and disaster recovery plan - Essay Example Disasters which shut down the mission of the company crucial applications for any given period of time have bad indirect and direct costs to the company and its performance make Mematech come up with a disaster recovery and business continuity plan essentials. The company’s Chief Information Offer will have an obligation in ensuring that the company’s continuing in that position of emergency. It is therefore, appropriate that the company comes up with steps to prepare before, during, and after the crisis takes place. These planning offers framework of interim mechanism to recover the services of IT after the system has been disrupted. Some of the interim measures that the company will take include; IT system and operations relocation, to an alternative site, and the recovery of functions connected to IT using alternative machines and equipment, executive agreement with entities that are outsourced. This is because Mematech have vulnerable system to various disruptions that range from the minor outages to severe disruptions that involve destruction of equipments from various sources like natural disasters or even terrorist actions. While various vulnerable may be reduces or removed through operational solutions, management solutions, and technical solutions as part of the company’s risk management effort. It is quite impossible to eliminate the risks completely. In various scenarios, crucial resources may dwell outside the company’s control like electric power or even telecommunicat ion). (Fong, 2001). The company might be unable to ensure that it is available. Therefore, effective and efficient recovery testing, planning, and execution are important to mitigate the system risks and unavailability of services. Accordingly, for the disaster recovery to be successful the Information officer of Mematech will ensure that the critical employee must comprehends the information technology disaster recovery and business continuity planning

Ethical Dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Ethical Dilemma - Essay Example Clearly, those who remain in good standing achieve many benefits, including income and public recognition. These things are rewards for the achievement and maintenance of high moral and ethical standards. The esteem that derives from membership in an elite group makes professional status desirable. In order to choose the best solutions to the problems identified in two cases, it is important to apply ethical theories and moral standards. As a passenger in version 1, I would pull the lever and save lives of 5 people. This decision is based on utilitarianism referred to by some as the consequentialist ethical theory. It is expressed in the form that asserts that people should always act so as to produce the greatest ratio of good to evil for everyone. as the utilitarian, I believe that when choosing between two actions, the one that produces the greatest net happiness should be the one chosen (Donaldson et al. 2002). Where most of them disagree with one another is in the area of how this principle should be applied. There are also several stated weaknesses in this concept. It ignores actions that appear to be wrong in themselves; it espouses the concept that the end justifies the means; the principles may come into conflict with that of justice seems to associate justice with ef ficiency rather than fair play); and it is extremely difficult to formulate and establish satisfactory rules of application (Bentham 2000). I would pull the lever because it is ethical to save lives of people and choose the decision which benefits the majority. Utilitarianism manifests itself in two major forms. The stronger of the two is so-called act-utilitarianism. Under this system, the moral agent considers the consequences of only the action under consideration. The second system is called rule-utilitarianism. Here the moral agent considers a set of rules by which life should be lived. The basis of accepting or rejecting a rule is whether the consequences of everyone following the rule will result in the maximum probable good consequences. Rule-utilitarianism may be regarded as a weaker form of utilitarianism than act-utilitarianism. A rule-utilitarian, when confronted with a situation in which he believes that abiding by the rule will not in the present case be most beneficial, will simply modify the rule. Great disagreement may be generated over which consequences are in fact "good," which consequences should rec eive greater or lesser weight, and what probability should be assigned to different future consequences. Modern critics of utilitarianism also note that ultimately utilitarianism must seek non-utilitarian answers on assigning boundaries and values around the measurement of activities and values associated with the calculation of utilitarian systems. All these matters serve to cause what appears to be an exceptionally practical system to become less and less practical (Donaldson et al. 2002). As a passenger in version 2, I would not push the person and let him die. These actions would be considered as intentional killing of person and could lead to imprisonment. In terms of deontological ethics, actions should be based on rule-based morality. The approach considers an action as morally right if it conforms with a proper moral rule. An action that violates the rule but results in beneficial actions is still considered wrong. The

Canadian Economic History The Staple Thesis Essay

Canadian Economic History The Staple Thesis - Essay Example Economic base, staple, sector, growth pole, neoclassical growth, inter-region trade, product cycle, entrepreneurship and flexible production are a few existing theories that explain economic development1. The economic history of Canada shows its dependence on fur trade, fisheries and lumbering industries, dependent on waterways transport till mid nineteenth century. Later, with the advent of steam and rail transportation, wheat and flour, paper and pulp, mining and timber industries became significant. However, the industries depended basically on natural resources with limited or without any processing. Staple thesis, as formulated by economic historians like Harrold A Innis and WA Makintosh, provides significant insight to the economic development of Canada. The thesis defines export-oriented economic growth of staple or natural products like furs, fisheries and timber and contributes towards political and cultural structuring. The works of Harold A Innis (1894-1952), a political economist, have been inspiring in the field of economic history and communication. His initial works related to the expansion and establishment of staple theory, originally conceived by Makintosh. Innis's literal works include thesis on 'History of Canadian Pacific Railways', 'The Fur Trade in Canada' (1930), 'The Cod Fisheries' (1940) and 'Empire and Communication' (1950). In the subsequent paragraphs, the thesis would be extensively discussed with regard to its definition, dynamics, merits and demerits and application to Canadian economic growth. Further, the paper would cover economic impact of the theory on other countries, followed by its critical analysis highlighting theory's credibility and relevance in past and present. Staple Theory A staple can be defined as a commodity that forms significant constituent of export material. The thesis dwells on the extent of processing of the commodities being marginal or absent. The major Canadian staple products included fur, fish, timber, grain, oil etc. The theory focuses on staple exports contributing towards economic growth. Therefore, it is necessary that the home market for the staples be negligible or limited to achieve a large export base. The theory is associated to a number of factor dependent determinants like the production function, external market demand, transportation function and staple characteristics2. The production function is the outcome of the resource base of a country and the available technologies while transportation depends on the public investments and existing communication infrastructure. External demand base is the central determinant around which the theory revolves. Staple characteristics are the measure of economic development related to its production, depending on the linkages that induce further investments. It is important to note that demand drives the model; external demand base further creates derived demand through linkages. The commodity is the centre of importance in the model and its character stimulates other activities setting up a positive or negative pace. With the known production function and assumed external demand, a number of related aspects like income distribution, additional processing

Organization Knowledge Essay Example for Free

Organization Knowledge Essay Managing information in today’s growing world is a tedious task. With excessive amount of data coming into systems daily, it has become imperative for knowledge organizers to follow certain guidelines if they are to ensure quick and easy retrievals later on. The purpose of this paper is to explore the different techniques using which knowledge in a public library can be organized. For this purpose, I m assuming that I have been employed by a public library and have been designated the task of organizing their knowledge. Organization of knowledge in a public library is a more delicate task than organization of knowledge at any other school or college library. Fact is that there are a greater number of users in a public library with all sorts of personalities. (ALA/PLA) Students, teachers, retirees, civilians, knowledge-seekers, tourists, etc are some of the different categories of users of a public library. Since all of these categories hold different perceptions as to the organization of knowledge and would expect a different kind of classification, it is important to use standardized organization techniques to address a maximum number of users in an appealing way. Classification of knowledge is a very ambiguous job. There are no pre-defined rules or any set criteria that govern the classification of knowledge. It is to the discretion of the librarian or the manager operating in the situation to decide by them the way of organizing their knowledge. Given the task of organizing knowledge at the public library I would begin by classifying and sorting out the different books according to the subject material they deal with. For example, books on art, literature, politics, religion, music and science can all be identified into separate groups and thus can easily be sorted. This would be the preliminary and perhaps one of the most critical steps in the entire process. Having effectively carried out a thorough classification during the first process would mean simplification and reduced errors in the oncoming steps. Organization of Knowledge) The next step is to assign labels or bar tags to these bags in an intelligent manner. Books in a library need a unique identification number that comes in hand at the time of borrowing and return. These identification numbers would be distributed on the basis of their category with no discretion within each category. Since new books would be coming into the library every now and then, the identification numbers cannot follow a rule. This is because every time new book comes in, it would require other books’ labels to be re-assigned. This would not only be an impossible task, it would also negate the integrity of the data contained in the library. Therefore, it is far more important to ensure that these books are given intelligent tags identifying their category and a corresponding number so that the identification number is a composite field made up of characters and numbers. After successful grouping or rather preliminary classification of the books in the library, I would no focus on ordering the books within each subset using the alphabetical order. Alphabetical order is a very tricky pattern to follow. There is no way a strict alphabetical order can be followed. Instead the name of the book and the author’s name are both used for alphabetical ordering. For example, a book written by P. Gerrard titled â€Å"On the Economics of War† can be classified under the â€Å"P† category or the â€Å"O† category. However, it depends on the librarian as to what is considered more important for him. I, being employed in a public library, would list this book under the â€Å"P† section due to the fact that the title of the book starts with an insignificant word, in terms of a title. The word â€Å"on† has no significant literary value when expressing a book title. Thus, listing this book under the â€Å"P† category would make life easier when it comes for searching. Similarly, placing the book titled â€Å"In the Eye of the Mist† by Pete K. Moss under the â€Å"I† category would have no intelligence associated with it. Intelligent categorization calls upon this book to be placed under the â€Å"P† category owing to the first name of the author starting with this alphabet making it easier to trace this book around the library. The discretion with which similar groupings will be done depends to a great extent upon the title of the book. Unless the title of the book opens with a relatively rare word or with a noun, the categorization will be done using the name of the author. Although, this may look to b a relatively easy task to perform, it should be noted that often there are several authors of a book or either their name does not start with a single initial. Such cases are often perplexing and it creates the problem of a uniformed strategy to follow. Ensuring uniformity in the organization of knowledge means that there would be fewer chances of not finding a book in the place it was thought to be in. (Organization of Knowledge)It also makes life easy for regular users of a library. Since public libraries serve the general public, there re several reads bound to be using the library on a routine basis. Such users get accustomed to the organization technique used within a library and after a considerable amount of time spent using the library, they themselves become equipped with the knowledge of finding a book easily. Often it has been seen that such people are there helping other naive users around the library when the librarian is not around or perhaps busy with another user. Moving on, since all of the books would by now be organized in their respective categories, it would be no longer confusing as to where a particular book should be placed. (What is Knowledge Organization? ) The next step would be to ensure that these books are all fed into a centralized system along with their shelf numbers. Inputting the identification numbers would be a time-consuming task. Normally libraries have added information about books contained in a database. Inputting such information along with the identification number would mean several days’ hard work. Thus, the general recommendation is to scan the identification numbers on the book along with their location tag. The location tag is like the identification number. It informs the reader as to which shelf this book will probably be placed on. Logically numbering the shelves and then placing the correct shelf tag on the book according to its position would eliminate a great deal of manual input. Scanned data will contain the label of the book and the location. Librarians in their free time can then update their database with additional information about these books. Thus, the final step would be to correctly place these books in the shelves that have been labeled onto them. Incorrect placement of these books will result in wasted activity during the organization of knowledge steps. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that these books are placed back in their respective shelves even after they are returned by an issuer. In conclusion, I would like to assert the fact that knowledge organization is a hefty, yet significant task when it comes to using a library. The books in a library are pretty much arranged in a very logical and orderly manner. It is this fact which makes a library usable and books accessible. Online entries of the locations of books into computers also assist librarians only because they know that the proper place of that book is the one pointed out by the computer. Librarians face a tough task ahead of them when they join public libraries and attempt to organize the knowledge there.

Student Time Management Research

Student Time Management Research This chapter presents the discussion of the findings based on the study conducted. The summary of major finding of the study on how part 8 TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam is concluded in this chapter in order to know better how the students manage their time and provide recommendation and suggestions for further research. The analysis of the findings from the data collected for this study is obtained from part 8 TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam. The ages for the respondents were between 22 years to 31 years of age. However, the difference of the respondents age do not reflect the effect on the study as it is made only to know how the respondents manage their time throughout their study. The results of the current CGPA for the students varies and most of the respondents obtained 3.01-3.50. Respondents performance might be affected by the way they manage their time, as what they do is actually affected by how much time that they have. The way part 8 TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam manage their time differs from one another. Data collected by questionnaires shows that the way they manage time differs. This result is shown based on the answers that the respondents gave for the section B of the questionnaires. For the answers in section B, most of them agree to the same answers with high frequencies. Based on the answers given by the respondents, most of the students follow time to complete their assignment. It can be concluded that the students manage their work and do it according to the time scopes that were given to them. Nevertheless, the respondents stated that they have some problems in finishing their task, due to time constrains. According to some of the respondents, this happens because the students receive many assignments for their current semester. However, for the question that inquires about whether the respondents have sufficient time for both academic and their social life, half of them agree and the other half is not. The part 8 B.Ed. (Hons) TESL of UiTM take some minor subjects during their period of study which are counseling, literature and lastly, music. The workload given to them might be different according to the subjects that they take in which leads to different time usage for their task. However, most of them have clear ideas on what to accomplish for each assignments given to them. This shows that, it is up to them on when they are doing their tasks and assignments. Relating the previous statement, many of the students are experiencing problems in coping with other activities in their life throughout their study. This shows that they are affected much by the tasks has been given to them. Many of the respondents stated that they do keep their assignments and task given to them and come shortly to it shortly before due date. According to some respondents, they do their work before the dateline. However, they usually come up with the task right before the due date in which might produce time constrains for them. Apart from that, they also deal with the same tasks and assignments several time even though the tasks and the assignments given are simple and can be done easily. This is true for most of the respondents who answered the questionnaires. Due to this factor, only some of them agrees that their workloads are low if compared to the time that they posses. Majority of the respondents disagree with this, where they think that the workloads are ma ny. This is caused by the way they manage their daily life. Nevertheless, most of the students do have confusions on which task they should perform first as they have many works due. For the way they manage their time, most of the students agree that they have thought of changing their way on managing time in order to suit their needs better. Do the part 8 TESL students of UiTM have the same pattern of time management. For section C of the questionnaires, the questions are made to investigate on in what ways does time management affects part 8 TESL students of UiTM performance and learning outcomes during their study. First, from the answers given, the respondents agree that their time management has positively helped them to relax. This is true to most of the respondents, which reflects how they feel about the way they manage time. According to the answers provided by the respondents in the questionnaires, most of the respondents agree that they will make good preparation for the tasks or assignments given if they have sufficient or more time. Good preparation for their tasks will happen if the students have enough time to complete them. This is stated by most of the respondents in the questionnaires given, where this will happen when the students feels like doing so especially whenever they have ample time. Most of the students also agree that they manage time according to the way the people arou nd them, and the time is suited accordingly so that they may perform the tasks and assignments given together with their friends. This show how the students cope with their time and task so that they may conduct discussions among themselves. Time management of the students may as well be related to the time where they manage their assignment. Most of the students will spend time on simple tasks, keep themselves up to date with their readings, and reassess their tasks or assignments whenever they feel like having free time. However, many of the respondents are not able to do their tasks and assignments without rushing at the last minute. If the students have assignments that have been due a long time before, they will do it whenever they feel like doing so in which whenever they have free time, according to most of the answers given by the respondents. For this section, the respondents agrees that they suits their time more to the way they finding time for entertainment and socializi ng, but not suiting it for finding time to complete their tasks and assignments. The next section of the questionnaires is section D. This section is made to find the appropriate answer on how part 8 TESL students of UiTM cope with the academic and social life during their study period. Similar with the previous section, the questions included related on how they manage their time. Based on the answers given by most of the respondents, they do procrastinate in completing the tasks given by the lecturers. This may affect their class attendance, where based on their answer in the section they agree that they have been absent for their classes because of their need to do things such as unfinished assignments or task. To make the flow of the workloads simpler, the students do some division of tasks and assignments according to priority, as what the respondents reacts to a question in the section. One of the respondents also agrees with the statements that the division of works will provide some spaces for them to do works according to importance. To cope up with time constrains, the students also seek help from their friend or other people in order to complete their tasks and assignments. Most of the respondents agree with this and they even form discussion groups for particular subjects regarding their tasks and help their friends who are in need to finish their tasks. To cope with the academic and social life during their study period properly, the students should be able select appropriate time and tasks given to them, but in this section, most of the students accept inappropriate or unreasonable work requests. This matter has definitely limiting their time to perform previous task. On the other hands, half of the respondents, do some reading or their work during their free time such as while waiting for public transportations or during gaps of classes. These acts surely provide the students more time to do other works. The study was undertaken to evaluate the part 8 TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam time management conducted this study. This study is important in order to assess how students manage their time during their study and how it would affect their performance and achievements. Other than that, the findings of the study may be useful for the students if they want to further they study or even when they work later on, where they can reflect on their time management skills and adapt it later. This can assist and help in giving advantages in improving their performance and studies in the future. After doing the study and completing the data, several conclusions can be made based on the findings. According to the data collected, part 8 TESL students of UiTM have different pattern of time management. This can be stated by analyzing data collected. It can be said that, part 8 TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam do their work based on priority. The management of time by the students are in the same pattern where it is related to their amount of workload and their social life. The findings of the questionnaires managed to answer the first research stated previously. To obtain the information needed on how do part 8 TESL students of UiTM cope with the academic and social life during their study period, the data shows that the students use their time mostly to suit their needs for social life and entertainment. They manage their time mostly to have good preparation and to get more time to relax. However, time allocation for assignments and tasks will be prioritized if the number of task is high. The students will reassess their work and tasks if they have free time. Thus, for the second research question, the question is answered as the research uncovers how the students cope with the academic and social aspects of life base on their time management skills throughout their study. For the last research question, in which is to determine how time management affects part 8 TESL students of UiTM performance and learning outcomes. Part 8 students tend to make time available for socializing and not for their tasks. The data collected shows that in order for the students to perform well and do their work; the students seek help from others. They form study groups to discuss about academic matters. To makes time, the students fills in the gap of free time with readings and other things such as doing assignments. The students discuss on the academic matters and exchange ideas during group discussions. Here, we can conclude that the third research question is answered. This study has given an idea on how the students manage their time during their period of study. The following are recommendation based on the findings for this study. First, for the students, they should somehow re-evaluate their time management skills. In this scope, the students should focus more on the time they allocate for studying, revising and finishing their task. On the other hand, socializing skills of the students should be taken into account. They should know how to socialize well. The time allocated to socialize should be equal to the time allocated for their academic matters. The students should discuss more on difficult tasks or assignments to make it easier to be done. It is recommended that the tasks and assignments given should not be taken lightly, and should not be kept until the last minute or near the submission date. The faculty can also use the findings from the research to evaluate the amount of work given to the students. A good programme on time management skills can also be held in order to improve the students time management skills. With adequate time, the students will be able to manage their time well. Each individual should promote good time management to one another. This is because, a good time management skills can lead to a successful academic, the increase of productivity and decrease the amount of tension in doing their work (Lay Schouwenburg, 1993). The study examined the way part 8 TESL students of UiTM manage their time. For this research, the research is only limited to only part 8 TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam. One recommendation for this research is to expand the number of the respondents for the study. The findings of this study could be defined better and more accurate as the larger number of the respondents will give more data needed. In addition, other respondetns can also be included for this particular study. Students who are studying TESL in UiTM Shah Alam ranging from part 1 to part 8 students. For this particular study, it can be further done by making the same research to analyze on how TESL students of UiTM Shah Alam manage their time as a whole. This will make the data collected varies and better conclusion can be made. Better implementations of academic and social activities could also be made later based on the research recommended.

El Salvador :: essays research papers

El Salvadorian Representative at the United Nations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On Thursday March 3rd I had the fortune of yet again hearing another wonderful woman speak on behalf of her country. Unfortunately I was unable to get her name but I was able to write down some of her key thoughts. Like one of the other women she did not express a lot of views as to what was going on with the women in her country but she gave sound advice as to what needs to be done not only by the women in her country but every woman in any country who is fighting for the equality of women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before going into the things that she noted that needs to be done by the people, she said that the living condition in El Salvador for women was much worst than men. This is a sad but true statistic. She also went on to say that 40% of households are owned and maintained by women, however, the sad part is that women have a harder time maintaining their home because of the biases and the prejudices against women. This limits their ability to get jobs that are descent paying to take care of the family. As she said, women don’t have the positions that they should have and that they deserve.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the main things that she brought up and touched on was the fact that there is a lack of cooperation between the government and non-governmental organizations. It seems to be a wedge that is driving these two entities apart rather than bringing them together for a common good. It seems as if the NGO’s and the government are somewhat in a feud. The government is usually the one that does not want anything to do with the NGO’s; they may look at the work of the NGO as something that is less important than theirs. This is not so and the government needs to have a broader aspect of what NGO’s do and what they really promote. This woman stressed over and over again in her speech the link that needs to be drawn between these two things. The work of an NGO can in fact help and progress the work of the government and that is what people don’t seem to understand.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another important point that I stood up to was when she said that the fact that people did not want to educate him or herself.

Unrealistic Images of Women in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre Essays

Unrealistic Images of Women in Jane Eyre   Ã‚  Ã‚   Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte, is the story of an orphan named Jane. It describes the life of a young girl. The book begins in Gateshead Hall where Jane lived with her aunt and her cousins. She is very much the unwanted child---- a burden to the entire Reed family. Infact she is mistreated and abused in that house. Her Aunt and her cousins both physically and emotionally abuse her. After a while her Aunt sends her off to a charitable institution, Lowood. In Lowood the food is scarce. The manager, Mr. Brocklehurst is mean-fisted. He kept the girls almost on the brink of starvation. When the summer arrived the girls started falling sick. Bronte writes,"Semi-starvation and neglected colds had predisposed most of the pupils to receive infection; forty-five of the eighty girls lay ill at one time"(Bronte 66). Yet through all this Jane survives. She goes to graduate from that school and become a teacher. At nineteen years of age Jane leaves Lowood to be a governess to a child in Thornfield. In Thornfied Jane experiences liberty at last. She is no longer obligated to anyone. However in Thornfield she falls in love with her master Rochester. And for the first in her life she too is loved and wanted by a man. However at the altar she finds out that he is married. Though his wife is a dangerous lunatic she feels compelled to leave him. Through out the book Jane is portrayed as a survivor. She is the epitome of womanhood. Jane is a survivor. She survives abuse at both Gateshead and Lowood. She survives the death of her best and only friend, Helen Burns. She is strong and does not wilt under the pressure of life. Even when life is cruel it cannot quite kill her spirit or her desire to be alive. Jane breaks away from the traditional woman. The one who needs protection and shelter from the harsh world. The woman who needs a man to hold her and comfort her. On the contrary Jane is independent and self-sufficient. Bronte emphasizes Jane's independence by making her a working woman and contrasting her with the rest of the women who were interested in Rochester. Unlike them she takes care of herself. She does not aim to get married into wealth. She is in love with Rochester's mind while Blanche is in love with his purse.

Defined Roles: Hazardous or Beneficial Essay -- Gender Roles, Trifles,

Throughout the 20th century, women were labeled by their gender roles in society. These roles isolate women from men in many aspects of life. The role of women during this time was centered on being an excellent mother and caretaker of the house. Women that achieved their gender role in this society were honored, but those who failed where subject to isolation from both classes. The play Trifles illustrates some of the common gender roles associated with women and how it affected their interactions together. One of the very first examples of the differing views occurring by these roles is their different perspective of the house. From the women’s perspective, the house possesses meaning far deeper than a place of shelter. It is a place of refuge where privacy should not be comprised. Mrs. Peter’s reaction to the fruit is another example of the differing perspectives. She says â€Å"oh, her fruit: it did freeze. She worried about that when it turned so cold† (Glaspell 1970). This depicts very nicely how the gender role of women is encompasses the house especially the kitchen. This also illustrates that these roles provided a means of connection for women at this time. One of the reasons Mrs. Peter is concerned about Mrs. Wright fruit, is because she is familiar with this task and knows the time and effort put into it. The men are encu mbered by their gender role and therefore react to the situation without this compassion. Instead, the men merely poke fun at the outlandish idea of a woman â€Å"held for murder and worrying about her preserves† (Glaspell 1970). The men do however notice the disorder of the house specifically the kitchen and immediately judge her as awful housekeeper. In this era, the primary job of the wife was to car... ... unskilled in making decisions regarding her own health. Throughout the story, John is seen controlling even the simplest actions of his wife. John inadvertently transforms her into a different person. She hides her true feeling afraid of how they would be interrupted. She completely looses herself in what John wants her to be. Her desires and feeling become masked, and only through the wall-paper does she express her true internal unhappiness. Since she was released from her role of caregiver and housekeeper, she turned to writing which was unacceptable for her recovery. She was driven to insanity because she was stripped of role that dominated her life. In these societies, roles dictated many aspects of life. To many women the role of mother and housekeeper was enough. Yet, for the women who wanted to step out of this â€Å"norm† scrutiny awaited.

Abortion: Teenage Pregnancy

Alyssa Gonzalez Prof. Carter ENC 9020 11-3-09 Teenage Pregnancy Everyday we see or hear about a teenage girl pregnant. When were teenagers we don’t realize the long term effect on unprotected sex. Not only getting pregnant but picking up sexual transmitted diseases. There are many effects on teenage pregnancy emotional and physical. Teenage pregnancy is the number one problem in the United States on why kids drop out of school. Right now kids are having sex at a very young age and not using protection and getting pregnant causing young girls to drop out of school and not getting an education. In those cases the kids of the teenage moms usually end up being messed up because there parents were so young they don’t have that much of an education because they dropped out. Schools and parents encourage abstinence from all sexual activity but these days girls think the only way to prove to there boyfriend or just a hook up that they like them is by having sex. Resulting in pr egnancy if not using a condom or not on birth control or if those fail. Now girls and guys like having sex because its fun and it feels good not worrying so much about the consequences. Teenage pregnancy can be very stressful of course for the girl to having to decide whether or not to keep the baby, how to cope with motherhood or whether to make an adoption plan. The biggest effect a girl faces is the body changing during pregnancy and there lifestyle. Because most teenagers are drinking underage, smoking, lack of sleep, and unhealthy diet that can have a negative effect on the baby. Emotional teenage girls have a higher risk on health issues then an older women, such as anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, toxemia, premature elivery, cervical trauma, and even death. Teenage girl is more likely to be undernourished and suffer premature and prolonged labor. Many of these risks is because a lack of parental guidance. When a teenager is pregnant it also has an effect on the society of being pregnant while your in school and unwed. People in our society seem to condemn the young girls that become pregnant and cast them aside. In peoples minds its that you have to be married out of school and have a house to be able to have a kid when that’s really not the case anymore.

Music of the 20th Century Essay

In this history of music and arts, every period has its own characteristic style which is associated with the society from which it originated. The period of the 19th and 20th century perceived the two world wars, and had been a period of many changes: advancement in technology, a period of many inventions such as the telephone, television, electronic light, computers, cassette tapes, synthesizers, CD players, and many others. Because of this inventions, experimentations were made in the field of music and arts. Claude Debussy (1862-1918) He studied with Guiraud and others at the Paris Conservatoire and as prizewinner went to Rome, though more important Impressions came from his visits to Bayreuth and from hearing Javaneese music in Paris. Debussy and Impressionism The Impressionist style of painting developed in the late 19th century in France. Although the Impressionist movement did not exclusively consist of French artists, it did start in France and the French painters are among the most well-known. Several earlier artistic movements, such as Classicism and Realism, influenced the Impressionist painters. In 1855, a World Fair was held in Paris, and art was given significant attention. This contributed to Paris’ reputation as the center of the art world and the place to be for aspiring painters, such as the group that would come to be known as the Impressionists. Impressionism is a style borrowed from painting which creates an illusion of light and atmosphere by using colors side by side instead of blending them. The artist avoids realism in favor of conveying impressions. Nocturnes Achille-Claude Debussy, 1862-1918, Nocturnes. Completed December 15, 1899 (at 3 a.m., according to an inscription on the manuscript), first performance October 27, 1901, in Paris. Scored for 3 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, 3 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, cymbals, snare drums, tympani, 2 harps, female chorus, and strings. 1. Nuages- (Clouds) Debussy pictures the sky with slow and melancholy passages of clouds. The warmth of Nuages recalls a summer love affair. 2. Fetes- (Festivals) is a restrained yet joyous celebration, the sort that generates lifelong memories without ever disturbing the neighbors. 3. Sirenes- (Sirens) builds on a simple two-note motives to seduce the listeners into Debussy’s river, just as dangerously as the mythological beauties who have lured innumerable sailors to their doom over the centuries. The Music of Bela Bartok Bela Bartok (1881-1945), a Hungarian, is considered a famous progressive modern musical composer, a great pianist, teacher and researcher. He was one of the leaders of Hungarian nationalism and made use of the Hungarian folk tunes in his music. Just like Stravinsky, he was one of the composers who belonged to the movement of Neo-Classicism: a return to the simplicity of Classicism and combining of modern sound with classic form. His style is characterized by rhythms which are percussive and intricate because of the influence of the Hungarian dance patterns. He used polyrhythm, which means using two or more different rhythms played at the same time. In some of his compositions like â€Å"Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm, no.1†, you will notice the irregular grouping of beats. Polytonality, which is the simultaneous combination of two or more tonalities in a composition, can also be found in Bartok’s compositions. Antonio Molina and Impressionism Dr. Antonio Molina (1894-1980) was one of the 20th century composers who wrote art music. He was considered the â€Å"Claude Debussy of the Philippines† because he was the first to introduce several important devices, technically characteristics of impressionism in music. One of Molina’s popularly known, compositions is â€Å"Hatinggabi†. Another composition of Molina is â€Å"Dancing Fool†. In this composition, he made use of the whole tone scale and used it as a descriptive device. Schoenberg and Expressionism Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) Austrian composer, Schoenberg’s development of the twelve-tone method of composition was a turning point in the 20th century music. He was a self taught musician. Another philosophy of art which affected the music of the 20th century is expressionism. It is a style which seeks to express emotion with exaggerations rather than represent the physical world. The followers of the movement believe that this world is full of tension, and people are irrational, rebellious and scared to be alone. Expressionism Many of the 20th music reflects an artistic movement called expressionism, which stress intense and subjective emotion. Painters, writers, and composers explored inner feelings rather than depicting outward appearances. The expressionists rejected conventional prettiness. Arnold Schoenberg was known for the radical sound of his music. In this song cycle, â€Å"Pierrot Lunaire†, he made use of different style of singing which is called Sprechstimme. Pierrot Lunaire calls for unusual style of vocal performance halfway between speaking and singing. Sprechstimme Literally it means speech voice. It is a manner of performing a song which sounds half-sung and half-spoken. Multimeter is identified, by the time signature, a fractional symbol in which the numerator specifies the number of beats per bar, and the denominator specifies the relative note value assigned to one beat. Syncopation (Accent) the suppression of an expected rhythmic accent by the continuation of an accented tone that begins just before it. The Music of Stravinsky Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) A Russian composer, later of French (1934) and American nationality. Stravinsky was regarded as the world’s greatest composer. His once revolutionary works were modern classics. Like Debussy and Schoenberg, Stravinsky a composer from Russia, was also one of the 20th century composers who established new trends in music, instead of just using the new trends in his music, he combined the traditional and modern trends. Electronic Music Music that requires knowledge or use of electronic devices to produce or manipulate sounds during its composition and performances. With the advancement in technology, many composers are experimenting new sound sources such as electronic, environmental and other non-tonal sound. Traditional instruments are used but in different way. Even computers, cassette tape recorders, and synthesizers are used. Concrete Music Music created by reworking natural sounds recorded on discs or tapes. Filipino Contemporary Composer Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934)- Our foremost Kundiman composer also showed the elements of modernism in his music. This is heard in his â€Å"Cinderella Overture† and â€Å"Sinfonietta for Strings† Dr. Lucrecia Kasilag (1918-)- Neo-classicist. The music of Kasilag is unique in which she was able to combine the music of the east and west. This is shown in her Tocatta (1958) were she made used of the piano, clarinet, oboe kulintang and turiray. The Kuiliontang is very prominent in her â€Å"Concert Divertisement†. Dr. Jose Maceda (1917-)- is the pioneer and exponent of avant-garde music in our country. When he was in France, he joined the Music Concrete movement. An example of his work is â€Å"Ugnayan†(1974). Most of Maceda’s composition make use of a large number of people and the environment. Dr.Ramon Santos (1941-)- Another way of combining western and non-western materials and structures is shown by Dr. Ramon Santos. He made use of Asian material in his new way of composing. We will hear in his composition new concept and system of composing which he learned from his studies abroad. At present there is a group of young composers who are active in promoting this so called New Music. Some of them are Ryan Cayabyab, Chino Toledo, Laverne Dela Pena, Arlene Chongson,and Jonas Baes.

Ice Cream Galore Btec Unit 9

Ice Cream Galore Made by: H. Hassan Index * P1 describe the promotional mix used by two selected organisations for a selected product/service * P2 explain the role of promotion within the marketing mix for a selected product/service * P3 explain the role of advertising agencies and the media in the development of a successful promotional campaign * P4 explain the reasons behind the choice of media in a successful promotional campaign P1The Promotional mix contains out of different elements who are necessary for the information of all target customers that means it’s not just for the people who already know about the product but also for the people who are completely unaware it all depends on how you use the elements of the promotional mix which are: 1. Advertising Any paid form of non-personal communication through mass media   about a service or product   or an idea is called advertising. It is done through non personal channels or media.Print advertisements, advertisemen ts in Television, Radio, Billboard, Cataloges, Direct mails, In-store display, , emails, posters are some of the examples of advertising. Paid promotion and presentation of goods, services, comes under the advertisement 2. Personal selling This is a process by which a person persuades the buyer to accept a product or a point of view or convince the buyer to take specific course of action through face to face contact. Examples: Sales Meetings, sales presentations, sales training, samples and telemarketing etc.It can be of face-to-face or through telephone contact. 3. Sales promotion Many different products are often sold with a discount. Companies use these kind of sales promotion a lot. They do this so that more people will buy the product, resulting in a bigger profit or so they can get rid of their old products because they are waiting for a new product to come out 4. Public relations A lot of big businesses also have a negative side. It’s the PR’s goals to make the business look as good as possible for the public 5. Direct marketingDirect marketing is a way of marketing to a particular group such as young male students Business use very advanced ways into reaching the people they want to inform of their product or discount 6. Sponsorship Sponsorship is a way to of promoting by being connected to someone or something companies pay a lot to like an athlete wearing their name on his shirt P1/P2 BCC BCC is a high tech company selling all the electrical equipment u need at your home. They use the promotional mix to attract customers and sell products. hey use a store as well as a web shop Advertising: BCC has got a lot of commercials and nationally known slogans such as â€Å"Low Prices High Service† Personal Selling: They use personal selling a lot, try walking in to a bcc store without getting jumped by a salesman. Their strategy is you come in to the store for headphones and you leave with a phone or tv. Sales Promotion: They give you dis count ,when u buy more than 1 product and give the opportunity to pay it off with a monthly fee. Sponsorship: They sponsored The Dutch soccer team at WK 2010 named â€Å"Het officiele thuis supporters packet â€Å" (http://www. nederlandsmedianetwerk. l/profiles/blogs/bcc-officieel-sponsor-van-de) Direct marketing: They use direct marketing by sending u emails of their discount if you’re in their database because u bought something from them in the past Public relations : They are known because of their slogan Low Prices High Service. If something doesn’t work they will immediately help you out through the phone or at their store The role of their promotion that people are aware that they are there and give them the image that they are the best and reliable with repairs and such so that u feel comfortable with buying a new TV without thinking that it might break .Unicef Unicef stands for United Nations Children's Fund. It’s a children rights organisation of th e United Nations. Their Goal is that all children get the same rights such as education, food ,vaccinations and help cure aids and other diseases Advertising: Unicef advertises a lot they have people on the streets collecting money. They got commercials and famous people supporting them at benefit concerts here Personal Selling: They do use personal selling by for example the people who come knock on your door raising money or have a stall with unicef shirts and caps that u can buySales promotion: They don’t give discounts because it’s about them helping children it depends on you how much u want to give there are no standard prices Sponsorship :They sponsor one of the greatest soccer team in the world FC Barcelona and the Grand Prix as well as NASCAR. Direct Marketing: They use direct marketing u can subscribe to their site and they send u emails and information about their campaigns or benefit concerts they look for people with a soft hart and care about children I t hink they mostly aim at rich housewives with children their ownPublic Relations: They are extremely kind to u and u can always call or mail them or go to their local office if u have any questions. Unicef depends on promotion they need it so people can donate money to them without promotion no one would trust the organisation with their money they would think that they will just keep it. They promote it with sad children that are all bruised up so that they get your compassion and eventually your money.

Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 6

Kevin howled, clapping a hand to his cheek. â€Å"He cut me! This guy cut me!† Blood ran between his fingers. Randy lifted the razor again. Thea reached out with her mind. Not reached. She leaped. It was completely instinctive; she was scared to death, and all she could think of was that he was going to kill Kevin, and maybe Blaise, too. She caught-something. Pain and grief and fury that seemed to be bouncing around like a baboon in a cage. She could hold it for only an instant, but in that instant Eric threw two cups of punch in Randy's face. Randy yelled and turned away from Kevin, toward Eric. Thea felt a surge of pure terror. Randy slashed with the razor, but Eric was fast; he jumped back out of the way, circling to get behind Randy. Randy wheeled and slashed again. They were doing a macabre dance, going round and round. Thea felt as if the fear was winding tighter inside her with each turn. But Eric kept out of the way of the flashing razor until a rush of movement on the dance floor caught her eye. It was Mr. Adkins and two other teachers. They converged on Randy and there was a lot of confusion. When it was over, Randy was on the ground. Sirens wailed outside, coming closer. Eric stepped away from the pile on the floor. Breathing hard, he looked at Thea. She nodded that she was all right, then shut her eyes. She felt limp and wrung out and awful. They were going to take Randy away now, and she didn't think there was much help for him. He definitely seemed too far gone. At that moment she was ashamed of being a witch. â€Å"All right, people,† Mr. Adkins was saying. â€Å"Let's move out of here. Let's get this place cleared.† He looked at Blaise, who was bending over a seated Kevin, holding a napkin to his cheek. â€Å"You two can stay.† Then he put a hand on Blaise's shoulder. â€Å"Are you okay here?† Blaise looked up with wide, tragic gray eyes. â€Å"I think so,† she said bravely. Mr. Adkins swallowed. His hand on Blaise's shoulder squeezed. Thea heard him mutter something like, â€Å"Poor kid.† Oh, give me a break, Thea thought. But a small, selfish part of her was relieved. Blaise wasn't going to get in trouble over this one; neither of them was going to get expelled. Grandma wasn't going to be disgraced in front of the Inner Circle. And Blaise did seem worried about Kevin. She was bending over him again solicitously. As if she really cared. Thea slipped past a teacher's outstretched arm. â€Å"Are you okay?† she whispered to Blaise. Blaise looked up enigmatically. That was when Thea saw that she had a tiny vial concealed in the napkin. It was full of blood. â€Å"You†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea couldn't find the words. Blaise made a slight grimace that meant: I know. But it was just too good a chance to miss. Thea backed up and ran into Eric. He put a steadying arm around her. â€Å"Is she all right?† â€Å"She's fine. I have to get out of here.† Eric looked into her face. He was rumpled: his hair mussed, his eyes dark. All he said was, â€Å"Let's go.† They passed Vivienne and Selene on the way out. Thea had to give them credit; they both looked shocked and unhappy. The question was, would it last? Dani was in the parking lot with John Finkelstein. â€Å"I'm going home,† she said significantly to Thea, and tossed something into a clump of bitterbrush. It was an empty vial. Thea felt a tiny uncoiling of relief. She touched Dani's arm lightly. â€Å"Thanks.† Dani looked back at the cafeteria. â€Å"I wonder what it was he wanted to know?† she murmured. And just then a howl came from the lighted doorway, as if answering her question. It didn't sound like a person; it sounded like an animal in anguish. â€Å"Whyyyyyy?† Thea turned blindly and almost ran for Eric's jeep. When they were driving on darkened streets, Eric said quietly, â€Å"I'm presuming he was an old boyfriend?† â€Å"Last month's.† Eric glanced at her. â€Å"He was pretty messed up, poor guy.† And that, Thea thought, summed it up nicely. He was pretty messed up forever. Poor guy. â€Å"It's Blaise,† she said. She hadn't meant to talk to him about this, but the words were so crowded in her throat that she thought she'd burst if she didn't let them out. â€Å"She does this and does this, and I can't stop her. She picks guys up everywhere, and they fall in love with her, and then she dumps them.† â€Å"Love? Hm,† Eric said. Thea looked at him, astonished. He was looking straight ahead, his long, supple fingers steady on the wheel. Well. And I thought you were so naive. Maybe you see more than I realized. â€Å"It's a kind of love,† she said. â€Å"It's like-do you know, in ancient Greece they worshiped the goddess Aphrodite. She was the goddess of love-and the thing about her was that she was absolutely merciless.† Thea shook her head. â€Å"I saw this play once about a queen named Phaedra. And Aphrodite made her fall in love with her own stepson, and by the end of the play just about everybody was dead on the stage. But Aphrodite just kept smiling. Because she was just doing what a goddess does-the same way that a tornado rips houses apart or a fire burns down a forest.† She stopped. Her chest was aching and she didn't have any breath left. But in a way she felt better, as if some pressure had been relieved. â€Å"And you think Blaise is like that.† â€Å"Yes. Sort of a natural force that can't help itself. Does that sound completely crazy?† â€Å"Actually, no.† Eric gave a wry smile. â€Å"Nature's rough. Hawks grab rabbits. Male lions kill cubs. It's a jungle out there.† â€Å"But that doesn't make it right. Maybe for goddesses and animals, but not when it gets to the level of humans.† It was a moment before she realized what she'd said. She was using â€Å"humans† to mean â€Å"people.† â€Å"Well, humans aren't very far from animals, after all,† Eric said softly. Thea sagged back against the seat. She was still confused and unhappy, but what scared her most was that she felt a strong urge to keep talking to Eric about it. He seemed to understand so well†¦ better than anybody else ever had. And not only to understand, but to care. â€Å"I know what you need,† Eric said suddenly, brightening. â€Å"I was going to suggest we go to the late buffet at Harrah's, but I know something better.† Thea glanced at the clock, saw that it was almost eleven: â€Å"What?† â€Å"Puppy therapy.† â€Å"What?† He just grinned and turned the jeep south. They pulled up at a modest gray building with a sign that read sun city animal hospital. â€Å"This is where you work.† â€Å"Yup. We can let Pilar off early,† Eric said, getting out and unlocking the front door of the building. â€Å"Come on.† A pretty girl with shoulder-length brown hair looked up from behind the office counter. Thea recognized her as Pilar Osorio from school. A quiet girl who looked like a good student. â€Å"How was the dance?† she said. Thea thought her eyes lingered on Eric wistfully as she said it. Eric shrugged. â€Å"Pretty awful, to tell the truth. There was a fight and we left.† Thea noticed he didn't mention his part in stopping the fight. â€Å"How awful,† Pilar said sympathetically-but Thea thought she wasn't entirely sorry that the dance hadn't gone well. â€Å"Yeah. So how's our boy?† â€Å"Okay-a little hyper. You might want to take him for a walk later.† Pilar picked up her jacket. She nodded politely to Thea as she headed for the door. â€Å"See you Monday.† She likes him. When the door was shut, Thea looked around the office. â€Å"So the clinic's not open.† â€Å"No, but somebody has to stay overnight when we've got animals boarding here.† He gave her the grin again. â€Å"Follow me.† He led her through an exam room into a corridor and then to a kennel room at the back. Thea looked around with interest. She'd never been in the inner sanctum of an animal hospital before. There were several dog runs. Eager whining was coming from the last. Eric looked at her mischievously. â€Å"Three, two, one†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He opened the cage. A big Labrador puppy tumbled out, tail wagging frantically. He was a beautiful color that ranged from deep gold on his back to almost white on his legs and paws. â€Å"Hey, Bud,† Eric said. â€Å"Hey, pal; who's a good boy?† He looked at Thea solemnly. â€Å"This is the ultimate cuddle dog.† Thea collapsed on the sheet vinyl floor and made a lap, holding both arms out. â€Å"Uh-your dress-† Eric began mildly, but the puppy was already in midair. Thea caught him and he crawled up her, legs on her shoulders, hot breath blowing in her ear. â€Å"I think I'm in love,† Thea gasped, her arms full of warm, heavy puppy sweetness. Happiness surrounded her. She didn't have to try to merge with the puppy's mind; he practically took over by force. All his thoughts were good ones, and they were all about now. About how terrific everything smelled this minute, and how great that scratch behind the ear felt on a fleabite. Good feelings, happy feelings†¦ I really like this big bald dog†¦ Wonder which of us is dominant? The puppy bit her and Thea play-bit him back. â€Å"Wrong; I'm the pack leader,† she informed him, holding his jowls. There was only one odd thing. She could see the way the world looked to the pup-and there was nothing on the right. Just a void. â€Å"Is there something wrong with his eyes?† â€Å"You noticed the cataract. Lots of people don't see that right away. Yeah, he's blind in the right eye. When he gets older he may come back for surgery.† Eric sat back against the wall, grinning madly. â€Å"You've really got a way with animals,† he said. â€Å"But you don't own any pets?† The question was gentle, not intrusive. Thea said absently, â€Å"Well, usually just temporary ones. I pick them up and when they're cured I put them back- or find homes for them if they want to be pets.† â€Å"You cure them.† Once again, the question was gentle, but Thea felt a little shock. Why couldn't she guard her tongue around this guy? She looked up and found he was looking at her steadily and searchingly, his green eyes alert. She took a breath. â€Å"I feed them, take them to the vet if they need it. Then I wait until they heal up.† He nodded, but the searching look didn't go away. â€Å"Did you ever think of being a vet yourself?† Thea had to look down. She bluffed by kissing the puppy. â€Å"Uh, not really,† she muttered into blond fur. â€Å"But you've got a gift. Look, I've got some material on U.C. Davis. They have a great undergraduate program-and their graduate school is one of the best in the country. It's not easy to get in, but you could do it. I know you could.† â€Å"I wouldn't bet on it,† Thea muttered. She had several dramatic blotches on her academic record- like four expulsions. But that wasn't the real problem. The real problem was that witches weren't veterinarians. They just weren't. She could choose to specialize in gems or herbs or ritual clothing; in chants or runes or research or amulets†¦ in hundreds of things, but nothing taught at U.C. Davis. â€Å"It's hard to explain,† Thea said. She didn't have much room left to be surprised, or she'd have been surprised to find she wanted to explain to a human. â€Å"It's just-my family wouldn't really approve. They want me to be something else.† Eric opened his mouth, then shut it again. The puppy sneezed. â€Å"Well-maybe you could help me with my application sometime,† Eric said at last. â€Å"I'm trying to do the essay question and dying.† You sneak, Thea thought. â€Å"Maybe,† she said. At that moment a buzzer sounded-far away but insistent. Bud barked. â€Å"What the†¦ that's the outside buzzer,† Eric said. â€Å"But nobody should be here at this time of night.† He got up and headed for the front of the building. Thea followed, her fingertips just brushing Bud's head to control him. Eric opened the door, then stepped back in surprise. â€Å"Rosamund†¦ what are you doing here? Does Mom know you're out?† Something like a miniature whirlwind entered the waiting room. It was a kid, a little girl with a mop of sandy hair sticking out from under a baseball cap. She was carrying a rolled-up blue blanket, and what could be seen of her expression under the hair was ferocious. â€Å"Mom said Madame Curie wasn't really sick, but she is. Call Dr. Joan.† With that, the kid marched into the office and dumped the blue blanket on the counter, pushing aside a clipboard and some vaccination reminder cards. â€Å"Hey. Don't.† When she ignored him, Eric looked at Thea. â€Å"Uh, this is my sister Rosamund. And I don't know how she got here-â€Å" â€Å"I rode my bike and I want Madame Curie fixed now.† Bud was rearing up and trying to sniff the blue blanket. Thea pushed him down gently. â€Å"Who's Madame Curie?† â€Å"Madame Curie is a guinea pig,† Eric said. He touched the blanket. â€Å"Roz-Dr. Joan is gone. She's out of town at a conference.† Rosamund's ferocious expression never wavered, but her chin began to quiver. â€Å"Okay, listen. I'll take a look at Madame Curie now, see if I can see anything. But first we have to call Mom and let her know you're alive.† He reached for the phone. â€Å"I'll take Bud back,† Thea said. â€Å"I think he thinks Madame Curie is lunch.† She led the puppy into the back room and coaxed him into the run with a promise of extra petting later. When she came back to the office, Eric was bent over a small brown-and-white guinea pig. He looked frustrated. â€Å"Well, there's something wrong with her-I guess. She seems weaker than usual and sort of lethargic___† Suddenly he jerked his hand back with a yelp. â€Å"Not too lethargic,† he said, eyeing the blood welling up from his thumb. He wiped it on a tissue and bent over the guinea pig again. â€Å"She's in a bad mood,† Rosamund said. â€Å"And she's not eating right. I told you yesterday she was sick.† â€Å"No, you didn't,† Eric said calmly. â€Å"You told me she was tired of living under patriarchy.† â€Å"Well, she is tired. And she's sick. Do something.† â€Å"Kid, I don't know what to do yet. Hang on.† He bent closer to the little animal, muttering to himself. â€Å"She's not coughing†¦ so it's not strep. Her lymph nodes are okay†¦ but her joints seem swollen. Now, that's weird.† Rosamund was watching him, her green eyes full of fierce trust. Eyes like Eric's, Thea realized. She reached out gently and just touched the guinea pig's soft fur with her fingers. Her mind reached gently, too. Frightened-little-animal thoughts. The guinea pig didn't like being here, wanted the sawdust of her cage, wanted safety. She didn't like the clinical smells, didn't like huge, strange fingers descending from the sky. Home-place, nest-place, she was thinking. And then, something odd. A concept-more smell and taste than picture. Madame Curie was imagining eating something†¦ something crunchy and slightly sharp. Eating and eating and eating. â€Å"Is there some treat she really likes?† Thea asked doubtfully. â€Å"Something like cabbage?† Eric blinked, then straightened up as if he'd gotten an electric shock. His green eyes stared straight into hers. â€Å"That's it! You're brilliant!† â€Å"What's it?† â€Å"What you said. She's got scurvy!† He dashed out of the office and came back with a thick book full of small print. â€Å"Yeah-here it is. Anorexia, lethargy, enlarged limb joints†¦ she's got all the symptoms.† He turned pages feverishly and then said triumphantly, â€Å"All we have to do is give her some of those veggies, or maybe some ascorbic acid in her water.† Scurvy-wasn't that a disease sailors used to get? When they were on long trips with no fresh fruits or vegetables? And ascorbic acid was†¦ â€Å"Vitamin C!† â€Å"Yeah! It's been hot and we've got hard water at our house-all that could deplete the vitamin C in her diet. But it's easy to fix.† Then Eric looked at Thea and shook his head wonderingly. â€Å"I've been studying for years, besides working here, and you just look at the animal and you know. How do you do that?† â€Å"She asked Madame Curie,† Rosamund said flatly. Thea gave her a wary glance. How come this whole family was so observant? â€Å"Ha ha,† she said, her voice light. â€Å"I like you,† Rosamund said, just as flatly as before. â€Å"Now where can I get some cabbage?† â€Å"Go look in the vaccine fridge in back,† Eric said. â€Å"If there isn't any, we can always use vitamin drops.† Rosamund trotted off. Eric watched her, openly fond. â€Å"She's an interesting kid,† Thea said. â€Å"She's sort of a genius. Also the world's smallest militant feminist. She's suing the local Boy Trekkers, you know. They won't let her in, and the Girl Trekkers don't trek. They do macrame.† Thea looked at him. â€Å"And what do you think of that?† â€Å"Me? I drive her to the lawyer's office whenever Mom can't make it. I figure it stops her griping. Besides, she's right.† Simple as that, Thea thought. She watched Eric as he folded the blue blanket, and heard a voice in her mind like the voice of an announcer describing a game-show prize. Now. Look at this guy. He's tender but intense. Brave. Profoundly insightful. Shy but with a wicked sense of humor. He's smart, he's honest, he's an animal lover†¦. He's human. I don't care. She was feeling-well, strange. As if she'd been breathing too much yemonja root. The air seemed sweet and heavy and tingly somehow, as if laced with tropical electricity. â€Å"Eric†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And she found herself touching the back of his hand. He let go of the blanket instantly and turned his hand to close on hers. He wasn't looking at her, though. He was still staring at the office desk. His chest heaved. â€Å"Eric?† â€Å"Sometimes I think if I blink, you'll disappear.† Oh, Eileithyia, Thea thought. Oh, Aphrodite. I'm in terrible trouble. The thing was, it was terrible and wonderful. She felt awkward and tremendously safe at once, scared to death and not scared of anything. And what she wanted was so simple. If he only felt the same, everything would be all right. â€Å"I just can't even imagine life without you anymore, but I'm so afraid you'll go away,† Eric said, still looking fatalistically at the computer on the desk. Then he turned to her. â€Å"Are you mad?† Thea shook her head. Her heart was threatening to leave her body. When she met his eyes it was as if some circuit had closed. They were connected, now, and being pulled together as if Aphrodite herself was gathering them into her arms. And then everything was warm and wonderful. Better than holding the puppy, because Eric could hold her, too. And the thrills of fear that had been shooting through her seemed somehow to burst like fireworks and turn into exhilaration. Her cheek was against Eric's. And she'd never felt anything so blissful before. Eric's cheek was smooth and firm-and she was safe here, loved here. She could rest like this forever. Peace filled her like cool water. They were two birds enfolding each other with their wings. Swans mate for life†¦ and when they see their mate, they know, she thought. That's what happened in the desert. We knew each other; it was as if we each could see the other one's soul. Once you see into someone's soul, you're attached forever. Yeah, and there's a word for it in the Night World, part of her mind said, trying to shatter her peace. The soulmate principle. You're trying to say that your one and only is a human? But Thea couldn't be frightened, not now. She felt insulated from the Night World and the human world both. She and Eric formed their own reality; and it was enough just to stand here and breathe and to feel his breathing, without worrying about the future†¦. A door creaked and a blast of cool air blew in. Thea's eyes were startled open. And then her heart gave a terrible lurch and started thudding painfully. It wasn't the door that Rosamund had gone through. It was the front door, which Eric must have left unlocked. And Blaise was standing there in the waiting room.